Eclipse - Chapter 20. Shadow of Doubt
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: 3493
Chapter 20. Shadow of Doubt
Just as his boss ordered, Adam placed his designs on Alex’s desk as soon as he arrived. Adam was a tad proud of beating Alex’s deadline when he looked at his watch to see that it wasn’t even ten o’clock in the morning yet. The second he placed the file on Alex’s desk, it was like a heavy burden had been lifted from his chest and he sighed his relief.
Adam spun around when he heard the door clicked open and saw Alex approaching him. “Good morning, Alex, I placed…,” Adam halted when Alex interrupted him hastily.
“Pick up your files, Adam. We need to leave right now so we could catch Paula.” Alex said in an urgent tone and then he turned to leave. Adam did not really have much choice but to follow Alex to the floor where his car was parked.
While they were still driving along familiar buildings and shops, Adam did not really see any cause for alarm until the car drove into the airport. That was when Adam’s heart started beating irregularly fast. Maybe Paula was meeting them there and waiting for the designs before boarding her flight. That would explain why Alex was rushing, Adam explained to himself and kept his mind from thinking ahead.
The car approached a private jet and Adam got out of the car to follow Alex. When they reached the foot of the stairs, Adam came to a halt when Alex climbed up. He watched nervously as Alex stopped by the entrance, turned to look down at him, and gestured with his hand for him to follow. Paula might already be inside the plane and he had to personally deliver the files to her, Adam thought before climbing up the stairs. He jumped in surprise when the flight attendant closed the door behind him and directed him inside the cabin.“This way, Sir.”
Dumbfounded, Adam’s mouth dropped open when he saw Alex buckling himself up and pointing for Adam to take the seat beside him. Adam’s eyes quickly scanned the luxurious cabin but there was no Paula in sight.
“Alex… where are we going?” Adam asked confused.
“How many times do I have to tell you that we need to give Paula the remaining designs,” Alex used a tone like he was explaining to a five-year-old.
“But I didn’t know we needed to fly.” Adam said in a rueful tone.
“Well, we definitely cannot drive to London, because that’s where she is right now,” Alex explained in a clipped voice.
“I don’t have my passport,” Adam reasoned despite his concern of annoying Alex.
“Why don’t you just sit down, Adam. Everything had been taken care of,” Alex said with finality.
The flight attendant walked back into their private chamber and guided Adam to his seat. When Adam heard the seat belt clicked, he resigned to his fate. He wanted to pound his head on the glass window for leaving his phone in his office and was about to cry from frustration but quickly forced the tears back. Adam tried his best to objectively assess the situation. There was still hope. If they would be able to give the files to Paula that meant they could fly back right away. That would still give him time to make it to Kris’s graduation. Even if the future looked bleak, Adam took a deep breath and convinced himself to dwell only on his positive thoughts.
En route to London, Adam was given quick instructions to change into a more formal suit. From the airport, they were fetched by a limousine that headed straight to Paula’s chateau. A considerably large crowd was gathered in front of the mansion where cocktails were being served.
Paula received them in her office and was delighted at the additional dresses. She personally invited them to stay and join her party. She gladly brought them around to be introduced to everyone.
As the day wore on, Alex didn’t show any sign of leaving the party. Even if Adam did not want to appear rude, he started fidgeting. The thought that Kris was already worried sick looking for him was agonizing. Adam had to find a way to make a phone call. When Adam scanned the wide lawn where the extravagant party was being held, Alex was nowhere to be found. The last time Adam saw Alex, he was in a deep discussion with a couple of businessmen. He could not possibly disturb his boss. His only hope was Paula.
Adam walked around smiling dutifully at some guests he recognized from earlier. His eyes lit up when he saw her would-be savior entertaining some of her guests. He took the courage and gently interrupted. “Excuse me. I’m so sorry, but may I have a word with Ms. Abdul,” Adam said in the most courteous way possible.
The ladies looked him over from head to toe and melted to his charms. They spoke in unison that they did not mind. Paula grinned at her friends mischievously and they all laughed when Paula whispered out of Adam’s earshot, “Girls, you need to take your mind out of the gutter. Let’s not contaminate what is pure.”
