WARNING: Mild sex scene.
When Fuse entered his dorm, Doctor Seua was already there, medical equipment set up and a towel laid out on the mattress. Sucking in a tense breath, Fuse took a seat next to the doctor and offered him his injured shoulder. He loathed stitches.
As Doctor Seua took his arm, Fuse peered over to look at his preparation. He faintly smiled at the open wound. Okay, so fighting off mafia men was definitely not an ideal situation, but Fuse couldn’t have been prouder of himself. He had managed to take down three, armed, mafia members in the dark with no protection, no gun, and no hesitation. With only a bullet graze as a result. It couldn’t get more badass than that. He was like a superhero on a mission, except instead of saving the world, he was saving himself and a spoiled mafia son.
Sure, he was initially in a state of shock. After he’d been held by Karn, his spiking adrenaline had settled, and the car ride had given him a chance to let it all sink in. Kicking ass. Escaping. The more he replayed the event in his head, the more he realized how skilled he truly was.
He’d wasted too many nights wondering if he’d ever uphold his father’s expectations. Sometimes, he was so desperate that he’d look at the wise face of the moon and ask for advice. He used to go to his mother’s shrine and beg her for help but had stopped after a while, not wanting to bother her with his earthly problems.
Everything his father had said was wrong. He wasn’t useless, an underachiever, or a ‘waste of sperm.’ If that were true, he and Karn would’ve had bullets in their heads by now. But they didn’t. They were as safe as they could be, and it was all thanks to his skills.
Fuse turned away once he saw the doctor pick up the needle and thread. Stitches were the fucking worst. He wasn’t looking forward to the inevitable sharp pain these next few days.
Ten stitches later, Doctor Seua had finished and cleaned up. Soon after he left, Fuse washed up and went to bed. Under the cooling fan, he snuggled warmly in the covers and shut his eyes.
Completely exhausted, body sinking into the mattress, and totally ready to pass out, Fuse didn’t sleep. He couldn’t. Not when Karn was still out there doing who the hell knew what. Though Karn had remained calm, Fuse sensed suppressed rage in the way he balled his fists. For all he knew, Karn was borrowing more trouble than it was worth.
A soft light followed the sound of the door opening. A deep sigh indicated Karn had returned. Relief and exhaustion poured into Fuse’s subconscious, his body finally allowing him to fall asleep.
As his consciousness was slipping, he felt Karn tug his blanket down and gently lift his sleeve, presumably to inspect his injury. Warmth kindled in his chest, followed by the darkness of sleep.
* * *
About a week had passed since the kidnapping incident. The Bodyguard Program continued as usual—apparently, they weren’t aware of the mafia hijacking. For the most part, Karn and Fuse were back to normal. The only difference was that Karn had insisted that Fuse take a shadow bodyguard whenever he left campus. Fuse had contended that he was perfectly capable of protecting himself, and although Karn had conceded, Fuse knew that he’d secretly assigned one for him anyway.
Fuse rushed through the halls of the university. Business Management had just ended, and he was craving a bowl of rice and chicken.
Just as he was about to turn the corner, further down the corridor he saw two vaguely familiar people next to Karn. It took him a moment to recall that they were Karn’s friends. When doing his research on Karn, he’d noted that he was particularly close to these two. They were supposed to be in France, so what the hell were they doing here?
About to carry on his way, Fuse stopped in his tracks as soon as Karn swung his arm around one of the guy’s necks. Karn gave the male such a warm and genuine smile, one he’d never given Fuse before. Was there something going on between them? It wasn’t like Karn wasn’t the type to have fuck buddies…
Fuse clenched his backpack strap and approached the trio.
“Hey, Ai’Fuse.” Karn loosened his hold on Lek but still kept his arm over his shoulder and turned to meet Fuse’s gaze.
Lek raised an eyebrow, and his gaze took a decisive sweep down Fuse’s body. “Ahem.” he cleared his throat and tossed Karn an expectant look.
“Um, these are my friends, Ai’Lek and Ai’Narong.” Karn gestured to the two. They all exchanged wai’s.
Fuse’s ears tingled under the intrusive stares.
