Sinful Paths

Chapter Three

Andrew stood in front of the school, glancing around as students filtered out, laughter and chatter filling the air. Just then, Nasser emerged from the building, a broad smile lighting up his face as he made his way over.
“Hey Pinky, what are you doin?” Nasser called out, his tone teasing.
Andrew turned to face him, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “Waiting for someone to pick me up.”
“And who may that be?” Nasser raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
Before Andrew could respond, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The door swung open, revealing Charles, a sharply dressed man with brown hair in a suit.
Andrew’s expression shifted as he turned to the car. “Him.”
Nasser’s eyes widened in surprise as the suited man stepped out, a confident smile on his face. “Hello again, Mr. Lilac.”
“I take it we have to go straight away?” Andrew asked, already moving toward the car.
“Yes, sir,” Charles replied, maintaining his professional demeanor.
Andrew turned back to Nasser, who stood rooted in place, disbelief washing over his features. “See you later.”
With that, Andrew climbed into the car, the door closing with a soft thud behind him. As the vehicle pulled away, Nasser stood there, stunned, watching it disappear down the street.
“Holy shit, that’s Ian Ryder’s–HOLY–” Nasser exclaimed, realization crashing over him like a wave. He glanced around, his shock palpable, before taking a moment to collect himself.
Then, without another thought, he sprinted back towards the school doors. “JANIS!”

As Andrew strolled into the kitchen, the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped him. His gaze landed on Nancy, who was pulling something sweet out of the oven.
“Hello again, Nancy,” he greeted, a smile creeping onto his face.
At the sound of his voice, Nancy’s excitement burst forth. She dashed over, wrapping her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug. “ANDREW!”
Caught off guard, Andrew stiffened momentarily before returning the embrace.
“It’s so good to see you again! Would you like a cookie?” Nancy beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Just then, Ian sauntered into the kitchen, sunglasses perched on his nose, dressed in a fancy gray button-up and sleek black pants. “Nancy, don’t pester the young boy,” he said, a hint of mock seriousness in his tone.
Nancy turned to Ian, her expression shifting, but Andrew couldn’t help but feel a flicker of irritation. “Just so you know, I’m no young boy–”
Ian cut him off smoothly. “You’re 19, I know.”
Andrew blinked, surprised. “But you’re younger than me.”
With a straight face, Andrew replied, “Yeah, obviously. You’re like 34.”
“Actually, I’m 22,” Ian corrected, raising an eyebrow. He begins to exit the kitchen, signaling for Andrew to follow.
Andrew’s surprise deepened, his mouth slightly agape. “He’s 22?!”
Nancy smiled at him, clearly enjoying the banter.
Andrew shook his head in disbelief, beginning to walk out of the kitchen. “Holy shizzle.”

As Ian and Andrew stepped into the room, the air felt charged with possibilities. “This will be your room for when you work overnight,” Ian announced, gesturing around the space.
They paused, and Ian turned back to face Andrew. “I’m truly sorry for the mess; Nancy’s daughter was here the other day.”
Andrew waved a hand dismissively, his eyes widening in awe. “It’s fine.. this room–it’s amazing!” He began to explore, taking in the cozy corners and the desk that promised productivity.
“I’m glad you like it,” Ian replied, a smile breaking across his face before he shifted to a more serious demeanor. “Now, I’ll let you settle in. Come to my office if you need anything.”
Andrew glanced at Ian, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. “Sure, whatever.”
As Ian turned to leave. Andrew called out, “Mr. Ryder–”
Ian stopped and looked back, a curious expression on his face. “Please, call me Ian.”
“Ian Ryder, thank you,” Andrew said, and for a brief moment, Ian looked surprised.
“You’re welcome,” Ian replied, then walked out of the room, leaving Andrew alone with his thoughts.
As the door clicked shut, Andrew mused to himself. Maybe he isn’t that bad after all. He turned around to face his new space, determination settling in. “Time to get started then.”
With purpose, he walked over to the desk, picking up some papers and sorting through them, ready to dive into the work ahead.

