Adrian kept his eyes clamped shut, his breathing shallow and even, simulating the deep rest he was desperately far from achieving. The sudden appearance of Alexander's footsteps, quiet but heavy with the tension of the last hour, sent a jolt of panic and anticipation through him.
He heard Alexander stop right beside the bed, near his head. The mattress dipped slightly as Alexander sat down, not on his own side, but right next to Adrian's back. The subtle heat and scent of Alexander—expensive cologne, faint leather, and the unique, sharp scent of his controlled intensity—immediately enveloped Adrian.
Adrian gripped the pillow tighter, internally bracing himself. He had set the rules: no touch without consent. But Alexander had been pushed to his limit, and Adrian wasn't sure if his physical safety protocols would hold up against Alexander's psychological hunger.
