It seems everyone is still asleep.
Alex approached the railing he could use to climb back to his room. Suddenly, he saw his mother looking at him through the window.
Damn.
He waved at her with a smile and then headed toward the entrance, quickly composing the most convincing lie.
— "Alex, what were you doing? The doctor prescribed rest!"
— "I just woke up early and went for a walk. I feel much better, and also… I'm very hungry."
His mother continued scolding him as they walked, but noted that he really did look refreshed. And when she saw the impressive appetite he had, she stopped fussing and began chatting about this and that.
— "By the way, your father wanted to speak with you today. It's about the races; he wants to know how you're feeling. Of course, I told him to leave our sick boy alone."
Alex had already forgotten about the existence of the races. So much had happened in the past two months since the last event… Suddenly, he remembered the way the Duke had looked at him after his victory — full of joy and admiration.
— "Mother, I'm sure I'll feel even better in a week."
His mother tried to dissuade him from this idea, but he remained resolute. After the Young Lord had eaten his fill, his mother reminded him that Sir Bronte had returned to London and was ready to resume Alex's fencing lessons.
— "Yes, very well." Alex enjoyed fencing, but right now, his mind was elsewhere. His mother noticed that his reply lacked the usual enthusiasm.
— "Are you in a hurry somewhere?"
— "No, not at all." Though in truth, Alex was running through scenarios in his mind about how to get to Nathan as quickly as possible, in a way that no one would suspect… Suspect what? Alex hadn't thought that far.
— "I think I'll check on the horses first, and then… perhaps I'll visit the Duke to congratulate him on his upcoming wedding."
— "What a wonderful idea! Be sure to pass my congratulations as well. No… Make sure he visits us during the week! But don't trouble him; he's far too polite to say so himself. He probably wants to spend more time with his beloved."
Alex blushed deeply.
Could it be that his beloved is me now?
— "Yes, Mother, I promise I won't trouble him… Perhaps I can help him in some way. I won't forget to invite him."
The Young Lord kissed his mother on the cheek, went to his room to change, and at some point his gaze fell on a piece of blue fabric lying on his bedside table. He immediately remembered what it was and grew anxious.
I suppose I should return it… But after what had happened, it seems impossible. I certainly desecrate it!
He decided to postpone the idea and left the room.
A few hours later, Alex hurried toward the Blackthorn estate.
Nathan, buried in paperwork, heard a knock at the door.
— "Sebastian, what time is it? Do come in."
Alex timidly appeared in the doorway, and Nathan's face lit up with a smile.
— "Already! I…"
Butler followed the Young Lord into the room, and the Duke didn't finish his sentence. Nathan cleared his throat, rose from behind the desk, and said,
— "Welcome, Young Lord."
— "Good to see you, Your Grace," the Young Lord replied formally, embarrassed by Sebastian's presence.
— "Sir, your instructions have been carried out. Shall I set the table?"
The Duke cast a quick glance at Alex, as if to gauge whether he was hungry.
— "No, no, I'm not hungry, but if you wish, please go ahead."
— "Sebastian, thank you, no need for now. You are dismissed."
As soon as the door clicked shut, Nathan approached Alex and awkwardly placed his hands on his shoulders. Despite everything that had happened between them, he was still uncertain how to behave around his beloved to avoid causing discomfort.
— "I'm glad to see you," he said with a smile.
— "I… me too…" Alex replied almost in a whisper, smiling in return.
The Duke wanted to kiss him so badly, but he restrained himself. Moreover, after Alex's shamelessness that night, Nathan was doing his best to make amends, though the boy probably knew nothing of it. Nathan wanted to give Alex personal space and the opportunity to move at his own pace.
— "You wanted to play the piano. Come with me."
On the way to the room, Nathan asked:
— "Should I leave you alone? You needn't worry; I have plenty to attend to. Or I could take a walk and get some fresh air. Or…"
— "You may stay," Alex said shyly, lowering his gaze.
