Sinful Paths

Chapter Ten

The kitchen hummed with the sounds of morning, sunlight streaming through the window as Markus, Andrew, Caiden, and Cohen gathered around the table. Andrew was busy devouring his breakfast, the aroma of coffee mingling with the scent of toasted bread. Just as the atmosphere settled into a comfortable routine, the door swung open, and Ian stepped in, clad in a sleek black trench coat that accentuated his imposing presence.
“Morning gentlemen. Andrew Lilac,” he greeted, his tone flirtatious as his gaze locked onto Andrew.
Caiden’s eyes widened in surprise for a heartbeat before his expression turned blank. “Okay–no. I’m waiting outside,” he declared, his voice firm as he swiftly exited the room, leaving a trail of confusion in his wake. The remaining trio exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.
“What was that about?” Andrew asked, turning his attention back to Ian, who merely shrugged, a playful smile dancing on his lips.
“Nothing to worry about. Please may you two wait outside. I need to speak to Mr. Lilac,” Ian replied, his voice smooth and commanding.
“Yes sir,” Cohen and Markus chorused, their curiosity still lingering as they followed Caiden out, leaving Andrew and Ian alone in the kitchen.
With a sudden intimacy, Ian walked over and pressed a soft kiss against Andrew’s lips, eliciting a smile that lit up Andrew’s features. “You can do whatever you want today. You can meet up with your friends, if that’s what you’d like,” Ian said, his tone warm and inviting.
“Okay, thank you,” Andrew replied, his heart swelling with affection.
“I’ll see you later, shortcake,” Ian added, turning to leave.
“Speak later!!” ANdrew called after him, a mix of excitement and longing bubbling within. As the door clicked shut, a thought echoed in Andrew’s mind, I love you.

On the corner of the street, this air was thick with anticipation as COhen, Markus, and Caiden stood outside Ian’s place, waiting for his arrival. The morning sun cast long shadows, and their expressions were a mix of concern and determination. Finally, Ian emerged from the building, his presence commanding as he halted in front of them.
“Is Mr. Lilac not being left with a bodyguard again today, sir?” Cohen inquired, his brow furrowed with worry.
“With the current circumstances that are going on, I feel it’s best for one of us to remain here,” Caiden added, his voice steady.
“I agree,” Markus chimed in, his gaze focused on Ian, awaiting his decision.
Ian regarded them thoughtfully before addressing Caiden. “Stay here.”
“Rightio,” Caiden responded, a hint of relief in his voice.
“Now. let’s go and get this over with,” Ian commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Yes sir,” Markus and COhen replied in unison as they began to walk across the street, the weight of their mission palpable in the air.
As they moved forward, Caiden watched them go, his heart heavy with the responsibility resting on his shoulders. Suddenly, Cohen paused, turning back to face Caiden, his expression earnest.
“Please, take care of him,” Cohen urged, his eyes searching Caiden’s for assurance.
Caiden looked taken aback, the gravity of Cohen’s request sinking in. “I–I will,” he promised, his voice firm despite the surprise.
With a nod, Cohen turned back and rejoined Markus and Ian, leaving Caiden standing alone for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he walked back inside Ian’s building, ready to fulfill his duty as a bodyguard.

Caiden strolled into the kitchen, ready to introduce himself, completely unaware of the spectacle unfolding before him. “Yo, Andrew Lilac. I’m your bodyguard for–” His words trailed off as he caught sight of Andrew, dancing wildly around the kitchen, an infectious grin plastered across his face.
“MIRACULOUS! SIMPLY THE BEST! UP TO THE TEST WHEN THINGS GO WRONG!” Andrew belted out, his enthusiasm filling the room.
It took a moment for Andrew to notice Caiden standing there, confusion washing over his features as he approached. “Hi?”
Caiden couldn;t help but smile at the unexpected scene. “Hello!”
Andrew’s expression shifted as he asked, “How much of that did you see..?”
Caiden leaned in, playfully teasing. “You really wanna know?”
Andrew’s face went neutral, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. “Not really–anyway, why are you here?”
With a serious tone, Caiden replied, “I’m your bodyguard for today.”
The revelation caught Andrew off guard, his expression morphing into one of surprise. Without a moment’s hesitation, he bolted out of the kitchen, shouting, “NOT TODAY, SON!”
Caiden stood there, momentarily confused but quickly breaking into a grin. “I’m not that bad!” he called out, chasing after Andrew, ready to navigate whatever the day had in store for them.