CHAPTER 67: CHAPTER 67: CLAIM WHAT’S YOURS

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I pulled myself from my thoughts and opened the door.

Dean stood there, hands in his pockets, wearing that same half-serious, half-playful look he always did.

"Hey, man," he greeted.

"Hey," I said, stepping aside. He pushed past me, carrying himself with that same entitled air.

"Is Nantam home?" he asked right away.

I shook my head. "No. I just got back this morning and he wasn’t here."

Dean gave a small nod. "Good. Then I’ll go straight to the point. Can we talk?"

"Sure," I said, leading him into the living room.

We sat across from each other, silence thick for a moment before he leaned forward.

"You said you just came back this morning?"

"Yes."

"You stayed at his place?"

I nodded again.

Dean exhaled, studying me. "So... how long has this been going on between you two?"

"A while now."

He didn’t speak right away. His silence pressed on me harder than any question. Finally, he asked, "How did you even meet him?"

I looked down. "It’s complicated. But the truth is... I never expected to get stuck with him."

Dean’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Did he force you into this?"

"No." The word slipped out faster than I intended.

He leaned back, crossing his arms. "You’re hardworking, Zayn. Content with what you have. I know you, it’s not money. It can’t be."

"It was never about money," I said firmly.

Dean nodded, but his jaw was tight. "But his father is homophobic. And Evric... he’s gay? How does that even..." He trailed off, frustration in his tone.

I met his eyes but said nothing.

"Zayn," he said quietly, "this is your life. You owe it to yourself to make your own choices. But since I found out about you and him, I’ve been worried. Not about appearances. About you. Are you sure he’s not pushing you into this?"

I shook my head. "He’s not."

"Then tell me," Dean pressed, "what’s your relationship with him? Boyfriend? Or just... something physical?"

I opened my mouth, but before I could answer, he waved his hand. "Forget it. I heard him call you ’babe’ that day. That says enough."

I looked at him steadily, but I didn’t reply.

Dean leaned closer. "Do you see it now? You once swore you could never fall for a man. But here you are."

"I see everything clearly now," I said in a low voice.

His eyes softened for the first time. "The real question isn’t me, Zayn. It’s Nantam. He’s been good to you. He’s stayed here for a reason, you know that. He still feels something for you. How will you explain this to him?"

"I dropped my gaze. ’I don’t know, Dean.’ No matter how many times I’ve rehearsed this, it still doesn’t make sense."

"Take your time," Dean said gently. "He’ll be heartbroken, yeah. But he’ll understand eventually."

He leaned back, then chuckled suddenly. "I won’t lie. I was shocked that day. But I was jealous too. Evric called you ’babe’ right there in public. That’s loud love, Zayn."

He nudged me with a grin. "You really caught the big fish, rich, famous, handsome, CEO of Draeven Holdings. Damn, I’m jealous."

I couldn’t help but smile at his teasing.

But then his face grew serious again. "Still, I’m worried about you. Evric’s your first man. And I know you love him. That’s why you’ve stayed with him this long. But... first love can blind you."

"I’ll be fine," I said, though even to my own ears it sounded thin.

Dean’s eyes sharpened. "Then let me meet him again. Properly. I just want to look him in the eye. If he ever hurts you, I’ll know how to deal with him."

I tried to smile, but something shifted in me, and Dean noticed.

"Zayn," he said softly, "ever since I walked in, I’ve seen it, you’re trying to hide your pain. What’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing."

He leaned closer. "With you, when you say nothing, it always means something."

I sighed, finally admitting, "Since the day you caught us together... I’ve been distant with him."

Dean frowned. "Because of me?"

"No..." I hesitated.

He ran a hand over his face. "Zayn, I’m sorry. I was shocked, okay? Shocked to see you with a man... Evric, of all people. I didn’t mean to make you feel this way."

"I know," I said quietly. "But I can’t seem to be myself with him anymore."

Dean’s voice softened. "Don’t punish him for my reaction. If you keep holding back, it won’t be good for either of you. He’ll feel it, and you’ll keep drifting. Find a way to come around before it’s too late."

I looked at him, letting the weight of his words sink into me. He is already feeling it;I just hope he can remain patient until I am ready.

Then Dean’s tone shifted, playful once more. "When will you allow me to meet him? I am not trying to steal your man. I simply want the chance to look at him closely."

I smiled. "I will let you know, Dean."

Before I could respond further, he interrupted me. "Tonight, then! Let us go for drinks. I want to celebrate the fact that my friend is dating someone rich, handsome, and a CEO."

I shook my head, uncertain whether I should go. But before I could answer, my phone buzzed. A message from Evric appeared: Babe, can you please spend the night at my place?

I hesitated, wanting to type back that perhaps Dean should meet him first.

I turned to Dean. "Which bar do you have in mind?"

He provided the details. I nodded. "Very well. I will send the location to Evric so that he can pick me up there. That way, you will still have the opportunity to meet him."

Dean cheered. "Zayn! I am proud of you! Tell me, how do you manage to sleep beside him without blushing all night? If I were in your position, I would never be able to rest."

I smirked. "Believe me, you would sleep. You would be far too exhausted to remain awake."

I got up to get dressed, planning to check in at my restaurant before meeting Dean later. I had already sent the location to Evric.

Dean was not finished. He teased, "Are you suggesting that Evric always drains your energy? Did he..."

I interrupted him. "Stop, Dean. That is enough."

Then he stepped closer and whispered in my ear, "So, are you the top or the bottom?"

I shook my head, smiling. "Why do you have to whisper?"

He laughed. "I’m sure you are..."

I shot him a look. He went quiet for a moment, then added playfully, "How can you let that happen, Zayn? You’re older than him, and yet he’s still the top."

I shot back as I closed the door, "Fuck you, Dean."

I could hear his laughter echo down the hall.

After I finished, I went to the restaurant, and Dean went back. I took care of some daily tasks, and the day flew by quickly. By nightfall, I didn’t bother to drive, I asked Dean to pick me up since Evric would be meeting me at the bar.

When Dean arrived, I slid into the car beside him, a grin spreading across his face. "Do you know what part of tonight has me most excited?" he asked.

I raised an eyebrow. "Because you’re meeting Evric?" I guessed.

"Yes," he said, "but there’s another reason."

I tilted my head. "Oh? And what’s that?"

Dean leaned back, teasing. "I want to witness how loudly he loves you again."

I couldn’t help but smile. That was Evric for you. Always so open with his feelings, even if I had never returned the words aloud, he never stopped saying them.

Dean shook his head in disbelief. "Are you for real?"

"I am," I replied softly. I’d heard him tell me he loved me countless times, but I hadn’t said it back even once.

He studied me for a moment. "Then why haven’t you said it back to him?"

I opened my mouth, wanting to speak, but Dean cut me off with a knowing look. I sighed and admitted, "Because... he’s a man. Somehow, saying I love him out loud feels... different."

I looked at him silently. Dean understood without me saying more.

"Let me tell you something, Zayn," he said seriously. "You might think he has no other options, that he can’t openly be gay outside. But I can tell you, there are a lot of people out there who would be willing to share the same bed as him. So you should come around quickly and claim your man... or someone else will. And I know you wouldn’t want that."

I let his words sink in, feeling the weight of their truth.

"The best thing in a relationship is when the energy you give is the same as the energy you receive." Zayn.

"You just have to look at Evric again and see how lucky you are to have him," Dean continued. "Because he’s already lucky to have you. It’s you who needs to show him the same love he gives to you every day."

I sighed, caught between nerves and anticipation. Just then, we arrived at the bar.