Dear All,

as I promised yesterday, today I am posting a new chapter and well, as always it's quite long. It can't be helped :-)

You will read many interesting things in it and I hope you'll enjoy all of them, so let me know what you think with your amazing comments and votes! I really appreciate and treasure each single comment, message and vote: THANK YOU!

Sorry for the delay but as I explained I was in pain with my neck, but now I am fine. Thank you for your lovely messages and for your sweetness, you guys are wonderful!

I see I have many re-readers and also new readers: that's great and I wanted to thank you all!

Now, this chapter is dedicated to all of you, in particular to River's fans and in specific to dear DeniseMarmolejos2 as a thank you for your support, lovely comments and because I think you'll like what Oleg and Tolya will talk about in Tolya's room ;)

A picture of River (--> gorgeous and very charming Colton Haynes) and a song that I believe perfectly fits Anatoly's feelings in this chapter. Most of the words sung by Eminem match with his emotions, you'll understand.

Now, I hope you will enjoy it and I will be looking forward to reading your comments!

"It would be so great if it were possible to go through life without making a single mistake but there is no such path. Falling, tripping, losing the way, making mistakes, little by little, walking one step at a time, this is the only way", by Natsuki Takaya in Fruits Basket

ANATOLY POV:

Oleg woke up earlier than me obviously, but this time I felt him move and that was because I was literally sprawled on him; well, to be precise, I was somehow sleeping forming a forty-five degree angle with the bed, laying half on his torso and half on the mattress, and I couldn't imagine how the hell that was possible. Fuck, how he could sleep like that and not mind me? That was the big question here. But he simply smiled at me as my eyes somehow opened up when he tried to gently shift me aside. It must have been very early because the room was yet dark and almost no sounds came from the neighbourhood. Oleg told me he had to meet with my father early and then to use his winter motorbike jacket, considering the temperature had dropped greatly.

I suppose I didn't care about replying back at 6 a.m. Or perhaps, I was really getting used to his very protective and caring side. He left it for me on the saddle of my babe, as he left breakfast ready for me in the kitchen.

Now I was standing in front of his garage, my bike ready and purring under me, and the keys of his house in my hand; his jacket was slightly loose on me, but not as much as I expected. My body sure had grown quite a lot in the past months and I had realised it only when I slipped into his motorbike jacket. The fact he said to use it didn't bother me one bit and it actually made me smile like some stupid brat; I wiped that moronic expression from my face and pushed the helmet down. I swallowed down at the feeling of having the keys on his place in my pocket and at the memory of our Sunday afternoon and evening.

The moment we reached home yesterday, I basically "attacked" him in his garage and we somehow managed to reach his living room. Fuck it: the fact Oleg let me also take him was beyond this world and it gave me so much pleasure that every time I felt like going literally insane. All day I was thinking about it and I realised I was damn jealous when Vincent kept staring at him, not to mention the waitress that smiled at Oleg in a damn obvious way. Yes, he was hot as fuck, but he was only mine. He must have picked up my shift of mood, because he quietly murmured how he liked this side of me and that obviously inflamed my desire even more. The result was that when we reached his place, I tore his leather jacket and shirt away and I didn't waste time in pressing him against a door. It was a miracle we reached his living room, I'm telling you. Feeling inside of him and making him almost lose his control was maddening on a fucking amazing level.

The point was that he told me the same: he loved when I was myself with him and damn, I sure freaking loved when he fucked me. Oleg was damn intense and strong; I couldn't wait for us to get more used to it and use nothing between us. The way he took me on the couch Sunday evening was still burning in my mind and making my blood seethe. Freaking hell...Oleg turned me in a very hungry and crazed brat.

I closed my eyes under the helmet a moment, hearing the roar of my Kawasaki Ninja, and also hearing our groans in my mind once more. He was reading some papers and I was reading a book, one of my new purchases, when he calmly placed the papers aside and stood up from the armchair, going to stop right in front of me. I sat back and in no time his mouth claimed mine and I found myself flat down on the couch, with his massive body pressing on me. God, I loved when he was the one initiating it, because it made me feel how much he wanted me. In a matter of few seconds we were completely naked and after short time he thrust inside of me, easily throwing us in a wild orgasm. He wasn't as vocal as I was and somehow that turned me on more, because it was pure Oleg, letting me enjoy his groans and raw breathing enhanced by desire, and because he concentrated his excitement, emotions and lust in his actions, in the way he moved in me and the way he took me.

I couldn't wait to have the completely unleashed and unrestrained Oleg, because I was damn sure sex would reach out of this world levels. And he wasn't the only one trying to somehow control himself; he was better than me, but I couldn't deny how I also restrained myself. He was always fucking right in fucking everything: we sure needed some time to entirely adjust.

Of course he was also damn right in using protections for now, given he never let anyone take him and for me, years passed and it happened a couple of times only. I tested myself months ago, after I cut the crap with the gang, as a way to show my parents and friends I was entirely clean, because they deserved it. Oleg told me he did it when he began to work for my father, as a sign of respect for my family, given the circumstances in which they met and because, of course, he was a man that would do such thing. The ever responsible Oleg, naturally. Obviously the bastard was clean and such, and I still couldn't believe the fact he never had anybody since he started to work for my father. He told me that he never felt inclined to find a partner and even less to have occasional encounters. It was something that he didn't like and that he didn't need.

Why it actually surprised me? I had been somehow similar, only less controlled and responsible, as my messed-up relationship with Vince testified. What we had was almost destructive some times, because we both had our crap going on and we couldn't commit in the right way. We were friends in a way, and in a way not. That explained why I felt defensive whenever we met; remembering how I felt with him made me realise time ago how healing was to be around Oleg, how he made me place my scattered pieces together. But the two of them couldn't be remotely compared, nor the two relationships, because they were completely different.

Vincent looked tired on Sunday when we met in that cafeteria and I could tell that seeing me with Oleg in that way somehow dropped a reality bomb on him. He had a lot of shit going on in his life and that probably was one of the reasons that made me so protective of Adrian; obviously my friend could kick ass and that was very clear, but Vince had a big issue with faithfulness and that was one of the factors that at the beginning of our messed-up relationship threw us into fights. At first I thought we had something normal, but it was not, and it led me to behave in the same way. I knew he always had my back out there, he always watched out for me and that was why when I left the gang, seeing him there beating the crap out of me hurt as fuck. I believed he had betrayed me, but now I understood why he did it.

