《Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe》


 Chapter 1

    Moe pulled himself closer to the dried stain, which had been softened slightly by the soapy solution. He wrinkled his nose and meticulously scraped it off with a scraper, being careful not to scratch the expensive glass. He was annoyed with the pesky birds and the poor building design that did not shield the unique glass dome of the skyscraper.


    The outcome was truly remarkable; that was hard to dispute. A massive, gleaming glass droplet seemed to quiver in the almost layered heat-blurred air, evoking a sense of thirst just by its presence. When it rained it looked even more organic, yet the drawbacks were undeniable. Dried bird droppings posed a significant challenge. Using a robot window cleaner was not possible due to the curved surface, and not every industrial climber was adept at managing the intricate cleaning of such architectural craftsmanship.


    That¡¯s why strong climbers like Moe could make a killing from this colossal droplet. Moe contently murmured as he entertained this idea, wielding the squeegee, guiding the soap suds down with a squeak. Upon completing one window, Moe reached for the water bottle attached to his belt and looked down - hanging from his harness, there was a bucket filled with window cleaning solution, a squeegee, and a scraper. Moe, considering speed and convenience more important, ignored the safety guidelines that prohibited attaching cleaning gear to the harness.


    At the next window, Moe evenly applied the solution, which immediately foamed as it oxidized and dissolved dirt particles. With minimal interest, he glanced into the expansive round office inside the droplet. The big shots seated there were having an increasingly more relaxed conversation, seemingly reaching a consensus.


    Judging by the sweaty, pale faces of some of the men, they were having a hard time just like Moe under the scorching sun, with the only distinction being that Moe maintained a serene mindset despite the burning sensation beneath his protective clothing. In contrast, theirs was likely a mental tumult, even as their bodies enjoyed the pleasant coolness of the air-conditioned office. Moe hummed to himself as he began to remove the soapy lather, contemplating how he would never trade places with them. Physical discomfort would go away once he completed his work and took a refreshing shower, but emotional turmoil could not be eased by cool water. There¡¯s a reason why a lot of these fat cats are on meds- downers to calm their nerves and uppers to stimulate their precarious mental state to scale new heights, ideally without breakdowns.


    Having finished the window, Moe moved to the next one, glancing at the remaining work¡ªjust two to go, and he''d be able to head downstairs to collect his payment. There was just one man left in the office, probably the top dog, sitting rigidly in front of three oversized monitors. With minimal head movement, he swiftly scanned all three screens while typing away at the same time.


    Having foamed the glass generously, Moe allowed himself to unwind. He pulled his IQOS out of the pocket, inserted a stick, removed his helmet, shook his soaked hair, and basked in the sun. With arms spread, he leaned back, hanging effortlessly on the harness, puffing with enjoyment. After two hours of work, he savored the first drag. His mind was calm, his muscles pleasantly hummed with fatigue, and the nicotine provided an indulgent pleasure. Though a sip of strong coffee was missing, he felt content without it. Moe mumbled in relaxation, feeling the sun kiss away droplets of sweat and dry his hair. Upon finishing the cigarette, he reluctantly took up the squeegee, swiping the soap foam from the top edge to the middle, revealing the clean, shiny glass. On the third swipe, Moe flinched in surprise¡ªright in front of him stood the very same businessman, the owner of the drop-shaped office, studying him with icy gray eyes.


    Moe scoffed, that hawk-eyed asshole saw his smoke. Struggling to stifle an adolescent "Fuck!" under his breath, Moe moved away from the overly confident face. He briskly removed the soap lather, idly pondering whether he might be fined for smoking. Smoking was banned within five meters of public entrances, and there was no entrance here, so the owner of the icy stare could go fuck himself.


    He intensified his window-cleaning efforts, aiming to complete the task quickly. Sensing the persistent gaze still fixed on him, he grew irritated. Did the man have nothing better to do? Why is he staring like this? First time he¡¯s seen a window cleaner?


    He showed no signs of being in a rush, observing with minimal movement, mostly just turning slightly as Moe swiftly worked with the squeegee. Moe skillfully shifted his feet to avoid touching the precious glass, resting them on the window frames while reaching the unwashed surfaces. The observer occasionally answered the phone, lowering his hand with the phone after each call, and continued to gaze, gaze, gaze. Moe, already drenched from work and the hot sun, felt stupefied under this surveillance, squinting disapprovingly at him. However, the observer didn''t even raise an eyebrow, merely turning his body like a flower seeking the sun.


    Moe was finishing the final window quivering with anger, simmering with annoyance. The businessman''s penetrating gaze was incredibly irritating, as if he assumed the right to scrutinize Moe as if he were his possession, just like that office and everything in it. It seemed that he had been accustomed to having the world cater to his every whim and command since childhood. While cleaning the glass, Moe shot him a fierce look, not concealing his frustration, and tried to estimate his age.


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    Estimating his age posed a challenge; he could easily pass for either forty or thirty. His well-proportioned facial features gave him a slightly older appearance in his youth but concealed the years in his mature stage. As he aged, he would probably appear younger than his actual biological age. With a robust build, he seemed almost sculpted from stone or ironwood. Effortlessly, he turned and followed Moe to the next window, moving with grace and solidity, unlike the sloppy and fidgety Moe.


    Confidence in the future, supported by a substantial fortune, in his own allure and irresistible charm, and in the certainty of his existence contrasted sharply with the uncertainty of tomorrow, with the vague sense that life might be lived in vain. This dichotomy between the two individuals on opposite sides of the thin glass barrier was keenly felt.


    Completing the final stroke on the glass, clearing away the foam, Moe unexpectedly saw himself through the eyes of the man on the other side of the glass. He appeared thin, almost bony, with distinct features, particularly the nose, described by Dad as sharp enough to cut bread. Sporting comically large dragonfly glasses adorned with rhinestones ¨C he needed to shield his eyes from the sun and had no other choice, having inexplicably taken his dad¡¯s glasses with him.


    A smirk crossed his face as he grasped his newfound awareness of superiority over the window washer. Little did he know that the down-and-out possessed the most important thing ¨C freedom. Unbounded and unrestricted freedom from worldly entanglements. Leisurely and confidently, he removed his protective gloves, revealing wet, sweaty fingers, long and thin like Moe''s entire frame.


    While the businessman remained fixated on him speaking on the phone, Moe gradually lowered his glasses, unveiling his eyes ¨C his most significant asset. Light danced on his swarthy face, revealing nearly milky-blue eyes, intense beneath the dark fringe of his lashes, sharp and angry to a razor''s edge. With a cheeky grin, he parted his lips and cheekily stuck out his tongue, causing a ripple of mild surprise on the imperturbable face before him. Without allowing the surprise to fade, Moe provocatively slipped his middle finger into his mouth gliding it along his tongue to the fluttering tip and thrusting it forward.


    The businessman stumbled backward, blinking in confusion. Meanwhile, a triumphant Moe chuckled gleefully. He retrieved his cell phone from his pocket, assumed an air of nonchalant importance, dialed a number, and pressed it to his ear. In a blatant parody of the businessman, openly mocking him, he muttered in a low voice, ¡°Get me down, I am done.¡±


    Leisurely swaying in his harness, Moe pulled out his IQOS, took a deep drag, and mockingly gazed into the astonished face across from him. Then he leaned forward, releasing the smoke into his gray eyes. He sensed that he had emerged victorious in this encounter, conveying the message that not everything remained under the businessman''s control ¨C Moe, for instance, was his own master.


    While the businessman''s initial astonishment gradually dissipated, concealed beneath a veneer of composure, the indifferent gray eyes now held a subtle emotion unclear to Moe ¨C whether excitement or mild irritation. Moe absentmindedly observed that the businessman was indeed attractive, according to Moe¡¯s taste. However, the likelihood of their paths crossing was improbable ¨C they existed on different planes, revolving in parallel universes.


    Once descended, Moe promptly dismissed that particular thought, focusing instead on the essential objectives- collecting his paycheck and promptly leaving after a refreshing cold shower.


    The paycheck was quickly handed over, Moe was pushed into the elevator that descended to the service area unseen by the affluent and powerful. He was graciously allowed to use the employee showers. Moe gladly wiped off the protective greasy cream from his face. He soaped his body with a pungent chamomile gel to cleanse away the sweat, then turned on the cold water that stung his skin like fire, which made him gasp and wake up. After changing into a T-shirt and shorts, slipping on his Birkenstocks, and roughly combing his wet hair with his fist, he gathered his equipment and sauntered casually to the elevator, contemplating what to eat.


    He went up to the foyer on the ground floor, insolently ignoring the request, "Use the staff entrance," and moved effortlessly across the marble floor toward the gleaming, polished turnstiles¡ªopting for the main entrance. Men in expensive suits engaged in hushed conversations, bustling to and from elevators and the outside. Moe, a contrast in his shabby attire against their affluent backdrop, grinned in response to the surprised glances. While they were still sweating and rushing, he was on his way to relax! Suddenly, another martyr in a suit calmly and confidently blocked his way, assuming a posture suggesting no urgency. This disrupted Moe''s contented mental flow, and the newcomer grinned just as Moe had a moment earlier.


    ¡°Hey there. You''re the guy cleaning windows, huh?¡± the calm gray eyes lifted with a smirk, and a slight smile played on his lips, anticipating a surprised reaction. However, Moe responded nonchalantly,¡± So?¡±


    ¡°So..." he hesitated for a moment, but quickly regained composure - he didn''t climb to the top of the food chain for nothing. ¡°You''ve got a lot of nerve. Aren''t you worried they''ll stop calling you to clean these windows?¡±


    ¡°I don''t really care," Moe replied candidly, with a mocking tone. ¡°Your windows, you see, are not the only ones in the world. Plenty of other folks are eager for a good scrub. They crave these nimble hands," he displayed his long-fingered hands and shook them in front of the businessman''s face, anticipating no resistance. ¡°So, you didn''t scare me, dude," and he walked around him, swiping the turnstile with his visitor''s card.


    ¡°Do you want to make a few bucks?" The businessman approached, his smile growing broader, openly entertained, and Moe was taken aback - was he being picked up now? Like a whore? Holy shit!


    ¡°You don''t have that kind of cash, buddy,¡± Moe shrugged, gliding through the turnstiles toward the revolving doors, and reiterated loudly, shaming the businessman for the entire lobby, "That booty is pricey, you can''t afford it. Sorry!" and burst out laughing, already outside, teasingly sticking his tongue out at the frozen businessman.

 Chapter 2

    Moe adjusted the uncomfortably tight bow tie, tilted his head to find a more comfortable angle, flashed a grin at the stern-faced restaurant manager, grabbed the tray of appetizers, and joined the other waiters hired for the buffet amid a loud cheer, ¡°Remember, no food and drink for staff!¡±


    Moe smirked slyly ¨C sure, don''t eat and you''d collapse from hunger. He hadn''t had a proper meal since yesterday, aside from swiping a strawberry cake from a random passerby and a small cup of crappy coffee, proudly called a latte for some weird reason.


    It was on him; there was no need for the customer to complain to the McDonald¡¯s cashier about slow service. What slow service? His order was handled promptly, and the queue of cars behind him hadn''t even started honking. Moe regretted grabbing his order hastily, wishing he had waited for something more substantial. For Moe, dessert only counted after a hearty serving of meat or fish, at the very least. Without the income from his now-lost part-time job, managing his metabolism, which craved a steady and nutrient-rich diet, would likely be a challenge.


    His stomach roared an unmelodic roulade, and Moe gently patted it with his free hand. He attempted to breathe through his mouth to avoid the enticing aromas of the appetizers and avert his gaze from the tray as he made his way down the narrow corridor to the hall¡ªjust a bit more, do not look.


    The golden rule of serving hors d''oeuvres dictated- never step into the hall with a half empty tray, as keen observers might notice the void in the perfectly arranged rows, leaving you without earnings. His neck betrayed him by leaning forward, his head, inflated by the aroma of the delicacies despite his mouth-breathing attempt, drew nearer and nearer to the tray. Moe, on the verge of almost nose-diving into the tray, straightened up right at the entrance to the hall, cursing everything under the sun- his rebellious metabolism, the affluent individuals for whom the appetizers were intended, and himself for not mastering the art of budgeting.


    He navigated the hall with a veneer of impeccable politeness, weaving through the hushed conversations of the party guests. Whenever he sensed even a subtle interest, he would pause and present the tray with utmost deference. However, his attention was divided, keeping a close eye on the diminishing supply of small canap¨¦s adorned with salmon caviar and a pink mousse. As soon as the tray dipped below half-full, Moe gracefully retraced his steps down the corridor, the tray still extended towards the well-groomed hands reaching out, involuntarily swallowing in anticipation.


    He slipped into the hallway when there were only three canap¨¦s left on the tray, swiftly tossed them into his mouth, and swallowed them almost without chewing. To his capacious stomach, capable of accommodating incredible volumes, such petite offerings were like a drop in the ocean, but he had no choice.


    Moe rushed eagerly to the service area where another tray awaited him. He flashed a smile at the manager, who scrutinized his face, searching for any traces of pilfered snacks. Finding none, as the canap¨¦s effortlessly made their way past Moe''s lips and into his mouth, Moe grabbed a tray adorned with green balls and glided gracefully into the corridor. From there, he proceeded into the hall, planning to circulate around the venue following the same strategy, but from the opposite side. Although the green concoction on the tray wasn''t very popular with guests, Moe, automatically counting the number of bowls taken, realized that its appearance left much to be desired. Though it shouldn¡¯t taste bad¡ªafter all, the restaurant had earned three Michelin stars for its delectable dishes rather than their aesthetic appeal. The initial trio of canap¨¦s had been nothing short of fucking divine.


    This time, Moe had to navigate the hall for a longer period¡ªgreen ball enthusiasts were scarce. Having a hollow stomach, Moe condemned each step, so he attempted to divert his attention by observing the guests.


    As always, the scene unfolded with its usual cast of characters- the aesthetically pleasing people and those less so, adorned in their customary posh and stylish attire. The attractive individuals, in their usual fashion, accompanied those less attractive, often bearing the marks of time, life''s challenges, and stress. They undoubtedly possessed more than just a hollow existence. Exceptions existed, albeit infrequently- a handful of couples seamlessly complemented one another in both appearance and the haughtiness of their gaze, a telltale sign of a life elevated to the Olympian heights, complete with the resulting advantages of prestigious education, a privileged start, and a life unburdened by material concerns. Then there were the dull couples, who didn''t bother to acknowledge their partners, evidently paired by their parents in a lamentable puzzle¡ªa strategic union, they termed it, designed to prevent the family''s wealth, amassed through hard work and consumption of smaller prey, from trickling into potentially perilous hands.


    No couples defied the convention where the man exuding power and wealth was good-looking while his companion lacked attractiveness. Yet, the ever-curious Moe continued to scan the room¡ªthere had to be at least one, there simply had to be! Like a rare exception that proved the rule. If both individuals exchanged profound, intense gazes, oblivious to the surroundings, and the companion betrayed subtle details indicative of a middle-class background, it would be a perfect find.


    A grin spread across Moe''s face as he spotted such a couple- a slender, supple omega with blond hair, a fair complexion, and innocent green eyes who barely fit the "cute" descriptor. He gazed nervously at the hall filled with high society, clutching onto his macho''s arm. The macho, a lively brunet with naturally dark skin and deep, ebony eyes, whispered something tender, transforming the distinct facial features into a blissfully silly expression.


    "Gottcha," Moe murmured to himself, glancing at the tray and realizing he had nearly forgotten about the food. With only five balls left, Moe, feigning a politely indifferent expression, strolled down the hallway without attempting to offer them to anyone. They had had enough; he knew the balls would find their way to the guest who needed them most.


    They could cut down on their calorie intake anyway; most likely, they were already dealing with salt deposits, arterial cholesterol plaques, and digestive issues. They should spare five measly balls for Moe, who had no health concerns whatsoever. At least physical ones- after all, deep inside everyone is a psycho.


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    The balls proved to be as expected¡ªabsolutely divine. They burst on his tongue in a spicy-cheese-spinach-seaweed-awesome gastronomic delight. Moe chewed them thoughtfully, savoring each bite and sip, wiped his lips with his cuff, as he did after canap¨¦s, and briskly walked to the service area¡ªstill not enough! He craved a hundred more and a rare steak. Only then could he move on from food and start indulging in drinks. He skillfully maneuvered past the restaurant manager, who was loudly reprimanding the waiter for dropping a tray full of champagne flutes.


    "Do you even realize how much these cost, you clumsy idiot? Not to mention the champagne! Your entire existence isn''t worth that much."


    Moe glanced sympathetically at the clumsy waiter who had dropped the tray ¨C he was the one not getting paid today, for sure. Moe picked up the tray with tiny roast beef on the thinnest waffle sheets, showcasing the dark scarlet meat in the middle. He skipped the crystal cups with shrimp cocktail ¨C biting off the tails was too much trouble. Walking briskly toward the hall, he needed to make a small circle. Unfortunately, everyone was drawn to the roast beef, and the flattest, as if cut with a razor, scarlet, oozing with blood juice sides beckoned, forcing abundant salivation, insisting on keeping all of them for himself.


    The roast beef disappeared in a matter of minutes, and a wistful Moe gazed at each scarlet side, each dark brown crust. In the corridor, he blinked resentfully at the last roast beef ¨C it felt like a tease, just to annoy him! After a small bite, his taste buds tingled, and Moe hurried to the serving room, hopeful for an abundance of roast beef. Fortunately, the popular dish was plentiful, and Moe grabbed a tray, sensing his spirits lift. He staggered toward the hall with four-foot-long strides, intending to approach only the overly thin, those perpetually on a diet of lettuce leaves and air.


    Moe remained vigilant, feigning blindness when corpulent guests approached him. He strategically approached the skinnier ones with the tray, noting that some betrayed his faith in humanity by picking up roast beef. Moving swiftly towards the corridor, he timed it to have about a third of the tray left. By the time he reached the corridor, only an eighth would remain. There was no need to unnecessarily raise poor people''s blood pressure by feeding them roast beef. After all, taking care of one¡¯s health is important. Moe rumbled contentedly down the hallway, casting a soft smile at the juicy scarlet meat. "Mmm, my preciousss¡­ We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious.¡± A figure loomed in front of him, and absent-mindedly, Moe attempted to walk around it. However, the figure sidestepped, blocking the aisle, and asked ingratiatingly, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To the kitchen, sir, ¡°Moe replied automatically, still mesmerized by the coveted item, and locked eyes with him, reluctantly shifting his gaze from the tray.


    The same blond businessman from the office was looking at him with a lazy smile, observing him calmly and somewhat mockingly. In his gray eyes, there was a cheerful understanding of Moe''s motives for retreating with his loot into the corridor. The businessman adopted a comfortable stance, exuding the delightful sea breeze-scented pheromone, suggesting that he wasn¡¯t going to allow Mo to pass through. Slowly, he raised his hand, hovering over the tray, and choosing the most appetizing piece of roast beef. The act seemed like a subtle retaliation for Moe''s earlier gesture, and Moe hummed in understanding, attempting not to reveal his irritation. Maintaining a neutrally indifferent expression, he involuntarily watched the long, well-groomed fingers hover over one roast beef and then another, without actually taking any.


    ¡°You''re a waiter too, huh?¡± the asshole grinned unabashedly.


    ¡°I can be anybody if the money is right," Moe said with a frown, starting to get annoyed. ¡°Do you want the roast beef, or do I have to stand here forever?¡±


    ¡°What if I want to savor and enjoy every bite slowly?¡± he raised his eyebrows innocently, feigning ignorance of Moe''s irritation. ¡°Last time I checked, guests can indulge as much as they desire, no restrictions.¡±


    ¡°Then dig in," Moe said with a sly smile. ¡°Don''t just linger. Can''t be that tough to make a choice, right?¡±


    ¡°It''s a tough call," he confessed, letting out a deep sigh as if genuinely troubled by the decision. ¡°They all seem equally appealing and mouth-watering, but I''m convinced one of them must be superior. That''s how it goes in life, don''t you agree?¡±


    ¡°Not really, I am not picky¡±," Moe shifted impatiently from foot to foot and proposed, bidding farewell to the roast beef ¨C other waiters were busy serving different appetizers, indicating the roast beef round was over, "Take the entire tray, and I''ll be on my way."


    ¡°You''d rather enjoy them yourself, huh?" The intrusive pest took a cocktail pick, casually impaled the roast beef, extracting the meat juices with a piercing move, and enticingly presented it to Moe''s lips. "My treat, so you can indulge without any unpleasant repercussions. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off," Moe snapped, clenching his jaw, even though the enticing aroma of the roast beef the man held near his nose tempted him to take a bite. ¡°Eat it yourself," he avoided the man and proceeded toward the corridor, but the man called out to him imperiously, ¡°Stop. I am not done yet.¡±


    ¡°Listen," Moe halted but didn''t face him, waving his free hand dismissively. ¡°You might be used to bossing people around, but that won''t fly with me, got it? If you want, go ahead and complain about me. I couldn''t care less about this gig; I can find another one. But I won''t eat from your hands. Got it?¡±


    ¡°I got it," the man stood up in front of him once more and deftly thrust the roast beef into the talking mouth, a slyly swift movement that left the skewer between his traitorous teeth. Moe snorted in annoyance, but chewed compliantly, savoring the saliva reacting to the gastronomic delight in his mouth. The peculiar blond man observed Moe''s chewing with fascination, his eyes misting over, his expression began to appear somewhat silly, as if Moe''s chewing had suddenly made him more attractive ¨C what a weirdo.


    Moe swallowed and walked silently toward the corridor, hearing hurried footsteps behind him, and exploded already behind the protective cover of the drapes when the man grew in front of him again, preventing him from passing, ¡°What¡¯s the fuck, sicko?¡±


    ¡°We''ve are all sick, one way or another," he remarked, holding onto the tray tightly. ¡°I''m Einar. What¡¯s your name??


    ¡°Call me whatever you like, I don¡¯t care," Moe shifted to the side with the tray, but Einar took a step too, refusing to release it. ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°Dig in, no one else will notice except me, and I''ll claim I forced you to finish it all. The party attendees have privileges.¡±


    ¡°Fine, what the¡­" Moe conceded, grabbed two roast beefs simultaneously, tossed them into his mouth, and mumbled with his mouth full, "Happy now?¡±


    ¡°Yes. When was the last time you ate?¡± Einar leaned against the wall, observing as Moe swiftly devoured the remaining pieces.


    ¡°None of your business," Moe swallowed the last of the roast beef and slipped past him toward the serving area.


    ¡°I''ll be right here waiting," Einar said as Moe was striding towards the service area, and Moe groaned irritably. What did the rich guy want from him? So what if he gave him a middle finger? Moe freely shared those with anyone who needed them. He didn''t reserve them just for this idiot, and the idiot must have seen plenty in his life, one hundred percent sure Moe''s wasn''t the first one.

 Chapter 3

    Moe, annoyed and his stomach warmed by the devoured roast beef, spat ¨C fuck it, if he wants to feed him this way, let him, at least the restaurant manager can¡¯t complain.


    He opted for a more enticing food tray and glided into the corridor, agreeing to the terms of the game. As promised, Einar awaited him right by the curtains, gallantly opening them to let Moe pass. Moe had hoped that there would be feeding in the corridor, he quietly grumbled, adopted a politely indifferent expression, and briskly strode into the crowd. Einar stuck to him like glue, exchanging smiles with acquaintances, shaking hands, throwing short phrases, and detaining Moe by the sleeve when he attempted to escape. After ample conversation, Einar moved ahead, attempting to initiate a dialogue with Moe, ¡°So, what''s your name?¡±


    ¡°Mickey Mouse," Moe said, extending the tray towards reaching hands.


    ¡°Mickey," Einar rolled the name on his tongue, a sneer in his eyes. ¡°I don''t think it fits; Minnie would be better," and Moe gritted his teeth furiously.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you find a job?¡± Einar teasingly snagged a goose liver canap¨¦, waved it under Moe''s nose, and popped it into his mouth.


    ¡°Because," Moe turned toward the hallway after making a small circle.


    ¡°Enjoying the bohemian lifestyle, aren¡¯t you?¡± Einar observed closely, noting any subtle shifts in Moe''s expressions. ¡°Perhaps you''re an artist, dabbling in creativity during your free moments?¡± He chuckled, "I can picture you at the canvas, given your connection to the creative profession."


    "With your imagination, you can sketch out a biography for me. No need to restrict yourself to dull facts," Moe slipped behind the drapes, sneakily looked around, and took the canap¨¦s without awaiting permission. He began to see some positive perks in the game ¨C at least with Einar, he could indulge in eating without the fear of repercussions.¡±


    "I''m still curious about those mundane facts; maybe I find you interesting," Einar snagged the last canap¨¦ from right under his nose, laughing. Moe, gave him a reproachful look, snorted in disbelief ¨C sure, a wealthy and handsome man interested in a poor guy with unremarkable looks, tell me another one.


    After a few bites, Moe headed towards the beverage trays. What he had consumed demanded a drink, and his weary body craved an alcoholic pick-me-up for a good night''s sleep. Boldly, he grabbed the first glass on his way to the corridor, and despite being observed by the manager during his supervised meal with Einar, there was no reprimand for the feigned pitiful claim that "your guest is a pervert, demanding that I eat in front of him."


    Wealthy perverts pay, granting them entitlement to everything. Thus, a waiter indulging in pricey appetizers seemed like the least of the manager''s concerns, evident in his weary eyes. With the second glass, a genuine sense of well-being washed over Moe. Handing the tray to Einar, he reached into his pocket for his IQOS- at this point nobody will question whether this was the guest''s request or Moe''s own initiative. Who cares, we only leave once.


    ¡°You''ve got a smile on your face," Einar exclaimed, sipping his champagne.


    ¡°You have a very keen eye,¡± Moe, basking in the joy of finally feeling satisfied, grinned warmly. ¡°Service staff smile when they''re happy ¡ª we''re all equal in that. Did you know that when you smile, fifty-three muscles are engaged, and your brain immediately starts sending out neurons that trigger the production of feel-good hormones?¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Einar concluded his drink and placed the glass carefully on the tray. ¡°How do you handle holding the tray for so long? It seems uncomfortable,¡± Moe examined both of his occupied hands- the glass in one, the cigarette in the other, maintaining his defiant "try to give this back to me" expression. Einar then lowered the tray to the floor and whispered intimately, "And kissing engages a hundred and forty-six muscles, with the primary kissing muscle being the orbicularis oris, the circular muscle of the mouth, did you know?"


    ¡°Maybe," Moe inhaled nicotine, along with a refreshing hint of sea salt that intensified, the scent getting noticeably closer. He cast an intrigued gaze at the attractive face, tinged with desire, and parted his lips invitingly. He felt full, slightly warmed by the good champagne, content in the present moment. The alpha seemed quite appealing; he hadn''t encountered one like him before. It was worth savoring this dessert.


    Einar observed him intently and cautiously, his breath warm, weighing Moe''s unmistakable agreement. Carelessly releasing the glass, it shattered on the marble tiles. He sealed his lips, not with a fierce urgency, and almost indifferently slipped his tongue into Moe''s mouth, gliding it along the even rows of teeth. After a minute of a pleasant but not particularly hot kiss, he pulled away.


    ¡°Wh¡­¡±


    ¡°Twenty-nine,¡± Moe declared, washing down Einer¡¯s saliva with champagne, his eyes squinting playfully.


    What?" Einar''s face immediately froze in displeasure, his once bright and lustrous eyes losing their shine, narrowing with disgust. He subtly recoiled, then furrowed his brow in confusion at the figure. If this was the price for sex, it seemed rather paltry. ¡°You...¡±


    ¡°I have twenty-nine teeth, not the standard thirty-two, and my lower jaw is narrow,¡± Moe explained, relishing the shift in emotion. Once a wealthy man hears a number, this usually means one thing- a poor guy calculating potential gains from him. ¡°You wanted to ask about the number of teeth, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Einar raised his eyebrows to his forehead in disbelief, easing up, dispelling the unpleasant thought that he had just been scrutinized and found lacking, and chuckled softly.


    ¡°You are not boring. How about we head to my place?¡±


    ¡°Not interested,¡± Moe fibbed, distancing himself from the wall. ¡°But I''d appreciate it if you could ask the manager to let me go earlier. That way, he''ll most probably think I am whore, but I won''t care what he thinks. I''ll get my money for the rest of my shift.¡±


    ¡°Smart,¡± Einar, noticing his graceful retreat, picked up the tray.  ¡°Why bother sending you off if you won''t join me? You might as well finish your shift.¡±


    ¡°Because I can see from your confident expression that you''ve abandoned the hope of convincing me, so seize the opportunity, persuade me," Moe chuckled, finished his champagne, placed the empty glass down, and picked up the second one. ¡°Do you catch my drift?¡±


    ¡°I catch your drift-," Einar nibbled his lip eagerly. ¡°Alright, let''s get you off duty, and then I''ll commence seizing the moment, the twenty-nine-toothed.¡±


    The manager handed over the cash without any objections, not bothering to look at Moe. He smiled at Einar, inquiring if everything was to his liking and if he required anything else. Moe looked at the banknotes and let out a dramatic and melancholic sigh, feigning a forlorn expression. Sensing Moe''s transparent hint amidst Einar''s amusement, the manager slipped another twenty-dollar bill.


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    ¡°Thanks. Can I take off?¡± Moe, despite the inquisitive tone, headed towards the changing room, loosening a tie that had been bothering him for quite a while. He could hear the manager, a rather attractive omega, flirting with Einar behind him, and Einar absentmindedly responding. Well, to hell with them, it was time to go.


    Food and drink slowed down his mobility. He still had time to reach the shelter if he moved quickly, but he wasn''t inclined to. Today''s vibe was sprawling, and liberating, so as Moe removed the tailcoat and pants provided, he decided ¨C hit the town! Changing into his own clothes, taking the powerbank, stuffing half of the money into his sock and the rest into his jeans pocket, he slung the backpack over his shoulders and pondered the pros and cons.


    He leaned toward "yes". After all, the chances of being called in again were slim, and chawls hooking up with guests weren''t exactly appreciated anywhere. Sneaking back into the bustling kitchen, he skillfully retrieved a bottle of wine from the drawers, snagged a head of cheese, concealed his loot behind his oversized sweatshirt, and gleefully rushed to the locker room, aiming for a quick escape to freedom.


    The stomach bounced heavily in sync with the run, and the backpack, now carrying the bottle and cheese, thumped painfully against the back. Yet, these minor discomforts were oddly pleasant¡ªnow, at least until tomorrow, everything else could be set aside.


    Beautiful.


    Moe sprinted through the back door and emerged into the damp darkness of the street, carrying a faint odor of garbage bins. A backyard didn¡¯t present a glamorous fa?ade like the front, truthfully exuding scents from the underbelly of a dazzling life- the perspiration of labor, decomposing remnants within loosely tied trash bags, and the pungent ammonia-tinged aroma of urea. Moe crinkled his nose at the mixture of scents and made his way toward the yard''s exit, where a guard with a walkie-talkie stood, offering a parting acknowledgment.


    ¡°Hey, Bill, see you, Bill.¡±


    ¡°I''m not Bill,¡± the guard straightened up in surprise, blinked, attempting to discern if he recognized the man, and Moe shrugged his shoulders- Bill or not, what''s the difference, and continued on with a more purposeful stride toward the subway. Within the hotel premises, the pilfered items were urging him to distance himself from the scene.


    Suddenly, a car that Moe hadn''t noticed, parked along the side of the road with its engine running and rumbling quietly, honked its horn and flashed its headlights. Moe jumped up in surprise and cursed - why the fuck would you scare me like that! He threw out his middle finger and increased his pace in the right direction, the rhythm of his blood flow accelerated by the scare, glancing at the car out of the corner of his eye. As the car approached him, Einar called out to him from the window, ¡°Do you need a ride?¡±


    ¡°No, my wheels haven''t fallen off yet,¡± Moe, irritated by the unexpected chase, twitched, easing up - thankfully, there was no real danger. The tension dissipated instantly, his knees loosened, and he felt the strain from the long hours spent on his feet.


    ¡°Come on, Mickey, you look exhausted,¡± Einar stepped out of the parked car, caught up with him, and examined his face. ¡°Are you carrying a whole house in your back? Planning a hiking trip? Let''s go.¡±


    ¡°Look, dude, what do you want from me?¡± Moe halted, letting out a tired sigh. ¡°Ditch the whole love-at-first-sight thing, okay? Trust me, there are tons of people way hotter than me out there. Right now, I just need some chill time with my phone, a bottle of wine, maybe a good cry, and then zonk out. Dealing with charming guys isn''t on my agenda.¡±


    ¡°You can drink wine and unwind with your phone at my place," Einar smiled serenely, as if the previous irritation hadn''t affected him. ¡°Perhaps you''ll have other ideas during the process,¡± he gently caressed Moe''s cheek with his fingers, subtly implying his intentions. The gesture carried a tender and soothing vibe, making Moe pause and contemplate. ¡°Well-¡±


    ¡°Let''s go,¡± Einar, seizing the moment, hooked his elbow with Moe''s and guided him towards the car. Moe, conceding defeat, trailed along, "I guess hitting the town is off, silk sheets await us."


    In the car, Einar remained composed and unruffled. Moe even questioned whether a flicker of mutual interest had occurred, but he dismissed the thought. If the golden boy was truthful, a tranquil night in a clean and comfortable place was guaranteed. Equally nonchalant, Einar led the way to the apartment in the upscale high-rise, accompanied by a ring of bodyguards. They glided through the foyer, took the elevator up, and strolled through the lavish apartment to the guest bedroom. Einar gestured towards the bathroom with gentlemanly flair and exited. Moe, feeling somewhat rattled and tense under the watchful eyes of the bodyguards, who made it clear that they wouldn''t tolerate any pranks or mischief, entered the bathroom with a slight sense of confusion. However, upon seeing the spa-like setup, he grinned happily.


    The unpleasant vibe from the bodyguards dissipated as endorphins flooded in. Moe purred, turning on the water in the bathtub. With care, he picked out the most appealing scents from a variety of luxurious bath foams and salts, generously adding them to the tub. As he undressed, a shiver of anticipation ran through him; this indulgence would be etched in his memory. Placing his watch in the most visible spot¡ªon the hanging pull-out mirror¡ªhe stepped into the shower cubicle.


    He eyed the bathtub eagerly, grabbed a fresh luffa with the scent of the Dead Sea, lathered himself thoroughly, and stepped in to luxuriate, lathering his hair and purring in delight. By the time the tub was filled, Moe had exfoliated his skin three times over, applied a hair mask, scrubbed his heels, and, feeling utterly clean, immersed himself into the hot, fragrant paradise, letting out a loud moan of satisfaction.


    ¡°Did you decide to drown yourself?¡± Einar entered the bathroom without bothering to knock, clad in a gray silk robe, and grinned as Moe, without uttering a word, languidly gestured over his frothy domain - only a complete idiot would want to drown in such a luxurious setting. ¡°I get it, enjoy. What about the wine? I recall it was part of your plan.¡±


    ¡°Sure " Moe responded graciously, adjusting his posture on the dissolving salts. ¡°White, please, with the bouquet and harvest of your preference.¡±


    ¡°Very well, sir,¡± Einar replied with a laugh, disappearing and returning with glasses of white wine, offering one to Moe.


    The combination of chilled, fine tart wine and the warmth of the bath was exquisitely intoxicating, euphoric, and delightful. Moe deeply inhaled the aromatic blend, indulging in his love for luxury. Einar, sitting beside him on a rattan pouf, dipped his fingers into the water, gazing at Moe''s face with curiosity, wondering if tears were present. He gently plucked a wet strand from Moe''s cheek and planted an almost platonic kiss, suggesting softly, ¡°Perhaps you''ll consider a modification to the plan?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I will," Moe grinned mischievously, his satiated form open to the idea of some bedtime amusement. Rising and stretching, he showed his lengthy, slender physique, sun-kissed only where the clothes typically end.


    ¡°You remind me of Roman marble statues," commented Einar, assisting him out of the tub and draping a towel over his shoulders.


    ¡°Just as well-sculpted?" Moe squinted in disbelief, and Einar chuckled.


    ¡°The untanned portion of your body resembles an ancient statue with missing limbs," Einar teased, flicking Moe on the nose. ¡°No need to pout; you asked, and I answered. You don''t strike me as someone fishing for compliments.¡±


    ¡°I wasn''t trying to be all about the whole dismemberment vibe either," Moe remarked, drying himself off and feeling a bit puzzled. He had been fed, had a drink, and now he was about to be fucked, but the passion or attraction seemed lacking. What was Einar''s motive behind this questionable adventure?¡±


    He strapped his watch onto his wrist, entered the bedroom, dropped the towel on the floor, sprawled on the bed, wrapped himself in the blanket, and let out a yawn. Einar''s approach lacked any sex appeal; in fact, it was quite the opposite. Hoping Einar might reconsider, Moe shut his eyelids, only to receive a gentle kiss. The blanket was thrown away, the robe met the same fate as the towel, and Einar''s body, cool from the contrast of the hot bath, pressed against Moe, pinning him to the bed.


    ¡°You sure?¡± Moe arched an eyebrow in skepticism, lazily opening one eye, providing Einar an opportunity to pull back. Instead of responding, Einar rubbed against him, proudly displaying a pretty hard boner. ¡°Well, you don''t seem particularly eager for it either.¡±


    ¡°You think you''ve got me all figured out?¡± Einar planted kisses on his cheek, neck, and jugular, licked Moe¡¯s collarbone, his tongue tracing down to Moe''s nipple, eliciting warm sensations throughout his body. He delicately squeezed Moe''s stiffening cock. ¡®Should I grab some lube?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Moe blinked in surprise¡ªthis was an odd question, given that Einar could tell from the lack of scent that he was a beta.

 Chapter 4

    Einar responded to Moe''s bewildered expression with an almost indifferent reaction¡ªhe simply retrieved a tube of lube and condoms from the nightstand, neatly placing them beside the pillow. The actions were calmly measured, businesslike, reminiscent of a ten-year-strong marriage, as if no one straddled Moe''s thigh with a wet cock a moment ago. The sensations were peculiar, unfamiliar, but Moe dismissed overthinking it¡ªwell, he''d give marital-like sex without the actual marriage a shot; that was the main point. It was something he hadn''t experienced before, so he chalked up the oddness as a complementary element to the silk sheets. There''s always a touch of bitterness or peculiarity, even in a perfect dish, and this particular nuance seemed oddly appealing.


    Einar demonstrated adept skill in kissing and caressing, and before long, Moe, exploring and growing accustomed to Einar''s impeccably sculpted physique, was breathless. Taking matters into his own hands, he squeezed some lube onto his fingers to apply. He explained, "I always do it myself; I had a bad experience once."


    "I understand," Einar initially displayed impatience, shifting onto his hands and knees to provide Moe with space, his gaze fixated where Moe''s fingers were at work, swallowing greedily in anticipation. "May I?"


    ¡°You should,¡± Moe opened up wider and extended his neck in the same slow motion that Einar was pressing in, spreading the stubborn, tight walls. ¡°Oh my God-¡±


    ¡°Just call me Einar,¡± Einar pressed his lips together with a chuckle, moving in shallow thrusts, and soon Moe wasn''t analyzing ¡ªonce fully in, Einar paused for a moment to let him get used to it, lifted one of Moe''s legs onto his forearm, and began pistoning hard and vigorously, letting go, releasing himself from restraint.


    Moe moaned rhythmically, squinting in a mixture of pleasure and a hint of pain ¨C Einar was a bit bigger than he was used to. He willingly kissed Einar''s lips, dry from the race, gripped and scratched his smooth, muscular shoulders, expertly grasped his firm buttocks, and met the powerful and pleasurable thrusts of the iron shaft. The climax, predictably intense after a month of abstinence, surged abundantly. Moe, shuddering one last time, gave a husky warning, ¡°No knot.¡±


    ¡°Damn, you could have mentioned that earlier,¡± Einar grimaced, squeezed his cock at the base, and exited, breathing heavily. ¡°You''re a buzzkill, Mickey.¡±


    ¡°Moe,¡± Moe corrected him, sliding lazily along his body to the still hard cock with the swelling knot. Removing his fingers, he wrapped his own around the knot, massaging it softly and firmly, pulled off the condom, and took the wet, cum-spewing head into his mouth, creating a vacuum inside. Einar sobbed, arching up, bucking under the unexpected caress, moaning, ¡°Yaaah, that''s it. More, Moe...¡±


    Moe milked the knot until it was soft, spitting the cum carelessly onto the silk robe on the floor, wiped his lips with the palm of his hand, and plopped down beside Einar, who was panting, quivering residual pleasure.


    ¡°I believe I''ve earned a place to stay.¡± Moe nudged Einar in the shoulder. "A solo night''s stay, sound good, kid?"


    ¡°Huh?¡± Judging by Einar''s bewildered expression, he was a bit out of sorts. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Just let me catch some Zs,¡± Moe mimicked sleep with folded palms against his cheek. ¡®Snooze, snore, sleep like a log, in the arms of Morpheus, suspended animation...¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Einar shifted to the edge and tugged the blanket, but Moe smacked his arm. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I''m used to sleeping solo,¡± Moe nudged him off the bed with his feet and settled in the middle, getting comfortable.


    ¡°You''ve got a lot of nerve,¡± Einar, who had landed on the floor with a thud, got up, rubbing his backside. ¡°But because of that blowjob I will let it slide, good night.¡±


    "Good night," Moe playfully blew a kiss, switched off the bedside lamp, patiently waited for Einar''s departure, and then shifted to a more contemplative mood, gazing wistfully at the ceiling, hopeful for a night without nightmares. Taking a deep breath, he eased into relaxation, preparing for a peaceful slumber, softly murmuring the timeless, "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, catch the tiger by the toe if it hollers..." and drifted off to sleep.


    He awoke to an unusual and absolute calm, feeling remarkably refreshed after a long sleep. A disbelieving smile played on his lips as he surveyed the semi-darkness, observing the predawn sky adorned with lingering stars and the fading moon. Morpheus had been kind to him during this night of apparent luxury, bestowing upon him a peaceful sleep free from nightmares. Moe greeted the morning with a lazy stretch, appreciative of the respite, and felt his rested muscles gradually springing to life. This dawn deserved to be savored, prompting Moe to tiptoe out of the bedroom and into the living room. Aimlessly navigating, he eventually stumbled upon the kitchen, where the sight of a gleaming chrome coffee machine prompted him to offer a whispered expression of gratitude.


    ¡°Greetings, machine," switched it on, rummaged through the cupboard, fetched a cup, made a double Americano, retrieved a slice of jamon and cheese from the fridge, tore open a pack of croissants, sliced one open, put the jamon and cheese inside, garnished it with the discovered mini gherkins, took a bite of the sandwich, grabbed the cup, and retreated back in, leaving the light on.


    By the time he returned, the dawn had painted the sky a delicate pink, pushing the moon and stars away, and Moe relished the tranquility, alternating sips with bites. He hadn''t accompanied Einar yesterday for nothing; he had received an unforgettable night after an ordinary sex. Having finished his coffee and croissant, he fidgeted - it was time to depart before receiving a metaphorical kick. There was no sense in presenting himself as a stray dog in front of his benefactor, who had gained access to his body for some inexplicable reason. He cleansed himself in the shower, rinsing off the remnants of yesterday''s indulgence, brushed his teeth with a fresh brush, took his pills with tap water, adorned himself with his watch - that''s it, the maximum of the minimum was accomplished, and he could take off.


    He exited, but just beyond the apartment door, he was promptly intercepted by two imposing figures with equally impassive expressions. They proceeded to frisk his pockets and inspect his backpack. Moe glared defiantly as one of them extracted a bottle from his backpack, arching an eyebrow in silent inquiry.


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    ¡°Actually, that''s mine. Ever heard of respecting private property, asshole? Put it back!¡±


    ¡°Easy, Sam. If he wanted to steal, he''d go for something more valuable than wine,¡± the other guy wrinkled his nose, and the first one obediently returned the bottle.


    ¡°Damn,¡± Moe concluded, snatching his backpack. ¡°Perhaps a cavity search? I might have diamonds up my ass.¡±


    ¡°I reckon the owner put something else in there,¡± Sam chuckled, and Moe retaliated by kicking him in the shin, infuriated. Sam snarled and raised his fist, but the other, evidently more seasoned and composed, intercepted his hand, and Moe wearily suggested,¡± Fuck off already, will you?¡±


    Moe, aware that he had pushed his luck to the limit, decided not to press further and hurried toward the elevators. This was the price he paid for a luxurious lodging! Next time, think before agreeing. However, in the elevator, Moe began to cool down. It wasn''t the first time he was manhandled, and it certainly wasn''t the first time he had faced confrontation. That was tolerable, and he leaned against the wall, casually observing the changing numbers on the display, contemplating his next destination.


    He decided on the beach as the next destination. Moe deposited his backpack and watch inside a locker, reclined on a deck chair still cooled by the night, and gazed at the vibrant sea with its soothing surf, relishing the quiet joy coursing through his entire being. The proximity of children''s laughter woke him abruptly. He sprang up, clutching his bare wrist before remembering the watch was in the locker. Settling back, he pondered lazily about his plans. With enough money for a couple of days, part-time work could wait, and he resolved to immerse himself in everyday routines.


    Reaching the still-chilly morning sea, he waded in up to his waist and took a refreshing dive. The water ignited his body, finally awakening it. Snorting contentedly, Moe swam breaststroke toward the bright, eye-blinding sun. Exhausted, he returned to the shore, rinsed off in the prepaid public locker room, dressed, and briskly headed to Downtown, scouting for a laundromat along the way.


    In the laundromat, he exchanged a five-dollar bill for coins, arranging rank clothes in rows from sealed bags, causing the indignantly clean neighbors to recoil. Loading the first batch, he settled onto a folding armchair, fixating on a clock displaying local, Singapore, and Madrid time, getting lost as usual in thoughts of the two contrasting places, never seen before but immensely significant to him. He snapped out of his reverie at the machine¡¯s beep, retrieved the clean clothes, loaded the second batch, and placed the first one into the dryer, paying for it as well. Seated again, he gazed at the clock, which transported him from the tropical island to the European continent, feeling a warm smile¡ªthis time, in this place, was comforting and pleasant. When the final batch was done, he wiped the inside of his backpack and the laundry bags with a wet disinfectant wipe, ridding them of dirt and odors¡ªhe didn''t want any more mold or fungus. Neatly folding everything, he slipped into the straps and sluggishly made his way towards the subway.


    The day of rest demanded a cultural agenda, practically insisted on it, and Moe dutifully headed to the Museum of Natural Sciences, intending to spend the entire daylight hours there with only a brief break for lunch. He lingered at each exhibit, attentively following the audio guide¡ªperhaps, no tourist, at least in Moe''s estimation, had ever devoted so much attention to the museum. After exhausting himself, he took a one-hour break in the museum cafeteria, enjoying a cup of coffee and a burger, and then continued, following the schedule of lectures outlined in the program. During the lecture on the Neolithic period, Moe comfortably settled into the dimly lit hall, shielding his watch with his fist to prevent any potential theft, and rose with a sigh when his muscles began to ache from sitting in an uncomfortable chair. He then proceeded leisurely to another hall.


    Moe departed from the museum as dusk settled in, steering toward West Adams. He secured all valuable items, including his watch, and half of his possessions in the familiar locker, just in case his backpack was snatched. After lightening his load and halving the weight of his backpack with a swift movement, he entered the bustling crowd with caution, maintaining a vigilant gaze despite his familiarity with the area¡ªhe knew better than to let his guard down in West Adams. It was only in a familiar back alley, "fragrant" with the scent of decay and filth, that he allowed himself to relax. Seated with Uncle Henley, he greeted the elderly man, shook his arthritic, dry hand, and handed over sandwiches he had bought on the way, a bottle of wine, and the head of cheese from the previous night, arranging his backpack comfortably behind his back.


    ¡°Hi Hen, how are things?¡±


    ¡°Hi, Moe. They are better now," Henley, invigorated by the sight of the bottle, busied himself, searching for a place to hide it. ¡°I have something for you, hold on,¡± he sifted through a box deteriorating from moisture and age, retrieved a tattered book, and handed it to Moe. ¡°Take a look.¡±


    ¡°Maugham?¡± Moe raised his eyebrows in puzzlement.  ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it, Moe,¡± Henley said, trembling and licking his lips impatiently. He deftly uncorked the bottle with an iron chopstick he''d swiped from a Korean joint and poured the wine into paper cups taken from the same place. ¡°Firstly, it''s an old book, and I specifically went to a secondhand bookstore for you.¡± Henley drank half a glass without waiting for Moe and sighed, savoring the moment and softening. ¡°Wonderful wine, Moe, wonderful! Secondly, Maugham wrote about the tropics, including Singapore. Find the short story "The Four Dutchmen" and get a feel for the colonial atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you,¡± Moe responded in a different tone, absent-mindedly taking the wine glass, and began to read aloud, ¡°The Van Dorth Hotel at Singapore was far from grand. The bedrooms were dingy and the mosquito nets patched and darned; the bath-houses, all in a row and detached from the bedrooms, were dank and smelly. But it had character. The people who stayed there, masters of tramps whose round ended at Singapore, mining engineers out of a job and planters taking a holiday, to my mind bore a more romantic air than the smart folk, globe-trotters, government officials and their wives, wealthy merchants, who gave luncheon-parties at the Europe and played golf and danced and were fashionable. The Van Dorth had a billiard-room, with a table with a threadbare cloth, where ships'' engineers and clerks in insurance offices played snooker. The dining-room was large and bare and silent. Dutch families on the way to Sumatra ate solidly through their dinner without exchanging a word with one another, and single gentlemen on a business trip from Batavia devoured a copious meal while they intently read their paper. On two days a week there was rijstafel and then a few residents of Singapore who had a fancy for this dish came for tiffin. The Van Dorth Hotel should have been a depressing place, but somehow it wasn''t; its quaintness saved it. It had a faint aroma of something strange and half-forgotten. There was a scrap of garden facing the street where you could sit in the shade of trees and drink cold beer. In that crowded and busy city, though motors whizzed past and rickshaws passed continuously, the coolies'' feet pattering on the road and their bells ringing, it had the remote peacefulness of a corner of Holland.¡±


    With each word, amidst the sweet-tart aftertaste of the fine wine, Moe drifted away to distant Singapore. He remained oblivious to the modern crowd, the hustle and bustle, the sharp shouts of local youth, and Henley''s clucking. The latter was already savoring the remaining wine like a connoisseur. Reading aloud to himself, Moe was lying on a mattress in a twenty-foot container, converted into a home by some eccentric. There, he pressed himself against the side of Henley, who instantly started snoring. Moe fell asleep well past midnight, clutching the book to his chest.

 Chapter 5

    Moe descended on the safety line, looking at the glass that was not perfectly clean, but also not in an urgent need of a thorough cleaning. Using glass-cleaning robots, which worked in the corners somewhat poorly but overall, quite effectively, would have sufficed instead of calling another industrial climber. He shrugged his shoulders in confusion and dipped a sponge into soapy water, squeezing it lazily. He wasn''t in the mood to work, but Moe had depleted all the banquet money over the week. The prospect of working as a loader didn''t exactly warm his soul either. There were no people in the office inside the glass droplet. Though Moe wouldn''t mind catching another glimpse of Einar and pondering how he would react. Would he pretend they did not know each other or perhaps nod knowingly through the glass?


