Chapter Seven

He seemed to have honey in his mouth, saying sweet words to Mike that made him blush. The incoming breath, the permeating body temperature, the whispers ringing in my ears, so strong, so ambiguous.

It's hard to resist.

He kissed Mike's earlobe with a moist and warm touch. He reached into Mike's pants and pulled out the shirt tied inside.

Mike couldn't help but soften his waist.

He exerted all his strength and effort to pull himself away from the sudden ambiguity, pushing away the person pressing on him.

God, his hand has touched the position where Mike cannot speak to God.

"Please take it seriously, Mr. Thomas!" Mike sternly reprimanded. However, his clothes were disheveled, his face turned red, and he didn't look as solemn as usual.

The heir to the duke smiled with some indulgence and said, "You can call me by my name directly."

He has a graceful demeanor, but it seems that Mike's recent behavior was very impolite.

"Mr. Thomas..." Mike wanted to continue distinguishing, but was interrupted. "Please call me Vincent," Vincent insisted.

Mike took a deep breath and said, "Okay, Vincent."

Although Vincent smiled, he gave people a noble and tough feeling. Perhaps because he came from a noble family and was the only heir to the Duke, the education he received was not comparable to that of an ordinary gentry like Mike. Therefore, although he was still young, it made Mike feel some fear.

Mike tidied up his appearance and tried hard to maintain the dignity of the elderly. However, it was just a futile effort. They once met naked, and Mike didn't see Vincent's face, but Vincent could see his expression and posture. The civilized and polite attire of a gentleman has long been stripped away, but Mike is unconscious.

Vincent saw that Mike's calmness was just a facade, but he still took a few steps back, giving Mike space to catch his breath. He wanted to press Mike directly onto the bed and felt that he looked very beautiful in his formal attire. The narrow waist is wrapped under layers of fabric, giving off a strong illusion.

The combination of sexual desire and etiquette, promiscuity and respect, and contradictory traits in Mike reveals a charming color.

This is enough to arouse the curiosity and exploratory spirit of a young person. Especially when that young man holds wealth and status in his hands.

Mike calmed down and returned to a respectful and polite state. He politely asked Vincent about the night and tried to appear calm and objective.

"Although this matter is very difficult to mention, I still hope you can give me a response."

"Ah, I'm very sorry," Vincent showed a hint of shyness, more like a reckless young man. "I came here early to check the maintenance status of the castle. At night, I often couldn't sleep, so I put on my boots and rode out, wandering around."

He paused before speaking again.

"That day, I was wandering in the woods and heard a sound. As I walked over, I found you taking a shower... The moonlight shone on your skin... It was very beautiful... I couldn't control myself..."

Vincent described the scene in a low voice, causing Mike to feel ashamed and want to bow down, but he had to suppress his shame and continue asking.

"So, why do you cover your face?"

"Because I have ulterior motives," Vincent frowned and said with some pain, "I want to invade you, but I am afraid that after the fact, you will ask the sheriff to arrest me."

He suddenly knelt down on one knee and begged desperately. "I regret hurting you, and the feeling of regret keeps me awake day and night. This heart no longer belongs to me, but is in your hands. Please punish me, whip me, or let the sheriff come and take me away."

"Just, please continue to let me love you. You have made me taste the poison of love, and to this day, I can no longer extricate myself."

Vincent looked up at Mike with a deep and passionate gaze, almost piercing through him. Mike couldn't help but want to step back, but behind him was already a wall.

He has nowhere to retreat.

The incident by the pool was led by Vincent, who even covered his face. Anyway, it was a crime. On the other hand, Vincent's emotions were so sincere and he felt pain for offending him. This youthful sentiment made Mike think of his youth and couldn't bear to blame him.

Moreover, it was he who admitted to the wrong person and had a weak heart that allowed Vincent to succeed. All sorts of things here are really confusing.

"Please stand up, Vincent," Mike said. "Your behavior is very shameful, but your emotions are innocent. I don't blame you, but please be careful in your words and actions, and don't say these nonsense anymore."

"Thank you for your tolerance," Vincent stood up and continued, "but Mr. Roche, what I said was not nonsense. Every word comes from the bottom of my heart..."

"Please don't say anything more," Mike interrupted him.

"You are just young and energetic, accidentally taking the wrong path. However, your life is still very long, and I hope you can return to the right path soon."

Homosexuality is not tolerated in the world, and being discovered not only affects reputation, but in severe cases can even lead to being arrested by the sheriff. Even now, Mike is struggling to hide and restrain himself, and only Mary knows about his love for men.

Vincent is still young and curious about same-sex matters, but this can be changed. In boarding schools, young teenagers often have feelings for each other, but after graduation, they each get married. However, for Mike, he is already deeply immersed and cannot fall in love with women anymore.

As an elder, Mike believes he has a responsibility to guide young people who have gone astray.

But Vincent dismissed Mike's words, persistently pouring out his love, detailing his pain and obsession. He even forcefully embraced Mike, pressing Mike's head against his chest, imploring him to hear his heartfelt wishes.

"...Do you hear this? This heart is already yours, with every beat a prayer for you. Your scent dazzles me, your warmth ignites me. No flower withers or fades away, but your summer will never end." He kissed Mike's hair, "nor will you lose your radiant red."

He spoke so slowly, each word murmured under his breath.

Dizzy with passion and confusion.

The young man held Mike's face, kissing repeatedly. "As you grow with time in immortal poetry," he kissed Mike's forehead. "As long as there are humans or eyes," he kissed Mike's eyes. "This poem will endure and give you life." Finally, he landed a kiss on his lips.

The scent of young males.

Mike groaned, his words muffled in the deep kiss. In that moment, he forgot about propriety, morality, and even love, lost in the embrace and kisses of the young man.

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Note: Excerpted from Shakespeare's Sonnet 18.