The warm glow of the bedside lamp cast golden light across the bedroom, shadows flickering against the deep navy walls. Soft jazz played from a speaker in the corner, mingling with the rustle of expensive clothes being folded and packed into designer luggage.
Adrian stood at the dresser, bare-chested in his slacks, muscles flexing as he held up two different tees. “This one,” he said, voice low and sure.
Julian glanced over his shoulder, perched on the bed with his knees folded beneath him, wearing only one of Adrian’s old button-downs — unbuttoned, hanging off his shoulders, exposing his smooth chest and the soft line of his belly.
“That’s the one that makes your arms look unfair,” he said with a grin.
Adrian smirked. “Then it’s coming with me.”
Julian watched him for a moment, eyes lingering on Adrian’s body — that deep bronze skin, the V of his waistline disappearing into his slacks, the light dusting of silver hair across his chest.
“You’re staring,” Adrian said.
Julian dropped back on the bed, shirt fluttering open completely, revealing the soft curve of his inner thigh. “I’m admiring,” he purred.
Adrian turned, took one look at Julian sprawled out like that — skin glowing, lips parted, his cock already hard and resting against his stomach — and forgot all about packing.
He climbed onto the bed, slow and gentle, crawling between Julian’s thighs. “What am I gonna do with you?”
Julian reached up, hands sliding along Adrian’s chest, feeling the strength in his pecs, the rise of his heartbeat. “Anything you want.”
Adrian leaned down, kissed him, slow and deep, tongue tasting every soft moan that spilled from Julian’s mouth. One hand pinned his husband wrist gently above his head, the other sliding down to cup his face.
“Gonna miss this bed,” Julian whispered between kisses.
“You won’t miss it,” Adrian said with a smile against his lips. “Because I’ll make every night feel like home, wherever we are.”
Julian gasped, hips rising as Adrian kissed down his neck, across his chest, stopping to gently suck and tease one nipple with his lips. “Let me love you one more time in our bed.”
He slid down, trailing kisses across Julian’s belly, then took his cock in his hand, giving it a soft stroke before lowering his mouth over it, slow and deliberate. He worked him with care — not to dominate, but to worship.
“Adrian…”
Adrian looked up with that warm steel-blue gaze. “Turn over for me, baby.”
Julian rolled slowly, lifting his hips, body relaxed, trusting. Adrian kissed his lower back, his hands gliding along his thighs before reaching for the lube and coating himself. He pressed forward, the fat head of his uncut cock meeting Julian’s waiting heat.
“You okay?”
Julian nodded, voice soft. “Always. With you.”
Adrian pushed in slow, deep — letting Julian take every inch with time, breath, and love. His hand rested gently on Julian’s back, rubbing slow circles.
“You’re perfect,” Adrian whispered. “Every time.”
Their bodies moved together, a slow rhythm of heat and devotion, breath and skin. When Adrian whispered “I love you,” it wasn’t out of habit — it was a vow, deep in every thrust.
He came holding Julian close, their fingers laced, their hearts full.
Julian followed, body trembling as he pressed his cheek to the pillow, a soft sound leaving his throat — peaceful, complete.
They stayed wrapped in one another, breath evening out, Adrian brushing Julian’s hair back with lazy fingers.
After a moment of soft, heavy silence, Julian sighed, breathless. “We still haven’t finished packing.”
Adrian chuckled. “You mean you haven’t picked out your beach scandal outfits.”
Julian smirked, turning his head just slightly. “Cassian’s last message literally said, ‘clothing is optional, modesty is forbidden.’ You really think I’m showing up in linen pants and polos?”
Adrian kissed his shoulder. “Just promise me you’ll let me help with the sunscreen.”
Julian laughed. “I’m packing the mesh ones. And the white ones. You know, the ones that get a little too sheer when I’m wet.”
“Then we’re definitely getting a tan,” Adrian whispered, resting his forehead against Julian’s neck. “But I might keep you under the umbrella… just to myself.”
Outside, the moon hung low — watching. Waiting.
Because tomorrow, paradise would test everything they thought they knew about love.
