ERIC MAXWELL

"Hello..." I grabbed the phone from the bedside table. Who is calling me this early morning?

"Where are you, Ricky?" Only one person who called me like that, Michael. Mostly to annoy me.

"Home... why are you calling me this early morning, Mika?" I retort back. He always dislikes the nickname as much as I do.

"Early my ass... it's almost eleven." My eyes widened open. Michael is right as I see the watch's needle three minutes past eleven.

"Damn!" I cursed.

"What is keeping you stayed up late last night?" A sound a teasing is thickened in his word. "Bunny in mating season."

"Mind your own business." I lose a word to repel his teasing as my mind re-organized the scene from last night.

"Hahaha.... Kid, back to serious business. Where were you past few days? Mum was worried sick and today we got nonstop calls from Larry.

"I entered my own realm, immersing ruling the piece of land and lost track of time. Then, I remembered I got an invitation to attend some friend bachelor party and back home when Russel come get me." I give the simple explanation.

"Be serious, Lil bro. Did something bad happen when you were at the club?"

"Nope... I will call Larry next. Thanks big bro." I ended the called and put the phone in silent mode.

My memory actually still in fuzzy and unclear state. The last thing I remembered was throwing up in alley corner. My hand unconsciously caressing my neck. I faced the mirror in the bathroom with shaking legs and throbbing pain. My chest and neck full with purplish marks and some bitten.

The colour drained from my face as the last night scene come one by one. I almost get raped by sex maniac only to get caught by Russel. What is he will think about me? A cheap whore? Damn! I had broken the promised I did before married. If he didn't drive around there, the outcome is not difficult to guess.

Maybe today my name will appear as a newspaper headline "Gay man got raped and left at black alley'. Something related to these words, I think. I traced the marks and found three marks were in deep purple and one bitten mark had double line. Except that, the remaining pieces stayed blurry to extend I can't connect the dots. Anyway, I felt relieved because I am saved from becoming raping victim.

No matter how much I was into a man, I won't want to be a rape victim. I would be traumatized for a lifetime. Worst I may reject everyone. Rape, whether happened to the man or woman by opposite or same gender still heavily wrong. Nobody, I meant no one in a sane mind can accept it as normal behavior. The victim still felt the same dirty feeling. And, it depended to their wills, either to stay alive or ended themselves.

But in majority society eyes, some were laughter when heard people from the LGBT community got raped. They always said we deserved it as a God wrath. We deserved it without need to get a trial. The rapist got famous because they acted as a punisher. Did they ever thinks through if they had been in our shoes? Did they welcome and praising the rapist?

The answer is NO. These brainless people only knew how to condemn someone who different from them in a good way. They actually a real bigot and narrow minded people.

After a few minutes convinced myself, I got under the shower and clean my body. I scrub whenever place the thugs put their marks. Mostly, I think Russel has overwritten them. I get back to my room.

I heard a soft knock at the door shortly after changing the clothes. With lazy, I walked to it, opening and Claudia's face a bit startled. She brings a tray a breakfast. I think I didn't need the breakfast anymore. But, I still take it and thanks her.

Returning to the bed, I open the lid containers, finding a light and heavy dishes together. Actually, I have no appetite today, but fear if Claudia informs Russel later. So, in solving the problem I probe each dish a bit and push the tray aside when I can't take it again.

After three minutes, I pop up the pills I need to consume. Until now, I haven't tell Russel about my defected heart. I don't want to appear weak or need constant attention. Although with 99 percent I would say he won't care.

When I remembered where my mind was, I quickly left the room and back to our main bedroom. The sheet already been changed to new one. Damn! How I want to face Claudia again? She definitely knew what has tainted the sheet.

In defeat, I stepped into the room. That night Russel didn't get home and not informing anything. First, I am feeling worried but thinking from a different angle, I could guarantee he was safe. The man not only own this house and he also has a main family mansion too.

A week passed but was he still nowhere in my sight. Today is my last day working in brother company. They throw a big farewell party and some did shed a tear. I despise Russel for making me losing this precious working environment. I give a small speech, apologize and also thanking them for their hardworking.

