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Ramos' Manor.

Aiden Walker and Mason Ramos.

Aiden has been living in the guesthouse for weeks now. He started working on himself and establish his emotions. Derek helped him a lot. They worked out together, Derek thought him about the business, and he even did some combat training to strengthen his body.

Aiden wanted to know more about the mafia. He wanted to know their rivals and their allies. He was training to be the perfect doña.

Mason had given him the time and space he needed. Aiden has barely seen him, and whenever he did, the other would quickly avoid him. It hurt a bit, feeling rejected, yet he knew that Mason wanted him to feel at ease.

Derek told him how Mason changed a lot of things about the business, keeping a low profile and spending most of the time in the manor. They wanted the story about his death to remain as it was, to drag their enemies out and study their movement. So far, Klaus, the gang leader who targeted Mason and ordered his men to kill him, was laying low too. He must be doubtful about the whole situation, not buying the news of the Ramos family holding a private funeral for their boss.

Mason wanted to convince everyone that he was gone, so he asked Jason to spread the news of Luke taking over; Some of their allies were against the idea of a stranger running the mob, but they didn't say anything out of fear.

Today, Derek took him and Thomas to the shooting range. Aiden was against the idea, but Derek insisted. He didn't want him to try it for the purpose of learning how to use one. Derek wanted him to give it a shot to release the anger and fear that resided within him.

Thomas, of course, was all over the place. He couldn't contain his excitement, giggling like a maniac.

They reached the shooting range, which was a few yards away from the guesthouse. It was this vast, open space, with several target practice terrains, used mostly by the Ramos' men to train. Aiden saw a group of people who were running around the vast field, following Silas's guidance.

Aiden chuckled when he noticed Adam tailing behind them, shoulder hunched, dragging his feet. Yet, he was surprised that he could actually keep up, given his weak constitution.

"What are you guys doing here?"

Mason was covered in sweat, his shirt stuck to his chest, wiping his face with a towel. Aiden glanced at him secretly, admiring his physique.

"Thomas wanted to learn how to shoot, and I dragged Aiden to give it a try."

Mason scowled at what Derek said, looking back at Aiden with a quirked eyebrow. The latter coyly avoided his eyes.

"Are you okay with this?"

Aiden shrugged, looking at Derek, who smirked at him, before meeting Mason's eyes.

"It's not like I want to learn how to use guns. I just wanted to see what the fuss is about." Hesitantly, he added. "Would that be okay?"

"Sure, if you want to. Just be careful, and follow Derek's instructions."

"Actually," Derek started with that familiar teasing smile. "Since I have my hands full teaching Thomas,  I'd need some help to keep an eye on Aiden."

Aiden narrowed his eyes at him, and the other winked at him in return.

"I can help, if Aiden doesn't mind."

He felt his cheeks heat up as he nodded. "I don't mind."

Thomas has already positioned himself, placing the shooting ear-muffs on, and testing the weight of the handgun Derek has given him. He was listening to what the other was telling about the gun, nodding with focused eyes.

Aiden gulped when Mason handed him a gun, leaning forward as he elaborated.

"First, feel the weight and shape of the gun. Your hand needs to get used to it, understand its shape and power, for your eyes to follow suit. Only by knowing the gun, you can learn how to be a better shot."

Aiden couldn't help but frown, feeling nervous that he wouldn't meet the expectation of his instructor.

"Do I need to be a better shot?"

He asked, glaring at the handgun that weighed down his hand, thinking how people could handle it as if it weighed nothing, aiming it around and hitting their shots. So far, he was sure he'd miss everything except for his feet from how heavy it was.

Mason smiled, handing him ear-muffs when he jumped at the sound of a shot fired by his crazy friend. Thomas looked impressed, and he was doing well by the looks of it, making Aiden glare at him in envy, feeling more determined.

"You don't need to hit the targets on your first try." Mason went on, helping him position himself. "All you need to focus on is getting used to it. The rest will come naturally."

Doubt it, Aiden thought. He was always a klutz, so he has already deemed himself to fail. He jumped when Mason carefully touched his back, straightening it. He positioned his arms, hitting his elbow upward softly. It seemed as if he was careful not to get too close to him, and the thought troubled Aiden.

