011: After the heat

Thursday, 30ᵗʰ January 2025

Bright rays of sunshine filtered into the room through the thin gaps in the curtains. The air was filled with the faint hum of passing cars, punctuated by an occasional honk. The light fell across the raven-haired man’s face, making him stir slightly. His mind unconsciously replayed the passionate night before—a night he wasn’t sure he’d ever have the chance to relive. Especially since this time, it had been born of willingness rather than a drunken plea.

His eyes twitched. He knew he had to wake up, even though he really didn’t want to.

The male took a moment to recall the delicious fantasy of the night he’d had.

LIAM

He already did it once, so why am I getting so worked up at the thought of him leaving again? Snap out of it, Liam. If he left this time, you just won’t let it slide.

I slowly opened my eyes, fully expecting to wake up to an empty bed—but instead, I was met with a sight that nearly made me jump. Lying peacefully opposite me was a shirtless Adam.

And mamma mia—what a sight.

If I thought the guy looked hot while focused, then I couldn’t have been more wrong. A peacefully sleeping, shirtless Adam was on a whole other level of hotness. Sure, I’d slept with people of all genders before, but I usually left before they woke up. So actually waking up to a not-empty bed for the first time was unfamiliar territory.

I took in the sight before me.

So this is how he looks up close without glasses. God really took His time creating His favorites, I thought.

I searched for my phone and was surprised to find it fully charged on the nightstand. Had Adam woken up earlier just to make sure I could use it? I shrugged the thought off. He probably had—so I wouldn’t bother him during the day. Typical Adam.

My plan was simple: walk out in my boxers, take a shower, and somehow skip school. But before all that, a thought struck me. I pulled out my phone and discreetly snapped a selfie beside the sleeping male.

Definitely blackmail material.

Seizing the opportunity, I slowly reached out and ran my fingers through his hair. So soft. Perfect. Just like the flawless façade he put up.

My gaze drifted lower, fully admiring his body before settling on his lips.

“Maybe… just maybe—”

As I carelessly reached out, Adam’s hand suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me toward him. In the blink of an eye, I was somehow straddling him, my knees planted on either side, supporting my weight. Our faces were inches apart.

A smirk spread across his lips as he finally opened his eyes—no longer their usual golden shade, but something closer to beer.

“I just woke up and you’re already testing my patience,” Adam said. “You really are something else, kid. I’ll give you that.”

Did he just make a snarky remark that sounded like flirting? Yeah—he definitely hit my head too hard last night.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I tried to pull away, but damn—did the guy have a grip. As if to taunt me, he yanked me closer, and then nibbled my earlobe in a dominating manner. I froze as shivers of pleasure shot down my spine.

“Still as delicious as ever.”

And, as if the timing couldn’t be worse, the master bedroom door opened.

Yoon stood there with a maid holding a breakfast tray, clearly expecting no one else to be present. The maid nearly dropped the tray, while Yoon struggled to suppress his laughter. I swear, if he let even a sound escape, he’d earn himself a permanent place in my black book.

Yoon cleared his throat and apologized for interrupting before quickly ushering the maid out.

“Great,” I muttered. “Now the entire mansion will think we’re actually—God, I can’t even say it.”

Once they were gone, Adam finally loosened his grip, and I broke free.

Frustrated and flushed, I got off the bed, desperate to get out of there. My room was all the way down the hall, and the staff was probably already awake. Walking out in just my boxers—especially with God-knows-how-many hickeys—wasn’t an option.

And since none of my clothes were in the room, I had only one choice.

Reluctantly, I turned to face the blonde, who lounged against the headboard, completely shameless. Crossing my arms and clearing my throat, I asked if he had something I could wear.

He looked me up and down in silence before replying.

“Not sure. It’s laundry day, but I can probably find an oversized shirt. If you’re interested.”

“How about adding sweatpants?” I said. “Something to cover more skin.”

“Nah. The shirt’s enough. But you’re always welcome to walk out in just your boxers—your choice.”

I clenched my fists. I’m supposed to do the teasing—not the other way around.

With no other option, I nodded reluctantly.

This is going to be a long day.

Later that morning, Adam sat in the dining area, sipping his Americano. The staff noticed his unusually good mood—something they hadn’t seen in quite some time. Even Yoon seemed pleasantly surprised.

Once alone with his young master, Yoon finally asked, “Pardon me for asking, but what seems to have put you in such a pleasant mood this morning?”

“Pleasant mood?” Adam replied thoughtfully. “I didn’t even notice. Where’s the kid?”

“He left before breakfast, saying he had urgent matters to attend to.”

Couldn’t face me, could you, kid? Adam mused.

At first, he’d only wanted to make up for standing him up. But now, he found himself craving the other’s presence. The memory of teasing him that morning brought a smile to his lips.

Yet one thought lingered—his inevitable demotion. He had expected to be summoned that day, though Heaven seemed to be taking its time. Still, the effects had already begun. He’d noticed it when he caught a glimpse of his reflection—grey eyes where amber once was.

He glanced down at his rosary. It remained golden.

Adam sighed—not in defeat, but in contempt.

At the same time, Liam sat in his club, The Abyss, nursing a latte instead of his usual morning martini. Eden’s influence had doubled the club’s income tenfold. What had started as a childish whim had become a brilliant business strategy.

His thoughts drifted back to the previous night, lingering on one detail—the collar that had once been intact now hung loosely around his neck as a ring on a thick black string.

He didn’t need to hide it anymore, but why had Adam even done that?

The office door opened, revealing Nathan in casual wear. The redhead dropped onto the sofa, exhausted.

Liam raised a brow. “You look dead.”

“Not tired,” Nathan replied. “Just bored.”

That earned him an eye roll.

“Didn’t you just… do whatever it is you do with Kim a few days ago?”

“A few days ago? More like last night.” Nathan smirked. “What? I was bored. And trust me, it’s the last time. I don’t repeat snacks. Bottoming definitely isn’t my thing. Which reminds me—aren’t you supposed to be in school? And where’s the collar?”

Before Liam could answer, a flashback struck him as demonic mana resurfaced.

Wait… did I bite him last night?

If he’d accessed his mana, he must have found a loophole in the contract. He’d unknowingly given Adam a love bite—and during a pheromone debt.

That meant only one thing.

A love bind.

“Fuck,” Liam muttered, jumping to his feet. “I screwed up. I’ll talk to you later—and try not to fuck every friend I have.”

“I make no promises,” Nathan replied.

And with that, Liam was gone.

Half an hour later, Liam shifted into a raven and slipped onto Adam’s balcony. Returning to human form, he entered the room—only to find it empty.

Rumors about their morning had already spread like wildfire. Facing the staff wasn’t an option.

“If you’re looking for the young master,” a voice said behind him, “I doubt you’ll find him here.”

Liam turned to see Yoon dusting a shelf.

“Where is he?”

“He wishes to keep his whereabouts confidential.”

“From me?” Liam snapped—then faltered. “That came out wrong. Of course I don’t expect you to tell me. We’re not even close.”

Yoon raised a brow.

Liam sighed.

“Yep,” he muttered. “It’s official. I’m losing it.”