CHAPTER 191: DO YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH FOR ANOTHER ROUND.

The morning sun peeked through the window blinds, casting a soft golden glow across Charles Donald’s bare body sprawled over the tangled sheets.

His eyes remained closed, lost in a peaceful slumber.

Augustine smiled gently, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from Charles’s face, tucking it tenderly behind his ear as he admired the quiet beauty before him.

Charles snuggled closer to Augustine, his arms curling tightly around his waist, head resting securely against the warmth of Augustine’s chest.

A soft, glowing smile played on Augustine’s lips as he slowly began to slide out of bed, moving with careful grace, determined not to wake the man sleeping so peacefully in his embrace.

As Augustine slid out of bed successfully, he bent down, the curve of his bare back catching the soft light filtering through the blinds, and began to gather the scattered clothes littered across the floor.

Still naked, Augustine’s movements were unhurried, sensual—every step echoing the intimacy of the night before.

Once he’d collected both his and Charles’s clothing, he walked over to the laundry basket, tossing the garments inside.

Then, with a casual elegance, he opened the wardrobe and pulled out a clean pair of boxer briefs.

Swiftly, Augustine slipped into the boxer briefs he’d just retrieved, the fabric hugging his hips as he moved with fluid grace.

He reached for his cellphone on the bedside table, fingers brushing softly across the screen as he navigated through his apps while making his way towards the sitting room.

With a few practiced taps, Augustine dialed the number of a nearby restaurant, his voice smooth and low as he waited for the call to connect, already picturing the perfect breakfast for the man still sleeping upstairs.

On the very first ring, the call was answered.

"Good day," came the warm voice of a young lady on the other end.

"Hello—and good day to you too," Augustine replied smoothly, his voice laced with effortless charm. "I’d like to place an order: one box of chicken pizza, a large cup of ice cream, and a small portion of cake. Make it sweet."

"Alright, sir. I’ll need your home address, and payment must be made before delivery," the lady stated politely.

Augustine provided his address with ease, simultaneously completing the payment through his phone.

Moments later, she confirmed with a cheerful tone, "Your order will be at your doorstep in the next thirty minutes."

With that, Augustine ended the call and made his way back to the bedroom, gathering the rest of the dirty clothes before heading off to do the laundry.

Afterward, he took a refreshing bath, then slipped into a pair of black shorts that stopped just above his knees, and a snug white singlet that clung to his chest.

’Ding,’

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, catching Augustine’s attention.

He made his way downstairs, collected the meal he had ordered, and placed there in a safe place before quietly returning to the bedroom.

Charles Donald was still fast asleep, his breathing soft and even, a look of pure peace resting on his face.

"Did I stress him too much last night?" Augustine wondered inwardly.

He knew it had been Charles’s first time, and he’d done everything he could to be gentle—but the way Charles was still deeply asleep made a flicker of concern tighten in Augustine’s chest.

Sigh!

With a soft sigh, Augustine placed a new CD into the player.

As the speakers hummed to life, the melodious strains of New West filled the room, the song titled "Those Eyes" setting a calm, soothing atmosphere.

When we’re out in a crowd, laughing loud

And nobody knows why

When we’re lost at a club, getting drunk

And you give me that smile

Going home in the back of a car

And your hand touches mine

When we’re done making love and you look up

And give me those eyes

’Cause all of the small things that you do

Are what remind me why I fell for you

And when we’re apart and I’m missing you

I close my eyes and all I see is you

And the small things you do...

As the soothing melody of the song embraced the room, Augustine slid into the bed, pulling Charles closer.

He wrapped his arms around him, his body molding against Charles’ as he closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift into a moment of peace.

The sweet, intoxicating scent of his lover filled his senses, grounding him in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

***

Three hours later, Augustine’s eyes fluttered open, his gaze soft as it rested on Charles’ peaceful face.

A smile tugged at his lips, his heart swelling with warmth.

He gently cupped Charles’ cheek, his thumb lightly brushing against the smooth skin.

