Chapter One-hundred Forty: The Belloni Manor

Chapter 140

The Belloni Manor

Jordi rolled into his driveway that evening after work. It was the weekend, and he was glad of that. He didn’t want to see Minerva or Desiree. He heaved a deep sigh as he shut off the car and rested his head against the steering wheel. The doctors informed him that his grandfather would be released from the hospital soon, and this meant he would have to interview candidates to live in his house to care for him. Great, he thought bitterly.

He didn’t want to fire Hannah and wasn’t going to, but he understood and respected why she left. He drew a long breath and climbed out of his car. He locked it and went up the path to his house, using his key to unlock the door.

He knelt to unzip his boots and slid his sheer socked feet out of them. He slipped off his gloves, unbuttoned his suit jacket, shrugged out of it, and loosened his tie. The house was dark and quiet. He missed seeing Hannah’s cheerful face, the smell of her cooking, and simply having someone happy to have him back home. Maybe I am the reason for all the problems in my life, he thought.

He went out to the patio in the back with his book and put his feet up on the table to read. He then thought of being with Gina in Los Campos. When Trevor teleported them back, she went back to her parents’ mansion in Quffolwed Garden. He wondered if she was thinking of him and if they wanted to go steady.

He laughed bitterly and shook his head. Do I want to date her after she lied to me and I almost was killed by her werewolf boyfriend, or do I just fear being alone that much? He wondered.

~

Jordi stepped out of the shower dressed in his black silk pajamas. He pulled his bedsheets back and climbed into bed. He pulled the sheets up and rested his head behind his hands. He heaved a deep sigh and thought of his conversation with Hannah on the swing. He turned over and closed his eyes, not wanting to think about what would have happened if she hadn’t called him.

~

Jordi was sleeping that morning and heard knocking on his door. He stirred in his sleep and groaned. He wasn’t expecting to interview anyone until Monday. He yawned and stretched. He turned his head to glance at his clock. It was ten o’clock. Why can’t I sleep in? He thought as the knocking continued.

He rose from bed and went to the door, still in his pajamas. He opened the door to see Gina at his doorstep. She wore a purple V-neck blouse, a jean mini skirt, a large belt around her waist, gold hoop earrings, black strappy sandal heels, and carried a purple velvet purse over her shoulder.

Gina: “Hi, handsome.”

She giggled. Jordi reddened.

Jordi: “Hey! S-Sorry, I’m not dressed properly!”

He stammered and stepped aside to let her in.

Gina: “It’s okay, Jordi!”

She caressed his chest. Jordi shivered. She locked her gaze on him.

Gina: “I want you to meet my parents…”

She said softly. Jordi blinked and flushed red.

Jordi: “So soon?”

He asked as he raked his fingers through his hair. She nodded and tickled his neck. He laughed and jerked his head away.

Jordi: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

He laughed and scratched his neck.

Jordi: “Sure, I’ll brush my teeth, get a shower, and get dressed.”

He smiled tightly and turned around to head back into his bathroom. Gina bit her lip as she checked out his ass. She sat down and looked at the various pictures on the wall of Jordi throughout the years, his grandparents, and his late mother.

A half hour later, Jordi stepped out wearing a white western shirt, jeans, black sheer socks, and carrying a dark blue sports jacket in his arm. Gina’s sapphire eyes sparkled when she saw him. He was always so good-looking. Jordi smiled at her and slid his arms into his sports jacket, then shrugged into it. He slid his feet into his boots. He knelt to zip them up, put his sunglasses over his eyes, and grabbed his package of cigarettes and car keys.

Jordi: “Ready to go?”

He smiled. Gina giggled and nodded.

They stepped out of Jordi’s house and into his car.

Gina: “Yeah, I got here by taxi. He kept flirting with me. I think he was in love with me.”

She let out a peal of giggles. Jordi smiled awkwardly and opened the car door for her.

