The event site was finally clear. After two days of relentless work, speeches, and navigating through the presence of politicians, diplomats, and royals, the Viladair charity event had officially come to an end. Now, it was just Theo and Cassius, walking side by side through the quiet streets, the distant hum of the city filling the space between them.

  Theo slid his hands into his pockets, glancing at Cassius. “My room?”

  Cassius didn’t miss a beat. “Do I have any other room that belongs to me?” He shot Theo a look, playful yet certain. “Even if I did, I still wouldn’t want it.”

  Theo chuckled, shaking his head. His gaze lingered on Cassius for a moment longer before they both turned toward the hotel entrance.

  The door clicked shut behind them, sealing them away from the world outside. Theo loosened the buttons of his sleeves, rolling them up as he stretched his arms, exhaustion beginning to settle into his bones. Cassius ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply before heading to the bathroom.

  “I’ll clean up first,” Cassius murmured.

  Theo hummed in response, watching as Cassius disappeared behind the bathroom door. He kicked off his shoes, unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt, and sank onto the edge of the bed, rubbing his hands over his face. The room smelled faintly of Cassius now—a mix of his cologne and something inherently him, something warm and familiar.

  The sound of running water filled the quiet room, and Theo leaned back on his elbows, waiting.

  Minutes later, the bathroom door creaked open. Cassius stepped out, steam curling around him. His damp hair fell slightly over his forehead, and—just as Theo had hoped—he was wearing Theo’s shirt again.

  The sight was unfair.

  The white fabric fit him too well, molding to his frame, the sleeves slightly oversized but the rest of it perfect. Cassius ran a towel through his hair, completely unaware of the way Theo was watching him, his lips slightly parted, gaze darkening.

  “You keep stealing my shirts,” Theo said lazily, voice edged with amusement.

  Cassius barely spared him a glance, tossing the towel onto a chair. “It’s not stealing if you willingly let me wear them.”

  Theo smirked. “Who said I was willing?”

  Cassius finally looked at him then, tilting his head. “You don’t like it?”

  Theo leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. His gaze dragged over Cassius slowly, deliberately, before he reached out and caught the hem of the shirt, giving it a slight tug.

  “I love it,” he admitted, voice lower now.

  Cassius rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the way his lips twitched upward. He turned away, heading toward the closet, but Theo didn’t let him get far. With a swift tug, he pulled Cassius closer, enough to make him stumble slightly.

  Theo’s fingers found the buttons of the shirt, lazily undoing the top one. “But you look even better without it.”

  Cassius raised a brow. “Are we going to sleep, or do you have other plans, Your Highness?”

  Theo grinned, slipping another button free. “Why not both?”

  Cassius exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re insatiable.”

  “And you love it,” Theo countered, pressing his lips to Cassius’ jaw, his hands already slipping beneath the fabric.

  The night was far from over.

  Theo’s fingers traced Cassius’ skin—mapping the curve of his jaw, the sharp edge of his collarbone, the steady beat of his pulse beneath his lips. He pressed into him, into the warmth of his body, his hands sliding under the soft cotton of his borrowed shirt, lifting it, discarding it.

  Cassius let him, watching with hooded eyes, his breath uneven.

  “You’re greedy,” Cassius murmured, his voice raw.

  Theo hummed, not denying it. He kissed his way down, leaving a trail of open-mouthed warmth, his tongue flicking over sensitive skin. He wanted to mark him, to brand him, to let the world know that Cassius was his tonight. He bit down, just under his collarbone, sucking until a dark bruise bloomed.

  Cassius inhaled sharply, his fingers tangling into Theo’s hair. “Again,” he demanded.

  Theo chuckled against his skin and gave him what he wanted. Again. And again.

  Cassius retaliated. He pushed Theo back, straddling him, his smirk wicked in the dim light. “You think I’ll let you have all the fun?” he whispered before dipping down, his teeth sinking into the hard plane of Theo’s chest.

  Theo groaned, his hands gripping Cassius’ hips. The sharp sting made him shudder, made his pulse thunder beneath his skin. He felt owned—a rare, intoxicating feeling.

