Straight Until Him
Alessandro Romano has it all money, power, and a future already planned for him. In a few days, he’s getting engaged to the perfect woman. At least, that’s what the world sees.
But Alessandro is living a lie. He has never loved a woman. He has never even wanted to. And the night before his engagement, one kiss with a stranger makes him feel more alive than ever.
That stranger? Micah Hartwell. His soon-to-be fiancée’s older brother.
Micah is everything Alessandro isn’t: bold, unafraid, and tired of hiding. Their connection is dangerous, messy, and impossible to ignore. But secrets have a way of surfacing.
Sandra, the bride-to-be, is hiding something too. She knows Alessandro’s truth and she’s using it. The engagement is fake. Love is fake. But the damage? That’s very real.
When everything blows up in public, Alessandro has to choose between the life he was raised for… and the love he never saw coming.
He Said He’s Straight is a story about lies, love, freedom, and the fire it takes to be yourself even when the whole world says you can’t.
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Chapter: Epilogue: HomeMicah’s POVThe morning smells like rain and roasted beans. Wet earth clings to the air, fresh and cool after the night shower. The street is quiet, puddles shining under grey sky. I breathe deep.We are walking down the rebuilt district; the same street that once looked like a graveyard for glass and dreams.Alessandro looks around, quiet for once.“Feels different,” he says.“It is lighter,” I tell him.“Like the city finally exhaled.”He nods. “We did too.”We stop near a street vendor. He buys roasted corn like he always does, peels it halfway, and hands it to me. “For you,” he says, voice low. I take it, our fingers brushing for a second. The vendor’s fire crackles nearby, smoke curling up into the evening air. The corn is hot, golden, kernels plump and sweet. “You are still doing that,” I say.“It is our thing now.”“You mean your way of bribing me into forgiving you for past crimes?”He laughs. “Worked, did it not?”“Barely.”We keep walking. There is laughter somewhere
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: After the FireworksMicah’s POVThe morning after the wedding smells like coffee, rain, and peace.We are sitting on the balcony; barefoot, hair messy, wearing each other’s shirts. The city hums below, but it feels like it is ours alone.Alessandro stretches and yawns. “You are staring again.”I grin. “I married you. Staring is part of the contract.”“Did not read that clause.”“You should have. It is legally binding.”“You look too happy for someone running on two hours of sleep.”“I am wired on love and caffeine.”“Caffeine mostly.”“Do not ruin the romance.”He takes a sip from my mug. “You made this too strong.”“Correction… you are too weak.”“I just said vows to you, do not push me.”“Please. You said vows, cried twice, and nearly dropped the ring.”“That air was slippery.”“Sure.”“You are impossible.”“Yet you married me.”“Biggest risk I ever took.”“And your best investment.”“You sound like a business proposal.”“Everything is a pitch when you are married to a CEO.”“Ex-CEO.”“Fine, retired C
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: Vows in the GardenAlessandro’s POVThe garden smells like white roses and fresh rain soaking the soil. Delicate petals glisten with tiny droplets, releasing a sweet, clean scent that fills the warm air. I can hear the soft buzz of the remote tune floating gently, but it is my heartbeat that is the loudest thing here, pounding crazy in my heart like a thump bouncing through the silent night, rapid and shaky with thrill.Sandra catches my eye from the front row. Her face is calm amid the buzzing crowd, and she mouths the word "breathe" slowly, deliberately, like a lifeline. I feel my chest tighten less, air slipping in easier, her steady gaze pulling me back from the edge of panic.Then I see him.Micah.He is walking down the aisle with his father beside him; calm, glowing, wearing that grin that always wrecks my composure. His steps are slow and sure, like he owns the moment. The lights catch his eyes, making them sparkle. My heart races; I grip my flowers tighter, trying not to stare too long. H
Last Updated: 2025-11-02
Chapter: Engaged ChaosSandra’s POVI am seated in the mansion, song playing on the stereo, my mother cutting apples.“Did you see the news?” She asks me suddenly.“I live on the news, Mother. Be specific.” I answer her skeptically as I do not know where this is going.“The engagement! It is everywhere! Romano and Duvall are engaged! Half the city is confused, the other half is crying!”“Why are they crying though??” I asked, confused.“Because the two most eligible bachelors in the city got engaged to each other.”“Oh…I see… Eligible bachelors my foot.” I roll my eyes. “They should be applauding. It is about time those two made it official.”“Official? They double proposed to each other on a rooftop!” My mother says excited.“That is very them. It is insane.”“It is love.”“You sound like a rom com.”“I raised one.”“You raised two. And both dramatic.”“I will take that as a compliment.”“Do not.” I groan because she will make a big deal out of it.“We have a wedding to plan, Sandra.”“We?”“Yes, we. Mrs.
