Rody Lamoree leaned back in his leather chair, the city’s lights casting a muted glow across his office. The skyline was a jagged outline against the night sky, as sharp and unforgiving as the man himself. His empire had been built on the bones of his competitors, and tonight, another rival had been removed from the board.
Across from him, Vincent Charbonneau stood with the same composed demeanor he always carried. To the outside world, he was merely Rody’s butler, the man who attended to his every need. But in reality, Vincent was so much more-his confidant, his enforcer, his lover.
Vincent’s black eyes were cold as he adjusted his immaculate white gloves, the picture of composure. Rody watched him with a small, private smile. It was hard to believe that once, those hands had trembled after their first kill. Now, they moved with the precision of a surgeon, as steady and unyielding as Vincent’s love for Rody.
“Is it done?” Rody’s voice was smooth, casual, as if asking about the weather rather than a murder.
Vincent nodded, stepping closer to Rody’s desk. “Yes, it’s done.”
Rody’s eyes softened as they took in the man before him. He had seen Vincent transform over the years, from the frightened boy he had taken in to the deadly, efficient man who stood before him now. But despite everything Vincent had become, Rody knew the depth of his affection had never changed.
“Come here,” Rody said, his voice low and inviting.
Vincent obeyed, moving to stand between Rody’s legs as he sat back in his chair. Rody reached out, brushing his fingers through Vincent’s dark hair. “You’re perfect, you know that?”
Vincent’s lips quirked up in a faint smile, the coldness in his eyes softening just for Rody. “If I am, it’s because of you.”
Rody let out a quiet laugh, tugging Vincent down until he was seated on Rody’s lap. It was a familiar position, one they had taken many times over the years. “You give me too much credit, Vincent.”
Vincent leaned in, his lips brushing Rody’s ear. “I give you exactly what you deserve.”
Rody’s grip on Vincent’s waist tightened, his thumb brushing over his lover’s hip. “And what do I deserve?” he murmured.
Vincent’s breath ghosted over Rody’s skin, sending a shiver down his spine. “Everything. Anything you want. You know I’d do anything for you.”
Rody tilted his head back, capturing Vincent’s lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. It was a kiss full of years of shared secrets, of bloodshed and passion, of a bond forged in the fires of their dangerous lives.
When they finally pulled apart, Rody rested his forehead against Vincent’s, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the office. “I know you would,” Rody said, his voice barely more than a whisper. “And I would do the same for you.”
Vincent’s eyes darkened with something intense, something that had always simmered just beneath the surface of their relationship. “You already do. You’ve given me a purpose, Rody. A reason to live.”
“And I’ll keep giving you that,” Rody promised, his voice rough with emotion. “For as long as you want it.”
Vincent’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile, and he leaned in to kiss Rody again, this time softer, gentler. “I’ll always want it,” he whispered against Rody’s lips. “I’ll always want you.”
Rody’s heart swelled at the confession, even though he’d heard it a thousand times before. It never lost its impact. He pulled Vincent closer, their bodies pressed tightly together, and kissed him with all the love and desire he felt.
They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other, the rest of the world fading away. In this moment, there were no rivals to eliminate, no deals to close, no threats lurking in the shadows. There was only Vincent, the man who had become Rody’s entire world.
When they finally broke apart, Rody sighed, a sound of contentment. “You know,” he said, running his hand through Vincent’s hair again, “I never thought I’d find someone like you. Someone who understands me, who stands by me through everything.”
Vincent tilted his head, studying Rody’s face. “And I never thought I’d find someone worth fighting for. But here we are.”
“Here we are,” Rody echoed, smiling softly. He kissed Vincent’s forehead, then his temple, then the corner of his mouth, savoring each touch. “And I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Vincent’s smile was small, but it reached his eyes, warming them in a way that only Rody could cause. “Neither would I.”
Rody tightened his arms around Vincent, holding him close as they sat together.Vincent was his, and he was Vincent’s, in every way that mattered.
Rody was still holding Vincent close, his hands absentmindedly tracing patterns on Vincent’s back, when the sound of his phone vibrating on the desk pulled them out of their quiet moment. Rody sighed, his grip on Vincent tightening for a brief second before he reluctantly reached for the phone.
“It’s Philippe,” Rody murmured, glancing at the screen. “Probably about that merger.”