____
The sun blazed overhead, its heat rolling off the glittering water and baking the worn wood of the private jetty. The air smelled like salt and sex—thick, humid, and almost obscene.
Adrian and Julian strolled down the dock, a vision of curated paradise.
Adrian wore sea-green swim shorts, the kind that hugged his thick thighs without even trying, paired with a crisp white beach shirt left unbuttoned to reveal the soft black tank underneath. That tank clung to his powerful torso, soaked slightly with sweat, outlining every inch of his broad chest, hard-cut abs, and those arms that looked made to pin someone down gently and never let go. He didn't try to be sexy. He didn’t need to. The way the breeze tousled his salt-and-pepper hair, the glint of his wedding ring, the way his steel-blue eyes lingered on Julian—it all screamed Daddy's here, even if he didn’t know it.
Julian kept it simple. Clean. Safe. A soft white tee tucked loosely into matching green swim shorts, like Adrian’s. His own beach shirt flapped open in the breeze, light and easy. His look was less "fuck me," more "kiss me in the sun and hold me later." His lean, bookish frame moved with relaxed confidence, a quiet contrast to Adrian’s grounded strength.
Waiting at the end of the dock was Alex — the island staff member assigned to greet them. And he looked like he belonged to the beach more than the sand itself.
Late twenties, sun-kissed skin that glowed golden and smooth, a lean but sculpted body framed perfectly by his unbuttoned beach shirt and snug sea-blue swim shorts. He wore nothing underneath — just bare, glistening skin and tight definition from pecs to abs, nipples visible, chest slightly rising as he watched them approach. His damp blond hair was tousled from the sea breeze, and his emerald green eyes gleamed with something unreadable. Not overt hunger. But something slow. Calculated. Lingering.
"Welcome to paradise, gentlemen," Alex said, voice smooth like cooled whiskey. Warm, rich, and lazy. "I'm Alex. I’ll be taking care of you."
He stepped forward and greeted Adrian first, arms sliding around him in a casual hug — too casual. His chest pressed firmly against Adrian’s, the warmth of his bare skin meeting cotton and tank. His hand grazed the top of Adrian’s spine before he kissed his cheek. Soft. Brief. But it left heat in its wake.
"Island tradition," Alex said lightly, eyes catching Adrian’s. "Only for the ones who catch the sun best."
Adrian’s brow rose slightly, but he smiled, amused. "Guess I’ll take that as a compliment."
"You should," Alex said, voice low, lips curling.
Julian watched, head tilted, but with no edge of jealousy — just curiosity. He knew Adrian. And Adrian, for all his heat, knew where his fire burned.
"Let me help you aboard," Alex offered, lifting their bags easily and setting them down in the boat before extending his hand to Adrian. Their palms met — firm grip, no rush — and as Adrian stepped into the boat, Alex’s other hand found his back again, steadying him, fingers sliding just a touch longer than necessary. He didn’t say anything, but the air between them thickened.
Adrian reached back for Julian, his hand gentle as he helped his husband down with quiet affection.
"Safety vests," Alex said, pulling two from the bench. He stepped close to Adrian again, eyes flicking over his chest — professional, maybe. But not blind.
He moved behind him and began fastening the vest around Adrian’s broad frame. His hands brushed the sides of Adrian’s ribs, came around his chest, pulling the straps snug — not too snug. Just enough to feel.
Then he stepped around, face to face, chest brushing chest. The tension was electric — too close, too deliberate. Alex kept his eyes on the buckle, fingers working slow and smooth, until they drifted lower… and then lower.
One hand slid down, firm and hot, palming Adrian through his shorts. Not a graze. A deliberate, slow cup of his cock through the thin fabric — heat meeting heat.
Adrian froze for a beat, heart thudding hard. The contact was brief, but burning.
Alex didn’t look up. Just buckled the last strap like nothing happened, voice steady. "Fits perfectly."
Adrian glanced over Alex’s shoulder, eyes flicking toward Julian — still figuring out his own vest, chin down, focused on the straps.
"Thanks," Adrian said, voice low, clipped, carefully neutral.