Last Updated: 2025-11-01
Chapter: The ProposalMicah’s POV“You are acting weird.”“I am not acting weird.”“You are definitely acting weird. You have checked your watch five times in the last minute.”“I like time.”“No one likes time that much. What are you hiding?”“Nothing. Why do you assume I am hiding something?”“Because your face looks guilty. Like you stole something.”“I did.”“Oh, really? What?”“Your heart.”“Stop. That is too smooth for a Saturday night.”“Fine. I just wanted to make you laugh.”“Mission accomplished. Now tell me why you are pacing.”“I was actually going to take you somewhere.”“Again? The last time you said that, I ended up in a pottery class surrounded by retirees.”“They loved you.”“They called me ‘sweet boy’ while criticizing my bowl.”“You made an ashtray.”“It was modern art.”“Right. Come on. You will like this place.”“I swear if it is yoga again…”“It is not yoga.”“Promise?”“Promise.”Fifteen minutes late“Micah… this is our building.”“I know.”“Why are we here at midnight?”“Because I n
Last Updated: 2025-11-01
Chapter: Between Us Alessandro’s POV “Look at the city. Still awake, like it is proud of you.” I said to Micah as I stood on the rooftop. He is sitting sipping juice.“Proud of us, you mean. You were up there too, Ale.” Micah utters. “Barely. I just stood there looking pretty while you set the room on fire.” “Pretty? That is all I get?” “Fine. Devastatingly handsome. Better?” “Much better. Come here.” Micah pats the space beside him.“Already walking. See? These legs work when you call.” “Sit. You are still in your tie. Let me fix that.” “Fix or strangle?” I tease him.“Depends on how honest you get tonight.” “Cruel. I like it. Loosen away.” He looses my tie.“There. Breathe.” “God, that is better. You smell like champagne and victory.” “And you smell like my cologne. Thief.” “Borrowed. I will return it in kisses.” “Start the payment plan.” Micah points to his lips.I kiss him.“Mmm. Like that?” I ask him.“Again. Slower.” He whispers“You are greedy.” “I know but… only for you
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: 21: The Red Room Anya’s POVNikolai’s hand on my lower back feels like a brand itself. It is hard and possessive. He leads me past the familiar corridors, further into the house, to a heavy black door I have never seen open. He takes a key from his pocket and opens the door gently. The snap is loud in the stillness.“Welcome to the Red Room,” he says. His voice is low and dark. The name sends ice through my veins.The Red room sounds so cliche but I hope it is not what I actually think it is because that room name is popularly common in one thing.The door swings in and immediately dim red lights glow from the ceiling, the black walls drink the light. They are chains hanging from the ceiling. Then I saw many other things. Whips, paddles, strange metal toys line shelves. A large wooden X-frame stands in one corner. In the center, a suspension rig with rings and cuffs. They are mirrors on every wall so I see myself from all sides. The room is exactly what I think it is. I would be bare soon and weak. T
Last Updated: 2025-12-29
Chapter: 20: The Dinner Table Anya’s POVThe maid knocks once and enters my room without waiting. I realized she was carrying a dress over her arm, it is a deep red silk. Long, but the back is almost nothing, it has thin straps and she was also holding a high heels of the same color. A small box with diamond earrings and a necklace was also in her hands. I do not realize how she could carry all that without any help. She lays everything on the bed. “Pakhan says wear this for dinner,” she says. Voice quiet. She leaves as fast as she came.I stare at the dress. My hands shake a little. Sonya sits on the chair by the window. She looks so pale. “I got one too,” she whispers. “Black. Simple.” We do not talk anymore, we just got ready. I put on the red silk. It fits tight and shows too much skin. The collar stays around my neck, a silver cold. Sonya helps with my hair, she makes it into loose waves, adds a little makeup on my face, and gives me red lips. We look pretty, like dolls.Two guards wait outside when we fin
Last Updated: 2025-12-29
Chapter: 19: Mine Nikolai’s POVThe private dining room smells of cigar smoke and old vodka. Sergei Volodin sits across the long oak table. We are having a meeting on the Odessa routes. I know it is old-school but ot is reliable. His right-hand man, Roman, stands behind him like a statue while Lev is at my left, silent as always. There are ten captains total in the room. The room is quiet except for the scratch of my pen as I slide the final contract across the wood. Four hundred tons of agricultural equipment coming through Novorossiysk next week. Sergei wants my port, my customs officers, my silence and I name the price. He pays without blinking, even though his hands shake.Not my business. The deal is done.We stand and the chairs scrape. Sergei claps my shoulder. “Always a pleasure, Nikolai.” Roman echoes the same. I only nod once and we all walk out.The meeting room sits next to the library, just as we step into the hall, the library door opens at the exact same moment. Anya and Sony