Jordi: “I don’t think… love escalates that quickly.”

He stammered.

Gina: “Why not?”

She asked. Jordi went to the driver’s side and got in. He slid the key into the ignition and started the car.

Jordi: “Love takes time to develop. Maybe he was flirting, but I don’t think love factors into the equation, unless he’s one of those people with erotomania.”

He shifted into reverse and looked behind him as he backed out of the driveway.

Gina inhaled a waft of his cologne. It was such a sexy scent. She gazed at him as he drove.

Jordi: “Do you mind if I stop by this little café downtown? I didn’t eat breakfast yet.”

He said, half-lying to her. He didn’t know how to cook, and with Hannah out of the house, he couldn’t eat anything that wasn’t instant, and he didn’t feel like instant food.

Gina: “No, Jordi! Mrs. Martinez is the chef at our house, and she will make you a big breakfast!”

She spread her arms out. Jordi glanced at her and laughed.

Jordi: “Hahahaha, really now?”

Gina: “Yup! I want you to spend the night with me, Jordi…”

She purred and caressed his arm. Jordi shivered.

He pursed his lips. Well, I didn’t want to be in that house alone, he thought. It would be nice to wake up next to someone, but do I love her? He wondered as he glanced at her. I like her, but I don’t know if I love her, he thought. Could it develop into that? He wondered.

Jordi: “That would be lovely, Gina!”

He said sincerely.

Gina: “Do you remember my address?”

Jordi glanced at her and shook his head.

Jordi: “No, sorry.”

He said with strain.

Jordi: “I remember the neighborhood, but that’s it.”

Gina: “It’s fourteen Sapphire Boulevard.”

She replied. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “You got it.”

~

Jordi drove through the neighborhood and made a right-hand turn down the driveway. It was a vast mansion with prominent columns, ornate detailing, and symmetrical design. The center of the mansion was crowned with a large, golden dome, and two smaller domes adorned the wings of the building, adding to its majestic appearance. There were large windows, often in arched or rectangular shapes, distributed across the facade.

The main large golden door was highlighted by tall, fluted columns supporting an elaborate portico.

The manor was amidst beautifully manicured gardens with lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and several ornate fountains, including a prominent multi-tiered fountain. Trim trees and shrubs, and line the pathways.

Behind the manor was the pool. The swimming pool is large and irregularly shaped, featuring multiple levels and distinct areas. It was illuminated with vibrant blue underwater lighting. Several waterfalls cascaded over natural-looking rock formations. What stood out was the winding waterslide built into the rocky landscape on the left side of the pool.

In the center of the pool, there was a circular island with lounge chairs. This island was also illuminated around its base. To the right of the island, integrated into the edge of the pool, is a circular fire pit, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage with accent lighting. A stone bridge with steps and arched railings connected the different sections of the pool area.

Jordi’s eyes widened at the place. It was like a palace. Gina smiled widely as his car came to a crawl and he parked it in the paved, checkered driveway. Jordi stepped out and examined the place. She climbed out and grabbed his arm, leaning into it.

Gina: “Come on!”

Jordi smiled tightly.

They entered the manor. The walls were paneled in a cream tone, with sections having classical molding. On each side of the walls were golden doors that led to elevators, which in turn led to the top floor, the main floor, and the basement.

A grand, sweeping double staircase of white marble with gray veining, set against a deep red carpet in the center, greeted them. The balustrades were intricate, wrought-iron structures with elaborate scrollwork and gold accents. Large, fluted columns with ornate capitals flank the base of the staircase. Above the landing of the stairs, a large, sculptural wall art piece depicting butterflies was rendered in a light, neutral tone that complemented the marble. Hanging over the staircase was a grand crystal chandelier.

Jordi’s mouth was ajar. This place is a palace, he thought. Why would Gina want to leave here and live with that werewolf guy? He wondered and glanced down at her.

Jordi: “You have elevators?”