“I feel like I know you from somewhere. Were you in the International Science Fair last year?” Lek asked.
“No, I’m not really a science person.” The logic part of science was easy. It was all the memorizing that gave Fuse a hard time.
“Oh, right.” Lek snapped his fingers and pointed at Fuse with a bright grin. “Now I remember you! I tutored you in organic chemistry a while back. I should’ve remembered sooner. You cursed the existence of carbon.” He chuckled.
Narong rolled his eyes. “Well, we all can’t be science geniuses like you.”
“I can’t help that I’m an expert at chemistry.”
Lek turned and winked at Karn.
Discomfort surged in Fuse’s chest. “Ai’Karn, don’t forget our Bodyguard Program meeting today.”
“Bodyguard Program?” Narong frowned and shot Karn a confused look. “What would you need to join that for?”
“It’s been great training.” Karn jumped as Lek tried to playfully jab him in the side. He recomposed himself and continued, “I might have a fuck ton of bodyguards, but it never hurts to know how to defend yourself.”
Although they’d spent a lot of time together at the program, Fuse wasn’t surprised that Karn hadn’t mentioned it to his friends. It likely wasn’t important to him.
“Say, P’Fuse. You should join us tonight.” Lek unzipped his designer bag and pulled out a clear bottle containing green liquid.
“Join you?”
“Yeah, we’re going to have dinner tonight at a new restaurant in town. You should come. It’ll be fun.” Lek raised the bottle to his face and carefully examined it, as though he was checking on something.
“Thanks, but I’m good. I have a lot of homework to catch up on.” A night watching Karn’s obnoxious, overenthusiastic manhandling of his friends in an over-the-top restaurant? No thanks.
Lek shook his head in disapproval and shoved the glass container back in his bag. “How often do you get to eat at a five-star restaurant?”
“He doesn’t have to go if he doesn’t want to,” Narong chimed in.
Lek smirked and slipped his arm around Karn’s waist. “Now that I think about it, it’s probably best if you didn’t come. Last time we mixed Ai’Karn with drinking and fancy food, things got messy with the waiters.”
Narong shook his head. “I think you’re not remembering it properly.”
“Okay, he slept with one waiter.” Lek let out a short laugh.
“Fake news.” Karn nudged Lek away. “I don’t even know what a waiter is.”
Fuse’s empty stomach was now stirring with mixed feelings of anger and dissatisfaction. He wanted to rip Lek’s arm off Karn and dislocate it from his body, so he could never touch the other male again. This asshole clearly got off on the idea of Karn toying with waiters, and although Fuse couldn’t explain why, he was not going to let Karn’s friends endorse it.
“I guess a couple of hours wouldn’t hurt.” Fuse managed a grim smile.
“That’s the spirit!” Lek reached out and patted Fuse’s shoulder. “Ai’Karn can give you the details.”
“Sure.”
“I’d love to stay and chat, but Ai’Narong and I have some shopping to do.” Lek adjusted his bag strap and glanced over at Narong, who was too busy staring at his nail beds to notice. “We’ll see you tonight.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
* * *
Fuse really didn’t want to be wearing anything of Karn’s. It was intimate and unnerving. But he wasn’t sure that anything in his closet would satisfy the restaurant’s dress code. So he accepted Karn’s spare outfit, albeit reluctantly. His shoulders tensed as soon as he slipped on the blazer, which still faintly held Karn’s fragrance. It was dark red and had a very bold floral print that would make him stick out like a sore thumb. Fuse almost threw the clothes back at Karn but withheld when he caught a glimpse of what Karn had planned for himself.
Last time Fuse had worn anything this fancy, he was acting as a bodyguard to one of his father’s older clients. The man was having a large birthday event, and he required every bodyguard the agency offered.
Standing in the mirror, he nervously fumbled with his buttons. This was the first time he’d ever worn Louis Vuitton before, and he couldn’t afford to soil the expensive, Italian wool. He debated not eating anything just to avoid any damage.
As he tucked in the golden handkerchief in the breast pocket, Karn stepped into view. He wore a matching tuxedo print in emerald green, the jacket extenuating his broad chest and cutting into his slim waist, as though the clothes were sewn onto his body. Fuse resisted the desire to reach out and play with his slicked-back, velvety locks of hair.
