Gabriel
woke before his alarm, as he had every morning since bringing Ellis home. Dawn had barely begun painting the sky in watercolor shades of pink and gold, casting long shadows across their bed. For several minutes, he simply watched Ellis sleep, taking in how his little bird had already changed their space.
Ellis’s tablet and phone lay on the nightstand, connected to their chargers. His clothes from yesterday were carefully draped over the chair, a habit from years of protecting the few possessions he owned. Even in sleep, Ellis curled slightly toward ’s side of the bed, seeking warmth.
traced the curve of Ellis’ spine with his finger, watching early morning light paint shadows across bare skin. Over a week had passed since bringing Ellis home, and each morning grew more difficult. The thought of leaving Ellis alone in their bed while he attended to La Sauvegarde’s demands was becoming increasingly... distasteful.
Ellis shifted in his sleep, the sheet sliding lower to reveal the marks had left the night before. Beautiful bruises in the shape of his fingers decorated Ellis’ hips, a visible reminder of ownership.
He had no major meetings today. A few video calls, some private discussions with department heads...
An idea formed with surprising ease. “Ellis.” He pressed his lips to a marked shoulder. “Wake up, mon coeur.”
Ellis stirred, blinking slowly. “?”
“We’re going to the office today.”
That woke Ellis completely. “What? We?”
growled at the adorably confused expression, unable to resist capturing those parted lips. Ellis melted against him as deepened the kiss, one hand sliding down to wrap around them both. Ellis gasped into his mouth, hips jerking as stroked them together.
“Yes, we,” murmured against Ellis’ throat, drinking in the soft whimpers as he picked up the pace. “You’re coming with me today.” He twisted his wrist just so, drawing a broken moan from Ellis.
“, please—”
“Come for me, petit oiseau.”
Ellis shuddered beneath him, spilling over ’s hand with a choked cry. followed moments later, marking Ellis’ stomach with his release. He pressed their foreheads together, sharing heated breaths as their pulses slowed.
After bundling a still-dazed Ellis into the shower, pulled out his phone. He fired off a quick message to Jacob about requiring a suit, then joined Ellis under the spray.
After their shower, heard Annabelle’s familiar, efficient movements in the bedroom. He wrapped Ellis in a thick robe before they could exit the bathroom.
“No one sees you naked anymore,” murmured against his ear, possessiveness darkening his tone. “You’re mine alone to look at now.”
By the time they emerged, Annabelle had already swept through the bedroom like a domestic hurricane. She’d laid out ’s favorite charcoal suit, but her real triumph was apparent in how she hovered near the door, practically vibrating with suppressed excitement.
“Jacob tells me you’re finally letting me dress him properly,” she announced, unable to contain herself any longer. Her eyes sparkled as she gestured to where Lucas’s suit hung. “Though this is just temporary, n’est-ce pas? We’ll need a proper wardrobe. I’ve already made lists...”
“Annabelle,” warned, though he couldn’t quite suppress his smile.
“Oui, oui, I know. Within reason.” She didn’t look remotely chastened. “But the boy needs proper clothes. Even Jean has a full wardrobe now, though he insists on wearing those awful ripped jeans...”
“Annabelle…”
“I’ll be shopping. Send a message with any requests, mon cher,” She said, addressing Ellis. “I will do what I can to get them.
“Thank you, Annabelle,” Ellis said, grinning.
“Of course!” Annabelle practically bounced as she left, shutting the door behind her.
moved to the dresser, selecting a pair of “cheeky” briefs in a delicate powder blue, the sides crafted from fine mesh that would hug Ellis’ thighs. “These first,” he said, holding them out.
Ellis flushed. “Under a suit? To the office?”
“Yes.” ’s voice dropped lower, heated. “Only we’ll know what you’re wearing beneath those borrowed clothes. It will please me to know you’re dressed in what I chose.” His thumb traced Ellis’ bottom lip. “Don’t you want to please me, petit oiseau?”
Ellis’s breath caught, but he nodded. stepped close, slowly unwrapping the robe from Ellis’ shoulders, letting it pool at his feet. His eyes darkened as Ellis slipped on the delicate underwear, the mesh panels clinging perfectly to his thighs. The powder blue fabric contrasted beautifully with Ellis’ skin, still flushed from the shower.
