Friends, Sexcapades, And Love Affairs - 21. A Little Heat

Chapter Twenty-One – A Little Heat

There was heat everywhere, spreading from the point where their lips met, tendrils of lava stretching to the tiniest capillary in his body. Mike could tell his eyelids fluttered as Ryan kept him close and kissed him like he had dreamed of for so long. But he wouldn’t keep his eyes closed, not now when it mattered that he was aware and fully conscious of what was happening to him. It mattered not only for the present but for the future, too.

Ryan kept Mike’s head in his hands as their lips parted and looked into his eyes. He was searching for something on Mike’s face, his eyebrows furrowed, but his lips quirked in the shadow of a smile. Mike blushed under that intense stare.

“Did you mean it?” Ryan asked softly as his thumbs moved to caress Mike’s cheeks.

Mike bit his bottom lip. His blushing intensified. “Every word,” he replied somewhat stubbornly. It was hard to sustain Ryan’s gaze when he looked at him like that. The most unnerving thing was that Ryan was silent. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Because I’m speechless.”

“Oh, good.” Mike breathed out. “It would have been bad if you had hated me or something.”

Ryan laughed and gave Mike another kiss, this time short and less heated, but no less sweet. “How could I hate you after hearing such a confession?”

“I don’t know what to say to that,” Mike admitted. “Oh, it was a rhetorical question, right?”

Ryan didn’t reply. Instead, he brushed his lips against Mike’s mouth, teasing it. They were still at work, Mike realized and withdrew.

Ryan rested his forehead against his and sighed. “We shouldn’t be doing this here, right?”

“I’m still your employee, and you’re still my boss,” Mike pointed out the obvious. “I can’t believe you came here and, um,” he hesitated for a moment, “kissed me like this.” The last words, he said quickly, afraid of their meaning and weight. “You’re risking a lot, right?” He looked down, embarrassed about having triggered that reaction in Ryan with his reckless behavior.

Ryan kept him close, preventing him from stepping away. “For you, I think I can stand a little heat.”

Mike wasn’t sure those words were the best to describe the fire he could clearly feel as Ryan embraced him, his strong arms all around him. Still, as much as Ryan seemed bent on engaging in some reckless behavior, too, Mike couldn’t allow it. He placed both hands on Ryan’s chest. “Someone could walk in.”

“That’s true,” Ryan admitted. “I should keep my hands off you.” As he said that, he pulled Mike closer. “If only I could figure out how to do that.”

Mike responded with a small, nervous laugh. It was a good thing Ryan held him because he wasn’t entirely sure he would be able to stand on his feet otherwise.

Ryan kissed the crown of his head. “I thought my morning was the pits until you said those three little words.”

“Why was your morning bad?”

“Company stuff. I won’t talk about that now. There are more important things on my mind.”

Mike didn’t dare to ask what things because he guessed, and also because he didn’t hope to hear them, loud and clear, not now when his heart was full and almost on the point of bursting through his chest.

“These two weeks will be the longest in my entire life,” Ryan said.

“I guess,” Mike realized as he caught the meaning of what Ryan hinted at.

“You guess?” Ryan chuckled. “You’re a bit mischievous, aren’t you, Micah?”

Mike shuddered. The way Ryan had his name like that like it was an endearing nickname, not the actual official one on his ID, made his body tremble. There was an intimacy in it, of the kind he had known little if he didn’t count his parents. His friends never called him that, and Mike liked it that it was special, despite feeling a little guilty.

Ryan caressed his jawline slowly. “You couldn’t wait to tell me that.” It wasn’t a question, although there was a bit of insecurity in how he said it.

Mike placed his hands on Ryan’s wrists and touched the skin above the shirt cuffs. It felt like such a small thing, but right now, the knowledge that Ryan was no longer unattainable filled his heart with so much happiness that slight dizziness overcame him. “I couldn’t.”

Ryan kissed his forehead this time. “I’m glad. I guess I should go back to work.”

“Yes. Me, too. Are you mad at me? A little? I know you said that you needed me here.”

“I couldn’t be. I’m not thrilled that I’m losing a hard worker and an excellent employee, but how could I be mad? What I’m getting in return is so much better.”

“Like what?” Mike mumbled. It was clear that all his courage had drained considerably. “What are you getting?”

“The cutest boyfriend I could ever have,” Ryan said.

Mike cuddled against Ryan’s chest. “I’m cute?”

“Yes. Don’t tell me you don’t know it.”

“I don’t.”

