Ethan stepped into the pulsating heart of the club, where flashing lights danced across the crowded dance floor. The thumping bass reverberated through his body, and the air was electric with the energy of strangers united in their quest for a good time. He navigated through the sea of bodies, his eyes fixed on the bar, where he intended to lose himself for the night.
As he took a seat at the bar, the bartender raised an eyebrow at Ethan's tailored suit and air of confidence. "What can I get you?" He asked, his voice raised over the music.
"The most expensive drink you have." Ethan replied, his voice firm.
The bartender nodded and slid a glass of amber liquid toward Ethan. He tossed it back, feeling the burn all the way down. The music seemed to grow louder, the lights flashing faster, as he lost himself in the rhythm.
Before long, Ethan was drunk, his inhibitions shed like a skin he no longer needed. He got up from his seat and stumbled through the crowd, the flashing lights and pulsating music fueling his reckless abandon. He made his way to the DJ booth, snatching the microphone from the DJ's hand. The DJ protested, "Hey, give that back!" But Ethan ignored him, walking away with the mic.
Ethan staggered back to the bar, microphone in hand, and climbed onto the table. The crowd's attention turned to him, curious about the commotion. With a drunken grin, Ethan raised the microphone to his lips.
"Tonight." He slurred. "All drinks are on me!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, whistles and shouts filling the air. Ethan laughed, feeling a rush of freedom. "Party to your heart's content!" He yelled, before tossing the microphone aside.
The music roared back to life, and the crowd surged forward, dancing and laughing. Ethan stumbled, almost losing his balance on the table, but managed to steady himself, basking in the chaos and revelry he'd unleashed.
Tomorrow was his 26th birthday as well as his engagement party. He'll be getting engaged to a girl he's only met once. Not because of love, but because their families can offer each other the most profitable business alliance.
His parents didn't' even know he was not attracted to women, neither did he dare to openly come out knowing what will be at risk. The heir to a billion-dollar corporation being gay would be a devastating scandal, and that would ruin his father the most. Ethan didn't have the energy to put up with all that, and that's why he simply agreed to getting married. But one thing was sure... He would never be able to give that girl the love she deserves, and he'd make sure to make that clear to her soon enough.
He came to the bar tonight as his last act of rebellion before he gets trapped in a marriage he doesn't even want.
Through the noise and flashing lights, Ethan noticed a stranger watching him from across the room. His chiseled features and piercing eyes seemed almost otherworldly under the flashing lights. Dark hair framed his sharp jawline, and a small smile played on his lips as he watched Ethan with an intensity that made Ethan's heart skip a beat. The stranger's presence was captivating, drawing Ethan in with an irresistible pull.
For once in his life, Ethan wanted to do something for himself. Without thinking at all, he pushed his way through the crowd, walked up to the stranger and kissed him right on the lips, he'd expected the man to push him away, but that didn't happen. The stranger was frozen for a moment, but when he regained himself, he wrapped his hand around Ethan's waist, pulling him closer as he deepened the kiss, a kiss that was more than enough to make Ethan lose all his senses.
Things began to get heated and Ethan had to pull away for a second to catch his breath. "Wait.'' He said, breathlessly. "Not here."
"Damn it!" The stranger grunted, his impatience evident in his voice. "Come with me." He took Ethan's hand and dragged him out of the bar.
"Where are we going?" Ethan asked, struggling to stand up straight.
"A hotel. Get in.'' The stranger didn't give Ethan the chance to ask more questions. He guided him into the car, slamming the door shut behind him. He swiftly took the driver's seat and sped off toward the nearest hotel he could find.
****
They were finally at the hotel. Ethan who was obviously still drunk didn't even resist when the stranger slammed his lips against his in a heated moment of passion.
Soon, their clothes went flying across the room. Both fully naked now, the man pushed Ethan on the king sized bed and stared at him with a burning intensity in his eyes.
Ethan, fully captivated by the stranger's sexiness was far too gone to even think about his actions. He couldn't stop now, it was far too late to stop now.
The stranger slowly got on top of him while staring deeply at his face, taking in every inch of him, memorizing every feature.
He began trailing wet kisses down his body, kissing every inch, as if worshipping him.
Ethan grew impatient by the minute. He grabbed a fist full of his hair, pushed his face towards his and kissed him with such hunger and an urgency that made the stranger giddy with need.
Ethan let out a soft moan as his body trembled beneath the stranger's, his hips slowly thrusting back and forth.
"Please." He cried, begging for more. He wanted more of his touch, he wanted more of everything.
The stranger swiftly turned him around.
"I'll try to be gentle." The stranger whispered in his ear, then gently sucked on his earlobe.
They spent a very wild and passionate night together, having sex more than once, and to Ethan—it was worth every bit and he enjoyed every single bit of it.
Ethan woke up the next day to an empty bed with no sign of the stranger, only his necklace which he must have forgotten and his amazing scent that still lingered in the air, reminding Ethan of the passionate night they'd spent.
The stranger was now a part of Ethan, and the memories of their night together was something he would remember for a very long time....