“Perfect,” murmured, pressing a kiss to Ellis’ shoulder before turning to dress himself.
Once fully dressed in Lucas’s suit, Ellis couldn’t stop fidgeting with the jacket. caught his hands, pulling them away from the fabric. “You look beautiful.” He pressed Ellis against the wall, claiming a kiss that left no doubt about his appreciation. “And if you continue fidgeting with that suit, I’ll be tempted to remove it entirely.”
“I don’t understand why I am going to the office with you,” Ellis said as guided him downstairs and into the breakfast room.
The rich aroma of fresh coffee greeted them before they entered, mingling with the scent of warm pastries. Morning light streamed through the wall of windows, catching on the crystal glasses and pitchers filled with an array of juices set out on the intimate table.
Ellis had grown used to the warmth of this room over the past week—the way sunlight painted the pale walls in amber tones, how the heavy curtains were always drawn back to flood light across the table that seated only six. Even the gleaming buffet had become a comfortable sight, steam rising from covered dishes while fresh fruit glistened on silver platters.
Lucas glanced up from his tablet, sunlight catching his grin as he lounged in his usual spot between Jean and Alain, who sat at the window-end of the table. “So that’s what Jacob wanted my suit for. And here I thought Jean had finally convinced him to aid in another escape attempt.”
At the mention of his name, Jean’s head snapped up from where he was sullenly pushing eggs around his plate. His gaze narrowed at Ellis’ attire. “You’re letting him leave?”
“Jean—” Lucas started.
“No!” Jean shoved back from the table. “This isn’t fair! You can’t keep me locked up here while he gets to—”
“Jean.” ’s voice cut through the tirade. “Until we better understand your family situation—”
“There’s nothing to understand!” Jean’s voice cracked. He stormed from the room, the door slamming behind him.
Lucas watched him go, concern etching lines around his eyes. He opened his mouth, but waved him off.
“Technically, Confluence Asset Management owns his contract. He’s an adult, and we’re not required to inform his family of anything.” squeezed Ellis’ hand as confusion flickered across his face. “The situation is... complex. High society doesn’t work in brothels. Jean being under this type of contract, could cause problems, especially since we don’t fully understand why he ran away.”
caught the slight tightness at the corner of Lucas’ mouth—a tell he’d known since their school days. Lucas knew why Jean had run. That his oldest friend hadn’t shared this information was... interesting. trusted Lucas with his life, which was why he’d wait. Though not for much longer.
The remainder of breakfast was a quieter affair, without Jean’s usual dramatic sighs and pointed comments. Lucas seemed distracted, his eyes occasionally drifting to the door Jean had stormed through.
The drive to the office was also quiet. Alain navigated the Mercedes through morning traffic while Lucas reviewed ’s schedule from the front passenger seat.
“Mostly written reports today,” Lucas confirmed, scrolling through his tablet. “Video call with the London office at nine, Berlin at eleven, and then the quarterly review with New York at two.” He glanced back at . “Though I still don’t understand why we couldn’t push the New York meeting to tomorrow. Anderson is always a bit long-winded.”
’s lips curved in amusement. Nathaniel - don’t call me Nat - Anderson had been a year ahead of them at Chaminade, the crown jewel of Second Cat education, where the region’s most influential families had sent their children for generations. While most students came from the surrounding estates and old-money neighborhoods, the prestigious boarding program attracted scions of powerful families worldwide. Nathaniel, son of a New York banking dynasty, had been one such resident of the ivy-covered dormitories.
Even then, Nathaniel carried himself with the slightly pompous air of old East Coast money, tempered only by his genuine passion for lacrosse and mathematics. No one was surprised when he captained Yale’s lacrosse team while double majoring in economics and business administration.
“Remember those pre-game speeches?” asked, allowing himself to sink into the memory.
“God, yes.” Lucas moaned. “We’d be standing there in full gear, waiting to start the match, while he waxed poetic about honor and tradition and the sacred brotherhood of lacrosse.”
“There’s a sacred brotherhood of lacrosse?” Ellis asked.
“No,” all three answered in unison before breaking into laughter, the sound filling the car with unexpected warmth. Even Alain’s usual stoic expression cracked into a smile in the rearview mirror.
“Though Nathaniel certainly thought so,” added, his hand finding Ellis’ thigh again. “Now he brings the same enthusiasm to running our New York office.”
