Chapter 239

"I don't trust that guy," Jeremiah whispered as they watched Leon make a call by the side of a palm tree.

Pole shrugged a shoulder, "Sure. But I'll watch him. See what he actually wants." He turned to Jeremiah. 

"What if... he really does like Andre? I mean... people with striking green eyes like Leon's could easily make people fall in love with them," Pole added. 

Jeremiah blinked, narrowing his eyes at Pole, "Bro, what?" He asked, peering closer at Pole's face.

Pole blinked as he realised why Jeremiah was staring at him in that suspicious manner.

He scoffed, "Come on, man. I was just stating a fact, okay? I mean, my ex had green eyes, and trust me, he was smooth with words, turns out, man was a dickhead. Left him for the streets. So, no, I'm done with green-eyed men." Pole explained. 

"Yeahhh..." Jeremiah drew out his reply, not seeming to buy Pole's answer.

"You're an idiot, man. Believe what you want. I'd be more concerned about Jasper if I were you. Who knows, he might just have found love with someone else who is loving, understanding, caring, attentive, trust-worthy -"

"Enough, enough, I get your point, Master Shifu. So, what do you suggest I do?" Jeremiah asked.

Pole smiled, "Nothing. Just stay with me whenever you're free and stop stalking him. Trust me, he'll come find you when he realises you've stopped trying." He smirked, drumming tapping his hand noiselessly on top of the table.

"I don't think that advice applies to me, Shifu," Leon said, pulling out a chair by Pole's side, sitting down.

"Exactly my point. I don't think it makes sense, either," Jeremiah frowned.

Pole sighed, shaking his head. He turned to look at Leon, rasing his brow, "Well, I wasn't speaking to you, Leon." He said, staring at Leon's face.

"Your case is quite different, even though I would like to advise you to also stay away from Andre, but I'm sure you wouldn't agree. So, chill, I wasn't speaking to you, yet," Pole said.

Leon was attentive, looking at Pole's face as he spoke. 

Pole turned away, smiling at Jeremiah, "Trust me, man, I give a week max, you'll be tumbling the sheets with him." He winked.

Jeremiah covered his face and groaned in embarrassment. 

Pole suddenly felt a tap on his arm and turned his head to see Leon's finger tapping him.

"What?" Pole asked, brows creasing.

"How about me?" Leon questioned, pointing his finger to his chest.

Pole rolled his eyes.

"I don't like that," Leon murmured. 

"What?" Pole asked.

"Nothing," Leon replied.

Pole smirked, "You don't like when someone rolls their eyes at you? Okay, noted." He said. 

"So? What's your advice for me?" Leon asked, leaning closer to Pole.

Pole glanced at Jeremiah, both of them sharing a secrete look. They knew Andre would never date with Leon. Impossible. 

They saw no spark between them, just an awkward atmosphere whenever they were together. 

Pole sighed and dramatically placed his hand on Leon's shoulder, "Honestly? I think you should just stop trying. Andre isn't into you, and we're sure you know that, too." He glanced at Jeremiah and they both nodded their heads at Leon.

Leon chuckled, "I know that, alright? But, you see?" He placed his elbows on the table and stared at Pole and Jeremiah. 

"No two people ever falls in love at the same time. It's always the first person who has to make the first move and that's what I'm doing. I'm going to make him see me -"

"He can't see you. I think he's already seeing someone else -"

"Who?" Jeremiah cut in, asking curiously. 

"Yeah. Who?" Leon questioned, frowning.

Pole sighed, "Everyone is dumb, you two are dumber." He shook his head.

"I'm not saying. But, you just have to know that Andre will never like you. How about using your time for something more lucrative, Mr. Billionaire? Like building a castle?" Pole suggested.

Leon chuckled, "I'll need a princess to live in the castle. That's why I'm searching." He leaned back on the chair.

"Ugh... I'll go take a piss...so incorrigible," Jeremiah muttered and left the table.

Pole nodded, "You are incorrigible." He said. 

Leon shrugged, his green eyes scanning Pole's face, "How about this? You help me with tips and I'll help you stack up the supplies every night until Andre says yes to me," he suggested.