“What a knockout…” Karn muttered.
Fuse’s cheeks burned. “I’m just wearing a suit.”
“I’m not talking about you,” Karn said, checking his hair. “I mean, look at me. I probably look tastier than the main course!”
Scoffing, Fuse ruffled his bangs, now self-conscious that his hair didn’t look ‘maintained’ enough. “You’d be lucky to compete with the appetizer.”
Karn chuckled and snuck an arm around Fuse’s waist. “And you, my sassy bodyguard, are clearly dessert.”
“Clearly,” Fuse said sarcastically, avoiding Karn’s lips and the tingles that ran down his back. Karn tugged him closer and stole a quick cheek kiss.
“Don’t let Ai’Lek intimidate you. He may be smart, but he’s the dumbest genius I know.”
Fuse nodded. When he thought about it, he realized his dad would want him to go—else he'd be punished if he missed the opportunity to eat with a mafia son and his friends. It could be a good business opportunity, and his father always said to seize opportunities, not waste them.
At least, he’d convinced himself that this was the real reason. Because preventing Karn from fooling around with a waiter was ridiculous. He didn’t care what Karn did in his free time.
It didn’t take long for them to finish up and head out the door. Karn’s driver navigated them through the busy streets of Bangkok and to the restaurant.
When he stepped out of the car, he started to feel his legs shake. Despite the fact he'd been to five star restaurants before, it had been for work, not as a guest. This time he felt incredibly uncomfortable. All of his experiences mingling with the upper-class were unpleasant memories of pampered, rich sons scrutinizing his dark skin and relaying the awful things his father had said about him.
Karn smiled kindly and reached for Fuse’s hand. Fuse dodged his attempt—not in public.
“Sir, you need to get in line like everybody else,” the bouncer said, not bothering to look up from their digital pad.
“Karn Tamisonan and my date, Fuse Kanakasiri.” Karn’s voice and name carried power.
The bouncer looked up, faint shock in his face, and stepped away from the door. “My apologies, sir. Your table is right this way.”
A young man in a tux escorted them through the luxuriously-carpeted hall and to the main dining area. Lek and Narong were already seated in golden chairs at a round table with appetizers laid out and glasses of wine. Tasteful, classical music played over the speakers, setting a posh tone.
“There he is,” Lek said, with a seductive grin as he stared at Karn.
Karn chuckled and leaned down to kiss him on both cheeks. He gave Narong the same gesture of affection before taking his place at the table.
Fuse clenched his jaw and yanked out his chair, the heels of the seat squeaking as he pulled.
“La biseFrench greeting of kissing on both cheeks., someone’s being very continental,” Narong said, sitting up as though his back was nailed to a board.
“Some customs are worth keeping.” Karn winked.
Fuse couldn’t believe the amount of utensils in front of him. Four forks, four knives, and two spoons. Why all the silverware? How much were they going to eat?
“So you mentioned a lot of turbulence on your flight. You know you’re always welcome to borrow the private jet.” Karn neatly placed the napkin on his lap. Fuse copied his actions, making sure to smooth the cloth over his thighs. He raised his brow as soon as Karn’s hand snuck into view, gently brushing his thumb across Fuse’s thigh. Cheeks growing hot, Fuse swatted him away and looked up at the table.
“I appreciate the gesture, but I’ll pass. They treat me just fine in first class.” Lek picked up his white wine and swirled the glass under his nose.
A waiter appeared with a rolling table. He removed the appetizers and poured wine—a bottle of Chateau MargauxExtremely expensive wine..
“Wine?” He asked Fuse.
“Uh, please.” He might’ve been to five-star restaurants, but that didn’t mean he was suddenly unfazed by the luxuries.
Once he’d finished pouring the drinks, the waiter handed everyone their menus and explained what the restaurant had to offer that night.
Fuse stared at the list of foreign words, his brain failing to translate. Bulot de Normandie, Homard de Bretagne, Canard Challandais. All he pictured were baguettes with different assortments of cheese.
“I’ll have the canard à l’orange,” Karn ordered and handed the menu back.