"Keep this position and focus on the targets close to you. Try to compensate for the aim drop by aiming higher than the target, then shoot."

Aiden liked feeling him close, as Mason fixed the ear-muffs tightly around his ears. But he felt the need for more. He carelessly shot his gun, distracted by his husband, shrieking when the bullet hit a tree instead of the target few feet in front of him.

His cheeks heated up, lifting the ear-muffs as he looked back at Mason. The other had this encouraging smile.

"Good. How did it feel?"

"I missed my shot." He shyly replied, listening to Thomas' cheers as he scored, again, a perfect shot.

"It doesn't matter if you did. What matters is what this gun made you feel. Did you like it? Did it make you feel in control? Do you feel more powerful?"

Afraid to disappoint him, Aiden glanced at the gun before he admitted.

"It frightens me. I can't focus on the target, afraid I may hit someone."

"There is no one you can hit. Although I don't mind if you accidentally shoot your friend who's being obnoxiously loud."

Mason had this playful smile, making Aiden chuckle.

His husband's eyes brightened and seemed reluctant as he asked. "Would you mind if I guided you through it? Or, would you prefer Derek to teach you?"

Aiden focused on willing away the blush that tainted his cheeks, nodding.

"You can do as you pleased."

Mason stared at him for a while before he nodded as well, helping him position himself. Aiden felt the heat of his body as his husband's chest leaned on his back, spreading his legs apart to be in more control of his stance, as his feet felt more grounded. Mason's breath fanned on his nape, tickling his sensitive spot as he helped aim the gun.

"Focus," He whispered in his ear, making him realize that he wasn't wearing his ear-muffs. But although the sound was loud, it wasn't that deafening in this open-air shooting range.

Mason got even closer that Aiden started sweating from the warmth. His body was tingling all over as if he expected something to happen. Something more erotic and sensual.

"Close your eyes, Aiden," Mason instructed, and he did. All his other senses felt sharp, hearing his heartbeat, engulfed in Mason's scent, listening to every word he uttered in clarity.

"Breathe,"

Aiden felt Mason's hand on his hip, which startled him, firing his gun, only to hit the target silhouette in the chest. He opened his eyes, looking around when Thomas cheered him on.

"Good job, Aiden!"

He smiled, looking back to find Mason was gone. He frowned when he wasn't there, his eyes searched for him, only to see his figure walking back towards the manor.

"What happened?" Thomas asked, concerned. "Where is your husband?"

Derek, who figured what happened, patted his back. "Let's go back, for now. We'll pick up from where we left off tomorrow."

Aiden had this sorrow-filled expression, thinking about Mason. He didn't know what he did wrong for him to leave like that, and it pained him.

The next morning, Aiden ventured in the manor, after helping his mother and Thomas set up the latter's office. Part of him was hoping to see Mason, and maybe talk to him about what happened. He couldn't sleep the whole night, thinking if he did anything wrong that upset his husband.

Derek told him that Mason was struggling with the whole situation, admitting that he had this urge to touch him whenever he saw him. And Aiden was surprised when the thought of it didn't upset him. If anything, he wanted Mason to touch him, for them to get close and work on their relationship. Avoiding each other wouldn't help them progress.

He went to the kitchen for a drink. He filled his glass with water and brought it to his lips only to choke. In walked Mason wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants, water dripping from his hair, gliding down his chest. Aiden couldn't stop himself from gawking at him, swallowing thickly, with widened eyes, trailing down those tattoos, feeling jealous of the water touching that body.

Mason excused himself as he invaded his personal space to grab something. His tan nipples were on Aiden's face when Mason reached up to get a glass. He gulped audibly and licked his lips when he felt the urge to place a kiss on that chest.

His eyes glued on that body until it moved away, replaced by a broad back complemented by a tribal tattoo of a wolf. Mason had his back to him, fetching milk from the fridge.

Milk?!

The boss was drinking milk, like some kid enjoying it. The other placed the glass on the counter and licked his lips.

"I don't think you need time to make up your mind." Mason taunted, making him look away, blushing.

He heard him shuffling until he got closer to him. Shoulder to shoulder as he leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"If you want to play hard to get, I don't mind. I like the chase."

