Liar

After that eventful weekend, Riley spent his days reading and touring every nook of the mansion. Dylan was still staying with his family; thus, Riley was mostly alone while Draco was in the office.

Days after that, Riley took the special college entrance exam at S. University. Again, Draco insisted on accompanying him even though it was a weekday. Unable to deter the man, they made the trip together with Chief Chan as the driver.

It was without incident, unlike their previous visit to the university.

However, Riley noticed that after the visit of Draco's aunt, the other man had been more guarded. Even in the vicinity of the mansion, Riley saw more guards roaming around. 

And Chief Chan driving them with discreet guards following was another reason for him to think that maybe he was not just imagining it. But he trusted Draco had his reasons, so Riley did not ask.

Sometime later, A. City Highlands, Draco's mansion.

After lunch, Riley decided to explore the mini library. Draco had given him free access to the room, and he had previously seen a few books that interested him. Skimming the line of hardbound books, Riley breathes in the pleasant smell of bound papers. It calmed him. Pulling one, Riley settled on the settee near the window.

The air was a lot cooler than Riley had expected. Probably because of the tall acacia tree shading the side of the house, standing just outside the window.

Afterward, the atmosphere was so conducive to resting that Riley was soon lulled to sleep. It was probably after an hour that he finally woke up. Still groggy, he massaged his aching neck, moving it from side to side. Riley's head was awkwardly bent for a long while and now his muscles were sore.

Then that's when he saw him. 

A boy in his teens, wearing a white button-down shirt and midnight blue slacks school uniform. On the left side of his white shirt was a crest. Riley recognized it as the emblem of a famous exclusive international school in P. Country.

Riley tilted his head at the unmoving youth. He thought he was still dreaming. Riley blinked a couple of times to make sure, but the boy was still there. So, it's not his imagination, Riley concluded.

From his observation, the teen was definitely not from a humble background. And Riley knew the tight security inside the mansion, so he eliminated the possibility of an intruder. Thus, the boy must be Draco's guest.

His eyes still drowsy, Riley smiled and took the initiative.

"Hi, there!" 

Getting up, Riley approached the teen. He immediately noticed that though younger, the teen was taller than him. And Riley was not that short. He's 178 centimeters tall. 

"My name is Riley. What's yours?" He wanted to reach out for a handshake, but there was warning and animosity in the boy's eyes.

"Uhm. Okay." Riley quickly withdrew his hand. "Where are you looking for something? Would you like some help?" he asked afterward when the teen kept silent, staring at him.

Riley saw the teen's eyes narrow and heard him say, "I should be the one asking you questions. Who are you, and what are you doing here in my uncle's library?"

"Uncle?" Riley asked in confirmation.

"Yes. Uncle Draco never allows guests to enter the library without permission. So, who are you, and how did you get in here?"

"Oh, you're Draco's nephew!" Riley smiled wider. "I'm Riley. I'm your uncle's friend. I'm currently staying here as a guest. And he gave me free access to the library."

The youth did not move and just looked at Riley doubtfully. 

"Guest?" 

The teen scoffed, then added, "Liar. My uncle would never let just anyone stay at his house. Especially a guest? And even gave access to his priced books? An obvious lie. So, tell me the truth. Are you a servant? Sneaking to sleep during working hours?"

Helpless, Riley looked at the teen and said, "No, I'm telling you I'm your uncle's guest. I have been staying here for weeks."

"I don't believe you. Come here. Let's see if you can still lie." 

Then grabbing Riley on the arm, the teen dragged him out of the library. He was yelling as he did, "Uncle Oliver?!"

"Hey! Slow down." Riley was surprised at the youth's strength.

But the youth did not let up his grip on Riley, still yelling for Butler Oliver.

A moment later, Butler Oliver hurriedly came out of the dining room. 

"Leo? What is it? What happened?"

So, his name is Leo, Riley thought. Then he saw a few maids, including Lily, come out to see what the commotion was.

Not caring for the audience he had gathered, Leo announced, "This guy was sleeping in the library. He was slacking off."

Exasperated, Riley looked at the teen, then turned apologetically at Uncle Oliver.

Butler Oliver was confused. He did not know what was happening. "What do you mean, Leo? Riley?"

"Uncle Oliver-" Riley started to explain, but Leo, the teen, interjected. "Don't you dare lie now?"

Riley let out a heavy sigh and slowly pulled his hands from the youth. He started to explain.

"He found me sleeping in the library. I was reading and fell asleep. It was a misunderstanding. I am Draco's guest, I told him. But he kept insisting I was lying. He thought I was a servant."

Eyebrows knitted together, Leo remarked, "Of course, you are lying. Uncle Draco would never-"

Butler Oliver quickly intervened and clarified. "Uhm. Leo, Riley was telling the truth. He is your uncle's guest."

The youth looked at the butler, disbelief apparent on his face.

"It's really true? Is he staying here? In the main house? With uncle? Impossible! " Leo turned to stare at Riley. 

He'd known his uncle all his life, and generosity was not often one of the attributes he'd describe him. Aloof, cold, distant maybe, but not generous. Hence, hearing from someone that he let a friend stay at his villa, even giving him access to his valued collections, was hard to believe. 

But apparently, it was true. Uncle Oliver just confirmed it.

Now that he knew, Leo couldn't help but scrutinize the guy. His name was Riley, he remembered. Looking closely, he could say the guy was good-looking. But, of course, not as handsome as himself. The guy's face, Leo noted, was very refreshing, and his pale hazel eyes bright and clear.

Leo also knew that Riley had very long lashes. He had seen it make shadows on the guy's cheeks while his lids were close to the library. The natural light from the window created a halo around his youthful face.

The truth was, Leo had been staring at the slumbering Riley for a very long time, mesmerized, before the guy woke up and caught him. He was stunned. He could not respond at first. Then embarrassment came after. To cover it, he immediately took the offensive and accused Riley.