Alex's Pov

Control is the only god I bow to.

That idea is a part of me, It's like a set of rules I live by. Control has kept me safe all this time. She moment I lost control over people, power, or myself, I suffered. So, I promised I would never let that happen again. Caring is a weakness, trusting is like waiting to be stabbed in the back. Love? It's just a sweet lie people believe before they get hurt.

I learned that the hard way more than once. People seemed kind at first, promising loyalty and acting like they were good, each one hurt me until I became hard. That's why I'm cold now, that's why I only show the world what I want it to see.

In my world, no one stays. Everyone is just a tool to use for a while, and then throw away. That's how it is, and I've lived that way without regret. Or so I thought, till Ethan. He's innocent, kind of dumb, and unsure whether to listen to me or fight. I told myself he was just something pretty to add to my collection. A pet, nothing more but something about him stays with me. The way he looks at me, not knowing how dangerous I am to him, it bothers me. I hate it and want it at the same time.

Control was easy when I was dealing with business. Numbers and contracts don't lie but people do. When I walked into the penthouse and saw him there, hair messy, looking like he wanted me to know I messed up when I left him alone for weeks, I felt bad. It was easier to hide it.

“Don't think me being busy means neglect, Ethan” I said. Instead of backing down, he snapped. He yelled at me, and it touched me a little bit. Bringing up Micheal’s name, I hated hearing that nameA from him. I hated that I made him say it. Hours later, I'm still pacing in my office, not even touching my drink. The city looks pretty from my window, but I could only see the vision of Ethan angry.

“Do you like it, Showing me off, then dumping me for him?

No.God, no. Michael broke my trust a long time ago but he was useful. He knows people well enough to smooth my public image but that's all he is. A shield and a mask, he plays a role that Ethan never could, not without getting hurt.

Showing weakness was something I couldn't do, not now, not ever. So I will ignore him, Ethan will break.

---

I had spent the morning in negotiations, writing contracts, dealing with people who thought they could beat me. One guy, in a nice suit and way too confident, kept bothering me. He questioned everything, like he could make me lose control with just words. I always liked fighting back but today, his words bothered me, like something bad was about to happen.

I leaned back in my chair, the city lights behind me. Then I got a call.

“Veyron”, I answered, trying to sound relaxed.

“Mr. Veyron”, the voice said. It was smooth, but sounding like a threat. “I wanted to talk about the Westfield deal. I think we could both gain better, but we need to change the terms”.

I got annoyed that he thought I didn't know what I was doing, “You're suggesting we change things?” I asked, making the conversation a game.

“Yes”, he answered, too calmly. “We all want to win Mr. Veyron, but there are limits”.

Limits. That word made me feel uneasy, because it meant he was challenging me. “What are your limits?” I asked, leaning forward.

He laughed quietly, “I'm sure you know that everyone can only take so much Alexander, even you”.

I stared at the phone, feeling myself tense up, “I've never been pushed too far”, I said. “And I'm not going to start now”.

He paused for a long time, “We'll see”.

Click. I hung up the phone, feeling tense. Something about the man bothered me, I made a note to ask my private investigator to research him, every move, every deal, everything he does.

---

The rest of the morning went by with meetings and business deals. I talked to investors, they asked me questions which I answered like a pro. I have been trying to get into a new market and their money will be welcomed.

“Mr. Veyron”, one analyst said, “do you think the market will really grow as much as you say it will, since it's been changing so much lately?”

I leaned back in my chair, comfortable, “I predict what I see. I don't just hope for things. I base my decisions on facts and opportunities. If you don't believe my numbers, I'm happy to hear your thoughts, but I wouldn't risk my company on guesses.

Another investor, a woman who was smart, raised an eyebrow, “What if a competitor tries to mess with you? Someone mean, who wants to ruin your deals?”

I smiled a little, “I expect them to be mean but if they try to ruin things for me, they might not like what happens”.

They looked at each other, and I knew I had made them nervous without even trying. That's what control is about……not threatening people, just making sure they know I'm in charge.

After the meeting, the boardroom still felt powerful. The table looked nice, papers were stacked neatly, and there were glasses of water that people hadn't finished. The room smelled like expensive cologne. Damian Cross, my oldest friend in business, leaned back in his chair.

“So”, he said, “you think they'll give up after that show, Alex? Investors can sense when something's wrong. You were flawless today, but that's not always enough to win”.

I looked at him coldly. “They'll give up”, I said, pouring myself a glass of water.

Marcus Vale, leaned forward nervously. “You sound sure, but there has been talks among the board. They're more nervous than I've seen them in years. The last scandal brought losses... it worried them, Alex. We can't have another one, we need this win.”

I got annoyed. “Their nerves aren't my problem. Winning is and I always win”.

Damian smiled, “your confidence is always what I admire about you my friend but we both know that doesn't change what happened. They're watching you, Alex. The company is important, but even important people can fail.

Marcus lowered his voice. “We really can't have another scandal, not after what happened last time. The investors are waiting for us to make a mistake”.

I paused for a moment, then looked at them. “We'll make sure there isn't one. At least, not one that hurts me.

Damian smiled. “What if the secrets you're hiding come out?”

I didn't even blink. “Then I'll hide them better”.

………………….

I came back to the penthouse, the city below me. My phone buzzed. It was a text from my secretary Sophia confirming a shipment of important papers from the competitor who had called earlier. I told her to send the document to my private investigator. I needed to find out everything on the man before I get into business with him. Something about him made me feel something was wrong. I always trust my gut.

Evening came, I moved around, opening wine, thinking about dinner, reading contracts. My mind wandered to Ethan, what was he doing? I haven’t seen him today. I imagined he was still sulking. I touched the table, imagining him, the way he feels, the way he moans when I touch him that makes me hard.

Then, someone knocked at the door.

“Come in”, I said, without thinking. I felt Ethan come in with that unique scent of his, closing the door slowly

“What do you want Ethan, I'm busy”, I said, pretending to read the documents in front of me. “Don't come in here with more jealousy. I don’t have the patience for it.

He didn't say anything, I looked up. God, he looked amazing, shirtless with his trousers so tight I can see how aroused he is. I wanted to fuck him, I had gone without for a few weeks and I missed sex. I felt my dick go hard.

“What do you want Ethan”, I asked again.

He walked closer, looking me in the eye. “I want you to fuck me tonight”