His eyes widened when he felt Mason's fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. He could've moved away, but instead, he let him touch his shirt. He looked to the side and caught that lustful look. He didn't know what to say back and mumbled the first thing that crossed his mind.

"Are you hungry?"

"Ugh, starving," Mason grunted. "I need some energy to deal with Luke."

Alarmed by what he said, Aiden hesitantly asked. "What do you mean?"

"I need Luke to make it believable that he's now running the mob. And I have a feeling it'll take a lot of convincing for him to agree."

"Yes, not everyone wants to risk their lives to face those angry people in the underground," Aiden muttered, his eyes filled with worry. "I wish you could give up that position. It's not safe."

"It's never safe, Aiden. Whether I keep this position or not, someone will always have the evil intention of harming our family. Securing my position by putting Luke in charge until I'm back, will make those who are in hiding come out. Only by killing them that I can live in peace."

Seeing his husband still concerned, it filled Mason with joy, knowing that he was worried about his well-being. He leaned down, his voice low in an octave as he teased him.

"Are you worried about me, bello?"

Aiden didn't heed to his taunting tone of voice. His worry overcame his bashfulness as he nodded.

"I am, so what? I know that you're reckless and have no sense of self-awareness."

Mason wasn't surprised by his bluntness, happy that Aiden was acting normal around him, again.

"Don't worry about it." He sighed deeply. "Trust me, Aiden. Ruling the underground is what keeping this family safe. I give up the position, and everyone will start targeting us. I promised to make it safe for you, my family, and friends, and I will. . . If only that bastard would show his face. Klaus is doing a great job of being under the radar right now, but soon he'll be tempted to come out."

Aiden nodded, gnawing on his lower lip. He caught a glimpse of Mason adjusting his junk, making him move his hands quickly in preparing something for him to eat.

Mason took a seat, facing him. He watched him when he looked through the pantry for food, tilting his head for a better look at that perfect ass. He watched him when he cut the ham and prepared his sandwich. He watched him like a hawk, studying his every move, licking his lips when Aiden licked the mayo off his finger.

He was watching him like a wolf assessing his prey. . .or mate?

"Here."

Aiden handed him the plate and filled another glass of milk for him. He offered it with a smile, happy to see him eating.

Now, it was his turn to watch. He watched Mason devour that bread and suck the juice off of his fingers, lick his lips, and swipe his tongue over for any breadcrumbs. His body started to heat up as his eyes fixed on those plump lips, wanting to feel them.

"Aiden," The other grunted." You keep staring at me like that, I won't be able to control myself anymore."

He gasped when the other stood up and tried to make a run for it. He yelped when he was carried off the floor by his husband.

"Mason!"

"Say it again."

Mason breathed in his ear, holding him flush against his chest. "Say my name again, Aiden. If you do, I'll take you to my bed and show you the love I feel for you."

"Please let me go." He begged, suddenly feeling nervous.

He feared that he might force him again. He'd violate him, and wouldn't keep his promise.

"Do you want me to?"

Aiden was speechless when his body protested and wanted to be held like that. He loved Mason's arms around him, to hear his voice this close and engulfed in his musky scent. He was afraid that his voice would fail him, so he nodded.

Mason obliged, but he held his hand for a while. Aiden could see the pain, despair, and want in those blue eyes, which made him shudder in sadness.

"I want you to tell me that I have a chance. . .because I can't."

Aiden looked down, and Mason let go. He moved away back to where he left his food, leaving him in the middle of the room brooding. He nervously twiddled his thumbs, looking up to find him watching.

"Mason,"

It was all he said as he turned around to leave. He heard him mumble something, not understanding what he meant. That until, seconds later, he heard something drop down in a loud thud, and footsteps hurrying his way.

"You said my name! You. . .Aiden, you know what this means?"

Aiden looked down from up the stairs and smiled a little.

"I'm coming!" The mafia boss stammered, following him.

Aiden sat on the bed, watching the door. His heart was racing, and so was his mind. He chastised himself for not thinking this through.

He wasn't ready. He was scared.