    Curiosity was feeble, almost negligible. Moe didn''t cling to his past lovers; they had shared enjoyable orgasms, and that was enough. There was no need to tarnish the pleasant aftertaste by attempting to initiate a non-relationship that neither party truly desired. It was apparent that the billionaire did not need Moe- the drop-shaped office in the upscale building clearly belonged to a billionaire, not a millionaire- their life trajectories were never meant to intersect, and the accidental crossing was more of an exception to the rule, proving the principle that a slum dweller and a wealthy man existed in different dimensions.


    This time, cleaning was much easier. The recently used cleaning robots had left the large expanse of glass gleaming, requiring Moe to focus only on the corners and remove some bird droppings. As he worked, he hummed a medley of songs, his hands moving mechanically while his mind wandered. Absent-mindedly, he contemplated where to spend the upcoming winter and considered the prospect of taking on a job as a janitor in a hotel complex. The memory of the previous winter sent a shudder down his spine, and he was determined not to endure a repeat. In that ill-fated winter, he had underestimated the harshness of the season, expecting to survive it in the city like Henley. The consequence was a near-death experience from pneumonia, followed by prolonged wheezing. While wiping away another droplet of avian "blessing," Moe pondered the possibility of heading to Vegas. The city was always in need of industrial climbers to clean windows and colossal signs. It seemed like a place where he could lead a contented life, moving from one part-time job to another, and perhaps even get a room from a cleaning company.


    The idea was alluring, prompting Moe to casually drop the sponge into the bucket of soapy water. Retrieving the IQOS, he inserted a stick and took a drag, hanging on the safety line with a smile. It was as if he could perpetually float weightlessly between heaven and earth, avoiding the complexities of life. The sun passionately kissed his face, dissipating the sweat and leaving him feeling good and liberated¡ªuntil a persistent knock-knock-knock-knock interrupted his leisurely reverie. Opening one eye, Moe grinned at the sight of a composed Einar on the freshly cleaned glass, engrossed in a phone conversation.


    Einar finished the call, put the phone in his pocket, and gesticulated clearly. He spun his hand in the air, signaling winding down, pointed at himself, and mimicked eating¡ªapparently, Einar intended to treat him once more. Moe hummed in surprise, arching his eyebrows, but after a brief consideration, he nodded¡ªwhy not? He was always hungry, especially now after an hour and a half of work. Moe nodded again, making a sweeping motion with three fingers to denote the remaining windows, but Einar shook his head in disagreement. He tapped his finger on his wristwatch and twirled his hand again, indicating that Moe should wrap everything up.


    Moe persisted, shaking his head and rubbing his fingers together to convey he needed to get paid. He then showed three fingers again. Einer, conceding defeat, sighed, took out his phone, dialed a number, and silently spoke behind the shatterproof glass. A minute later, Moe''s phone rang, but he didn''t answer. Instead, he smiled brightly, pointed to the phone, and then to Einer, who reciprocated the gesture with a smiling nod. It became clear¡ªEiner had set things in motion to get what he wanted, and Moe wasn''t surprised to hear the anxious office manager on the phone, ¡°Complete the job as it is. You will be paid in full. Mr. Simmons wishes to see you.¡±


    "Alright, tell them to get me down," Moe playfully smeared a soap mark on the glass, meeting Einer''s disapproving gaze, spread his legs, and pushed off, as he started to move downwards.


    He took a quick shower, grabbed his backpack, and trailed the office manager to the elevator, wishing that Einer would treat him to a meal without engaging in a lengthy conversation. They were directed to the restaurant on the fiftieth floor, and Moe sighed in discontent upon spotting the familiar bodyguards. Despite the inconvenience, he didn¡¯t get cocky, allowing himself to be frisked and his backpack inspected. As he entered the restaurant''s private room through the open door, Moe grinned knowingly- it was evident that Einar had no intention of publicly associating with a pariah; he was a high-society snob.


    ¡°Well, hello,¡± Moe casually dropped his backpack on the floor and took a seat at the table opposite Einar. ¡°Did you order window cleaning just to see me?¡±


    ¡°Hi, perhaps,¡± Einar grinned slightly, reclining in his chair. ¡°I liked treating you, choose something you like, and let''s place an order; I''m short on time.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Moe perused the menu, his eyes skimming the French names with interest, and called out to the waiter standing attentively at their table, ¡°Onion soup, ris de veau, asparagus with b¨¦chamel sauce and stewed sorrel, mullet with potato scales, and tarte tatin for dessert.¡±


    ¡°Impressive,¡± Einar remarked, leaning forward. ¡°Are you familiar with French cuisine?¡±


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    ¡°I''m a waiter,¡± Moe grinned, handing over the wine card. ¡°Will you order the wine, or do you want me to choose?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead; I''m not drinking,¡± Einar squinted. ¡°I must admit, I didn''t expect waiters to be so well-versed in French haute cuisine.¡±


    ¡°We know everything, even the fact that a soup served to a rude customer might have spit or even pee in it- remember Chuck Palahniuk?¡± Moe winked, and Einar wrinkled his nose squeamishly, signaling the waiter with a concise, ¡°I''ll go for the pressed duck and spinach salad.¡±


    ¡°And a bottle of Chateau d''Yquem, 2017 vintage.¡± Moe, acknowledging Einar''s approving gaze at his audacity, shrugged - he suggested making the choice, and since he suggested, now he should foot the bill for the pricey booze.


    ¡°Very well, sir,¡± the waiter concluded, filling their glasses with mineral water before gracefully departing from the private room, leaving Moe and Einar alone.


    ¡°What have you been up to, Moe?¡± Einar took a sip of water, placing the glass back on the table, observing Moe as he drank eagerly.


    ¡°Cleaning windows today, maybe serving trays in a couple of days, or taking someone''s dogs for a walk,¡± Moe hiccupped, feeling the effects of the alcohol. ¡°Nothing specific, if that''s what you''re asking.¡±


    Einar''s eyes gleamed ¨C it seemed like Moe was steering the conversation in the direction he desired.


    ¡°Certainty isn''t something you''re after, is it?¡±


    ¡°For example? Wash your windows every week?¡± Moe wrinkled his nose, as if pondering, and then added, ¡°Well, I could do that, but every other day might be even better, so the dust doesn''t accumulate too much.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Einar didn''t catch the playful tone. ¡°Like securing a steady job, gaining stability, and having confidence in the future.¡±


    ¡°Security is elusive,¡± Moe countered. ¡°Today, you''re in the most expensive office in the city, maybe even in the country, and tomorrow your car gets struck by lightning in broad daylight, and just like that, no more Einar Simmons. You know what I mean?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, what are you? A nihilistic hippie?¡± Einar took another sip of water. ¡°There is certainty because the likelihood of my car getting struck by lightning is negligible, you know, but the probability of you being without food and money tomorrow is high.¡±


    ¡°So, probability theory it is,¡± Moe nonchalantly shrugged. ¡°You can debate endlessly, but I lean more towards being a shamanist, believing I was born under an unlucky star. In your scenario, lightning might pass by, but in mine, it would strike me. I don''t see the point in unnecessarily stressing myself; we''re all headed toward death anyway, and I don''t need earthly rewards after that.¡±


    ¡°Quite optimistic,¡± Einar remarked as the waiter returned to the room with a bucket containing the bottle. Einar nodded at Moe and the waiter poured the wine into the bottom of Moe''s glass.


    Moe skillfully swirled the oily, tangy-scented liquid around the sides of the glass, relishing the bouquet as he inhaled, and took a sip, nodding in appreciation to the waiter. The waiter filled his glass two-thirds full, slightly tilting the bottle toward Einar, who declined and then departed, leaving them alone.


    ¡°Why did you leave last time?¡± Einar observed Moe indulging in the exquisite wine, relishing each sip.


    ¡°Was there a reason for me to stay?¡± Moe replied with a question, genuinely puzzled, and then added, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°We could have gone out and seen the sights.¡± Einar grinned.


    ¡°Are we talking about seeing each other, or are we talking about sightseeing?¡± Moe raised an eyebrow, catching the playful twist.


    ¡°We can do both. Would you like to?¡± Einar cocked his head, his eyes smiling.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Moe shifted uncomfortably in his seat, not grasping the game, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.


    ¡°You don''t think it''s possible?¡± Einar laid a finely sculpted hand on the table, and Moe stared at it.


    ¡°No, I don''t.¡±


    The barrage of questions came to a halt, leaving Moe feeling like a contestant who had lost a game he never quite understood. Einar gestured for silence as the waiter wheeled in a cart laden with food, and Moe held back the next question, focusing on the meal and confirming his decision to order more¡ªportions were indeed tiny. Throughout the meal, both lapsed into silence, Moe relishing the exquisite flavors, and Einar lost in contemplation, his furrowed brows revealing a troubled train of thought. Einar only broke the silence when coffee was served.


    ¡°Would you like to live with me for a while?¡±


    ¡°As a human bed warmer?¡± Moe smirked suggestively. ¡°No fucking way! Even if Old Moe''s low on cash, he''s not...¡±


    ¡°As a companion for my younger brother,¡± Einar cut him off with a stern gaze and a warning tone.


    ¡°What?¡± Moe let his dessert fork clatter in surprise.


    ¡°Having trouble with your ears? I mean, I need you to be a companion for my younger brother. He''s a bit... temperamental and tends to make people around him go nuts within days. He escapes from the bodyguards, putting himself in danger," Einar gazed thoughtfully at his coffee cup, carefully selecting his words. ¡°We have a significant age difference, so we are not close. After the loss of our parents in a terrorist attack, Manny lost his bearings.¡±


    ¡°Get him a mind-fixer,¡± Moe suggested, clarifying, "You know, a shrink, a therapist, someone like that? And an army of nannies¡ªsure, he might slip away from one, but not from an army.¡±


    ¡°He''s undergone therapy and managed the trauma well, but none of the nannies can handle him. That''s why I''m searching for an extraordinary person who can connect with him,¡± Einar''s eyes gleamed with irony, and Moe pursed his lips unhappily- so Einar''s putting him on the same level as some juvenile?  ¡°A free-spirited, non-conformist individual, unaccustomed to our environment, who I hope can teach Manny through example,¡± concluded Einar.


    ¡°I get it,¡± Mo grinned, catching on. ¡°A cautionary tale, you mean. To show your brother what he might turn into if he doesn''t smarten up?¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Einer nodded, showing no hesitation. ¡°Happy that we''re on the same page, Moe. So, what do you say?¡±


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± Moe downed the last of the exquisite wine, wiped his lips with a napkin, and got up. ¡°Fuck you and your fucked-up brother. Is it clear enough? ¡°He raised his hand threateningly, but Einer, not taking offense, quickly added, ¡°One hundred thousand in six months.¡±


    Moe froze in an awkward pose, arm suspended mid-air, as the words "one hundred thousand" reverberated through his slightly swollen head, quickening his pulse and leaving his mouth dry. Living without sporadic jobs for such a long time, drifting along the current, exploring the countryside, and relishing a carefree life...


    Einar slowly stood up from his chair, approached, encircled Moe''s waist with his arm, pressed their bodies together, infusing the air with a hint of fresh sea salt, and whispered alluringly, ¡°And, if you like, I could be your bed warmer. Come on, Moe, make a decision."

 Chapter 6

    ¡°Yes... yes... yes... yes,¡± Moe traced his finger along the contract, welcoming the enticing bonuses outlined, including a fantastic salary that would keep him comfortable for months after the contract ended, extra perks like paid health insurance, access to massage rooms, spa facilities, and dining privileges. However, he came to an unpleasant clause, prodding it with his fingernail which left a crescent moon mark on the paper, "No!¡±


    ¡°What was it?¡± Einer, seated across from him, perusing his business documents, signing each one before neatly organizing them in an elegant tray¡ª certainly not plastic, God forbid, but crafted from dark wood ¡ª Moe speculated it might be stained oak.


    ¡°I''m fine with babysitting him but living with you is a different story.¡± Moe decisively tossed the crisp sheets onto the table, crossing his arms over his chest for added emphasis.


    ¡°We were considering the possibility of cohabitation,¡± Einar remarked softly, a visible expression of confusion on his stoic face. ¡°That''s what I mentioned regarding the idea of bringing you on board- living together. Why are you changing your mind now?¡±


    ¡°Because I interpreted your expression as a euphemism, you know? E-u-p-h-e-m-i-s-m,¡± Moe explained, mirroring the stubbornly shifting eyebrows across the room with a frown. ¡°I''ll spend time with your brother, be around you - like "live," Moe added, emphasizing the last word''s intonation and making air quotes with his fingers for accuracy. ¡°But I didn''t commit to genuine living. I''d be suffocating in these royal quarters within a day, dude.¡±


    ¡°I don''t understand,¡± Einar exclaimed, letting the Caran d¡¯Ache slip from his weakened fingers. ¡°You don''t enjoy the comfortable life?¡± The lawyer, who had been quietly sitting there until that point, stirred to life, hummed, offering his employer a supportive audience, but Moe remained indifferent.


    Moe flashed a grin, glanced mischievously at the lawyer''s jaw, winked mockingly at Einar, and continued, ¡°No sharing a living space. I''ll clock in during the mornings and clock out in the evenings, just like the other hired men. The freedom to live, my friend, is not an empty phrase for me. Are we in agreement?¡±


    ¡°I can''t agree to this, Moe¡±" Einar, ensuring Moe wasn''t joking, let out a audible sigh, furrowed his brow in puzzlement, as if unsure how to communicate with someone who had cracked a poor joke, raised an eyebrow, studying Moe intently as if he were a native of an unfamiliar country and culture, and contemplatively proposed, ¡°Let''s head to my place. You can explore, meet Manny, check out your room, and then we''ll decide?¡±


    In response, Moe furrowed his brows in puzzlement. Something hinted that Einar wasn''t about to give up but was merely searching for another ploy to entice him in¡ªa presumption that Moe would succumb to any offer at the sight of luxury melting like ice cream in the hot sun. Silly. Nevertheless, Moe nodded with a thin smile, thinking, ¡°Let''s see who comes out on top.¡± He had already glimpsed the apartment and wouldn''t be surprised by the so-called "comfort." Rising from his seat, he grabbed his backpack by the strap and clarified, ¡°And if it doesn''t suit me, then we''ll stick to the ''come, babysit, and leave'' arrangement?¡±


    ¡°We''ll make that decision there,¡± Einar replied evasively, casting a playful gaze upward. ¡°Where are you off to? I''ve got a heap of work to tackle, and I won''t be free for a couple of hours. In the meantime, feel free to check out the recreation area; it''s got everything a weary employee could dream of. Sound good?¡±


    ¡°Can''t you find somebody else?¡± Moe hesitated near the table. Why on earth was Einar so fixated on him? The peculiar inclination to hire the most unqualified person for the job was starting to grate on Moe''s nerves¡ªhe wasn''t a fan of uncertainty.


    "I prefer not to," Einar stated succinctly, picking up his Caran d¡¯Ache again and directing his gaze back to the papers. "It''s time for you to leave."


    Moe shot a cautionary look at the lawyer, who appeared eager to physically usher him out of the private room. "Hands off, I''m a respectable guy, not up for any unwanted touching," he declared, then casually glided out of the room, prompting restrained laughter from Einar.


    He entered the recreation area with a subtle but noticeable irritation. The honorary escort, embodied by the lawyer casting cool glares and a muscular bodyguard shadowing his every move, conveyed an unwarranted suspicion, as if Moe could steal or taint something with a mere touch. The idea of calling it quits and leaving crossed his mind, leaving Einar to find another unsuspecting soul for his brother. However, his spirits swiftly improved in the recreation area. The eyes, previously burning with expectation, now scattered, unsure of what to latch onto. The space comprised several interconnected rooms, featuring a massive flat screen TV with a gaming console at its base and comfortable gaming chairs in the center. Scattered across the floor were beanbags, while massage chairs and tall shelves with books and headphones lined the walls.


    Moe quickened his pace instinctively towards the gaming chair, dropped his backpack next to it, eagerly rubbed his hands together, and made his request, ¡°I''ll take a burger with ketchup and mustard, lettuce and jalape?os, onion rings, a large Coke, and a side of solitude. Serve everything in this order.¡±


    ¡°You''ve got some nerve,¡± remarked the lawyer, whose name Moe had promptly forgotten. ¡°Do I look like a waiter?¡±


    ¡°Weren''t you assigned to keep me entertained?¡± Moe grinned with satisfaction, observing the lawyer''s lips tightly clench. ¡°So, entertain me! Otherwise, I''m walking out of here. Do you want me to?¡± He leaned down to pick up his backpack with deliberate, leisurely movements.


    ¡°I''ll order it right away,¡± the lawyer gritted his teeth, turned to leave, and added quietly. ¡°Asshole.¡±


    ¡°Why are you being so self-deprecating,¡± Moe chuckled, slumping back in his chair and grabbing the gamepad. ¡°You''re not a full-fledged asshole, just a smug turkey.¡±


    The meal arrived after about forty minutes, delivered by a waiter from the restaurant, as if the lawyer had chosen a deliberately slow pace for his revenge. However, Moe, deeply immersed in the game, paid little attention to the delay. Taking a break from gaming, he enjoyed a substantial meal that left his body pleasantly weighted. Carrying his backpack, he then moved to the room with darkened glass, enticingly labeled as the "Sleeping Room." It lived up to expectations¡ªinstead of a conventional bed, a spacious massage chair awaited him, reclined to a semi-horizontal position. Chuckling with delight, Moe rushed to the chair, closed the door behind him, adjusted the chair to his liking, felt the pleasantly elastic yet soft massage rollers, activated the "sleep" mode accompanied by the subtle sound of ocean waves, and drifted into a tranquil nap, eventually slipping into a restful sleep.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Sleeping without dreams felt so wonderfully restful that when he was gently awakened, Moe grumbled in protest, swatting away the persistent wake-up call. However, the wake-up caller was persistent and intercepted Moe''s sluggish hand, lifting him from the comfortable chair, and said, "Come on, Moe. We need to leave; you can sleep at your place."


    "I don''t have a place," Moe mumbled, reluctantly opening his eyes and rubbing them. "You''re a real party pooper, Einar. Why did you have to wake me up?"


    "I apologize, Moe. I have an important call to make tonight, so I needed to wake you up," Einar said calmly, meeting Moe''s disgruntled gaze. He pulled more insistently, adding, "Let''s go."


    "I won''t live with you, so don''t get your hopes up," Moe, realizing that the fun was over, struggled to rise from the chair. He picked up his backpack and, casting a longing glance at the magical room where he could have stayed, attempted to clarify the situation, "Look, Einar, you have money to spare. You can hire anyone you want¡ªthe most perfect teacher or nanny in the world. So, why do you need me? When it comes to children, I prefer to exist in parallel, our paths never intertwining in vain. I can''t teach them anything worthwhile. I''m a person without a fixed residence, without a defined profession, without social connections¡ªbasically, the freest being. I understand that the wealthy have their quirks, but I don¡¯t fucking get why you are clinging to me so much."


    "Because everyone else before you failed; consider it my business intuition," Einar replied absentmindedly, typing something into his phone. "I''m seldom mistaken about people¡ªlet''s say I have a particular instinct, and it picked you."


    "Flattered," Moe muttered darkly, casting a glance at the bodyguards standing a bit too close to him in the rather spacious elevator car. "Do your guys have to shadow me? It''s not like I''m plotting to end your life."


    "Better get used to it," Einar stated calmly, slipping the phone into his pocket. "My men are simply doing their job, and they''re good at it. Until the vetting process is complete, they''ll, as you say, be keeping a close eye on you."


    "Vetting process?" Moe exclaimed in bewilderment, standing frozen and shooting an incredulous look at the composed Einar, who trailed the bodyguards into the underground parking lot. "What the fuck? This wasn''t part of the deal!"


    "We didn''t have any deal yet" Einar looked around and gestured for him to come along. "You''re a tough negotiator. And everyone with access to me and my team undergoes a thorough check, so don''t take it personally."


    "What have they discovered so far?" Moe cautiously moved forward, keeping a wary gaze fixed on Einar as he distanced himself from the elevator wall.


    "Nothing objectionable," Einar sighed impatiently, taking a step back and gripping his arm. "That''s why I could negotiate contract terms that would have been impossible if my security team had found even a single blemish in your background."


    "Maybe they didn''t look hard enough," Moe clenched his teeth, pulling his hand away. "They didn''t do a good job finding the five bodies I dismembered and scattered in the dumpsters."


    "No," Einar gently directed him towards the car door. "Perhaps it''s your free-spirited nature that makes you one of the purest individuals around- no speeding tickets, no pot smoking, no unexpected outbursts, even though I expected some. You''re as pristine as a priest, Moe.¡±


    "Mm-hmm," Moe pushed his backpack inside, making sure there was no space for Einar. Arching an eyebrow disapprovingly, Einar lingered for a moment, hoping Moe would reconsider. Eventually, he sighed, circled around the car, and settled in on the other side, cringing at the proudly perched dirty backpack between them.


    "I''d prefer your... um, luggage stashed in the trunk."


    "My ''um, luggage'' is a part of me; consider it the only shadow in my life story. Like any respectable serial killer, I carry souvenirs of my victims'' body parts in it," Moe chuckled, flinching slightly as the door clicked discreetly. "Hey, do you really need to lock the doors?"


    "You''re too anxious for a serial killer," Einar pressed the backpack down into the roomy foot space and promptly inched closer, preventing it from resurfacing. "Relax, Moe. You''ll meet Manny, explore the house, join us for dinner, and then make your decision about signing or not. Unlike you, I''m not a maniac; I don''t harm anyone, so you''re perfectly safe. Trust me," the gray eyes caught the headlights of a passing car, gleaming intensely with sincerity, and Moe nodded in agreement.


    The drive was long, leaving Moe bored as he gazed at the evening lights twinkling against a landscape transitioning into opulent villas and mansions nestled in lush gardens. They were headed to a different apartment than his last visit, apparently used by Einar for periodic meetings, or more accurately, liaisons. Moe grinned, stealing a glance at the man now engrossed in typing on his laptop, evidently having forgotten about him. The soft bluish light highlighted Einar''s refined profile, lending depth to his focused gray eyes and enhancing the overall attractiveness of his features. Moe found himself unintentionally drawn into this visual study, admiring Einar and questioning how their paths had converged. No man of such striking looks had ever entered Moe''s life orbit, and initially, he hadn''t been interested. Yet, Moe sighed involuntarily, snapping back to reality, his fingernails digging into his palms until it hurt ¡ª you''re deceiving yourself, Moe. There had indeed been a wealthy, handsome man in his life.


    His sigh appeared to draw his focus - Einar shifted his gaze toward him.


    "We''ll arrive shortly... Moe?" Einar closed his laptop, stowed it in the side pocket of the door without glancing, and approached, resting his palm gently on Moe''s shoulder, sensing the tension. "What''s bothering you, Moe? We''re simply heading to my house; nothing untoward will occur. If you''re uncomfortable with the arrangement, they can drive you back to the city."


    "It''s okay," Moe shrugged off the warm palm from his shoulder, though the gentle touch did make it somewhat easier to breathe. "Just an unpleasant memory, never mind. How much farther?"


    "About ten minutes," Einar remained close, enveloping him with the warmth of his body and the soothing fragrance of the sea breeze, intermingled with hints of eucalyptus aftershave and the scent of sandalwood. He guided the way to the serene temple nestled in the pine grove along the rugged seashore. "What happened, Moe? Would you like to share?"


    "Just a poor guy¡¯s problem, Einar. Do not bother." Moe reclined in his seat, rolled the window glass down, allowing the fresh, sweet scents of the woods and humus to permeate, displacing the unnecessary hint of sea salt. All these games were not his style; he had only agreed to them in vain, allowing the buried past of yesterday to resurface today.¡±


    "I won''t insist," Einer also leaned back, as if casually placing his large palm on Moe¡¯s clenched fist, as if covering it with a blanket. Without being rebuffed, he began to stroke lightly. Moe permitted this small gesture, gradually relaxing and dispelling the ghosts of the past in a brief connection with the unfamiliar alpha, allowing himself to momentarily pretend to be a man unburdened by heavy baggage.

 Chapter 7

    As the car, now inside the gated area not just of a garden but a park, crunched gravel on the well-maintained path, approaching the warmly lit Victorian-style mansion, Moe had already basked in someone else''s warmth, allowing himself a bit, and fully returned to his usual state.


    "Do you live alone in this massive place with your brother?" Moe gazed at the emerging three-story mansion. "Fucking hell, can you two even find each other? Why on earth do you need such a colossal house? No wonder the kid has mental problems; the entire place must be haunted! Don''t you get nightmares?"


    "Judging by the number of questions, it seems you''re prepared to encounter both the house and my brother," Einar grinned, glancing at the open door as he stepped out, collecting his briefcase and laptop. "Let''s get going. You can find him on your own."


    "Well, I didn''t have a cultural program planned for today, but it looks like I''ll be getting one. I am calling dibs on the history tour at your place!" Moe tumbled out from his side, awkwardly extracting his backpack and playfully slapping his back with it. "Yo! Uncle Moe is in the house! Where''s the little one?"


    Einar strolled casually toward the door, which quickly swung open, prompting the delighted Moe to exclaim with joy, "Yes! A genuine butler! Hail my fortunate stars, I get to see one! Hello, dear butler! I''d tip my hat, but I never had one..."


    "Good evening," responded a thin, gray-haired beta in a classic black suit, appearing somewhat bewildered. "Sir-"


    "Good evening. Pay no mind to my companion''s enthusiasm, Patrick. I''d like you to meet Moe, a potential companion for Manny. Moe, this is Patrick Fitzgerald, the manager of my residence. Please be respectful."


    "Manager?" Disappointed, Moe extended his hand, giving a firm shake to Patrick''s slender palm. Despite his cultivated demeanor, Patrick seemed both incredulous and stunned by Moe''s presence. "Too bad the butler scenario will have to wait for later in my life. Nevertheless, it''s a pleasure to meet you, Patrick. Where''s the boy? Uncle Moe is ready for a game of hide-and-seek!"


    Einer suppressed a smile by biting his lip and accompanied the enthusiastic Moe into an antechamber that resembled more the foyer of a chamber theater- featuring an inlaid marble floor, walls adorned with silk upholstery displaying paintings in elegant frames, vases holding fragrant and tastefully arranged floral bouquets, a sumptuous crystal chandelier suspended from sturdy chains, and guiding them up a broad staircase covered in a dark blue patterned carpet. Moe, enchanted, stumbled while turning his head in every direction, whistled with delight, and clapped his thighs upon entering the incredibly charming living room adorned in soft pastel hues.


    "I must have died and gone to heaven! Einer, where''s the little angel?"


    "There he is," Einer remarked, his expression turning stern as he nonchalantly gestured in the direction. Moe put on a charming expression and prepared to greet the child.


    However, standing there was a predatory, alluring older figure with dark brown hair, studying Moe with narrowed, dark eyes. Once again, Moe''s jaw dropped, unable to reconcile the mental image of a child with the striking, hot Mediterranean presence before him. If Einar looked like an angel, Manny seemed more like a fallen one who was well-acquainted with the sins of the earth. Moe managed to stammer out a shocked expression, "Eh? What the...?"


    "Are you hiring junkies now, too?" The fallen angel advanced, revealing a youthfulness not immediately apparent upon first glance- evidence of it lingered in the reMinyng slenderness of the figure, still taking on its mature form, in the unshaven cheeks, and in the fragility of the voice. Moe, instantly incensed, regained the ability to speak.


    "What is your problem, you little shit?" Moe let his backpack fall onto the expensive antique rug, clearly worth a pretty penny, and advanced, encroaching into the insolent boy''s personal space¡ªa tactic that consistently wiped arrogance off faces. He sneered coldly into the astonished dark eyes. "Did you, baby, hit your head during birth and ruin your cognitive abilities for life? Where on earth did you see a junkie, you little idiot?"


    ."Huh?" Manny hesitated, and Moe grinned maliciously. It was his turn to assert himself; clearly, he wasn''t accustomed to such treatment. Moe advanced, chest puffed out, his use of street talk adding to the impact.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "What, has your courage shrunk down to the size of your tiny balls? You''re only brave with polite people who can''t stand up for themselves, and when they fight back, you scamper into hiding? Why the staring? No need to bat your eyes at me¡ªit won''t work. And no need for whimpering¡ªthat won''t earn you any sympathy. You need to answer for your rudeness, you arrogant fucking snob. Let''s go! Repeat after me, little shithead, ¡°I am sorry, Uncle Moe!"


    "Einar!" Manny retreated, peering at Einar from behind an incensed Moe. "Get him off me! Otherwise..."


    "Otherwise, what?" Moe whispered gently. "You will hit me? Well, give it a shot, looks like you are growing some balls, little man."


    "Damn it!" Manny lunged with a clenched fist, albeit awkwardly due to the close distance. However, Moe, responding with lightning speed, seized his wrist with both hands, ducked under his armpit, slid behind his back, and swiftly raised Manny''s daringly stiffened arm, purring softly, "Now what, baby?"


    "Ah! It hurts! Let me go, you lowlife!" Manny howled frantically, desperately attempting to break free from his grip. Moe lifted his hand further, bending his pinky almost perpendicular to his hand, transforming Manny''s howl into a pitiful whimper.


    "Apologize, you sick puppy! Go on!" Moe emphasized the demand with a kick to the ankle, and Manny whimpered, "I''m sorry!"


    "I can''t hear you!" Moe delivered a kick to the other ankle, and Manny screamed, "PLEASE!"


    Einer, visibly amused and stifling laughter, subtly clarified by raising his eyebrows understandingly,


    "You might have trouble managing him, Moe. Are you sure about that contract?"


    "Says who?" Moe growled with enthusiasm, ensuring that Manny''s attempted kicks missed him. "I''ll sign it!"


    "You''re giving me your word?" Einer snorted incredulously, and caught up in his sporting excitement, Moe blurted out, "Yes! He''ll be on his best behavior in no time!"


    "Fine, I trust you''ll keep your word. Let him go; you are hurting Manny, and he seems to have learned his lesson, haven''t you, Manny?"


    "Yes," Manny panted angrily, massaging his reddened hand. "You could have dislocated my arm, you..."


    "Need more?" Moe advanced with a fist ¨C a smaller one, but commanding respect after what transpired. Manny fell silent, his eyes glaring with anger. "That''s right. You are getting smarter already," he added with a belated chuckle. "Uh, Einar, regarding the agreement..."


    "You gave your word," Einar declared with a triumphant smile, gesturing towards the table being set. "Come over to the table; you can check out your room later."


    "Damn!" Moe grumbled, begrudgingly falling in line with his new companion and growling, "To the table! You heard him; you''re not deaf."


    Moe barely ate at dinner, the sting of feeling deceived gnawing at him, exacerbated by Einar''s gleeful eyes. He cast an annoyed glance at Manny¡ªwhat a foolish move, now stuck with him for months, and where?! In a fancy castle fit for an English king, when even the simplest comforts grated on the nerves. The outlook for the next few months seemed grim. The only solace was that Manny, too, was displeased with the prospect, squinting furiously with his southern eyes and barely eating, his appetite evidently ruined by the humiliation. Once coffee was served, Manny abruptly rose from his chair with an inarticulate snort and, without saying a word, headed to his room.


    "You said he was a kid," Moe grumbled with resentment, pushing his coffee cup away.


    "I mentioned my brother is much younger than me," Einar corrected. "Ten years, that''s a significant difference. We''ve never been close, and I''ve never really gotten along with his dad, so I need someone who can take control of him. I''m glad you agreed."


    "Well, I said that in the heat of the moment¡­" Moe started hopefully, but Einar stood up, dabbing his lips with a napkin.


    "Let''s go; I''ll show you your room, Moe. I still have work to attend to. There''s not much time left before the call with my partner, and I don''t want to leave it to Patrick. I want to make sure the terms are suitable for you."


    The room was predictably opulent. Moe made a face as he observed the extravagant decor without stepping inside, standing at the entrance. He uttered glumly, "I don''t like it."


    "Why?" Einar cocked his head, eyeing him with curiosity. It appeared as though he expected Moe, enchanted with mansion¡¯s luxury, to demand a gold canopy.


    "I need something simpler, something I can relax in," Moe stated openly, aware that he was revealing vulnerability. Einar nodded thoughtfully, maintaining his focus on him.


    "I''ll have to leave this to Patrick. Moe," Einar approached slowly. "Please, don''t make his job more difficult than necessary. Just choose a room that suits you. Anything that needs to be bought will be taken care of tomorrow. Okay?"


    "Alright," Moe sighed wistfully. "Can''t you just roll back the whole thing? I''m not in the mood for babysitting!"


    "You gave your word," Einar stated with a catlike glint in his eyes.


    "Where the hell is your butler?" Moe kicked the door in frustration, turned around, and Einar gave him a friendly tap on the shoulder before walking away. Einar became businesslike and focused, apparently ticking a box in his mind and switching to business mode.


    "He will come soon. Oh, and my lawyer is here too; you''ll sign the contract right after you check out the room. Don''t get bored, Moe, I hope you find it to your liking."


    "I won''t," Moe whispered desperately as he vanished into the succession of rooms, shedding the facade of indifference and staring in horror at the magnificent interior that once delighted him as a visitor but now terrified him as a tenant. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

 Chapter 8

    Manny pulled away defiantly, curled his upper lip in disdain, and hissed with disgust, "You smell of Einar again today. I''d go so far as to say you''ve absorbed his scent so much that you literally reek of him."


    "So what?" Moe didn''t even raise an eyebrow, mockingly waiting for the provocation to subside. He didn''t really care about what Manny, the staff, or the rest of the world thought about his scent and its intensity. He wasn''t going to showcase his romantic affairs for anyone''s judgment.


    "And," Manny, evidently anticipating embarrassment that didn''t come, predictably tensed, leaning his body forward. "I''d like to know how much you charge. I''m not a fan of sloppy seconds, but I''d like to get a price list for your services just in case I get blue balls."


    "You can''t afford me, baby," Moe yawned, revealing the underside of his mouth. He stretched his neck as he settled in comfortably and smiled, witnessing Manny''s immediate agitation.


    "I''m the primary heir, just so you know! Einar was foolish enough to have a falling-out with his father before he died, so the will only grants him a quarter of all the assets, both movable and immovable, including stocks, and the remainder goes to me. I''m already entitled to monthly payments sufficient to buy you outright, and when I turn twenty-one, Einar will lose his guardianship, and I''ll inherit everything!"


    "Oh-ho-ho," Moe feigned interest, stretching lazily to indicate that Manny had touched a nerve. "Even so, well, boy..."


    "I''m not a boy, you jerk! I''m eighteen years old!" Manny sighed angrily but still responded to the seductive allure. Moe was undeniably attractive, even if his face had a touch of roughness. He possessed more sexual charisma than a hundred omegas combined, a realization that dawned during puberty and had only strengthened with life experience. Manny quickly licked his lips, gazing with widened eyes at the strip of tanned and golden bare skin on Moe''s belly, which had become exposed as he sipped. In a hoarse voice, Manny asked, "So, how much?"


    "You did not let me finish," Moe murmured, this time reclining in the large, cushioned chair. He casually tossed one of his beautiful, long, thin legs with slim, graceful ankles over the ottoman. The soft fabric of his pants was slightly pulled up, revealing more bare skin. Manny obediently followed his gaze, swallowing greedily and tensing with anticipation.


    "You interrupted the older man, you naughty boy with bad manners," Moe''s voice sounded low and vibrating, as if in a role-playing game, and Manny fell for it. His eyes glittered with anticipation, not noticing the change in tone. "That''s right, imbecile! The role of bed warmer went to Einar, not me, and those services are not for sale." Moe ran his hand sharply down his stomach to his groin, cupping it with a handful. Judging by Manny''s dumbfounded face, the meaning of the words lagged behind; visuals seemed more important. "And I don''t need you now, not at eighteen, not when you''re twenty-one and raking in all the money. You understand, baby?" Moe snapped his fingers, redirecting Manny''s attention to his face, and grinned contentedly as Manny grasped the point.


    Manny grinned fiercely, clenching his fists until they audibly crunched, and Moe couldn''t help but involuntarily admire him. The young man was undeniably attractive, even in his youthful state, and when he fully matured, expanding his shoulders and height to their natural size, he would be a complete delight. Moe entertained the thought that he might even surpass Einar, though his genetic makeup bestowed upon him an abundance of beauty¡ªalmost too much for an alpha, in Moe''s opinion. Preparing to defend against the impending attack, Moe braced himself as Manny lunged at him with an inarticulate growl, his arms extending predatorily to seize and crush him.


    ReMinyng seated in his chair, Moe, using the same leg that had enticed and pulled Manny towards him, delivered sharp, unrelenting kicks¡ªone to the jaw and another, akin to synchronized swimming, to the groin. Manny howled, alternating between clutching his jaw, seemingly on the brink of exploding with pain, and holding his groin, prioritizing the intensity of his agony. He collapsed to the floor, kneeling and cradling his wounded groin. Tears welled in his eyes, his handsome face twisted in hatred, flushed with embarrassment. Moe, sighing with boredom, casually plucked a juicy, red apple from the fruit platter and took a big bite, all while keeping his gaze fixed on his sprawled client.


    ¡°What''s happening?¡± Einar appeared out of nowhere, standing next to Moe''s chair and observing his younger brother with curiosity.


    ¡°It''s an educational experience," Moe explained with a mouthful of food. ¡°Can''t you see?¡±


    ¡°Clearly," Einar tucked his hands into his pockets, tilting his head slightly and regarding Manny with a hint of sympathy. ¡°How are you, Manny?¡±


    ¡°I''ll kill-" Manny hissed, attempting to rise. ¡°I swear, Einer, I''ll kill your-" Manny hissed.


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    "No need for harsh words," Einar interrupted him, adding dryly, "I suppose you started this, Manny. I believed you were clever enough not to repeat the same mistakes, but you prove me wrong every time. Aren''t you tired of it?"


    ¡°Screw you," Manny spat, wiping his tear-stained face with his sleeve and struggling to get up. ¡°I''ll have dinner at my place, and I''m done with you and your trash!¡±


    ¡°Mind your language!¡± Einar shouted, pulling him up by his chest and giving him a shake. ¡°Do you hear me?¡±


    ¡°I heard that," Manny hissed, breathing heavily, and once again, Moe found himself admiring both of them. The brothers, bright and attractive with aristocratic lineage, were only vaguely alike- a similar nose, a similar chin, and figures that bore some resemblance despite their age difference. However, in the fervor of one and the restrained anger of the other, the unmistakable signs of shared genes were apparent.


    Einar shook his brother once more, distancing himself as if avoiding physical contact, and spoke coldly, ¡°If I hear any more vulgar insults directed at Moe or myself, I''ll revoke your monthly allowance. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Don''t you dare! It''s my money!¡± Moe exclaimed, stomping his foot in anger. However, Einar replied grimly, ¡°Until you reach the age specified in the will, your money is mine to manage. Remember that.¡±


    Manny stomped his foot once again, his mouth hanging open helplessly as he struggled to find words. He glanced at Moe, clearly annoyed that their conversation had been overheard. Blushing painfully, Manny took off, swiftly ascending the stairs to the top floor within seconds. Moe gave him a brief glance, sighing faintly. In that moment, Moe genuinely felt sorry for him. What kind of alpha would endure public humiliation without the ability to respond, especially in front of staff, and a second-rate beta at that? It might have been only worse if such a dialogue had occurred in the presence of an attractive omega Manny was fond of. Einar''s educational methods were certainly not helping their bonding, and Moe was on the verge of saying that to him when Einar, frowning, remarked, "Alright, he''s a kid, but you, Moe, could behave more maturely.¡±


    Offense is the best defense. Einar, as evident from the tense furrow between his eyebrows, acknowledged that he had overreacted to Manny. However, he redirected his aggression and frustration from himself to a more suitable target, leaving Moe gasping in indignation.


    ¡°Hey! How is this my fault? You can''t hold me responsible for your teaching errors.¡±


    ¡°If you hadn''t provoked him so much, I wouldn''t have had to," Einar argued. ¡°Could you refrain from hitting him every time he loses his temper with you?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I should let him grope me as he wanted.¡± Moe stood up impulsively, feeling unjustly offended. ¡°Or should I tolerate his insults?¡±


    ¡°Did he make advances?¡± Einer frowned more intensely, squinting unpleasantly. ¡°And you didn''t provoke it, did you, Moe? You didn''t entice him?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Moe, who''d been preparing to unleash a storm of barbed words, deflated like a punctured balloon- it was even more hurtful now, moreover, Einer had cleverly twisted it, putting him in the position of making excuses. And Moe swallowed an excuse that sounded pathetic in his own mind- that it wasn''t the first time Manny had tried to sidle up to him, to peek over the wide collar of his shirt, to stare at his ass, thinking Moe couldn''t see. And the dirty hints about his availability... Well, Einar had gotten access to his body easily - Moe hadn''t thought to make a temple out of his own body - but the suggestion that Moe would give the same access to his brother, made him feel vulnerable.


    Moe shielded his expression, turning away and pondering anxiously- when had Einer unexpectedly become someone capable of causing offense? How had he infiltrated the circle of individuals permitted to engage in the dynamics of offender and offended? The thoughts were perplexing, disconcerting, and unpleasant. He longed for solitude, to mend the dull, aching breach in his defenses, to once again become an unyielding, impervious, and sardonically robust entity from which all attacks could deflect like shattered arrows.


    Moe grabbed his crumpled sweatshirt from the chair, slung it over his shoulder, and headed towards the stairs¡ªdownstairs, not upstairs where Manny had gone. Even if his employer had the privilege of unfair criticism, Moe wouldn''t tolerate it, not even if it came with a month''s salary. Einar won''t get the satisfaction of having Moe in his bed after such treatment. Screw Einar, as Manny said.


    Einer caught up with him at the foot of the stairs, where Moe had descended in a bound, and grasped his arm with a demanding grip.


    ¡°Where are you going, Moe?¡±


    Moe yanked his arm free, swiftly donned his sweatshirt, slipped on his shoes, and hastily threw on his jacket¡ªall done with rapid, jerky movements, avoiding eye contact with Einar and clenching his jaws in tension. He had no desire to meet Einar''s gaze, and Moe could feel his anger escalating- what the hell?


    ¡°Moe, stay here; let''s talk about what just happened,¡± Einar positioned himself in front of him, gazing intently into his dusky eyes. ¡°And per the contract, you can''t leave the residence without obtaining permission....¡±


    ¡°Shove that contract up your ass," Moe sarcastically suggested, pushing him aside. ¡°Move aside.¡±


    ¡°Moe!¡± Einar attempted to seize his arm once more but failed; Moe evaded, kicked the sturdy door open with his foot, and stumbled out into the crisp, damp air, catching the tail end of the drawn-out, "Fuuuck!¡±


    It seemed that Moe wasn''t the sole participant in this unfamiliar transaction; Einer was involved as well. The thought provided a slight sense of comfort as Moe made his way to his small abode, once a gardener''s shed used for storing supplies and tools, later transformed into a summer retreat. On the day Moe reluctantly signed the contract, he had inspected every room in the mansion, rejecting Patrick''s confused suggestions for furniture changes, and ultimately settled on the modest summer house. The sparsely furnished gardener''s cottage appeared to be the only suitable choice, and Moe breathed a sigh of relief as he dropped his backpack.

 Chapter 9

    Einar arrived a mere two hours later, clearly taken aback. Surveying the area that had been cleared of tools, leaving only a sink, a small table, two chairs, a narrow closet, and a mattress with linen, blanket, and pillow laid out on the floor in Japanese style, he inquired cautiously, ¡°Is this a form of rebellion, Moe?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Moe, busy pulling an extension cord to the lamp by the headboard, shrugged his shoulders unhappily. ¡°You asked me to pick a room, so I did. Well, a house, not a room. I told you I won''t live with you and that prick you refer to as your brother.¡±


    ¡°It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the contract is for six months. How do you plan to live here?¡± Einar leaned against the doorjamb, frowning incredulously, contemplating the nature of this peculiar act of defiance. He assumed, without a doubt, that Moe was gearing up to negotiate different terms.


    ¡°I don''t mind; I''ve slept under the open sky and survived,¡± Moe wearily sprawled on the mattress, toggled the lamp switch, and gazed up at his employer with a mocking expression. ¡°Any other questions?¡±


    ¡°Let''s wait and see how you feel in a couple of months when it gets colder,¡± Einar smirked, turning away and concluding with a smile, arriving at the evident realization, "I suppose you''ll be seeking warmth from me. Perhaps you could begin tonight.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to sleep. Goodnight, boss,¡± Moe grumbled, irritated at being accused of such silly flirting tactics. He removed his T-shirt, cargo pants, and socks, leaving him in just his underwear, and suggested as he settled in, ¡°Close the door on your way out.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± Einar, observing his nearly naked form with interest, nodded knowingly¡ªMoe wasn''t going to give in so easily, that was certain¡ªand squinted at him, closing the door behind him.


    Moe did not visit him the following day, nor the day after, or even the week after. Instead, Einar decided to visit the gardener''s house himself, holding an electric fan in one hand and a basket covered with a napkin in the other.


    ¡°I come in peace,¡± Einar placed the fan against the wall and unveiled the basket, revealing a bottle of wine along with a plate of cheese, cold cuts, and olives. ¡°How about some wine?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Moe, tired after dealing with the troublesome teenager, set the book aside and perched on the bed, absentmindedly scratching a mosquito bite. ¡°Do you want to discuss Manny?¡±


    ¡°I''d rather not delve into my little brother''s affairs at the moment, but I''m pleased with the progress- thanks to your encouragement, Manny seems to be getting back on track with the final exams. So, I have a glimmer of hope that he might graduate without repeating a year. We can discuss it tomorrow, all right?¡± Einar uncorked the wine, placed the glasses on the floor, and began pouring, halting Moe''s hand. ¡°Wait, let the wine breathe a little¡±


    ¡°Why not now?¡± Moe, pleased by the compliment, straightened up, raised his eyebrows in curiosity, and flashed a suggestive grin as Einar approached and leaned in with parted lips. ¡°Ah...¡±


    This time, Einar acted with more determination, more impetuosity, avoiding any resemblance to mundane marital sex. After receiving nonverbal consent, he crushed their lips together, forcefully sliding his tongue into Moe''s mouth. Simultaneously, he hoisted Moe by the hip, causing him to tumble onto the bed with Einar following suit, and began to strip off their clothes with brisk motions. Moe, astounded to the core, instantly aroused by the assertive touch and overt desire, lifted his hips to allow his shorts and underwear to be taken off, extended his arms to let Einar rip off his shirt, and arched as Einar ran his hand between his legs while continuing the passionate kiss.


    ¡°You''re quite the tease, Moe,¡± Einar nibbled his lip, sliding a finger inside, observing as Moe widened his legs, breathing heavily. ¡°Sunbathing in the garden in the buff, huh? Were you prepping - anticipating my arrival?¡± Einar grinned triumphantly, and Moe hissed as two fingers entered.


    ¡°Not in the buff in the garden, but in swim trunks by the pool. And I wasn''t waiting; I was kinda indulging in the intimate dance of my own thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm, that¡¯s what they call it these days¡± Einar leaned in, briefly sucking on the pointed nipple, a hint of disbelief in his expression. ¡°Any lubricant involved?¡±


    ¡°And a sex toy," Moe teased, grinning. ¡°Would you prefer a demonstration? Or should I describe how I pleasured myself with a pink rubber dildo?¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Einar grunted briefly, removed his sweatpants, now in just a T-shirt, and delved into the hamper, searching for something, pulled out a pack of condoms. ¡°Shut up, Moe, or I will cum before sex,¡± he used his teeth to rip the pack open, his complexion pale with desire, watching Moe stroke his sexy, long, lean body, ¡°You are incredibly hot for a babysitter!¡±


    ¡°Are you realizing your wet puberty dream?¡± Moe quietly giggled, also putting a condom on. ¡°Ever fancied fucking Manny¡¯s babysitter?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Einar descended upon him, a smile playing on his lips, ¡°but you are better than my fantasy.¡± He slowly pushed in, his gaze intensified as he observed Moe moaning and arching his neck, then took a slow, unhurried rhythm that gradually quickened.


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    Moe arched upwards, panting with the sweet, slightly intense thrusts, getting used to Einar¡¯s size and tempo with each movement. He wanted Einer to go harder, be more forceful and not look so strange, as if the panting, blushing Moe was more than just an occasional fuck buddy.


    "The gaze from the gray eyes on the handsome face moved rhythmically, taking Moe all in, pushing the limits of what was acceptable, dismantling the protective cocoon. Unable to withstand the gaze, Moe shielded his eyes with the palm of his hand while simultaneously sliding his hand beneath himself, wrapping it around the burgeoning knot.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Moe tightened his grip, applying firm pressure to the brink of pain. Einar grunted, shaking his head, and began thrusting even harder. He seized both of Moe''s hands, forming a living pair of handcuffs, rendering them immobile, gaining control in the heated encounter. With the relentlessly powerful and intoxicating thrust, Moe reached orgasm, gasping and convulsing, writhing in pleasure. He turned his face away, preventing Einar from witnessing the depth of his emotions.


    They sipped the full-bodied wine in an awkward position attached with a knot. Moe, alternating between sips and moans, sat on top of Einar, who pushed in slightly with the engorged knot. Moe felt wet, calm, and still hot from the lingering sensations of micro-orgasms. Einar moaned softly, biting Moe''s shoulders and caressing his belly. Despite the pleasure, Moe couldn''t shake a subtle unease ¨C Einar was invading his personal space too deftly and assertively, dismantling all barriers. Growing serious, Moe nudged the blissfully relaxed Einar, sprawled on the mattress.


    "Hey, it''s time for you to return to your castle."


    ¡°I could sleep here as well,¡± Einar drew him near, overpowering his resistance, pressing against him, and grinning despite his irritated gaze. ¡°What''s the problem?¡±


    ¡°I prefer sleeping alone, end of story,¡± Moe grumbled, moving away. ¡°Good night, Einar.¡±


    ¡°Good night,¡± Einar frowned, pondering the cause of the coldness, and slowly got up, beginning to dress without much enthusiasm. ¡°Why are you...¡±


    ¡°I''m used to being alone,¡± Moe grabbed a towel and stood up. ¡°I''m heading for a shower, and you can go back to the mansion. I''ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    When Moe returned from his shower, he sighed in relief to find Einar absent from his solitary quarters. It was a small victory, sparing him the need to grow accustomed, to form attachments, to be vigilant for Einar''s intrusion beyond the limits already set. With a sense of tranquility, he changed the linen that carried their shared scent and drifted into sleep.


    The next morning, Manny smirked awkwardly as Moe, fresh from his morning swim, sat down at the table beside him for breakfast. However, he refrained from commenting, merely conveying his understanding through a quick glance between the composed Einar and unruffled Moe. The exchange started in the car, where Manny''s derogatory comment about Moe''s availability earned him a sharp blow to the gut and a humbling pat on the back of the neck as he winced in pain.


    However, since then, his gaze transformed. No longer just rebellious and prepared for conflict, it now carried a hunger, as if he were seeing Moe in a new light as a potential object of desire. This shift was unsurprising¡ªMoe had anticipated such a development. The combination of surging hormones, self-assuredness in his allure, and inherent arrogance had inevitably led him there. A predictable outcome for a stupid rich kid.