Gina nodded.

Gina: “They’re for my grandmother!”

Those would be ideal for my grandfather, but we only have one floor in our house, so what would be the point? He wondered.

Gina tugged on his arm.

Gina: “Come on, let’s get you some breakfast!”

She giggled. Jordi smiled.

Jordi: “Sure!”

She led him down the foyer and into the dining room. They entered an opulent, classically designed dining room, featuring rich golds and creams.

The dining table was a long, rectangular piece of highly polished marble, with its base and legs intricately carved with gold accents. There were crystal candelabras with candles adorning the center of the dining table.

Numerous high-backed dining chairs were surrounding the table, upholstered in cream velvet with tufting on the backrest, and the frames were also gold.

On the far wall, there were two ornate gold console tables. On these tables were framed photographs of the Belloni family throughout the years.

A large, multi-tiered crystal chandelier adorned with candelabra lights hung prominently above the dining table.

On the walls, several gold, ornate wall sconces with multiple candleholders. The floor was polished hardwood, in a parquet pattern.

Heavy, floor-length golden silk curtains with elaborate tie-backs framed the large windows. The walls were adorned with intricate paneling and molding, all in gold and cream tones. The ceiling featured decorative molding and a medallion surrounding the chandelier.

Stepping into the dining room was a tall, fit middle-aged Italian man with beautifully styled, dark blue hair, featuring a slight wave at the front. His hair matched the striking gold, blue sapphire ring on his right ring finger. He had a sculpted nose, a strong mouth, and a well-defined jawline. He wore a dark blue velvet sports jacket, a white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, with a black ascot around his neck, chinos, and brown loafers. He smiled at Gina and Jordi.

Gina: “Daddy, this is my boyfriend, Jordi Vaquero.”

Jordi glanced at Gina with shock. Boyfriend?! We didn’t have this discussion, he thought.

The man wrapped his arms around Jordi and kissed each of his cheeks. Jordi grinned, and his discomfort grew.

Man: “Hello, Jordi! You are good-looking! I am Balderico Belloni, and don’t be formal and call me ‘Mr. Belloni’! You’re family now!”

He guffawed. Jordi smiled awkwardly.

Jordi: “Oh, ah, thanks, sir!”

He rubbed the back of his neck. Balderico shook his forefinger.

Balderico: “Now, now, none of this formality! It’s ‘Balderico!’ You’re family now!”

He spread his arms around and grinned widely, showing his even, white teeth that appeared to sparkle in the sunlight. Jordi shifted his eyes.

Jordi: “Right…”

Gina: “Daddy, Jordi hasn’t eaten breakfast yet, and he’s starving. I don’t want him going to the Donatis for food because their grandson, Blair, was a jerk to him!”

She pouted. Jordi reddened.

Jordi: “Gina, that was when I was a teenager! I can afford my own food now!”

He laughed, but it was accompanied by a desire to cry from embarrassment. Balderico hugged him close.

Balderico: “You poor young man! Isn’t Demetrio’s grandson a scoundrel? Don’t worry, son! We’re a non-judgmental family!”

He held him out to examine him. Jordi forced a smile.

Jordi: “That was when I was a teenager, sir…”

He murmured.

Balderico: “What did I say about formality?”

He grinned. Jordi blinked.

Jordi: “Right, sorry.”

He muttered.

Jordi took a seat and Gina sat beside him. Balederico sat at the end of the table. A plump black woman who wore her dark pink hair in a bun and dressed in a maid’s outfit placed a variety of food in front of him. There were pancakes, bacon, eggs, maritozzi, yogurt, toast, a variety of jams, and sausages, accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice. Jordi smiled at the food, and it reminded him of Hannah’s cooking.

Jordi: “This all looks so delectable! Thank you!”

Balderico smiled.

Balderico: “Gina told me about how awful Demetrio’s grandson was to you, and I am so very sorry about that! We met him a few times, and that boy just ain’t right!”

