Eclipse - Chapter 38. The Match
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: 2209
Chapter 38. The Match
Adam turned down Alex’s offer to bring him home. He was afraid to be alone with his thoughts. Keeping himself busy, he thought, might stop his mind from straying to Kris, but it was futile. Kris was the only thing he could think about.
Two opposing voices clamored for supremacy inside his head, clawing back at each other for the chance to be heard first.
The much louder voice of his emotions expressed the most pressing questions first, What was Kris up to? Why did he lie about your past? Would admitting your relationship jeopardize his chance of doing business with Alex. And since when did money become Kris’s motivation? Did he think so little of you to easily forget the precious memories you’ve shared, and to marry Katy when he was still supposed to be in love with you, unless of course, it wasn’t real love from the very beginning?
His voice of reason strongly argued, Why should it be wrong for Kris to marry Katy? Doesn’t he deserve to find his own happiness? And would it make a difference if he came back to say that he still loves you? Would YOU be able to return that love?
The voices inside his head became eerily quiet. All at once Adam knew what he had known all this time but refused to believe-the chapter in his life with Kris was really over. They had both moved on, so working in close proximity with him shouldn’t really be a problem. If this indeed was true then why did his heart feel like it was being ripped out from his chest and why was he planning to convince Alex that he was not the right person for the job?
********************************************
He waited until Alex finished having sex with him and enveloped him in his arms with only a soft satin sheet covering their nakedness. Alex’s warm lips were ghosting over his bare shoulder and his hand was caressing his lower abdomen.
After many months, Adam was now familiar with, but still resentful of, their strange ritual in bed. The sex would always start with a gentle foreplay that would inevitably become rougher varying only in the level of aggressiveness depending on Alex’s mood. It seemed that the loving touches that came after the rough sex were Alex’s way of making up for manhandling him. Alex thought that he could erase how he had made Adam feel like filth by treating him like precious china.
Adam shook off from his morose thoughts. There were more urgent matters he had to discuss with his husband.
He covered Alex’s hand to get his attention and then spoke unsurely, “Alex, about the project in China…”
“Hhmm?” Alex’s lips were busy nibbling at the bruises on Adam’s shoulder.
“Can we just let Sutan handle it? He’s obviously more experienced and undeniably more talented. I might not do the firm justice,” Adam tried to sound convincing.
Alex rolled Adam on his back and propped himself up on his elbow to get a better look at his face. “Adam, I don’t want to blow this opportunity even before we get the chance. I know you’re eager to get started with your own fashion line, but this will just take a week.” Alex pressed his fingers on Adam’s lips to stop the words of protests forming in them.
Alex’s face brightened when an excellent idea crossed his mind, “Here’s what we can do. I will assign both of you to the project. Once you finish all the designs and Mr. Allen approves of them, Sutan can take over from there. How’s that?”
Adam felt like he walked himself into a trap where there’s no way out. He bit his lower lip squeezing his brain out for a good excuse but none came and so he simply nodded in agreement.
Adam's heart fell and was soon troubled at how easily he had fallen into the habit of acquiescing to all of Alex’s wishes like a puppet.
Seeing a hint of resistance on Adam’s face was bizarrely arousing for Alex and within seconds he was on top of him again pleasuring himself until his large appetite was fully satisfied.
***************************************
To redeem himself and as a recompense for his bad behavior the night before, Kris gave all of his undivided attention to Katy the next day as he showed her around the city. By nightfall, Katy had almost forgotten about their argument and to the other patrons in the restaurant, where they sat waiting for Alex and Adam, they presented a picture of a happy young couple with a deep affection for each other.
Alex chose the most exclusive restaurant in the city that served the finest cuisine with a romantic ambiance for dining, relaxing, and dancing. Alex and Adam were greeted by the maitred'maison and were quickly led to their table. As they slowly approached, Adam’s eyes did not fail to see how happy and perfect Kris and Katy looked, totally engaged on what each one was saying. A pinch on his heart made him quickly avert his eyes away from the depressing scene. His heart fell when he realized that he would be forced to witness this saccharine scene that would leave him feeling miserable for the entire night. He looked at Alex and his lips curved upwards into a false smile. Alex smiled back and dropped a light kiss on Adam’s lips.