  Cassius pulled back just slightly, admiring his handiwork—a deep, red mark, undeniable and his.

  Theo flipped them over before Cassius could smirk about it too long. Their mouths met in a feverish kiss, their bodies tangled in a slow, aching rhythm, hands exploring, claiming, taking.

  By the time they finally collapsed against each other, their breaths heavy, their skin slick with warmth, Theo could barely tell where he ended and Cassius began.

  Cassius pressed a final, lazy kiss to Theo’s shoulder. “You’re insatiable,” he mumbled sleepily.

  Theo only chuckled, pulling him closer.

  They drifted into sleep—naked, tangled, and marked.

  ---

  Theo stirred first, the morning light creeping through the curtains. Cassius was still curled against him, his hair a tousled mess, his breathing slow and steady.

  Theo didn’t move for a while, just watching him, memorizing the way he looked—at ease, unguarded.

  His chest ached with something unnamed, something dangerously soft.

  Then his phone buzzed on the nightstand.

  Theo sighed, reaching for it carefully so he wouldn’t wake Cassius. He unlocked the screen and saw the message.

  Dylan: You promised me a hangout after this. Don’t think I’ll let you escape.

  Theo smirked, then glanced down at Cassius, who shifted slightly but didn’t wake. His lips were slightly parted, and the marks Theo had left on him were visible in the daylight.

  Theo ran his fingers lightly down Cassius’ spine before typing back a reply.

  Theo: Wouldn’t dream of it. Meet me at noon.

  Dylan replied almost immediately.

  Dylan: Noon? So, you’re still in bed. Damn. Didn’t take you for the clingy type.

  Theo rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it. Instead, he set his phone down, pressing a kiss to Cassius’ shoulder before closing his eyes again.

  He could steal a little more time. Just a little more longer.

  ---

  Cassius blinked slowly, his gaze settling on Theo—first his face, then his lips, then lower, tracing the curve of his neck down to the mark he'd left the night before. A faint, satisfied smirk ghosted across Cassius' lips as his fingers skimmed lightly over the bruise.

  Before he could tease Theo about it, a warm hand wrapped around his wrist, halting his touch.

  Cassius startled slightly, his breath hitching as Theo's grip tightened just enough to send a slow shiver through him.

  “I’ve always fantasized about having morning sex with you, Your Highness,” Theo murmured, his voice low, rough with sleep and something darker.

  “I always fantasized about morning sex with you, Your Highness.”

  Theo’s voice spilled like molten desire into Cassius’ ear, deep and gravelly with sleep and lust. One hand slid down his bare back, the other finding the waistband of his sleepwear and yanking it down in one swift motion—stripping him completely without a hint of hesitation.

  Cassius gasped, hips twitching under Theo’s touch. But Theo wasn’t gentle. He kissed him hard, lips crushing against his with a hunger that was days, weeks, months in the making. Every press of his mouth tasted like a man who had been holding back for far too long.

  “Do you want this, Your Highness?” Theo asked, voice low and taunting, hand wrapping around Cassius—slowly, deliberately, claiming him.

  Cassius trembled beneath the touch, already hard, already lost. “Yes,” he breathed.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Theo stilled, fingers tightening. “I can’t hear you.”

  Cassius’ eyes fluttered shut. “Yes—I want you. Inside me. All of you.”

  Theo’s smirk was feral. “Then you ask for this.”

  Patience shattered like glass. In one powerful motion, Theo lifted him—hands gripping Cassius' thighs as he wrapped his legs around Theo’s waist. Cassius gasped at the sudden shift, his back arching, breath caught in his throat.

  Theo carried him like that, both of them bare, skin brushing skin, until he knelt onto the bed. Still holding Cassius, Theo aligned himself and drove in deep—one sharp, claiming thrust that made Cassius cry out and bury his face into Theo’s shoulder.

  “Theo—”

  “Yes, sweetheart,” Theo growled, hips already moving. “You feel that?”

  Cassius couldn’t speak. His fingers dug into Theo’s shoulders, holding on as Theo began to thrust—hard, merciless, every movement sending shockwaves through him. The sound of their bodies echoed through the room, a rhythm of desperation and want and something dangerous underneath.