He clicked his tongue. Tell me about it, Jordi thought as he ate breakfast.

Jordi: “Look, this was when I was a teenager. I got a job that pays for the care of my grandfather, a nice car that doesn’t break down every week, and other things. My grandfather’s… caretaker quit. This is why I didn’t eat.”

He admitted. Balderico clicked his tongue.

Balderico: “That is a shame! We can help you find another cake-taker!”

He smiled tightly. Jordi put his hands up.

Jordi: “Oh no, I don’t mean to impose, I just—”

Balderico: “I do know someone! She is a nice woman who has been looking to take care of someone, and I can arrange for her to meet you and your grandpa!”

He beamed.

Jordi forced a smile and felt as if he was taking advantage of these people. He liked to conduct interviews himself, as they would be living with them.

A slim Italian middle-aged woman with feathery dark blue hair, blue eyes, and long lashes entered the dining room. She wore a sleeveless white jumpsuit with a halter neckline, a large brown belt with a gold belt buckle around her waist, and strappy gold sandals. She had several gold bangles on her wrists and gold teardrop earrings. Balderico rose to the woman, and they kissed.

Balderico: “Hey, honey, this is Gina’s boyfriend, Jordi Vaquero! Jordi, this is my lovely wife and the mother of Gina, Mina!”

Mina rushed to hug Jordi. Jordi smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to take all this hugging.

Mina: “Hello, Jordi! Welcome to the family! Gina told us so much about you!”

She held him out to look at him.

Jordi: “Hahahaha, did she now? Nice to meet you, Mrs. Belloni!”

Mina: “No, no need for that now! I’m Mina! You’re family, Jordi!”

She nodded. Jordi smiled a bit, and Gina grabbed his arm, resting her head on it.

Mina clasped her hands together.

Mina: “So, Jordi, do you have any friends?”

Jordi ate some bacon and nodded.

Jordi: “Yes, I do!”

Mina smiled widely.

Mina: “I’d love to meet your friends! Oh, and our eldest daughter, Savina, is getting married soon! Gina doesn’t want to be a bridesmaid, but she would love to bring you, and please bring your friends!”

She nodded and beamed. Gina pouted. Jordi flicked his gaze to Gina, Mina, and Balderico.

Jordi: “Of course!”

Mina: “Who are they, Jordi? I’ll have Lucy send them invitations as well as you! She’s an excellent party planner!”

She said that with that gleam in her eye. Jordi smiled a bit.

Jordi: “There’s Fabien Bellegarde, Tristan Trémaux, Deimos Katsaros, Jaxon Tachibana, and Celeste Marcella.”

He listed them off to her.

Gina: “Who is Celeste?!”

She huffed. Jordi rolled his eyes. This again? He wondered.

Balderirco: “Now, Gina, Jordi can have lady friends, but we know you’re his number one! He risked his life to save you, princess.”

He chided her gently. Gina folded her arms in front of her chest and pouted. Jordi agreed with Balderico but wasn’t sure if Gina was his number one or if anyone was.

~

Gina's bedroom was down the hall and to the right. It was a large, lavish bedroom decorated in shades of purple. Her bed was a queen-size bed with two white antique nightstands, each featuring a crystal lamp on one side.

A grand, circular canopy structure hung above the bed, draped with rich purple velvet. The top edge of the canopy was adorned with lavender, intricate fabric detailing, giving it a soft, ethereal, and somewhat whimsical look.

The bed frame was a pale purple, with highly decorative carvings. The headboard is tall, tufted, and features an elaborate, crown-like Baroque design with purple velvet upholstery. The bedding had lavender sheets with various pillows with purple hues.

At the foot of the bed, there was a large, tufted purple velvet bench.

A large, circular, deep purple plush rug grounded the bed area, adding to the room's soft and luxurious feel. The floor beyond the plush carpet was light purple marble with white veining and dark purple patterns.