A collective sigh of awe filled the room and Kris turned to look at the cause and when he did, he wished he didn’t. Adam looked immaculate as always in his expensive suit, but beside Alex he became inexplicably more desirable, like the forbidden fruit because you knew no matter how much you want him, you wouldn’t be able to have him.
As a couple, they were a sight to behold. Everyone was drawn to their image of beauty, riches, and power. To gaze at them brought one either a sense of hope to dare to dream that such flawlessness was attainable, or a sense of despair, born of a gnawing envy that such perfection would always be beyond reach.
But for Kris, to have tasted that perfection as he had done was a much deeper curse. For who else could measure up to that. Who would settle again for economy after experiencing first class? No one would ever be good enough and everyone else would always fall short. You would always be left wanting more, always searching for an exact copy and knowing there wasn’t one there was no choice left but to just miserably settle for the next best thing.
Kris tore his eyes away from Adam and focused his attention on Katy. Anchoring himself on Katy would help him get through the night.
Adam was thankful that dinner was served right away. Eating gave him the reason to ignore the sweet way Kris and Katy were looking at each other. During the first course of the meal, pleasantries were exchanged and by the time they were into their main course, Alex and Kris were already deep into their business discussions.
“I just need to sit with Adam regarding the specific style the firm feels would succeed in the ripe markets in China. If all goes well, then we could be looking at astronomical profits,” Kris said, arrogance apparent in his voice.
Although Adam should be paying attention, his mind was distracted by other thoughts. While everyone was busily engaged in the discussion, he found it impossible to resist the temptation of studying Kris even if surreptitiously.
Adam wasn’t sure if he was still the same Kris that he once knew. Kris was now distant when he used to be the warmest person he had ever known. There was also a glimpse of sadness in his eyes that inadvertently percolated through the cracks of his icy demeanor. The boy, with the childlike enthusiasm and humility he fell in love with was gone and in its place was a man, cold and indifferent. Sadness filled Adam's heart. Was he in any way responsible for what Kris had become? As he listened to him speak, Kris reminded him of somebody very familiar that escaped his mind at the moment.
On the outside, Adam observed, Kris hadn’t changed much, he was still very handsome, his eyes were still adorable, and his cute smile still melted his heart. He could still feel the silken touch of those lips on his skin, the strong yet gentle caresses of those soft hands on his body, the heat and moist of his expert mouth on his…
“Adam,” Alex interrupted his daydreaming and asked with concern in his voice, “Baby, are you okay, you look flushed.”
Adam almost died of embarrassment. “Maybe it’s just something I ate, I’m fine,” Adam lowered his head to hide his face which turned even a deeper red after seeing the vindictive look on Katy’s face when he glanced at her.
After making sure that Adam was okay, Alex returned his attention to Kris.
“I want to start right away. So, I would like to meet with Adam tomorrow.” Kris looked at Alex as if to ask his permission.
Alex put his hand to rub Adam’s nape and replied, “I requested Adam to prioritize our project. What time do you want to meet with him in the office?”
“The sightseeing with Katy had me totally spent, so I plan to sleep in a little. I’ll just call him tomorrow.”
“Well, let’s pause then from all these business talks and enjoy our wine and dessert,” Alex suggested.
While the group was sipping their wine, Katy almost shrieked when she heard her favorite song being played by the band and insisted on dancing with Kris.
Seeing Kris and Katy dancing happily in each other’s arms like they were the only people in the room almost brought tears to Adam’s eyes. Inwardly, he scolded himself for yearning for something he did not anymore have the right to have.
Adam's favorite ice cream, that was left untouched, had already melted like his heart that had lost its warmth and had grown cold from the immeasurable emptiness he felt inside. In his desire to forget his unjust situation, Adam started swigging his wine glass.
Alex noticed and whispered a warning near his ear in a tone mixed with desire. “Adam, watch what you’re doing. You know what happens when you get drunk. Don’t blame me for what happens.”
Alex’s hand disappeared under the table and he ravaged Adam’s mouth. The alcohol and his lingering desire for Kris made Adam vulnerable and he allowed his body to receive pleasure imagining it was Kris with him.
