Dear all, as promised today I am updating CH.2 complete and hope you'll enjoy it! Let me know what you think, as you I totally LOVE your comments and messages: THANK YOU!!

It's like an introductive chapter in a part of Oleg's life and let's see what you think of it. Oh right, quick note: Oleg's POV might be maybe a bit "heavy" and sometimes sort of rigid and robotic, but that is done and made on purpose, as it's how his character is. Well, hope you'll enjoy the chapter!

Dedicated to all of you and in particular to Creativeness1 as a huge THANK YOU for reading all of my stories and commenting them! xox

On the right, we still have the let-us-drool banner DerreckSanchez made for me... I love it!

SHOUT-OUTS for NEW STORIES AND WRITERS, LET'S CHECK THEM OUT:

1) XxAricka_DylanxX with "MY OLDER BROTHER, DICK" a mature story of love between brothers.

2) A_Wheeler with "TWINK FOR SALE" and thanks again for the dedication!!!

3) theRedSea with "SANDS", a brand new story and writer!

And now, enjoy!

OLEG POV

“How can something so wrong feel so right?”  by Tabitha Suzuma, “Forbidden”

“Oleg, why don’t you have dinner with us tonight?” Mr. Denisov asked as I closed the door of his studio, ready to drive him back to his residence.

“Thank you, Mr. Denisov, but I shall not intrude.” At my words he let out a soft chuckle and placed a hand on my shoulder.

Yevgeny Denisov was a tall and rather strong man that had an unmistakable intimidating air and it was an advantage in business because it was understood has authority and charisma, qualities that made him a great man. He had graying blonde hair and kind but severe blue eyes; they could pierce you from part to part and in almost seven years I came to understand he was not a man inclined to useless laugh and his smiles were rare, even in business, but when he did smile it was always genuine and sincere, and held a note of composure. Mr. Denisov was a man I entirely and deeply respected. You could see the young twins had taken after his physics, because they had both rather broad structure and strong facial features, but they as well took after Mrs. Denisov, as theier eyes were brighter and their hair blonder.

“You sure do not intrude our family dinner as you are family, too.” I knew he meant those words and every time he spoke them I felt sense of pride and affection, but they also reminded me of who I was and what position I had in their family. “My wife is glad when you join us and I can tell so are my sons, especially Tolya, even though he’ll never admit it.” He smiled a moment while talking about his sons and wife and I commanded my face to stay blank as usual. “I can tell he has opened up with you considerably and it puts me at ease, because we still don’t talk much and I can tell is the same with Natasha. But with Dima is different and they are getting better, therefore I should not worry, right? I hope he knows he can come to me for anything.”

That was correct. Anatoly had not opened up completely with his parents and no matter how much I told him to talk to them instead of me; he would of course give me one of his bratty answers and roll his eyes or snort some sarcastic remark. It was not something I could force and I knew it well, but it would have been better if he would try harder with his family, because it was clear they were still worried and felt as is walking on egg shells. I considered his words a moment while we walked to the parking lot. I opened the passenger door for him and then walked to driver side.

“Sir, I am sure Anatoly knows that. He only needs time to adjust with everything, given much happened.” I spoke as I pulled out from the parking space.

“That is right and I know he has a hard time in school. Two weeks ago he came back with a bruise, remember? I know it wasn’t because he got into troubles or anything of the sort; he has changed and I trust him, but I wish he would talk to us more. Unfortunately he is the type of person that tends to keep everything for himself and erect a barrier if you try to force it. He can be stubborn.” He sighed and shook his head and yes, Anatoly could be extremely stubborn and what he said about him was correct. “Well, my wife sure knows how to make him feel loved and I believe Dima can do that in his own way.”

I wanted to say Mr. Denisov could do that as well, because it was crystal clear he loved his son and would go through hell for him, but it was not my position to say it. And he was not man to indulge in sentimentalism.

“Will you have dinner with us, then?”

I reflected a moment and then answered.

“Thank you, sir.” I nodded and then his mobile phone rang and it was Mrs. Denisov. I focused to the road to give them privacy. When the conversation was over, I felt his stare on me and so I inquired whether everything was fine. “Sir, may I ask whether all is good?”

