Chapter One - A Reckless Kiss

The gift bag containing a custom engraved gold watch felt heavier than it should as it sat on Jayden's hand for hours.

Reluctantly, he checked the time again, 6:47 p.m.

Work hours were long gone.

The city outside the glass walls of his office was already slipping into night, lights blinking on one after another like impatient stars.

His computer screen dimmed, reminding him he had been staring without seeing for too long.

He unlocked his phone again, no missed calls nor a single message from him.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“He's probably buried in work again.” he murmured.

That was always the excuse and he always accepted it.

Still, he slid the gift into his bag carefully, as if it might break if he wasn’t gentle, grabbing his coat and switching off the lights, he headed to the garage.

—

The lobby of Dortmund's company was too quiet for a building that usually breathed noise and movement.

The receptionist glanced up, surprised. “Sir….”

“It's fine,” he said softly, already walking towards the elevators. “I won't be long.”

The doors closed with a muted ding, carrying him up straight into hope he hadn't allowed himself to feel all day.

The office door wasn’t fully closed, light spilled out, sharp and white.

Jayden stepped in quietly.

Behind the desk sat his boyfriend, Drake, his jacket off, sleeves rolled up and tie loosened.

Files were already everywhere, stacked, scattered, some were open and some marked with red ink.

Drake's head was bowed, fingers pressed to his temple like he was holding himself together by force.

“Hey,” Jayden called gently.

But silence met his voice.

He took another step closer. “You look exhausted.”

“What brings you here?” Drake asked, flatly.

Jayden stiffened for half a second, then smiled, adjusting the strap of his bag. “I was nearby. I thought I should come say hello.”

Silence stretched for a second.

“A call would have done that.” Drake replied.

“I wanted to surprise you.” Jayden teased.

Drake finally looked up, his eyes, dark and tired didn't soften the way they used to.

“Oh.” he mouthed.

“Just oh.” Jayden murmured, his chest tightening.

“I’ll go then,” he added, aloud this time. “I just wanted to see you. And now that I have done that, I better not disturb your work.”

He turned quickly, approaching the door.

The chair creaked as Drake leaned back slightly. “Wait.”

Hope flared again, Jayden's heart racing.

Before another word could be said, the office door opened wider.

“Sir, about tonight’s event….” The assistant stopped short when he saw Jayden, then nodded politely. “Sorry sir. I didn’t realize you had company.”

Drake sighed, irritation flashing across his face. “What now?”

“The clients insist on a host. They’re already at the hotel. If you don’t show up, it’ll look bad.” he sprouted, head lowered.

“A party?” His voice sharpened. “Again?”

“This one matters,” he said carefully. “for the company's reputation.”

Silence stretched.

Jayden watched the tension tighten Drake’s shoulders, the way his jaw clenched, how his fingers drummed against the desk like he wanted to snap something in half.

“I can’t,” Drake muttered. “I’m not in the mood.”

Jayden swallowed. “I can go.”

Both of them glanced sharply at him.

“I mean,” he added quickly, “you can just show your face for a few minutes. Then leave, I’ll stay and handle the rest.”

The assistant’s eyes lit up with relief. “That would actually…..”

“No.” Drake said it immediately.

“You look stressed already,” Jayden pointed out. “A little rest won't hurt.”

Drake hesitated but then nodded, reluctantly. “Fine. Just be careful out there.”

Jayden's smile came too easily. “Sure.”

—

The hotel ballroom glowed gold and glass.

Music hummed low, expensive and smooth.

Men in tailored suits laughed too loudly, women clung to arms that weren’t theirs, crystal glasses clinking like promises no one intended to keep.

Drake stayed exactly three minutes, long enough to shake hands, long enough to smile for cameras and leave the impression he had been there.

Then he leaned into Jayden's ear, voice low. “I’ll call you later.”

He walked out before Jayden could even answer.

Standing still, Jayden watched him walk away.

Hours passed in a blur, the crowd thinned, laughter dulled and the music slowed.

He sat at the edge of the table, untouched appetizers cooling beside him, his phone face up in his palm.

Each vibration that wasn’t a call tightened his chest a little more.

He drained the third glass, the burn sliding down his throat like fire, vision tilting with the dizziness.

Suddenly, his phone rang, making him flinch.

His eyes glinted when he saw the caller.

“Hello,” he beamed.

“Happy anniversary, Jay.” Drake cooed from the other end.

Jayden's breath caught.

“You….” He laughed softly, disbelief mixing with relief. “You didn’t forget?”

“How could I forget something like that?” Drake's voice softened. “I’m sorry it’s late.”

“It’s okay,” he said immediately. “I understand.”

“Come meet me,” the voice continued. “Suite 3113.”

“But the party is….”

“Don't keep your boyfriend waiting.” Drake whispered.

Jayden's heart jumped. “I'm on my way, love.”

He stood so fast the chair scraped loudly behind him.

Maybe he misunderstood and misjudged him, the boyfriend he knew and loves could never have forgotten about today.

The hallway was quiet, carpet thick beneath his unsteady steps.

Jayden counted the doors, mind flitting between numbers, the hallway stretching longer with each step. 3… 1… 1… 3?

His fingers pressed the knob, heart racing.

Without waiting to confirm, he pushed the door open.

A man stood by the window, broad shoulders outlined in the dim light.

The suite smelled faintly of thick smoke, a hint of vanilla and something darker like cologne that clung to skin.

The city lights shimmered across the window, a soft hum from traffic below.

Jayden’s heart thundered in his ear, hope flaring and without thinking, he crossed the room, arms reaching out.

“Sorry love,” Jayden whispered, voice thick with emotion.

“I doubted you.”

The figure stiffened, muscles tensing.

Jayden pressed closer, tilting his head and their lips met, urgent and desperate.

The man pushed him off quickly.

“I already apologized for doubting you,” Jayden said, voice hoarse. “Don't push me away.”

Before the man could reply, Jayden kissed him again.

A dark smirk curved the man’s lips as he pressed Jayden to the wall, his breath hot against his ear. “Don’t ask me to stop,” he whispered.

Slowly, his lips traced from Jayden’s ear to his own, each second stretching, making Jayden arch helplessly.

When their lips met again, Jayden’s stomach twisted, a thrill and dread colliding as his lips were devoured hungrily.