The walls were decorated with classical moldings, panels in coordinating shades of purple and cream. The ceiling was equally ornate, featuring intricate plasterwork, rosettes, and a central medallion above the bed.

The large windows were draped with multiple layers of purple curtains, including heavy velvet drapes and sheer panels. To the right under the window, there was a purple velvet sofa with numerous throw pillows.

To the left was a white door leading to her bathroom.

It was a lavish and uniquely designed bathroom, heavily themed in shades of purple with opulent gold accents. Gold detailing outlined the mirrors, trim, fixtures, and decorative elements.

To the left of the bathroom, the round bathtub was set into a multi-tiered, raised lilac marble platform with white veining. A grand, arched structure with rich purple drapes and gold trim framed the tub area. There were candelabra-style wall sconces with golden arms and candles, and a purple cushion on the shelf behind the tub. Small mirrors were incorporated into the arched structure, and recessed lighting was installed above the tub.

To the right, a long, light purple marble vanity counter housed two integrated sinks. The base cabinets were purple, featuring ornate gold lattice work on the cabinet doors. Two large, highly decorative mirrors with elaborate gold frames were mounted above the sinks, and several gold candelabra-style wall sconces flanked the mirrors.

At the end, there was a glass walk-in shower with a golden showerhead, faucets, a drain, and a handle.

The floor was made of lilac marble with intricate purple veining and a large, abstract inlay pattern that featured swaths of purple, possibly depicting flowing water.

The ceiling featured multiple levels, painted in varying shades of purple, and was adorned with gold trim and moldings. There was recessed lighting, along with a crystal chandelier with gold accents hanging from the center.

Jordi sat on her bed with her and heaved a deep sigh.

Gina: “What do you think, Jordi?”

She grinned.

Jordi: “This is a palace… You live a lavish lifestyle I could never dream of having.”

He laughed.

Gina: “No, I meant my parents!”

Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “They’re lovely and accommodating, but the time I was starving was when I was a teenager and had nothing, Gina. That’s not the case anymore.”

He sighed.

Gina: “I know, but I didn’t want you to feel you could turn to the Donatis because Blair is a jerk!”

She nodded. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Yes, message sent and read.”

He said dryly.

They gazed into each other’s eyes.

Jordi: “Gina, I wish you had… talked to me before introducing me to your parents as your boyfriend.”

He said firmly. Gina grimaced.

Gina: “Why, because you don’t want to date me?”

Her bottom lip trembled. Jordi sighed.

Jordi: “I never said I did. I just wish you had talked to me before this.”

He said with irritation.

Jordi: “Don’t I get a say?”

He added.

Gina: “Yeah, we made love in Los Campos and it was beautiful!”

She cried.

Jordi: “And you lied to me about that werewolf guy almost getting me killed!”

He hissed.

Gina looked away.

Gina: “I’m sorry, Jordi.”

Jordi heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “Gina, love… takes time to develop. I don’t want to give you the impression that there's something when there isn’t.”

Gina’s bottom lip trembled.

Gina: “Why did you make love to me then?!”

She cried and glared at him with tears in her eyes. He froze.

Jordi: “Because I wanted you for a long time and you broke contact with me… this was before I knew you lied to me and almost had me killed!”

He fired back.

Gina cried into her hands. Jordi knit his eyebrows and raised his hands to wave them.

Jordi: “Gina, I’m sorry! I only wanted a say, too, and I don’t want to take advantage of your parents’ kindness! You’re telling your parents that what happened to me when I was a teenager is still ongoing! That’s not true! I never told anyone! That little bitch, Blair, told everyone!”

He flared hotly.

Gina: “I just didn’t want you to starve, Jordi!”

She bawled.

Jordi: “Gina, I drive a Ferrari and had a live-in caretaker for my grandfather! I am not going to starve anytime soon! I was a kid back then, and I was selling seeds just to be able to buy something for lunch at school because my grandfather was a mess! And it hurt me that you told your parents that without asking if I was okay with it!”

