3. Inching Closer

The journey back home was silent. It wasn’t very comfortable. Callum  was still in the daze. The kiss was surely mind blowing. But after they pulled out in the car, Stephen didn’t spare a glance at him, which made the younger one panic. 

The driver pulled the limo into the garage. For the first time Stephen looked at him. 

"Meet me at the terrace". And he was gone leaving a confused nervous Callum behind who soon followed his steps. 

He saw Stephen standing by the railing at the other end of the terrace holding a glass. Red Cherry wine may be. Callum had zero knowledge about alcohol. But the color was cool, especially in the pale white hands of his boss. Who seemed pissed off. 

Stephen sensed Callum's presence and turned to him. He was looking at his face, in his big innocent eyes, looking for any resistance, any disgust but he didn't find any. So he thought to clear himself, maybe the younger was embarrassed or hesitant to talk. 

"I am sorry". Stephen said and Callum felt a stab in his heart. He didn't know why. But he was hurt. And his eyes spoke pain. Before he could protest Stephen held his hand up for him to stay quiet. 

"I am sorry, not because I didn't like the kiss or because I didn’t want to kiss you. It was awesome. The best ever. I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable. And I am sorry I kissed you without consent. It was the demand of the moment. I need to show that you do belong to me. 

The corporate business world is very cruel. People try to snatch away what you don’t label to be yours. I know you are not a show piece. You are human. Maybe you had saved your kiss for someone you wanted to have your future with. But Adam, he is an asshole. He gets what he wants. He knows by now that he can’t have what is mine. And you are mine. I had to show it. So I am really sorry about that...". 

"So it was just a show off". Callum  cut him half way and Stephen was confused again. He couldn't read Callum  properly. At one moment his eyes were gleaming with joy and then hurt again.

"Callum. Listen". Stephen held his hand, stopping him from going. He led him to the couch. 

"I am not a young boy. Neither are you. We both are mature. Maybe I am far more than you can imagine. Anyway, we both know what's good and bad. For us, for each other. We know the world right. What I did wasn't a show off as you think. It was to say that you are mine. A declaration you can say. If it could help Adam pull his filthy hands away and cringy words of flirt with you. I would do anything to protect you as long as you are with me or as long as you want me to stop. 

As far as the kiss. Like I said. I loved it. And I would never miss a chance to kiss you again but this time it would be proper. I would love to take your consent. I don’t want to impose on you. I like being with you just as you like. So..."

"Would you just quit and kiss me already"? This time Stephen smiled as he saw the younger fidgeting with his fingers and even if it was dark, he could see the pink on his cheeks.  

He gently cupped his warm cheeks in his cold hands making Callum  look into his dark blue eyes. Callum felt Stephen directly entering into his body, looking at his naked soul. He felt exposed under those blue eyes. 

In a long time span, Stephen had come across many people. Many beautiful, handsome people. But Callum . He was like Stephen's own sun. Warm and affectionate. Lighting up his whole existence even if it was just a day they met. His brown bambi eyes were doing magic to him. He felt he would drown in the pools. Those flushed cheeks tinted pink. How he wanted to bite them that Callum screamed in pain and pleasure. Those plump pink lips he had been biting. Abused. Glistering. 

He looked once again in his eyes before asking him. 

"So Callum, if I may have the honour to kiss those plump lips"? Stephen asked in his deep voice knowing the effect as shivers run down Callum 's body.

"Sure you can". Stephen smiled a bit but, wait. They both snapped toward the source of the voice followed by whistles. Callum  had his eyes wide in astonishment and then he was tomato. He blushed and ran inside. 

"The fuck". Stephen was frustrated. He was just centimeters close to those lips. 

"Exactly The Fuck. Do you even know what you were doing "? Enzo said, clearly annoyed.  "It's a good thing he didn't notice your flushed red eyes. Steph, I don't understand. What has gotten into you"? 

"I don't know. The only thing I know is I want to snap your head off". Stephen was clearly in anger. 