Alex stepped away without another word, slipping into the front seat of the boat and starting the engine. The motor growled to life, and the boat peeled away from the dock, slicing into the deep blue.
Adrian sat beside Julian, shoulders broad, posture calm — maybe too calm.
Julian leaned in, whispering with a soft smirk, "He was eating you up with his eyes. Even when he was behind you."
Adrian turned, letting the tension fall away in a smile as he leaned in and kissed Julian, slow and steady.
"Doesn’t matter what he’s thinking," he murmured. "Only you get the real thing."
Julian laced their fingers together, pressing close as the wind played in their hair and the island drew nearer — golden, secretive, and waiting for what came next.
Behind the wheel, Alex didn’t say a word. But the way he gripped it, the way he smiled at the horizon, said plenty.
____
The boat coasted up to the private dock of the island, white sands stretching endlessly, dotted with sleek villas tucked into lush greenery. At the center of the island, a grand villa stood surrounded by only five private villas, each nestled in tropical paradise, circling around the heart of the resort — the main villa that housed the gym, a massive infinity pool, a game room, a karaoke lounge, and several decadent bars.
Cassian Rhodes and Nico Vale — the owners of Virellis Island — waited for them on the dock.
Cassian, tall and commanding, wore low-slung khaki beach shorts and a loose open beach shirt that showed off his golden, sculpted chest, the sharp lines of his muscles glistening under the sunlight. His jet-black hair, streaked with silver, was windswept, his emerald eyes cool but welcoming.
Nico was a vision of playful chaos — platinum-blond hair messy from the breeze, tiny white swim shorts riding dangerously low on his hips, paired with a thin, half-transparent beach tank clinging to his lean dancer’s body. His skin was sun-kissed, his smile dazzling.
Julian’s face lit up the moment he spotted Nico. He was halfway off the boat before it even fully docked, laughter bubbling from his chest.
“Look what the tide dragged in!” Nico chirped, racing up to wrap Julian in a tight hug.
Julian laughed, squeezing him back. “You’re still the same troublemaker, Doctor Vale.”
Nico beamed. “Retired troublemaker now. Full-time hedonist.”
Cassian chuckled, stepping forward to clasp Adrian’s shoulder in a firm, familiar grip. “Finally,” he rumbled, his voice thick with genuine warmth. "It’s been too damn long."
“Wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Adrian said, his smile easy but edged with the kind of affection only built over years of true friendship.
Cassian grinned, clapping him once more on the back before gesturing toward the main villa behind him.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s have a quick drink first. Then you can settle into your place."
Julian looped an arm around Nico’s waist as they started walking toward the main villa, chatting easily about the trip, about how beautiful the island was.
Cassian lagged a step behind with Adrian before turning to Alex.
“Alex, after this, bring their luggage to Villa Three.”
“Yes, sir,” Alex said smoothly, moving toward the bags.
Adrian glanced at him and casually stepped forward. “Let me give you a hand.”
Alex blinked, pausing mid-lift. “You don't have to, sir. It's my job.”
Adrian gave a small shrug. “I insist. Besides, I need to head to the villa first anyway."
Cassian arched a brow. “Everything alright?”
Adrian chuckled low. “Just need to pee."
Laughter rippled between the friends before Cassian nodded. “We’ll save you a seat at the bar.”
Julian leaned in, brushing his fingers along Adrian’s wrist with a small smile. “Don’t take too long.”
“I’ll be quick,” Adrian promised, pressing a fleeting kiss to Julian’s temple before grabbing one of the lighter bags.
Alex adjusted the load easily, casting Adrian a sidelong look filled with something warm, heavy, and sharp all at once.
Together they peeled off from the group, walking side by side down the shaded path leading toward Villa Three. Their shoulders brushed with every step, the thick island air swirling between them, humid and slow.
Alex’s beach shirt fluttered open wider, revealing the deep tan of his hard chest and the taut ripple of muscle down his stomach. His scent — sun, salt, something musky and male — curled around Adrian with every quiet breath.
The air between them tightened, heat simmering just under the surface, thick and inevitable.
________________________________________
When they finally reached Villa Three, Adrian pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside.