    With each rejection, Manny''s demeanor took on a more sinister edge. He attempted fleeting touches, followed by attempts to win favor through compliments, growing increasingly frustrated with each rebuff. Einar observed him closely, his eyes narrowing in shrewd scrutiny. As he examined Moe, he drew conclusions that remained cryptic to Moe, causing irritation. Einar subtly hinted that Moe should refrain from lounging in skimpy swim trunks by the pool, adopting tempting poses, and dressing more modestly to avoid tempting exposure of his body. Moreover, he suggested Moe should avoid sitting close to Manny, minimizing physical contact during moments of truce when they played video games.


    And it was deeply insulting.


    Nature adorned Moe in more modest attire, bringing a cooler breeze, and Moe distanced himself from Manny, maintaining a sense of detachment. While it appeared that the issue had resolved on its own, neither Manny nor Einar showed signs of letting it go. The tension in the atmosphere intensified steadily, resembling a ticking time bomb. After three months had passed, Moe was confronted with the long-standing, unspoken suspicion that he had tried to entice the wealthy heir.


    Moe entered his room, called for a cab, hastily stuffed his clothes and chargers into his backpack, changed into warmer pants and sturdy Timberlands, grabbed a blanket, and, with a frenzied breath, stormed out of his room. He stomped along the rustling gravel towards the exit, deciding he''d walk to meet the cab, not wanting to linger any longer. The guard in the gatehouse hesitated, seemingly sensing trouble from Moe''s tense demeanor. Still, he eventually let him through, tapping uncertainly on the button to open the gate. Moe trudged down the road, illuminated by the faint moonlight, exhaling clouds of frosty air and feeling a sense of relief ¨C he had made the right decision. Forget about the remaining money; there was enough in his bank account. If Einar wanted to take it, then fuck the money. Moe could live without it, just as he had before.


    Half an hour later, Moe met up with the cab. He wearily settled into the back seat, laid down on his backpack to find some comfort, and gazed wistfully at the dark, jagged forest landscape swiftly passing by the window. Why was he feeling so miserable? He had never been sensitive to insults before, never allowed anyone to become too close, so that their words could potentially inflict pain. So why was Einar capable of hurting him with a cheap insinuation? When had he managed to get under Moe''s skin? Questions swirled in his mind, but there was no single answer to them. Moe sighed, taking a drag from his IQOS, and waving off the disgruntled driver. A generous tip would serve as compensation, and hopefully, it would calm him down.


    He sighed with an air of gloomy indifference upon reaching the familiar neighborhood, made a stop at the 7/11 to grab some food and a bottle of wine, and headed to Henley''s, whom he hadn''t seen since the day he signed the contract.


    "Hello, Moe," Henley greeted cheerfully, wrapped in dirty blankets as he rose. "Staying for the night?"


    "Hi, Hen," Moe handed him the bottle and nestled up next to him. "I''m fed up with all of it!"


    "And I told you that you shouldn¡¯t have signed up for that shit; the rich can stomp you at any time," Hen hastily opened the bottle. "Gonna tell me about it?"


    "I don''t want to; I''m messed up right now. I''d rather just have a drink," Moe took the cup, downed it, and slumped back, waiting for the alcoholic heat to melt the coldness of his soul. Henley murmured encouragingly about the wealthy who could buy and sell everything, ruining lives and destinies, and under his comforting mutterings, Moe fell into a heavy, drunken sleep that brought on intense and painful visions.

 Chapter 10

    Einar arrived a mere two hours later, clearly taken aback. Surveying the area that had been cleared of tools, leaving only a sink, a small table, two chairs, a narrow closet, and a mattress with linen, blanket, and pillow laid out on the floor in Japanese style, he inquired cautiously, ¡°Is this a form of rebellion, Moe?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Moe, busy pulling an extension cord to the lamp by the headboard, shrugged his shoulders unhappily. ¡°You asked me to pick a room, so I did. Well, a house, not a room. I told you I won''t live with you and that prick you refer to as your brother.¡±


    ¡°It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the contract is for six months. How do you plan to live here?¡± Einar leaned against the doorjamb, frowning incredulously, contemplating the nature of this peculiar act of defiance. He assumed, without a doubt, that Moe was gearing up to negotiate different terms.


    ¡°I don''t mind; I''ve slept under the open sky and survived,¡± Moe wearily sprawled on the mattress, toggled the lamp switch, and gazed up at his employer with a mocking expression. ¡°Any other questions?¡±


    ¡°Let''s wait and see how you feel in a couple of months when it gets colder,¡± Einar smirked, turning away and concluding with a smile, arriving at the evident realization, "I suppose you''ll be seeking warmth from me. Perhaps you could begin tonight.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to sleep. Goodnight, boss,¡± Moe grumbled, irritated at being accused of such silly flirting tactics. He removed his T-shirt, cargo pants, and socks, leaving him in just his underwear, and suggested as he settled in, ¡°Close the door on your way out.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± Einar, observing his nearly naked form with interest, nodded knowingly¡ªMoe wasn''t going to give in so easily, that was certain¡ªand squinted at him, closing the door behind him.


    Moe did not visit him the following day, nor the day after, or even the week after. Instead, Einar decided to visit the gardener''s house himself, holding an electric fan in one hand and a basket covered with a napkin in the other.


    ¡°I come in peace,¡± Einar placed the fan against the wall and unveiled the basket, revealing a bottle of wine along with a plate of cheese, cold cuts, and olives. ¡°How about some wine?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Moe, tired after dealing with the troublesome teenager, set the book aside and perched on the bed, absentmindedly scratching a mosquito bite. ¡°Do you want to discuss Manny?¡±


    ¡°I''d rather not delve into my little brother''s affairs at the moment, but I''m pleased with the progress- thanks to your encouragement, Manny seems to be getting back on track with the final exams. So, I have a glimmer of hope that he might graduate without repeating a year. We can discuss it tomorrow, all right?¡± Einar uncorked the wine, placed the glasses on the floor, and began pouring, halting Moe''s hand. ¡°Wait, let the wine breathe a little¡±


    ¡°Why not now?¡± Moe, pleased by the compliment, straightened up, raised his eyebrows in curiosity, and flashed a suggestive grin as Einar approached and leaned in with parted lips. ¡°Ah...¡±


    This time, Einar acted with more determination, more impetuosity, avoiding any resemblance to mundane marital sex. After receiving nonverbal consent, he crushed their lips together, forcefully sliding his tongue into Moe''s mouth. Simultaneously, he hoisted Moe by the hip, causing him to tumble onto the bed with Einar following suit, and began to strip off their clothes with brisk motions. Moe, astounded to the core, instantly aroused by the assertive touch and overt desire, lifted his hips to allow his shorts and underwear to be taken off, extended his arms to let Einar rip off his shirt, and arched as Einar ran his hand between his legs while continuing the passionate kiss.


    ¡°You''re quite the tease, Moe,¡± Einar nibbled his lip, sliding a finger inside, observing as Moe widened his legs, breathing heavily. ¡°Sunbathing in the garden in the buff, huh? Were you prepping - anticipating my arrival?¡± Einar grinned triumphantly, and Moe hissed as two fingers entered.


    ¡°Not in the buff in the garden, but in swim trunks by the pool. And I wasn''t waiting; I was kinda indulging in the intimate dance of my own thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm, that¡¯s what they call it these days¡± Einar leaned in, briefly sucking on the pointed nipple, a hint of disbelief in his expression. ¡°Any lubricant involved?¡±


    ¡°And a sex toy," Moe teased, grinning. ¡°Would you prefer a demonstration? Or should I describe how I pleasured myself with a pink rubber dildo?¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Einar grunted briefly, removed his sweatpants, now in just a T-shirt, and delved into the hamper, searching for something, pulled out a pack of condoms. ¡°Shut up, Moe, or I will cum before sex,¡± he used his teeth to rip the pack open, his complexion pale with desire, watching Moe stroke his sexy, long, lean body, ¡°You are incredibly hot for a babysitter!¡±


    ¡°Are you realizing your wet puberty dream?¡± Moe quietly giggled, also putting a condom on. ¡°Ever fancied fucking Manny¡¯s babysitter?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Einar descended upon him, a smile playing on his lips, ¡°but you are better than my fantasy.¡± He slowly pushed in, his gaze intensified as he observed Moe moaning and arching his neck, then took a slow, unhurried rhythm that gradually quickened.


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    Moe arched upwards, panting with the sweet, slightly intense thrusts, getting used to Einar¡¯s size and tempo with each movement. He wanted Einer to go harder, be more forceful and not look so strange, as if the panting, blushing Moe was more than just an occasional fuck buddy.


    "The gaze from the gray eyes on the handsome face moved rhythmically, taking Moe all in, pushing the limits of what was acceptable, dismantling the protective cocoon. Unable to withstand the gaze, Moe shielded his eyes with the palm of his hand while simultaneously sliding his hand beneath himself, wrapping it around the burgeoning knot.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Moe tightened his grip, applying firm pressure to the brink of pain. Einar grunted, shaking his head, and began thrusting even harder. He seized both of Moe''s hands, forming a living pair of handcuffs, rendering them immobile, gaining control in the heated encounter. With the relentlessly powerful and intoxicating thrust, Moe reached orgasm, gasping and convulsing, writhing in pleasure. He turned his face away, preventing Einar from witnessing the depth of his emotions.


    They sipped the full-bodied wine in an awkward position attached with a knot. Moe, alternating between sips and moans, sat on top of Einar, who pushed in slightly with the engorged knot. Moe felt wet, calm, and still hot from the lingering sensations of micro-orgasms. Einar moaned softly, biting Moe''s shoulders and caressing his belly. Despite the pleasure, Moe couldn''t shake a subtle unease ¨C Einar was invading his personal space too deftly and assertively, dismantling all barriers. Growing serious, Moe nudged the blissfully relaxed Einar, sprawled on the mattress.


    "Hey, it''s time for you to return to your castle."


    ¡°I could sleep here as well,¡± Einar drew him near, overpowering his resistance, pressing against him, and grinning despite his irritated gaze. ¡°What''s the problem?¡±


    ¡°I prefer sleeping alone, end of story,¡± Moe grumbled, moving away. ¡°Good night, Einar.¡±


    ¡°Good night,¡± Einar frowned, pondering the cause of the coldness, and slowly got up, beginning to dress without much enthusiasm. ¡°Why are you...¡±


    ¡°I''m used to being alone,¡± Moe grabbed a towel and stood up. ¡°I''m heading for a shower, and you can go back to the mansion. I''ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    When Moe returned from his shower, he sighed in relief to find Einar absent from his solitary quarters. It was a small victory, sparing him the need to grow accustomed, to form attachments, to be vigilant for Einar''s intrusion beyond the limits already set. With a sense of tranquility, he changed the linen that carried their shared scent and drifted into sleep.


    The next morning, Manny smirked awkwardly as Moe, fresh from his morning swim, sat down at the table beside him for breakfast. However, he refrained from commenting, merely conveying his understanding through a quick glance between the composed Einar and unruffled Moe. The exchange started in the car, where Manny''s derogatory comment about Moe''s availability earned him a sharp blow to the gut and a humbling pat on the back of the neck as he winced in pain.


    However, since then, his gaze transformed. No longer just rebellious and prepared for conflict, it now carried a hunger, as if he were seeing Moe in a new light as a potential object of desire. This shift was unsurprising¡ªMoe had anticipated such a development. The combination of surging hormones, self-assuredness in his allure, and inherent arrogance had inevitably led him there. A predictable outcome for a stupid rich kid.


    With each rejection, Manny''s demeanor took on a more sinister edge. He attempted fleeting touches, followed by attempts to win favor through compliments, growing increasingly frustrated with each rebuff. Einar observed him closely, his eyes narrowing in shrewd scrutiny. As he examined Moe, he drew conclusions that remained cryptic to Moe, causing irritation. Einar subtly hinted that Moe should refrain from lounging in skimpy swim trunks by the pool, adopting tempting poses, and dressing more modestly to avoid tempting exposure of his body. Moreover, he suggested Moe should avoid sitting close to Manny, minimizing physical contact during moments of truce when they played video games.


    And it was deeply insulting.


    Nature adorned Moe in more modest attire, bringing a cooler breeze, and Moe distanced himself from Manny, maintaining a sense of detachment. While it appeared that the issue had resolved on its own, neither Manny nor Einar showed signs of letting it go. The tension in the atmosphere intensified steadily, resembling a ticking time bomb. After three months had passed, Moe was confronted with the long-standing, unspoken suspicion that he had tried to entice the wealthy heir.


    Moe entered his room, called for a cab, hastily stuffed his clothes and chargers into his backpack, changed into warmer pants and sturdy Timberlands, grabbed a blanket, and, with a frenzied breath, stormed out of his room. He stomped along the rustling gravel towards the exit, deciding he''d walk to meet the cab, not wanting to linger any longer. The guard in the gatehouse hesitated, seemingly sensing trouble from Moe''s tense demeanor. Still, he eventually let him through, tapping uncertainly on the button to open the gate. Moe trudged down the road, illuminated by the faint moonlight, exhaling clouds of frosty air and feeling a sense of relief ¨C he had made the right decision. Forget about the remaining money; there was enough in his bank account. If Einar wanted to take it, then fuck the money. Moe could live without it, just as he had before.


    Half an hour later, Moe met up with the cab. He wearily settled into the back seat, laid down on his backpack to find some comfort, and gazed wistfully at the dark, jagged forest landscape swiftly passing by the window. Why was he feeling so miserable? He had never been sensitive to insults before, never allowed anyone to become too close, so that their words could potentially inflict pain. So why was Einar capable of hurting him with a cheap insinuation? When had he managed to get under Moe''s skin? Questions swirled in his mind, but there was no single answer to them. Moe sighed, taking a drag from his IQOS, and waving off the disgruntled driver. A generous tip would serve as compensation, and hopefully, it would calm him down.


    He sighed with an air of gloomy indifference upon reaching the familiar neighborhood, made a stop at the 7/11 to grab some food and a bottle of wine, and headed to Henley''s, whom he hadn''t seen since the day he signed the contract.


    "Hello, Moe," Henley greeted cheerfully, wrapped in dirty blankets as he rose. "Staying for the night?"


    "Hi, Hen," Moe handed him the bottle and nestled up next to him. "I''m fed up with all of it!"


    "And I told you that you shouldn¡¯t have signed up for that shit; the rich can stomp you at any time," Hen hastily opened the bottle. "Gonna tell me about it?"


    "I don''t want to; I''m messed up right now. I''d rather just have a drink," Moe took the cup, downed it, and slumped back, waiting for the alcoholic heat to melt the coldness of his soul. Henley murmured encouragingly about the wealthy who could buy and sell everything, ruining lives and destinies, and under his comforting mutterings, Moe fell into a heavy, drunken sleep that brought on intense and painful visions.

 Chapter 11

    ¡°What are you hoping for, Moe?¡± Manny breathed intimately into his ear, slyly inching closer to the pensive Moe, posing a question that had lingered in the air for quite some time.


    And indeed, what was he hoping for? Moe tensed, caught off guard; for a moment, he thought he might have spoken aloud to himself, and Manny had simply overheard his muddled musings. With the contract nearing its end and no renewal from Einar, continuing to stay at the Simmons mansion seemed futile. Moe didn''t anticipate a permanent job¡ªwhy would he? Manny was functioning quite competently, even going so far as to prove he was not a brainless teenager but a fully capable adult handling any life challenges, not only academic. Since Moe''s return to their home, Manny hadn''t gone on a reckless spree- no fleeing from bodyguards, no endangering his life¡ªbasically, he was behaving impeccably. It could be argued that Moe had fulfilled his mission and could proudly depart.


    Their peculiar dynamic with Einer intensified following that return- Einer didn''t allow him to retreat to the gardener''s cottage, wittily dubbing it a doghouse; he stayed in the main house, accommodating Moe''s preference for sleeping on the floor, disregarding the inviting bed. Occasionally, he brazenly invited Moe to share his bed, demonstrating that even a successful businessman could engage in passionate intimacy after a long day''s work. And what about Moe? Moe was all in favor, enthusiastically embracing the opportunity- turned on at the first touch and willingly following Einer, although at times, he felt an inexplicable longing to escape from the mansion and the city, seeking solace in the middle of nowhere, far from warm gray eyes, persistent lips, and eager hands. The sensation of losing himself grew more acute, yet he found himself paradoxically drawn to Einar with increasing intensity.


    On the delicate matter of personal issues, they steered clear henceforth. It was evident that reopening the topic would prompt Einar to reciprocate, urging him to divulge his inner thoughts, a prospect that seemed both impossible and daunting. Why should he? Who were they to each other, warranting such vulnerability and soul-baring? Nobodies. Merely bed warmers, alleviating loneliness and physical tension through banal sex. The internal turmoil created a fog that clouded rational thinking, and Moe simply bided his time, poised to pack up and venture into a world that now appeared even colder and more inhospitable than it had been in the past few months.


    Einar remained silent.


    Manny observed.


    Moe waited.


    Life continued its course, demanding Manny''s earnestness and his attention to his own destiny. This made Moe feel somewhat settled, akin to being at home. Einar faced new challenges, seemingly quite serious ones, as security measures were heightened- the entourage of bodyguards expanded, a new surveillance system was implemented around the residence''s perimeter, and Moe and Manny underwent an intensive month-long self-defense training. Moe effortlessly navigated the training, while Manny struggled, favoring bulkier yet less effective muscles over a lean, sinewy, and robust physique. Dan, the head of security, squinted curiously, observing a panting and sweaty Moe wiping his face after a hand-to-hand combat training session.


    "Where did you learn Krav Maga, Moe?"


    ¡°In the back alleys. If you''re interested, I can give you the address, they give krav maga and boxing lessons.¡± Moe smirked, grabbing the water bottle and feigned a relaxed turn, swallowing down a nervous lump.


    Einer had posed the same question that very night, lying beside him after another intense training session, more tender and amiable, and added, ¡°In your profile, Moe, I did not see mentions of such training. And it''s not typically offered to the general public because it''s reserved for especially critical situations.¡±


    ¡°What sort of critical situations can we face, I wonder?¡± Moe leaned a hand on his cheek, smiling skeptically - he was confident Einar would sidestep the topic. And indeed, Einar did, momentarily lowering his gaze.


    ¡°Just a precaution. There''s a company that has been trying to undermine our business for a while, and they might resort to drastic measures. Consider it a hypothetical scenario that will likely never transpire. So, where did you¡­?¡±


    Moe sighed, leaning down to quiet Einar''s overly chatty mouth with a kiss. His hand slid down to his cock, gently squeezing to achieve the perfect balance of hardness and distraction. Einar willingly joined in the distraction. Pulling Moe onto himself, he squeezed his buttocks, rubbing his hardening cock between them and pushing against his entrance slowly, releasing a long moan. Moe followed suit, initially moving lazily and punctuating his motions with kisses. However, as the intensity increased, he became more engaged. Sitting up straight, he caressed his nipples, displaying his desire, supported only by his trembling legs. He relished the sight of Einar biting his lip and thrusting his hips upward for deeper penetration. Fully immersed in the moment, Moe leaned back, placing his hands on Einar''s knees, spreading his legs wider, and thrusting with a wet slap, aware that Einar could see every detail- his ready to burst cock, bouncing with each thrust, his tightening balls, and the tightly clinging swollen pink opening around Einar''s cock.


    Sex served as a constant distraction and silencer, offering a temporary escape where they could momentarily forget their troubles, unite as one, and experience a fleeting sense of closeness. However, once the moment passed, that delicate sensation dissipated into the air. Moe retreated to his room, imposing a self-restriction on lingering. Additional closeness seemed unnecessary; they existed as distinct planets orbiting in opposite directions.


    Einer lingered assertively in the primary orbit, while Moe flickered on the periphery of the galaxy''s darkest void. There was no bridge connecting them.


    Indeed, harboring a vague hope that the enjoyable dynamics beneath their connection would remain unchanged proved futile. Moe eventually answered, "I don''t understand what you''re talking about."


    "You know exactly what you mean," Manny''s voice dropped, carrying a sense of gravity. "Here, take a look at this." Brazenly resting his chin on Moe''s shoulder, he wrapped his arm around Moe''s back and presented the iPhone screen in front of Moe''s face with his other hand.


    "What''s going on?" Moe''s voice suddenly turned hoarse, a grating sound emanating from his dry throat. His gaze fixed on the news, which seemed to have a profound impact on his nervous system.


    "Einer is going to propose to Eddie Johnson. He is a model; you must have seen him in Calvin Klein ads," the hand on his stomach stirred to life, moving in a slow, soothing stroke. "He''s also part of our social circle, the son of Einer¡¯s business partner. Their business is not as large as ours, but it is a bioengineering company and it is about to take off.¡±


    "So?" Moe attempted to speak in a regular tone, yet his breath still wheezed, and his infuriating body twitched, refusing to comply, seemingly tethered in place while his soul yearned for escape.


    ¡°You have no chance with him,¡± Manny set his smartphone aside and abruptly turned Moe to face him, shaking him by the shoulders. Moe absentmindedly observed that Manny had subtly grown in the past six months, now standing a few centimeters taller than him. ¡°But with me¡­¡±


    "Back off," Moe thawed at the unwelcome proposition, flaring with anger. He pushed away with effort. "Choose an omega your own age, Manny, and don''t set your sights on an old beta. First, you can''t have me, and second, you might just kiss your balls goodbye."


    ¡°I have feelings for you!¡± Manny exclaimed desperately, his face turning red as he stepped into Moe''s path. ¡°I genuinely like you, can''t you see? Meanwhile, he''s just taking advantage of you! Secretly fucking you while dating someone else! And he''s planning to marry him, not you!¡±


    ¡°Relax, I didn¡¯t expect him to marry me," Moe reassured Manny with a pat on the shoulder, adopting a deliberately casual demeanor before sidestepping. ¡°But I won''t be marrying you either, you little brat.¡±


    Instead of responding, Manny lunged towards him, catching Moe off guard and slamming him into the wall with a forceful thrust. Moe''s cheekbone crashed into the wall, eliciting a grunt from him. Red streaks blurred into his clenched eyes, and his cheekbone throbbed with sharp pain. Despite the agony, it didn''t grant him strength. Instead, the image of a smiling Einar with an equally handsome, delicate blond man gently pressed against him burned into Moe''s retinas.


    Moe found himself pinned against the warm, solid body, sensing unwanted groping and pawing. Warm breath brushed against his neck as unintelligible whispers filled the air. In his dazed state, Moe attempted to grasp the obvious fact that he was hurt and hurt badly.


    The strategy of physical closeness combined with emotional detachment, which had never failed him before and allowed him to feel immune to others'' attempts to possess, encroach on his emotions, or take control, suddenly proved ineffective. Pressing his throbbing, heated cheek against the wall, Moe took deep breaths and retraced the past few months in his mind. He had always believed that the comfortable arrangement he had established, a physical exchange where personal matters were avoided, offered him safety. However, it became clear that he had been subtly deceiving himself. Einar had dismantled all his defense mechanisms with a playful touch, not only penetrating his body but also reaching deep into his soul with strong, comforting embraces after sex ¨C the ritualistic expressions of commitment, passing kisses upon returning home, lingering eye contact in bed that was both reassuring and unsettling, and intertwined fingers in the car when they happened to be heading in the same direction.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    They had navigated their connection without words, neglecting to define their roles or understand the stage they were at in their peculiar bond. Moe, carelessly assuming that spoken communication was the adhesive that bound people together, remained oblivious to the trap he had walked into.


    Caught off guard by a fervent and agitated Manny, whose actions escalated, delving fingers beneath his clothes, Moe stared blankly at the intricately drawn orchid petals on the silk wallpaper. He found himself unable to break away and halt the intrusion until an irate voice cut through the air, ¡°What''s going on?¡±


    Manny flinched to the unexpected turn of events, quickly composing himself without distancing from Moe. He responded with a dry tone, ¡°Leave us alone, Einer. We''re... we''re just talking.¡±


    ¡°You leave us alone,¡± Einer advanced a few steps towards them, with both still propped up against the wall in a rather awkward pose. He effortlessly pushed Manny aside and redirected Moe to face him. ¡°What''s going on, Moe? Care to explain?¡± he touched cold fingers to Moe''s cheekbone, eliciting a sharp, painful reaction. ¡°Shit! Did Manny hit you?¡±


    Moe gazed at him- anxious, irritated, expecting an answer. He stood at a distance that was neither close enough to comfort Moe nor far enough to not to shield him from the possessive instincts of another alpha. Despite his usual eloquence, Moe remained silent. Manny, casting a guilty glance at Moe, explained, ¡°It was unintentional. I misjudged my strength.¡±


    ¡°Idiot," Einer dryly summed up. ¡°Go get an ice pack, do not just stand here.¡±


    Manny shifted uncomfortably on the spot, hesitating to leave. He still clung to a faint hope of having the typically talkative and resistant Moe to himself, then he stomped his foot and hurried downstairs.


    ¡°Why aren''t you speaking?¡± Einer furrowed his brow in frustration. ¡°Are you embarrassed? That''s not like you. Why did you allow Manny to touch you like that? Give me an answer!¡±


    ¡°I didn''t let him,¡± Moe puckered his mischievous lips, inhaling the fresh sea breeze with each breath. He gazed dimly into Einer''s piercing gray eyes and placed his palm on Einer''s chest, distancing himself.


    ¡°You allowed it,¡± Einer grumbled begrudgingly. ¡°Who do you think you''re fooling? You could have effortlessly subdued him, but instead, you opted to stand there- neither encouraging nor resisting. What kind of game are you playing?¡±


    ¡°I am not playing any games,¡± Moe grimaced, sensing the bruise. ¡°Just a bit disoriented, that''s all. Spare me your suspicions and lectures, Einar.¡±


    Manny rushed back into the living room, holding an ice pack - flushed from running, standing tensely straight - and approached Moe, gently applying the ice pack to his cheekbone.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Moe. I didn''t realize I hit you,¡± he sighed apologetically, acknowledging, "It''s going to bruise; you have sensitive skin," and awkwardly stroked his chin with his thumb.


    ¡°Go to your room, Manny,¡± Einar wedged himself between them, gently pushing his brother aside. ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°We don''t,¡± Moe, suddenly feeling exhausted, rose from his seat and headed towards the stairs. ¡°I''ll go to my room too; I don''t feel well.¡±


    ¡°Moe," Einer softened, wrapping his arm around Moe''s shoulders from behind. ¡°Why didn''t you mention it earlier? Let''s go to my place, and you can rest there. Are you unwell?¡± Without waiting for an answer, he sternly addressed glowering Manny, who was still standing there. ¡°I said, go to your room! Don''t you dare bother Moe; he''s not your plaything!¡±


    ¡°I never treated him as a plaything, unlike you!¡± Manny erupted with a shout. ¡°You''re the one who treats him like... like a doormat! You use him, you have sex with him, you harbor expectations, all while dating someone else and planning to get married! What do you plan to do with Moe once you''re married? Keep him around for your pleasure or just kick him out¡±?


    ¡°You''re meddling in an adult relationship without understanding, Manny!¡± Einar, releasing Moe, delivered a resounding slap¡ªa blow intended to humiliate and put him in his place. Manny staggered back, growling fiercely, immediately retaliating with a straight punch. It seemed he had honed his fighting skills.


    The brothers clashed, traversing the Persian carpet with swift steps, evading and throwing punches, creating a thunderous atmosphere. Moe, without turning towards the commotion, proceeded slowly toward the stairs, pressing an ice pack to his cheek¡ªdon''t care, don''t care, don''t care. He needed to retreat to his refuge, nurse his wounds, regain composure, shield himself behind a sarcastic facade, and simply wait for the conflict to subside. No more emotionally charged glances, meaningful silences, or warm embraces¡ªdon''t be foolish, Moe, this guy isn''t right for you.


    He retreated to his room, sinking onto the mattress, fixating on the ceiling, loosening his grip on the ice pack. Placing his wrist, adorned with a watch, in front of his eyes, he intentionally directed his thoughts far away¡ªto the languidly warm streets of Singapore. There, magnolias were in full bloom, cheerful yellow coconuts hung from palm trees, the surf whispered softly, and he strolled along the seafront, enjoying the serene view. A hesitant knock on the door resonated distantly in another reality, a familiar voice sounded muffled, as if heard through thick layers cotton. Moe merely shifted onto his side, finding comfort, extending his hand with the watch to keep the small dial in view¡ªcome on, gather yourself, cast aside thoughts of Einar, and rebuild yourself into a complete whole.


    He drew his knees up to his stomach as Einar, using the master key to enter the room, joined him on the mattress.


    ¡°How are you feeling? Should I call a doctor?¡±


    ¡°No need, I''m okay. Just a headache; it''ll pass,¡± Moe focused on the watch dial, anchoring himself and preventing a breakdown.


    ¡°What happened today, Moe?¡± Einar rustled his jacket as he took it off. ¡°Did Manny startle you again with the fire?¡±


    The reminder of that recent exposure, the unveiling of a concealed fear, accentuated his own vulnerability. Moe shivered with shame, realizing how naive he had been to believe he could still linger in the shadows, avoiding the unambiguous definition of his intricate identity. Chaotic images rushed through his mind- Manny, tantalizingly hinting at a surprise, blindfolded him and guided him into the cold winter garden. Moe, indulgently chuckling, was prepared for anything, even a playful joke. However, upon removing the blindfold, he was met with a profound shock as he stood in front of a towering, cheerful fire in the stone hearth. Picnic baskets, blankets, and folding chairs were faintly visible in the dim light¡ªa setup that clearly suggested an intention to arrange a romantic evening.


    The crackling fire, with its dancing flames and bright sparks, drew him in irresistibly, simultaneously sending adrenaline signals pulsating through his body. As Moe gazed into the yellow-red blaze, he trembled increasingly, feeling the grip of a panic attack constricting his lungs and igniting a hot nausea in his throat. Manny spoke animatedly, oblivious to Moe''s paling face, misinterpreting his daze as sheer astonishment. Manny continued to unload a thermos of mulled wine and cups from the basket, causing a clamor when Moe unleashed a frantic, piercing scream. Exhausted, Moe continued to scream, gasping for air, unable to fully oxygenate his bloodstream. He weakly thrust his arms forward to protect himself, unable to hear his own scream over the intense ringing in his ears, and winced as he was lifted up. It felt as if the fire itself had seized him, enveloping him in a merciless, skin-slickening embrace, poised to obliterate and consume him without a trace, just as it had consumed...


    He regained consciousness, drained and shattered, his gaze fixed on the ceiling while Einar, Manny, and the family doctor entered and, blinking lethargically, he asked to be left alone. Einar only partially acquiesced, escorting the disheartened Manny and the doctor out before settling down beside him. He gently, yet persistently, inquired about pyrophobia, its origins, but Moe stayed silent, turning away and enveloping himself in silence as if it were a protective shield.


    Moe snorted irritably, dismissing the unpleasant memories.


    ¡°No one startled me. Einer, the closed door conveys a clear message - the person inside wants to be alone. Read the signals.¡±


    ¡°I''ve had my fill of insinuations and uncertainty, Moe,¡± Einar sharply interrupted, looming over, looking into his eyes. ¡°What. Happened. Today?¡±


    ¡°N-nothing,¡± Moe hissed, grappling to free himself from the weight. ¡°Go away.¡±


    ¡°I am not going to,¡± Einar pressed on his shoulder, moving him onto his back, rolling on top and securing him to the mattress. ¡°I want us to have a conversation like adults, without ambiguity or indirectness, to clear the air. Your recent behavior has raised concerns- avoiding me, fidgeting, growing closer to Manny - what''s your intention with that?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± Moe snapped, attempting to break free and wriggling the arms pinned by Einar. ¡°I''ll be gone soon, leaving you and Manny behind, so why bother discussing anything?¡±


    ¡°I do care,¡± Einar curled his upper lip, wrinkling his nose; at that moment, he resembled a defensive dog spotting a threat. ¡°Fine, I understand. You''re not inclined to talk, so let''s resort to your preferred method,¡± he stood up, released his hands, lowered his underpants and underwear to his knees, and jingled his belt buckle, undressing.


    ¡°I''ve had enough. Of you,¡± Moe seized his pants, aiming to dress and send him away, but Einar growled angrily, yanking down his pants and underwear and lunging at him.


    ¡°Whom do you want, Moe? Hmm?¡± Einer nuzzled his nose, drilling a fierce gaze. ¡°Is Manny more attractive? Have you grown tired of me?¡±


    ¡°Fuck you!" Moe panted heavily, squirming, catching the sea-salt scent of arousal, sensing himself inevitably hardening beneath the familiar weight, and aware that Einar could feel the throbbing cock against his belly as well.


    ¡°No, fuck you!,¡± Einar grinned, parting Moe clenching legs with his knee and lowering the waistband of his pants. ¡°Now. On my dick," he released a hand that had been poised to strike, deftly evaded a swing, and inserted two fingers. ¡°Hmm, you say you don''t want it, but you''re ready, even lubricated yourself. So, were you planning to seduce Manny? Or perhaps you already fuck while I''m at work?¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Moe swung again, but Einar caught his fist, twisted his arm, and pressed the wet tip against the entrance, applying gentle pressure - the responsive muscle sent a languid pleasure through his body. Moe squirmed, as if attempting to retreat or move closer, torn between resistance and surrender, and eventually collapsed backward, yielding.


    Sensing the absence of resistance, Einar got a comfortable grip on him, sliding his hands beneath his back, and hooking into his shoulders. Einar slammed into him, forcefully and hard, prompting a feeble cry from Moe. Biting sharply on his lip, Einar loomed menacingly over him, not allowing him to adjust, he thrust forcefully, maintaining a relentless pace, keeping Moe¡¯s shoulders pinned, preventing any movement on the mattress. Moe helplessly clutched at the sheet, resisting the embrace, and turned to the side. He watched his knee twitch with each sweeping thrust, whimpering in the midst of the sensual pleasure that dulled the mental discomfort. He came first, wrinkled his nose as Einer continued erratic thrusts in pursuit of his own release. As Einer growled, contorting his face in an almost agonizing spasm and shuddering in the throes of orgasm, Moe, after enduring one last jagged friction, pushed him away, summoning his reMaining strength, and struggled to rise, eventually going into the bathroom.


    ¡°Damn, Moe!¡± Einar gripped his cock at the base, preventing the knot from swelling.


    ¡°Finish yourself off and get out,¡± Moe said sternly, and forcefully shut the door with his back against it.


    It felt gloomy and somber, as if he had been tarnished¡ªnot by the act of intimacy, but by the resurfacing suspicions hitting him hard. Despite Einer''s actions and words, he continued to view him as an accessible, frivolous doormat opting for a wealthier alpha. Moe dug his nails into his thigh, chastising himself with a bitter sense of foolish gullibility and openness. He realized it was his own fault for allowing himself to be perceived in that manner.


    The bedroom door closed softly, and Moe moved wearily toward the shower, hoping he could cleanse his inner turmoil with a forceful rush of water.

 Chapter 12

    ¡°Have you considered my proposal?¡± Manny stood close, knees touching, blocking the sunlight, and Moe lazily squinted one eye, setting the book aside.


    "Manny..." Moe sighed, weighing his words carefully. He could tell that Manny was deeply invested, having veered off course due to his youth and naivete and mistaken human warmth for genuine affection. "You''re young, handsome, and charming..." ¡°Cut to the chase!¡± Manny snapped, accidentally hitting his knee.


    ¡°My answer is no,¡± Moe firmly stated, putting his feet on the chair and causing it to rock with the movement. He eased back into the suspended wicker seat, casting a regretful glance at the crestfallen Manny.


    ¡°It''s all because of Einar! If he hadn''t claimed you for himself, you wouldn''t have refused so easily!¡± Manny struck the beam forcefully, not flinching at the pain. Moe clicked his tongue, gazing at Manny''s bloody knuckles¡ªfeeling sorry for the boy, but understanding there was no other option. It was better to lay the cards on the table, rip off the band-aid, and let time sort things out.


    ¡°Einar has nothing to do with it; I have a mind of my own,¡± Moe shrugged, feigning indifference. ¡°You and I are too different, Manny- I''m older than you...¡±


    ¡°I don''t care!¡± Manny shouted in frustration, his southern eyes flashing. ¡°I don''t care! You''re twenty-four, and I''m eighteen, a six-year difference which might seem significant now, but in a decade or two, it won''t matter at all. We have a couple in our family where the omega is nine years older than the husband, and they''re happy together.¡±


    ¡°Omega,¡± Moe repeated softly. ¡°Not beta.¡±


    ¡°So what!!!¡± Manny angrily stomped his foot, and Moe smiled¡ªa child after all, one who stomps his feet when he doesn¡¯t get what he wants. ¡°Omega or beta, not an alpha!¡±


    ¡°You''re deceiving yourself, Manny; you''ve never experienced a genuine trusting relationship, so you mistook your feelings for me," something inside him pricked, reminding him of his own deception. Moe cleared his throat and continued quietly. ¡°You''ll find your man someday, love openly, and be happy. I''m not the one for you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have any feelings for me at all?¡± Manny asked desperately, attempting to capture the elusive gaze. ¡°You admitted that I''m attractive; I''ve even been offered modelling opportunities. But Einar hasn''t!¡±


    "Why do you care about Einar?" Moe grumbled, clutching the wicker edges to pull himself out. ¡°Stop trying to compete with him. He has his path, and you have yours. If you keep looking up to him, you''ll never carve out your own way.¡±


    ¡°I do care!¡± Manny closed off his retreat. ¡°Unfortunately, he''s my brother and my guardian, and my therapist told me that I would automatically role-model him in the absence of a father, so I can''t shake off the comparison just yet. And you''re attracted to him¡ªthat''s enough for me to try to understand why you''re drawn to him.¡±


    ¡°We just-¡°Moe, hesitating on whether to push further or not, froze in an awkward pose, head tilted up to meet Manny''s gaze. ¡°We had no-strings-attached sex; it happens between adults, Manny. There''s no underlying complexity, it''s all straightforwardly unambiguous.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to give casual sex a try with me?¡± Manny firmly grasped the edges of the wicker, covering it like a spider covers the web. ¡°It''s been three weeks since you''ve been with him; you do crave a good fuck occasionally, don''t you?


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Moe let out an exasperated sigh, feeling a blush creep up his cheeks in embarrassment.


    ¡°I believe you do, and I''m patiently waiting,¡± Manny lowered his voice to an affectionate whisper. ¡°And I''m relieved he''s giving you space. If you''re concerned about my experience, don''t be - I assure you, I lost my virginity a long time ago, and I''ve had a fair share of sex, with no complaints.¡±


    ¡°Are you practicing your sales pitch?¡± Moe, having overcome a momentary embarrassment, grinned suggestively. ¡°It''s not quite convincing yet; I suppose it''s time for you to disclose the size in inches and how many times a night you can go, so I can get the full picture and start considering.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t reduce it to a joke, ¡±Manny crouched down, encircling his arms around Moe''s waist and drawing him close. ¡°Moe, please, come with me. I won''t treat you like Einer does, won''t keep you hidden from society. I''ll be upfront about you being my chosen one. I desire you so much, you can''t imagine. Not just for sex, though that too, of course, but also to hold you, kiss you, accompany you everywhere, spend all my free time with you. I don''t have much time left; you''re about to leave.¡±


    ¡°I won''t,¡± Moe stubbornly declared, extricating himself from Manny¡¯s hands. ¡°And I won''t date you. It''s for your own good, Manny; you don''t want a wanderer with no family or roots.¡±


    ¡°How can you know who I truly want or don''t want?¡± Manny ran his hands through his hair once more. ¡°You can''t get into my head and pinpoint exactly what matters to me and what I need, so just try to have faith in me. I''ve never been this certain about my desires before.¡±


    ¡°That''s because you lack life experience,¡± Moe playfully flicked his nose. ¡°A few relationships with the feeling of ''I need him so desperately or I''ll perish,'' and then you''ll begin to distinguish and understand your feelings more deeply. Just let it go.¡±


    Manny withdrew his hands reluctantly and stood up, observing Moe emerging from the comfortable wicker, stretching his tense muscles. A poignant expression of doom lingered on his face, his lips quivering sadly, and Moe averted his gaze, determined not to be alone with him for the remainder of the contract. He retrieved a book, awkwardly sidestepped, and Manny halted him, touching Moe¡¯s fingers pleadingly.


    ¡°Can''t you at least have a drink with me?¡±


    ¡°You can''t drink,¡± Moe retorted promptly, and Manny''s temper finally ignited.


    ¡°There are so many things I can''t do in this fucking life! To freely roam without bodyguards, to date whomever I please, to take a gap year like my classmates, exploring Europe and Asia for a year before going to university! I need some relief from this prison of a life!¡±


    Okay, okay, take it easy," Moe gestured peaceably as he walked towards the stairs. ¡°I don''t think a glass of wine would hurt, so let''s have a drink. But after that, I''m heading to my room, and we won''t revisit this topic, alright?¡±


    ¡°I''ve got a bottle of Chateau d''Yquem saved up; Patrick mentioned it''s your favorite,¡± Manny grinned with delight, playfully urging Moe toward his bedroom.


    ¡°Why are you taking me there?¡± Moe asked with suspicion. ¡°Why not just have a drink in the living room?¡±


    ¡°To give the servants something to report to Einer about?¡± Manny raised a skeptical eyebrow, and Moe sighed, regretting his acquiescence. It seemed another twenty minutes of tedious conversation were in the offing.


    ¡°Fine, let''s go,¡± Moe placed the book on the table, stretched, rubbed his back, and entered Manny''s bedroom first. He cautiously made his way to the spacious window bench, adorned with a soft mattress and pillows, avoiding the bed¡ªno need to provide the young predator with an opportunity to pounce. Seating himself with legs tucked under, he waited for Manny to join him.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    As Manny uncorked the bottle, leaning over it, Moe admired the winter garden as it darkened and took on a pinkish hue in the evening light. The evergreen topiary, dusted with a delicate layer of snow, exuded a Christmas-like charm, while the tall, bare trees carried a subtle touch of melancholy. The frozen garden possessed a wintry allure. Crouching beside Manny, Moe took another look at the garden, then handed him a glass.


    ¡°Here''s to happiness, Moe,¡± Manny toasted, he clinked his glass and took the first sip, gazing at Moe with an inscrutable tension.


    ¡°To happiness,¡± Moe breathed in the tart floral and berry fragrance, discerning notes of honeysuckle, elderberry, and peach as he took a sip with delight. He savored the subtle and complex flavor, trying to pinpoint an unfamiliar taste that resonated with a peculiar note. After a few more sips in an attempt to identify this elusive element, he lifted his puzzled gaze to Manny, who was focused on his own glass. With a distinct sense of irritation, Moe realized that Manny had gone all in.


    Waking up was hard- the date-rape drug in the wine induced drowsiness, maintaining his rigid body in an awakened state, yet the clamorous voices echoing above his lifeless form rudely yanked him from his imposed slumber. Throbbing bells pounded on his temples as Moe grappled to open his eyelids, attempting to focus on the sounds. Einer, pallid with eyes aflame with fury, was berating the half-dressed Manny, lashing out with profanities, while Manny vehemently retorted in an incendiary, unrestrained manner.


    ¡°Yes, he belongs to me now!¡± Manny bellowed in a fit of rage. ¡°Let him go, Einer! You have an official fianc¨¦; go to him!¡±


    ¡°You don''t dictate to me, you little shit!¡± Einar snarled. ¡°Back the fuck off!¡±


    ¡°He chose me, got it?¡± Manny cried out from the forceful hit, but swiftly retaliated. ¡°He''s fed up with your double-dealing, got it? He prefers me, he prefers me! He was just fucking you!¡±


    ¡°What the fuck...¡± Moe murmured, rubbing his temples and attempting to sit up. ¡°Knock it off...¡± he blinked, surveying his surroundings in astonishment - he was down to his underwear and adorned with revealing marks. Manny, that fucker! A scenario of two in bed and a third man in the closet. Fucking hell!


    Einer, without expending further energy on words, landed several fierce blows on Manny, sending him to the ground and lunging at him. Manny only groaned, shielding himself with a block, as he had been taught. Making an inhuman effort, Moe struggled to stand up, swaying, and grabbed Einer by the shoulders, attempting to pull him away from his brother - it seemed like the possessive man could brutally beat Manny in a frenzy of rage.


    Einer, snarling, turned around, sneered in disgust, and stormed off, now grabbing Moe and forcefully pulling him along.


    ¡°You bastard... You''re such a bastard, Moe! This is your way of getting back at me, isn¡¯t it? Do not move!¡± He overwhelmed the weak resistance of Moe and hurried to his room. Moe could hardly breathe, powerful hands constricting his chest like an iron hoop, and he fought for breath, but Einar tightened his grip even more and whisked away.


    He threw Moe onto the bed, hurried to the door, locked it, and hastily started undressing, shedding the clothes that snapped while Moe lethargically moved to the other side of the bed, attempting to shake off the drug-induced weakness. There wasn''t a specific fear, just a muted irritation at Manny for putting on a disgusting show, and at himself for allowing the trap. There was no use in explaining - Einar''s furious expression made it clear that acceptance or understanding were not options.


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t care who you fuck?¡± Einar ripped his clothes off, threw himself onto the bed, and grabbed Moe by the ankles, instantly spreading his legs wide and pinning him to the bed. ¡°You look perfect this way! How did he get you? Hmm?¡±


    ¡°You''ve got the wrong idea, Manny...¡± Moe hesitated- revealing that Manny had drugged him could lead to trouble, and there was no guarantee that Einar would believe him. He sealed his lips, tightening them, accepting the blame.


    ¡°What don¡¯t I realize?¡± Einar grinned unpleasantly. ¡°You slept in his bed covered in hickeys, and he even tried to mark you- mark a beta!¡± He jabbed painfully at Moe¡¯s neck, and the dazed Moe felt a fresh bite, moaning wistfully, "What an asshole!¡±


    ¡°It doesn''t matter,¡± his tongue moved slowly, barely obeying. ¡°Let go. I don''t owe you anything.¡±


    ¡°I don''t owe you anything...¡± Einer froze, swallowing strangely, jerking his Adam¡¯s apple.


    ¡°How about you create a dramatic scene for your fianc¨¦, fucking Othello?¡± Moe, relieved by the pause, pulled away, slipping out and moving to the edge of the bed to stand up. ¡°I won''t be here in a week; this isn¡¯t worth a scandal.¡±


    ¡°Where do you think you''re going? I''m not finished with you yet,¡± Einar yanked him back by the arm, piling him on top of him, breathing hotly in his face, and swiftly removed Moe''s underpants without getting up. ¡°I don''t think you''re going to need them. So, you went to bed with Manny because of Eddie? You want to be in his shoes?¡±


    ¡°I don''t want anything, let go,¡± Moe pressed his weak palms against Einar''s chest helplessly, and jerked as Einar''s fingers pushed inside, finding the unmistakable spot of pleasure. ¡°Enough.¡±


    Einar moved his fingers, observing Moe''s contorted face, grinning.


    ¡°Always wet, always ready Moe, who desires nothing but acts like he desires everything," Einar withdrew his fingers and positioned himself. ¡°If you want to replace Eddie, you can do that, but Manny is off-limits. Do you want me, Moe? Do you want me after my younger brother?¡± He playfully nudged his head against the entrance, nibbled on a sensitive nipple, and Moe moaned; he truly desired it, and Einar could sense his hard longing with his abdomen.


    ¡°Just do it already,¡± Moe instinctively turned away to conceal his evident pleasure, and yelped when, in sync with the forceful penetration, Einar, growling, nestled into his neck, covering Manny''s mark with his own. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    Einar varied speeds and positions, delivering biting kisses, inflicting painful squeezes, pushing Moe to the brink of orgasm only to crush the release, propelling Moe into a scorching, heightened frenzy that dispelled the lingering medicated lethargy. In retaliation, Moe bit back viciously, seeking retribution for his handsome fianc¨¦, the unwarranted jealousy, the invasion of his soul, and vehemently pushed back his orgasm-stalling hands. They writhed on the bed like frenzied beasts, screaming, growling, moaning, meting out punishment for their own transgressions. Finally coming, Moe struggled to break free before the knot tightened, but with a sudden twist, Einar turned him over, spread his cheeks, thrust in forcefully, moaned, bit the back of his neck, undid the knot, and collapsed, nearly suffocating him with his weight.


    Moe twitched with fleeting sensations of pleasure, determined to block out any thoughts, avoid reflection, and deny Einer satisfaction from hurting him. Once Einer withdrew, relinquishing his hold, Moe exerted effort to rise on weak arms.


    ¡°Stay,¡± Einar muttered, but Moe defiantly shook his head.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    ¡°Stay, please!¡± Einar seized him from behind and dragged him back onto the bed, burying his face in Moes neck. ¡°What are you doing, Moe?¡±


    ¡°And what about you?¡± Moe responded without much thought, and Einar remained silent, still holding him.


    As Einar drifted off to sleep, Moe extricated himself from the embrace. Feeling a loss of warmth, Einar sleepily muttered,  "Moe," and cuddled into his pillow instead. Momentarily frozen, Moe tiptoed away toward his room, stepping over Einar''s bare feet. In the bathroom, he checked the sore neck and sighed with an instant relief ¨C not a proper mark, just bites of two assholes. He had no idea, how a real mark would mess with his hormones. Filled the tub, added some scented salts, and lay there, gazing gloomily at the ceiling. The behavior of the two brothers was getting on his nerves ¨C Manny with his infatuation and petty actions, and Einar with his damn fianc¨¦ and possessive instincts, treating Moe as if he were a pet rather than a free human being.


    Just a few more days to endure. Moe nodded to himself, washing away Einar¡¯s sweat, saliva, and cum, wrinkling his nose at the painful bite on his neck. He sighed, questioning why this situation had to be so stupid.


    Early in the morning, he rose, got dressed, and headed to Manny''s room to settle the score. Manny was still asleep, his face showing signs of his brother''s blows and the swelling from crying. Moe grinned contentedly, acknowledging Einer''s work. With ease, he flipped Manny''s heavy, relaxed body onto his stomach, pulled off his briefs, lowered his own, pressed against him with his morning boner, twisted his arms, and playfully sang into Manny''s ear.


    ¡°You say you like me, want me? Come on, daredevil, let''s fuck then.¡±


    ¡°What the hell is going on, Moe!¡± Manny hissed, struggling like a fish on ice.


    ¡°I''m just giving you what you''ve always wanted,¡± Moe teased, sliding his cock between his tense buttocks. ¡°Haven''t you fantasized about fucking me?¡±


    ¡°Not like this!¡± Manny exploded in desperation, realizing that Moe wasn''t joking. ¡°I''m an alpha, damn it!¡±


    ¡°And I''m a beta, I can fuck just as well as I can take it,¡± Moe squeezed his hands tighter until Manny hissed. ¡°You''re not Manny, you''re Meanie. If you try to set me up again, I WILL fuck you. Got it, asshole?¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Manny fell silent, acknowledging Moe''s triumph, and Moe hopped off the bed, pulling up his underwear.


    ¡°Stay away from me for the rest of the days. Consider your babysitter on vacation. Bye-bye, Meanie.¡±


    ¡°I hate you!¡± Manny exclaimed, casting a spiteful glare at him. ¡°I hope you die!¡±


    ¡°I''ll die someday,¡± Moe said philosophically as he left the bedroom.

