paradise

he was walking a dangerous line, flirting with fire. cassius knew he should back away and not think about noel anymore, certainly not in any romantic or sexual way. not when he just got back with his girlfriend. did he love her? he wasn't sure. maybe that was the answer he didn't want to confront. "the blush suits you," he muttered sheepishly, glancing away and let his gaze linger on their connected hands. knew there was meant to be a playfulness to the conversation, but cassius couldn't find it himself to joke much. "i... yea and it wasn't fair of me to kiss you that night. i knew and i keep thinking i screwed things up. for you, for us."

Even more heat crept onto his cheeks and his entire face. Was he blushing? Noel hoped this was not the case but why would Cassius mention it? One of his hands traced through his dark locks rather embarrassed while clearing his throat. Why would Cassius make things so hard for him? Noel was completely fine to have this one-sided crush and now that. His whole world was turned upside down. His free hand still held to Cassius' hand, afraid that he'd lose his friend once letting go. ❝You didn't screw anything up. Cas, I'm honest here. I do have a crush on you. For years, for as long as I can remember. But that doesn't mean, well it doesn't mean that the kiss has to change anything. When we became friends you were in a relationship with her already. I knew my place, I still know my place.❞

What wasn't being said was that in all honesty, Dante hated seeing Benji upset or sulking. He never wanted to be on different wavelengths. One, that would make things harder, and two, he actually wanted to get along with Benji. The younger male wasn't likely to have a lot of genuine people in his circle and if he could be the different in his world, he damn sure would try.

Dante sighed."I really want us to get along. I don't want to fight with you." Honestly he had enough fighting with people and fighting people to last him a lifetime. Benji was just about to say something to him when a loud bang rang out over the club. Oh fuck! Dante snapped into action without a second thought. He drew the gun from his waistband just as the masked men invaded the club."Go"He said to Benji, motioning for him to head towards the back of the club where there should be a back exit.

They had to move quick but smartly. Dante kept a hand to Benji's back as he urged him forward through the frantic crowd. His gun was out and at the ready if someone decided to shoot the place up.

This could have been their first real talk about everything, something they desperately needed to get along, but fate had other plans for them. Benji's blue eyes widened in shock and immediately his fingers curled around the hem of Dante's jacket. Who were these men? Were they here for someone in particular? For him? Or was it just a coincidence? His heartbeat quickened and his face grew pale. The hand on his back helped Benji snap back to reality. His eyes followed Dante's until he spotted the back exit.

❝Do not risk anything, Dante. Please.❞ He pleaded when he saw that his bodyguard drew the gun from his waistband. Slowly, Benji took a step back before grabbing Dante's hand so that the mass of panicked people couldn't separate them. With his other hand, Benji pushed aside a few people who were blocking their way. Every time he took a step forward, someone from the other side pushed or ran into him. People screamed, and again there was a bang as if someone had fired a shot. Noticeably, Benji flinched and looked around at Dante again. ❝What is happening!?❞

Dante had to keep from rolling his eyes. It wasn't that he didn't understand the cards Benji was dealt. He got this life was different from people his age, but be that as it may be, he has to work with what he has. Sulking about it won't do shit for the situation and he wasn't going to let Benji off like that.

Benji had stepped away but Dante captured his elbow, drawing him back over. Not a harsh grip and Benji could pull away again if he wanted but Dante wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Stop it Benji"he said firmly. "Sulking or whatever you're trying to do here won't make it better. I'm not saying shit about quitting and you're not dying." Despite how Dante behaved on the job, he had come to care about the young man in front of him. Sometimes he did wish for things to be different but life was what it was. Dante locked eyes with him."Don't act like that, alright? I'm not doing this so life's miserable for you. Believe it or not, I do give a damn."

Benji didn't expect to be pulled back by his elbow, but he didn't fight it. His feet moved on their own and his heart began to beat harder against his chest. There was a reason why Benji usually hated getting drunk, and that was his honesty. It was much harder for him to hide his feelings behind a charming smile and he would tell the truth more often whether he wanted to or not.

