As the light-hearted teasing subsided and the room settled into a soft night ambiance, Crystal clasped her hands together, her radiant smile hinting at a mischievous plan. With her vibrant yet commanding presence, she voiced her intentions, a glimmer of determination in her eyes.
“Well, since traveling all this way has been so terribly exhausting,” Crystal began, letting out a dramatic sigh as if she had endured unimaginable hardships, “I’ve decided to stay here for the night.”
“H-Huh?” Porsche barely whispered, his wide, nervous eyes locking onto hers as he fidgeted with his fingers, unsure of how to respond.
“I mean,” Crystal continued smoothly, not allowing anyone a moment to object, “it’s too late to go searching for another place at this hour, don’t you agree? This suite will do just fine. Right, Arm?”
“Absolutely,” Arm chimed in, his expression as innocent as a seasoned poker player, throwing Crystal a subtle wink.
Porsche felt a surge of responsibility wash over him as he glanced nervously around the opulent suite. The golden details, the luxurious orchids, and even the serene night view made him feel somewhat out of place. It wasn’t just the lavish surroundings that unsettled him; it was the realization that he was losing any say in the matter. Yet, he didn’t dare voice his concerns.
“Mom,” Kinn shot a glare at his mother, a mix of exasperation and amusement etched on his face.
“Oh, it’s splendid!” Crystal dismissed Porsche’s growing anxiety with a casual wave of her hand.
Her authoritative tone, combined with her charismatic demeanor, left no room for argument.
“Darling, this space practically begs to host me—it would be rude not to stay! Wouldn’t you agree, Arm?”
Kinn leaned back against the couch, arms folded over his chest, observing his mother’s antics with a knowing smirk. He could see through her plan as clearly as crystal; her feigned “oh, we’re so tired” act was transparent. She wanted them close, and there was only one way to achieve that…
“We’ve been traveling all day!” Crystal sighed dramatically, placing a hand to her forehead like a damsel in distress.
“Poor me. We’ll take the two bedrooms at the far end and get some much-needed rest. Right, Arm?”
“Right,” Arm replied, his enthusiasm suspiciously timed as he grabbed his bag and headed toward the nearest unclaimed room.
“Wonderful, darling!” Crystal waved Porsche’s concern aside with an effortless flourish.
“Now, Arm and I have claimed our bedrooms. That leaves you two new lovebirds with the last one.” She tossed the sentence over her shoulder as she strode toward her chosen guestroom, as if everything had already been decided.
Kinn arched an eyebrow, amusement bubbling beneath his calm exterior as he exchanged a knowing glance with Arm. Arm, catching the signal, shrugged with exaggerated innocence before disappearing into his room with an over-the-top yawn.
“Good night!” Arm sang cheerfully, his tone almost too perfect as he closed his door, leaving Porsche and Kinn behind.
Kinn’s mother’s voice echoed in Porsche’s mind, and he stood helplessly in the middle of the expansive suite, biting his bottom lip as nervous energy surged within him. Questions swirled in his mind, but none found the courage to escape his lips. With one bedroom left, his heart raced under the pressure of figuring out what to do next.
“Does your mom always… just decide things like that?” Porsche asked timidly, his fingers fidgeting together in a soft motion, his innocent nature shining through. The lingering confusion and curiosity danced in his wide eyes as he glanced toward the occupied rooms.
Kinn chuckled, moving closer and dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “She doesn’t ask for permission because, to her, what she says isn’t up for negotiation. She’s just like that.”
“It’s just... it doesn’t seem very fair,” Porsche murmured, his voice hesitant as he clutched his hands close to his chest. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him.
The thought of sharing a bedroom with Kinn after so long—and now, with the added complexity of his pregnancy—made him feel shy and uncertain. He glanced down, avoiding Kinn’s gaze, unsure if his words were crossing a line.
Kinn noticed the shift in Porsche’s demeanor, the way he seemed to withdraw into himself, and a gentle smile crept onto his face.
“Hey, it’s me Po.. We can make it work, right?” he reassured, trying to ease the tension that hung in the air. He stepped closer, the warmth of his presence both comforting and overwhelming.