“Then, here you go. You are the cutest guy I’ve ever met.”

“Do you mean it?” Mike felt a bit bold as he straightened up and looked at Ryan, his head thrown back.

“Are you teasing me now?” Ryan looked like he wanted to add something to that, but his phone began to ring. “I have to go,” he said, sounding as regretful as Mike felt. “Keep in touch?”

“I’ll call you tonight,” Mike announced in a loud voice. Was that what one supposed to tell his boyfriend of only several hours or so? That, if he counted from the moment he had confessed. Was that how Ryan counted, too? Wait, were they even boyfriends?

Ryan grimaced as he looked at his phone, but didn’t answer, choosing to turn it off for the time being. “Is there something wrong?” he asked.

Mike breathed one time, hard. “Are we boyfriends now?”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “I guess we are. Secret boyfriends, even, until your two weeks’ notice ends.”

“Secret boyfriends,” Mike said reverently and sighed. “But no fooling around, right?”

“I suppose we could fool around a bit,” Ryan said and seemed to ponder for a bit. “What do you have in mind?”

Mike couldn’t say there was anything on his mind right now. There was just too much to process. “Nothing,” he admitted regretfully.

Ryan caressed his head. “Then, we’ll think of something, right?”

Mike nodded. Ryan kissed him one more time and walked away, keeping his hand until they had to let go. Mike dropped on his chair, feeling emotionally exhausted, but too happy to care.

***

Adrian had had his head in the clouds for most of the day. If the people he worked with had noticed, they chose not to say a word, and he was thankful for having such tactful colleagues. His assistant, Rachel, however, seemed to find way too many things to do around him, and, in the end, he had to ask. “Rachel, what are you doing?”

His assistant smiled brightly at him. “I just thought you needed the help.” She had a thick stack of folders in her arms.

“Not that badly. Why are you sniffing around me?”

“You are in love,” Rachel said each word as she bounced the folder stack in her arms as if she cradled a baby.

Adrian threw her an irritated look. “Where do you get these ideas?”

“Hmm,” Rachel pondered, “dreamy eyes, you forgot to go to lunch, you’re staring at the clock like a kid who barely waits for school to be out --”

“Maybe I just want to go home because I didn’t catch any sleep last night,” Adrian explained.

Rachel snorted. “Right. Could it be that you didn’t sleep because you were busy banging Edward?”

Adrian sighed. If only. He wouldn’t be such a mess right now, and it wasn’t like him to be a mess because that wasn’t him. Somehow, he had let his guard down, quite happily, and now it was hard as hell to crawl back behind the armor he called his former self. He didn’t fit inside it anymore.

“C’mon, you can tell me,” Rachel added and leaned forward, the folders in her arms balancing dangerously. “Did you two get to the next level?”

Adrian stared at her, puzzled. “What next level? Is this one of your kinky ideas about what guys do when they’re together?”

Rachel made a long face. “Pull your mind out of the gutter, boss. What I mean is meeting the parents.”

“Meeting the parents?” Adrian felt dumb, repeating his assistant’s words. He shook his head. Clearly, he wasn’t himself today. “No, and I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

“Ah,” Rachel said and threw Adrian an all-knowing look. “So, you’re still in that ‘all heat, no talking’ phase?”

“No talking? You know what, Rachel? Just get out of here. I mean, take the rest of the day off, or whatever. Okay?”

Rachel pointed at the clock on the wall with a solemn finger. “Geez, boss. Thank you for the ten-minute offer.”

Adrian was surprised. No matter how often he had stared at the digital keeper of time on the opposite wall from his desk, it had barely registered with him. He needed his wits about himself if he wanted to truly take Edward and their relationship to the next level. He stood up.

“You’re leaving?” Rachel sounded surprised, and for all the right reasons. “You never leave before anyone else.”

“I’m counting on you not to tell on me,” Adrian said and began walking toward the door.

Rachel drew a deep sigh as he passed by her. “It must be love.”

“Shut up,” Adrian replied, but without bite.

“Don’t forget about me when you send the wedding invitations,” Rachel called after him as he walked out.

Adrian was in no mood to analyze his feelings, but Rachel’s blunt and well-aimed intervention had given him something to think about. All macho as he felt and pretended, he didn’t need words like those to mess with his head. There was something between Edward and him, and it had grown stronger over the last weeks, but it was in no one’s interest to jump to conclusions.

He called Edward as he climbed in a taxi. There was no clear explanation for feeling as giddy as he did.