“Yes, all is fine. She just called me after hearing the evening news. Apparently they announced the final sentence and they have sentenced that man for only twenty years; that is not enough, especially for what he did to those children and tried to do to my son.” His stare had darkened and got harder and I understood what he was feeling, because when he spoke those words my hands almost crushed the steering wheel.

That vermin deserved to rot in jail for his entire life and not for only twenty years, given they could be less if he behaved as a model convict. But then I smirked and thought about something.

“He will not make it; twenty years is a long time in prison for someone like him.”

Mr. Denisov glanced at me and then nodded, understanding what I meant.

“I believe you are right.” He simply said and paused a moment to think about something, which I already knew what that was. “Has my son asked you anything?”

“When the news was reported for the first time, after I took care of that man, he asked, but I said nothing, sir.” He didn’t want his son involved and the same applied to me. I made sure nothing could be related to Anatoly and it went according the plan. I would not allow anything to give him further pain and sorrow, and that was why I was keeping a close eye on that gang, but given everything was calm I decided to do nothing for the moment.

“Thank you. I want him out of everything, but I am afraid he might ask for more, especially after hearing today’ news. He is just so stubborn.” He shook his head, but then smiled.

“Do you require me to say anything specific, sir?”

“No, but thank you for asking. I will leave it to your personal judgment.” I simply nodded at his words.

We reached his residence and after making sure everything for the following day was organized and arranged as planned, I excused myself a moment to retire in my quarters. I removed the suit, shirt and tie and wore a simple pair of old army cargo pants and a sleeveless undershirt, as I wanted to exercise a bit before dinner. We had been busy with a new contract and therefore had no time in days to meet with a couple of guys for our usual training. I jumped the rope for a few minutes, just to warm my body up, and then did the basic stretching for then sitting at the bench press; my hands closed around the bar and my arms began to lift it following the rhythm of my breathing.

I lifted weights for fifteen minutes, feeling the sweat rolling down my neck and back. I stopped to move to the other bench and do sit-ups. After a certain number of sit-ups the door of my room opened up and I didn’t need to look at that to see who was standing there. None of us said a word, as I continued in my routine and Anatoly closed the door behind him, simply leaning on it. He had of course heard about the sentence and I knew this moment would come, sooner or later. Mr. Denisov let me deal with it as I judged best and in my opinion keeping everything hidden and sealed would do no good, especially with someone like Anatoly, who was not going to give up that easily.

I felt his eyes on me and I sighed trying to understand why he had to punctually come and talk right in the middle of my exercises, but it probably was the only favorable moment. He moved to my bed and when my eyes quickly glanced at him they caught his stare. It was concentrated on a particular tattoo on my right arm, one particular ink I made when I was in the army. Anatoly shifted his gaze on me and when our eyes crossed, he rolled his and grunted something.

“Are you going to ignore me?” He asked with his usual mocking tone. I answered nothing as I knew it upset him and at the same time made him cool down. He was a contrasting person under some aspects and you had to know how to take some of his sides. “Fine, ignore me, impassive bastard.” I let that word pass, as it was one of his favorite epithets and reacting would only fuel his bratty behavior. He snorted and then pushed himself up, going to walk right beside me. “I know I am annoying you now, but I need to ask you something, but you keep ignoring me.”

I smirked at his annoyed expression and he saw it, because he grumbled something and then planted right in front of me.

“Are you going to fucking talk to me or not?”

He sure had quite the temper. I smirked another time and answered while keeping the same rhythm of the sit-ups.

“You are the one that came to my quarters without saying a word or greeting and without knocking the door. You think you can go in and out as you please?” His eyes widened a moment and then his head snapped away with an unmistakable irritated expression.

“I saw dad was back and I knew you were, too. You said I could come here and use your bench press and sacks.” I simply gave him a hard stare and he finally gave up. “Fine, I know. I should knock the door, happy?”

“It is not necessary and you know it.”

He thought about that and then nodded.

“Yeah, I know. I just want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Will you stop exercising so we can talk normally?” He paused a moment and shook his head, and then turned around. “Sorry, we can discuss later. Right now I just clearly bother you.”

What a brat he could be sometimes; his childish manners had me almost smile in some occasions, but I wasn’t exactly someone easy at such emotions. He should have just said what he wanted straightforwardly.

