Page 117 of Tamed (The Courtside King Duology 1)

“I have no doubt.” And yet, Kai didn’t sound happy about that.

Breck regarded him. Was Kai jealous of his success? Not want him to succeed?

No, he sensed it was something else....

Kai averted his gaze to scan Breck’s body, scrutinizing every knot. And just like that, Breck could feel the path of his heated gaze.

“All done,” Kai finally. “How do you feel?”

Every nerve ending thrumming, Breck peered down his body. “Constricted.”

Something flickered in Kai’s eyes. “What else?”

Breck met his gaze, suddenly feeling wary. “Completely defenseless.”

“Hmm.” Kai canted his head and regarded him. “You told me you trusted me.”

Breck’s heart thumped restlessly. He swallowed. “I do.”

“So, you believe that I’d keep you safe.”

Breck thought about that. He didn’t know why, but he was certain Kai would. “Yes.”

Kai’s lashes lowered. Then so did his voice. “And how does that make you feel? The knowing that, while in my care, I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Breck’s pulse raced faster as he contemplated Kai’s question.

“Valued?” Kai offered softly. “Treasured?”

Something deep inside Breck’s chest went soft, a yearning sparking to life that he’d never experienced before. “Yes.” He nodded, his voice barely a rasp.

Kai smiled. “And how does that make you feel?”

Breck’s insides swelled. He smiled, too. “Feels really good.”

Kai’s midnight gaze glinted with warm satisfaction. And just like that, those captivating eyes swiftly drew Breck in. They were beautiful, he realized. Kai’s midnight eyes. Not just penetrating and intense. But downright beautiful.

His pulse slipped to blissful thumping.

Kai’s lids hooded lower. But then he stilled and quickly cleared his throat. “Mind if I take a couple of pictures?”

Breck blinked. Do what? Kai’s words sank in. He stiffened. “Pictures?”

“Yeah. For me to reference. It’s what I do with brand-new pieces I don’t have memorized.”

Breck stared at him. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“Why?” Kai laughed, looking bemused. “I won’t show them to others. I promise.”

And for anything else, his word would be enough. Thing was, at this place in Breck’s life, he couldn’t afford to make stupid decisions. What if someone grabbed Kai’s phone and looked through his stuff?

“How about I only do body shots,” Kai suggested, “and make sure not to include your face?”

Breck’s tension eased. Yes, that would definitely be preferable. But then he tensed again and peered down at his big ole K for Kappa tattoo. A surefire way to identify him, even without his face.

Kai regarded it, too. “I’ll angle my shots so that won’t be seen. And I’ll show you all the images once I’m done. Any you’re not cool with, I’ll delete.”

No face or ink. Plus, veto power. That seemed reasonable. Breck relaxed with a nod. “Alright, yeah. That works.”

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