Kai hadn’t been his partner. Not even his friend.
He’d merely been a rung on the guy’s golden ladder.
He frowned as his thoughts came full circle. In many ways, Breck reminded him of Ryan. The way his aspirations were his only concern. His focus on fame, on fortune, and how he looked in the public eye.
Which saddened Kai, because Breck had traits that could make for an amazing partner. Brains. Wit. Fortitude. Strength and stamina. Not to mention that smile. Or that heavenly amber gaze that always reached in and caressed Kai’s soul. Unfortunately, going by Breck’s behavior during the last few weeks of class, it was obvious he put little importance on anything but fame. All Breck cared about was prestige. Adoration of his peers. Securing his spot in the limelight.
Being a star.
God, the way he strutted around as if he were wearing some honorific crown. No question, he thought himself superior. Above the rest.
Except, that is, when he’d been with his friends at the gym. Kai had noticed it immediately, the way Breck had genuinely appeared different with them. Like—as impossible as it seemed—he actually considered them his equals. Even more so than Charlie and Jegs. Which Kai found curious since those guys at the gym had seemed totally normal. What made them different to Breck?
That question gave Kai a twinge of hope—one that, in all honesty, he didn’t want—because it implied that maybe Breck wasn’t like Ryan after all. That maybe he did care about others. That maybe he wasn’t just another steamroller of blind ambition.
Admittedly, Kai had detected that vibe from Breck several times, in hindsight. Subtle hints that maybe the athlete had a heart. They never lasted long, though. Were always drowned out by yet another bout of Breck’s cockiness.
Nevertheless, at the time, those glimpses had compelled Kai to test his suspicions. Those playful ribs he’d often given Breck when they sparred? Sure, they’d partly been to keep Breck grounded and off of his pedestal, but they’d also been Kai investigating. Getting a bead. Seeing if he could find a soft spot in Breck’s arrogant armor. Not to hurt or expose the guy, but to merely get closer. Because for some masochistic reason, he was drawn to him and wanted Breck to yield a little and let him in.
His thoughts shifted to that last evening they spent together. He’d honest-to-God intended for it to be nothing more than a private session, but in an environment where Breck could finally loosen up. Loosen up, then take advantage of that chance to redeem himself.
But things hadn’t gone even remotely as he’d expected.
The second Breck’s boner had pressed against his hips, Kai’s brain had locked up. He hadn’t been able to help it. Breck just had that effect. His heat, his weight, his need, just felt so surreal.
And then when he’d felt Breck’s body readying to come? Jesus, as intoxicating as that moment had been, allowing him to orgasm just hadn’t felt right. Not with the state of their dynamic at the time. To go any further, that barrier between them would have had to go. Which was why he’d paused to address Breck’s claim. It hadn’t been to embarrass him. He’d been giving Breck an opportunity. A chance to use that moment of honest intimacy to finally connect.
Of course, what it’d amounted to was anything but.
Kai sighed. In truth, none of that shit should have ever even happened. And that was on him. Breck was young. And egotistical. And oftentimes, immature. Regardless of how Breck stirred his insides and always made his heart beat double-time, he knew better than to get caught up with a guy like that. Because guys like that were way too similar to Ryan. Caring little about those they left in their wake. Their eyes locked on the prize, never looking back.
Exhaling, he dropped his phone back onto his jeans and scrubbed his face. If only he could adhere to that rationale. For some reason, he didn’t seem capable, though. At least, not where Breck was concerned. Breathing a curse, he rubbed his brow and closed his eyes.
A heartbeat later, Liam walked back in the room. “So, what d’ya think? Like your new pet?”
Kai met his gaze and smiled. “I do.”
Liam’s gaze dropped to his thigh. “I did right by that little dragon.”
“Right’s an understatement.” Kai peered back into the mirror. “You did amazing.”
Liam preened. “Cheers, mate.” Though with his accent, it sounded more like ‘Cheese, mite.’ He gestured toward the tattoo chair. “Let’s cover him up.”
Kai settled back in as Liam grabbed a jar of ointment. Gently, he smoothed a thin coating over his dragon. A clear adhesive bandage came next.
Liam chucked the packaging into the trash. “Keep this covered for at least two hours.”
“Will do.”
Liam glanced at his watch. “Lookie that. Closing time.”