CHAPTER 214: CHAPTER 214: HIS OLDER BROTHER, MY HUSBAND

~Evric’s POV~

We arrived at the hotel, and immediately, the air felt different. Even in the car park, there was a noticeable number of luxury sedans and security detail, indicating that many attendees for the launch—or at least high-profile guests, were already here.

I stepped out of the car first and instinctively reached for Zayn’s hand. As we were about to walk through the lobby to check in, he gently removed his hand from mine. I didn’t see it as a big deal; he was probably nervous about the public setting.

We walked to the elevator with my driver carrying our bags. I took Zayn’s hand again, and I enjoyed the brief, contained silence of the ride. But as we neared our floor and were about to step outside the elevator, Zayn gently removed his hand from mine again. This time, I raised an eyebrow, a question forming on my lips, but before I could comment, the doors opened.

I was only a few steps from the room Karl booked when a voice called out behind me.

I turned to see Liora. Her father is a business partner of my father’s, and she is a fairly famous model.

"Hi, Liora," I greeted her.

She smiled and walked towards me, radiating confidence. "Evric, it’s been a while," she said, her voice teasing. "Our CEO?" she added, making a playful reference to my new status while keeping the tone light and friendly.

We exchanged quick pleasantries, but her eyes quickly shifted past me to Zayn. She looked him up and down, a teasing glint in her eyes. "And who," she said, turning back to me, "is this handsome man?"

Liora and I aren’t that close, so she wouldn’t necessarily know I was gay. I was about to say my partner, a vague term that could cover either a lover or a business associate but Zayn was fast.

He extended his hand to Liora with a charming smile. "I’m Zayn," he introduced himself smoothly. "Evric’s older brother. Not by blood, of course."

I stared at Zayn, my mouth slightly agape, but Liora cut in before I could correct him.

"I understand!" she said with a bright laugh. "Wow, you look handsome, though." She turned back to me, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "You won’t mind if I get your ’brother’s’ number, right?"

I shot a sharp look at Zayn, letting him see the instant, hot spike of jealousy in my eyes.

Zayn, however, handled it perfectly. "Could you drop me your card?" he asked Liora. "I’ll reach out to you."

"Okay, handsome," Liora said, delighted. She handed him her card. "See you around, handsome," she called to Zayn, before giving me a final wave.

As soon as we were inside the quiet, luxurious suite and the door clicked shut, Zayn burst into laughter.

"Oh my God," he managed between gasps of air.

I threw my briefcase onto a chair, stalking toward him with my hands on my hips. "’Older brother’ my foot," I grumbled.

Zayn was laughing so hard he couldn’t speak, knowing full well how intensely jealous I was. He finally calmed down enough to sink onto the edge of the large bed.

I made my move. I strode forward, went straight to the bed, and pinned him back, climbing onto his body. I held his wrists above his head, my eyes blazing with faux fury and very real desire.

"I’m jealous," I stated plainly.

"I know," Zayn murmured, his smile melting into something sensual. He slipped his wrists free and wrapped his hands around my waist, holding me close. "I know you don’t like me using the word ’friend,’" he explained, a genuine kindness in his tone. "That’s why I used ’older brother.’ At least I’m older than you."

"You are older than me," I admitted, my voice dropping, "but I’m your husband, so I’m older in that line of authority."

"Accepted," he whispered, pulling me closer. "My husband. Please don’t be jealous." He guided my face down. "Kiss me."

And I did. I kissed him, erasing Liora and the entire lobby from my mind. Afterward, I simply collapsed against his chest, holding him in a protective hug. My heart was finally calm.

We stayed tangled together for a few precious minutes until a discreet knock sounded at the door—Karl.

With a final, lingering kiss, I pulled myself off Zayn and went to open the door. Karl, impeccably dressed and carrying a travel garment bag, gave a silent nod and stepped inside, immediately getting to work.

"I need my suit and the necessities for the early press briefing," I told him. "I won’t be returning here. We’ll see each other at the venue later."

Karl quickly gathered the required items and stepped outside to wait for me. I walked back to the bed where Zayn was watching, his expression a perfect blend of amusement and expectation.

I leaned down and gave him one final, deep kiss. As I pulled away, I couldn’t resist. I playfully tapped his cock through his pants, gave it a quick squeeze, and then laughed as I dashed the door.

"Fuck you, Evric!" Zayn shouted after me, but I was already closing the door and walking swiftly down the hall with Karl.

We arrived at the grand venue, which was already a hive of activity. Karl efficiently guided me past security and straight to the dressing rooms reserved for the main speakers.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by a flurry of new faces, stylists, publicists, and event organizers, until I spotted Vanya in a corner, already having her hair touched up. I quickly went to sit beside her.

She immediately leaned in. "You won’t believe the atmosphere out there," she whispered, quickly summarizing the rumors swirling in the press room. I couldn’t help but see Nuala’s blood in her; she narrated everything with Nuala’s characteristic sharp, detailed efficiency. She mentioned the intense focus on the project’s financial projections and, of course, the renewed gossip about my personal life.

After a while, the final countdown began. We finished dressing in our tailored suits and had the necessary makeup and hair styling adjustments. The clock neared four P.M.—it was time.

"My father is coming," Vanya said, checking her reflection one last time.

"Mine too," I replied, feeling a familiar mix of dread and anticipation.

After a few final checks, the event began with the necessary introductions. Vanya and I walked inside the main hall together, taking our designated seats side-by-side near the stage. I was nervous, but I tried to appear composed.

I scanned the enormous hall. It was completely full. The most prominent faces in the city’s business and political circles were present, including Nuala, who gave me a subtle nod from her front-row seat. The only two people who weren’t there were Evans and Zayn.

Evans had messaged me earlier, confirming he was on his way to the hotel to pick Zayn up, and my anxiety began to climb. Why were they not here yet? The hall was now completely silent, waiting for the speakers.

Vanya noticed my distraction. "Is everything okay?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," I lied.

The host of the event launched into a grand introduction of the project, detailing its importance and impact on the global market. The lights dimmed, a short introductory film played, and then the moment arrived.

"And now," the host boomed, "to hear about the future of this project, please welcome the brilliant young minds behind its conception: Vanya Martixus and Evric Draeven!"

Vanya and I stood and walked toward the steps leading to the stage. Just as I took the first step, the large mahogany doors at the back of the hall swung open with a muffled thud.

I looked up. Evans and Zayn entered the hall together, instantly drawing every eye in the room.