lover ..?



Knock.. knock

..

Came the soft knowing on the door followed by a say voice< yang master? I was ordered to bring your meal here >

Maxim stared at the man lying on the couch who didn't move. He stood waiting and the call came again < yang master? > Maxim was hesitating to act without permission but he felt there was no harm in bringing the food in.

The door opened and the yang maid gasped as she looked up to the newcomer. She felt her face heating as she was stared at by this handsome man. He slowly reached out took the cart from her hand and pushed inside. The maid just stared at him not reacting until the door was closed again.

<oof ... anna didn't say he was so good-looking! > she giggled and tourned back down < my luck is turning flufufu >

Maxim stood staring at the door with a troubled face. He was mute but he was not deaf! And why was this girl so daring what if Master Heard her ?!

He pushed the cart to the small dining table in the corner. Maxim walked back to the couch and wondered how to get his master to eat when he couldn't call him ...

The young man on the couch was hugging himself burring his face in the couch facing away.

Maxim hesitated but then reached his hand and gently touched the yang lord's shoulder who flinched. Maxim froze waiting for a scold but what came was a soft voice < I am not hungry... > and after a couple of minutes followed < you .. you eat .. >

Maxim looked at his master and felt his heart soften. This man was shaken and feeling miserable, yet he remembered that a servant couldn't touch the food of their master even if they were starving.

The young man looked so fragile and broken, Maxim remembered the words that stranger said.

He was no fool, he could clearly understand the relationship between his master and that older nobleman.

Family ..

He let out a sigh and sat on the floor by the couch.

He remembered the day his mother sold him.

He was just a child. He had cried, he called for her, he begged her as he was dragged away yet that woman didn't even spare him a glance.

Later he met many who were also sold by their family.

He realized he was lucky when he accompanied his old owner to the brothel as a guest, he saw many young boys and girls .. serving ..

Maxim glanced at his new master and wondered..

How old was he when that.. happened to him ..

Maxim's fist clenched his fist and the veins in his neck bulged as rage unlike any rose in his heart ..... why must he suffer that by his family's hand .... why were children allowed to be hurt ..

He closed his eyes

he remembered lily ..

Her dead eyes still lingered in front of him .. Lily .. sweet big sister Lily... She was a child herself .. yet she was a better mother than his birth mother

Maxim swallowed down his tears and looked up at the young man sleeping on the couch.

He was young back then, weak, small, powerless ... but he is not anymore

—

.

another day,

.

Giggles rose and laughter was heard, Gilbert’s hand froze. He stood up and jumped to the window looking at the garden. He felt his heart beating so loud in his ears.

“Josephine ??”

His stressed muscles relaxed as he stared from the window. The boy, Emilio was giggling as he danced around the older man.

It was not Josie .. yes. She had promised him to remain in her room as long as He was there... besides, her nanny was extremely protective and a smart woman.

A shadow appeared beside him and Gilbert turned staring at the taller man. Maxim had stayed with him these days, he did not leave his side even when Gilbert went to bath or sleep, maxim was like a loyal dog.

They stared into each other eyes for a few seconds and Gilbert looked away first. He had always shown a proud and strong front but this guy was there when he was at his lowest.

Gilbert was embarrassed, upset, and uncomfortable that someone saw him this weak and pathetic.

Yet he didn't drive him away. He sighed and stared at the older man and the yang boy flirting in the garden. His thoughts were a mess, one thing he was grateful for was Maxim and that boy's presence somehow diverted that man's attention away from himself and his sister.

Yesterday as he was walking out from the bathe Maxim was walking beside him and he had come face to face with his tormentor.

Gilbert, looked up at Maxim again he remembered the words that man had said< you ... have given your body to this dirty dog? > he had looked so disgusted and frowned as he crossed his arms < eghh .. gross .. don't show up in front of me again .. > he had walked by him glaring at him < you left my silky bed to open your legs like a whore to a dog .. disgusting .. >

The words were humiliating, but, Gilbert's eyes shone so bright. He was grossed out because he thought Gilbert had slept with a servant ..

Gilbert's eyes looked out of the window again with a mocking smile on his face, all he had to do was sleep with a servant and that man was grossed out by him.

He should have done so from the beginning ..

But could he?

His thoughts were interrupted as the man's eyes landed on him. He felt his whole body freeze in terror, he could never get rid of this reaction.