Mason walked in, a smile graced his lips. White and wide. He walked to the bed, and Aiden couldn't help but flinch away. It was small but noticeable. His husband stopped but smiled regardless. He slowly settled beside him on the bed and held his hand.

His eyes held his almond brown pair as he lifted his hand to his lips and kissed it. He caressed and kissed where the owl tattoo was, looking up with a genuine grin, engrossed with affection and joy.

"An owl, like you. That's why I chose it."

He giggled so musically and brought his hand again to his lips, kissing the tip of each finger with such tenderness, making him heat up even more from the warm sensation. His heart exploded in his chest and his groin stirred up, begging for attention. He panicked at the feeling and tried to pry his hand away, but Mason held it.

"Are you scared?"

Aiden looked at him for what felt like a minute before he nodded, and Mason frowned. His bright blue eyes looked sorrow-filled that made his heart pang in uneasiness.

"Please don't be. If you don't want to, then it's fine. You know that I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do."

Aiden didn't know what to say. Truth be told, he wanted to be with him. He wanted Mason to hold him the way he held him during the sweet nights they once had. He missed his touch. He missed how his hands would gradually move up his body, massaging his thighs, caressing his hips, and teasing his nipples.

Aiden missed those sensual nights.

As an answer, he just looked away, flustered, regretting even remembering those nights that made him hot and bothered.

"I'm addicted," Mason confessed. "The whole reason why I forced myself on you, it was my growing addiction to hold you; to kiss and love you. I know what I did was wrong, and it pains me that it ruined everything. . . The other day, I saw you with Derek, laughing and joking around, and I hated it. I wanted to be in his place. I wanted to be the one to make you laugh. But all I do is make you scared and unhappy."

He took his other hand and brought them both to his lips, kissing them.

"I know it's selfish for me to say this, but I couldn't do it with anyone else but you. All these past years, I got angry that you cut me off. . . I had nightmares of you being with someone else, happy. . . It would've devastated me if you really fell for someone else. So, seeing you this close to Derek, did a toll on me. . . The other night, I walked to the guesthouse, having this urge to see you. But I panicked, afraid to see the look on your face when you'd see me."

He moved closer, and Aiden's breath shuddered. He wasn't scared but overwhelmed by the clear emotions in those blue eyes.

"That's creepy." Aiden nervously chuckled, trying to ease the tension.

Mason let out a laugh, humming. "Indeed, it's creepy. But, I guess, you knew this about me. I'm obsessed with you Aiden. I want you. . . I'll want you every day because you're my daily fix. But I want you to want me back. I want you to kiss me back when I do, to hold me close and to love me as I do love you."

He looked down at their laced fingers and frowned.

"But again, I know it's not easy for you. I know that you're mad at me, frightened and that you don't trust me."

"I do," Aiden whispered and looked away when those regretful eyes bored into his own. "I trust that you're trying so hard to change, Mason. And you're right, I'm still mad at you and scared of you."

"Don't be." He bellowed, and Aiden smiled dryly.

"It's not easy. Even though, I trust the fact that you're working so hard to repent for what you did, and that you won't hurt me anymore. I don't trust myself. I'm afraid that I'll get disappointed. That you'll find out I'm not that interesting anymore because I gave in and loved you. I don't want you to leave me."

"Never will I ever leave you."

Aiden could no longer stop his tears, triggered by all the emotions that filled his heart. Thick droplets glided down his flushed cheeks as he stared intently at the boss.

"I loved you." He choked on a sob, pulling away when Mason tried to touch his face and wipe his tears. "I loved you so damn much that I did the stupidest things, begging for your attention. . .Even when you hurt me, I'd always find myself on your bed, eagerly waiting for you to visit me."

He chuckled. An empty laugh that had Mason furrow his eyebrows in concern.

"I used to believe that maybe if I loved you enough, you'd notice me and change. I was fooling myself and would always cry myself to sleep every night. Either because you abused me, or when the realization of my idiocy would hit me."

"I-I, shit. I'm sorry, Aiden."

Aiden shook his head and sniffled.

"Even when I ran away. I was scared, Mason. More like frightened, but also saddened. . . I would find myself missing you every night. My mind tried so hard to tell me otherwise, that you are vicious, heartless, and cruel. I find myself smiling stupidly when I remember something we did."

