The cold night breeze brushed against Dmitri's skin as he sped down the empty road, the rumble of his bike echoing through the darkness.
He had left in a rush after meeting . During their last encounter, Dmitri had told him he would set a date — one where Emil would have to find a way to bring Ash along.
"Sorry, Boss," Emil had said. "Something must've come up. He was supposed to meet me here."
The memory made Dmitri grit his teeth, his gloved hand tightening on the throttle.
"Something came up, huh?" he muttered, speeding up, letting the cold air carry his frustration away.
After some time, the familiar gates of the mansion came into view. He parked his bike, pulled off his helmet — and froze.
Standing at his door was a figure he hadn't expected to see tonight.
Dmitri blinked once, his surprise breaking into a slow grin.
"Ashley," he said, his voice low and edged with disbelief.
Ash turned toward him, the dim lights catching the outline of his face as their eyes met.
Dmitri walked toward him, his tone casual but curious.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
Ash blinked, still trying to make sense of what was happening. Instead of answering, he asked, "What are you doing here?"
A sly grin tugged at Dmitri's lips.
"This is my house."
"Your house?" Ash echoed, brows knitting in confusion.
Before Dmitri could reply, the main door opened behind Ash. A woman stepped out, carrying a tray of towels.
"Oh—Sir Dmitri," she said, then paused when she noticed Ash. "Umm… this young man brought Sir Nik back. He's a little… tipsy."
Dmitri raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "You were with Nik?"
Ash didn't answer. He was lost in his own thoughts—the name Nik ringing in his ears like a warning bell.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he exhaled softly before asking, "Boss, how exactly are you related to him?"
Dmitri tilted his head, puzzled. "To who?Nik "
Dmitri smirked. "He's my brother."
And that's when it hit Ash. His mind flashed back to all the strange things.
"I knew something was off," Ash muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair with a sigh. "No way a guy like him was just a normal bodyguard."
Still lost in his thoughts, Ash didn't notice Dmitri moving closer until their faces were almost touching. So close… that Ash couldn't help but compare them.
Nik had always carried a softer, more gentle look—an almost angelic calm that put people at ease. Dmitri, on the other hand, radiated a sharper, more dangerous aura—like a devil in human form, Ash thought.
Up close, Ash could see the subtle differences in their features, the way Dmitri's smirk hinted at mischief and dominance, while Nik's face gave off warmth and softness.
Ash felt his cheeks heat up, realizing how easily he had been analyzing them. He shook his head to clear his racing thoughts and cleared his throat, about to excuse himself—but Dmitri's voice stopped him, smooth, firm, and teasing all at once.
"Hey we need to talk " Dmitri said, his emerald eyes holding Ash's in a captivating lock.
Ash, already preoccupied with his thoughts, didn't answer and started walking away. Dmitri, however, caught his hand gently, stopping him. "It won't take long," he added.
Ash turned back, eyes narrowing slightly.
I 've already mingled alot with these people, even though i didn't paln to. Probably best if I just walk off and act like it never happened. There's no way the others won't laugh If they hear about it,he thought.
"What do you want to talk about?"Ash asked
Dmitri gave a sly smile. "You know I met your friend. He was supposed to make me meet you but since you were having so much fun with my brother, you couldn't make it?" His teasing tone masked the seriousness beneath.
Ash frowned and began to walk away again. "Wait, wait," Dmitri called out. Ash sighed, stopping and turning to face him.
"I want you as my personal bodyguard," Dmitri said simply, emerald eyes locked on Ash's.
Ash let out a soft sigh and started walking again, as if resigning to the absurdity of the situation. Dmitri, moving quickly, stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "I'll pay you," he added, leaning slightly closer.
Ash crossed his arms and shook his head. "Boss… have I ever complained about where I work?"
Dmitri remained silent, the confidence in his gaze saying more than words ever could. Ash studied him for a moment, reading the silence as an answer. With a quiet sigh, he finally relented and walked past Dmitri, heading out of the gate.
Dmitri watched him go, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He knew Ash's stubbornness well enough to understand that persistence would be needed—but he was willing to wait.