“You’re two minutes early,” Edward’s welcome words were.

“I just left work, and I was wondering if you were up to get together tonight.”

“Like boyfriends?” Edward’s voice dropped, leaving room for interpretation. There was something conspiratorial in how he spoke.

“Exactly like that.”

“Hmm,” Edward teased, “and do you have any idea what outstanding obligations are involved with that status of our relationship? After all, you haven’t had a boyfriend in a while, Adrian.”

“Neither have you,” Adrian pointed out.

“Are you trying to tell me that I’m inexperienced?” It sounded like Edward felt affronted by the mere idea.

“In this case, yes,” Adrian replied, full of confidence.

“You’re wrong,” Edward said.

Some of the giddiness from earlier dissipated in an instant. “What do you mean?” Adrian could feel a frown forming. “When was the last time you had a boyfriend?”

“Last year,” Edward said airily. “You’re not the first to ask for the boyfriend experience.”

Adrian worked his jaw. Were they still playing, then? He had thought that was over. “So, how did you two break up?”

“In the most natural way. Once arrived at that point, the attraction faded. It was an amicable breakup if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Ah, I see. You already have the end written in your pocket, then?” Adrian said as he let his head back. He didn’t want his bitterness to show, but there was nothing else to do.

“You’re jumping to conclusions, Adrian. What are you afraid of so much? Be honest, and you’ll get an honest answer in return.”

Like that would happen. Adrian was no longer riding on the tail of some dream, and he felt stupid about it, too. Something cold grew in the middle of his chest. Edward would give him only what he wanted, and nothing else. But Adrian, he was no schmuck to be played like that.

“Afraid?” He chuckled. “I’m never afraid.”

“Big words. I am a tad disappointed.”

“Oh, you’re disappointed?” Adrian knew his voice was harsh and cutting, but he didn’t want to control it.

To his surprise, Edward laughed. “A second fight. And also over the phone. Is this how you prefer?”

Fight, not conflict. Adrian felt his anger fading a little. “You’re good at this, Edward. Too good.”

A sigh was the answer. Words followed, and they surprised Adrian once more. “Not as good as you.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Adrian said.

“Really?” Edward perked up. “Do you still want to meet tonight? As boyfriends? Or what do you have in mind? What do you prefer?”

Adrian adjusted his position and crossed his legs. His body throbbed only thinking of Edward. There was still plenty of satisfaction to be had. “Come tonight by my place. But don’t expect me to be a loving boyfriend.”

“Hmm, what sort of boyfriend should I expect you to be, then?” Edward purred, sending a ticklish sensation through Adrian’s ear as if he was there in flesh and blood.

A jealous one. Like Adrian would tell the truth. “Sometimes, Edward, I think you act as your true self only when you’re brought to heel.”

Edward’s laugher was sexy and uninhibited. Adrian winced. First order of things, he needed to take a shower. Cold.

“I’ll keep you to that.”

***

Adrian spent a lot of time in the mirror, adjusting his clothes, fixing his tie, and pulling at the cuffs. He would take Edward out and show him what the boyfriend experience really meant. If it was over, if that was all Edward wanted, Adrian planned to go out with a bang. Also, he had decided, a while ago, that he would fight tooth and nail for that man to be his. Yet, he wasn’t unreasonable. If, after everything, Edward still told him goodbye, Adrian would move on, confident, as always, in who he was.

Regrets notwithstanding, Adrian was prepared. He threw another look in the mirror and ran one hand through his hair. Sure, he could project confidence all he wanted, so why were his eyes lying?

The doorbell let him know that his lover was there. Not one moment left to worry. It was showtime.

“Wow, Adrian, you look amazing,” Edward praised him on his looks the moment he was invited in. “What’s the occasion?”

“We’re going out,” Adrian said curtly. “My treat. I hope you’re up for dinner.”

Edward shrugged. “Of course. But I should pick the place and the tab. After all, I’m the one supposed to spoil you and not the other way around.”

“Being boyfriends implies that I’m no plaything. You took me to your home, a party, and your yacht. It’s my turn to do something for you.”

“All right, Adrian. Point taken,” Edward admitted and leaned forward while watching Adrian intently. “I feel like you’re playing for something.”

“Of course. Isn’t it all just a game?” Adrian didn’t waver under that intense stare. “I plan to win.”

Edward quirked an eyebrow. Adrian felt a smile of triumph creeping up his lips. Without hesitating, he took Edward in his arms, stared into his eyes for just one moment, and kissed him hard. To his contentment, there was no resistance, and soon Edward was the one to deepen the kiss and make it heated. Adrian buried one hand into the chestnut mane, brushed to perfection, and bit hard on his lover’s lips. Then he released him.