  Theo didn’t slow. He fucked him like he needed to stake a claim—like he wanted to remind Cassius exactly who he belonged to.

  “Say my name again,” Theo demanded, voice strained.

  “Theo—fuck—Theo—”

  “That’s it,” Theo hissed, biting down on his neck before slamming deeper, making Cassius scream for him.

  He didn’t give him a chance to recover. He pulled out, flipped Cassius over onto his stomach, and gripped his hips from behind. Cassius barely had time to brace himself on the headboard before Theo thrust back inside, harder, deeper, the force sending his body forward with every slam.

  “Fuck—Theo—”

  “You’re so good like this,” Theo panted, one hand gripping his shoulder, the other sliding beneath to stroke him in time. “So fucking good for me.”

  Cassius’ knuckles turned white around the headboard. He couldn’t hold back—the way Theo moved, the sounds, the heat—it overwhelmed him.

  “Theo—I’m gonna—”

  “Not yet,” Theo growled, speeding up. “Take it. Take all of me.”

  His rhythm grew erratic, primal. Sweat dripped down his back, his body a furnace as he slammed into Cassius over and over until—

  “Fuck—Cass—” Theo moaned as he came hard inside him, hips jerking, burying himself to the hilt.

  Cassius cried out as he spilled across Theo’s hand, body convulsing, breath breaking apart.

  And then—silence.

  They collapsed into the mattress, bodies tangled, limbs heavy. Theo stayed inside him, one hand sliding up Cassius’ spine, the other stroking slow circles over his hip.

  Neither of them moved. For a moment, they just breathed—quiet, raw, undone.

  “You’re a menace,” Cassius murmured into the pillow, voice wrecked.

  “You begged for it,” Theo murmured against his shoulder, lips curved in a satisfied smile. “Don’t pretend you didn’t love every second of it.”

  Theo turned his head, his gaze heavy-lidded, a lazy smirk forming as he studied Cassius in the morning light.

  “Thinking of staying a little longer, Your Highness?” Theo asked, his fingers tracing idle circles on Cassius’ bare skin.

  Cassius let out a slow exhale, his lips curving into a small, satisfied smile. “Tempting.”

  Theo’s smirk widened. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

  Cassius rolled onto his side, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to Theo’s shoulder. “You already have.”

  ---

  Theo and Cassius barely managed to leave the bed, but a promise was a promise.

  The morning had been slow, their limbs tangled in sheets, exchanging lazy kisses that kept threatening to drag them back under. But Dylan had sent another text—this time with an abundance of dramatic exclamation marks—and Theo figured if they didn’t show up soon, Dylan would storm the hotel himself.

  Cassius stretched, still drowsy, rubbing a hand through his already-messy hair. “You’re making me get up for this,” he muttered.

  Theo smirked, leaning over to kiss his temple. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint your loyal subject.”

  Cassius groaned, rolling onto his stomach. “He’s your problem.”

  Theo ran a hand down Cassius’ bare back, fingers tracing the faint red scratches left from earlier. “If you really want to stay, I could always call Dylan and tell him you’re—”

  Cassius shot him a warning look. “Don’t you dare.”

  Theo only grinned, stretching before finally rolling out of bed. “Alright, alright. But you owe me for making me leave this warm, comfortable, very inviting bed.”

  Cassius muttered something under his breath but got up, dragging himself toward the bathroom.

  By the time they arrived at the café where Dylan was waiting, the prince of Viladair was already sipping on a coffee, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

  Theo had barely taken a seat when Dylan’s gaze dropped to their shirts—white, crisp, but not quite enough to hide what was underneath. His smirk widened like a cat who had cornered a mouse.

  “Well, well, well,” Dylan said, drumming his fingers against the table. “I was going to give you both a heartfelt ‘good morning,’ but it seems you already had a very good morning.”

  Cassius, completely oblivious at first, frowned. “What?”

  Dylan gestured vaguely. “You might want to button up a little more, Your Highness.”

  Cassius’ brows furrowed—until Theo leaned in, ever so helpfully, and tugged at the collar of his shirt, revealing just enough of the faint bruise beneath.