I dropped at my old apartment, grabbing drawing supplies for me move them over there. I have almost two weeks before I start working at Russel Company. Hopefully, I won't meet the busybody and annoying people in a new place.

I rather be unimportant staff and hoping Russel's won't introduce me as his husband. Judging from the situation, I think he won't reveal it since our agreement to keep it as secret. And, to my advantage, Russel is a trustworthy person. I just wanted to remain low-key person, freeing from the lenses and people's bad mouth. Simply, I wanted an ordinary life.

Surprising tonight Russel come back but a little cold. We haven't spoken, even one word and he ignores me like I didn't exist. Somehow, I was a little bit hurt by his cold treatment. Without batting an eye, I took out a tie, a blazer, and a black pants and underneath shirt. I run from suffocated room when he entered the bathroom. I think he didn't notice me taking out the clothes.

"Claudia, tell him I am staying at studio house tonight." I passed message when Claudia brings in late night snacks. The old woman wanted to protest.

"What the fuck is wrong with his mind?" I cursed as my feet kick the door close. I hanged the suits before taking out the paint supplier. The only thing ever make my mind calm is painting. I was back to reality when the alarm screaming in high volume. Putting down the brush, stretching the almost numb limbs, I walked to close window.

I slide the curtain a little bit, taking a peek to our share room. To my surprise, Russel is there sipping a drink from a cup on the balcony. His eyes stare at the studio. Hastily, I shut the curtain and turn off the light.

Next day, after tying the necktie, I rushed to garage. Everything had been put in the car. My step stopped when seeing Russel warm the Audi engine. I can feel his hot stare from behind the windshield. I ignore it and warm my little car. At least the car is warming than the man cold stare. Right, baby? I roll down the window when hear the soft knocks.

"Hey, let's go together." Russel said. His eyes hide behind black aviator sunglasses.

"No, thanks. I won't want to cause a big scandal on the first day working." I replied him.

"Okay." He gets back to his car and drive out.

After ten minutes, I follow the maps and found the gigantic building. I bring out all necessary documents and going to close elevator. When I was in front the elevator, I found Russel at another elevator. The first elevator a rather crowded. I feel strange when people kept choosing this one. Instead, the people at Russel side less than one hand.

"Are you new?" One of stranger greets me.

"Yes, today is my first day. I am Eric Maxwell." I introduced myself.

"I see... I am Henry Smith. Wonder why another lift is less people?"

"Yeah." My eyes still on Russel's back.

"That elevator only exclusive for higher echelon. The man with black necktie is our big tycoon, the company owner, Mr. Russel Hendriks. At his left is Mr. Rowan Hendricks and right side, Rosaline Hendricks. Another two were managing director and Finance manager, Mr. Jacob and Ms. Tia." Henry explain these people's backgrounds. Gladly, I used a different car.

From the looks, Russel is really coming from high breed, blessing with wealthy, power and good appearance. My looks merely a normal figure you saw at roadside. Russel stepped into the lift. Somehow, I can detect his eyes still on me. Or maybe I just had an illusion.

We also stepped into the elevator and pressed 7th floor button for secretarial department. In a brief stayed in the elevator I got a few rumours about my handsome husband coming from his fan club. Hey, sorry you can fantasy how much you want, but I already shared the same bed and pillow with the said man. Also shared the same bathroom and tasting his coldness as well dirty things.

When stepping out from the elevator, a woman greets me. She introduced herself as a Sabrina. Judging from her facial, I could estimate the woman is unwilling to be my guide. Or maybe this greeting type not in her job description.

Hello arrogant girl, you wanted to know something? This man you're unwilling to serve actually your boss's husband. I joked inwardly. Sabrina brings me to meet the Head of secretarial department, Mr. Ruben Araki.

"Hi, I am Ruben Araki. Welcome to my department." The head department introduced himself.

"I am Thomas Wright, HR manager. Welcome to our company, Mr. Eric. Here are your job entitlement and description. Please read the document thoroughly before you sign it." The man gives me a document. I carefully read line by line before placing a signature.

Mr. Thomas re-read the document and explain company code of conduct. Meanwhile, Mr. Ruben, my boss explaining my job description. From the way, they served me, I can conclude they still unaware of my status. And, I also didn't wear the wedding ring.

