Sinful Paths

Chapter Seven

As the morning light filtered through the curtains, Ian lay back against the pillows, his gaze drifting down to Andrw, who was curled up beside him. The warmth of their bodies mingled in the quiet room, and Ian couldn’t help but admire the serene expression on Andrew’s face as he slept.
With his tattoos swirling across his torso, neck, and arms, Ian felt a sense of pride and protectiveness wash over him. He gently wrapped his arms around Andrew, pulling him closer. “Andrew Lilac.. what are you doing to me?” he whispered, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“I’ve never felt the need to protect someone so much. I don’t know what this feeling is, but I know you feel it too. But you’re so stubborn, you’d just deny it.” Just then, Andrew stirred, mumbling in his sleep, “..Ian..”
Ian chuckled softly, his heart swelling at the sound of his name on Andrew’s lips. Still calling out my name, I see Andrew Lilac. That moment was fleeting, but it felt significant. “Sh–shut up..” Andrew murmured, still lost in his dreams.
“You really are something, shortcake,” Ian said, shaking his head in amusement. “But this is one of the thousands of reasons as to why I care for you.” He tightened his embrace, feeling the weight of unspoken words and the warmth of a bond that was only just beginning to unfold.

Ian sat at the edge of the bed, the morning light spilling into the room, casting a warm glow on Andrew as he began to stir. He admired the way Andrew’s features softened in sleep, a peacefulness that made Ian’s heart swell. As Andrew blinked awake, confusion flickered across his face.
“Ian??” Andrew murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
Ian couldn’t help but smile instantly. “Good morning, sunshine,” he replied, his tone teasing.
Andrew’s expression shifted to one of blank surprise. “You always have a new nickname for me.”
“I have another name for you. Want to hear it?” Ian asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Sure, go ahead,” Andrew replied, curiosity piqued.
“Mine.”
Andrew’s face went wide with shock, and he quickly turned away, a blush creeping up his cheeks. “N- NO I’M NOT!” he stammered, flustered.
“The marks on your neck say otherwise, Andrew Lilac,” Ian teased, leaning closer, enjoying the way Andrew squirmed.
Andrew spun back around, still taken aback. “I- I- um..”
“You’re mine now, Andrew Lilac. Admit it.” Ian leaned in, capturing Andrew’s lips with his own in a soft kiss.
“I- UM I HAVE TO GO AND WALK MY GOLDFISH,” Andrew blurted out, suddenly scrambling to his feet and darting away.
“Wrong way, Andrew Lilac!” Ian called after him, laughter bubbling in his chest.
Andrew turned on his heel, racing past Ian, who couldn’t help but smile wider. So stubborn, Ian thought, shaking his head, already planning how to coax Andrew back into his arms.

Nancy was sweeping the kitchen floor, the rhythmic sound of the broom brushing against the tiles filling the air. Ian stood by the window, his gaze lost in the outside world, a glass of milk in hand.
“I know you’re standing there, Ian,” Nancy called out, her voice light but knowing.
Ian looked surprised, momentarily frozen in place. “Did you sleep well?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder.
A smile crept onto Ian’s face as memories of the previous night flooded back–him and Andrew, tangled together in bed, lost in each other’s warmth, kissing and whispering sweet nothings. “I guess you could say that,” he replied, the corners of his mouth still lifted.
He walked over to Nancy, who was focused on her sweeping, and took the broom from her hands. “No, no! Ian! I can do it!” she protested, trying to reclaim her task.
“Make yourself a cup of coffee and sit down, Nancy, okay?” Ian insisted gently, already taking over the sweeping.
Nancy paused, considering his words as Ian continued to push the broom across the floor. “Ian, you’re acting very differently today,” she remarked, her brow furrowing slightly in curiosity.

As Ian and Nancy continued their playful banter, the door creaked open, and Andrew stepped in, bundled up in a hood and a scarf snugly wrapped around his neck, clearly trying to conceal something beneath his layers.
“Good morning,” he greeted, his voice muffled.
Ian’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he smirked. “Are you hiding something, shortcake?”
Before Andrew could respond, he bolted out of the room, leaving Ian grinning ear to ear. Nancy’s expression shifted as she processed the scene; her face went blank, a realization dawning on her.
“Ian Ryder..” she began, her tone a mixture of disbelief and amusement.
In a sudden burst of energy, Ian rushed out of the kitchen, but not before Nancy’s voice rang out, teasing and triumphant. “YOU’VE BEEN ONE BUSY MAN HAVEN’T YOU?!” The laughter in her voice echoed through the house, leaving a lightness in the air.