Alex guided a blindfolded Ethan down the hallway, his hand gently resting on Ethan’s back.Ethan laughed. ''Where are you taking me, Alex?''''We’re almost there, baby.'' Alex replied with a smile.They reached the door. Alex opened it, led Ethan inside, and quietly shut it behind them. He paused, taking a deep breath. He wasn’t sure how Ethan would react, but it was time.He reached up and carefully removed the blindfold.Ethan blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light. Then his jaw dropped. His eyes widened in shock.He looked around, speechless.The room glowed with soft red LED lights. In the center stood a massive water bed, and on top of it—a sleek black box filled with every imaginable BDSM tool.Ethan’s legs felt weak. He turned to Alex slowly, disbelief written all over his face.''Alex!'' He said, stunned.Alex swallowed hard. He’d expected this reaction, but it still made his heart race.Trying to stay calm, he asked. ''Do you… like it?''Ethan’s eyes didn’t leave the bed.
Alex and Ethan arrived at the company in Alex’s car. As they parked, Ethan turned to him with a small smile. ''I’ll go in first.'' He said.But just as he reached for the door, Alex held his hand, stopping him.Ethan turned, confused. ''What’s wrong?''Alex looked at him for a moment, his eyes searching. ''I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet since we left home. Are you okay?''Ethan forced a small, reassuring smile. ''It’s nothing. I’m fine. Don’t worry so much.''But Alex didn’t let it go. ''I know it’s not nothing. Talk to me. Please.''Maybe it was the way Alex looked at him—the concern in his eyes, the softness in his voice. Ethan sighed. ''I overheard your conversation with Lily.''That was all Alex needed to understand.''Baby…'' He said quietly.Ethan continued, his voice low. ''I know it’s too much. The weight of keeping our relationship a secret… I feel sorry, Alex. I wish things weren’t this complicated. If I wasn’t engaged to Lily, maybe things would’ve been easier.''Alex shook
Morning light spilled gently into the room.Ethan stirred as he felt a soft kiss on his cheek. ''Good morning.'' Alex whispered.Ethan groaned, eyes fluttering open. He saw Alex grinning down at him with a triumphant smile and scoffed, then lightly pushed him away.Alex burst out laughing. ''What’s wrong, baby? Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed—or are you just upset because I won the challenge?''Ethan rolled his eyes. ''How is that even possible?''He had tried everything to seduce Alex the night before—soft touches, teasing glances, even pressing himself close enough to make Alex lose focus. But somehow, Alex’s determination to win had been stronger.In truth, Alex had struggled. Every time Ethan got close, it took everything in him not to give in. His body had begged him to surrender, especially during the most tempting moments. But he held back, clinging to the deal he made.At one point, he nearly gave up. But he forced himself to resist, just to prove a point.N
Ethan stood in front of Alex’s home, his heart heavy with worry. He had been trying to reach Alex all day, but his calls went unanswered. That silence only made him more anxious.He rang the doorbell, hoping Alex was home. Truthfully, he didn’t even know where else to look.No one came.He rang again, waiting with growing unease. A few minutes passed before he saw Alex walking toward the gate. The moment Alex spotted him, he quickened his pace, unlocking the gate in a rush.They stood face to face, silent for a moment. Ethan saw it clearly—the hurt in Alex’s eyes.Then Alex pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly. ''I’m so glad you’re here.'' He whispered.Ethan slowly wrapped his arms around him, returning the embrace.He had no idea how much his presence meant to Alex right now. How much relief Alex felt just being in his arms. Ethan was his safe haven—his calm in the storm.When Alex finally felt steady again, he pulled back gently and took Ethan’s hand.Together, they walked in
The car pulled up in front of the Ray mansion. Ethan and Lily stepped out.Ethan stared at the grand house, letting out a deep breath. He hadn’t planned to come here today. But after Alex’s call—his voice sharp, angry, demanding answers—he knew he had to.He still couldn’t believe his mother had seen the kiss and taken a photo. Why would she do that? And now Alex had seen it. Ethan had no idea how this would go, but he hoped Alex could stay calm, and not give them away.Lily rushed to his side and linked her hand with his. ''Come on.'' She said cheerfully. ''My parents will be glad to see you.''Ethan gave a tight smile and nodded.Together, they walked inside—hand in hand.As soon as they stepped inside, Lily led Ethan to the living room. ''Wait here.'' She said with a smile. ''I’ll go get my parents.''Ethan nodded, but the moment she left, he rushed upstairs, heading straight to Alex’s room. He knocked quickly, and to his surprise, Alex opened the door almost instantly—like he’d be
Ethan had just finished getting ready when a knock came at his door. He opened it to find Lily standing outside.''Lily.'' He said, surprised. ''What brings you here?''She smiled softly. ''Your mom asked me to check on you.'' She said, then quickly added, ''May I come in? I just realized I’ve never seen your room. Is that okay?''Ethan hesitated for a moment. ''Uh… sure. You can come in. But there’s really not much to see, it’s just normal.''He stepped aside, and Lily walked in, standing in the center of the room as she took it all in. It was elegant, masculine, and quietly impressive.Her eyes landed on a pair of headphones lying on the bed. She walked over and picked them up, inspecting them closely. ''These look amazing.'' She said. ''It’s like they’re customized. I’ve never seen anything like them.''She wanted to wear them, but Ethan quickly rushed over and gently took them from her hands. ''Yeah.'' He said, trying to stay calm. ''They’re customized.''He couldn’t let her put t