Page 8 of Unmatched Devil

Kylian headed outside. He claimed the lounge next to Sean.

Sean’s head turned his way. Dark glasses covered his eyes. “Hey.”

“Hey. I take it you’re off work today.”

Sean nodded. “I have the pool, the sun, and a twelve-pack in the fridge over there.” Sean pointed toward the outdoor bar. “It’s nothing but relaxation for me today.”

That sounded amazing. “Is it okay if I join you?”

“I’d love that.”

The happiness in Sean’s voice wiped away Kylian’s black mood. “Yay. I’ll be right back.”

Kylian rushed inside his bedroom and dipped inside the closet. He quickly changed into a tiny pair of swim briefs so he could get maximum rays. Despite his light hair and eyes, Kylian always baked brown. After grabbing a towel, he headed back to Sean. He swore he felt Sean’s eyes on him, but the dark shades kept his secrets.

“Have you been working out? I don’t remember those abs.”

A blush exploded across Kylian’s face. “I started some MMA classes a few months back to kill time. They have a gym there, so I just kind of hang out and keep busy.”

“You really are unhappy in Jersey, huh?”

Kylian didn’t know if he felt less comfortable talking about his body or his life in Jersey. He supposed they had to talk about something, but it didn’t have to be him. “Do you have any family? It’s occurred to me we’ve never talked much about your life, but you never disappear on your days off.”

Sean chuckled. “No talking about you today. Got it. I have an older brother.”

Kylian was beyond thankful to have the conversation turned away from him. “That’s it? Just a brother?”

With a nod, Sean leaned over and grabbed his beer from the ground. He didn’t respond until after he chugged the can. “That’s it. My mom died when I was three and then my dad died when I was fifteen. My brother was trained to take over the family business, so when Dad died, he was too busy to deal with me. Now, I guess I’m a little bitter and choose to be too busy to go home.”

“Why didn’t you work in the family business too? Wouldn’t that have forced time together?” Kylian knew he should leave this conversation alone. He just really didn’t want to talk about himself.

“I did for a while.” Sean kept his face turned toward the sun. Kylian did the same, so Sean would—hopefully—feel free to keep talking. “But my brother was still too busy to deal with me, so he left one of the other employees to train me. That didn’t go the way my brother hoped, and he suggested I do something else.”

Kylian couldn’t stop wanting to know more. “Dang. I don’t know what kind of business this is, but it belonged to your dad. It should be your legacy too. What could’ve possibly happened for him to send you packing?”

Sean didn’t answer right away and Kylian decided to drop it. None of this was his business. When Sean finally spoke, his voice sounded dead. “I fell in love with the man training me. He saw me as just a kid since he had worked for my dad. The entire situation was a mess for everyone. So, I went away, just as everyone hoped. Now, I stay here and out of the way. It’s best for everyone involved.”

Kylian’s heart ached for his friend. “What about you?”

“It’s especially best for me. I don’t have to stare at someone, knowing they’ll never love me back.”

“Who? Your brother or the guy who sees you as a kid?”

Sean glanced his way. “Both.”

That was sad and more heartbreaking than Kylian could imagine. Kylian held his hand out to Sean. “Well, you’re loved here.”

Sean flashed him a smile and accepted Kylian’s hand. “You’re an amazing person, Kylian. Seriously. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Kylian managed a smile, even though he wasn’t sure any of that was true. Maybe one day he would figure out his life. Today wouldn’t likely be that day.

Very possibly he was a huge pervert, but Rian couldn’t stop watching the live feed of Kylian on his phone. His body was so goddamn beautiful. It was hard to believe what he hid beneath his clothes. The more he observed of Kylian, the more he wanted. When Kylian stepped from the bathroom, moist from his shower and nude, Rian couldn’t take anymore. He called.

Kylian didn’t cover himself as he answered. “Hello?”

“What are you wearing?”

A huge grin lit Kylian’s face. “I’m nude.”

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