Pole sat up straight, regarding Leon with a suspicious look, "You've been stalking me?" He questioned. 

Leon laughed, "You wish. No, I haven't been stalking you." He said and pointed to the side.

"What's there? The dark side of the beach?" Pole was confused. 

Leon nodded, "Over there, the isolated part of the beach. I stay there every night, enjoying the quiet and peace of the night. That's how I discovered that you stack wines every Saturday night... alone." 

"You're weird," Pole said, adjusting on his chair. 

"What makes you think I need your help?" He asked. 

"Because I see how tiring it is for you. I see how you're the last one to put off your light in your room. I see the stress in your eyes and face each morning you return back here. I hear your silent plea for help," Leon listed, locking his eyes with Pole's 

He smiled, placing his hand on Pole's shoulder, "So, let me help you, while you help me. At least, we're friends, right? That's what friends do." He said quietly. 

Pole thought carefully.

Now that someone had said it, he didn't feel stressed and tired. Maybe having a second hand while working would make it all easier.

"Fine. I'm only giving you advices, its not guaranteed if Andre will come to like you or not," Pole agreed.

"Agreed. Thank you. So, what do you think Andre likes doing?" Leon asked, leaning closer in curiosity.

'I'm sorry, Andre,' Pole thought quietly. 
***
Inside the resort, Cody sat in front of the bar inside the club. He stared at his phone that was lying by the side of his drink; Ida's contact on his screen became blurred from the close focus.

He balled his fists and grabbed his glass of wine, tilting his head back and pouring the content of the glass down his throat.

The burn he felt in his throat was a welcomed pain, numbing his emotional pain just for few seconds.

He smiled, recalling the day he had stood by his window as usual and watched Ida leave. Hot tears fell from him eyes, running down his cheeks, that scene will never be erased from his head.

He was sure that Ida knew he was watching him, yet he didn't so much as spare a glance backwards toward him. No goodbyes, just... void.

Ida wanted him to live for himself, right? He chuckled, slowly nodding his head. Maybe he should really do it, living for himself might be his only purpose now; he had already cried for a whole week,  if he continued this way, he would really lose himself as Ida mentioned.

Maybe Ida was right all along. Cody realised that he might just have lost himself somewhere along the line as he pursued Ida's affection, it was time he lived for himself. 

"Need more drinks?" Andre asked from the other side of the counter.

He was taking over the place until Ida's return, and for a week, he's been the one feeding Cody with whatever drink he requested, not uttering a single word of consolation to him.

The only real consolation in the world was the one that came from within us. People might surround us, bringing gifts and advices but it would mean nothing until we tap into the voice and strength within ourselves and say, 'you know what? I think it's about that damn time.' That moment, is the moment of self recovery and discovery. 

That night, Andre could sense that Cody was in his self recovery and discovery state, and he was proud of him.

He had closed down the club for tonight just for Cody, it was just the two of them, and the soft, soothing music accompanying them in the background. 

Cody sighed, shaking his head, "I think I'm done." He said, wiping his tears from his cheeks.

Andre smiled and walked out from the bar, standing by Cody's side, "I'm proud of you, my friend. You're going to be just fine, trust me." He slung his arm over Cody's shoulder in a gently side hug.

Cody nodded, "I know. I have to be fine... for myself." He chuckled, looking up at Andre, "Thank you, Andre, for keeping your mouth shut all through my stupid phase. Thomas or Pole would have probably made it worse if I went to them," He laughed quietly. 

Andre chuckled, happy to see Cody's humour returning to him.

"Yeah, those are bad combos for a broken heart. Their advice would probably make it worse," He gently rubbed Cody's back, smiling.

"Hey, Pole still doesn't know about you and Ida, right?" Andre questioned.

Cody shrugged, "It doesn't matter anymore. There's no longer Ida and I. He's better off not knowing a sad story." He smiled and stood from the stool.

"I need to sleep off this evil alcohol you fed me," Cody narrowed his eyes at Andre.

"I was at your service, mate. Just doing my job," He teased.