“Speaking of offices,” Lucas shifted in his seat to face them, his amused expression giving way to his more familiar efficiency. “And what exactly is Ellis supposed to be doing all day?”
“He’ll be assisting you as an intern.”
Lucas’s eyebrows shot up. “I don’t need an assistant.”
“I know that. It’s merely a cover, should anyone ask.”
“An intern.” Lucas’s voice was flat. “With no labor records in the company system.”
“I can have Nika create them,” Alain offered from the driver’s seat. “He’s meeting me for coffee in an hour, anyway.”
“Why are you meeting Nika?” Lucas asked.
Alain shrugged, remaining silent. decided to let it go. Alain could do as he pleased while was in-office. “That works.” He smiled, his hand finding Ellis’ thigh.
Lucas sighed the sigh of a man who knew when he was beaten. “Fine. But he’s your responsibility, not mine. I have a busy day.”
“But... doesn’t Confluence own my contract?” Ellis asked hesitantly.
’s thumb stroked along Ellis’ thigh. “One can have multiple contracts, mon coeur. The labor board has no issue with overlapping employment agreements.” His tone was casual, as if discussing something as mundane as the weather rather than the intricacies of Ellis’ legal status.
The Mercedes turned into the underground parking garage of La Sauvegarde’s headquarters, tires whispering against polished concrete. They entered through a private entrance, Alain peeling away to park the car and meet with Nika. Ellis pressed closer to ’s side as they entered the elevator, and dropped a kiss on his temple. “Ready?”
They emerged from the private elevator into a sleek reception area where Brenda Whitaker, who had been manning this desk since was trailing after his father as a teenager, glanced pointedly at the clock on her desk’s embedded screen. “Ten minutes late, Mr. Rohan.”
“I’m the boss, Brenda,” flashed her his most charming smile, the one that hadn’t worked on her in twenty years. “I’m allowed to be late now and then.”
Brenda just hummed, fingers dancing across her keyboard without missing a beat. “Your packets for London and Berlin are loaded on your computer. And the new VP of our Climate Risk Division, Jackson Razier, is rather insistent about meeting with you today.”
Her hand moved in a practiced motion across her touch screen. Lucas’s tablet chimed in response.
“Wonderful,” Lucas muttered, studying whatever she’d sent. “I’ll head down and see what’s wrong now.” He paused at the elevator, calling back casually, “Oh, Brenda, this is Ellis Anouilh, our new intern. He’ll be assisting me.”
Brenda’s only response was a noncommittal “hmm” as she continued her rapid typing.
suppressed his amusement at her familiar efficiency as he guided Ellis through the heavy wooden doors of his office. The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the rich burgundy carpet. Ellis immediately gravitated toward the bookcases lining one wall, fingers trailing over the spines of reference guides and industry analyses.
“What am I supposed to be doing?” Ellis asked, turning from his examination of the books to face .
retrieved one of the oversized leather chairs near the long couch in the corner, positioning it beside his own at the imposing desk. The mahogany piece was a masterwork of old-world craftsmanship, with an enclosed design that wrapped around three sides. The raised panels and deep recesses created a private sanctuary for whoever sat behind it. Even someone standing directly before the desk couldn’t see what lay underneath.
“Just be here,” he said, motioning Ellis to sit as he handed him his tablet. “That’s all I want for now.”
Ellis shrugged, settling into the chair, and began to scroll through news feeds while immersed himself in the London meeting packets. At precisely nine, the video call connected, filling one of his monitors with the faces of the London office executives.
Thirty minutes into the President’s quarterly updates, noticed Ellis’ attention wandering, his petit oiseau’s fingers drumming restlessly against the tablet. Without breaking his attentive expression, muted his microphone and made a subtle motion toward the space between his knees.
Ellis’ brow furrowed in confusion. Then his eyes widened as understanding dawned. He hesitated, glancing between and the video feed. ’s slight nod was all the encouragement he needed. Ellis slipped from his chair to the floor, disappearing into the sheltered space beneath the desk.
shifted in his seat, adjusting to accommodate Ellis. Without taking his eyes off the presentation, he watched from his peripheral vision as Ellis’ nimble fingers worked to open his belt and zipper. His arousal grew as Ellis freed his half-hardened cock.