Paula took Adam’s arms and led him away from her friends. “You must be used to your effect on women by now. You just reduced my mature friends into giggling teenagers,” Paula said in a teasing manner to somehow make Adam relax seeing how more tensed the young man had become since he had arrived at the party.
Adam just smiled in response. “Ms. Abdul, is it possible to use your phone? I need to make an international collect call. It’s sort of an emergency. I’m sorry to cause so much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all, my dear. You’re such a sweet young man. Sure, you just go on to my office and take as long as you like,” Paula said kindly and touched Adam’s cheek fondly.
Adam hurried to Paula’s office after thanking her profusely and was glad Kris picked up after just one ring, he must be really worried.
“Hello, Kris.”
“Adam! I have been trying to call you for the past couple of hours. Are you okay, baby?”
“Yes. I left my phone in my office,” Adam paused and didn’t even know how to begin explaining to Kris.
“Where are you? I can pick you up right now.”
“I don’t think that’s possible, Kris,” he said in a sad voice.
“Huh? What do you mean?” There was already alarm in Kris’s voice.
“My boss and I are in London right now,” Adam paused when he heard Kris exclaimed in surprise, “I didn’t even know we were headed to London until we were already in the plane.”
“I think that’s just so inconsiderate of him.” The worry in Kris’s voice was now replaced with anger.
“Kris, I’m so sorry. I’ll talk to my boss later if we could fly out tonight or early tomorrow. I think I could still make it to your graduation,” Adam failed to cover the hopelessness in his voice.
“Adam, listen to me. I don’t even care about my graduation. Just tell me where you are and I’ll fly down there right now to get you,” Kris said in a determined voice.
Adam had to chuckle despite his wretched situation. He knew Kris would do it too, fly out to his rescue like his superhero. He was tempted to tell Kris where he was, if he only knew where he was but who was he kidding? It was one thing for him to miss Kris’s graduation, but it was another for Kris to miss his own graduation on account of him. He would never be able to forgive himself. He toughened up and did his best to sound cheerful.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. The worst case scenario is I’ll just be spending the night here and I'll just meet you at the school’s auditorium. It’s too bad I won’t be able to welcome your family at the airport though.”
“Are you sure, baby? You mean so much more to me than my graduation.”
Adam felt a lump in his throat. “Yes, I am sure. Don’t be silly. I’ll see you soon. I love you, Kris.”
“And you know I love you more.”
Adam felt a little better after talking to Kris.
When they finally left the party, Alex was in a foul mood. Adam prayed that they were heading straight to the airport, but his hopes were dashed when they stopped to check in a luxurious hotel.
Adam was pacing back and forth in his room and he couldn’t sleep. He had to tell Alex about his appointment back home, even if it meant suffering from Alex’s wrath and eventually losing his job. Mustering all his courage, he knocked on Alex’s door. When no one answered, he thought that he might already be asleep. He was about to turn around when the door opened and he came face to face with Alex who looked like he had just come from the shower in his bathrobe.
“Um, Alex, may I talk to you?” Adam said diffidently.
Alex opened the door wider to let Adam in. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable while I get us something to drink?”
Adam sat on the couch. He was not anymore surprised at the luxury of Alex’s room, since he was also given one of the suites with the same amenities. When Alex came back carrying two glasses of wine, he took one. He felt he needed a drink to gain a little bit more courage.
“Thank you.” Adam took a little sip from his glass nervously. Alex was sitting so close that he could smell the musk of his aftershave. Adam also noticed that Alex looked much younger with his hair down instead of being brushed back from his face. His robe had also been loosened to reveal his muscular chest.
Adam quickly averted his eyes but Alex held his chin and turned his head to look at him. For a fraction of a second, Adam froze when he thought that Alex was about to kiss him. Then he slowly released the breath he was holding when Alex dropped his piercing gaze. But before Alex completely let go of Adam, his thumb brushed his lips swiftly which Adam considered purely accidental.
“What do you want to talk about?” Alex said before taking a swig of his drink.
Adam turned his body to face his boss. “Alex, I need to go back to California. My boyfriend is graduating and I want to be there to celebrate with his family. Is it possible to leave early tomorrow morning so I could make it back home in time?”
