The crisp afternoon air carried the sound of applause and polite conversation, mingling with the distant thud of hooves against turf. The neighboring country of Valmont was hosting one of the most anticipated sporting events of the season—an international polo match that drew aristocrats, dignitaries, and royals alike.

  Theo hadn’t planned on attending. Not originally. But Edric, ever the responsible heir, had insisted someone from Kensington make an appearance, and Theo, with no valid excuse at hand, had begrudgingly accepted.

  Now, standing at the edge of the VIP viewing box, drink in hand, he found himself watching the match with only mild interest. The players maneuvered their horses with practiced ease, mallets swinging in fluid arcs, the crowd reacting in polite bursts of excitement.

  “It suits you, you know,” came a familiar voice from behind.

  Theo didn’t turn immediately. He took a slow sip of his drink, schooling his expression before finally glancing over his shoulder.

  Cassius Hartwell stood there, perfectly at ease in his tailored attire, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow against his sharp features. His smirk was already in place—predictable, infuriating, and unfairly charming.

  Theo arched a brow. “Polo?”

  Cass tsked, stepping closer, just enough that their shoulders nearly touched. “No,” he said, voice amused. “This. The whole detached, brooding royal act. It’s very convincing.”

  Theo exhaled through his nose. “And yet, here you are, interrupting it.”

  Cass hummed, tilting his head. “Can’t help myself. You looked like you needed entertainment.”

  Theo shot him a look. “And you think you qualify?”

  Cass smirked. “Oh, I know I do.”

  Theo shook his head, lips twitching despite himself. “You’re relentless.”

  Cass took a sip of his drink, watching the match with practiced disinterest. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  Theo didn’t reply. Instead, he turned back to the field, pretending to focus on the match. But Cass, ever persistent, didn’t make it easy.

  “You’ve been avoiding me,” Cass said suddenly.

  Theo’s grip tightened slightly around his glass. “I’ve been busy.”

  Cass made a soft, disbelieving sound. “Mmm. Convenient.”

  Theo sighed, finally turning to him. “Why does it matter?”

  Cass studied him for a moment, his gaze sharper now—assessing. “It doesn’t.” He smiled, but there was something unreadable in his expression. “I just enjoy watching you pretend it doesn’t either.”

  Theo’s jaw clenched, but before he could fire back, a burst of cheers erupted from the crowd, drawing their attention back to the match. One of the players had scored, and the energy in the stands shifted, more animated now.

  Cass leaned in slightly, his voice lower this time. “You know, I almost expected you to be playing.”

  Theo huffed a quiet laugh. “And risk embarrassing you?”

  Cass smirked. “I’d have handled it.”

  Theo glanced at him. “You overestimate yourself.”

  Cass’s gaze flickered, drifting down—to Theo’s lips, then back up. “Do I?”

  The moment stretched, heavier than before, tension curling between them like something inevitable.

  Then, just as quickly, Cass took a casual step back, as if nothing had happened. “Come on,” he said, voice lighter now. “Let’s make this match more interesting.”

  Theo arched a brow. “How?”

  Cass grinned. “Bet with me.”

  Theo exhaled, shaking his head. “You’re insufferable.”

  Cass’s smile widened. “And you love it.”

  Theo didn’t answer.

  But he also didn’t walk away.

  Theo sighed, rolling his glass between his fingers. “Fine. What’s the bet?”

  Cass’s grin was immediate, all sharp amusement and calculated mischief. “Simple. If Valmont wins, you owe me a favor.”

  Theo arched a brow. “Vague. Conveniently so.”

  Cass tilted his head, feigning innocence. “It’s more fun that way.”

  Theo exhaled, glancing toward the field. The match was well-balanced, but he had no real stake in the outcome. Still, the idea of Cass having leverage over him was… irritating.

  “And if they lose?” Theo countered.

  Cass hummed, pretending to consider. “Then you get a favor from me.”

  Theo narrowed his eyes. “And you’d actually follow through?”

  Cass pressed a hand to his chest, mock-offended. “I am a man of my word, Theo.”

  Theo didn’t bother to hide his skepticism, but after a beat, he nodded. “Fine. You have a bet.”

  Cass smirked. “Good.”

  They turned their attention back to the field, the game intensifying as the players fought for control. The energy in the stands shifted with every near goal, every expertly executed maneuver. Cass, naturally, had opinions about all of it.

  “That was sloppy,” he muttered as one of the Valmont players missed a swing.

