Hiding

At dinner time, Riley went back and forth outside Draco's study. He dreaded knocking on the door and finally confronting the man after the fiasco a few nights ago. His hands were clammy and cold. Even his heartbeat was erratic.

However, he had already given his word to Dylan and Mr. Alex. He did not want to let them down.

An hour earlier...

Riley was at his favorite nook in the indoor garden, dozing when Dylan found him.

"Little Riley, were you also hiding from me?! I had to scour the mansion before I could find you." Dylan slumped on the chair next to Riley, huffing.

Closing the book in his hand and placing it down on the table, Riley straightened up before giving his reply. "I have been here for a while now. Where did you think I was?"

"I don't know!" Dylan replied, raising his eyebrows and making his eyes big. His tone was very suggestive as he added, "Maybe in your room or anywhere in this big house where Boss Draco couldn't find you?"

Riley's cheeks were immediately tainted red. He averted his gaze and the previously idle hands and grabbed the pillow beside him in a hug.

When Riley did not respond, pretending to be deaf to his words, Dylan confronted him. "Are you seriously keeping up this facade?"

Letting out a sigh, Riley turned to Dylan. His eyes were downcast, and his lips tight.

To Dylan, Riley looked like a guilty little kid caught trying to bury his failing test result under layers of books inside his school bag. The kid knows it is wrong, and sooner or later, he will face the consequences. But he still did it.

Tapping the boy's head, Dylan, in a much softer tone, questioned,  "Little Riley, what are you afraid of now? Is it that your concern Draco is angry at you?" 

When the boy shook his head, Dylan furrowed his brows. If it is not, he can't think of any other reason. So, instead of guessing blindly, he directly asked the boy. "Then what is it?"

With his head bent and his chin resting on the pillow, Riley replied in a muffled voice, "I was embarrassed. Draco is the person I respected the most. And every time I recall the things I did that night. It makes me want to stay locked up in my room and never come out again. I was so disappointed with myself... and I think Draco must be too. But I'm not yet prepared to face his disappointment. So, I am avoiding him. If I don't see him, I wouldn't have to face it."

Dylan was speechless. How could he simply forget how hardwired Riley was towards pleasing Draco? 

The older guy watched the boy for two years focusing only on nothing but school, getting good grades, and keeping a positive impression of himself. And all for the benefit of Draco. Just so he could show his appreciation to the man for his goodwill.

However, he did not expect Riley to hold Draco in high regard up to the point where he never wanted to disappoint the man. 

Damn, Boss Draco, you're a crafty man! What did you do to Little Riley to make him this devoted to you?! 

Dylan was a bit irked. He had been closest to the boy, living and taking care of him for the last few years. So how come Boss Draco, who was never present and seldom calls them, gets this much value in Riley's opinion?! \

It was unfair.

Dylan was getting all worked up and knew it was not the time for that.

Momentarily forgetting about his own grievances, Dylan tried to reason with Riley. "How are you so sure he's disappointed in you? I will tell you now- he is not. Haven't you noticed the man treats you differently? Even I, his cousin, was not treated as well as you. The boss is partial when it comes to you, Little Riley."

"That makes it even worst. And how could you tell me Draco is not disappointed? What makes you so sure?" Riley countered, still doubtful.

It was clear that his words were not getting through to Riley. Again, Dylan tried to make the boy understand. 

"Then let me ask you this. Do you really think that anyone could just demand anything from Draco Sy?" Dylan paused to let the words sink in before continuing, "Of course not! I mean, he is the Draco Sy; CEO of a business empire, billionaire, a no-nonsense man… If the boss wanted to, he could have refused you, get it? The fact that he gave in to your demand was proof enough that he consented. He willingly did it. And think of this, the man did not even forget to prepare hangover soup for you the next day. How could you come up with the idea that he's dissatisfied? It doesn't make sense."

The logic behind Dylan's strong reasoning finally had the effect he wanted. Gradually, like a ray of sunshine shining through the clouds, the boy's countenance brightened.

Raising his hopeful eyes to look at Dylan, Riley asked in a small voice, "Do you really think so, Dy…?"

"Absolutely!" Dylan assured. Immediately grabbing onto that hope. And went on to say, "It is the truth."

Then to lighten up the conversation, Dylan joked, "But you know, if I was the one who asked Boss Draco, I'm pretty sure… I'd end up rotting before he gives a damn! Heck, I think he would even beat me! Argh, look what you did! You had me confessing to wanting a piggyback ride from the boss!" Dylan shuddered. "Ehhhh!"

Envisioning Dylan's joke drew out a bit of a chuckle from Riley.

"That's better. I think that's your first smile in the past few days." Dylan was actually feeling better himself to see the boy smiling.

After a while, Riley admitted, "I was such a coward…"

"Then I am too… I would be. Who does not cower in front of Draco Sy? If anyone dare claim that, he'd be stupid."

Releasing a deep breath, Riley squared his shoulder before declaring, "I'll talk to Draco tonight."

"You do that," Dylan said, satisfied.