Tamed (The Courtside King 1)

Kai’s heart pumped a little faster. He loved the sensation of Breck watching him so intently. He used to watch him a lot. Kai met his gaze and casually held it. Breck shifted rigidly but didn’t look away. And then Kai saw it, that subtle gleam in his eyes. A whisper of wanting. A hint of hunger. An air of need that instantly stirred Kai’s crotch.

Breck was showing his hand again. A visual that pleased Kai but also spurred fresh frustration. Breck still wanted him, after all these months, but continued to deflect his feelings with pointless anger.

Because Kai wouldn’t bow down to him like everyone else.

And yet, he suspected there was another reason, too. The gay card. Or more specifically, the bi card. In all likelihood, due to his high-profile, he probably wasn’t even out yet. Which Kai supposed shouldn’t be all that surprising. But it was definitely unfortunate and would only make things harder on the guy. Sooner or later, Breck would have to embrace that side of himself.

Kai regarded him thoughtfully.

Maybe he could help.

After all, Breck had come to him. Had wanted to engage. Had sought Kai out, and that meant something. Even if Breck didn’t want to admit it.

Forcing his gaze away, he weaved through the masses back to Scott and Max. They looked to have just finished giving their little blond friend some kind of shooter.

Grinning awkwardly, Scott stepped back and set aside the shot glass. Kai draped an arm over his shoulder. “Into threesomes these days?”

He could still feel Breck’s stare.

“Not exactly,” Scott chuckled. “That’s Sean. The guy I was telling you about.”

Kai lifted a brow. That was Sean? The sub who wanted a full-time Dom? Said sub looked his way. Kai smiled and tipped his chin. Sean eyed him curiously, grinned, then resumed talking to Max.

Kai studied him. Great posture. Friendly eyes. Easy-going disposition. Not to mention incredibly beautiful. Scott hadn’t been kidding. Thing was, it didn’t make sense. Why on earth wouldn’t Max want him? He seemed like the kind of sub most Doms could only wish for.

A bartender hustled by. Kai ordered another vodka, then turned back just in time to see Sean grabbing Max’s hand. Grinning, he started pulling him toward the dance floor. Max’s whole body stiffened as he tersely shook his head.

Scott chuckled, watching them, too. “I’ll be right back.”

Smirking mischievously, he sauntered his way over to intervene. Not to bail Max out, though. Nope. He’d clearly gone with full intention to help out Sean.

Sure enough, whatever Scott said upon arrival had Max cutting him a look of death. Kai fought back a laugh. His friend was such an instigator. Had been for as long as Kai had known him. A trait that sometimes got him into trouble, backfiring on the guy at times, like it appeared to be doing now.

Kai’s grin widened as he watched the scene unfold. Now Sean was tugging both men out onto the floor.

Serves you right, Scott.

Tamping a laugh, he downed his vodka, then glanced back at Breck. He wasn’t at the bar, had returned to his table. Breck flicked him a look, fresh irritation in his eyes. Had he seen Kai drape his arm over Scott’s shoulder?

Kai held his gaze. Come back and talk to me, jeja.

Breck’s lids hooded defiantly, and yet his eyes still smoldered.

So stubborn.

Scott escaped the dance floor and headed for the bar.

Kai eyed him, then looked back at Breck. Breck shifted in his seat and averted his gaze. Kai smiled a little. Breck was head-strong, but so was he. He glanced back at Scott and steeled his resolve.

Just one more nudge.

If Breck still refused to budge, well, then Kai would respect that and let him be.

Approaching from behind, he locked his arms around Scott, then gave a big squeeze and lifted him off of his feet. Scott coughed a laugh and started twisting. Kai dropped him back down and gave his friend a playful shove. Breck was watching again. Kai could feel his heated gaze. He stole a glance his way. Breck did not look pleased. Nor, for that matter, did his buddy Tad, across the table.

Tad’s expression actually gave Kai pause. And then he remembered how Scott had stiffened in his hold. Instantly, Kai realized his error. In his efforts to get Breck to acknowledge the way he felt, he’d inadvertently overstepped his bounds with another guy’s man.

Scott turned with a grin and shoved him back. Clearly, he’d known it’d been innocent fun. Still, where Tad was concerned, Kai couldn’t help feeling bad.

Maybe it was time to stop drinking.

Across the bar, Breck stood up and stalked to a booth of girls. Kai sighed. Not exactly the response he’d been hoping for, but he wasn’t surprised. That senior was obstinate to the point of exasperation.

Done trying, he ordered a gin and tonic.