Heir In The Shadows

EPISODE 30

The next morning, the sun had barely broken over the horizon when Jax quietly slipped out of bed. For a long while he simply stood there, gazing at Luciano’s sleeping face — peaceful, lips parted ever so slightly, one hand curled near his chest. Something tightened in Jax’s chest. Damon had once taken this side of him for granted, but Luciano… he made Jax want to give again.

For the first time in years, Jax made his way to the kitchen. The staff stirred, ready to attend him, but he shook his head firmly.

“No. This one, I’ll do alone,” he said. His voice carried no room for argument.

The chefs exchanged glances, baffled but obedient, stepping back as the usually cold Ghost rolled up his sleeves and began to cook. It had been so long since he had touched a frying pan, since he’d dared to cook for someone else. The memories of Damon flickered through his mind, but Jax pushed them away — this wasn’t for the past. This was for Luciano.

The smell of his lover’s favorite dishes filled the mansion’s kitchen, and for the first time in a long while, Jax almost felt… at home. When everything was done, he set the table himself, neat and meticulous, before retreating to shower and change into his clothes for the day.

Before leaving, Jax returned to the bedroom. He bent down, brushing his lips across Luciano’s forehead in a lingering kiss. His hand lingered against his lover’s cheek as he whispered lowly, “See you soon.” Then he left, quiet as a shadow.

Minutes later, Luciano stirred. His hand slid to the other side of the bed, expecting warmth, only to find the sheets cold. His eyes blinked open, heavy with sleep.

“...Jax?” he called groggily.

One of his men nearby cleared his throat respectfully. “Sir… Ghost left earlier.”

Luciano blinked, confusion crossing his features. He sat up slowly, wondering why Jax would leave without a word. He padded back into the bedroom, and that’s when he saw it — a sticky note on the bedside table.

He picked it up, his brows furrowing before softening as he read the messy scrawl:

Got things to do, but breakfast is waiting for you at the dining. Love you. — Jax

A rare smile spread across Luciano’s lips. He folded the note carefully, almost reverently, and tucked it away safely before heading into the bathroom.

After his shower and dressing, he made his way to the dining room. The sight stopped him cold.

The table was full — steaming dishes of his favorites, arranged carefully. It wasn’t the polished perfection of a chef’s hand; no, this was raw, heartfelt effort. He turned to one of the maids lingering at the side.

“Did… did Jax make all of this?”

She nodded with a warm smile. “Yes, sir. He refused any help. Said he wanted to do it himself.”

Luciano sat down, his throat tightening as he looked at the spread. He usually ate sparingly, never more than he needed — but today, he ate until he could no more, savoring every bite, because it was Jax’s gift.

When he was done, he leaned back with a soft, almost incredulous smile tugging his lips. Ghost had given him many things — loyalty, fire, passion — but this… this quiet act of love, it hit him differently.

---

Luciano walked into the company with his usual commanding aura, and as always, every employee stood from their desks and bowed respectfully. He only gave a brief nod, his mind already elsewhere, and strode into his office.

The first thing he did was toss the glossy invitation card onto his desk. His sharp eyes lingered on it, his pacing restless as thoughts flooded his mind.

Should I tell Jax about Dax? Or should I keep it to myself?

He rubbed his temples, conflicted.

What if Jax finds out later? Won’t he feel betrayed? But what if I tell him, and he misunderstands?

The memory of Jax’s past haunted him—Damon’s betrayal, the way it had left scars on Jax’s trust. Their love was still tender, not yet unshakable.

What if he thinks I still have feelings for Dax? What if he pulls away… what if he starts to doubt me?

The thought of losing Jax made Luciano’s chest tighten. He clenched his fists.

“No,” he muttered to himself. “I’ll handle this alone.”

The party was tomorrow night. He would prepare an excuse, something believable enough to keep Jax from suspecting.

But unbeknownst to him, Jax already knew.

Through Draco’s careful monitoring of Dax’s movements, Jax had been informed of the invitation. Yet, Jax said nothing. He wanted Luciano to be the one to open up.

That evening, after their long day of separate schedules, Luciano returned home first. He wasted no time shedding the weight of the day and headed for the shower. The warm water cascaded down his body, soothing his restless mind.

Just then, the sound of the door opening reached him, followed by familiar footsteps. Jax.

Luciano smiled faintly under the spray, not bothering to call out. Seconds later, the glass door of the shower slid open. Jax stepped in, stripping away the distance between them with a slow, breathtaking kiss.

“You’re home,” Luciano whispered against his lips.

A deep hum was all Jax gave before pulling him closer, their lips colliding again with a hunger that spoke of longing.

“I missed you,” Jax murmured, his voice low, rough with emotion as he wrapped his arms tightly around Luciano.

Luciano chuckled softly, resting his forehead against Jax’s. “I missed you too.” Then he tilted his head, catching Jax’s lips once more, this time with unrestrained passion.

The shower turned into their private haven. Steam curled around their entwined bodies, the sound of water drowned by their soft moans and sighs. Every touch was heated, every kiss desperate, their desire igniting into something that consumed them both.

When at last they reached their peak, they leaned against each other, breathless and utterly sated. The water still poured down, but neither cared—they were too lost in the feeling of simply being in each other’s arms.

After washing up, they dressed in comfortable clothes and slipped into bed. Jax pulled Luciano close, holding him protectively against his chest.

Luciano, resting his head over Jax’s heartbeat, closed his eyes with a small smile. Yet deep inside, guilt twisted in his stomach. Jax’s warmth felt like safety… but he was already keeping a secret.

And as Jax pressed a lingering kiss to Luciano’s hair, his own thoughts were calm but sharp.

I know, Luciano. I know about Dax. But I’ll wait… I’ll wait for you to tell me yourself.

Wrapped in each other’s arms, both men drifted off to sleep—one with guilt, the other with patience.

Tomorrow, however, would test them both.