Cody groaned, "Ugh, fine, I'm gonna go now. I'll see you tomorrow at the gym, it's a date." He patted Andre's cheeks and staggered away, making his way out of the club.

Andre watched him with a smile; he was proud of Ida and Cody, they finally confronted their obstacles instead of ignoring themselves like they did. 

It might not have ended in a happy ever after, but it ended anyway, in a healthy, mature way. That was all the needed. 

Andre was lost in his thoughts as he cleared the counter and didn't hear the footsteps approaching behind him.

"Here you are, Papito," Cross hugged Andre from behind, plastering his cheek on his back. 

Andre froze, his heart skipping a beat. The voice, the touch, all too familiar to pretend like he didn't know who it was.

For the past week, after the morning incident with Cross in their room, he had moved over to Ida's room, keeping himself busy with the Casino or the club, avoiding Cross by all means. 

But, it looked like Cross was out for him tonight, and he couldn't stop his brain from recalling that kiss they shared on that stormy night. So hot. So hungry. So raw.

He'd dreamt of that kiss every second he closed eyes to sleep, even extending the scene to things he'd wished they'd done.

'Balls deep inside me,' Cross's hot warning rang in his ears, heating up his body.

He gently released the glass of wine from his trembling hand and onto the counter, not wanting it to slip and break due to his raging horny hormones.

"I miss you, Papito," Cross's murmured in his softest voice. 

Andre's heart shook heavily, breath hitching in his throat. Cross's voice was a missile to his heart, and his touch was the bomb that exploded all the walls he'd raised around himself, his body. 

He took a deep breath and lowered his hand to Cross's hand on his stomach, gently unlocking them around him.

Slowly, he turned to face Cross, his eyes unblinking as he stared at face he'd missed for a week.

Those silver eyes stared at him with open longing. 

"Cross," Andre heard himself whisper.

Cross stared into Andre's eyes, his hands going up to cup Andre's face, "I'm right here, Papito, in flesh, in front of you, what do you want to do to me?" He whispered softly, his thumbs caressing Andre's chin.

Andre gulped. He told himself he'd talk with Cross about what 'this' was between them, but he's been busy all week... hiding. He didn't have time to prepare himself against Cross's advances. He almost forgot how persuasive Cross could be.

"Don't call me that," Andre cleared his throat and removed Cross's hands from his chin.

Cross raised a brow, "What? Papito?" He asked, not moving away from Andre's path.

Andre clenched his jaws, "Yes, that." He replied.

Cross smiled, "Why? Does it turn you on?" He asked, further unbuttoning the third button on his shirt to expose his chest to Andre.

Andre scoffed, forcing his eyes to stay on Cross's face, which was still a weapon against his heart and body.

"It doesn't turn me on, Cross. I don't like it because I'm not some spoilt teenager who needs a pet name from his sister," Andre said, smiling cockily.

Cross pouted, "Come on, Andre. I'm hurt, I thought we were past this? I'm twenty-one, twenty-two in a few weeks." He frowned.

Andre shrugged, "Could still pass as one... with a face like yours." He ghosted his fingers over Cross's cheek and turned away to continue clearing what Cody had used to drink.

Cross frowned, staring at Andre as he carried the glass and bottle around the counter to place them where they belonged.

He followed him inside the bar, waiting for him to free his hands from the fragile objects.

Andre turned and was surprised to see Cross behind him, leaning against the counter. Sighing, he shook his head and tried to leave, but Cross held his hand, gently pulling him back.

He pressed Andre's back to the counter and caged him between his arms, "You need to stop seeing me as a kid." He said, pressing his body against Andre.

Andre gripped his fingers on the counter edge, his eyes calm as still water, he couldn't let Cross see him falter.

"That's your business," Andre replied, his breath catching softly as Cross deliberately pressed his hips against his.

Cross slid his hands off the counter and up Andre's arms, lips teasing Andre's earlobe. "You're just five... no, four years older. You're not that than me, Papito." He whispered. 

Andre placed his hand on Cross's waist, regretfully pulling him away, "Let that sink in, pretty boy. Four years is a lot of time." He smirked at Cross and slid away from him.

