Salvatore flicked his cigarette butt onto the lawn, causing a guard outside the mansion to glare at him. But the man quickly looked away when he realized Roderick was carrying a gun under his jacket.

Roderick seemed unconcerned. In fact, he looked bored to be there. "What’s the urgency?"

"How dare they ask me to wait? Are they fucking nuts?" snapped Salvatore, his voice so loud it made the men there turn their heads.

Who was so insolent and bold as to say something like that to their master? Right in front of the house?

"If you don’t like it, just ignore it. We don’t need to meet them again," replied Roderick, annoyed at having to argue with the man the whole way, because he truly didn’t understand Salvatore’s way of thinking or what the man wanted.

"No, I need to meet the boy." Salvatore stood impatiently, hands on his hips.

When Sean emerged from inside, Salvatore stepped forward before the man could speak.

"Take me to him. Don’t waste my time," Salvatore said.

Sean was startled when the man walked past him. He hurried to follow and walked ahead, showing the way.

Roderick sighed, walking behind them. His eyes were sharp and alert. He kept a watchful eye on everything they passed.

Upon arriving at the study room, Sean stepped inside first, followed by Salvatore and Roderick.

The room was large, filled with books neatly arranged on the bookshelves. The smell of alcohol was overwhelming. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

In the center of the room, Nero sat on a long sofa. He looked relaxed, holding a glass of scotch in his right hand and a book in his left.

Salvatore stopped, his eyes not wandering anywhere. Instead, they were fixed on the floor.

Milo was there, naked and on all fours. His head was bowed low.

Nero’s feet, still in his black leather shoes, were resting heavily on Milo’s back.

Salvatore could see the young man’s hands trembling slightly. He then looked at Nero, who appeared casual and greeted them normally.

"Please sit down. Make yourself comfortable," Nero said. He then asked Sean to bring a bottle of champagne.

Sean immediately left.

Roderick shifted behind Salvatore, his jaw tightening as he looked at the scene in front of him.

Salvatore showed no emotion. He walked forward and sat on the sofa directly across from Nero. He could see Milo better from this side.

"You seem to be really enjoying yourself," Salvatore said. His voice was flat and calm. He crossed his legs, sitting comfortably.

Milo didn’t look up, didn’t even move. He couldn’t focus on the conversation. His body felt like it was burning from the inside. He was used to being paraded as a spectacle for Nero’s guests, so the humiliation wasn’t new, but the pain was.

The heavy gold rings in his nipples felt like they were pulling on his skin with every breath he took. His fever made the room spin.

"I do," Nero replied with a wide smile. "I feel honored that you’re willing to come to my place, Salvatore. It’s a rare visit."

Salvatore looked at Milo. The young man was perfectly still, but his skin looked waxy and damp with sweat.

Nero noticed Salvatore’s gaze. He smirked. He knew Salvatore was interested in Milo. "Did you come to meet him?"

Salvatore leaned back against the sofa. He looked at Nero’s feet on Milo’s spine. "Do you do this often?"

"Every day," Nero said proudly. He looked down at the back of Milo’s head. "He’s such a good boy. You can order him to do anything. If he ever says no, just tell me. I know exactly how to teach him to be better."

Nero leaned forward. He reached down and grabbed Milo’s jaw, forcing the boy to look up. Milo’s neck was stretched at a painful angle. His eyes were unfocused, red from the fever and the pain.

"Right, Milo?" Nero hissed.

Milo blinked slowly, unable to move his head. His jaw was trembling. "Y-yes, Nero."

Salvatore let out a slow sigh, looking annoyed. He didn’t like the sight, but more than that, he didn’t like the waste of time. "I want something tonight."

Nero’s smile faded. He was surprised. He hadn’t thought Salvatore would come all this way just for a slave. He considered how he could use this. If Salvatore wanted Milo this badly, it was good for business. He could trade Milo for many things later.

"I’m afraid he can’t serve you tonight," Nero said, his voice sounding concerned. He lowered his foot and pulled Milo’s arm to help him sit up.

Milo let out a small groan, kneeling there. He didn’t dare look at Salvatore after his foolishness in refusing the man’s offer. He didn’t dare show his weakness and shame.

He bowed his head, staying still. But when Nero’s hand grabbed the ring in his right nipple, he couldn’t help but scream.

"Aa-aahhh!" Milo wasn’t aware of his own voice, but the scream of pain rang out, high-pitched. His hands instinctively reached for Nero’s hand.

Nero seemed surprised by Milo’s reaction. He actually pulled the ring a little harder, making Milo cry out as he clutched his hand tightly.

"Ahh... P-please... It hurts..."

Nero stared at Milo, his face looking annoyed, as if Milo had just humiliated him. Milo held his breath.

But then Nero smiled, released his grip on the ring, and stroked Milo’s head, causing the young man to flinch and hunch over.

"What did I say about not making a sound? Did you forget?" Nero asked softly.

Milo trembled. He knew Nero was going to beat him after this. "I-I’m sorry..."

Nero lifted Milo’s chin, wiping away his tears. "You act like I torture you so badly."

Milo swallowed hard, his tears fell again, uncontrollably. "I’m so sorry..." he whispered, his lips trembling.

Nero released his grip, causing Milo to lower his head again.

Nero turned to look at Salvatore, who watched everything with a blank expression, unimpressed.

"See? He’s so sweet. But I just put rings on his nipples, so he’s a bit sensitive. That’s why I told you to wait three days," Nero said, as if showing off his handiwork. "I don’t think he can serve you well in this state."