Chapter 272

CROSS'S POV:

I'm currently trailing behind Andre like the guilty loser that I am. 

We are currently heading to the casino, and my heart can't help but ache as I stare at the man I loved, ignoring me like air.

My mind is a mess, and I'm deeply terrified of what Andre might decide about us in the end. I regret it, I regret it all.

Andre had been the only person to get me, to accept me, to love me. But, I had ruined it, ruined him.

I've thought of using seduction to get my man back, but it will only make me look shallow and superficial. Andre was worth more than just sex. He was my heart, my essence, and I'm not even joking __ If he leaves me, I'd die... suicide. 

Life will never be the same without my Andre, I've got nothing to return to. He's been my dream for years, two years, and when I finally got him, I pushed him away myself.

So, that's why I'm here: to plead with you all, everyone who has been following my story with Andre, please, please, pleeaasseee.... plead with our dear author to give me a happy ending with Andre. I really don't give a fuck about other characters, especially Andrew and Tony; they could each drop from a heart attack for all I care.

But, please, ask the author to bring my baby back to me, I can't live without him, and I'm sure you all already know how crazy I can get if I don't get what I want.

On behalf of our sweet author, I apologise for the delayed updates. This is just a snippet chapter because... I know you all have missed my drama, I missed you guys, too. So, here's a little something for you guys. I don't know the next update, but I hope it's soon. 

I can't wait to spread my legs... I mean my arms for Andre. 

See you all below.
___
Andre walked into the busy casino with Cross walking quietly behind him. 

He could feel the steady gaze behind him, a silent reminder of his pending issue with Cross.

"Good evening, boss," A staff member greeted Andre as he walked toward the stairs that led to his office upstairs.

He paused, turning to stare at the guy beside him, "Do you need something, Marcel?" He asked the guy.

Marcel shook his head, "No, boss. It's Ms. Florence, she's already waiting in your office." He informed.

Andre nodded slightly, then he continued up the stairs.

Cross furrowed his brows, wondering when his sister would arrive without informing him.

'Why is she here?' He thought inwardly, hurrying his steps to follow Andre up.

He wanted to ask Andre not to mention their little charade to Florence, he didn't want more drama from her. But he was too late, Andre had already opened the door and entered the office. 

He could only hope for the best.

Andre walked into the lit office and found Florence sitting on his chair behind his desk.

"Good evening, Andre," she greeted, slightly moving the chair from side to side, her eyes moving past Andre to Cross behind him.

"Is everything alright?" Andre questioned, walking over to his desk.

Cross followed, not stepping out from behind Andre.

"Everything is fine, handsome. I just came to check up on you after my brother broke up with you. But, I see you're just fine," She stood, walking around the desk to stand in front of Andre, crossing her arms.

"Someone told me you wanted to quit. Is that true?" She questioned.

"No," Cross blotted out from Andre's back, glaring at Florence, "What do you want, Florence? You know kW very well that I'm trying -" 

"Trying what, Cross?" Florence cut him off, smirking, "Trying to lure him back into you're arms so you can throw him like trash in the next second? I'm disappointed in you, Cross, you were raised better than what you did," she shook her head.

Andre balled his fists, Florence was like the evil voice in his head fueling all his hurt emotions, getting him to recall every pain he'd been through, the pain he was fighting to forget 

Cross's eyes watered, "You're supposed to be my sister, Florence. Do you really want Andre to leave me?" He asked quietly, "Don't you think I'm already in so much pain? Why do you want to hurt me more?" He asked, glancing at Andre and balling his fists.

Andre wasn't even looking at him, he looked like he was really considering what Florence was saying, and it only heightened his anxiousness.

Florence chuckled, "Yes, you're my brother, but I'm not going to stand aside and watch you treat Andre like trash, he's been nothing but loyal to our family, and -"

"Enough," Andre spoke quietly, holding Florence's hand.

"I appreciate your concern, but..." he glanced at Cross's teary face and sighed, "We're sorting ourselves out. We don't need this... drama. I believe we're both adults to handle the situation. Still, I appreciate your concern," Andre said, gently leading Florence to the door.

"Fine, I'll leave. Just in case you end up breaking up with my brother, do not hesitate to use me as a rebound. I'll show him how to cherish a man like you," Florence kissed Andre's cheek and left.

The door closed with a soft click, sealing them in.

Andre sighed, raking his hair, "Florence... she means well..." he trailed off, walking around his desk to stand in front of the glass wall to watch the customers downstairs. 

Cross slowly nodded, "I know. She's trying to make me see what I've lost." He chuckled, "But she doesn't need to, I can already see my life spiralling downhill without you." He murmured, walking over to Andre.

"I'm tired, Andre..." he stood beside Andre and placed his hand on Andre's shoulder, "I'm still your Cross, Andre, the same man you fell for. Trust me, I've learnt my lesson, I value you, Andre, and I will never repeat such stupidity," he paused, placing his forehead on Andre's back.

"I'm tired. I need you, Andre... unless you really don't feel anything for me anymore, then I'll back off, there's no need to chase after shadows -"

"Gaslighting," Andre scoffed and moved away from Cross, pushing his hands into his pockets as he stared at Cross.

"What do you mean?" Cross asked, lifting his face to Andre. 

"If you really feel like you're chasing after shadows, then, please, walk out that door, Cross," Andre started a frown setting on his face.

"If you believe I don't have the right to think clearly before deciding about us, then, please, walk out the fucking door," his voice was low, anger seething within him.

"If you believe I have no right to stand my ground, to protect myself just like you did, then, please, walk out that door," Andre spoke calmly, his fists balling inside his pockets.