As soon as Dante spoke, Benji fell silent and listened attentively. There was something genuine in Dante's words, something he had never heard from Adrian, his former bodyguard. They locked eyes and frankly, he believed every word the other said. ❝I understand,❞ he said but did he really? ❝I'm sorry. I don't want to make it harder for you.❞ The blasting music kept ringing in his ears and making it hard for him to sort out his thoughts. ❝Dante---❞ Originally, he wanted to say more, but a loud bang interrupted him. Benji flinched and stumbled against his bodyguard. Ocean blue eyes flickered in shock, looking over to a group of unknown masked men who just stormed inside the club. ❝What the…?❞

Quinn looked up at the other and shrugged slightly. "I don't know. I guess I just assumed the best and not the worst. Why, is he right? Are you actually some kind of terrible monster?" He tilted his head slightly and flashed the other a smile. He wasn't being flirtatious per se, but rather friendly. He was acting as if him and Richard were already comfortable with each other, not wanting to show an ounce of fear to the man.

Richard was a monster. He wouldn't call himself that but he knew that many people would describe him as such. He ruled with a firm hand and he expected obedience. ❝So you are a positive person, I guess.❞ the older man answered audibly amused. He shook his head a little bit. ❝Of course, I'm not a monster. I only want the best for my son. He is going to inherit everything I worked for, of course, I have to make sure he is well prepared. Don't you think?❞

Perhaps the statement that desire and addiction were the two most powerful forces in the universe was true. Because what sawyer felt for her had desire and addiction mixed with love. He loved her very much that much was true. During the time they had spent together and gotten to know each other properly he had found himself falling for her. Frankly it was impossible for him not to do so with how beautiful she actually was. And how remarkable she was. She was the kind of woman any man would want to be with and Sawyer was no different. The fire and energy between them was unmatched as he looked into her eyes. An irresistible force seemed to burn between the two of them as he drifted towards her. He pressed himself against her desperately not wanting to let her go. He was lost in her and there was no escape from her. Hearing her words he found himself chuckling softly at her for a moment before he shook his head at her. At her next words he licked his lips for a moment before finally responding to her again. "I don't know if we can go on like this. I don't know what I am going to do if someone finds out about us. But what I do know is I can't resist you no matter how hard I try to do so. I am cursed by you and wish to only be with you. " He said to her before kissing her softly.

Minnie couldn't tell when the dynamics between them shifted in that way. The more time she spent with him, the more she was falling for his charms. Things were so much easier with him. Sawyer made her laugh, they had meaningful conversations but at the same time she felt desired. Which woman wouldn't like that? Her gentle fingers traced over the back of his neck while she couldn't tear her gaze away from his handsome face. Her entire body was longing for him and she hated herself for being so weak right now. Originally, she came here to put an end to it but that thought went out of the window so quickly. One of her hands moved forward to cup his cheek. With her thumb, she traced over his cheekbone lovingly. Pain, hope and despair reflected in her eyes, unsure of what they were supposed to do. Luckily, she didn't have to answer right away. The feeling of his warm, soft lips against her own made all the negative feelings disappear. Passionately, she moved her lips against his, at the same time her body pressed flush against his. ❝Can't we…get away from all of this for a few days? Just you and me?❞ she whispered breathlessly against his lips.

For some reason, Noel hoped he would wake up from this nightmare. He couldn't be married, he never wanted to get married. And now he was married to someone he didn't even know. Jamie. This was the first time he heard that name, the first time he saw that face. Had they slept together? Even that was unknown to Noel, he could only assume, considering the fact that they woke up with far too little clothing on their bodies. Maybe he even panicked a little too much when he reached for those clothes to cover his body again. A few strands of his dark, curly hair fell over his eyes, causing him to run a hand through his hair. ❝I'm not---❞ Noel stopped in his movements as soon as he zipped up his pants. Yes, he was bossing Jamie around. Shit. ❝I'm just stressed, sorry.❞ He groaned, pulled his shirt over his head, and finally turned around to Jamie again. And then, his face dropped. ❝Oh shit. I---❞ He rubbed his hand over his nape. ❝I have no clue where we can do that. Also shouldn't we have some kind of documents? Shit, I've never been married.❞

