Private Library
Devon's Villa, Stefan's Manor
"What?! Does Stefan know about this? I have so much on my plate, nonna. I have no time to take care of a kid you met from who knows where," Devon shot back and gritted his teeth. His sharp and defined facial features became sharper as he threw an angry and frustrated glare towards his grandmother who was calmly sipping her tea.
Devon turned to his grandfather who was reading the newspaper, ignoring his rants. "Nonno! Talk some sense into nonna! I don't want another burden—"
"Be careful with your next words, Primo. I am still your grandmother. I can throw your ass back home without any problem," Amanda threatened. No one is allowed to insult their boy, even if it is their own grandson. Elijah is a darling and has been through so much. Amanda won't let his bitter and asshole grandson make it harder for Elijah.
Devon clenched his knuckles so hard; he can feel his nails breaking the skin. Unbelievable. His grandparents are favoring some kid they met a few months ago over him, their grandson? Indescribable fury was starting to build in his system. Devon already loathes the kid even without seeing him. What did the kid do to make his grandparents fawn over him? So many dirty thoughts filled his mind, allowing Devon to think the worst of Elijah.
Robert sensed the tension and folded his newspaper. "Amanda, stop threatening our grandchild," Robert said in a gentle manner and Amanda rolled her eyes. Robert shook his head at his wife and turned to Devon who was about to lose his wits.
"Devon, I don't think we're asking for an impossible favor. You just have to ensure that Elijah arrives at his workplace safely and returns home without a scratch. And yes, Stefan knows about this. He has already given his permission, in exchange for additional manpower. This is much better than you downing barrels of alcohol—"
"Is that the reason why you're assigning me as a babysitter to some kid? Come on, nonno. We have enough men for that. Have twenty of them around the kid and—"
"No! They are not enough, Devon. Elijah's life is in danger, and I don't have anyone I can think of to better protect the boy than you. Please, grandson. Have I ever asked any favor from you? I was the one who convinced your parents to let you off from your obligations to the family." Amanda reminded his grandson and Devon groaned.
His grandmother was right. It was Devon's grandmother who convinced Devon's parents to let him stay in the US. She's the reason why Devon was able to stay beside Stefan and Trevor, and the main reason why Devon's father is not obligating Devon to go back and take over the family.
Devon helplessly sat on his chair and let out a frustrated groan. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't expect me to be happy about it. I'm pissed, nonna. Just make sure that he won't be an annoying piece of shit."
Amanda grinned and ignored the foul words from Devon's mouth. What is important is that Devon agreed to guard Elijah. Now, they can focus their men on the frontlines to ensure that their enemies won't find Elijah. Amanda stood up and handed the folder to Devon.
"By the way, Elijah is living beside you. That's not much trouble, is it?" Amanda smirked and Devon clucked his tongue.
Devon frowned and accepted the folder without opening it. "You planned this, didn't you?" He spat and clenched his jaw.
Amanda chuckled and shook his head. "Would you believe me if i say that everything was a coincidence?"
Devon narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brows. "Never."
Amanda grinned and went to Devon's side, giving her grandson a brief hug. "Thank you for doing this, my dear. I promise you; Elijah is a darling. Who knows? Eli will actually be part of the family?"
Devon groaned and rolled his eyes. If not for his grandmother, he won't even consider babysitting a stranger. For all he knew, that Elijah could be a brat. "Don't hold your breath, nonna. I already hate him."
Robert chuckled and turned to Devon. "Don't speak too soon, Devon. That boy will definitely have you wrap in his little fingers without even trying. And we'll be there to tell you, we told you so," Robert smugly stated making Devon's expression blank and unreadable.
"You wish, nonno. Remember this, I will never, ever, fall for that boy. Never." Devon promised but Robert just shook his head.
The next day,
Devon's mood was at an all-time worst in history. As of the moment, he is officially Elijah's bodyguard and Stefan, his friend, willingly and happily sold him to his grandparents.
What Devon hates the most is a forced change in his routine. He was already used to waking up in the morning, patrolling Stefan's manor, doing what he does best, and by that, he meant eliminating Stefan's enemies and protecting his friend. He was comfortable with his pace and schedule. If he's in the mood, he will visit Enchaines and monitor what's happening in the club.
But now, because of a certain someone, his routine was broken. Devon was abruptly awakened by the loud ringing of his phone. He almost threw it away if he was not able to catch a glimpse of who the caller was. He swiped the answer button and his head throbbed when he heard his grandmother's loud voice.
He sat up groggily and moved his injured hand. Well, good for him, it was already healing. "Nonna, stop shouting. It's so early. Let me sleep," he groaned and leaned against the headboard.
"Devon! What are you doing?! It's already eleven! Elijah has already left with Grayson! Don't make me come there, young man, or... you don't want to face my wrath, Primo. Don't test me."