He smiled softly, and Mason returned it, his eyes watching him warily, begging him not to break his heart. But how could he? Aiden knew that he was into deep with this man; that hating him wasn't an option for him. If Mason was addicted to him, Aiden was hooked, obsessed, and in love with him.

"I love you, Aiden."

Mason stated nervously. His lips trembled, and his eyes watered. A sight unfamiliar to Aiden, and he realized, instantly, how much he hated it. He'd never want to see him like this, uncertain and weak.

Aiden smiled and held Mason's hands in his.

"I do too." He sobbed, tears flowing steadily now down his face. "I love you so fucking much, but I'm scared."

"Aiden." Mason held his face, and Aiden felt all his strength left him as he leaned down on the bed with the boss on top of him.

"You're not the only one who's scared, Aiden. . . I am terrified. I fear that my love won't be enough to make you forget what I did. That you'll wake up one day and realize how much of an asshole I am; I'm bipolar, I whine a lot and have an irritating attitude. I'm selfish and tyrant. . . I'm a control freak, Aiden! How can you love me?"

A struggling tear slid down the side of his cheek, and Aiden didn't know what got him to lean up and catch it with his lips. He felt Mason stiffen on top of him, and when he pulled away, he met this incredible expression.

Mason looked flustered, a red blush covered his cheeks, making him look adorable. Aiden giggled at the thought and smiled when his husband did.

"I love you the way you are." He confessed." You're irritable, childish and so self-centered. . . Apathetic, relentless, and hard-headed. But you're mine."

Mason couldn't take it anymore. That pair of thin, pink, and soft lips were taunting him for so long. One moment he was staring at them, the next, he found himself claiming them.

The kiss felt like the ones he stole before. Aiden's weren't responsive, while his own were being forceful. He sucked at the bottom lip and frowned for not getting a reaction. And when he was about to pull away, he felt them move against his own. He felt Aiden innocently trying to mimic his every move. He nibbled softly on his top lip and gasped when Mason sucked hard on the pout of his lips, that for sure, would be swollen.

Aiden groaned; the wetness of tears stained his face. He was kissing him yet crying at the doubts that clouded his mind. He was loving the moment, but he couldn't enjoy it knowing what was coming afterward.

He had enough disappointment the past few years, and he wanted this to be over with already.

Mason pulled back with a smack, aiming to enjoy the sight of his beloved flustered. It pained him that he was still crying, smiling when he caught his eyes.

"I won't go all the way . . . I promised that I'll show you how much I love you. I'm planning to please you, not myself."

Aiden shook his head; his eyes studied his expression as if he was looking for something. Those glossy eyes settled on his own and sucked a deep breath, shuddering as he heaved it out.

"Please, don't hurt me."

"I would never-"

"Please, don't break my heart again, because I won't be able to take it."

Mason felt like crying, seeing him like this. He knew that he was responsible for this. He was the one that ingrained fear and doubt in that pure heart.

"I promise."

He softly wiped his face and kissed his cheek.

"I promise, baby, to never hurt you again. . . I'm sorry I directed my anger towards you. I held you responsible for falling in love with you. I was a homophobic prick who loved women but found an interest in a man. In a boy who looked happy not caring that he changed my life then."

Mason sat up, and Aiden slowly did as well. He glanced at Mason's hands, missing their touch and hoping to be on him again. The boss caught his eyes and took his soft ones in his own.

He chuckled a little then resumed.

"I started dreaming about you, every damn night. It troubled me then angered me. I avoided you like the plague and even skipped school just to force my mind to think straight. Until I couldn't; My mind would always go back to school, and my heart would beg me to go find you."

He pecked his lips, and his face flushed in an instant, almost mewling when Mason resumed kissing his fingers. He liked kissing him. It felt so perfect. It was like their lips were shaped and molded for each other.

Mason stopped for a moment, getting up and fetching something from the safe in the walk-in closet. It turned out to be his ring. The ring he proposed to him with.

"I hate seeing this finger empty. I want you to wear it until I'll buy you a new one."

Aiden nodded, his heart skipping in Joy. He didn't want to change this ring. This was theirs. It was the reason he got his first kiss.