He snapped. Gina sobbed into her hands.

Gina: “I was only trying to help!”

Jordi: “Well, TALK TO ME FIRST! If you want me to be your boyfriend, you have to talk to me!”

He knit his eyebrows.

Gina sobbed and nodded.

Gina: “Okay, I’m sorry…”

Jordi smiled a bit. He put his arms around her, and she hugged him close.

Gina: “Do you wanna spend the night?”

She asked him. Jordi wanted to say yes, but he recalled the conversation with Hannah and how he just told Gina love took time to develop.

Jordi: “...Maybe some other night. I need to take some space to reflect.”

He said earnestly, gazing down at her with a smile.

Gina: “Do you want to date me, Jordi?”

He smiled.

Jordi: “I am interested, but I want to take things slow.”

Gina’s eyelashes dipped.

The two gazed into each other’s eyes and leaned in to kiss each other.

~

Jordi had his sports jacket removed and rolled the sleeves up to his elbows on his western shirt as he stepped into the Smooth Jack’s Sports Bar & Grill. The dining area was spacious, featuring tables, chairs, and wooden floors, with walls adorned by pictures of athletes and sports teams. Several men sat at the bar counter, sipping beer from steins, some of them smoking, their faces glued to the TV, which was playing football.

Jordi took a seat in one of the dining areas. He glanced at the menu. A waitress approached him dressed in a button-up shirt with the bar’s logo, shorts, and sneakers.

Waitress: “Hey, handsome, what can I get for ya?”

She winked. Jordi reddened a bit.

Jordi: “For now, I’ll get a beer. I’m undecided on what to order.”

Waitress: “Of course. Let me know when you do.”

She giggled. Jordi smiled tightly.

She went to the bar and returned to Jordi with a glass of beer. He paid and tipped her.

Jordi: “Thank you.”

He took a sip of beer, withdrew a cigarette, and lit it up. He inhaled a long drag and processed everything that had happened today. Someone sat down in the chair next to him. He turned to see Craig grinning at him and leaning across the bar.

Craig: “G’day, handsome!”

He wiggled his eyebrows. Jordi gaped at him and blinked.

Jordi: “Uh, hi? What do you want?”

He asked him.

Craig: “I’ll start with ya number.”

He handed him a napkin. Jordi gaped at the napkin and Craig.

Jordi: “Even if I wanted to write it down, I don’t have a pen.”

He said slowly and glared at him indignantly.

Craig: “Ah, fuck.”

He looked around, scanning the bar for a pen. He reached across the bar, grabbing a big black Sharpie from behind it.

Craig: “There ya go!”

He threw it towards Jordi. Jordi took it and wrote down, “NO.” Craig’s face crumpled.

Craig: “W-Wha?! COME ON!”

He pouted.

Craig: “Don’t ya wanna have fun with a big strong construction worker rocker?”

He flexed his muscles for him.

Jordi: “You’re a lifeguard for the pool in the Megalos Tower. I know because I work in that tower, too.”

He shifted his eyes. Craig awkwardly shifted his eyes and laughed.

Craig: “Oh yeah, I do that, too. Did ya check me out in my swimmers?”

He stammered. Jordi shook his head.

Craig: “What are you, STRAIGHT?!”

He pouted. Jordi laughed a bit.

Jordi: “God no. I am attracted to men, women, and anything in between!”

He declared.

Craig: “Ohhh, so ya playin’ hard to get then ey?”

He grinned at him.

Jordi: “That’s the problem. I don’t. Fabien told me enough about you, and your red flags are blatant.”

He shot back firmly.

Craig: “We ain’t together anymore, I’m single now! It’s fine!”

He waved his hand.

Jordi: “I am his friend. I know this.”

He said firmly, feeling his irritation soar.

