Eclipse - Chapter 39. Pay Back
Title: Eclipse
Author: CC
Story: In a love triangle caught in a complex web of power, lies, deception, hatred, and dark obsession, who will pay the highest price to find true happiness?
Rating: Rated R
Warnings: Graphic Sex, Non-Con
Pairing: Kradam
Disclaimer: This is purely fiction.
Word Count: 1611
Chapter 39. Pay Back
Why do I feel like I’m preparing for battle? Adam thought as he sat in his office waiting for Kris’s arrival.
Before Alex flew to China that morning, he informed Adam that Mr. Allen had set their first meeting today. Adam’s heart skipped a beat at the suddenness of the news. He wasn’t really given much time to analyze all of the confusing emotions he felt inside. So, despite his nervousness, he shoved all of these feelings inside and steeled himself for the inevitable meeting.
Adam spent the few hours he was given making sure he looked his best. There was really nothing to it, Adam thought defensive. This was always how he got ready when meeting a client.
Who are you kidding? A voice answered in rebuttal. You want to look good so Kris will notice you. He quickly dismissed the brutally honest voice inside his head.
As soon as he got to the office, he requested Sutan to join him in the meeting. The presence of another person might take the edge off things and help him relax a bit. If truth be told, what Adam was truly scared of was not being able to control his physical reactions toward Kris. After all he was already married, and he shouldn’t be entertaining sensual thoughts about another man, let alone an engaged man.
Over the intercom the calm voice of his secretary announced the arrival of Sutan and Adam told her to send him in.
“Hello, darling!” He kissed Adam on the cheek and took a seat at the conference table.
“I really appreciate you joining me today, Sutan.”
“Well, duh! I know he is an important client and I’m supposed to drop everything else I’m doing since he’s top priority, right?”
Just being around Sutan made Adam already feel a little better.
“Are you okay?” Sutan asked worried.
“What do you mean? Don’t I look okay?” Adam asked concerned that he might not be dressed properly or that he might be wearing too much of his heart out on his sleeve.
“Of course you’ll always look stunning. What I meant was, you look tensed. In fact you look like you’re made up of raw nerves and the slightest of touch would make you jump.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re exaggerating again. I’m just a little nervous that’s all. Who wouldn’t be when the fate of this project lie solely in my hands.”
Adam was glad when it appeared like he had convinced Sutan, but whatever progress he made disintegrated into nothingness when the intercom’s beep sounded and he jumped startled.
“Right… a little nervous. Try a nervous wreck,” Sutan said teasingly.
Adam smiled at Sutan sheepishly and pressed the intercom button.
“Mr. Allen is here to see you, Sir,” said the female voice on the other line.
“Thank you. Please send him in." Even Adam was surprised to hear the calm in his voice considering his heart was beating a hundred times faster than normal.
Adam released the breath he was holding when Kris walked into the office. All Adam wanted to do was run to him and hold him close and tell him how much he had missed him, tell him how long he had waited for this day to come, and tell him how much he still loved him.
But Kris’s cold demeanor felt like a dagger that sliced at his heart and trampled his hope that if they could no longer be lovers at least they could still try to save their friendship. Adam soon realized that he was such a fool to think that that was still possible. There was no emotion on Kris’s face other than the glint of hurt and pain in his eyes that Kris quickly masked with indifference. The pain almost choked Adam. He hurriedly blinked back the tears that stung his eyes and lowered his head to steady his breathing.
Keep it together! You can’t fall into pieces now! You can do this! Despite the deep ache in his heart, Adam collected himself and respected Kris’s decision to keep him at arm’s length.
Kris did not beat around the bush. As soon as the cordial greetings were done, he quickly dove into business.
“I am confident that Alex left me in the competent hands of his top designer. I will only be here for a week and I want to see the complete catalog before I leave,” Kris said in a curt manner.
Adam and Sutan just looked at one another.
“Let’s start with women’s clothing first with focus on daytime wear, business suits, and cocktail dresses,” Kris added in a blasé tone.
Adam was scribbling down notes in a hurry trying to keep up with Kris’s speed.