Ellis took him in his mouth, sucking gently. Before he could become more enthusiastic, gripped his hair, gently stopping the motion. Instead, he guided Ellis’ head to rest against his thigh, his length simply resting in the warmth of Ellis’ mouth. Ellis tensed briefly before settling into a more comfortable position beneath the desk, relaxing into his role as ’s cock warmer.
Ellis closed his eyes as he settled into position, and could feel his little bird’s tongue working slowly, throat swallowing gathered saliva. Running his hand through Ellis’ hair in silent praise, sat back in his chair, re-engaging with the London team’s presentation. He kept his fingers threaded gently through Ellis’ hair, both possessive and soothing, as he enjoyed the intimate warmth.
“The Q2 projections look promising,” he commented, his voice steady. “Though I’d like to see more detail on the renewable energy initiatives.”
The London President nodded, gesturing to a younger executive who immediately took control of the shared screen. “James will walk us through the regional impact analysis.”
The young man immediately launched into a detailed explanation of how the UK’s shifting energy policies affected their risk modeling across different territories, his slides filled with complex projections and color-coded maps.
’s fingers remained tangled in Ellis’ hair as he tried to focus on the presentation, occasionally using his free hand to make notes on the tablet on his desk. Ellis remained perfectly still beneath him, laving at his half-hard cock in a manner that made it increasingly difficult to concentrate on James’ earnest delivery.
The conference dragged on well past ten, each slide generating new questions and discussion points. By the time the President finished his final summary, ’s composure was hanging by a thread.
“Thank you for the thorough presentation,” he managed, voice tight. “Send me the revised reports by Friday. Unfortunately, I need to drop so I can prepare for Berlin.” He ended the call immediately, not bothering with further pleasantries.
The moment the screen went dark, used his grip on Ellis’ hair to force the young man down fully on his cock, groaning at the sensation. He gripped both sides of Ellis’ beautiful face and fucked into the man’s mouth. With each thrust, he slipped further into Ellis’ throat, tears forming at the corners of his little bird’s glazed eyes.
“You’re doing so well for me,” he said, eliciting a whimper from Ellis at the praise. “So good. Fuck. Fuck.” held Ellis down on his cock as he emptied down his little bird’s throat. As his softening cock slid from Ellis’ mouth, tipped his chin up so he could see him better.
The man looked fucked out.
Face flushed and lips swollen, Ellis blinked up at through tear-spiked lashes, his pupils blown wide with arousal. ’s grip tightened on the nape of his neck before hauling him up into a bruising kiss. Ellis whimpered into his mouth, scrambling to straddle ’s thighs, pressing closer as if he could crawl inside ’s skin.
“Please,” Ellis breathed against ’s lips, hips rolling unconsciously. “Please, sir.”
“Not yet, petit oiseau.” ’s voice held that dangerous edge that made Ellis shiver. He pushed Ellis to stand, steadying him when his knees threatened to buckle. “Strip for me.”
Ellis swayed slightly, still dazed. “What?”
The corner of ’s mouth curved up as he loosened his tie. “Take off your clothes.” His eyes raked over Ellis’ body at a leisurely pace. “We wouldn’t want to get them dirty, would we?”
Ellis glanced at the office door. “It’s not locked.”
“No, it’s not.” pulled up the Berlin meeting details on his laptop. “And I have another meeting in fifteen minutes.”
“Then shouldn’t we—”
“Strip now and bend over the desk,” cut him off, nodding toward the right side of the massive mahogany piece, “or you’ll be putting on quite the show for Berlin.”
Ellis flushed darker, frozen in place. simply leaned back in his chair, waiting. After a long moment, Ellis’ fingers moved to his shirt buttons.
Ellis flushed darker, frozen in place. simply leaned back in his chair, waiting. After a long moment, Ellis’ fingers moved to his shirt buttons.
“This is crazy,” he muttered, but continued undressing. Each piece of clothing was carefully folded and placed on the nearby chair, his movements growing more hesitant with each layer removed. When his fingers touched the waistband of the powder blue panties, stopped him.
“Leave those on,” ’s voice was rough with desire. “I want to see you in nothing but my gift.”
Standing in just the delicate underwear, Ellis wrapped his arms around his chest. His eyes darted over ’s shoulder to the wall of windows behind the desk.