“We should go. I already made the reservation.”

Edward’s eyes were in a daze, and his tie was a tiny bit crooked. Adrian fixed it with one hand and moved his fingers through Edward’s hair with the other. “There. You were looking a bit flushed.”

A small chuckle followed him as he walked out, holding Edward by the hand. He couldn’t feel smugger about himself if he wanted.

***

“It is a nice place,” Edward commented, as they took place at their table. “So, you love Italian food?”

“Who doesn’t?” Adrian offered a smirk.

“Right. Your family name is Rossi. Half Italian?”

Adrian nodded. “My father’s side. My mom used to be an English teacher, and believe it or not, that was how they met.”

“Your father was your mother’s student? I hope it wasn’t an illicit affair.”

Adrian laughed. “No. She offered private lessons, and my father, being new here, needed to brush up on his English. According to him, it was love at first sight. According to her, she acted hard to get enough to have his attention. Apparently, I am one of the outcomes of that stubbornness.”

“Which you inherited from your father, by the looks of it,” Edward pointed out.

“I know it’s nothing fancy compared to what you might be used to, but it’s my choice, and I know you’ll love it.”

“Adrian,” Edward said, “you worry about the little things too much. I was hoping you would be clever, too, not just handsome.”

“I have little idea of what you’re talking about, but I’m not the insecure type. Time will tell us who outsmarted who.”

The food was brought to the table, so they fell silent for a moment.

“Hmm, it smells delicious. I can tell it’s pasta,” Edward said as he stared at his plate, “but far from me to make a lame attempt to guess its name.”

“Strangozzi,” Adrian supplied the answer. “With black truffle.”

“So it also sounds yummy. Now the only thing that’s left is to see if the dish lives up to the promise held by its name.” Edward moved his hands delicately as he fixed himself the perfect bite. Adrian followed his every move until a small moan of satisfaction escaped his lover’s lips.

“It is everything and more,” Edward said. “Is there a secret reason why you chose this dish?”

“You haven’t guessed it? And I thought it would be a little too on the nose. Consider it a metaphor for us. I’m the mundane pasta, and you are --”

“The truffle,” Edward completed the sentence. “Well, I hope you do realize that you’ve just compared me to a parasite.”

“Hey, truffles are not exactly that. They actually help the roots go deeper,” Adrian explained.

Edward smiled. “I was just teasing you. It is a great dish, and the restaurant has a private atmosphere which I like. It looks like the kind of place where people propose.”

Adrian made his right hand into a fist on the table. To give it something to do, he grabbed his glass. “Far from me to steal your freedom. To the boyfriend experience.”

Edward clinked his glass against his. “I can drink to that. So far, it looks better than expected.”

“I told you a little about my parents. What about yours?” Adrian asked.

“What do you want to know?”

“What do they do? I mean, I gather that they’re loaded, but --”

“I see. If I have to define my bloodline, I’d say that it’s a mixture of industrialists, lawyers, and doctors, like me. My father is - I think the common term would be an oil tycoon, while my mother is a lawyer.”

“So, normally, you became a doctor.”

Edward chuckled. “Someone had to keep the proper percentage belonging to each category. I love my work. There had been, up until a point, various degrees of disappointment over not choosing something more productive, moneywise, but, in the end, I think they understood.”

“They didn’t want you to be a doctor?” Adrian asked, a tad surprised.

“No, the profession as a wide category was approved. But they hoped I would choose to be a neurosurgeon or something more cutting edge, so to speak.”

“I can only imagine how those fights in the family must have been like. Very polite, I assume.”

“Very,” Edward admitted. “How about you? Were your parents happy to see you working in advertising? Or did they have something else in mind for you?”

“My parents are really chill. My dad has been in the construction field all his life and thought it better to leave my mom in charge of my education. She cultivated in me a love for words from a young age. So, they were happy when I told them I got a good job. But I think that even if I taught in a public school, like my mom, they would have still been happy for me.”

“Your family sounds great.”

There was a small pause as they appeared to ponder about their families and their importance in who they were today. “What about coming out to your folks?” Adrian breached the silence with an important question.

“Ah,” Edward replied, and his eyes wandered off. “That was another very polite conflict.”

“Hmm, so they’re not happy about having a gay son?”

“Yes, you could say that.”