Not showing any sign of slowing down, Kris hastily continued, “The clothes must look progressive but still keeping a touch of Asian culture in color, form, and cut. They must show elegance and pride distinctive of the people who will wear them.”
There was a long awkward pause and then the bomb dropped.
“I want everything done by tomorrow,” Kris said in a final tone which ruled out any possibility of negotiation.
“But…,” Adam was about to make an objection.
In a challenging tone, Kris asked, “But what, Adam?”
There was a palpable tension in the room as an awkward silence hanged heavily in the air.
“They… will be ready by tomorrow,” Adam reluctantly conceded in a voice weakened by a sense of defeat.
“That’s good to hear. I’ll call tomorrow to set up another meeting so I can take a look at the designs. It was nice talking to you, gentlemen.” Kris turned and left the room leaving the two stunned at meeting somebody who could rival and probably even surpass Alex’s impudence.
“That went well,” said Sutan who couldn’t hide the sarcasm in his voice.
With Kris’s dismissive treatment of him, the pain dug even deeper into Adam’s heart. A sudden sinking feeling started to form in his gut. There could no longer be any doubt, Kris hated him and he came back to make him suffer.
Adam didn’t know how many times a heart could die of hurt. He thought maybe his heart was dying in small portions. With the knowledge that Kris could never forgive him, another part of his heart died again.
He looked at Sutan gloomily. “This is going to be a VERY LONG night.”
***********************************
Adam worked straight without any break and he was able to complete his catalog by three o’clock in the morning. It included twelve brand new designs, four samples from each division of womenswear just like what Kris stipulated. He rushed home to grab a few hours’ sleep and at the break of dawn he was fully awake and prepared to meet the demands of his tyrant client.
After refining his work, he showed it to Sutan for approval. While Sutan was poring over the designs, Kris called and told Adam that he preferred to meet him at a hotel. Before Adam could decline and negotiate, the phone line went dead.
There was something unsettling about the whole arrangement and his lack of sleep and distraught heart weren’t helping the situation. Adam just wasn’t ready yet to face Kris outside the security of his office. Meeting Kris alone in a hotel would put him at a great disadvantage. He wasn’t sure if he was strong enough to turn away from temptation if it presented itself. It all seemed like going to the enemy’s turf unarmed.
Coward! Adam dismissed the accusatory voice inside his head. Already at his wit’s end, he thought of a solution that was a win-win move for everyone. He slowly approached his mentor and friend.
“Sutan…”
“These sketches are fabulous, darling! I think Mr. Uptight would approve of all of these.” When Sutan saw Adam’s reproving look, Sutan looked rueful and said, “Okay that was uncalled for… even if it was true. Look, I just did not like the way that Allen guy treated you, okay. I’m protective like that.”
Adam smiled warmly at Sutan. “I know you love me. I’m not saying this to abuse your kindness but I really need one last favor, Sutan.”
Sutan raised his brows in a questioning gesture.
“I barely slept last night to finish the project and it’s hard for me to think straight, so would you be kind enough to be the one to meet Mr. Allen to show him the completed designs?”
“Sure. What time will he come?”
“Actually…,” Adam paused, a little embarrassed to admit how he intentionally held back this little bit of information until Sutan agreed to do the favor, “he requested for the designs to be brought to his hotel.”
Sutan raised an eyebrow and gave Adam a facial expression that says, I told you so.
“Yup, he’s a real prima donna alright… You owe me and Ally one dinner date, Princess.” Sutan winked at him before sashaying out of the room.
*********************************
If Sutan left his office that morning in graceful style, it was the exact opposite when he came back. He stormed into Adam’s office utterly frustrated.
“I’m sorry Adam. I swear I did everything I could, but Mr. Uptight is as stubborn as a bull,” he paused to catch his breath.
“What happened?” Adam gave his friend a glass of water to calm him down.
“The douchebag did not even have the gall to face me! All his crazy demands were coursed through the hotel’s reception desk. He insisted that you personally bring him the designs yourself or the deal was off,” Sutan exclaimed in exasperation.
Somehow Adam wasn’t at all surprise this would happen. “Don’t worry Sutan, you’ve done enough for me already. I’ll go and deliver the catalog myself.”
