“About as behaved as Theo,” I say, raising an eyebrow at them both.
Theo doesn’t even bother defending himself, instead lifting his glass in a silent toast of acknowledgment that makes us all laugh.
As Knox and Bianca drift away, I spot Julian making his way toward us with Elliot in tow. Julian’s slick tailoring and easy confidence stand in sharp contrast to my own rigid posture.Elliot walks half a step behind him, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
I feel Theo straighten beside me. Something passes between them—an unspoken acknowledgment that raises the hairs on the back of my neck.
“Theo,” Julian says, voice smooth as aged whiskey. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about us.” His eyes flick to me, then back to Theo. “Does the plan still stand?”
I tighten my grip on Theo’s waist. “What plan?”
Julian’s eyes meet mine, holding my gaze with unflinching intensity. His lips curl into that infuriating smirk I’ve seen him wear during business deals and at Purgatory events—the look of a man who knows he has the upper hand.
“The one where I fuck your ass, Victor.”
My mouth goes dry. Blood rushes south so fast I feel lightheaded, my cock hardening instantly against my tailored pants. I try to formulate a response, but my brain short-circuits, trapped between outrage and undeniable arousal.
Theo’s hand slides up my back, fingers pressing into muscle. “We discussed it, remember? The four of us, during the Hunt?”
I remember the conversation—Theo on his knees, my hand in his hair, his suggestion about arrangements with Julian and Elliot. But hearing it stated so bluntly, in public, from Julian’s mouth...
Elliot steps closer, his eyes traveling down my body, lingering pointedly on the visible outline of my erection. “Looks like someone’s body is making decisions his mouth hasn’t caught up to yet.”
I swallow hard, fighting to regain my composure while Julian and Elliot’s eyes rake over me with what feels like an almost feral interest. My voice comes out rougher than intended.
“And you’re fine with that, Elliot? With your man fucking another man?”
The question hangs between us, loaded with my own insecurities that I’m still learning to navigate. Six months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to say those words aloud in public. Now they feel like a test—not of Elliot, but of myself.
Elliot’s smile widens, completely unfazed. “Of course I am. It’s part of the Hunt, Victor.” He steps closer, his cologne mingling with Julian’s as they create a wall of expensive scent around Theo and me. “And I know exactly who Julian comes home to. I’m not insecure about it.”
His confidence is enviable—the casual certainty of someone who knows their place in their partner’s life without question.
“Two couples consensually agreeing to some fun for a portion of the Hunt?” Elliot continues with a casual shrug. “That’s completely natural here. It’s what the Hunt was designed for.”
I feel Theo’s body relax against mine. He’s been waiting for this—probably orchestrating it since the invitation arrived. The realization doesn’t upset me as it might have once. Instead, there’s a strange comfort in how well he knows what I need before I can admit it to myself.
“Besides,” Elliot adds, his eyes flickering between Theo and me with undisguised heat, “we’ve all seen each other at our most... exposed already.”
Julian’s eyes lock with mine, a hungry smile spreading across his face as he leans in closer.
“I can’t wait to see how you look taking a cock while giving it to your boy,” he says with a wink, his voice low enough that only our small circle can hear.
My face burns with a rage I’ve never felt until now. Before I can respond, Julian slides his arm around Elliot’s waist and guides him away, both men disappearing into the crowd with knowing smirks.
I stare after them, pulse hammering in my ears. When I turn to Theo, I find him watching me with those perceptive eyes thatalways see straight through my bullshit. The little shit looks pleased with himself.
I grab his arm roughly, pulling him against my chest. “You’ve been planning this behind my back,” I growl, my fingers digging into the expensive fabric of his shirt. “Naughty boy.”
Instead of cowering, Theo’s eyes light up with mischief. He presses closer, his lips nearly brushing mine.
“Are you going to spank me as punishment, Daddy?” he asks, voice dripping with mock innocence while his hips press deliberately against mine. Then, when he doesn’t get the desired reaction, he further pokes the bear by fluttering his eyelashes at me like they’re trying to fly him away. Brat.
The suggestion sends a jolt of heat straight to my groin. I growl—a primal sound that rises from deep in my chest—and crash my mouth against his. The kiss is punishing, claiming, my fingers threading through his hair to hold him exactly where I want him.
44
THEO