Vincent’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, sliding off Rody’s lap with the grace of a cat. “I’ll leave you to it, then.”
Rody caught Vincent’s wrist before he could fully pull away. “Stay,” he said, his voice firm. “You’re part of this, too.”
Vincent hesitated, then nodded. He stood by Rody’s side as he answered the call, his expression unreadable as Rody leaned back in his chair and put the phone to his ear.
“Philippe, good evening,” Rody greeted smoothly, his tone professional.
“Rody, my friend!” Philippe’s voice boomed through the speaker, warm and jovial. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”
“Not at all,” Rody replied, glancing at Vincent, who was standing just out of his peripheral vision. “What can I do for you?”
“Well, you know how it is,” Philippe began, his tone conspiratorial. “I’ve been thinking about our business relationship, Rody. We’ve been working together for years now, and I think it’s high time we solidify our partnership.”
Rody raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Go on.”
“I have a proposition,” Philippe continued, his voice lowering as if he were about to reveal some great secret. “You see, my daughter, Manon… She’s at the age where she should be settling down. And I can’t think of a better match for her than you.”
Rody froze, his hand tightening around the phone. Beside him, he could feel Vincent stiffen, his calm demeanor cracking ever so slightly.
“I’m flattered, Philippe,” Rody said carefully, trying to keep his voice neutral. “But I wasn’t aware Manon was interested in marriage.”
“She isn’t yet,” Philippe admitted with a chuckle. “But she will be once she sees what a fine man you are. You’ve got it all-success, power, and a good head on your shoulders. She’ll come around, I’m sure of it.”
Rody’s eyes flicked to Vincent, whose expression was now icy, his jaw clenched in barely restrained anger. Rody could almost feel the jealousy radiating off of him, and he knew this was more than just professional annoyance.
“I appreciate the offer, Philippe,” Rody said slowly, trying to defuse the situation. “But marriage isn’t something I’ve been considering. My work keeps me quite busy.”
“Nonsense!” Philippe insisted, his tone insistent. “A man like you needs a good woman by his side. Someone to share your life with, to support you in all your endeavors. Manon would be perfect for you, Rody. Think of what our families could accomplish together!”
Rody could sense Vincent’s tension escalating by the second, and he knew he needed to put an end to this conversation before things got out of hand. He didn’t want to risk Vincent’s temper flaring, especially not with Philippe still on the line.
“Philippe,” Rody interjected firmly, “I’m grateful for your kind words, but I’m afraid I must decline. My life is… already spoken for.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Rody could almost hear the gears turning in Philippe’s mind. “I see,” Philippe said slowly, clearly surprised. “Well, if you ever change your mind, the offer still stands.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Rody replied, eager to end the conversation. “But for now, let’s focus on the business at hand.”
“Of course, of course,” Philippe agreed, though there was a hint of disappointment in his voice. “We’ll speak more about the merger tomorrow. Have a good evening, Rody.”
“You too, Philippe,” Rody said before ending the call.
The moment the line went dead, Vincent moved, his steps sharp as he turned to face Rody. His eyes were blazing, all traces of his usual calm completely gone.
“He offered his daughter to you,” Vincent hissed, his voice low and dangerous. “He thinks you’re some cash cow he can take advantage of”
Rody stood, reaching for Vincent, but Vincent pulled back, his fists clenched at his sides. “Vincent,” Rody began, his voice soothing, “you know I have no interest in her. I never have.”
“That’s not the point,” Vincent snapped, his anger flaring. “The point is that he thinks he can just hand her over to you like a piece of property. As if you don’t already belong to someone.”
Rody’s eyes softened at the possessiveness in Vincent’s voice. He stepped closer, placing a hand on Vincent’s arm. “I belong to you,” he said quietly, his voice full of reassurance. “Only you. And you know that.”
Vincent’s shoulders trembled, his anger giving way to something more vulnerable. “What if he keeps pushing?” Vincent muttered, his voice tight. “What if she tries to get close to you?”
Rody cupped Vincent’s face, forcing him to look into his eyes. “She won’t,” he said firmly. “I won’t let her. You’re the only one for me, Vincent. You always have been.”
Vincent’s gaze searched Rody’s face, looking for any hint of doubt. But all he found was the truth, plain and clear in Rody’s eyes. Slowly, the tension in Vincent’s body began to ease, his anger cooling as he let out a shaky breath.