— "Very well," Nathan nodded, relieved. He wanted nothing more than to stay close to the Young Lord.
The Duke didn't take his eyes off Alex, who played the pieces as he wished. The boy felt it and occasionally missed a note, but Nathan seemed unconcerned.
The Young Lord wanted to play perfectly, to please Nathan and to see him look at him with the same admiration as after the races, saying something… similar. So missing notes brought a tinge of frustration.
The Duke observed Alex from head to toe with pleasure. He noticed every pink flush on his cheek and neck, appearing and fading. He watched the ribbon in his hair move subtly with his movements. He admired the gentle curve of his back, his slender legs. Nathan followed the skillful fingers for an endless time, imagining various indiscretions with them, but forced himself back to reality and tried to listen more attentively to the music than to his own indecent thoughts.
After a while, Alex decided to pause. For the first time, he looked at the Duke, wondering if he had upset him with his mistakes. Nathan sat on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, leaning his head on his hand resting on the armrest. His smile lingered, and his gaze was full of admiration and something more.
Nathan collected himself, smiled even more, and rose to approach his guest. To the Young Lord's surprise, the Duke knelt beside him, took Alex's hand in his, brought it to his lips, and kissed it gently, eyes still closed, as if savoring every second and giving himself fully to the action.
Alex flinched. He slightly parted his lips to take a light breath, then drew in more air he had been desperately missing in recent days…
— "You know," the Duke began, opening his eyes and meeting Alex's gaze, keeping the back of his hand close to his lips, "A couple of months ago, when you first came here, I thought…" Nathan smirked, and Alex shivered slightly as the warm, yet subtle breath from the Duke's lips brushed his wrist, "Perhaps you had sold your soul to the devil to be so magnificent. Otherwise, I have no idea how you can be like this."
Alex recoiled and held his breath. He was so flustered he could no longer meet those green eyes and turned toward the window, looking through it.
What could I even answer to that?!
The Duke smirked again, and again that warm air brushed the boy's skin.
— "I didn't mean to embarrass you… well, maybe a little," he continued, still holding Alex's hand and smiling. "But I just remembered how that thought crossed my mind, and… I couldn't connect the obvious back then. I…"
Nathan held Alex's hand with one hand, while his other cupped Alex's cheek and turned the Young Lord's embarrassed face toward him.
— "I am glad I had the courage to tell you the truth, no matter what."
Nathan wasn't being insincere. He truly felt this way. And he really wanted to give the Young Lord space and the ability to choose the next steps, but…
But he is so inexperienced and innocent… Perhaps I can help him feel his desires better and understand them enough to speak aloud honestly.
Alex received what he had longed for: the Duke's full gaze of adoration and love, intoxicating his mind. But these words… they were more than he could bear. They stirred not only his thoughts but also his body, covered in goosebumps, craving touch. His body longed to be closer to the Duke. As close as possible.
The Young Lord closed his eyes and leaned forward without leaving the bench. He cupped the Duke's face with both hands and kissed him fiercely and innocently, lips locked.
Nathan exulted. Kneeling, he wrapped his arms around Alex's waist, pulling him slightly closer, then lightly licked Alex's lips, hinting for him to go further. Alex felt it and, shyly, parted his lips slowly. Nathan lifted one hand to the back of Alex's head, pressed into his hair, and entered his mouth unceremoniously, because he had been waiting for this moment with all his strength.
The Young Lord froze slightly, tongue halted from embarrassment. His cute innocence only aroused Nathan more; he smiled faintly and continued the kiss. He felt as if he could never be satisfied, but realized Alex was barely breathing. He broke the kiss and looked at his sweet guest. The boy barely wiped his chin, breathing heavily, eyes cast to the side, already bright red.
Nathan placed a hand on his cheek and said:
— "Alex, please, don't forget…"
— "I remember, I just forgot, I remember," he replied, breathless.
Why is he so utterly charming?
The Duke decided to give him a moment to catch his breath, so he rose and sat on the sofa, continuing to watch Alex from a distance.