Chapter - 6

There was something Elena and Nicolas were hiding. Because she was about to say something when she stopped herself. Were they having an affair? No, she won't do that to her own brother, right? Elio rolled around in his bed. He was bored out of his mind. He can't go outside, and he can't pester those three forever; they had other jobs to do. And it's been more than two weeks since he last had a proper talk with Nicolas. He leaves for his office early and reaches back home late at night. And the times he doesn't leave early, he avoids talking and any type of interaction with Elio. Elio decided it was enough. He is also a human being. He is going to stop this play. He had his dinner since he knew Nicolas would be late once again. He heard Nicolas's car pull over. Nicolas would come inside as usual. He won't eat dinner, most likely because he had it from outside. He would call for Tyler, Simon and Jay, who would brief him about how today went for Elio, which he could ask from Elio only, but he wouldn't do it, then he'll come to his room, so that means he'll take a total of 20 minutes to reach his room. He heard Nicolas's room door shut. Okay, Elio, it's now or never. He gets up from his bed and walks to the door that connects his and Nicolas's room. He opens the door without knocking, and god did he wish that he did it. Nicolas was halfway through stripping his pants, and he didn't have his shirt.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were changing."

Elio said, pink coating his cheeks.

"You could have knocked."

Nicolas said, shrugging. Elio looked away because he couldn't handle all of that.

"So you wanted to talk to me, i guess?"

Nicolas asked raising his brows. Elio held his head high up, only looking into Nicolas's eyes.

"Yes."

He walked towards him and stood before him. Fuck his height because now he was directly face to face with Nicolas's toned chest. Elio had to look up to make eye contact with Nicolas.

"Do you remember our restaurant meeting?"

Nicolas frowned at the question.

"Yeah, but what does that-"

"Do you remember what we talked about and you agreed?"

Elio interrupted him.

"I-"

Nicolas stuttered.

"You.Said.We.Would.Be.Friends."

Elio said taking each step towards Nicolas.

"You said we can be friends, but you won't even look at me like a normal human being. You're saying something but doing something else."

Nicolas couldn't say anything. Elio was right. Because he had been avoiding him like a plague.

"I know you love my sister and can't see me as your partner. But i'm not asking for any of that. I just wanted you to be my friend."

Elio looked away from Nicolas because he felt his eyes tear up.

"I just want you to be my friend."

Elio said his voice cracking at the end. Nicolas felt bad seeing Elio in this state. And he felt guilty knowing he's reason for it. He knew Elio would break down any second, so he calmly held Elio's hand and led him to his bed. He was grateful that Elio came willingly. He made Elio sit down, and he kneeled before him to his level. He didn't know how to calm a crying person, so he did what his mother does when he cries. He wiped Elio's tears and gently caressed his cheeks with his knuckles. Elio's cries slowed down, and he looked at Nicolas with his big doe eyes.

"I'm sorry I made you feel like that. I didn't know my actions hurt you so much."

Nicolas said with a regretful voice.

"It's okay. I was really lonely in this house. You need to remember that I too was forced into this marriage."

Elio said pouting.

"Okay, I won't repeat this. Let's do this again."

Nicolas held his hand before him, making Elio confused.

"Let's be friends."

Nicolas said, making Elio smile widely. Elio took his hand, shaking it.

"Also, don't ask those three about my day; just directly ask me."

Elio said to Nicolas like he was talking to a kid.

"Okay sir!"

Nicolas said, making Elio laugh. Elio stood up, ready to go back to his room. He stopped walking and turned around to face Nicolas. He looked at Nicolas head to toe and smirked.

"You have a nice body. Keep it up."

Elio left the room with Nicolas sitting there dumbfounded.

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Elio was again in the kitchen, with those three following him. When it was time for Nicolas to come down for breakfast, he went to the dining room. Nicolas came down as usual, looking at his phone. He didn't say anything. He wanted to see if Nicolas would initiate a conversation with him first. He wanted to see if Nicolas was serious about being his friend.

"Good morning."

Nicolas said, shocking Elio. He still had his eyes on the phone.

"Good morning."

Elio said with a wide grin. Nicolas knew Elio was grinning even if he had his eyes trained on the phone. The simple thought that he made Elio smile made him smile a little too. They had small talk, mostly Elio doing the talking and Nicolas nodding and listening to it. When it was time for Nicolas to go, Elio also stood up. That action made Nicolas look at him.

"It's okay, you don't have to see me off."

Nicolas said, but Elio just shook his head.

"What friend am I if I don't do this?"

Elio said and suddenly side-hugging Nicolas. Nicolas didn't know what to do, so he just patted Elio's side.

"Bye."

Elio said and left the dining room. The three followed him shocked.

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When Nicolas reached his office, Elena was already waiting for him. Until they catch who's behind Elio, they would be working together. During this time, they could also work on their company deals. So it is a win-win situation for them.

"So any info about the Dominico's gang?"

Nicolas asked, taking his seat.

"All the members of the gang are dead."

Nicolas raised his brow in shock.

"What? If that's the case, wouldn't it be a public issue? I mean, there would be questions raised related to the dead bodies."

"I know. I believe somebody with connections in higher-ups has done this. because no way the media and police didn't get the news about 180 dead gang members."

"Also the leader is missing?"

That caught Nicolas's attention.

"Atticus is missing?"

Nicolas asked again and Elena nodded.

"Find him. If we can find him we can know who is behind all this."

Elena nodded in agreement and started calling someone. She looked up from her phone.

"Did you tell Elio about the reception?"

"Shit! I forgot."

Their families arranged a reception/party to let the public, mainly the gang or person who is behind Elio, know Elio is married to the second most powerful family in the world. Nicolas called Elio, who picked up the phone very quickly.

"Hello?"

Nicolas knew from the tone that Elio must be grinning. That made an involuntary smile creep up to hid face, which didn't go unnoticed by Elena.

"I forgot to tell you that this sunday we have a party. Courtesy of our parents."

"Oh."

Nicolas knew Elio didn't know what to do.

"Tell Simon to help you with whatever you need."

"Hey Nick see this."

Elena's voice called him. The other side of the phone went silent.

"I'll call you back."

Nicolas cut the call and went to Elena to see whatever information she got, not knowing that he left a very sad and anxious Elio back at home.