INICIAR SESIÓNKingsley kept looking at Lorenzo’s message, his thumb scrolling up and down to read it many times. Lorenzo had added his home address in the very next text, not even giving time for Kingsley to answer first.The man with dark hair knew that if his boss checked, he would see that Kingsley had seen the texts more than eight minutes back. And still no reply from him.Kingsley had got himself ready to say to Lorenzo that he wanted to keep things just work. That he needed to set clear lines. He had built up his mind for this talk in one of the seats at the diner; a spot with people around. But Lorenzo had to change plans and ask him to come to his house.Kingsley did not believe in his own strength at all. Not when he would be by himself with Lorenzo. But he knew he must go. He could not put Lorenzo’s work in danger, not after he had done so much to protect it.Kingsley sent a text back, saying he would reach in thirty minutes.It was a surprise that Lorenzo lived only some streets away. O
Lorenzo wrapped up, saying, “That’s all for today. Head back to your desks.”Chairs pushed back as people stood and shuffled out. Then Lorenzo added, “Reece? Stick around?”“Sure,” Kingsley replied.He dropped back into his chair at the long table. His eyes stayed on Lorenzo, who stood tall and watched the room empty out bit by bit. Kingsley gazed without hiding it, his heart beating a little faster. He had not talked to Lorenzo since Friday, and now the chance to be alone made his stomach flip.When the last person clicked the door shut, Lorenzo walked over. He pulled out the chair next to Kingsley and sat down.“I kept you because…” Lorenzo stopped, his eyes locking on Kingsley’s face. “I want you to handle talks with Russo Group. Or with who runs their small company.”“Me?” Kingsley’s face went pale, like blood rushed away from his skin. “Why?”“Do you have to ask?” Lorenzo lifted his eyebrows. “You worked so hard on this. It’s a big chance. You earned it.”Kingsley owned that comp
Kingsley took a big breath, closing his eyes as he walked through the big front door. He gave his car keys to the valet with a quick nod. He had picked one of his more expensive suits for tonight. The custom material fit his body in a different way than the cheap ones he wore to work.His dad had called him the day before. He asked if the dinner plan was still on. Kingsley did not want to go, but he had to keep his promise. He had said he would do it if Gianni helped him out like he asked.Memories of Friday night came back to him. It was Lorenzo’s office after everyone left, and things got really intense between them. Just thinking about it gave him the strength to get through the next couple of hours. It was worth it.A host led him to a private corner spot where Gianni was already sitting with a menu. Kingsley sat down across from him. The waiter showed up right away to pour them glasses of dark red wine that Gianni had picked out ahead of time.“I’m happy you came, Reece,” Gianni
Kingsley let his eyelids flutter shut, drawing in a slow, deep breath. Lorenzo’s mouth pressed against the curve of his neck, lips brushing over the warm, flushed flesh in soft, deliberate pecks. His fingers clamped onto the couch cushions, nails sinking into the material as he held himself utterly still.Lorenzo drew away, his gaze locking onto Kingsley’s with a look the younger man couldn’t quite parse—intense, layered, unreadable. The instant Kingsley had craved for months stretched before him now, crashing over him in a torrent of sensations.Desire pulsed through his veins. Yearning tugged at his core. A thrill raced along his skin. A sigh of release escaped his lips. Apprehension knotted in his stomach.Lorenzo’s palm cupped Kingsley’s cheek, fingers tracing a languid path downward. The calloused tips skimmed along his jawline and throat as Lorenzo flicked open the shirt’s top button, then eased him back against the couch with a gentle shove.Lorenzo swung a leg over, settling a
“Come on in,” Miles called out, swinging the door wide for Kingsley.“Nice setup,” Kingsley let out a low whistle, eyes scanning the room. “Beats your old spot by a mile.”Miles had just settled into this fresh building and rounded up Kingsley, Nina, and Anwar for a casual hangout. He’d tossed invites to a few senior folks at work too, but they bowed out gracefully.“Appreciate it—I’m digging it more myself,” Miles said with a nod.“Wasn’t sure on the drinks, so I grabbed both,” Kingsley explained, passing over a bottle of red and a six-pack. His version of a housewarming vibe.“Actually whipped up some margaritas.”“Ooh, fancy cocktails,” Kingsley flashed a grin. “You pulling out all the stops for Nina?”“Shh, man,” Miles shot a quick glance over his shoulder, cheeks tinting pink. “She’s already here with Anwar.”“Whoops,” Kingsley snickered under his breath.It was a weeknight, with desks waiting in the morning, but Nina’s weekend was jammed, so Miles—naturally—bumped the gathering
Friday rolled around, and Kingsley hunched over his desk, tapping away at his keyboard. Right next to him, Miles leaned in close to Nina, cracking jokes that landed flat, his cheeks flushing every time she giggled politely. The whole office had picked up on Miles’s crush—Nina included—and from the way her eyes sparkled back at him, she wasn’t exactly uninterested. Kingsley scratched his head, wondering why they kept dancing around it like this.His phone buzzed on the desk, lighting up with Lorenzo’s name. He swiped to answer.“I need you in my office,” Lorenzo’s voice came through, clipped and urgent.“I’m wrapping up this report—give me a sec and I’ll—”“Now, Reece.”The line went dead. Kingsley’s brow furrowed as he stared at the screen. Lorenzo usually shot him an email or swung by in person for meetings. Even in their laid-back startup vibe, the guy stuck to his formal ways. This call felt off—demanding, almost desperate. Something wasn’t right.He pushed back from his desk and h







