CHAPTER 37: 37: TIED DOWN

Adrian swallowed hard, the slight pressure of Alexander’s grip a searing brand on his skin. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. The office—Alexander’s expensive, air-conditioned office—suddenly felt suffocatingly small.

Jealous. The word, whispered moments ago, echoed louder than Alexander’s low, dangerous voice.

He looked down at his wrist, then back up at the unreadable blue eyes fixed on his. He saw the tight set of Alexander’s jaw, the slight tremor in the hand holding him. This wasn’t the calm, detached boss he knew. This was something else—something raw and volatile.

He couldn’t lie, not when Alexander was this close, this intense. But he couldn’t tell the full truth either, not with the risk of being thrown in jail, or worse, making Alexander truly angry.

He decided to deploy a deviation, aimed at self-preservation.

"It wouldn’t," Adrian finally managed, his voice barely a rasp. "It wouldn’t matter, boss. Because...because it’s impossible. I know you’re only angry at me for the offshore account issue, but I promise, I’m never looking where I shouldn’t again. I swear it," he slowly nodded as he spoke.

He kept his eyes wide, channelling every ounce of his remaining nervousness and fear into the performance. He made it about his crippling debt, about his need for employment, about the power dynamic, not the personal attraction.

Alexander’s expression shifted, the intensity in his eyes wavering, replaced by a momentary flash of frustration. Adrian had successfully redirected the confrontation back to the professional realm, the only place he felt marginally safer.

The hand around his wrist tightened briefly, a gesture of annoyance at the deflection, before slowly releasing him.

"You can relax, Mr. Cole. I have no intention of firing you," Alexander said, his voice instantly regaining its cold, corporate edge. He took a deliberate step back, putting a crucial foot of distance between them. "Madam Li Xueyi herself just confirmed your value to my company."

He walked over to the desk and picked up the contracts.

"However," Alexander continued, his back to Adrian as he started sorting the papers with meticulous care. "I suggest you reschedule your weekend plans. Effective immediately, I need you to be available at all hours. Something... has changed."

He turned back, leaning against the desk, his eyes hard.

"That means no unsupervised dates, no private meetings, and no socialising with people who could potentially compromise my business or your safety. I am tying you to me for your own protection, Adrian. And for my business’s peace of mind."

Adrian clenched his fists, fighting the urge to protest the blatant imprisonment.

"Why?" He asked calmly even though he felt anything but.

Alexander smirked, "You really need me to repeat, huh?" He leaned off the desk and walked back to stand in front of Adrian, "Alright, Mr. Cole. I’ll tell."

He pulled his phone from his pocket and scrolled, "Here you go, Mr. Cole. Now, you understand that you’re going to spend the rest of your life serving me and following my every bid." He said with arrogance, watching the disbelief on Adrian’s face.

Adrian’s face changed from shock to relief, from relief to fear, and from fear to confusion.

He lifted his head to stare at Alexander’s face.

"I... first of all, thank you. But..." he sighed in confusion, studying Alexander’s stoic face.

"Why, boss? Did you really have to go through that length to just tie me to you? Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful and awfully relieved that you stood off to the loan sharks. Still, I think it’s a bit too much. I’m already owing you for my mother’s medical bills, and yet again, I’m owing you for this. How am I ever going to pay back such debt?" Adrian was breathless, sweat breaking out on his forehead.

Not even Adrienne’s divorce settlement could cover this debt now.

He was doomed.

Alexander leaned in and cupped Adrian’s chin, "It’s simple, Mr. Cole. Do exactly as I ask. Be where I need you to be. Be what I want you to be. Do you understand?" His thumb pressed lightly on Adrian’s chin, his eyes burning into Adrian’s.

Adrian gulped, "So, the Atelier date is off?" he asked, trying to sound calm, though the bitterness tasted like copper on his tongue.

"The Atelier date is off," Alexander confirmed flatly. "And if Ruiyan contacts you again, you will refer her to me. I will handle all external communications that are not directly work-related."

Adrian took a deep, steadying breath. "Why? This does make sense, boss. Why did you pay the debt? You were so blatant about not paying it. Why?" He removed Alexander’s hand from his chin and folded his arms on his chest, his eyes narrowing in observation.