“Anatoly.” I said with calm but firm voice and he stopped, knowing he had to listen to me. “Give me a moment that I complete the sequence and then we will talk. You do not bother me.” He looked at me from his shoulder and then without saying a word he sat on the bed.

“Is that the telnyashka of your unit?” He asked meaning the sleeveless undershirt I was wearing, which had horizontal white and light-blue stripes and was indeed the color of the undershirt of the special army elite I used to be in.

“Yes.”

“Dad simply said you were a Spetsnaz, but never said in which unit. Is that a tattoo you got when you were in the army?” He was looking at black bat inked on my right bicep, having the number of my brigade underneath and a parachute above while at the base three Russian letters were tattooed: ВДВ, which stood for VDV, meaning Vozdushno-Desantnye Vojska, the Russian Airborne Troops.

“Yes, I made it when I was in the army. Is the mascot and symbol of my group.”

“In which unit were you?”

“GRU.” I just said and his eyed flashed wide open like his mouth, but then he closed it and ran a hand in his punk-like hair.

The Spetsnaz GRU was an elite military formation under the control of the military intelligence service and served under many purposes and when I was a soldier I took part of several missions. Anatoly stood up and walked around a bit and no doubt he was being nervous and of course it had to do with what happened in August to that piece of garbage.

“Now I understand many things.”

I decided to complete my sequence earlier, because I could tell he was eager to talk. I studied a moment his face when he was looking somewhere else; the bruise from two weeks ago had gone and it was good in that way, because anytime my eyes stopped on it, I felt like going to his school and personally deal with whoever dared to lay his hand on Anatoly. It was something wrong and rather out of place and I was fully aware of that, for he wasn’t a weak person and of course was capable of dealing with such minor annoyances. Plus, it was a price to pay for his past and he knew it too well. I do not say it is right or fair, but impossible to deny things work like that in this world. I noticed he was slowly becoming more muscular than months ago and his shoulders had broadened up, like his back. His eyes wandered around and the stopped on me, so we exchanged a silent glance. He was nervous, but tried to mask it, since he hated to display any form of weakness.

“The GRU is that special unit, isn’t it?” He asked again and I decided to try to best tactic to distract him.

“Getting interested in this old geezer?” I provoked on purpose using his own words, trying to imitate his tone of voice whenever he called me in that way. Old geezer? That was rather annoying, I must admit it, because I wasn’t that old, but thirty-four years old. “Did not think you went for older men.” At those words his eyes flashed in a strange way and saw how his face and lips clenched in a hard line.

“Who the fuck goes for old men like you? I am not interested. I was just asking how the hell you learnt to beat the shit out of people, you damn creepy bastard.” He barked clearly pissed and I simply smirked and that had the effect of silencing him at once. His sudden irritation made him forget about his tension and while I stood up and approached him, Anatoly took a step back and found himself stumbling with the back of his knees on the bed, falling down on it with his back. I gave him a flat stare and he cursed. “You are so damn annoying sometimes, you know that right?” He went to move, but I stopped right in front of him, making impossible to stand up, because one thing I sure enjoyed. And that was seeing his reactions whenever he felt intimidated by my presence, as that would trigger his pride and stubbornness and he would react in some way to show the contrary of what he felt. I liked that in him. “The fuck do you want now?” He growled and I said nothing, but my eyes spoke enough. He looked away and then sighed out frustrated. “I know what you think of me and it fucking annoys me. I am not a brat and I sure am not just damn duty.”

“I do not remember calling you duty.” As a matter of fact, I never did. I only called him brat and immature child or punk.

“But you think of me as such.” He snorted and I studied a moment his face.

I understood what he meant and it was right to stay in that way. I should have behaved more professionally with him, but sometimes it was not possible and each time I reprimanded myself for stepping over the line.

It was not allowed.

It was forbidden.

“I work for your father Anatoly; therefore it is normal to consider everything strictly business-like.” He cursed under his breath and pushed me away by going to sit up on the bed. I stepped back to let him move, as it was better in this way. Being close to such forbidden fruit made it only more desirable. “You wanted to ask me something, is that correct?”

He said nothing and simply planted a fuming glare on me, but given I did not react, he let go.

