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***Alexei's POV***

Fucking, sexy, little tease. Christ alone. Lend me your strength.

Gavin is driving me crazy. Here I am, trying, my best, to show him how much I want to have an actual connection with him. Can he let me? No!

"Ready." I heavily pant out. At this rate, I will have calluses by the time we reach New York. I slide on my shoes while grabbing the keys.

"Hold on." Gavin runs into the bathroom. I watch as he applies the cherry lip balm to his lips. He is going to need that. I plan on making those lips plump as peaches later.

I am strong. I am willing to wait. But, if this little succubus keeps teasing me, I might fail. Believe me, I am not THAT strong. I want him.

Gavin and I enter the elevator. I make sure to stay as close as possible without smothering him. I do not want to run him off. I have a habit of being clingy. It is definitely a flaw.

I scan each person as they join us on the elevator. Thankfully, this is a busy hotel. I end up behind Gavin with his hips nestled nicely between my hands. I take the opportunity to slide my hands down into his pockets, pulling him against me, for his protection.

"Where are we going?" Gavin whispers from below me. I stare down at him, in wonder. How is he so devastatingly handsome. His cherub lips sit pressed together lightly. They are kissable. I want to taste them.

"Italian food." I whisper back without emotion.

"Surprise." Gavin giggles as if we just shared a joke. It's Italy, what do you expect?

I, politely, hold on to Gavin as everyone else steps off of the elevator. I am eager to get out of the tin box, but I also like to make sure that no one rubs up against my little nurse. He is mine.

Once we walk out of the hotel, I grab Gavin's hand. This is a date. I want to make sure he feels like he is the center of my attention.

"You look very nice." I talk to Gavin as we walk down the sidewalk. 

"Thank you. I tried." Gavin smiles at me letting his dimples tuck into his cheeks. He is pure magic.

Gavin points to sites that I have not been able to see before. Being stuck in a hospital room lends no room for being a tourist. During this visit, we were only focused on Seb's health. Now that he is going in a good direction, I can afford to take in the view. Although, I will say, the best view is standing beside me. Gavin nestles under my arm as if he knows he belongs there.

"I'm ordering pizza." Gavin announces abruptly. He can have whatever he likes. It makes no difference to me.

"Sure." I agree quickly.

"With garlic. And onions. You aren't allergic to anchovies, are you?" I swear I hear a snicker in Gavin's voice as he makes my stomach roll. That's fucking hideous. He is a monster.

"Allergic? No. I do prefer not to taste that rancid concoction on your breath all night." I admit sternly. Have mercy on me, for the love of god.

"Oh, I didn't know you had any intentions of tasting me." Gavin snarkily snaps back.

This fucking guy! 

"Not if you load your breath with garbage, I don't." The threat is really just an appeal to his greater senses. Truth be told, I'm going to eat that ass one day and I don't actually care if his mouth tastes like a vile combination of aromatics and fish. It wouldn't stop me. But I do prefer his generally sweet scent to that of rancid sea water.

"Good to know." Gavin giggles as he tucks himself further into my arm.

I open the door to the restaurant, allowing a few others to go in before us. We are in no hurry. We have no place to go and no deadlines to reach before morning. The plane ride is going to be long. We might as well enjoy our last day in this romantic city before we head home to pick up all the pieces each of us left behind. We, hopefully, will have new pieces to start moving around as well.

The waiter comes over, smiling joyfully down upon us as we take our seats. I see that Italy has a promising amount of good-natured people. That will come in handy if we choose to come back one day.

"Would you like to start with a glass of wine?" The waiter asks Gavin. I am not behind that idea. I prefer to keep him sober.

"No, thank you. Long ride tomorrow. How about a strawberry lemonade? Do you make it fresh? I do not like concentrated." Gavin smiles up at the waiter. With a quick reassurance, Gavin accepts the order.

"I will have water." I state. It doesn't matter what I drink as long as the food is good.

"I will be right back." Our waiter states before leaving us alone at the table.

"Do you know what you want?" Gavin looks at me as I scan the menu.

"Food." I joke.

"No shit." Gavin pops off with an eye roll. Who the fuck does he think he is?

"That's unnecessary." I charge graciously.

"Didn't ask." Gavin smiles at me with menace.

I wonder what his game he is playing?

"A little bit of advice, babe." I start with an edge of grit upon my tongue. "I would prefer if you didn't act out in public. We are in a very nice place. Let's behave as such."

"Sorry." Gavin whispers. The blush on his cheeks alerts me that he is embarrassed. That will do.

"I will be having chicken parmesan. If you would like anything aside from pizza, just ask the waiter to get it for you." I run my finger over Gavin's smaller jawbone. He is quite pretty and when he allows for a moment of tenderness, the softness really let his angelic features glow.

"Thank you." Gavin allows our waiter to set his beverage on the table. I offer my gratitude as my water is placed in front of me as well.

"Are we ready to order?" The waiter sets down bread service in front of us. I am impressed by the tray of bruschetta and herbed oil. I love bread.

"Pizza please. I would like onions, garlic, pepperoni and green peppers. No mushrooms." Gavin smiles at me. Thank god the guy had grace on my tastebuds.

"Chicken parmesan, Ceasar salad and light sauce on the pasta please." I ramble my order with ease. I am a creature of habit.