“An excellent choice.” The waiter took the menu and looked at Fuse expectantly.
“I’ll have what he’s having,” Fuse muttered, returning the menu.
Karn smiled gently and gave Fuse’s leg a light squeeze. “You like duck?”
Fuse shuddered as excitement rushed along his thighs and stimulated a certain area a little too much. He popped his knee up in a failed attempt to remove Karn’s grabbiness.
“Of course.” He had never eaten duck before, but he was open to trying new things.
After the waiter had taken everyone’s order, Karn shifted the light atmosphere with a look of concern towards Narong. “By the way, how’s your mother doing? Is she getting my flowers?”
“Every week. She’s doing fine. She’ll be out of physical rehabilitation soon.” Narong held off on matching Karn’s seriousness, offering him a mild grin instead.
Karn removed his palm from Fuse and rested his other hand on top of Narong’s. “Is there anything I can do for her?”
“The therapist and hospital visits are more than enough.” Narong jerked his hand away and pulled out a tiny bottle of sanitizer.
“Ai’Narong’s mom broke her back a couple months ago. She fell off a ladder,” Lek explained to Fuse. “Ai’Karn has been taking care of her while we've been away.”
Wow, Fuse wished Karn could’ve been around when his mother was sick. Maybe she would’ve actually been taken care of. Not that it was entirely his father’s fault. He had so much on his plate between taking care of Fuse and handling the business. But he should’ve prioritized his mom more.
Making sure his friends had a comfortable flight, taking care of their mothers. Karn was…a really good guy. He was starting to understand why everyone liked him.
In the conversational lull that followed, Lek nudged Karn and said, “There’s a waiter over there that’s just your type.”
Fuse’s patience snapped. Jealousy made him want to stab someone with a fork. And he had more than enough of them. To distract himself, Fuse picked up the glass of wine and took an experimental sniff, letting the rich notes of candied violets and dark berries fill his nose and brush along his taste buds.
“So the program has been keeping you busy, huh?” Lek mentioned.
“The program itself only eats away a piece of my time. I have other, more important commitments.” Karn cast a pointed look at Fuse and then smirked at him.
Fuse gulped under the friends’ curious stares and cut Karn a sharp look. He’d kill him later.
Karn shrugged and drank the rest of his wine. The waiter was quick to return and pour him another glass. As he waited for his refill, he danced his fingers along Fuse’s lap, caressing the quickly forming goosebumps Fuse had tried to ignore. Fuse clutched the tablecloth, accepting that he wasn’t going to let up.
“Is it as intense as Ai’Karn claims it is?” Narong asked, doubt in his tone.
Fuse’s brain halted for a moment, as he thought that Karn had told his friends about their fuck buddy deal. He placed his hands on his lap to hide his sweaty palms and protect his semi-arousal from Karn’s wandering fingers…and prepared to bluff his way through, when he realized they were still talking about the program.
“The program itself is quite formidable. They have many seasoned trainers. Instructor Sapol is more intense than the program is. He keeps a tight leash on everyone.” His fingers scratched against the cotton napkin as he spoke. It wasn’t like him to be this nervous, but for some reason, he was worried Karn’s friends would dismiss him as unimportant.
“That doesn’t seem to really phase you, though. You always kick everyone’s ass.” Karn chuckled smoothly as he quaffed another glass of wine. “You should see Ai’Fuse fight. He makes kung fu masters look like they just earned their white belts.”
“You don’t earn a white belt,” Fuse murmured, ears stinging at the compliment.
“One time at training, he took down ten people at once. They all kept coming at him, and he just knocked them out like a ping-pong master.”
“Damn, that sounds pretty impressive.” Narong blinked owlishly through his glasses.
“I’ve always been drawn to prodigies.” Karn grinned. His hand had returned to Fuse’s leg.
“We should stop by one of these days. I’d love to see some of your moves,” Lek said, seemingly not noticing Karn’s under-the-table flirtations.
“I need to use the bathroom.” Karn brushed his fingers along Fuse’s inner thigh, teasingly close to his groin and gazed at him with sultry eyes. “Does anyone else?”
Breath caught in his throat, Fuse took the hint. “Me too.”