The interior hit him like a dream — wide open spaces, marble floors cool under bare feet, high ceilings strung with lazy fans, the entire villa bathed in warm golden light pouring in through massive glass windows. Plush couches. Sleek, modern design. It was breathtaking.
But Adrian didn't have time to admire it. His need to pee was urgent.
He followed the short hallway to the left, finding the bathroom — and it was pure heaven. Polished stone, a rain shower so large it could fit three people, lush white towels folded neatly by the sinks. Adrian barely managed to unzip before sighing in relief, relieving himself in the oversized porcelain toilet.
When he finished, he zipped up, washed his hands quickly, and padded barefoot back into the villa.
He stopped short.
Alex was still there.
Sitting on the edge of the large bed, casual, legs spread slightly, arms braced behind him, his loose beach shorts riding up high on his strong thighs. His beach shirt hung open, the deep V of his chest exposed, muscles flexing subtly as he leaned back.
Adrian frowned slightly, thinking Alex must be waiting for a tip.
He grabbed his wallet from the small overnight bag he carried and pulled out a few crisp bills, walking toward him.
"Here," Adrian said, offering the money.
Alex didn’t move to take it.
Instead, he shifted backward on the bed, spreading his legs wider, the bulge in his shorts unmistakable, heavy and outlined thick against the thin fabric.
His voice dropped, lazy and soaked in heat.
"Instead of that tip," Alex murmured, his green eyes gleaming with wicked intent, "why don't you give me another kind?"
He dragged his palm slowly over his spread thighs, gaze locked onto Adrian's.
The tension in the room turned molten, the air so thick with sex it was almost hard to breathe.
Adrian stood there, heart hammering against his ribs, caught between disbelief… and the slow, undeniable pull of something far more dangerous.
Adrian narrowed his eyes, steadying himself. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, voice calm but edged with warning.
Alex gave a lazy, knowing smile. "Come on, don't play pretend now. You were insisting to help me because you wanted some alone time with me, right?"
Adrian exhaled slowly, a soft, almost pitying smile forming on his lips. He lifted his left hand, letting the golden band on his finger glint under the warm villa lights.
"I'm married," Adrian said firmly. "You’ve met my husband. I love him. And since the day I married him, I’ve never—not even once—had any intention toward anyone else."
His voice dropped lower, colder.
"So, respect yourself. Leave now. And I'll pretend this never happened. Excuse me."
Adrian turned sharply, walking toward the door. He grabbed the handle and pulled it open—only for a firm hand to slam it back shut from behind.
Adrian let out a slow, heavy sigh, his body tensing as he turned around.
Alex was right there.
But not just standing.
Fully naked.
His tanned, sweat-slick body practically glowed in the golden light. Every ridge of his abs, the thick slabs of his pecs, the taper of his waist—all bared without shame.
And his cock—fuck.
It was thick and heavy, proudly jutting out from a dark blond thatch of hair. Long, veiny, and already throbbing, the flushed pink head drooling precum that slid thickly down the veined shaft.
Alex stepped closer, his skin radiating pure male heat, the raw musk of his arousal flooding Adrian’s senses.
"You're still pretending," Alex murmured, voice a filthy purr. He stroked his cock lazily, thumb smearing the mess leaking from the tip, the slick wet sound unmistakable.
Adrian’s jaw clenched. His fists curled at his sides.
Alex moved in until their chests brushed, until his leaking cock smeared against Adrian’s shorts, dampening the fabric with obscene heat.
"All you have to do," Alex whispered, grinding slow against him, "is stop lying to yourself."
Before Adrian could react, Alex grabbed both of Adrian’s wrists in one strong hand and pulled them downward, forcing them against the curve of his naked ass.
Alex shoved their bodies together, his cock grinding obscenely against Adrian’s covered thigh, the sticky head leaving wet trails on the fabric.
"Feel how hard I am for you," Alex groaned, rolling his hips lewdly.
Adrian's fingers twitched, his palms full of Alex's firm, muscled ass—hot, taut, impossible to ignore.
Breathing ragged, Alex nuzzled into Adrian's chest, mouthing the damp fabric, teeth scraping teasingly before his lips traveled up, finding the bare skin of Adrian’s collarbone.
