Chapter 22: A change
Damian's POV
I slowly opened my eyes. It was morning. Even though my tired body wished to sleep all day, it was not my decision to make. I had to be productive to maintain my billionaire status.
My head leaned on something small and cozy. Lifting it, my eyes widened. What was Bentley doing in my bed? I blinked, but it wasn’t an illusion. He’s not into men, so why was he here, intimately holding me close to his chest? Maybe he was drunk again and stumbled into my bed by accident. That must be it.
He yawned, slowly opening his eyes. “Hmm? It’s morning already?” he said sleepily, his eyes narrowing at me.
“Ha!” Bentley flinched, his eyes widening and cheeks heating.
“Good morning?” I said, raising a brow.
He lifted his head swiftly. “I-I can explain. You were drunk last night. I carried you all the way here and fell asleep too. That’s all, I swear!” he yelled, his face flushed in embarrassment.
I sighed, sitting up. “No need to get worked up.” I turned to him, smiling. “Thanks for the help.”
Bentley paused, staring at me. “Oh, you’re welcome,” he replied softly.
I glanced at the clock. “We need to speed things up a bit.” I got out of bed and took off my shirt.
He gasped, averting his gaze in a flash, his cheeks reddening.
“Don’t you have work too?” I asked, unzipping my pants.
“Yes, I’ll get going!” He shot out of the bed and bolted toward the exit.
What’s with his reaction? I thought, puzzled.
***
I got ready in a jiffy, picked up a random key, and took the elevator to the ground floor. I darted toward Mark, who was sleeping on the couch.
“You’re ready?”
I turned to the voice coming from the kitchen.
“Yes, let’s go,” I said.
“But you haven’t had breakfast. I’m sure I can make something for us in five minutes,” Bentley said, his voice weighed with concern.
“We don’t have time for breakfast. Let’s go,” I exhaled.
He dragged his feet, shoulders slouched and head drooping. “How’re you going to work on an empty stomach?” he mumbled.
This was one of the reasons I liked him—he’s passionate about cooking and feeding the people around him.
I smiled, reassuring him. “Don’t worry. I’ll have Emma get something for me during the lunch break. I’ll order lots of it.”
His eyes lit up. “Okay, I’ll make them extra special,” Bentley grinned.
I chuckled at his adorable reaction. “Extra special, huh? I’m honored.”
***
We exited the house and walked to the garage. I looked at the key in my palm, the one I’d picked at random. “Audi, good pick,” I said smugly. Of course, it was a good pick—all my cars are brand new, befitting for a billionaire like myself.
I clicked the auto-drive button, and the car rolled smoothly in front of us. I looked over my shoulder. “How do you like this brand, Bentley?”
His eyes sparkled. “Wow! This is just as cool as the others,” he exclaimed, staring. “I like the color and headlights best,” he added, beaming.
I dropped him off at work and then headed to my company. As promised, I sent Emma to order one of everything on the menu. I thought I’d be able to finish everything on a hungry stomach, but I eventually reached my limit and had to give the rest to Emma and some of my employees.
***
I picked Bentley up in the evening, and we drove home.
By the time we got there, the house was empty, and Mark’s things were nowhere to be found. I dialed his number, and he picked up on the first ring.
“Mark, how dare you leave without telling me?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowed.
“I’m sorry, don’t scold me,” he laughed over the phone.
“Apology not accepted. You need to be punished,” I said in a calm, low tone.
He moaned loudly, breathing rapidly. “I accept. Please, punish me good... I’ve been a naughty boy.”
“You’ll have to come over first,” I said, a smirk forming on my lips.
“Oh yeah, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Let’s go out only on Friday and Saturday nights.”
“Huh? Why?” I paused.
“A certain someone told me that’s what friends do.”
“That’s more convenient,” I replied.
“Okay, we can talk on the phone on weekdays, just like this.”
“Okay, see you on Friday.”
“Bye, good night. Muah!” he said, blowing a kiss over the phone.
“Good night,” I smiled and hung up.
***
I turned to the kitchen. Bentley was trying to reach for something in the top cabinet. Even on his toes, his fingers only grazed the pot.
I might have raised the top cabinet a little too high, not imagining I’d have to live with someone shorter who loves cooking.
“Do you need help?” I asked.
“Don’t worry, I almost got it,” he said through clenched teeth, jumping like a bunny to grab the handle.
I chuckled, moving to him. “That’s enough, you’ll hurt yourself,” I said, taking the pot and placing it on the counter. “There’s no shame in asking for help, okay?” I glanced at him.
“Okay,” Bentley answered, his voice lowered.
“Do you need my help with anything else?” I asked.
“No,” he shook his head.
I turned to leave, but he called my name, causing me to pause. Bentley stared at the floor. “W-What would you like for dinner?” he stuttered, a faint blush on his cheeks.
“Dinner?” I repeated, thinking. “Could you make teriyaki chicken bowls?”
Bentley nodded. “Of course, I can make anything you want. Just say the name,” he said confidently.
“Thank you,” I said, adding, “I’ll take a quick shower first.”
***
I returned to the living room to watch the evening news.
“Dinner is ready,” Bentley announced a few minutes later.
“You’re fast,” I said, taking a seat.
“Tell me if you like it,” Bentley grinned, waiting for me to eat.
I scooped some rice, already soaked in the flavorful juices of chicken and teriyaki sauce. The chicken was tender and succulent, perfectly grilled.
The meal struck a balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a satisfying and delicious dish.
I paused, then lifted my gaze to him. “You’re truly amazing, Bentley.”
Author's note:
And we're back to the good old days. Hehe.
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