Author: CC
Story: In a love triangle caught in a complex web of power, lies, deception, hatred, and dark obsession, who will pay the highest price to find true happiness?
Rating: Rated R
Warnings: Graphic Sex, Non-Con
Pairing: Kradam
Disclaimer: This is purely fiction.
Word Count: 1611
Chapter 39. Pay Back
Why do I feel like I’m preparing for battle? Adam thought as he sat in his office waiting for Kris’s arrival.
Before Alex flew to China that morning, he informed Adam that Mr. Allen had set their first meeting today. Adam’s heart skipped a beat at the suddenness of the news. He wasn’t really given much time to analyze all of the confusing emotions he felt inside. So, despite his nervousness, he shoved all of these feelings inside and steeled himself for the inevitable meeting.
Adam spent the few hours he was given making sure he looked his best. There was really nothing to it, Adam thought defensive. This was always how he got ready when meeting a client.
Who are you kidding? A voice answered in rebuttal. You want to look good so Kris will notice you. He quickly dismissed the brutally honest voice inside his head.
As soon as he got to the office, he requested Sutan to join him in the meeting. The presence of another person might take the edge off things and help him relax a bit. If truth be told, what Adam was truly scared of was not being able to control his physical reactions toward Kris. After all he was already married, and he shouldn’t be entertaining sensual thoughts about another man, let alone an engaged man.
Over the intercom the calm voice of his secretary announced the arrival of Sutan and Adam told her to send him in.
“Hello, darling!” He kissed Adam on the cheek and took a seat at the conference table.
“I really appreciate you joining me today, Sutan.”
“Well, duh! I know he is an important client and I’m supposed to drop everything else I’m doing since he’s top priority, right?”
Just being around Sutan made Adam already feel a little better.
“Are you okay?” Sutan asked worried.
“What do you mean? Don’t I look okay?” Adam asked concerned that he might not be dressed properly or that he might be wearing too much of his heart out on his sleeve.
“Of course you’ll always look stunning. What I meant was, you look tensed. In fact you look like you’re made up of raw nerves and the slightest of touch would make you jump.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re exaggerating again. I’m just a little nervous that’s all. Who wouldn’t be when the fate of this project lie solely in my hands.”
Adam was glad when it appeared like he had convinced Sutan, but whatever progress he made disintegrated into nothingness when the intercom’s beep sounded and he jumped startled.
“Right… a little nervous. Try a nervous wreck,” Sutan said teasingly.
Adam smiled at Sutan sheepishly and pressed the intercom button.
“Mr. Allen is here to see you, Sir,” said the female voice on the other line.
“Thank you. Please send him in." Even Adam was surprised to hear the calm in his voice considering his heart was beating a hundred times faster than normal.
Adam released the breath he was holding when Kris walked into the office. All Adam wanted to do was run to him and hold him close and tell him how much he had missed him, tell him how long he had waited for this day to come, and tell him how much he still loved him.
But Kris’s cold demeanor felt like a dagger that sliced at his heart and trampled his hope that if they could no longer be lovers at least they could still try to save their friendship. Adam soon realized that he was such a fool to think that that was still possible. There was no emotion on Kris’s face other than the glint of hurt and pain in his eyes that Kris quickly masked with indifference. The pain almost choked Adam. He hurriedly blinked back the tears that stung his eyes and lowered his head to steady his breathing.
Keep it together! You can’t fall into pieces now! You can do this! Despite the deep ache in his heart, Adam collected himself and respected Kris’s decision to keep him at arm’s length.
Kris did not beat around the bush. As soon as the cordial greetings were done, he quickly dove into business.
“I am confident that Alex left me in the competent hands of his top designer. I will only be here for a week and I want to see the complete catalog before I leave,” Kris said in a curt manner.
Adam and Sutan just looked at one another.
“Let’s start with women’s clothing first with focus on daytime wear, business suits, and cocktail dresses,” Kris added in a blasé tone.
Adam was scribbling down notes in a hurry trying to keep up with Kris’s speed.