His tongue flicked out, licking a slow, wet stripe along the hollow of Adrian’s throat. The heat of his mouth seared a filthy path upward, dragging whimpers from Alex's throat.
Adrian’s hands, against all control, squeezed the plump globes of Alex’s ass, kneading them roughly as Alex writhed against him, his cock jerking against Adrian's thigh.
Emboldened, desperate, Alex tilted his head, breath hot and dirty against Adrian’s lips, the taste of salt and sin thick between them.
He leaned closer, cock pressing harder, leaking hotter—but just as his mouth brushed Adrian’s, just as the kiss was about to land—
Adrian shoved him back, hard.
Alex stumbled, still panting, still raging hard.
Adrian’s chest heaved, his face a mask of furious restraint. "Get dressed. Get out. Now."
Without waiting for a reply, Adrian wrenched the door open and stormed out, fists clenched, cock throbbing painfully in his shorts, leaving Alex standing naked and shameless in the center of the villa, still smirking like he’d already won.
____
Adrian stormed out of the villa, his pulse still pounding in his ears, anger and lust twisted tight in his gut.
He walked swiftly down the stone path toward the center villa—the heart of the island—where the bar, the restaurant, the pool, and every indulgent luxury waited.
At a crossroads near the lush gardens, he paused, flagging down one of the smiling staff members lounging near a sun-splashed fountain.
"Where's the bar?" Adrian asked, voice low, still rough from the confrontation.
The staff member smiled brightly and pointed down a shaded path lined with hibiscus flowers. "Straight through there, sir. You'll see the signs."
Adrian nodded his thanks and made his way, shoulders tense, jaw set.
He spotted them almost immediately.
Julian sat at the open-air bar, laughing with a drink in hand. Beside him were Cassian and Nico, the picture of tropical decadence—Cassian leaned lazily against the counter, nursing a tumbler of dark liquor, while Nico perched playfully on a stool, waving his hands animatedly as he talked.
But they weren't alone.
Two newcomers stood near them, both casually stunning, wearing nothing but vibrant orange beach shorts that clung to their perfect bodies.
Cassian glanced up and waved Adrian over.
"Adrian! Come meet our newest guests."
Adrian approached, his gaze briefly scanning the two men.
Phuwin stood slightly in front—a walking wet dream of golden tan skin stretched over lean, sculpted muscle. He was the perfect combination of pretty and powerful: thick pecs, tight abs flexing every time he laughed, a plush, bouncy ass barely contained by his snug shorts. His jet-black hair was artfully messy, his wide honey-brown eyes sparkling under the sun, framed by thick lashes.
Beside him, Khoa was all silent dominance—taller, broader, with an imposing, almost statuesque frame. His skin was a flawless golden brown, his thick arms and chest shining with a light sheen of sweat, his shorts sitting low on his narrow hips, revealing the hard V of his lower abs. His black eyes were unreadable, but when he looked at Phuwin, his gaze softened, protective.
Both of them looked so young, so freshly in love, their happiness radiating off them like a second sun.
"This is Phuwin and Khoa," Cassian introduced smoothly. "They just got married—this little trip’s their honeymoon."
Phuwin blushed slightly, giving a shy wave, while Khoa simply nodded, his hand lightly resting on the small of Phuwin's back possessively.
Adrian managed a polite smile and shook their hands briefly before sliding into the empty seat beside Julian.
Julian leaned against him immediately, their thighs brushing under the bar, a small reassuring weight that grounded him.
Phuwin's eyes sparkled as he looked Adrian up and down openly, and he gave a soft, playful whistle. "Wow... you’re like, ridiculously handsome. Total hot daddy vibes."
Khoa stiffened slightly at Phuwin's side, his arm tightening just a little around his husband’s waist, shooting Adrian a look that wasn't hostile—just deeply territorial.
Adrian chuckled low, glancing at Phuwin with an easy smile. "You’re pretty dangerous yourself, Phuwin. With a body like that, you could cause some serious accidents."
