CHAPTER 198: CLOSE YOUR EYES, REGINALD.

After Charles had successfully dried off his wet body, he slipped into a pair of fitted black trousers and a blue flowery shirt that clung perfectly to his lean frame.

To finish off the look, he grabbed a head warmer hat and pulled it snugly over his golden hair, the strands peeking out in a charming mess.

Meanwhile, Augustine took his turn in the bathroom, letting the warm water cascade over his skin, freshening up after their steamy moments.

When he finally stepped out, towel hanging low around his waist, he found Charles fully dressed and waiting—his eyes gleaming with quiet anticipation.

"Do you prefer that I wear a matching outfit like yours?" Augustine asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Charles scoffed, rolling his eyes playfully. "Do you even own anything that matches what I’m wearing right now?"

Without missing a beat, Augustine shook his head. "I don’t," he purred, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "But I can place an order from the nearest boutique—it won’t take long."

"Come on, babe," Charles whispered as he took his seat on the bed. "You don’t have to wear matching outfits like mine."

Sigh!

A loud exhale rolled from Augustine’s lips as he nodded promptly. "Then I’ll dress in something more simple."

Without waiting for Charles’s approval, Augustine stepped into the walk-in closet and pulled out a crisp white long-sleeve shirt from his clothing rack, pairing it with a sleek black trouser.

With practiced ease, he slipped into the outfit, then topped it off with a tailored black suit jacket that hugged his frame perfectly—completing the dark, refined look.

"Babe... do you mind if we stop by a flower shop? I need to get something for my mom," Charles called out from the bedroom, his fingers dancing across his phone screen as he texted Freda—lying that he felt sick and couldn’t make it to work.

’Good thing today’s my day off at the restaurant,’ Charles thought to himself, a warm smile curling on his lips.

Suddenly, the door of the walk-in closet creaked open, and Augustine stepped out, a radiant smile lighting up his face.

Dressed in his usual sleek attire, he exuded quiet confidence, but it was the captivating scent of his cologne that stole the air between them.

Without hesitation, Augustine closed the distance between them, his every step calm, deliberate, and magnetic.

As he stood beside Charles, who was seated on the bed, Augustine exhaled deeply before lowering himself to the floor, his eyes never leaving Charles.

Gently, Augustine placed his hands on Charles’s thighs and then, he leaned in and whispered, "I want my scent on you."

Without waiting for a response, Augustine lifted the bottle of perfume in his right hand and began to mist it across Charles’s clothes.

After that, Augustine rose from the floor, setting the bottle of perfume on the dressing table.

With a warm smile, he extended his hand toward Charles. "While I was in the bathroom, I texted Reginald to pick up some gifts for your parents. A few minutes ago, he confirmed they’ve been placed inside the black Ford."

Charles nodded, his heart skipping a beat at the thoughtful gesture.

"Umm... before we go, I want you to prepare yourself for the worst, okay?" Charles began, swallowing hard as he lowered his gaze to the floor. "I don’t know how my parents will react to knowing that I’m gay... so I don’t want you to—"

"Pookie," Augustine cut in gently, his voice firm but tender. "I’m not scared. I’ve already prepared myself for anything."

Augustine eyes held unwavering resolve as he added, "I’ll stand by you no matter what."

Augustine gave Charles’s hand a gentle caress before offering a soft smile. "My parents weren’t exactly kind when I came out, so if yours react the same way... it’s totally understandable."

Charles nodded slowly.

With a quiet sigh, he slipped his hand from Augustine’s grip and turned around to grab the box of pizza and the tub of ice cream resting on the bed.

"Carry the rest and follow me, babe," Charles purred, turning around as he began to make his way out of the room.

Augustine gathered the remaining items from the bed and followed behind.

Once they reached the kitchen, he set the items down in their respective spots, and Charles did the same.

They both stepped out of the mansion building and headed straight to the garage where Reginald stood, resting on the black ford car. "Good afternoon, CEO Augustine." Reginald warmly greeted.

Augustine replied with a nod.

"Hi Reginald," Charles purred while waving his hands at him.

"Do you have everything that’s needed?" Augustine questioned, his voice serious as he glanced at Reginald, who nodded warmly in response.

Charles raised an eyebrow. "Why do you sound so serious with your question?" He asked, his curiosity piqued. "And what exactly did Reginald have to get?"

Augustine turned to face Charles, his hands gently resting on Charles hips as his gaze locked onto him, intense and unwavering. "I told Reginald to prepare things that would impress my lover’s parents," Augustine purred, his voice low and seductive, before leaning in to capture Charles’s lips in a kiss.

Swiftly, Charles quickly shifted his gaze to the side, dodging the kiss of Augustine without even bothering to think twice about his action.

With a low voice which was barely above a whisper, Charles uttered. "Your secretary’s here, Augustine," he mumbled, a hint of discomfort in his tone but it was laced with a bit embarrassed.

Augustine scoffed, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "Alright... I’ll tell him to close his eyes," he purred, his gaze locking with Reginald’s, a teasing intensity flickering in his stare.

"Reginald, turn around and close your eyes," Augustine commanded, his voice dripping with playful authority.

Reginald, blushing deeply, immediately obeyed.

The sharp command made Charles feel a rush of shyness flood over him, his cheeks flushing as he tried to hide his growing discomfort while playfully slamming Augustine’s chest.