Possessive Gentleman

Chapter 16

My mouth widen in surprise as I take in the work in front of me.

He tries to cover it with a rough shrug, shoving his hands in his pockets as he leans against the doorframe—acting like the whole thing doesn't bother him at all.

“It's nothing. Just… stuff I've been working on.”

I stand still clearly moved by the paintings.

“I am so speechless.You painted these?They are so….. beautiful babe.”

“...Yeah.Thought about burning them a few times but… couldn't bring myself to do it.Don't get used to this mushy s**t though… I’m still not happy you found them in the first damn place.”

“YOU! Mr Nonchalant!! Mr-I don’t give a damn,painted these???”.

He chuckles like he’s embarrassed at it.

“No more secrets Aiden”,i hug him.

“…Fine.But don't go getting spoiled, sweetheart. I'm still not used to this mushy bullshit...”

He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine as he looks at me through dark lashes.

“I only let you see that because I… love you.”

“Promise you won’t keep any secrets from me again”.

He smiles awkwardly,rubbing the back of his neck.

“…uh yeah,yeah.No uhm…secrets,yeah”.

He says it almost like he’s hiding something else.

“Thank you.We can go to bed now.I feel sleepy.Only if you carry me on your back”.

He turns you around in his grip, bending down slightly so i can climb onto his back.

“Like hell I'm letting you walk after that little stunt.”

His hands grip under my thighs, hauling me up with ease before starting toward the bedroom.

“And just so we’re clear? You're never leaving this mansion again without me. Got it?”

“Yeah yeah.I’m so sleepy babe!”

“Yeah yeah… sleep, sweetheart. I got you.

And when he finally lays me down in bed? His arms don’t let go right away—lingering just long enough.

“I love you Aiden”.

He exhales roughly then presses a rough kiss to my temple.

“...I know, sweetheart.Goodnight babe”.

— —

I wake up to the sweet scent of toast but Aiden was still asleep on the bed.

Walking to the kitchen,i see Jeffery cooking.

Jeffery turns with a knowing smirk, stirring whatever decadent breakfast he's preparing before glancing toward the hallway where i emerged from.

“Ah. Someone’s finally awake.Master Aiden still in bed, I take it? Or did you finally wear him out enough to let him sleep past sunrise for once?”

“Wear him out?”,i chuckled.

Jeffery chuckles, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and respect as he continues stirring.

“It's been a while since someone's kept up with him. He's got more stamina than most people imagine, but it looks like you're the one exception.I'll admit, I'm damn surprised he didn't drag himself out of bed and down here before you even woke up. He's usually relentless about getting up early.”

“What are you preparing?I don’t usually see you in the kitchen”.

Jeffery lets out a low chuckle as he flips something in the pan—clearly not just a butler, but a man of many talents.

“French toast. Figured I'd step in since someone kept him up all night. He usually prefers his coffee black and bitter… like his mood most mornings. But today? Thought I’d make it worth waking up late for once.Don’t tell him I said that though—I like my job too much to get fired over honesty.”

He smirks as he plates it expertly.

“Alright.Hey,I thought he has a dog.I’ve never seen it.”

Jeffery pauses mid-flip, his smirk turning into something closer to a knowing grin before he shakes his head.

“Ah. You mean Nyx.That damn dog is more of a menace than Master Aiden on his worst days. He's out with the trainer this morning—otherwise you'd have already heard her barking at nothing like the world's angriest shadow.

Trust me… when that beast is here, you'll know it.”

“He hasn’t been here when I’m around”.

“You might just be a lucky charm then, sweetheart. Nyx usually hates everyone on first sight… the little bastard only likes Master Aiden. Hell, it took months of bribery for that thing to even tolerate me being around him.”

“Wow”,i burst out laughing.

Jeffery chuckles, a rueful grin on his face.

“Damn right "wow". Like I said… consider yourself lucky you didn't meet the little beast yet. She looks adorable as hell—but I've seen that thing bite more than one person for getting too close to Master Aiden. ...That damn dog's more protective of him than the damn security staff.”

He finishes plating the food before looking up at me.

“Now, unless you've got any other invasive questions about that beast…”

He gestures at the still-steaming food he just plated up.

“I suggest you eat before Master Aiden finally decides to drag his ass out of bed and starts growling about cold toast.”

“Speak of the devil”.

I get amused by the timing as Aiden finally comes padding into the room in his usual sweatpants and t-shirt. He's still half-asleep, his eyes narrow as he makes his way across the kitchen to me.But his expression softens as soon as he reaches me, his hands moving to grip my hip as he leans in for a rough kiss.

His sexy morning form captivating me— rough messy hair,half opened eyes and a sweet scent.

“Someone’s looking sexy this morning”,i smirk at him.

“Morning, sweetheart.”

He mumbles the greeting against my lips, his voice still rough and gravelly from sleep.

“You two been gossiping about me again?”

I snort out laughing,”Now why would we do that?”

He huffs at that.

“Because you two have nothing better to do than gossip about me, obviously.And this one? Has a damn habit of asking questions just for the Hell of it. Just wait until she gets you in a corner… you're gonna regret ever telling her my damn schedule.”

Jeffery just laughs at that.

“So are you leaving?”,i ask him,wanting him to go already.

“Yeah yeah”.Jeffery leaves.