“You know why I am here. I want to know, as I have all the rights to know. I heard from the news that piece of shit has been sent to jail for at least twenty years and that he had been found guilty of so much shit that the media expected a more severe sentence. Now, I could care less of all of this, what I want to know is what the hell happened two months ago. You never answered me.”

“What do you exactly want to know? The particulars are classified and no matter what you say, the less you know the better.”

“Dad asked you to do it, right?” I see, so that was what he wanted to know.

Well, yes, Mr. Denisov of course asked me whether I could take care of the matter, but I would have even without his request. The moment Anatoly explained us what happened I swore to myself that I would take care of that lowlife personally and make him pay for what he dared to do.

“Anatoly, I simply dealt with a vermin that deserved everything he received. That is all.”

“But why? My father asked you?”

I did not want to hand the deal off to Mr. Denisov, because in fact it was me that first offered my help for taking care of the case, but at the same time it was not my place to tell such details.

“I offered my assistance as it is always an honor for me to be of any assistance and help to your father and family. That lowlife deserved what he got and if it weren’t for your father, I would have ended his life.” He gulped at my words, but never withdrew and looked away. His silvery blue eyes were fixed on mine. He might be an immature kid under many aspects and the fear and confusion he had experienced years ago shadowed his real qualities. Anatoly was not a coward and that was another reason I somehow experienced pleasure in purposely imposing my physical presence and strength. 

“Why?” He asked again.

“Because he deserved it for what he did, Anatoly. I do not want to involve you with the particulars, but you heard the news and thus you know of what he was guilty.” I noticed how his eyes flashed at my now severe and hard expression, as it was not a lie what I said. It was only because of what Mr. Denisov ordered me that I refrained from eliminating that vermin. Who would miss such trash? Nobody would.

“You dealt with him personally, right? I remember he looked like shit when they show his pictures, when the cops took him from his house.” He swallowed again and I said nothing, as there was no need. “What did you do to that bastard?”

I could not understand why he was so interested in that, but I wasn’t going to answer, at least not now. It was still too early to discuss anything.

“Anatoly, why do keep asking that? I already told you the less you know the better. Now, I believe we have already ended this discussion and I will shower and you will go help your mother with dinner.”

“Don’t you order me around.” Was his first reaction at my words, as expected. I said nothing and then turned my back to him, going to continue with some exercise. “Hey, I’m not done talking to you. I asked you something and I want an answer.”

“Why do you need to know, Anatoly?” I said his name with firm but hard tone and he felt it, as he dropped silent and tilted his head to the side, staring at somewhere in my room. “Does it bother you? Are you afraid of something?” I honestly could not understand why the need for those questions. It was a simply case: a vermin that was guilty of one of the lowest crimes ever had what deserved.

He said nothing and snorted, going for the door and so I sat on the bench and began with a new sequence of sit-ups, but instead of opening the door Anatoly stood there. I think I could understand him and what was going on in his mind, and that was why I did not press with further questions. The silence stretched in the room, but it was not bothersome or making us uneasy; it was simple quiet silence. His shoulders went up and down in deep breaths and then he turned around staring at me.

“It doesn’t bother me and you’re right: that bastard got what he deserved and I heard of what he has been charged. It makes me sick and makes me want to beat him to a pulp.” He spat with venom tainting his voice and expression. He closed his eyes and went to say something, but stopped and I decided to give him a break. Yes, he was a brat and made huge mistakes in his past, but he was paying for that and he found the courage to ask for forgiveness. Not everyone was ready to take such humble step.

“Anatoly, we will talk about this another time. I am not going to tell you anything now, as there is no reason to involve you in the matter. The case had been taken care of and everything is solved.”

He stared at me again with those intense light-blue eyes and then he finally relaxed his shoulders and stance.

“Fine, you won this time, old geezer.” I gave him a crooked look and he rolled his eyes. “Fine, you’re not so old, happy now?” I said nothing and almost smirked when he groaned something out of frustration. “Whatever, I’m going to leave you alone for now and by the way, mum said dinner will be ready in thirty minutes.”

“Understood.” I simply replied and so he opened the door.

“Oleg?” He said with one foot over the threshold.

“What?”