"Go ahead. If killing us all can solve the issue. Stephen, he is human. Get this into your mind. He is already in big trouble thanks to Mason and now you are making it more difficult for him. It’s already a gossip in the town that Stephen Malcom has a new boy under his hands. That he claimed. And by the show you pulled in the restaurant is enough to piss the heads. It’s a good thing that Adam backed off but do you think he really did? You know him more than anyone fuck. And now. Pulling Callum  into it". This time Zee spoke. He was calm unlike Enzo but whatever he said was an eye opener for Mew.

"He is a fragile human being, sensitive with heightened emotions. We know you are not playing with him but you are only digging him deep in danger. Adam is clearly taking up the challenge. That means you have to stick Callum more to you. It’s just two days with him and you have lost all your control. And how long? How old is he? 22 23? And you. A hundred and twenty five. How long can he live? 60 65 70. Then? Or.. What if someone hurt him and he couldn’t make it". Zee said. 

"I will change him". Stephen said calmly.

"Wow wow wow. The great Stephen Malcom. Listen to the words of wisdom. You will change him". Max laughed dryly before turning cold. 

"You know the rules, Stephen. If he ever got to know about you or us. He is dead. You can’t change him. And if you did and it’s exposed, you can’t save him. Either tell him like you took Mason in. Or set him free". Max said and they all looked at Stephen who was lost in thoughts before they all left. ..

************

Oh my god. Oh my god. He was freaking as he ran into his room slamming the door shut. His heart was beating so fast that he felt it would jump out of his chest. 

His mind was replaying the moments he spent with Stephen on the terrace before they all interrupted them. He was so involved in the moment that he didn't even notice when they came. 

Shit Callum . He beat his red cheeks trying to put some sense into himself but failed. The closeness was still sending chills. He hid his face in his hands and felt something stirring inside his body. 

Oh no.. Not now. Seriously? Getting hard on Stephen. He is your fucking boss idiot. He scolded himself. As if any more red was left. He ran to the ensuite washroom and only a cold shower could help him out. 

He was back in the room shivering. Quickly dressing up in his night suit he jumped into the comforters to get some sleep.  

The alarm rang at its time and he stretched leaving the bed. Shiaaaa. How can I face  Stephen now? But I have to go. He would be waiting. Oh no. What should I do? He was fighting himself while getting ready. 

Always on time, he was in the dining hall five minutes before 8. Wearing a baby pink shirt under the black blazer and slacks. He looked so cute. 

Stephen entered the hall and patted his shoulder as always before taking his seat. 

Callum  was trying very hard not to get pink. He wasn’t looking Stephen into his eyes. Stephen saw him and smiled knowing. He knew what he was feeling. Even it was too hard for Stephen to resist himself ravishing the cute bunny. He was looking so cute wearing pink. 

"Okay what’s the schedule today"? Stephen tried to divert him and he was successful. They were walking in the corridors that linked to the office.

"Ohh we had a meeting regarding the mergers last night. Papers signing. Then lunch. Then the board of directors would be waiting at 4pm. And that would be the last meeting. Depends when it ends". Callum  told him and Stephen nodded. 

"Reserve a table for 6 at 7:30. Usual spot". Stephen said and Callum  made a note on the ipad. 

"Done Boss". Callum  replied right when Stephen opened the door to the office. .

"Morning Boss". The four friends were busy with their work as they greeted Stephen. Stephen nodded but Callum was self conscious again. 

"Morning". He smiled and Max smiled too. 

"How are you doing buddy. Survived the night"? He teased. 

"Huh"? He was confused.

"He means how can you survive living with a big bad wolf under the same roof". Enzo added and everyone laughed including Stephen and poor Callum . 

"Boss". He was whining.

"Oh come on guys dont scare the little pup". This time Saint said and another laughter. 

"I.. I think I should leave". He was all flustered. Stephen glared at everyone playfully.

"Callum . The more you will blush. The more they will tease you. They are a tease, believe me". He softly ruffled his hair earning an OHHHHH from everyone. 

Before they could proceed with the tease game, they heard the intercom.

"Boss. The president of the Millar corp is here to sign the papers". It was their secretary. Max asked her to send them to the conference room. 

"Let’s go. Callum . Stay by my side". Stephen was serious. No sign of earlier fun.

"Boss. Can't I stay behind"? Callum  was nervous. 