Adrian could take care of himself just fine and I believed that if he saw something into Vince, I could trust my friend. I could trust Vincent in a way, because he might have had shit going on and have issues with many things, but he wasn't a twisted asshole. He had begun to open his eyes and I doubted he wanted to drag a guy like Adrian into some mess; he had understood what kind of person Adrian was and he understood that my friend played according his own rules only. He told me something about his past, before being adopted, and freaking hell, he sure had a hard life.

I shook my head and let go of all of these thoughts; I shifted gear and let my babe pump my adrenaline as I rode to school. They could sort their own business, just like that jerk of Sergey, and I definitely wasn't in any position to judge. As a matter of fact, who the hell was in such position? Oleg was right also about this. Thinking about him, in the afternoon we had an appointment to that tattoo salon and I couldn't wait to fix my shit; I had showed him the other tattoo I wanted to have on my side and he liked it, saying he was actually planning for a new one. I sped up more as I felt getting hard at the thought of his inks and I reached school before I expected.

Right when I parked my babe and locked her, I noticed that jerk of Sergey standing in front of his car surrounded by four of his former best buddies; they seemed to normally talk at first, but something was off and that was the fact that those four morons stood right in front of him with sort of threatening stance, even though he appeared to not care about it. He just stared at them with his usual sneer and after having said something, he went to walk away. But they stopped him and pushed him back.

At first I thought of letting that idiot solve his own shit, given we were not friends and given he actually had tried to beat me to a pulp. Then I realised what a damn hypocrite I was by thinking it and I also didn't like to see that. Four against one? Even if they didn't intend to fight there, because I knew those morons wouldn't do that, it was still freaking ridiculous. I stopped right behind them and Seryozha shot me quite the glare, but I ignored it.

"What's going on here? Getting all chit-chatty as first thing in the morning?"

"None of your business, Denisov. Why don't you beat it?" The guy called Martin demanded trying to look tough. But how could a loser look tough? No way in hell.

"Why don't you beat it?" I asked to one of them, purposely cracking my neck and giving them my best and most irritating, dark smirk.

"What's this? You want to get some of his dick?" I rolled my eyes at such pathetic attempt to provoke me and once more I asked myself why the hell I had wasted time with people like them. In all answer to his lame provocation, I grabbed my own jewels and gave him quite the devious smile.

"Maybe you are the one that wants a taste of it, hmm?" The idiot over there almost paled and his eyes pretty much bulged out like a frog and I just laughed in his face. "What's your problem, not man enough to endure me? You wouldn't last a minute with me."

"You're disgusting, Denisov," he hissed out, going in a defensive stance and I barked out laughing even more. "What the hell are you laughing about?"

"You, morons. You think I'm scared of you? Bring it on if you wish, it'll be your nose to get out broken and not mine."

Sergey pushed through them and bumped one of them in the shoulder, for then stepping beside me. I knew for a fact he was probably annoyed at me, but I couldn't care less because in a way, annoying him was starting to be quite funny.

"I'll tell you another time, if that wasn't clear enough before: no more stupid notes or shit like that in class with her. If I catch another one or if I catch one of you looking at her in the wrong way or whispering wrong words, I'll fucking kick your sorry ass. You have something with me? Then just take it on me," Sergey hissed in their faces and then he went to walk away. I just flipped them off and caught up with that jerk. As I stepped beside him, his sweet words burst out immediately. "What the fuck was that, Denisov? I can take care of myself and I don't need you." I snorted at that and walked ahead of him.

"I could see that and I didn't do it for you," I sort of lied, but it was a natural reaction. However, I hadn't missed the bruise he had on his face and I understood it probably was payback for he reacted to defend Viola. "The lovely bruise on your face just proves it, Seryozha."

"None of your business and you should know it better than I do: I deserved it."

I grabbed his arm and stopped him, because I was starting to comprehend what went through him all too well. I have been there before and I wasn't out of it completely yet.

"It doesn't mean you go to look for trouble yourself, got it? You're a jerk and I give it you, but it doesn't mean they have the right to punch you. When did it happen?"

"Saturday," he only said and I snorted, shaking my head. Obviously out of school and probably taking him by surprise. "It's not what you think. They left some stupid and disgusting notes in Viola's books and I saw red. Apparently I have a shorter temper than yours and my cousin's, because I almost got into a fight with two of them in the locker room." Yeah, he definitely had issues with his temper and if he had it shorter than mine, well, he was fucked pretty much.

"Viola didn't say anything to us, but I should have expected something like that. It's nothing personally against her, but they pick at her because of you, right?"

"Yeah, they're in this way. We both know that, Einstein." I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm, but we halted a moment to civilly look at each other. Once in a while wouldn't hurt.

"If you get into fights all the time, she'll eventually get also involved. Haven't you thought about that?" He gazed at me completely taken aback and then heaved a sigh. It was obvious they liked each other and I doubted other people in school missed that, which could be used as advantage by those morons.

"I don't want to involve her into my shit, OK? You don't need to act all mama bear with me, because I already told you that I can be an asshole yes, but not that much of an asshole." That definitely cost him quite the effort and I had to give it to him.

"I know you're not a complete asshole," I sort of joked and he scoffed at that.

"Listen, I didn't mean to be a jerk before and I know why you did it, so no need to lie, but I prefer to deal with my own crap alone." I observed him for a few seconds, saying nothing, and then I nodded. He tried to thank me in his own dumbass-like way, so I let him be.

"Sure. That I understand very well. But you don't need to get beaten up to atone for what you did."

"Dasha told me the same," he replied sighing out. Right, I had the idea that he was actually close to his sister, even if most thought the opposite. "But you let me beat you at first, the other month." He averted his eyes away and then they concentrated on the ground. I almost felt like laughing at seeing him looking guilty but I decided to play the mature card and not being a fucktard. It also took guts to talk about such things aloud.

"That's why I'm telling you. It sure makes you feel better to get the same medicine, but you need to deal with that shit every day and one beating doesn't delete it, believe me."

"Do you have an idea about who's behind what happened to you?" He suddenly asked and I shrugged my shoulders.

"No, I'm trying to think about it, but let's be honest Sherlock: pretty much half school can have something against me."

"I'm not going to deny that, but what seems strange is that this person started after you changed and then took it against Viola because of us," he snorted and scratched the side of his neck. "I don't know, I find it fucked-up and I think it's something personal."