“At least, they didn’t disinherit you. I suppose your income doesn’t pay for that big ass mansion you live in.” Adrian just wanted to make the situation a little light. As someone who hadn’t been forced to go through the ordeal of having unaccepting parents, he didn’t want to make Edward feel sad about his own situation.

“Yes, you are correct. And I am thankful for the lavish lifestyle, don’t get me wrong. And for everything they’ve been doing for me.”

“I sense a ‘but’. Why?”

Edward sighed and studied his glass for a while. “They aren’t happy with having the Hastings line stop with me.”

“You can have kids. It’s not like your swimmers aren’t working, right?”

“Right,” Edward admitted. “But the idea of an unconventional family doesn’t bode well with my parents. Also, I have no intention to marry.”

“A woman, you mean,” Adrian let the words fly out of his mouth.

“Anyone,” Edward corrected him. “A sham of a marriage doesn’t interest me. As for marrying a man, I just don’t see myself taking that step.”

“Because it would shake your family and their values?”

“Because I don’t believe in marriage, just as I don’t believe in love.”

In Adrian’s ears, that sounded like a well-rehearsed sentence, and nothing else.

“What about you?” Edward asked.

“I’m too young for that,” Adrian replied. “I mean, maybe one day, I don’t know. My parents surely want me to get married, although they know enough about me not to press it. Of course, not all the details, but I once heard my dad calling me a Casanova, only for my mom to correct him by telling him that Casanova was straight. Apparently, that gave my dad pause for a little while.”

“Casanova. I wonder if you’d ever be inclined to write your memoirs, where I would be included.” Edward stared at Adrian, his eyes at half must, in a seductive stare.

“You would be on the cover,” Adrian replied promptly.

“Color me flattered.”

“You should be,” Adrian said with confidence. “You’re in the lead.”

“For now.”

Forever.

“Yes, I guess that you could say that.”

“Then, I should make sure that I keep things interesting enough. I wouldn’t want to lose my place on that cover too easily.”

“Should I have the check, then?” Adrian asked with a hint of a smile.

“The food was enthralling, but I’m in the mood for something else now. I hope I haven’t gotten my hopes high for nothing.”

Adrian could read the challenge in those green eyes, shining with mischief now. So far, he was in the lead. And Edward had read the situation right; it was supposed to be a romantic date.

***

The lights flicked, revealing the sofa and the rest of the furniture in the living room. For one moment, Adrian took everything in with critical eyes. It was just a fuckpad, and Edward had been there, but right now, there was a slight dissatisfaction coming through, and Adrian didn’t know what to do with it. Tonight, he was all about impressing his lover, and his living arrangements couldn’t cut it in that race. Maybe it was the right time to ask for a promotion.

Edward ran one hand along his jawline, interrupting his train of thought. “What’s next, boyfriend?” he teased.

Adrian closed the door behind him and pushed Edward gently toward the sofa. “Just stay here.”

“Should I make myself comfortable?” Edward smirked and pulled at his tie.

Adrian quirked an eyebrow. “Someone wants it badly.”

“Hmm, I wonder what could have given me away,” Edward purred. He discarded his suit jacket, too.

Adrian licked his lips. Once more, Edward took the lead, and as fun as that was, tonight, Adrian wanted to be the one in control. “Don’t undress anymore.”

With that, he went to the bedroom, where he had that memento from a while ago, stashed somewhere no one could find it. Now, it was the right time to take it out to play again.

“Ah,” Edward said, and his eyes glinted at the sight of the leash and collar, dangling from Adrian’s hand. “I brought that for you.”

“To use as I please,” Adrian added. “Also, the leash is new.” Sort of. He had played with the idea before and had purchased the leash on a whim, although he had only thought of Edward as he had done so.

He made no artful display of wrapping the collar around Edward’s neck. Again, there was no resistance, and that filled his mind and heart both with trepidation and anticipation. Edward looked forward to being collared, but for what end and how long? Adrian planned on finding out everything and have fun in the process as they moved along.

“So, you have me on a leash.” Edward bit his bottom lip and stared up at Adrian, eyeing the leash wrapped around his hand.

Adrian moved to caress Edward’s cheek slowly with the back of his hand. “I do have you.”

Edward’s eyes flashed at him. Everything about him was sex; at least, that was what Adrian saw when he looked at his lover. No, tonight, Edward was his boyfriend, so the game was supposed to have no losers. He leaned forward and pressed a small kiss on Edward’s lips. As much as Edward tried to catch his mouth into a deeper kiss, Adrian didn’t want to hurry.