Alexander sighed, a sound of exasperated patience.

"I need your full attention on me... my works, designs. You’re good at what you do. Clumsy, yes, but when I see something of value, I keep it to myself, and myself alone." He paused, his gaze softening just slightly—a trick of the light, Adrian told himself. "The loan was distracting you, it even made you consider becoming a lowly escort. I had to cut out whatever was taking your attention away from work." He sighed, pushing his hands into his pockets.

"I’ve got a big project coming up soon. I need capable hands on deck, not distracted hands. Now, all you have to do is focus on how you will work out your debt. Who knows, if you please me well enough, I might let you off my leash," Alexander shrugged.

Adrian’s jaw dropped. He realised Alexander’s intention was never just about business or protection. It was about possession.

"So, your slave?" Adrian muttered, shaking his head.

"Perhaps. Now, gather these documents, copy them, and file them. I want a summary of the key clauses by the end of the day," Alexander commanded, his voice switching back to the boss he knew. "And Mr. Cole? Don’t forget my coffee. Black, two sugars."

Adrian didn’t move for a full minute, just staring at the powerful, arrogant man who had just confirmed he was holding Adrian’s freedom hostage.

"Yes, Boss," Adrian finally ground out, moving toward the desk to snatch the documents, his heart pounding a furious rhythm of resentment and, terrifyingly, a hint of something that felt like recognition.

"Oh, and Mr. Cole?" Alexander called just as Adrian was about to open the door.

Adrian sighed quietly, "Yes, boss." He slowly turned to face Alexander.

This time, he really had no choice but to obey every single one of Alexander’s orders. The man literally owned him.

"Never, in any circumstance, play my hero. You’re not, don’t try to be. Leave," Alexander waved a dismissive hand at Adrian.

Adrian furrowed his brows in confusion. But he wasn’t about to ask him what he meant. He left the office, closing the door a little too forcefully.

Only when he was fitted at his desk did he realise that Alexander was talking about the last night’s incident. He was asking Adrian never to put himself in danger for his sake ever again.

Adrian didn’t know if he should feel touched or insulted. Alexander was a proud man, and when he asked Adrian never to play hero again, he probably meant it in some demeaning kind of way, like Adrian wasn’t even worthy of saving his life.

Inside the office, Alexander walked to his window and watched the city skyline. He lifted a hand to his wrist, where he could still feel the phantom pressure of Adrian’s pulse under his thumb.

Jealous. The word still burned.

’I’m not jealous,’ he thought, running a hand through his damp hair. ’I’m protecting my investment. Adrian’s a fool, he needs guidance.’

He looked down at the contracts, then back at the door.

’But the date... the thought of him smiling at someone else, of someone else touching his hand... That is simply unacceptable.’

He leaned his head against the cool glass, a dark, possessive thought settling deep in his gut: ’He is mine to manage. And I will not share.’

A call interrupted his thoughts.

"Marcus?" He answered.

"Boss, there’s no sign of Adrienne in the Indian database. Neither is there any record of someone like her here in New York. It’s as if she’s not a real person." Marcus informed.

He frowned as he listened to Marcus’s information. He already had a hint that Adrienne might not be who she says she is. What he doesn’t understand is her motive for marrying him.

She wasn’t even trying to dig into his wealth or life. She’s just... weird.

"Alright. About Mr. Cole, keep trying to lure each account owner out. The debt might have been paid but punishment hasn’t been served," he stated, his fingers tightening around his phone.

"Yes, sir," Marcus replied as the call ended.

Alexander was about to let his mind think deeply about the information he’d just received when his phone buzzed with a message.

He returned his eyes to his screen and was surprised to see Adrienne’s message on display.

MESSAGE: Hi, husband. Can’t wait to see you tonight. *wink*.

Alexander stared at the message, a muscle twitching in his jaw. The "wink" emoji felt like a needle pricking the carefully controlled balloon of his composure. Adrienne. His phantom wife, who had vanished just as inexplicably as she had appeared, now casually messaged him as if they were planning dinner.

"What the fuck?" Alexander muttered, a mix of anger and excitement bubbling within him.