"Ceasar salad for me as well. Extra cheese. Extra croutons and extra dressing." Gavin places his menu inside of the waiter's hand as he smiles over at me.

"Good choice." I commend him for adding a vegetable. They are important.

"Anchovies." Gavin jokes. He isn't wrong. He did get anchovies. But these I do not mind.

"Is there anything you would like to do during your last night here?" I ask with genuine interest. I want to spend this time making Gavin happy. I have a feeling I will always want to make him happy.

"I am really tired. I have been here for months. I think I have seen all I want to, right now." Gavin takes a sip of his lemonade before reaching for bread.

"We can cuddle and watch television." I offer in return.

"Sounds good." Gavin shrugs as if I did not just offer the romance of being held all night.

"What would you like to watch?" I attempt to keep the conversation light but profitable.

"Something romantic." Gavin gives me one of his dimpled smiles. I will watch whatever he likes. I just want to cuddle.

"Okay. You may pick the movie, so get some ideas." I fold effortlessly. I don't care.

As we are going back and forth, plotting our night away, the waiter returns with our plates. Honestly, I figured we would be waiting much longer. I am happy to be surprised.

"Can I get you anything else?" The waiter requests.

"No, thank you." I reply after Gavin shakes his head at me. I admire the way his curls on his head bounce back and forth with the gesture. 

"Can I ask you something?" Gavin asks after swallowing a bite of his food.

"Sure." I relinquish.

"Why are you?" Gavin puts the emphasis on me right off. "Avoiding me?"

"I did not intend to do so. Please explain." I am genuinely abashed by the accusation. I have been very attentive. I haven't left his side since the others left back home, except to let him say his goodbyes.

"You're not obtuse." Gavin bites back.

"Excuse me." I say in shock. What is he going on about?

"You haven't left me, no. But you haven't made a move either." Gavin boldly lashes out.

"We have time." I offer in return.

"True but unnecessary." Gavin argues back.

"While that may be the case, I am inclined to take this a little slower as I actually like you and see no rush." I admit affectionately.

"So, you're not, um toying with me?" Gavin asks with his head tilted slightly to the side. The boy has gone mad. Obviously, he is losing it.

"When I am toying with you, that mouth will be full... of me. Remember that." I threaten. 

"Good to know." Gavin pops up from his seat to put a kiss on my cheek. I take his chin in my hand to move his lips across mine. He is definitely delusional. I am trying to exercise control here. He is making it hard.

"Eat. We can leave when you're through." I wave my hand over the table. I am suddenly in no need for food. I want privacy. I need a few moments alone so I can work the attitude out of my friend.

Gavin agrees silently by continuously putting his fork to his mouth. I move in silence, finishing what I can of my dinner. I really am ready to be back at that hotel. I have plans.

After we are finished, I wave the waiter to the table. Thanking him for his service, I sign the check before sliding a large bill into the black folder. Gavin ops not to take his leftovers which suits me fine since we are headed to the airport early. We can catch breakfast there. I see no need to carry food to the hotel when room service is always available.

We walk slowly down the walkway, making our way back to our room. I keep my hand on Gavin's back, listening while he lists off all of the things he must accomplish before he takes the stage to graduate. I am positive he has worked hard for this. Most kids his age, from the Hamptons, go to fluff colleges. Few choose an actual career that will solidify their future. I find this very attractive. Determination and goals are one of my many turn-ons. Gavin has both.

As we make it to the room, I find myself excited. I just want to get comfortable and pull the pint- sized man into my arms. Gavin leaves nothing to be desired in the charming department. I also find him stunningly attractive. I have no reason to avoid him in any sense of the work. Nor, do I intend to. If he will have me, I plan on making a go of a long-term relationship with Gavin.

"I'm going to change." I announce as I open the door to our room. Gavin agrees, pulling off his leather jacket while kicking off his shoes.

I make way to the suitcase, pull out my sweats and head into the bathroom to make myself more presentable for the precious body that is about to be in my arms.

After brushing my teeth, I apply cologne. I don't intend to seduce the little angel but smelling good never killed a soul. I wash my face and slide my t-shirt over my sculpted body. Teasing never killed anyone either. Before leaving the bathroom, I throw in a few reps of wall push-ups just to make sure that I keep Gavin looking. I want him to soak in all I have to offer. I need him to desire me as much as I already desire him. It is important to impress a potential partner. I plan on doing so.

Once I am fully ready, I slip out of the bathroom only to see that Gavin is waiting for me outside of the door. He ducks beneath my arm before closing the door behind me. I just smile. Apparently, the garlic and onion made him want to wash his dirty little mouth out. I appreciate it. I plan on using that mouth shortly.

As I lay down on the bed, I almost laugh at the movie Gavin has on pause. The Notebook is timeless, romantic and long. I doubt we make it completely through. Although, I have to assume that Gavin has seen it before so that won't be a selling point regardless.

"Ready." Gavin whispers. I turn my head to see him standing calmly with that red balm glistening on his lips. As my eyes track down his body, I see his Calvin Kleins are all that he has decided to wear tonight. I can feel the lump in my throat as my penis throbs deeply.

I am not THAT strong.

"Come here." I beckon the angel in briefs in front of me.