CHAPTER 61: 61: OBEDIENCE OR RUIN

The sudden, defiant claim and the question—’ I’m gay, Alex. What about you?—delivered just before the kiss, detonated the last vestiges of Alexander’s self-control.

The kiss Adrian initiated was a furious, desperate blaze, confirming the desire Alexander had been wrestling with since the moment he saw his secretary transformed.

Alexander didn’t resist or retreat; he reacted with brutal, possessive need. His hands instantly clamped onto Adrian’s thighs, lifting him and pulling him across the centre console with crushing force. Adrian found himself sprawled half in Alexander’s lap, half wedged against the gear shift, their lips locked in a deep, chaotic kiss that devoured the air and the pretence.

The massage Adrian initiated was returned tenfold; Alexander’s hand, still cupping Adrian’s heat, tightened and squeezed, a clear act of conquest that elicited a sharp, muffled gasp into Alexander’s mouth.

When Alexander finally broke the kiss—it was merely a pause for breath, their foreheads remaining pressed together—he was breathing like he’d run a mile, his control visibly frayed. His eyes, fixed on Adrian’s, were a blinding storm of desire and ownership.

"Gay, straight, whatever, Adrian," Alexander ground out, his voice hoarse, the words barely escaping his throat. "You are mine. You forfeited the right to choose the moment you signed that damned contract."

He shifted his grip on Adrian’s arousal, squeezing gently before releasing, the cold command temporarily regaining ground over the lust.

Alexander leaned back slightly, pinning Adrian firmly in the car seat. The atmosphere remained charged, but the heat had been sharply focused by the CEO’s iron will.

"You like to play games," Alexander stated, his voice returning to that low, dangerous executive tone. "And you like to test boundaries. But you will not use this... this situation to distract me from the severity of your actions."

He carefully reached up and adjusted the red wig, tucking a stray strand behind Adrian’s ear, the gesture surprisingly tender yet utterly dominating.

"You called me Alex," he continued, his eyes piercing. "As my wife, or my secretary?" He asked slowly, eyes sharp and observing.

Adrian inhaled shakily, "Me, Alex. Just Adrian." He gulped, heart thumping.

Alexander’s eyes glazed over for a second before they sharpened again. He wasn’t going to let himself get deceived again.

Adrian was a master of deception, and for all he knew, Adrian might be trying to take advantage of this attraction between them to get his sins forgiven.

Not happening.

"Well then, Adrian, you’re not allowed, you’re not worthy to say my name. Adrienne can say it in front of my mother, and after that, you will refer to me as boss. That’s the only valid relationship between us. No Alexander, no Alex. A snake like you should never be trusted. Am I understood?" He asked huskily.

Adrian slowly nodded.

"Words, Adrian," Alexander snapped.

"Yes, Boss," Adrian whispered.

Alexander looked away, clenching his fists, "You will come with me to see my mother, you will act the part, and you will answer my questions when we are alone. We are going to strip this mess down to the core, and you are going to pay the price. Not with money, but with obedience."

Alexander withdrew his hand from Adrian’s thigh, the sudden absence of heat feeling like a punishment itself. He reached for the door handle.

"Get out, Adrienne. Fix your clothes and your face. My mother is waiting."

He stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut.

Adrian was left alone in the stifling heat of the car interior, trembling and disoriented, the scent of Alexander and the stinging reality of his new captivity heavy in the air.

Alexander did not wait for Adrian. He simply leaned against the hood of the car, jacket straightened, eyes scanning the street, projecting an image of calm authority that belied the chaos he had just unleashed inside the vehicle.

Adrian took a shuddering breath, his hands shaking as he tried to smooth his skirt and adjust his position. His only thought was to comply. He had been claimed, stripped bare, and issued a singular, absolute command: Obedience.

He quickly fixed his hair and face and got out of the car.

He slowly walked to Alexander, his face lowered and hair falling over the sides of his face just so he could hide the hurt in his eyes from Alexander.