“Thank you.” I believe it cost him quite the deal and this time I smirked, but he didn’t see it.

“Nyeh za shto.”

I woke up as usual at five thirty in the morning without the alarm, as I was used to the time due to years of routine and my eyes automatically shot up. It was still dark outside as it was already October and the room was in complete dim; after getting up my brows crossed a moment. The scar I had on my left eye was stinging of an imperceptible degree and I decided to ignore it; there were days in which it would remind me of its existence, but it was not possible for me to forget it. Even after seven years the scar still would sting for unknown reasons. My eye was fine even though not perfect as it should be, given I had lost considerable optical power, and it was all thanks to Mr. Denisov that I did not lose it completely. The surgery I took after that grenade exploded next to me almost taking the eye away was not successful as it was supposed to.

For a moment my mind stopped at that time and my hand automatically followed the scar on my neck.

I stood up and scrolled everything away because lingering in the past and memories was not part of me, for the simple reason it would not bring back what was there and would only throw the subject in some sort of depressing nostalgia. It was a complete waste of time and it would turn the person emotional and once someone turned emotional mistakes might occur easier and faster. It was a rule and it never failed.

Like every day I switched the computer on and checked whether I received e-mails or documents related to Mr. Denisov’s business and then checked the world news and other web pages for personal interest; a warm shower followed the usual morning routine of push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. I dressed in a usual black appropriate suit with black trousers and blazer, white shirt and dark grey tie. I walked upstairs and made coffee and breakfast for myself, as the Denisov kindly gave me permission to use the kitchen as I pleased; saying I was grateful to them would not even cover a tenth of the depth of my gratitude and attachment.

While sipping a cup of black coffee Dmitri and Anatoly reached the kitchen and even if it was rather early they seemed already awake and lively. They were of course discussing and probably trying to irritate each other and I knew how this pleased Mr. and Mrs. Denisov. The twins stepped in the kitchen and did not see me at first and yes, they were twin brothers, but different under many aspects.

“Man, that can’t be real. I mean, you’re gay and out of the closet and so why not?”

“Because that is none of your business, dofus.” Anatoly snorted running a hand in his hair and slapping his brother’s neck with the other.

“Oh c’mon, if you want I can ask River or maybe my kitty knows someone you might be interested in.”

“Just shut-up, you think I need help in finding someone? Mind your damn business and drop it. I sure don’t need anyone setting me up with some idiotic moron. But maybe your chipmunk is up to swap brother? Maybe he’ll prefer a taste of rough and hard?”

“Hey, drop it and don’t you even dare to think about it. Jasper is mine.” Right, Dmitri was the easy-going one, but not when it concerned his partner, family and friends. Anatoly chuckled and it was obvious how amusing was teasing his brother on that.

“Can’t take a joke, Dima? Your precious pet is not my type. Sure, he has a nice ass and sweet eyes, but nothing like Travis. He would be quite interesting and I bet very wild, or else how would he be the perfect man for the Mighty Sasha?”

“Are you suicidal?”

“I sure am not, but can’t deny how hot Travis is. And anyway, stay out of this; it’s none of your business who I screw or such, got it, dofus?”

“Moron.”

“Blockhead.”

“Your best friend will be your right hand, dumbass.”

“Right, as if.” Anatoly gave him his usual provoking smirk and I silently sighed and then decided to make my presence visible.

Over the summer he took blood and medical tests and everything was perfectly fine and he had dropped using light drugs more than a year ago. It was sheer luck he had no consequences of any sort and felt no dependence and in the past year I never ceased secretly checking on that. I hoped he would stay out of any trouble, which would as well concern easy sex. In these past years he sure behaved rather recklessly and now he better behave under every aspect.

“Dmitri, Anatoly, good morning.” I said and noticed how they both snapped their heads at me in complete surprise.

“Man, you do really pop out of thin air. How do you do it? And right, good morning.” I nodded at Dmitri that smiled, while Anatoly rolled his eyes and shot me an annoyed glare.

“He’s a creepy shadow, Dima. That’s how he does it.” We exchanged a look and he shifted his eyes away. “Well, can we have breakfast or is it not allowed?”

“I am leaving.” I just said and then walked to Mr. Denisov’s studio.