There, I have said everything. Adam held his breath for Alex’s retribution, but surprisingly none came.
“If that is your plan, Adam then I suggest you go back to your room and get some sleep. We’ll fly as soon as possible.” Alex stood up before speaking again, “You can just lock the door on your way out. Have a good night, Adam.”
And that was that. He was being dismissed. “Thank you so much, Alex. Good night.”
**********************************
The next morning, Adam was almost in tears begging the concierge at the hotel counter. “Please, could you tell me where Mr. Kennedy went. I need to leave today. You don’t understand. I have an appointment back home. My boyfriend is graduating and I can’t miss it. Please call his phone,” Adam said in a desperate tone.
“I am sorry, Sir. Mr. Kennedy seems to be out of reach. We have already tried several times but he doesn’t pick up. He left in a hurry this morning and did not leave any word about where he was going. He only made sure that you have room service. He also did not say when he’ll be back.”
“Can I just make an overseas collect call?” Adam asked in a desperate tone.
“By all means, Sir,” the concierge answered in a sympathetic voice as he handed him the phone.
“Hello, Kris.”
“Adam, where are you?”
“Kris, I’m so sorry. I’m still in London. I’m afraid I can’t really make it to your graduation. I don’t know where Alex went. I don’t have money and I don’t have my passport. I can’t leave without a plane ticket.”
“Who is Alex?”
“My boss. I’ll try my best to make it to your party. Tell everyone I’m sorry,” Adam’s voice cracked. He schooled his features right away. He was not about to make a scene in a very public place.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you, Kris. I love you.”
There was a long awkward pause. Adam didn't know what else to say. "Kris... are you still there?"
Kris tried his best to hide the disappointment in his voice. "It wouldn't be the same without you. We’ll miss you, Adam. I love you more.”
Kris was driving home with Kim and Katy when he received the phone call from Adam. He had just picked them up from the airport and was on his way to drop them off at their hotel. There was an awkward silence in the car. A dark shadow had taken a hold of Kris's heart and it left him cold and empty.
Kris hated Adam's boss even more. His sudden hostility added an edge to his voice and when he finally delivered the bad news to his passengers, the words came out through gritted teeth, “Mom, Katy, Adam said sorry. He’s stuck in London and won’t be able to make it to my graduation.”
“How could Adam miss one of the most important events in your life? And who is this Alex he’s spending time with in London. At least your father couldn’t make it because he is sick,” Kim said in disgust.
Only one word stood out from the rest of what his mother said-and it kept echoing in his mind. The shadow that had swiftly loomed over his life suddenly had a name… Alex.
Kris stepped on the gas and drove in a speed that tried to keep up with the furious beating of his heart.
***************************************
Adam had fallen asleep in his room while waiting for Alex but not before crying his eyes out in frustration. His body had finally succumbed to all the stress he had gone through that week.
He jerked upright when he was awakened by the phone ringing. He looked at the time. “Oh God! I slept for almost six hours!”
He reached for the phone to answer it, “Hello?”
“Mr. Lambert, Mr. Kennedy is here. You need to go down here, immediately.” Adam recognized the voice of the hotel concierge.
“Ok, I’ll be right down,” Adam’s immediate reply was filled with nervous anticipation.
Adam noticed a small group of people gathered around the lobby and there seemed to be a commotion going on that the hotel security couldn’t seem to manage. Must be a douche bag VIP, thought Adam.
When he rounded the corner and got past the crowd, he was shocked to see that the douche bag turned out to be Alex. He was drunk, cussing, and threatening everyone to the biggest lawsuit they could ever imagine. His bodyguards were standing at a safe distance afraid to be the recipients of Alex’s wrath.
The concierge approached Adam. “Sir, everyone is afraid to confront him. He is our biggest client. Maybe you can talk some sense into him.”
“But what does he want?” Adam wasn’t sure he could help.
“We do not know. This is the first time he had behaved this way. He had always been a quiet patron. Maybe he had too much to drink.”
Alex was pushing away everyone who tried to assist him to his room. Adam surveyed the lobby. The situation was getting out of control. The media might be alerted soon and he did not want Alex to get this negative publicity. He squared his shoulders and tried his luck.