  Theo glanced at him, unimpressed. “You play polo?”

  Cass shrugged. “Enough to know I could do better.”

  Theo huffed. “You’re unbearable.”

  “And yet, here you are,” Cass quipped, eyes glinting.

  Theo ignored him.

  The match continued, tension rising with each passing minute. Valmont was holding strong, but the opposing team was gaining ground. Theo could feel Cass’s attention flickering between the game and him, as if gauging his reaction.

  Then, in the final moments, with one last decisive strike, Valmont scored.

  The crowd erupted.

  Cass turned to Theo, smug. “Well.”

  Theo exhaled slowly, not even trying to hide his regret. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”

  Cass grinned. “Oh, absolutely.”

  Theo braced himself. “What’s the favor?”

  Cass stepped closer, just enough to invade his space, voice lowering. “I haven’t decided yet.”

  Theo met his gaze, unamused. “That’s not how bets work.”

  Cass smirked. “It is when I win.”

  Theo rolled his eyes. “I should have known.”

  Cass leaned in slightly, his voice almost conspiratorial. “You should learn to stop underestimating me, Theo.”

  Theo’s lips quirked despite himself. “Noted.”

  The moment lingered.

  Then, as if satisfied, Cass straightened, clapping him lightly on the shoulder. “I’ll let you know when I cash in.”

  Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

  And just like that, he turned, disappearing into the crowd, leaving Theo with the distinct, nagging feeling that he had walked straight into whatever trap Cassius Hartwell was setting.

  ---

  A knock at the door.

  Theo had barely stepped out of the shower when he heard it—sharp, deliberate, unmistakable. He sighed, running a towel through his damp hair as he made his way toward the door.

  When he opened it, he wasn’t the least bit surprised.

  Cassius Hartwell leaned casually against the doorframe, dressed in an effortlessly elegant suit, as if he had just stepped out of a gala rather than a high-energy sporting event. His smirk was infuriatingly self-satisfied. Still, amazed with how Theo look right now.

  Theo exhaled, already exhausted. “No.”

  Cass arched a brow. “You don’t even know why I’m here.”

  Theo leaned against the doorframe, mirroring him. “You’re here to gloat.”

  Cass hummed. “Only a little.”

  Theo gave him a flat look. “Then get it over with so I can go to bed.”

  Cass tilted his head, amusement dancing in his gaze. “Actually, I’m here to cash in my favor.”

  Theo stilled, then narrowed his eyes. “Already?”

  Cass grinned. “What can I say? I’m impatient.”

  Theo sighed. “Fine. What is it?”

  Cass straightened, adjusting his cuffs as if the request was entirely mundane. “You owe me a date.”

  Theo blinked.

  Then, after a beat, he let out a sharp, incredulous laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

  Cass placed a hand over his chest, feigning offense. “I always take my winnings seriously.”

  Theo ran a hand down his face. “Cass—”

  “A date,” Cass repeated, stepping closer, the heat of his presence pressing into the space between them. “Just one. No tricks, no hidden motives.”

  Theo scoffed. “You are a hidden motive.”

  Cass smirked. “Flattering, but irrelevant. Do we have a deal?”

  Theo studied him, searching for the angle, the mischief beneath the surface. But Cass just held his gaze, smug yet unwavering, as if daring him to refuse.

  Theo exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair. “Fine.”

  Cass’s grin widened. “Perfect.”

  Theo pointed a finger at him. “But if this turns out to be some elaborate scheme—”

  Cass placed a hand over his heart. “I would never.”

  Theo rolled his eyes. “That is a lie.”

  Cass only winked. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  And before Theo could argue, before he could even process what he had just agreed to, Cass turned and strolled down the hallway, the image of a man utterly pleased with himself.

  Theo sighed, leaning against the door.

  What the hell had he just gotten himself into?

  ---

  Theo glanced at the clock. 6:45.

  Too early.

  He had dressed as he always did—casual, practical, with no regard for the Ravensford prince’s tendency to turn even the simplest affairs into a spectacle. Dark trousers, a well-fitted sweater, and a coat light enough for the crisp evening air. Nothing extravagant. Nothing that suggested this was anything other than a forced obligation.

  Still, when the knock came—sharp, insistent—he knew exactly who it was.

  Theo opened the door to find Cass standing there, effortlessly put together in a tailored jacket, his hair styled just enough to look careless rather than intentional. He was smirking, of course.

