* * *
Chester noticed Adam’s visible unease.
Like a rabbit spotting a predator. Interesting.
“Why so startled?”
Chester whispered, keeping his eyes on Isaac’s approaching figure.
“Is it because you’ve shared a bed, or because of what we did?”
“Y-you’re teasing me…”
“Not at all. I’m concerned.”
Chester spread his palm wide as if to show sincerity.
Then he gently laid it against Adam’s shoulder blade and gave it a few reassuring pats.
A subtle “it’s okay.”
The trembling in Adam’s posture gradually eased.
Isaac noticed it.
His eyes narrowed, almost imperceptibly, as he glanced between his younger brother and the omega.
“What are you two doing here?”
“Just taking a walk. Adam’s very interested in the garden, you see.”
“Adam…?”
Isaac repeated the name as if tasting it.
“You’ve grown close quickly.”
“The sooner we do, the better, don’t you think? Makes body talk more enjoyable too.”
“…Hrk.”
Adam let out an involuntary noise.
Chester chuckled like a mischievous boy.
This new omega really was entertaining.
“I-I apologize.”
“No need. Adam, go on ahead.”
Chester glanced sidelong at his brother, a gentle smile playing on his lips that carried layers of meaning.
“You’re not feeling well, are you? Best get some rest.”
At the mention of his condition, Isaac’s brow furrowed.
He clearly understood the cause.
Adam gave a polite bow and walked away.
His steps, though steady, seemed just a little too fast.
“Looks like he’s running away. Poor thing.”
“Don’t get attached to the omega, Chester. Once the contract ends, he’s out of our lives.”
“Exactly why I should get attached.”
Chester’s expression said, ‘What’s the harm?’
“If this were a long-term thing, I’d be more reserved. But since it’s just a fleeting indulgence, I’ll treat him well.”
“I’ll never understand you.”
“And you shouldn’t push him away so harshly either. Since you’re tied to him now, you could afford to be kinder. Not that you really mean what you say.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You had quite the passionate night, didn’t you?”
Chester stepped closer to his brother. Isaac simply looked at him, calm and unreadable.
He was every inch the duke, unlike his more casually dressed sibling.
A topaz brooch on his cravat, a black brocade vest embroidered with golden thread, and tall boots set with tiny gemstones.
Chester looked him over, nodding slightly.
So alike, and yet not alike at all.
“He was swollen. I’m letting him rest until it heals.”
Isaac slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again.
Clearly not used to conversations like this.
Chester found it amusing—this rare moment where his ever-composed brother was unsettled.
“How would you know that?”
“I checked. He looked so deliciously swollen I gave him a little suck… but I didn’t put it in. That would’ve been too much.”
Isaac’s eyebrows drew together.
“You mean you used your mouth?”
“His disgusted reaction was fun to watch. You should try it sometime.”
“I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with you.”
“Haha! I know, right? Never thought we’d be talking about stuff like this!”
Isaac exhaled slowly, then spoke in a much quieter voice.
“Yes… as a partner for the night, he wasn’t bad. More satisfying than I expected. Obedient, but not dull. Even took initiative now and then. He clearly isn’t new to men.”
“I’m glad he pleased you. Looks like he’ll keep us entertained for a while.”
“…”
“Brother,” Chester said, softly.
“If you like him, why not put in some effort?”
“What do you mean by effort?”
“Shape him into your type. Like breaking in a dog, or teaching a parrot to talk. Let’s face it—Adam’s no different from livestock to you. So let go of your morals and enjoy the ride.”
Isaac stroked his jaw in silence.
His expression was hard to read—was he annoyed, or turned on?
Chester’s eyes sparkled.
He had expected a flat refusal.
But… was Isaac actually considering it?
“I’ve told you before—this is nothing more than a duty. A step to produce and raise an heir. Nothing more.”
“I remember.”
“But…”
His hand stopped moving.
“…a little indulgence might be acceptable.”
Chester’s lips curled upward.
Delight flooded through him.
And just like that, Adam Ross had earned a bit more of his curiosity.
To change ‘Isaac’ of all people…
To awaken desire in a man who had shown no interest in sex.
Just how seductive was he?
Chester pictured Adam, naked, stroking his cock for him.
“Yeah… he was pretty damn sexy then too.”
A shiver of heat ran up his back and licked at his nape.
Chester ran a palm down his long neck and laughed softly.
“Very well, brother. Let’s do it your way.”
He lowered his voice so only Isaac could hear.
Isaac’s eyes twitched slightly at the corners.
The field was filled with violet-colored violets.
Adam set down his book and admired the flowers beyond the window.
The purple blossoms reminded him of Chester.
Chester, the man with the captivating eyes, hadn’t touched Adam since.
Thanks to that, he had been able to focus solely on resting for the past few days.
As the bite marks faded and the pain below lessened, Adam spent his time reading—just like now.
History, philosophy, society, even theology—he reached for them all.
The long-dormant passion for reading had erupted like lava.
“I suppose I should think… he’s being merciful?”
Though, he had made him strip completely in the middle of the woods.
Adam closed the book he was reading.
As soon as the memory surfaced, his concentration shattered.
It had almost been a disaster.
Someone had nearly entered the cave.
Of course, Chester had said no one would come in without his permission, but still.
“Sigh…”
With a sigh, Adam rose to his feet.
After placing the book back on the shelf in the study, he stepped into the hallway.
Emerald-green curtains hung from the arched windows.
People had been bustling about since morning—it must’ve been to change all the castle’s drapes.
The airy silk curtains felt fresh and suited spring perfectly.
Adam paused to watch them dance in the breeze.
“Lord Ross. Just coming from the study?”
Right on cue, David approached from the opposite side of the hall.
He greeted Adam with a warm expression, then furrowed his brows.
“Hmm? Where are Lily and Dean? I told them specifically to serve you well.”
Lily and Dean were the maid and valet assigned to assist Adam.
Every time he saw their young faces, he couldn’t help but be reminded of his little sister.
The boy and girl were around her age, and Adam couldn’t bring himself to make them work hard.
He’d even told them not to follow him to the study today—just to rest in his room.
“I gave them a separate task. They’re just doing that, so please don’t scold them.”
Adam quickly made up an excuse.
It wasn’t exactly a lie—he had told them to stay behind.
“Hoho, is that so? You didn’t deliberately tell them not to follow, did you?”
“N-No, of course not.”
David smiled slightly at Adam’s flustered attempt to hide his true thoughts.
Truthfully, David already knew. Lily had come to him to report: Lord Ross told us to stay in the room.
He said watching him read all day must be boring and to go do something useful.
‘What should we do?’
‘He really is kindhearted. Coming all the way here to cure his sister… And still looking out for the people around him.’
“I’ll let it slide this time. But Lord Ross, do try to stay with your attendants. Don’t hesitate to give them tasks.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Actually, I’m glad I ran into you. I had something to deliver.”
“Deliver?”
David’s smile deepened.
* * *
