Chapter 1: Introduction
The neon light from the Rock Bar sign cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the street as Harris stepped out into the warm evening, his leather jacket slung over his shoulders. The bar was his second home, a place where he could unwind after a long week of deadlines and meetings, a place where he could be himself without judgment.
Inside, the air was thick with smoke and the hum of loud music. The scent of spilled beer and sweat filled his nostrils as he made his way through the crowd. A few familiar faces nodded in his direction as he passed. He nodded back, flashing his easy smile.
The bar was his domain, a place where he knew the rules and the players. He slid onto a stool at the edge of the bar, signaling the bartender with a raise of his eyebrows.
"Usual, Harris?" the bartender asked, a burly man with a thick beard and even thicker glasses.
"You know it, Tom," Harris replied, watching the bartender pour a finger of whiskey into a glass.
As Tom slid the glass towards him, Harris let his gaze wander over the crowd. That's when he saw him.
Aaron, young with a pretty face and puffed out pecs that stretched the seams of his tight t-shirt. His bubble butt filled out his jeans just right, and he was dripping with sexy, moving through the crowd like he owned the place. But despite his confident strut, he had a young smile that softened his features, making him seem approachable, almost innocent. Harris couldn't help but watch him, a slow smile spreading across his own face.
"Looks like you've found your entertainment for the night," Tom commented, wiping down the bar.
Harris chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "Maybe. Or maybe he'll give me the cold shoulder. He seems like the type to enjoy the chase."
Aaron caught Harris's eye from across the room, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He walked over, his shoulders rolling with each step, his jeans clinging to his thick thighs. He stopped in front of Harris, leaning his elbows on the bar. "What can I do for you, handsome?"
Harris leaned in, his voice low and casual. "What's your name?" He kept his smile steady, not wanting to scare Aaron off. He'd seen enough of his kind to know that some liked the chase, while others got skittish at the first sign of interest.
Aaron's smirk widened, and he leaned in too, his voice a low rumble. "Aaron. And you are?"
"Harris," he replied, extending his hand. Aaron grasped it, his grip firm and warm. Harris held onto it a moment longer than necessary, enjoying the contact.
"Nice to meet you, Aaron."
Aaron pulled back, his eyes scanning Harris. "You too, Harris. You're new here, right?"
Harris laughed, shaking his head. "Not really. I've been coming here for years. I just don't usually see you around."
Aaron's grin was triumphant. "Maybe I've been hiding. Or maybe you're just noticing me now."
Harris raised an eyebrow, enjoying the banter. Or maybe you're just hard to miss."
Aaron chuckled, running a hand through his hair.
"You're not so subtle, Harris. I like that."
Harris smiled, taking another sip of his drink. "I like to be direct. Saves time."
Aaron's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I bet it does. But I also bet you like a good chase."
Harris leaned in closer, his voice a low growl. "And I bet you like to be caught."
Aaron's breath hitched, just slightly, but Harris saw it. He saw the way Aaron's pupils dilated, the way his chest rose and fell a little faster.
He was interested, despite his arrogant demeanor. Harris could play this game. He leaned back, giving Aaron some space, and gestured to the empty seat next to him. "Why don't you sit down and tell me about yourself?"
Aaron hesitated for a moment before pulling out the stool and sitting down. "What do you want to know?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.
"Everything," Harris replied, his eyes never leaving Aaron's. "I want to know what makes you tick, Aaron. What makes you happy, what makes you sad, what makes you fucking crazy with desire."
Aaron's smile was slow and wicked.
"You're a fucking smooth talker, Harris. But I'm not some easy lay."
Harris chuckled, his gaze never wavering. "I never said you were. But I do know what I want, and I'm not afraid to go after it."
Aaron's eyes narrowed, a challenge sparking in his gaze. "And what do you want, Harris?"
Harris leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, dirty whisper. "I want to know what you taste like. I want to know what it feels like to have your body under mine, your muscles trembling as I fuck you.
I want to hear you moan my name like a fucking prayer. I want to taste your sweat, your skin, your cum." Harris's voice was a low, guttural growl, his words sending a jolt of electricity through Aaron.
Aaron's breath hitched, and Harris could see the desire pooling in his eyes. He was turned on, despite his attempts to hide it. Harris reached out, his hand cupping Aaron's jaw, his thumb brushing against his cheek. Aaron's skin was soft, his stubble rough against Harris's palm. He leaned in, his mouth inches away from Aaron's.