"Ugh, you're so heartless, Andre. Can you stop playing these games with me? If you give me the chance, I's get on my knees and prove to you that I'm no kid," Cross followed Andre out of the bar and toward the exit.

Andre kept walking ahead, not looking back at Cross.

Cross went quiet behind Andre as they walked through the passage that led to the Casino. He was followed closely, allowing him to speak to a few people before they went up to Andre's office. 

Andre didn't bother with Cross. He stood in front of the glass wall, watching the people playing beneath him.

He was short of ways to reject Cross. Hopefully, Cross gets the hint and leaves. He wasn't in his best element to discuss this undeniable attraction between them. 

"Andre," Cross called on a stern voice. 

Andre shut his eyes, taking a deep breath as he heard Cross approaching. 

Cross stared at Andre's back for a while and frowned, "Not fair, not fair at all..." he murmured, "Let's get real for a second." He said and moved over to stand beside Andre.

"I want to talk, look at me," Cross ordered.

Andre summoned all his strengths and faced Cross's stormy silver eyes. "Listen, Cross -"

"No, shhh... Im the one speaking," Cross placed a finger on Andre's lips, frowning deeper.

"It's been a week, Andre. You never thought to reach out to me, so shush it and listen. I don't want to hear your excuses," Cross spoke unhurriedly.

Andre slowly nodded, "I'm listening." He said, staring into Cross's eyes.

Cross bit his lips and stepped closer and closer until he stood right in front of Andre.

"You left our room, why?" Cross asked, his eyes vulnerable as he gazed up at Andre.

"To give you space. I told you in the beginning that I would leave when Ida vacates his room," Andre answered calmly. 

"I never told you I needed space," Cross whispered. 

"Even after this change between us, you still insisted on leaving?" He questioned Andre quietly, holding his hand. 

Andre glanced away from Cross's face; he never liked it when Cross started to show his vulnerable side. It was hard for him to keep up his cold act whenever Cross started making those sad yet cute faces.

He just wanted to pull him in and kiss him, like the other night.

"I..." Andre started but trailed off, sighing.

"Yes, Andre? You what? Can't you just speak how you feel for once?" Cross furrowed his brows, placing his hands on Andre's shoulders. 

Andre slowly stepped in to let Cross properly hold his shoulder. 

"I have nothing to say for now," Andre murmured. 

Cross nodded, "Okay. Tell me this... the past week, have you ever thought about that kiss?" His eyes slowly and deliberately fell on Andre's lips, his face leaning closer.

Andre's breath felt heavier, "Every night." His voice was a low, husky ring, his answer surprised him, Cross, too.

He knew he now threaded dangerous grounds, Cross's look told him exactly what he needed to know. 

Cross blinked slowly, a small smile appearing on his lips, "What did you say?" He asked, his eyes slightly widened in curious expectations, biting his lower lip in heated anxiety.

A gasp suddenly left Cross's lips as he felt Andre's thumb sliding across his lower lip, gently tugging it out of from between his teeth. 

He gulped, feeling a fever as Andre's face leaned closer. He never knew that a slight dominance from Andre would shut his entire system down, the man was hot as fuck.

"Every fucking night, Papito," Andre whispered against Cross's lips before he gently pressed his against them.

He felt Cross shudder in his arms, his body pressing incredibly close to his.

Their kiss was gentle at first, savouring how it felt against the other's once more. Then, a single moan slipped from Cross's lips and everything snapped. 

Andre groaned and pushed Cross's back against the glass wall, sliding his hand down the side of Cross's hips and lifting his leg up, hooking it around his waist as he pressed his hips firmly against Cross's. 

Andre's lips swiped across Cross's lips before it pushed between them, revisiting those sweet crevices he'd dreamt about every night.

Cross trembled, still shocked from Andre's sudden kiss. His mind reeled, knee weakened, his only anchor was his leg around Andre and his hand around his neck.

He kissed Andre back with just the same fevor. Slowly, he started to rock his hip against Andre, unable to stay still without any friction between their hardening arousal. 

Andre groaned and held Cross's hips, slowly pulling his lips away from Cross's but not stepping away from him.