Porsche nodded hesitantly, still feeling the weight of the situation. “Yeah, I guess so,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. The idea of sharing a bed with Kinn sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach, a mix of excitement and anxiety. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
Kinn's gentle smile faltered as he noticed the hesitation lingering in Porsche's soft, wide eyes. A twinge of sadness slipped into his chest, an ache that worsened when he realized the idea of sharing a bedroom with him seemed to make Porsche uncomfortable.
“Look,” Kinn said quietly, his tone soft and understanding, “if you’re not comfortable, you can take the room, and I’ll sleep out here on the sofa. It’s fine.”
Porsche’s head snapped up. His heart clenched at the idea of Kinn, the headstrong and ever-proud heir, sleeping on a couch for his sake.
“No, no, Kinn, I can’t let you do that,” Porsche said hurriedly, his voice trembling with genuine worry.
“I’ll take the sofa. I don’t mind.”
Kinn frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re pregnant, Porsche. There’s no way I’m letting you sleep on a couch when there’s a perfectly good bed in there.”
“But—” Porsche started, his voice faltering at the edges. He stopped himself, biting his lip as his gaze dropped to the soft carpet beneath his feet. The guilt and hesitation in his posture gnawed at Kinn, twisting his insides.
“No buts,” Kinn said firmly, stepping closer to close the gap between them. His arms moved as if he meant to reach for Porsche, but he stopped himself, unsure if Porsche would welcome the gesture.
“It’s not up for debate,” Kinn added with a hint of finality. “You and the babies need to rest properly.”
Porsche hesitated before whispering quietly, “I can sleep on the floor if it’s going to be a problem.”
It felt like the floor dropped from under Kinn’s feet. His heart stopped, his palms curling into fists instinctively as the words hung in the air, suffocating the space between them.
“What did you just say?” he asked, his voice low. It carried a quiet intensity that sent a chill down even Porsche’s spine.
Porsche’s eyes widened at Kinn’s reaction. “I—I mean, it’s fine. I’ve… I’ve slept on floors before. It’s not a big deal.”
“You’ve what?” Kinn growled, and this time he couldn’t stop himself from reaching out. His hands hovered protectively near Porsche’s arms, careful not to touch but close enough to steady him if he swayed.
“Don’t tell me that…”
“I’m used to it,” Porsche admitted, his voice barely audible.
There was no anger or bitterness in his tone, only a quiet acceptance that made Kinn’s chest burn.
“Back when I was living with my stepmother, she didn’t let me sleep on a bed. She’d say it wasn’t for someone like me…” His voice trailed off as tears threatened to spill.
“So… I got comfortable sleeping wherever there was space.”
The room went deathly silent. Kinn’s breathing grew heavier as a blaze of fury erupted in his chest. His jaw clenched, and his dark eyes blazed with an intensity that could drown the world.
“That woman,” Kinn hissed, the word dripping with venom. He turned away for a moment, his hand running through his hair as he tried to steady the storm inside him.
“The audacity… the nerve—” His voice cracked, trembling with barely contained rage. He turned back to Porsche, his fists trembling at his sides.
“I’ll kill her,” Kinn swore, his voice dark and low. His words carried the weight of a promise, one Porsche knew Kinn wouldn’t break.
“I swear I’ll destroy her for what she did. She’ll pay for every second you spent suffering under her roof, every bruise, every insult, every damn moment she made you feel like you weren’t good enough.”
Kinn noticed the bruises on Porsche's hands, evidence of tight grips from when he carried the unconscious Porsche to the hotel suite. However, he refrained from questioning Porsche about them for now, planning to bring it up later when Porsche was calmer.
“Kinn…” Porsche stammered, taken aback by the raw fury in Kinn’s eyes. He reached out instinctively, his fingers clutching Kinn’s forearm, pulling him back just enough to anchor him. “Please, don’t…”
Kinn spun to face him fully, his gaze softening slightly at the sight of Porsche’s trembling hand against his arm. He took a slow, deep breath, forcing himself to calm down for Porsche’s sake.
“I’m sorry,” Kinn said quietly, his voice breaking as he reached up to cradle Porsche’s hand in his own.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that. I should’ve been there to protect you.”
“It’s okay,” Porsche whispered, though his voice cracked under the weight of his emotions.
“It’s over now. I’m here… with you.”
“No, it’s not okay,” Kinn insisted, shaking his head as a wave of guilt washed over him.
