Chapter Ten
Cade
I stand in front of the mirror in the bedroom, buttoning a dark green polo over my chest. Smart casual, enough to look put-together without screaming, “I just fucked my stepbrother in the shower.” My hair is still damp, I run my fingers through it once, pushing it back into its usual effortless mess.
While I pull on a pair of black jeans, I dial the number I found online.
The receptionist answers on the second ring, voice polished and professional. “Dr. Hart’s office, how may I help you?”
“I need to speak with Dr. Hart right away,” I say, keeping my tone even but firm. “It’s regarding Rowan Adley.”
There’s a brief pause. Rowan’s name clearly carries weight, or at least enough recognition to move things along. “One moment, please.”
Hold music starts playing, some bland instrumental piano.
I roll my eyes and sit on the edge of the bed to pull on socks, then head out to the kitchen area.
I don’t want Rowan overhearing any of this if he comes out of the bathroom soon.
Leaning against the far counter, I keep my eyes fixed on the closed bathroom door, arms crossed over my chest.
The line clicks again. For a second I think the receptionist might have hung up on me, but then a calm, measured male voice comes through. “Hello, this is Dr. Hart.”
“Dr. Hart, this is Cade Mercer, I believe you’ve been seeing my stepbrother, Rowan Adley.”
There’s a short, knowing pause on the other end. “Ah, Cade. Yes, I’ve seen your name in the media quite a bit over the past six months. How can I help you?”
I don’t waste time with small talk, but I do take a breath before diving in.
“Dr. Hart… Rowan and I… were intimate this morning.” I pause for half a second, letting that land.
“We had sex. I’m calling because I’m concerned that he’s going to spiral.
I’d like him to speak with you as soon as possible…
ideally today, if you have any availability.
He needs to hear from a professional that we’re not disgusting or broken for this. We’re not blood-related…”
Dr. Hart is quiet for a moment. I wait for the inevitable judgment, the hesitation, the polite suggestion that this is inappropriate. It doesn’t come.
Instead, he hums thoughtfully. “I see.” Another brief pause, then Dr. Hart speaks again, calm as ever. “I’d like to see the dynamic between the two of you. If you’re willing, I have an appointment available in one hour. I think it would be beneficial for you to come with him.”
Relief loosens something in my chest. “Thank you. We’ll be there.”
“See you soon, Cade.”
I end the call just as the bathroom door opens. Rowan steps out with a towel slung low around his waist, water still glistening on his shoulders and chest. He doesn’t look at me as he heads straight for the bedroom, curls damp and messy.
I let out a slow breath, part relief, part something heavier.
I really hope this conversation with Dr. Hart helps Rowan.
Because the truth is… I want to do that again.
I want more than just the sex. I even enjoyed sleeping in his bed last night, not just because the mattress was comfortable, but because he was there, warm and tangled up with me.
…
Rowan emerges from the bedroom a few minutes later, dressed in one of his usual sharp suits…
charcoal grey today, perfectly tailored, crisp white shirt underneath.
The sight hits me differently now. I’ve seen him in suits a thousand times, but after this morning it feels like I’m looking at him with new eyes.
He looks sharp, composed, in control… nothing like the man who was moaning my name and falling apart against the shower wall not long ago.
A slow smirk pulls at my mouth as I walk over to him. Rowan immediately ducks his head, pretending to fuss with his tie even though it’s already straight.
“You can look at me, Ro,” I say quietly.
He lets out a small, nervous laugh and shakes his head, still avoiding my eyes. I reach out and gently catch his chin between my fingers, tilting his face up until our gazes meet. A deep blush blooms across his cheeks almost instantly.
Trying to ease some of the rising panic I can see building in him, I keep my tone light. “Am I that handsome?”
Rowan laughs again, softer this time, and mutters, “Idiot.”
I grin and loosen his tie with deliberate slowness, then pull it completely over his head.
“What the…” he starts.
Before he can finish, I spin him around and start sliding the suit jacket off his shoulders.
“I just got dressed,” he protests, half-laughing, half-exasperated.
I spin him back to face me. “We’re not going to work yet.”
Rowan glances down at himself, shirt half-untucked now, no tie, jacket gone, and mutters, “I feel naked.”
The word sends an involuntary low growl rumbling through my chest. Rowan immediately covers his face with both hands, mortified.
I laugh and pull his hands away, threading my fingers through his. “Come on. We’ve got somewhere to be.”
I grab my Porsche keys from the bowl by the door and unlock it, practically herding Rowan out before he can start overthinking or protesting.
The moment we step into the hallway, he pauses. “Wait… my keys…”
I dangle my own keys in front of him. “You’re going to be my passenger princess today.”
Rowan blinks. “I… what?”
I grin and tug him gently into the elevator with me, the doors sliding shut behind us.
I’m really enjoying discovering this side of him… the flustered, blushing, slightly bratty version that only seems to come out when I push. It makes me wish I’d spent a lot more time with my stepbrother long before now.
…
We pull up outside the quiet mid-rise building that houses Dr. Hart’s office. Rowan frowns immediately, staring at the entrance. “What are we doing here?”
I don’t answer right away. I simply cut the engine, climb out, and round the Porsche to open Rowan’s door for him. The gesture feels instinctive now.
Rowan blushes again as he steps out, muttering, “I can open my own door.”
“Uh huh,” I reply, lips twitching. “Like you didn’t love that.”
He rolls his eyes, but there’s no real heat behind it.
I lock the car and follow as he heads toward the entrance.
Thankfully the building is quiet this time of day.
We ride the elevator up alone, and the small, private waiting area outside Dr. Hart’s office is empty.
I nod politely at the receptionist I spoke with earlier.
