Chapter 1
Tony parked his car in front of the house. Looking in the rearview mirror, he saw the taxi that had been following him pull up right behind. “Damn it!” He turned off the engine, slammed the door, and headed for the front door.
“Hey! Wait!”
Ignoring the shout from behind, he entered the house. Pulled off the bow tie that was already loosened around his neck and tossed it on the floor, then threw his tuxedo jacket onto the living room sofa.
‘Hey, Tony! Why did you leave so early?’ Nick also took off his jacket, picking up Tony’s jacket from the sofa, and hanged it back on the coat rack by the front door.
“Why? Because you were cozying up to a woman. You were dancing so close to her that it looked like you were about to kiss her. So I thought I’d leave you alone and enjoy a rare quiet evening by myself. I’d appreciate it if you’d show some gratitude for my kind consideration.”
Tony headed to the kitchen. Nick picked up Tony’s shoes and socks, which have been scattered around like footprints, muttering under his breath. “But you shouldn’t leave without saying anything. You gave me a lift there!“
”I couldn’t just barge in on you and her getting cozy. You came home by taxi anyway, so it’s fine, isn’t it?“
”You’re such a selfish jerk. How could you even go to a charity party?”
“Yeah, that’s why I can’t stand wearing this damn ‘formal attire’ for even a second. I didn’t feel like it from the start. Our job is to put out fires and save people. It’s simple. Next time, you go alone. I’ll just pay for it. Use your charm to get as much money as you can from the ladies.”
Tony, now stripped down to just a tank top that clung tightly to his body over his slacks and cummerbund, downed a large bottle of mineral water he’d taken from the refrigerator in one gulp. Excited and carried away, water spilled from his mouth and trickled down his neck. With each gulp, his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. He took a deep breath, slammed the bottle on the counter, and continued. “Yeah. Why don’t you just move out and live alone? You can bring home as many pretty girls as you want every time there’s a party.“
”What the hell are you talking about? You’re the one who suggested we live together in the first place.“
”To save on rent. Next time, I’ll choose someone quiet who doesn’t require constant attention.”
Tony tried to unbuckle his cummerbund, but struggled with his hands behind his back. “Damn it!” Seeing Tony curse, Nick sighed in exasperation, approached him, and gestured with his fingers for him to turn around. “Come here.” Tony looked up at the sky, sighed, and reluctantly turned around.
Nick reached for the buckle of the cummerbund. Tony felt his fingers on his waist and a pressure by them.Even through the fabric, a wave of pleasure spread throughout his body. Oh no, don’t touch me.
Nick said from behind, “Don’t you remember? That woman is Manny’s wife from the 18th Precinct. You were there when we had a barbecue at the chief’s house the other day, weren’t you?” Damn it. “Hmph. But at least she was drooling like she couldn’t wait to eat you up. And you didn’t seem to turn her down. “ Nick laughed and exhaled, and Tony felt his breath on his neck. Don’t get so close. Please. ‘Here,’ Nick showed Tony the belt he had unbuckled and placed it on the counter.
”Here. ...Are you drunk? You’re flushing.” He reached out his hand toward Tony’s face.
“If I were drunk, I wouldn’t be able to drive home this far!“ Tony leaned back, trying to avoid Nick’s hand.
Nick narrowed his eyes and glared at Tony.
”Haha. I see.“
”What?“
”You’re jealous, aren’t you?“ Tony’s heart pounded.
”What?! What the hell are you talking about?”
Nick smirked and approached Tony. Tony stepped back.
“You got angry because you saw me about to be devoured by her. ‘He’s mine,’ you thought.”
“What? You’re saying I was jealous of her, not you? You’re a pretty cocky son of a bitch, aren’t you?”
“Admit it. You really wanted to dance with me, didn’t you?”
Tony’s back hit the kitchen wall. Nick leaned in close to Tony’s face, smirking triumphantly.
Tony felt like something was stuck in his throat. He wanted to spit it out. Right now.
“So what?”
“Huh?”
“What does it matter if I’m jealous?” Now it was Tony’s turn. He leaned forward, closing the already close distance between them even further. Their noses were about to touch.
“Hey...” Seeing the turmoil in Nick’s eyes, Tony’s heart ignited.
“Say it. If I want you, what are you gonna do?” In a lower voice than usual, he whispered slowly, savoring each word. It sounded more like a plea than a question.
Was he crying? No, he wasn’t crying, but Tony’s blue eyes were as clear as water, reflecting Nick’s face sharply, and they were wet.
Their breathing grew heavier. How long had they been staring at each other? Suddenly, they passionately sought each other’s lips. They tangled their hands in each other’s hair, devouring each other’s lips and the space between them. Tony’s gasp escaped between kisses. On the way to the bedroom, Nick shed his shoes and socks. Unwilling to part their lips for even a moment, they tangled together like wrestlers, continuing their rough kisses. From lips to neck, collarbone, and back to lips. Growing impatient with the two of them taking so long to reach the bedroom, Nick lifts Tony up by his hips. Tony, taken by surprise, wraps his legs around Nick’s waist with delight.
Nick whispered, gazing up at Tony from below, his breath rough.
“Have you gained weight?”
“…I hate you.”
Nick smirked, and Tony sealed his lips over Nick’s. The two strong men exchanged a passionate storm of kisses, and dived onto the bed before Nick’s back was going to kill him.