“You’re pregnant—carrying our family, Porsche—and you still think you need to settle for less. That’s not how it’s going to be anymore. Not ever.”
Porsche’s lip quivered as Kinn lifted his other hand to Porsche’s face, his thumb brushing a stray tear from his cheek.
“You’re not sleeping on the floor ever again, do you hear me?” Kinn’s voice softened, trembling with unspoken emotions. “Ever.”
Porsche bit his lip, nodding silently as more tears welled in his eyes. Kinn stepped closer, lowering his voice to a gentle murmur.
“I’ll protect you. I’ll protect our babies. And I’ll destroy anyone who ever made you feel like you weren’t worthy of love and care.”
Porsche felt the faint warmth of hope reignite in his chest, melting away a fraction of the fear and doubt that had taken root within him.
“I... I think we should just share the bed,” Porsche murmured timidly, his gaze fixed on the floor. “It... It makes more sense than you sleeping on the sofa or... me on the floor.”His cheeks flushed slightly as he fidgeted with his fingers.
Kinn, who had been silently watching him, felt a surge of warmth and relief at the suggestion. He marveled at how shy and considerate Porsche could be, even when dealing with his own discomfort.
“Are you sure, baby?” Kinn asked gently, stepping closer. His deep voice carried a note of softness that wasn’t there before.
Porsche nodded, though his head remained down. “It’s big enough for two people, and…” he trailed off, unsure how to put his feelings into words.
“Okay,” Kinn agreed, not pushing further. “We’ll share the bed. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.”
As the silence stretched between them, a loud, sudden growling sound broke through the room. Porsche’s eyes widened in mortification, and he instinctively clutched his baby bump, as though trying to silence the source of the noise.
“Oh no...” Porsche whispered, cheeks flushed a deep red as the sound echoed. His stomach betrayed him, demanding attention at the worst possible moment. “I... I’m sorry...”
Kinn blinked, startled by the interruption, but it didn’t take long for him to realize what had happened. His gaze instinctively lowered to Porsche’s hands resting on his baby bump, and a wave of guilt swept through him.
“When was the last time you ate?” Kinn asked, his tone firm but laced with concern.
Porsche shrank slightly, his hands fidgeting nervously over his stomach. “I don’t... I don’t really remember...” he admitted honestly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I think... um... before you... brought me here.”
Porsche had only two pieces of leftover toast, barely enough for him, but he didn't voice his hunger. Although he was pregnant and used to skipping meals, it was harder for him this time, yet he endured it without mentioning it to Kinn.
Kinn’s heart sank. He felt his chest tighten as the weight of Porsche’s condition hit him like a ton of bricks. All this time, he had been so focused on bringing Porsche back to his side, trying to prove himself, that he hadn’t stopped to consider the most basic of needs.
And now, the love of his life—and their unborn children—were suffering because of his neglect.
“I’m sorry,” Porsche continued, mistaking the silence for judgment. His fingers gripped his shirt as he hastily added, “I’m fine! Really. I’m used to—”
“Stop,” Kinn interrupted, his voice gentle but firm as he took a step closer. His dark eyes softened as he looked at the man in front of him, who still carried the scars of past neglect and hardship.
“You shouldn’t have to be ‘used’ to this. Not anymore. Never again.”
Porsche hesitated, glancing up for a brief moment before his gaze fell back to the floor. Kinn reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Porsche’s shoulder.
“You should’ve told me sooner my love”
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Porsche replied timidly. “And... I don’t have any money to... to pay—”
Kinn’s lips quirked into a small, almost incredulous smile as he shook his head. “Baby,” he said, his tone laced with exasperated affection. “I’m a billionaire. You think I brought you back just to make you pay for your food?”
Porsche’s blush deepened, and he opened his mouth to reply, but Kinn wasn’t done yet.
“If you want food, I’ll get you food,” Kinn said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. He leaned closer, his eyes softening as he continued, “Tell me, love, what do you like to eat?”
Porsche hesitated, his mind racing. “Anything... Anything is fine...” he murmured, trying to downplay his cravings. He didn’t want to seem greedy or demanding, especially when he knew Kinn was always so generous.
Kinn’s expression shifted slightly, a mix of concern and determination. “No, love. Tell me what you would really like to have. Is there anything our babies want?”
