Good Boy

The tension in the air evaporated, replaced by a suffocating blanket of calm.

"There," Sebastian said. "Was that so hard?"

Sebastian stood up. He reached down and grabbed Luca’s hand. "Up."

Luca obeyed. His legs felt like lead. He stood on trembling limbs, his head hanging low.

Sebastian didn't let go of his hand. He led Luca back toward the center of the foyer, past the abandoned suitcase.

Sebastian paused at the bag. He looked at it with disdain. He lifted his foot and kicked it. The expensive leather case slid across the marble, spinning into the wall with a crash.

"We’ll burn those clothes," Sebastian said casually. "They smell like desperation."

He turned to Luca. "You’re exhausted."

"I’m tired," Luca admitted, his voice hollow.

"I know."

Sebastian didn't guide him to the bedroom. He stopped. He slipped an arm under Luca’s knees and another behind his back, lifting him effortlessly.

Luca gasped, instinctively wrapping his arms around Sebastian’s neck to stabilize himself. It was a reflex. A surrender.

Sebastian carried him toward the living room—a sunken pit of black velvet sofas and dark wood. It was the heart of the penthouse, a soft, dark womb protected from the storm outside.

Sebastian sat down on the expansive sofa, settling Luca into his lap. He adjusted Luca’s legs, tucking him against his chest like a doll.

The rain lashed against the glass walls, angry and impotent. Inside, it was warm.

Luca rested his head on Sebastian’s shoulder. He could hear Sebastian’s heartbeat. Slow. Steady. Unbothered.

He closed his eyes. He imagined the gallery in London. He imagined the cold wind on Kensington High Street. It felt far away. It felt like a dream he had woken up from.

Sebastian’s hand came up to stroke Luca’s hair. The motion was rhythmic, hypnotic.

"You have a new commission starting tomorrow," Sebastian said softly, his fingers tangling in Luca’s curls. "A large canvas. For the bedroom. Something blue."

"Blue," Luca repeated dully.

"Yes. Deep blue. Like the ocean you’re never going to see."

Sebastian pressed a kiss to the top of Luca’s head.

"Good boy," Sebastian whispered.

Luca didn't fight. He didn't argue. He just breathed in the scent of sandalwood and expensive wine, and let the darkness of the room swallow him whole.