"Cross..." Andre whispered breathlessly, staring into Cross's solver eyes.

Cross bit his lip, "Yes, Papito, please, don't tell me you're stopping now... I feel you down there. You want this." He said in a soft voice, sliding his hand over Andre's chest.

Andre was quiet, placing his forehead on Cross's as their heavy breaths mingled, and pulses raced.

He gently lowered Cross's leg to the floor, straightening up and turning away.

"No, no, Andre, you can't do this, you can't leave me like this," Cross quickly went over to Andre who was now standing in front of the sofa, holding his hand.

"Please, Andre, you've already got me needy like a bitch in heat, and you just want to bail?" Cross gently tugged Andre's hand, cupping his chin.

"So you never missed me?" Cross asked, frowning. 

Andre smiled, "I thought I was clear a few seconds ago?" He touched Cross's face.

Cross blushed, "Then what? Not tired of playing hard to get?" He narrowed his eyes at Andre, "Just fuck me already, please," he suddenly pushed Andre onto the sofa and straddled him, "Fuck me, Papito," he whispered and attacked Andre's neck with hot, wet kisses, his ragged breath fanning Andre's neck. 

"Fuck, Cross... stop... please?" He held Cross's face and lifted it off his neck, shaking his head at him, "We need to talk first."

"Ughhh... I hate this," Cross got off Andre's lap and sat beside him, folding his arms.

"Talk? More like you need to give me stupid reasons why you can't be with me," Cross sighed. 

"Alright, then. Tell me, what are they? If they're not tangible enough I'm ignoring them," He said to Andre.

Andre chuckled, "First reason is quiet tangible... you're troublesome." He stated, smirking. 

Cross scoffed, "You sound like that turns you on. Does it?" He asked.

Andre rubbed his eyes, "Alright, little boss, here's what. I -"

"You know what? I don't want to hear your reasons anymore. I want you, you want me, that's enough reason to get together. Don't you want what Sebastian and Zeno have?" Cross hugged Andre's side, "We can -"

"We can't, Cross," Andre muttered under his breath and removed himself from Cross, "For fuck's sake, you see me as a watchdog to start with," he chuckled humorlessly and stood up, pushing his hands in his pockets. 

Cross frowned, "Come on, you know I didn't mean it." He whispered. 

Andre nodded, "I can't be with you, Cross. I can't be with someone who finds it funny to undermine me. It's that simple. Our statuses are just different; I'm not stepping foot into that Web." He took a deep breath after speaking his mind, gritting his teeth.

Cross walked over to him, "I see what this is. You want to hit me with the status card. But you know what? I call it trash-talking. I'm sure you feel my geniuty, and you know I don't give a fuck about family status, I'm kind of the black sheep of the family..." He stood in front of Andre, looking right at him.

"Don't do this, Andre. It's only going to hurt us both in the end. We can get together now and have no awful memories, I don't want this playful banter between us to dissappear after we've hurt each other with our stupid back and forth emotions," he paused and hugged Andre, who had his eyes staring at the floor.

"I might be troublesome, Andre, but I want something sweet. You're the only person who treats me right, I don't see myself opening this much to someone else. Also, I'm sorry for making the stupid comment about watchdogs, I was just being an ass," He murmured. 

Andre almost nodded his head and hugged Cross, but he resisted.

Agreeing to Cross's request was never going to end well for him. Cross will always be protected from the shadows, then what about him? Exposing himself to risks that might cost his life?

He cleared his throat and forced a smile on his lips, and he made Cross look at him, "Your life and mine and not the same. We have different experiences and beliefs. I do want you, Cross, but I can't have you." He kissed the top of Cross's head and released him.

"Fine, I'll stop bothering you," Cross said.

Andre was surprised. That was easy.

"Good choice, Cross," Andre said and walked over to his desk.

"On one condition," Cross added.

"I knew it," Andre muttered as he leaned on his desk.

Cross stood in front of Andre and gave him a cocky smile.

"What's your condition, Cross?" Andre questioned. 

"Fuck me. Just this once, right here, in your office, and I'll let you be. I'll never bring this thing between us up ever again. I might even return to travelling around the world. You'll never see me again," Cross suggested, eyes trailing down to Andre's bulge in his pants.