"I think the same, but as I told you, the list is long." My eyes stared in front of me, concentrating on nothing in particular. I knew this shithead began with this crap after I changed and that was what worried me most in a way, because it must have been something personal. What the hell had I done in the past years? I didn't remember doing anything too wild in school, but then again, I had been part of a gang. "I really don't know, but I really wish to find this fucktard." Then I cracked my neck and let go of these thoughts. "What, getting worried about me? Do you want to be my best-friend?" I joked and he gave me the bird.

"I'm so happy I got to punch that ass-like face of yours," he grumbled and I chuckled at that, placing a hand on his shoulder as I smirked in a cocky way. We had enough of this sap and none of us was much into it, clearly. "The feeling is mutual, jerk. And whatever Seryozha, you punch and kick like a three years old brat, so..."

"Fuck off, Denisov, you punch like a queer," he retorted back, shoving my hand away.

"You fuck off, Lebedev, I'm queer," I retorted back and he scoffed. "Oh look, Viola is there." He immediately turned his head to stare at the point I indicated with my chin, his face somehow changing expression, but nobody was actually there.

"Tolya, you're such an ass," he grunted out as he went to step inside school and I simply chuckled.

"And you're so freaking predictable that's not even funny, Seryozha," I mocked his name and then Viola eventually really showed up in front of me dressed in her usual very peculiar way.

This morning her pink-purple hair was curly, her dress, with quite wide purple and black stripes, seemed stolen from the guard robe of some fairy pin-up princess, considered the amount of fluffy material and over her normal thighs she wore of pair of socks that reached over her knees in the shape of cat's head. Let's not discuss the ridiculous amount of bracelets she had around her skinny arms. Or the fact she had earrings in the shape of big black cats. She immediately jumped at my neck and I noticed how it didn't bother me any longer. I would find it weird if she didn't do so.

"Morning Tolya," she twitted as she hopped back, making a pirouette to show me her dress. I had told her to call me in that way and apparently, it made her very happy. "Do you like my dress?"

"You stole it from Tinker Bell's collection?" I joked and she giggled, for then stopping as she noticed Sergey, who was staring at her as if wanting to eat her in one big bite. It looked like he liked the dress and not that only. They said nothing for a moment and he cleared his throat.

"Morning Viola," he said only trying not to smile too obvious, but he froze as soon as she walked to him and softly touched his bruise.

"What happened?" She only asked and he shook his head, shrugging his shoulders.

"Nothing much, I simply bumped against a cupboard in the kitchen," he lied and I had to refrain myself from snorting at his lame excuse. She said nothing for a moment, simply looking at him and then a sweet smile appeared on her lips. His eyes once more trailed over her entire figure and he smiled back. "You look good with his dress," he openly said and for a moment I felt like throwing up. Oh dear God, I didn't need to see him all mushy and flirty, but then something else hit me: he actually couldn't give a damn I was there and that was a good sign indeed. Good job, Lebedev.

"Thank you," she said and the shyness in her voice was more than evident, at least to me. "You should pay more attention then and be careful", she told him still studying his bruise. "You need more of my fair-dust!"

I decided this was enough cheesiness for my taste, so I went to walk away to leave them alone and sort their awkwardness alone, given they haven't talked in days. But before leaving, I eyed him and he quickly looked back, slightly nodding. He got my message: getting into fights and crap like that was only going to worry her and also possibly drag her into problems. I had learned it in the hard way.

When I reached my locker, Adrian joined me, smiling at me in that charming way and quickly shifting his eyes were his sister had stopped talking with Sergey. Of course he always kept an eye on her.

"How you are, hermoso? Did you have a nice weekend?" He winked as he said those last words and I snorted something in Russian, but I guess it was pointless to deny it.

"Yeah, a damn good weekend," I answered and he gave me a very mischievous smile.

"That I can see, Anatoly. That man is quite the special person, am I right?" I only nodded and he opened his locker, pulling out a couple of books. One of the many reasons I liked Adrian was that he avoided being that sappy talking dude, avoiding saying those cheesy and annoying stuff I had never liked. I knew he was happy for me, but he made me understand that with a smile and for me it was perfect in that way. "So, was I right?"

I caught what he meant at once and I couldn't help my chuckling, as I ran a hand in my hair.

"Yeah, you were right," I only said and he winked once more. Well, Oleg and I sure were two beasts of a kind and that couldn't be freaking denied. Then what happened Sunday afternoon came back to my mind and I told him. "We met Vincent in some cafeteria outside New York and he says hi."

"How is he?" He asked with now more serious tone of voice.

"He's fine so far, but I hope he'll get out of the gang soon. I don't know, I just don't have a good feeling about that," I honestly replied and he nodded.

"I have the same feeling and to be honest with you, Anatoly, I would like to see him." I pondered his words and what Vince had asked me on Sunday.

"He sort of wanted your phone number, but I didn't give it to him, because well...you know why."

"Thank you," he told me, understanding me. "Maybe I can have his number?" I sighed out defeated and shook my head. He could take care of himself and sure knew how to handle his own business.

"Sure, but you know how the deal is, right?"

"I know, but I just want to make sure he won't do anything reckless. He seems a person that follows little to none rules in his life." He couldn't describe him any better and more accurate than that. "I thought so," he murmured.

I gave him Vince's number but perhaps he was right and maybe, Vincent needed to hear it more from him than from me. I had a feeling that Adrian had a better chance in making him reason. However, I knew Oleg wanted to talk to him and if I knew him well, Oleg would never let him get in knee-deep shit danger. But there was something in the back of my head that didn't let me be and it felt heavy, annoying, as if something was pending and I couldn't place it in the right place. It was that damn issue about that Leah person. I kept thinking about it, but nothing came out of that. Yet, I couldn't stop wondering about it and asking myself tons of questions that had no answers; I discussed it with Oleg, but how could he know anything about that? I squeezed my brain more and more, because this feeling that Caden really had something with me crawled under my skin.

A message on my phone pulled me back from my thoughts and hidden fears, and after reading it, I felt like smiling. River had sent me the message and asked if I wanted to meet today instead of Wednesday as we had planned; I wrote him back, saying I could meet him at his place after I was done with my tattoos. Today they would probably only look at them and decide how to proceed, so I probably had plenty of time after that. He wrote me back immediately: "Of course, Tolya. I'll be waiting for you."

Somehow I was looking forward to meeting my friend and at the same time, I was scared. It was normal to be completely open and straightforward with Oleg, but with my friends it still took some time. The fact the Mighty Sasha decided to come and talk to me that day helped a great deal, and that probably was one reason that improved our current friendship relation.