They got up and wound through the restaurant until they stumbled upon a private bathroom. Before Fuse could say a word, Karn dragged him in and shut the door behind them. Breath cut short, Fuse sank under Karn as he started attacking his neck with a pair of soft lips.
“Isn’t it going to look suspicious that we’re both in here?” Fuse managed to squeeze out through his dry throat.
“Who cares?” Karn hungrily latched his lips to his cheek and gripped his waist. “I want you, now.”
Fuse’s heart beat rapidly at their closeness, mind processing the delicate touch of Karn’s flesh to his face. No one had ever wanted him before. Yet Karn sounded as serious as a heart attack. Fuse was something he desired.
Fuse slid his fingers through Karn’s silky hair, desire rolling through him as Karn pressed them closer together, only clothes separating them. “How do you want me?” He stuttered.
Karn’s breath drew ragged. Grip tightening, he leaned forward and licked the shell of Fuse’s ear, a place that was super responsive. A rush of tingles ran down his back at the sensation. Fuse swallowed a lump of pent-up lust in his throat and looked away before Karn could catch his reaction.
“Messy and beautiful,” Karn murmured against his wet skin, teeth lightly sinking into the soft part of his ear.
Fuse’s sensitivity heightened as he succumbed to the overwhelming feeling of Karn’s mouth on such tender flesh. One wrong move, and he could easily tear off his earlobe. This close to danger, Fuse was tipping over the edge of rollercoaster-level adrenaline.
Fuse cupped Karn’s cheek and combed his fingers through his satiny hair, brushing his thumb against the silver stud in his ear. He’d always wanted an earring, but his father would’ve flipped his shit.
Fuse gasped at the sharp pain in his ear, a warm liquid quickly streamed out. As Karn unlatched his jaw, Fuse pulled back and felt his ear. He glanced at the streak of blood on his palm. Why did it feel so erotic? This deep set of trust and pain.
Karn peppered kisses along Fuse’s face until their lips met and he gently nibbled on the swell of his lower flesh. Turned on by his confidence, Fuse clung onto the small of Karn’s waist, gasping as his mouth was overtaken by masculine lust. Staggering against the door, Fuse balled fists of Karn’s hair as he tried to catch his faltering balance, the other male’s tongue sliding inside as he slipped.
Under Karn’s control, Fuse’s legs gave out. The rush of blood and excitement made it impossible to feel anything below his hard cock. His magic touch had placed Fuse under an alluring spell that could only be broken by fulfillment.
Lust spiking, Fuse created more friction between their abdomens. He gave Karn all of his warmth, and in exchange, Karn heated his desire.
Running his tongue along the roof of Fuse’s mouth, Karn propped his arms under his thighs and hoisted him from the ground. Fuse choked on his surprise, amazed that Karn was able to pick him up so swiftly, and hooked his arms around his neck for support.
Never breaking their kiss, Karn carried Fuse across the bathroom and rested him against the sink. Fuse shuffled onto the porcelain, thankful that he’d no longer have to worry about how he’d remain standing. He instinctively wrapped his legs around the male’s waist, pressing their hardened cocks together.
Pulse throbbing in his throat, Fuse gulped as Karn unbuttoned the top of his shirt, his collar slackening to make space for the warm air of the room. He moaned as Karn lowered his hand to his aching cock, palming him through the expensive slacks. As he timidly grasped the other male’s hard-on, his fingers softly trembled. Yes, this wasn’t the first time he’d touched Karn’s cock, but his sobriety heightened his sense of awareness.
Karn planted a wet kiss on Fuse's neck and sank his teeth into the tender flesh. Toes curling in pleasure, Fuse firmly clutched his cock and matched the rhythm of the male’s kiss. Slow and passionate.
Amazing, purposeful mixes of pleasure, gratifying friction grazing his cock and sharp, moist kisses to his neck. The strokes weren’t anything special, but they were enough to take the edge off. He could hardly move his hand when Karn sucked harder on his delicate skin, the thrill immeasurable.
The taste of him was smoother than any wine, sweeter than any berry, and more addicting than any drug. Each time he breathed his scent, it felt fresher than oxygen in the cleanest forest. His touch was like a match to gasoline—instant heat. All Fuse could do was consume him.