Craig: “So ya wanna threesome?”

He beamed.

Jordi: “Hahahaha, no.”

He laughed bitterly. Craig pouted.

Craig: “Why won’t you fuck me?!”

He whined, throwing his arms up.

Jordi: “Because I don’t want to. Any reason I give would be beyond your comprehension, so why bother?”

He rolled his eyes.

Someone approached Jordi’s table. He raised his head to see Jaxon. He wore a white tiger stripe shirt with the buttons undone to expose his chest tattoo, tight black jeans, and Chelsea boots.

Jaxon: “Hey, man, is this loser bothering you?”

Jordi: “Yes, he is. I can deal with him, though.”

He smiled at Jaxon. Craig glared at Jaxon.

Craig: “YOU!”

He seethed at Jaxon.

Jaxon: “Yeah, what about me, bogan? Jealous that I am a hottie and you’re not?”

He laughed.

Craig: “Jealous?! I’m NOT jealous of ya! You homewreckin’ thief! I saw him first, BACK OFF!”

He huffed.

Jordi rose to Craig and looked at Jaxon.

Jordi: “Want to get out of here, Jaxon? I’ll buy you dinner! My treat?”

He grinned.

Jaxon: “Yeah, man! Thanks! Would love that!”

Craig’s jaw dropped.

Craig: “WHAT?!”

He fumed.

Craig: “Mate, he’s already got a girlfriend and he ruined my relationship!”

He whined. Jordi reached out and grabbed him, shocking him all over.

Jordi: “Whatever, I just want to be away from you.”

Craig gasped and froze up as stiff as a board, collapsing to the ground, twitching and gasping like a stupid fish.

~

Jaxon and Jordi were dining on the boardwalk at a take-out place for fish & chips. Jordi squeezed some lemon juice on his fried piece of cod. He told Jaxon everything that transpired at the Belloni manor.

Jaxon: “Wow, making decisions for you. Not cool.”

He said as his voice trailed off.

Jaxon: “Reminds me of my ex-fiancée.”

He laughed bitterly. Jordi raised his eyebrows.

Jordi: “You were engaged?”

Jaxon rolled his eyes and nodded.

Jaxon: “Yeah, my parents and her father arranged it. You remember that Viking weirdo obsessed with Varg who tickled our feet? Her.”

He nodded. Jordi nodded and pursed his lips.

Jaxon: “Before Celeste and I became official, I had one-night stands, but they always bored me, and I forgot about them after a week or two. I was hurt about my family banishing me after I didn’t want to marry Noriko and lashed out. I wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend or girlfriend until they arranged the engagement. So I sometimes wonder if I was looking for something deeper, but didn’t know how to look or who I was looking for. Celeste was the one who wanted to take things slow, and she was worth it.”

He smiled a bit.

Jordi: “I am happy for you.”

He said genially.

Jaxon: “I think you made the right decision to take things slowly. She lied to you about that werewolf guy, and it’s going to take time to patch things up.”

He nodded.

Jaxon: “Also, your past doesn’t define you. I did things from my past that I am not proud of, and I did them to survive, as you did. Also, fuck Blair. That guy is a total loser.”

He waved his hand in disgust. Jordi laughed a bit.

Jaxon: “He wore a life jacket and those arm floats on a slide for toddlers. People are laughing at him, man.”

He smiled. Jordi returned the smile.

Jaxon shifted in his seat.

Jaxon: “So you work for Megalos and with my brother, Ichiro… What do you think of him?”

He asked with strain.

Jordi: “It’s news he could turn humans into monsters.”

Jaxon looked away with hurt. Jordi took notice of this. He drew a long breath.

Jordi: “I don’t know him well. I don’t work under him, and we don’t speak. Whenever Minerva goes to meet with Ilias, we’re not allowed in, so my interactions with Ichiro are almost nonexistent.”

He explained.

