Chapter 2: Building Tension
In the dusky practice room at the prestigious conservatory, the remnants of sunlight penetrating the hazy windows cast a golden glow upon Mr. Bennet, the esteemed music teacher. He was midway through a sonata by Mozart, his nimble hands deftly plucking at the ivory beneath his fingertips.
Sage's breath grew ragged as his thoughts spiraled towards the resemblance between Mr. Bennet and a dominant, abusive figure from his past. However, he couldn't quell the stir of arousal within him.
Mr. Bennet dipped his head, locking eyes with Sage through heavy lids. His gaze bore into the young, slender man—it was a sensation Sage had become familiar with.
Yet, rather than the dread he'd anticipated, a fresh wave of arousal coursed through Sage's veins.
Mr. Bennet's voice broke the silence. "Sage, I can sense your...conflicted thoughts, despite your resolve to mask them."
"Sir, I-" Sage stammered, caught off guard.
A flush crept across his cheeks as he realized his emotions had been transparent.
"Come now," Mr. Bennet urged, his tone huskier than before. "Let me help you with that." He crossed the room, halting only when their bodies were toe-to-toe.
The older man's commanding presence was both a challenge and a thrill. The scent of musk and cigars clung to Mr. Bennet's coat, reminding Sage of his first days at the conservatory, when the intoxicating aroma filled him with nothing but excitement.