River was different than Sasha and yes, he told me that he had put what happened behind, but I knew him well. Talking to him and being the one to propose it first was the best way to actually take us back how we used to be. He was a cautious person, much more than Sasha, even if he didn't give this impression at first; I understood that if I weren't going to talk to my friend directly and honestly, our friendship wouldn't be as strong as it was in the past. However, he gave me time and didn't force anything. I smiled and shook my head: as always River was testing you, in a way or another.

OLEG POV:

I drove Mr. Denisov back to his residence and we stopped in his studio, discussing over a possible problem a business partner from another joined company was trying to raise. He decided to plan a meeting with the person and asked me to attend it, for he wanted my opinion on the matter. Whenever Mr. Denisov requested for my view or opinion in a matter involving his business, I felt very proud and honoured, because he honestly valued and considered it. The contract signed with the mentioned company clearly stated the share of their revenues and the fact that it could represent Mr. Denisov's company only when it came to a specific product. They breached the conditions under the excuse that the share of the revenues was not fair. It was a very careless and greedy move, because they were free to represent other clients or companies in terms of different goods.

Mr. Denisov did not want to immediately recess the contract, wanting to first confront the person and then discuss it with his lawyer. He evidently had something in mind and I believed I had understood what that was. It was a good move and idea.

I was very glad he had not accepted my request of leaving this position, because working beside such capable and respectable man was always a great honour. It was good to realise that I could work for him as I used to professionally speaking, without changing anything in my attitude or usual manners, and at the same time be personally involved with Anatoly. I had been wrong months ago, believing the two aspects could not be separated, and almost losing the man I loved was what made me finally come to terms with my feelings and responsibilities. I was glad it worked out in the most suitable way.

It was crystal clear that Mr. Denisov also did not mind my personal involvement with his son. He did not mention it and did not ask me about that while working; however, as soon as my work and assistance were done, he politely and very discreetly asked me whether things were fine with his son. I understood why he asked such question and the esteem and respect for this man increased; he knew we both faced difficult situations in the past and now he simply wanted to see whether we had found some peace of heart. It was not a question to ask whether I treated his son well or whether Anatoly behaved well with me: the question was meant to express something more noble and delicate. I gave him a sincere and straightforward reply saying that Anatoly and I found the perfect balance and serenity within each other. By the quick and honest smile he gave me, I understood that it was what he was hoping to hear.

I left the studio and walked upstairs, seeing that Anatoly was nowhere in the house. He was sitting at his desk in front of a laptop, probably working on a school assignment. He immediately turned his head in my direction and gave me a smile, pushing the chair back.

"Is it time to go?" he asked and I nodded my answer, taking a couple of steps inside the room. Anatoly got on his feet and we stood in front of each other. For a few seconds he only observed me, letting his eyes slowly and openly travelling my entire figure, a rather tempting and wicked smile growing on his lips. "I'll tell you something that is quite weird in a way and freaking lame for me to admit, Oleg." I arched a brow in interest and simply looked at him, for now containing my smirk as I registered the expression on his face and in his eyes.

"What is it, Anatoly?" My tone of voice kept levelled on purpose.

We inched closer and our eyes locked, while his lips slightly curved in a more cocky, but quite stirring self-confident smile. His hand reached for my tie and his finger played with that for a moment. This punk had a very triggering effect on me and I reminded myself we were in his house with Mr. Denisov in the studio and Mrs. Denisov receiving a guest in the formal living room. His smell blended with cologne he used that suited his skin's scent very well wrapped around me and my senses lingered in it, while my desire awakened. I could see the same happened to him, because he leaned closer and for a moment our lips almost touched.

"I kinda find you fucking hot dressed formally and when I was in my moronic denial-phase, I pretty much got hard every time I saw you dressed like this, thinking about how to use your tie," he spoke quietly, staring directly in my eyes and almost brushing my mouth with his. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a short moment. I needed it.

"Anatoly, we are not alone," I reminded him and I reminded myself, aware of my desire slowly burning and rising in my veins. My eyes pierced his and he smirked knowing what he was doing.

"I know." His hands then took hold of my ass and I had to repress a groan about to leave my throat. Dangerous brat. "But I do find it damn exciting and I can't help that. You said you want the real and temperamental Anatoly and here you have it."

Then I gave him quite the dark smile and quickly seized his wrists, bringing them behind his back and pressing our bodies together, so to give him a taste of how he made me feel. He swallowed down loud as he felt my hardness against his. My voice lowered and became rawer as I spoke with my lips grazing his ear, which caused Anatoly to almost let out a growl.

"I will remember it for next time, brat, do not worry about that. I will make sure to make good use of this tie," I promised him, meaning every single word and he struggled to get free from my grip, but I did not let him. "You also want me unrestrained, correct?" I felt him nodding slowly at my question and my lips leisurely drew the line of his ear, murmuring with no subtle note of desire, "and you will have it soon, Anatoly."

"Fuck..." he breathed out and I chuckled very quietly, the sound of it mirroring my state of mind.

I pulled back and released his wrists, feeling the air around us charged with our desire; Anatoly kept staring at me and then suddenly crushed his lips on mine, wasting no time in thrusting his tongue demandingly in my mouth. For a few seconds we lost our rationality in that ardent and intense kiss, but I pulled back at once, reminding myself where we were.

"Anatoly," I said with commanding voice and he rolled his eyes, for then sighing out.

"I know, I know...but I had to let it out somehow and it wasn't my fault."

"Fair enough," I declared, because he was right in saying that I was partially responsible. The fact was that I enjoyed seeing Anatoly affected by me and it always gave me immense pleasure, wanting to provoke him more. However, provoking Anatoly meant that he would act in a way that affected me dangerously, but I could not deny how much I loved that.

"If we were alone, would you mind it?" He asked studying my face and waiting slightly nervous for my answer. Anatoly did think I would mind making love on his bed?

"No," I replied in all honesty. "If we were alone, Anatoly, I would have already put my tie at good use."

"Fuck, you can't say these things and then expect me not to react," he groaned out, running a hand in his hair and then he challenged me with one of his most provoking expressions. "Or maybe I would be the one putting that tie at good use," he suggested in the clear intent to arouse me even more. As I said, dangerous and very tempting brat. I replied him by simply smiling in what I knew to be a rather feral and dark way, given his following words: "damn hot and infuriating bastard."

"We should go, Anatoly." I deliberately ignored his last comment and he muttered "impassive bastard" under his breath. I chuckled and tossed him the keys of Mr. Denisov's BMW. "Your father has kindly agreed to let use his SUV. Do you want to drive it?"