Adam decided it would be best if he did not make any physical contact yet. He started by calling out his name and letting him know who he was. “Alex... It’s Adam.”
It seemed to work as Alex’s body stiffened when he heard Adam’s voice. He turned to look at Adam’s direction.
“Alex... let me help you to your room, okay?” Adam slowly approached Alex when he did not show any signs of resistance. The crowd altogether made a big sigh of relief. Everyone was amazed to see how the rampaging beast had suddenly become tame and docile. It just took three simple words from Adam for the lion to turn into a puppy.
Adam let Alex draped his arm over his shoulder while he wrapped his supportive arm around Alex’s waist to guide him toward the elevator. They almost fell when Alex leaned too much of his weight on Adam. The bodyguards ran to assist but they were pushed away by Alex. It was clear that he did not want anyone else’s help but only Adam’s.
Adam half dragged and half carried Alex’s weight. By the time they reached the suite, his arm gave and Alex fell on top of him on the king-size bed. The impact of Alex’s full weight crushing him was like a punch in the gut that squeezed the breath out of his lungs and he almost passed out. He did not realize that things could get worse until Alex became amorous. He started kissing Adam’s neck and rubbing their bodies together, “Hmm, you smell so good, baby.”
“No, Alex. Stop. I’m not Naomi. I’m Adam.” Adam pushed Alex with all his might and rolled him on his back with his legs hanging off the side of the bed.
When he was sure that Alex had passed out, he immediately searched his pockets and found his passport inside. He did not have the time to stop and think how Alex got hold of his passport. He searched his drawers and found enough cash to buy a plane ticket. Adam was about to leave the room when he heard Alex groaned in pain.
If he left now, he might still have the time to at least join Kris’s family reunion. He could clearly hear the criticisms from Kim for not showing up as if he were there. This would ruin his chances of winning her favor.
But he couldn’t possibly leave Alex in this condition. When he was left drugged by Billy, Alex was there to help him. Adam’s shoulders fell forward in despair. He returned the cash in the drawer and laid his passport on the bedside table. Sometimes being nice can be a royal pain in the ass, Adam thought.
He called room service and ordered aspirin. First thing he needed to do was get Alex out of his clothes to make him sleep comfortably. Removing the top was relatively easy. When he was about to work on the pants, Adam realized that it would be his first time undressing a man other than Kris. Don’t be silly. There is nothing sexual in what you’re doing. Get a grip. Just concentrate on helping your boss, Adam reprimanded himself inwardly.
Unbuckling the belt did not prove that hard, but when he was already pulling down the zipper, Alex suddenly opened his eyes and looked straight at him. His hands froze in place and he stared back at Alex. He released the breath he was holding when Alex closed his eyes again. Ok, that was a false red alert. I better hurry before he truly wakes up and freaks out to find me undressing him.
When he had stripped Alex of every article of clothing except his underwear, Adam could not help but admire his toned body. He soaked a towel with hot water and gave Alex a quick sponge bath. Adam blushed when he noticed that Alex was sporting a hard-on. He hurriedly covered his lower body with a blanket.
It was a long tiring day for Adam, physically, emotionally, and mentally. He was dying to go to bed but before retiring to his own room he had to make sure that Alex was already sleeping soundly and that he would stay warm.
Adam was leaning down a bit to pull the blanket up to his chest, when Alex grabbed his arm and pulled him down. He was caught off-guard by the quick maneuver and found himself lying on top of Alex’s almost naked body. Adam struggled to stand up but Alex flipped their positions and he was pinned underneath by heavy solid muscles.
“Alex... get off. I’m not Naomi, I’m Adam.”
He yelped when Alex ripped his shirt apart and started kissing his neck and belly. He started kicking and his feet made contact. Alex rolled over and passed out.
“Alex…” Adam tentatively reached out his hand to touch Alex’s face. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I told you I wasn’t Naomi!” When Alex did not reply, Adam saw it as the best time to leave the room. He rushed back to his suite and as soon as he fell on his bed, he sobbed himself to sleep, pouring out all his frustrations, anger, sadness, and guilt.
If Adam thought sleep would give him a temporary respite from all his anguish, he was wrong. That night, his nightmares were filled with accusing echoes of his own voice, blaming him for hurting Kris.