“I’m sorry,” Vincent whispered, leaning into Rody’s touch. “I just… I can’t stand the thought of losing you.”
“You’re not going to lose me,” Rody murmured, pulling Vincent into his arms. “Not to Philippe, not to Manon, not to anyone. You’re mine, and I’m yours. Nothing’s going to change that.”
Vincent clung to Rody, his face buried in his shoulder. “I love you,” he breathed, the words raw with emotion.
Rody kissed the top of Vincent’s head, holding him close. “I love you too,” he whispered back. “More than anything.”
For a long time, they stood there in the quiet of the office, wrapped in each other’s arms. Rody could feel the rapid beat of Vincent’s heart against his chest, the lingering tension slowly dissipating as they held each other.
Finally, Vincent pulled back just enough to look up at Rody, his expression soft but serious. “You know I’d kill him if he tried to come between us,” he said, the cold edge back in his voice, though this time it was tempered by the love in his eyes.
Rody smirked, brushing a thumb over Vincent’s cheek. “I know you would,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But you won’t have to. I can handle Philippe. Our business relationship is valuable, but not more than you.”
Vincent’s lips twitched in a small, satisfied smile. “Good. Because I won’t share you with anyone.”
“You don’t have to,” Rody promised, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to Vincent’s lips. “I’m all yours.”
Vincent sighed against Rody’s mouth, finally allowing himself to relax completely in his lover’s embrace. “And I’m all yours,” he murmured back, the words a vow as much as they were a reassurance.
Rody kissed him again, slower this time, savoring the feel of Vincent in his arms. He knew there would be more challenges ahead, more people like Philippe who would try to interfere in their lives. But as long as they had each other, Rody knew they could face anything together.
Over the next few days, Rody and Vincent maintained their routine, but a subtle tension lingered beneath the surface. Vincent’s jealousy had quieted, but it hadn’t disappeared. The conversation with Philippe had left an uncomfortable mark, one that Rody couldn’t ignore.
Then, just as things seemed to be settling back into normalcy, Philippe requested a face-to-face meeting at one of his lavish estates. He wanted Rody to meet his daughter, Manon. Vincent’s immediate reaction was icy silence, and Rody could see the flash of fury in his eyes, though he remained composed on the outside.
“I have to go,” Rody said as they prepared for the meeting. He could see Vincent watching him from across the room, his expression unreadable. “It’s business, and if I don’t show up, it’ll raise suspicions.”
Vincent didn’t respond immediately, his fingers tightening around the knife he was cleaning from their breakfast. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, but there was a steely edge to it. “I’ll come with you.”
Rody paused, considering. He didn’t want to aggravate the situation, but Vincent’s presence might help keep things in check. After all, there was no one better to watch his back. “Alright,” he agreed, crossing the room to Vincent’s side. “But remember, this is just business. Nothing more.”
Vincent nodded, though Rody could see the underlying tension in his posture. “I know,” he said, his tone clipped. “But if she tries anything…”
“I’ll handle it,” Rody assured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Trust me.”
They arrived at Philippe’s estate later that afternoon. The sprawling mansion was as ostentatious as one would expect from a man of Philippe’s stature, and Rody could feel Vincent bristling beside him as they were shown to the parlor where Philippe and Manon awaited.
Manon was strikingly beautiful, with golden brown hair that cascaded in waves down her back and green eyes that sparkled with intelligence. As soon as Rody walked in, he could feel her gaze lock onto him, a spark of interest flaring in her eyes. She smiled warmly as Philippe made introductions, and Rody was quick to return the politeness, though he was acutely aware of Vincent standing just behind him, silent and watchful.
“Mr. Lamoree, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Manon said, her voice melodic as she extended her hand.
“The pleasure is mine, Mademoiselle Vacher,” Rody replied, taking her hand with a polite smile. He could feel Vincent’s eyes on him, and he released her hand as quickly as etiquette allowed.
They settled into conversation, Philippe steering the discussion toward business, but it was clear Manon had other interests. She asked Rody about his life, his work, his interests, and though she did it with the poise of someone trained in social graces, there was a genuine curiosity in her questions.