Kinn gently placed his hand on Porsche’s baby bump, his touch tender and protective. It was a small gesture, but it filled Porsche with warmth and a sense of safety.
In truth, Porsche had been experiencing a whirlwind of cravings since the beginning of his pregnancy. Each day brought a new desire, but he felt trapped by his circumstances.
His stepmother had made it clear that any indulgence would be met with punishment, and the memory of that stinging slap when he dared to eat a single strawberry still haunted him. He had learned to suppress his desires, to swallow his wants in silence.
But today, the longing for sushi was almost unbearable. The thought of the delicate rice, the fresh fish, the tangy soy sauce—it all made his mouth water. Yet, he hesitated. Sushi was expensive, and he couldn’t bring himself to ask Kinn for something so lavish. The guilt of burdening him weighed heavily on his heart.
Kinn watched Porsche intently, sensing the conflict swirling within him. He could see the wheels turning in Porsche’s mind, the hesitation etched on his face. Kinn knew he had to help him break free from his self-imposed restraints.
“Is sushi okay with you, love?” Kinn asked gently, his voice laced with encouragement.
Porsche’s eyes widened, and a spark ignited within them. He looked up at Kinn, his heart racing.
“Sushi?” Porsche repeated, disbelief mingling with excitement. It was as if a door had been opened, revealing a world of possibility. Kinn had read his mind, and in that moment, Porsche felt a rush of gratitude and joy.
Kinn smiled, a triumphant glint in his eyes. He had learned from the guards about Porsche’s love for sushi, how it was his favorite food.
The thought of seeing Porsche’s face light up made Kinn’s heart swell. “Okay, my love wants sushi today. Let’s order a big platter, alright?” he declared, his enthusiasm infectious.
“A big platter?” Porsche was stunned, his heart fluttering at the thought. The idea of indulging in a generous spread of sushi felt surreal, a dream he had almost forgotten he had.
“Tell me whatever you want, my love. I will get you anything,” Kinn said, his voice warm and sincere. The way he looked at Porsche, with such adoration and unwavering support, made Porsche blush. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time, a reminder that he was worthy of love and care.
“Anything for you, love,” Kinn replied, his eyes sparkling with affection. He reached for his phone, ready to place the order, but he paused for a moment, looking back at Porsche.
“If you want a sushi platter the size of this suite, I’ll call a private catering service. And if you suddenly decide you want to eat sushi every day for the rest of this pregnancy, I’ll buy a sushi restaurant. Hell, I’ll buy a sushi hotel.”
Porsche’s wide eyes darted up to meet Kinn’s amused yet sincere gaze. “A... A sushi hotel?” he repeated, his tone filled with disbelief.
“If that’s what you want,” Kinn replied, dead serious.
Porsche’s lips twitched, and for the first time in a while, a small, shy smile crept onto his face. He still felt embarrassed at the idea of Kinn going to such absurd lengths for him, but there was an undeniable warmth in knowing how far the man was willing to go to take care of him.
“Um... I mean, just regular sushi is fine,” Porsche admitted softly. “I don’t need anything fancy...”
“Okay,” Kinn said, his expression softening even more. “But I still want to know exactly what you’re craving.”
Porsche hesitated, debating whether he should share what had been nagging at him for days. Finally, he lowered his gaze again and murmured shyly, “I... I’ve been craving sushi. Especially salmon... and, um... seaweed rolls.”
Kinn’s face lit up like a proud man who had just solved the world’s biggest puzzle. He pulled out his phone with renewed energy and started scrolling through his contacts.
“Done,” Kinn announced confidently, already making arrangements. “You’ve spent long enough compromising for others. From now on, you get what you want. Always.”
Porsche’s heartbeat quickened at the weight of Kinn’s words. He didn’t know how to respond to the sincerity in Kinn’s expression, nor the unfamiliar but comforting sense of security he felt in that moment.
As Kinn moved with purpose, making call after call, Porsche stood frozen, his stomach still rumbling faintly despite his embarrassment. For the first time, Porsche allowed himself to believe that maybe—just maybe—things really could be different.
