Damian's POV
Bentley's face reddened, and his body stiffened as I finished my sentence. I wondered if he had a fever, even though he looked fine the last time I saw him.

"Are you feeling well? Your face is red," I asked, standing up from the chair.

"Yes! I'm completely fine!" he responded, vigor evident in his tone.

"Oh, that's a relief. So, what brings you to the gym?" I inquired.

"You're making it sound like my presence is surprising," Bentley nagged like a child.

"It’s, in fact, very unusual," I said with a smile, knowing I had pushed a button.

His eyebrows twitched. "No, I gym—I exercise once in a while," he retorted, looking away from my gaze.

"Oh? And when was the last time?" I grinned wickedly. Bentley opened his mouth to speak but paused, swallowing his words.

"Oh?" I arched an eyebrow. "Cat got your tongue?" I whispered.

Bentley's lips curved upward like a kid’s. "Leave me alone," he protested.

I burst into laughter. Seeing a different side of him for a change made me excited. I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye after a prolonged laugh, while Bentley stared blankly at me.

"Okay, I will," I said with a chuckle.

"Why are you here, though?" I asked.

"To ask if I could take pictures of your library and books," Bentley responded.

"That’s fine. Go ahead," I answered.

"Thanks," Bentley expressed his appreciation before turning back and walking away.

I gazed at him curiously as he left the room. What a weird guy... Do all heterosexuals freak out when people exercise? I thought internally.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I grabbed it to check the caller, and my face tightened at the contact: Dad.

"What does this man want from me now?" I mumbled.

An idea popped into my head, and a sly smirk formed on my lips. "I’ll just tell him I didn’t notice his missed call," I shrugged and waited for the call to end.

Shortly after the first call, another came through. I pulled out my phone again, and my gaze softened as I read the caller’s name.

"Oh, it’s Mom," I muttered, swiping the green button and holding the phone to my ear.

"Hi, Mom," I said.

"Damian!" she screamed my name, almost making me go deaf.

"Ah! I get it. I miss you too," I responded.

"We’re having lunch as a family. It’s not very far from your place—"

"Wait, are you in Maverick City?" I interrupted.

"Yes, with your father," she replied.

I paused, still holding the phone to my ear. Why are they here? That bastard of a father hasn’t called in two years, and now he wants the family to eat together? What family exactly? They’re just a group of people I happen to share the same blood and name with—nothing more, I thought bitterly.

"Hello? Damian? Are you there?" my mother’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Yes," I answered.

My mom took a short pause. "We can change the venue to your house if you want—"

"No!" I panicked. "Send the location," I added quickly.

"Hmm… My mama instinct tells me you’re hiding something," she whispered as though sharing a secret.

I chuckled. "I’m not." I can’t let them know a man is living with me.

"If you say so. I’ll text you the details. Bye," she said.

"Bye, Mom," I hung up with a smile. The only person worth seeing was my mother.

I took the elevator to my room and dressed up as though I was coming from work. They didn’t need to know what happened at the company last week. I wore my classic cologne—a scent that exuded authority and power.

I opened my car key collection room, picked out a Rolls-Royce key, and dialed my driver’s number.

He picked up swiftly. "Good afternoon, sir."

"I’m attending a family gathering. You know what to do."

"Yes, sir. I’m on my way," he answered.

"Good," I said, then hung up.

My driver arrived shortly with my bodyguards. As a Giovanni, you had to act like one in the eyes of the family and the public, even if it meant moving with bodyguards and a driver when you didn’t want to.

***

I waltzed into the reserved room, my escorts tagging behind me.

My father raised his head. "You’re late," he frowned.

"You should be grateful I came. Make it brief; I don’t have all day," I snapped, pulling out an empty chair and settling into it.

"Work hours are over. Perhaps you have someone you’re seeing. When shall we meet him?" my father asked, staring at me while sipping his red wine.

I scoffed. "Is this why we’re here?"

"Honey, stop teasing him," my mother chimed in.

My brother laughed loudly, like an untamed cow. "Damian has a boyfriend! Since when? What’s his name?"

My eyebrows twitched, my patience wearing thin. I took a deep breath to cleanse my hatred. "This was made by your staff, right?" I asked him.

He smirked. "Yes. I have the best cooks in my restaurant—"

"It’s mid," I said, tossing the food around my plate with a spoon.

His brows furrowed. "What? What did you say?" he raised his tone.

I smirked. "Mom could have never handed the restaurant to you. Your cooks are wack," I said, sipping my wine and dabbing my mouth with a napkin. "I’m full."

Their eyes narrowed at the plentiful leftovers on my plate.

"Are we done here?" I asked.

"You’re insufferable! Why do you have to be so cocky?" my brother yelled at me.

"Damian, be nice. Dominic, don’t provoke him. I want you two to apologize—"

"No!" we snapped in unison.

"Damian," my father called. "How is the company doing?"

"Yeah! How’s it going? I bet your new scents are flopping," Dominic cut in.

Dad glared at him, and he stopped talking.

"We’re doing well. In fact, we’re a week ahead. My staff is very reliable," I replied, glancing at Dominic with a smile. He squinted with disdain, gritting his teeth.

"That’s good," my father remarked. He turned to Dominic. "Your food is delicious, but you can do better."

"Thanks, Dad," Dominic grinned.

His comment wasn’t a surprise to me. Dominic had always been his favorite. Even when he messed up, Dad encouraged him with love. In my case, he did the exact opposite.

"I’m leaving," I said, standing up.

"So soon? Stay for a bit, dear," my mother said softly.

"He has a boyfriend to satisfy tonight. Run along now," Dominic smirked.

"Dominic, stop it!" Mom cautioned.

It was pointless to argue with my brother. Even if I told him I had no boyfriend, he wouldn’t listen.

I signaled my escorts, and we walked toward the exit. I halted, turning my neck halfway. "It’s good to see you again, Mom," I smiled at her.

"The rest of you could go to hell for all I care," I added, then turned to my father with a scowl. "Don’t call my phone again," I warned, my voice cold and dark.

The room went dead silent as I continued heading toward the door.

"Tell your boyfriend I said hi," Dominic half-yelled from a distance.

Author's note:
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