"You know, Max, you can pick any room you want. Unless you want to stay in my room," Valentino joked, winking mischievously and nudging Max playfully.
Max snorted and pushed Valentino back. "You're such a dickhead," he retorted, a faint grin tugging at his lips. They walked side by side, navigating through yet another seemingly endless hallway of rooms. Max felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of the mansion and the weight of his newfound freedom to choose.
Valentino observed Max with a mix of amusement and curiosity. He knew the young man had been through a lot, far more than anyone his age should have to endure. Valentino had taken an unexpected liking to Max, a feeling that stirred within him like a stormy sea. He found himself drawn to Max's resilience and honesty, qualities that contrasted sharply with the world Valentino inhabited.
As they approached the last door at the end of the hallway, Max hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. The room beyond was spacious yet cozy, with soft lighting and a large, inviting bed. Without hesitation, Max flopped onto the bed with a loud sigh of relief.
"This is so fucking comf—" Max began, but his words trailed off as exhaustion overtook him. He curled up on the bed, snoring softly, looking every bit like a small, sleeping fox.
Valentino watched him for a moment, a rare tenderness in his eyes. He moved quietly, not wanting to disturb Max's peaceful slumber. Carefully, he gently maneuvered Max onto the pillow and draped a soft, small gray blanket over him. Valentino couldn't help but chuckle softly at the absurdity of using his own blanket, but it was the only thing within reach that wouldn't overwhelm the sleeping boy.
He sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to be as still as possible. But as soon as Valentino shifted slightly, Max stirred and instinctively clung to Valentino's arm, snuggling closer to him. A surge of warmth spread through Valentino's chest, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.
He sat there, frozen in place, unsure of what to do. Valentino had built walls around his heart, walls that had grown thicker with each passing year in his dangerous line of work. Yet here was Max, breaking through those walls effortlessly with his innocent trust and quiet vulnerability.
Valentino knew the risks of letting someone in, especially someone as innocent and naive as Max. But in that moment, he didn't care about the dangers that lurked in the shadows. All that mattered was the boy sleeping peacefully beside him, finding solace in Valentino's presence.
Hours passed, and Valentino remained by Max's side, watching over him like a silent guardian. The mansion was quiet, the only sound the soft, steady rhythm of Max's breathing. Valentino couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them both, whether this fragile moment of peace could withstand the storms that threatened to engulf them.
As dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Max stirred awake. He blinked sleepily, momentarily disoriented before recognizing Valentino sitting beside him. A faint smile tugged at Max's lips as he remembered clinging to Valentino like a lifeline in his sleep.
"Morning," Max murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Valentino met his gaze, a rare smile quirking his lips. "Morning, sleepyhead," he replied softly, his voice tinged with warmth.
Max sat up slowly, stretching his arms above his head. "Sorry about... last night," he began hesitantly, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Valentino shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face. "Don't be. You looked peaceful," he said sincerely.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Max looked around the room, taking in the soft, welcoming atmosphere. "Thanks for letting me stay here," he said finally, his voice tinged with gratitude.
Valentino nodded, his gaze softening.
As they sat together in the quiet of the morning, Max couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. And Valentino, for all his guarded demeanor and hidden scars, found himself daring to hope that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected bond with Max could lead them both to a place where shadows held less power and love could bloom in the most unlikely of places.
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The Change|| BxB
Gizem / GerilimREWRITTEN - 2024. Meet Max Grover, an 18-year-old who decides to step into his family's business, thinking it's the right move for his life. Little does he know, his decision thrusts him into the world of Valentino Rose, the Mafia boss who now cont...