 Chapter 13

    ¡°Happy now, Moe?¡± Manny settled onto the sofa violating the restraining order.


    ¡°What else, Meanie?¡± Moe wearily set the book aside, shooting him an irritated look.


    ¡°Oh, right, you don''t use social networks, and you only read books on the internet,¡± Manny unlocked his smartphone, presenting it to Moe, triggering a sharp sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu- his heart constricted with unpleasant anticipation, and Moe stared in amazement at the...


    He was looking at Einar with a heartwarming tenderness. They stood in the enchanting winter garden of the Simmons residence, locked in a gaze amid the sunlight filtering through fluffy snowflakes, resembling... a couple deeply in love. Anxious, Moe swallowed hard, reached for his phone, swiped down and searched for the article, and felt a chill- the writer gleefully reported that Einar Simmons had confirmed his relationship with Moe Doe, offering apologies to his former fianc¨¦ Eddie Johnson for the engagement annulment. The article then delved into the topic of the profound love that bound the unknown common man, Moe Doe, and the charismatic Einer Simmons. A mix of joy and fear surged within him¡ªa nagging feeling that Einar was pursuing an unknown agenda.


    ¡°It''s a fake,¡± Moe whispered with numb lips, letting the phone fall into his lap. ¡°We haven''t discussed it with Einar. I''m leaving in two days.¡±


    ¡°And he''ll just let you go? Don''t lie to me, Moe,¡± Manny sounded wistful, his tone suddenly shifting. ¡°He''s got you now, leaving me with no chance.¡±


    ¡°You never had a chance, you dipshit,¡± Moe was repulsed by the very phrasing, treating him like an inanimate object, as if he were something to be placed or given away at will. ¡°I''ll be gone in two days anyway, and this whole story will create a stir and then fade away. Maybe Einar went along with his PR guy and decided to earn some brownie points at my expense, but he forgot to ask me, asshole.¡±


    ¡°You won''t be able to leave!¡± Manny let the insult slide. ¡°Are you out of your mind, Moe? You''ll be hunted by the paparazzi; you''re as visible as me and Einar! Hey, open your eyes to the situation!¡±


    ¡°I''ll leave town for a while, and the cage will fall apart on its own,¡± Moe countered uncertainly, glancing at Manny, who raised his eyebrows skeptically. ¡°What the hell did he do that for?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know, but trust me, Einer calculates everything," Manny hissed in disgust. ¡°I don''t think it''s a fake; it''s more likely that Einar leaked the information himself and orchestrated the process. He rubbed my nose in it, proved to you that he was serious, and scored points with the audience - all upsides, as you can see. Checkmate.¡±


    ¡°I don''t see any upsides for myself,¡± Moe said grimly. ¡°We haven''t spoken at all since that day, I''m just sitting around waiting for the end of the contract, so Einar didn''t prove any seriousness to me; he just put me in an awkward position, clipped my wings¡ªI won''t be able to hang out in my hometown now, that blood-sucking piece of shit!¡±


    ¡°It''s my fault,¡± Manny sighed wearily. ¡°If I hadn''t set you up last time, none of this would have happened.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn''t have,¡± Moe confirmed angrily, not about to make it any easier on him. ¡°You''re both morally deformed morons, and you''re dragging me down for my morals. I am so sick of you! I wish I could never see you again.¡±


    ¡°I think this may be a distraction," Manny rubbed his chin thoughtfully, ignoring the unflattering definition of himself and his brother. It seems like he deliberately created a distraction to signal to certain people that he''s preoccupied with personal matters, thereby canceling any plans for revenge.¡±


    ¡°What revenge?¡± Moe asked cautiously.


    ¡°So,¡± Manny hesitated, his gaze clouded with uncertainty. ¡°Remember the other day during training, with a dozen more bodyguards, and cameras all around. You must understand why our house has turned into a fortress, right?¡±


    ¡°Let''s skip the guessing game and cut to the chase. What do you know?¡± Moe shifted his body, focusing on Manny, trying to read his expressions.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°Did Einar share the details of our parents'' death with you?¡± Manny started cautiously.


    ¡°He mentioned they died in a terrorist attack,¡± Moe confirmed, sensing a shift in the conversation.


    ¡°That''s not true. Einer told me everything. Officially, it was,¡± Manny''s cheek twitched, "recognized as a terrorist attack. In reality, the private plane they were on wasn''t blown up by extremists but by a competitor. My parents had invested in a secret bioengineering project aiming to develop an artificial eyeball and a lens fused to the retina, capable of disrupting the entire eyeglasses and conventional lenses industry, which meant enormous financial gains since one in two people have poor eyesight in this digital age. However," Manny spoke in a hoarse tone, staring blankly ahead, "the scientists managed to achieve success with the project. They were supposed to patent their discovery with my parents, this is when the plane blew up...¡±


    ¡°Where were the labs?¡± Moe asked, trying to keep his composure by digging his nails into his palms.


    ¡°In Singapore and Spain, Madrid, I think,¡± Manny answered absentmindedly. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I''m just curious; please go on,¡± Moe closed his eyes, absorbing every word.


    ¡°After our parents'' death, Einer attempted to salvage the scientific breakthrough, investigating the true culprits behind the explosion. He narrowed down the list of suspects to a few influential individuals, including a high-ranking official in the Senate. Einer began to trail them, this drew their attention, so he had to beef up the security service while putting all potential culprits in a precarious situation ¨C they are not able to go ahead with the project, but they also could not let Einar go on. Apologies for the rambling; I''m not privy to the details, but one thing is certain - the risk is currently too high, and we need to wait out the danger. Are you okay?" Manny looked at Moe, who was sweaty and pale, breathing irregularly.


    ¡°I need some time alone to process everything,¡± Moe rose heavily from the couch, making his way to his room. He barked irritably upon hearing footsteps behind him, "Alone, I said!"


    In his room, Moe settled on weakened legs on the bed, shedding his indifferent facade. He allowed himself to shake with a coarse chill, bit his knuckles to stifle any potential screams, and rocked from side to side in an attempt to regain composure. Deep within, the excruciating pain rose to the surface, making him feel sick and awakening ghosts from the past. Moe struggled with impending sobs and a gag reflex, attempting to piece together the events in a logical chain and assess his own judgment of himself¡ªwas he guilty? Or was he... Manny was pulled out of his deep contemplation by a cautious knock on the door.


    ¡°Moe, I''m sorry. Can we talk? Did I scare you? Can I come in?¡±


    ¡°Fuck off, Manny!¡± Moe snapped, frustrated by the intrusion into his already chaotic mental state. ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    Manny forcefully kicked the door, meeting aggression with more aggression, then stomped away heavily. Moe shook his head, attempting to gather his thoughts, retracing the timeline to when his tranquil happiness had been shattered. The thoughts refused to align in logical order, creating a jumble that eluded clarity. Moe jumped up, pacing around the room with ragged breaths. It clicked! Einer and Manny''s parents had indirectly caused the death of his family! Amid various conclusions, pure hatred bubbled up- his parents and brother had been leading a decent life in their hometown until the meddling Simmonses shattered their existence. It wasn''t entirely rational, but it provided a somewhat relieving outlet for the guilt that weighed on him like an oppressive force.


    Moe forcefully kicked open the bathroom door and hastily began to undress, eager to cleanse himself of the day''s revelations. He longed to wash away the unsettling truths in the invigorating spray of the shower, postponing the weighty contemplations for later. Initially opting for hot water, he gritted his teeth, then switched to ice-cold water, a burn no less searing, and let out a deep, soulful sob. If it weren''t for him, his family wouldn''t have relocated, wouldn''t have coincidentally ended up in the same city, and wouldn''t have boarded that damned Simmons¡¯ jet. Perhaps they might have discreetly ended their research when faced with threats¡ªhis mom, dad, and brother were rational people who understood the stakes.


    But they were gone. Because of him. And he perished alongside them.


    Moe pounded on the shower stall floor for a long time¡ªhammering out his anguish until he sobbed dryly, until he vomited from exhaustion. Eventually, he managed to stand up, his vomit-stained hands sliding on the wall. He turned on the water, washing the vomit away, barely made it to bed, and collapsed, still wet. Swallowing his daily dose of pills, he covered himself with a blanket.


    It might have been better if he remained ignorant. Knowing didn''t alleviate the pain; it merely thrust him headlong into the ugly past, forcing him to recall every agonizing detail and whimper quietly into his pillow. The present faded in comparison to the past, became insignificant.


    Einar had ensnared him in a complex game, much like how his parents had entangled Moe¡¯s family in another, ultimately costing them their lives.


    Without knowing.


    Unquestioningly.


    Mercilessly.


    The only recourse was to accept the situation as it was, much like his family had done. The difference was, they had something to lose, but Moe had nothing left - life had lost its meaning with their departure.

 Chapter 14

    Moe tentatively reached for the chrome handrail, experiencing a painful hesitation. He felt disgusted and nauseous, not wanting to ascend the steps of the private jet. With a sharp turn, he pushed Einer away with his right hand and shielded Miny, who was asleep in the sling, with his left hand. His heart pounded like a trapped bird, his ears filled with the rush of blood, and Moe stumbled down the runway between the parted bodyguards, gasping for air. He didn''t care; he would figure it out as he had done before. He would buy fake passports, board a ship from Batam, sail to... no, it might be safer to travel by car to Johor Baru, and in Malaysia, he could buy a fake passport to avoid the meticulous checks of Singapore, then fly to Thailand...


    "Moe," Einer, keeping his distance, sensing Moe''s simmering anger, walked beside him with tense steps. "Please, believe me. I will never, do you hear me? I will never betray you. You''ll be safer with me than anywhere else. Moe, where are you going?"


    "Get away from me, damn it, just get away!" Moe roared, forcefully shoving Einer in the chest, his hatred for him burning fiercely until it clouded his vision with red. "Every single bad thing in my life happened because of you and your family! My family would still be alive! I wouldn''t have been targeted to be turned into mincemeat, nearly killing Miny inside me! You... I hate you with every fiber of my being! And don''t you dare try to convince me that my hatred gives you hope. You''re the worst thing that''s ever happened to me, Simmons!"


    "But you''re the greatest thing that''s ever happened to me," Einar replied softly, taken aback by the force of the outburst. "So, I''d rather die than put you at risk. Please, Moe, let me take care of you. I am so sorry for what I''ve done to you, I truly am."


    Startled by the sudden movement and the suppressed yet intense, angry whisper, Miny stirred restlessly, letting out a cry, and Moe, suppressing the urge to cry out himself, swayed back and forth, calming him with a voice strained with anger that had not yet subsided under the weight of parental instinct.


    "Hush, little one, Daddy won''t do that again. Don''t worry," Moe wiped his tear-stained face with his hand and adjusted the neckline of his nursing top, giving Miny access to the nipple, which swelled with a drop of milk. He stood still, gazing longingly at Miny''s blond head, emitting a comforting rumble, wiping his eyes that refused to dry, feeling trapped with no option but to return. There''s Daniel, there''s an alternative to Einer.


    "Please, let''s go," Einer pleaded softly, his eyes reflecting the desperation of a beaten dog. "Moe, please."


    Reluctantly, Moe turned towards the boarding stairs, his legs feeling drained from the stress-induced blood pressure drop. Exhaling sharply before taking the first step, he began to ascend, casting a grim stare at the steward, whose composure remained intact thanks to his professionalism.


    In the cabin, he settled into the window seat, noticing the cradle positioned on the seat next to him, a considerate touch. Silently accepting the blanket from the steward, he realized only now that his heart was pounding nervously. Wrapping himself up, he left only Miny''s head exposed for fresh air and hopelessly stared out the window, awaiting the plane''s takeoff.


    The bodyguards assumed their positions, while the stewards checked final details and sealed the airtight door. Moe flinched as the plane roared to life, beginning its smooth taxi across the airfield. Einer, seated at an angle, tapped nervously with his foot, avoiding eye contact to prevent provoking another outburst from Moe. He murmured something softly to the steward nearby, who nodded with a friendly smile. Gliding gracefully down the aisle, the steward disappeared behind a curtain and returned with drinks, placing them one by one on the table in front of Moe.


    "May I offer you a drink, sir?" the steward politely asked.


    Pointing to the table, he continued without waiting for a response, listing the available items, "Chamomile tea, lavender tea, lemonade, sparkling mineral water, still mineral water, whiskey," Moe mumbled, gradually coming to his senses and breathing more steadily. He enjoyed the human reaction that finally broke through the smooth facade - a momentary daze, and he chuckled. "Do you happen to have any Pu¡¯erh?"


    "Certainly," the steward replied with a light exhale, smiling deferentially and appreciating the joke. "Would you prefer green Pu¡¯erh or black Pu¡¯erh?"


    "Black, but with milk and ginger," Moe requested, attuned to the needs of his exhausted body, drained from the strain of nervous tension, as Miny suckled vigorously.


    "And something to eat. A sandwich or a canap¨¦, something I can hold in my hand."


    "Very well, sir," the steward took the tray and swiftly disappeared behind the curtain.


    Moe shifted Miny, who had drained every last drop from his left nipple and was now fussing, to his right side. He gently stroked the tender cheek, which had reddened from being pressed against his chest, with a trembling finger. Inhaling the sweet, milky cinnamon scent with a hint of vitality, he whispered tenderly.


    "My little darling, you''ve already made quite a mess in your diaper. But I''m sorry, you''ll have to wait. We''ll wait until we¡¯ll climb to a higher altitude, then I''ll change your diaper," he searched for his bag, and Einar unbuckled his seatbelt and sprang up, pulling the bag out from under the seat and putting it carefully in front of Moe.


    "There''s a bedroom here if you want to rest," Einar, sensing the tension had eased, spoke softly, meeting his gaze. Moe responded with reluctant silence, immediately turning away to the window - he didn''t feel like engaging with the asshole.


    Twenty minutes later, Miny, unable to tolerate the discomfort of a warm, wet diaper, furrowed his dark eyebrows together in anger, letting out pitiful cries and demands simultaneously. This tormented Moe, who struggled to sit up, and it seemed to affect Einar as well. He sat crumpled in his chair, gazing at the tiny blond head emitting plaintive cries, clearly eager to help but holding back. Finally, the belt sign flashed, prompting Moe to unbuckle the seatbelt and stand up to remove Miny from the sling.


    "There''s a bathroom in the bedroom," Einar also stood up, but kept his distance cautiously. "I''ll show you and carry the bag myself."


    "Stay put, one of your Teletubbies can help," Moe snapped angrily, and Einar reluctantly summoned one of the bodyguards, who stood about 6¡¯7¡±.


    The bodyguard obediently retrieved his bag, gestured politely to the opposite end of the aisle from where the steward was concealed behind a curtain, and accompanied Moe, who led the way. Moe glanced sternly at the bodyguards, who averted their gaze - their previous insolence towards him had vanished, now treating Moe with the deference usually reserved for royalty.


    He opened the bathroom door and placed his bag on the floor, kneeling down to assist.


    Moe, initially surprised, was starting to see the usefulness of the situation. Now that he didn¡¯t have a helper, these pit bulls might finally prove to be useful.


    "In the bag, there¡¯s a pack of diapers, disposable changing pads, and a towel," Moe instructed as he placed Miny on the bed. Impatiently, he watched as the bodyguard cautiously searched through the contents, handing him the requested items one by one. Moe slid a diaper beneath the quiet Miny, removed his pants and old diaper, bundled it up, and carried him to be cleaned.


    He carefully bathed him, gently patting his delicate skin dry with a towel, and then smiled at Miny, who gazed off into space behind him, contentedly smacking his lips. With just two steps, he returned to the bedroom, gently laying Miny back onto the changing pad and putting on a fresh diaper. Seating himself beside Miny, he glanced at the bed - it looked inviting after hours of anxiety and frantic packing.


    "Thank you. Please inform the steward that I''ll have my meal here," Moe said as he pulled the bag with his foot, extracting the pants and diaper from its depths. He put the pants on, planting a kiss on one tiny pink heel, and then, drawing Miny close, he settled against the headboard.


    Einar arrived quicker than the steward, his expression still disappointed and subdued - evidently, he had hoped for long hours of being together and perhaps a conversation, but Moe harshly dashed those hopes. Silently, he placed the cradle on the bed, casting a wary glance at Moe, and carefully chose his words, "I was told at the clinic that you prefer to co-sleep. I instructed to buy bed railings. If it''s alright with you, I''ll set them up."


    Moe wanted to decline, really, really wanted to¡ªoh, desperately¡ªbut exhaustion washed over him heavily, rendering him immobile. With a nod, he shifted to the side of the bed against the wall, cradling Miny in his arms as the baby kicked his legs in the air. Einar awkwardly fidgeted, attempting to set up the railings, while the steward who had brought the food busied himself setting the table, the utensils clinking and clattering softly.


    The steward, oblivious to Einar''s desire to help, interjected cheerfully, prompting a mischievous smile from Moe, "Allow me to assist you, sir. I believe you''re using the wrong side."


    ¡°Damn,¡± said Einar, realizing his helplessness, begrudgingly stepped aside at the bedside, yielding to the steward''s assistance. Desperately seeking a reason to linger, he asked, "Moe, would you like to freshen up? I can hold Miny while you take a shower."


    Moe turned slightly, casting a coldly arrogant glance at him, and hissed, "You''re not getting anywhere near my son. Steward, you''re trained to assist parents with young children, correct?"


    "Yes, sir," the steward replied, his complexion paling as he glanced nervously at Einer, whose expression was as dark as night. "But I..."


    "You can assist me if I need to freshen up. As for you, you can go," Moe swallowed the word "shit" - he shouldn''t swear in front of a waking Miny, or so his subconscious reminded him. "Einer, I''d prefer to see you only upon arrival. I''ll ask the steward for anything I need."


    "Okay," Einer responded, casting one more longing glance at his feet before leaving the bedroom. Moe relaxed, picking Miny up in his arms and making his way over to the table.


    The astute steward not only brought miniature sandwiches but also a tantalizing roast of meat, a pot of roasted vegetables in cream, spinach salad, diced cucumbers, and white radishes, and for dessert, a cherry pudding accompanied by a teapot of Pu-erh, which lifted Moe''s spirits. Placing Miny in his cradle beside him, he indulged in the meal, emitting contented moans of pleasure.


    He ate until he reached the point of being "hard to breathe, but happy at heart," his eyes drooping with drowsiness. Stripping down to his underwear, he nestled beside the awake Miny, propping him against the railing and covering them both with a blanket, struggling to keep his eyes open before finally succumbing to sleep, unaware of his drifting into slumber.


    He awoke in a panic, springing up in bed and frantically patting it, fearing that Miny had been taken. Almost on the verge of howling, he was soothed by the gentle voice of the steward, who sat in the chair with Miny peacefully asleep in his arms, "He was fussing, sir, and you were sleeping so soundly that I took the liberty of rocking him. He needed a diaper change again, but I had already taken care of it."


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    "Give him back to me," Moe''s voice came out harsher than intended out of fear, but as he received back the gently sleeping Miny, he quickly softened his tone, "Thank you. I''ll handle it from here. Make sure no one else enters."


    "Understood, sir," the steward nodded and exited the bedroom, leaving them in solitude.


    Moe gazed at the dark, star-studded sky amidst the billowing white clouds and gently guided Miny to his nipple. Instantly, Miny drifted into a shallow slumber, his mouth latching onto the nipple without so much as a flutter of his eyelids. It was a testament to Miny''s being the happiest child on earth when cradled in warm hands and nourished with comforting milk right on schedule. Moe''s smile widened, feeling his heart swell with affection, despite the trials and tribulations, merging into a boundless sense of contentment, tinged with the aroma of cinnamon. Pressing his lips against Miny''s warm, velvety head, that gave him strength, Moe surrendered to a tranquil sleep, assured even in the haze of drowsiness that they would overcome any challenge.


    During the drive from the airport to his temporary residence, Moe battled desperate yawns, wiping away the tears that accompanied each one. The jet lag was starting to hit hard, his body still feeling cramped from the long flight, itching uncomfortably beneath the heavy fabric of his clothing. The scent of sweat lingered as he shifted in his seat, and his nipples throbbed with the release of milk triggered by Miny''s relentless cries. Miny squinted his eyes, unleashing another fierce wail, and Moe helplessly stroked his belly in an attempt to soothe him.


    "Oh, my darling, please don''t cry. Your tummy must be hurting. I can''t take you out of the car seat, it''s not safe," Moe murmured, tapping his foot impatiently as he willed time to move faster, but it seemed to drag on at a frustratingly sluggish pace.


    "Why don''t you try feeding him while he''s in the car seat?" Einar, seated across from them, remained composed despite Miny''s cries. He unbuckled himself and approached them. "Here, watch. If you release the belt and lean over, you can reach his mouth," Einar demonstrated, his gaze fixed eagerly on Miny''s distress. He pressed the side buttons to remove the canopy, and Moe, feeling flustered by Einar''s proximity to his son, swatted his arm in annoyance that he hadn¡¯t figured this out himself.


    ¡°Don''t touch him!¡± Moe unbuckled himself hurriedly, pulled himself close, scooting up his milk-soaked top, and groaned contentedly as Miny sucked impatiently, sighing intermittently after a long cry. The rhythmic sucking and the subsequent quietness in the cabin provided a calming contrast after the prolonged crying session. Moe found solace in embracing the firm structure of the car seat, gazing contentedly forward, knowing he couldn''t easily admire his son in that position.


    After finishing feeding from one side, Miny spat out the nipple and grunted, signaling his demand for the other. Moe, feeling the stiffness in his back from the uncomfortable position, straightened up, rubbed his back, momentarily forgetting about his bare chest. He moved to the other side of the seat where Einer sat, his lips pressed together in irritation as Einer stared intently at his enlarged, scarlet nipples, the left one leaking milk and soaking the top.


    ¡°Get back to your seat!¡± Moe''s voice was a low hiss, careful not to startle Miny, while Einer, regaining his composure, complied silently, moving to the window with an inscrutable expression.


    The atmosphere grew even more tense- Moe, having allowed Miny to feed from the left side, now fixed his gaze on Einer, growing increasingly irritated. He refused to break eye contact, and it seemed Einer was relishing the confrontation. Moe had no intention of backing down, meeting his opponent''s gaze with cold disdain.


    Einer, still bearing the marks of the recent beating, his bruises displaying various shades of discoloration, appeared unfamiliar, a stark contrast to the confident businessman Moe once knew. He seemed more like a battered wreck than the self-assured man at the top of the food chain.


    Even the gaze had shifted - once impenetrably stony, now alive with pleading, fixated on Moe as he clung to the car seat with his precious cargo, awaiting something.


    "Are you done?" Moe whispered as Miny released his nipple with a groan. Reluctantly, Moe pulled his top back on, still hovering over the car seat, unwilling to expose any part of his bare torso, and leaned back.


    "No, I can''t get enough," Einar replied honestly, also in a whisper, offering a weak smile. "I wish I could have you this close to me every day."


    ¡°You won''t,¡± Moe added a middle finger for emphasis. ¡°You won''t come into my space, but if you need to send a message, you can use your Teletubbies.¡±


    ¡°Not everything can be relayed through intermediaries, even trusted ones,¡± Einar sighed heavily. ¡°Some plans will only be known to a select few, and we''ll need to maintain close communication until... until the threat has passed.¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess I''m part of the inner circle now,¡± Moe grinned. ¡°You didn''t bother to ask if I wanted to be. Why do you keep prying into my life, Einar?! What do you want this time?¡±


    ¡°As I''ve said before,¡± Einar advanced, narrowing the gap between them and lowering his voice, his nostrils flaring. ¡°I need you, Moe. I needed you before-¡°Einar paused, carefully selecting his words. ¡°But back then, when we were living together, you didn''t cooperate. You indirectly confirmed my suspicions, pushed me away...¡±


    ¡°Oh, so it''s all on me!¡± Moe tightened his fists, striving to contain his rising anger. ¡°Me, who wanted nothing more than casual sex with no strings attached, who just wanted peace of mind!¡±


    ¡°No, that''s not what I mean,¡± Einar hurriedly interjected. ¡°It''s my fault, Moe, for not expressing my feelings openly, for fearing rejection, for pressuring you to be honest. Sometimes, I couldn''t control myself because I was afraid you''d vanish, you know?¡±


    ¡°And that''s why you framed me and left to die - a remarkably clever move! You''re one twisted fuck, you know that? Twisted! And there''s no emotion behind it, just a desire to manipulate the first person in your life who refuses to play by your rules!¡± Moe kicked him in the ankle with venom, and Einar gritted his teeth.


    ¡°I made a mistake, Moe. Please believe me, I didn''t realize you were truly risking your life!¡± Einer spoke rapidly, inadvertently raising his voice, and Moe hissed angrily. Einer obediently lowered his voice. ¡°Not a day goes by that I don''t regret it, Moe! In the hospital, when I woke up after the fire, I simply wished to die, overcoming the weight of my desire just because I wanted to seek vengeance for you.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have any Italian roots, do you? What''s with this relentless vendetta? It''s either one thing or the other with you. Ever since you were a kid, it''s been all about payback- a toy is taken from you at the playground, you''re ready to draw the family dagger. You''re an asshole, Einar! I''m beyond fed up with you!¡± Moe slumped back wearily and reiterated, ¡°I''ve had it with you! I don''t want to see you, I don''t want to hear you, and frankly, I wish you hadn''t made it out of that fire, or the hospital afterward. Me and Miny wouldn''t have to deal with all this now.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Einar cracked his knuckles, his tone muffled and filled with despair. ¡°If I were in your shoes, I''d wish for my own death too; I''m nothing but calamity for you. I should''ve let go of you from the start, kept things as we agreed- just my little brother''s companion, no deeper connections. I would''ve stuck to that if you had reached out to me after the move, but you didn''t, and I found myself intrigued by you. I wanted to see where things could go. I thought you were playing some sort of game, like many omegas who initially feign disinterest before trying to win me over. But you always threw me off balance, pushing me away while also drawing me closer. Each time, I found myself more drawn to you. I didn''t think anything serious could happen between us because you were an outsider, a beta, not an omega - I felt safe, yet lost at the same time. I''m sorry for everything, Moe, especially for the kidnapping and the beating. I was incredibly angry with you. I acted foolishly out of jealousy when you hugged Manny goodbye and merely nodded at me. I thought I could scare you first and then save you¡ª"


    ¡°A gallant knight in shining armor to win me over,¡± Moe scowled, gazing out the window with a begrudging smirk. "That silly fairy tale wouldn''t sway me; I''d sooner throttle you right there. Your feelings and desires mean nothing to me, Einer. I understand you were drawn to me because I stood out from the handsome men who pursued you. It''s no surprise you felt secure sleeping with me¡ªwhat concern would you have for some unremarkable beta? Hoping for a serious relationship with the illustrious tycoon Simmons? Absurd. You concocted a narrative for yourself, believed in your fiction, and then casually, almost incidentally, disrupted my life. Yet, strangely, I''m grateful to you for it¡ªI rid myself of past ghosts and fears, returned to a semblance of normalcy, and I wish the same for you. You can''t vanquish all the world''s woes."


    ¡°I have no taste for fixing all the world''s problems, and as for my quest for retribution for my parents, I exorcised those ghosts in that inferno. The reckoning was harsh and scorching, and it was then that I recognized the loss of the most precious in my life in pursuit of the superficial. Now, I''m powerless to change anything¡ªby abducting you, they''ve made it evident that they''ll keep targeting me and my loved ones for the remainder of our days, until we are all dead. Thus, my actions are dictated by circumstance¡ªI can''t rest until I''ve disarmed my enemies. Sooner or later, they would have pursued you in Singapore independently of my involvement because you¡¯ve surfaced in the system again. They would have probed Moe Hayes, gauging his potential threat, and quickly figured the connection between Moe Hayes and Moe Doe.


    Moe recoiled in horror, clutching his arms tightly around himself, his shoulders trembling as he drew nearer to Miny''s car seat, where the baby slept peacefully. Suddenly, the cool interior of the car felt as chilling as the hunting lodge, and his mind conjured images of ruthless assailants seizing Miny, the innocent little soul just beginning to experience life. He shuddered violently, and Einer, wordless, reached into the glove compartment, retrieving a blanket and handing it to Moe with care.


    "I''ll be direct. You deserve honesty, and I won''t repeat past mistakes, Moe," Einer began solemnly. "Remember our phone conversation when I tried to convince you to testify? I was like a lifeless automaton then, devoid of joy and zest for life. But you, you spoke with the essence of my Moe, with your unique lively expressions, and you brought me back to life. I initially thought it was a futile search for a ghost, but gradually, I began to hope that you were alive. It wasn''t until the last moment that I realized you were Moe Hayes. I ordered the exhumation of the charred remains."


    Wrapped in the plaid, Moe scowled and narrowed his eyes with anger.


    "There''s no ''your Moe,'' alright? Never existed, and never will. I regret hiding under a false identity, following Daniel''s advice - then our paths wouldn''t have crossed. You sound like you''re expecting something - wake up, Simmons! Look at me - all I feel towards you is hatred and repulsion. You disgust me to the core."


    Einar listened in silence, wincing with each word, pressing his battered lips so tightly that they began to bleed. Then, in a muffled voice, he spoke up, lifting his determined gaze to Moe, "You can say whatever you want, I deserve it. But there''s something more than an unspoken bond tying us together now- our son."


    "He¡¯s not yours," Moe exclaimed, his voice suddenly hoarse, as he cleared his throat and repeated, "Not your son! I didn''t just fuck you; I dated Daniel when I was in town and escaped your Teletubbies." Daniel''s name slipped out quickly, and Moe winced internally, imagining Daniel''s reaction to the lie.


    "Daniel Smith, the agent who cleaned up your mess?" Einar clarified, his voice strained, his complexion pale even beneath the bruises.


    "Yeah, why do you think he was so committed?" Moe mentally apologized to Daniel, while also feeling relieved that Daniel and Einer shared the same light blond hair, with plenty of silver strands mixed in.


    "That''s how it was," Einar said, his bleeding lips parting, forming a sinister smile. "It sounds logical, yes, but¡ª" He took a step forward. "I don''t believe you! Don''t try to make me dislike you; it won¡¯t work. I''m willing to forgive you for everything, even betrayal¡ªmy guilt towards you is far greater. And a simple DNA test will clarify everything."


    Moe, without a word, suddenly straightened up, launching himself from the seat towards Einar, aiming a direct blow at his face. Einar, surprisingly agile given the confined space and his injuries, evaded the attack, seized Moe''s wrists, swiftly flipped him onto his stomach, and pinned him down. Their struggle unfolded in a matter of moments- one instant Moe was launching himself like Captain America, the next he was pinned against the seat, desperately flailing and attempting to strike Einar in the face with the back of his head.


    "Shh, Moe, shh," Einar whispered loudly into my ear. "I''m not going to take Miny away from you, please don''t see me as a monster. I''m happy that you''re alive, that you¡ª we¡ª have a child. Let me be happy, please."


    "Let go," Moe gasped, squirming unsuccessfully.


    "Just a moment... now," Einer breathed, trailing his nose along Moe''s neck, causing a multitude of goosebumps to erupt, his breath hot and rapid. "God, Moe, you smell amazing!" With evident difficulty, he released Moe''s wrists, kissed one briefly, helped him up, and settled down beside him, gazing at him with unabashed delight.


    Moe indulged in a moment of satisfaction, delivering a solid punch to Einar''s solar plexus. After taking a deep breath and reminding himself to calm down, he settled back, gripping the car sea tightly with white-knuckled fingers, and stated the obvious, "Well, looks like my senses are coming back," Moe wiped sweat from his forehead, panting. "You''re not going to demand a DNA test, claim paternity, or interfere in his life, Simmons. Otherwise, trust me, I''ll find a way to ensure Miny remains truly fatherless, and I have a whole narrative about a heroic father, so I won''t let it be tarnished."


    "I don''t want to fight with you, Moe," Einar replied tersely, regaining his composure. "Let''s discuss it when you''ve calmed down. Perhaps not immediately, but eventually, you''ll realize that I''m being transparent with you and playing fair."


    ¡°So, are you agreeing to my conditions?¡± Moe continued to grip the seat tightly, wishing he could escape to the ends of the earth with Miny.


    "I propose we postpone this discussion for later," Einar replied evasively. "We''re arriving at your new home, Moe. I hope you find it more appealing than my mansion."


    Moe stamped his foot irritably, turned sharply, and glanced disinterestedly at the charming modern two-story house surrounded by a vibrant garden of autumnal purple and yellow hues, dryly reminding him, ¡°You will not live here.¡±

 Chapter 15

    Stepping out onto the street, he nodded approvingly upon spotting the minivan in which he had evidently been transported- will do for now but will need to get rid of it soon. Returning to the bearded man, he struggled with aversion¡ªtouching the still-warm corpse was both disgusting and frightening. Moe located the keys and wallet, recoiling with a shudder before rushing outside to vomit.


    With his mouth filled with snow to alleviate the pain in his battered lips and quench his thirst, he straightened up and glared disdainfully at the modest hunting lodge. Surprise, they said. I will give you one. He discovered a can of gas in the trunk, sprinkling it sparingly on the dry wood structure, anticipating its eager and effortless ignition.


    One final trial.


    As cortisol subsided and breathing normalized, the first chuckle emerged. Breaking off a lower, dry branch from a nearby tree, Moe also doused it with gasoline. Holding his breath, he lit it, this time without flinching, and hurled it into the house. Clenching his fists, he watched the flames cheerfully at work, licking the walls greedily. The ghosts were bidding him farewell, leaving him for good to preserve the strength of the tiny, resilient Miny.


    ¡°Miny,¡± Moe murmured tenderly in his thoughts, turning toward the minivan. ¡°Well, hello, Miny, your dad already loves you very much. Sorry for putting you at risk.¡±


    Inside the van, there were chips, water, and a warm can of Coke ¡ª Moe thanked the heavens for this gift, refreshed on the go, steering confidently onto the highway with a steady hand. He rolled into the unknown, expecting it to end with the first sign. After a mile, he realized he wasn''t too far from LA; they had only taken him sixty miles from the outskirts of the city. Reaching a gas station, he bought himself a cheap burner phone and dialed a number he had memorized.


    ¡°Hi, it''s Moe.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Moe. Where are you?¡± The voice from the past sounded warm, and Moe smiled, his battered lips painfully parted. ¡°I''m near Concord. I need some help. And I''m ready to come back.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± the voice breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Text me the exact location, and they''ll pick you up. Glad you finally made up your mind, Moe.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Well, Moe, I sympathize that you''ve been through a rough patch, but on the bright side, we can reopen the case now," Daniel looked sympathetically, but with a readable question, and Moe shook his head negatively.


    ¡°Thank you, I''ve had enough. I want out, like my family, from whom the Simmonses must have withheld information about the risk. I''m not up for a vendetta right now, you know," Moe stroked his stomach gently. ¡°And moving from place to place, constantly changing identities and documents--no, I don''t want that kind of life for Miny. Let him have stability and peace of mind under my real name. Einer," Moe hesitated for a moment at the familiar name but continued confidently. ¡°Einer is determined enough to dig up dirt and destroy opponents. I prefer to leave him to wallow in the shit alone. Or maybe he''ll be destroyed," Moe shrugged dismissively. ¡°I don''t really give a damn.¡±


    ¡°It''s a shame,¡± Daniel said, clearly dejected, but he added understandingly, ¡°It''s okay. You''ve had more than enough of the hassle, though you could have signed the papers and gotten the insurance money sooner. You can''t imagine what it cost me to keep the insurance company from redistributing your money for lack of a beneficiary.¡±


    ¡°And I appreciate it a lot!¡± Moe grinned broadly, his tongue tracing over his newly set teeth.


    ¡°Yeah, no shit,¡± Daniel said cheerfully, pushing a folder across the table to him. ¡°It''s got everything you''ll need for the first time, until you get the hang of things- bank account numbers, I''ve separated the payments into different ones just in case, emergency contacts¡ªlearn them like you learned mine, and-" Daniel grew serious.  ¡°The papers are in Harper Lee''s name. These are for emergency, don''t use them in your normal life, Moe.¡±


    "To Kill a Mockingbird?" Moe chuckled. ¡°You''re kidding, right? And why would I need documents in another name when I can use my own documents now? The witness protection program is no longer valid as the case was closed, Daniel.¡±


    ¡°Things can change- I might be retired by then, and you might find yourself in trouble again ¨C trouble seems to have a way of finding you, Moe. I hope now that you''re not alone, you''ll steer clear of those dark alleys," Daniel cast a meaningful glance at Moe''s stomach, prompting Moe to instinctively cover it in embarrassment.


    ¡°You know, I was messed up, really messed up. I couldn''t find peace to sleep comfortably, and guilt kept me living in...¡± Moe paused. ¡°Well, let''s just say, in ascetic conditions. That was the only way to avoid nightmares. I couldn''t bring myself to accept the insurance money either, as it felt like I''d be exploiting the deaths of my relatives.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Daniel raised an eyebrow mockingly, intentionally steering clear of the sensitive topic and keeping the conversation light. ¡°Ascetic, huh?¡± he added, using the soft euphemism for streets. ¡°And what''s changed?¡±


    ¡°This is what changed,¡± Mo gestured to his stomach once more. ¡°Miny made me seek what was best for him, and I couldn''t raise a child on the streets, so I decided to let go of the past.¡±


    ¡°Has the past let go of you?¡± Daniel sighed. ¡°Speaking of Simmons, if you resurface with your real last name, Moe, he''ll track you down sooner or later. He''s repeatedly asked the FBI to establish your whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°That''s not unexpected," Moe grimaced. ¡°Well, there''s a way to ensure I stay off the radar, right, Daniel? You know, play with the data.¡±


    ¡°I''ve already committed malfeasance by concealing a murder and providing you with documents under Harper Lee''s name. Don''t push it by exploiting my goodwill towards you," Daniel scowled, stepping closer, and Moe, contrite, nodded quickly. ¡°You had the opportunity to pick a different first and last name, but you opted for your own.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Daniel, I really appreciate it,¡± Moe leaned over, placing his hand over Daniel''s, and stroked gently. ¡°If it weren''t for you, I might have completely gone under these years. I adore you!¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, enough with the flattery,¡± Daniel smiled, taking his hand. ¡°When are you leaving?¡±


    ¡°On Friday,¡± Moe straightened up. ¡°I want to live in Madrid for a while, and then, when Miny is born and grows up a bit, we''ll head to Singapore, so he knows where his grandfathers and uncle worked before...¡± Moe caught his breath. ¡°Before they were gone.¡±


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    ¡°Well, that''s fine, you''ll be ok, Moe, you''ll definitely be ok,¡± Daniel stood up first. ¡°It''s a shame, of course, that you''re leaving so far and for so long. I got used to keeping an eye on you. But maybe it''s for the best¡ªinformation about you won''t surface so quickly because you''ll become a non-resident. And Simmons won''t catch up with you anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°Why are you bringing him up, Daniel! Don''t beat around the bush, just spit it out,¡± Moe crossed his arms over his chest, leaning his hip against the table.


    ¡°Read the news,¡± Daniel said vaguely. ¡°A month ago, when you reentered the system, there was a news report about Einar Simmons being hospitalized with severe burns. Quite a coincidence, don''t you think? Your fire and his burns, and the exact circumstances of how he got those burns remain unknown; he hasn''t disclosed them.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see the connection; maybe it was an accident set up by his enemies,¡± Moe responded with irritation. ¡°I don''t want to dwell on him; that asshole left me for dead.¡±


    ¡°Don''t stress; you shouldn''t in your condition. If you don''t want to talk about him, that''s fine, though I would appreciate it if you, as a relative of the deceased, would join us in the investigation. However, you entered the protection program back then, and he refused to cooperate, evidently obtaining information from the FBI through his sources, thus limiting our flexibility,¡± Daniel signaled, opening the door. ¡°Come on, Moe Hayes, it''s time for you to prepare for your new life.¡±


    Moe bid farewell to Daniel, put on his sunglasses, wound his scarf in voluminous layers, obscuring the lower half of his face, and empathized with public figures- no popularity is worth the freedom of movement. He was still in the same city as Einer, and there was no disowning his connection to Einer, making him of potential interest to the paparazzi. Despite that single photograph only revealing his profile, and Moe''s hope that he wouldn''t be recognized as Einar Simmons''s enigmatic partner, he wasn''t willing to take any risks with Miny''s safety.¡±


    Moe walked into a coffee shop, placed his order, and found a secluded spot behind a small palm tree, removing his glasses and unwrapping his scarf as the indoor warmth enveloped him. After wolfing down a healthy green salad followed by a less healthy but delicious sandwich, and consuming half of his decaf, he gave in to the temptation of going online to search for information about Einer. An internet search yielded a comprehensive list of news articles, both recent and older, and Moe hesitated before clicking on the latest one, claiming that Einer had acquired a bioengineering company. The accompanying photo displayed Einer unscathed, sporting a coy smile and coolly looking into the camera, leaving Moe puzzled¡ªwhat was Daniel talking about regarding severe burns?


    Moe clicked on the next link- Einer was walking out of the Mayo Clinic building, his leather gloved hand shielded from the camera flashes, half his face covered by a huge bandage, and his eyes, changed from their usual expression, looked haggard and tired. Moe dropped the phone with a sudden startle, picked it up again, swallowed a nervous lump, and clicked through the news feed more vigorously, realizing that in the first article the reporter had used an old photo of Einer before the burns. Finding a few more pictures of Einer with a bandage on his face, Moe put the phone aside and rubbed his hands together, the cold chill creeping into him, even though the coffee shop was warm.


    Did Einar really get his burns there, in Concord? And how did he end up there, anyway? Thoughts tangled again, causing anxiety, and in frustration, Moe spat ¡ª why the hell did he even bother looking for Simmons'' photos? What difference does it make where he got burned, what he bought, or who he got engaged to ¡ª let him roll down his beaten path, while Moe needs to think about Miny.


    "I''m sorry, little one, but I¡¯ll craft a beautiful story for you about your hero father who died in a war zone, and you''ll never know that the real father left your papa to die," Moe finished the last of his coffee and stood up ¡ª it was time to take a nap; the fourth month of pregnancy desperately called for daytime sleep, and Moe obediently followed suit.


    In the rented apartment, he arranged the groceries he had bought on the way in the refrigerator, undressed, proudly examining the slight protrusion of his usually sunken belly ¡ª it looked funny for now, as if someone had attached a bump to a pencil. However, Moe anticipated how the belly would stretch forward and widen, proclaiming to the world that Moe hadn''t just vulgarly gained weight but was expecting a baby. Moe glanced at the clock, pulled out a colorful pill organizer from his bag, and swallowed with a serious, almost triumphant expression on his face, the vitamins and supplements prescribed by his omegaologist ¡ª he still felt embarrassed about poisoning Miny with suppressants in the first months.


    With a light heart, he drew the curtains, preventing the sun from waking him up, got under the blanket, and half-closed his eyes ¡ª if Miny wanted him to sleep, he would sleep. And what a joy it was to sleep without nightmares! In a minute, he was already breathing steadily, sinking into sweet slumber.


    He woke up content, listened to his stomach ¡ª it responded with a growl, and Moe got up, stretching, glad that there was no need to rush to earn his daily bread. He put on a robe and headed to the kitchen ¡ª to prepare food for himself and Miny. He boiled pasta, dressed it with pesto and olive oil, threw a steak on the pan, and broccoli with asparagus in a pot, dancing in place because of hunger ¡ª he wanted to eat even more than before. The feeling of hunger was rarely alleviated, perhaps only when drowsiness overcame his body.


    He set the coffee table in front of the TV to enjoy his meal while watching a movie ¡ª a small quiet joy that had disappeared over the years in the back alleys and had returned again. For a moment, memories unexpectedly flashed of how he and Manny used to eat pizza while watching Netflix, and his heart tightened ¡ª the young heir was undoubtedly an asshole, no doubt about it, but still so lonely and lost, just like Moe himself during the long years of wandering.


    Or did he become an asshole because of his loneliness ¡ª Moe pondered this thought as he poured boiling water over grapes, transferred them to a salad bowl, and walked back to his couch nest.


    Unlike Einer, he felt sorry for Manny, and Moe sincerely wished for Manny to find a good person who would give him warmth. He forced himself to think about something bright and positive ¡ª his Miny needed positive emotions, fueled by dopamine and serotonin.


    Enough. He is no longer Manny''s companion; Manny has already grown up and can take care of himself quite well, unless he falls back into depressive denial of reality.


    But the little one, growing in his belly, surviving despite the overwhelming dose of suppressants, stress, adrenaline-cortisol horror, needs all his attention and love.


    It''s time to learn to love yourself, not to blame yourself for past mistakes, for that fatal one when, having fallen head over heels in love with the fatally handsome Leonardo Santori, who was playing a double game, he demanded that his parents and brother fly from their foreign laboratories to their urgent engagement, dictating a specific day and rejecting compromises.


    Stomping his foot petulantly like a child, who was cherished by the older members of the family. Similar to Manny - Moe smiled wistfully, making a comparison. Now that the memory no longer held terror, his empathy for Manny became more evident - he attempted to embrace his past self, feeling frustrated when seeing his own image in the younger Simmons.


    He felt a connection to Einer, partly recognizing in him Miny, his elder brother, and partly projecting his father¡¯s traits onto him.


    Eynard Hayes, Minnie Hayes, Miny Hayes, your son and brother, Moe Hayes, got back the family name to pass it to your grandson and nephew, his already dearly beloved son, and gibe him all the accepting, nurturing love in which he once basked himself.


    Eenie, Minnie, Miny, Moe stood as a joyous, laughter-filled family until their lives were abruptly stopped.


    Eenie - Einer, was written off, Minnie - Manny, set free to sail into the ocean of life, but with warm memories, Miny ¨C given by chance by Einer, who wasn''t even aware of his generous gift, will stay with Moe, ensuring that both bring happiness to each other.


    The strange coincidence of names, the strange intertwining of their family tragedies, the strange ruthless logic of Einer''s plot - there were too many oddities to fill his head with and disturb his child.


    Moe tossed grapes into his mouth, smiling; a beautiful new life was now commencing, free from worries.


    And he turned on Jarmusch''s "Coffee and Cigarettes" - just what he needed to distract himself from life''s mysteries.

 Chapter 16

    Entering the mall, Moe peeled the damp, clinging linen cloth from his body, feeling a shiver run through him. The abrupt transition from the sweltering heat outside to the cool interior was quite noticeable, and he struggled to get used to it. Purposefully marching towards the toilets, he rummaged through his bag along the way. Inside a stall, he happily shed his sweaty tunic, replacing it with a fresh T-shirt and a lightweight cotton hoodie. Reveling in the air-conditioned coolness, he leisurely proceeded to search for a suitable restaurant for himself and Miny. Moe looked regretfully at the Japanese restaurant, he was dying for some sushi and rolls, but the danger of toxoplasmosis and listeriosis made him walk past it. So, Moe opted for a safer option- a Chinese restaurant.


    He ordered a generous serving of noodle soup, stir-fried lettuce, cabbage and pork dumplings, along with a pot of chrysanthemum tea. As he waited, he checked movie theater showtimes on his phone and bought a ticket. Miny, nestled comfortably in his abdomen, subtly signaled his hunger, prompting Moe to lovingly caress the growing bump.


    ¡°Your meal will be here soon, my little one.¡±


    The waiter arrived with a tray holding a teapot, and Moe thanked him as he eagerly lifted the lid. He poured the first cup without giving it time to steep, recognizing that even if the aromatic liquid wasn''t perfectly infused with a delightful taste or entirely golden in color yet, it was essential to provide something for Miny, otherwise, he would start kicking and demanding. Moe sipped the tea contentedly, occasionally blowing on the steaming surface, confident that the ordered food would arrive promptly ¨C one of the things he loved about Singapore.


    He enjoyed everything about Singapore, even the occasionally exhausting heat, the unhurried pace of both locals and visitors, the distinctive blend of business and tourism, the convenient proximity to key locations, the exceptionally well-developed transportation system¡ªthere was no need for a car in Singapore¡ªand the vibrant cultural scene.


    Madrid, where he had spent only a month, failed to captivate him¡ªa beautiful city, undoubtedly, but not quite his thing. He paid homage to his father and brother by exploring the museums they frequented during breaks from work, drove to the science center where their laboratory was rented, shed silent tears in the chilly park nearby, and, sensing the completion of this part of his pilgrimage, left for Singapore.


    From the moment Moe inhaled the tropical fragrance, he fell in love wholeheartedly and without reservation. A smile graced his face as he traveled in a cab to the serviced apartment he rented for a month, fully aware that he would soon need to search for a more permanent place. This was his city, his little piece of happiness, his fresh start.


    After catching up on sleep after a long flight, he joined various expat groups on social networks, consulted the expat guide he had purchased, tried Malay cuisine¡ªsquinting at the spiciness while sipping on ice-cold, tangy lemonade. He then headed to the lab to pay homage to his father. Tears welled up quietly, but this time they felt liberating, weightless, releasing the memory of his father. With a sense of serene peace, he delved into pleasant tasks- visiting an international medical clinic for necessary tests and a meeting with the doctor, exploring several condominiums with a real estate agent on the first day, settling on one while instructing the agent to find additional options in the same building.


    Two days later, after canceling the serviced apartment reservation, he briskly strolled through Ikea, picking essential items with Swedish-sounding names for a complete life. The shopping process was more joyful than ever. Moe, who generally disliked shopping, found himself grabbing one thing after another with enthusiasm, tossing everything into the cart, envisioning how he would use them in his beautifully arranged two-bedroom apartment. After leaving Ikea, he eagerly visited baby stores as a newly devoted parent, desiring to purchase only the best, highest-quality, and endearing items for Miny. A visit to an upscale brand store prompted joyful groans as everything, absolutely everything, pleased his eyes.


    After a week and a half of thorough and meticulous shopping, guided by Omegas¡¯ recommendations on the best baby products, Moe sat proudly sipping his decaf in an apartment fully equipped for the life of a single omega with a child. He looked around with satisfaction at his possessions, finding comfort no longer intimidating but genuinely soothing to his soul. Moe felt a deep sense of gratitude towards his parents, who had ensured every family member for a substantial sum of money. The things that once overwhelmed him to the point of distress now supported him in his new life.


    Entering the seventh month of pregnancy, Moe conscientiously prepared for the significant role of a father. He attended parenting classes, practiced paternity yoga, and swam to the point of exhaustion at the condo pool. Proudly embracing his ideal lifestyle, he ensured Miny had everything he needed, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and a cultural program.


    The waiter skillfully arranged plates of fried lettuce and dumplings on the table. He then placed a deep bowl of noodles in front of Moe, with a neat island of dried seaweed gradually sinking and melting in the soup. Moe eagerly started eating, devouring everything at once, following the local practice rather than eating each dish separately, as it was much more enjoyable. After satisfying his appetite, he paid the bill and rose heavily from his seat. Now, he would head to the movie theater, where he would cover himself with a blanket on a reclining chair and enjoy a fresh romantic comedy¡ªjust what was needed for Miny, a light and cheerful mood without any worries.


    After the meal, he went to the toilet, panting with every step ¨C in his current state, he visited the toilet almost religiously, especially after eating. Then, he regally moved to the elevator to reach the top floor. Spinning around in the elevator mirror, he caressed his belly, "You look fantastic, Moe Hayes! No swelling, no pigment spots, no stuffy nose, just a graceful, beautiful body with a wonderfully rounded large belly, his pearl in the shell."