"I'm tired, too, Cross. I mean, you've not even given me a breathing space to think properly -"

"Because I love you!" Cross rasped out, "Do you hear me, Andre? I love you. Please, stop asking me to walk out that door, I can't live my life without you. Please," he sobbed quietly. 

Andre looked away from Cross's hurting silver eyes, his heart aching strongly, "I loved you when I tried to explain myself to you. I loved you when I begged you to take me back. I loved you when you refused all my apologies. Why do you think I should take you back because you said a simple sorry?" He questioned, walking back to Cross.

He gently cupped Cross's chin, tilting his face up, "Stop crying." He ordered quietly, using his thumb to wipe away the tears from Cross's cheeks. 

Cross lifted his hand and wrapped it gently around Andre's wrist, his teary silver eyes searching Andre's face, "How can I not cry? After everything you've said. I know now that I'm losing you... I've seen how deeply I hurt you, and maybe, I should give you the space you need." He sniffled, biting the side of his lip.

"Love comes, and love goes, Andre. Thank you for the time you've spent with me, I'm never forgetting you -"

"You have a problem with getting someone's point. I've never once denied loving you, Cross. What I said were things I needed to get off my chest. If we're going to work out, we need to slow down, you need to slow down, too. Don't push me..." he spoke so tenderly, his fingers massaging the sides of Cross's neck. 

Cross inhaled shakily, "You love me?" He asked cautiously.

"I love you, always have, and always will. Even if we break up, it will never be because my love for you faded, it would be my insecurities getting the best of me," he smiled tiredly.

Cross bit his lip, 'It's all my fault that Andre developed insecurities, and it's my duty to dispel those thoughts from him.

At least, learning that Andre still loved him was a great relief. So, this wasn't hatred, this was healing. 

"I'll... I'll wait. Whenever you're ready," he lowered his eyes to Andre's lips, "Can I-"

"No. Don't push it," Andre narrowed his eyes, releasing Cross's face.

"Go sit on the sofa. I'll just record some details real quick and head to the beach bar," his voice softened, just gaze raking over Cross's body, temptation setting in.

Cross smiled as he saw Andre's hungry eyes, "That makes the two of us, Papito. It's been ages since we -"

"The sofa, Cross," Andre pointed to the sofa by the wall.

Cross slowly nodded, "Yes, Daddy." He purred and walked over to settle on the sofa like a good boy.

"I'll wait right here," He pulled the throw pillow and snuggled it up on his chest.

Andre nodded, "Okay." He looked away from Cross's inviting eyes and went to his desk.

Cross watched Andre work and couldn't help falling deeper in love with the hot man. Florence was right, anyone who gets to keep Andre should treat him with care and value because he was a rare kind of man.

He knew that if Andre were to be another man, he would never tolerate him, or forgive his past actions. But Andre was ready to do both, only asking for some time to heal while still professing his strong love for Cross.

Cross yawned, resting his back on the sofa.

Andre looked up from his screen and saw Cross dozing off. He was about to go help Cross lie properly, but Cross already lowered his head to the sofa, curling up his feet and hugging the pillow to his head.

"What a kid..." Andre sighed and resumed working. 

After an hour, he finally pushed himself off the chair and left his desk.

He walked over to Cross and saw him sleeping so soundly and didn't want to wake him up.

He lowered himself to a squat in front of Cross, leaning his face closer to watch Cross's beautiful face.

He had missed properly admiring Cross, touching him. 

His hand lifted, fingers gently resting on Cross's cheeks, then he slowly traced them along the sides of Cross's face, his hairlines, brows, nose, and finally his lips. Andre gulped, his throat suddenly feeling dry and Cross's lips seemed quite refreshing at that moment. 

'God, I want him,' his breath hitched slightly. 

"Are you going to kiss me or not?" Cross murmured with his eyes still closed.

Andre froze for only a second before he relaxed, not taking his fingers off Cross's lips, "It's time to leave." He murmured. 

Cross slowly opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on Andre's, "Hola, Handsome." He whispered, his hand lifting to gently rest on Andre's shoulder, "You're fucking hot, do you know that?" He murmured. 

Andre smiled, watching Cross's eyes roam his lips hungrily.

"Just this once..." he tilted Cross's face to look at him.

Cross paused, his eyes widening, "You mean to kiss?" He questioned carefully, hoping he wasn't misunderstanding.

"Get up," Andre sighed and pulled Cross off the sofa, "Let's go." He said and turned to leave but Cross grabbed his hand and spun him around.

"We'll leave..." he said and tugged Andre closer, his arm hooking around Andre's neck to draw him down, "But after we kiss, Papito. Don't drive me crazy with your teasing." He whispered, his eyes pleading with Andre.

Andre inhaled sharply, his hand grabbing the back of Cross's head, gently tugging his hair, "You don't take no for an answer, do you?" he whispered against Cross's lips, their breaths mingling. 

Cross sighed softly, "Not when it comes to you." He muttered.

"Then, since you asked nicely...'He trailed off as he leaned in.

However, Cross slipped out of Andre's arms, "Let's go, Andre. If I'm kissing you, I won't be stopping with just a kiss. I need the whole darned package..." he stood by the door and smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Andre, I can't just kiss you and then return to waiting. I'm too weak to stand such emotional torment. Let's go," he turned and opened the door, a smirk playing at his lips.

He knew exactly what he was doing. He was going to slowly seduce Andre, but this time, it wasn't with physical touch, it would be the lack of it.

Andre frowned, "What the fuck?" He muttered as he followed Cross out.

'Why does it feel like the tables have turned? It's supposed to be him wanting me... not me losing my mind over a missed kiss'