Chapter 8: Mine
The shift was subtle—but not invisible.
Julian started arriving at Elliot's office more often. Sometimes with a file. Sometimes with coffee. Sometimes with nothing but a smirk.
And Elliot—once the cold, unreachable senior partner—had become unpredictable. Snappish with other associates. Sharper in meetings. His eyes always flicking toward Julian like he couldn't help himself.
People started noticing.
They didn't say it, not outright. But Elliot saw the glances. Heard the pauses. Felt the temperature shift in every boardroom they entered together.
Especially when Daniel Vega, a rising associate, started getting too familiar.
Too many compliments.
Too many touches on Julian's arm.
Too much laughter.
That night, Elliot didn't go home. He waited in his office with a drink in hand, blinds drawn, tie still around his neck.
When Julian finally knocked and stepped inside, Elliot didn't say a word.
He just locked the door.
Julian raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"
"You looked real cozy with Daniel today."
Julian grinned slowly. "Is that jealousy I hear, Mr. Kane?"
Elliot stood, eyes dark. "You think this is funny?"
Julian stepped closer, deliberately slow. "I think you like losing control."
Elliot didn't answer. He grabbed Julian by the collar, shoved him up against the glass wall.
Julian moaned softly. "There he is…"
"You like being looked at?" Elliot growled, lips brushing his neck. "You want the whole damn office thinking you're available?"
Julian's breath hitched. "Maybe I like being reminded I'm not."
Elliot spun him around, pressing against him from behind. "Then let me remind you."
They didn't even bother undressing fully—just enough.
It was rough this time. Possessive. Elliot took him with raw dominance, whispering mine into Julian's ear like a brand, over and over, until Julian was trembling and breathless against the window.
Every thrust was a warning.
Every kiss was a claim.
When they were finished, Julian turned slowly, shirt hanging off one shoulder, hair a mess, lips swollen.
"Jealousy looks good on you," he murmured.
Elliot reached out and smoothed a thumb along Julian's jaw. "You belong to me."
Julian smiled, breathless. "I always did."