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    He showed his electronic ticket at the entrance and entered the empty cinema ¨C no one was eager to watch a movie on busy weekdays. Climbing up, huffing into his seat, he promptly adjusted the back and leg rest. Unlocking his smartphone again, which beeped with messages while he walked, he tensed- Daniel sent a message.


    "Moe, as I anticipated, Simmons has once again turned his attention to you. It appears he is ready to cooperate with the FBI. He has initiated a meeting with the closed case task force and expressed a desire to reopen the case, disclosing crucial information he had previously concealed. To say the least, he also claimed that a rival kidnapped and murdered his fianc¨¦ ¨C I trust you understand who he was referring to, Moe. He reported that the abducted individual''s watch contained a hidden geo-beacon, leaving no room for error..."


    Moe nervously swallowed as he examined the new watch, identical to the one lost during the abduction. He continued reading, staring intently at the screen.


    "...Reported the presence of a geo-beacon concealed in the abducted man''s watch, eliminating any possibility of error ¨C it was Moe Doe, whose remains Simmons wished to give a proper burial, that perished in the hunting lodge fire. As it was discovered that I had clean up the crime scene, Moe, I''ve been removed from the task force working on the case."


    Moe''s lips twitched, realizing that there was a weighty implication concealed beneath the carefully chosen words ¨C Daniel likely found himself entangled in covering up his actions.


    "And I won''t be able to keep you informed any longer, moreover ¨C I''ve disclosed the location of the burned corpse. If Simmons orders an exhumation, he''ll quickly realize that the burnt body l was an alpha, not a beta or an omega - you understand. He''ll initiate a search for you as his fianc¨¦, Moe Doe, and the victim in the closed case, Moe Hayes. Be cautious. The masterminds behind the entire scheme might show interest in you once the case is reopened, but I don''t believe there''s much risk because they''re not after you; you didn''t possess the crucial information.¡±


    ¡°Delete these messages after reading ¨C the online messenger doesn''t retain deleted messages. Refrain from asking questions or seeking clarifications ¨C refrain from responding to me. Do not call me ¨C I''ll reach out to you when necessary. Take care of yourself and Miny. Daniel."


    ¡°Fianc¨¦, god damn it!¡± Moe angrily exclaimed, locking his smartphone. ¡°Why the hell am I your fianc¨¦, Einar? You''re nothing but trouble, asshole! Why the hell did you frame Daniel?¡±


    His nervous system rapidly depleted its carbohydrate reserves, prompting Moe to clumsily rise from his chair and hurriedly fetch snacks ¨C two packs of saltine crackers and a croque-monsieur, along with a bottle of water and a can of ice coffee. The situation warranted caffeine, permissible on this occasion, but Moe typically avoided it. Returning to the now dimly lit hall, illuminated by credits on the screen, Moe settled back into his chair, snugly wrapped in a blanket, and began consuming fast carbs with nervous speed, deep in thought.


    Einar could have reached out to him directly; his connections possessed the capability to track him down. However, Einar opted to involve the FBI, perhaps it is for the best- now Moe can convey his unequivocal refusal and continue living undisturbed, hoping that Einar wouldn''t bother contacting him directly. In essence, who was he in this scenario? Nobody significant - just a small cog in a vast scheme, playing an inconspicuous role. His sole value lay in a delicate thread leading to the con artist Leonardo Sartori. Yet, with the latter''s demise, that thread was severed. Leonardo Sartori, a stunningly charismatic man supposedly from an affluent family, turned out to be an obscure actor with a less-than-resounding name. He was discovered strangled in a budget motel shortly after the private jet crash, an incident that propelled Moe, grappling with an extended nervous breakdown, into the witness protection program.


    Moe had only a basic understanding of his family''s work, as he found such mundane matters uninteresting during his lively youth. His testimony reflected this lack of substantial knowledge, and he couldn''t offer anything significant to the investigation. Involving him in the reopened case seemed almost futile unless there was a need for his appearance in court under the right circumstances and with the discovery of relevant evidence.


    The photograph... Moe furrowed his brow, nibbling on his lip, recalling his appearance in that particular case. No, Einer couldn''t have identified him from the photo. The picture on Moe''s identification card bore little resemblance- he sported round cheeks, heavily lined eyes, and bleached hair resembling a clown¡ªthank God. When renewing his card, Moe didn''t bother updating the photo; it was impossible to use the photo of a face swollen from blows for an important document. Furthermore, his gender was listed as Omega, while Einer believed him to be Beta, which worked in Moe''s favor too.


    Moe started to relax; after all, the likelihood of Einer reaching out directly seemed slim¡ªwhy bother with a seemingly insignificant omega like Moe Hayes? Unless Einer initiated an exhumation, Moe hoped he would not, the potential risks remained minimal. Perhaps Einer would respect his memory, understanding that the sarcastic Moe Doe detested interference in his private affairs, and simply allow the remains to rest peacefully without further disturbance.


    Moe chuckled, recalling the bearded man¡ªthe asshole whose death had never troubled him, could now be honored in ways he never experienced during his lifetime. The other asshole could also mourn him¡ªMoe grinned wickedly, picturing Einer shedding tears over the closed casket. No, individuals like Einer wouldn''t shed tears for a pitiful beta who had fallen as an unwitting pawn in a ruthless war. Einer, once again, manipulated the situation to his advantage¡ªappearing seemingly confounded and finally agreeing to cooperate with the FBI, acknowledging that ruthless elimination of opponents without due process wouldn¡¯t work. The alleged murder of his fianc¨¦ and the menacing phone threats provided a strong basis for reopening the case¡ªsomething one could leverage, even at the cost of a dozen betas.


    "Hate him," Moe stated dryly, then patted his belly apologetically. "Don''t pay attention to me, Miny. Daddy¡¯s just rambling."


    Wiping his greasy fingers on a wet napkin from the box on the table, Moe opened the lid of the coffee can and happily took a sip. Once he had reassured himself that there was nothing to worry about and that there was no need to send neural danger signals to Miny, Moe returned home in a calm, contented mood. He stored the food in the fridge and on the shelves, changed into yoga clothes, and leisurely made his way to the condo gym. A troubling thought briefly crossed his mind, but Moe dismissed it with a determined act of will, "That''s it, topic closed. Let''s move on."

 Chapter 17

    Daniel did not write anymore, and Moe, concerned about him, hoped for a resolution that involved only a minor reprimand on his record, sparing him from more severe consequences. The only person who genuinely cared about him shouldn''t have to face significant repercussions. After a week, Moe decided to send a neutral text, "Hey, how''s it going?" He received an immediate response, "All good, the sky has cleared up," and Moe breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Daniel had managed to avoid any major issues, allowing them both to breathe more freely.


    A month later, as Moe indulged in guava, accompanied by the occasional hiccups of Miny, who was mirroring his antics, he received an unexpected call from an unfamiliar number with the US country code. Assuming it was Daniel, he playfully answered, stretching out in a nasal Singaporean accent, ¡°Hello-la-la-a-a.¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, Mr. Hayes,¡± Einer said with resonance, and Moe immediately halted the hiccups, closing his mouth in sheer astonishment. ¡°This is Einer Simmons, one of the victims in the Bio-Retina case, and I''d like to discuss reopening the case to investigate the deaths of my family and yours,¡± Einar paused, concerned, and then added, ¡°Are you here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am listening,¡± Moe replied, his voice dropping to a chesty contralto.


    ¡°I understand such memories must be painful - the FBI informed me of your reluctance to participate in further investigations, but I urge you to reconsider - yes, you''ll have to revisit difficult moments, but you might recollect crucial details that escaped you a few years ago. I propose a hypno-session to reconstruct the picture in intricate detail. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I''m not interested,¡± Moe grumbled discontentedly, suppressing the involuntary stirrings that arose at the sound of the familiar voice. ¡°This investigation won''t bring my family back, and I''ll be putting myself, my-" Moe tensed and continued, ¡°My partner and our child at risk. Find other witnesses; if I recall correctly, there were plenty of them.¡±


    ¡°All of them had indirect connections to the case and had already been reintegrated into the process, undergoing hypno-sessions. You, like me and my little brother, had a much closer and stronger connection to the deceased, so there may be many nuances in your memory that were not considered in the first round of the investigation,¡± Einer''s voice became firmer, more insistent, and Moe clenched his lips together in frustration.


    "I don''t know why the hell you can''t understand a simple ''no, mister¡± Moe, trying not to deviate from his usual tone, kept his voice low but continued to vent quickly, struggling to contain his irritation. ¡°I, for heaven''s sake, closed that chapter; this world cannot be fixed by killing all its sickos! And I want to live in peace! Do you understand?!¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Einer responded calmly, appearing somewhat taken aback by Moe''s vehement outburst. ¡°You''re quite direct, aren''t you? That''s an interesting way to put it- why the hell¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why the hell? Why on earth? Why the fuck? Get it?¡± Moe practically growled.


    "Okay, sorry to disturb you," Einar murmured softly, and Moe nodded to himself in satisfaction, ¡°I''m done with that jerk.¡±


    ¡°Apology accepted. Don''t bother me again. Ciao!¡± and ended the call, exhaling a sigh of relief as the storm subsided.


    Despite diligently and joyfully preparing for the imminent birth, Moe continued to keep an eye on developments, reading the occasional news reports about the case and sighing reassuringly - nothing critical had surfaced, only brief updates that the case had been reopened and was under investigation with the involvement of the police and the FBI.


    The case was ongoing and that seemed fine. Einer realized that Moe Hayes had no interest in dealing with him, so he stopped calling¡ªhallelujah! That jerk was just causing unnecessary stress for the child. Let him invest his time and energy in a pointless vendetta that wouldn''t change anything anyway. His opponents were likely hiding in the shadows, throwing the minor ones to the wolves, much like Einer threw Moe, but none of that mattered.


    The main focus was on Miny slowly getting ready to enter the world, and the rest could take a flying leap¡ªMoe didn''t care.


    Moe''s concerns were centered around more important things- whether to hire a maid, follow the local postnatal care traditions and arrange for urut, opt for a sling or a stroller, choose between co-sleeping or introducing a separate cradle... The list of priorities was extensive, and each held incredible significance, relegating trivial matters like Einar Simmons and his vendetta to the background.


    Two weeks before the due date, Moe awoke with a pulling pain in his lower abdomen, startled to the point of shivers. He hastily called for a cab, grabbed the pre-prepared bag, all the while bombarding the recruitment agent''s phone to inquire about the arrival time of the chosen maid. As he hurried to the door, he berated himself, realizing he needed to call the clinic immediately¡ªpriorities, you fool! The maid could wait.


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    He dialed Dr. Lee''s number, pressed the phone to his ear, secured it with his shoulder, and hastily unlocked the door, blurting out, ¡°Hello, Dr. Lee! I''m having stomach pain! No, there haven''t been any discharges! I''m on my way!¡± and let go of the phone, opening the door. There, with his hand poised over the doorbell, stood a visibly paling Einer, flanked by his bodyguards.


    ¡°Moe...¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± Moe yanked the door in a fearful attempt to slam it shut, but the reacting Einer swiftly wedged his foot in, shifting his dazed gaze from Moe''s face to his stomach, his jaw dropping.


    ¡°Moe, you...¡±


    ¡°Help!¡± Moe bellowed at the top of his lungs, cradling his stony stomach protectively. ¡°I''m being attacked! Call the police!¡±


    "Moe, there''s no need to fear... Oh God, Moe!" Einar extended his hands toward him, then pulled back, stumbling backward. "Moe, I''m so relieved!"


    Doors on the floor opened, and neighbors poured out shouting loudly. Einar quickly composed himself, facing the indignant crowd, many of whom had their phones ready.


    "I apologize for the trouble. I arrived unannounced and startled my... partner."


    "Aah," Moe hissed as a stony belly erupted with pain. "Don''t listen to him; I don¡¯t know him! Back off, Simmons!" Moe bent down to pick up his phone and bag and groaned as another pain twisted through his stomach.


    "Let''s figure out who we are later," Einar suggested nervously, picking up the phone and signaling to the bodyguard to grab the bag. "Do you need to go to the hospital?"


    "Fuck no, to the beach!" Moe shouted fiercely, folding in half. "Give me the phone back, you asshole!"


    "My car''s waiting downstairs; I''ll take you," Einar gave back the phone, backing out of the way. "Please, Moe, let me help you."


    "You already did, jerk!" Moe slammed the door shut in frustration and staggered to the elevator, trying to breathe deeply and evenly as he''d been taught.


    Once downstairs, Moe stubbornly got into a cab, snapping his fingers- the bodyguard rushed to the cab and put his bag in the back seat. Moe turned in the cab and pressed his lips together fiercely as Einar and his entourage piled into the two cars and followed him.


    Einer had once again invaded his life.


    A matter-of-fact statement.


    Moe scowled with bitter hatred¡ªanger, the initial stage of acceptance.


    His bodyguards promptly encircled him in the clinic lobby, and Einer wordlessly took the bag from his hand, gazing at him with avid, stress-filled eyes.


    Moe, conserving his energy for a later confrontation, snorted menacingly and proceeded to the doctor''s office¡ªfuck him, he would deal with Einer later; first, he needed to understand what was happening with Miny.


    Dr. Lee, exchanging brief greetings, palpated his abdomen, assisted in removing his shorts and underwear, seated him on the examination chair, peering into the most private of places, and carefully inserted the dilator¡ªMoe hissed at the unpleasant cold sensation. The doctor conducted the examination, took the ultrasound probe, covered it with medical gel, and guided it over his belly while the apprehensive Moe awaited the prognosis.


    ¡°The baby is perfectly fine, Mr. Hayes. You''re dilated two fingers, so I suggest you stay in the clinic.¡±


    ¡°Am I in labor?¡± Moe''s voice quivered - he seemed mentally prepared, but as it turned out, not quite.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Hayes, but don''t worry. Let''s review the birth plan, confirm it again, and then you''ll be moved to your room,¡± Dr. Lee removed his gloves, helped Moe down, handed him a hospital gown, and Moe, still trembling, began to change.


    Moe was guided out of the room in a wheelchair, gripping his bag tightly, swallowing nervously, and casting fearful, round-eyed glances ahead. As Einer hastily rose from his seat, Moe told him, ¡°Go fuck yourself.¡±


    As the initial wave of stress began to subside, allowing him to see earlier unnoticed details in his fear and evaluate the situation more rationally, Moe observed Einer from a side view- the right side of his face displayed jagged redness, marked by distinct lines of taut stitches¡ªit appeared as though Einer had undergone a skin graft. The hands, twitching nervously, bore signs of disfigurement from the fire, covered in swathes of burnt skin, and the fingers were also red, exhibiting clear lines of stitches. Moe concluded that the skin on Einer''s fingers had been grafted to preserve his motor skills, as without it, Einer wouldn''t have been able to grasp anything.


    In the end, he had indeed suffered in a fire, but what fire was it?


    Moe glanced up at Einar with confusion, and Einar let out a disbelieving exhale.


    "You''re alive, Moe. I''m so happy."


    "I''m not," Moe interrupted. "Get out of my life, you piece of shit"


    "I''m sorry, please," Einar recoiled as if struck and spoke rapidly, a pleading expression on his face. "You were supposed to be followed by a task force, you weren''t supposed to get into trouble, but something unforeseen happened¡ªthere were two traitors in the group, they killed my men, so..."


    "You left me for dead," Moe interrupted impatiently. "You saw my battered face, heard my plea, and left me to die."


    "I¡ª" Einar covered his eyes for a moment and repeated dejectedly, "I''m sorry, Moe."


    "Fuck you," Moe gripped the doorway, preventing himself from rolling away. Turning to the nurse, clearly impressed by their exchange, he stated, "Don''t let that asshole in. He''s a murderer, so please alert security."


    "Will do, Mr. Hayes," the nurse recoiled from the gloomy Einer, pulling a phone from his pocket, dialing a number, and shouting loudly, "Security, second floor!"


    "I''m leaving, Moe, but I''ll be back," Einer turned to leave. "May everything go well."


    "Shove your wishes up your ass," Moe recommended caustically and let go of the doorway, allowing himself to be rolled.

 Chapter 19

    The perfect scene was disrupted by an annoying crackling noise outside, prompting Moe to ask the nurse on duty in his room, ¡°What''s that noise?¡±


    ¡°Well," the nurse chuckled, while changing Miny''s diaper and cleaning up the meconium, "apparently, some rich man gave birth to an alpha, hence the fireworks - to drive away the evil spirits.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Moe responded, intrigued and paying closer attention to the explanation.


    ¡°Fireworks are illegal because of air and noise pollution, there¡¯s a considerable fine for using them. However, people still use them, especially when an alpha is born - it''s a tradition, you know.¡±


    ¡°We''ll arrange some fireworks for you,¡± Moe whispered to Miny. ¡°Just need to make sure we avoid the police, okay?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn''t recommend it; the fine is quite hefty, and an average Singaporean family could live for six months on that amount,¡± the nurse warned solemnly. ¡°I don¡¯t know the exact amount since the police evaluate the extent of environmental damage each time.¡±


    ¡°Well, in that case,¡± Moe shifted Miny carefully to the other side, groaning, as his empty stomach and injured crotch ached even within the tightly wound corset. ¡°What the... A few minutes of pleasure translate into hours of misery. Unfair, you know.¡±


    ¡°But look at the outcome,¡± the nurse remarked reasonably as he walked away.


    ¡°The outcome is incredible, I agree. You''re the most beautiful thing in the world, my little one,¡± Moe inhaled the sweet milky-cinnamon scent from the top of Miny''s head and felt enchanted.


    By evening, the nurse with an enigmatic smile insisted on Moe getting out of bed, putting on a medical gown, assisting him in placing a grumbling Miny in a ring sling, and wheeling him in a wheelchair to the window, with the drying placenta in a bag on the side.


    ¡°The sunset will be beautiful,¡± the nurse teased, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, and Moe attempted to recall from the courses any traditions related to the recently delivered father admiring the sunset but drew a blank. However, he obediently gazed at the mauve-pink sunset, caressing the warm back snuggled in the sling ¨C it must be part of the routine, so must enjoy the sunset.


    Suddenly, the previously silent and lovely sunset erupted into a vibrant display of colorful fireworks. Moe was taken aback, instinctively holding Miny even closer, and then grinned. That explained the nurse''s unusual behavior. It seemed he had learned about a wealthy individual celebrating the birth of his alpha son and had arranged a surprise for Moe. As Moe watched the colorful bursts decorating the darkening sky, he was astonished to see the large letters MINY unfolding in the air.


    Moe''s heart swelled with pride for his son, causing a hot sensation to surge within him. He trembled with emotion, his expression transforming into a contented smile. However, the smile quickly began to dissipate.


    ¡°He glanced three floors down to the parking lot, where Einar stood in the center, gazing at him intently. Moe was breathing heavily, sensing furious anger welling up within him - did that jerk think that unleashing a petty fireworks display could appease him? Bribe him?


    Moe reached down to his waist, making sure Miny was secure in the sling, and released his grip on him, his left hand mimicking the turning of an invisible wheel - Einar took a step forward, mouth agape, uttering something inaudible from this distance and through the layer of glass. Mockingly, Moe slowly unfolded the middle finger and pressed it against the glass.


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    The nurse behind him let out a shocked groan, clearly understanding the message conveyed in the gesture, and Einer responded with a sad, crooked smile, acknowledging the well-deserved insult.


    Moe pulled the thick blackout drapes shut to block out the unwelcome presence, turned around, and spoke in a cold tone, "If you accept another bribe from that scumbag, I''ll make sure you won''t work here anymore. Is that clear?"


    "Alright, I apologize, sir," the nurse''s complexion matched the wall. "I just thought you''d be pleased; you wanted..."


    ¡°Let me do the thinking, all right? ¡°Moe shuffled over to the bed, unwrapped the sling, and carefully lifted the slumbering Miny, placing him closer to the edge and covering him. ¡°Call Dr. Lee; I believe it''s time to cut the umbilical cord.¡±


    Dr. Lee arrived, somewhat weary, half an hour later, handing the scissors to Moe and advising him to wait. However, Moe shook his head, directed the scissors towards the clamped cord, and delicately snipped it. Moe was sweating from the slight exertion, and irrational fear that he was causing Miny pain sent shivers down the spine. Miny, though, did not seem to notice anything- he smacked his lips suggestively and playfully wiggled his feet in striped socks.


    After everyone left, Moe reclined beside Miny and murmured, ¡°You are only mine, Miny, no one else¡¯s. No one can lay a claim on you, and I''d rip their throats out for you."


    Moe was captivated by the firm cheeks that had filled with life''s essence over the past five days, transitioning from burgundy to a delicate pink. He was drawn to the small lips that clung tightly to the nipple, the reddened nose nuzzling against the swollen breast, and the babyishly slightly slanted, big milky-blue eyes framed by black eyelashes - unmistakably his, Moe''s eyes. Unfortunately, Miny had inherited everything else from his father. Moe smiled as Miny released the nipple and grunted unhappily, seeking another source of food. He willingly shifted to the other nipple, cradling the fearfully wiggling head - every movement of the tiny body seemed delicate and fragile for now.


    Miny suckled with determination, his sleepy gaze drifting unfocused upward, and Moe imagined a level of mature understanding in his eyes. Sighing, Moe gently caressed the silky strands of Miny''s hair and confessed, "Yeah, I''m procrastinating. A, uh, bad man is outside, on duty day and night, damn him! I will venture out when I''m stronger. Well, you know, sweetheart, it''s more about having confidence in my emotional resilience. Physical, too ¨C it''s much more comfortable to confront the adversary when you''re feeling well, not standing awkwardly with a bandaged bundle instead of a belly."


    Miny fluttered his eyelids, relishing the activity, while Moe, with a deep sigh, gazed out the window, assessing the situation. There were now three of Einer''s cars stationed below, with his men strategically positioned, taking turns in their watch. Einer himself shuttled between their designated post and, seemingly, the hotel, appearing refreshed, well-rested, and resolutely committed to evicting Moe from his provisional refuge. He had likely amicably resolved matters with the clinic administration - Moe harbored no doubt that establishing a rapport with them wasn''t much of a challenge for a billionaire. Yet, Einer refrained from entering the clinic, leaving a precarious sense of the reliability of the temporary sanctuary - presumably, he sought counsel from the omegologist on appropriate behavior with a new dad.


    It was unclear what could be done. Calling the police without an active case against Einer was pointless, and asking Daniel to extend his influential reach here was equally pointless - Einer posed no threat; he was simply waiting for a meeting. Besides, would Daniel even be able to help at this moment? Moe scratched his nose contemplatively, leaning towards the notion that he probably couldn''t. It would be challenging to justify providing aid to a witness in another country who had left the witness protection program.


    There was only one remaining option - fight it out alone.


    However, Moe lacked the moral fortitude for such a battle. After childbirth, he still felt vulnerable, as the precious burden was no longer a part of him but rather a delicate weight in his arms.

 Chapter 20

    The encounter occurred abruptly, as is often the case with unwelcome surprises, and it happened at an inconvenient moment. Moe shifted in his chair, deftly removing the diaper elastic band in a motion that had become second nature over the past few days and looked inside.


    ¡°Like clockwork,¡± Moe smiled, gazing at Miny with infinite tenderness as the baby slept, his plump lips slightly parted, sniffling softly. "I wish your father would shit his pants like that, honey," he pursed his lips, as if Miny could understand, and glanced out at the darkening street.


    Einer, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, was staring directly at him, as always, with legs spread, hands in his linen pants pockets, unwavering like a rock, his entire demeanor reflecting his unwillingness to yield. Annoyed, Moe gave him the middle finger, desperately unable to understand what Einer wanted - if he thought that Moe Hayes, who turned out to be Moe Doe, would agree to participate in the revived investigation, then Einer was a complete idiot. Even a child would have understood that, given the difficult situation, Moe would sooner take his own life than cooperate.


    Einar grinned happily as if Moe wasn''t flipping him off but blew a kiss. He waved, and his men, stationed a short distance away, quickly scrambled to retrieve car seats from the small van beside them, arranging them neatly in front of Einar. Moe raised his eyebrows in surprise, observing the array of 0+ car seats being laid out, and his jaw dropped in bewilderment. What kind of spectacle was this? If Einar believed that Moe, who had thought of everything, had overlooked the car seat, he was an idiot.


    Unwilling to participate in the gesture exchange, Moe pulled the cord of the drape, which swiftly covered the window, concealing Einar and his absurd offerings. A surge of bitterness welled up within him, causing him to grit his teeth in indignation. What a nerve this guy had, putting on a good mine at a bad game.


    He rose cautiously, taking care not to disturb Miny''s sleep, and moved slowly towards the bed, realizing that their stay here couldn''t last indefinitely; eventually, they would need to leave. Slipping away unnoticed wasn''t an option ¨C the administration would likely alert Einar once Moe requested to be discharged. It was also time to arrange for Miny''s paperwork, babyproof the apartment, and register the housekeeper at the condo¡¯s management office.


    Miny, placed on the bed with the precision of a sapper, immediately softly grumbled and opened his eyes - he refused to sleep without body contact. Moe pressed the call button, opting to leave the task of washing his sweet baby to the nurse. He promptly entered the room, wearing an attentive facial expression ¨C Moe suspected Einar''s influence behind the service level. He dryly remarked, ¡°Would you mind bathing Miny and holding him while I take a shower?¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± the nurse cradled Miny and placed him on the changing table, but Miny kicked his legs in protest, sensing the change, and promptly unleashed his powerful vocal cords, emitting a high-pitched roar.


    ¡°I bet he''ll become an opera singer,¡± Moe chuckled, grabbing a fresh towel and robe before heading into the bathroom.


    There, he unwrapped the long, thick cloth that had tightly bound his midsection from his chest down to his thighs, feeling the stretched muscles ache uncomfortably. Standing before the mirror, he examined the sagging, empty muscle pouch - it did not look great. Moe decided that once he was discharged, he would start running to tighten those muscles as quickly as possible. Overall, he seemed to have fared well - pale stretch marks on his skin, no extra pounds, though his stomach understandably retained the memory of recent weight. Listening carefully, he noted that the crying had subsided, indicating that the nurse, after giving him a quick bath, had started soothing Miny, a gesture the baby clearly appreciated. With a sigh of relief, Moe stepped into the shower stall.


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    His desire for cleanliness didn''t align with the recommendations of the urut specialist, a practitioner of the local traditional healing method for laboring women. However, the idea of refraining from washing for a month after childbirth, a local custom aimed at preventing any disruption in the circulation of qi energy, was immediately dismissed by Moe. He prioritized dealing with the discomfort caused by residual discharge and the sticky sensation over concerns about the balance of qi energy.


    Moe indulged in a lengthy shower, relishing the sensation as he vigorously scrubbed his skin. He emerged feeling blissfully warm and drowsy. Following the routine, he removed his gown and reclined, offering one nipple to Miny, who responded with a contented rumble. The masseur took care of the rest of his body, employing a specialized technique to lift the uterus into place and restore proper qi circulation. After nursing and lounging until he felt drowsy, Moe rose, encasing his torso in the obligatory wrapping that provided a comforting corset-like sensation, the sagging stomach did not feel alien any more as it was pushed back in place. He settled back down, offering Miny the other nipple, and the baby lazily alternated between sucking and brief pauses, leaving Moe happily entranced without a thought of Einar in that moment.


    As he drifted into slumber, cradling the peacefully sleeping Miny after a satisfying dinner, Moe reveled in the thought that life couldn''t get any more wonderful. He now had a family.


    The next morning, right after breakfast, Moe declared his intention to leave the clinic. He completed the necessary paperwork, obtained his immunization book and birth certificate from the clinic, and tensed when he heard, ¡°The bill has already been paid, Mr. Hayes.¡±


    ¡°I didn''t authorize payments on my behalf,¡± Moe exclaimed, abruptly lifting himself up while feeding Miny, causing the baby to squeal furiously after losing his nipple.


    ¡°The clinic owner made the decision, sir,¡± the nurse stammered as he stumbled towards the exit, clearly intimidated by Moe''s piercing gaze, which promised all sorts of consequences. ¡°Dr. Lee will be with you shortly, and I''ll inform the receptionist about payment matters,¡± he muttered while shuffling his rubber shoes along the corridor.


    ¡°Damn you, Einer!¡± Moe, who had returned the nipple to the disgruntled Miny, reclined again. The frustration that had been building up over these days was on the verge of boiling over, and Moe took measured breaths, attempting to calm himself - no need to burden Miny with nonsense.


    Dr. Lee concluded his final recommendations, peering shrewdly through his glasses. When Moe stood up, expressing his heartfelt gratitude and transferring the drowsy Miny into the Doona wheeled car seat he had ordered online directly to the clinic after the birth, Dr. Lee made a vague remark.


    ¡°Fighting the powers that be is pointless, Mr. Hayes.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Moe, struggling with the tight clasps and blowing away the stray strands from his face, finally managed to undo them. He turned back, looking at Dr. Lee with a puzzled expression. After contemplating the words, he dryly responded, "We''ll see about that, Dr. Lee."


    ¡°Didn''t mean to offend you, Mr. Hayes. Good luck.¡± Dr. Lee stood up, extending a broad, plump palm.


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor, I''ll need it,¡± Moe slung the bag over his shoulder and maneuvered the wheeled car seat, grimacing as he navigated toward the exit, aware that the pesky asshole was likely waiting for him.

 Chapter 21

    Einar waited predictably on the sidewalk, clutching a large bouquet of white lilies and shifting uncomfortably, resembling a delinquent schoolboy. Judging by the sweat on his light blue shirt, he had been standing there for at least ten minutes, maintaining a semblance of respect for personal boundaries by not entering the lobby. Moe sighed wearily, standing in the lobby''s coolness and looking with disdain at the person who had intruded into his soul without permission and obliterated the last remnants of faith in humanity. Throughout these days, he had desperately wrestled with the stage of denial, the first stage of acceptance, and the living absurdity of his attempts now stood just a meter and a half away, attempting to smile and further aggravating Moe¡¯s annoyance.


    ¡°Go fuck yourself,¡¯ Moe dismissed curtly, using the opportunity of Miny''s slumber, strode through the glass doors that obediently slid open, instantly immersing him in the humid tropical sauna. He added, ¡°Right now, if that wasn¡¯t clear.¡±


    ¡°Moe,¡± Einar closed the gap between them in two long steps, clumsily extending the bouquet, which Moe regarded with the disdainful look of a monarch encountering a cow patty. ¡°I understand your feelings; I committed a terrible act. But give me an opportunity to explain, please.¡±


    ¡°Why the hell would I?¡± Moe scanned for the cab¡¯s number plate across the parking lot and briskly headed towards it, casting an anxious glance at the sleeping Miny who had yet to experience the heat and might react adversely.


    ¡°To...¡± Einer, usually adept at deflecting verbal attacks, seemed to fumble for words this time. Einer awkwardly walked alongside Moe towards the cab, and unable to tolerate the blatant insolence, Moe, still holding the stroller handle, delivered a swift kick to Einer''s kneecap. Einer staggered with a stifled groan, bending over, but raised his hand, halting his bodyguards, who faithfully trailed him. ¡°Moe, please... If you want to beat me up, I won''t resist.¡±


    ¡°Are you a masochist now?¡± Moe, nearing the cab from which the driver sprang out alertly, furrowed his brow, pressing firmly on the button at the back that would release the folding mechanism. He folded the stroller into the car seat, heaving a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Einer, attempting to display gallantry, hobbled closer and dared to reach out his hand toward the car seat. Moe felt an intense, white rage in his eyes.


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    ¡°No, but maybe you''ll feel better,¡± Einer extended his hands and peered under the stroller canopy greedily, scrutinizing Miny.


    With all his might, Moe placed the car seat in the back seat, secured it with the buckle, yanked the belt to check for tension, closed the door, and turned silently. Unleashing all the fury he had built up on the hesitant Einer, the smooth and swift turn allowed him to channel the force of nature into his fist, magnified by the swing. Moe relished the sound of the crunch of Einar''s teeth as he staggered from the blow but remained silent. Pouring out the pain concentrated somewhere deep, Moe began beating him mercilessly, soon transitioning from punches to kicks.


    Einar convulsed from the strikes targeting his vulnerable areas, sobbing while biting his bloody lips. As he had promised, he did not fight back, and his bodyguards stood frozen in uncertain poses in a semicircle, dazedly witnessing their boss being systematically, brutally, and skillfully beaten by the omega. Moe relentlessly pounded the traitor, experiencing no relief, only the ceaseless, frenzied hatred that had long been gnawing at him. In his mind, Moe counted the reasons- for invading his soul, for shattering his faith in people, for manipulating him for his malicious schemes, for abandoning him to die, for daring to reenter his life...


    The horrified onlookers screamed for the police, pointed accusing fingers, approached with avid curiosity, but Moe saw them as a blur, a mere background that was now irrelevant. He only ceased his relentless assault when his stomach ached from the exertion. Delivering one last kick to Einar, he chuckled, ¡°Feel a bit better, just what doctor ordered,¡± he quipped, flashing a smile at the indignantly curious crowd. ¡°What, you think I''m crazy, huh? That¡¯s the real lunatic!¡± He nudged Einar, who struggled to rise from the hot asphalt, with his foot. ¡°He threw me to his competitors as bait! Refused their terms, knowing they''d kill me! Watched me, beaten, bloody, pleading for help, on a video call, and refused to help!¡±


    The crowd gasped collectively, murmuring in shock as they fixed their gazes on Einar, who, being helped up by his bodyguards, made no attempt to deny the accusations. Moe, abruptly cutting himself off at a high note, wiped his moist face with his palm and instinctively licked his lips¡ªthe taste too salty for mere sweat. He exhaled slowly, realizing he had just revealed too much personal, painful, agonizing information. Woodenly, he moved towards the door of the cab, eager to depart as quickly as possible, to retreat to his apartment and tend to his wounds.


    "I''m sorry, Moe!" Einar, wiping blood from his face with his sleeve, pushed his bodyguards away and limped after him. "Please!"


    "Stay away from us, you cunt," Moe uttered wearily as he entered the cool sanctuary of the cab, forcefully closing the door and drawing near to a crying Miny, disturbed by the commotion. "I''m sorry, kid. Daddy lost his temper, but it won''t happen again."

 Chapter 22

    A harsh buzzing vibration rudely interrupted the profound tranquility of Moe''s deep sleep, prompting a groaning protest as he fumbled for the phone resting on the nightstand. Squinting sleepily, he dismissed the call and settled back down, his eyelids gently drooping beside Miny, snugly wrapped in a swaddling cocoon. However, the persistent disturbance that threatened to disrupt his peace buzzed once more. Moe, barely suppressing an irritated growl, reluctantly picked up the phone with the intention of silencing it. Yet, he froze as a wave of anxiety surged through his chest, mercilessly constricting his heart and lungs- it was Daniel on the line.


    Moe inched his way to the corner of the bed, bordered to prevent Miny from falling, hastily took his robe from the chair, dressing in a hurry as he moved. He tiptoed out of the bedroom and into the living room, swallowing nervously. Daniel wouldn''t have called unless it was something serious, especially given the awareness of the time difference. The Filipino maid was already in the connected kitchen, and Moe greeted him with a brief nod.


    "Good morning, sir!"


    "Good morning... Datu." The name proved difficult to recall, and Moe, gesturing with the phone in hand to signal he could not talk, dialed Daniel. "Hey, is something wrong?"


    ¡°Hello, Moe,¡± Daniel sighed wearily. ¡°You happened, Moe.¡±


    ¡°It''s six o''clock in the morning, Daniel, so let''s not be mysterious,¡± Moe said grimly, slumping back in his chair. "Miny could wake up any minute, and if you''re just chatting, it''s not a good time, you know.¡±


    ¡°I''ll keep it short,¡± Daniel was in a bad mood, too, judging by the dry tone. "You managed to beat up Einar Simmons in front of everyone yesterday, and apparently you didn''t want a private beating, as your soul demanded publicity. What''s more, you made the criminal underbelly of your backstory public by accusing him. In the digital age, Moe, in front of witnesses, fuck! Where were your brains?!"


    ¡°And-and what?¡± Moe squirmed fearfully, waking up finally. The associative chain caused by what he''d said had flashed through his brain, and Moe had understood everything before Daniel even spoke.


    ¡°This scene was filmed by a gawker, who posted your fiery speech on Youtube - it''s not every day you see such a thing at the maternity ward, you can understand him. The video went viral, and got a lot of attention, including that of people who recognized Simmons, the famous billionaire, as the one being beaten up. Now, my fiery Moe, your phenomenally impressive performance has been picked up by the media, just as your intriguing relationship has come to the surface. The media is buzzing with excitement, speculating as much as possible about how and under what circumstances Simmons sentenced you to death.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Moe bit his lip, pulling his hair with his free hand. ¡°What should I do?¡±


    ¡°Now you need to negotiate protection with Simmons since you''re already out of our system, and we can''t protect you without proven danger,¡± Daniel swore floridly, and Moe squeezed his head into his shoulders guiltily, simultaneously horrified at the prospect. ¡°Getting on the media radar has brought you to the attention of the same people behind your kidnapping, Moe! So, it''s only a matter of days, maybe hours, before they get to you and Miny. Do you realize the consequences of your intemperance now?!¡±


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    "I understand," Moe shut his eyes with a sense of impending doom, cold sweat forming on his face as he unsteadily stood up from his chair. "This is really unfortunate, Daniel. He deliberately provoked me! I hate that asshole!"


    "That asshole is now responsible for keeping you and your son safe," Daniel remarked sarcastically. "So, you need to tread lightly. Don''t kill him accidentally.¡±


    "Very funny," Moe kicked the fitness ball, sending it rolling silently down the hallway. "Are you absolutely sure you can''t intervene?"


    "If you re-enter the witness protection program," Daniel became alert instantly. "You''ll provide testimony about your kidnapping and, ahem, self-defense, which resulted in..."


    "No," Moe dismissed the idea without a second thought. "Miny should never discover that his father''s¡ª" Moe glanced at Datu, who was fidgeting nearby, and concluded, "Had to take care of a certain problem. That¡¯s not something kids are proud of, Daniel."


    "It¡¯s up to you," Daniel sighed disappointedly. "In that case, I''d opt for Einar Simmons with his apology and his squad of bodyguards if I were you."


    "What a great option," Moe groaned. "Why do I always get into trouble?"


    "I warned you that trouble seems to follow you," Daniel chuckled momentarily, lightening the mood. "So, here''s the proposition- accept Simmons'' assistance, return here, and I''ll explore ways to ensure your safety without the witness protection program."


    "Are there really no other alternatives?" Moe strained to hear the sounds from the bedroom and hurriedly entered. Miny had started his distressed cries, unable to find any comforting presence nearby.


    "None."


    "Alright," Moe burst into the bedroom, shedding his robe and exclaimed, "My baby, Daddy''s here already, no need to cry."


    "Take care of yourself and your son, Moe," Daniel said, disconnecting without waiting for a response.


    Moe tossed the phone onto the bed and crawled swiftly to the sobbing Miny, his face flushed a deep shade of red. He lay down beside him, lifted his quivering head, offered the comfort of his nipple to Miny''s toothless mouth, and relaxed as Miny clutched the milk source with his gums, wiping away lingering tears and sniffles from his reddened nose. A soothing tranquility washed over Moe, subduing his anxiety. Wiping his wet cheeks, Moe whispered affectionately, "It''s okay, my love, we''ll figure things out. We''ll go back home, what else can we do? I''m sorry, I''ve messed things up, left us with no choice. But we''ll surely return."


    He pondered deeply as Miny sucked eagerly, momentarily forgetting his sorrow. Moe then grunted unhappily while washing him over the sink, changing his diaper, and dressing him. As he prepared for a walk in the condo yard and ate, he considered various alternatives to getting closer to Einar. Each option was discarded, as flaws became apparent - Einar''s adversaries likely had significant influence, making any attempt to escape to an unknown destination easily detectable. Yet, the idea of allowing Einar back into his life, especially near the vulnerable, tiny Miny, seemed too heartless. Moe found himself back at the crossroads, contemplating a compromise that would enable him to lead a relatively unrestricted life without the need for perpetual hiding while ensuring safety.


    Completing a few laps around the yard, which was ominously warming up, Moe concluded both his walk and his negotiations with fate. He observed with a touch of nostalgia that he had already traversed the third stage of acceptance, skipping the anticipated second one. Surveying the beautifully landscaped surroundings of the carefully selected condominium, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of sorrow. This could have been a place where he and Miny might have found blissful happiness, if not for the unwelcome presence of the damned Einar, who had thrust them, insignificant elements of the universe¡¯s vast expanse, into the spotlight of the world. Resigned to the inevitable, Moe returned home.


    Back at home, he reluctantly informed Datu that he had to return to his home country. However, to compensate for the inconvenience, he offered to cover three months of his contract, allowing him time to secure another job. His spirits sank even further when he witnessed the once-smiling face of the Filipino darken with the unpleasant news. Putting the panting Miny in a ring sling, Moe set off to pack his belongings, his mood somber as he anticipated Einar''s imminent arrival within a few hours.

 Chapter 23

    Einar showed up at dinnertime, finding Moe already finished packing, sitting despondently in his rocking chair and gently rocking while stroking sleeping Miny''s back. As the doorbell rang, Moe rose silently, carefully handed Miny to Datu, took out the prepared knife, and stealthily approached the door with a grin that likely appeared unsettling to Datu. Peering through the peephole, his heart pounded with worry for his son. A sigh of relief escaped him upon seeing Einar outside - swollen, bruised, and covered in abrasions. Fleetingly, he acknowledged the comfort in Einar''s presence at the door rather than a potential threat.


    "Hello, Moe," Einar greeted in a hushed tone, the bracketed plate on his unsteady teeth still new. "Can we talk?"


    "Hello, piece of shit, sure, come on in," Moe moved aside to allow him into his dwelling, unable to hide a disdainful look. He tensed, signaling the bodyguards who were ready to follow Einar to remain outside with a gesture. "And your Teletubbies will stay outside."


    "Of course," Einer nodded briefly to the bodyguards, who tensely huddled together and obediently stayed outside. Meanwhile, Einer swiftly looked around before eagerly approaching Datu, who was rocking Miny in his arms.


    "Datu, could you please excuse us for a moment? Please wait in the bedroom while we have a chat." Moe pointed towards a chair near the dining table and settled down. As Datu softly stepped into the bedroom, he tactfully closed the door behind him.


    "Go on," Moe redirected his gaze to Einer, recoiling at the familiar scent of sea salt, eyeing him distastefully. Einer looked swollen, his bruises beginning to show signs of fading, his complexion half-red from recent skin grafts. Despite his confusion, there was a discernible glimmer of hope in his expression. Einer was now a far cry from his former self- once impeccably handsome, confident, and brazenly insolent, yet his sheer presence repulsed Moe.


    "Moe, I deeply regret putting your life in jeopardy," Einer, struggling to articulate his words clearly, implored with raised eyebrows. "I feel overwhelmingly guilty..."


    "Let''s skip the apologies, as I''ll never forgive you," Moe interrupted with bitterness. "Get to the point, asshole."


    "Please," Einar flinched, registering the disdainful nickname he was now branded with. "Moe, could you..."


    "Cut the niceties. Get to the point, I said!" Moe poured himself a glass of lemonade, placing the ice-cold bottle on the table without offering any to Einar.


    "Alright," Einar took a deep breath, leaning forward with the intention of a lengthy persuasion. "Moe, you and Miny need to come live with me. Last night''s incident has become public, and those who nearly killed you could target you both. I can''t allow that to happen. They have far-reaching influence; I''m certain they have connections here. I''ve stationed guards around your condo, but that''s only a temporary measure. This isn''t my territory, even though I have associates here. I can only guarantee your safety fully on the territory I fully control."


    "Fine," Moe nodded, emitting a contemptuous snort as surprise dawned on Einar''s face, clearly not anticipating Moe''s quick agreement.


    "Then let''s start packing and leave," Einar exclaimed from the conference table, but Moe slammed his hand on the smooth surface and hissed, "Not so fast, you piece of shit! This is what I want."


    Einer''s lips briefly tightened in response to the treatment, but he remained silent, evidently prepared to negotiate, as indicated by his impassive expression.


    "I¡¯ll accept the security detail; I view it as a small recompense for the harm you''ve caused. We''ll reside separately in a heavily guarded location, more like an impenetrable fortress. You and Manny will not be allowed to enter, and once this whole thing is over, we''ll leave," Moe outlined each point deliberately and clearly. Einer, who had listened attentively to the end, perked up.


    "The risk is smaller if we are all in the same location, Moe. Dan has been diligently working on bolstering staff ever since I discovered you were alive and¡ª" Einer smiled softly. "No longer alone. However, even with new personnel, despite rigorous screening, errors can occur, as demonstrated previously. Thus, I suggest," Einer quickly corrected himself, "I recommend that you relocate to my estate."


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    "You don¡¯t put all your eggs in one basket, Einar, it''s a fundamental truth. Therefore, the two of you, the most prized targets for your enemies, will live together as you previously did," Moe stated with a dry hiss. "And this time, I hope you''ll bait the assassins, rather than cowering behind me like a coward," Einar slumped, unable to endure the humiliating gaze. "Lure them out, eliminate them, and leave me and Miny in peace. You see, even if you die, Einar, you''d be doing me a great favor¡ªwithout you, I''m of little significance to your rivals."


    "That''s logical," Einar nervously cracked his knuckles as he weighed his response. "However, I don''t agree..."


    "I don¡¯t give a shit, it''s the only way I can maintain some semblance of normalcy without being consumed by hatred and bitterness. And those emotions, you see, damn it, will affect Miny because babies at that age are highly sensitive to their parent''s emotional state. Understand?"


    "Understood, that''s a valid point," Einar nodded tentatively. "But we''ll still need to meet periodically, discuss the evolving circumstances face-to-face. We can''t solely rely on digital communications; even trusted channels can falter. And eventually, I hope..." Einar paused, casting a glance around the table before concluding softly, "I''m asking for a second chance, Moe."


    "You don''t have any chances; accept it as I''ve accepted your temporary presence in my life," Moe stated harshly. "You mean nothing to me, and I mean nothing to you¡ªthose are the roles we''ll fulfill as long as circumstances force us to interact. Think of it as if you killed me in that hunting lodge." Moe observed the anguish spreading across Einar''s face with irritation, unable to comprehend why Einar continued to display his distress. "There''s no way I''ll testify, so you''re wasting your time."


    "I wouldn''t want you to testify; it would put both you and the child at risk," Einar said wistfully, prompting Moe to rise fiercely.


    "So, you came here fully aware that you were condemning Moe Hayes to death?! You''re such an asshole, Einar!"


    "I would have protected him, I mean, you, I mean..." Einar trailed off, feeling confused and despondent, realizing there was nothing he could say to justify his actions, and he had inadvertently revealed his true intentions.


    "I hate you!" Moe''s fists clenched, barely restraining himself from striking Einar once more, recalling how his past recklessness had resulted in fatal outcomes.


    "It''s alright, I can handle hatred," Einar straightened, his confidence still evident. "It''s preferable to indifference, Moe, it gives me something to hold onto. And I harbored hatred towards you for a long time as well."


    "What?!" Moe stared in astonishment, his expression a silent question¡ªEinar had caught him off guard.


    "You were probably going to ask why," Einar grinned crookedly, his eyes softening with a tenderness that left the stunned Mo searching for an explanation. "Oh, for many reasons. For pushing me away every time, for looking distrustful and expecting ulterior motives, while welcoming others into your inner circle with warmth and openness. For not refuting the accusations of infidelity¡ªManny told me after you left," Einar breathed heavily. "Only then did he admit that nothing had happened between you. Because I loved you and you didn''t love me. For all of that, I both hated and loved you at the same time."


    "Are you fucking insane?" Moe, once again angered by the deceitful words, remained unconvinced by the impassioned outburst, raising his eyebrows skeptically. "What''s your game, Simmons?"


    "No, I am not insane," Einar replied glumly. "I want you, and I believe you''re intelligent enough to understand that."


    "Tell your sob story to some chump," Moe snapped, rising to his feet. "You don''t use people as bait and abandon them to their fate."


    "I''m prepared to apologize for my actions for the rest of my days, Moe," Einer retorted passionately, also standing up. "When I gave you that answer, I was confident that my extraction team had everything under control, and you would be safely removed from the situation in moments. It drove me nearly mad to discover that you were in an entirely different location, and after I said that, you became an unnecessary liability for the kidnappers. It was a miscalculation on my part, Moe, not a deliberate decision!"


    "How''d you track me down?" Moe''s curiosity sparked despite himself, his demeanor cooling slightly as he awaited the answer.


    "Manny, when you were out of it, took off the back cover of your watch and placed a tracker onto it. He had better foresight than I did," Einer trailed off, clearly concerned that his younger, less experienced brother had anticipated the grim turn of events when he hadn''t. "But by the time we got there, it was already too late¡ªthe place on fire, and the tracker, until it got toasted in the flames, showed you were there."


    "Nice work, Manny," Moe praised with a smile, though it quickly faded as he stared at his charred hands, piecing together the chain of events in his mind. ¡°And you¡­¡±


    "And I stupidly rushed in to save you," Einer sighed sadly, his gaze distant. "Do you really think, Moe, that I''d risk my life for someone who meant nothing to me?"


    Moe shuddered, imagining Einer darting into a burning building, searching desperately for him amidst the inferno, and meeting his anxious gaze, awaiting his response with palpable fear. Struggling with anxiety, feeling thrust into an unpredictable and unsettling turn of events, Moe evasively muttered, "I don''t want to talk about this anymore. You set me up, you paid the price, and I suppose that''s fair. We''re nothing to each other. End of story."


    ¡°OK,¡± Einer sighed, and after a little silence, he added, ¡°Pack up, we have to go.¡±

 Chapter 24

    Moe tentatively reached for the chrome handrail, experiencing a painful hesitation. He felt disgusted and nauseous, not wanting to ascend the steps of the private jet. With a sharp turn, he pushed Einer away with his right hand and shielded Miny, who was asleep in the sling, with his left hand. His heart pounded like a trapped bird, his ears filled with the rush of blood, and Moe stumbled down the runway between the parted bodyguards, gasping for air. He didn''t care; he would figure it out as he had done before. He would buy fake passports, board a ship from Batam, sail to... no, it might be safer to travel by car to Johor Baru, and in Malaysia, he could buy a fake passport to avoid the meticulous checks of Singapore, then fly to Thailand...


    "Moe," Einer, keeping his distance, sensing Moe''s simmering anger, walked beside him with tense steps. "Please, believe me. I will never, do you hear me? I will never betray you. You''ll be safer with me than anywhere else. Moe, where are you going?"


    "Get away from me, damn it, just get away!" Moe roared, forcefully shoving Einer in the chest, his hatred for him burning fiercely until it clouded his vision with red. "Every single bad thing in my life happened because of you and your family! My family would still be alive! I wouldn''t have been targeted to be turned into mincemeat, nearly killing Miny inside me! You... I hate you with every fiber of my being! And don''t you dare try to convince me that my hatred gives you hope. You''re the worst thing that''s ever happened to me, Simmons!"


    "But you''re the greatest thing that''s ever happened to me," Einar replied softly, taken aback by the force of the outburst. "So, I''d rather die than put you at risk. Please, Moe, let me take care of you. I am so sorry for what I''ve done to you, I truly am."


