Chapter 125: A Smile Only He Could Bring

Chapter 125: Chapter 125: A Smile Only He Could Bring

Across the Seine, the Eiffel Tower rose above the surrounding city, standing proudly against the morning sky.

Reynold let out a quiet breath and rested his hands on the stone balustrade.

"It feels like a dream, Frederick... I’ve only ever seen the Eiffel Tower in pictures."

Frederick stepped close behind him, his broad chest resting against Reynold’s back as he wrapped his arms around his waist. He rested his chin on Reynold’s shoulder, looking out at the view with him.

"Nothing in this city compares to how beautiful you look standing here, my little angel," he murmured, his voice filled with affection. "We have two days to explore, sweetheart. I want you to enjoy every moment."

Reynold turned slightly in his arms, looping his own around Frederick’s neck as he gazed into his eyes.

"I don’t care about the city, Daddy. Being here with you is the only view I need."

Frederick’s heart swelled at his words. He leaned down and kissed Reynold slowly, holding him close as they stood together on the terrace, surrounded by the beauty of Paris.

After a long moment, Frederick pulled away, smiling faintly at Reynold’s flushed cheeks and swollen lips.

"Come, let me show you the master bedroom. You need to rest before our afternoon plans."

Frederick led Reynold back inside, and they walked through the double mahogany doors into the master bedroom. An enormous bed dominated the room, dressed in crisp, high-thread-count white silk sheets. Beyond it was an adjoining, open-concept marble bathroom featuring a massive sunken jacuzzi tub, a rainfall shower, and heated marble floors.

Reynold glanced at the enormous bed before turning to Frederick with a cute, playful pout. He tugged gently at the lapel of Frederick’s white coat.

"The bed looks really comfortable, Daddy," Reynold whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Are you going to lie down with me, or do I have to sleep all by myself?"

Frederick let out a low chuckle and pulled Reynold into his arms. "Let’s shower first, then I’ll cuddle you to sleep," he murmured, resting his hands securely on Reynold’s waist.

"Okay, Daddy," Reynold replied, leaning into his touch.

As Frederick began gently helping Reynold out of his clothing, he looked down at him. "Are you hungry, sweetheart? I can have the hotel staff bring up a hot breakfast before we rest."

Reynold shook his head slightly. "No, Daddy, I’m fine for now. Maybe when I wake up later."

"Alright, baby," Frederick murmured. He carefully pulled Reynold’s hoodie up and over his head, then helped him out of the rest of his clothes until he was completely naked. Only then did Frederick strip off his clothes.

As Frederick finished undressing, Reynold suddenly remembered the original reason Frederick had given him for their sudden trip to Paris. "Frederick?" he called, looking up at him.

"Yes, baby?" Frederick replied. He bent down and effortlessly lifted Reynold into his arms. "Let me carry you to the bathroom."

Reynold naturally looped his arms around Frederick’s neck as Frederick carried him toward the lavish marble bathroom. As they walked, Reynold asked, "When is your friend proposing to his partner? Is it tonight or tomorrow?"

Frederick paused for a fraction of a second, his expression blanking slightly. "Which of my friends?" he asked, continuing his steady walk into the bathroom.

Reynold stared at him in confusion. Once they stepped inside, Frederick gently lowered him onto the heated marble floor. Noticing the puzzled look on Reynold’s face, he tilted his head. "Why are you looking at me like that, sweetheart? Did I say something wrong?"

Reynold planted his hands on his hips and raised an eyebrow.

"Daddy, are you getting old already, or are you starting to suffer from amnesia?"

Frederick chuckled softly, though a flicker of caution crossed his eyes. "Why would you say that?"

"Have you already forgotten that we came to Paris because your friend is going to make his relationship official?" Reynold asked, studying his face.

Realizing his cover story was nearly blown, Frederick quickly adjusted his tone. "Oh! Yes, yes... of course, you’re right, baby. I’m sorry, I’ve just been under so much stress today that it slipped my mind for a second."

Reynold shook his head with a small sigh. It’s fine. So, what time are we going there?"

"Tonight," Frederick replied. "And after we leave the party, we’ll head straight to my place."

Reynold blinked, catching the phrasing immediately. "Your place?"

"Yes, my house," Frederick clarified.

Reynold stared at him in surprise. "You have a house here in Paris?"

"Yes," Frederick admitted with a small smile. "I own a couple of luxury residences here in Paris, along with several high-end apartments I’ve bought over the years."

