✬ Shadows of the Past ✬

School Shopping .16.

I CHANGED THE COVER 😝

Recap

The brothers exchanged a quiet, knowing glance, their bond stronger than ever as they continued through the mall, Callen still asleep in Dominic's arms, completely oblivious to the world around him.

..................................

Callen stirred, slowly opening his eyes to the bright lights of the mall ceiling. It took him a second to realize he was no longer in the car, but that he was being carried—held securely against a broad chest, his face buried in the scent of Dominic's cologne. He blinked, adjusting to his surroundings, before everything clicked into place. His brothers, the mall, Dominic carrying him in public.

"Dominic!" Callen's cheeks flushed red as he struggled a little, pushing against his brother's chest. "Put me down! Why are you carrying me?!" His tone held a hint of whininess and frustration as he wriggled, but Dominic's hold didn't budge an inch.

"Be still, Callen," Dominic replied firmly, his voice low and unyielding. His arms tightened around Callen just enough to make it clear he wouldn't be letting go anytime soon. "You're comfortable, aren't you? Then be a good boy and stay still."

Callen's blush deepened as he felt the stares of people around them, whispers filling the air. "I am not a little boy!" he protested, his tone bratty, though his face was practically the color of a tomato. "Everyone's staring, Dominic, this is embarrassing!"

"That's because you're acting like a little brat," Dominic replied coolly, his voice holding an edge. "People are staring because of that, not because of me holding you." He glanced down at Callen, eyes narrowing. "So unless you want everyone to see you throw a tantrum, I suggest you calm down and let me carry you without all the fuss."

"But, Dom..." Callen's voice softened as he took in his brother's serious expression. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling the warmth of Dominic's arms around him, both comforting and utterly humiliating.

"Callen," Dominic's tone softened at the nickname Callen gave him. "You were asleep in the car, and I didn't want to wake you. Now stop squirming. Be a good little boy, and you can keep a bit of dignity here."

"Mmmm.." Callen mumbled, crossing his arms with a pout, feeling both secure and slightly defiant. He wasn't about to admit how safe he felt, but the sternness in Dominic's voice quieted his protests, settling him into silence as they walked deeper into the mall.

Beside them, Evander chuckled quietly, giving Callen's cheek a light, teasing poke. "See? Not so hard to listen, huh, angioletto?"

Callen huffed but stayed silent, keeping his gaze down as his brothers led him through the mall, his cheeks still pink, but secretly a little relieved to be in their protective care.

The group of brothers navigated the upscale mall, Dominic carrying Callen effortlessly as though he weighed nothing. The occasional shopper stopped to gawk and take pictures at the odd sight, but Dominic paid them no mind. Callen, on the other hand, felt every single set of eyes boring into him, his cheeks burning hotter with every step.

"Can you please put me down now?" Callen mumbled, his voice quieter this time. He looked up at Dominic, his eyes wide in an attempt to appeal to his softer side. "I can walk, I promise."

Dominic smirked, but his expression held firm. "You lost your chance when you started whining. Maybe after you've shown me you can behave."

"Behave?" Callen huffed, crossing his arms again. "I'm not a kid, Dom! I don't need to behave!"