At the breakfast table, Mr. George and Mrs. Carol sat quietly, sipping coffee and enjoying their morning. Just then, Lily walked in with a bright smile, she greeted her parents, and took her seat beside them."Guess what?" She said, her voice full of excitement. "Bethany's coming back—she'll be home in two days!"Both parents looked up, intrigued."I'm so happy." Lily continued. "It's been ages since I last saw her. I can't wait.""Hold on." Mrs. Carol furrowed her brow in confusion. "Bethany?" She asked, trying to recall the person, the name sounds familiar but she just can't remember clearly."I understand that it's been so long and that's why you can't remember her anymore. It's Bethany, Alex's childhood best friend, remember now? They were inseparable back then, like two peas in a pod.''Mrs. Carol's eyes widened with realization. "Bethany.... goodness, that girl practically lived in this house."Mr. George chuckled softly. "She and Alex were indeed inseparable back then."Lily no
Ethan lay restless in bed, tossing and turning as frustration built inside him. Sleep was nowhere in sight.He finally sat up with a sigh. "Damn it." He muttered. "Why do I even care where he is or what he's doing? It's not my business. He can be with whoever he wants." His voice was bitter, but it didn't ease the ache.His eyes drifted to his phone on the bedside table. His fingers reached out, then hesitated. "I shouldn't call him." He whispered.But his mind wouldn't let go. Images of Alex being sweet with Caroline stirred something sharp and jealous in his chest. Before he could talk himself out of it, he grabbed the phone and hit call.Alex picked up right away. "Hello? Ethan?"Ethan's heart was pounding. For a moment, he couldn't speak."Ethan? You there?"He swallowed hard. "Yeah... I'm here."Alex's voice softened. "What's wrong? Why are you calling? Do you need something?""Where are you?" Ethan asked quietly.Alex sounded a little confused. "Home. Why?""I thought you were w
Work was over for the day. Ethan stepped into the elevator, ready to leave. As the doors started to close, he noticed Alex walking toward him.For a split second, Ethan hesitated, then reached out and held the door open.Alex stepped in quietly.The elevator doors shut behind them, and the space between them filled with silence. Neither spoke. Ethan thought about saying something, but before he could, his phone rang in his pocket.He pulled it out and checked the screen; Lily.He glanced at Alex briefly, then answered the call. "Hey.'' He said.Alex stood beside him, eyes ahead, saying nothing as the elevator continued its slow descent."It's late, Lily." Ethan said tiredly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I just got off work, and I'm really exhausted."Hearing Lily's name, Alex turned slightly to glance at him. Ethan looked worn out, his posture tense, eyes heavy.On the phone, Ethan sighed. "Fine. Where are you? I'll come over."He hung up a few seconds later.Just then, Alex's pho
Ethan stood outside his office door, staring at it for a moment. He wasn't sure how he'd act when he saw Alex again, but he decided to stay calm. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and walked in.Alex, who was sitting at his desk reading some papers, looked up as the door opened. Their eyes didn't meet.Ethan didn't say a word. He walked to his desk, sat down, and began working like nothing happened. His face gave nothing away.Alex sighed. "I said I'd be there for him... and I wasn't."He picked up a brown paper bag, got up, and walked over to Ethan's desk."Good morning." He said quietly. "How are you?"Ethan didn't look up. "I'm fine."Alex paused. "How's your injury?""It's healing fine. That's why I'm back at work."Alex nodded. "Glad to hear it."He placed the brown bag on Ethan's desk. "I found a new restaurant with great food. Thought you might like it. The last one... well, didn't make it past the trash." He gave a nervous half-smile. "Hopefully this one won't end up th
Ethan sat stiffly on the hospital bed, arms crossed and lips pressed into a sulky line. The bland aftertaste of the hospital meal still lingered, and his pride was taking the real hit.The door opened again.A nurse wheeled in a bowl of warm water and a folded towel, smiling politely. "It's time for a quick bath." She said gently, adjusting the tray.Ethan's eyes widened. "Nope. Not happening."She smiled again, not budging. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Sir. It's normal for patients.""I said I'm fine."Before she could respond, Alex stepped in. "It's okay." He said calmly. "I'll do it. You can leave it with me."The nurse hesitated, then nodded and exited.Ethan turned slowly toward Alex, visibly unimpressed. "I don't want you to do it either." He snapped. "I can manage on my own."Alex raised a brow, voice casual. "Oh come on. It's not like I haven't seen all of you before."Ethan's mouth parted, ready to argue, but no words came out. His gaze flicked to the tray, then
Alex sat beside the hospital bed, Ethan motionless under layers of sterile white sheets. Machines hummed quietly at his side, tracking the rhythm of his heart and breath. Alex gently held Ethan's hand, eyes locked on his bruised face, filled with regret and quiet apology.The door swung open.Ethan's parents rushed in—his mother reaching the bedside first and gasping softly. Seeing her, Alex quickly released Ethan's hand and stood up.Without a word, she dropped into the chair Alex had been occupying and clung to Ethan's arm as tears welled in her eyes. His father remained behind her, solemn and still."What happened?" She whispered.Alex swallowed. "He got into an accident. The doctor said his injuries aren't too severe, he'll be unconscious for a while, but he's out of danger. They believe he'll recover."Ethan's father stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Alex's shoulder. "Thank you for getting him here in time."Alex shook his head. "You don't have to thank me, Sir. I just... h