Reynold stared at him, bewildered. "Then why are we staying in a luxury hotel when you already own a house here? That’s such a waste of money!"

Frederick gently rubbed his hands over Reynold’s shoulders. "Don’t worry about that, baby. We’ll be moving to my place tonight anyway."

Reynold’s brows furrowed as he tried to piece everything together. "Wait... we’re going to your friend’s event tonight, and we’re also moving to your place tonight? What exactly is—"

Before Reynold could ask anything further, Frederick leaned down and captured his lips in a firm, lingering kiss, cutting off his question.

"Stop asking questions, baby," Frederick murmured against his lips. "I’m tired. Let’s just shower and rest for now."

Reynold pulled back slightly, his eyes still filled with suspicion. "Something really doesn’t feel right... Are you sure you’re not—"

Before Reynold could finish, Frederick reached up and switched on the overhead rainfall shower. Warm water cascaded down, soaking them both and interrupting whatever Reynold had been about to say.

Reynold let out a dramatic sigh, finally giving up on his interrogation. He closed his eyes and leaned into the soothing stream of water as they showered together.

Once they were finished, Frederick dried them both off before wrapping Reynold in a large, plush hotel bathrobe and putting one on himself. He then gently dried Reynold’s damp hair with a soft towel, taking his time to make sure he was comfortable before leading him out of the marble bathroom and back into the bedroom.

Frederick pulled back the heavy silk duvet and settled onto the enormous bed. Reynold didn’t hesitate. He climbed onto the mattress, snuggled against Frederick’s side, and rested his head comfortably on his broad chest.

Frederick wrapped his arms around Reynold’s waist, drawing him close until there was barely any space between them. He rested his chin gently on top of Reynold’s head, holding him comfortably against his chest.

After a quiet moment, Frederick reached for his phone on the nightstand and unlocked the screen.

"Let’s take a selfie, sweetheart," he said, angling the camera toward them.

Reynold’s face lit up instantly. "Selfies in our matching bathrobes? Yes, please!"

He adjusted his position, leaning up to press his cheek against Frederick’s jaw as he flashed a bright smile at the camera.

Frederick tapped the screen, capturing their first picture. Before Reynold could settle back into place, however, Frederick turned his head and planted a lingering kiss on his temple, snapping another photo at the same time.

"Daddy, wait! Let me pose!" Reynold giggled, squirming in Frederick’s arms. He glanced at Frederick’s face and noticed his usual serious expression. "And you need to smile too! Stop giving the camera that serious corporate CEO look. Come on, Daddy, give me a soft smile!"

Reynold reached up and gently pressed the corners of Frederick’s lips with his fingertips, trying to coax a wider smile out of him.

Frederick chuckled at his insistence, his usually stern expression softening into a warm smile. He pulled Reynold closer and took several more candid pictures. In one, he kissed Reynold’s cheek, making him scrunch up his nose and burst into laughter. In another, Frederick nuzzled his neck, his stubble tickling Reynold’s sensitive skin.

"Daddy, stop! It tickles!" Reynold squealed, trying to wriggle out of his hold as helpless laughter shook his body.

Frederick kept him close, laughing along with him as he took one final picture, capturing Reynold’s breathless, happy smile.

Once Frederick lowered the phone, Reynold eagerly took the phone from Frederick’s hand, swiping through the gallery to admire the pictures. In their plush white hotel bathrobes, with their hair still slightly damp from the shower, they looked relaxed, intimate, and deeply in love.

"Look how cute we look, Daddy," Reynold murmured fondly, showing Frederick the screen where Frederick was holding him from behind with a gentle smile on his face. "I’m keeping these."

"They’re yours, my love," Frederick whispered, setting the phone back on the bedside table.

After their playful moment, the energy in the room settled back into a peaceful, quiet calm.

Reynold returned the phone to Frederick before snuggling against his chest again and wrapping one leg over his thighs. He closed his eyes, resting his chin on Frederick’s chest and feeling completely safe and cherished.

Frederick began stroking Reynold’s back, his large hand moving in long, soothing motions. The quiet hum of the air conditioning and the warmth of Frederick’s embrace soon lulled Reynold into sleep. Within minutes, his breathing settled into a slow, steady rhythm.

Realizing his little angel had fallen asleep, Frederick lowered his head and pressed a tender kiss to Reynold’s forehead.

"Sweet dreams, baby," he whispered.

He closed his eyes, pulling Reynold tighter against his chest, and finally allowed himself to fall asleep right beside him.

They slept peacefully for hours...