Dominic's POV
The men exchanged irritated glances, frowning as they received the message. They looked at Mark, slightly pleading for his intervention, but he said nothing. Disappointed, they walked toward the exit.

I smiled in satisfaction and turned the lock on the door. Mark tilted his head, his brows crinkled in confusion. "Why'd they leave?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Does it matter?" I asked, grabbing his waist and bending him over. He gripped the sheets, biting back a moan as I traced my fingers along his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

I entered him slowly before thrusting deep and fast. Taking my time, I switched to all his favorite positions, losing count of how many times he came and the number of used condoms I tossed away.

His desperate moans vibrated through the room. He gripped the sheets like a lifeline. Mark managed to turn his head, his teary, lustful gaze meeting mine. "Slow... down, too fast," he muttered between whimpers.

An amused glint crossed my eyes. "Is that so?" I asked, quickening my pace. Mark's pupils rolled back, a sharp gasp escaping his lips before his quivering body collapsed beneath me.

"Mark?" I called, staring curiously, studying his unconscious state. My lips curved into a wicked smirk. "Crazy whore. I thought you'd never pass out."

Stepping away, I got off the bed, preparing to put my plan into action. Locking Mark's room, I glanced around the empty hallway, then tucked the key into my pocket and went downstairs to find his butler.

Utilizing my talent for acting, I faked concern, convincing him to close the party since it was already 1 a.m.

From the first floor, I leaned on the banister, watching the clustered guests grumble and murmur with angry expressions as they were being led to the door.

The workers cleared the space, removing decorations and leftovers from the party. I thanked them before they left for their homes.

The thought of being alone with Mark made me hum a song. I did a little victory dance with my shoulders before making my way to his room.

I took out the soiled sheets and cleaned the sloppy liquid from his body, careful with the sensitive spots where he had hickeys and the faint reddened imprint of my fingers around his waist.

After a refreshing shower, I brought out a box I had earlier kept beneath his bed and changed into my pajamas.

Ready for the night, I jumped into bed, pulling Mark's waist closer to me and cuddling him like a teddy bear.

In my mind, I wished things would remain this way-just me and him together, with nothing in between.

***

Mark's POV
The sun's rays slipped through the curtains, illuminating the room. My eyelids slowly opened, adjusting to the light.

I was about to get up when something firm pulled me down. My eyes narrowed at the arm tightly wrapped around me, like a child's grip on his mother.

I flinched at the warm breathing sounds tickling the hollow of my collarbone. His face was buried in my neck. Judging by his peaceful look and ruffled hair that made him appear cuter, one wouldn't believe he was the same person who had wielded dominance hours ago.

I paused, my face flushing as some clips of last night played in my memory. Submerged in thought, I didn't notice him waking up.

"Morning, Honey-gold," his voice broke in.

"Good morning," I replied, rubbing my groggy eyes, which had not fully awakened. "Did I fall asleep while we were at it?"

"Yes, you did. The party's over; everyone went home," he explained.

I nodded, taking a moment before speaking. "But you're here. Why?"

A glint of surprise crossed his widened eyes. "Maybe I fell asleep after you did," he answered, panic lingering in his tone.

My eyes narrowed at his clothes. "But you brought pajamas?" I said with a tired sigh, wondering if he thought I wouldn't notice.

Noticing my subtle irritation, he blurted, "I thought maybe we could have a sleepover, just the two of us," Dominic confessed, breaking our eye contact. His embarrassment was evident in his pink-tinted cheeks.

"Hmph! Ask next time," I warned, leaning my back against the headboard with folded arms.

An awkward silence hovered around us. Flustered, Dominic gradually climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom. "I'll shower and head out."

I searched the sheets for my clothes but couldn't find them.

"Your butler washed them yesterday," Dominic said.

"Oh, I'll thank him later," I said with a small smile, impressed by his dedication to work.

My eyes widened as my stomach growled, reminding me of the energy I needed to replenish. "Would you stay for breakfast?" I asked, covering my nudity with a light cloth.

"No, maybe another time," he said with a forced smile, closing the bathroom door.

***

Dominic's POV
It has been two weeks, and Mark hasn't contacted me since that day. I was in the office when my phone dinged. My heart skipped a beat as I clicked on it: it was an invitation for a proper sleepover party. Just us two.

I gasped, grabbing the golden book labeled Mark that I kept separate from work files. Flipping to the back, I found the tallies I had drawn-counting the days we had gone without communication.

I smiled, crossing out the last day of silent treatment, my heart feeling a lot lighter. I couldn't help but imagine all the fun we'd have together.

Thankfully, it was Friday. The restaurant closed early, and my manager was left in charge for the weekend since I'd be spending it at Mark's. Pumped with excitement, I got ready an hour early. I waited, knowing my over-punctuality might be interpreted as desperation.

Mark naturally can't take a hint when it comes to love, but I couldn't take any chances.

Author's note:
The update is Bi-weekly now; the school's about to resume. 🥲💔 We'll be back to daily updates after my exams.