  Cassius swatted Theo’s hand away immediately, his face heating. “Theo.”

  Theo chuckled, entirely unbothered, leaning back in his chair. “I thought you liked wearing my clothes.”

  Dylan laughed outright. “Oh, this is golden. I mean, I figured you two were up to something, but damn, Theo—did you have to brand him?”

  Theo turned to Cassius with a lazy smirk. “You didn’t seem to mind at the time.”

  Cassius gave him a sharp glare, his blush deepening. “I will throw this coffee at you.”

  Dylan grinned, stirring his drink. “Please don’t. I want to enjoy this.”

  Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “Why did I agree to this?”

  Theo, still grinning, nudged him under the table. “Because you love me.”

  Cassius huffed, taking a long sip of his coffee to avoid answering.

  Dylan snickered. “Oh, this is the best entertainment I’ve had all week. You two are ridiculous.”

  Theo only shrugged, completely at ease, while Cassius pretended very hard to be interested in the café menu. But the warmth lingering in his eyes—even through his exasperation—was undeniable.

  Dylan took a sip of his drink before tilting his head slightly. “Did Edric left yesterday?"

  Theo sipping his drink before answering him, "Yup, we met yesterday. Duty call, as usual. But at least he having fun.

  Dylan’s grin turned mischievous. “Oh, talking about fun. Aren't we deserve a bit of fun, maybe?”

  Cassius narrowed his eyes. “Define ‘fun.’”

  Dylan leaned forward, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Drinks. Music. Dancing.”

  Cassius immediately frowned. “No.”

  Theo, however, laughed. “Yes.”

  Dylan clapped his hands together. “See? He gets it.”

  Cassius groaned. “This is my worst nightmare.”

  Theo bumped their knees together under the table. “Oh, come on, Your Highness. Live a little.”

  Cassius shot him a look, but Theo could already see the cracks forming. He was going to give in—he always did.

  Dylan grinned. “That’s settled then. We’re going out.”

  Cassius sighed heavily, but Theo could see the amusement flickering beneath his frustration. He smiled, reaching under the table to squeeze Cassius’ hand.

  ---

  Tonight had arrived.

  Dylan, always the orchestrator of chaos, had arranged for them to arrive in style—a sleek black car with tinted windows, the kind that whispered exclusivity and power. The city lights flickered outside as they drove through the streets, each illuminated sign and distant bass drop hinting at the world they were about to step into.

  Theo sat comfortably, legs stretched out, his fingers lazily tapping against his knee. He had done this before—many times, in fact—but tonight felt different. Maybe because Cassius was beside him, his posture a little too stiff, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery as if he were second-guessing everything.

  Dylan, sitting opposite them with an easy smirk, noticed immediately. "Oh, come on, Cass. Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet now?"

  Cassius shot him a look, lips pressing together. "I’m just… thinking."

  "Thinking?" Dylan scoffed. "We’re not about to negotiate a peace treaty. It’s just a club, mate. Drinks, music, and maybe a little recklessness. You’re royalty—own the room."

  Theo, amused, nudged Cassius’ knee with his own. "You don’t have to come if you’re not feeling it."

  Cassius exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "It’s not that. I just—" He hesitated, glancing at Theo before looking away.

  "You just what?" Dylan pressed, eyes gleaming.

  Cassius rolled his eyes. "It’s nothing."

  Theo smirked, already piecing it together. "You’ve never really done this, have you?"

  Cassius scoffed, shifting in his seat. "Of course I have."

  Dylan raised a brow. "Oh? Name the last time you went to a club that wasn’t a diplomatic event disguised as a ‘gala.’"

  Cassius opened his mouth, then shut it.

  Dylan let out a victorious laugh. "I knew it!"

  Cassius groaned, running a hand down his face. "Fine. Maybe I haven't done this exactly."

  Theo leaned in slightly, his voice low, teasing. "We can leave if you want."

  Cassius turned to him, eyes narrowing. "And let you and Dylan have all the fun without me? Not a chance."

  Dylan clapped his hands, grinning. "That’s the spirit!"