He straightened up and brushed his thumb across Edward’s bottom lip. “I don’t usually play this kind of game. I mean, I like to think myself as sexually adventurous, but there is something about this thing, isn’t it?” His voice was low and deep, even to his ears.

“You’ve made your point, Adrian. I think we both know that you can be a more than satisfying master.”

“It’s not about making a point, it’s about playing, right?”

“Yes.”

At least, Edward didn’t deny anything.

“This game,” Adrian said softly, “I’ll make sure to win it for you, okay?”

There was no way of telling what Edward’s eyes were saying now, but, whatever that was, it had to be absolute. Edward adjusted his position and placed his hands on Adrian’s thighs. “Is this all right, master?” he asked playfully.

Adrian nodded. He said nothing as Edward opened his fly and took out his cock. There was just one moment they shared as their eyes met, and then new heat engulfed him. He could no longer see the beautiful green eyes and the story they had to tell.

Edward was good at sucking cock, but Adrian no longer cared about competences in the realm of sex. What mattered was to have that man, that particular man, at his feet, not because of some weird game of humiliation, but because they both knew that it was just a game that they agreed to and loved to act on just for the sake of pleasure.

He hissed as Edward took him deep, and soft, strangled moans began to accompany his moves. Adrian could feel his hair standing on end from that intense sensation, as Edward used everything he had to make him crazy. He caressed Edward’s head, enjoying the motion as he moved, and allowed him to have his first course of the kind.

“You’re the best,” Adrian whispered as he came in Edward’s mouth.

He shuddered when Edward retreated, making sure to clean up every trace of cum. When he looked up, Adrian offered a grateful smile.

“Let’s go.” He motioned with the leash, and Edward followed him.

In the bedroom, Adrian made a show of undressing Edward and kissing every inch of his skin.

Edward shivered under the touch of Adrian’s lips. “How is this about dominating me and making me yours?”

Adrian smirked and shut his boyfriend up with a short kiss. “You don’t know the first thing about possession, Mr. Hastings.”

“Oh, we’re being formal. Why?” Edward gasped as Adrian bit the inside of his thigh.

“Because everything tonight is about making it official.”

Edward’s blurred eyes turned on Adrian. “Official?”

“Yes. I’m not just saying, Edward. I want to win this game for you.”

If Edward had other questions, he chose to remain silent for the moment. Instead, he appeared to surrender to the pleasure, as Adrian increased the pressure of his kisses, the harshness of his bites, and the intensity of everything he wanted to express through all his actions.

Adrian pushed Edward on his back and straddled him.

“You appear to be awfully overdressed for the occasion, Mr. Rossi,” Edward teased him as he let his eyes travel over Adrian’s body.

“Then it’s up to you to make sure I’m not,” Adrian said with a smirk.

There was no need for any encouragement; Edward moved as much as he could being straddled like that and began to unbutton Adrian’s shirt and pushed down his suit jacket. As his hands finally found naked skin, they started to touch everywhere, finding, by the looks of it, great satisfaction in sinking into the dark curly chest hair. “I love it so much that you let your hair grow, as I asked you.”

“Anything you want, I’ll give it to you. I mean it.” Adrian allowed Edward to do what he wanted for the moment.

“You really are bent on seducing me, aren’t you?”

“Do I need a sign to say it more clearly?”

Edward shook his head. “I seriously want to get into your pants. Do you think you can indulge me?”

“Say please,” Adrian said.

“Please, Adrian, I want you. All of you.” The words were whispered, but they didn’t matter. The truth was in Edward’s eyes, louder than them.

Adrian moved and stood by the bed. He allowed Edward to undress him until he was completely naked, too. “So, is this what you need?” He avoided using the word ‘want’ on purpose.

“Come here,” Edward ordered.

It was time again to be on top of the situation. Adrian grabbed the leash and tugged it to make his intention known. Edward groaned theatrically.

Adrian didn’t allow him to complain and climbed on the bed, pushing Edward on his back again. As much as he wanted to be firm, he found himself kissing Edward so sweetly that he couldn’t believe himself capable of doing it like that. But, after all, he had not quite had a boyfriend in his life, and kisses like that had to be for boyfriends and no one else. He could live with that theory.

Edward caught him between his thighs and linked his feet behind Adrian. He was, without recourse, claimed, and he loved every minute of it.

“Just a bit.” Adrian searched for the thing he had left on the nightstand and moved quickly to make sure that he wouldn’t hurt his boyfriend in the heat of passion.