  “Sorry,” Cass drawled, leaning casually against the doorframe. “I’m impatient.”

  Theo exhaled through his nose. “Obviously.”

  Behind him, his bodyguard, Julien, already stood at a distance, watching the exchange with the same unreadable professionalism he always carried. Across the hall, Cass’s own guard mirrored him—watchful but unobtrusive. They would walk a distance behind, close enough to intervene, far enough to pretend this wasn’t what it was.

  A date.

  Theo still wasn’t sure how Cass had managed to rope him into this.

  “Shall we?” Cass prompted, arching a brow.

  Theo gave him a long look before stepping out, closing the door behind him.

  They walked side by side down the quiet hotel corridor, their pace unhurried. Behind them, their bodyguards followed at a respectful distance, their presence felt but not seen.

  Cass, as expected, was the first to break the silence.

  “You look…” He trailed off, eyes raking over Theo with blatant amusement. “Comfortable.”

  Theo sighed. “Yes, because I actually am.”

  Cass hummed. “Pity. I had half a mind to see you in something a little more…” He gestured vaguely. “Dramatic.”

  Theo shot him a look. “You have enough theatrics for both of us.”

  Cass grinned. “True. But still, I’d like to see you in something that would make an entire room stop and stare.”

  Theo scoffed. “If you wanted to take someone who enjoys that kind of attention, you should have asked someone else.”

  Cass smirked, stepping just a little closer. “Oh, but where’s the fun in that?”

  Theo shook his head, fighting a smirk of his own as they made their way out of the hotel.

  This was going to be a long night.

  ---

  Cass had asked for this date. That much was clear.

  But now, standing there on the dimly lit streets of Valmont, hands stuffed into his pockets, he looked utterly lost.

  Theo had seen Cass confident. He had seen him in control, smug, untouchable. But this? This was new.

  Cass cleared his throat, glancing around like he was trying to orient himself. “So. A date.”

  Theo arched a brow, amusement flickering in his gaze. “Yes, Cassius. A date. That thing you insisted on.”

  Cass shifted his weight. “Right.”

  Theo bit back a smirk. “Tell me something.”

  Cass tilted his head. “Hmm?”

  Theo took a slow step forward, his voice dropping just slightly. “Do you even know what to do on a date?”

  Cass’s mouth opened—then closed. A beat of silence. Then, finally, with a sigh: “Not particularly.”

  Theo chuckled, shaking his head. “Of course.”

  Cass crossed his arms, defensive. “In my defense, I’ve had other priorities.”

  Theo smirked. “Yes, ruling a kingdom does tend to get in the way of casual dating, I imagine.”

  Cass shot him a look but didn’t deny it.

  Theo exhaled, glancing down the lively streets of Valmont. “Come on, then.”

  Cass frowned. “What?”

  Theo turned back to him, the streetlights casting warm shadows over his face. “You wanted a date. Let me show you how it’s done.”

  Cass blinked. “You’re going to lead?”

  Theo smirked. “Well, someone has to.”

  ---

  They walked through the winding streets of Valmont, the night stretching long and easy between them. The air carried the scent of fresh bread and roasted chestnuts, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drifting from late-night cafés.

  Cass had never done this before—not like this. His world had always been defined by grandeur, by expectation. Every interaction a performance, every movement rehearsed. But this? This was different.

  Theo knew exactly how to navigate a city like this. He slipped into conversations effortlessly, greeted shopkeepers with casual familiarity, even stopped at a food stall to exchange a few words with the vendor in perfect Valmontian. Cass watched, arms crossed, amused.

  “You really do blend in,” Cass murmured when Theo handed him a paper bag filled with warm, sugar-dusted pastries.

  Theo smirked. “Disappointed?”

  “Curious,” Cass corrected, pulling one from the bag and taking a slow bite. His gaze flickered over Theo, lingering in a way that was impossible to mistake. “It’s unexpected. You, dressed like this, speaking like that, walking these streets like you belong.”

  Theo lifted a brow. “I do belong.”

  “Do you?” Cass stepped closer, voice dipping lower. “Or are you just good at pretending?”

  Theo didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached into the bag, pulling out a pastry of his own. He took a deliberate bite, his lips brushing the sugar-coated surface in a way that Cass absolutely did not notice.

  Cass huffed, tearing his gaze away. “Infuriating,” he muttered.

  Theo chuckled. “You say that a lot.”

  “You make it easy.”