So that was the deal? Benji's heart sank and the alcohol seemed to leave his system the moment Dante reached for his wrists. So all those glances just happened in Benji's mind? The heir felt a thick lump forming in his throat. He should've known better from the beginning. Dante was probably like Adrian before. Someone who was devoted to Benji's father, serious about his job, and probably reporting everything to the man Benji couldn't stand. Richard Warren wasn't a nice person, not even to his own son. For s split second, he thought about snapping at Dante, taking his frustration out on the other but then he reminded himself that this man only did his job. A defeated sigh fell from his lips and his head lowered. ❝I just want to live for once.❞ But will Dante even understand that? Benji could do nothing any other normal person could do. He even had to take a profession his father wanted him to. ❝Do myself and yourself a favor and quit your job tomorrow.❞ With a jolt, Benji freed his wrists from the other's grasp and took a step back. ❝I want to be kidnapped or killed. Everything is better than … this. And you are not a bad guy who should get punished or worse, hurt in the process. So, we can drive back home now, but then you have to give me your word that you'll quit.❞

"No, i can tell. Something i find attractive about you if i'm honest, i don't have patients with handsome people." he winked, eyeing the other from up and down with a smirk playing on the corner of his lips. Levi shook his head lightly. "Virgins ? that would depend on who you want to summon. Every demon is different and require and a different gift, if we do need a virgin handsome we can always go find one at the church. The church goers are always full of shit, pretend to give their loyalty to God when they love to sin -- let's not forget women and men dig the bad boys, their true colors always show." Releasing a snort however, Levi was more intrigued to meet this other guy Bryce knew, was he as interesting as the other let on or was it bullshit? he will have to wait and see as he looked at Bryce fetch his phone from his pocket and text his broski. "Sure, call your friend. I have all day by the way." Giving another drag of his cigarette while his eyes remained on Bryce. Brows shot up at the words that left the other's lips. "Aww, your friend didn't pick up ? that's a shame. Besides, wish this cig was something else instead. You don't have to feel jealous baby, when you ask nicely ; you can get anything you want. When and where? unless we ditch the question and bend me over the table." Just when Levi said this, Ludovic called Bryce back. Dark hues looked down at the phone on the table. "I assume that's your friend? bummer."

A burst of laughter fell from Bryce's lips. He never thought that Levi would talk so casually about finding virgins as a sacrifice. That man was unhinged and Bryce knew that his Broski would also start to like Levi a lot. They shared the same mindset. ❝I like the way you are thinking. At least I know that I won't be a sacrifice ever. That's all I care about.❞ He offered Levi a wink before he reached for his phone. First he wrote Ludo a message, then he called him, but Ludo didn't pick up. Was he working? Maybe Bryce should have thought about that. He put the phone down and his dark eyes came to linger on Levi again. His tongue traced over his bottom lip. The smirk on his face darkened and he opened his mouth, ready to answer but the ringing of his phone interrupted him. ❝When you meet him you will take the “bummer” back and you will fall for his charms, trust me.❞ Bryce smirked at Levi and picked up the call. However, he put Ludovic on speaker right away. ❝Broski, hey. Listen, you know I'm with Levi right now and we got to talk about ghosts and demons. He says he knows how to summon a demon. When are you free? Or are you not interested anymore?❞

"I'm certain you'll do your best and i trust you to look after him. He also has AJ too." he nodded, whatever happens from here on out would either backfire or not. Ludo wanted the best for his husband although they may not look at each other in the eyes now, he wasn't sure what to expect. But for the meantime he wanted to concentrate on recovering as much as possible. However what tore him apart was what his broski said, taking up drinking habits was a bit concerning knowing what he went through so long ago. Ludo didn't want a repeat of that. "Do me a favor, take away all the alcohol from him. I wouldn't know what to do if a repeat from this spiked drink happens again. Don't let him be alone, please." He begged and made his broski promise that both he and AJ would keep Benny far away from all the alcohol in the world. With AJ being the motherly figure for everyone, Ludovic knew that he was there making sure his husband not compete anything that he'd regret. "Good, be his shadow if you must."

