DAMIR
I couldn't stay away any longer.
I had left for this business trip thinking I'd finally be able to clear my head. Get some distance. Let time do what it does best blur things out, dull feelings, keep everything professional. But I barely lasted three days.
Eli kept messaging me. Innocent questions. A few selfies nothing explicit, but they were enough to set my whole chest on fire. And then the way he'd freak out when I didn't reply instantly? Like a possessive little wife. I found it too cute for my own sanity. I would be stuck in a boardroom, staring at my phone while my assistant tried to get me to focus on reports and contracts. I couldn't even pretend to listen. My thoughts were back home. With him.
I cut the trip short. Pushed the remaining deals to my secretary, tossed instructions at everyone in my path, and booked the earliest flight back. I didn't even bother sleeping on the plane. I just wanted to be home.
To see him.
When I pulled up to the house, I was both nervous and excited. I didn't tell anyone I was returning today. I wanted to surprise him. I stepped inside, expecting to hear music, maybe catch him curled on the couch in one of his oversized hoodies and those tiny shorts that always left me breathless.
But the house was quiet.
I walked in further, the sound of my boots echoing on the polished floor. "Eli?" I called softly, no answer. Then I heard footsteps quick, light ones coming from the hallway. I turned just in time to see him.He was stepping out of his room, his school bag slung on one shoulder. He looked like he was heading out for class or something casual, but the moment our eyes met, everything stopped.
"Damir!" he gasped.
My heart stopped.
He didn't even hesitate. That boy dropped his bag, ran straight at me, and jumped literally jumped into my arms.
I caught him on instinct, strong arms wrapping around his waist as he locked his arms around my neck. I spun him once, laughing from the pure joy of the moment. His body was warm, so soft and light in my arms, his legs briefly wrapping around my hips like he'd done this all his life.
The hug went on for too long.
He didn't let go.
And I didn't want him to.
His breath fanned across my neck as he giggled, his fingers brushing the back of my hair. When I finally lowered him, I did it slowly, reluctantly, letting my hands graze down his sides. His shirt had ridden up a little, exposing a sliver of his smooth waist, and I swear to God, the sight of it nearly knocked the air out of me.
We stood there staring.
He looked up at me, cheeks glowing, lips pink and parted slightly. And those eyes… damn those eyes. They sparkled like he had just seen his favorite person after a lifetime.
And maybe… he had.
"I didn't know you were coming today," he murmured, trying not to smile too much, but failing. He was blushing all over.
"I couldn't stay away," I said honestly. "I missed you."
The silence that followed was thick, loaded, and god, it scared me. Because as I stared at him, I realized something terrifying.
I didn't want him like a guardian wants a boy. I wanted him like a man wants something dangerous, beautiful, and entirely forbidden. And the way he clung to me smiling like I was the sun after a storm I knew I wasn't the only one who felt it.
But I didn't pull away.
I didn't want to.
And maybe… just maybe… he didn't either.