"You are right, Adrian," Alexander conceded, his voice dangerously quiet, stripped of all emotion except intent. "I cannot own your thoughts. But I can control your environment. I can control your actions. And I can control exactly who gets close enough to hear what your heart is thinking."
He took a slow step forward, the movement smooth and intimidating. Adrian held his ground, his chin slightly lifted, though his defiance was visibly costing him.
"You want to talk about Sebastian," Alexander stated, his gaze dropping briefly to Adrian's lips. "Fine. Sebastian wants you. He admires your secretary persona, who is secretly my wife. This is going to be the test of your obedience, Mr. Cole."
Alexander reached out, not to grasp or hurt, but to gently cup Adrian's cheek, his thumb brushing away the track of a tear. The touch was unnervingly tender.