Hazel hues looked at Bryce, there was a time in his life where he felt things for his broski. He loved Bryce but fell In love with Benny, however they wouldn't have worked out. "Why would i tell them? i'm telling you as surprising as it sounds, i do love pretty people and to me ( thought you might disagree ) you are pretty. I'm aware you have no type, but you did always have an eye for pretty faces too." He stated with a smile, laughing softly. Now what his broski said next was news to him as a disgusted expression made it on his face -- "Yuck, something you share with Benny. Never knew you had the 'old people syndrome' if you wanted to get fucked so bad, you could've asked me dumbass. Yeah, sure sure. It'll stay between you and i. Please Trudy and i are barely even on talking terms and AJ ... can't say what he'd think not that he cares. It's all in the past broski. Secret is safe with me." winking at Bryce with a smirk on his features. "and i'll be honest, those two should date." Pointing at Mich and Dove. "I'm already tired of hearing them laugh and her giggle. Reminds me of things..."

Bryce had to admit that he was mildly surprised about his broski's words regarding Benji and alcohol. A soft frown appeared on his features until Ludovic elaborated everything a little further. Was the spiked drink the only reason? Knowing Benji's past, Bryce was aware that Ludovic's husband drank too much and took substances. Nevertheless, Bryce nodded and gave Ludo's hand a gentle squeeze. ❝AJ and I will make sure that he doesn't do anything stupid.❞ Even though Bryce was very much aware that Benji drank more wine these days, judging by the things AJ told him. However, it was better to keep this a secret from his broski for now and take care of that when he was back at the place Benji and Ludovic shared. Sometimes even Bryce could keep his mouth shut which was probably surprising.

❝Wow you are so nice to me Broski that almost scares me.❞ Gently he nudged his shoulder against Ludo's before laughing again. It was true that he had a thing for pretty faces just as much as Ludovic, that was one of the many reasons why they were best friends after all. ❝Oh come on, don't be ridiculous. The dude wasn't old enough to be my father or something. He was around Danny's age, a bit younger from what Danny told me. Mid to Late thirties? What I'm saying is, the age gap was reasonable, I was… twenty-four? Or twenty-three. I'm not into dudes who are older than Danny. Also, you should've told me earlier that you would have volunteered, bummer.❞ He pursed his lips almost as if he was a little offended even though he wasn't. And it probably showed quickly by how Bryce snorted and laughed right after. From the corners of his eyes he looked over to Michele and Dove who seemed to get along too well. Was it bothering his broski? ❝Should we get inside to pack your stuff and leave them alone for a bit? Don't want you to get jealous, y'know.❞

Quinn realized Richard wasn't about to let him leave. He moved to sit on the edge of Benji's bed, looking up at the man. "He was just talking shit about you and I said you were probably just doing your best and he should cut you some slack. He didn't like that answer." He shrugged. "Maybe it's that I didn't have parents growing up, but you don't seem too bad. Maybe a bit... overly interested in your son, but I think it's charming." He flashed the other a smile. If he couldn't win Benji over, maybe his father was the way to go.

Richard had no intention of letting the boy off the hook so easily. First of all, Richard wanted to know the details to decide whether he let the other out of there alive or not. After all, he had many enemies, and usually no one he doesn't approve is allowed to enter the mansion. On top of that, he didn't trust his son either. ❝Is that so?❞ Richard smirked a bit and shook his head. ❝So, you think I'm just protective of my son then? And he doesn't listen to you? Shame. He must be pretty mad at you?❞

he wasn’t a ghost - angel’s sense of logic, the demon on his shoulder, tried in vain to remind him it was because first, he’d just been a game. someone to toy with, property of richard to try && press the buttons of. he’d met enough guys like he once clocked benji as being. spoiled, bored rich boys who liked lighting the match just to watch shit burn. he’d been in the path of gasoline before. now, he was too careful to ever go too close to anything might set him ablaze again. a life of careful restraint.