"Listen Callum . You are meant to assist the Boss. You should not let anyone affect you. And beside the Boss is with you. Why to get scared". Zee held his shoulder and Callum  nodded his head. He was right. He didn’t need to worry as long as Stephen was there.

They entered the conference room and once again Callum  felt uneasy under the gaze of one particular person. He stepped behind Stephen's chair silently holding his blazer for some support. Stephen knew he was tense. But he wanted to deal with it after they signed the deal.  

The meeting ended in short. Adam was with his team. They all shook hands with everyone and when it was Callum 's turn. Max motioned him that he could shake hands. 

It turned out to be a mistake. As soon as Adam held a grip of Callum 's hand, he pulled him. Circling his arms around him caging him to his chest. 

Stephen clucked his tongue in disapproval. He held his hand to stop his men launching on Adam and blood shedding. 

"Leave him". His blood boiling looking at a struggling Callum . No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t escape Adam's strength. 

"He surely smells good, Stephen. I wonder how you could resist him after tasting his soft plump lips. Huh"! He whispered against Callum 's cheek, licking him. His eyes glowing red. 

It was getting much tougher for Stephen not to snap on him. He knew if he shifted to his original self, it would scare Callum  to the core. And this was something he didn’t want. 

"Leave my boy Adam while I am polite". Stephen said again. But he got to hear a disgusting evil laughter.

"Oh my. Someone is being possessive. I wonder what else Stephen could do". Adam bit softly at the crook of Callum 's neck sniffing his natural scent. 

"Pl...please leave me.. Do.. Don't tou..touch me.. Please". Callum  was crying trying to get free.

"Owh. Little cub is scared. Oh no boy. Don’t be scared. We can have so much fun. Come with me and I promise it will be a hell better and exciting than this Stephen". Adam turned his face forcefully inching close to those lips.

"Damn. You have such tasty and juicy lips. How would it feel if ". Callum  pursed his lips tightly. His cheeks wet with the over flowing tears and the saliva where Adam was licking. And suddenly he was pulled off and secured to a stone cold chest. 

"Enzo, take him to the office. Let me handle it". It was a moment of loose grip when Adam slipped his grip and Stephen pulled Callum  out of his filthy hands. Enzo hurried taking a crying Callum with him. Saint followed him too. 

"What the fuck Stephen. Look. We can have fun. We can share right"? Adam turned to Stephen and Stephen punched him hard.

"What part of HE IS MY BOY can't you understand? He is mine damn it". Stephen roared.

"Yours. Hah. What a joke. Okay. Since you are not listening to my offer. Lets say. Hand him over to me or I will tell the originals. Then you will lose this business and that boy toy too. So think and tell me. I hope you will choose wisely". Adam smirked before leaving but his feet halted.

"Utter a single word and your hidden dungeons will be exposed". With that Stephen left the conference room running to the office. He knew Zee and Max would handle the rest. 

**********

Stephen POV

*********

"Callum ". My heart would have  shattered into pieces  at the sight, only if I had one. Callum  was crying. His eyes puffed. His lips were red and quivering. His cheek was all red and bruised. Indicating how hard he had scratched it. 

"Hey. Hey, it's okay. Shush". I held him in my arms, hiding him. He was hiccuping hard. Enzo looked at me and left the room. Subtly giving us privacy.

" …” 

"Shush Callum. It’s okay boy. I am here. Calm down". I was trying to calm him but nothing was working. I had no other option but to put him to sleep. And for that I needed Saint. Yes he had the power to put someone asleep. 

I pressed the intercom asking for Saint and he was there in no time. 

"Callum . Come here. Look at me". He softly held Callum  who was trying to keep himself up. He was losing his consciousness. Exhausted. 

"It’s okay. Sleep. We all are here. No one can harm you. Shush. Sleep". He held Callum 's face in his and within seconds Callum  passed out in my arms. 

I lifted him up and put him on the couch in the office making him comfortable. Just then the door opened to Max, Enzo and Zee.

"Sleeping"? Zee said, looking at him. 

"Poor boy". Max looked at him and took his seat.

"What now"? Enzo asked and I looked at them. 

"They are going to pay". I said and they all nodded. 

My baby had to suffer because of Adam Millar. I will make sure to turn his life into Hell.  

*******

Tabby