"I’m done, boss," Adrian said, biting his painted lip.

Alexander frowned, raking his eyes over Adrian.

Gently, he pulled Adrian close and draped his arm around his waist, "Behave. Obey. If she so much as suspects a thing, you’re going behind bars, little wife." He whispered into Adrian’s ear in a way a passerby would think the couple were having an intimate moment, not knowing the poor wife’s life was in danger.

Adrian nodded, "Yes, boss." He answered and straightened up, his eyes looking at the cafe with determination, "Let’s go." He said calmly.

Alexander narrowed his eyes at him, sensing the determination in his voice.

He tightened his arm around Adrian’s waist and led him into the cafe.

They walked into the place and Adrian felt a little relieved when he saw only a handful of people scattered around the black, round tables, minding their businesses.

He would have gotten more nervous if he had had many people around.

"She’s in the VIP," Alexander said and led Adrian toward a door at the end of the cafe.

Adrian said nothing and simply followed obediently.

Alexander gently pushed in the VIP door, hoping to see his mother alone.

However, the moment they walked it the quiet, fancy space, their steps slowed, eyes flashed in surprise and brains raced with a quick and effective escape plan.

Sebastian Vale was sitting right next to Mrs. Devereux.

"Ah, here they are," Mrs. Devereux sighted them and waved them over with a smile.

Alexander took a step forward but Adrian didn’t, causing Alexander to send him a glare.

He gritted his teeth and faced Adrian, cupping his chin like he wanted to kiss his dear wife, "Behave, wife. The last thing I want is Sebastian discovering my secret, you. Behave, Adrian." He whispered and placed a gentle kiss on Adrian’s cheek before he turned and pulled him along with him.

Adrian had no chance to school his shocked expression, he stumbled in his heels a few times as Alexander pulled him along.

His eyes lowered the moment Sebastian’s eyes fell on him. He was scared, scared the young man might see right through him just like Alexander had.

He might have been exposed and humiliated by Alexander but he wouldn’t want to get humiliated in front of other people, people he considered good friends.

"Good evening, Mother," Alexander greeted, lowering his head to kiss his mother’s cheek.

"Hi, son," she said, hugging him.

She stood, pulling the quiet Adrian into her arms.

"Hi, mother," Adrian hugger back gently, his voice softened to sound like Adrienne.

"Aww, what could be bothering my vibrant daughter-in-law?" Mrs.Devereux questioned, cupping Adrian’s face.

Adrian smiled softly, "Nothing, Mother. Just a little headache –"

"Headache? Is it what I’m thinking?" She asked I’m a hushed tone, smiling widely.

Adrian froze, darting his eyes toward Alexander for help.

"Mother, let her sit first," Alexander gently pulled Adrian away and drew out a chair for him, acting like the caring husband he wasn’t.

"Thank you, Baby," Adrian spoke softly as he sat on the chair, smoothing her skirt on her thighs.

Alexander sat beside him, his eyes glancing briefly at his sober expression.

He was scared Adrian might let his emotions get the better of him, but so far, he was acting just fine.

Mr. Devereux resumed her seat beside Adrian and cleared her throat.

"I never knew my friend had such a stunning wife," Sebastian first spoke up, his eyes settling on Adrian, flashing him a charming smile.

Adrian smiled back, her fingers digging into his thighs.

"Oh, he does. Adrienne, meet Sebastian Vale, Alexander’s good friend since diaper days. Sebastian, official mert little Mrs. Devereux, my son’s beautiful wife." Mrs. Devereux was introduced.

Adrian was surprised, ’Friends since dapper days? What happens to rivalry,’

"A pleasure to meet you, Adrienne," Sebastian smiled, offering his hand across the table to Adrian for a handshake.

Before Adrian could lift his hand, Alexander beat him to it, taking Sebastian’s hand instead.

"Pleasure is ours, Sebastian," Alexander stated, moving Sebastian’s hand away from Adrian.

"Now, if you can tell us why you’re sitting here with my mother," Alexander asked, raising a questioning brow.