Edward made it all difficult by trying to keep Adrian as close as possible, but no one complained. When Adrian pushed inside, there was a small satisfied, although slightly pained gasp from Edward. He was about to scold Edward for being too impatient, but his mouth was claimed, just like the rest of his body, and soon there was no possibility for him to protest.

There was no possible way to punish Edward even if he wanted. He was a step ahead, and Adrian still felt that he had to give chase. It was all right; tonight was the night when everything had to come to light, and sex was a good way to prove it, just like their dinner conversation.

Edward moved and squirmed and cursed softly as Adrian moved inside him. They were one, and they fit so well that Adrian couldn’t believe that there had been people before, people he had desired, even if only fleetingly.

One last push and he was done, Edward’s shudders and shouts letting him know that he had reached his climax, too; there were no regrets since Adrian counted on his stamina to offer his lover all he wanted, over and over again. Edward held him close even as his cock turned soft and slipped out.

“Edward,” Adrian whispered, “I love you.”

Edward turned rigid in his arms, and his hand slid away from Adrian’s shoulders. “You know well what I think of love, Adrian.”

Adrian used his entire body to keep Edward down. He wouldn’t allow him to escape, not now. “I know. And, you know what? I don’t care.”

Edward tsked and moved his head away, probably to avoid Adrian’s eyes. “You should. I cannot reply in kind. Plus, this is still part of the game, isn’t it?”

“Only because you drew the rules. It’s real for me,” Adrian said stubbornly.

Edward finally looked at him. “I don’t understand you.”

“What’s to understand? I love you.” Once he had said it the first time, there was no stopping it. Adrian hadn’t planned for it; but the words had come naturally to him, and they had to be said. Everyone was right, Jared, Mike, Rachel. He loved Edward, and he didn’t plan to hide it.

Edward chuckled, but his laughter died as Adrian didn’t follow him. “You can’t be serious.”

“As serious as a heart attack.”

“Using medical terms won’t earn you extra points,” Edward warned. “And you’re heavy.”

“I think you’re all right as you are, under me,” Adrian said flatly. “Hear me out, and then you’re free to do whatever the heck you want.”

Edward sighed. “You’re being stubborn for no reason. What did you expect? For me to tell you the words back, just like in cheesy movies?”

“I didn’t expect anything. This is one thing I didn’t plan,” Adrian admitted.

“If you didn’t plan it, and it’s not part of the game, then I pity you.”

Adrian offered a cruel smile. “Pity me? Why? Because you think you’re incapable of love? Who served you this big fat lie?”

Edward set his lips in a flat line. “Don’t play the shrink with me, Adrian. I don’t find it cute.”

“I know you,” Adrian insisted. His confidence was shaking, but he paid it no attention. He had promised himself that he would go all out, and that was what he was doing right now.

“You know me?” The words were said in contempt. “I knew it was a bad idea to meet with you tonight. Yesterday, that was my goodbye, but you were too dense to get it.”

“Goodbye?” Adrian said the word slowly.

“What did I tell you, Adrian?” Edward shivered, now probably cold after their hot session. “The moment you want a relationship, it’s over.”

Adrian moved and threw a blanket at Edward. “You’re a fucking coward.”

His insult was met with silence. He sat on the edge of the bed, his back at Edward.

“You knew my terms. Why would you think yourself in love with me?” Edward insisted.

“I don’t know. You’re handsome, passionate, amazing in bed --”

“Rich.”

Adrian turned and looked at Edward. “I don’t give a fuck about your bank account, asshole.”

Edward said nothing for a moment. “I think you’re lying to me, Adrian. If it’s love, as you say, what stops you from letting me top you?”

Adrian blinked a few times. That was an unexpected turn. “Is that your final proof of love? Putting your cock inside my ass?”

Edward shrugged. “You’re a bit too full of yourself, Adrian.”

“And you feel the need to say my name all the time so that you don’t forget it or something,” Adrian spat back.

That appeared to surprise Edward. “It happens that I like your name.”

“Geez, thanks. Any other things you like about me, or did you choose me based on my name only?”

“Stop deflecting,” Edward warned. “We were talking about how you didn’t care about letting me top you. It’s a clear sign that all this time, you’ve only cared about winning. Saying that you love me is simply an insult.”

Adrian worked his jaw. Edward stood and began dressing up.

“Would it make a difference?” Adrian asked. “If I let you?”

“I guess we’ll never know,” Edward replied.