She smiles warmly. “He’ll be with you shortly.”
Rowan sits down in one of the armchairs, trying to look casual. “You made an appointment?”
I nod and settle into the seat beside him. “I don’t want you to freak out.”
Rowan lets out a short, slightly hysterical laugh and hisses under his breath, “You’re literally my stepbrother. I’ve known you since I was ten. Of course I’m freaking out.”
I grin. “And that’s exactly why we’re here.”
He groans and tips his head back against the wall. “I’m gonna move across the country.”
“Don’t be dramatic.”
The door to Dr. Hart’s office opens. A well-groomed man in his mid-forties steps out, kind eyes and a calm presence. “Cade, Rowan… come through, please.”
I stand and offer a polite smile. Rowan stays seated for a moment longer. I turn and use the low, firm tone I know he can’t ignore. “Ro. Up. Now.”
He lifts his head instantly. “Yep,” he mutters, pushing to his feet.
I motion for him to go in first, then follow.
Dr. Hart lets out a soft, amused laugh but doesn’t comment.
We settle into two comfortable leather armchairs across from him, near a large window that fills the room with soft, calming light. I sit back relaxed, but when I glance at Rowan, I have to do a double take. He’s slouched like a sullen teenager, shoulders rounded, head hanging.
I smile awkwardly at Dr. Hart before turning to Rowan. “Rowan… what are you doing? Sit up.”
He sighs but immediately straightens, though he still leans forward with his elbows on his knees and his head hanging low.
I reach across and start rubbing slow circles on his back. “As you can see, Dr. Hart, the spiralling has already begun.”
Dr. Hart hums thoughtfully. “This is certainly an interesting development, isn’t it?”
Rowan lets out a bemused huff.
Dr. Hart looks at me. “You seem very calm, Cade. Do you carry any negative feelings regarding Rowan or your intimacy with him?”
I shake my head without hesitation. “No. Not at all. I see the hard facts… he’s not my brother. My father married his mother. That’s the extent of our familial relationship.” I pause, then add honestly, “And I… like this.”
Rowan glances sideways at me, not quite meeting my eyes, but I catch the flicker of curiosity there.
Dr. Hart turns his gentle attention to Rowan. “Rowan, this is a safe space. Let’s walk through what you’re feeling right now.”
Rowan sighs shakily. “I’m… ashamed. Because the world sees us as brothers. I don’t want us to be scrutinized. I don’t want our parents to disown us, and I don’t want to embarrass my stepdad’s company.”
Dr. Hart nods. “So you’re worried about what other people will think… that’s perfectly understandable. But I want to know how you feel.”
Rowan’s voice cracks. “I can’t…”
He inhales shakily.
Dr. Hart encourages gently, “Tell me, did you enjoy your intimacy with Cade?”
Rowan squeezes his eyes shut and nods.
I can’t help the small grin that tugs at my mouth. Dr. Hart notices and smiles. “That much, huh?”
I nod. “Ten minutes and we were done.”
Dr. Hart raises his brows, genuinely pleased. “That’s brilliant news, Rowan.”
Rowan sniffles. I frown as I realize he’s crying. I start to move toward him, but Dr. Hart holds up a hand, silently telling me to stay put. I hate it, but I listen.
Dr. Hart asks softly, “If you could pick one thing you’re most scared of right now, what would it be?”
Rowan takes a shaky breath. “That I… want more.”
My heart stutters. That’s not what I was expecting him to say.
Dr. Hart smiles softly. “More? Can you elaborate? Do you mean more of a relationship with Cade, or…”
Rowan nods before Dr. Hart can finish the sentence. My grip tightens on the edge of the chair. That’s what he’s most afraid of? Wanting more with me?
Dr. Hart continues gently, “Rowan, what you’re seeking is a relationship with someone you clearly have a deep bond with.
It’s not illegal and it’s not incestuous.
So let me ask you this… if you let these negative feelings overwhelm you, and prevent you from exploring your bond with Cade… who is that going to hurt most?”
Rowan whispers, barely audible, “Me.”
My chest aches horribly, fingers twitching as I fight the urge to reach out for Rowan.
Dr. Hart says, “Do you two mind if I demonstrate something? It will involve my secretary, Elana.”
I ask quickly, “She’s bound by confidentiality as well?”
“Of course.”
I nod. Dr. Hart stands and invites Elana in. She’s a warm, professional woman who smiles at both of us.
“Elana, you know these two?”
She nods. “Of course… Mr. Adley and Mr. Mercer. They work at Mercer Security.”
“What do you know of their relationship?”
She thinks for a moment. “They don’t share the same last name. I know the CEO is Cade’s father, and that Mr. Adley’s mother often refers to them as ‘stepbrothers’ on her social media.”
I’m quietly impressed. Dr. Hart clearly hires sharp people.
Dr. Hart continues, “What would you think if I told you that Rowan and Cade were in a romantic relationship?”
Elana’s eyes widen briefly, then she smiles.
“Wait… really?” She looks at me, then at Rowan, who’s now staring hard at the floor.
“I love that for you guys. It makes sense. Sure, some people might find it odd at first, but when you really think about it… you’re just two guys.
You can’t help that your parents are married, right? ”
The tension in Rowan’s shoulders visibly eases. I smile at Elana, grateful.
“Thank you, Elana,” Dr. Hart says.
Once she’s gone, Dr. Hart turns to us. “Rowan, I’m going to give you ten minutes alone. Would you like Cade to comfort you now?”
Rowan nods weakly.
The moment Dr. Hart steps out and closes the door, I stand and pull Rowan up into my arms. He returns the embrace immediately, burying his face against my shoulder. We just hold each other in the quiet office, his body still trembling slightly against mine.