Chapter 12 Husband or foe?

Chapter 12 Husband or foe?
It took Adrian more than a minute for his brain to catch up to the fact that he was being carried out of the club like a kid. 

“Hey put me down!” he hit Rowan’s chest with his fists but the taller man did not budge.

All his hits did no damage, it was like his chest was made with so much muscles nothing to get through it.

He tried to wiggle out of his hold. “Put me down, people are going to see.” His cheeks turned even shades darker, alcohol mixing with embarrassment.

“Stop squirming if you don’t want me to drop you on the floor,” Rowan’s tight voice warned.

Adrian took a look at the hard ground and muttered, “No, thanks.” He wasn’t trying to fall on his ass and maybe break his tailbone.

The music was even louder as they got to the last landing, people drunk and dancing. No one really paid any attention to the man who was being carried out by his husband like a kid.

“What if someone takes a picture?” Adrian muttered, suddenly growing tired. He let his head fall against Rowan’s hard chest. “They’re going to say nasty things again.

Rowan looked down at the man in his arms.

Instead of the hot-headed unreasonable he’d known for years, he looked like a man that was lost in the world.

It must be hard for him to worry about his public image all the time.

Though Rowan had to commend. He did a pretty good job at keeping his public image pristine. Sometimes he wondered why Adrian cared so much about it.

Nobody batted an eye as Rowan walked out through the backdoor. His driver got out of the car immediately, and opened the door.

He put a grumbling Adrian down on the backseat before getting in himself.

They were going to the penthouse, the one Adrian had refused to move into with him.

Rowan had asked his family’s moving company to go to Adrian’s apartment and pick up his things while they were doing the shoot.

He knew Adrian would not agree otherwise.

“Jack…” Adrian muttered, “I feel hot all over.” His words were slurred.

Rowan ground his teeth in anger. 

Why was he calling out for another man when he was with him?

He’d have to look into Jack, he didn’t like how comfortable and close they’d been with each other.

It wasn’t that he was possessive, he just wanted the marriage to look perfect in the eyes of the investors. He couldn’t let them know it was all arranged.

He looked at Adrian who processed to undo the buttons of his shirt.

All he had to do was put up with this mess of a man for a couple years and they’d both go their way. 

But while Adrian was married to him, he must make sure he acted the role of a significant other perfectly.

Rival or not, he would put his goals above his feelings.

“We’ve arrived,” the driver announced.

Rowan almost groaned out loud when he looked down and saw Adrian had removed his shirt completely.

“I feel hot,” he groaned, slapping Rowan’s hand away when he tried to put his shirt back on.

“How can you be hot when the air conditioner is on?” Rowan grumbled, his patience was already thin enough. 

“Fine! You want to be shirtless? Then you’re going up like that.”

The driver had parked close to the private elevator that led directly to the penthouse. No one would be able to see them come and go.

Plus, his parents made sure security was really tight. It also helped that they owned the building, though they were planning to give it to them as their wedding gift.

Rowan had made sure to cause delay on that part. It would be harder to go their separate ways if they had joint property.

The driver opened the door and he got out, dragging Adrian along with him. He wobbled on his feet before falling into Rowan.

“You’re never drinking again!” He put one hand under Adrian and carried him into the elevator. 

The lights in the closed space bounced off Adrian’s bare chest.

Rowan couldn’t help but notice the hard planes of his chest. His gaze dipped into the soft slope of his collarbone.

He’d seen Adrian naked on their wedding night, but he hadn’t been able to—

Rowan shook his head.

What the fuck was he doing?

Usually he was in control, but since he saw Adrian walk down the aisle with that flower bouquet he’d almost lost it.

The man was all sharp planes of lean muscle, but there was a certain softness to him. Especially when he was drunk and helpless like this.

Rowan went back to looking at him, after all they were married. Nothing for him to be ashamed of. 

There was a tiny mole on his right ear that Rowan hadn’t noticed before. He also had very long lashes that fanned out on his cheeks. 

And those full lips that were drawn in a slight pout as he mumbled something about needing to be in bed.

The elevator dinged when they got to the penthouse. 

Rowan put him down on the nearest couch before sighing in relief, his arms were starting to hurt. Adrian might be a head shorter but he was no small man.

“You’re going to break my bones,” Adrian mumbled, trying to get comfortable. “You’re always so angry.”

Rowan would beg to differ. 

He’d perfected his poker face over the years, he could be losing his shit and still maintain a black expression.

“...and those annoying suits,” Adrian continued to ramble. “I’ve never seen the guy in sweats! What is he? The damn president?”

Rowan tilted his head towards the couch. 

Was his husband cursing him out right now?

“I just want to punch him right in the air! Sitting there and yapping about—” he trailed off which made Rowan wonder if he’d fallen asleep.

A yelp almost tore through him when Adrian suddenly sprang up, planting his feet on the tiled floor. 

“I’m going to beat him at his own fucking game…” he stumbled about, looking for God knows what.

“No cursing,” Rowan groaned, and finally hissed under his breath when Adrian knocked one of the moving cartons over.

He ran towards him, only managing to catch him before he could land face first on the floor. He needed to learn how to take better care of himself. Especially his face.

In the entertainment world, your looks mattered if not more than your attitude.

Rowan moved him, wincing when he hit his arm on the table.

An oblivious Adrian was still mumbling. 

Rowan moved closer to listen.

“I want to punch Rowan fucking Hale,” he made a agonizing sound like he was in pain. “But I also want to kiss that smart mouth of his.”