    Startled by the sudden movement and the suppressed yet intense, angry whisper, Miny stirred restlessly, letting out a cry, and Moe, suppressing the urge to cry out himself, swayed back and forth, calming him with a voice strained with anger that had not yet subsided under the weight of parental instinct.


    "Hush, little one, Daddy won''t do that again. Don''t worry," Moe wiped his tear-stained face with his hand and adjusted the neckline of his nursing top, giving Miny access to the nipple, which swelled with a drop of milk. He stood still, gazing longingly at Miny''s blond head, emitting a comforting rumble, wiping his eyes that refused to dry, feeling trapped with no option but to return. There''s Daniel, there''s an alternative to Einer.


    "Please, let''s go," Einer pleaded softly, his eyes reflecting the desperation of a beaten dog. "Moe, please."


    Reluctantly, Moe turned towards the boarding stairs, his legs feeling drained from the stress-induced blood pressure drop. Exhaling sharply before taking the first step, he began to ascend, casting a grim stare at the steward, whose composure remained intact thanks to his professionalism.


    In the cabin, he settled into the window seat, noticing the cradle positioned on the seat next to him, a considerate touch. Silently accepting the blanket from the steward, he realized only now that his heart was pounding nervously. Wrapping himself up, he left only Miny''s head exposed for fresh air and hopelessly stared out the window, awaiting the plane''s takeoff.


    The bodyguards assumed their positions, while the stewards checked final details and sealed the airtight door. Moe flinched as the plane roared to life, beginning its smooth taxi across the airfield. Einer, seated at an angle, tapped nervously with his foot, avoiding eye contact to prevent provoking another outburst from Moe. He murmured something softly to the steward nearby, who nodded with a friendly smile. Gliding gracefully down the aisle, the steward disappeared behind a curtain and returned with drinks, placing them one by one on the table in front of Moe.


    "May I offer you a drink, sir?" the steward politely asked.


    Pointing to the table, he continued without waiting for a response, listing the available items, "Chamomile tea, lavender tea, lemonade, sparkling mineral water, still mineral water, whiskey," Moe mumbled, gradually coming to his senses and breathing more steadily. He enjoyed the human reaction that finally broke through the smooth facade - a momentary daze, and he chuckled. "Do you happen to have any Pu¡¯erh?"


    "Certainly," the steward replied with a light exhale, smiling deferentially and appreciating the joke. "Would you prefer green Pu¡¯erh or black Pu¡¯erh?"


    "Black, but with milk and ginger," Moe requested, attuned to the needs of his exhausted body, drained from the strain of nervous tension, as Miny suckled vigorously.


    "And something to eat. A sandwich or a canap¨¦, something I can hold in my hand."


    "Very well, sir," the steward took the tray and swiftly disappeared behind the curtain.


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    Moe shifted Miny, who had drained every last drop from his left nipple and was now fussing, to his right side. He gently stroked the tender cheek, which had reddened from being pressed against his chest, with a trembling finger. Inhaling the sweet, milky cinnamon scent with a hint of vitality, he whispered tenderly.


    "My little darling, you''ve already made quite a mess in your diaper. But I''m sorry, you''ll have to wait. We''ll wait until we¡¯ll climb to a higher altitude, then I''ll change your diaper," he searched for his bag, and Einar unbuckled his seatbelt and sprang up, pulling the bag out from under the seat and putting it carefully in front of Moe.


    "There''s a bedroom here if you want to rest," Einar, sensing the tension had eased, spoke softly, meeting his gaze. Moe responded with reluctant silence, immediately turning away to the window - he didn''t feel like engaging with the asshole.


    Twenty minutes later, Miny, unable to tolerate the discomfort of a warm, wet diaper, furrowed his dark eyebrows together in anger, letting out pitiful cries and demands simultaneously. This tormented Moe, who struggled to sit up, and it seemed to affect Einar as well. He sat crumpled in his chair, gazing at the tiny blond head emitting plaintive cries, clearly eager to help but holding back. Finally, the belt sign flashed, prompting Moe to unbuckle the seatbelt and stand up to remove Miny from the sling.


    "There''s a bathroom in the bedroom," Einar also stood up, but kept his distance cautiously. "I''ll show you and carry the bag myself."


    "Stay put, one of your Teletubbies can help," Moe snapped angrily, and Einar reluctantly summoned one of the bodyguards, who stood about 6¡¯7¡±.


    The bodyguard obediently retrieved his bag, gestured politely to the opposite end of the aisle from where the steward was concealed behind a curtain, and accompanied Moe, who led the way. Moe glanced sternly at the bodyguards, who averted their gaze - their previous insolence towards him had vanished, now treating Moe with the deference usually reserved for royalty.


    He opened the bathroom door and placed his bag on the floor, kneeling down to assist.


    Moe, initially surprised, was starting to see the usefulness of the situation. Now that he didn¡¯t have a helper, these pit bulls might finally prove to be useful.


    "In the bag, there¡¯s a pack of diapers, disposable changing pads, and a towel," Moe instructed as he placed Miny on the bed. Impatiently, he watched as the bodyguard cautiously searched through the contents, handing him the requested items one by one. Moe slid a diaper beneath the quiet Miny, removed his pants and old diaper, bundled it up, and carried him to be cleaned.


    He carefully bathed him, gently patting his delicate skin dry with a towel, and then smiled at Miny, who gazed off into space behind him, contentedly smacking his lips. With just two steps, he returned to the bedroom, gently laying Miny back onto the changing pad and putting on a fresh diaper. Seating himself beside Miny, he glanced at the bed - it looked inviting after hours of anxiety and frantic packing.


    "Thank you. Please inform the steward that I''ll have my meal here," Moe said as he pulled the bag with his foot, extracting the pants and diaper from its depths. He put the pants on, planting a kiss on one tiny pink heel, and then, drawing Miny close, he settled against the headboard.


    Einar arrived quicker than the steward, his expression still disappointed and subdued - evidently, he had hoped for long hours of being together and perhaps a conversation, but Moe harshly dashed those hopes. Silently, he placed the cradle on the bed, casting a wary glance at Moe, and carefully chose his words, "I was told at the clinic that you prefer to co-sleep. I instructed to buy bed railings. If it''s alright with you, I''ll set them up."


    Moe wanted to decline, really, really wanted to¡ªoh, desperately¡ªbut exhaustion washed over him heavily, rendering him immobile. With a nod, he shifted to the side of the bed against the wall, cradling Miny in his arms as the baby kicked his legs in the air. Einar awkwardly fidgeted, attempting to set up the railings, while the steward who had brought the food busied himself setting the table, the utensils clinking and clattering softly.


    The steward, oblivious to Einar''s desire to help, interjected cheerfully, prompting a mischievous smile from Moe, "Allow me to assist you, sir. I believe you''re using the wrong side."


    ¡°Damn,¡± said Einar, realizing his helplessness, begrudgingly stepped aside at the bedside, yielding to the steward''s assistance. Desperately seeking a reason to linger, he asked, "Moe, would you like to freshen up? I can hold Miny while you take a shower."


    Moe turned slightly, casting a coldly arrogant glance at him, and hissed, "You''re not getting anywhere near my son. Steward, you''re trained to assist parents with young children, correct?"


    "Yes, sir," the steward replied, his complexion paling as he glanced nervously at Einer, whose expression was as dark as night. "But I..."


    "You can assist me if I need to freshen up. As for you, you can go," Moe swallowed the word "shit" - he shouldn''t swear in front of a waking Miny, or so his subconscious reminded him. "Einer, I''d prefer to see you only upon arrival. I''ll ask the steward for anything I need."


    "Okay," Einer responded, casting one more longing glance at his feet before leaving the bedroom. Moe relaxed, picking Miny up in his arms and making his way over to the table.


    The astute steward not only brought miniature sandwiches but also a tantalizing roast of meat, a pot of roasted vegetables in cream, spinach salad, diced cucumbers, and white radishes, and for dessert, a cherry pudding accompanied by a teapot of Pu-erh, which lifted Moe''s spirits. Placing Miny in his cradle beside him, he indulged in the meal, emitting contented moans of pleasure.


    He ate until he reached the point of being "hard to breathe, but happy at heart," his eyes drooping with drowsiness. Stripping down to his underwear, he nestled beside the awake Miny, propping him against the railing and covering them both with a blanket, struggling to keep his eyes open before finally succumbing to sleep, unaware of his drifting into slumber.

 Chapter 25

    He awoke in a panic, springing up in bed and frantically patting it, fearing that Miny had been taken. Almost on the verge of howling, he was soothed by the gentle voice of the steward, who sat in the chair with Miny peacefully asleep in his arms, "He was fussing, sir, and you were sleeping so soundly that I took the liberty of rocking him. He needed a diaper change again, but I had already taken care of it."


    "Give him back to me," Moe''s voice came out harsher than intended out of fear, but as he received back the gently sleeping Miny, he quickly softened his tone, "Thank you. I''ll handle it from here. Make sure no one else enters."


    "Understood, sir," the steward nodded and exited the bedroom, leaving them in solitude.


    Moe gazed at the dark, star-studded sky amidst the billowing white clouds and gently guided Miny to his nipple. Instantly, Miny drifted into a shallow slumber, his mouth latching onto the nipple without so much as a flutter of his eyelids. It was a testament to Miny''s being the happiest child on earth when cradled in warm hands and nourished with comforting milk right on schedule. Moe''s smile widened, feeling his heart swell with affection, despite the trials and tribulations, merging into a boundless sense of contentment, tinged with the aroma of cinnamon. Pressing his lips against Miny''s warm, velvety head, that gave him strength, Moe surrendered to a tranquil sleep, assured even in the haze of drowsiness that they would overcome any challenge.


    During the drive from the airport to his temporary residence, Moe battled desperate yawns, wiping away the tears that accompanied each one. The jet lag was starting to hit hard, his body still feeling cramped from the long flight, itching uncomfortably beneath the heavy fabric of his clothing. The scent of sweat lingered as he shifted in his seat, and his nipples throbbed with the release of milk triggered by Miny''s relentless cries. Miny squinted his eyes, unleashing another fierce wail, and Moe helplessly stroked his belly in an attempt to soothe him.


    "Oh, my darling, please don''t cry. Your tummy must be hurting. I can''t take you out of the car seat, it''s not safe," Moe murmured, tapping his foot impatiently as he willed time to move faster, but it seemed to drag on at a frustratingly sluggish pace.


    "Why don''t you try feeding him while he''s in the car seat?" Einar, seated across from them, remained composed despite Miny''s cries. He unbuckled himself and approached them. "Here, watch. If you release the belt and lean over, you can reach his mouth," Einar demonstrated, his gaze fixed eagerly on Miny''s distress. He pressed the side buttons to remove the canopy, and Moe, feeling flustered by Einar''s proximity to his son, swatted his arm in annoyance that he hadn¡¯t figured this out himself.


    ¡°Don''t touch him!¡± Moe unbuckled himself hurriedly, pulled himself close, scooting up his milk-soaked top, and groaned contentedly as Miny sucked impatiently, sighing intermittently after a long cry. The rhythmic sucking and the subsequent quietness in the cabin provided a calming contrast after the prolonged crying session. Moe found solace in embracing the firm structure of the car seat, gazing contentedly forward, knowing he couldn''t easily admire his son in that position.


    After finishing feeding from one side, Miny spat out the nipple and grunted, signaling his demand for the other. Moe, feeling the stiffness in his back from the uncomfortable position, straightened up, rubbed his back, momentarily forgetting about his bare chest. He moved to the other side of the seat where Einer sat, his lips pressed together in irritation as Einer stared intently at his enlarged, scarlet nipples, the left one leaking milk and soaking the top.


    ¡°Get back to your seat!¡± Moe''s voice was a low hiss, careful not to startle Miny, while Einer, regaining his composure, complied silently, moving to the window with an inscrutable expression.


    The atmosphere grew even more tense- Moe, having allowed Miny to feed from the left side, now fixed his gaze on Einer, growing increasingly irritated. He refused to break eye contact, and it seemed Einer was relishing the confrontation. Moe had no intention of backing down, meeting his opponent''s gaze with cold disdain.


    Einer, still bearing the marks of the recent beating, his bruises displaying various shades of discoloration, appeared unfamiliar, a stark contrast to the confident businessman Moe once knew. He seemed more like a battered wreck than the self-assured man at the top of the food chain.


    Even the gaze had shifted - once impenetrably stony, now alive with pleading, fixated on Moe as he clung to the car seat with his precious cargo, awaiting something.


    "Are you done?" Moe whispered as Miny released his nipple with a groan. Reluctantly, Moe pulled his top back on, still hovering over the car seat, unwilling to expose any part of his bare torso, and leaned back.


    "No, I can''t get enough," Einar replied honestly, also in a whisper, offering a weak smile. "I wish I could have you this close to me every day."


    ¡°You won''t,¡± Moe added a middle finger for emphasis. ¡°You won''t come into my space, but if you need to send a message, you can use your Teletubbies.¡±


    ¡°Not everything can be relayed through intermediaries, even trusted ones,¡± Einar sighed heavily. ¡°Some plans will only be known to a select few, and we''ll need to maintain close communication until... until the threat has passed.¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess I''m part of the inner circle now,¡± Moe grinned. ¡°You didn''t bother to ask if I wanted to be. Why do you keep prying into my life, Einar?! What do you want this time?¡±


    ¡°As I''ve said before,¡± Einar advanced, narrowing the gap between them and lowering his voice, his nostrils flaring. ¡°I need you, Moe. I needed you before-¡°Einar paused, carefully selecting his words. ¡°But back then, when we were living together, you didn''t cooperate. You indirectly confirmed my suspicions, pushed me away...¡±


    ¡°Oh, so it''s all on me!¡± Moe tightened his fists, striving to contain his rising anger. ¡°Me, who wanted nothing more than casual sex with no strings attached, who just wanted peace of mind!¡±


    ¡°No, that''s not what I mean,¡± Einar hurriedly interjected. ¡°It''s my fault, Moe, for not expressing my feelings openly, for fearing rejection, for pressuring you to be honest. Sometimes, I couldn''t control myself because I was afraid you''d vanish, you know?¡±


    ¡°And that''s why you framed me and left to die - a remarkably clever move! You''re one twisted fuck, you know that? Twisted! And there''s no emotion behind it, just a desire to manipulate the first person in your life who refuses to play by your rules!¡± Moe kicked him in the ankle with venom, and Einar gritted his teeth.


    ¡°I made a mistake, Moe. Please believe me, I didn''t realize you were truly risking your life!¡± Einer spoke rapidly, inadvertently raising his voice, and Moe hissed angrily. Einer obediently lowered his voice. ¡°Not a day goes by that I don''t regret it, Moe! In the hospital, when I woke up after the fire, I simply wished to die, overcoming the weight of my desire just because I wanted to seek vengeance for you.¡±


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    ¡°You don''t have any Italian roots, do you? What''s with this relentless vendetta? It''s either one thing or the other with you. Ever since you were a kid, it''s been all about payback- a toy is taken from you at the playground, you''re ready to draw the family dagger. You''re an asshole, Einar! I''m beyond fed up with you!¡± Moe slumped back wearily and reiterated, ¡°I''ve had it with you! I don''t want to see you, I don''t want to hear you, and frankly, I wish you hadn''t made it out of that fire, or the hospital afterward. Me and Miny wouldn''t have to deal with all this now.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Einar cracked his knuckles, his tone muffled and filled with despair. ¡°If I were in your shoes, I''d wish for my own death too; I''m nothing but calamity for you. I should''ve let go of you from the start, kept things as we agreed- just my little brother''s companion, no deeper connections. I would''ve stuck to that if you had reached out to me after the move, but you didn''t, and I found myself intrigued by you. I wanted to see where things could go. I thought you were playing some sort of game, like many omegas who initially feign disinterest before trying to win me over. But you always threw me off balance, pushing me away while also drawing me closer. Each time, I found myself more drawn to you. I didn''t think anything serious could happen between us because you were an outsider, a beta, not an omega - I felt safe, yet lost at the same time. I''m sorry for everything, Moe, especially for the kidnapping and the beating. I was incredibly angry with you. I acted foolishly out of jealousy when you hugged Manny goodbye and merely nodded at me. I thought I could scare you first and then save you¡ª"


    ¡°A gallant knight in shining armor to win me over,¡± Moe scowled, gazing out the window with a begrudging smirk. "That silly fairy tale wouldn''t sway me; I''d sooner throttle you right there. Your feelings and desires mean nothing to me, Einer. I understand you were drawn to me because I stood out from the handsome men who pursued you. It''s no surprise you felt secure sleeping with me¡ªwhat concern would you have for some unremarkable beta? Hoping for a serious relationship with the illustrious tycoon Simmons? Absurd. You concocted a narrative for yourself, believed in your fiction, and then casually, almost incidentally, disrupted my life. Yet, strangely, I''m grateful to you for it¡ªI rid myself of past ghosts and fears, returned to a semblance of normalcy, and I wish the same for you. You can''t vanquish all the world''s woes."


    ¡°I have no taste for fixing all the world''s problems, and as for my quest for retribution for my parents, I exorcised those ghosts in that inferno. The reckoning was harsh and scorching, and it was then that I recognized the loss of the most precious in my life in pursuit of the superficial. Now, I''m powerless to change anything¡ªby abducting you, they''ve made it evident that they''ll keep targeting me and my loved ones for the remainder of our days, until we are all dead. Thus, my actions are dictated by circumstance¡ªI can''t rest until I''ve disarmed my enemies. Sooner or later, they would have pursued you in Singapore independently of my involvement because you¡¯ve surfaced in the system again. They would have probed Moe Hayes, gauging his potential threat, and quickly figured the connection between Moe Hayes and Moe Doe.


    Moe recoiled in horror, clutching his arms tightly around himself, his shoulders trembling as he drew nearer to Miny''s car seat, where the baby slept peacefully. Suddenly, the cool interior of the car felt as chilling as the hunting lodge, and his mind conjured images of ruthless assailants seizing Miny, the innocent little soul just beginning to experience life. He shuddered violently, and Einer, wordless, reached into the glove compartment, retrieving a blanket and handing it to Moe with care.


    "I''ll be direct. You deserve honesty, and I won''t repeat past mistakes, Moe," Einer began solemnly. "Remember our phone conversation when I tried to convince you to testify? I was like a lifeless automaton then, devoid of joy and zest for life. But you, you spoke with the essence of my Moe, with your unique lively expressions, and you brought me back to life. I initially thought it was a futile search for a ghost, but gradually, I began to hope that you were alive. It wasn''t until the last moment that I realized you were Moe Hayes. I ordered the exhumation of the charred remains."


    Wrapped in the plaid, Moe scowled and narrowed his eyes with anger.


    "There''s no ''your Moe,'' alright? Never existed, and never will. I regret hiding under a false identity, following Daniel''s advice - then our paths wouldn''t have crossed. You sound like you''re expecting something - wake up, Simmons! Look at me - all I feel towards you is hatred and repulsion. You disgust me to the core."


    Einar listened in silence, wincing with each word, pressing his battered lips so tightly that they began to bleed. Then, in a muffled voice, he spoke up, lifting his determined gaze to Moe, "You can say whatever you want, I deserve it. But there''s something more than an unspoken bond tying us together now- our son."


    "He¡¯s not yours," Moe exclaimed, his voice suddenly hoarse, as he cleared his throat and repeated, "Not your son! I didn''t just fuck you; I dated Daniel when I was in town and escaped your Teletubbies." Daniel''s name slipped out quickly, and Moe winced internally, imagining Daniel''s reaction to the lie.


    "Daniel Smith, the agent who cleaned up your mess?" Einar clarified, his voice strained, his complexion pale even beneath the bruises.


    "Yeah, why do you think he was so committed?" Moe mentally apologized to Daniel, while also feeling relieved that Daniel and Einer shared the same light blond hair, with plenty of silver strands mixed in.


    "That''s how it was," Einar said, his bleeding lips parting, forming a sinister smile. "It sounds logical, yes, but¡ª" He took a step forward. "I don''t believe you! Don''t try to make me dislike you; it won¡¯t work. I''m willing to forgive you for everything, even betrayal¡ªmy guilt towards you is far greater. And a simple DNA test will clarify everything."


    Moe, without a word, suddenly straightened up, launching himself from the seat towards Einar, aiming a direct blow at his face. Einar, surprisingly agile given the confined space and his injuries, evaded the attack, seized Moe''s wrists, swiftly flipped him onto his stomach, and pinned him down. Their struggle unfolded in a matter of moments- one instant Moe was launching himself like Captain America, the next he was pinned against the seat, desperately flailing and attempting to strike Einar in the face with the back of his head.


    "Shh, Moe, shh," Einar whispered loudly into my ear. "I''m not going to take Miny away from you, please don''t see me as a monster. I''m happy that you''re alive, that you¡ª we¡ª have a child. Let me be happy, please."


    "Let go," Moe gasped, squirming unsuccessfully.


    "Just a moment... now," Einer breathed, trailing his nose along Moe''s neck, causing a multitude of goosebumps to erupt, his breath hot and rapid. "God, Moe, you smell amazing!" With evident difficulty, he released Moe''s wrists, kissed one briefly, helped him up, and settled down beside him, gazing at him with unabashed delight.


    Moe indulged in a moment of satisfaction, delivering a solid punch to Einar''s solar plexus. After taking a deep breath and reminding himself to calm down, he settled back, gripping the car sea tightly with white-knuckled fingers, and stated the obvious, "Well, looks like my senses are coming back," Moe wiped sweat from his forehead, panting. "You''re not going to demand a DNA test, claim paternity, or interfere in his life, Simmons. Otherwise, trust me, I''ll find a way to ensure Miny remains truly fatherless, and I have a whole narrative about a heroic father, so I won''t let it be tarnished."


    "I don''t want to fight with you, Moe," Einar replied tersely, regaining his composure. "Let''s discuss it when you''ve calmed down. Perhaps not immediately, but eventually, you''ll realize that I''m being transparent with you and playing fair."


    ¡°So, are you agreeing to my conditions?¡± Moe continued to grip the seat tightly, wishing he could escape to the ends of the earth with Miny.


    "I propose we postpone this discussion for later," Einar replied evasively. "We''re arriving at your new home, Moe. I hope you find it more appealing than my mansion."


    Moe stamped his foot irritably, turned sharply, and glanced disinterestedly at the charming modern two-story house surrounded by a vibrant garden of autumnal purple and yellow hues, dryly reminding him, ¡°You will not live here.¡±

 Chapter 26

    Moe arched his eyebrows in astonishment and let out a soft hum. What an imagination the writer must have had, conjuring up a love story between him and Einar out of thin air, filled with speculation and tearful moments- an alcoholic omega on the brink of losing his primary sex due to his drinking, turned beta, who coincidentally encountered the philanthropist Simmons on the street, pleading for assistance to cure his hangover; the instantaneous strike of Cupid''s arrows on both of them; a subtle hint at Simmons''s jealous ex, Eddie Johnson, who could have orchestrated an attack on Moe; the omega''s subsequent escape to Singapore, fearing the repercussions. However, one crucial element was missing - Miny. To Moe''s relief, this important detail was absent from the media coverage. The frenzied beating outside the clinic was justified by an alleged severe miscarriage that left Moe infertile. The climax of the story was Simmons''s generous forgiveness of his former partner for the brutal attack, deeming it justified given the suffering inflicted upon him. Despite their deep love, Simmons relinquished his beloved. Overall, the narrative was both tragic and ludicrous - precisely the kind that resonated with the masses. Einar had adeptly manipulated public perception, a fact that Moe couldn''t dispute. However, he couldn''t fathom why Einar felt the need to complicate matters further.


    Moe put the phone in the bag attached to the stroller handle, took the vacuum sealed mug from the cup holder, opened it, and savored the steaming coffee amidst the frosty air, relishing each sip as he strolled leisurely along the path. He continued to admire Miny, peacefully asleep in the stroller cradle in his cozy down jumpsuit with adorable hare ears adorning the hood. The coffee provided clarity to his sleep-deprived mind, allowing Moe to methodically piece together his thoughts. Einar had successfully erased all traces of Moe Hayes in both Singapore and Madrid, leaving only the persona of Moe Doe, whose photographic evidence remained scarce. The limited imagery included the initial uproar-causing photo from months ago and still frames extracted from the memorable clinic video, where Moe''s face, partially obscured by sunglasses and swollen from childbirth, was challenging to discern. There were no reports of Moe''s relocation to his home country, and surveillance of the estate adjacent to the main mansion revealed no additional photographs of Moe.


    Overall, the general public had scant knowledge about Moe Doe. They knew only that he had pursued remote schooling at the X school due to developmental peculiarities, followed by enrollment at X University, majoring in sociology. After some time, he had been living on sporadic earnings, adopting a candidly nihilistic lifestyle and eschewing settling down. Then, he crossed paths with his prince charming, disappearing later in the warmth of tropical locales.


    Despite the staged, Einar-induced altercation that thrust Moe into the glaring spotlight, Einar had effectively shielded him and Miny during their covert period away from public scrutiny. The duration of Moe and Miny''s voluntary seclusion on the estate remained uncertain¡ªMoe suspected that Einar harbored intentions of a perpetual stay, contrary to his own plans.


    Moe sighed, stealing a glance at his watch. In roughly ten minutes, he could head inside the house, undress, clean up Miny, and hand him over to Datu, whom Einar had also brought over from Singapore. He could then have a conversation with Daniel, whose demeanor was just as somber as Einar''s, and settle into the monotonous routine of idleness. The prospect was dreary enough to elicit another sigh from Moe as he trudged despondently along the lengthy paved pathway.


    All his plans for himself and Miny in Singapore¡ª leading a rich cultural and sports lifestyle, mingling with other new fathers, enrolling in developmental activities, and relishing a carefree life¡ªhad been disrupted by his own impetuousness and, of course, Einar. Now, a prolonged existence confined within a fenced and guarded perimeter awaited him, accompanied by unyielding boredom.


    "Sir!" Datu exclaimed breathlessly, adjusting his jacket as he hurried towards them. "Mr. Simmons is waiting to see you in the small drawing room."


    "Finally!" Moe exclaimed, rousing himself from his languid state, taking a brisk step forward. Suddenly, a thought struck him- had Einar orchestrated this dull seclusion deliberately, anticipating that over time Moe, weary of both idleness and the void of social interaction, would come to eagerly anticipate seeing him?


    The realization was unsettling; Moe felt like a puppet, mistakenly believing he had control over his own fate when, in truth, he was merely obediently following the invisible strings pulled by the puppeteer. Grumbling irritably, he kicked a dry branch that had fallen from a nearby tree and handed the stroller handle over to Datu.


    ¡°In five minutes, you can bring him in. There are two more bags of frozen milk in the freezer, so he should be fine.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, sir,¡± Datu chirped, his smile widening. Always in good spirits. Started working for an ordinary, well-off gentleman, ended up employed by a billionaire who spared no expense, on a vast estate where he only had to tend to the baby, not the household chores.


    Moe envied his sunny disposition as he made his way slowly through the gloom towards the house - let his Highness wait, he wouldn''t budge from his leisurely pace. He took his time undressing in the hallway, then meticulously washed his hands, applying cream to combat the dryness caused by frequent washing. Finally, he sauntered into the small living room, designated as a meeting space. Einar, seated in a plush armchair by the window, immediately rose at his entrance, sporting a wide smile, while Moe, his complexion dusky, offered his customary grin, balancing the overall mood.


    "Hey, Moe. Good to see you," Einer scanned him quickly from head to toe before settling his gaze back on his face, maintaining a smile that seemed forced.


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    "Hey. Any updates?" Moe sank into the couch and stretched out his legs, making a conscious effort not to appear inviting.


    "Yes," Einar approached the adjacent couch and perched on its edge in a manner suggesting a temporary position, clearly planning to move. Moe caught a whiff of the familiar scent of sea salt, bergamot, and wood, and he breathed through his mouth to resist its allure. "I''m nearing the end of the investigation, and we''ve uncovered some promising leads. It looks like we''ll soon be identifying and apprehending all those involved in the case, one by one."


    "That¡¯s it?" Moe sighed in frustration, automatically pulling his legs closer to wrap his arms around them. "I need specifics, Simmons."


    "Einer," he corrected with a hint of sadness, then settled onto the recently vacated spot on the couch, his eyes gleaming with a sense of triumph. "I''ve signed a nondisclosure agreement, Moe, and you know how stringent the FBI''s policies are. I can only provide you with an overview."


    "I''m sure you can do more than that," Moe grumbled, shifting onto the couch and suppressing a wry grin as Einer cast him a rueful glance while getting up from the couch. "You may not want to, but I''m tired of living in uncertainty, and I''m tired of being confined! When can we leave?"


    "I can''t provide a definite answer to that question yet," Einar remarked as he slid his hand to the knot of his stylish dark cherry-blue polka-dot tie, loosening it, and shrugged off his jacket. "Processes involving individuals of high importance and social status can often drag on for months, if not years."


    "All the more reason to remain confined for that duration," Moe responded mechanically, feeling uneasy at Einar''s actions. "What are you doing?"


    "Just getting comfortable for what might be a lengthy conversation," Einar replied innocently, raising his eyebrows in a puzzled manner - if Moe didn''t know him, he might have mistaken him for being entirely transparent. "Is something bothering you?"


    "You''re getting undressed right in front of me; something must be wrong," Moe tensed, his brows furrowing. "What kind of conversation is this that you need to be that relaxed?"


    The warmth in his gray eyes dissipated, replaced by a chilly demeanor. "Manny''s been paying you frequent visits," Einar remarked. "Why?"


    "I won''t dignify that question with an answer, especially not from you," Moe replied, his frown deepening as the question dredged up a past, he preferred to leave buried. "If that''s all, you can leave. I need to attend to Miny."


    "I apologize," Einar''s tone softened, his fingers tensing as he struggled to maintain composure. "I didn''t intend for my words to carry such implications. Manny is involved in the investigation, and due to his enthusiasm and tendency to speak impulsively, he might inadvertently reveal sensitive information, putting you at risk. I''m only concerned for your safety. Will you answer now?"


    Moe reluctantly confessed, "He won''t discuss the investigation. He''s playing the role of James Bond, for fuck''s sake. He just mumbles nonsensically and evades the topic. So, don¡¯t worry. In the future, just ask him, not me."


    "You''re aware we haven''t been speaking since the fire," Einar shifted uncomfortably, his shoulder jerking slightly. "Perhaps only at FBI-arranged meetings, when we''re reconstructing the events."


    "Well, you should," Moe replied, rising to pour himself a glass of water and discreetly adjusting his milk-filled breasts. With a contented sigh, he scratched his lower back, leisurely made his way to the table holding a jug of mineral water, unscrewed the crystal stopper, and filled the glass, watching the water bubble. "You''re brothers, it''s about time you found common ground. There''s no one closer to you on this planet."


    "There is," Einar whispered almost into his ear, his breath scorching hot. "You. And we both want you for ourselves. I know Manny won''t back down, and he''s convinced he stands a better chance now that I''ve made such a mess of things."


    Moe shifted away along the table with his glass, feeling his body react involuntarily to Einer''s proximity, and pressed his lips together unhappily. He took a sip of water, letting the cool liquid soothe his throat before responding calmly, "First off, back off, okay? I might just swing at you. And secondly, neither of you even has a shot. I see him like a pesky little brother, and you''re just a major pain in the ass. Can you idiots finally get that axiom through your heads?"


    "If you''re resorting to swearing, this topic must mean something to you," Einer remained in place, his grip tight on the table''s edges, his fingers still showing signs of irregularity from the skin grafts, a reminder of the fire''s devastation. Moe swallowed hard; his gaze fixed on Einer''s hands. "I''ll never accept your axiom, because you mean too much to me to just dismiss you and move on," Einar pleaded softly, his eyes softening. "Moe, please, I''m begging you, open up to me, try to trust me. We had something more than just casual sex, you can''t deny that."


    Moe remained silent, unable to look away from Einer''s fingers, which evoked memories of the horrific fire where Einer, defying his bodyguards, desperately searched through the debris for someone who might have already perished in the flames.


    ¡°Perhaps it used to,¡± hesitated, feeling compelled to speak honestly, especially with his burnt fingers urging him to do so. "But..." Moe paused, unable to bring himself to say the word "burned," and instead hoarsely continued, "Not anymore. The only person who matters to me is Miny


    "Moe," Einer approached slowly, his fingers damp with anticipation tracing uneven streaks on the smooth surface. "There''s still a chance for everything to return, just give me a chance. I won''t repeat the mistakes of the past, I won''t push you, I''ll do my best to make you happy," Einer rustled something and placed the turquoise case on the table, gently sliding it across to the bewildered Moe. "I once called you my boyfriend without asking, so now I''m asking - can you consider giving us another chance? I won''t press for more, but I''d marry you tomorrow if you''d have me."


    ¡°You''re crazy,¡± Moe stared at the velvety case in his hand, his grip tightening around the glass. Time seemed to slow down, intensifying his senses- scents became sharper, weights heavier, sensations more vivid, more powerful. The omega essence, long suppressed, whispered with hope, pleading to trust Einar.


    "There''s no other way to be with you but to embrace the madness," Einar chuckled warmly. "But you bring me to life and make me happy when you''re around, so I don''t mind being a little crazy. Even this house," Einar continued, taking small steps so as not to startle Moe, signaling his proximity. "I bought it when you were Manny''s companion, hoping we could move in together once the contract was over, just you and me."


    ¡°I can''t trust you,¡± Moe snapped out of his daze, feeling a mix of pain and longing stirring inside him at Einar''s words. "That''s enough, Einer. I don''t want anything..."

 Chapter 27

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Joe, the head of Moe''s bodyguard team, interrupted from the doorway. "Meinhard Simmons is insisting on seeing you."


    ¡°Insisting,¡± Einar''s voice lost its softness, turning icy. "You insolent pup!"


    ¡°Let him in,¡± Moe snapped out of his reverie and made his way to the couch, still holding the forgotten glass of water. He looked at it in surprise before downing its contents in one go. "There''s no need to be so worked up, Einar. You''re here supposedly to update me, but it seems like you''re just here to talk. Why can''t he?"


    ¡°Because he¡­¡°Einar¡¯s growl was cut short as Manny, flushed from the cold, barged into the living room, eyes glinting with determination, ready for a showdown. Moe sighed. How was it that despite the agreement that his residence was off-limits, they were now in his living room as if they owned the place? He should have stuck to his guns from the start, listened to the apology, and sent them packing. Now he had to deal with the fallout of his leniency.


    "Hey, Moe!" Manny''s smile seemed forced as he quickly redirected his attention to his brother, bristling with tension. "Aren''t you supposed to leave?"


    "You''re interrupting a serious conversation," Einar ground out through clenched teeth. "Go home." Manny frowned, glanced at Moe, and before he could respond, turned back to his brother. His expression turned pale when he noticed the iconic case.


    "How dare you suggest marriage to him after what you''ve done?" Manny''s tone grew menacing. "Moe deserves better! He doesn''t need people like you dragging him into chaos!"


    "And he deserves you?" Einar retorted sharply, his anger mirrored in his pale complexion. "A kid who''s accomplished nothing but harass him, frame him, and spread lies?"


    "I may have made mistakes, but I never attempted to orchestrate someone else''s murder!" Manny''s voice thundered, his fists clenched tightly in frustration.


    "Enough!" Moe swiftly positioned himself between them, both nearly matched in height and strength. He wasn''t about to let himself become the center of their conflict again. "I think it''s good that we''re all here. It''s time to be real and clear the air. Sit down!"


    The two Simmonses begrudgingly moved to the table with the same tense demeanor, unaware of how alike they appeared in that moment, and awaited Moe''s words expectantly.


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    ¡°Alright, listen up, you two. Referee Moe is calling the shots now,¡± Moe declared with a stern expression, taking his seat at the head of the table and addressing both of them. "Here''s the deal- Manny, you need to vanish from my life completely. No traces of us together should remain. Find yourself an omega your own age to romance, go to movies, cafes, and whatever else, and live happily ever after. And as for you, Einer, forget about the time we spent together. Stop dwelling on what could have been. Once this mess is sorted, I''m out of here. I''m going far away, where I can build my own life, raise my child in peace, and hopefully find someone normal. You two, pardon the pun, are anything but normal. You can''t even get along with each other! And you are brothers to each other, for fuck¡¯s sake! How can you even speak about relationships??¡±


    Both of them stood petrified in the midst of their heated argument, locking eyes with identical resentment reflected in their differently colored but similarly shaped eyes. Moe let out a sad snort, bracing himself for the impending verbal assault¡ªhe knew he wasn''t cut out to be an orator. Somewhere along the line, his genetic makeup had faltered- in a family renowned for their scientific prowess and persuasive arguments, he, the sole member with no affinity for science, struggled to assert his truth against their stubbornness.


    As both brothers spoke simultaneously, Moe found himself lost in scattered philosophical musings, contemplating his sense of alienation within the family. Manny boasted about his cleverness in planting the tracker in the watch, asserting that he could have saved Moe if Einer hadn''t intervened by ordering the bodyguards to ignore him. Einer vehemently countered, blaming Manny for orchestrating the situation and tarnishing Moe''s reputation, thereby triggering the conflict. The brothers seethed with anger, exchanging biting insults, while fervently appealing to Moe for support, who remained silent, lost in his introspections. The tension in the small living room continued to escalate until the youngest and most important person in the household erupted in anger.


    Moe quickly snapped out of his reverie, extending his arms as the confident figure strode in, his tropical attire contrasting with the chilly atmosphere. Holding a wailing Miny, Datu entered with an affectionate smile, announcing, ¡°We''re all out of milk, sir.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Moe swiftly unbuttoned his flannel shirt, adjusted his nursing top to expose his nipple, and tenderly lifted Miny, who continued to squirm with his characteristic paternal growl. Moe winced as he felt the pressure of four-month-old Miny''s budding teeth, causing him visible discomfort.


    ¡°Ah, you little biter, that hurts!¡±


    ¡°That''s why you need to forget about Moe!¡±  Einer declared triumphantly, pointing a finger towards Miny and rising from the table. Softening his expression, he cracked a smile and craned his neck to get a better view of him. ¡°What a handsome young man he''s becoming.¡±


    Manny winced in recognition of the weight of the argument and fell silent, observing as Moe settled cautiously into the rocking chair, wiping his tear-streaked cheeks with the hem of his shirt. Moe rocked wearily, covering his eyes to shield himself from both of them and their overwhelming expectations and demands. He spoke dryly, ¡°Just leave. I''ve had enough of both of you. Neither of you has a chance.¡±

 Chapter 28

    Einer, still breathing heavily, pressed his face into Moe''s neck, placing soft kisses on the sweat-dampened skin, his nose tickling him lightly. Moe, overwhelmed by the long intense sex, the sharp rush of orgasm, and the subsequent waves of pleasure from the knot, absentmindedly ran his fingers through Einer''s tousled hair, relishing the comforting and tranquil moment. Reluctantly, Einer pulled away, rolling onto his back and drawing Moe onto his chest. He grabbed a towel from the bedside table and gently wiped Moe''s skin, who closed his eyes in blissful pleasure.


    ¡°Will you stay with me tonight?¡± Einer lifted Moe''s chin with his thumb, his touch tender as he stroked his cheek. Moe nodded, settling back against Einer''s warm, solid chest.


    Before heading to bed, they sat on the cool veranda, wrapped in blankets and extending their legs toward the portable heater, sipping warm gluhwein and admiring the breathtaking beauty of the autumn garden. Their conversation flowed lazily, devoid of the usual banter or sarcasm¡ªa rare occurrence that Moe allowed in honor of Manny''s achievement in passing the first part of his theory of knowledge project. The thought of having played a role in guiding Manny toward his goal, despite not being an educator by profession, filled Moe with warmth, making it impossible to resist sharing in the joy. They celebrated the milestone by going go-karting with Manny and then heading to the coast, where they indulged in takeaway food and sat on deck chairs, enjoying lively conversation and basking in their accomplishments. Upon returning to the mansion, a pleased Einer, who had received the news earlier in the day, presented Manny with the keys to the car he had previously been deprived of due to past misdeeds, and suggested they watch a movie together. It was the first time the three of them watched a movie in the home theater, and Moe, seated between the brothers, savored the feeling of being genuinely needed and useful. Though he didn''t pay much attention to the film, focusing instead on clasping his hands together on his stomach to prevent the brothers from intertwining their fingers with his. Manny''s slight sulky expression was the only discordant note in an otherwise wonderful evening, a fleeting moment of bitterness that gradually faded as they moved to the terrace with the thermos of gluhwein.


    Moe savored small sips of hot wine, letting it warm him and maintain his good mood at the perfect level. He listened to Einar attentively, the latter also smiling as he looked at him, and basked in the gentle warmth of his presence, something he typically shielded himself from¡ªyet today, he allowed it, for today was his mini-triumph. He accepted Einar''s tender kiss, which carried hints of cinnamon and cloves, without turning it into a passionate clash to expel unnecessary, dangerous emotions. He agreed to Einar''s suggestion to move to the bedroom, granting himself a brief deviation from the norm¡ªsometimes, he, too, desired mental warmth.


    Sensing Moe''s mood, Einar also embraced it- he undressed slowly, showering kisses on Moe''s exposed skin and caressing him reverently. Handing over the lubricant with care, he pushed inside slowly, hovering over Moe with gray eyes shining. The kiss felt like a revelation, the caresses a confession, and the movement toward him an acceptance. Moe luxuriated in the sweet tenderness of the moment, surrendering not just his body, but also his soul. It was a rare occurrence, one in which Einar clearly differentiated between mere physical coupling and genuine lovemaking¡ªshowing incredible affection and care compared to his usual dominant demeanor during encounters when Moe, emotionally closed off, offered himself as a meager token.


    Moe drifted into a doze, inhaling the mingled scents of musk and sea, as Einar''s fingertips traced soothing patterns on his back. Suddenly, he detected the faint, elusive undertone of Einar''s pheromones amidst the sea salt and musk, causing him to tense up instantly. Silently discarding the blanket, he deftly evaded Einar''s outstretched hands and offered a vague excuse. "I need to use the bathroom," he muttered, slipping away barefoot, his earlier illusions fading as reality set in. There was no place for games in a genuine relationship; he needed to gather his belongings, close this chapter before it went too far, and return to his own space, despite his earlier intentions.


    Turning on the shower, he stood beneath the strong, cascading jets, the rush of water masking his somber thoughts. Glancing towards the bathroom door where Einar had disappeared, feeling the weight of melancholy settling in, Moe hurriedly shut off the water and slipped out of the shower.


    "What''s the rush, Moe?" Einar intercepted his hand before it reached for the towel.


    "Nothing, I just prefer sleeping in my own room. I don''t sleep well with you," Moe extricated his hand from Einar''s warm grasp.


    "Tomorrow''s Saturday, we can catch up on sleep," Einar insisted, his gaze hardening as he enveloped Moe in his arms and guided him back into the shower stall. "You agreed to stay, Moe. There''s no need to change your mind," he murmured against Moe''s lips, preempting any verbal objections.


    A couple of minutes later, Moe found himself pinned against the glass wall by Einar''s powerful body, emitting ragged moans as desire surged through him. Einar was thrusting forcefully inside him, his movements assertive and vigorous, breaking down the barriers Moe had set up, claiming him with each passionate kiss and tight embrace. Just as Moe was about to succumb to a whimper, Einar paused, breathing heavily against the back of his neck and holding his hips in a strong grasp. With deliberate slowness, he began to move, teasing Moe with a pace that was both tantalizingly slow and gradually escalating in intensity.


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    Einar skillfully brought Moe to the brink of orgasm, effortlessly lifting him, attached by the knot, and carrying him back to the bedroom. There, he laid Moe down on the bed, pressing him gently into the mattress. Moe gasped, trembling with waves of pleasure as he felt Einar''s sperm rushing inside him, his moans echoing softly in the room. Drained and spent, Moe drifted off to sleep, too exhausted to resist, unable to muster the strength to leave for his own room.


    Moe woke abruptly to the sound of an angry shout, quickly wiping his face with his palm, flinching at the suddenness of the memory stirred by the heartfelt conversations of the day before. For a moment, it felt as if Einar were still lying beside him. The jolt of the dream''s aftermath was so intense it bordered on painful, and Moe grunted irritably, adjusting the fabric of his briefs to ease the discomfort caused by his erection. As he gradually regained his bearings, he shifted his attention to the displeased Miny, gently tweaking his nipple. Miny, nursing on one side, gripped the other nipple firmly, gazing up at Moe with tear-filled light blue eyes, gradually relaxing as he nursed.


    Moe gazed affectionately at Miny, his heart softening at the sight of the tears pooling in those innocent eyes. Despite the emotional moment, he couldn''t ignore the persistent arousal that lingered from his dreams, demanding release. As Miny grew older and the intervals between feeding increased, his body demanded natural hormonal processes, sex included.


    But these natural processes were not there, if they lived in Singapore, Moe might have entrusted Miny to Datu and ventured out into the night to a classy club. There, he could have sought a one-night stand to release his tension. Alternatively, he could have considered a more stable option, akin to where he might find an alpha who, having experienced the fallout of a failed marriage, favored commitment-free sex.


    Moe sighed wearily as he carefully transferred a content Miny to the other side. Tense with lingering arousal, he responded hoarsely to a cautious knock on the door, "Come in."


    Datu entered, carrying a tray in his hands, and placed it carefully on the small bedside table. He whispered, "Good morning, sir! I''ve already prepared Miny''s porridge and fruit. May I take him now?"


    ¡°Good morning, Datu. Yes, please,¡± Moe kissed his son''s sweet, milky face, squinting with pleasure, and handed him over into his safe arms. Miny shrieked happily, kicked up his legs, wrapped his arms around Datu''s neck, hooked his fingers into his pitch-black hair, and let himself be carried gracefully away.


    Moe, as soon as the door closed, clumsily got up and strode to the bathroom to relieve the hormonal buildup that made his lower abdomen feel heavy. He dropped down his briefs and started pumping his fist fast and hard, moaning quietly. He came quickly but the pathetic release only whetted his appetite, he growled in frustration- man, he really needed sex. He washed his hands before returning to his coffee and ham and cheese sandwich. He ate slowly, his gaze fixed on a spot ahead of him, contemplating the inevitable- if he remained confined much longer, he would likely give in to someone, most likely Einar, who already devoured him with hungry eyes, his pheromones signaling an escalating desire as they locked gazes.


    Becoming closer meant giving in¡ªEinar wouldn''t settle for mere physical intimacy. Oh no, he''d demand a complete reopening, a revival of past connections, or rather the establishment of a new one¡ªnone of that cowardly "no strings attached, no consequences" nonsense, but a full-on commitment with all the responsibilities of a proper family. Moe grumbled furiously, gulped down the remaining coffee, and rose to his feet, vehemently shaking his head in refusal¡ªno way, that scenario was off the table!


    A while later, freshly showered and dressed, Moe entered the living room, requested another cup of coffee, and dialed Daniel''s number.


    ¡°Hey, Daniel. How''s everything going?¡± Moe''s words rushed out without pause. ¡°Can you do me a favor? Tell me straight up! How much longer do I have to stay holed up here? I''m pretty sure I could slip away using a different identity, find a quiet place to settle down. The main culprits have been identified, the trial''s underway, and I''m not even a witness. Moe Hayes is worthless to anyone!¡±


    ¡°Hold on, Moe,¡± Daniel''s voice rose to interrupt his frantic stream. ¡°And hello to you, too. The trial''s in progress, but we haven''t nailed down all the key players yet. Those who''ve been charged will likely try to strike deals soon. We''re making progress, so just take it easy and relax. Is it really that bad out there?¡±


    ¡°How much longer is "soon" exactly?¡± Moe ran his fingers through his drying hair. ¡°It''s unbearable for a guy used to total freedom to be stuck in a cage like this. It sucks, Daniel, despite all the comforts and joys of life!¡±


    ¡°I can''t give you an exact timeline, Moe,¡± Daniel replied gently. ¡°I understand you''re not a fan of being confined, but think about it - you''re not in any danger, and that''s what matters most. You''ll be free before you know it.¡±


    ¡°That''s the priority, indeed,¡± Moe conceded despondently. ¡°But I''m fed up with it, Daniel!¡±


    ¡°Hang in there,¡± Daniel chuckled. ¡°I have to run, so give Miny a kiss for me, and find something to keep yourself from getting too frustrated.¡±


    ¡°I''m already working, in case you''ve forgotten!¡± Moe snapped back. ¡°So, I''m not just idly grumbling, and my frustration isn''t from boredom, but from being fed up with all this shit.¡±


    "Then get busy with your work," Daniel suggested before ending the call.


    ¡°Yeah, like that''s going to solve anything,¡± Moe grumbled bitterly as he hung up the phone. "He does whatever he wants, goes wherever he pleases, sleeps with whoever he pleases, and then offers me useless advice."

 Chapter 29

    Accepting a cup of coffee from Einar¡¯s housekeeper Ben, he thanked him, proceeded to his office, switched on his laptop, and delved into the user journey map he had nearly completed the day before, needing meticulous review and analysis. With a heavy sigh, he began scrutinizing each point, occasionally referring back to his notes where he had documented every detail. Gradually, he became engrossed in the project, his focus solely on typing away. By lunchtime, he had completed the presentation, stretching wearily - he planned to take a stroll with Miny after lunch, then return to review it once more before sending it off to the client.


    Einar''s arrival in the late afternoon had thrown a wrench into Moe''s otherwise well-laid plans. As he pushed Miny¡¯s stroller, he sighed unhappily at the sight of Einar stepping out of the car, exuding contentment that only served to worsen Moe''s already imbalanced hormonal state. Einar''s suggestive pheromones and attractive physique only exacerbated the situation.


    "What do you want?" Moe asked gloomily, steering the stroller towards the narrow path that wound through the garden.


    "Hey," Einer squinted, observing Moe''s somber expression, trying to discern the source of his displeasure. "I thought I''d catch up with you for a walk and join you."


    "You forgot to ask me," Moe snapped, his tone sharp with irritation. "I don''t want to walk with you, Simmons!"


    "I thought we were past the formalities," Einer replied, unfazed by Moe''s unfriendly response, moving closer to admire Miny''s cheerful gestures with his gloved hands. "Hello there, little one. I brought you a toy," he said, producing a charming teddy bear from behind his back. Miny''s eyes widened with delight at the sight of it. Einer pressed the bear''s belly, and it spoke in his voice, "Miny, I love you."


    Miny released his excitement in a long, stifled groan, his body tensing in his stroller, his breaths coming out warningly, blood rushing to his cheeks. Moe, who had been about to snatch the toy away, paused, reluctantly allowing it to be handed over, feeling a surge of icy anger building up inside him. It boiled over when Einer, inhaling deeply through flaring nostrils, remarked hoarsely, ¡°You smell stronger today, incredibly arousing.¡±


    ¡°Stop sniffing me, Simmons! And stop trying to buy off Miny! He''s my son and has nothing to do with you!¡± Moe pushed the stroller forward with jerky movements, seething as the audacious Einer scurried alongside him, still taking in quick sniffs of his scent.