Rody answered with the same polished professionalism, though he kept his answers as brief as possible, not wanting to give her any wrong ideas. But with each passing moment, he could see the way her eyes lingered on him, the way her smile grew warmer, more sincere. It was becoming clear that her father’s idea of a marriage alliance wasn’t as far-fetched as Rody had initially thought.
As the afternoon wore on, Philippe excused himself to attend to some other business, leaving Rody alone with Manon in the elegant parlor. Vincent had stepped away as well, though Rody knew he was nearby, keeping a close watch.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” Manon said, leaning forward slightly in her seat. Her tone had softened, becoming more personal now that her father wasn’t present. “My father speaks very highly of you.”
“I appreciate that,” Rody replied, keeping his tone polite but distant.
“I must admit,” Manon continued, her eyes searching his face, “when I first heard about this… proposal, I wasn’t very interested. Marriage isn’t something I’ve been eager to rush into.”
Rody’s lips quirked into a slight smile. “A sentiment I can understand.”
“But after meeting you…” Manon hesitated, as if searching for the right words. “I can see why my father thinks so highly of you. You’re… different from what I expected. In a good way.”
Rody felt a twinge of discomfort. “I’m flattered, Mademoiselle Vacher, but-“
“Please, call me Manon,” she interrupted, her smile widening.
“Manon,” Rody corrected himself, though he kept his tone as formal as ever. “As I was saying, I’m flattered, but I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. My work keeps me very busy. I’m not sure I’m the right person for what your father has in mind.”
Manon’s expression faltered slightly, but she recovered quickly. “I see,” she said softly, though there was a note of disappointment in her voice. “But surely you don’t work all the time. Everyone needs someone to share their life with, don’t they?”
Before Rody could respond, the door to the parlor opened, and Vincent stepped back into the room, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. Manon glanced at him, her expression curious.
“Mr. Lamoree,” Vincent said smoothly, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of something darker. “I believe we should be heading back soon. We have another appointment.”
Rody stood, more than ready to leave. “Of course. Thank you for your hospitality, Manon.”
Manon stood as well, her eyes flicking between Rody and Vincent. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Rody. I hope we’ll have the chance to see each other again.”
Rody forced a polite smile. “Perhaps.”
Vincent’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as Rody exchanged parting pleasantries with Manon, but he remained silent until they were back in the car, driving away from Philippe’s estate.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the estate staff, Vincent’s carefully controlled demeanor cracked, and he spoke in a low, venomous tone. “She’s already infatuated with you.”
Rody sighed, glancing at Vincent from the corner of his eye. “She’ll get over it. It’s just a fleeting interest.”
“You didn’t see the way she looked at you,” Vincent hissed, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. “She’s going to pursue you, Rody. I can feel it.”
“Even if she does, it won’t matter,” Rody replied calmly. “You know where my loyalties lie.”
Vincent’s jaw clenched, the tension radiating off him palpable. “What if she doesn’t take no for an answer? What if she convinces her father to put pressure on you?”
“I’ll deal with it,” Rody said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. “She’s just a girl, Vincent. She doesn’t pose a threat to us.”
Vincent’s silence was cold and heavy, and Rody knew that his reassurances were only doing so much to soothe his lover’s jealousy. He reached over, placing a hand on Vincent’s thigh, squeezing gently.
“I’m not interested in her,” Rody said softly, his tone more intimate now. “She could throw herself at my feet, and I still wouldn’t care. You’re the only one I want, Vincent. The only one I’ve ever wanted.”
Vincent’s grip on the wheel loosened slightly, but the storm in his eyes remained. “She’s going to try, Rody. I know it.”
“And she’ll fail,” Rody said with quiet certainty. “Because she doesn’t know me like you do. She doesn’t understand what we have.”
Vincent finally turned to look at him, his eyes dark and intense. “I’ll kill her if she tries to take you from me.”
Rody’s hand tightened on Vincent’s thigh, his voice soft but deadly serious. “No one’s taking me from you, Vincent. No one.”
For a moment, the tension between them hung heavy in the air, but then Vincent’s gaze softened slightly, his expression shifting from fury to something more vulnerable.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Vincent whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the car engine.
“You won’t,” Rody promised, his hand moving to caress Vincent’s cheek. “I’m yours, Vincent. Now and always.”