Kinn watched Porsche's eyes widen as the guards entered carrying an assortment of beautifully presented sushi platters. The gleaming, fresh slices of salmon, delicate seaweed wraps, and carefully arranged garnishes looked like a feast fit for royalty.
Porsche’s stomach let out another loud growl, and he instinctively clutched his baby bump, embarrassed. His cheeks turned crimson as his gaze darted to Kinn, who was watching him intently with an amused but affectionate expression.
“Oh no… I’m sorry,” Porsche whispered, feeling flustered. He tried to look anywhere else but at Kinn’s face. “I… I didn’t – they didn’t have to bring so much.”
Kinn chuckled softly, sitting close to Porsche on the elegant sofa while motioning the guards to set the platters on the grand dining table nearby.
“Don’t apologize, Porsche. You’ve been craving sushi, so you’re going to have sushi—every kind you could possibly want.”
Porsche hesitated, his hands wringing nervously. “But… but this must’ve cost so much. It’s so… extravagant.”
Kinn leaned in closer, his gaze warm and unwavering. “Baby, you’re carrying my children. Nothing is too extravagant if it’s for you and them. If you’re craving sushi, I’ll make sure you eat the best sushi in the world.”
Porsche’s lips trembled, caught between amazement and uncertainty. He had never been pampered like this before—never had someone care for him and his happiness so much. Tears stung his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away, not wanting to ruin the moment.
“Thank you,” he murmured softly, his voice full of sincerity as he glanced at Kinn. “You always… you always do so much.”
“And I’ll keep doing more,” Kinn replied just as softly, his hand reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from Porsche’s face. “Only the best for you, always.”
Porsche gave a shy smile, his cheeks coloring slightly. The delicious aroma of the sushi reached his nose, drawing his attention back to the feast before him. Slowly, he stood and walked toward the table, Kinn following close behind to ensure he was comfortable.
As Porsche picked up a piece of sushi—a delicately prepared salmon nigiri—his hands trembled slightly. Bringing it up to his lips, he took a bite, his eyes closing as the rich, buttery flavor melted on his tongue.
“It’s… it’s so good,” Porsche whispered, almost in disbelief. He couldn’t remember the last time he had tasted something so delicious
"Kinn... what about Mom and Arm? Aren’t they having dinner?" His voice trembled slightly, laden with concern for his mother-in-law and brother-in-law. The idea of them skipping a meal troubled him deeply, a nagging thought that gnawed at his heart.
Kinn noticed the worry etched on Porsche's face, the way his brow furrowed and his lips pressed together in a thin line. It tugged at his own heartstrings, filling him with a swell of pride and affection for the man he loved. "Hey," Kinn said softly, reaching out to cup Porsche's cheek with his palm.
"They've already eaten, love," he reassured him, his thumb gently tracing the outline of Porsche's jaw. "The guards informed me before they left. They had a nice dinner together before coming here."
Relief washed over Porsche’s features, but the lingering anxiety lingered in his eyes. Kinn could see how deeply he cared for his family, how the weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders. That concern, that fierce protectiveness, warmed Kinn’s heart, making him realize how lucky he was to have someone like Porsche in his life.
"You're such a good son,and you will be a good mother " Kinn continued, his voice low and soothing.
"You always think of others first. It’s one of the things I love most about you." He leaned closer, closing the distance between them, wanting Porsche to feel the sincerity of his words.
"But you must also remember to take care of yourself, okay? It’s important."
Porsche’s expression softened, the tension in his shoulders easing a bit under the comfort of Kinn’s words. He allowed himself to lean into Kinn's touch, drawing strength from his partner’s unwavering support.
"I just... I can't help but worry. Family means everything to me," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper as he looked down, the vulnerability making him feel exposed yet safe in Kinn’s presence.
"I know," Kinn replied, gently lifting Porsche's chin so their eyes could meet. "And that's what makes you so special. Just remember that it’s okay to lean on me too. We’re a team, right?" The warmth in his voice enveloped Porsche like a cozy blanket, reassurance laced with love.
Porsche nodded slowly, a small smile breaking through the clouds of worry. Kinn’s confidence filled the room, lighting up the shadows of doubt that had been lurking.
Kinn leaned in closer, their foreheads touching, sharing a moment of quiet understanding where words were no longer needed. In that silence, they both realized the strength of their bond, solid and unyielding, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
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