"Pookie," Augustine purred, his voice a seductive whisper that coaxed Charles to slowly blink his eyes open, his lashes fluttering in the soft light.

"Baby," Charles whispered back, his voice thick with affection as he called Augustine’s name.

Augustine leaned in, his breath hot against Charles’ lips before planting a brief, lingering kiss. "I love you," Augustine mumbled, the words soft and sincere, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he were sharing a secret meant only for them.

Charles snuggle more further towards Augustine. "Have you been up for a while?"

Augustine nod. "It’s more than a while." He mumbled with a playful voice. "Pookie... do you want to sleep some more?"

This time, Charles nodded his head slowly. "What time is it?" he asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

Augustine leaned away, gently caressing Charles’ chin, his fingers grazing the skin with a tender touch. "It’s probably just a few minutes to one," he replied, his voice smooth and steady.

Charles pressed his lips together, a soft frown forming as he forced himself to sit up in the bed, his body still fighting the pull of sleep.

Charles stretched his arms wide, letting out a yawn. "Is it still morning? I thought by..."

"Pookie, it’s already afternoon," Augustine interrupted, his tone calm as he cut Charles off mid-sentence.

"H-huh?" Charles stammered, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Ar... are you saying it’s afternoon now? Like, a whole new afternoon?"

Augustine smirked, his lips curling into a playful grin as he nodded. "Yes, Pookie."

"What!" Charles exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Wh... why didn’t you wake me up sooner? I didn’t take leave from head staff cleaner!" His words spilled out in a rush, urgency coloring his tone.

Augustine bit his lower lip, struggling to stifle a laugh as Charles, now seated on the bed, slowly began to slide off.

"Pookie," Augustine murmured, pulling Charles closer with a firm embrace, making him fall against his chest.

"What are you trying to do?" Charles asked, his voice low, brows furrowing in a mix of curiosity and confusion.

Augustine smirked, his grip tightening around Charles’ waist, pulling him even closer. "As CEO of Gyapm Corporation, I have the power to spoil my lover however I choose," he said, his voice dripping with confidence and authority.

Charles blushed, his cheeks flushed with a deep crimson. "CEO Augustine, don’t you think you’re abusing your power to spoil your lover?" he teased, his voice soft but laced with a hint of playful challenge.

Augustine’s breath hitched, a smoldering desire flickering in his eyes as he leaned in closer. "You think it’s abuse?" he murmured, his voice thick with both affection and longing. "I call it love, Pookie."

Augustine’s lips hovered just above Charles’ ear, his words sinking deep into his skin.

Charles chuckled again, playfully slamming his hand at Augustine’s chest. "You’re insufferable," he teased, though the smile on his lips betrayed how much he enjoyed it. "But I guess I’ll let it slide... for now."

Charles smirked, raising an eyebrow as he leaned in closer. "You’re such a sweet talker, aren’t you?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. "Besides, I think my coworkers are going to get suspicious that you and I didn’t show up to work today."

"Pookie... you’re overthinking," Augustine whispered, his voice soft and teasing.

He chuckled slightly while pondering on the possibility that someone would assume such news from his company. "No one knows we’re together, so they won’t suspect a thing," he added, winking at Charles with a playful glint in his eyes.

"How sure are you that..."

"Come on, baby boy," Augustine purred, cutting off Charles mid-sentence. "Stop overthinking," he added, his voice smooth and calming.

Charles swallowed hard, the weight of Augustine’s gaze making his chest tighten.

"Umm.., okay." Charles mumbled.

Augustine’s lip curved into a smile. "So... tell me, Pookie," Augustine began, his voice lower now, filled with a teasing edge as he paused, letting the tension build. "Are you still feeling sour? Or would you like to have your lunch first, and then after that... we can go another round?"

"What the hell, baby!" Charles exclaimed, slamming his hands onto Augustine’s shoulder. "Going another round sounds tempting, but I’m not sure you’ve got the strength to keep up."