Page 69 of The Chameleon

Matteo smiled. He loved his life. Even if he didn’t have a partner to share it with. Sometimes, it just took taking a step back to really see the big picture. While Matteo may not have spent this last week away alone, he really needed the time to gain some perspective.

Loving the feeling in his chest, he glanced over at Ares one last time and blushed. The man was giving him a crooked smile—one that said he wanted to do very dirty things to him once they were alone.

Damn it.Why did he still react so strongly to a man who he really should hate?

Turning, he made his way into the kitchen to retrieve some snacks.

The movie was just as good as Matteo remembered. He wasn’t sure if Jorge enjoyed it as he seemed to have spent most of his time texting on his phone. Perhaps the boy was sorting things out with his family or friends. Although, the boy did look a little nervous like he was anxious or something.

Earlier in the day, Matteo had called a local contact, hoping to connect Jorge with a local group that might be able to help him find some safer accommodations. He didn’t like the thought of the boy returning home to that dangerous environment. His contact said it may take a day or two, but he would call him back with some information. So, for now, they were in a holding pattern.

It was just after midnight when Matteo stood from the couch and stretched.

“Well, I’m going to head off to bed. Jorge, did you want me to make you something to eat before I go?”

Jorge looked up at him with such sadness in his eyes. He shook his head slowly. “No, I’m fine. Thank you, Matteo. For everything. You’ve been a really nice man.”

The boy lifted his gaze ever so slightly before dropping his eyes back to the floor.

“Is everything alright?” Matteo asked, feeling like he was missing something.

The boy seemed on edge these past few hours, texting away on his phone, barely eating any of the snacks Matteo had laid out for them. What teenage boy didn’t eat his weight in food? Especially when it contained mounds of salt and sugar.

Was the boy in the midst of planning his great escape? Was this the part where he stole all their stuff while they slept, proving Ares right all along?

Well, if he was going to rob him and disappear into the night, he hoped the boy would at least use the money to help better his life.

“Yes, I’m just tired.”

“Okay, well, I’m off to bed. Let me know if you need anything.” Matteo turned to Ares. “And thank you also for tonight.”

Ares gave him a head nod, seeming pleased with the compliment.

After brushing his teeth in his en suite bathroom, Matteo heard a tiny rap at his bedroom door.

Did Ares really think they were going to fuck with the kid right across the hall?

Matteo opened the door, ready to tell Ares off when he saw Jorge standing there.

“Sorry,señor, but can I speak to you?” His voice was so low and with his broken English, Matteo had to struggle to hear him.

“Sure, come on in.”

The boy walked into the room and stopped just before the bed. He glanced around the room as if taking in his surroundings.

“You’re not what I was expecting,” the boy said, staring hard at his feet. He held his hands in front of him and played with his fingers nervously.

Matteo took a step forward, then thought better of it. He didn’t want to scare the boy, and it appeared that Jorge was struggling with something. The sound of the television from the living room could be heard as Ares flipped through the channels.

“What do you mean?” Matteo asked.

The boy looked up, eyes wet and glossy.

“He said that you were a very badhombreand that you kidnapped and raped young boys.”

Matteo’s mouth dropped open.

“What?” he gasped.

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