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: 3493
Chapter 20. Shadow of Doubt
Just as his boss ordered, Adam placed his designs on Alex’s desk as soon as he arrived. Adam was a tad proud of beating Alex’s deadline when he looked at his watch to see that it wasn’t even ten o’clock in the morning yet. The second he placed the file on Alex’s desk, it was like a heavy burden had been lifted from his chest and he sighed his relief.
Adam spun around when he heard the door clicked open and saw Alex approaching him. “Good morning, Alex, I placed…,” Adam halted when Alex interrupted him hastily.
“Pick up your files, Adam. We need to leave right now so we could catch Paula.” Alex said in an urgent tone and then he turned to leave. Adam did not really have much choice but to follow Alex to the floor where his car was parked.
While they were still driving along familiar buildings and shops, Adam did not really see any cause for alarm until the car drove into the airport. That was when Adam’s heart started beating irregularly fast. Maybe Paula was meeting them there and waiting for the designs before boarding her flight. That would explain why Alex was rushing, Adam explained to himself and kept his mind from thinking ahead.
The car approached a private jet and Adam got out of the car to follow Alex. When they reached the foot of the stairs, Adam came to a halt when Alex climbed up. He watched nervously as Alex stopped by the entrance, turned to look down at him, and gestured with his hand for him to follow. Paula might already be inside the plane and he had to personally deliver the files to her, Adam thought before climbing up the stairs. He jumped in surprise when the flight attendant closed the door behind him and directed him inside the cabin.“This way, Sir.”
Dumbfounded, Adam’s mouth dropped open when he saw Alex buckling himself up and pointing for Adam to take the seat beside him. Adam’s eyes quickly scanned the luxurious cabin but there was no Paula in sight.
“Alex… where are we going?” Adam asked confused.
“How many times do I have to tell you that we need to give Paula the remaining designs,” Alex used a tone like he was explaining to a five-year-old.
“But I didn’t know we needed to fly.” Adam said in a rueful tone.
“Well, we definitely cannot drive to London, because that’s where she is right now,” Alex explained in a clipped voice.
“I don’t have my passport,” Adam reasoned despite his concern of annoying Alex.
“Why don’t you just sit down, Adam. Everything had been taken care of,” Alex said with finality.
The flight attendant walked back into their private chamber and guided Adam to his seat. When Adam heard the seat belt clicked, he resigned to his fate. He wanted to pound his head on the glass window for leaving his phone in his office and was about to cry from frustration but quickly forced the tears back. Adam tried his best to objectively assess the situation. There was still hope. If they would be able to give the files to Paula that meant they could fly back right away. That would still give him time to make it to Kris’s graduation. Even if the future looked bleak, Adam took a deep breath and convinced himself to dwell only on his positive thoughts.
En route to London, Adam was given quick instructions to change into a more formal suit. From the airport, they were fetched by a limousine that headed straight to Paula’s chateau. A considerably large crowd was gathered in front of the mansion where cocktails were being served.
Paula received them in her office and was delighted at the additional dresses. She personally invited them to stay and join her party. She gladly brought them around to be introduced to everyone.
As the day wore on, Alex didn’t show any sign of leaving the party. Even if Adam did not want to appear rude, he started fidgeting. The thought that Kris was already worried sick looking for him was agonizing. Adam had to find a way to make a phone call. When Adam scanned the wide lawn where the extravagant party was being held, Alex was nowhere to be found. The last time Adam saw Alex, he was in a deep discussion with a couple of businessmen. He could not possibly disturb his boss. His only hope was Paula.
Adam walked around smiling dutifully at some guests he recognized from earlier. His eyes lit up when he saw her would-be savior entertaining some of her guests. He took the courage and gently interrupted. “Excuse me. I’m so sorry, but may I have a word with Ms. Abdul,” Adam said in the most courteous way possible.
The ladies looked him over from head to toe and melted to his charms. They spoke in unison that they did not mind. Paula grinned at her friends mischievously and they all laughed when Paula whispered out of Adam’s earshot, “Girls, you need to take your mind out of the gutter. Let’s not contaminate what is pure.”
