Yuuto woke up tangled in Aiden's sheets, his body sore, his chest pressed against the man he had nearly lost forever.
Aiden's arm was firmly wrapped around his waist, his face buried in the crook of Yuuto's neck, breathing him in like he was oxygen.
For the first time in weeks, Yuuto felt… safe.
But that safety was short-lived.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand.
It was a message from Lucas.
> You thought I'd let you go that easily?
If you want peace, you'll have to beg me for it.
Yuuto's heart twisted painfully. He put the phone down and turned into Aiden's warmth.
But Lucas's threat lingered in his mind.
---
Later that day, Aiden gently pressed Yuuto against the kitchen counter, his hands roaming beneath the loose shirt Yuuto had stolen from him.
"You're mine now," Aiden whispered, his lips brushing Yuuto's ear. "And I don't plan on ever letting you go again."
Yuuto shivered under his touch. "Even after everything…?"
"Especially after everything."
Aiden's kisses trailed down Yuuto's neck, his hands claiming him all over again, making sure Yuuto felt who he belonged to.
The passion between them burned raw, desperate, and addictive.
But just as Aiden carried Yuuto to the bedroom again, a call buzzed on the nightstand.
Mason's voice was urgent on the other end.
"Boss… Lucas bought out one of your companies this morning."
"What?"
"And that's not all," Mason said quickly. "He's threatening to leak Yuuto's private photos… the ones he took when you weren't around."
Aiden's face darkened immediately.
Yuuto's stomach dropped. "No…"
Lucas's game wasn't over.
He had touched Yuuto's body… and now he wanted to use it against them.
---
That night, another message arrived.
> How far will you go to protect him, Aiden?
Come see me. Alone. Bring nothing but your pride.
Aiden's fist clenched so tightly his knuckles went white.
Yuuto grabbed his arm. "Don't go. He's dangerous."
Aiden kissed Yuuto's forehead softly.
"I'll burn the world to protect you."