“An hour or so. Give or take.”
Breck nodded again. Glanced around some more, then finally shrugged. “Fuck it.” A smile tugged at his lips. “We only live once.”
Kai exhaled. “Thank you, Breck. I really appreciate it.”
Breck smirked. “Uh huh. Whatever. You better have beer.”
Kai grinned and shook his head, then gestured for Breck to follow and started walking toward the back of the training hall. “I have tea. And coconut water.”
Breck grunted. “I’m appalled.”
“Not that it matters. You won’t be able to drink anyway. Your hands will be bound.”
— SIXTEEN —
I’m seriously going to do this?
Breck shook his head. He was losing it. And Kai, as usual, was to blame. Somehow, he always got Breck to do the most ridiculous things. Like the guy was wired with some innate ability to constantly short-circuit Breck’s brain.
For real? He’d agreed to be tied up?
By his arch nemesis—slash—fantasy lover obsession?
Was he insane?
No outcome to this could possibly bode well. At least, not for him. He’d be bound, for fuck’s sake. Completely helpless. Which in turn would make him emotionally susceptible as well.
Yet, despite this understanding, he’d still agreed.
Meaning, yes, he was definitely insane, all sense of self-preservation no longer a factor in his mind. All he cared about was being in the presence of this dominance-loving, egotistical man, with no regard whatsoever as to how that time was spent.
Because, as a dumbass once so stupidly said, we only live once.
He exhaled and tried to shift his mindset.
Realistically speaking, how bad could it possibly get?
His heart pounded as they reached the training hall’s rear exit. In a matter of seconds, they’d be up in Kai’s place. A thought occurred. Breck glanced over his shoulder. “If you were planning to do this in your apartment, why not just text me to come around back? Why tell me to meet you at your dojo?” He looked at Kai. “And why do you call it a dojo sometimes instead of a dojang?”
Kai shuttered his expression as he punched in the keycode. “First question.” He met Breck’s gaze. “Because you’re skittish with me sometimes, and I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about meeting at a private location.”
Breck blinked. He came across as skittish? His cheeks heated.
A wry smile curved Kai’s lips. “And since I wanted you to say yes, my first objective was simply to get you here. I figured you’d find my dojang pretty non-threatening.”
Breck stared at him. Kai had lured him there under false pretenses. He should be bristling from head to toe. Yet, ironically, all he felt was low-key flattered.
Kai wanted him there. Wanted to be with him.
So, he’d done what it’d taken to make that happen.
And as a result, Breck was getting what he wanted, too. Some substantial one-on-one alone time with the guy. Yeah, it might be awkward at first, but in a month from now, what would it matter? He’d be neck-deep in basketball obligations again. He’d earned this afternoon of self-indulgence. Had been busting his ass so much, he’d barely had time to sleep.
Not to mention any time with the ladies.
Ned had won their little competition in April, and surely would do so again in May. Not that Breck cared. He’d never been serious about their contest to begin with. Just fucked who he wanted when he wanted and that was that. With the future of his career in the balance, he had bigger things to worry about than who scored tail most. His dad’s strict protocol, for one. Breck’s poster-boy public image was top priority.
He eyed Kai as he opened the door, thinking of how, up until now, he’d been too big of a risk. But with the season over and Breck out of the limelight for a while…
He’d make the best of this little reprieve while he had the chance.
His body tightened as he took Kai in, every nerve ending responding to the stimulating sight. That close-fitting tee did nothing but emphasize his muscles. And those track pants did wondrous things for his incredible ass. No shoes, though. Breck eyed his feet. All strong and tan and well-groomed. He bet they were warm. And that they’d feel beyond amazing rubbing up and down his legs…
Kai flicked him a look.
Breck averted his gaze. Cleared his throat. “And my second question? Why you called this a dojo.”
Kai pushed through the door. “Habit. Outside of class, no one knows what a dojang is. Always end up having to explain. A dojo, however, everyone’s familiar with.” He slid Breck a smirk. “Big thanks to The Karate Kid.”
Breck grinned a little and followed him into the vestibule. “Fair enough.”
Kai cut a left and headed up a stairwell. Breck trailed behind him, regarding the passageway as they went. Low-lit. Brick-faced. Wrought-iron handrails. Exuding a dark, enticing air. Half invitation, half sultry warning: scale these steps at your own risk.