Late afternoon came soon and right when I was consulting some data on the computer, my mobile phone rang and I saw it was Brandon.

“Oleg my man, got the kid’s bike ready.”

He meant Anatoly’s Kawasaki Ninja and I paused a moment to understand what he meant. This morning he left with it and everything was fine.

“What do you mean?”

“I went to pick it up at school because someone slashed a tire and thought you knew about that, since you always know everything.” He chuckled and then shouted a couple of words to someone. “Sorry dude, the new guy isn’t exactly Einstein and I wish Anatoly had more time to work here; he has a talent with bikes.”

I said nothing, as right now what interested me was another piece of information. It was already the third time it happened and even though it was normal people wanting to take petty revenges for what he did in the past, it was impossible to deny deep inside it made my blood boil. I knew it was not just someone wanting to have fun, but probably a different and more troublesome matter and I hope it will not lead to worse.

“Thank you for telling me. I shall be there as soon as I am done here.”

“No worries man, I thought you wanted to be informed about that.” Brandon was a sharp man and ne did not need to inquire about Anatoly’s past to grasp he went through a dark time. And of course he understood at first he was in a gang, after seeing the tattoo on his forearm. The tattoo, I thought, something else to take care of.

I ended the conversation and in that moment Mr. Denisov called for me. He asked me to drive him to a place and then declared the day was over.

“I am rather tired today and I am still waiting for those papers and waiting around does nothing.” He said while checking e-mails on his i-phone.

“The person guaranteed they will be ready tomorrow morning; if not, I shall drive there personally.” I explained and he nodded.

“Very well, thank you Oleg.”

I decided to tell him what happened with the bike, as Anatoly was his son and it was fair to inform him.

“Sir, the friend of mine that owns a body shop for motorbikes has called earlier to inform he fixed Anatoly’s tire for the third time. It was slashed in school.” Mr. Denisov shifted his eyes on me and then sighed.

“Another time?”

“Yes.”

“I suppose asking to Tolya will be pointless.” He shook his head and dropped silent for a while. “I will try to talk to him and see what is happening, but probably Dima is the best right now. You see it, too, right? They are getting closer and closer. My wife is so happy…” As usual whenever he spoke of his family a tender smile formed on his face; I said nothing, but he sure was right.

I had parked the bike in the garage and walked a moment upstairs to inform Mr. Denisov, even though I was not dressed properly, since before going to Brandon’s I had changed clothes. To ride a motorbike in a suit was not comfortable, especially one like this one. It sure suited Anatoly’s attitude and temper, but that better not be source of further troubles. I opened the door and found him right there, shooting me a surprised look that he immediately masked with annoyance; as usual we stared at each other in silence for a few moments, as if he was studying me, trying to read my expression. He looked like a young wolf in the intent to assess another wolf’s power and territory.

He went to pass by, but I stopped him by pinning him against the door. I wanted answers. If he had problems in school he had to talk about it and not close once more in himself like years ago. I would not allow it.

“Your bike is in the garage.” The tone of my voice was unmistakable and he sure did not misunderstand it, given the way his eyes flashed.

“How do you even know about my bike?”

“Brandon called me and said it was ready earlier and explained me what happened to it. Anatoly, this is not the first time, what happens in school?” My grip tightened considerably because he tried to move out of it, my words obviously touching his edgy pride and temper.

“I haven’t done anything, so piss off and let me go.” He groaned and normally this might subtly upset me, but I let it pass, setting his arm free; he had to mature more, as nobody was accusing him of anything. This brat here needed to clear many other issues up.

“I did not say you did something, Anatoly. I asked you what is happening in school. It’s the third time and no need to ask you about the helmet, correct?” Yes, correct, as his eyes gave away what happened to it. “Two weeks ago you came back with a bruise. So now speak: what happens in school?” I wanted answers and I wanted them now and clear. The time for games was over and my patience had gotten very thin. Another silent and deep exchange of glares went between the two of us and then he shook his head.

“Nothing much and nothing to worry about. I’m not getting into troubles, so you can rest assured and no need to worry about having to do extra work in looking after me. I sure don’t want to give an old geezer like you premature white hair.” A mocking and immature smirk formed on his face and in all answer I stared at him impassively and silent, since it was the best tactic and sure such provocations did not touch me. He rolled his eyes frustrated for the lack of reaction and went to leave, but I stopped him as our conversation was not over.

