Page 14 of Rivals on Lockdown

“Thanks,” Louis said, his gaze catching on that drop of sauce on Kaden’s lips, mesmerized. He swallowed hard, trying to focus on his own plate, but he couldn’t bring himself to eat much. His nerves buzzed with Kaden sitting so close, so instead, he sipped his wine and tried to keep his hands steady.

Their laughter came easily as they watched the show, Kaden tossing out snarky comments about every couple on the screen.

“Listen, she’s 100% disappointed he looks like that,” Kaden snorted near the end of the first episode.

“Yeah,” Louis laughed, warmth flooding him that had little to do with the alcohol.

“This show pretends to be so inclusive with its whole premise,” Kaden went on, waving his fork for emphasis, “but in reality, it’s not. They don’t put truly ugly people on here, so of course their ‘experiment,’” he added air quotes with his fingers, “works. And even then, not all the time. I’m sure once themundanity of their lives comes crashing down, they’ll break up in a month or so.”

Louis laughed again, turning to glance at him. Kaden looked so at ease, his face soft in the glow of the Christmas lights, and for a moment, Louis just watched him, feeling something shift in his chest.

Louis set his wine glass down and leaned forward slightly, the movement drawing Kaden’s attention. Kaden looked up, his brows lifting in surprise as their eyes met. Louis stilled, holding his breath, waiting to see what Kaden would do.

And then Kaden leaned in, closing the distance.

When their lips met, it was nothing like before. There was no alcohol-fueled desperation, no fear, no sharp-edged taunts. Just softness. Honesty.

The kiss held everything they hadn’t been able to say—the careful defenses stripped away. Kaden parted his lips, inviting Louis deeper, and when their tongues met, an electric jolt shot through Louis, leaving him breathless. Kaden moaned softly, his breath hitching, and the sound sent a wave of heat pooling in Louis’s stomach.

Louis shifted onto his knees, guiding Kaden to slide back along the sofa until his head was near the armrest. Kaden stretched his legs out beneath him, his hands gripping Louis’s waist.

Their kiss deepened, growing hotter and more insistent. Louis’s hand trailed down Kaden’s chest, his fingers brushing over the firm lines of muscle beneath the fabric. When his hand moved lower, finding the waistband of Kaden’s pants, his fingers fumbled with the button. But just as he started to undo it, Kaden stilled beneath him.

Louis broke the kiss, pulling back just enough to look down at him. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice rough and unsteady.

“Yes,” Kaden said quickly, his cheeks flushed, his breath coming in shallow gasps. His hands stayed on Louis’s waist, holding him close like he was afraid he’d move away. “I just…I need to tell you something.”

“What?” Louis asked, his head still spinning, his chest heaving from the kiss. “If it’s about last night—”

“It’s not,” Kaden cut in, shaking his head. His eyes met Louis’s, uncertain but intent.

“I’m fucking in love with you, Zenith,” Kaden said, his voice trembling. “I’ve been in love with you for years. Way before you kissed me. But I was just afraid…”

Louis froze, his heart thundering in his chest. The confession hit him like a blow, leaving him momentarily stunned. “Fuck, Kaden,” he murmured, the words slipping out before he could even think.

“I’m sorry,” Kaden began, his voice faltering, but Louis cut him off with another kiss, deeper this time, giving no room for hesitation.

“What do you want?” Louis murmured against his lips, his voice low and rough.

“You,” Kaden whispered, his breath catching.

Louis’s lips found Kaden’s jawline, trailing slow, deliberate kisses along it and down to his neck. Kaden shuddered beneath him, a soft gasp escaping when Louis nipped lightly at the sensitive skin, leaving him trembling.

“I want everything,” Kaden whispered, his hands sliding to Louis’s hips and pulling him close, pressing their bodies together. Louis could feel Kaden’s arousal through his pants,and as he shifted his hips, he ground his matching erection against Kaden’s. They both groaned at the contact, the sound raw and needy.

“Fuck me,” Kaden breathed, his voice low and desperate as he thrust his hips up. His movements were urgent, his pupils blown wide with desire.

Louis felt the rush of heat to his core, his pulse hammering as their lips met again in a heated, frantic kiss. His hands moved down, undoing the button of Kaden’s pants, his fingers trembling slightly.

Before he could pull them off, Kaden reached into one of his pockets, fumbling for something. Louis pulled back just enough to see what he was doing and nearly laughed out loud when Kaden held up a small bottle of lube and a pack of condoms.

Of course. Kaden Faulter always came prepared. For all his vulnerability tonight, he was still a cocky bastard who knew exactly what he wanted—and had no intention of leaving without it.

Louis finally pulled Kaden’s pants down, followed by his underwear, leaving him bare—and visibly aroused. Kaden’s cock bobbed between them, flushed and hard. Louis froze for a second, unable to look away, his breath catching at the sight.

Kaden, however, didn’t pause. His hands were already on Louis’s shirt, tugging it over his head before reaching for his jeans. Louis helped him, quickly kicking off his jeans then shoving his boxers down. His fingers moved to the buttons of Kaden’s shirt, undoing them one by one.

But before he could get far, Kaden suddenly stilled, his gaze dropping to Louis’s cock. His lips parted as he let out a softcurse, his eyes fixed on the sight of Louis: big, fully hard, and visibly aching for contact.

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