Gabriel
held Ellis close as his breathing steadied, noting how completely his petit oiseau had surrendered to exhaustion. The total trust in that vulnerability stirred something fierce and protective in his chest. Ellis needed looking after, especially now.
Careful not to disturb him, retrieved a warm washcloth from the en-suite. As he gently tended to Ellis, he cataloged the marks he’d left—nothing that would raise Dr. Nguyen’s ire, but enough to remind Ellis who he belonged to. The possessive thought should have troubled him more than it did.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand. Lucas.
“Your brother has been asking questions about certain acquisitions through unofficial channels. I thought you should know.”
’s jaw clenched. Henri’s persistent interest in Jean was becoming problematic. “Keep me informed of any developments. Also, ‘certain acquisitions?’ Why not just say, Jean?” mocked.
On the other end, Lucas cleared his throat, and could hear clearly as Jean shouted, “I am not a fucking acquisition!”
snickered, hanging up as Lucas began a string of colorful French curses directed at him, Jean’s indignant protests growing louder in the background. Lucas had certainly met his match in the youngest Saint-Clair.
After ending the call, he studied Ellis’ sleeping form. He laid Ellis on his stomach, mindful of the marks he’d left. His fingers traced the emerging bruises and welts, considering the jar of Smooth in the bathroom cabinet. But no—he wanted Ellis to feel these marks, shift uncomfortably during dinner, and remember who had put them there.
Something had triggered this desperate need for pain, for punishment. It wasn’t like his little bird to beg for it. Opening his messages, he quickly texted Alain: “ Check the aquatic club. I want to know if anything unusual happened during Ellis’ visit.”
Alain replied immediately with a thumbs-up.
After tucking the blanket around Ellis’ shoulders, quickly showered and changed into comfortable jeans and a soft shirt. He left the bedroom and study doors open as he settled behind his desk. Whatever had upset his petit oiseau, he’d find out soon enough.
was reviewing the acquisition details for a promising geospatial company when movement caught his eye. Ellis padded into the study, drowning in ’s clothes, hair still mussed from sleep. Something caught in ’s chest at the sight, his petit oiseau looked impossibly young and vulnerable like this, especially with the marks peeking above his borrowed collar.
Rising from his desk, met Ellis halfway across the room. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” Ellis’ cheeks flushed prettily. “Thank you.”
’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “I’m always happy to oblige such requests, mon coeur.” He drew Ellis closer, claiming his mouth in a gentle kiss that promised more.
The sound of something shattering downstairs broke them apart. Raised voices followed, though the words were too muffled to make out clearly.
frowned, heading for the door with Ellis close behind. It wasn’t until they reached the stairs that he recognized his brother’s voice, sharp with anger.
“What the fuck is this? Are you fucking kidding me?”
They walked quickly toward the entertainment room where the shouting originated. pushed the door open to find Henri standing rigid with fury, while Lucas positioned himself protectively in front of Jean. The younger man clutched a blanket around himself, but it was painfully obvious he was naked underneath.
There was no mistaking what Henri had walked in on.
“You’re supposed to be in Sweden!” Henri’s voice cracked with betrayal and rage. “Marc said— I can’t believe this. I can’t fucking believe you didn’t tell me, !”
“What are you even doing here, Henri?” ’s voice was sharp with suspicion.
Henri’s laugh was ugly. “Father sent me. He wanted to ensure your little pet had come to his senses and left.” His gaze shifted to Jean, fury building. “He also wanted me to check if Jean was here. Said it was ridiculous, but wanted to humor Olivier.” He gestured at Lucas and Jean with barely contained rage. “Guess the old man’s instincts were right about Saint-Clair’s youngest son.”
“I ran away,” Jean said, chin lifting defiantly despite his trembling. “Please don’t tell them, Henri. Please.”
“Why would you—” Henri’s gaze snapped to . “Did you take him? And now you’re letting your staff fuck him?”
“Lucas isn’t staff,” ’s voice carried dangerous quiet. “And no one took anyone. As he just said, he left of his own accord.”
“Then why—”
“Because they’re cruel!” Jean’s shout echoed off the walls. “All of them. You, of all people, should know that, Henri!”
“Shut up!” Henri’s face contorted. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I?” Jean’s laugh was bitter. “I’ve seen the way Marc—”
“I said shut up!” Henri advanced a step, but Lucas blocked his path. “It’s not like I had a choice about Marc.”
