Underworld Submission (book 1)

A New Dawn

Dom woke up slowly, his senses gradually coming back to him as the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. The first thing he noticed was the steady rhythm of Adrian's breathing, his chest rising and falling beneath Dom's head. The feeling of Adrian's strong arm draped around him, holding him close, filled him with a sense of warmth and security that he hadn't known he needed so badly.For a moment, Dom simply lay there, taking in the peace of the morning, allowing himself to savor the rare calmness. His thoughts drifted to the night before, to the way Adrian had taken charge, firm but gentle. The memory of Adrian's hands on his body, the way he had explored Dom's every inch with such deliberate care, sent a shiver down his spine. There had been something so intoxicating about the mix of tenderness and authority in Adrian's touch, a balance that made Dom feel safe, cherished, and desired all at once.Dom shifted slightly in Adrian's arms, his face buried against Adrian's chest as he let the memories wash over him. The passion between them had been undeniable, but what struck Dom the most was the way Adrian had guided him through it all—never rushed, always attentive to his needs. Adrian's dominance had been undeniable, yet it was never harsh. Instead, it felt like a force that Dom could trust completely, one that gave him the space to let go of his usual control and simply be.His fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on Adrian's skin, recalling the way Adrian had looked at him, the intensity in his eyes that spoke volumes about how much he cared. It wasn't just about the physical connection—they had crossed a threshold into something deeper, something that transcended mere attraction.Dom felt a soft smile tug at the corners of his lips as he remembered the way Adrian had whispered to him, his voice low and commanding, but always full of warmth. He could still hear the echo of those words in his mind, reassuring him, guiding him through every moment until they had both surrendered to the overwhelming tide of emotions and sensations.As the sunlight continued to pour in through the curtains, Dom felt a sense of contentment settle over him. For so long, he had kept people at arm's length, building walls to protect himself from the dangers that came with his life. But with Adrian, it was different. He didn't have to be on guard, didn't have to hide or pretend. Adrian had seen all of him—the vulnerability, the darkness, and still, he had wanted Dom. Had claimed him.The thought made Dom's chest tighten with emotion. He had never felt this way before, this sense of belonging. And yet, with Adrian, it felt so natural, so right.Dom shifted again, this time lifting his head slightly to look at Adrian's face. Adrian was still asleep, his expression peaceful, the hardness that he so often wore softened in the quiet of the morning. Dom's heart swelled with affection as he gazed at him, the man who had not only protected him but had also given him the space to be vulnerable, to let down the guard he had held up for so long.Last night had been more than just their first time being intimate—it had been the start of something Dom couldn't quite put into words yet. Something he wasn't sure he had ever believed he would find. Trust. Safety. Love. All woven into the way Adrian had touched him, the way he had held him afterward, as if he would never let him go.Dom pressed a soft kiss to Adrian's chest, his heart full as he whispered, "Thank you."He wasn't sure if Adrian heard him, but it didn't matter. The sentiment was there, and Dom knew it would be understood. Adrian had given him something he hadn't even realized he was missing—a sense of being seen, fully and completely, without judgment.And as the morning light continued to fill the room, Dom allowed himself to bask in the warmth of that realization. He wasn't alone anymore. He had Adrian, and together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.Adrian woke up slowly, the cool sheets rustling as he stretched. The bed felt unusually empty, and when he glanced over to the side, he noticed a neatly folded note on the pillow. Picking it up, he read Dom's familiar handwriting: **"Had some work to do. Thank you for last night."** A smile tugged at the corners of Adrian's lips, the memory of their time together still fresh in his mind. Rising from the bed, he decided it was time to get to know the mansion he now called home. He dressed quickly, curiosity leading him to explore the grand space. The house was enormous, far larger than any place he had ever stayed, with wide hallways, high ceilings, and lavish details at every turn. It was a place that spoke of power and wealth, but there was also a strange sense of isolation that came with it.The first room he wandered into was a formal sitting room, draped in deep maroons and rich, dark woods. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the plush, velvet furniture. The room felt regal, almost cold, with its pristine setup—like a space designed for appearances rather than comfort. Adrian felt out of place for a moment, as if he were intruding in a museum where everything should remain untouched. He moved on, finding his way into the library. It was massive, with shelves stretching from floor to ceiling, filled with leather-bound books that looked older than he could imagine. The scent of aged paper and leather filled the room, creating a feeling of quiet solitude. Here, the mood shifted, and Adrian felt a sense of peace. The room invited reflection, a sanctuary away from the harsh realities of the outside world. He imagined Dom sitting here late at night, lost in thought, surrounded by the quiet wisdom of the books that filled the space.As he continued his tour, Adrian passed several security guards stationed throughout the mansion. They were silent, armed men standing watch at strategic points, always alert. Each time Adrian passed one, they offered a respectful bow without speaking, acknowledging him with a quiet formality that made him feel both respected and out of place. The presence of such intense security was a constant reminder of the danger surrounding Dom's life—a life Adrian was now entangled in.Adrian entered a long hallway, more opulent than the others, lined with polished marble floors and ornate vases on pedestals. His footsteps echoed softly as he approached a door that was different from the others—a black door at the end of the hall. It stood out starkly against the otherwise pristine white walls, and something about it drew his attention. He reached for the door handle, but before his hand could touch it, one of the guards appeared at his side, as if materializing out of thin air. The man's face remained impassive as he spoke quietly, "I'm sorry, sir. No one is allowed beyond this door."Adrian's curiosity was piqued. The black door seemed like the key to something deeper, something Dom wasn't ready to share yet. He felt a slight tug of frustration at being denied access, but he respected the rules. With a nod, Adrian stepped back, his mind buzzing with questions about what lay beyond. Leaving the mysterious door behind, Adrian continued exploring the mansion. The rooms varied in style—some modern and sleek, others dripping with historical elegance. He passed through a music room, complete with a grand piano and walls adorned with framed sheet music, and a dining hall large enough to seat fifty people, though it felt strangely unused. Each room revealed more about Dom's world, a blend of wealth, isolation, and mystery.As Adrian moved through the halls, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was so much more to this place—secrets hidden behind locked doors, untold stories lurking in the shadows. The grandeur of the mansion was undeniable, but it also felt heavy, like it was holding onto something more than just Dom's wealth. It was a fortress, both in its opulence and its walls of silence.