Page 16 of Something So Strong

I don’t want anything other than to stop thinking about if Kai’s legs are covered in ink as well. If he goes to the gym or likes to game. Does he have a favorite food? How often does he smoke and would he give up for me because I quit a year ago and it hasn’t been the easiest journey…

Quit?

For me?!

We’ve barely spoken five sentences to each other.

I can’t do this anymore. I don’t care what Romeo says, I’m dragging his ass out for a drink.

There’s barely a patch of the shitty gray carpet tiles in my room that aren’t covered with my clothes. Bed, desk, literally every place except where they should be. But I’m a man on a mission to rid his mind of its sexually confusing thoughts, with a night of drinking way too many beers to even consider setting up house for the year to come.

Jumping over both my open suitcases in a flying leap, I don’t even bother checking myself in the mirror before scuffing into my black and white Adidas Originals and all but tumbling out the door.

With ample amounts of nervous energy coursing through me, I shrug on my jacket and head for the stairs to save risking a surprise hallway visitor whilst waiting for the lift.

Exiting the stairwell on level two, I almost run into Saxon’s room. The prick may have already started his first shift, but he made enough time to scribble ‘fuck off’ on a scrap of cardboard and force it into the name slot beside his door. Recalling how anyone who sought entry to our dorm room at school was met with the same greeting, I snicker to myself—my memories swirling back to me like they always do, except…

Now all the tangled limbs, ass slapping, and skin-on-skin contact don’t seem so brotherly.

Countless times over the years, Saxon and I laid together on his bed, legs touching, our arms around each other’s shoulders. Add a few drinks and hands get grabby, then throw in some flirtation that would make your grandmother blush. God, throw Romeo into the mix and it borders on an orgy. We’ve shared beds. Spooned. Taken showers together. Pretended to be into each other when we thought it would improve our chances with the opposite sex…

Have I been in denial since I was eight years old?

Am I so comfortable doing those things because—

I pound my fist against Romeo’s door and slump my forehead against it in defeat because my entire being knows how fucking stupid I’m being right now.

Yesterday morning during our last layover, Romeo had fallen asleep with his head in my lap as I ran my fingers through his hair. At no point—just like the countless other times we’ve been that close—had my dick twinged. He’s my brother. My best friend. We’re closer than most blood families where we come from. The thought of him rolling over and rubbing my cock was the furthest thing from my mind.

I wretch at the thought, my tongue gagging out of my mouth at the image of Romeo between my knees.

Pushing off the door, my body shivers overdramatically at the realization that I now have to convince the man I just pictured sucking me off to come out drinking.

Oh, what a sour twist of fate that I am more content in the arms of my same-sex mates than I am alone with my own thoughts.

“Hey, Romi. Open up.” I bang loudly.

“What the fuck, Jess?” With his door open just enough to poke his head around, Romeo’s eyes squint as they adjust to the brightness of the hallway.

I shake my head and push into his room. “You look like death warmed up.”

Flicking on the light, I click my tongue at the state of his room, and by state, I mean assembly. Everything is already in its place, with suitcases stored neatly beneath the bed.

“What ya watching?” I ask, looking at his open laptop as I make myself at home on his bed.

“Nothing really. I was almost asleep. Jetlag is still fucking with me.”

“Wouldn’t know the feeling.” I roll my eyes as he sits beside me. His typically perfect dark curls are a mess and his cheeks and nose are dusty pink with sunburn. “Make sure you wear sunblock next time, would ya?” I tell him, running my fingertips over the hot skin. “Don’t wanna ruin these model looks.”

“Piss off,” he sighs, batting my hand away. “What are you here for, anyway?”

“We’re gonna get on the piss.”

“You might be, but I’m not going anywhere.”

“Oh, yes, you are. I’m a brother in need, so get to the bathroom and fix your hair.”

“Seriously, Jess. I’m way too shagged to go anywhere.”

---