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“What? Take my spikes down?” Alec gets off the couch and comically turns, imitating a dog chasing its tail trying to find spikes on his body.
“It’s a Swedish saying.” I find an American translation. “It means to cool down. Or as you Americans say, chill.”
I point a finger at him as he does a body roll. “You’re getting cocky.”
“My cock is on its best behavior.” Alec’s mouth drops open. “Shit. Sorry. I’m trying so hard not to offend you.”
His mouth is far too attractive. I never expected him to be so insightful. It’s the façade that annoys me. “I’m not easily offended.” He raises an eyebrow, so I continue, “I enjoy you when you’re real and not pretending.”
Alec clenches his jaw. “I don’t pretend.”
He does, but I don’t need to call him out on it. I can’t take my eyes off his lips. There is so much more to him than he pretends, and that’s what is going to get me in trouble. I’m not in a place to be in a relationship, and he doesn’t do repeats. We are a terrible idea on so many levels.
Alec bites his lip as his brows draw together, waiting for me to say something, but I don’t have the words to explain what’s going on in my head.
All the brain cells exit my head as I stand, grab him, and smash my lips to his. It shocks a gasp out of him, and my tongue surges into his slightly open mouth.
He tastes like sin, and I’m ready to make the original one with him. He’s invaded my senses and there’s nothing but him and me in this moment.
Alec’s lips are soft and melting into mine. His hand winds into my hair, wrapping it around his fist while I’m squeezing the back of his neck. There is not an ounce of tenderness in our kiss. Usually, my kisses are sweet and convey emotions. I’ve never experienced a kiss where lust fuels our desire to consume one another.
He’s struck me with lightning and everything in my head is screaming more, More, MORE. I swear if someone came into the room, the energy we’re giving off would electrocute them. He tugs my hair, so he’s in control, done with letting me lead. I groan and his lips quirk up as we kiss. He sucks my tongue into his mouth, and I almost expire on the spot.
I wrestle his tongue so I can do the same and catch the sound that starts in his chest and reverberates up his throat into my mouth. My arm snakes around his back to bring us flush, and I grind against him.
When he slows the kiss and my brain kicks on, I know this is wrong. I didn’t give him a choice. I attacked him, and that makes me the worst kind of guy. Shame washes over me and I stumble back.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” I flee down the stairs, outside, and back up the elevator to my loft, disgusted with how I treated Alec.
Chapter eleven
Von
One Call Away by Charlie Puth
I’ve kept my mind off Alec during the entire dinner with Lars. It’s been a few days and I haven't apologized.
Lars leans back in his chair and predicts how he thinks the team will do this year. We’re at a well-known steakhouse and the food is delicious. The conversation is in rapid-fire Swedish. English is second nature, but I prefer Swedish. We don’t see each other as much as I thought we would living in the same city.
After we pay the bill, Lars and I say goodbye. I’m surprised to see Alec sitting at the bar by himself. His leg is bouncing up and down, and his trademark smirk is nowhere to be found. I should say I’m sorry for my mouth attacking his.
From the other end of the bar, I watch as he drags his hand through his hair for the third time. Alec throws up an orange piece of candy and catches it in his mouth. He has a defeated air about him. His stress is disconcerting, drawing me closer. I realize this is the second time I’ve approached him in a bar.
“I can’t do this with you now, Viking.” His eyes are trained on the bar.
“I came to say I’m sorry, but you’re stressed.” No use in making small talk. He’ll either forgive me or not. For some reason it matters if he likes me.
Alec pulls his phone out and I can read the text. His table is ready. “Fuck.” He sighs, sliding off the stool, and strides over to the hostess stand.
I decide to buy a drink and take Alec’s seat at the bar. It has nothing to do with the fact that Alec is upset, and his demeanor is the complete opposite of his usual cheery self. The possibility that his past still haunts him has me on edge. His past brought up parts of mine that are difficult. It’s better than my setbacks from this last year but not great.
A couple joins him at his table, and I notice the resemblance. I’m shocked that he’s having dinner with his parents. From the little he’s told me, they do not have a good relationship.
Their body language is stiff and awkward. This isn’t a happy meeting. Alec’s jaw is tight. His father doesn’t say a word. Neither of them hugs him.
Curiosity gets the better of me and I edge down the bar to be closer.
“Mom, I told you, my boyfriend had to work late. He had an”—Alec pauses, searching for a plausible lie—“unexpected delivery.”