Phuwin laughed, face flushing deeper, while Khoa let out a quiet grunt, sliding his hand firmly across Phuwin’s lower back, pulling him closer into his side.
Julian laughed and tightened his arm around Adrian’s, leaning in and pressing a kiss to Adrian’s shoulder. "Sorry, this one’s mine," he teased, flashing a mischievous grin at the newlyweds.
Adrian gave Julian a soft, warm look, reaching over to tuck a loose strand of hair behind his ear.
"He’s loyal too," Julian added with a wink, making Phuwin giggle and Khoa visibly relax, though his hand stayed firmly possessive on his husband.
Phuwin leaned into Khoa’s chest with a playful pout. "Don’t worry, babe. I only admire from afar."
"Good," Khoa muttered, nuzzling Phuwin’s temple protectively.
The group chuckled, and as Phuwin and Khoa launched into a sweet, animated conversation about their wedding ceremony—how small it had been, just close friends and family, how this trip was their first real escape—Adrian’s mind drifted.
Back to Alex.
To the sight of him naked, cock leaking, pressing filthy and raw against him.
Adrian shook his head slightly, reaching for his drink.
Why would someone be so shameless? So reckless?
He didn’t understand it.
But deep down, buried under the righteous anger, a darker thought whispered through him.
If he wasn’t as strong as he was now—if he’d hesitated, if he’d faltered even for a second—he might have fucked Alex right there against the villa door.
Adrian's grip tightened around his glass, the ice clinking sharply.
He forced his mind back to the present—to Julian's smile, to the safety of familiar laughter—burying the dangerous hunger deeper inside him where it belonged.
Just then, Phuwin glanced up and blinked. "Who are they? They look so hot."
The group turned to see two figures approaching.
Coach Dean Carter—towering, broad, exuding pure alpha energy—wore black beach shorts and an unbuttoned beach shirt that flared in the breeze, exposing his thick, hairy chest and hard stomach. His stormy gray eyes swept over the scene with casual dominance, the Southern drawl practically clinging to his presence.
Beside him was Josh Chen, and he was pure temptation. Sweaty, glistening, legs spread, pecs thick and pumped, his black tousled hair pushed back, sunglasses hiding the hunger in his eyes. He wore nothing but dark paisley beach shorts that sat low on his hips, revealing deep lines down to his groin. His body was flushed and oiled, golden brown and flexing with every subtle movement. He looked like he was born to fuck—or be fucked.
Cassian waved them over. "Dean! Josh! Over here."
As they arrived, Cassian gestured to the group. "Everyone, this is Coach Dean Carter—an old friend of mine. And this is his boyfriend, Josh."
Josh gave a low, teasing smile and waved. "Hey. I'm Josh."
Then his gaze landed on Adrian.
Their eyes locked.
Josh's smirk deepened.
Adrian extended a hand politely. "Adrian."
Josh stepped in and gripped it, slow, tight, and held it longer than he should've. His thumb grazed the inside of Adrian’s palm.
Adrian didn’t flinch. He just smiled—cool, unreadable.
Josh finally released him.
Dean leaned down slightly and whispered something into Josh’s ear, and whatever it was made Josh grin wider.
Then the two of them turned toward Phuwin and Khoa, exchanging greetings and settling into the circle like predators playing nice—for now.
Josh sat down beside Adrian, casually close, while Dean settled beside Khoa, his broad frame stretching out lazily.
Josh slid off his sunglasses and turned toward Adrian. "What are you drinking?"
Adrian glanced at his glass, then looked up. "Scotch. Neat."
Josh nodded and waved the bartender over. "Same thing for me."
Dean glanced at the group. "What were y’all talking about before we walked in?"
"Their wedding," Nico chimed, grinning. "Phuwin and Khoa just tied the knot. This trip's their honeymoon."
Dean raised an eyebrow, eyes locking on Khoa. He reached out and placed a firm hand on Khoa’s thigh. "You’re married now, huh?"
Khoa responded coolly. "Yeah."
Josh, meanwhile, glanced down at Adrian’s hand. He leaned in slightly and whispered, "You’re married too?"