    ¡°Please, don''t be upset,¡± Einar implored calmly, his gaze faltering. ¡°You''ve seemed so tense lately. Tell me, what''s been bothering you?¡±


    ¡°It''s this confinement!¡± Moe retorted dryly, gesturing around with his hand. ¡°And your presence in our lives as well! I want to get away, damn it! I want the easy life I could''ve had if you hadn''t come into it.¡±


    ¡°We''ve discussed this,¡± Einar sighed heavily. ¡°But even without me, your life wouldn''t have been easy. Others would have come along. Just a little longer, Moe, and we''ll...¡±


    ¡°Not ¡®we,¡¯¡± Moe corrected him sharply, narrowing his eyes. ¡°It''s just me and Miny! You and Manny aren''t part of my long-term plans, and the short-term arrangements should have ended ages ago!¡± He abruptly fell silent, recalling Einar mentioning the special escort service utilized by his family.


    Einer''s voice continued in a soothing hum nearby, directed either at him or the cheerful Miny, while Moe, slowing his pace to the rhythm of pleasant thoughts, felt himself easing and encouraged - in such an agency, there must be not only omegas or betas, but also alphas capable of simulating a genuine relationship without risking emotional or physical dissatisfaction. The world seemed to shimmer with new possibilities, and Moe found himself breaking into a contented smile, momentarily forgetting about Einar as he strode off in a relaxed manner.


    "When you smile like that, it feels like you could conquer the world," Einar murmured softly. "But I can tell that smile isn''t for me."


    "Clever boy. I''d offer you a lollipop, but unfortunately, I''m fresh out," Moe chuckled, already plotting who he could reach out to about the agency. He grinned, "Joe, who used to work as Dan''s deputy head of security, might have some contacts."


    "I''d gladly accept that reward in another form - like a kiss, perhaps," Einar suggested, slipping into his mischievous demeanor. "Hmm?" He leaned in with parted lips, gazing at Moe with a captivating look, but Moe playfully pushed him away with a casual gesture. "How rude," Einar pouted, navigating the slick spring mud in his stylish shoes - the narrow path didn''t leave much space for both of them.


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    "Let someone else give you a kiss," Moe suggested, leaning down to the chatty Miny. "What''s up, little one? Oh, you want to explore, don''t you?" He unfastened the straps, lifted Miny out, and guided him towards the object of his curiosity, rubbing his cheek against the warm woolen hat with playful ears.


    Miny eagerly reached for the branch, struggling to grasp it, his legs kicking in excitement. He eventually managed to pull a small piece off, holding it triumphantly in his hands as he let out a joyful shriek.


    "You little troublemaker," Moe gently scolded, turning him around and planting a kiss on his cool, rosy cheeks. "But you''re a sweet troublemaker, aren''t you, Miny?"


    "May I...?" Einar cleared his throat, his gaze pleading as he looked at them. "Could I hold him for a minute? Please, Moe."


    Moe tensed, holding Miny closer to him protectively, his nerves on edge as he observed the desperation in Einar''s gray eyes. It wasn''t a demand, but a plea, yet Moe still shook his head firmly.


    "No, Einer, I don''t want him to become attached to you, or vice versa. Eventually, we''ll move on and forget..." Moe hesitated, swallowing the rest of his sentence, then added evasively, "Forget everything."


    "Just once," Einar whispered hopelessly, casting a longing glance at Miny, who had returned to the stroller.


    "No," Moe shook off the awkwardness of the moment and strode back toward the house- fuck the walk, they can go out later, when Einar''s off to the office. No reconciliation, no ''hold him for a minute.'' Too much has already been allowed. The enemy is too close, a couple more concessions and it''ll be like waving the white flag.


    Joe seemed to freeze in place as he listened to Moe, his almond-shaped brown eyes filled with profound sadness, as if he didn''t want to be caught in the middle. Moe couldn''t help but feel sorry for him.


    "One can find such agencies if digs hard enough, linking one clue to the next," Moe told him, raising his eyebrows playfully. "But it would be helpful to have that initial clue, or even better, the name. Right?" As Joe contemplated the delicate matter of clues, Moe quickly summarized: "I need a name, I''ll take it from there."


    "Arthur Rimbaud," Joe whispered softly, glancing around cautiously. "They pretend to be a private library where people gather for poetry nights. You''ll need to provide a code word to initiate contact with the right person, and that''s the word you''ll find, okay?¡±


    "Give me a hint," Moe demanded indignantly. "I''m not exactly a poetry buff!"


    "His lover," Joe whispered. "Please - keep it to yourself."


    "I''ll be as silent as the grave," Moe chuckled gleefully, pulling out his cellphone to Google the lover''s name and the contact information for the exclusive private library. He dialed eagerly, standing just in front of Joe, who seemed as pale as the nearby white wall. "Hello. I''d like to borrow a book, something more masculine, more intellectual. Perhaps something by Verlaine."


    "Greetings," the deep baritone responded warmly. "Excellent choice, sir. I''ll now connect you to the librarian specializing in 19th-century French literature. Please hold the line," he added before a Mozart a cappella filled the air.


    Joe let out a resigned sigh and cast a reproachful glance at the scowling Moe before turning to exit the living room. Moe trailed after him, asserting, "I found it and made the choice on my own, thank you very much!" He flashed a satisfied grin as another baritone voice greeted him and inquired about his preference for the type of man he would like before sending a portfolio.


    After receiving the file, Moe casually flipped through the portfolio, his gaze skimming over the various masculine features- smoothly shaved chins, tidy beards, eyes of blue, green, brown, and gray... Suddenly, he froze as his phone screen displayed a cheerful face. Moe''s eyes darted downward to read the name- Kay Lawrence. The type was perfect¡ªnothing like the detested Leonardo, who had possessed a striking Italian beauty in his lifetime- bronzed complexion, with delicate laughter lines around bright blue eyes, a straight nose, high cheekbones, well-defined lips, and chin. Kay represented an entirely different ideal.


    "Kay Lawrence," Moe breathed out eagerly, already envisioning a delightful evening ahead. "Tonight. I''ll text you the address but be aware he''ll need to pass through security."


    "Of course, sir," the baritone responded softly. "Any preferences or restrictions?"


    "No violence, no coercion, everything must be gentle and respectful. And no perversions," Moe stated firmly, feeling a surge of excitement within.


    "Noted, sir. Kay will be here by 7:00 p.m., if that works for you."


    "Perfect," Moe replied, biting her lip to suppress a giggle.


    With the choice made, work took on a new intensity, practically sizzling in his hands. Once finished, Moe happily immersed himself in the warm bliss of parenthood, playing with Miny on the nursery floor and reveling in the perfect compromise he had reached. Even in Singapore, it would have required some effort to convey his reluctance to engage in a relationship. After feeding, bathing, and putting Miny to bed, Moe hurried to clean up with less than an hour left. He scrubbed his entire body, applied creams to his skin, and admired his reflection in the mirror, noting that he had returned to his previous shape, albeit with larger, brighter nipples and more prominent breasts than usual. Humming "Arabian Nights," Moe dressed for the occasion ¨C stylish skinny jeans, a light blue shirt to match his eyes ¨C before gliding out into the spacious living room, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his long-awaited guest.

 Chapter 30

    Kay entered confidently, casting a casual glance at the bodyguards flanking him, and flashed a bright smile, revealing his pearly white teeth.


    "Good evening, Moe," he greeted warmly. "I brought a bottle of wine, but it was taken away."


    "Good evening," Moe replied, sizing him up, ensuring that the flawless specimen of Scandinavian beauty looked even better in person than in photos. "That''s all right, I can''t indulge anyway; I''m breastfeeding."


    "Well, then, it''s for the best," Kay remarked with a mocking glint in his eye, directing his gaze towards the stern bodyguards. "Gentlemen, you''re not leaving us, are you?"


    Joe emerged behind him and murmured something softly, prompting the bodyguards to nod and retreat into the dimly lit corridor with him. Meanwhile, Kay approached quietly, neither ostentatious nor aloof, simply allowing himself to be seen. Moe observed appreciatively, noting his natural demeanor¡ªhe found Kay''s unpretentiousness appealing, affirming that he was indeed worth the hefty sum withdrawn from his own account. Kay drew nearer, extending his hand for a handshake and flashing a smile.


    "We have matching outfits, quite the coincidence, wouldn''t you agree?"


    "Absolutely delightful," Moe''s amused gaze swept over their matching dark blue jeans and cajun blue shirts. "A promising beginning," he added as he intertwined his fingers with the warm, sturdy hand extended to him, instantly succumbing to the touch and inhaling the pleasant, minty pheromone.


    Kay gently guided him away from the couch, pulling him closer, and leaned in slightly¡ªthere was a noticeable height difference¡ªas he parted his lips, his eyes darkening.


    "I''d love to start with some wine and casual conversation, Moe, to get to know you better, but I feel like I already do. How about we dance and chat?"


    "I like the sound of that," Moe trailed his palms down his sturdy chest to his neck, relishing the sensation, before encircling his hands around Kay''s neck, initiating a gentle sway. "What music do we choose?"


    "Mmm, your eyes evoke Peter Buka''s ''Carol of the Bells'' for me¡ªfestive yet mischievous, like Christmas itself," Kay murmured softly, edging closer to his lips, leaving me breathless with anticipation. Moe leaned back slightly, bracing himself for the impending kiss, feeling his muscles tense with anticipation of physical pleasure.


    "What the hell?!" enraged Einar stormed into the living room, his narrowed eyes blazing with fury at the sight of the two of them embracing.


    "There goes the fucking¡­" Moe murmured sadly, reluctantly releasing his grip around Kay''s pleasantly firm neck and turning to face Einar. "That''s what I wanted to ask you¡ªwhat the hell are you doing here?"


    Kay stepped aside cautiously, not appearing embarrassed, concealing the hint of amusement in his eyes as he gazed intently at the intricate pattern of the carpet¡ªevidently, he had found himself in similar situations before and was prepared for any outcome. The spectacle of the two lovers and the jealous husband seemed to entertain him, yet it did not intimidate him. Moe nodded approvingly at the way Kay bit his lip to stifle a laugh before turning his attention back to Einar, ready to confront him head-on.


    "I''m on a date, in case you hadn''t noticed, so get out of here before I lose my temper," Moe stood in front of Einar, his fists clenched menacingly.


    ¡°With a whore?¡± Einar ground out through clenched teeth, his jealousy was palpable.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Moe replied with a nonchalant shrug. ¡°Well, you might call him a courtesan, a paramour¡ªyou''ve mentioned before that you''ve used his colleagues¡¯ services and were happy. So, what''s the problem?¡±


    ¡°Everything!¡± Einar advanced, narrowing the space between them. ¡°Moe, please send him away. If you want... if you want, I''ll be your companion. It''ll be even better with me because I know all your sensitive spots and preferences," Einar whispered against Moe''s lips, his eyes ablaze with fury. ¡°I know what you desire and what not, I can fulfill any fantasy, just give the word.¡±


    Moe''s breath hitched at the proximity, at the intensified scent of sea salt, and he closed his eyes, allowing stirring images to surface in his mind, and feeling Einar''s arms encircling his waist, drawing him closer. Yet, with a willful effort, he pulled away, extracting his hands from Einar''s grasp.


    ¡°Einer, the concept of paid services gives freedom from emotional entanglements,¡± Moe asserted firmly, placing his hand on Einer''s chest to halt him. "There''s no connection beyond the transaction itself. That should be crystal clear."


    ¡°I''m willing to abide by that, Moe,¡± Einer brushed off Moe''s hand from his chest, drawing him closer and whispering fervently into his ear. "Treat me like a whore, Moe, just give it a try, see if you like it, and if you don¡¯t..." Einer bit his earlobe sharply, his voice rising. "Then you can always revert to that clich¨¦d option."


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    Kay chuckled at the unflattering description of himself, then calmly inquired, ¡°Should I stick around, Moe, or...?¡±


    In the living room, two striking men vied for Moe''s attention - under different circumstances, Moe would have been ecstatic, but now he hesitated. His body, awakened by familiar touch and pheromones, yearned for Einer''s exclusivity, but the potential consequences were daunting. Sensing Moe''s uncertainty, Einer exhaled sharply, planting a kiss on the sensitive spot beneath Moe''s ear, a touch that always melted him, and growled as Moe moaned, succumbing to the sensation.


    ¡°Well, I must be off,¡± Kay smoothly passed by, prompting Moe to clutch Einer''s shoulders and follow him, still torn between the two. Einer shielded Moe from the departing figure, whispering, ¡°No emotional pressure, Moe! You can show me the door any time.¡±


    ¡°Fuck it, ok!¡± Moe enveloped Einer''s neck with his arms, mimicking the recent embrace he had shared with Kay, and pressed his lips against Einer''s, breathless.


    Einer, flustered, responded by fiercely capturing his lips, eagerly delving into his mouth, guiding him towards the couch and hastily removing their clothes. Fueled by the fervent kisses and the insistent grip of Einer''s strong hands on his body, Moe, overwhelmed, murmured incoherently, ¡°Not here, not here...¡±


    Einar effortlessly lifted him from the floor, just as he had done many times before, carrying him while continuing to kiss him passionately. He put him onto the bed in the adjoining guest bedroom, unmistakably recognizing the room that Moe had prepared for tonight''s escapade. He surveyed the signs of planned indulgence with a fierce gaze- the squares of condoms, the towels on the nightstands, the soft pinkish light dimmed by the lampshade, before hastily removing Moe''s jeans and underwear. Moe eagerly spread his legs, grabbing Einar''s already aroused cock, and observed with half-closed, languorous eyelids as Einar quickly shed his own clothing.


    Einar, still partially dressed in his shirt and pants unbuttoned, reached for the light switch, casting the bedroom into darkness. Fumbling through his clothes, he lay on top of Moe, seeking his lips in the dimness. Moe grasped his shoulders, drawing him closer, but then hesitated - the skin beneath his touch felt rubbery and unsettling, evoking more pity than desire, causing his once rigid erection to soften rapidly. Einar, still kissing him passionately and unaware of the change, continued his caresses, sliding his hand down Moe''s thigh toward his wet opening. Bending over to the nightstand to retrieve a condom, he asked in a hoarse voice, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°I can''t, Einar,¡± Moe shuddered, tenderly tracing his palms over the roughened bumpy skin, exploring it, feeling the texture of the burns that extended almost to his thighs. ¡°Did it hurt terribly?¡±


    Einar nuzzled against his neck, planting a brief kiss there, then spoke after a weighty pause, ¡°The mental pain was far worse, Moe. I believed I had caused your death. The physical discomfort was insignificant compared to the emotional anguish. Please, don''t feel sorry for me. Your pity is crushing. Try to see me as the old Einar you once desired.¡±


    ¡°Right now, it''s all too much for me. I just wanted to release tension, that''s all. We shouldn¡¯t have started this,¡± Moe said, applying gentle pressure to Einar''s shoulders, urging him to recline so he could join him on the bed. "This was just sex, Einer. You shouldn''t have intervened. I''ve had my fair share of casual sex in life. I''m neither proud nor ashamed of them - they''re just experiences. I prefer to keep things uncomplicated, you know? That''s why I''m going to call that alpha again."


    ¡°I get it," Einar exhaled with desperation. "But I can''t let it go. Let me try, Moe," he insisted, shifting his position to move downwards, taking Moe''s flaccid cock into his warm mouth and cupping his buttocks.


    Moe arched upwards, gasping, entwining his fingers in the thick, soft hair, allowing Einer to caress his cock, finding no resistance after a moment of open desperation, and obediently welcomed him, rising up and rustling the condom wrapper. Cupping his face in his palms, he drew him in for a kiss, tasting his own musky essence, and let out a moan into his mouth as Einar slowly entered, igniting the walls with a sensation that was almost uncomfortably intense yet fueled by anticipation. Moe pulled back from their kiss, emitting a groan, ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    "It''s just Einar," he said with mock confidence, leaning in more assuredly towards his lips and moving with a deliberate slowness¡ªreminiscent of their first time but far better- touching exactly where needed, penetrating at just the right angle, each smooth thrust eliciting waves of pleasure.


    They synchronized their movements effortlessly, communicating without words, casting aside unnecessary self-consciousness and past grievances, accelerating until their bodies slapped together, moaning and panting until Moe reached a sharp, piercing climax, arching in a rigid arc and choking on his cry. Einar came with a few forceful, erratic thrusts before collapsing onto the bed, loosening his grip and brushing his lips against the spot under Moe''s ear, just as Moe had once adored. In that moment, Moe surrendered to his own euphoria, lost in a whirlwind of sensation, oblivious and liberated.


    He regained his senses in Einar''s arms, feeling the gentle touch of Einar wiping his tear-dampened cheeks, murmuring something indistinct, and squirming, attempting to get out from the embrace.


    "It wasn''t worth it. We can''t continue like this without addressing the past, Einar," his own voice sounded tremulous and feeble, and Moe fell silent, tears streaming down his face.


    "We can at least try, Moe. Please, let''s give it a chance," Einar urged gently, and Moe leaned his cheek against Einar''s chest, wincing at the rough texture of the skin, his eyes welling up with tears once more.


    Why so... bad?" Moe paused, but Einar understood.


    "Because I loved you so much. One of the bodyguards, I don''t remember who, poured water on a travel blanket to try to reach the faucet, and I grabbed it, threw it over my head, and rushed forward. I thought I might make it in time, though it was clear that anyone left inside had already died of asphyxiation before the flames reached them. That''s why I was only partially burned - the blanket slipped unluckily," Einar explained calmly and softly. "They pulled me out before the beams collapsed and sedated me so I wouldn''t hurt myself trying to go back in. When I woke up in the clinic, I regretted deeply that I hadn''t been allowed to die there with you. At least that way we could have stayed together. But things turned out for the best. I found you, discovered we had a son. Now I''m desperate to live, Moe. Please don''t cry. I feel so guilty, will you ever forgive me?"


    "I don''t know," Moe repeated sadly, wiping his tear-stained face with the blanket.


    "I won''t push, I''m sorry," Einar murmured fearfully, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and sensuality. "I''ll just be here."

 Chapter 31

    "How old?" Moe asked in a daze, gazing at the unruffled Kay.


    "I''m actually thirty-six," Kay replied with a boyish wink and a smile, nudging him lightly with his elbow. "Eating healthy, playing sports, and having lots of sex is the secret to staying young."


    "You couldn''t be more than twenty-five," Moe remarked, pinching his cheeks unceremoniously to assess their firmness. "Your skin is as good as mine, if not better. You''re totally lying, aren''t you?"


    ¡°Believe what you want, Moe,¡± Kay let go of his cheeks, which were now flushed, and rubbed them. ¡°Hey, let''s not ruin the mood, you''ve got butter all over your fingers.¡±


    Moe stuffed a handful of popcorn into his mouth, slumping down a bit to get comfy, and draped his legs over Kay''s, laughing at the raised eyebrow and mumbling with his mouth full. ¡°I''m just so cozy.¡±


    ¡°You''re such a monster,¡± Kay also shifted down a bit, resting his long legs on the ottoman, swiping the popcorn aside, and elegantly picking up the wine glass in a graceful move that Moe wished he could imitate. Moe mimicked his movement with casual ease, smoothly reaching for his glass of lemonade, but then impatience got the better of him, and he just grabbed at it rather clumsily- he knew he couldn''t match Kay''s ineffable beauty, and he didn''t care. For some reason, Moe felt sorry for himself, and sulked sadly. Kay, wincing at yet another gory scene from the zombie apocalypse movie that Moe had chosen, turned to him in surprise. ¡°What''s up with you?¡±


    ¡°If I were incredibly handsome, my life would be totally different,¡± Moe gazed dreamily at the ceiling, bringing his glass to his lips. ¡°Everyone would adore me, I wouldn''t need to use sarcasm as a shield, and I''d probably be kinder and more approachable. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°You''re already incredibly warm,¡± Kei said earnestly, gently pulling Moe closer and embracing him. ¡°I can sense the love your parents showered upon you - boundless, without any unreasonable expectations, of course. You radiate such warmth and affection; I feel like basking in it. And if you were any more handsome, the world wouldn''t be able to handle that level of hot,¡± Kay chuckled, then suddenly dug his fingers into Moe''s sides, catching him off guard as he was sipping his lemonade and trying to set the glass down on the table to avoid any spills.


    Moe choked, grunted, and coughed, spitting out the lemonade which stung unpleasantly in his nose, dribbling down. Shrieking from the relentless tickling, he dropped the glass on the couch and lunged, growling playfully, at Kay, who was laughing uproariously and lazily fending him off.


    ¡°Oh, you! I got lemonade up my nose! I''m gonna get you!¡± Moe pulled up his polo vindictively, latching onto Kay''s muscular frame, while Kay, quite unexpectedly for someone with his model looks and mature age, burst into laughter, squirming and attempting to fend off Moe''s playful assault, only to become even more agitated, laughing contentedly as Moe tickled his sides, eliciting wild laughter.


    They sprawled on the couch, tossing cushions onto the floor as they tumbled, with Moe ending up on top of Kay, relentlessly tickling him until Kay finally pleaded, gasping for breath between fits of laughter, ¡°Aah, that''s enough! Somebody save me! Get this damn leech off! Are you trying to kill me, Moe? Help!¡±


    Joe and his men rushed in at the commotion, assessed the scene with inscrutable expressions, and then left, leaving Moe, wiping away tears of laughter, to sit atop the breathless Kay triumphantly, and declare, ¡°So, will you acknowledge me as your king, oh Sir White Feather?¡±


    ¡°Why White Feather?¡± Kay asked curiously, stretching out. ¡°Ahhh, because of the hair. Well, you''re not very original, Moe.¡±


    ¡°It''s because of the scar," Moe grumbled resentfully, lifting his polo shirt to reveal an old, whitish scar resembling the shape of a feather, which stood out against his otherwise perfect, tanned body. ¡°How did you get it?¡±


    "When I was a kid," Kay adjusted the pillow for more comfort and casually rested his arms behind his head, not bothering to adjust his polo shirt. "Dad tried to hit me with an iron, I managed to dodge it, but it still grazed me a bit."


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± emotionally blurted out Moe, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t need much to start hitting,¡± Kay indifferently shrugged his shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t remember already. Someone was always yelling and someone was always getting hit in our house. Things were really shitty, that¡¯s why I ran away when I was fifteen. Until social services got hold of me and put me in a foster family. I ran away again because my foster dad tried to touch me. Who the fuck needs a family like this?¡±


    ¡°That''s why you began... um...¡± Moe paused, feeling awkward, and Kay finished his sentence.


    ¡°Who knows, maybe, but I believe it''s just who I am. I enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, doing nothing much, and having fun. I''ve got a knack for sex, I could be a walking sex encyclopedia. What''s so funny? ¡° Kay playfully stuck out his lower lip, still looking handsome.


    ¡°No offense, but it sounds pretty cocky like you''ve won a Nobel Prize," Moe lay on top of him, his fists supporting his cheeks. ¡°Have you ever considered trying something else?¡±


    ¡°I haven''t felt the need to,¡± Kay replied, looking surprised. ¡°Why would I, when I''ve already found something I''m passionate about? You know the saying, "Find something you love, and you''ll never have to work again."


    "Your line of work comes with a strict expiration date. Who''s going to fancy you when you''re old, wrinkled, and resemble a Shar Pei?" Moe teased, pulling down Kay''s lower eyelids and chuckling. "Like this!"


    "Quit ruining the merchandise!" Kay scolded, swatting at Moe''s hands and yawning. "Well, I''ve already saved up a decent amount, and there''s a market for older age too - escorting them to formal gatherings, for instance, followed by a cozy wrap-up in a hotel room - not all older omegas are keen on dating the young ones. Don''t fret, Moe, Uncle Kay will always be in demand. What about you? What do you enjoy doing?"


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    ¡°Well, I suppose digital consulting, similar to what I''m doing now,¡± Moe pondered, gazing into space with a distant look. ¡°This way, I wouldn''t be confined to an office for conventional hours but could offer consultancy from a cozy home office at my convenience. I could focus on raising Miny, perhaps even consider having another child, but this time through an anonymous sperm donor from a sperm bank. Travel.¡±


    ¡°Why opt for an anonymous donor?¡± Kay interjected suddenly, tilting his chin to catch Moe''s eye. ¡°What''s wrong with your possessive, attractive boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°You just answered your own question,¡± Moe responded grimly, feeling a pang from the direction the conversation had taken. ¡°Possessive, clingy, intrusive¡ªis that enough?¡±


    ¡°Seems like something from the distant past, doesn''t it?¡± Kay deduced astutely, moving himself to take a seat while settling Moe on his lap. He positioned himself on the couch, his burden sniffling irritably, fluffed the cushions for added comfort, and reached for his glass of wine. ¡°So, tell me, buddy.¡±


    ¡°Why don''t we focus on you instead?¡± Moe suggested sadly, letting out a long sigh when Kay persisted with his curiosity. ¡°Well... it''s a boring story, really, but with a tragic end. My family worked on an important project, located in a secure facility. They were out of reach, but I wasn''t. You see, I wasn''t exactly on the right path back then.¡±


    "Yeah, and now you are a Spanish monk," Kay grinned, tilting his head to finish his wine, and Moe nudged the bottom of the glass, causing it to spill over his face and then down his neck. "There''s the evidence," Kay, not bothered, lifted Moe''s shirt and wiped himself. "And then?"


    "Don''t interrupt," Moe grumbled. "I didn''t stay cooped up in the compound, didn''t go to university with the guards tailing me; I just let loose. Went out, partied, lived it up. Then, one day, I ran into Leonardo. He splashed me with dirty water as he drove by, but then he stopped, offered to drive me to the store for clothes, and looked like a cover model¡ªjust like you. I was trying on clothes in the fitting room when he kissed me. He asked me to keep our relationship a secret from my family to surprise them. Two months later, he gave me a diamond ring, and I bawled my eyes out when I accepted it. He insisted my family fly down for our engagement party. It didn''t bother me that Leonardo wanted it on a specific day¡ªa memorable one for him, you see," Moe trailed off, his voice fading.


    ¡°And?¡± Kay prodded gently, his brows furrowed with concern.


    ¡°And then they died in a plane crash,¡± Moe recounted, his gaze filled with sorrow. ¡°I blame myself for their deaths.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Kay recoiled, his complexion draining of color. ¡°That''s a harrowing tale, Moe. But you''re not to blame for their deaths, don''t even entertain such thoughts! You were deceived like anyone else would''ve been. We, for instance, are well-versed in the art of seduction- how to engage with different personality types, how to inspire affection, how to tactfully discourage attachment, ensuring there''s no lingering bitterness. No one can resist, you see?¡±


    ¡°I could''ve told my family, but instead, I trusted a criminal," Moe murmured, his forehead resting against Kay''s. ¡°They asked me to tell them everything, but I was keeping my relationship a secret like an idiot.¡±


    ¡°Everyone''s been screwed over like that, everyone,¡± Kay asserted firmly, gripping Moe''s ears gently and giving them a reassuring pat. ¡°But that''s no reason to close yourself off from love for the rest of your life, Moe, especially when you have an abundance of it, pouring out to everyone around you, including me.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever experienced betrayal?¡± Moe sniffled, wiping his nose with the back of his hand and lightly touching Kay''s nose.


    "Get a tissue, Moe," Kay urged gently, fetching one from the table and handing it to him. "I''ve never had snot smeared on me before. Sure, I''ve been betrayed countless times, and I''m quite fickle, but I''m also resilient. It''s like I have this natural defense mechanism against deep emotional wounds. I used to worry about not being able to feel things deeply, but then I realized, so what? I''ll always find contentment in my life."


    "I wish I could have your mindset," Moe lamented enviously, receiving a playful slap on the forehead. "Why are you hitting me? I''ll smack you!"


    "You''ll get beaten," Kay retorted with a grin, recalling a childhood saying. "Don''t idealize others; everyone has their own struggles. You''ve inherited a lot from your family, so why not save it for someone who truly deserves it? Just don''t be a downer, all right? I usually offer sex in these situations, but it seems like you''re not interested, are you?"


    "How about you?" Moe asked, surprised, his rear end squirming. "No, you''re kidding."


    "Well, it depends on the vibe, if you''re up for it, I''ll jump right in," Kay grinned mischievously, and Moe chuckled in response, burying his face in Kay''s shoulder.


    "If that''s some kind of special seduction move, Kay, it''s not working on me," Moe said, still smiling as he straightened up. "I''ve gotta feed Miny, and you can pick out a movie."


    "Hallelujah!" Kay exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air with joy. "Horror movies aren''t my thing, Moe. We''ll stick with the good old classics. And by the way, I haven''t even started trying to seduce you, so don''t get ahead of yourself, buddy. You''d be head over heels for me."


    "Mm-hmm," Moe grinned incredulously, because in all the time they''d spent together, Kay had only managed to give him a sexual thrill on the first day, and afterward, it was just uncontrollable laughter or the urge to slap him.


    He strolled to the nursery with a cheerful smile spreading across his face. Over the past two weeks, he''d shared enough laughter with Kay to last a year, finally pushing aside the dull boredom. Spending time with Kay was incredibly refreshing compared to the emotional weight of Einar or the depressing Manny. It was filled with lightness and playful banter, exactly what Moe enjoyed. Miny greeted him with an exultant squeal, sitting on his plump bottom and reaching out his arms. Moe lifted his delicate body, relishing the sweet, milky scent as he unbuttoned his shirt with one hand.


    "Missed me, champ? Well, Daddy needs some fun too. I''ve rearranged my work schedule for the next two weeks to split time between you and Kay. Wait, do not tear the shirt, sweet pie," and pressing eagerly sucking Miny against him, who overwhelmed with emotion, closed his eyes and reached out with his other hand to secure the other nipple. Moe obediently gave him the other nipple and scrunched his nose as Miny squeezed it. He then softened with affection and kissed Miny¡¯s head.


    Smiling Datu was tidying up the toys, transferring them from the mat to the shelves, while patiently awaiting for Moe to finish. He gently took the contented Miny, who had worked himself into a peaceful sniffle.


    "You''ll be putting him to bed tonight, all right?" Moe hurriedly added, reproaching himself for leaving his son in haste. He realized that the time with his lively friend under contract was limited, and soon he would be off to another assignment, leaving behind a long stretch of boredom.


    Kay stood by the panoramic window in a relaxed pose, lazily turning to Moe as he heard footsteps.


    "Now, horror movie enthusiast, we''re going to watch a legendary film by the master of suspense - Hitchcock! And no complaints!"


    "I love his films, so no complaints from me," Moe said as he flopped onto the messy couch, grabbing a cushion from the floor. "Come closer," he added, sliding into Kay''s warm embrace, resting his head on his shoulder and snuggling close. It felt comforting to be like this, almost like being with a brother, Moe sighed softly.


    Sensing the shift in mood, Kay tenderly planted a kiss on the top of Moe''s head, much like Moe had recently done with Miny. Moe instinctively tilted his forehead forward for another kiss, followed by his nose - a familiar gesture from his older brother, who often showed affection this way. Kay obliged with kisses on the forehead and nose, then paused, his gaze questioning if Moe desired more.


    ¡°Moe?¡± Einar, as usual, appeared at an inopportune moment. Moe narrowed his eyes warily, sizing up the approaching figure, and spoke with forced cheerfulness.

 Chapter 32

    "Well, Kay, let''s save Hitchcock for tomorrow. I''ve got a pain in the ass to deal with, and it''s probably best if you''re not around."


    Kay calmly rose from the couch, politely nodding at Einar, who remained silent but shot him a hard glare before slowly making his way towards the living room exit. Once behind Einar, he winked encouragingly at Moe and left. Moe crossed his arms over his chest, settling himself comfortably, coldly observing Einar''s tense posture as he tried to relax, while waiting for further actions. His mind was already formulating cutting, disdainful remarks as Einar breathed steadily, trying to calm himself. Moe leaned forward like a snake about to strike when Einar cautiously approached him with a soft expression on his face.


    "Why the silence?" Moe squinted, unsure of the line of behavior Einar had chosen.


    "There''s not much to say," Einer offered a disarming smile, slightly askew due to his right, still partially impaired side. "How was your day with Miny?"


    "Same old, same old," Moe replied incredulously, reclining back while keeping a wary eye on the man¡ªsomething felt off, something was amiss.


    "Mine was pretty routine as well," Einer said, nudging the pillow between him and Moe off the floor with his foot before taking a seat beside him, still wearing a smile. "Thanks for asking."


    "So what? You''re not going to even pry?" Moe scowled mockingly, shifting slightly to the edge of the couch - not enough to suggest discomfort, but evidently enough to signal anticipation of a confrontation.


    "I won''t," Einar maintained the previous distance between them. "I told you I won''t pry. I trust you, and I hope you''ll trust me soon."


    "And just with a glance, you tore Kay apart as a gesture of absolute trust?" Moe grinned skeptically, showing no signs of relenting.


    "I..." Einar exhaled slowly, composing his thoughts. "It hurts to see you ready to give your attention to anyone but me, and I don''t mean it in a sexual sense. You look at him, the escort, with trust and warmth, drawn to him despite knowing little about him, while you''ve kept me at a distance for months."


    "I must''ve dreamt about our sex. You call that keeping at a distance?" Moe mused, listening intently.


    "It''s not just that," Einar placed his hand on Moe''s thigh, gauging the reaction before continuing. "You were open initially, but then you reduced our sex to mere physical release, despite my efforts. Moe, I''m doing my best to win you over, but please, try to be gentle with me. At the very least, don''t give to others what you withhold from me."


    "Cut to the chase, what exactly am I giving to others?" Moe felt a twinge of nervousness, sensing that Einar had picked up on something significant.


    "Your warmth, your sympathy - you barely know this Kay, yet you''ve welcomed him warmly, laughing and chatting with him. I''ve never received such favor from you, even in the best of times. It''s as if you''ve been anticipating the worst from me right from the start," Einar stopped himself, feeling embarrassed, and Moe seized upon his slip-up.


    ¡°So, you''ve lived up to my worst expectations, haven''t you? And Kay doesn''t need anything from me - he got his money upfront on a one-month contract, and I''m not planning to renew it - he''s content with everything. That''s why it''s easy for me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can''t complain, but just imagine if you had been open to me if you had seen in me not just a sexual partner, but a friend, someone close - do you think maybe things would have turned out differently?¡± Einar''s hand affectionately brushed his thigh. ¡°I wish you wanted something from me - but you don''t. Let''s put the past behind us - now you can try, just try to open up a bit to me, hmm?¡±


    ¡°Well, I suppose,¡± Moe shifted his gaze to the hand resting on his thigh, swallowed, and abruptly changed the subject. ¡°Any progress with the case?¡±


    ¡°Not a lot,¡± Einar''s expression faltered for a moment, he hesitated, furrowed his brow, then continued. ¡°There haven''t been significant developments, but there might be some strategically important ones soon - one of the defendants has started negotiating. If the FBI handles it well and gets him to testify, he could expose the people behind the murder. And that would mean a decisive victory.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Moe''s excitement surged as he jumped up and down, his heart racing with joy. ¡°Finally, in a month or two, Miny and I will be able to leave.¡±


    ¡°Or you could stay,¡± Einar suggested sadly. "Stay in your hometown, where it''s safe for you, where I am, ready to offer you everything you''ve denied me time and time again."


    ¡°I can reject you from afar,¡± Moe laughed, relaxing, then grew serious, placing his palm over Einar''s hand. "Let''s not focus on the future. You can''t escape the role of a businessman - always negotiating, always making long-term plans. Let''s try to live in the moment - I''ll show you how, it''s much easier and simpler."


    ¡°Okay,¡± Einar intertwined his fingers with Moe''s and snuggled in. "Can I stay here tonight?"


    Moe gazed thoughtfully into Einar''s somber eyes, acknowledging the immense effort Einar was putting into proving his sincerity. Einar had remained silent when Moe had called upon Kay the very next day after spending the night together, too emotionally charged to spend the day with Datu and Miny. Moe had sought conversation with someone fresh, new, and most importantly, trustworthy. The standard escort contract covered a month, and the arrangement extended beyond mere physical intimacy; it encompassed engaging social interactions - squandering money without gaining value seemed imprudent.


    After laughing his head off on the first day with Kay, Moe established a daily routine for their encounters. Einar didn''t conceal his discomfort upon learning that Kay would be spending a few hours at the house each day. However, he remained silent, merely increasing his visits, always seeking permission beforehand. Arriving fatigued from his work and the complex legal proceedings, he dismissed Kay with a tacit acknowledgment, drawing close to Moe to resume their conversations seamlessly from the day before.


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    There was a certain allure in the contrast between the lively, talkative Kay, with whom banter and jesting came naturally, and the peaceful, intimate conversations with Einar about their shared history, allowing Moe to understand him better. They had been alone in the bedroom only three times, including the first occasion. Each time left Moe emotionally drained as if he had undergone deeply revealing therapy sessions, and it took him several days to recover. The experience with Einar was different; he was more perceptive and insightful than his predecessors. Moe found it impossible to fully shield himself; the gentle touch on his scarred skin broke down his defenses, leaving him feeling vulnerable yet strangely exhilarated.


    Einar''s true feelings remained somewhat ambiguous. He bid Moe farewell with a calm kiss, even as Moe averted his gaze and expressed fatigue, indicating a desire to sleep. He departed for his mansion through the garden in a composed manner. Upon his return, he wore a similar calm demeanor, though his eyes betrayed a hint of desperation, subtly avoiding situations where Moe might feel sorry for him¡ªEinar had no need for pity.


    After a brief pause, Moe responded tentatively, "Well, if you''re up for it."


    "Of course I am," Einar replied with a sigh of relief, taking Moe''s arm. "Shall we?"


    "Let''s go," Moe hesitated momentarily but then rose to his feet, considering that giving it a try wouldn''t hurt. Einar didn''t seem annoyed or angry, and his newfound zest for life urged Moe to step out of his protective shell. "But I''ll need a quick shower first."


    "I could use a shower, too," Einar said, wrapping his arms around Moe''s waist and planting a gentle kiss on his temple. "Want to do it together?"


    Moe hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It was one thing to touch Einar in the privacy of darkness, but another to see his burned body under the harsh bathroom light. However, he nodded slowly, mustering his courage. If he was going to confront his fears, he might as well do it head-on.


    Einar seemed just as nervous, evidenced by his jerky movements as he removed his tie, jacket, and shirt, and his eyes that avoided direct contact. Yet, Moe felt a warmth in his heart, more supportive than pitying. He forced himself to look at Einar''s strong, yet scarred torso, resembling pink marble, and listened to his own thoughts. There was no sense of rejection or fear. With determination, Moe stepped forward, placing his palm on Einar''s chest, undoing the jammed zipper of his fly, and planted a kiss on his collarbone for the first time since his return¡ªgentle and accepting.


    Einar exhaled shakily, pulling Moe close and searching his eyes tensely for any hint of pity, before finally smiling. You''re a miracle, Moe," he said.


    "I know," Moe responded with a soft hum, feeling the tension between them ease. " Tear your zipper already," he added, then strode towards the shower stall, undressing as he went.


    Moe turned on the water without waiting for Einar, converting the intense moment into an ordinary one with calm actions. As he lazily soaped himself, he groaned when Einar, suddenly overcome with desire, entered the cabin and pressed Moe¡¯s body against the glass, eagerly running hands over his body. Feeling the tentative caress, reminiscent of possessive touches from the past, Moe bit his lip and widened his stance, turning sideways to receive the kiss. Einar kissed him passionately, deepening the kiss with his tongue as he explored Moe''s mouth, while his hand moved with trembling eagerness below. Moe moaned in pleasure, and Einar, his voice breaking, asked, "I haven''t been with anyone in all this time, Moe. Can we skip the condom?"


    ¡°You didn''t ask before,¡± Moe grinned with satisfaction, turning around.


    ¡°I''ve made plenty of mistakes in the past, and...¡± Einar paused, evidently deliberating whether to be truthful, his hand gliding over Moe¡¯s stomach and inner thighs, where anticipation coiled the muscles, sidestepping his already erect cock to prolong the anticipation, "I always wanted to take something from you, even if it was unprotected sex.¡±


    ¡°Weren''t you concerned I might give you something?¡± Moe nonchalantly lathered his shoulders, teasingly awaiting a response.


    ¡°They screened you thoroughly when you applied for Manny''s school pass,¡± Einar teased with a smile, and Moe, taken aback, couldn''t resist playfully slapping the soapy loofah against his cheek. "Ouch, my eyes!"


    ¡°You''re such a scheming bastard!¡± Moe chuckled, stepping out of the shower while Einar snorted, rinsing the foam off his face. "I don''t want to take any risks, and I definitely don''t want another surprise pregnancy."


    ¡°Then we won''t,¡± Einar quickly agreed, following him out and grabbing a towel.


    ¡°I wonder if you''ll stay this obedient forever, or am I in for a surprise that''ll turn things upside down? You know, like when you see a cute fluffy rabbit advertised in a pet store, but end up with a gnarly, toothy creature at home that just wants to nibble on your fingers?¡±


    ¡°Stick around long enough and you''ll find out,¡± Einar responded cheerfully, playing along with the banter. ¡°I can promise I''ll perform like a rabbit.¡±


    ¡°Quick and frequent?¡± Moe teased, dodging a playful swat on the rear and heading towards the door. ¡°That''s a lame option, not my style.¡±


    ¡°I''ll show you quick,¡± Einar promised, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he chased after him.


    He caught him in the bedroom, his breath warm against Moe''s face, guiding him towards the bed and planting scattered kisses on his face. Gently lowering him onto the bed, Einar hovered above with a visibly delighted expression that overwhelmed Moe with emotional intensity, prompting him to roll onto his stomach, mumbling softly, ¡°I want like this.¡±


    Einar paused, seemingly puzzled by Moe''s sudden change in behavior. He tenderly pressed his lips to Moe''s still wet shoulder and slowly trailed his tongue to his neck. As his hands moved lower, his reverent touch overflowed with profound emotion, causing Moe to clench his teeth in helpless anticipation. This wasn''t the touch of a casual partner; it was the touch of someone deeply in love, seeking a definitive response. Feeling the stirring sensuality of the moment, Moe made a heart-wrenching decision.


    With resolve, he rolled over just as Einar was reaching for a condom. Einar tensed apprehensively, meeting Moe''s eyes with a wary expression, expecting rejection. However, Moe pulled him closer, parting his lips with a breathless gasp, and welcomed the weight of Einar''s body pressing against him and inside him.


    Einar moved slowly, showering kisses across Moe''s face, neck, and shoulders, before returning to his eyes with a hungry, passionate gaze. Wordlessly, he sensed Moe''s acceptance, and with each rhythmic thrust, their passion intensified, enveloping Moe in a scorching heat. This wasn''t just sex; it was an intimate connection, a merging of souls. As Moe gazed into Einar''s piercing gray eyes, filled with intense emotion, he felt truly alive, shedding his inhibitions. Sensations surged through him, building to a crescendo until finally, with a deep groan, he surrendered to a blissful, euphoric release, losing himself in a wave of ecstasy.


    "Einar," he whispered breathlessly.


    The sharp needles of pleasure that blossomed inside the knot, weaving an additional tinge into the post-orgasmic tenderness, brought him back from his languid state, clarified his vision. Breathing heavily, the flushed Einer looked up at him disbelievingly but with growing confidence, and whispered, ¡°I love you, Moe.¡±


    And desperately pressed his lips to his, stopping the negative response, stretching out the wonderful minutes of acceptance that could be a temporary reprieve. Moe responded to the kiss, moaning, pulling him tighter against him, understanding his feelings but glad he didn''t have to answer - the answer lurked inside, but needed time for his confidence to grow, to strengthen.


    After a while, as they lay exhausted, their fingers interlocked, Moe spoke softly, "I''m open to giving a relationship a go, Einer. But if you betray my trust, if you disappoint me, I... I can''t even imagine what I''d do!"


    "I''ll never betray you," Einer assured, kissing Moe''s fingers and holding them firmly.

 Chapter 33

    "Shut it, Manny," Moe ground out, struggling to restrain himself from hitting him. It was time for him to let go of his violent tendencies; he was a father now and needed to set a positive example for Miny. But Manny just kept asking for a good right hook.


    "I won''t shut up! Does it really blind you to the truth? Einar betrayed you big time, left you high and dry, and I don''t care if he bent over backward to try to save you - there''s no saving you if you''re in the fire! And you forgave him, you''re playing happy families with him - I never thought you''d turn so soft. It''s ridiculous, Moe, absolutely ridiculous!" Manny''s eyes blazed with anger as he dodged Moe''s aggressive gesture, his words dripping with resentment - it wasn''t surprising that Manny didn''t take their reconciliation well; after initially keeping quiet and occasionally expressing his bitterness toward his brother, now he was letting loose with a fountain of words.


    "Listen, why do you care? I''ve made it clear that you''re not going to be a part of my life. And there''s no point in you meddling; it won''t change anything anyway. Don''t act like you''d rather see Einar with someone else - I''m not buying it, you couldn''t care less about his happiness," Moe vented in frustration, stomping his foot and casting a weary glance at Manny, his lips trembling with emotion.


    "Well, why him, then?" Manny heaved a long, deep sigh. "I suppose I could''ve accepted anyone else, just not him, not around you."


    "And you wouldn''t have accepted anyone else either because you''ve fixated on me in this weird way - but then again, maybe not so weird. You couldn''t connect with other omegas, so you chose me as the object of your affection," Moe offered a soft smile to Kay and gently guided Manny towards the door. "Consider this your final warning, Manny. I''ll let it slide this time, but if you say anything out of line again, security will escort you out. Goodbye, my pesky young friend, the show''s over."


    "I won''t do it again," Manny quickly interjected, wearing a sympathetic expression. "Can I join you?"


    "Good evening, never a dull moment," Kay greeted Moe with a peck on the cheek and extended his hand to Manny, who eagerly shook it, trying to make a good impression. "Sure, let him stay. It won''t bother me."


    "Alright," Moe hesitated for a moment but relented. It wasn''t typical for Manny to engage in lengthy conversations with Kay about his misguided actions, and it would have been impolite to dismiss the man who had paid for Kay''s company for an additional two months, albeit in a desperate attempt to divert Moe''s attention from his brother to the escort, much to Einar''s restrained frustration. Judging by the disappointment on Manny''s face, he had already given up hope on that front but had managed to ingratiate himself enough to spend time with both of them, albeit usually in meager portions. "You can stay, but I''ll be gone for about an hour. Miny''s teething and cranky, and he won''t settle down without me."


    ¡°No problem,¡± Manny took a relieved breath. ¡°I haven''t had dinner yet, Kay, would you like to keep me company?¡±


    ¡°I''d love to,¡± Kay stretched lazily. ¡°I''ve already had dinner, but I''ll have something light like a salad. Moe, you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve eaten," Moe said as he walked out of the living room. ¡°Pick a movie, but don''t start it without me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kay chuckled. ¡°Almod¨®var is on the program tonight.¡±


    Miny, flushed and discontented, reached for Moe, whimpering tiredly, and, once in his arms, tugged down the stretched collar of his T-shirt, seeking his constant soothing, sucked greedily, closing his eyelids, and Moe purred a lullaby, rocking with him gently and drifting off - his little chubby joy was growing up, growing teeth, and the help of his favorite joy in overcoming the painful stage felt wonderful. Miny needed him more than anyone else, and though the feeling was selfish, it warmed the soul.


    The high-profile trial was coming to its logical conclusion, signaling a soon, very soon free life, which was exhilarating, allowing him to make long-term plans for his life, to choose with great enthusiasm for Miny the future developmental classes they would attend together, and to dig through reviews, meticulously looking for a kindergarten for Miny in the near future - he wanted the best of the best for the little god, and Moe had no doubt that he would provide this best for his son.


    And if he couldn''t make it somewhere, his father would step in, though the thought didn''t bring satisfaction - deep inside there was still doubt and a jealous desire to keep Miny just for himself.


    In general, Moe''s thoughts about Einar were conflicted. On one hand, he felt as though he were melting ice cream under the hot sun, experiencing love and a sense of being wanted. On the other hand, he was plagued by vague suspicions, particularly concerning his son. Einar will definitely try to start the discussion joint custody of Miny. While Moe was willing to accept Einar''s presence in their son''s life unconditionally, as he had no intention of depriving Miny of an important part of his life. Miny could potentially be used as leverage in any future conflicts with Einar, but Moe refused to entertain the idea of using his son as a pawn. Despite his attachment to Einar, Moe found himself torn between his desire to maintain their relationship and his instinct to protect himself and his son by leaving Einar, while things were still developing on his terms.


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    Moe teetered on the brink, torn between two options - he was reluctant to part ways with Einar, having developed a deep attachment to him, yet his long-standing defense mechanism demanded that Einar relent and abandon any pursuit of joint custody indefinitely.


    As Miny angrily nibbled on a nipple and whimpered, gripping the other nipple firmly, Moe winced in pain but obediently shifted him to the other side, all the while grappling with weighty thoughts. How could he convey his ultimatum to Einar in such a resolute manner that Einar would have no choice but to accept? However, humility was not Einar''s forte, nor was softness, that Manny accused him of, Moe¡¯s forte. Einar was a tough nut to crack, and they needed to move out and find their own home, so he could kick Einar out at any moment, kicking Einar out from his own home seemed absurd.


    Miny, whose whimpering gradually subsided as he kicked his legs and sucked on his nipple more slowly, eventually drifted off to sleep, his body relaxing in Moe''s arms. Carefully, Moe transferred him to the crib and whispered to Datu, "Call me when he wakes up."


    He then tiptoed out of the bedroom, releasing a slow exhale as he did so.


    In the living room, luckily at a distance from the bedroom, the air was filled with raucous laughter. Manny, seemingly unfazed by Kay''s profession and devoid of his brother''s snobbishness, was engaged in easy conversation with Kay. Moe couldn''t help but smile, feeling compelled to join the upbeat atmosphere. He entered the living room with a light step, sensing that he had been the subject of discussion. The two jovial men fell silent immediately, their cheeks flushing with suppressed laughter as they avoided making eye contact with him.


    "Yeah, talking about me. Looks like we''ve got ourselves a couple of gossipmongers here. Well, spit it out," Moe said resignedly as he settled onto the couch between them, fully aware that trying to distance himself from Manny would only result in him inching closer. He braced himself for the onslaught. True to form, the jabs came swiftly, and Moe couldn''t help but roll his eyes at the first one.


    "I remember when you first showed up here- dressed like a vagabond, brazen as can be, cussing up a storm and picking fights left and right. And now look at you - a respectable dad who acts like he''s never heard a curse word before, giving disapproving looks to those who swear like you''ve never been there yourself. You''re a real piece of work, Moe," Manny teased with a chuckle, arching his eyebrows mockingly, pursing his lips in a fake pout, and snickering, "Oh my, how dare you say that, where are your manners?"


    Kay joined in the laughter, slapping his knee in amusement.


    "I didn''t say that!" Moe lightly tapped his forehead, but Manny, unfazed, captured his hand, casually intertwining their fingers and covering it with his other hand.


    "I mean the essence of it, Moe, not the exact words - you''ve changed a lot after becoming a dad, and when Miny gets older, I''ll make sure he knows all about it! I''ll hold it over you," Manny chuckled, gently caressing his fingers. Moe withdrew his hand, intertwining his fingers on his stomach, and muttered, suspecting that he probably looked exactly as he did when someone mentioned taboo topics in front of Miny.


    "Blackmail isn''t nice, Manny, just so you know. And when I move into my own place, I''ll make sure to keep blackmailers out of the neighborhood."


    "When do you plan to move?" Manny disregarded the warning, becoming more serious.