From the dance floor, Kris’s eyes were blazing with anger at the blatant and reckless display of affection between Adam and Alex. “Katy, I’m tired. Let’s go home.”
Even if Katy was a tad disappointed, she relented, “Okay. I’ll just go to the restroom and meet you at our table.”
Kris’s fists were tightly clenched to stop them from shaking. Only the remaining patrons in the restaurant stopped him from wrenching the two traitors apart. He cleared his throat to announce that he was back.
Adam realized his stupidity and squeezed himself out of Alex’s strong hold; he hurriedly fixed his clothes. He could not make himself look at Kris; he was afraid to see in his eyes what he felt about himself right at that very moment, worse than filth.
Alex on the other hand was chuckling proudly, “Can you blame me, Mr. Allen, if I forget my manners when I’m faced with this much beauty? After all, I’m only human.”
The arrival of Katy saved Kris from his boiling anger and he was able to force the most fake smile he was able to conjure. Kris recovered and tried his best to humor him, “Alex, Katy and I would like to thank you for your kind hospitality. I can clearly see that we are all dying to go to bed although for different reasons.”
Alex laughed heartily at the double entendre, Katy just smiled ignorant of the innuendo, and Adam felt hurt and insulted.
“By the way, Alex, I’m sure you would like to see where your investment is going and I sure could use your expert opinion on some matters. My staff and I are extending our warm invitation for you to visit our main site in China. They are expecting your visit tomorrow. Everything had been taken care of. I have given instructions to my staff to give you a thorough tour of the factories, warehouses, and business offices and show you the results of the feasibility studies our team had conducted as well as our plan to site the malls in the suburbs,” Kris explained.
“Mr. Allen, I appreciate how your mind works," Alex broke into a wide grin. "You’ve anticipated my next move. You remind me so much of me.” Alex shook Kris’s hand to seal the deal.
Through Adam’s hazy mind, the realization came like a jolt of shock that pulled him violently out of his daze. It had dawned on him with surprising precision who the cold and indifferent Kris had reminded him of. He reminded him uncannily of his husband… of Alex.
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: 2209
Chapter 38. The Match
Adam turned down Alex’s offer to bring him home. He was afraid to be alone with his thoughts. Keeping himself busy, he thought, might stop his mind from straying to Kris, but it was futile. Kris was the only thing he could think about.
Two opposing voices clamored for supremacy inside his head, clawing back at each other for the chance to be heard first.
The much louder voice of his emotions expressed the most pressing questions first, What was Kris up to? Why did he lie about your past? Would admitting your relationship jeopardize his chance of doing business with Alex. And since when did money become Kris’s motivation? Did he think so little of you to easily forget the precious memories you’ve shared, and to marry Katy when he was still supposed to be in love with you, unless of course, it wasn’t real love from the very beginning?
His voice of reason strongly argued, Why should it be wrong for Kris to marry Katy? Doesn’t he deserve to find his own happiness? And would it make a difference if he came back to say that he still loves you? Would YOU be able to return that love?
The voices inside his head became eerily quiet. All at once Adam knew what he had known all this time but refused to believe-the chapter in his life with Kris was really over. They had both moved on, so working in close proximity with him shouldn’t really be a problem. If this indeed was true then why did his heart feel like it was being ripped out from his chest and why was he planning to convince Alex that he was not the right person for the job?
********************************************
He waited until Alex finished having sex with him and enveloped him in his arms with only a soft satin sheet covering their nakedness. Alex’s warm lips were ghosting over his bare shoulder and his hand was caressing his lower abdomen.
After many months, Adam was now familiar with, but still resentful of, their strange ritual in bed. The sex would always start with a gentle foreplay that would inevitably become rougher varying only in the level of aggressiveness depending on Alex’s mood. It seemed that the loving touches that came after the rough sex were Alex’s way of making up for manhandling him. Alex thought that he could erase how he had made Adam feel like filth by treating him like precious china.
Adam shook off from his morose thoughts. There were more urgent matters he had to discuss with his husband.
He covered Alex’s hand to get his attention and then spoke unsurely, “Alex, about the project in China…”
“Hhmm?” Alex’s lips were busy nibbling at the bruises on Adam’s shoulder.
