truth

''Oh '' came a soft voice and Gilbert's head snapped to the door. His eyes wide open staring at the stranger standing by there.

Who?

—

Maxim steadied the lamp and stared at his master's first terrified face that turned to confusion and anger. He followed his gaze as he stared at the boy by the door.

A servant? But he didn't knock. Maxim may be mute but he wasn't born mute and his ears are sharpened he knew the common sense That no servant would open the door to their master's private space so rudely. The stranger was not dressed as a servant and from his master's face, not a friend. Maxim stood tall shoulder back, he knew when a fight was about to happen, and he was ready.

—

A boy ? 13? No maybe 14? Who ?? Gilbert felt his heart grow cold as he stared at the yang blond boy by the door. Yes blond, wavy strawberry hair fell around his face. he was Short, shorter than Josephine. Feminine body shape yet he was a boy for that was no mistake. big Blue eyes that didn't show the innocence of the child they belonged to. He was enchanting for sure. Gilbert didn't move, didn't speak, he felt his blood freeze in his vanes. He knew, he knew why this boy was here. he just stood there waiting for HIM to come.

—

''Emilio ? '' came the mature voice of a man followed by heavy footsteps. Maxim could feel the tension oozing from his lord. He glanced at the yang lord by his side and suddenly remembered the words this man said to him when they met ...< there are bad people in my house > Maxim's fist squeezed as he observed his owner closely.—

Jaw clinching. First squeezed so hard that the nails dug into the soft skin. Gilbert felt cold sweat on his back and the hate and disgust from his eyes were obvious to any ignorant that looked at him. he knew this feeling this terror that invaded his bones and made him paralyzed. Too afraid to move, to create a sound ...to breathe...

The shadow of a tall man covered the light of the hallway as the man walked in < this is not the room silly boy > came the voice before the face was clear. The man put an arm around the boy who in return giggled and leaned into the big body of the adult towering over him. The older man smiled and looked up.

The older man's eyebrows were up in surprise as he turned his gaze to the inside of the studio. he knew that his boy would be here. He is always here. The yang fresh boy he had fancied for years, that now was a yang beautiful man tempting the heart of all high society by his looks charm, and the mystery surrounding him. It's the same yang man who somehow lost the appeal he had a year ago—stood there back rigid as he always was when facing him. But he was not alone which was a real surprise. there was another, a very tall man with a very beautiful face and large figure protectively towered by his side standing a bit too close for courtesy.

The older man smirked as he caressed the beauty beside him. He felt satisfied as he saw how his words affected his old flame. He may have no longer desired for him but his pride was another matter. Gilbert was his and nothing would change that.

—

< ooh is that him ?? The famous artist everyone was talking about ?!! > came a high-pitched Squeak in excitement as the one who was nestling in the older man's arms suddenly jumped up and down in excitement. He looked between Gilbert and the new patron beside him. The owner of this house hummed and looked around the mess in the room< I see you were busy painting despite bringing a new toy .. good the viscount is excited about that painting and was asking about it.. > Gilbert didn't answer. the tension in his muscles increased as he glared at the intruders.

—

Begged Emilio as he grabbed the man's arm coquettishly and looked up at him with watery round blue eyes. Richard was no fool and knew that his new toy was trying to test his boundaries but he wanted to use this cutie to punish Gilbert's defying eyes. He hummed in answer as he walked out glancing at the new face he threw the words not specifying who he was talking about and walked out ordering a servant to prepare the bath.

—

Gilbert's tens muscle relaxed a bit, these words meant that neither he nor Maxim were of interest to the master of the house. He breathed as he stared at the yang boy walking toward him looking all around. This was not the first time that man brought a child, but it was the first time the newcomer looked this clean and this confident.

Said the boy as he eyed the painting in the room. < everyone was talking about you at the party I was really curious > he looked up into Gilbert's eyes completely ignoring Maxim who was standing by watching like a dog waiting for orders. he grinned.

Gilbert froze And his relaxed muscles tensed even more. It was an open secret that the count was obsessed with the bastard child his brother left behind and why he adopted him and made him his hire. After all, these Nobles each had their little scandal. And no one dared to defy the man who managed the treasury of the kingdom. 

—

Maxim's eyes grew wide open as he stared at this boy as if he understood a big secret…

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