    Moe frowned, regretting his previous statement; he didn''t want to be seen as a burden. "I''m looking for an apartment downtown, but I haven''t decided yet. I''m waiting for the trial to conclude to ensure Miny and I are safe."


    "Tomorrow''s an important day, so you should speed up your search," Manny inched closer, not convinced by the explanation. "Has our realtor been helping you? Where exactly are you looking? How did Einar allow this to happen?"


    Moe glanced at Kay, silently seeking his support, and the astute Kay swiftly joined the conversation.


    "Manny, what possesses you to be so tactless, randomly picking fights and dampening the atmosphere?" Kay interjected. "If you''re itching for another round with Moe, be my guest, but I''ll be taking bets on how swiftly Moe shows you the door. My money''s on thirty-five seconds, so time''s ticking," Kay smirked, reclining back, impressing Moe once again with his knack for defusing Manny''s antics without causing a scene.


    "I didn''t intend to ruin the mood," Manny admitted remorsefully, retracting his verbal jab. "I just wanted to know Moe''s plans for moving."


    "It''s in your best interest to ensure he doesn''t forget to leave you his new address," Kay remarked with a smile, smoothly transitioning to another topic. "We agreed on watching The Skin I Live In, a brilliant choice. Shall we begin?"


    "Absolutely," Moe leaned against his shoulder, feeling a warmth spreading ¨C fortunate to have encountered Kay, the sole sensible individual in this chaotic environment. Despite his unconventional profession, Kay made more sense than the two wealthy imbeciles with their expensive educations.


    Sensing his loss of leverage, Manny rubbed his other side in frustration, resting his head on the same shoulder. Moe didn''t push him away ¨C it didn''t take long to decipher Manny''s motives; they were always transparent. It was regrettable, of course, that Manny couldn''t reorient himself and accept Einar''s victory as an inevitable and irreversible outcome.

 Chapter 34

    Einar made his entrance midway through the movie, outwardly composed as he surveyed the living tableau on the couch with Moe in the center. Tension palpably gripped the room as he approached, his mere presence evoking a familiar unease. However, he greeted them softly, took a seat without displacing either Kay or Manny, and gracefully accepted Kay''s offered glass of wine without asking the vintage or bouquet. He was making an effort, and Moe regarded him gratefully, earning a glow of appreciation in return from Einar.


    Despite his best efforts, the relaxed atmosphere dissipated throughout the evening due to the fissure he had inadvertently created. By the movie''s end, Manny, sullen and silent towards his brother, stood up. He kissed Moe on the cheek with sincerity, shot Einar a disparaging glance, and exited, followed by Kay in his usual graceful manner.


    "Did you enjoy the movie?" Moe asked, patting the seat beside him once they were alone. Einar grinned and moved over obediently.


    "You''re summoning me like a loyal pet, Moe," Einar quipped, his lips concealing the jest he had prepared, his eyes smiling mischievously. His fingers traced under his T-shirt, grazing his toned stomach. Stepping back from Moe, he whispered, "I enjoyed the movie. I believe you''ll enjoy the rest of the evening even more. Shall we?"


    "I''m going to sleep with Miny tonight," Moe announced as he rose. A sense of anticipation and a subtle fondness had begun to stir within him from the moment Einar had arrived.


    "Really?" Einar responded with a hint of disappointment, pausing briefly. After a moment''s hesitation, he added, "May I join you?"


    "He hasn¡¯t been sleeping well lately, and you won''t get much rest either," Moe remarked nervously, feeling uneasy about the proposal; Einar seemed to be moving too quickly.


    "I''ll stay with you," Einar reassured, pulling him close and planting a gentle kiss on his temple. "Please, I rarely request this, Moe."


    "Not exactly," the warm atmosphere began to chill, and Moe gently pulled away from the embrace, preemptively closing himself off. "You ask quite frequently and for a lot of things. First, you asked me to give our relationship a chance, then you wanted me to distance myself from Kay, after that, it was about sharing custody of Miny, and now you''re proposing to sleep near him."


    Einar''s eyes flashed dangerously in response to Moe''s sober and agitated tone, and he tilted his head as if carefully considering his words, though he was actually prepared to retaliate¡ªMoe had become adept at reading his intentions over time.


    "You agreed to give our relationship a chance, Moe, and a relationship entails more than just occasional intimacy," Einar spoke softly, but his gaze narrowed. "It means being more forthcoming with me than with your escort, offering me affection more frequently than him. And yes, Moe, I truly wish to have a closer bond with my own son."


    "The same son you nearly killed," Moe''s retort hit below the belt, fueled by the tension of Einar''s previous statement and the implied threat within it. Einar flinched, absorbing the harsh blow, his complexion paling, brows knitting together, breath quickening.


    "And I will always regret it. But regardless, he''s my son, and I have a right to him," Einar''s possessive tone lent weight to the word "my", casting a heavy implication of complex and insurmountable consequences. Moe instinctively recoiled, defensively tugging at the collar of his T-shirt. Einar quickly realized his misstep and moved closer, his voice filled with confusion as he attempted to backtrack, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean it that way. Your words hurt, and I..."


    "And you''re leaving," Moe interjected dryly, gesturing towards the exit. "Now. Out, Einar!"


    Einar''s fists clenched impotently at his sides as he stood momentarily defeated. With a sharp turn, he strode towards the exit, his steps heavy with frustration, while Moe wiped sweat from his forehead and retreated to his bedroom, resolved to begin searching for a new apartment the next morning.


    "Anyway," Kay nervously tousled his hair, urging the tense Moe towards the shower, where they turned the water on full blast. Leaning in close, Kay whispered in his ear, "Anyway, I paid Manny a visit, convinced him to break into Einar''s office. The lock was a breeze - street experience, you know? He rifled through one stack, I took care of the other, and lo and behold, we found it. Take a look."


    Unlocking the phone, Kay handed it over to Moe, who recoiled with a sense of impending disaster. The screen displayed lines fraught with tension, words overlapping. Moe hurried to the sink, splashing cold water on his face to regain his composure. After drying his hands, he seized the phone, reading with a growing sense of dread. Einar, that fucking Einar, had taken measures to ensure his own safety, to secure Moe''s compliance. The poorly photographed pages of the document laid out a damning portrayal of Moe Hayes''s lifestyle- disorderly, lacking stability, marked by years spent on the streets surviving by dubious means, including prostitution. Furthermore, it demanded sole custody of Miny Hayes, identified through DNA testing as Einar Simmons''s son.


    Moe faltered before he could finish - it was futile, glaringly obvious. His weakened fingers released the phone, deftly caught by Kay, as he leaned against the wall, his back slick with sweat, his gaze fixed on Kay, who shifted uncomfortably.


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    "Just try not to pass out, alright?" Kay''s gentle hand brushed his shoulder. "And let''s leave this place. There are cameras all over the house, and your Einar might see that we''ve been locked in the bathroom for too long. He might get suspicious, and I still value my life. Promise to tell him that if he finds out you got sick and I helped you vomit, alright?"


    "Alright," Moe''s lips felt numb, but he made a conscious effort to speak more clearly. "Alright. Let''s go."


    "I instructed Manny to stay silent, but with his fiery temperament, how long until he reveals... Einar returned earlier than expected, nearly caught me in the office, and I barely escaped, thank heavens. Meanwhile, the little troublemaker is still in there, digging for more dirt," Kay rolled his sleeves up, reached into the shower, and shut off the water. "Alright, snap out of it, buddy. You''re in a favorable position for now. You know what he''s up to, and he''s clueless that you''re onto him. You''ll get through this. You''ve got fake documents for you and Miny, right?"


    "Just for me, but I''ll... I''ll manage," Moe slapped his cheeks lightly, trying to boost his spirits, then followed Kay into the living room, where Kay announced loudly, "I warned you about spicy Indian food if you''re not used to it. Chutney acts like a laxative. Have a Coke followed by a liter of water, Moe. It''ll help settle your stomach."


    "I will," thoughts raced chaotically, refusing to form a coherent logical sequence. Moe wanted to rush to Miny, dress him, grab the documents, and run, but even in such a stressed state, Moe understood- he can''t give Einar any reason to be suspicious. Everything must be done with care and precision.


    "Listen, a glass of whisky won''t hurt. I''ll pour just two fingers. The milk will be fine; you''re not feeding every hour now," Kay headed to the bar, tapping the glass. Moe sank into the chair, weakly tapping his knee: think, think, think!


    Even in his worst nightmares, Moe hadn''t imagined such a turn of events. Einar must realize that any progress they had made would vanish in an instant, leaving them bitter enemies. Yet, it seemed Einar, driven by possessive instincts, hoped Moe would submit to his terms out of necessity, even if devoid of love, as he was accustomed to using leverage to get his way in the business world. The sense of betrayal weighed heavily, sending shivers down Moe''s spine. He accepted the heavy crystal whiskey rocks glass gratefully, teeth clattering against the rim. Kay, who watched sympathetically, steadied his hand, helped him finish it, and took the empty glass, sitting beside him.


    "I''ll be right back..." Moe tightened his fists, feeling a surge of false energy after downing the searing drink, but Kay swiftly covered his mouth, giving him a stern look, and Moe fell silent¡ªno need to act foolishly in a house that likely had surveillance cameras.


    "Let''s plan a trip to the beautician tomorrow; you''re in need of some grooming," Kay suggested, settling down on the couch beside him, looking relaxed. "We''ll hit the sauna, then treat ourselves to a facial massage and moisturizer, and by the end, we''ll have a fresh, peachy daddy."


    "That sounds like a wonderful idea," Moe replied stiffly, forcing a smile that came off as awkward, prompting Kay to sigh and rub his forehead.


    "Alright, everyone, let''s watch the movie. Tomorrow morning at ten, we''ll rendezvous at my favorite spa. I''m calling dibs on your Einar; I need to let loose," Kay said with a playful wink, and Moe nodded dully, still preoccupied with recent events.


    It was imperative to secure Miny''s documents, and with Daniel hastily retired, Moe knew he couldn''t rely on external help; he would have to handle it himself. He contemplated the possibility of obtaining fake documents for Miny in Mexico while still in the U.S.¡ªafter all, infants'' documents are rarely scrutinized in their home country. As Moe gradually regained his composure, he reassured himself with the thought that he had his own separate accounts, not controlled by Einar, with sufficient funds that he could gradually withdraw without drawing too much attention, even if Einar monitored his financial transactions through his connections.


    By the end of the movie, which Moe scarcely watched, his mind was consumed with fury towards Einar. Digging his nails into his palms intermittently, he seethed with anger at the thought of Einar''s intentions.


    Manny''s suggestive expression caught Moe''s attention as he entered the living room, prompting Kay to intervene with an irritated sigh, ushering Moe back to the couch.


    "We''ll head out, I suppose. See you tomorrow, Moe!" Kay''s words brought a sense of finality to the evening.


    "Did you tell him? You did, didn''t you? We were supposed to handle this together, damn it, Kay!" Manny grumbled irritably, pacing in front of Kay, who raised his arms in defense.


    "I told him you weren''t feeling well, and yes, I suggested he take some time for himself. He understood," Kay responded firmly, his voice carrying across the room as he seized Manny by the collar to prevent him from approaching Moe. "So, leave him be tonight! Honestly, I expected better from someone with your background, Manny! Sometimes silence is the best option. Silence, Manny! Omegas don''t appreciate alphas critiquing their appearance, especially when they''re interested. I don''t count¡ªI''m his friend."


    Manny recoiled, still frustrated that he hadn''t been the one to break the news, stuck at home with Einar demanding answers about his intrusion into his office. Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be pulled away as Moe gestured for him to leave, his voice kept intentionally low to avoid being overheard. Manny could have escalated the situation further, either by confronting his brother or by saying the wrong thing, which would only complicate matters for Moe.


    Sensing Moe''s contemplation, Einar persisted with another message¡ªhe had been calling and texting relentlessly over the past week, seeking a meeting, all of which Moe had denied. Angrily, Moe glared at his phone, his hatred for Einar burning fiercely at that moment¡ªhe despised the man with every fiber of his being for his persistent attempts to worm his way back into their lives, to infiltrate their peace, to manipulate his emotions. Fuck him!


    After careful consideration, Moe rose from the sofa when the house fell silent, making his way to the bedroom where the safe was discreetly tucked into the closet. He had overseen the installation of the safe himself and was the sole bearer of its code. Retrieving the documents, he concealed them securely beneath the hanging clothes. With trembling fingers, he transferred both the forged and genuine documents into the large parental bag, which contained various compartments for diapers, bottles, and other essentials. He packed two sets of clothes and a pair of shoes for himself, and five changes for Miny, deeming it sufficient for their immediate needs. Wiping his sweaty palms on his pants, he stood up, his resolve firm.

 Chapter 35

    Tomorrow, Kay would likely broach the subject in the sauna¡ªhis invitation to a place devoid of cameras or wiretaps was telling. Together, they would strategize on how to seize control of their situation. And Moe would slip away with Miny, they would disappear. With the high-profile trial having ended a few days ago, the threat from their adversaries had dissipated¡ª even Daniel had confirmed they could live in peace. It was regrettable that so much time had been squandered on the futile search for an apartment, now rendered meaningless.


    The apartment was now to be sought under the guise of Harper Lee, a solitary omega with a son named Miny Lee. Moe felt a pang of regret as he contemplated the disappearance of their family name from the annals of history¡ª he cursed himself for his foolishness.


    In the morning, Moe, sleep-deprived and sullen yet resolute, gave precise instructions to Datu as he bathed Miny, the sound of running water providing cover for their conversation. He instructed Datu to pack a larger bag, just in case an opportunity arose for them to slip away that day, capitalizing on Einar''s assurance that he remained oblivious. Stepping out into the glaringly bright morning, which starkly contrasted with his somber mood, Moe let out an irritated sigh as Einar''s entourage pulled into the courtyard. Einar emerged from the car, his expression mirroring Moe''s own, his stern gaze suggesting he was prepared to address an issue that should never have arisen.


    "Hey, Moe," Einar approached, attempting a smile¡ªthough if that lopsided grimace qualified as a smile, then Moe might as well be an angel. "Going somewhere?"


    "Hey, don''t you already know?" Moe, barely containing the bile churning within him, forced a grin¡ªa semblance of a smile. "I''m sure the house is bugged."


    "I -" Einar sighed deeply, evidently struggling to steer the conversation toward a more positive direction and grappling with how to address the direct accusation of privacy violation. "It''s just a standard security measure, Moe. Even in my house..."


    "Why are you here?" Moe asked irritably, sidestepping toward his car, but Einer mirrored his movement, shifting behind him.


    "To talk. You''ve been ignoring me for a week now. And I''m guessing it''s because of my last remark, which you misunderstood," Einer cautiously reached out his hand, but Moe kept his own hands firmly in the pockets of his jeans and frowned, signaling - don''t touch, it''s dangerous. "Moe, please understand that I didn''t mean anything bad. I just wanted to get close to you and Miny, and I don''t need physical contact..."


    "Not enough," Moe frowned in annoyance. "Who would''ve thought that you, you greedy asshole, would keep wanting more and more? But relationships, Simmons, aren''t built on measures of ''little'' or ''much.'' They need trust, fucking trust!"


    "I understand," Einar''s lips twitched with a hint of piteousness, his complexion pale, transparently revealing the lingering pain of an old injury. "I''m sorry I rushed you again. I''ll try to temper my expectations, but please don''t shut me out. If you need time to cool down, I''ll give it to you," he swiftly changed the subject. "Are you still searching for a place to live?"


    "Well," Moe hummed briefly, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.


    "I''d be happy for you to take this house as your own. I''m willing to sign it over to you," Einar observed his reaction carefully, anticipating a response. "Just say the word."


    "I don''t want it. I just want my own place. I don''t need your handouts," Moe twitched slightly, recalling what he''d read. It was mentioned in passing that Moe Hayes didn''t own his own real estate, which was essential for a child''s full development, and he choked with anger. "Okay, I''m late. This conversation is over."


    "Moe," Einar staggered toward him, extending his hands. "Please don''t think I want to hurt you."


    Moe took a slow breath, reigning in the expression on his face and the emotions overwhelming him. Without a word, he almost sprinted to the car. He flung the door open, slammed it shut, and erupted in frantic roars, stamping his feet on the floor, "Asshole! Piece of shit! Lying bastard!"


    It was crucial to vanish as quickly as possible, to find a loophole in the trap and escape its clutches. The bodyguards, once perceived as protectors, now felt like prison guards. Moe''s eyes swept over the broad shoulders of the driver and the bodyguard seated in front of him, filled with impotent rage.


    The first step was to contact Daniel through a secure line. Sneaking away from the vigilant eyes of the bodyguards at the mall, he purchased a burner phone, paying in cash. Even though Daniel''s assistance might be limited, his network of contacts remained a valuable asset, and his advice could prove invaluable.


    By the time Moe arrived at the spa, he had managed to calm himself down. Stepping out of the car, he appeared outwardly composed, although a slight nervousness betrayed itself in his movements. It should have seemed natural¡ªthe all-seeing, all-knowing bodyguards were undoubtedly aware of his recent quarrel with Einar. However, his frustration flared up again at the reception desk when he was informed that all the treatments had been paid for by Mr. Simmons. Moreover, he was offered a membership card, a blatant reminder from Einar that his every move was being watched.


    Entering the sauna, Moe''s inner turmoil simmered beneath the surface. He greeted Kay with a forced smile, settling down beside him on the hammam''s stone bed.


    "Not so close, buddy," Kay cautioned, pulling back slightly. "You always forget that I''m the alpha your Othello hasn''t written off yet. And though there may be no cameras here, who''s to say that a visitor isn''t working for him?" Moe glanced around cautiously, noting the other patrons in the sauna who seemed oblivious to their conversation.


    Ignoring the caution in Kay''s voice, Moe leaned in closer, eager for any guidance his friend could offer.


    "You sure you don''t have any other helpers?" Kay glanced at him, visibly apprehensive.


    "Right. Daniel can back me up later, but for now, I need help covering my tracks¡ªcan''t you see how Einar''s got me under constant surveillance? The bodyguards are practically showering with me, following me everywhere, even to the pediatrician''s office! Please, Kay, please," Moe pleaded earnestly, searching his friend''s face for a glimmer of hope.


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    Kay hesitated, torn between his desire to assist and his instinct for self-preservation. Eventually, he relented.


    "Ah, fuck it! Okay, I have a simple idea, but sometimes simplicity is genius, right? Early childhood centers have strict protocols preventing unauthorized individuals from entering, and they usually have multiple exits for safety. So, you''ll need a car with a car seat, rented for a couple of weeks, left at a rendezvous point. ¡°


    ¡°Yes, I get it! So, I will need a rented car with a child car seat and two gas cans. I will leave it behind later. Add a pepper spray...and a gun with a silencer.¡±


    "Hey, slow down," Kay raised himself up on an elbow, his expression one of disbelief as he hovered over Moe. "Am I supposed to be Santa Claus now, getting all this stuff without being seen? I''ve been under surveillance since the beginning of my contract, and any unusual activity will be noticed. And why on earth would you need a gun? Gas cans are one thing, but a gun, Moe? It''s like asking for a private jet out of thin air."


    "A car with a car seat for a child under a year old," Moe whispered soothingly. "I''ll handle the rest, Kay."


    "Alright, I''ll arrange for the car, that''s no problem," Kay laid back down, looking resigned to the task ahead. "Manny gave me some money for expenses, but I wouldn''t advise getting entangled with him. You''ll end up getting caught together."


    "Why would I need him anyway?" Moe chuckled in surprise. "I already have a child; I don''t need another."


    "Fair enough," Kay''s expression didn''t quite match his words. "You can handle the cash yourself. You''ve managed to evade the guards a couple of times, as you told me. They won''t find it odd. Just say you were looking for developmental toys for Miny. I''ll buy you a burner phone. Today, I''ll send you the address and timing. The rest is up to you, Moe. I''m sorry, I''m not as brave as you. I don''t have a powerful lover."


    "Thanks, Kay, that''s more than enough for me. And please, don''t let Manny know where the car is headed. He''ll tag along in a huff," Moe requested.


    "Consider it done," Kay flashed a fake smile. "But I''d be more concerned about the older one; he''s the more dangerous of the two."


    "I know," Moe acknowledged, his eyes welling up with tears. He looked away, refusing to show weakness. He had foolishly placed his trust and almost lost the most precious thing in his miserable life.


    "I''m with you, sir," Datu folded his palms in a silent plea that contradicted his words. "Where you go, I go, sir. I understand you want to run away. Please take me with you."


    "What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?!" Moe hissed, avoiding Miny, who was wandering around, poking his fingers into his nose. "I''m not going anywhere... just heading to the center for class!"


    "You asked me to pack his things for a few days," Datu''s expression was gentle yet resolute. "You don''t need that much for classes. You want to run away, sir."


    Moe covered his mouth with his palm, turned on the water in the bathtub, and sighed wistfully. Perfect secrecy was out of the question; he couldn''t hide his intentions from his own nanny. And why would he need Datu, who also lacked proper documentation? He would only be a burden on the road. As if sensing his thoughts, Datu spoke up, "This is the fifth time I change my passport, sir. I work for a long time in Malaysia and Singapore, and there, if the employer is bad, they send me back home with a canceled contract and a black mark on my passport. I have to buy a new one under a different name. I do nothing wrong, sir, but many employers are cruel and greedy. One of them feed me instant noodles for six months and beat me every day. When I complain, another..."


    "Good grief..." Moe sank onto a chair with Miny, bewildered by the revelations. "How could this happen?"


    "You''re good, kind, and caring, and I love Miny as my own," Datu smiled dreamily. "I''ll go anywhere for you. Please, take me!"


    "Well," Moe regarded him thoughtfully, "a pariah opening up to another pariah, life dealing them both a hard blow. So why not?" he voiced. "Why not? I''ll have to make documents for Miny anyway. I''ve got the money; I''ll do it for you too."


    "Shh, baby, shh," Moe hushed as he slipped a pacifier to the indignant Miny. Patting him on his weighty sling-wrapped butt, Moe hurried to the back door, checking the instructions Kay had sent him. Datu, carrying his scrawny backpack and a large bag, shuffled along silently, his nonchalant, swarthy face blissfully calm, as if they were out for a simple stroll. Moe looked at him enviously¡ª he needed to learn not to be so introspective!


    Bounding out onto the fire escape, Moe raced down quickly, tightly gripping the railing and frantically scanning the small yard filled with garbage cans. A small family minivan with tinted windows awaited below, and Moe beamed¡ªjust what he needed! Thankful for Kay''s help, he carefully handed the sleeping Miny to Datu and waved to Kay.


    As the door swung open, revealing the dark interior, Moe felt a pang of unease. He hesitated for a moment, pushing Datu away, who was occupied with settling Miny into his ring sling, only to relax when an anxious Kay peered out.


    "Hurry up! What''s taking so long? Damn it, why did you bring him along?" Kay grabbed Moe''s arm, pulling him closer, his eyes filled with fear, signaling that Moe had fallen into a trap.


    "Let go," Moe, gripped by terror to his core, lethargically yanked his arm away, but three men in black masks sprung out of the minivan, expertly seizing his elbows. Gotcha. Moe, feeling as if in slow motion, watched as Datu retreated towards the yard exit, clutching Miny protectively¡ª my son, my poor, poor son... Turning back to the pale, sweaty Kay, he asked in a strained voice, "Why, Kay?"


    "I''m sorry, Moe," Kay looked up at him with anguished eyes. "You figured it out, didn''t you? I''m an aging whore who can''t save money, accustomed to living the high life. I''ve been promised so much money that I could go anywhere and live happily ever after. I''m sorry. It''s nothing personal."


    "At least let Miny go. Take me instead, and I won''t resist," Moe pleaded, his eyes filled with desperate hope. "Let him have a chance at a happy life that you and I never had. Please."


    "Stop talking," Moe was shoved back into his seat, one of the kidnappers advancing towards Datu, who silently made his way towards the exit. Kay, desperation flashing in his eyes, leaped out of the car after him, expertly kicking him under the knee and pinning him down. Moe thrashed about, screaming wildly, elbowing one of the assailants in the abdomen and another in the kneecap, but a resounding, brutal blow struck the back of his head, rendering him deafened and immobilized, everything feeling like it was enveloped in absorbent cotton - surreal.


    "What the -" The remaining kidnapper rushed over to Kay, who was rising from the ground, and exclaimed, "You wanted Moe Hayes, well here he is! The child''s not -" His words were cut short as a ghastly scarlet rose bloomed on his chest, blood spurting out in torrents.


    "Are you insane? Why the hell are you here? I told you to do him in the woods!"


    "Idiot, you lost the baby!"


    "Damn it, the babysitter''s running down the street, drawing attention to us! Let''s take Hayes! Drag that corpse over here before it bleeds all over the place! One drop and we''ll bury you in the woods, got it?"


    With adrenaline-fueled urgency, words spat out like bullets as Moe sluggishly attempted to slide off the seat, only to be forcefully pushed back, his wrists and ankles expertly bound with zip ties, reminiscent of a previous ordeal. His mouth was taped shut, rendering him mute, as he was unceremoniously dumped beside Kay, who sat motionless, staring blankly at a point in the distance, still warm but unmistakably lifeless. So much for the promise of a new life at the end of the earth, foolish Kay. Overwhelmed with emotion, Moe trembled with sobs, feeling a profound sense of relief¡ª at least Miny was safe, his innocence preserved, his future intact. Though Moe himself faced imminent peril, knowing that his careless existence was soon to meet its end.

 Chapter 36

    "Get that tape off! I want to hear his voice," Moe gasped, his breath labored from the brisk jog and the forceful jabs. He was dragged into the brightly illuminated room, thrown onto the polished wooden floor, and kicked in the gut, causing him to writhe and gasp for air through his broken nose. Despite the dizzying sensation from the powerful blow and the bleeding nose, Moe managed to tear the tape painfully from the lower half of his face, the skin burning with each tug. He struggled to catch his breath, his ragged inhalations punctuated by the relentless realization that Miny would live.


    Raising his inflamed eyes, Moe trembled as he beheld the man who had issued the order¡ªa handsome, blond-haired omega in his forties, his dark eyes betraying no hint of mercy. The faint hope of mere blackmail evaporated in an instant, replaced by the stark certainty of impending doom.


    "I told you so!" the omega exclaimed, brandishing the heavy, intricately carved cane he leaned upon, jabbing it at the kidnappers who flinched. "Take the little bastard with you! Simmons'' son! Why the hell did you bring only the lover?"


    "It was a mistake. Hayes came with a babysitter, apparently not trusting that whore enough, and the babysitter vanished downtown," one of the men behind Moe fabricated smoothly, nudging his ankle with a well-placed boot. The implication was clear - admitting the truth would only invite more pain. Moe remained silent, tacitly confirming the lie.


    "Idiot!" the omega snapped, leaning heavily on his cane, his arthritic fingers swollen and misshapen. His frantic cherry-dark eyes remained strikingly beautiful despite the fury behind them. "You trusted your friend, Hayes? Why didn''t you anticipate deception? Fool! Say something!"


    "I don''t know what to say," Moe replied honestly, wary of further provocation. Kneeling with bound hands and feet, surrounded by armed alphas, was not the time for insolence. His past kidnapping experience had taught him the value of silence in such situations.


    "And don''t you wonder why you were taken?" the omega sneered, his lips curling into a triumphant smile. His dark eyes bore into Moe, exuding a menacing intensity. "To get to Simmons?"


    "Right," Moe cautiously ventured, wincing at the discomfort in his knees and the bruises that marred his body.


    "What did he see in you? You''re not attractive, and clearly not intelligent," the omega remarked, his perfectly groomed eyebrows furrowing in disdain. Tears welled up in his eyes, betraying a profound sense of betrayal. ¡°He only wanted me for a child¡­¡± uttered Moe.


    "He only wanted you for a child? You mean nothing to him?"


    "Nothing! He barely tolerated me," Moe admitted readily, already bracing himself for the imminent expulsion onto the streets. But his anticipation turned to agony when the omega, propelled by a sudden spring, swiftly swung his cane with ferocious speed, crashing it down on Moe''s shoulder. The pain was excruciating, sending shockwaves through his entire nervous system, and the sickening crunch of his broken clavicle reverberated in his heightened senses. Collapsing to the ground, Moe choked on a scream as the cane struck him repeatedly, each blow sending waves of agonizing pain that blinded him and drowned out his cries. He groaned, curling into a fetal position as the assailant, overcome with hysterical laughter, continued the onslaught.


    "I don''t like being lied to," the omega remarked dryly between laughs, slowly advancing toward Moe, who squirmed in fear, his eyes fixed on the swollen, pudgy feet in the soft felt shoes. "When a handsome man risks everything for a lover of inferior appearance, hides from the world behind layers of security, and begs for even a morsel of attention - that''s love, unbridled and unwavering. If you were remarkably attractive, I might still doubt, but your ordinary appearance convinces me that he would go to any lengths for you."


    "Last time I was kidnapped, he handed me over to the kidnappers," Moe reminded him ruefully, the pain tightening its grip on him.


    "And nearly paid the price," the omega chuckled. "Quite romantic! I hadn''t expected such passion from the stoic Simmons. It''s a pity I won''t be able to strangle his bastard, but you''ll do. You''ll both die."


    "For what?" Moe, resigned to his fate, met the crazed gaze fixed upon him with a mixture of dread and defiance.


    "My husband, my beloved husband," the omega lamented, clutching his eyes in anguish. "He was the first to be condemned, you wretch. You probably don''t even remember his name¡ªit meant nothing to you. My Robert couldn''t bear the shame and took his own life, hanging himself on a strip of fabric in his cell. He was so broken and despondent, crushed by society''s condemnation, that he strangled himself not by the weight of his body, but by crawling away from the bed to which he had tied the noose. Do you understand the strength of his resolve? The agony of his death?" His voice grew increasingly hysterical, punctuated by sobs, and Moe braced himself, anticipating another blow.


    The strike landed mercilessly on his thigh, the heavy cane crushing his tibia, eliciting frantic wails from Moe. Subsequent blows followed, muffled by his fading consciousness, until darkness enveloped him. He awoke to the sensation of cold water, moaning in agony¡ªpain now weighed upon him like a heavy blanket, rendering him unable to move. As he opened his eyes, tears streamed down his face uncontrollably, not out of fear but from the sheer agony engulfing him. He shuddered at the sight of the omega crouching beside him, his predatory gaze filled with unsettling delight. Attempting to move, he rattled the chains securing him to the bed, his naked body exposed and vulnerable.


    "Do you know what awaits you?" the omega asked, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he stroked Moe''s trembling thigh. "Go on, take a guess. I promise not to strike you again."


    His thoughts scattered and sluggish, Moe stared blankly downward, grateful for having been unconscious for most of the beating. His skin bore a patchwork of bruises, bleeding in thin rivulets that drained his energy. At that moment, he didn''t care what fate befell him, as long as he could escape into unconsciousness once more.


    "Boring," the omega grunted, retrieving his cellphone, and dialing a number. "You give up too easily, Moe Hayes. You''re no fun at all. I think your pretty boy will make up for the lack of entertainment, and there he is. Well, hello, Simmons," the omega said with a malicious grin, turning the phone''s screen toward Moe, who listened intently.


    "Where is he?" Einer''s voice crackled with desperation, and the omega erupted into hysterical laughter, thoroughly pleased with himself.


    "Right here," he said, winking as Einer breathed a sigh of relief, relieved to see no evidence of the beating on Moe''s face.


    "Are you okay, Moe? I''ll get you out of there, I promise! Please hold on! I..."


    "Where''s Miny?" Moe interjected urgently, leaning toward the screen.


    "He is here," Einar affirmed quickly. "He''s fine, he''s sleeping. How are you? What did they do to you?" Einar''s voice turned to a horrified scream when the omega abruptly rose, revealing Moe covered in ghastly stains and blood. "Noooooo!"


    "Come alone, Simmons, if you want him to live," the omega directed the screen towards Einar, unwavering in his confidence that he had Einar''s complete attention, and that Einar would comply without resistance.


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    "I''ll be there. Alone. Let him go. I promise I''ll come alone," Einar''s response was firm, each word spoken with weight and clarity. Moe shook his head, a sad smile forming, "Don''t be foolish, Einar, they¡¯ll kills us both anyway. There''s no need for heroics. There''s no one to save us, unless Daniel manages to alert the authorities, realizing that I''m in trouble."


    The omega laughed triumphantly, openly reveling in Einar''s despair, paying no heed to Moe, who had played a crucial role but now seemed inconsequential. Moe took intermittent breaths, mustering the last of his strength and assessing the surroundings. They were in a spacious, luxurious bedroom with muted purple tones, alone with the deranged captor¡ªa potential advantage. He gingerly tested his right arm, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through it. There was little point in struggling against the handcuffs and leg irons; he could only wait.


    The massive door swung open silently, admitting a burly figure in a black mask carrying a tray of ampoules and syringes. He glanced incredulously at his employer, who was consumed with laughter, before rushing to Moe, snatching the phone, and disconnecting the call with a restrained but furious hiss.


    "Are you out of your mind, Mr. Fonderlein? Why did you call from a private phone? We''ve gone over all the details! He''ll be able to trace your location in no time! The FBI will be here!"


    "I don''t care, Cedric," Fonderlein declared proudly. "What does a man who has lost everything have to fear? Death? I welcome it! I gave him the address myself, so he''ll be here soon."


    "And us?! What about us? We still want to live!" Cedric''s frustration was palpable, evident in his tensed neck muscles, giving Moe a glimmer of hope.


    "Don''t worry, Romeo won''t lead anyone here," Fonderlein reassured, nodding towards Moe. "He''ll keep silent for his lover''s sake and come alone, I''m certain of it. Administer some medication to this half-dead idiot to perk him up. We need him conscious."


    Cedric complied, injecting Moe with a dense yellow liquid, the heat spreading through his body and providing relief from the pain. As consciousness returned, Moe felt a sense of clarity and relief wash over him.


    "I''ll take the phone though, Mr. Fonderlein," Cedric announced as he approached the door. "I''ll see if Simmons is being followed by the authorities. If he is¡ª"


    "Then what?" Mr. Fonderlane interrupted angrily. "Will you scurry away like a rat abandoning a sinking ship? Forget all that Robert has done for you? What were you before him?"


    "I remember everything he did, and I''m forever indebted to him. To him, not to you, Mr. Fonderlane," Cedric retorted sharply, narrowing his fierce brown eyes. "He would never endanger his men, unlike you, who seem intent on dragging us all down with you!"


    "I''ve always been self-serving," Fonderlane admitted calmly, settling back and placing his pistol on his lap. "You can flee, Cedric, you can hide, but Zack and Aaron will remain with me. They are loyal to me and will execute the plan."


    Cedric wanted to respond, but all he could manage was a curse before banging his fist on the door as he exited the bedroom. Moe recoiled¡ªdespite the warmth of the drug coursing through him, he felt a chill being left alone with the madman. His thoughts raced frantically, heart pounding, wishing he could escape, but he was restrained. Time stretched sluggishly as Moe thrashed about on the bed, chains rattling, sweat mingling with the adrenaline, emitting a sour odor that filled the room. Fonderlein, fixating on the antique wall clock, wrinkled his nose at the stench, deliberating, and then pressed the button by the bed.


    Another bulky figure with a dull, rounded face, indicative of limited intellect, grinned widely at Fonderlein and whispered, "Would you like some tea, Uncle Ray?"


    "No, Zack," Fonderlane replied softly. "Perhaps later. For now, get that wretch out of bed and clean him up. His stink is nauseating me."


    "Of course, Uncle Ray," Zack responded eagerly, eyeing the set of keys that appeared in his swollen fingers as if they were a treasure, while Moe resignedly shrank back¡ªZack''s blind obedience to Fonderlein was unsettling. Sensible Cedric, likely the head of security, inspired less fear than the eager, vacant gaze of Zack looming over him.


    Zack, sniffling with concentration, lips pursed in determination, freed Moe''s ankles and wrists, placing the keys on the nightstand before hesitating. Fonderlein sighed in disappointment.


    "Zack, help him wash up."


    "Ah, yes!" Zack exclaimed, hoisting Moe up with little regard, causing him to wince¡ªhe still felt the pain despite the numbing effects of the medication.


    "And be careful! I don''t want him passing out," Fonderlein admonished, to which Zack obediently adjusted his grip on Moe, carrying him with exaggerated care and explaining with a vacant expression,


    "You need a wash, you''re filthy. Your smell might make Uncle Ray sick."


    Moe shut his eyes tightly¡ªit was disconcerting to behold the aimless countenance of a lethal yet mindless instrument.


    Zack, showing some discretion by placing Moe in the tub instead of the shower, demonstrated a lapse in judgment by handing him a washcloth and commanding earnestly, "Clean yourself up."


    Moe nodded, trembling as he wiped his armpits with a shaky hand, his eyes scanning the perimeter of the bathtub¡ªthere was nothing sharp, just glass bottles of gels and vials of salts, nothing he could use as a weapon against someone as dense as Zack appeared to be. With growing confidence, Moe tested the functionality of his hand, nearly shedding tears¡ªhe had once trained both hands, but parenthood had left him little time for practice. His frantic panic subsided, allowing logical thought to take hold, and Moe, still searching with his eyes for some sort of tool, decided to take a chance amidst the serene gurgling of the water.


    "Uncle Ray also asked me to trim my nails, Zack," Moe forced a strained smile, displaying his broken nails from the journey¡ªwhile subtly attempting to loosen the zip tie just a bit. Zack frowned, blinking slowly, hesitating, then turned slightly toward the bathroom door, as if seeking clarification. Sensing his fear, Moe added, almost sobbing, "You wouldn''t want to upset him by not understanding his request, would you? He said, ''Give Moe the scissors.''"


    "I get it!" Zack grinned uncomfortably, turning back to Moe. "I understand now, I really do!" With that, he opened the cabinet doors, starting to rummage through it, and Moe winced¡ªhis ploy seemed to be working; now, the giant man with the mind of a child would provide him with a weapon. It might only be manicure scissors, but in the right hands, they could be as effective as a knife.


    Zack retrieved the scissors, beaming with satisfaction, and gently lifted Moe out of the bathtub, seating him on the wicker rattan pouffe. He then grabbed a towel, delicately dabbing at Moe¡¯s body¡ªunder different circumstances, it might have appeared quite ordinary- a servant tending to an injured master. Moe leaned down, pretending to trim his hair, waiting for the opportune moment¡ªthere was only one chance; otherwise, the imbecile would likely finish him off then and there. Just as he was about to make his move, the door flung open, and another masked man entered¡ªpresumably Aaron¡ªwho ordered,


    "Get him back in here, you idiot! The subject has arrived."


    "I''m not an idiot!" Zack bellowed defensively, but Aaron, entering the room, merely grinned tensely, casting a brief, indifferent glance at Moe, who cowered under the towel. Moe eyed Aaron warily, his dread intensifying as Aaron moved with predatory grace, exuding the aura of a trained athlete, the type who could deliver a devastating blow with ease.


    Meanwhile, in the bedroom, a battered Einer knelt before the triumphant Fonderlein, maintaining a facade of composure as he regarded Fonderlein with a calculating gaze, weighing whether to negotiate with the businessman or outright refuse him. As the groaning Moe was dragged back into the room, Einer tensed, his face contorting with anger, but Fonderlein pressed a gun against his temple, issuing a reminder, "You will do as I say. Zack, handcuff our guest and leave his legs unbound."


    It was a standoff: Einer¡¯s hands were bound, two burly men stood guard, and with a gun to his head, his options were limited. Moe sadly realized that, as Fonderlein predicted, Einer had fulfilled his demands¡ªhe had come alone, ready to sacrifice himself to save his lover. With a sense of foreboding, Moe whispered, "You''re a fool, Einer."


    Einer''s expression darkened further as he glanced over Moe, and Zack hoisted him onto the bed. Fonderlein savored the tension, erupting into maniacal laughter, his body convulsing with glee, the hand holding the gun bobbing up and down. Moe¡¯s eyes widened, locked with Einer''s, and with a subtle nod, he feigned weakness, luring the most dangerous of them, Aaron, closer. As Einer comprehended Moe''s silent cue, he lunged at Fonderlein, knocking the gun from his grasp with his shoulder and delivering a powerful blow to his chin. In that moment, chaos ensued as Zack charged to Fonderlane''s aid, and Aaron, grimacing in pain, seized the scissors from his groin and turned toward Moe¡ªonly to freeze. Simultaneously, the dark garden outside illuminated with multicolored lights, and the windows shattered under the battering rams of the FBI. Uniformed agents stormed the room, subduing Zack, aiming their weapons at Aaron and Fonderlein, while Moe finally allowed himself to collapse, overwhelmed with exhaustion and relief.


    He was gingerly placed on a blanket, draped with a towel, and hoisted into the air amidst Fonderlein''s exultant cry, which now felt like the most glorious, savage sound in the universe. Einer, released from the handcuffs, leaned over him, trembling with belated nerves, gently caressed his cheek, his jaw clenched, unable to find words. Drifting into a dark sleep, Moe murmured softly, "Not a fool in the end. Thank you."

 Chapter 37

    "My sweet, my darling," Moe cooed, overwhelmed by the adorable, indescribably wonderful scent of milk, cradling Miny¡¯s squirming form and planting kisses on his chubby cheeks, who was currently occupied with trying to remove the elastic bandages covering Moe¡¯s nipples. "Well, I''m sorry, baby, but you can''t have the milk just yet. There''s too much medicine in it. When they take me off painkillers, then I''ll let you have a sip. Ouch!" Miny retaliated by biting his finger sharply and Moe cast a paternal yet disapproving glance.


    Einer, having silently entered the room, settled into a chair with a faint smile, observing the scene. Moe, catching sight of him, flushed deeply ¨C still feeling profoundly embarrassed and wishing to bury himself under the covers to avoid the weighty conversation that had transpired during his hospitalization. He had already gleaned the basic details from Daniel: how Kay had slipped in the forged documents amidst Manny''s paperwork, Einer''s cautious coordination with the FBI to ensure their safety, and the realization that none of this would have happened if not for Moe''s blunder. The shame was consuming, scorching through him.


    "Hey, Moe," Einer greeted with a knowing grin, clasping his hands on his lap. "It''s okay, take your time. There''s no rush."


    "Are you sure?" Panic tinged Moe''s voice, though he tried to cloak it with a cough. "What about work?"


    "It can wait," Einer chuckled, relishing Moe''s discomfort. Meanwhile, Miny let out one last disgruntled growl, puckering his lips in a pout and emitting a thick wail, puzzled why his beloved milk was being denied. Datu and Einer stepped forward. Moe sighed, making a decision, and gestured for them to proceed.


    "Go ahead, if you want. He''s used to you; he''ll settle in your arms," Moe consented. Einer hesitated momentarily before gingerly lifting Miny into his embrace, swaying awkwardly as he rose from the chair, humming softly. "Miny, don''t cry, little one. Daddy needs to rest for a bit, but he''ll be back soon, with... me," Einer shot a meaningful glance at Moe, who pretended to be engrossed in the view out the window as if it held the secrets of the universe. Miny paused, gazing up at Einer with surprise, then resumed his wailing, squirming in his father''s arms. Einer''s movements quickened, one hand reaching into his pocket. Watching Einer''s futile attempts to soothe his son, Moe couldn''t help but grin; resourceful Einer resorted to showing his phone to Miny ¨C a surefire way to calm him down with a screen.


    As Miny''s cries tapered off to a mesmerized silence, he grabbed the glowing screen with both hands, snatching it from his father''s grasp and bringing it to his mouth.


    "It''s dirty!" Moe protested, fidgeting in bed. "Phones carry more germs than a toilet seat! Get it back!"


    "H-how?" Einer glanced nervously at Miny, who was now fixated on the phone, displaying a predatory glint in his eyes as he guarded his new treasure. "He''ll start crying again!"


    "Datu," Moe sighed, turning to Datu, who had discreetly retreated to the wall and now approached Einer calmly, pulling Sophie la Giraffe out of the bag. Miny, still chewing on the phone''s edge, gave Datu a haughty look, indicating he had outmaneuvered them ¨C he wasn''t willing to relinquish his new toy for the sake of an old one.


    "You need to take it back, sir," Datu advised in a hushed tone. Einar, grinning nervously, retrieved the phone from the firm grip and overwhelmed by Miny''s frantic cries, relented, handing the wailing Miny over to Datu. With practiced ease, Datu slipped a bottle of formula into Miny''s mouth, quelling the disturbance, and cast a knowing glance at Moe before offering, "Shall I step out?"


    "Yes," Moe blushed once more, resigned to the inevitable. "You can take Miny home now; he seems tired."


    "Very well, sir. We''ll head out tonight as usual," Datu gave Miny''s rumbling backside a gentle pat and moved towards the exit, leaving them alone.


    Once the door clicked shut behind them, Einar pulled the chair closer to the bed and took a seat.


    "Shall we talk?"


    "Not for long, I''m feeling drowsy from the meds," Moe yawned, covering his eyes with his hand, but Einar gently removed his hand, urging him to look at him.


    "You owe me a conversation, Moe. I''ve been waiting for a long time," Einar frowned, running his fingers affectionately over Moe''s hand. "I feel I deserve honesty and... your trust? Hmm?"


    "You do," Mo sighed, mustering his courage. "I''m sorry for not trusting you from the start."


    Relieved, Einar smiled and kissed Moe''s fingertips, his eyes burning with anticipation, prompting Moe to continue, "And... I suppose we can give it another try, can''t we?"


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    "Truly, openly, based on complete trust," Einar spoke earnestly, squeezing Moe''s hand firmly. "Without ambiguity or assumptions, addressing any issues straightforwardly without offense..."


    "Yes, yes, yes," Moe interjected, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "It sounds like a job description, Einar!"


    "It''s the only way I know," Einar brushed Moe''s cheek lightly, testing the waters. "Will you teach me how to communicate in a way that suits you?"


    "Fair enough," Moe, touched by Einar''s sincerity and change in tone, nuzzled his cheek against Einar''s hand, grateful. Einar leaned in, his lips seeking a kiss. Moe responded tenderly, inhaling Einar''s alluring, suggestive scent, relieved that Einar didn''t reproach him for anything. Einar kissed him gently, occasionally nibbling on his lips, keeping the kiss light and affectionate, and whispered between kisses, "I love you endlessly, Moe. I''ll wait for you as long as it takes. Please, let yourself be fully mine, live with me, Moe."


    "Wait," Moe pulled back slightly, meeting Einar''s gaze openly and directly, then whispered on a breath, "I love you too, Einar."


    Einar breathed heavily and unevenly, closing his eyes tightly, his complexion pale with emotion. He pressed his sweaty forehead against Moe''s, absorbing his response, and slowly opened his shining eyes.


    "Thank you, I''m happy. So, are we together now? Are you mine?" he asked.


    "Yours," Moe rubbed his nose against Einar''s, planting a brief kiss on his lips. "We''re together now."


    Einar eagerly kissed Moe''s lips, cheeks, and nose before moving lower to his neck, planting a wet kiss on his throat. With a growl, he buried his face in Moe''s neck, leaving behind a bright flash of pain that quickly turned into a surge of emotion as their mental connection deepened. Startled by the sensation, Moe cried out.


    "Ah! What are you doing?"


    Einar didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he licked the bleeding mark on Moe''s neck, rumbling with satisfaction, and settled over him like a contented animal, grinning predatorily.


    "You said you were mine, so I marked you," he explained. "Or you might come up with something else. You''re quite resourceful, Moe."


    "You... you bastard!" Moe swung a retaliatory hand, but Einar easily intercepted it, gently smacking the plaster cast on Moe''s other hand. "You''re taking advantage of me being bedridden! I''ll get back at you!"


    "I look forward to it," Einar smiled, unfazed, utterly content. "I can''t wait, my love. Soon, I''ll take you home, where you can continue to give me a hard time, but you''ll be confined to my bed for a while. And don''t curse; the doctor said you''ll recover faster with the mark, so I''ve invested in your healing."


    "You''re a bastard," Moe grumbled, his fingers tracing the fresh mark on his neck, finding a strange comfort in its presence. "And an asshole. A terrible host."


    Einar smiled as if Moe had uttered affectionate words, gently stroking Moe''s chest and rubbing his nose against his cheek. He purred contentedly and embraced Moe lightly, mindful of his still-sore body, resting his face against Moe''s neck. Moe gazed at Einar''s light, wavy hair, feeling his resentment gradually dissolve into a warm wave of cleansing emotion, and pressed his cheek against the top of Einar''s head, silent. There was a mess between them, but Moe felt a glimmer of hope for their relationship.


    "In my family, whenever there was a disagreement, we used to recite our favorite counting rhyme," Moe said softly, sensing Einar''s attentive presence and opening up. "You remember the names of my relatives, and my father came up with a solution during an argument between me and Miny. We would sit down together after dinner and recite a rhyme. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, grab the tiger by its toe, if it hollers let it go; Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Whoever the rhyme landed on would say something heartfelt to each person, recalling all the good things that happened that week. You know, even if you''re still angry, remembering that Miny helped me chase down a huge spider, despite his fear of spiders, makes the anger dissipate. You and I have our own version of the counting game now. You''re Eeny, Manny is Meeny, Miny is Miny, and I''m Moe. Would you like to give it a try?"


    "Sure," Einar lifted his head, resting his chin on his fist. "I''ll start. Eeny, meeny..."


    "Hey, there are only two of us here," Moe teased, trying to hide his excitement. "Naturally, it''ll land on me. That''s not fair."


    "I''d like to hear something good from you too, considering I''ve been called a bastard, a terrible host, and an asshole," Einar grinned warmly, his eyes filled with affection.


    "You saved me, put up with all my tantrums, came to see me every day despite my reluctance to talk," Moe''s voice wavered, wiping away tears. "I really appreciate it, Einar."


    "Don''t cry," Einar wiped away Mo''s tears, kissing his eyelids tenderly. "I love you, Moe. It was only natural. I would have done more for you, you know?"


    "I understand now," Moe sniffled.


    "Good," Einar reluctantly pulled away, lightly stroking Mo''s cheek. "Don''t get upset, Moe. Use all your strength to recover."


    "It''s not working," Moe sighed, feeling discouraged.


    "It will," Einar''s eyes sparkled mischievously as he backed away. "I didn''t tell you this, but I''ve already moved into our house."


    "What? So your sentimental plea for us to be together was just a formality? You were already certain I''d accept you?" Moe''s rage flared, blindly reaching for a heavier object on the nightstand.


    "Yes, my love, because I wouldn''t have let you go anywhere," Einar dodged the object, laughing heartily as Moe growled in frustration.


    "You''re a bastard, I hate you!" Moe exclaimed.


    "I love you too, Moe!" Einar exclaimed, planting a playful kiss on his fingertips before blowing it into the air. With a mischievous grin, he dodged the book aimed his way and dashed out of the room, his laughter contagious. Despite Moe''s initial growl of annoyance, he found himself unable to resist Einar''s infectious joy, and soon found himself grinning as well, albeit reluctantly, as he hurled an apple at the door in jest. Chuckling to himself, Moe couldn''t help but admire Einar''s cleverness, even if it was a bit predictable. Despite his annoyance, he couldn''t deny the warmth and goodness in Einar''s heart. The prospect of retaliation only added to Moe''s amusement, and he settled back with a smile, silently relishing the playful banter between them.