The man looked at him and a ridiculing smirk was clear on his face as he said something inaudible. The boy by his side giggled loudly as he glanced up at him.

Gilbert's eyes were desperately trying to avoid that boy, Emilio his name was Emilio.

Save ...

Gilbert swallowed the lump in his throat and looked away, going back to his canvas.

'' I can't... I can't even save myself .. '' he kept repeating desperately trying to convince himself that this was the right thing to do.

Stay away from Emilio, turn a blind eye, don't look ...

—

Maxim left the window following his master. These 3 days he had not left this man's side. They have not spoken, not that he could answer. For some reason, Maxim could not look away from this man.

It started with pity, turned into curiosity, and exploded into lust when he was forced to guard this man as he took a bath.

Maxim knows he is no saint. He had his first man years ago when a little fox seduced him and emptied his pockets afterward. He had been scolded and beaten by his master for being so stupid.

He walked to his little corner and leaned on the wall. His eyes followed the movement of that delicate wrist then it was dragged to follow a sweat drop as it rolled from his lord's forehead to his jaw bone, slowly falling to his collar and sliding into the thin shirt, how easily would it be to be torn apart .. so thin in this heat sweat made it semi-transparent..

Maxim's jaw clenched and he closed his eyes. It has been a long time for him, but when did he turn into a lustful beast...

—

Knock knock

< yang master ..your meal is ready> came the voice of the servant. For 3 days he locked himself in his studio painting nonstop just to be reminded that it was mealtime by the servants. Gilbert sighed putting down his brushes and paints < come in ..> he ordered walking to the connecting bathroom. Maxim left the wall and followed his master as he had done these days. He slowly got used to the duties of an attendant. The door was pushed open and the old butler walked in with a servant pushing the food cart. As he reached the bathroom door Gilbert froze looking back at the old weasel.

< I didn't know your duties included delivering my food .. > he commented mockingly. He really hates this old dog. It was he who bathed him and prepared him as a child to be delivered to the master's bedroom. And no matter how much he cried to him and begged him not to, he was ignored.

The old butler bowed deeply and answered < master orders this lowly servant to deliver this letter to the yang master .> he made a big show of putting an envelope by the table as the other servant busied with settling the lunch.

Gilbert scoffed at him and without hesitating he grabbed the string of Maxim's shirt dragged him to the bathroom and left the door a bit agar on purpose.

—

Maxim swelled and obeyed his master following obediently. He had not forgotten what the old master said yesterday. He was well aware of what this man was doing, he was not confused or misunderstanding, yet as the yang man slowly removed his shirt threw it on the floor, and leaned on the sink making a show of his every move. <have you gone silly already > The blond hair fell around his translucent skin as he tilted his head slowly to the side and smirked < Don't you know how to serve your master? > Maxim's face didn't show any change or stress. He was a slave, he knew how to control his expressions and reactions but he could not control his beating heart which was struggling to jump out of his ribs.

—

Slowly the servant took a towel, felled a basin with warm water, twisted the dump towel skillfully, and approached him. Gilbert Glanced at the old butler who was still standing by the dining table waiting for his answer in regards to the letter. The servant girl was trembling beside him peeking at him. He had deliberately picked this spot to be visible. A warm feeling on his skin made him jump and turn back to the man in front of him. His new attendant had his face down his bangs covering his eyes as he slowly and carefully held his hand and wiped his fingers.

His hands were warm ...

Gilbert stared at the man who was working diligently to get rid of the stubborn paint off his hands and nails.

He had planned to bring back this man to paint, to put him to work somewhere in the stables or the kitchen, to ask him to be his model from time to time. He had never imagined making him his attendant, oh well he turns out to be more useful than he imagined..

Gilbert hated anyone touching him he felt repulsed by others' eyes and touches. Josephine was the only one he felt warm toward and welcomed her touches, presence, and looks.

Gilbert felt a bit guilty. He knew he was using this man and maybe pushing the boundary.

< here .. > he pulled his hands and pointed to his collar < don't you see the paint on my neck and face? >

—

—

Maxim felt he may have had a heart attack. The way this beautiful man smirked and ran his slender finger on his own neck reminded him of the name of a demon he once read about.

succubus .. a sex demon seduced poor souls and devored them..