Fuck. Devon felt irritated when he saw the clock. Eleven in the morning. He should have woken up early, but Devon can't help but swing by the club and drink three shots of whisky. Fine, close to a bottle so his head hurts so bad right now.
"Alright, nonna. Just... Please, stop yelling. My head and ear hurt. Where is he by the way?" Devon climbed down his bed and headed to his dressing room, grabbing a pair of black pants and a white shirt.
Amanda groaned in the other line. "Devon, did you drink again? My goodness... Did you even read the folder I gave you yesterday?"
"Nope. You didn't tell me to do that—"
"Primo! Stop being an asshole and get to Elijah! Don't anger me anymore, young man. Your father is one call away. Don't make me press your button to hell." Devon gritted his teeth and his grip on his phone tightened.
"I'm sorry, nonna. I'm on my way." With that, he ended the call and threw his phone on the wall, shattering it to pieces. "Fuck!" Because of that boy, Devon's peaceful life is getting complicated. Elijah won't be the reason why his ass will be thrown back to Italy.
Fine, he will play this game. He will play the game his own way.
Devon grabbed his clothes and threw it on the bed, then headed to the bath with a smirk.
****
"Hey, Eli. I need a favor. Can you change the bulb over there?" Mina, one of Elijah's colleagues on the day shift, asked Elijah with a smile. Elijah does know how to, but he's not tall. It will be hard for him to reach it.
"Um, can we ask someone? I promise I'll help with other tasks. I just don't think that I can reach the bulb, Mina. Look at me," Elijah gestured to his body with a pout.
Mina giggled. "I'm sorry, Eli. My hands are full, and the staff is busy too. Don't worry, we have a step ladder over there," Mina pointed to the left corner of the room, and Elijah's face lit up.
"Whoa. That's so cool. I'll get it," Elijah said excitedly and walked towards the step ladder with a bounce on his feet, not minding his surroundings. Before Elijah could make a turn towards the step ladder, he bumped into someone, letting out a small yelp, and closed his eyes, waiting to feel the concrete floor on his back. That would surely hurt his bum.
Devon on the other hand was rushing and entered the bar with a frown and a hard expression that the guards almost bowed at his presence. The guards knew that their boss should not be messed with, especially when Devon was clearly not having a good day.
Devon was so focused on finding Elijah and making the boy's life a living hell when he bumped into somebody. Owing to his good reflexes, he swooped the person by the waist and almost dropped the boy when he felt a spark when their skin brushed, despite the fabric.
Devon steadied the boy and let him go as if he was allergic to the boy's presence. Elijah almost felt his heart on his throat, and when he realized that he wouldn't be falling any second, he slowly opened his eyes. Elijah blinked several times and hitched a breath when he finally saw the man who saved him from falling down on the floor. Elijah felt intimidated when those deep brown eyes stared at him so deep, but he couldn't also help the small blush staining his cheeks.
Devon was stunned. Okay, maybe that was an understatement. Owe it to Devon's poor vocabulary because his mind turned to mush and his brain cells stopped working when those bright baby blues gazed at him. The boy in front of Devon was innocent, pure, and gorgeous. His breath was taken away, literally. What the fuck is even happening? How can someone such as a stranger command Devon's senses? It was the first time that it had happened to him, and it made him confused and speechless.
Devon chose to ignore the growing feeling inside of him but his heart was relentless, slamming so hard against his chest, especially when the boy shyly gazed at him with a blush on his smooth and fair cheeks. Devon's eyes landed on the boy's lips when the boy softly chewed those lips—the slow motion making Devon's breath labor in anticipation.
At that moment, Devon knew. Devon knew he was doomed. When his heart skipped a beat and began to race, Devon knew.
"Um, hello, Mister. I'm sorry for bumping into you. Thank you for saving me," Elijah smiled at the handsome man but he was just frowning at him, making Elijah uncomfortable. Is he mad? Elijah let out a soft whimper and took a few steps back.
Devon was snapped out of his trance when he heard a distressed whimper. Devon blinked several times and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. Did I scare you?"
Elijah shook his head and clutched his chest, then furrowed his brows. Why is his heart beating so fast? Stefan needed to know about this. He can't be sick because he still needs to find Ryzel. "I'm fine, Mister." Elijah grinned and ignored his wild heartbeat. He then glanced at the step ladder and nodded. "Thank you again, mister. I will be careful next time," Elijah bowed his head slightly and headed to the ladder when Devon spoke.
"What's your name?" Devon asked in a shaky breath, the effect of the baby blues caused his system to go haywire.
Elijah turned around and smiled. "My name is Elijah. Elijah Thompson."
Devon froze and felt like he was doused with ice water. "Fuck."
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