Adrian turned toward him and smiled. "Yes. To him. My husband." He nodded to Julian, who was now sipping his drink and chatting with Nico.
Josh’s eyes flicked to Julian and back. "You two totally look good together."
His hand landed gently on Adrian’s thigh—casual, too natural to call out, but unmistakably intentional.
Adrian didn’t react. He just took a sip of his drink, the corner of his mouth lifting in a controlled, unreadable smile.
Josh leaned a little closer, his voice a notch lower, smooth like melted heat. "You know, I can tell you work out... it's written all over you. That chest? Fucking solid."
Adrian chuckled, a little bashful but proud, his voice warm and steady. "I try to stay in shape. Gym’s kind of my second home."
Josh’s eyes roamed down Adrian’s torso with an appreciative glint. "Yeah? What’s your routine? Because that’s not just staying in shape—that’s ‘make people stare when you walk by’ kind of built."
Adrian smiled, shoulders shifting slightly like he wasn't used to being praised so openly. "Split days. Heavy lifts. Core every morning before coffee."
Josh whistled low. "Discipline. I like that. What about chest? You bench or fly?"
"Both. Super-sets. High weight. Controlled reps."
Josh’s hand landed casually on Adrian’s pec, fingers pressing lightly against the muscle through the fabric. "Fuck, I can feel it. You’re hard even just standing still."
Adrian chuckled again, soft and modest. "That's the goal."
Josh flexed his massive pecs teasingly, the thick slabs of muscle bouncing slightly under his tan skin. He lifted an eyebrow, smirking. "Here. Feel mine. Let’s see how I stack up."
Adrian hesitated for just a second before reaching out, his palm pressing firmly against Josh’s thick, heavy chest. His hand sank slightly into the dense, warm muscle, feeling the weight and power packed beneath the skin.
Josh’s skin was hot, almost searing, every slight flex making his pecs jump against Adrian’s hand.
Josh's voice dropped to a thick purr. "Tight, right? Solid enough to take a good pounding."
Adrian laughed under his breath, a slight shake of his head, withdrawing his hand back to his drink. "You're built like a tank."
Josh leaned in closer, their shoulders brushing, his voice wicked and low. "You sure you don't wanna test the rest of me?"
Adrian turned his head slightly, whispering so only Josh could hear. "Behave. Your boyfriend's literally over there... talking to Khoa."
Josh giggled, biting his lip in mock innocence. "Maybe I’m a little drunk. Maybe Dean doesn't mind if I flirt around."
Adrian smiled, shaking his head, feeling oddly relaxed with Josh's chaotic, tempting energy swirling around him. He lifted his glass, bumping it lightly against Josh's. "Just don't get yourself in trouble."
Josh’s grin widened, playful and filthy. "Trouble usually tastes the sweetest."
Adrian just chuckled again, settling back into his seat, the warmth of Josh’s touch lingering faintly on his skin, the tension slow and simmering... but still just friendly. For now.
They started talking more easily after that, conversation slipping into favorite movies. Adrian mentioned he loved horror movies, and Josh’s face lit up.
"No way. Same here! Give me something that'll keep me up all night, double-checking every dark corner," Josh said, excitement making him inch even closer.
Adrian grinned. "Exactly. The creepier, the better."
Josh laughed, voice dripping pure mischief. "I knew you had good taste... in more ways than one."
Josh tossed out a title casually. "Ever watch 'The Conjuring'? That movie seriously had me jumping like a kid."
Adrian’s eyes lit up. "Loved it. That scene with the clapping game? Fuck, that messed with my head."
Josh grinned, practically bouncing against Adrian’s arm. "Exactly! And that slow build-up—pure torture. I love that shit."
Their legs brushed again, more lingering this time, neither of them pulling back.
"You're seriously checking every box for me," Josh teased, his voice low and teasing, eyes gleaming.
Adrian nudged him lightly with his shoulder, smiling. "Just lucky, I guess."
They shifted into favorite shows, travel dreams, and ridiculous gym stories. Every time Josh cracked a dirty joke, Adrian shook his head, laughing softly, but he didn't pull away.
It wasn’t just playful anymore.
It was easy.
