Unrequited Desire [BL] | ✓

Chapter One

[Ethan's POV]

Standing beside Sage who's looking at me worried I frown, "What are you looking at?" I ask making him sigh.

He leans over the bar drinking his whisky seemingly bored, "Why are you so on edge... the deal's done so you should relax, I don't understand why you're fidgeting," he says.

"I'm not fidgeting," I throw back while turning to the bar and taking my drink in my hand. Tapping the left pocket of my slacks I feel the box in it making me sigh. I'm nervous, extremely nervous.

"Ethen, you're frowning, fidgeting non-stop and your jaw's ticking... I know you, you're nervous about something," he says making me look at him. He's staring at me with those blue eyes that look like the ocean.

Smiling I shake my head, "I still can't believe you know me so well but yeah you're right. I'm nervous and don't know if what I am about to do is the correct decision for myself and my future." I say to him making him smile.

He comes closer and puts his arm over my shoulder. Looking at me I sigh, "Sage, do you really not like Layla?" I ask him. He grunts pulling away from me; his face twists every time I bring up my girlfriend and it shows on his face that he doesn't like her.

I can see the irritation build-up by my question and I kind of feel bad, my best friend of twenty years dislikes the girl I plan on marrying. "I don't detest her but that still doesn't mean I like her." He says making me sigh.

"Why, what did she do to you that makes you dislike her so much?" I ask knowing that he won't give me a straight answer, "She's just one of those who you hate the minute you see them."

I don't know anymore, I'm torn between my best friend and my lover. Other people say he's jealous but I know Sage isn't the jealous type but then again, he's never liked any of the girlfriends I've had over the years.

I hear him growl, turning to look at him, he's looking elsewhere. Looking in that direction I see my girlfriend Layla walking over.

I smile as my heart beats heavily for this beautiful woman. Walking forward I spread my arms and wrap my arms around her tiny waist. Kissing her forehead I get excited thinking of spending the rest of my life with her.

"Evening Sage," she greets behind us. Turning around I see him walk over with a listless look on his face and a raised brow. Leaning down he hugs her and walks away.

Although he doesn't like her and everyone knows this, he still has his manners and greets even though he doesn't want to.

Seated at the table I hold her hand on the table and rub my thumb against her hand. We're all here to celebrate my father's new company that's launching after the merger with Kempston Inc.

Sighing I get up. Walking to the centre of the stage I get nervous looking at all the curious and excited gazes, I lock onto Sage who's looking at me with that same look he always gives me, the one that shows he trusts and loves me – that look that gives me confidence.

Gaining my confidence back I say, "Welcome everyone, thank you all for supporting Dimitri and Co. I'm honoured to be a part of this journey and it's an honour to be my father's son. I've watched him take on projects and tackle them and complete each project but still make time to be with his family.

We of the Dimitri household has always had a set goal in mind and that is to achieve greatness but not at the cost of being unhappy and today I want to make a special announcement." I say and look over at my girlfriend.

Holding my hand out to her I motion her over, she walks up to me whispering into my ear, "What's this all about?" I chuckle and kiss her forehead. I reach into my pocket and get down on one knee.