CHAPTER 4

The party was already in full swing when Adrian arrived.

Music pulsed through the house, shaking the walls. The air was thick with alcohol, sweat, and the scent of something burning—probably someone being reckless outside. Bodies moved together, pressed too close, voices loud and slurred.

But Adrian wasn’t here for any of that.

He was here for Julian.

The bet still burned in his mind. It was reckless, insane. But under all that was something he didn’t want to name. Something dangerous.

He spotted Julian near the bar, leaning against the counter like he owned the place. Dressed in all black, the dim lighting sharpened his features, making him look untouchable. He held a glass lazily in his hand, swirling the liquid as if he had all the time in the world.

Then, as if he had sensed Adrian’s arrival, Julian looked up.

A smirk curled on his lips, slow and deliberate. He tipped his glass slightly, like he was saying, Took you long enough.

Adrian’s jaw clenched as he made his way over.

Julian didn’t move as Adrian stopped in front of him. Their rivalry crackled between them, a current that neither could ignore.

“You made it,” Julian said, voice smooth and teasing. “I was starting to think you chickened out.”

Adrian scoffed. “Keep dreaming.”

Julian tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something darker. “Then let’s discuss the rules of our little bet.”

Adrian folded his arms. “I don’t need rules. I just need to know when I’ll be winning.”

Julian laughed, a low, knowing sound that sent something sharp curling in Adrian’s stomach.

“Oh, you’ll play by my rules,” Julian murmured, stepping closer, heat radiating off him. “Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fun.”

Adrian refused to back down.

Julian’s lips twitched.

“Let’s make it interesting.” His voice dropped, drawing Adrian in despite himself. “A game—one dare each. The first to hesitate, the first to show weakness…loses.”

Adrian’s pulse ticked up. “And the winner?”

Julian’s eyes darkened, something predatory flickering behind them.

“The winner,” he said, “takes full control.”

A slow heat uncoiled in Adrian’s stomach. He told himself it was because of the competition—because he never lost.

He exhaled sharply. “Fine.”

Julian’s smirk deepened.

“Good.”

Then he stepped even closer—too close—until Adrian could feel the heat between them. Until Julian’s breath ghostedover his skin.

“Since I’m generous,” Julian murmured, “I’ll let you go first.”

Adrian grabbed a shot from the bar and slid it toward Julian. “Drink it. No hands.”

Julian didn’t even blink.

He leaned down, lips parting just enough to take the rim of the glass between his teeth. Then, with sinful precision, he tipped his head back, letting the liquid slide down his throat.

Adrian hated the way his stomach tightened at the sight.

Julian set the glass down and licked a stray drop from his lips.

“Cute,” he murmured.

Adrian’s fingers twitched.

Julian leaned in, voice barely above a whisper.

“My turn.”

His lips were inches from Adrian’s ear when he spoke.

“I dare you to kiss me.”

Adrian’s stomach dropped.

The world around them blurred—the music, the voices, everything.

Only Julian.

Watching. Waiting.

Adrian’s pulse hammered. He should refuse. Call Julian’s bluff.

But instead, he acted.

He grabbed Julian by the front of his shirt and yanked him in.

Their lips collided—hard, urgent, a battle of fire and defiance.

Julian made a soft, pleased noise, like he had been waiting for this. Like he had known it would happen.

Adrian hated that.

Yet, he couldn’t stop.

He pushed harder, demanding, taking—

But Julian fought back.

It wasn’t just a kiss. It was a power struggle.

And neither of them was willing to lose.

By the time they broke apart, both were breathing hard.

Julian’s lips were swollen, glistening, his eyes darker than before.

But that fucking smirk—

Still there.

“Not bad,” Julian murmured. “But we’re not done yet.”

His fingers traced Adrian’s wrist, deliberate and slow, before gripping it.

Adrian tensed.

Julian’s voice was low and taunting.

“Come upstairs.”

Adrian’s breath hitched. He knew this was a mistake.

But Julian turned, walking toward the darkened hallway—

And Adrian’s feet moved before his mind could stop him.

—

The second they reached the upstairs bedroom, Julian shut the door with a click.

Adrian barely had a second to think before Julian pushed him against it.

His body flushed against Adrian’s, heat radiating between them.

“Still sure you can handle losing?” Julian murmured.

Adrian gritted his teeth.

“You wish.”

Julian just laughed.

And then he stepped back.

“Strip.”

Adrian’s breath caught.

His pulse thundered.

Julian leaned against the bed, arms crossed, watching.

Waiting.

“I dare you,” Julian said, voice silky. “Take off your shirt.”

Adrian’s fingers twitched at the hem of his shirt.

Every instinct screamed at him not to give Julian the satisfaction—but losing wasn’t an option.

He lifted his shirt, yanking it over his head and tossing it aside.

Julian’s gaze dragged over him, slow and unreadable.

Adrian’s skin felt too hot.

Julian pushed off the bed, stepping closer.

He reached out—brushing his fingers over Adrian’s collarbone.

A taunt. A test.

Adrian didn’t flinch.

Julian’s lips quirked.

Then—

A sharp knock on the door.

Both of them froze.

The knock came again. Louder.

A voice, muffled through the wood.

“Julian? Open up.”

Adrian’s stomach dropped.

That voice—

He recognized it.

Someone who should not be here.

Julian’s gaze flicked toward the door, then back to Adrian. His expression remained unreadable, but Adrian could see it—the briefest flicker of tension.

Whoever was outside wasn’t supposed to interrupt.

And that was enough to make something cold curl inside Adrian’s chest.

Because if Julian was tense, that meant this was serious.

The knock came again. Harder this time.

And then—

The doorknob started to turn.