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: 18: Breakfast in BedAnya’s POVI wake up in my old room.Well, not that I have a new room somewhere, still the same room but it is slightly different from what it was.The linens are fresh, the pillow is comfy, and for the first time in days there is no metal hovering around my nape and no guard breathing down my back. Seems like freedom even though it will not stay forever.Sunlight slips through the bars on the window and makes light lines across the bed. My body hurts all over, especially between my legs, but the biggest pain is the memory of yesterday night.I close my eyes and still see blood on snow and bodies dropping on silent screens. I can still feel Nikolai’s hands, his mouth and his ownership.A soft knock landed on the door and it opens just enough for a tray to slide inside. Is this what they call breakfast in bed or is it breakfast pushed inside. Whatever. It consists of hot croissants, red jam, a jug of tea and one bright red rose in a small glass.I really do not understand what the ro
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: 17: The FingersNikolai’s POVI unclip the long chain from Anya’s collar. The silver links fall to the marble with a soft, final clink.“Go to your room,” I say.She stands frozen for three full seconds with her eyes wide and lips parted. This is the first time I have ever let her walk without a guard’s hand on her arm but I do not need to explain. I turn and leave her there. The sound of her bare feet finally moving comes long after I am gone.My bedroom door shuts behind me.Silence. Perfect silence.I strip, both shirt and trousers. Everything hits the floor as I step into the shower.The water scalding hot as it pounds my shoulders and runs pink from tiny cuts I never felt during the night. Blood of men who thought they could touch what is mine.I close my eyes and smile.I walk out after what felt like hours with a rough towel. I open the gun safe built into the wall.Glock 19; magazine full, one in the chamber. Spare under the barrel. AR-15; bolt clean, optics zeroed. Two fighting knives, I te
Last Updated: 2025-12-10
Chapter: 16: The Room of ScreensAnya’s POVNikolai’s fingers tighten hard on the silver chain.No words. Nothing.He stands fast without a warning, pain shoots from the collar as the chain jerks my neck.I scramble to my feet, my bare feet slip a little on the cold floor.He walks swiftly. I follow two steps behind.The short silk dress moves against my thighs. The fresh brand burns with every step as my heart pounds loud.We reach a room, I have never seen this room before. Well, with the rate at which I am allowed to move about , it is actually not shocking that I never knew about this room.The heavy door is already open.Lev walks straight to a tall bookcase against the wall. Books fill every shelf.Old, leather covers and gold letters.Lev reaches for a thick red book.Nikolai’s voice cuts sharp.“Wrong book.”My mind spins. Men are shooting outside. Guns. Death. And they stop for books? What is this?Lev moves two shelves left. His hand finds a thin black book. No title. He pulls it. A low click sounds. The wh
Last Updated: 2025-12-10
Bound By The Desk
Vorian Rex is the inaccessible elite CEO of NexusVibe, a tech empire that controls the international stage. Affluent beyond extent and submitting to no one, he’s created a lifestyle of authority and confidentiality, concealing his truth: he’s gay, and he’s never permitted anyone near enough to question his dominance. That is, till Zephyr Cole, his new secretary, walks into his office with keen intelligence, subtle resistance, and an aura which dismantles Vorian’s impenetrable barriers.
Zephyr is driven, insightful, and seductively enticing; a man who equals Vorian’s intensity. One late-night encounter triggers a bond that could consume them both. However, with a cruel adversary scheming to take NexusVibe, a family heritage at stake, and Zephyr’s own hidden truths threatening to emerge, their forbidden romance becomes an intense game. When a company scheme reveals their truth, Vorian must choose: safeguard his kingdom or fight for the man who’s proven to him what it means to be liberated.
