William gritted his teeth. They weren’t fucking around, which was no surprise. A company that sold human beings wouldn’t want its brand to be associated with a “product” who kept his humanity intact. What if some rich fuck in William’s nonexistent social circle found out that Serviteurs weren’t actually a different breed of bipeds who were born to serve humans like dogs?
Still, William knew he’d have to take their warning seriously. Eden Serviteurs undoubtedly had a solid—and ruthless—team of lawyers.
“I won’t,” William said. “No one will ever know he came from you.”
“I am delighted that we came to an agreement.”
As if she’d left him a choice.
“I recommend you keep this number handy, Mr. Mitchell,” she said in a condescending voice. “Were you to regret your decision in the future, please know that we will readily dispose of the defective Serviteur for you. However, a refund will no longer be possible. I’m sure you’ll understand.”
Dispose?
William’s hand balled into a trembling fist, his nails digging into his palm. The word hammered in his mind, making him see red. “You’re never getting Adathan back,” he snarled. “I’m keeping him. Forever.”
“Manipulative tendencies,” the woman mumbled, just loud enough for William to hear.
“You know what? Go fuck yourself!” William barked as every cell in his body exploded with anger. He hung up and immediately got a notification indicating he’d received an email from Eden Serviteurs with “Legal Agreement” as the subject line.
Fucking bitch.
Adathan wasn’t manipulative. He was just trying to survive in a world that was dead set on abusing and humiliating him.How dare she insinuate William had been manipulated when he was simply exercising basic human decency?
William shoved his phone back into his pocket, wishing he could teleport right in front of a punching bag with “Eden Serviteurs” written on it.
The good news was that he wouldn’t ever have to deal with them again. Adathan wasn’t a Serviteur anymore. He was free. Free to become whoever he wanted to be.
William took a few calming breaths as he walked to his room. He opened the door, finding Adathan still sitting where he’d left him. Every drop of doubt evaporated from William’s mind as their gazes met. He knew exactly what to do, and he’d never been more determined to go through with anything. “Adathan.”
Adathan perked up. “Yes, William?”
“I order you to behave like a person.” He swallowed. “For the rest of your life.”
Adathan’s smile softened. He stood up and closed the distance between them, holding William’s gaze for a second before gently wrapping his arms around him.
William expected to hear him say something like, “Thank you, William, you’re very kind,” or, “You make me happy,” but no sound came out of his mouth. Instead, Adathan took long, quiet breaths as he tenderly hugged William.
William burned to pull him tight, to crush him against his chest, but he restrained himself. He gently patted Adathan’s back. “I have to pack my—”
“I already did,” Adathan said, squeezing William. “I packed everything.”
“You didn’t have to. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome! The earlier we leave, the sooner I get to see my new home, right?”
William pulled away. “Well, uh, we’re taking the plane, so, no.”
Adathan seemed confused for a few seconds, but his face eventually lit up. “Of course!” He chuckled. “Silly me.”
It was William’s turn to be confused. Hadn’t Adathan flown here?
Oh.
Of course. The company hadn’t educated Adathan about the regular folks’ way of life. The rich assholes he’d been trained to serve probably all had private jets. No wonder he thought they could just take off whenever they wanted.
Adathan’s transition into the real world might be more difficult than William had anticipated, but it would be all right. When Oliver was involved, anything was possible.
William smiled. “It does give us more time to eat breakfast, though. Anything you’d like?”