"Yeah, given it'll become my car from next week." Indeed, considered that Mr. Denisov had planned to change car and leave the present one to his son. Anatoly was not fond of SUVs or big vehicles in general, but for now he decided to settle with this deal. However, before leaving his room, he quietly spoke to me. "I'd like it in your room downstairs, too."

I shook my head and chuckled at seeing how very open and natural we behaved with each other, freely acting and talking. I no longer needed to guard or control my reactions with Anatoly, so in all answer I pressed him against the doorframe, something I was well aware ignite his temper and excitement.

"And we will, Anatoly," I promised him as one of my hands took rather strong hold of his round and rock-solid ass, while the other caressed one side of his face.

"Oh fuck me, Oleg," he hissed out, letting his nose trace my neck.

"That is indeed the plan, Anatoly."

Anatoly sat on a chair of the tattoo salon and discussed his inks with the owner, one of the best and most safe tattoo artists in town. The studio respected the highest hygiene and professional standards required and that was one of the most important factors when it came to Anatoly, for I would never let him get inked in a lesser place. The man examined his inks and declared that the one on the forearm could be covered as Anatoly wished and the one on the neck could be removed by laser, but it might be painful in some degree.

He advised Anatoly the best skin surgery centre specialised in tattoos removal. I had already heard of that clinic and I had checked beforehand myself. Indeed it was a place where Anatoly could safely remove his ink. The treatment might leave a scar or the skin could present a different pigmentation after the laser removal. It was a normal and possible risk and Anatoly did not mind it.

"I don't care if it's going to be painful or such, I just want it done and over," he declared almost fiercely.

"Very good, so here is the number of a surgeon I personally know. He removed one of my tattoos and he did an impeccable job. However, you are free to choose another centre or surgeon."

Anatoly shifted his eyes on me in a mute question and I nodded, having understood what he meant. I was glad he slowly decided to rely more on me, trusting my opinions and me completely.

"I will call and see when they can arrange an appointment. What about this one then? Can you really cover it completely with that one I showed you?"

"Yes, I can cover it without any problem and I can improve the design of the dragon, if you wish."

"Sure, how?" The tattoo artist quickly sketched over the paper of the dragon tattoo and I could see the approval on Anatoly's face before he voiced it. "Hell yeah, I like that."

"Glad to hear it," he smiled and examined the other paper. "You also want this one? We will need a few sessions for both, so we can plan for next week if you agree."

The appointment was agreed on the following Tuesday and it also included a session for me, as I desired another tattoo right below the nape of my neck. When we left the place, Anatoly immediately called the advised clinic and an appointment was fixed for the end of the week. I could see how relieved he was in hearing he could eliminate the one on his neck.

"I had been such a damn fucktard for getting this moronic ink, what the hell was I thinking about?" He muttered with upset voice.

"It was a mistake and I agree with you. But be glad you can remove it," I answered as I drove him to his friend's house. "How will you get back?"

"I'll see later." I only nodded and after a while we reached destination, but before getting out of the car, Anatoly grabbed my forearm and quickly kissed my lips.

"Thanks for coming with me Oleg and I'm fucking happy I can get rid of this crap, believe me."

"I also am glad you can finally remove it and let go of that piece of your past."

He smiled at my words and exhaled loudly, almost wanting to physically let go of that small piece of past mistakes. I understood how he felt very well and while he wanted to remove a tattoo to finally move over his past mistakes, I wanted to ink a new one for the same reason.

"Yeah, you're damn right. As always."

When I reached the Denisov's residence, I stopped in my room and examined the papers and documents from the people working in Anatoly's school and the background of the students. I had narrowed my research and for now concentrated on the teaching body and personnel, as a few factors indicated that a person in such position would have better and somehow safer access to all those incidents. I might be wrong, but finding the vermin was imperative, even if those vile acts seemed to have calmed down. It was only a temporary truce and what worried me was the consideration that something worse might be planned. I knew that other students did not possess a clean record and Sergey Kirillovich Lebedev proved a good and evident example. A case that actually worried me more.

The moment Sergey Lebedev became to behave in a more decent and honourable way, acknowledging his wrong doings, he indirectly became a target, too. The very pathetic side of it was that to hit him, they used Anatoly's friend; obviously it was meant to target both of them, but it was obvious that someone felt resentful about their change of heart and slow redemption. It seemed something deeper than mere personal vengeance for what happened in the past and it appeared as if a more adult mind was trying to mislead the attention from the incidents, making them look as if perpetrated by a student.

I looked into recent incidents, family issues possibly reported, police reports and family background; it would take some time, but I had to find the identity of this rat and nothing could prevent me from that. I very desired to exchange a word with this person and settle things according to my rules. It looked like this person had something against gangs and as if seeing Anatoly slowly changing increased the hate and resentment, wanting to almost punish him for that. This led me to search personnel' and teachers' background.

As I kept researching in the files and various reports, I came across a few noticeable and interesting facts. I needed more insight into these matters before planning any sort of action, and Marlon would provide me with all the necessary details; I wasted no time and dialled his number. He could deepen the research to levels I had no access to and I had no doubts he would provide me with an impeccable assistance.

ANATOLY POV

When I rang the door bell of River's house, the door was opened by whom I presumed being his younger brother, as they looked similar. He first assessed me with a dubious look and then twisted his nose as if smelling something bad; I could confirm that this brat here already got on my nerves. He somehow reminded me of that shrimp-dude named Cameron, who had a great talent in triggering my temper and not for the best.

"And you are?" Someone who would love to punch your stupid face but that cannot do it because you are probably a snotty sixteen years old blockhead.

"I'm Anatoly and I'm here to see your brother, because I guess you are Thomas, right?" My tone of voice somehow put him on the corner and he let me in, still eyeing me as if he was staring at some piece of shit. What kind of damn problem did he have with me? Alright, I knew my hairstyle, tattoos and earrings sure gave quite the first impression, but this one here was really annoying. "What are you looking at?" I asked him and he immediately shifted his eyes away.

"Nothing. River is probably in his room studying," he replied and I didn't miss the tone of harshness he used when he spoke his brother's name. Sasha told me they had some issues and I was already figuring out the reasons behind that, or the source of such annoyance. "Are you his new...boyfriend?" He munched out that word with the same pleasantry as a priest would speak a curse out loud during a sermon.

This snotty brat was really River's younger brother? I remembered him very different and in my past memories he adored his brother and not in the same way I liked my brother. He really admired his older brother for what he was: his brother.