Something hit Adrian’s thigh. He picked the collar and looked at it.

“Feel free to throw it away. I don’t need it.”

Adrian buried his face in his hands, trying hard to ignore the sound of the front door closing after Edward. What exactly did he win? And what had the game been all about, after all? And why, if he had thought it was all over, Edward had still answered his call and met him tonight?

***

Mike took off his headphones and listened. All evening, he played video games, afraid of thinking too much of what had happened earlier with Ryan. His phone rang, and he jumped.

“What am I doing? It’s just the phone.” He took it and paused as he saw the caller ID. “Ryan?” he said. Damn, his voice squeaked again. He cleared his throat. “Ryan. Of course. Unless it’s not Ryan?”

The familiar laugh came through. “It’s Ryan all right. What kind of crazy scenario has just crossed your mind?”

“Um, something stupid.”

“Tell me.”

“Someone could have taken your phone. On the subway. Like stolen it.”

“I don’t use the subway much.”

“Ah, right. I should have thought of that. But someone could have still stolen it somehow.”

“And thought of calling the person listed as my boyfriend? That’s a funny thief.”

Boyfriend. Right. Mike melted into the sofa.

“You believe me I’m Ryan, right?” The voice on the other end was playful.

“Yes, of course.”

“Hmm, what if I’m a really clever thief, and I can imitate any phone owner’s voice? You know, like a superpower.”

Mike snickered. It wasn’t healthy that he thought of strange situations; Ryan didn’t have to play along, too. “It would be kind of a useless superpower. I mean, not quite, if I think about it --”

“Come down,” Ryan said. “You can tell me all about it face to face.”

“Down? You’re in front of my building?” Mike sensed his voice getting weird again.

“Yes, and I want to see you. Unless you’re busy, of course.” Ryan didn’t do a good job hiding his disappointment.

“I’m not! I’ll be down in a moment. I mean, not a moment-moment --” Mike began searching for his jacket. Screw it; he could handle being in a t-shirt.

“Hmm, no teleportation device yet?” Ryan teased him again.

“Unfortunately, no.”

Mike was out on the stairs in the blink of an eye. He cursed as he twisted an ankle dangerously, but the following step was on the next landing, and it didn’t hurt, to his relief. He was out of breath when he pushed open the door to the building and found himself in the street. One look around was enough to reveal Ryan leaning against the hood of a car, dressed in casual clothes, and looking even better than earlier.

It was already evening, and the lights were too dim to make out Ryan’s face to the tiniest detail, but that was what Mike thought. He hurried to meet him and had to stop to draw his breath, one foot from him.

Ryan moved and took him in his arms. “Did you run here?”

Mike just nodded. Ryan held him tightly. “Good thing I have a car, or there would be both of us trying hard to breathe.”

“Sorry about this,” Mike managed, eventually.

Ryan chuckled and kissed his ear. “I’m sorry, for making you run down the stairs at this hour.”

“Is it really okay?” Mike loved the sensation of having Ryan embracing him and feeling him all around. “Aren’t paparazzi going to chase us or something?”

“I run a company. I doubt I warrant the same attention as the Kardashians. My worry about our situation was long-term, and mostly about how the others at our shared workplace would see our relationship. But now that, as my personal superhero, you took it upon yourself to solve our dilemma, I don’t worry anymore. I’m all for not flaunting it until your two weeks’ notice passes --”

“I am, too. I mean, for not flaunting it.”

“Just for now. When those two weeks are up, I plan to introduce you to all my friends and family.”

“Wow, isn’t it a bit fast?”

Ryan caressed his head. “You take such an important step and risk on me. It’s time I pay what’s due, too.”

“I thought it would be months of trial --”

“For our relationship? Call me a lame romantic, but I know you’re good for me.”

“I won’t ever call you lame,” Mike replied, cuddling against Ryan’s chest.

“Do you remember what I told you before? About attraction?”

“Like in love at first sight?” Mike recalled every word that had ever been passed between them.

“Yes. Now, come on, I want to take you on a date.”

“A midnight date?” Mike asked and snickered.

Ryan consulted his watch with a serious expression on his face. “Yes.”

“But it’s Monday.”

“Just a technicality. Are you afraid you’re not going to make it tomorrow at work?”

“A little. I take my job seriously.”

“What’s the worst that can happen? Me firing you?”

Mike began to shake with laughter. It wasn’t that funny for a joke, but Ryan had said it, and he was his boyfriend; therefore, it was a given for him to laugh.

TBC