CHAPTER 44: BRING HIM OUT!

Elias immediately pulled back, his voice sharp. "I’m not a kid, Jace. You don’t have to touch my head,"

Jace’s grin faltered, and he raised his hands in a mock surrender.

"Sorry, sorry. I just... you’re kinda cute when you’re focused, you know?"

Elias’s cheeks flushed, and he turned away, his heart racing. Jace stepped closer, his voice softer. "Hey, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable."

Elias’s eyes met Jace’s, and for a moment, they were too close, the air between them charged. Jace’s gaze flickered to Elias’s small and red lips, and Elias felt his breath catch. He stepped back, moving to the desk to shuffle their presentation notes.

"It’s fine," he said quickly. "I just... we should focus on the presentation."

Jace nodded, his expression a mix of disappointment and understanding.

"Yeah, you’re right. Get some sleep, okay? We’ve got a big day tomorrow."

Elias forced a smile, his voice soft.

"Thanks, Jace. Good night."

Jace hesitated, then left, closing the door behind him. Elias sank onto the bed, his mind racing. He knew Jace had feelings for him... had seen it in his eyes, his actions. But he couldn’t let himself feel the same. Not when Jace was helping him and Lila.

It felt like taking advantage, like asking for too much. He’d stay until Lila was better, then leave. He and Lila would start over, just the two of them. He closed his eyes, trying to push away the thought of the matching test.

’I’m sure it’ll be fine. The results will be low, and I’ll move on. I’m not attracted to his Pheromones, after all,’

.

.

At the Drago estate, Viktor stood in his bedroom, freshly showered and dressed in a clean black shirt and black jeans. The weight of the day still clung to him, but the hot water had cleared his head. He checked his watch... almost time to head to the Voss estate. He reached into his dresser, pulling out a small handgun and slipping it into the waistband of his jeans, the cold metal a stark reminder of his determination.

Luka appeared in the doorway, his arms crossed. "Vik, you’re really doing this? You’re gonna storm the Voss estate like some action movie hero?"

Viktor didn’t look up, adjusting his jacket.

"I’m not storming anything. I’m just getting Elias back."

Luka stepped closer, his voice low.

"You’re carrying a gun, man. That’s not ’just’ anything. You’re scaring me. And the twins."

Viktor’s eyes flashed, but his voice was steady. "The gun’s for protection. I’m not planning to use it. But I’m not leaving without Elias."

Luka groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You’re not listening to anything I say. You’re gonna make things worse... for you, for the kids, for everyone. Just... think about it, will you?"

Before Viktor could reply, Dante and Dario appeared, their faces pale.

"Dad?" Dario’s voice was small. "Are you going to get Nanny now?"

Viktor knelt, his expression softening.

"Yeah, buddy. I’m gonna bring him back. I promised, didn’t I?"

Dante’s eyes widened.

"Will he be mad at us? We didn’t mean to make him leave."

Viktor’s heart twisted, and he pulled them into a hug.

"He’s not mad at you. He loves you guys. I’ll fix this, okay?"

The twins nodded, clinging to him. Luka watched, his expression heavy.

"Fuck! Be careful, Vik. For their sake."

Viktor stood, his jaw tight. "I will. I always am," he headed for the door, his men waiting outside by the cars. Luka followed, his voice urgent.

"Vik!"

Viktor didn’t turn back. "Stay with the kids, Luka."

As Viktor climbed into the car, the twins ran to the window, watching him drive off. Dario turned to Dante, his voice trembling.

"Do you think Dad really brought Nanny back?"

Dante forced a smile.

"I... I don’t know. I hope so."

.

.

At the Voss estate, Ethan sat at the kitchen counter, his laptop open as he typed furiously. The news from his man had shaken him... Viktor Drago was tracking Jace, and Elias was the main problem. He didn’t know why Elias had run away from them, but the Dragos weren’t a family to mess with. He needed to protect his own.

The door burst open, and a security guard rushed in, his face tense.

"Sir, we’ve got an unexpected guest."

Ethan closed his laptop, his frown deepening. "Who?"

The guard hesitated.

"I think he’s... he’s the famous Drago Lord. He’s outside, and he doesn’t look patient."

"Fuck!" Ethan stood, his heart racing. He’d expected this, but not so soon. "Get my parents. Now."

He strode outside, the cool night air hitting his face as he saw Viktor standing in front of his car, the headlights casting him in shadow. A cigarette glowed between his fingers, the smoke curling upward. Ethan forced a calm smile, his voice steady.

"Mr Drago. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Viktor’s eyes were cold, his voice low and commanding.

"Bring him out."

Ethan tilted his head, playing dumb.

"May I know who you’re talking about?"

Viktor’s jaw tightened, his patience thin.

"Don’t waste my time, Ethan Voss. You very well know I’m talking about Elias. Bring him out. Now."

Ethan’s smile didn’t waver, but his mind raced. "Why don’t you come inside? We can talk..."

Viktor cut him off, pulling the gun from his waistband and pointing it at Ethan.

"I said, bring him out!"

Ethan’s heart skipped, but he kept his composure, raising his hands slightly.

"Okay, let’s not get too crazy, Sir..."

Mrs Voss and Mr Voss appeared, still in their pyjamas, their faces a mix of shock and defiance. Mrs Voss stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.

"What’s going on here?"

Viktor’s gun swung toward her, his eyes blazing. "Bring Elias out. I won’t ask again."

Mrs Voss didn’t flinch, her gaze steady.

"Pointing a gun at me won’t get you what you want, Mr Drago. If you want to talk, we’ll talk. But put that away."

Viktor’s grip tightened, his voice a low growl. "Seeing the way you all are speaking, that means you’re hiding him. From me?"

Mr Voss stepped beside his wife, his tone even. "Lower the gun, Drago. We’re not your enemies. Let’s figure this out. Please..."