“Can we just let Sutan handle it? He’s obviously more experienced and undeniably more talented. I might not do the firm justice,” Adam tried to sound convincing.
Alex rolled Adam on his back and propped himself up on his elbow to get a better look at his face. “Adam, I don’t want to blow this opportunity even before we get the chance. I know you’re eager to get started with your own fashion line, but this will just take a week.” Alex pressed his fingers on Adam’s lips to stop the words of protests forming in them.
Alex’s face brightened when an excellent idea crossed his mind, “Here’s what we can do. I will assign both of you to the project. Once you finish all the designs and Mr. Allen approves of them, Sutan can take over from there. How’s that?”
Adam felt like he walked himself into a trap where there’s no way out. He bit his lower lip squeezing his brain out for a good excuse but none came and so he simply nodded in agreement.
Adam's heart fell and was soon troubled at how easily he had fallen into the habit of acquiescing to all of Alex’s wishes like a puppet.
Seeing a hint of resistance on Adam’s face was bizarrely arousing for Alex and within seconds he was on top of him again pleasuring himself until his large appetite was fully satisfied.
***************************************
To redeem himself and as a recompense for his bad behavior the night before, Kris gave all of his undivided attention to Katy the next day as he showed her around the city. By nightfall, Katy had almost forgotten about their argument and to the other patrons in the restaurant, where they sat waiting for Alex and Adam, they presented a picture of a happy young couple with a deep affection for each other.
Alex chose the most exclusive restaurant in the city that served the finest cuisine with a romantic ambiance for dining, relaxing, and dancing. Alex and Adam were greeted by the maitred'maison and were quickly led to their table. As they slowly approached, Adam’s eyes did not fail to see how happy and perfect Kris and Katy looked, totally engaged on what each one was saying. A pinch on his heart made him quickly avert his eyes away from the depressing scene. His heart fell when he realized that he would be forced to witness this saccharine scene that would leave him feeling miserable for the entire night. He looked at Alex and his lips curved upwards into a false smile. Alex smiled back and dropped a light kiss on Adam’s lips.
A collective sigh of awe filled the room and Kris turned to look at the cause and when he did, he wished he didn’t. Adam looked immaculate as always in his expensive suit, but beside Alex he became inexplicably more desirable, like the forbidden fruit because you knew no matter how much you want him, you wouldn’t be able to have him.
As a couple, they were a sight to behold. Everyone was drawn to their image of beauty, riches, and power. To gaze at them brought one either a sense of hope to dare to dream that such flawlessness was attainable, or a sense of despair, born of a gnawing envy that such perfection would always be beyond reach.
But for Kris, to have tasted that perfection as he had done was a much deeper curse. For who else could measure up to that. Who would settle again for economy after experiencing first class? No one would ever be good enough and everyone else would always fall short. You would always be left wanting more, always searching for an exact copy and knowing there wasn’t one there was no choice left but to just miserably settle for the next best thing.
Kris tore his eyes away from Adam and focused his attention on Katy. Anchoring himself on Katy would help him get through the night.
Adam was thankful that dinner was served right away. Eating gave him the reason to ignore the sweet way Kris and Katy were looking at each other. During the first course of the meal, pleasantries were exchanged and by the time they were into their main course, Alex and Kris were already deep into their business discussions.
“I just need to sit with Adam regarding the specific style the firm feels would succeed in the ripe markets in China. If all goes well, then we could be looking at astronomical profits,” Kris said, arrogance apparent in his voice.
Although Adam should be paying attention, his mind was distracted by other thoughts. While everyone was busily engaged in the discussion, he found it impossible to resist the temptation of studying Kris even if surreptitiously.
Adam wasn’t sure if he was still the same Kris that he once knew. Kris was now distant when he used to be the warmest person he had ever known. There was also a glimpse of sadness in his eyes that inadvertently percolated through the cracks of his icy demeanor. The boy, with the childlike enthusiasm and humility he fell in love with was gone and in its place was a man, cold and indifferent. Sadness filled Adam's heart. Was he in any way responsible for what Kris had become? As he listened to him speak, Kris reminded him of somebody very familiar that escaped his mind at the moment.