except now, his skin burned. his hips ached where benji’s hands had his shirt in grasp, feeling the weight of wrists to his waist, pressing against his belt. except now, his demon was quiet, placed on mute while his heart decided to take front seat for once. “ okay. “ angel agreed, pulse quickening at the thought of helping to remove each item of bloody clothes, suddenly picturing how has hands might roam over benji’s body to access any damage, to count the bruises && wash away the horror. it made him lightheaded, it made his thoughts swim, and for a moment, when benji kissed him… angel only froze. and then- he kissed back. like it was the last breath of air, lips parting to taste the tip of benji’s tongue. his hand slid around from his jaw, tangling with the sandy curls of his hair, twisting gently into the roots so he had him held close enough there was no space between their bodies. no differentiating the heartbeats that mingled together in chests that beat pressed flush as one. kissed like it was a lifeline, until angel felt his knees threaten to buckle, and he remembered to pull back long enough to suck in a forgotten breath.

Benji's heart was beating so fast and hard against his chest that it took his breath away. He couldn't take his eyes off of Angel's. Deep down, Benji hated himself for feeling this way. As his father had always said, emotions made you vulnerable. Angel could use him to get something and then break his heart like so many others before him. Slowly, a hand traveled across Angel's chest, stopping only at the side of his neck.

His whole world began to spin and reality faded into the background. That was why he bridged the last distance between them and sealed Angel's lips with his own. Seconds passed and Angel didn't move. The seconds felt like hours. Inwardly, Benji even prepared himself to be pushed away. But that wasn't exactly what happened. All his tension left his body when Angel finally kissed him back. He parted his lips a little bit, slipping his tongue into the other's mouth to get a taste of the man he desired so much. Goosebumps appeared on his arms from how good this passionate kiss made him feel. Their bodies pressed flush against each other, Benji's hand moved to the back of Angel's head and his own head tilted a bit to the side. Frankly, he didn't know how long their kiss lasted until he felt Angel pulling back to breathe again. Benji's lungs filled with oxygen desperately and his eyes opened again. ❝Stop me, or I won't stop kissing you for the next hours❞ he said, his voice barely above a whisper before he placed another sweet yet short peck on the other's lips. After all, he knew that he was still covered in blood.

Richard Warren had held Grey on a tight leash, making sure that his prized assassin didn't try to pull any stunts and now that the man was gone and all records of Grey's employment to the man now in his own possession, the leash that had held him back for years was now gone and he was free to do as he pleased. Grey was sure that Richard Warren was cursing at his son from the grave for making such a decision and the thought just made him laugh.

"you aren't wrong." He mused. That was the obvious way to reward him for what he had done, to increase his pay but Benji was smart enough to know that whatever he offered, Grey could easily get more than that if he wanted too. "A position?" he asked curiously and stopped his stalking as he stood in front of the boy. "Such flowery words, you kissing my ass, Warren?" Grey wasn't complaining however, it amused him that Benji was talking about him like that. The position of Benji's right hand man came with plenty of perks but also disadvantages, the most important being that if Benji were to lose his head that his own would roll soon after. "Its a tempting offer, binding both our fates to each other. It also gives you an easier time of keeping an eye on me." He hummed, not at all offended by that fact. "I accept."

This was a dangerous game and his father would never approve that idea. Richard would never give an assassin a higher position. They were dangerous and not reliable from what he knew. Then again, Benji wanted to make things different from his father and so far Grey has helped him and got himself in danger as well just to cover up a crime Benji committed. He didn't mind that the Assassin stalked around him, somehow he knew that Grey wanted to make him nervous.

