Page 33 of Something So Strong

His brow quirks. “The best ways.”

“I thought you didn’t like guys.”

“Didn’t… But now I’ve met you, I guess I don’t know what I like.”

I inch closer. “I think you just like the power. You try to make men feel uncomfortable and chalk it up as a win when they retreat or tell you to fuck off.”

Kai pushes off the desk and stands up straight, meaning I have to look up to keep eye contact. “So why haven’t you done any of those things, Jean?”

“Maybe I’m the same.” I shrug. “Maybe I’m playing my own game. And I won’t crack first.”

“I’m just narcissistic enough to be turned on by that.”

My balls tighten, and I swallow hard. “Game on, then?”

“Game on. But just know… You’ll be mine before I ever give in to you.”

It was hard enough to keep my dick under control when I was doing up his tie. But at least he’d filled the air between us with his nerves so I could concentrate on how cute he was, and how hard he was trying to not let it show that I was affecting him. His hand shook so much that my coffee almost slipped from his fingers. He puffed out his chest like he was trying to make himself seem bigger. And his ears were so red by the time I was done.

I wanted him so badly. His words. His lips… His whole body.

I’d taken each of his breaths as fuel to pump my ego as I drew him closer and closer to my side with the rope I’d snared him with, delusional that it was my own actions that reeled him in. But the rope had been slack. He was one step ahead, and now I’m the one widening my shoulders and looking down at him with all the false bravado I can muster and hoping to god I’m better at keeping my nerves in check than he is.

“For fuck’s sake, Kai.” The familiar agitated shrill I’ve been expecting is right on time. “It’s past seven and I find you out here flirting with the new guy.”

“Morning, Celeste,” my voice rasps with sexual frustration. But I refuse to move. I will stand here staring at these emerald green irises until I’ve counted every fleck of brown around their edges if it means not backing down first. “This is Jesse. Isn’t he pretty?”

“He is. But how is anyone else meant to stand a chance if you piss all over him?”

My right shoulder raises just enough to let Celeste know I heard what she said.

“Everyone knows this is an act. You’ve never fucked a dude in your life.”

I lick my lips. “Perhaps. But there’s something about this one… He’s special.”

Jesse’s words pepper against my chin. “I’d say you’re the special one, Kai.”

“My god, it reeks of testosterone in here. I might be turned on if I wasn’t so tired.”

“Morning, Wade.” I grin down at Jesse.

“Morning new guy.”

“Jesse.” Celeste corrects him.

“I see Kai hasn’t wasted any time,” Wade sighs.

“Yeah, but this one isn’t backing down. And it’s kinda doin’ it for me.”

“Wasting your time there, babe.” Wade makes his way to his locker. “My gaydar is top-notch, and those two right there, are two straight boys trying to prove a point.”

“Doesn’t make it any less appealing,” Celeste snickers as the buzzer I have nightmares about rings behind me. “You’re up. Get your asses out there.”

I know I need to move. I know privileged people like to complain. And I know that being made to wait by some punk kid with a neck tattoo and hands covered with more ink and scars will be the lowest point in these pricks’ lives, but I just don’t want to give in.

The buzzer drones again, and secession is inevitable. Because keeping rich cunts happy is what keeps me here, at Vistas, the closest thing to a home I’ve ever had. And having guests leave annoyed, yet with nothing to actually complain about, is something I take great pride in.

There’s enough room for me to step around Jesse, but I graze him with my shoulder as I move to the door. “This way, pretty boy.”

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