After the briefing, Mr. Ruben brings me to the department and introduce to the co-worker. In one glance, I already know who can be trusted and not. For now, my job only does the trivial matter and the one will guide me is Sabrina. She still looks a little annoyed though.

"Good luck with a man-eating demon." Teresa one of the co-worker reminding me. Sabrina brings me to the table. She looks so sweet when flirting with the IT staff who installing and configuring my work station. The man throws me a dirty look. Another brainless jock type I always encounter during my college years.

"Hi, my name Eric Maxwell." I still maintain a good business conduct.

"Bob." He unfriendly answer before chatting with the staff. I have been waiting for a while, but got bored when these people kept gossiping without actually do the suppose job.

"Hi, Kevin, could you let me see previous schedule or company chart." I greet the man opposite my work station.

"Okay, follow me to achieve room." I follow him from behind. "My condolence for you to pair with the brainless woman. I don't get why the boss still keeping her." Kevin is murmuring with slight annoyance.

"Never mind. They are everywhere." I replied him. Kevin shows me the company organization chart as well the secretary working under top management.

The bastard telling me a lie when said his company having short staff. In this secretarial department, we have almost twenty five people, excluding those who had already had their own 'master'. In other word, these twenty five people did a miscellaneous job or substitute in someone's absence.

Great! Now from collateral goods, I had been downgraded as a slave. The first day passed with me memorised the company organization chart and their big schedule for this month. Nick, the previous substitute for Russel during the outstation blabbering about how Russel had kicked out the star rising, Maria in the midnight.

That is fatal attacked if the boss wrongly chosen the right person to accompany them. I just sipped and dug my foods during the lunch. Mostly, I was not interested in their topic. Out of them, I actually like to speak with Teresa, Kevin, Joe and Lily. They are the example of true secretary.

Back at home, I got the notice that Russel had flown to the Middle East. Just back a day and he disappeared again. In that case, I'd chosen to sleep at the studio. Staying alone in a big room is not my favourite. I have rather been sleeping on a small couch or a single bed than having an empty space beside me.

Thinking back, Russel has kept distancing himself from me since the night he saved me. Did he think I was a very cheap person? Or did he hate me for breaking the promised? I don't know because the man, himself refused to discuss anything.

A week passed and I am already grasped Russel's company flow. I had remembered all upper echelons hierarchy, relationship as well their secretary. Working in a big firm actually a good experience and you would feel the time flying fast.

The minus aspect were when you encountered the people who running their mouth more than their finger. In my case working together with Sabrina was not good at all. She always dumped all her jobs on me. And wasting ninety percent of working hours by roaming around Instagram, Facebook as well some other social media network.

Whenever I protested she would immediately complain at our boss. In this one week, I got warning two times by Ruben. Kevin and Teresa advised me to ignore the bitch and finish my part before do someone else jobs.

The woman really a big thorn in my line of jobs. Russel back on the Sunday. He looks tired and exhausted. I went to the kitchen, preparing some light snack and a glass of honey lemon. I put it on the nightstand at his sleeping side. I left the room and want to mini library.

I had some data need to sort, before giving it to my boss tomorrow. Opening the laptop, I detected a Facebook notification for private message. I scrolled down the page, seeing has there had any other updates. Later, I checked the messages and smile when sees the picture sent by Larry. It is a compilation of wild animal babies.

I replied some of normal friend email too as well accept new friend requests. When I want to log out, I get one strange message. Black Panther, that is the person ID.

Black Panther: Hey, are you on9?

Me: Yes, may I know who u are?

Black Panther: Your admirer. Rico you're really stunning guy."

Now its sound so creepy. I don't know who this person but the word gives you a goosebump. Did I have a stalker?

Me: What?

Black Panther: Nothing, just forget it. Can we be a friend? Hopefully yes.

Me: Okay, but I need to go now. Hv something to do.

Black Panther: Ok, tc.

Me: You too.

I immediately log out from Facebook. Who the hell the man? I clear my mind from him and open the data and schedule, I need to check. A soft knock wakes me up from engrossed in the data entry. Russel already in front me with two cups of hot cocoa.

"Thank you." I smile slightly.

