Chapter 15 - Perfume

Troy's POV

I smiled affectionately as I noticed Alec sleeping in my arms. I closed the book and placed it on the couch beside me. I stroked his hair tenderly, looking at him.

"Troy...oh, he fell asleep." My mother smiled as she sat down beside me on the couch and stroked Alec's little hand gently. "It is so strange. He looks like you so much." She added, looking at Alec. "His long eyelashes, his smile, his eyes, they remind me about you."

I looked at him warmly and confessed. "Yes, I noticed it too when I saw him the first time." I stroked his hair gently and turned my gaze from him to my mother. "There are a lot of people who look like each other in the world." I commented nonchalantly.

"Yes, it is true, but his character looks like you too. When you were little, you were a gentle, kind and mature kid like him." She stated softly, stroking my cheek tenderly.

I smiled at her and said, looking at Alec who was sleeping in my arms peacefully. "I will put him to bed."

She nodded. "The guest room is ready. It is next to your room. The maid placed one of your pajamas on the bed which you wore when you were a child. I will help you to change his clothes."

"Thank you. No need. I will handle myself." I smiled as I stood up carefully, holding Alec in my arms.

After putting Alec to bed, I went to my bedroom. I ran my hand through my hair, yawning. I felt tired. I changed my clothes and went to bed.

I woke up, rubbing my eyes as I heard someone knocking on the door. Suddenly, the door opened, and I saw a little shadow walking into my room. I looked at Alec, surprised as I sat up on the bed and switched on the bedside lamp.

"May I sleep with you?" He asked shyly as he approached me, looking at me with puppy eyes.

I smiled, nodding as I pulled the cover away. His eyes lit up. He closed the door quickly and rushed towards me. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled the cover over us, holding him against me.

"What happened? Did you get scared?" I asked softly, stroking his hair gently.

"No!" He pouted as his cheeks flushed. I smiled, amused. "I will go back." He said angrily, furrowing his eyebrows as he saw me smiling.

"But I am a little afraid. I had a bad nightmare. So I will feel better if you stay with me." I lied.

"Fine, I will protect you. Don't worry." He beamed at me as he wrapped his arm around me.

I chuckled and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "My hero." I switched off the bedside lamp and pulled him into my chest. "And how did you find where my bedroom is?" I asked in curiosity.

"Sienna told me when we were going to the bathroom to wash my hands." He informed, hugging me.

"Sweet dreams, buddy." I kissed his hair.

"Sweet dreams, Troy." He said and closed his eyes. I couldn't hold myself and smiled in happiness.

I yawned, rubbing my eye and grinned, amused as I saw Alec jumping on the bed. It was the first time I slept well without having any nightmares.

"Good morning." I smiled as I leaned against the headboard.

"Morning....I...am...hungry." He said, beaming at me, still jumping on the bed.

"Ok, let's get ready and go downstairs." I stated, grinning.

"Yay!" He exclaimed and fell onto his knees on the knees, giggling. I chuckled and pulled him towards me quickly. Then I started tickling him.

"Stop....Troy..." He said between laughs.

I stopped and kissed his cheeks. Once we changed our clothes, we went downstairs.

Today Kate called me and informed me that they were coming back. So I could bring Alec to the mansion this evening.

The last three days were so beautiful. I enjoyed spending time with Alec. I got used to seeing him in my penthouse and spent a lot of time together. I would miss him.

I sighed sadly as I approached him and told him what his aunt told me. His expression changed as sadness crossed his features.

"I don't want to go. May I stay with you till Mommy is back?" He asked, giving me a begging look. "I don't like staying there. The grumpy grandpa doesn't love me." He mumbled as his eyes welled up. "He doesn't love Mommy too. I want to stay with you. I love you. Can Mommy stay with us here too?" He asked, giving me puppy eyes.

I looked at him in astonishment. His request surprised me as well as made me worried.

"Umm...Did your grandpa do something bad to you?" I asked softly, looking into his eyes while holding his arms gently.

"No." He shook his head. "But he is always angry. Can we stay here with you?" He asked hopefully.

"Umm... When you want, you can come here, but..."

"You don't want us too like the grumpy grandpa." He pouted and his lips quivered.

"No, of course not, you can stay with me, but I don't think your mother will want it, and your grandpa loves you. Adults often get angry, and sometimes, they cannot express their feelings properly." I explained softly and kissed his cheek.

"But your dad isn't angry, and he doesn't scare me." He resumed and pursed his lips together.

I smiled, stroking his hair gently and suggested. "I promise you when you want to stay with me, you just need to call me. Or whenever you want to see me, you can visit me or call me. So I will pick you up, and we will spend time together." I stated, giving him a reassuring smile, and hugged him. He hugged me back. "Now, cheer up! How about eating your favorite ice cream?" I asked playfully and winked at him.

"Fine." He said, nodding as his eyes lit up.

After dropping Alec off in the mansion, I went to the company. When I got out of the car, my phone buzzed. I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at the screen. There was a message from Sienna.

'Forgot to send you before. You two look so cute together. I want a nephew or niece to play with my little girl ASAP.'

Then I looked at the photo which Sienna sent me. It was the photo of Alec and me while he was sitting on my lap in my parents' mansion. Meanwhile, I was looking at him, smiling affectionately. I smiled happily while looking at the photo.

I will miss you, buddy.

After leaving company, I went to my penthouse. I sighed, taking off my jacket while looking around. It seemed like the penthouse was empty without Alec. It was the first time I felt lonely here despite the fact I stayed here alone all this time.

I sighed as I approached the bar cabinet and poured some whiskey into the glass. I took a sip while walking towards the couch. I felt something behind the cushion as I sat down on the couch. I pulled the cushion away and saw Alec's teddy bear. I smiled as I grabbed it.

I sipped my drink while looking at the teddy bear. He probably missed it. I should take it to him. Alec would be happy when he saw it. I would go to the mansion tomorrow to give it back to him and use the opportunity to see him. I smiled happily at this idea and sipped my drink, looking at the teddy bear.

****

As soon as I got out of the car, Alec called me happily while running towards me. I smiled happily as I bent down and hugged him tightly, breathing in his scent. I froze as my nostrils filled the familiar scent which I knew by heart.

Jasmine.

I pulled back instantly as I cleared my throat and shook my head, trying to get rid of the memories which flashed in my mind.