"No, I'm not his boyfriend. I can be your boyfriend, though, if you want," I replied in kind, giving him quite the dark and mocking leer. I was being very mature indeed but it couldn't be helped. I just couldn't help myself in front of such people and my sarcasm and very, sweet mature side came out roaring.

"What?" He almost choked on his own spit as he spoke. "I...I'm...I'm not gay," he spat it out as if he had eaten something gross.

"Oh really? I actually thought you could make a cute young boyfriend," I added with a darker smile and he gulped down looking around and sighing out relieved as we heard the sound of a door being opened and then closed. Too bad, because I was having fun in taunting this irritating kid.

"And you have a stupid haircut," he blurted out of the blue and I seized him with such stare that he took a step back. Alright, he was really getting on my nerves.

"Tommy," River's voice called him with an evident note of reprimand and I looked behind, seeing my friend walking down the stairs. He always looked good, no matter what time of the day you caught him; River had natural charm and masculine beauty.

"Stop calling me in that way," he curtly snapped at his brother and I didn't miss how River momentarily contracted his face in hidden pain.

"Tommy.." he went to say something, but the little blockhead interrupted with sweet and very adorable rudeness.

"I hate when you call me in such way. I'm not a stupid kid anymore, so stop with that, and I hate you."

River stood as if made of ice on the first step of the stairs and his brother ran away, which was good, because my hands felt itchy at the need to slap some sense on his head. No wonder Sasha had lost his cool with him and told him off, considered how close he and River were. My friend sighed out and then smiled at me, trying to hide everything behind his attractive smile and his blue eyes that tended to grin at you like a cat would.

"Hi Tolya, I'm happy to see you." He walked towards me and rested his hand on the back of my neck. "I am sorry for what happened with my brother."

"What the hell was that?" I couldn't contain myself and the fact was that the little brat reminded me of myself, as I had been months, years ago. Definitely not a good sign, believe me. "I wasn't any nicer than that, if you know what I mean."

"I am sorry, we are facing a challenging moment with him," he only explained and as always, he would keep most of his issues for himself.

"Do you want to talk about that? Or better, do you want me to go and talk to him?" He smiled at my last request and shook his head.

"I believe that is not a good idea, because he is already scared of Sasha," he winked and then motioned me to follow him upstairs. "Would you mind if we talk in my room? I was really looking forward to meeting you and finally talking openly." His cat-like eyes rested on mine and I could see he was studying me. Hiding something from him was pointless; it also was useless to lie.

"Yeah, same for me, even though I'm not sure how you'll look at me after I'm done with all my talking."

River softly chuckled and moved on a second step.

"Well, I believe we will find it out only by talking, Tolya."

I had been freaking right; if I would have not talked to him directly, I could kiss good bye to our old, sincere friendship. So I followed him to his room and noticed how it had slightly changed since years ago; my eyes wandered around the bedroom and took notice of the fact he had one picture only of Nicholas, while he had several of his friends. I glanced at him and he was still the same complex and rather guarded person, but that didn't much apply with the Mighty Sasha, who knew River very well. I sat on the chair of his desk as he offered me, while he sat in front of me on the edge of his bed.

"I am here ready to listen to you," he said, resting his chin on the back of his hands bracing on his knees and tilting his lips up in a very attractive and alluring smile, which was one of his best weapons, because it could be turn into a double-edged sword.

"You haven't changed much in some things," I said.

"You also have not changed in some of your typical attitudes, but in other things you changed a lot. I believe that man is one of the main reasons, correct?" I only nodded and his eyes seemed to flicker as he considered something. "Have you told him you love him?"

"What?" I asked completely taken aback and possibly looking moronic as my mouth hung open.

"Did you think I haven't noticed that? I saw the two of you together and the way you interacted with each other. It surprised me at first, but then I realised he could be the only man capable of moving such strong feelings in you." His words blown me away for a moment, but then I chuckled.

"You are still the same smartass, Riv." I used to call him like that years ago and in that moment it slipped out, making him smile in a more relaxed and kind way.

"I always liked when you called me like that, Tolya. I am happy you decided to come back to us." His words reminded me the reasons I was here, so I decided it was time to tell him all the crap, from the beginning to the end.

"If you don't mind, I'll answer to your question later. Now, I need to tell you what happened years ago, because I owe you this much, as I want to directly ask for your forgiveness. I should have done it earlier, but it wasn't easy to come to terms with everything and..." he stopped my rambling by getting up and squatting in front of me, resting a hand on the side of my face.

"It doesn't matter if it took time, because what really matters is that now you are talking to me. Please tell me what happened to you, as I believe you must have gone through some traumatic experience."

"Sasha told you something?"

"No, he did not of course. You know him well. But I guessed it by looking at you that day of months ago, when you left the gang and then, I guessed by the tone of voice Sasha used to tell me you two had talked. It felt as if something heavy had been spoken of and I could see he had needed time to digest it. I also want to understand what happened to you, because you are my friend, Tolya."

I nodded and after having taken a long and deep breath, I began to tell him everything that happened to me in the past years.

RIVER POV:

For many years I have thought about what could have possibly happened to change my friend in such extreme way. Tolya slowly started to isolate himself, wanting to spend less time with us and, while at first he found excuses, after a while he openly rejected us. At the same time Sasha had some problems going on with his brother, who had taken bad the fact their mother left them for another family and began to act problematically. It all changed when Ivan met Nichole, but I knew my best friend had gone through hard years. I tried to talk to Tolya several times, because I didn't want to lose him and because after observing him carefully, I thought I understood what the problem was. I doubted nobody noticed that and it was a mere guess, nothing more.

Although I was ready to bet that the man called Oleg, who looked like someone extremely good at observing and analysing people, had perceived the same. When I observed them together that day, after the fight against Sergey, it was obvious how protective he was of Anatoly. I noticed how he personally wanted to help him walk the stairs and how he efficiently took care of everything. He looked like he was about to commit a murder in pure cold blood, but he had been very good at masking most of his emotions. Emotions that didn't slip out of my attention. A man like him surely had been able to observe and get to know Tolya very deeply. I didn't know that man personally and we met a few times only, but I liked him because he was someone my friend could blindly rely on, and without doubts he was the one that really helped Tolya in getting back to his real self.