Maxim squeezed the dump towel in his hand and reached up

< no .. the towel is too ruff .. use your hands .. > and the seducing demon laughed < not like you haven't touched me before !>

Anyone hearing these words would believe them, Maxim himself felt his hands tremble as he reached out. He is going to touch him .. he had been imagining how it would feel like and now he will touch this beautiful being that emerged from a dream.

As his fingertip touched the pale neck he noticed sweat beads rolling down, Maxim's eyes traveled down to his master's face, and behind the smirk was terror ...

He was scared.

Maxim glanced to the side and walked a bit closer hiding his hands in the blond hair.

The hand hovered on the skin and made a motion of circling as if he was cleaning the skin.

He didn't touch him.

Maxim may have lustful thoughts, he may fantasize about beauties.

But he was no monster.

He would never hurt someone the way sister Lily was hurt.

—

he regretted it, he regretted these words as soon as they escaped his mouth. Gibert steadied his heart and waited for the warm touch on his neck but it never came. The hand was slowly hovering up and down giving the illusion of actually caressing the skin.

Oh ..

Gilbert breathed out. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

This big dog was so smart.

He smiled and looked warmly at his servant.

He never explained anything, he didn't have time to think things through and plan anything. He was aware that he was the one taking advantage of a servant.

Yet, this man was so aware of what was going on around him.

He could have played the fool and taken advantage of the situation as well, he was smart enough to know that his master needed him now.

Gilbert smiled and whispered < thank you .. >

The hand froze but then continued the act as it slid down suggestively, still not touching the skin.

< goddess above! > Gilbert sighed dramatically as he looked to the Butler < Fine! I will read the damn letter and write a proper answer! Now get out !! >

As the order came the butler bowed deeply and walked out followed by the blushing maid.

—

The door was closed gently. As soon as the click was heard Maxim took a few fast steps away and bowed his head waiting for orders.

Silence ..

For long seconds nothing happened and when he looked up the yang lord was looking away his hand gently messaging the spot that Maxim was pretending to clean. A faint blush was spread to his ears.

Maxim opened his mouth and took a deep breath.

This job was going to test his willpower, he was sure.

—-

His heart was pounding so loud yet his face was neutral. Years in servitude taught Maxim how to keep a poker face. He stared at the young man who was inches away from him earlier avoiding his gaze and just sitting to eat.

< sit.. eat .. > came the order in a soft voice that made Maxim's ears itchy. He obeyed and took the fork to eat the luxurious meal. He had always dreamed of eating these types of fancy deaches, yet somehow his gaze would travel to that mouth chewing the food. When the tang came out sometimes to lick the pink full lips Maxim would hold his breath praying his heart drums weren’t so loud the lord would hear.

He had to admit. He was lustful for this man.

—-

Gilbert was nervous, he had never allowed anyone to be so close to his person before. He felt fear, disgust, and …. memories come back to him making him feel sick to his stomach. He looked up to his new servant. The man was smart enough not to touch him earlier. He may be more useful than he anticipated.

< you will follow my lead > he stated deciding to keep going with this play. It may be his best shot. He kept his eyes on the food not wanting to see the expression on the other's face. < from now on .. you will play the role of my lover.. I know this was not the deal .. > he hesitated and took a deep breath. Gilbert knows that he as a noble in this kingdom could force commoners to do his bedding and nothing would stop him but he knows how it feels to be forced.

< I will double your salary> he looked up with a steady voice as he continued.

The man in front of him was looking at him and then pointed at the food. Gilbert was confused < the food? > The man noded and pointed to himself< oh! Oh! Yes! Of course, as my lover, you would eat the finest meals!>

Gilbert was a bit stunned as he saw Maxim smile. It was so faint, but it made his whole person brighten. He took a deep breath as Maxim nodded in agreement.

Food huh .. he should reward the chef...

—

Maxim could see how the tension drained from the other man's shoulder and how relaxed he became after getting his approval. He then knew he had made the right choice in adding food as his own condition to make the deal seem equivalent to his lord.

He was a bit perplexed as to why he even needed his servant’s approval. This nobleman had bought him. Maxim felt satisfied but anxious at the same time .. he liked his new master … respected him for surviving hell and appreciated his generosity and fairness … yet .. he wanted to throw him on the bed, tear off that fine silk, and ravish him leaving red and blue marks all over that beautiful skin…

This new .. position as the master, unfortunately, FAKE lover will be the death of him

=======

author note : finally Maxim admitted the lust he feels for Gilbert !!