Jordi: “As for what I think of him, he doesn’t bother with anyone, and he always seemed… creepy.”

He admitted. Jaxon cupped his mouth.

Jordi: “If you want to talk about… your experiences with Ichiro, you can, but if not, I understand. I can tell something about those monsters that triggers you.”

He stated.

Jaxon: “It’s one way of putting it.”

He muttered. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “So what should I do about my situation?”

Jaxon: “It seems like you want to give Gina a second chance, and I say go for it. Celeste gave me a chance. Be firm with your boundaries, and if she continues to cross them, consider removing her from your life. If she loves you, she will respect those.”

He said firmly, remembering that he had given Chelsea similar advice. He often wondered if she would have heeded it if she were still alive.

Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “I agree with this. Thank you, Jaxon.”

He smiled. Jaxon returned the smile.

Jordi locked his gaze on him.

Jordi: “So, uh, Minerva told us about something that affected you in Seashell Cove… Do you want to… talk about that?”

He asked with empathy in his eyes. Jaxon looked away with pain.

Jaxon: “No, man. I’m sorry, I really don’t. Maybe some other day.”

Jordi paused and nodded.

Jordi: “I’m sorry. I understand.”

Jaxon smiled sadly at him. Someday I will, but… where do I even start? He wondered.

~

Dougal was in his bedroom playing with his action figures of Jaxon, Fabien, and Tristan. He wore nothing but his Union Jack boxers.

Dougal: “‘ Well, Dougal, on-lee you can tak mon virginitay, and on-lee you can bécause you’ré zo sexy!’ ”

He spoke in a French accent as he held up his Tristan action figure.

Dougal: “Tristan, I know that, love! Why don’t you suck my todger, eh?”

Dougal: “‘ Oh, Dougal, it’s zo BEEG!’ ”

He picked up the Jaxon action figure.

Dougal: “Oh, Dougal-sama, you so sugoi e sexy desu ne!! Boku wa so horny for you yo!”

He said in a Japanese accent and pulled his penis out to the Jaxon and Tristan figures.

Dougal: “ ‘Oh my gosh, Dougal-sama, so big desu ne!! I cannot fit it in my tiny little mouth, nyaa!’ ”

He put the figures closer to his member.

Dougal: “ ‘Jaxon, wé should both suk on zis massive penis!’ ”

He bobbed the Tristan figure.

Dougal: “ ‘Hai, sugoi desu ne!’ ”

Dougal’s butler cleared his throat in his doorway. He gaped and stopped when he saw a dead raccoon hanging from a noose on the ceiling.

Dougal: “I hung that fucker for treason.”

He laughed.

Dougal: “Anyway, I told ya not to bug me when I am playing with my sexy schmoodar action figures!”

He stomped his foot. The butler handed Dougal an envelope and he snatched it.

Dougal: “The bloody Hell is this?”

He tore open the envelope and pulled out a black bristol board card with gold letters and a boarder.

Dougal: “ ‘Barnabas Chatrian’? That some kind of vampire?”

He twisted his mouth with disgust. The butler cleared his throat.

Butler: “He phoned you earlier, sir. He wishes to meet with you in his château in the south of Nouvelle Gaule in Belmart.”

He said evenly. Dougal stomped his feet and the dead raccoon dropped to the floor.

Dougal: “Well, my schmoodar alarms didn’t go off so why the bloody Hell should I go?! Sounds like a waste of time! I could be shagging Tristan and Jaxon while I waste time with this wanker!”

He barked. His butler cleared his throat.

Butler: “He stated he can grant you both Tristan and Jaxon.”

Dougal paused and his dead, coal black eyes lit up.

Dougal: “Well, if he ain’t gonna waste my time like that other knucklehead did, I’m in! Get the private jet ready! I’m goin’ to Nouvelle Gaule!”

He grinned.

Butler: “All right, I shall get the four seats ready just for you, sir.”

Dougal: “Splendid!”