“One-way glass,” assured him, amusement coloring his voice. “And Midwest Bank is the only building tall enough to see in. They’re across the street.” He adjusted his laptop camera until it would show only his shoulders and face. “Now. Turn around and bend over.”
“The camera...” Ellis’ eyes darted to the desktop.
“Won’t see you,” assured him, enjoying the way Ellis shifted nervously. “Last time. Bend over the desk.”
He watched Ellis draw in a steadying breath. Despite the man’s obvious nerves, his cock remained hard—a detail that sent a surge of satisfaction through . Ellis turned and bent forward over the indicated spot, and took a moment to appreciate the sight. The powder blue mesh clung perfectly to Ellis’ curves, a delicate frame for what belonged to him.
Reaching forward, slowly dragged the panties down to mid-thigh, the fine fabric stretching taut. The sight of Ellis displayed like this, the delicate underwear had chosen pulled down just enough to expose him, made something possessive twist in his chest.
Using his foot, nudged Ellis’ feet further apart, displaying his little bird fully to his gaze. He stood, tucking himself away before letting his presence loom over Ellis’ exposed form. “You hesitated to obey me earlier. That requires correction.”
The sharp intake of breath from Ellis made his cock twitch.
“Ten strikes,” he said, running a possessive hand down Ellis’ spine. “I have a meeting, so we’ll keep it brief. But I won’t go easy on you.” He waited for a beat. “How do you answer me?”
“Yes, sir,” came the shaky response.
“Count them.”
brought his hand down hard, savoring Ellis’ jerk against the desk. “One, sir!”
He delivered each strike with precision, watching the pink bloom across Ellis’ ass deepen to red. His little bird counted steadily through five, voice growing increasingly rough.
“Six, sir!”
On the seventh strike, something changed. Ellis flinched away, hands flying back protectively. immediately stilled, studying the tension in Ellis’ shoulders.
“Tell me honestly, Ellis.” He gentled his voice. “Do you want to stop? We will. Just say the word.”
He watched Ellis’ hands tremble in the air before slowly, deliberately returning to the desk.
“I need a verbal response,” pressed, needing to hear the words.
Ellis’ exhale was shaky but clear. “No, sir. Please continue.”
leaned down, pressing his lips between Ellis’ shoulder blades. “Good boy,” he murmured against the warm skin before straightening. His little bird shivered at the praise, repositioning himself slightly to better present for the remaining strikes.
The seventh strike landed harder than the previous ones. Ellis’ body jerked, but his “Seven, sir” came clear and steady.
“Eight, sir!” The sound echoed off the office walls. Ellis’ knuckles were white where they gripped the desk edge.
paused briefly before the ninth, drinking in the sight of Ellis spread before him, ass beautifully reddened. The strike landed with a sharp crack. “Nine, sir!” Ellis’ voice had grown hoarse.
The final blow was delivered with particular force. Ellis’ whole body tensed, but he remained perfectly positioned. “Ten, sir,” he gasped out.
’s gaze dropped to where Ellis’ cock hung heavy and dripping between his thighs, precum smearing against the polished mahogany and falling onto the delicate fabric of his underwear. Something feral stirred in his chest at the sight. His petit oiseau was hard and leaking from the spanking, making a mess of his desk. The evidence of Ellis’ arousal spoke to something primitive in him, a deep satisfaction at having his boy so perfectly responsive to his discipline.
ran his palm over the heated skin, admiring the even spread of color he’d achieved. His other hand moved to check his watch. “Perfect,” he murmured. “Now, stay exactly as you are. Berlin connects in two minutes.”
sat back in his chair, savoring Ellis’ questioning look over his shoulder. “Stay, sir?”
His smile turned predatory as he reached for the bottom drawer of his desk. The small bottle of lube appeared in his hand with practiced ease. “For the next hour,” he said, voice rich with dark promise, “I’m going to stretch you open. Prepare you. Edge you.” He ran a possessive hand over the curve of Ellis’ ass. “And you’re going to stay right here, on my desk, through all of it.”
Ellis’ breath hitched, but before he could respond, the laptop chimed with an incoming call.
“You’re completely out of camera view,” assured him, slicking his fingers. “Now, be good for me, mon coeur. Stay quiet.”