  They kept walking, the space between them narrowing without either of them acknowledging it.

  Cass bumped into Theo once. An accident.

  The second time? Not so much.

  Theo shot him a look, but Cass only smirked, entirely unapologetic.

  “You keep staring,” Theo noted.

  Cass hummed. “It’s hard not to.”

  Theo’s lips parted slightly, like he was about to say something, but then he caught the glint in Cass’s eye—sharp, playful, daring.

  So instead, he did what Cass would least expect.

  He reached out, fingers curling lightly around Cass’s wrist. A barely-there touch.

  Cass went still.

  For once, he didn’t have a quick-witted remark.

  Theo leaned in, his voice a near whisper. “You talk like you’re unaffected, but I think you’re enjoying this more than you want to admit.”

  Cass exhaled, his pulse steady but heavy against Theo’s fingertips.

  “Would that be so bad?” Cass murmured, his voice dangerously smooth.

  Theo tilted his head, considering. “No,” he admitted. “Not at all.”

  And then, as if the moment had never happened, he let go.

  Cass watched him for a beat longer before huffing a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

  Theo smirked. “So are you.”

  They kept walking, the tension stretching between them—charged, lingering.

  Neither of them did anything about it.

  Not yet.

  ---

  By the time they made it back to the hotel, the city had quieted. The quiet hum of the hotel lobby barely registered as they stepped inside, the warm glow of the chandeliers casting soft shadows against the marble floors. Their bodyguards lingered at a distance, keeping to their silent watch, but Theo barely noticed. His attention was fixed on Cass.

  Cass stood just outside his suite, hands tucked into his pockets, gaze flickering toward the hallway, then back to Theo. He had been about to leave—Theo could see it, the hesitation in his stance, the shift of his weight like he was fighting an invisible pull.

  But he wasn’t moving.

  Theo exhaled, fingers brushing the keycard in his palm. “You’re thinking too hard,” he murmured.

  Cass scoffed, though the sound lacked its usual sharp edge. “That’s new.”

  Theo tilted his head, studying him. He could see it—the unspoken question in Cass’s eyes, the silent push and pull between them, neither of them willing to step closer, but neither of them wanting to step away.

  So Theo made the choice for him.

  “Come inside,” he said simply.

  Cass blinked, caught off guard. “Theo—”

  “You don’t want to leave,” Theo cut in, voice even, unreadable. “So don’t.”

  A beat of silence.

  Then, slowly, Cass’s lips curled into something between a smirk and a challenge.

  “Dangerous offer,” he murmured.

  Theo arched a brow, sliding the keycard through the door lock. “Afraid you won’t behave?”

  Cass huffed, stepping past him as the door clicked open. “I make no promises.”

  Theo let out a quiet breath, following him inside.

  ---

  The door shut behind them, sealing them away from the rest of the world.

  The suite was spacious, modern but warm, the city lights bleeding in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. But Cass didn’t pay attention to the décor, and neither did Theo.

  Cass turned, gaze settling on Theo, unreadable. The air shifted—subtle, but unmistakable.

  Theo watched as Cass slowly shrugged off his coat, draping it over the back of a chair. It wasn’t an invitation. Not exactly.

  But Theo had always been good at reading between the lines.

  He stepped forward, slow, deliberate. “So,” he murmured, “was this your plan all along?”

  Cass tilted his head, smirking. “You think I planned this?”

  Theo hummed, stepping closer. “I think you have no idea what you’re doing.”

  Cass’s smirk faltered—just for a second. Then he recovered, exhaling a quiet laugh. “That obvious?”

  Theo’s gaze flickered—over Cass’s face, the sharp cut of his jaw, the barely restrained tension in his stance. He was trying to play it cool. Trying not to give too much away.

  Theo saw through it.

  Instead of answering, he reached for the tie at Cass’s collar, fingers brushing against the silk fabric. “First time?” he murmured, voice just a little too knowing.

  Cass swallowed. “I—”

  Theo smirked. “Thought so.”

  Cass let out a sharp breath, something between frustration and amusement flashing in his eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

  Theo loosened the tie just slightly, fingers skimming the fabric before stepping back, just enough to let the tension coil between them. “And yet, here you are.”

  Cass exhaled, shaking his head. “I hate you.”

  Theo’s smirk deepened. “Liar.”

  Cass didn’t deny it.