Paula took Adam’s arms and led him away from her friends. “You must be used to your effect on women by now. You just reduced my mature friends into giggling teenagers,” Paula said in a teasing manner to somehow make Adam relax seeing how more tensed the young man had become since he had arrived at the party.
Adam just smiled in response. “Ms. Abdul, is it possible to use your phone? I need to make an international collect call. It’s sort of an emergency. I’m sorry to cause so much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all, my dear. You’re such a sweet young man. Sure, you just go on to my office and take as long as you like,” Paula said kindly and touched Adam’s cheek fondly.
Adam hurried to Paula’s office after thanking her profusely and was glad Kris picked up after just one ring, he must be really worried.
“Hello, Kris.”
“Adam! I have been trying to call you for the past couple of hours. Are you okay, baby?”
“Yes. I left my phone in my office,” Adam paused and didn’t even know how to begin explaining to Kris.
“Where are you? I can pick you up right now.”
“I don’t think that’s possible, Kris,” he said in a sad voice.
“Huh? What do you mean?” There was already alarm in Kris’s voice.
“My boss and I are in London right now,” Adam paused when he heard Kris exclaimed in surprise, “I didn’t even know we were headed to London until we were already in the plane.”
“I think that’s just so inconsiderate of him.” The worry in Kris’s voice was now replaced with anger.
“Kris, I’m so sorry. I’ll talk to my boss later if we could fly out tonight or early tomorrow. I think I could still make it to your graduation,” Adam failed to cover the hopelessness in his voice.
“Adam, listen to me. I don’t even care about my graduation. Just tell me where you are and I’ll fly down there right now to get you,” Kris said in a determined voice.
Adam had to chuckle despite his wretched situation. He knew Kris would do it too, fly out to his rescue like his superhero. He was tempted to tell Kris where he was, if he only knew where he was but who was he kidding? It was one thing for him to miss Kris’s graduation, but it was another for Kris to miss his own graduation on account of him. He would never be able to forgive himself. He toughened up and did his best to sound cheerful.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. The worst case scenario is I’ll just be spending the night here and I'll just meet you at the school’s auditorium. It’s too bad I won’t be able to welcome your family at the airport though.”
“Are you sure, baby? You mean so much more to me than my graduation.”
Adam felt a lump in his throat. “Yes, I am sure. Don’t be silly. I’ll see you soon. I love you, Kris.”
“And you know I love you more.”
Adam felt a little better after talking to Kris.
When they finally left the party, Alex was in a foul mood. Adam prayed that they were heading straight to the airport, but his hopes were dashed when they stopped to check in a luxurious hotel.
Adam was pacing back and forth in his room and he couldn’t sleep. He had to tell Alex about his appointment back home, even if it meant suffering from Alex’s wrath and eventually losing his job. Mustering all his courage, he knocked on Alex’s door. When no one answered, he thought that he might already be asleep. He was about to turn around when the door opened and he came face to face with Alex who looked like he had just come from the shower in his bathrobe.
“Um, Alex, may I talk to you?” Adam said diffidently.
Alex opened the door wider to let Adam in. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable while I get us something to drink?”
Adam sat on the couch. He was not anymore surprised at the luxury of Alex’s room, since he was also given one of the suites with the same amenities. When Alex came back carrying two glasses of wine, he took one. He felt he needed a drink to gain a little bit more courage.
“Thank you.” Adam took a little sip from his glass nervously. Alex was sitting so close that he could smell the musk of his aftershave. Adam also noticed that Alex looked much younger with his hair down instead of being brushed back from his face. His robe had also been loosened to reveal his muscular chest.
Adam quickly averted his eyes but Alex held his chin and turned his head to look at him. For a fraction of a second, Adam froze when he thought that Alex was about to kiss him. Then he slowly released the breath he was holding when Alex dropped his piercing gaze. But before Alex completely let go of Adam, his thumb brushed his lips swiftly which Adam considered purely accidental.
“What do you want to talk about?” Alex said before taking a swig of his drink.
Adam turned his body to face his boss. “Alex, I need to go back to California. My boyfriend is graduating and I want to be there to celebrate with his family. Is it possible to leave early tomorrow morning so I could make it back home in time?”
There, I have said everything. Adam held his breath for Alex’s retribution, but surprisingly none came.