Vincent leaned into Rody’s touch, his eyes closing briefly as if he were drawing strength from the contact. When he opened them again, the anger was still there, but it was tempered by the deep love he held for Rody.
“I’ll protect you,” Vincent murmured, his voice fierce but filled with emotion. “Even if it means protecting you from her.”
Rody leaned over, pressing a firm kiss to Vincent’s lips, sealing his promise. “We’ll handle this together,” he said against Vincent’s mouth. “Like we always do.”
Vincent’s hands relaxed on the wheel, and he returned the kiss with a desperate need, his fingers tangling in Rody’s hair as if he were afraid to let go. When they finally pulled apart, Vincent’s eyes were burning with determination.
“Together,” Vincent repeated, his voice filled with a conviction that left no room for doubt.
But as they drove back to their home, Rody couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the conflict. Manon was not a woman who would easily let go of something-or someone-she wanted. And while Rody knew he could handle Philippe’s business pressures, he also knew that Vincent’s jealousy could be a dangerous thing if pushed too far.
The days that followed their visit to Philippe’s estate were filled with a tense undercurrent that Rody couldn’t ignore. Though Vincent continued to be his efficient and loyal self, there was a darkness lurking just beneath the surface, a simmering anger that Rody feared would boil over at the slightest provocation.
Manon, as Vincent had predicted, did not back down. She began to make more appearances, finding excuses to visit Rody’s office or to attend business meetings where her presence wasn’t necessary. Each time she appeared, her eyes would seek out Rody, her intentions clear in the way she lingered too long on his every word and gesture.
Rody, for his part, tried to keep things professional, but he could feel the weight of Vincent’s gaze on him whenever Manon was near. He knew his lover was struggling to keep his emotions in check, but the strain was starting to show. It didn’t help that Manon was becoming bolder, her interest in Rody now barely hidden behind the veneer of business.
One evening, after a particularly trying day where Manon had found yet another reason to spend time alone with Rody, Vincent finally snapped. They were back home, and Vincent had been unusually quiet throughout dinner, his silence heavy with barely restrained fury.
As Rody finished his meal, Vincent stood abruptly, the clatter of his chair against the floor startling in the otherwise silent dining room. Rody looked up, meeting Vincent’s stormy gaze.
“This has to stop,” Vincent said, his voice low and dangerous. “She’s trying to seduce you, Rody.”
Rody set down his fork, sighing deeply. He had expected this confrontation, but it didn’t make it any easier. “I know,” he admitted, leaning back in his chair. “But I’ve already told you-“
“Told me what?” Vincent interrupted, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “That she doesn’t matter? That you’re not interested? It doesn’t change the fact that she’s making a move on you, Rody. And it doesn’t change the fact that it’s driving me insane.”
Rody pushed back his chair and stood, crossing the room to stand in front of Vincent. He placed his hands on Vincent’s shoulders, trying to ground him. “Vincent, listen to me. I’m yours. She doesn’t mean anything to me, and she never will.”
Vincent’s eyes were blazing with a mix of anger and desperation. “But she thinks she can take you from me. And I can’t stand it, Rody. I can’t stand the thought of losing you.”
“You won’t lose me,” Rody said firmly, pulling Vincent closer. “Not to her, not to anyone. I made my choice years ago, and that choice was you.”
Vincent’s breathing was heavy, his emotions threatening to spill over. “I don’t trust her. She’s going to keep pushing, and I… I don’t know what I’ll do if she doesn’t stop.”
Rody could see the struggle in Vincent’s eyes, the battle between his love for Rody and the dark instincts that had been honed over years of loyalty and protection. He knew Vincent was capable of extreme measures if he felt cornered, and the thought of what he might do to Manon sent a chill down Rody’s spine.
“You won’t have to do anything,” Rody said softly, cupping Vincent’s face in his hands. “Because I’m going to put an end to this. I’ll talk to Philippe, make it clear that there’s no future in this… arrangement.”
Vincent’s eyes softened slightly, but the tension in his body remained. “And if that doesn’t work?”
“Then we’ll deal with it together,” Rody promised. “But let me try this first. I don’t want you to carry this burden, Vincent. You’ve done enough for me already.”
Vincent hesitated, searching Rody’s eyes for reassurance. “I can’t lose you,” he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
Rody leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Vincent’s lips. “You won’t,” he murmured against his mouth. “I swear it.”