Sebastian chuckled, "Relax, Alexander. Before rivals, we were friends. Also, your mother is my mother’s best friend, and I simply drive my mother for a tea date with her bestie," he explained.

Mrs. Devereux smiled, "Yes, he did." She nodded.

"Then, where is your mother?" Alexander asked, smirking as he thought Sebastian was lying.

"Right here, handsome," A witty voice spoke behind them.

Adrian turned and saw the tall, slim woman who was a spitting image of Sebastian. There was no need to ask if she was his mother. Same warm brown eyes, and the same charming smile, they could almost pass as siblings.

Indeed, money retained youth.

"Hi, Agatha," Alexander was on his feet, kissing the woman’s cheek.

"Aww, still as charming as akwa–"

"He’s not charming, mother, he’s pretending with you –"

"Shus, Junior, don’t speak ill of your friend," Agatha shunned, hugged Alexander.

Adrian lifted his eyes to Sebastian, ’Junior?’ He almost laughed but his situation was unfortunately uncalled for laughter.

"Please, sit," Alexander gently drew out a chair beside his mother, holding it out for Agatha.

"Thank you, my sweet boy, oh, who is this Barbie?" Agatha asked the moment she saw Adrian’s face.

Mrs. Devereux cleared her throat, "That’s my daughter-in-law, Adrienne Devereux," She introduced with evident pride.

"Aww, she’s so cute," Agatha smiled, touching Adrian’s cheek.

"Thank you Ma’am –"

"Nah, Ma’am makes me feel ill, call me like your husband, Agatha," she corrected.

Adrian nodded, "It’s nice to meet you, Agatha." He spoke softly.

"You’re so beautiful," Agatha mentioned, glancing at Alexander, You’re lucky." She smiled.

"I am," Alexander placed a kiss on Adrian’s cheek, smiling at her, "She’s my world," he confessed, looking into Adrian’s eyes.

Adrian’s breath hitched. Alexander’s words stole his breath away, releasing warm tingles in his stomach. He knew it was an act, but he wished a day would come when Alexander would look at him that way and repeat those words.

No malice, no anger, no suspicion. Just pure and true love.

He slowly looked away from Alexander’s blue eyes, staring at her lap.

"Unfortunately, my son can’t have a wife. He’s only fixated on some boy. He’s cute though, and I don’t get why he still hasn’t made his move," Agatha sighed, placing her hand on her head.

"Mother, don’t," Sebastian said with dread, glancing at Alexander.

"What boy? Maybe we can help set them up," Mrs. Devereux whispered, smirking.

Agatha’s face lit up, "That would be brilliant," She said and picked up her phone to search for the picture.

Alexander was surprised by his mother. He never thought she’d have that reaction to a man wanting another man. He grew up viewing her as strict and anything that was outside normal had always been frowned upon by her.

But at that moment, he was realising that there were sides to his mother he never truly knew.

’She didn’t hate gay marriage?’

He glanced at Adrian and saw him rubbing his thumb over up upturned wrist, his eyes looking far away from the present.

Alexander frowned, Adrian looked, lost, alone. And he realised that Adrian was really alone.

Here he was, amidst rich sons and their mothers, while he sat quietly like an obedient slave Alexander had turned him into, feeling out of place and unseen.

While Alexander’s and Sebastian’s mother sat with them and laughed, his mother was eyeing death with every ticking clock.

Alexander lifted his hand, reaching over slowly to hold Adrian’s hand. However, what he heard next from Agatha made his hand drop in shock and sharp, possessive anger.

"Here he is. I believe his name is Adrian Cole," Agatha smiled, showing the phone to Mrs. Devereux.

Mrs. Devereux gasped lightly. "Oh? What a coincidence." Her eyes lifted to her son. "Alexander... do you see? Sebastian is in love with your secretary."

Silence fell like a blade.

And the look Alexander gave Adrian was a deadly mixture of shock—jealousy—and something even darker.