“If that is your plan, Adam then I suggest you go back to your room and get some sleep. We’ll fly as soon as possible.” Alex stood up before speaking again, “You can just lock the door on your way out. Have a good night, Adam.”
And that was that. He was being dismissed. “Thank you so much, Alex. Good night.”
**********************************
The next morning, Adam was almost in tears begging the concierge at the hotel counter. “Please, could you tell me where Mr. Kennedy went. I need to leave today. You don’t understand. I have an appointment back home. My boyfriend is graduating and I can’t miss it. Please call his phone,” Adam said in a desperate tone.
“I am sorry, Sir. Mr. Kennedy seems to be out of reach. We have already tried several times but he doesn’t pick up. He left in a hurry this morning and did not leave any word about where he was going. He only made sure that you have room service. He also did not say when he’ll be back.”
“Can I just make an overseas collect call?” Adam asked in a desperate tone.
“By all means, Sir,” the concierge answered in a sympathetic voice as he handed him the phone.
“Hello, Kris.”
“Adam, where are you?”
“Kris, I’m so sorry. I’m still in London. I’m afraid I can’t really make it to your graduation. I don’t know where Alex went. I don’t have money and I don’t have my passport. I can’t leave without a plane ticket.”
“Who is Alex?”
“My boss. I’ll try my best to make it to your party. Tell everyone I’m sorry,” Adam’s voice cracked. He schooled his features right away. He was not about to make a scene in a very public place.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you, Kris. I love you.”
There was a long awkward pause. Adam didn't know what else to say. "Kris... are you still there?"
Kris tried his best to hide the disappointment in his voice. "It wouldn't be the same without you. We’ll miss you, Adam. I love you more.”
Kris was driving home with Kim and Katy when he received the phone call from Adam. He had just picked them up from the airport and was on his way to drop them off at their hotel. There was an awkward silence in the car. A dark shadow had taken a hold of Kris's heart and it left him cold and empty.
Kris hated Adam's boss even more. His sudden hostility added an edge to his voice and when he finally delivered the bad news to his passengers, the words came out through gritted teeth, “Mom, Katy, Adam said sorry. He’s stuck in London and won’t be able to make it to my graduation.”
“How could Adam miss one of the most important events in your life? And who is this Alex he’s spending time with in London. At least your father couldn’t make it because he is sick,” Kim said in disgust.
Only one word stood out from the rest of what his mother said-and it kept echoing in his mind. The shadow that had swiftly loomed over his life suddenly had a name… Alex.
Kris stepped on the gas and drove in a speed that tried to keep up with the furious beating of his heart.
***************************************
Adam had fallen asleep in his room while waiting for Alex but not before crying his eyes out in frustration. His body had finally succumbed to all the stress he had gone through that week.
He jerked upright when he was awakened by the phone ringing. He looked at the time. “Oh God! I slept for almost six hours!”
He reached for the phone to answer it, “Hello?”
“Mr. Lambert, Mr. Kennedy is here. You need to go down here, immediately.” Adam recognized the voice of the hotel concierge.
“Ok, I’ll be right down,” Adam’s immediate reply was filled with nervous anticipation.
Adam noticed a small group of people gathered around the lobby and there seemed to be a commotion going on that the hotel security couldn’t seem to manage. Must be a douche bag VIP, thought Adam.
When he rounded the corner and got past the crowd, he was shocked to see that the douche bag turned out to be Alex. He was drunk, cussing, and threatening everyone to the biggest lawsuit they could ever imagine. His bodyguards were standing at a safe distance afraid to be the recipients of Alex’s wrath.
The concierge approached Adam. “Sir, everyone is afraid to confront him. He is our biggest client. Maybe you can talk some sense into him.”
“But what does he want?” Adam wasn’t sure he could help.
“We do not know. This is the first time he had behaved this way. He had always been a quiet patron. Maybe he had too much to drink.”
Alex was pushing away everyone who tried to assist him to his room. Adam surveyed the lobby. The situation was getting out of control. The media might be alerted soon and he did not want Alex to get this negative publicity. He squared his shoulders and tried his luck.