I had missed my friend very much, because I had grown much attached to him, just like with Sasha. He was sharp and very perceptive, which explained why he broke his friendship with Sasha in such way in order to break with all of us. I felt bad for not being able to do anything years ago and I felt very useless; my dearest friends hurt and fought in ways you would never comprehend and I was there, incapable of doing anything to change that. The more I tried to talk to Tolya, the harsher he pushed me away, until I began to ask myself whether he really hated us.

I had been a complete idiot for thinking that and not persisting more.

Tolya sat there in front of me and I could say or do nothing as the words poured out and crashed on me painfully. He confessed me that he had liked his own twin brother, as I had suspected by the way he began to react against Dima, and how that finding threw him into complete chaos. He felt wrong and dirty, and he thought of himself as a monster. He hated himself for that and believed he didn't deserve to have us around him. Then he told me about that piece of shit that should have been a teacher and hence help him, but that he actually tried to abuse him. He actually did it, verbally, emotionally and still putting his worthless hands on him. I felt my throat closing up and a sense of nausea insinuated in me, as he kept talking, as he told me what happened, how he managed to escape before something worse happened. My vision blurred slightly because I knew tears were in my eyes.

I couldn't believe at what I was listening to and mostly, I couldn't believe at the fact he had faced all of this alone. We were best friends and he had been alone. No wonder Sasha told me that he needed time to cope with his own past behaviour; of course my best friend felt guilty ad responsible, because Sasha was in that way. Now I understood why he looked in that way and why his voice had hardened as he explained they had spoken. Sasha must have gone through some sort of shock, just like me, and he must have hated himself for having kept beside his friend.

It was clear we all had done something wrong. Tolya by joining a gang and doing what he did, becoming a bully and following a ruthless life, without seeking out real help; us by pushing him away as we thought he hated us and then actually believing he was lost and impossible to recover. We fought against him and we thought very low of him. We were all guilty, in a way or another. It really hurt to acknowledge that and hear him speaking about that. I said nothing and simply took a silent breath as I realised how lucky he had been for having that man watching out for him; how lucky he had been for having such incredible family.

Tolya kept talking, not looking at me but staring at the floor, his voice a nervous and quick stream of words, his eyes somehow wide probably reviewing those past and impossible to forget emotions; his hands clenched and unclenched into fists from time to time, or ran apprehensively in his Mohawk. I hadn't missed how the collar of his shirt had been pulled up to hide the tattoo on his neck and I knew he went to a tattoo studio before to see whether it was possible to remove it. He spoke about meeting a member of the gang by pure and fucked-up chance, and how he decided to join it because he felt that nobody wanted him anymore and because he had completely lost himself.

He talked and talked and talked and more tears formed in my eyes, until I got up on my feet and stopped right beside him, crouching down and letting my arms wrapped around him, my head resting on his chest. Tolya stopped talking and I hugged him tightly.

How lonely, scared, and lost must have he felt? I couldn't even remotely imagine that.

"I'm so sorry, Tolya," I only said and I willed my tears to retreat and stop, because I had never liked to show any weakness in front of people. Not even my best friends or family. Not even Nic.

"What?" He asked with hoarse voice, as he spoke for long time. "What are you talking about? Just like the Mighty Sasha. Did you listen to me or not?" His voice was angry, but the anger wasn't directed to me but to himself.

"I have listened carefully to every single word," I replied, pulling back and staring straight into his beautiful eyes, because I always thought Tolya had beautiful and slightly timid eyes. "I should have tried harder years ago, because I guessed how you felt about Dima."

"The fuck?" He then let out a long sigh and surprisingly he hugged me back for a quick moment. Then a low and soft chuckle left his lips and he dropped his head back. "I should have expected this from you. You're just like that impassive bastard in terms of observing people...you're two freaky and eerie bastards, believe me."

I smiled at his words and pulled back, going to sit back on my bed in order to give him some space, as he had never been fond of people overly worrying about him. Hmm, exception made perhaps for that man, as last time it looked like Tolya didn't mind it much. Interesting to see how love and the right person could bend (or should I say tame in his case?) certain typical behaviours.

"Tolya, I don't mind that and I am only sorry you had to face all of that alone. I really feel bad about that and you know that Sasha felt in the same way." He nodded. "I'm sure Dima also felt responsible for not having helped you, in his own way, but I believe he probably digested everything, because he has a more easy-going disposition, right?" Which was bless in this case, because I had seen the twins together and it felt like it used to be years ago; actually, even better, as they seemed to understand one another more deeply. Dima's spontaneous and easy-going attitudes along with his complete lack of touch helped no little his twin brother in coming to terms with his past actions. It also helped in patching up and reinforcing their brotherly relationship.

"I believe you have completely changed and lost those feelings long time ago, hmm?" I observed his face and he quickly averted his eyes in momentary shyness. So I had been right: he really loved that man and those feelings were not brand new, but slowly developed and even more slowly accepted. It had been clear to me that afternoon.

"Riv, Dima and I are back to our usual idiotic self," he said with a genuine smile.

"You mean you are driving your parents crazy with your childish and ridiculous bickering?" I offered him winking and he snorted.

"We don't..." He shook his head and chuckled. "Yeah well, I guess we do that sometimes, given how dad tells us to shut up." I could perfectly imagine that and yes, the Denisov twins could really drive you out of mind when they began to argue with each other in their nonsensical way, calling each other names and going on until somebody's brain couldn't take it any longer. "And yes, I told him that." I softly laughed, because of course Tolya wouldn't directly and openly say such things. His shyness was still the same of years ago.

"Tolya, will you promise me something, please?" I asked with a more serious voice.

"Tell me, River."

"If you ever need help, please tell us. I missed you very much and I feel terrible for not having stayed beside you in those moments, so don't run away if you need help. You did things that were very wrong and you're aware of this, so I don't need to lecture you. I'm sure you had someone beside you that had good methods in making you open your eyes. We all did something wrong and don't try to deny it, because I know I'm right. I believe you are slowly facing your past and I'm proud of it. Everybody can make mistakes, but I think that it mostly matters whether we admit those mistakes and try to make up for them. We are friends and you can also rely on us. Will you promise me that?"

Tolya looked straight into my eyes and his face grew more solemn, his expression very honest and frank as he replied:

"Yeah, I did a lot of shit, true, and regret almost ate me alive, believe me. It still fucking bites me nicely, to be honest. So yeah, I promise that." I smiled and then he surprised me with his following words. "But you also should remember you can count on your friends, if you ever decide to talk about your issues. I know you well, Riv. Just don't forget that."

