You’re Mine

Barely a moment had gone since Lark drew Riley close to lean on him when a shadow passed over them. Before Lark could react, a hand reached out to pull Riley's head away from his shoulder. Tilting upward, he saw the expressionless face of Draco Sy bearing down on him.

Lark was startled. His instinct had the alarm bells ringing. However, Lark, due to the influence of alcohol, appeared dauntless. Unwilling to stand down, he stared right back hard in a challenge at Draco Sy.

The air sizzled.

Right at that tense moment, Riley, who had dosed off with his arms around one of Lark's, began to protest after getting yanked away from his cuddled "pillow."

"Aargh… No!"

Eyes still closed, Riley thrashed and, in the process, bumped his face on Draco's hard belly. Having found another thing, or in this case, someone to hug and to rest his head on, Riley quieted.

Yet soon enough, the boy became restless again. His hands started to feel Draco's body; sniffing his clothes; moving his head to rest one side then another, trying to get the most comfortable position while leaning on Draco's abdomen.

Sweat started to roll down Draco's back. Even though the AC was working just fine, the man was beginning to feel hot. The main culprit was Riley's groping hands, roving from his waist, hips, thighs, and butt!

"Little Riley, quit your fumbling."

Finally, unable to endure the sweet torture, Draco took hold of Riley's roaming hands, meaning to have it settled on the boy's side. But Riley wouldn't have any of it. Shaking his hands free from Draco's grasp, he wrapped his arms tightly around Draco's waist.

Draco was speechless. "…"

Little Riley, you are playing with fire. Are you sure you can handle the consequences?

But, of course, Little Riley cannot hear Draco's thoughts. With a grin plastered on his face, looking proud of his deeds or more like misdeeds. Riley, his eyes now open but drooping eyelids, moved his head back and rested his chin on Draco's solid abs, hugging him closer.

"I caught you! You're mine now…" the boy said, giggling. Then as if it was not enough, Riley playfully sticks the tip of his tiny pink tongue out to Draco before burying his face back into the older man's mid-section, chuckling.

As a result of Riley's antics, Draco's pupils dilated, and his heartbeat quickened. In truth, he was very willing to be captured. 

Unconsciously, Draco began to stroke the boy's hair. You've said it, Little Riley. I'm yours. By your words, I belong to you now. You have already put a claim on me. You cannot go back on your promise. I would never let you. I will forever hold you to that.

If Riley could be privy to Draco's thoughts at that moment, he would get floored by the man's shamelessness. Who holds someone by his words spoken in drunkenness? Only Draco Sy can do that.

Since Riley is clearly drunk, Draco chooses to leave and bring him home. He thanked Keith for dinner and was prepared to lead Riley out of the room.

However, Lark's cutting questions stopped Draco from going further.

"Why are you helping Riley? What is your real intention towards Riley? And please don't give me the same crap you told him. It's all bullshit! I'm not that naïve to believe it was that simple."

Keith, who had been too late in his attempt to stop Lark, could only rake his fingers through his hair, agitated. He wanted to gauge the big boss' expression, but Draco Sy had his back on them.

Keith waited in nerve-racking silence, hoping the big boss was not offended. He wanted to shout at Lark. Do you have a death wish?! Why do you keep on testing the big boss' tolerance?! Are you not really afraid to offend a dangerous man like him?! 

Argh! Keith wanted to give Lark a whack on the head. Maybe by then, he'll be more sensible.

Draco had anticipated this. Lark, he observed, is very skeptical of him. The youth plainly displayed it by openly challenging his right over Riley. He also appears to be overly protective of Riley. It makes Draco wonder.

After a prolonged silence, Draco turned his body slightly and calmly threw Lark a question of his own. "Then let me ask you first. By what right are you asking me that question?"

"What do you mean? As Riley's best friend, of course!" Lark was quick to answer.

Yet, Draco seemed unconvinced. "Hmmm… Is that so?"

Lark blanched. The man knows. He never told Riley of his feelings. He never intended to in this lifetime. 

"Damn, you are very astute."

Lark looked at the barely conscious Riley hauled at the man's side, and his voice softened. "I guess I wasn't hiding it very well. Riley doesn't have any idea, though. Just so you know, I don't plan on telling him ever. I have long accepted the truth that he only sees me as a friend, a brother." Then his voice coming out firmer, he continued, "But this doesn't mean I care about him any less now than before. So, Mr. Sy, I hope you understand my position. Let me ask you again, what are your true intentions?"

Draco's intuition was proven right and the arm holding Riley to his side tightened. With a flat tone, he replied, "I don't like explaining myself to anyone. And I believe my actions had been quite obvious. However, since you asked, I can tell you this. 2 years ago, I didn't help Riley merely to save him. I did that because I needed Riley."

After imparting those words, Draco didn't wait and let Riley out of the room and the restaurant. Draco had a drink himself, so he informed the driver beforehand to come and drive them home. Thus, the driver had been waiting when they exited the elevator.

Gently putting Riley in the backseat, Draco followed in, and soon they were on their way back to the mansion.

Sitting in the moving car with Riley in his embrace, Draco's thoughts recalled the moment Lark admitted he had feelings for Riley beyond friendship. It got him thinking. 

Little Riley is very popular. Draco is concerned once the boy starts university, he will undoubtedly gain many more admirers and subsequently, potential rivals for Draco. Rivals, who like Lark, are Riley's age, certainly far younger than Draco, and shares plenty of common interests with the boy.

If that happens, he would be at a disadvantage. He could not allow that.

Playfully pinching Riley's straight and delicate nose, Draco lowered his head to murmur in the boy's ears, "Little Riley, I'm telling you right now, you are not allowed to like others anymore. You've already claimed me. And I expect you to take responsibility for your actions."