On the outside, Adam observed, Kris hadn’t changed much, he was still very handsome, his eyes were still adorable, and his cute smile still melted his heart. He could still feel the silken touch of those lips on his skin, the strong yet gentle caresses of those soft hands on his body, the heat and moist of his expert mouth on his…
“Adam,” Alex interrupted his daydreaming and asked with concern in his voice, “Baby, are you okay, you look flushed.”
Adam almost died of embarrassment. “Maybe it’s just something I ate, I’m fine,” Adam lowered his head to hide his face which turned even a deeper red after seeing the vindictive look on Katy’s face when he glanced at her.
After making sure that Adam was okay, Alex returned his attention to Kris.
“I want to start right away. So, I would like to meet with Adam tomorrow.” Kris looked at Alex as if to ask his permission.
Alex put his hand to rub Adam’s nape and replied, “I requested Adam to prioritize our project. What time do you want to meet with him in the office?”
“The sightseeing with Katy had me totally spent, so I plan to sleep in a little. I’ll just call him tomorrow.”
“Well, let’s pause then from all these business talks and enjoy our wine and dessert,” Alex suggested.
While the group was sipping their wine, Katy almost shrieked when she heard her favorite song being played by the band and insisted on dancing with Kris.
Seeing Kris and Katy dancing happily in each other’s arms like they were the only people in the room almost brought tears to Adam’s eyes. Inwardly, he scolded himself for yearning for something he did not anymore have the right to have.
Adam's favorite ice cream, that was left untouched, had already melted like his heart that had lost its warmth and had grown cold from the immeasurable emptiness he felt inside. In his desire to forget his unjust situation, Adam started swigging his wine glass.
Alex noticed and whispered a warning near his ear in a tone mixed with desire. “Adam, watch what you’re doing. You know what happens when you get drunk. Don’t blame me for what happens.”
Alex’s hand disappeared under the table and he ravaged Adam’s mouth. The alcohol and his lingering desire for Kris made Adam vulnerable and he allowed his body to receive pleasure imagining it was Kris with him.
From the dance floor, Kris’s eyes were blazing with anger at the blatant and reckless display of affection between Adam and Alex. “Katy, I’m tired. Let’s go home.”
Even if Katy was a tad disappointed, she relented, “Okay. I’ll just go to the restroom and meet you at our table.”
Kris’s fists were tightly clenched to stop them from shaking. Only the remaining patrons in the restaurant stopped him from wrenching the two traitors apart. He cleared his throat to announce that he was back.
Adam realized his stupidity and squeezed himself out of Alex’s strong hold; he hurriedly fixed his clothes. He could not make himself look at Kris; he was afraid to see in his eyes what he felt about himself right at that very moment, worse than filth.
Alex on the other hand was chuckling proudly, “Can you blame me, Mr. Allen, if I forget my manners when I’m faced with this much beauty? After all, I’m only human.”
The arrival of Katy saved Kris from his boiling anger and he was able to force the most fake smile he was able to conjure. Kris recovered and tried his best to humor him, “Alex, Katy and I would like to thank you for your kind hospitality. I can clearly see that we are all dying to go to bed although for different reasons.”
Alex laughed heartily at the double entendre, Katy just smiled ignorant of the innuendo, and Adam felt hurt and insulted.
“By the way, Alex, I’m sure you would like to see where your investment is going and I sure could use your expert opinion on some matters. My staff and I are extending our warm invitation for you to visit our main site in China. They are expecting your visit tomorrow. Everything had been taken care of. I have given instructions to my staff to give you a thorough tour of the factories, warehouses, and business offices and show you the results of the feasibility studies our team had conducted as well as our plan to site the malls in the suburbs,” Kris explained.
“Mr. Allen, I appreciate how your mind works," Alex broke into a wide grin. "You’ve anticipated my next move. You remind me so much of me.” Alex shook Kris’s hand to seal the deal.
Through Adam’s hazy mind, the realization came like a jolt of shock that pulled him violently out of his daze. It had dawned on him with surprising precision who the cold and indifferent Kris had reminded him of. He reminded him uncannily of his husband… of Alex.