DAMIR
The soft rustle of paper was the only sound that filled my study that afternoon. Sunlight streamed in lazily through the tall windows, casting a golden hue over the polished mahogany desk cluttered with ledgers, contracts, and a steaming mug of untouched coffee. My mind was deep into a financial report when the familiar scent of vanilla drifted toward me, and I didn't have to look up to know it was Eli.
He didn't knock. He never did.
I felt his presence first, then the warmth of his body sinking into my lap. This time, he straddled me, facing me instead of his usual curled-up position. I looked up from my papers, raising a brow.
He looked breathtaking. Wet hair tousled from a recent shower, face slightly dewy from his skincare, lips pink and shy as he leaned closer, his arms loosely draped around my neck.
"Damir…" he said my name like it was a secret, voice soft and sweet with a hint of mischief.
I hummed. "Yes, lyubimyy?"
He hesitated, those big eyes fluttering in a way I knew meant trouble. "Can I have my friends over for our project today?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Today?"
He nodded, biting his lower lip. "They're already on their way."
I leaned back slightly, arms slipping around his waist out of instinct. "And you're just telling me now?"
His pout deepened. "Please, it's just Adam and Lian. I swear we'll stay in my room. We're doing a school project, not throwing a party."
"I'll think about it," I murmured, reaching back for my paperwork.
That was when it started.
He wriggled on my lap. Deliberately. Slowly.
I paused, pen hovering mid-air. My eyes flicked up to his innocent expression that was anything but. "Eli…" I warned.
"But I need the answer now," he whispered, deliberately rolling his hips again, pressing against me. "Please, daddy…"
A groan slipped out before I could stop it. I dropped the pen.
"You know what you're doing," I said, narrowing my eyes.
He gave me a scandalized look, then a grin. "No I don't. I'm just trying to be convincing."
My hands gripped his thighs reflexively. He was warm, soft, and maddening. My mind was a blur of spreadsheets and Eli's barely -there shorts and the way his perfume clung to my shirt.
"I said I'll think about it," I repeated more firmly.
He leaned in close, lips brushing my ear. "They're already on their way, Damir. We're ordering sushi. Lian loves sushi. You wouldn't make me cancel, would you?"
Then the grinding started again….slow, persistent.
I grabbed his waist. "Enough," I growled.
He froze.
Then gave me the biggest puppy eyes I'd ever seen.
I sighed heavily, slumping back in defeat. "Fine. They can come."
He squealed…literally squealed…and leaned in to kiss me so hard I forgot what I'd even been reading.
"But," I added firmly, holding his chin, "Security is going to be tighter. And I'm posting two guards outside your door. I don't care if you're doing algebra or origami, Eli. They don't leave until your guests do. Got it?"
He nodded excitedly, already bouncing in my lap.
"I love you!" he declared, jumping off with the grace of a dancer.
I caught his wrist. "Change into longer shorts."
He blew me a kiss and skipped away, humming.
As the door shut, I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. That boy would be the death of me.
I reached for the intercom. "Double the security detail. Two more guards on Eli's door until further notice. And make sure they don't fall asleep."
"Yes, sir," came the response.
I sat back in my chair, staring at the closed door he'd vanished behind.
And smiled.
My cute baby was happy.
That was all that mattered.
Even if I lost my mind in the process.