He giggled at the memory and gasped slightly when he caught that lustful glare.

"Can I hold you?" Mason said in a hoarse whisper, and Aiden found himself overwhelmed, nodding to his man.

He swallowed thickly, not from fear but desire when he towered over him. For some reason, just now, he realized that Mason was bare, only wearing his sweatpants. His mind was clouded with past memories that he forgot Mason was half-naked. And now that he noticed, his mind and heart raced a hundred miles per hour.

He slowly pinned him down under his body, burying his face in his neck, taking a deep breath.

"I missed you." His voice muffled. His warm breath tickled his neck, making him shiver weirdly.

Aiden was hesitant at first, then he felt his arms wrap around that heat source, pulling him even closer, pressing their hot bodies together, as they should be.

At this an unexpected move, Mason placed a tender kiss on his neck, relishing in his warmth. Aiden suppressed a moan, face beet red, biting his lips to keep all unwanted sounds from coming out.

Soft kisses turned to sucking noises, then hot grunts coming from Mason.

He could feel his body burning, his groin hardening the more Mason kissed, nibbled, and bit his neck.

"Aiden," He whispered in his ear as if they had company in the room. "I'm fucking horny right now, not gonna lie."

Aiden let out a squeaky sound, lips thinned, thinking. His thoughts were disturbed when the other bit hard on his skin, licking it afterward, making him release an enticing moan.

Mason didn't hide the lust he had for him when he pulled back. But instead of those dull and dark eyes, Aiden used to witness, the blue eyes he adored had a certain warmth to them. Love, affection, and a bit of innocence overwhelmed them.

"Can I?"

Aiden nodded, blushing more if it was even possible. Although he felt shy about what they'd do next, he couldn't look away. He was so smitten, treasuring the person that he almost lost weeks back.

He moaned when those plump lips found his own again. Mason's hand found its favorite place; under his shirt and by his nipples. He pinched the left one, and Aiden arched his back grunting. They were always sensitive, but only to the boss' touch.

Mason lifted his shirt and lowered his head to his chest, spreading kisses all over. His hand moved slowly up and down his hip, playing with the waistband of his pants. He couldn't help it but moan when he felt him lick his perked-up nipple, feeling him smirk victoriously at that.

Kisses turned to love bites, Aiden's mind was clouded with pleasure, panting, and writhing under his touch. A cold breeze touched his groin when his clothes were no longer existent. He tried to lift his head and look at his man, but he couldn't. The pleasure coming from those lips that now found their second favorite toy was unbearable.

Mason had his lips around his oozing member, flicking his tongue and tasting his essence. Aiden threw his head back, moaning his husband's name when he took him deep inside that hot mouth.

"Mason . . .Ahh!!!"

The other felt pleased, putting so much skill and effort to please him. His head bobbed up and down, tongue massaging and playing with the tip, listening to Aiden release sounds he never heard before.

"Nnn, I'm close."

Mason pulled back and kissed the tip, enjoying the sight of him squirming. He pulled away to take off his pants, and Aiden watched while rubbing his thighs together, missing the touch. He was in a haze, a delicious one that he wished not to wake up from.

He felt a bit of pride and satisfaction to see his husband's dick spring up once he took off his boxers. The tip bright and shining with pre-cum. He gulped when he realized that it'll be inside him any moment now, yet moaned in anticipation.

Aiden was ready.

He tried to turn around, assuming Mason's favorite position, but the other held him in place.

"I want to look at your face while I turn you delirious. I want you to entice me with that pure expression you're sporting right now."

The huskiness of his voice had Aiden squirm even more.

"Mason, umm . . .please."

The boss cussed and was on him in a second. His hands roamed his body again, his lips sucking his own, swallowing his cries while his fingers skillfully prepared him. Their bodies shimmering from sweat, their faces flushed, and eyes dazed, engulfed by lust.

"Mason!" A loud moan was heard when his husband slid slowly inside him. The bed rocked back and forth from the rough act that followed. Their bodies moved in sync, and so did their lips.

"Open your eyes and look at me, bello."

Aiden did what he was told, releasing a euphoric giggle when he saw the love in those bright eyes. His giggle turned into a laugh mixed with moans.

His mind was fucked into delirium.