“I asked what is going on in school and I expect a clear answer.” My tone was now authoritarian and left no room to debate. It was an order and he was going to comply it.

“Listen, nothing to worry about, ok? I can take care of myself.” Oh yes of course, I saw how well he could take care of himself. Let’s leave it for now. “I am a former piece of trash and bully that is trying to change and brilliantly came out as gay in school, so do your math. I’m not exactly loved.” His answered oozed sarcasm, but the hidden bitter taste of it was there and I did not miss it.

I let go of his arm to give him space and he went to walk downstairs, probably to his bike. I wanted to ask him something however, just to make sure.

“Do you mind it?” He knew what I meant.

“No I don’t.” Anatoly was sincere in his answer and so for now there was no need to take actions. He turned around and forced his expression to stay neutral, because I knew it was hard for him to speak those following words. “Thank you for the bike; I’ll give you money back later.”

“No need for that and you know it.” I studied him a moment and then went to walk away, but before closing the door, I threw him the key of his motorbike. It was time for a break and this weekend would be the best time for it. “And Anatoly?”

“What?”

“Keep Sunday free.”

I did not need to see his face to know what expression he was trying with all his mighty to conceal. He loved to ride his Ninja and I must admit, it was a rather enjoyable time for me, too.

Mr. and Mrs. Denisov insisted to join dinner once more and it was hard to refuse them an invitation, as it always gave me a sincere sense of peace to dine with them. Dmitri’s partner was there too and the two brothers did not miss the chance to argue with each other and again touched the same subject. It surprised me how Anatoly reacted when his brother mentioned a guy named Adrian, a classmate with all chances, and so I studied his reaction when Dmitri spoke about his looks.

I knew without having to ask that his feelings and emotions were still rather unstable and unsettled and if he were to behave like a brat now, it might cause some minor troubles that could lead to more serious questions. A scenario better to avoid, at least right now when he was still rather exposed and in the process of accepting many new facts and trying to deal with his errors. I knew for a fact how promiscuous he used to be and it sure was something that did not please me one bit; it wasn’t because I was a bigot or a conservative person, but because that could be very dangerous. It didn’t please me not because of any personal emotion, but sincere and loyal concern for the Denisov family. And of course it was undeniable the attachment I felt for Anatoly, but I made sure it wouldn’t cloud my judgment.

He shot me a look, but I decided to ignore it at the moment, as I judged better to keep it private; therefore I walked to the sink helping Mrs. Denisov with the dishes and knew he would follow. He was rather easy to read most of the times. I gave him a hard stare and made sure he got the message.

“What?” He hissed.

I simply pierced him with another hard stare and took care of the dishes, seeing Dmitri’s partner and Mr. Denisov had quickly glanced in our direction. Anatoly snorted annoyed at my silence and when I felt no eyes on us, I spoke words that were only for him to hear. Words that were a clear and distinctive warning.

No more promiscuous and bratty messing around that would only create problems.

That time was over and passed, and he better be entirely aware of it.

“Do not mess around, Anatoly.”

He snapped his face at me and shot me a challenging and irritated glare, ready to counter debate, but I silenced him at once before uttering any sound. There was nothing to discuss about, as my words were not meant as an advice, but as order and did not admit any disobedience. Anatoly was not going to mess around once more, because this time I would immediately take matters in my hands.

Author's chit-chat:

I know what you were expecting from Oleg POV, but did you think I would make a man like him already jealous? Hehehe... that wouldn't fit his character.

But we discovered more of Oleg's past and life, and what are your thoughts about that and about their interaction? He sure knows how to deal with Anatoly, right?

It was more an introductive but important chapter, as it linked to the prologue. As I said, his POVs might be heavier and more robotic than Tolya's, but that's on purpose, believe me. I want to make sure because I saw a few asking why Jasper repeats many times "oh boy" ... oh boy, because that's how I created him, right?

In the next chapter, maybe a bike race? ;-) Updating soon! And in the NEXT CHAPTER I'll make the other SHOUT-OUTS.

Until next time!