Adrian stood at the edge of the staircase, sleeves rolled up,his expression blank but sharp like a knife that hadn’t chosen its target yet.

“I’ve made a decision,” he said, his voice cutting through the silence of the room where Luca and Tristan sat.

Luca looked up from his phone. “What now?”

Adrian’s green eyes locked on Tristan. “If he wants to stay here any longer, he shares my room.”

The silence hit like a dropped glass.

“What?” Luca rose, visibly unsettled. “Uncle, that’s not— That’s not necessary. He’s my friend. He can stay in the guest suite across from—”

“I’m aware of where you put him,” Adrian interrupted smoothly. “And it’s no longer an option.”

“But why?” Luca’s voice sharpened.

Adrian gave a small, knowing smile. “Let’s call it… risk management.”

Tristan met his gaze. The weight behind Adrian’s offer wasn’t lost on him. This wasn’t just about proximity,it was surveillance,control and a show of power.

And maybe something else.

Tristan stood slowly. “Okay.”

Luca turned toward him. “What? You’re agreeing to this?”

“If it makes your uncle more comfortable,” Tristan said calmly, “I’m fine with it.”

But inside, his thoughts ran wild.

This was the closest he’d ever been to the king behind the empire.

And if he wanted answers — about Adrian, about Aliandra — he needed to play the part and get closer still.

Even if it meant sleeping beside the devil.

~~~

“Since you'll be staying in my room. You'll have to follow my rules,are we clear?” Adrian asked,his posture commanding aura.

“What rules? Luca didn't mention any rules—”

“Have anywhere else to stay for the summer,kid?” Adrian snapped.

Tristan gulped down his words. He had nowhere else to stay.“Are we clear?” Adrian asked again.

“Fine,what are your rules?” Tristan asked.

“Good. The first rule is,if you talk too much,I'll kiss your mouth shut.” He smirked.

Tristan gulped down saliva. Adrian was joking? Right?

Seeing his fazed expression, Adrian smiled. If Tristan wanted to play the game,he wanted to see how far he would go.

“I'll tell you the rest of the rules later.” Adrian smiled before leaving.

Hours later, the three of them had settled down for dinner. “You cook really well.” Tristan commended Luca 's cooking.

“Well,ever since Samantha sent the servants away,I had to learn.” Luca smiled.

Tristan silently raised a brow. He never liked Samantha,she was too controlling and made Luca feel like a peasant. She didn't like Tristan either.

Luca stood, “I'm going to bed now,you two have fun.” He left the table with his dishes.

“Oh,we will have fun.” Adrian smirked.

Tristan 's heart beat fast. What did Adrian mean by fun? And why would Tristan leave him alone like that?

Fortunately, nothing much happened during dinner and Tristan was grateful.

He walked into the room and took off his shirt as he was starting to get hot. “Are you seducing me?” Adrian walked in, smacking his lips.

“You bet,I'm just taking a shower.” Tristan rolled his eyes.

“Oh,what a coincidence. I wanted to shower too.” Adrian began to take off his own clothes. “Okay then. I'll wait for you to be done.” Tristan sat on the bed.

“No,you won't.” Adrian smirked. “Rule number two, we'll shower together every night.”

“What,are you insane?” Tristan asked. How could he possibly shower with a bent man while he was proving to be straight.

“Either that,or you get out of this mansion.” Adrian frowned.

In the shower, Tristan couldn't help but stare at Adrian 's body. He had thick muscles,toned abs and broad shoulders.

“A picture would last longer.” Adrian smirked.

“I…I wasn't —”

“Why do you have to pretend?” Adrian asked, walking closer. Tristan could see his hardness jingle as he walked closer.

Adrian already guessed Tristan was gay since the first day they laid eyes on each other.

Without caution,his dick got hard too. “Ohhhh,look who's getting hard for Daddy.” Adrian walked closer, trapping Tristan in one corner.

“I'm straight.” Tristan said through closed teeth.

“Do you really believe that?” Adrian asked.

He traced a line from Tristan 's brows down to his lips. “I told you,if you talk too much,I'll kiss you.” Tristan smirked.

“When did I talk too much—”

Adrian sealed his lips with a kiss. Their teeth collided without warning. While Tristan was trying to fight, Adrian’s tongue explored all the space in his mouth.

Tristan didn't even know when he gave in and made their lips move in sync. Adrian grabbed Tristan by the waist and pulled him closer.

Without warning,he withdrew his tongue and lips. He smiled against Tristan 's wet lips. He could already feel Tristan 's desire awakening.

“Look who's straight.” Adrian laughed before walking away.

“Shit,” Tristan cursed, realizing he'd been played.

He took a quick shower and left Adrian in the shower.

When Adrian was done,he walked out—naked. “Put on some clothes.” Tristan looked away.

“Clothes?” Adrian laughed.

“Rule number three,you will not wear any clothes while sleeping.” Adrian laughed.

“You are enjoying this, aren't you?” Tristan crossed his arms.

“Of course. Plus,you don't have a choice. It gets really hot here at night.” Adrian sat on the bed.

Tristan sighed before pulling down his shorts, revealing his manhood to the open. Adrian smirked at the sight. “Goodnight kid.” He closed his eyes.

Tristan laid opposite him, trying to get some shut eye,but Adrian 's muscular arms reached out and pulled him closer.

“Hey,what are you—”

“Do you want me to kiss you again?” Adrian asked.

Silence.

“Good,now go to sleep.”

But,how could he? Adrian 's hardness was basically pressing against his butts. His mind wandered back to the CIA. If he wanted that promotion,he had to endure this hardship for now.

Adrian’s eyes opened. Something had woke him — not a sound, but a feeling. He turned his head slightly.

Tristan lay beside him, fast asleep, his breath steady.

Adrian sat up in silence, swung his legs off the bed. He ran a hand through his hair, then slipped on a dark robe over his body.

He walked silently to his study.

He pushed the door open and closed it softly behind him. The room welcomed him with darkness.

He sat behind his desk,his thoughts were mainly about how to take the white cloaks down. They'd been a major threat in the mafia system.

His phone buzzed on the desk.

A message from Rumeya.

"You’re being reckless. Why is a stranger on your bed? He’s not just a houseguest and you’re not just my fiancé. I don’t like this."

Adrian’s eyes darkened.

He typed back slowly.

"Stop watching my room."

"You're crossing a line."

Seconds later, her reply lit the screen.

"So are you."

He stared at her words then set the phone down.

Adrian moved to the window and looked out at the empty grounds. His reflection stared back in the glass.

He didn’t know what Tristan was hiding,not yet.

But the fact that Rumeya was watching meant she was nervous. That meant control was slipping.

And Adrian didn’t like losing control.

Especially over what or who kept him awake at night.

To be continued...