In the car, Ash leaned against Adrian's shoulder; sleepy and clingy, while Adrian's arm kept him tucked close. When they reached home, Adrian murmured, "Ash...we're here. You should go in."
Ash lingered, pouting, reluctant to move. Adrian pulled him back and gave him one long, deep kiss. Bravin, at the wheel, caught the moment in the rearview and froze.
Finally, Adrian broke the kiss, smiling into Ash's hair. "I have to go to work. I don't want your mother breathing down my neck." He pressed a soft kiss to Ash's forehead. Ash climbed out reluctantly.
As the door clicked shut, Adrian glanced at the rearview; his eyes met Bravin's for a beat. Bravin looked away like he'd been caught.
"Keep gawking," Adrian said, half joke, half warning, "and I'll have you polishing the penthouse for a month."
Bravin flushed, muttered something under his breath, and started the car toward the office.
...
Naomi sat in class, her gaze fixed on the empty seat beside her.