Adam decided it would be best if he did not make any physical contact yet. He started by calling out his name and letting him know who he was. “Alex... It’s Adam.”
It seemed to work as Alex’s body stiffened when he heard Adam’s voice. He turned to look at Adam’s direction.
“Alex... let me help you to your room, okay?” Adam slowly approached Alex when he did not show any signs of resistance. The crowd altogether made a big sigh of relief. Everyone was amazed to see how the rampaging beast had suddenly become tame and docile. It just took three simple words from Adam for the lion to turn into a puppy.
Adam let Alex draped his arm over his shoulder while he wrapped his supportive arm around Alex’s waist to guide him toward the elevator. They almost fell when Alex leaned too much of his weight on Adam. The bodyguards ran to assist but they were pushed away by Alex. It was clear that he did not want anyone else’s help but only Adam’s.
Adam half dragged and half carried Alex’s weight. By the time they reached the suite, his arm gave and Alex fell on top of him on the king-size bed. The impact of Alex’s full weight crushing him was like a punch in the gut that squeezed the breath out of his lungs and he almost passed out. He did not realize that things could get worse until Alex became amorous. He started kissing Adam’s neck and rubbing their bodies together, “Hmm, you smell so good, baby.”
“No, Alex. Stop. I’m not Naomi. I’m Adam.” Adam pushed Alex with all his might and rolled him on his back with his legs hanging off the side of the bed.
When he was sure that Alex had passed out, he immediately searched his pockets and found his passport inside. He did not have the time to stop and think how Alex got hold of his passport. He searched his drawers and found enough cash to buy a plane ticket. Adam was about to leave the room when he heard Alex groaned in pain.
If he left now, he might still have the time to at least join Kris’s family reunion. He could clearly hear the criticisms from Kim for not showing up as if he were there. This would ruin his chances of winning her favor.
But he couldn’t possibly leave Alex in this condition. When he was left drugged by Billy, Alex was there to help him. Adam’s shoulders fell forward in despair. He returned the cash in the drawer and laid his passport on the bedside table. Sometimes being nice can be a royal pain in the ass, Adam thought.
He called room service and ordered aspirin. First thing he needed to do was get Alex out of his clothes to make him sleep comfortably. Removing the top was relatively easy. When he was about to work on the pants, Adam realized that it would be his first time undressing a man other than Kris. Don’t be silly. There is nothing sexual in what you’re doing. Get a grip. Just concentrate on helping your boss, Adam reprimanded himself inwardly.
Unbuckling the belt did not prove that hard, but when he was already pulling down the zipper, Alex suddenly opened his eyes and looked straight at him. His hands froze in place and he stared back at Alex. He released the breath he was holding when Alex closed his eyes again. Ok, that was a false red alert. I better hurry before he truly wakes up and freaks out to find me undressing him.
When he had stripped Alex of every article of clothing except his underwear, Adam could not help but admire his toned body. He soaked a towel with hot water and gave Alex a quick sponge bath. Adam blushed when he noticed that Alex was sporting a hard-on. He hurriedly covered his lower body with a blanket.
It was a long tiring day for Adam, physically, emotionally, and mentally. He was dying to go to bed but before retiring to his own room he had to make sure that Alex was already sleeping soundly and that he would stay warm.
Adam was leaning down a bit to pull the blanket up to his chest, when Alex grabbed his arm and pulled him down. He was caught off-guard by the quick maneuver and found himself lying on top of Alex’s almost naked body. Adam struggled to stand up but Alex flipped their positions and he was pinned underneath by heavy solid muscles.
“Alex... get off. I’m not Naomi, I’m Adam.”
He yelped when Alex ripped his shirt apart and started kissing his neck and belly. He started kicking and his feet made contact. Alex rolled over and passed out.
“Alex…” Adam tentatively reached out his hand to touch Alex’s face. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I told you I wasn’t Naomi!” When Alex did not reply, Adam saw it as the best time to leave the room. He rushed back to his suite and as soon as he fell on his bed, he sobbed himself to sleep, pouring out all his frustrations, anger, sadness, and guilt.
If Adam thought sleep would give him a temporary respite from all his anguish, he was wrong. That night, his nightmares were filled with accusing echoes of his own voice, blaming him for hurting Kris.