  ---

  Cass swallowed, eyes flickering to Theo’s mouth before snapping back up. He was losing ground, and he knew it. But instead of retreating, he straightened, tilting his chin slightly, as if challenging Theo to keep pushing.

  Theo took the challenge effortlessly.

  “You started this,” Theo murmured, voice smooth, teasing. “All the lingering touches, the glances, the flirting…” He stepped closer, slow, deliberate, until there was barely a breath of space between them. “But now you seem lost.”

  Cass exhaled through his nose, jaw tightening.

  “I’m not lost,” he muttered.

  Theo tilted his head, studying him. “Then what kind of date were you hoping for, Cass?”

  Cass hesitated.

  That was all the answer Theo needed.

  He let the silence stretch, let Cass feel the weight of the moment, before finally closing the last inch between them.

  The air was thick—charged, electric.

  Theo lifted a hand, fingers barely ghosting over the front of Cass’s shirt, teasing, testing. He could feel the warmth beneath the fabric, the steady rise and fall of Cass’s breath.

  Cass didn’t move away.

  Didn’t push him back.

  If anything, he leaned in.

  Theo smirked.

  “So quiet now,” he murmured. “Not like you.”

  Cass let out a sharp breath. “Shut up, Theo.”

  Theo hummed, amused. “Make me.”

  Cass sucked in a breath—just a fraction too sharp. His hands twitched at his sides, like he was debating what to do with them.

  Theo, ever patient, didn’t rush him.

  He let Cass make the next move.

  Cass's fingers curled into the fabric of Theo’s shirt—hesitant, uncertain. But when Theo didn’t pull away, Cass exhaled, grip tightening, pulling him in, just enough for their breaths to mingle.

  Theo’s smirk softened into something else. Something unspoken.

  “Better,” he murmured.

  Cass didn’t respond.

  Didn’t need to.

  His hands, steady now, slid from Theo’s shirt up to his collar, fingers brushing against his skin, warm and deliberate.

  Theo let him.

  Let the moment build, slow and torturous, a game neither of them wanted to win.

  And then—

  Theo moved first.

  He closed the last whisper of space, capturing Cass’s lips in a slow, deliberate kiss, one that spoke of teasing and challenge, but also something deeper.

  Cass made a noise—a soft, surprised sound—before responding in kind, matching Theo’s intensity, fingers tightening against the nape of his neck.

  The room around them faded.

  The only thing that mattered was the heat between them, the slow drag of lips, the way their hands found purchase against each other like they had been waiting for this.

  Cass had started this game.

  But Theo?

  Theo was going to make sure neither of them ever forgot how it ended.

  Theo took his time with it.

  He let Cass get lost in the moment—let him push, let him want, let him chase.

  Cass was all heat and tension, fingers gripping the back of Theo’s neck like he had no intention of letting go anytime soon. His kisses were demanding, searching, a little rough around the edges.

  Theo smirked against his mouth, amused.

  And then—just as Cass was starting to lean in deeper, just as his breath hitched and his grip tightened—Theo pulled back.

  Abrupt. Purposeful.

  Cass blinked, caught off guard, his lips still parted, still waiting. “What—”

  Theo’s smirk deepened.

  “Not bad,” he mused, stepping back completely, like he hadn’t just left Cass hanging. “But it’s late.”

  Cass stared at him.

  Theo took another step back, adjusting his collar like nothing had happened, like Cass wasn’t standing there looking completely wrecked with frustration.

  “You need to head back,” Theo added, voice smooth, utterly unbothered. “Can’t have Prince Cassius sneaking around Valmont all night.”

  Cass’s jaw tightened. “You—”

  Theo arched a brow, waiting.

  Cass inhaled sharply through his nose, clearly trying to keep his composure.

  Theo had seen him irritated before. Had seen him annoyed, sarcastic, competitive.

  But this?

  This was different.

  Cass was pissed.

  And Theo was enjoying every second of it.

  Cass ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “You’re infuriating.”

  Theo grinned. “So I’ve been told.”

  Cass glared at him, but Theo could see the way his fingers twitched—like he was debating whether to grab him again or just storm out of the room.

  Theo leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed. “You’re still here.”

  Cass let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “I hate you.”

  Theo smirked. “No, you don’t.”

  Cass clenched his jaw, eyes narrowing.

  And then, with a sharp turn, he stalked toward the door, yanking it open.

  Theo called after him just as he stepped out.

  “Sweet dreams, Cass.”

  Cass slammed the door behind him.

  ---