“What does that mean?” asked.
“None of your fucking business.” Henri ran shaking hands through his hair. “Just... just send him back. You have to send him back, . You don’t understand—”
“No!” Jean pressed against Lucas’ back. “Please, I can’t go back. You know how Marc is, Henri. You know what Father lets him do.”
The accusation hung in the air like poison. Henri went still, face draining of color as he stared at Jean in horror. The silence stretched, heavy with an unspoken understanding that left and Lucas exchanging confused glances.
“He needs to go back,” Henri repeated numbly. “He has to go back.”
Jean’s fingers dug into Lucas’ shirt. “Henri, please...”
Henri’s shoulders slumped. “Fuck.” He dragged a hand down his face. “Fine. I won’t tell them where you are.” The words seemed dragged from him. Then, almost absently: “Though speaking of family secrets, —” He gestured vaguely toward where Ellis stood partially hidden behind . “Father knows he’s still here.”
shifted, blocking Ellis completely from view. Henri’s bitter laugh cut through the room.
“Don’t bother hiding him now. You know how Father gets when he’s crossed. And he’s made it clear your... investment has overstayed his welcome.”
Ellis made a small sound. ’s hands clenched into fists. “Ellis isn’t going anywhere.”
“Your funeral.” Henri turned and stormed out. The front door slammed moments later.
stared after him, chest tight. “I should have paid more attention to him growing up.”
“How?” Lucas asked quietly, running soothing fingers through Jean’s curls. “He’s ten years younger than us. And he always had Marc.”
Jean flinched at the name. Lucas pulled him closer.
“Why did he run, Lucas?” asked.
“Please.” Lucas’s voice was uncharacteristically serious. “Trust me when I say Jean doesn’t want to go home and shouldn’t. Leave it at that.”
studied his old friend’s face, then nodded once.
“Though next time,” said dryly, “perhaps fuck in your room instead of on the entertainment room couch. We all have to sit there.” He paused. “Or I suppose I could just buy a new one.”
The attempt at humor fell flat. was never good at diffusing situations. That was Lucas’ talent.
Jean remained pressed against Lucas, clearly shaken, while Lucas’ worried gaze never left the boy in his arms. A sob caught in Jean’s throat, and recognized the signs of the imminent breakdown.
“Come on, petit oiseau,” murmured, placing a gentle but firm hand on Ellis’ lower back. “Let’s go back upstairs.” Behind them, Jean’s composure finally shattered, his muffled cries echoing in the hallway. Ellis tried to turn back, but ’s steady pressure kept him moving.
settled Ellis in his lap on the leather sofa in the study. “Do you know why he ran?”
Ellis curled closer. “Not really. Just that he hates his father and oldest brother. When he first came to Heart Court, he had these marks around his wrists and ankles—rope burns, I think. At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it.” Ellis shrugged. “I’d seen worse. Had worse.”
’s jaw clenched at the casual way Ellis referenced his past trauma, but his mind was spinning with darker implications.
What exactly were Olivier and Marc Saint-Clair doing to Jean?
And Henri... what did he know? What had Jean seen Marc do to his brother?
He’d been so wrapped up in his own world that he’d missed something terrible happening right under his nose. To his own brother. And he didn’t even know what that terrible thing was.
Though, the darker part of his mind was running wild with speculations.
Ellis had started to drift, head on ’s shoulder, relaxed and pliant, when ’s phone buzzed. Two images from Alain - a familiar limousine outside the aquatic club, and a security camera still of Ellis being roughly pushed inside.
’s blood ran cold. His father. Of course.
Ellis saw the images and pressed closer.
“What did he say to you, mon coeur?” carded his fingers through Ellis’ hair in what he hoped was soothing.
“He offered me a million dollars,” Ellis said quietly. A bitter laugh escaped him. “Told me you never keep anyone around long, and that I could take the money and start a new life anywhere else. Far from you.”
caught Ellis’ chin, turning his face up. “You chose me over money?”
Ellis nodded, not meeting his eyes.
“Mon coeur.” kissed him softly. “He’s right that I never wanted a long-term partner before. But you...” He traced Ellis’ lower lip with his thumb. “You appeal to me greatly. I plan to keep you, Ellis. And do everything in my power to make you happy.”
Ellis’ eyes welled with tears. “Fuck,” he muttered. “I never used to cry so easily.”
laughed, drawing him into a deep kiss. “Only with me, petit oiseau. Only with me.”