Not showing any sign of slowing down, Kris hastily continued, “The clothes must look progressive but still keeping a touch of Asian culture in color, form, and cut. They must show elegance and pride distinctive of the people who will wear them.”
There was a long awkward pause and then the bomb dropped.
“I want everything done by tomorrow,” Kris said in a final tone which ruled out any possibility of negotiation.
“But…,” Adam was about to make an objection.
In a challenging tone, Kris asked, “But what, Adam?”
There was a palpable tension in the room as an awkward silence hanged heavily in the air.
“They… will be ready by tomorrow,” Adam reluctantly conceded in a voice weakened by a sense of defeat.
“That’s good to hear. I’ll call tomorrow to set up another meeting so I can take a look at the designs. It was nice talking to you, gentlemen.” Kris turned and left the room leaving the two stunned at meeting somebody who could rival and probably even surpass Alex’s impudence.
“That went well,” said Sutan who couldn’t hide the sarcasm in his voice.
With Kris’s dismissive treatment of him, the pain dug even deeper into Adam’s heart. A sudden sinking feeling started to form in his gut. There could no longer be any doubt, Kris hated him and he came back to make him suffer.
Adam didn’t know how many times a heart could die of hurt. He thought maybe his heart was dying in small portions. With the knowledge that Kris could never forgive him, another part of his heart died again.
He looked at Sutan gloomily. “This is going to be a VERY LONG night.”
***********************************
Adam worked straight without any break and he was able to complete his catalog by three o’clock in the morning. It included twelve brand new designs, four samples from each division of womenswear just like what Kris stipulated. He rushed home to grab a few hours’ sleep and at the break of dawn he was fully awake and prepared to meet the demands of his tyrant client.
After refining his work, he showed it to Sutan for approval. While Sutan was poring over the designs, Kris called and told Adam that he preferred to meet him at a hotel. Before Adam could decline and negotiate, the phone line went dead.
There was something unsettling about the whole arrangement and his lack of sleep and distraught heart weren’t helping the situation. Adam just wasn’t ready yet to face Kris outside the security of his office. Meeting Kris alone in a hotel would put him at a great disadvantage. He wasn’t sure if he was strong enough to turn away from temptation if it presented itself. It all seemed like going to the enemy’s turf unarmed.
Coward! Adam dismissed the accusatory voice inside his head. Already at his wit’s end, he thought of a solution that was a win-win move for everyone. He slowly approached his mentor and friend.
“Sutan…”
“These sketches are fabulous, darling! I think Mr. Uptight would approve of all of these.” When Sutan saw Adam’s reproving look, Sutan looked rueful and said, “Okay that was uncalled for… even if it was true. Look, I just did not like the way that Allen guy treated you, okay. I’m protective like that.”
Adam smiled warmly at Sutan. “I know you love me. I’m not saying this to abuse your kindness but I really need one last favor, Sutan.”
Sutan raised his brows in a questioning gesture.
“I barely slept last night to finish the project and it’s hard for me to think straight, so would you be kind enough to be the one to meet Mr. Allen to show him the completed designs?”
“Sure. What time will he come?”
“Actually…,” Adam paused, a little embarrassed to admit how he intentionally held back this little bit of information until Sutan agreed to do the favor, “he requested for the designs to be brought to his hotel.”
Sutan raised an eyebrow and gave Adam a facial expression that says, I told you so.
“Yup, he’s a real prima donna alright… You owe me and Ally one dinner date, Princess.” Sutan winked at him before sashaying out of the room.
*********************************
If Sutan left his office that morning in graceful style, it was the exact opposite when he came back. He stormed into Adam’s office utterly frustrated.
“I’m sorry Adam. I swear I did everything I could, but Mr. Uptight is as stubborn as a bull,” he paused to catch his breath.
“What happened?” Adam gave his friend a glass of water to calm him down.
“The douchebag did not even have the gall to face me! All his crazy demands were coursed through the hotel’s reception desk. He insisted that you personally bring him the designs yourself or the deal was off,” Sutan exclaimed in exasperation.
Somehow Adam wasn’t at all surprise this would happen. “Don’t worry Sutan, you’ve done enough for me already. I’ll go and deliver the catalog myself.”