Chapter 667
The skies were dark by the time Caspian returned to the mansion. Having no appetite for lunch and no heart to turn down the eager kitchen staff, he went wandering.
He had mostly avoided the home gym in progress but now he went there, to his surprise, the workers were all gone, leaving a fully outfitted gym in their wake.
Caspian slowly walked in, there was no one else there, like most rooms in the mansion. It was a fully equipped gym, with a lot of equipment that Caspian had no idea how to use.
He also found a soundproofed dance studio, it rather reminded him of the home of the Blacks, it wouldn’t surprise him if Asher had used a similar floor plan for this gym.
He walked in and gingerly closed the door behind him, there was a wall-to-wall mirror on both sides, with bars on one end. He merely gave it a precursory glance, lowering himself to the gleaming floor.
It was a little cold but he was still layered up from his unsuccessful trip to the shooting range. His hurt dissipated in the empty dance studio, the room bringing back memories.
He had been more out of shape than his pregnant friend, he couldn’t keep demanding to be treated like who he wasn’t.
Caspian lowered himself to the vinyl floor, taking out his phone. He got busy researching how to become fit on the internet, and a short while later, he was on his feet, brimming with enthusiasm.
Less than five minutes later, he was sprawled on the floor of the dance studio out of breath.
"Oh no," He mumbled in dismay, all he had done were the stretches, how was he already so out of breath? His situation was even more dire than he thought.
Caspian laid sprawled out on the floor for the longest time, with no one to urge him back to his feet like when he was dancing with Lake and Angelo, he got a little too comfortable.
He really didn’t like exercising.
But he didn’t give up, pushing himself to his feet. He went off to find a worker to help him get some of the equipment in the gym up and running
They were all too eager to help and Caspian paid close attention, so he could do it himself next time. He shrugged off his overcoat when he was all alone and got on the treadmill.
He warmed up further by walking, proud of himself for lasting even longer this time, however, the moment he increased his pace even slightly, he was stumbling off the treadmill, wheezing.
Caspian caught his breath for a moment, eyeing the weight rack. He doubted he would be progressing to that anytime soon.
But it didn’t dampen his spirit. It was mid-afternoon now, and if he couldn’t be found for lunch, either Jael or Asher would be informed.
Still out of breath but beyond pleased, Caspian stepped out of the gym. He bumped into Patty as soon as he stepped out.
"You really were in the gym," The accountant said with surprise.
"I saw that they were done and lost track of time." Caspian said vaguely, although his damp hair sticking to his flushed face was a dead giveaway.
Patty conveniently pretended not to see it. "Katya is starting to get antsy. She sent me off to come get you for lunch." She relayed her message.
Caspian nodded and then walked off, it was cold out but he was overheated. He would take a quick shower and then go down for lunch.
-+-
After brunch, Angelo curled up in the living room, the television playing. He barely paid attention to it though, his gaze constantly drifting to the window - the sky had darkened like it was about to rain.
Nikolai intently watched the assassin curled up in a blanket next to him, trying to figure out the most efficient way to lure him into his arms.
"Won’t the rain affect the casino’s rebuilding?" Angelo finally asked, unable to stay quiet any longer.
Nikolai’s eyes darkened subtly, the assassin almost seemed more concerned about his casino than him. He reached out to pick Angelo up, blanket and all and move him into his arms. "Leave that to the professionals."
Angelo relaxed slightly, that was right, he didn’t even know the first step to building a house, of course, there was a way. He endured Nikolai tight hold on him for all of a few minutes before he started squirming.
"Too warm," He mumbled, trying to slip out.
Nikolai loosened his hold, expecting Angelo to take off the blanket so he could better hold him. The thick covering hid the Omega’s marked scent gland from him, it only added to his displeasure.
But Angelo simply rolled out of his arms, taking the blanket with him. So he had been the unwanted nuisance, not the blanket.
Angelo had just settled back into his previous sitting position, paying attention to the television now when the world spun around him. He lost the blanket and was pulled under Nikolai in a flurry of motion, his back on the couch.
Angelo stared up at the Alpha, his hair scattering on the couch. He was calm although his wrists were pinned over his head. "What’s the matter?" He asked with slight exasperation.
He had been wrapped up in the blanket for several minutes now, it had already been warmed to the perfect temperature by his body heat, but now it was all gone.
"Are you cold?" Nikolai asked softly, ignoring his question. "I could turn up the heat."
Although the Alpha was saying that, he made no move to get up, instead he lowered himself even further.
Angelo sighed, covered in the scent of winter and sandalwood. Despite his cold scent, the Alpha gave off warmth, his weight on him grounding.
"No need," He refused, his voice steeped in indulgent tolerance. "I’m not cold anymore." He threw his arms around Nikolai when his hands were released in favor of his hair, a shiver snaking down his spine when the Mafia King buried his face in his neck.