Vincent clung to him, deepening the kiss as if he needed the physical connection to anchor himself. Rody held him close, his own heart heavy with the weight of the situation. He knew that talking to Philippe might not be enough, that the man’s ambition and desire to secure his legacy might push him to ignore Rody’s wishes. And then there was Manon, who seemed to be genuinely infatuated, perhaps even in love with him.
As much as Rody hated the thought, he knew that this wouldn’t end without conflict. He could only hope that it wouldn’t come to the point where Vincent felt compelled to take matters into his own hands. Because if that happened, there would be no turning back.
The following day, Rody arranged a private meeting with Philippe. He needed to be direct, to make it clear that there was no possibility of a marriage alliance. He needed to protect Vincent from the destructive path his jealousy could lead him down.
Philippe greeted Rody with his usual warmth, but there was a hint of expectancy in his eyes, as if he already anticipated the outcome he desired. They sat in Philippe’s opulent office, a place that reeked of power and influence.
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you about Manon,” Rody began, keeping his tone respectful but firm. “I understand the proposition you made, and I’m flattered by the offer, but I must decline.”
Philippe’s smile faltered slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment. “I see. May I ask why? Manon is a beautiful and intelligent young woman, and she’s taken quite a liking to you.”
Rody steeled himself, knowing that he had to tread carefully. “I have the utmost respect for Manon, but I’m afraid my life is not suited for marriage. My work is demanding, and I wouldn’t be able to give her the attention she deserves. It wouldn’t be fair to her.”
Philippe’s gaze sharpened, his calculating mind clearly at work. “I’m aware of your work, Rody. In fact, that’s part of why I believe you and Manon would make a strong match. You’re a man who understands the complexities of power, and my daughter could use someone like you by her side.”
Rody shook his head. “With all due respect, Philippe, my life is already complicated enough. Bringing Manon into it would only put her at risk, and I can’t allow that.”
Philippe’s expression hardened, the friendly facade slipping slightly. “Are you saying that my daughter isn’t capable of handling your world? She’s stronger than you think, Rody.”
“This isn’t about strength,” Rody countered. “It’s about what’s best for her. I care about her well-being, and I’m telling you that this is not the right path for either of us.”
Philippe leaned back in his chair, studying Rody with a discerning eye. “You’re in love with someone else.”
Rody didn’t flinch. “I am.”
Philippe’s eyes narrowed. “I assume this person is the reason for your hesitation. Is that right?”
Rody met Philippe’s gaze without hesitation. “Yes.”
Philippe’s silence was heavy, but when he finally spoke, his tone was laced with warning. “Be careful, Rody. My daughter doesn’t take rejection lightly. She’s inherited my determination, and she might not let go of you so easily.”
Rody nodded, already expecting as much. “I understand. But I have to follow my heart on this.”
Philippe’s expression remained unreadable, but the tension in the room was palpable. “I’ll speak with Manon,” he finally said. “But know that this won’t be the end of it. She’s set her sights on you, and I won’t be able to dissuade her easily.”
Rody stood, knowing the conversation was over. “Thank you for understanding, Philippe. I appreciate your consideration.”
As he left the office, Rody’s mind raced with the implications of the conversation. Philippe’s words had been a warning, not just about Manon’s persistence, but about the lengths she might go to in order to get what she wanted.
And that meant Rody had to be prepared for whatever came next.
When he returned home, Vincent was waiting for him in the study, his expression tense as he watched Rody enter the room.
“How did it go?” Vincent asked, though his tone made it clear he already expected the worst.
“I told him the truth,” Rody replied, crossing the room to stand in front of Vincent. “I told him that I’m in love with you and that I won’t marry his daughter.”
Vincent’s eyes softened slightly, but the worry remained. “And what did he say?”
“He’s going to talk to Manon, but he warned me that she won’t take no for an answer,” Rody admitted, his voice grave. “This isn’t over, Vincent. She’s going to keep pushing, and we need to be ready.”
Vincent’s expression darkened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Rody and pulling him into a tight embrace. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together,” he whispered, his voice filled with quiet determination.
Rody held Vincent close, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew that things were about to get much more complicated, and that Manon’s infatuation could lead to dangerous consequences.
But as long as he had Vincent by his side, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Even if it meant crossing lines they could never uncross.
Comment