He chuckles as I try to discern what they’re talking about. “That’s right. He told me about his rekindling with his biological brother so I couldn’t pass the opportunity to invite you to dinner.”
“What’s he saying?” I urge but he ushers me away like a fly.
Five minutes later he ends the call and comes back to me with a smile. “We’re having a guest tonight.”
Fucking hell.
35
Aoi
“You must be Aoi? I’m Bellami, Visha’s brother. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I take the bottle out of his hands, smearing on my nicest and fakest smile. “Oh, my. Thank you, you shouldn’t have. The pleasure is all mine.”
I welcome our guest in and turn to Visha, standing immobile like a lamp in the hallway, guilt plastered all over his face as he can’t look me in the eyes.
“He told me so much about you, claiming you were his guardian angel and preaching his gratitude,” Bellami says, looking handsomer than I expected.
As if he ever said that. The same kid that hates strangers would never tell one so much about himself. Visha isn’t that talkative. How did they manage to grow so close in less than a day?
He’s wearing an all-black tailored suit that must’ve cost more than my rent. His black hair is perfectly coiffed, giving him an air of royalty. I can tell that they’re brothers, though it’s subtle enough. It might be due to the shape of their eyes. How old is he? He must be around my age, maybe younger and yet he has this unshakable aura of maturity clinging to him.
I hand Visha the bottle and help his brother with his even more expensive coat. Jeez I’m almost scared to stain it with my commoner’s hands.
“I didn’t know I was such an esteemed individual,” I cringe. “He overpraises me, really. I’m far from being an angel.”
He shakes my hand, imposing a firm and self-assured grip. “Oh, don’t be modest. I want to thank you for taking care of my little brother while I couldn’t.”
“I don’t deserve your gratitude.”
I really don’t deserve that much praise. I only did what any decent human would have.
Visha slithers back into the living room, waiting for us to join him. I gesture to Bellami to take a seat at the head of the table.
“Though, I do want to know how long you intend to stay. I’m sure Visha must be thrilled to have a brother he can connect with. You’re welcome here anytime, by the way.”
He offers me a courteous smile, befitting of a businessman. “Mhm, thank you but I doubt that’ll be necessary. I’m flying back for France in a few days and won’t be coming back until further notice.”
It’s to France, not for France but whatever.
One glance at Visha sitting opposite me and I immediately know he’s as flabbergasted as I am, thoughhe’sglaring at the man more than necessary.
“Oh, I see and Visha? What about him?”
“He’ll be coming with me of course.”
“What?” I gawk at him, blinking between the two of them. “But you can’t take him.”
“I can andI will,” he emphasizes, veins bulging on his forearms.
A shudder shoots down my spine, leaving me bewildered by his audacity. He doesn’t seem to have any regard for Visha’s or my opinion on the matter. What does he even mean by that statement? Either way, Visha isn’t going anywhere without my permission.
Cutting through the tension with a butter knife, Visha intervenes. “You made a whole feast tonight. Everything looks so good!”
I play with my fork as Bellami speaks up in a humorous tone. “I’m impressed too. I hadn’t expected you to invite me tonight but it’s a pleasure to get to finally know you.”
I see how it is. Back to fake pleasantries? Alright, two can play that game.