A soft laugh bubbled from his lips, visibly amused by Grey's words. ❝Oh come on, I didn't even start. I am just stating facts. Kissing your ass would have resulted in me complimenting your handsome face.❞ The heir winked at the assassin before offering a smirk. Flirting was usually something he was good at, but he knew that it wasn't appropriate right now. ❝That and it gives me an easier time to learn from you.❞ For some reason, Benji expected some kind of rejection, but that wasn't the case. A charming smile appeared on Benji's lips. ❝I'm happy to hear that. There is no turning back then anymore. Of course, you will earn the most money of all the other men. And I know my father kept you on a tight leash, this is not my style. I think with your expertise we can achieve way more than what my father ever achieved. We just have to get him buried and the other men on my side. Any suggestions on how I can make them follow me, no us, without violence?❞

"Who said you’ll be messing with my brother cariño? I love that you’re worried however Ludo knows not to come to my room, but i'll say this side of you makes you look cute.” Sofia didn’t expect this side of Angelo, she always thought he wouldn’t mind a little danger or anything risky. Underneath all this tough exterior and large build, he has a caring and loving soul which Sofia found attractive. “Nothing wrong with being protective my love. You share that with my brother. I was just teasing you nothing more.” Laughing softly placing another kiss after another turning passionate by the second, was Sofia addicted ? all signs point to yes -- she loved the way his lips felt against hers. Lips smacking, soft inhales was all you could heard bouncing off the walls of her bedroom. She smiled laughing softly while he tucked a few strands behind her ear — “Absolutely, i meant it with all of my heart. And good that you think so, I just love how you don’t mind me saying something like that.” Sofia hummed admiring Angelo's perfect face, still in a sitting position on top of him. Then she moved to lay against his side, resting her head on his chest and her arm over his left peck close enough to feel the beat of his heart. “I’m happy to heart that, for so long I was closed off to love but then you came, saving me from a future I thought I’d be forever alone.” Placing a peck on his chest as a way to say thank you. “You already had my heart it was only a matter of time until I couldn’t take it anymore.” She said running her fingertips along his chest, not minding the hairs at all. “You’re mine now, but I’m curious is there anything you don’t like? in relationships I mean. Any Icks?”

NOTHING WENT UNNOTICED BY him especially in the city, his software was cleverly programmed to alert him about Benny. His reasons for doing so wasn't because he didn't trust his husband, he didn't trust anyone who played the role of a random caring friend. Anyone who got near Benny had ulterior motives, Ludo had gut feelings, and his intuitions never lied. Something always happened. "Sadly, i did." He murmured softly, words leaving painfully from his lips as his focus was towards Pollito who was sniffing the grass curiously. Ludo's hands were tucked away in the pocket of his jeans as a way to hug himself for whatever his husband will say. His posture grew stiff when he felt his husband's eyes on him. "The cloud alerts me, i don't want you to think i'm stalking you. After the events of the spiked drink, i'm just doing the best i can to protect you. The world is fucked up and personally don't trust it."

Ludo was ready to hear the worst that he probably enjoyed the kiss or that he missed his brother just not in a friendly way. And though they both discussed this before while he wore his cloak and mask, still, the small part within himself tore him to shreds knowing that his husband and his brother kissed multiple times. As he listened, he could agree to Benny's words. Nobody would win, however, knowing Amaru kissing his husband felt like he won a marathon. It pushed him to keep trying to win, just so happens that Ludo will always be at the finish line and this is something that his brother will realize. "It doesn't matter, Amaru will always find way to win you ; at least try to. What eats him alive is knowing you're married to me, how you'll always pick me above him and all else." Ludo stated meeting his husband's eyes. At least one good thing came from this meeting, his brother didn't touch Benny. The more Ludo heard, he scoffed at the mention of those pictures he probably wanted to use as blackmail. Even the thought of his brother taking off Benny's clothes especially in the state he was in disgusted him. He felt sick. "You said it, this won't restore what little trust i had in him. That will forever be broken, i'll forgive him but never forget. I don't know if he deleted them or not, he could say whatever you want to hear." Even though the damage is done, there is no repairing a broken bond that his own brother destroyed. They will forever be at odds. Now it was his turn, this Dove situation -- it was fair Ludo wasn't proud of his actions though it all came from a moment of hurt. He wanted to feel what it was like to feel something for someone, kiss another person who wasn't someone you proclaimed you love with all your heart. Benny mentioned that one time at the club, where he was all alone and having a good time until Dove came. He knew things would get blown out of proportion and misunderstood. In that club there were cameras, all from different angles. Each one made it on his cloud. "Dove is just a friend, she came on to me. I might've lead her on since the hospital. Despite that, she's been a great friend while i said many compliments about her ; the truth still remains. It might hurt her in the long run. The night at club, you're more than welcomed to see it on the cloud, i'm always a step ahead and i knew there would be videos surfacing around. Every kiss i shared with Dove, i felt nothing. While you think she and i look better, i think she looks way better off with Michele. I've been telling her that she's better off with him and not me. Besides, all i do is talk about you with her, she finds it irritating. And let's say i even fell for her, i could never love her like she expects me to. My heart, my love is only given to one person. But what does Dove know about love, she's never been in love hopefully that changes now that Mich is pursuing her. I drank a few glasses of whiskey that night and though it probably seemed like i was truly enjoying myself i wasn't, i was before she interrupted me." Ludo confessed. "we danced, spoke about why i was alone and why did you let me come alone to a club. When she said that, i regretted letting you go out with your friends that night. I wish was more selfish that night, but i didn't want to go back to my old ways. Sometimes you have to never keep a bird in a cage, birds have to spread their wings fly."

