Page 11 of Cold

Romare toyed with his food, but one stern look from me and he stopped playing around. He grabbed his plate, drawing it closer and went right back to eating the way he had before. I plucked a few pieces of bacon and another muffin from my plate and laid them on his.

"W-what are you doing?" Romare whispered.

"Like I said, eat."

We locked sights before he went back to it. He's so small, but he can pack away a lot. When he finally pushed his plate away and drained his glass of orange juice, there was a smile on his face. He picked up Mr. Whiskers and held him to his chest.

"Go shower," I told him.

His eyes flickered up to mine as if he was seeing me for the first time. "Yes, sir.

A chill ran through my body and I didn't know how to respond. Thankfully, Romare walked away and I was left to contemplate the thoughts that rampaged through my head. The sound of the shower starting distracted me and I realized he was using the hall bathroom again. My mind traveled back to him the night before, the way his thighs opened and he fisted his small cock.

Goddamnit.

No, I needed to focus. Being nice to him was necessary, but I didn't have to fall for his bullshit. I shoved my chair back and realized that I'd barely eaten anything at all. Screw it. I downed my coffee and poured another mug before I started to clean up. I had to keep my head focused. Romare was a mission, that's all.

The knock on the door dragged me out of my thoughts and I went to answer it. I peeked through the peephole and there was Tom. He looked like an undertaker, all black suit and serious expression. But on top of his head was a pink afro.

"Come on," I said as I opened the door. "You're early. As always."

"I like to be on time," he said as he glanced around. "Should I set up in the living room?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "He should be out of the shower soon." I paused. "I expect you to keep all of this quiet. What you see, what you hear..."

Tom waved a hand at me. "I know how this works," he said as he sat his case down on the floor and looked around. He grimaced. "Do you need a decorator? I have contacts."

I glared at him. "Lay off my fucking apartment. Again. I like it."

"Shame," he said as he sat on the arm of the couch. "Coffee?"

"I have black and black."

Tom pulled a face. "At least find some sugar to sprinkle in it, boss."

I stifled the chuckle that wanted to break free. Tom was one of those rare people that made me want to laugh with his antics. He was a pain in the ass, but he did his job. I could respect that.

"Vito, do you-" Romare stopped and stared at us. "Oh, hello."

The boy stood there naked as the day he was born. Water still rolled off of his body and circled his feet. Heat swept over my body and I growled.

"Go put the fucking shirt back on!"

Romare blinked at me and so did Tom. I frowned and scratched the back of my head. What is going on with me?

"Go," I snapped at Romare.

"Yes, sir!"

He scrambled off down the hallway and I blew out a heavy breath. When I glanced at Tom, his lips curved up into a smile and I groaned inwardly.

Romare was already causing me problems.

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