The sun had set by the time Kian arrived at Adrian's apartment building, the city lights casting an orange glow across the sleek exterior. Kian hesitated outside the entrance, his heart pounding as he stared at the imposing high-rise.
Adrian lived in a world Kian had only glimpsed—a world of luxury and power that felt worlds apart from his own. The polished marble lobby and uniformed doorman were just another reminder of the gap between them, one Kian wasn't sure he wanted to cross.
But Marcus's message replayed in his mind, a cold echo that left no room for doubt. "You think this is over? Think again."
Kian stepped inside, his shoes clicking softly against the pristine floor as he approached the front desk.
"I'm here to see Adrian Blackwell," he said, his voice steadier than he felt.
The concierge gave him a polite nod, checking a list before gesturing toward the elevator. "Penthouse suite. Mr. Blackwell is expecting you."
Kian swallowed hard, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the top floor. The ride was smooth and silent, but the knot in his chest tightened with each passing second.
When the elevator doors opened, Kian found himself standing in a private foyer, the space illuminated by warm, ambient lighting. A single door marked the entrance to Adrian's apartment.
Kian hesitated for a moment before knocking.
The door opened almost immediately, revealing Adrian. Dressed in a black sweater and dark jeans, he looked far more casual than Kian had ever seen him, but his commanding presence remained unchanged.
"Come in," Adrian said, stepping aside to let Kian enter.
The apartment was as sleek and imposing as Kian had imagined—floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city, and the minimalist decor exuded an air of understated luxury. But Kian barely noticed, his focus entirely on Adrian.
"Marcus texted me," Kian said, holding up his phone. "He said, 'This isn't over.' What does that mean?"
Adrian's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he closed the door behind them. "It means he's desperate."
Kian frowned, following Adrian into the living room. "Desperate for what?"
"To regain control," Adrian replied, pouring himself a glass of scotch from the bar cart. He gestured toward the decanter. "Want one?"
Kian shook his head, his nerves too raw for alcohol. "Adrian, what's going on? You said HR was handling this."
"They are," Adrian said, taking a sip of his drink. "But Marcus isn't the type to go quietly. He's going to try to rattle you, make you doubt yourself, or worse, make you doubt me."
Kian's chest tightened. "And what if he does more than that? What if he tries to... retaliate?"
Adrian set his glass down, his gray eyes locking onto Kian's with an intensity that made his breath hitch. "That's why you're here. I won't let him get to you."
Kian swallowed hard, the weight of Adrian's protectiveness both reassuring and overwhelming. "How are you so sure you can stop him?"
Adrian's lips curved into a faint smirk, though there was no humor in it. "Because I've dealt with people like Marcus before. He's ambitious, but he's also predictable. And right now, he's cornered."
Kian shook his head, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't want to be caught in the middle of this, Adrian. I didn't ask for any of it."
Adrian stepped closer, his gaze softening slightly. "I know. And I'm sorry you've been dragged into it. But I need you to trust me, Kian. Let me handle Marcus."
The sincerity in Adrian's tone caught Kian off guard, leaving him unsure how to respond.
"What if he comes after me?" Kian asked, his voice quieter now.
Adrian's jaw tightened, his expression hardening. "He won't. Not if I have anything to say about it."
The conviction in Adrian's voice sent a shiver down Kian's spine, but it also sparked a flicker of hope. For all his flaws, Adrian's determination to protect him felt genuine—something Marcus's words couldn't erode.
---
The conversation shifted to logistics, Adrian outlining the steps HR was taking and what Kian could expect in the coming days. But as the night wore on, the tension between them remained palpable.
"You can stay here tonight if you want," Adrian said as Kian stood to leave.
Kian blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"It's late," Adrian said, his tone calm. "And if Marcus is stupid enough to try anything, I'd rather you be somewhere safe."
Kian hesitated, his heart pounding. The idea of staying in Adrian's apartment felt surreal, like crossing a line he wasn't sure he was ready for.
"I'll be fine," Kian said finally, though his voice lacked conviction.
Adrian studied him for a moment before nodding. "If you're sure."
"I am," Kian said, heading for the door. But as he stepped into the elevator and watched Adrian's apartment fade from view, a part of him wondered if he'd just made a mistake.
---
The next day, the office was buzzing with whispers about Marcus's sudden absence. Some speculated he'd been fired, while others suggested he was on leave. Kian kept his head down, avoiding the conversations as best he could.
By midday, an email from HR confirmed the rumors.
---
Subject: Staffing Update
Dear Team,
We wanted to inform you that Marcus Calloway is no longer with the company. Please direct any inquiries regarding his projects to your department leads.
Best regards,
HR Department
---
Kian stared at the screen, his chest tightening. It was over—or at least, it should've been. But the tension in his gut refused to ease.
Adrian appeared at his cubicle later that afternoon, his expression unreadable. "You saw the email?"
Kian nodded. "Yeah. He's gone."
"For now," Adrian said, his voice low. "But I don't want you letting your guard down. If Marcus tries to contact you again, tell me immediately."
Kian swallowed hard, nodding. "Okay."
Adrian's gaze lingered on him, his gray eyes softening slightly. "You did well, Kian. Don't forget that."
Kian's chest tightened, a mix of relief and unease swirling within him. "Thanks."
As Adrian walked away, Kian couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end—just a temporary pause in a game that was far from finished.