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was mounted, and then turned back to face his upset lover.
    Alex was leaning back against the mirrored wall with his arms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed at the ankles. He was glowering at Chance, and his lips were pursed in an angry scowl. Chance's reticence in public settings was a strong source of contention between them, and Alex's reaction was nothing new, but right now, Chance didn't have time to grovel.
    "There are cameras everywhere, Alex. The only time you can really count on privacy around here is when you're behind a locked door." Alex rolled his eyes and pushed up off the wall behind him, standing so that he towered over Chance.
    "Oh, come on! Why does it matter? Kissing isn't a crime and the security guys aren't going to pay any attention to two men kissing in the elevator." Alex was truly upset; Chance could tell because his eyebrows were drawn together, something he rarely did for fear of causing wrinkles. Chance considered pointing out that he'd grown up here, the guards knew him personally, and they'd notice quick enough if one of the kissing men was the boss's son, but he held his tongue.
    The lighted numbers above the door indicated they were halfway to their destination, and briefly he wondered if he'd still have a boyfriend to introduce when the car stopped.
    "I'm sorry." It was all Chance could think to say, and Alex didn't bother to reply. They rode the rest of the way up in silence, not touching or even looking at each other. The time seemed to drag on forever.
    Finally the elevator doors slid open and Chance led them out into the hallway and risked a glance over his shoulder. Alex wasn't frowning anymore, his expression was calm and polite, but he wouldn't meet Chance's eye. Chance smiled at him anyway, hoping he would be understanding.
    The door to his parents' suite opened before the elevator even closed behind them. His mother glided out to meet him, extending her hand as if he were a visiting dignitary and not her own son. Chance took her hand, squeezing briefly and leaning forward to kiss her cheek. They were about the same height. She was tall for a woman at five feet eight, he was short for a man—and being in her presence still made him feel like a small boy. "Hello, Mother."
    "Chancellor, welcome home!"
    She eyed Alex critically, her raised eyebrows the only visible sign of her surprise as she extended her hand to him also.
    "And you brought a friend with you? How wonderful!" She flashed a radiant smile at Alex before returning her curious gaze to her son. "Aren't you going to introduce us, dear?"
    "Well, uh yeah, but… let's go inside first? I'd like to make all the introductions at once."
    Out of the corner of his eye, Chance saw Alex frown but he ignored it. Chance didn't think he could make his announcement twice. It was far better to get it all over with at once. He needed to do this his way. He only hoped he could sort things out with Alex later when they were alone.
    The trio entered the family suite with his mother leading the way, ushering them into the ornate parlor where his father sat waiting.
    "Nathan, dear, Chancellor is here, and he's brought a friend with him."
    "Yes, I can see that. Welcome home, son!"
    The time that Chance spent with his father always made him uncomfortable as he struggled to impress the man and fought to keep his interest. Now, as Nathan Marshall rose from his chair and stalked across the room to greet them, Chance felt that familiar pang of stress and dread settle in his stomach. His father was six feet tall and moved like a predator, sure and dangerous, his eyes locked on Chance's. His face showed no emotion—it seldom did—and his unwavering gaze added to Chance's nervousness.
    Most people were intimidated by Nathan Marshall, and Chance was certain his father wanted it that way. Despite being of average height and build, his father's presence tended to overfill any room due to his grim, ruthless intensity.
    Chance wiped the sweat from his