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Chapter: 59: One Door AwayZephyr's POV I sit at my table, the office is still not full. Sun light spills through the windows. My phone stays screen down and those texts from yesterday night look at me from the black screen even when I cannot see them. My old HoltTech badge. The word TRAITOR in red. The threat to tell Vorian everything. My chest feels tight and my palms sweat.Should I go to Silas? Should I not? Should I? Nope. Fuck this. I get up and my seat moves back. I grab my phone and I walk quick, past cubicles, past the coffee station, past employees who grin and say hello. I do not answer, I do not have the luxury for that. My feet know the way to Silas’s office which was at the end of the hall, the door is closed.I stop outside with my hand on the handle. What if he thinks I am the traitor? What if he tells Vorian before I can? What if I lose them both? I breathe in and breathe out. No choice now. I knock once and push the door open.Silas looks up from his desk, there is a coffee mug in o
Last Updated: 2025-12-29
Chapter: 58: Lasagna and LiesZephyr’s POVVorian pecks me fast in the car park, palm warm on the back of my nape, his index finger brushing gentle over my chin like he is memorizing the feel of my skin.The city lights reflect in his eyes, soft and tired and full of everything we still have not said. His lips linger just a second longer than quick, warm and gentle, a promise that he’ll be okay until I come back.“Go home,” he says. “Your family misses you. I will be fine.”I open my mouth to argue, to say I should stay, that we are stronger together, that Miles Carter just drew blood and I don’t want him alone tonight. But the tiredness in his eyes stops me cold. Dark shadows sit under them, the kind that come from more than one bad night. His back holds a burden that I cannot remove for him right now. I swallow every word, nod once, and get into my car. The motor starts with a deep rumble. I hold the steering hard, look at him one more time through the window, and drive off before I change my mind and return int
Last Updated: 2025-12-29
Chapter: 57: Coffee and War Zephyr's POV I told Vorian I love him last night, soft against his ear while he drifted to sleep. Maybe the rain swallowed the words. Maybe he heard and chose silence. Either way, I will handle that later. Right now the only thing that matters is the photo still burning on his phone and the storm it brought into our bed with us.Morning light slips through the tall windows of the penthouse kitchen. I stand at the counter in one of Vorian’s old T-shirts, hair still messy from his hands. The coffee machine hisses and gurgles like it is angry too. I make it strong, almost black, the way too much for normal people. Vorian walks in barefoot, sweatpants riding low on his hips, eyes still carrying last night. He looks beautiful and tired and mine.I slide a mug toward him. “Drink this before you scare the caffeine,” I say.He wraps both hands around the cup, breathes in the steam, and gives me the smallest smile. It is enough. I lean over the island and kiss him quick, just a brush of lips,
Last Updated: 2025-12-16
Chapter: 56: Cropped TruthVorian’s POVThe rain has not stopped. It hits against the high windows of the penthouse like it is trying to clean the whole city away.I rest on the side of the bed in nothing but sweatpants, the screen bright in my palm. The picture looks back at me.My mother, head thrown back in laughter, sitting close beside Nathaniel Holt at some outdoor restaurant table. Warm string lights hang above them. Wine glasses catch the light.Her hand rests near his on the white tablecloth. The timestamp in the corner says tonight. My stomach turns cold.Zephyr stirs beside me. He lifts his body higher on one arm, hair wild from sleep, eyes still tired.“What is it?” he says, voice gentle and scratchy. He bends over my back and freezes when he spots the picture.“That is… your mom with Holt?”I cannot speak at first. I only zoom in, slow and careful, the way I examine contracts before I sign them.The photo is cut close on just the two of them, but at the far side there is an extra hand carrying a dr
Last Updated: 2025-12-16
Chapter: 55: Safe HarborVorian’s POVThe rain lashes against the penthouse panes like it demands to come inside.I slump on the shadowed obsidian sofa with only one ember on, the city fire smeared into streaks of amber and red outside the barrier.My phone rests face down on the coffee table. I have not touched it in hours.The quiet feels heavy, the same way it did after dinner at the beach house.Lila’s little voice keeps looping in my head: Why do you not smile, Uncle Vor?But I do smile though.The intercom buzzes.I frown, glance at the clock, almost ten.I walk to the panel and press the button. The doorman’s voice crackles through. “Mr. Cole want to see you, sir. He is… quite wet.”I close my eyes for a second. Relief rushes in so fast it almost hurts.“Send him up.”Half a minute after, the exclusive elevator parts and Zephyr strides out soaked from head to toe.Rainwater pours down his hair, down his jacket, pooling a growing puddle on the polished stone.His translucent shirt hugs to his chest. He
Last Updated: 2025-12-06
Chapter: 54: Hallway TruthZephyr’s POVI slip out of Vorian’s lair and draw the door until it snaps shut behind me, hushed enough that he will not catch it from the inside.The hallway feels colder than the room, probably because the air conditioning is always set to arctic on the executive floor.My shoes make almost no sound on the polished floor.I am midway to the lift when I spot Silas propped against the wall, arms folded, one leg draped over the other, appearing like he has been lurking for me the entire time.He straightens as soon as our eyes meet.“Hey,” he says, his voice low so it does not carry through the glass walls.“What is wrong with Vorian?”I stop a few steps away and shove my hands into my pockets because I suddenly do not know what to do with them.“I do not know,” I answer, and the words feel heavier than I expected.Silas tilts his head and gives me that look he always gives when he thinks someone is holding back.“You do not know?” he repeats, gentle but doubtful.I shake my head.“He
Last Updated: 2025-12-06
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