"Thank you," I only said, realising once more why I was so attached to him and to Sasha: they could see through me, yet respected my way of being by never forcing things out of me. I decided to shift the topic and have a bit of fun in teasing my friend. "So Tolya, do you also drive your very compelling and handsome Oleg crazy?"

I could see how his eyes widened a moment, which meant I had touched the right button and I couldn't help smiling like a cat. I guessed right and apparently they had quite the exciting and fulfilling weekend. Oh...very interesting indeed. I could only imagine how his brother was going to tease him.

"Listen, I'll have Dima on my case once I'll be back home, which makes me doubt about going back for dinner," he grunted out and I couldn't help my chuckling. What did I just say?

"So I was right," I casually said and he rolled his eyes. In this he was similar to Sasha, because their patience was very limited.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. He's a fucking huge and hot hunk, so no wonder." As if it was only a matter of physical appearance. Tolya was obviously in love with that man and that surpassed the mere physical attraction. He took a long breath and then let it out, staring at the ceiling. "He brought me peace and much more than I deserve. Oleg is an amazing bastard and yeah, I managed to drive that impassive man crazy and he did the same. But not a word to Dima," he rushed out and I just smiled for a moment. This coming from Tolya was quite a lot and I believed I had teased him enough. At least for today.

"Not a word to Dima, promised." I winked and he shook his head, muttering something in Russian. An idea popped in my mind and I think we all needed it. "Would you like to do something on Friday all together?"

"Yeah sure, why not? Do you mind if I'll ask Adrian and V?"

"No, I like them, so I'd be pleased to meet them again."

"Cool then."

ANATOLY POV:

After having talked to River I felt better and it felt like another heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders. He knew me well and therefore made it easier for me, avoiding making me feel even guiltier for having pushed them many away years ago. He said that we all made mistakes and I think I understood what he meant, but somehow I couldn't agree with him; I avoided to deepen the topic, because it was all very tiring. The Mighty Sasha had felt in the same way and my brother pretty much the same; the last thing I wanted was to have my friends feeling guilty and responsible for the shit I did. It had been my decision and my responsibility only.

But talking to them, sharing it with them, receiving their forgiveness...freaking hell, that had been amazing. It made me feel alive and it made me feel I finally deserved their friendship. They had nothing to be forgiven for and I told him, but whatever. I knew we all had our own ways to cope with matters, so it was pointless to argue about that. And River had tears in his eyes, which of course he stopped and somehow masked away, but they were there; he had let me see a very vulnerable side of him. That had been another healing piece in my mess and it felt like another small bit of my real self was settled back.

Riv decided to drive me home and on the way we talked about many things, including a few words about his relationship with Nicholas. I didn't want to force the topic and so let him say what he wanted to share with me; after all, we had slowly began to fall back in the way we used to be, probably even better than the old days. We needed our time with this, but I really meant what I said in his room and I would really listen to him if he ever needed. We reached my place and luck just kissed me because Dima drove home at the same time. Riv simply chuckled and after having greeted my twin, he left.

"Hey bro, how was your weekend with scary Oleg?" He welcomed me, patting my shoulder as we both walked inside the house.

"How was your weekend with your chipmunk?" I replied back.

"A very hot one," he immediately admitted. "You have no idea how my kitty can be sexy when he takes control and..." I suddenly turned around and stuffed his mouth with my sock and he made an overly-dramatic gagging sound as he pulled it out. "Oh man, that's sick and gross. Your sock?"

"That's because you're being gross. How many times I told you I don't need to hear about details about your sex-life with your chipmunk?" I grunted out as we walked the stairs to reach the first floor.

"So tell me about your weekend," he joked wiggling eyebrows and throwing the sock back at me.

"None of your business," I answered quickly.

"Oh c'mon Tolya, you had sex and I'm just curious and wait...what you actually talked about with him for two days? He talks normally right?" I stared at my brother and rolled my eyes. "What is it?"

"Of course he normally talks, Dima. He's quite the smart bastard for your information."

"Awww, my twin brother getting all defensive for his man: how cute."

"Don't you need to call Jasper?"

"Speaking about my kitty, how about a double date sometimes?"

We had reached the main hall and we were heading for the kitchen. I almost choked at his question and I froze on the spot for the stupidity of it. Was he out of his mind or what?

"Dima, double date with you two? Are you drunk or what? No way in hell. We're not a couple of cheesy penguin-lovers."

"Bet you're a couple of randy beasts, right bro?" Oh God save me from this, please. But then, why not paying him back in kind? Let's see how he was going to enjoy that.

"Oh you have no idea, Dima. Especially when we go wild and we literally shred our clothes away and he thrust me against a wall, while I grab his very hot ass and..." He immediately stopped me by pushing his sock in my mouth. I just chuckled at seeing his expression.

"Oh man, no more details please...enough. You're like Sasha and Travis. Great," he snorted, for then laughing out loud and nudging my arm. "Well, I'm also often horny for Jasper, so I guess we're twins." Was that supposed to make me feel good? "But seriously Tolya, what about a double date? I bet mum would love the idea."

"Dima, one word or joke about Oleg and I in front of our parents, and you can kiss good-bye me helping you studying for your tests." That was enough of a menace because there was no way I could find a topic to embarrass him in front of mum and dad. But maybe I could find a way to scare him...I let my smile grew darker and more evil. "Or worse, I could tell that to Oleg and have you two sorting it out."

"I'll shut up, don't worry. Not that he would do anything, but well, your man is quite scary and creepy sometimes. Plus, without your help in studying I'd be fucked."

"Very much, bro."

We reached the kitchen and mum welcomed us with a bright and wide smile, informing us that dinner was going to be ready soon. Dima and I helped to arrange the table and shortly after our dad joined us. He quickly looked at me and then smiled softly for a very brief moment, a gesture that spoke thousand words; I only nodded and returned the quick smile, for then going back to talk about bullshit with my brother.

Author's chit-chat:

What are you thoughts, feelings, impressions and emotions about the chapter?

I think having River POV during that part was important, because he's very sensitive and I wanted to show you how he felt and what he thought. Did you like it? You agreed with him?

As for Vince, we understand why Anatoly is so guarded with him. They had a difficult relationship. Same with Sergey, but they are slowly getting better :-)

I really hope you enjoyed it and I'll be curious to read your thoughts. Once more, thank you for being such lovely and wonderful readers.

I think tomorrow or Tuesday I'll update "Fallen for an Angel" and I believe a new chapter of "Loving You is Forbidden" will be out next weekend. So stay tuned!

Lots of Love, Magic and Meows,
-TheWitchAndTheCat-