Beneath His Rule (BL)

Punishment 2.1

The evening air was cool, but the tension between Cleo and Genesis was maddening. Genesis, already fuming from Cleo’s overbearing ways, stood in their bedroom, choosing his outfit for the event Cleo insisted he attend. The idea of attending with Cleo—of playing the docile Omega wife by his side was terrible. But as much as Cleo tried to control his every move, Genesis had learned one thing, if there was one place where he still had power, it was in how he presented himself. So he would take full advantage of that.

In his expansive walk-in closet, he stood in front of the full-length mirror, contemplating his outfit. The wardrobe was stocked with clean, carefully chosen pieces, but tonight, Genesis needed something that would irk Cleo without him having to say a word. It wasn’t about comfort. It wasn’t even about style. It was about making sure Cleo knew he could never be fully tamed.

Genesis smirked to himself as he pulled out a deep burgundy velvet suit, the fabric so luxurious it practically shimmered in the light. This is his recently purchased suit that he didn’t know he'll be needing to wear. The color of the suit is a direct contrast to the calculated world Cleo continued to live in. The daring cut hugged his frame, while the dark silver stitching along the edges of the jacket added an undeniable attractiveness. No tie—just an open collar that would draw attention to his neck, that dares anyone to look closer.

It was perfect. Not just for the dinner but for annoying Cleo. Though, it wasn’t a nice move for an omega like him. But he's a dominant omega.

When he turned to face the mirror, the reflection startled him for a moment.

He could already imagine what Cleo’s face would be like when he saw him.

Genesis smirked.

When Cleo entered the room, his piercing gray eyes immediately locked onto Genesis. He took in the outfit, his gaze lingering longer than it should be. It was always that way that it made Genesis feel both exposed and stubborn all at once. But tonight, there was no fear. Just the quiet understanding that Cleo could never fully anticipate him.

His eyes drifted up from the floor, tracing the curve of Genesis’s shoulders and the sharp cut of his suit. Genesis stood with arms crossed, his expression cool. He didn’t even bother to mask the smug satisfaction on his face.

There was no verbal reaction, just a slight tightening of his jaw. But Genesis knew he’d struck a nerve.

“You’ve outdone yourself, haven’t you?” Cleo’s voice has a slight of amusement in it, but his eyes remained sharp.

“Yes, I am,” Genesis replied with a sweet smile, his tone laced with teasing. “Is there a problem?”

Genesis met his gaze directly, unbothered by the intensity. “If I’m going to a dinner where I’m treated like an accessory, I might as well look the part.”

Cleo’s lips tightened, but he remained silent, his sharp eyes flicking from Genesis to the luxurious suit, calculating. Cleo was no stranger to power games, and he could sense that Genesis was making a statement with his attire.

“Fine,” Cleo muttered, "Behave. We're there for business.”

“Business,” Genesis repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Right. I’m sure that’s exactly what it’s about.” His eyes sparkled with stubbornness, daring Cleo to push him further.

Cleo ignored his little rants as he turned on his heel and walked towards the door. “Let's go. I'll handle the rest.”

The ride to the venue was predictably quiet. Genesis gazed out of the window, his fingers drumming idly against the car door as the city lights blurred past. Cleo sat beside him, exuding his usual cold, unshakable demeanor.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the hall where the event was being held.

As Cleo stepped out of the car first, his posture straight, the flash of cameras greeted them. Paparazzi swarmed the entrance, eager to capture the elusive Cleo Blackwood with his new Omega spouse, the renowned Genesis Argent.

Genesis followed, his steps elegant, knowing full well that his very presence would stir up a ripple in the crowd as he instinctively plastered on a charming smile, the kind he’d perfected during his modeling career. Cleo, on the other hand, didn’t react to the cameras. He extended his hand toward Genesis, guiding him for them to walk in together.

Genesis hesitated for a split second, his instincts screaming to pull away, but he knew the consequences if he caused a scene. Taking Cleo’s hand, he allowed himself to be led inside, though the grip between them was stiff.

Genesis had always been good at reading a room, and tonight was no exception.

As they entered the hall, all eyes turned toward Cleo, as expected, but it was Genesis—dressed in velvet, his popularity as a socialite was clear in every movement—they are the one who caught the eyes of many.

Inside the venue, the atmosphere was even more suffocating. A sea of elites mingled under chandeliers dripping with crystals, their laughter and conversations blending. Genesis recognized many of them—business magnates, heirs, and heiresses who thrived on power plays and networking. It was Cleo’s world, but it wasn’t his.

“Mr. Blackwood,” a voice called, breaking into Genesis’s thoughts. A tall man approached them, Genesis immediately noted the man’s gaze as it shifted to him, lingering a little too long.

“And this must be your spouse,” the man said smoothly, his tone bordering on flirtatious. “Genesis, isn’t it? I’ve seen your work. Stunning, really.”

Genesis arched a brow, offering the man a polite but detached smile. He was used to comments like this, but standing next to Cleo, it felt like walking in a tightrope.

Cleo’s gray eyes hardened ever so slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his otherwise stoic face. The man might have also read the room as it dismissively nod while smiling and left.

“You don’t have to glare at everyone who speaks to me,” Genesis murmured as they moved further into the hall, his voice light but laced with sarcasm.

Cleo glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to entertain them,” he replied.

Throughout the night, Cleo remained silent at his side, guiding Genesis through introductions and pleasantries. Genesis had no interest in mingling with the high society. Instead, he used every moment to study Cleo’s reactions, to see how far he could push without crossing a line.

Genesis let his smirk widen as he turned his attention to a young heiress who had approached them, her wide smile and glittering eyes betraying her enthusiasm. “Genesis Argent,” she gushed, her voice tinged with awe. “I’ve admired your work for years. You’re even more breathtaking in person!”

Genesis tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a small smile. “Flattery suits you,” he said smoothly. “What’s your name?”

The girl’s cheeks flushed as she introduced herself, and Genesis listened attentively, though his attention was only half-focused. He could feel Cleo’s gaze like a weight, and he wasn’t about to let the Alpha’s possessive energy dictate his actions.

“Tell me,” Genesis continued, his tone light and teasing, “do you attend many events like this?”

“Not as often as I’d like,” she admitted, her voice softening. “But tonight’s special, isn’t it? You and Mr. Blackwood make such a beautiful pair. It’s hard to believe you're both here, together.” Her voice faltered slightly, perhaps realizing how personal that statement could sound.

Genesis chuckled, the sound smooth and deliberate. “We do make quite the pair, don’t we?” he said, allowing his words to linger in the air just long enough to keep her interested. He wasn’t blind to the fact that his presence had a certain magnetic effect, a draw that was hard to resist. But even as he played the part, his mind was still on Cleo.

Across the room, Cleo was engaged in a conversation with some business contacts, though his eyes were always on Genesis.