It was dangerous.
________________________________________
The sun dipped low, spilling molten gold across the sky. They had all wandered toward the edge of the pool, standing in a scattered line facing the sunset.
Julian was still laughing softly with Nico a few steps away. Cassian was making easy small talk with Phuwin, their voices blending with the sound of the gentle breeze. At the far end, Dean was deep in conversation with Khoa.
Adrian and Josh stood together at the other end, a little apart from the others.
Without a word, Josh slid closer, wrapping one strong arm around Adrian's waist in a lazy, natural side hug.
Adrian didn't think—he just moved—lifting his own arm and draping it casually over Josh’s lower back.
Josh's palm rested flat against Adrian's chest, fingers drawing slow, absent-minded circles over the firm muscle, tracing the shape through the thin fabric of his shirt.
"Sunset's fucking beautiful here," Josh murmured, voice low and soft.
Adrian smiled faintly, eyes on the horizon. "Yeah. It’s something else."
Josh leaned in just a little, his temple brushing Adrian's shoulder. "Not as beautiful as this view, though," he added under his breath, the tip of his finger tracing the outline of Adrian’s pec.
Adrian chuckled softly, squeezing Josh’s waist gently. "You really don’t stop, do you?"
Josh’s grin widened, and he rubbed slow, lazy circles into Adrian’s chest, the touch innocent—but not.
"Not when it’s this good," Josh said.
They stood there, side by side, sharing heat and breath and the glow of the dying sun, pretending the world around them didn’t exist for just a moment longer.
Josh tilted his head slightly, his voice a little playful. "You know... if I had views like this every evening, I'd probably never leave."
Adrian chuckled, eyes still on the horizon. "Is that your way of saying you want to stay glued to me?"
Josh laughed, his fingers making slower, tighter circles against Adrian’s chest. "Guilty. Not gonna lie, you're way better than the sunset. I mean, sunsets don't have muscles you can grope."
Adrian gave him a side glance, amused. "You're shameless."
"Mmm," Josh hummed, leaning just a fraction closer. "I prefer enthusiastic. Besides, you're enjoying the attention."
Adrian shook his head with a soft smile. "Maybe just a little."
Josh bumped his hip against Adrian playfully. "See? I knew there was a naughty side hiding under that loyal husband exterior."
Adrian chuckled, squeezing Josh’s waist again gently. "You’re trouble."
Josh grinned wide, his hand flattening more against Adrian's chest, fingers spreading slowly over the firm muscle. "You could handle a little trouble. I bet you’d enjoy it if you ever let yourself."
Adrian tilted his head slightly, voice low and teasing. "I do enjoy a little... controlled chaos. Keeps life interesting."
Josh laughed, the sound pure and wicked. "Good. Where's the fun in easy?"
Their bodies pressed a little closer, the air between them thick with something soft but crackling. Adrian’s arm stayed wrapped around Josh, his thumb brushing slowly over Josh’s waist, small innocent touches neither of them acknowledged out loud.
Josh tilted his head back slightly to look up at Adrian, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Bet you were a heartbreaker before you settled down."
Adrian smiled, warmth and a flicker of something playful in his gaze. "Maybe a little. But I like being owned now."
Josh snickered, biting his lip. "Owned, huh? That's fucking hot."
Adrian leaned a little closer, letting his voice drop just enough for only Josh to hear. "It’s hotter when you find the right person to surrender to."
Josh let out a soft, breathless laugh, pressing closer, his fingers idly tracing the shape of Adrian's pec again. "Damn... you're dangerous when you flirt back."
Adrian grinned, soft but sharp. "I said controlled chaos. Didn't say I couldn’t play a little."
Josh's hand drifted up higher, tracing the edge of Adrian’s collarbone lazily. "Fuck... you’re gonna kill me."
Adrian laughed low in his throat, squeezing Josh’s side in a way that felt firm but comforting. "Behave, Josh."
Josh winked. "Only if you promise to keep tempting me."
They stood there, two bodies pressed together just a little too warmly, just a little too intimately, the sun sinking into the sea, setting everything around them on slow, burning fire.
To Be Continued...