Andre cleared his throat. He didn't like Cross's suggestion for many reasons. Firstly, it sounded like Cross actually just wanted sex and nothing deep. Secondly, he hated it when Cross said he was ready to disappear from him after getting what he wanted. 

He didn't want that. He didn't want Cross leaving his side. Yes, he refused to get together with Cross, but that didn't mean he was ready to let him go.

"And if I refuse?" Andre asked in a serious tone.

Cross shrugged, "I'll call my cousin and tell him you shot me... in the shoulder." He threatened. 

Andre smirked, "You'll need evidence." He said.

"Sure," Cross said and walked around Andre's desk. 

He opened his drawer and took out a gun, smirking at Andre's shocked face.

"Cross, don't be dumb. Do you think he'd believe I shot you?" Andre slowly approached him.

Cross nodded, "He'll believe me, and you'll lose your job." He whispered. 

Andre's hand rose, covering Cross's on the gun pressed to his shoulder. He wrapped his fingers around Cross's, a silent challenge in the touch. Cross, unable to suppress a smile, knew Andre wouldn't let him do it.

​"Go ahead," Andre baited, his voice dangerously calm. "I might as well pull the trigger since I'll get framed anyway." He cocked the gun, the click echoing in the sudden silence.

​Cross blinked, shock replacing his amusement. "You're really going to shoot me?" he asked, disbelief lacing his tone.

​"Isn't it what you want?" Andre countered, a brow arching in question.

​With a sigh, Cross pushed Andre's hand away, the gun falling forgotten. "I just want you, Andre," he whispered, then leaned in and kissed him.

​Andre felt his resolve crumble under the unexpected tenderness. "Just this once?" he asked, breathless, as he lifted Cross onto the desk.

​"Just this once, papito," Cross murmured fervently, his hands already fumbling with Andre's belt, unbuckling it in a desperate hurry.

The desk protested with a groan as Cross was lifted, his legs instinctively wrapping around Andre's waist. 

"Just this once, papito," Cross's voice was a low rumble against Andre's ear, a promise of illicit pleasure that made Andre's skin prickle. 

The cool metal of the belt buckle gave way beneath Cross's urgent fingers, and Andre's resolve, already fragile, evaporated completely as the first button of his trousers was undone, signaling the irreversible plunge into a desire they both knew was dangerous but couldn't resist.

Andre's breath hitched as Cross's hand slid inside his pants, the sudden shift in their dynamic electrifying. 

"Just this once," Andre repeated, a plea and a promise, as Cross's lips trailed from his, down his jaw, sending shivers through him. 

The gun, forgotten, clattered softly to the floor beside them, its metallic sound lost in the rising heat of their shared desire.

​"God... I dream about this every night," Cross breathed, a guttural moan escaping as his fingers finally closed around Andre's hard shaft, smearing the slick pre-cum over the swollen tip.

​Andre's groan was a deep rumble in his chest, his fingers digging possessively into Cross's waist.

"Damn... Cross..." he sighed, hips instinctively thrusting forward, seeking more pressure against Cross's hand.

​"I've got you, Papito, you're in good 
hands," Cross purred, his hot breath ghosting Andre's neck as his hand delivered wicked, deliberate strokes that sent shivers through Andre's entire frame.

​Andre convulsed, slamming his lips against Cross's in a hungry, desperate kiss.

"I need to be balls deep inside you, Cross... I'm losing my mind... fuck, your hand is... ahh..." he gasped, bucking his hips harder into the exquisite friction.

​"My sweet nectar is going to milk you so dry, Andre, you're going to fill me up like a fucking bitch," Cross whispered, his voice ragged with desire as he tugged Andre's pants lower.

​"Prove it, you naughty vixen," Andre growled, giving Cross's behind a sharp, possessive smack before pushing off the desk, giving them both room to stand.

​With a knowing smirk, Cross hooked his thumbs into his waistband, his eyes burning into Andre's as he began to slide the fabric down—

​"Holy shit!" A voice, undeniably shocked, cut through the heavy air from the doorway.