Nineteen: Dance Around Pleasure

Travis' POV 

I appeared before Carlos' door. How I hate to see him right now, but I have no choice.

His father instructed me to bring him to the party.

It shouldn't be a big task since the party is taking place in this house.

I'll drag him to the venue if I have to.

I placed a gentle knock on the door. 

He groaned from inside the room—tiredly.

I knocked again, slightly louder than before.

"Go away!" He commanded. His voice faintly audible.

"It's almost time for your father's birthday party. I was asked to accompany you to the venue." I spoke on the door and made attempt to open it.

The door is locked. He must have been aware that I was coming.

"I'm not interested in attending that old man's party." 

"Well, he said that I make sure you come."

"So, I suddenly become important to him because of a party? Don't waste your precious time, I'm not going."

It seems he has made up his mind.

Mr. Alvarez certainly knew this would happen and that is why he put me up to convince him.

Gosh! Like I could cast a spell.

What could actually convince Carlos to attend the party?

"Stanley would be in the venue." I snapped like I had found the perfect influencer.

I didn't hear a single sound for a while. The next thing I heard was the cackling sound of the door.

He made an insincere cough as he stood by the door, drenched in sweat and in the smell of testosterone.

I closed my nose after perceiving it.

"Give me a minute." He said, rushing back in.

I think I've just figured out a triggering force of his—Stanley.

He must love Stanley that bad huh?

I wonder why they even broke up in the first place?

I guess Stanley couldn't stand Carlos' annoying attitude anymore.

We're not even in an actual relationship, and I'm already fed up. What could be more frustrating than an actual relationship with him?

He came out of his room few minutes during my wait and beckoned a 'Lets go!' to me.

I wonder how many seconds he actually showered for.

His suit sure looks fine on him.

"Wait!" I said, collecting strands of his wet hair and stretching it to fall at the back of his head.

"Thanks babe!" He said tapping my shoulder gently.

Such a chameleon he is.

Now he calls me babe, to put on the act of our contract relationship.

He is indeed cunning.

We reached the stairs where we could see the decorated floor from our stands.

Guests had already arrived and it seemed that the party has already began.

Mr. Alvarez was exchanging pleasantries with arriving guests.

His bodyguards surrounded him like a jewel.

I felt the gun in the back of my belt and recalled vividly, what Mr. Alvarez said about protecting his son.

I'm not doing this because it's a duty. I'm doing this to get Mr. Alvarez to see me as a valuable asset.

Well, Carlos does see me as a valuable asset against Stanley.

Maybe I could just use that advantage in my favor tonight.

I guess tonight I'll be both the boyfriend and the bodyguard.

If he knows his enemies would be around today, why bother hosting a party tonight?

My eyes darts to Stanley's location.

He's standing at a corner, talking to another guy.

They're both holding glasses champagne they took from a waiter's tray.

The man he was talking to didn't appear to be interested in his words, rather his eyes were locked unto Mr. Alvarez. Or perhaps, the rings in his fingers.

The young man must be interested in riches.

I should watch out for him, he might be an enemy after all.

I didn't notice on time, but we're both frozen on the middle of the staircase. 

None of us taking a step forward from the same stairs.

I look at Carlos, and his gaze was locked on Stanley.

What the fuck does this Stanley has that caught this outrageous man so much? I wondered.

It feels so stupid to lost himself over the same person he's trying to make jealous.

It's only matter of time before Stanley figures out that our relationship is only an act.

Besides, he's desperate to figure that out anyway.

Soon, everyone's attention were bought by our none movement on the staircase.

I gulped, with their taunting gazes over me.

I've never been met by such a crowd before and now, it's like the whole world is staring.

I leaned closer to Carlos, whispering to his ears, "what the fuck are you doing standing there? Can't you see the entire hall's staring at us?"

He shook his head gently and cleared his throat.

"Let's go!" He beckoned, taking my hand and holding it firmly.

It was just a mere hold, but something in me was rising.

Fuck! My dick is rising.

Why?

How can a mere touch from a man arouse me this much?

I have to do something, it's public. It'll be a disgrace to have an erection here.

I took a step backward, to maintain being behind Carlos.

Everyone's faces were still on us.

Suddenly, my eyes caught Mr. Alvarez's.

His gaze wasn't curious as the others. His, spoke more of disappointment.

We shouldn't be holding hands. I shouldn't do this here...

"Travis. Are you okay?" Carlos asked with a soothing voice, tender and sweet.

I squint, pulling my hand away.

My erection became harder, such that he could see it.

He shielded me quickly with his body. A warm feeling washed over me.

He scoffed because only I could see his face and kept looking down there.

"You're really hard because of me, I guess you fell for my little act." He said with a mischievous smile.

I'll take his words as mockery.

"Don't flatter yourself, I saw a pretty damsel in the crowd that triggered my arousal." I retorted.

He smiled again and walked out of my face.

Fuck!

I held his hand before he could reveal me from his covering.

"Please stay a while, it's difficult to become flaccid." The words slipped out of my mouth uncontrollably.

I hate myself for that.

"Bucket my shoe." He commanded.

"What?"

"Buckle my shoe, bending down will help reduce its stiffness." He advised.

I did as he said, and it worked like magic.

We continued our walk soon after.

None of us, speaking any further word nor exchanging eye contacts.