  The car slowed to a stop, and the moment stretched. Outside, the club loomed—dark glass, neon lights reflecting off polished stone, and a line of people who weren’t getting in. But the bouncer saw them, and within seconds, the doors were being opened, the world inside pulsing with anticipation.

  Theo glanced at Cassius one last time. "You ready for this, Your Highness?"

  Cassius inhaled deeply, then exhaled, straightening his posture. He smirked, more to convince himself than anything else.

  "Let’s make some memories."

  The doors of the club swung open, revealing a world of deep bass, flickering neon, and bodies moving in rhythmic waves. The air was thick with perfume, alcohol, and the unmistakable energy of indulgence. Cassius hesitated for only a second before Theo’s hand brushed against his lower back—subtle, fleeting, but grounding.

  Dylan, of course, led the way, winking at the bouncers as if he owned the place. “Welcome to the real fun, boys.”

  Theo barely flinched at the flashing lights and pulsating music, moving through the crowd with the ease of someone who had done this a hundred times before. But Cassius? He carried himself like a prince even here—posture straight, chin high, taking in everything with measured curiosity. Yet, the way his fingers occasionally grazed Theo’s wrist betrayed his nerves.

  Dylan dragged them to a private booth, a sleek leather space overlooking the dance floor. A bottle of something expensive was already waiting for them—because, of course, Dylan had arranged it in advance. He poured without asking, sliding glasses across the table.

  “To freedom,” Dylan toasted, lifting his glass.

  Cassius hesitated, glancing at Theo, who raised a brow in amusement. “You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to,” Theo murmured, though he knew full well Cassius wasn’t the type to back down from a challenge.

  Cassius exhaled and picked up his glass. “To reckless decisions,” he countered, clinking it against Theo’s before taking a sip.

  Dylan grinned. “Now that’s the spirit.”

  The night blurred into a mix of laughter, teasing, and stolen glances. Dylan disappeared onto the dance floor first, effortlessly charming his way into the crowd, while Theo leaned back against the booth, watching Cassius watch everything else.

  “You’re overthinking,” Theo said, tilting his head.

  Cassius turned to him. “I don’t do this often.”

  Theo smirked. “I know.”

  There was something in Theo’s gaze—mischief, warmth, and maybe even something softer. It sent a rush of heat through Cassius that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

  “Dance with me,” Theo said suddenly.

  Cassius scoffed. “You’re not serious.”

  Theo stood, holding out a hand. “Dead serious.”

  Cassius eyed him warily. “I don’t dance.”

  Theo leaned down slightly, voice barely audible over the music. “I don’t care.”

  Cassius huffed, but something about Theo’s confidence—his absolute certainty—made it impossible to refuse. He placed his hand in Theo’s, and just like that, he was being pulled onto the dance floor.

  It was intoxicating in a way he hadn’t expected. The heat of bodies, the rhythm thrumming through his bones, the way Theo moved effortlessly with the beat. At first, Cassius felt stiff, out of place, but then Theo’s hands were on his waist, guiding him closer.

  “Relax, sweetheart,” Theo murmured against his ear.

  Cassius exhaled sharply, feeling the warmth of Theo’s breath against his skin. His hands found Theo’s shoulders as they swayed together, moving in sync, their bodies pressed too close for propriety but just right for the moment.

  Theo smirked. “Told you this would be fun.”

  Cassius laughed, his usual poise slipping just a little. “You might be right.”

  But then Theo’s fingers traced a slow, deliberate path down Cassius’ spine, and suddenly, Cassius wasn’t sure if this was about fun anymore—or something far more dangerous.

  ---

  The night air was cool against their skin as Theo and Cassius finally made their way back to the hotel. The laughter and music from the club still echoed in their minds, but the moment the doors to the hotel opened, everything else seemed to fade into the background. Theo was hyper-aware of the feeling of Cassius beside him, the lingering heat from their earlier exchanges, and the magnetic pull that seemed to grow between them with every passing moment.

  The moment they entered the hotel room, the door barely had time to shut behind them before Theo was on Cassius. His hand reached for Cassius' shirt, the fabric straining under his fingers as he yanked at the buttons, one after another, until the shirt was open, revealing Cassius' smooth skin beneath.