“Yes, sir,” Ellis breathed shakily.
clicked to accept the call, his professional mask sliding seamlessly into place. “Guten Abend, Berlin.”
maintained perfect composure through an hour of risk assessments and quarterly projections, his voice never wavering even as he worked Ellis open with slicked fingers. His little bird trembled against the desk, fighting to stay silent while ’s fingers stretched him wider, deeper, occasionally brushing that spot inside him that made his cock jerk and leak fresh streams of precum onto the mahogany.
Unlike their London counterparts, the Berlin office ran their meeting with characteristic German efficiency. Each agenda item was addressed with precision, giving a perfect rhythm to work with. With each new item, he either added a finger, thrusting in and out of Ellis’ tight hole, or scissored them, stretching Ellis until he had four fingers, nearly to the last knuckle.
Ellis tried to stifle his moans, pressing his hands over his mouth. admired his attempt, but it only made him want to make Ellis scream. Part of wanted the Berlin team to know what he was doing behind the camera. Show them and the world that Ellis was his.
His to play with. His to fuck. His to control.
Unfortunately, had to restrain himself. The scandal and gossip that would follow such an exhibition would be untenable. Image was everything to a Rohan.
When the call ended precisely on schedule, didn’t bother with pleasantries. He clicked off, taking in the sight before him. Ellis lay sprawled across his desk, body trembling, chest heaving, and skin sheened with sweat. His hole was stretched wide and glistening, the rim pink and puffy from ’s relentless attention. A substantial puddle had formed beneath where Ellis’ cock hung heavy and dripping, evidence of how close had kept him to the edge without letting him fall.
stood, unbuckling his belt. “Such a good boy for me,” he murmured, positioning himself. “Now I’m going to take what’s mine.”
sank into the wet, velvety heat, Ellis’ thoroughly prepared body accepting him without resistance. His petit oiseau quivered beneath him, thighs trembling as desperate little whimpers escaped his throat. When remained still, savoring the moment, Ellis grew impatient, grinding back onto his cock with a breathy moan of “, please.”
The sight of his boy so desperate for him shattered the last threads of ’s control. His fingers dug bruising marks into Ellis’ hips as he set a punishing pace, their shared moans filling the office.
The door burst open without warning.
Ellis’ panicked gasp cut through the air. withdrew immediately, tucking himself away with practiced efficiency as Ellis scrambled to the floor behind the desk, jerking the briefs back into place around his hips.
Maximilien Rohan stood in the doorway, his stern features hardening as he took in the scene. His eyes flickered to Ellis’ discarded clothes on the chair, then to where Ellis had disappeared. “Another one of Henri’s cast-offs?” He asked, voice dripping with disdain. “Really, ?”
Before could respond, Maximilien’s eyes narrowed. “Is he a prostitute?” The question hung in the air for a moment before he answered himself. “Of course he is. Your brother’s tastes are... predictable.”
stared at his father, brain struggling to process the abrupt shift. Henri’s cast-offs? Where had that come from? And why would his father assume Henri regularly consorted with prostitutes? His brother might be causing problems at the company lately, but this... this was something else entirely. His mouth opened, closed, opened again, but no sound emerged. Through his stunned haze, he registered his father’s judgmental gaze sweeping over the scene, the disheveled desk, Ellis’ clothes on the chair, the unmistakable scent of sex in the air. Something snapped. The words finally exploded from him, raw and furious.
“Get out,” His voice started low and rose to a roar. “GET OUT!”
Brenda appeared in the doorway, wringing her hands. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Rohan, I tried to—”
“You can’t keep me out of my own office, woman,” Maximilien waved her off dismissively.
“It’s not your office anymore, Father,” snapped. “It’s mine.”
Maximilien scoffed as he circled the desk, peering down at where Ellis hastily pulled on his clothes. His laugh held no warmth. “I need to speak with my son. Get out.”
watched as Ellis’ eyes darted between them, fear plain.
“Waiting to get paid?” Maximilien pulled out his phone, tapping at the screen. “The prostitute’s name is Ellis, yes?”
“He’s not a—” started, but Maximilien was already hitting send.
Ellis’ phone buzzed under the desk. His little bird stared at the screen—$2000 had been transferred—before meeting ’s eyes.
rubbed the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly before reaching down to help Ellis out from under the desk. He pressed a soft kiss to Ellis’ lips. “Wait with Brenda, please?”
Ellis nodded, gathering his socks and shoes before slipping out, carefully avoiding Maximilien’s gaze.