"Did you can integrate with our company process?" He asked.

"Not bad... just too busy." I answered him.

"Is Ruben treat you better?" He sipped the hot cocoa.

"Yes, he is a great head department." I pretend entering the data again.

"Tell me if he abused the power. His reputation not really good within the company."

"Okay... for meanwhile he still a good boss." The thing I hate most is grading people attitude. I don't like to meddle in bothersome issue.

"How the trip?" I divert the topic.

"Good, we are able getting a contract as a sole supplier." Russel give a brief explanation. My eyes trace down Russel's ring finger but not found our wedded ring. He always wore the black gold ring since I met him.

"Congratulation." I said dryly unable to hide the disappointment.

"Have you done with the job?"

"Yeah, all completed."

"Then, let's go." He snatched my right hand and led me to the house entrance. Jamie gives a slight nods when he spotted us.

"Where are we going?" I asked incurious.

"Someplace for eating." He starts the engine and drive almost forty minutes before we entered the suburb area. The greenery washes away all the bad feeling in me.

"Here we are." Russel stopped the car and we got out from the car. My heart almost stopped when seeing the great landscape.

"Are we eating here?" I asked in anticipation.

"Yeah." This is not my first time here. But, no matter how many times I was here, the feeling still same as the first time I got here. The greenish area plus a natural waterfall. I take a few photos from our table. Damn, the table really the best choice.

"Thank you for bringing me here. I really like it."

"Just tell me anytime you wish to come here."

"Okay, hubby." Quickly I covered my mouth with a hand. Damn, this mouth really has its own mind. Russel looks appalled by the word.

We sipped the drink and food in awkward. After eating, Russel accompanied me to go around the waterfall. Once in a while his hand would support me. The sloping area is slippery and my foot lose it when I was too immersed taking the photos.

We get back around eleven at night and decided to sleep early. The house is quite because Claudia and Jamie suddenly applied the emergency leave. The next day we get to the office like a stranger with a different car, elevator and so on.

Today, out of nowhere the big boss, I meant Russel decided to eat at the company cafe. According to the co-worker this is the first time big boss eats at this café. And of course he was eating with the higher management and the previous secretary I saw at my brother company. The woman called Carmen, one who kept gunning him since a year ago.

Too bad woman, he can't marry you now as long as I am still his husband. I was playing with the straw but my mind wandered a mile. I can spot many women hyper with his appearance. I am very sure Russel wake up in wrong side today. Or, maybe his head had hit something today. Whatever, I just need to calm myself.

I get another chat notification from Black Panther with his weird question. The way he asked like we are a couple. Thinking back he is not a big threat since I only knew him over online social media chat. I replied him a few messages before telling him the lunch hour is over.

When the elevator's door almost close my eyes widened when saw Russel slide in. Apparently, the high executive elevator under maintaining. With a clear mind, I try distancing myself but the crowded not help me so much caused our body touching.

Russel passed me a note. I keep it in my pocket. I spotted his lips turn a little bit upside from the corner of my eye. Russel still in the elevator when I stepped out. His office on top floor. Once I get back to work station, I open the notes.

Let eat outside too. You will take a ride with me.

Shit! Our relation might expose if the staff sees us together. A part of me so happy with this plan and find nothing excuse to avoid it. Then, as a planned, I get into his car. Fortunately, nobody in basement parking lot around this time. Obviously because the company entered the closing phase caused many staff stay late to complete their task.

"If people see us the bad rumour will spread." I complained to him.

"I don't care... they can spread it worldwide because one thing I clear, we have not committed any crime. And, I am just with my husband." Russel coolly answered me.

"I don't want to be put under limelight."

"One day you need to go through it too."

"One day doesn't guarantee anything." I rolled my eyes. The tinted window prevent people from detect me.

"Whatever." Tonight he bring me into a Chinese restaurant. The aroma inside it almost makes me salivating.

We ordered a variety of dishes. If I can, I would like to taste everything but my stomach have a limit. I don't want to waste any of it once ordered. Like always Russel would let me come here again if I like it. So, I moderate ordering the suitable dishes to eat.

A/N,

Hope you will enjoy the update. Thank you for the vote, comment and follow me. See you next weekend.