Sadly, Angelo couldn't tell Sofia what her brother did already and why he had to be taken seriously. But if she knew, she'd understand why Angelo was not eager to get on Ludovic's bad side. For now, he left it at that no matter what Sofia might think about him now. At least she was just teasing him and he rather put his focus on kissing her more. His heart fluttered and his stomach tingled at the same time. Broad hands traced over the small of her back, moving further down until he reached her lower back. No matter how much he wanted to trace his hands over her behind, he knew that he couldn't hold back then. As long as Ludovic and Benji were around, he wouldn't go any further than that. Once they got comfortable on the bed, he wrapped both arms around her small frame and pulled her against him. Every now and then, he placed sweet kisses on top of her head. ❝You were pretty good at hiding it, I have to admit. I was convinced you only considered me another brother of yours.❞ He chuckled lowly and shook his head at his own stupidity. Gently, he kept caressing her back with one hand and her arm with the other hand. ❝Let me think. I'm sure you mean anything that is not the usual. I need loyalty and honesty in a relationship. Communication is important as well, but I'm sure this isn't surprising. So, I can't think of any icks. Well, maybe don't break the spaghetti. Do you have any icks I should know about?❞

Benji hummed a little bit and nodded slowly. ❝I already thought so. Don't worry, I don't think lowly of you, I'm very careful after this event as well. You know I don't go to clubs anymore and if I do, I don't drink anything anymore.❞ Even though Benji was almost certain that this will never happen to him again. Things like that sadly mostly happen to women. That wasn't making it better, but it took himself off the target list. And honestly, this was not his main concern right now. He could see the pain in husband's eyes caused by the kiss again. There was panic deep inside of Benji given what happened the one time Amaru kissed him. At least Ludo seemed to know that Benji will always pick him over anyone else because it was true. Their eyes met and Benji nodded softly. ❝He said the same thing. That it eats him alive that he has to love someone who loves someone else.❞ And then he told Ludo about the pictures and that fateful night. Before Ludovic's accident, Benji would have kept that to himself but he tried to change for his husband. Knowing that the other needed the truth no matter how painful, Benji tried to adapt to that. And he also didn't want to defend Amaru's actions, but all he wanted was for his husband to know the same things Benji knew. ❝I don't know that either. We have to trust him on that…or not. At least he doesn't send them around. It's not like I feel super comfortable in my skin knowing that he took my clothes off and took those pictures with probably ill intentions back then. But at the same time, it eased my mind. No one r*ped me, that was my biggest fear.❞