As Andrew walked into the kitchen, he expected to find Nancy bustling about perhaps baking or preparing snacks. “Hey Nancy, is it okay if I have a cookie?” he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space.
To his surprise, he spotted a guy sitting at the kitchen island, absorbed in his phone. The stranger had light brown hair and a sprinkle of freckles across his cheeks. “Who are you?” Andrew asked, curiosity piqued.
The freckled guy looked up, caught off guard, and stood to face Andrew. “I could ask you the same thing,” he replied, stepping closer.
“Who are you?” he pressed, his tone curious yet guarded.
“I–I’m Andrew.. the new accountant for Mr. Ryder,” Andrew stammered, feeling slightly out of place.
“Ahh, I remember him mentioning you. The name’s Caiden; I’m one of his bodyguards,” the freckled guy introduced himself with a nod.
“Why does he need bodyguards? He seems strong–” Andrew began, but Caiden cut him off.
“You obviously don’t know much about him,” Caiden said, his expression shifting to one of seriousness.
“I–I know.. I’m just saying..” Andrew replied, trying to defend his point.
Just then, Ian appeared beside Andrew, his presence commanding the room.
“Hey, boss!” Caiden greeted, a hint of relief in his voice.
“You can go home now, Caiden,” Ian said, dismissing him with a wave.
“Okay, sir. Goodbye, Andrew. It was nice meeting you,” Caiden replied before taking his leave.
With Caiden gone, Andrew turned to Ian, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. “What are you doing, Andrew Lilac?” Ian asked, raising an eyebrow.
Andrew shrugged, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. “I just wanted a cookie..”

Andrew sat cross-legged on his bed, papers strewn around him as he sorted through a chaotic mess of notes and documents. The door creaked open, and Ian walked in, his shirt off and clad only in sweatpants. He paused, taking in the sight of Andrew immersed in his task.
“Are you hungry at all?” Ian asked, his voice breaking the stillness.
Startled, Andrew dropped the papers in his hands, turning around to face Ian. “Actually, I am,” he admitted, but his gaze quickly faltered as he took in Ian’s bare chest, his jaw dropping slightly. Intrusive thoughts flared in his mind: I’m hungry for your body.
Ian caught the look, a playful smile creeping across his face. “Like what you see?” he teased.
“AHEM, YES, I- I’M HUNGRY,” Andrew stammered, flustered.
With a confident stride, Ian walked over, wrapping his arms around Andrew’s waist, their bodies brushing against each other. Andrew instinctively placed his arms around Ian’s neck, their faces inches apart, both caight in the moment, eyes locked.
“I can tell,” Ian said, his tone low and teasing.
A split second of silence hung between them, charged with tension.
“If you want to have some fun, you just had to ask,” Ian added, his voice almost a whisper.
“N- NO!” Andrew blurted out, his cheeks reddening.
“Are you sure about that?” Ian pressed, his face inching closer.
“Sh- shut up! I don’t want anything!” Andrew retorted, his heart racing.
Ian leaned in, their breaths mingling as he challenged, “Then why are you blushing, Andrew Lilac?”
“I- I’m not,” Andrew protested, but the heat in his cheeks betrayed him.
“Come on, let’s have some fun,” Ian urged, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Feeling overwhelmed, Andrew pushed himself away from Ian and turned around, struggling to regain composure. “I- er- um..”
Ian’s smile widened, clearly enjoying Andrew’s flustered state. Andrew turned back, forcing a straight face as he declared, “Let’s just go downstairs; I’ve been working for hours.”
Ian’s expression shifted to one of feigned disappointment. “Hmm, you sure you don’t want to go to my room?”
Surprise flickered across Andrew’s face, and silence enveloped them for a few seconds before he blurted out, “No! Kitchen sounds good!” With that, he bolted from the room, leaving Ian smiling in  his wake.
Stubborn.. I like it, Ian thought to himself, watching Andrew’s retreating figure.

Andrew burst into the kitchen, his footsteps echoing against the tiled floor. His eyes landed on Parris, who was perched on a stool. Engrossed in her phone and casually sipping a drink.
“Who are you?” Andrew asked, his voice cutting through the quiet.
Parris whipped around, surprise etched on her face.
Just then, Ian strolled in, his energy infectious, blissfully unaware of the tension in the room. “Come on, Andrew Lilac. Don’t run away!” he called out, a grin plastered on his face.
Parris’s expression shifted in an instant, anger flashing in her eyes. “IAN!” she snapped, her voice sharp.
Ian froze beside Andrew, his cheerful demeanor faltering as he turned to Parris, confusion settling in.