The office air was dense with the fog of recycled breath and apathetic mediocrity, while fluorescent lights buzzed overhead like flies on the spoiled leftovers of a rich man’s indulgence.
Jake sat at his desk, staring at the gift box that had arrived an hour ago. Inside was a Patek Philippe watch with a note card in Haven's aggressively perfect handwriting.
I could give you so much more than he ever could – H
Jake read it and came to a sobering realization.
The only difference between courtship and stalking was the restraining order.
This was the fourth gift this week.
Monday had been champagne, the kind with a price tag he didn't want to repeat out loud. Tuesday brought leather driving gloves he'd never use. Wednesday, a first edition book he'd mentioned once in passing, proving Haven actually listened when it served his agenda.
And now this.
A watch worth more than Jake's car.
"Ooh, fancy,” said a woman from the next cubicle, craning her neck to peek at the box. "That from your secret admirer?"
"Something like that," he replied, snapping the box shut.
"God. I'd kill to be spoiled like that."
Jake ignored her, pulled out his phone, and started typing.
Stop sending me things. This needs to end.
He hit send.
Message failed to deliver.
Jake stared at the screen.
That manipulative bastard actually blocked him.
It was a chess move disguised as a tantrum, forcing Jake's hand, making him show up in person if he wanted this to stop.
Jake shoved the watch into his desk drawer, his decision already made.
He'd go over there after work.
And finally put an end to this.
The penthouse reeked of sex, secrets, and whatever brand of depravity only the rich and morally bankrupt could write off as charm.
“Christ,” Clay hissed, his back arching off the black silk, chasing the wet heat of Haven's mouth.
Haven’s lips stretched around him, sliding down Clay’s cock before pulling back in one long, slow drag, his tongue tracing the underside with a cruel finesse.
No warmth.
No hesitation.
Just the cold arrogance of a man who ruined better men for sport and called it foreplay.
Clay couldn’t fault the man for playing to his strengths.
Not when the only time he actually liked Haven’s mouth was when it wasn’t talking.
Clay's toes curled into the sheet as Haven sucked hard, building pressure before easing off and letting Clay’s cock slip from his mouth with an obscene pop.
He then chased the taste with a single, indulgent lick from base to tip.
"Fuck, Haven. Please."
Haven smiled. "Begging already?"
He took Clay in again, deeper this time, and held it there. The muscles of his throat milked him as he swallowed, while his fingers dug into Clay's thighs, holding him in place.
Clay let out a noise like a growl.
Cool air hit slick skin as Haven pulled off again, watching Clay's cock twitch and leak against his stomach. He pressed a kiss to the head, almost gentle, then licked up the shaft before sucking one of his balls into his mouth, while his hand wrapped around Clay's length and stroked just enough to keep him on edge.
"You're a goddamn sadist," Clay said, his fingers tangled in Haven's hair, trying to guide him back.
"I prefer the term 'perfectionist,'" Haven replied, resisting the pull and switching to the other ball. His hand continued those lazy strokes that promised everything and delivered nothing.
"Haven, I swear to God."
Haven took him deep again, setting a rhythm now, faster than before. His head bobbed while his hand worked the base in time with his mouth.
A choked curse tore from Clay as he came hard, spilling down Haven's throat in hot pulses. Haven swallowed, not missing a drop, working Clay through it until the spasms subsided and Clay collapsed back against the sheets.
Haven pulled back slowly and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before stretching out beside Clay.
Sunlight spilled across the bed, bathing them in the lies neither man was willing to stand up to.
Nothing moved except the shadows of birds.
Then Clay reached for Haven’s waistband. “Your turn.”
Haven caught his wrist. “No.”
Clay blinked. “What?”
Haven released his wrist and stood. “I said no.”
“What’s your problem?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“You’re a shit liar.”
Haven snorted. “I’m an excellent liar, thank you.”
Clay propped himself up on his elbows, frowning. “What, did one of your other pretty little side pieces break your heart?”
“Careful, Clay. Your jealousy’s showing.”
“I’m not jealous. I’m curious.” Clay sat up fully now. “You’ve been off your game all week. Distracted. That’s not like you.”
“I said I’m fine.”
“You’re never fine. You’re Haven. You’re too busy being full of yourself to have feelings.”
Haven turned, his hazel eyes flashing. "You know what? I think we're done here."
Clay raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Get dressed and get out."
"Wow. Hit a nerve, did I?"
"Clay."
"What, can't handle a little ribbing? I thought you had thicker skin than that."
Haven's voice turned cold. "Leave. Now."
Clay stared at him for a long moment, then chuckled. "Whatever you say, princess."
He dressed without hurry, letting the silence fester between them. When he reached the door, he paused.
"My advice," Clay said, glancing back. "Let them go. You're just as disposable to them as everybody else is to you.”
"Get out."
Clay left without another word.
Haven stood alone in his home, his hands curled into fists at his sides. He let out a harsh breath through his nose, walked over to the bar, and poured himself a scotch.
But he didn't drink.
He just stood there with the glass in hand, staring at his reflection in the window.
At the man who'd always gotten everything he wanted.
Until he wanted something that didn't want him back.
He shook the thought away and brought the glass to his lips, just as the doorbell rang.
A scowl flashed across his face.
He lowered his drink.
Then he huffed a laugh. “Perfect timing.”
Haven set the scotch down, straightened his shirt, and moved to his door.
"We need to talk," Jake said as soon as Haven opened the door.
He entered as Haven stepped aside.
Haven shut the door.
Locked the deadbolt.
And smiled.
“Funny. I was just thinking the same thing.”
