“I guess it was fate, my sexy panther,” Vivienne said when they were done.”And I’m glad you’re not going back to California. Now you can open your real estate company here, and I will be your silent partner. Since your high school friend Mellow Franklin got arrested for murder.”
Star remembered the name well. It was Dent’s former business partner that he was accused of killing. To think in this life the guy went to jail instead, and the trajectory in regards to Dent changed in such a way. At first, Star had wanted to save Dent from going to jail for murder but realized he hadn’t done much. He was wrapped up in his career and then Anubis, and he sort of forgot one of his goals. However, he was grateful that things turned out for the better.
“Are you sure you can stay silent? You’re a bossy lady,” Dent joked, and for the first time, Star saw Vivienne act like a little girl, but her face soon turned as red as a ripe tomato at Dent’s next words. “But that’s what I love about you.”
Star watched the two and knew they had forgotten he was there. He grabbed his new cell phone and wrote a note, silently leaving them alone. Besides, watching them made him miss his lover fiercely.
Star put the box down, deciding to open it later. He whistled, heading to the kitchen, but stopped when he saw Anubis standing at the stove with his back turned and one arm hanging over the shoulder of a young, petite, brown-skinned woman with long curly hair, looking up at him adoringly. Anubis was feeding her something on a spoon, smiling tenderly at her. Star hated how they looked and spoke to each other.
“How does it taste, love?”
“It's really good, Papa. You know how much I love when you cook for me.”
Anubis chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. “You're Papa's best girl, and you know I'd do anything for you.”
“No one else but me, Papa.”
“Don't be selfish.” Anubis chuckled.
Anger, jealousy, and hurt surged in Star when he heard that, and slowly, he backed away from the kitchen, ready to run away. His heart was breaking into a million pieces, and he couldn't stand and watch the two's cuteness. He couldn't believe it was happening again. He fell for another man's sweet words that were filled with lies.
How could he do this to me? I let my guard down and fell for his lies. He said I was his forever one. What a bunch of bullshit.
“Baby boy, you're back. How did the meeting with Vivienne go?”
Star turned angrily, glaring at the other man when he heard Anubis's voice coming from behind him. “Baby boy? Don’t fucking call me that, you asshole.”
“What's wrong with you? Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?” Anubis's brows furrowed, and he went to grab his face, but Star raised his hands and used his freezing power.
“Don't touch me,” he yelled, frantically pushing the other man away. His lips trembled as he stared into Anubis's handsome face. His head and chest ached, and he felt sick to his stomach.
Why does it always happen to me? I let people in and they trample all over my heart.
“How could you do this to me? You fucking liar,” he asked, beating on the other man's chest. He was so angry he didn't think he could express his feelings. His fingers tightly gripped Anubis's shirt, and he burrowed his forehead into the man's chest, letting his tears fall. “I thought you were different. Why are you like him? You said I was your forever one, but you called her your best girl. I'm supposed to be your best everything!” Star screamed and jumped when strong arms wrapped around him. “What the fuck?” He snapped his head up, looking at Anubis, wondering how the man broke his magic. “How is it you're moving?”
“First, your enchantment has never worked on me.”
Enchantment?Before Star could hold on to that thought, Anubis spoke again.
“Second, you are my best everything.” He cupped Star's cheeks and wiped away his tears with his thumb. “You make me happy, Star.”
“Don't spout sweet words to me. And not with lips you were kissing your new lover with. Let me go!” Star pushed against Anubis's chest, but the man didn't let him go. He became even more irritated when Anubis chuckled at his feeble attempt to escape his embrace. “Don't mock me, Anubis.”
“I'm not, I promise. I think you're even more adorable when you're angry. Now I know two ways to make your freckles appear.” He bent down and kissed Star's cheeks.
Freckles?Star touched his cheeks and was about to be lost in his joy that the missing pieces of him had returned, but he quickly came back to focus and glared at Anubis.
“Don't fucking change the subject,” Star growled. “Our relationship is new, and the minute I turned my back, you brought someone else in here. I refuse to let another man use me as their side piece.”
“Side piece?” Anubis said, and Star ignored his confused expression. “All right, calm down. You've misunderstood something.”
“Let me the fuck go,” Star demanded, beating on Anubis's chest. He knew his fist was beating into the man's skin, but he seemed completely unfazed.What the fuck, is his skin made out of metal?
Anubis leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Not ever going to happen.” He tightened his arms around Star. “I will never let you go.” He took in a deep breath, smiling down at Star. “I was hoping to hold off this introduction until you and I were settled in our mating long enough, but now it can't be helped.”
“What are you talking about?”
Anubis chuckled. “Remember when you asked me if I wanted kids? The answer is yes. I want many children and hope to have them with you.”
