Caught

A single tear slipped down his flushed cheek. His whole body shook violently when my fingers slid down to wrap around his throat. I could feel his pulse hammering like crazy under my palm.

“I’m sorry,” he gasped out, his voice totally wrecked. His hands clutched my wrist. He wasn't pushing me away. He was holding onto me like a lifeline. The big bulge in his trousers pressed tight against the fabric.

I pushed his head down until his hot cheek brushed the front of my trousers. “You belong to me now. You are my toy. My shadow. Say it.”

“Yes…” he whispered brokenly. His lips were parted, and his hot breath scorched right through my pants. “Anything. I’m yours.”

I tightened my grip on his throat for a split second. I didn't stop his air, but I made him gasp so he felt my total control.

Adrian’s chest heaved up and down. His eyes were wide and full of fear and dark obsession. [1]

"I’m so sorry," he choked out against my hand. "Noah, I’m sorry. I was an idiot six years ago. I was scared of what people would say. I have thought about you every single day since then."

"Shut up," I commanded. I pushed his head back roughly. He stumbled, his hands hitting the dirty floor so he wouldn't fall over. He sat there on his knees, panting like a dog. His hair was completely messy from my grip. He looked up at my thighs, waiting for my next command.

"You want to save your empire?" I asked, looking down at him coldly. "Then you belong to me. Every time I call, you run. Every time I command, you obey. You will marry Chloe Vance for the cameras, but behind closed doors, you are my plaything."

Adrian stared at me, his face totally pale. But I saw the exact moment his pride died.

"Yes," Adrian whispered. "Anything."

Right then, the heavy service door at the end of the hallway clicked open.

The bright, warm light from the ballroom cut a sharp line across the dark floor.

It wasn't Julian.

Chloe Vance stood right in the doorway. Her expensive diamond earrings caught the light. She stood completely frozen, her eyes wide with total horror. She saw her fiancé on his knees, his face inches from my crotch, his lips wet and shaking.

Chloe’s breath hitched loudly. She dropped her small clutch purse. The silk bag hit the floor with a soft thud.

"Adrian...?" she choked out. Her voice was shaking with shock and disgust.

Adrian snapped his head toward the door. His face went entirely white. He scrambled backward on the floor like a scared animal, his hands slipping on the dust as he tried to stand up fast. "Chloe! Wait, it’s not what it looks like! I can explain!"

I didn't let him finish. I didn't even look at his frantic face.

Slowly, I reached down and casually brushed a speck of dust off my black tailored trousers. I stepped right past Adrian’s shaking body and walked calmly toward the door.

As I reached the exit, I stopped right next to Chloe. She was staring at me, her chest heaving with pure rage and confusion. I gave her a polite, ice-cold nod.

"Excuse me," I murmured smoothly.

I stepped around her and walked out into the bright ballroom, leaving the heavy door to swing shut behind me. Behind that wood, I could already hear Adrian's frantic, pathetic begging turn into absolute chaos.