  Cassius' breath hitched, but he didn't pull away. His pulse quickened under Theo's touch, the atmosphere in the room thickening with the intensity of the moment. There was no hesitation now—just the weight of desire pulling them together like gravity.

  “Been waiting all night,” Theo murmured, his voice low and rough as his hands roamed over Cassius' chest, feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat under his fingertips. His lips brushed against Cassius' ear, his breath warm against the skin. “You have no idea what you do to me, Your Highness.”

  Cassius swallowed, his breath shallow as Theo pushed him back onto the bed. The motion was fluid, almost predatory, but there was something tender in it too—something that spoke of the trust between them, the bond that had been growing deeper with every stolen kiss and lingering touch.

  Theo leaned down, his lips crashing against Cassius' in a searing kiss, devouring him with an urgency that seemed to echo everything he had been holding back all evening. He pulled Cassius' body closer, pressing their hips together, feeling the unmistakable heat between them.

  Cassius gasped into the kiss, his hands moving to Theo's chest, pushing his own shirt off before his fingers skimmed down Theo’s back. His touch was electric, sparking something inside Theo that he hadn’t known he could feel. Every inch of Cassius was like a new discovery, and Theo couldn’t get enough.

  Theo pulled away for a moment, his eyes darkened with hunger, staring down at Cassius as he tugged the last button of his shirt free. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, voice thick with desire, before moving to kiss down the line of Cassius’ jaw, then his neck, his chest, all the way down to his stomach.

  Cassius moaned, the sound soft and needy, as Theo’s lips worshiped his body, tracing every inch, leaving marks and traces of himself behind. Cassius’ hands threaded through Theo’s hair, pulling him closer, urging him to go further, to take what he wanted.

  Theo’s lips found a particularly sensitive spot on Cassius’ neck, just under the collarbone, and he nipped at it, leaving a bruise behind as he sucked gently. He wanted to leave his mark—his claim—on Cassius. To remind him, in the quietest of ways, that this was theirs.

  Cassius let out a soft, almost pleading sound as Theo’s lips traveled lower, moving from his neck down to his chest, his fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The sensation made Cassius arch beneath him, his body reacting instinctively to Theo’s touch, his own hands pulling at Theo’s pants, desperate to feel him closer, to feel everything.

  Theo, knowing exactly what Cassius wanted, shifted to pull off his clothes, his movements swift but controlled. His lips were back on Cassius’ before the last piece of clothing hit the floor, kissing him harder this time, more urgently.

  “You sure you’re ready for this?” Theo whispered between kisses, his hands finding their way back to Cassius’ body, caressing the smooth skin of his sides. His voice was low, teasing, but there was a genuine question beneath it—one that sought assurance, even in the midst of all the desire.

  Cassius, eyes dark with the same hunger, responded by pulling Theo back down to him, his legs wrapping around Theo’s waist, drawing him even closer. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” he breathed, voice thick with longing.

  And with that, Theo didn’t waste another second. He slid his hands along Cassius’ hips, pulling him flush against him as he guided them into the rhythm of something much deeper, much more intimate. Each movement was deliberate, building, as they both gave in to the heat of the moment. Every touch, every kiss was a promise, a connection that went far beyond what either of them had anticipated.

  They moved together in perfect sync, the intensity between them growing, their bodies speaking in a language only they understood. There was no hesitation now—no doubts, just the overwhelming desire to be closer, to feel everything.

  Cassius' moans echoed in Theo’s ears as he moved against him, his hands gripping Theo’s back, pulling him in closer with each passing second. The sounds of their breathing filled the room, mingling with the thumping of their hearts, as they lost themselves in each other.

  When they finally collapsed, bodies entwined in the aftermath of their passion, Theo pulled Cassius into his arms, kissing his forehead softly. They lay there for a while, just breathing, tangled in sheets and each other.

  Cassius rested his head against Theo’s chest, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on Theo’s skin. “I think I might be falling for you, Theo,” he whispered, his voice barely a breath.

  Theo smiled softly, running his fingers through Cassius’ messy hair. “I hope you’re ready for it, Your Highness. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

  They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, as the world outside the hotel faded away into the quiet of the night.