Caged for Him, Crowned by Another

I steadied myself, then went shopping after work to cook Jonathan a proper dinner. Since I was living under his roof and had agreed to handle the housework, I couldn't slack off.

At the table, Jonathan's family praised my cooking until I felt embarrassed.

Later, Jonathan told me his company was holding its annual gala and invited me to attend. That's when I learned the renowned Brooke Group belonged to him — and the convenience store where I'd just started working was one of his businesses.

Jonathan had been framed by relatives and spent three years in prison. He could have gotten out sooner, but he used that absence to conceal his strength.

While different branches of the Brooke family tore each other apart, he waited in the shadows, then reemerged to collect the spoils and eventually unify the whole group. That he was the one behind the empire stunned me.

I had not expected to run into Luke at the gala.

I arrived with Jonathan at my side, and my presence set tongues wagging. Some called me Jonathan's friend; others whispered I might be his lover.

Jonathan had kept a clean public record since taking control, so people assumed he preferred men — and my appearance only fed that rumor.

Luke seemed to buy that interpretation. When Jonathan stepped away for a round of greetings, Luke pulled me into a quiet corner, gripping my wrist with impatient anger. "Adam, stop this. I know you're with Jonathan on purpose — just to get at me."

I shrugged his hand off and answered flatly, "Luke, could you dial down the ego? The world doesn't revolve around you. Who I choose to be with is my business."

His face darkened into fury. "Do you really think someone like Jonathan would take you seriously? He's just playing you. Don't forget you served five years in prison."

What did he mean? That because I'd spent five years behind bars, I was inferior and unworthy of anyone's regard?

Laughter and anger tangled inside me. A raw ache opened in my heart. Tears pricked my eyes.

I slapped him hard. "Who cares that I served five years? You do, Luke. But tell me, for whom did I spend those five years behind bars? Don't you know?"

His composure cracked. "Adam, I didn't mean it like that. I spoke poorly. I'm only afraid he'll deceive you, that he'll take advantage of you. Don't misunderstand me."

Someone approached. I didn't want to embarrass Jonathan — after all, he'd brought me — so I slipped away. Luke was held up by other guests and didn't follow.

"You okay? That jerk bothering you again?" Jonathan asked, noticing the wet tracks on my face, his voice full of concern.

He already knew some of my story; in prison, he'd been my only friend, and I'd told him everything.

"There are plenty of decent men in the world. Don't hang yourself from one rotten branch," Jonathan said, looping his arm through mine. He smelled faintly of liquor, but not unpleasantly. He seemed a little drunk, so I steadied him as we left.

Back at his place, I was about to lay him on the bed when he grabbed me, yanking me down onto him.

I landed on his chest.

His body was hot; the scent of a man clung to him, his heartbeat strong against my ear. His large hand slipped beneath my loose jacket and started exploring.

I pushed him back. "Have you been drinking?" I asked.

His cheeks were flushed, his gaze unfocused; he seemed more than drunk — drugged, maybe.

Damn it! Someone had the nerve to lace Jonathan's drink. Who would be so reckless?

Seeing him struggle in pain, I asked, "Do you want me to find you a woman?"

He seized the back of my head and sealed my lips with a burning kiss. "I want you," he murmured.

I forced my breath steady. "Jonathan, look at me. I'm Adam."

His voice turned hoarse and low. "Adam… right now, you're the only one who can save me. Please… Will you?"