Even if the entire living room had been saturated with a thick, intoxicating mix of their pheromones, Neville still needed to get his head on track. Sobering a little, he realized how different Grayson had been from his normal self.

He was increasingly becoming talkative in a bad way.

Neville carefully turned on his light brain, aware of how Grayson’s arms tightened a little, restraining his instincts. The holographic screen appeared in front of Neville began to seriously send out messages despite his trembling fingers.

His first message went to the Latest Gossip group chat:

YourHope: Emergency situation. Mr. Maxwell has entered his rut cycle. I’ve also entered a susceptible period due to proximity. I managed to return home safely and will be unavailable for approximately 7 days. Please advise how to handle accordingly.

Of course, he had to lie; he couldn’t say that he got stuck in his boss’s penthouse doing ambiguous stuff, right? That would instantly cut his office life short.

The responses came quickly.

IrisA: Understood. Rest well and take care of yourself, Hope. Don’t worry about the office—Stewart should be back tomorrow at the latest.

SGCutie: OH MY!! Are you okay?? Suddenly entering the susceptible period is dangerous!! Do you need anything?? I can drop off supplies!!

Neville quickly typed back a polite refusal to Sarah’s offer. The last thing he needed was someone showing up at his apartment only to find it empty, or worse, someone showing up at Grayson’s penthouse and discovering their boss and his little omega employee... doing despicable stuff without going all the way.

Iris’s next message made him exhale in relief.

IrisA: Don’t worry too much, Bryan already anticipated this. He’s already booked an emergency flight back. He should be here by tomorrow morning at the latest. He’ll handle the CEO’s duties in Mr. Maxwell’s absence.

Neville didn’t find it weird since Bryan had been serving Grayson for a long time. Surely he knew a thing or two about personal information, like his rut cycle.

Which reminded Neville to his sent another important message.

He opened a private chat with Bryan, fingers hovering over the screen as he considered how to phrase this without raising too many red flags.

YourHope: Chief Stewart, I understand that you’re returning tomorrow. But this is regarding Mr. Maxwell’s condition and wishes. Under no circumstances should you enter his private residence during this period. I repeat—do not enter the penthouse under any circumstances.

The response came almost immediately, despite the unusual hour wherever Bryan currently was.

B.Stewart: That’s... unusual. Is there any reason for this? I’ve handled his ruts before, and the standard protocol is to check in and ensure he has enough supplies.

Neville chewed his lower lip, making Grayson sucked hard on his neck as a reminder to stop doing it.

Although he was annoyed and distracted, he was more worried that it would leave a hickey. After all, he still had the body of an omega, even if he was a dominant, which didn’t exempt him from having a constitution that left purple kiss marks.

But right now, he really needed to think quickly about how to explain this to Bryan.

How was he supposed to explain that the reason Bryan shouldn’t enter was that Neville himself was currently being held captive by their boss?

YourHope: Mr. Maxwell will explain when he recovers. Please trust me on this.

Neville could practically imagine Bryan’s confused expression through the screen. But what could he do about it? He didn’t know how to explain either.

B.Stewart: ...Understood. I’ll take your word for it. But if anything seems off, I’m coming in regardless. Mr. Maxwell’s well-being is my responsibility.

YourHope: That’s fair. Thank you, Chief Stewart.

Neville let out a breath, his body visibly relaxed with the tension draining from his shoulders. For a moment, he let himself sink into Grayson’s comfortable embrace. He closed his eyes, recovering from mental exhaustion.

That was when Grayson’s hand decided to roam around.

He felt his warm hands crawl from his waist, sliding upwards in a sensual motion. His clever fingers found the peak of his hard nipples through the thin fabric of his shirt and gave it a pinch.

Neville’s eyes flew open.

"Mr. Maxwell!"

A low rumble vibrated against his back, maybe a growl or a laugh. Grayson’s lips brushed against his ear. It was light as a feather, and the effect was clear on his reddened neck.

"Still calling me that?" The words were a warm gust against his skin. "After everything?"

That did not make Neville feel any better. That kiss was supposed to be comforting, but comfort was the last thing his aroused body needed.

"We’re—" Neville’s voice cracked embarrassingly. He cleared his throat and tried again. "We’re boss and employee. We work together. There are polici—eek! Professional boundaries—"

Grayson hummed, utterly unconcerned, and rolled Neville’s nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

"—that you’re currently violating!" Neville finished in a weak, strangled squeak.

"Am I?" Grayson’s free hand was already at work on Neville’s necktie, loosening the knot with ease. "You didn’t seem to mind what happened earlier."

Neville was reminded of what happened moments earlier and shook his head.

"That was—different," Neville protested weakly. "That was—"

"That was~? What is it?" Grayson repeated the words as if mocking him. The tie slipped freely down on the ground. His nimble fingers moved to the first button of Neville’s shirt. "What excuse are you going to give me this time?"

A button popped open.

Then the second.

Then the third.

But Neville’s mind became increasingly distracted to notice.

Why was Grayson acting like this?

Was it because his instincts recognized that he was 100% compatible with him?

Or was he like this with anyone during his rut?

Neville felt like he was stabbed in the chest just by having these thoughts.

He didn’t want Grayson to be like this with just anyone.

What did he even want?

He can’t even want it even if he wants it.

Behind him, Grayson suddenly stopped.

"You’re upset."

"I’m not—"