And even though he didn't want to bring this up, Benji had to explain why he felt the way he did back then when he met Amaru. Of course, he didn't expect any other answer but that. Ludo often said that Dove was just a friend and someone who helped him through a hard time. And he also didn't think that these two did more than what he saw in pictures or video clips. Benji remained silent while his husband explained things. He believed in Ludovic's words because he knew that his husband wouldn't lie to him. Slowly, he moved over to his man. Without saying something, he wrapped his arms around Ludovic's middle from behind. He pressed his cheek against the other's back and closed his eyes. ❝I trust you, Babe. I really do. And I don't mind when you go out on your own, not sure what she said to you, but I don't mind. I don't always have to be attached to your hip. But just so you know, you never caged me.❞ Benji placed a sweet kiss on his man's shoulder. At the same time, his hand traced over his husband's trained stomach.

it pained cassius to see the clear hurt on noel's face, even if his friend tried to cover it. he fucked up, he knew he shouldn't have kissed him in the first place. but cassius also didn't regret it. now he was just regretting how this all turned out. "it's not... not the panic of kissing another guy or-or whatever." he was stammering, trying to find any excuse to salvage this. relieved almost when noel squeezed back. "you... were my first. but it wasn't as if i had never been interested. in... guys. or in you." the honesty slowly spilling out, couldn't help it but also cassius wasn't sure if keeping any more secrets was going to do him any good. "and i am glad it was with you. that much i wouldn't have changed."

It was probably Noel's fate that he fell for the wrong people, especially the straight men were a problem. Relationships weren't for him, so Noel tried his hardest to avoid anything that involved romantic feelings. But Cassius was making it hard for him. He didn't want to lose this man just because of one kiss. Well, a kiss Noel enjoyed a bit too much, a kiss he wanted to experience again. But it will probably never happen. With his thumb, he traced over the back of Cassius' hand. His heart fluttered a little too much hearing that the other was somehow interested in him. ❝If you say it like that you will make me blush,❞ Noel joked and even grinned at Cassius. ❝You probably know that I've always been interested in you, but before you say something. I will always put our friendship first.❞

video camera. it shouldn't send such a delightfully tempting shiver down her dead spine, but... it did. naomi had loved movies when they started; the silent films, growing into things bursting with color && drama. she'd watched through invisible eyes, floating through stolen homes, wishing to be like the beautiful faces immortalized on the television. she laughed, all breathy air && nerves, eyelashes batting. " no, i'm not scared. just... i don't think you're prepared for it, is all. it's seriously haunted. you know what they say, right, like, about meeting your idols? "

and there it was, the real fear. if he knew... what she was... what she could do... what she did do. the lives she took in service to the demon. would he still find it so cool? naomi loved the way he obsessed, it made her feel desirable. wanted. god, how naomi craved being wanted. teeth sank into her lip, and she decided to risk it all. " fine, whatever. bring all your ghost gear. maybe we can get rich 'n famous with some ghost-flavored snuff film. they're not caspers, you know. not all of 'em anyway. " she wasn't always friendly. she wasn't always capable to keep the horrors at bay, either. naomi would try to protect him, but- well, her friends had minds of their own. a smile pressed through the worry, and she tried to focus on the bright side. " now you havta tell me a secret. have you really fucked a demon? "

Was there excitement in Naomi's eyes? Bryce was not the best at reading people's body language. Some even claimed he was emotionally dead, but that wasn't the case. Bryce could read people if they let him and if he knew them longer. Naomi had been around longer and he felt a connection to her. The way she reacted to certain things was similar to his own reactions. Most people, even his own older brother, could not understand him, but Naomi was different. ❝Ah, well, you think I'll be disappointed? That is not going to happen. My best friend and I tried to summon a demon a couple of times, but it never happened sadly.❞ Bryce made a face that showed pure disappointment. Maybe ghosts and demons were scared of him? No, that was absurd.

His eyes lit up and the smirk turned into a bright smile of happiness and excitement. This was exactly the answer he wanted to hear. ❝Good choice, very good choice. You won't regret it.❞ Or maybe she will? Slowly, he moved a little closer to her, his eyes darkened, the smirk becoming wider. ❝Depends, some of my intimate partners were demons in bed. Are you jealous?❞