What shocked Fuse the most was that under the guise of satisfying his desire, the greatest pleasure was his closeness with Karn. In his strong arms, Fuse felt protected and cared for. He rode waves of affection created by the intensity of their kiss.
Fuse struggled to hold back as the tight knot in his abdomen started loosening. He couldn’t climax, not in this suit. But shit, Karn was making it impossible for him to contain himself.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Is anyone in there? It’s been ‘occupied’ for ten minutes,” An annoyed man shouted, rattling the door.
“Fuck…” Karn growled and kissed Fuse’s ear.
Fuse chuckled and rested his head against Karn’s shoulder, grateful for the interruption.
“Just a minute!” Karn snarled. His attitude quickly changed as he looked at Fuse with soft eyes. “To be continued.” He kissed Fuse one last time and helped him from the sink.
Fuse turned to the sink and frowned at the bright red bruise on his neck overlapping his week-old hickey. Shooting Karn a playful glare, he buttoned his collar over the mark and adjusted his tie. Karn slicked his tousled hair back in place as best he could.
They avoided the judgmental gaze the man had as they left.
Ring! Ring!
“Hold on.” Karn pulled out his phone and grimaced. “I’ve got to take this. Just head on back.”
Fuse returned to the table, food already on his plate by the time he’d arrived. Lek and Narong didn’t say anything.
“Ai’Karn seems to like you,” Lek said, finally breaking the awkwardness.
“Hm?” Fuse had been trying to figure out which fork he was supposed to be eating with. “Oh, yeah. We’re getting along okay.”
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you. That’s not a, ‘we’re getting along okay,’ look.” Lek smirked, forking his beans. “He like likes you.”
“What? No.” Fuse shook his head, examining which fork Lek was using. “We’re just program buddies.”
“You seem like more to me.”
Him and Karn? As if. Although, the more he thought about it…it would be nice to have a relationship.
“Ai’Fuse is probably right. Ai’Karn’s never been serious about anyone before.” Narong bit into his salmon.
Lek shrugged. “It just feels like they like each other. Maybe I’m too jet-lagged.”
“That’s probably it,” Fuse said, his heart sinking.
This evening had shown Fuse what a relationship with someone could potentially look like—enjoying each other’s presence while not being able to resist them. He’d liked the closeness that he and Karn shared. And he wanted something more.
But Karn was not an option. He didn’t seem like he was looking for anything serious. Maybe he wasn’t even the relationship type.
Regardless, Fuse was at a point where he was ready for someone to give him that emotional connection.
“Hey guys.” Karn returned to the table with an apologetic expression. “I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to go.”
“What?” Narong frowned and set his knife down in defiance. “We’ve hardly touched our entrées.”
“Trust me.” Karn rested his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I don’t want to leave, but my dad’s calling for me.”
“Say no more,” Lek said.
“We can do something tomorrow,” Karn said. “And don’t worry about the bill. Everything’s on me.”
“Always so generous,” Lek teased.
“Au revoir,” Karn said, giving his friends a quick hug before he left.
“À bientôt.” Narong waved sadly.
The rest of the evening was spent with Fuse slowly figuring out which silverware to use and chatting with Karn’s friends. They told him funny stories about their time in France and how Karn was sometimes too dedicated for his own good. He quickly figured out that Lek liked to brag a lot and that Narong was a humble, piano prodigy.
As he said goodnight to the friends, he passed a pretty girl in a sweet, floral dress—she was just the type he’d looked at before Karn entered his life. And now he was ready for it. Fuse accepted that Karn likely wasn’t looking for anything serious. He had mentioned them being friends with benefits. His friends made it clear how frivolous he could be. To Karn, Fuse really was just a dessert.
And that was okay. Fuse didn’t even know if he wanted anything with Karn. But after seeing how close he was with his friends, Fuse realized he wanted that with someone too. And it was about time he did something for himself for a change.
This is a surprising beginning. As Fuse had last been dazed and resting his head on Karn’s shoulder.
This is a huge change for Fuse. It is a breakthrough. Fuse who normally condemns himself for not being perfect, actually is proud of himself.
This celebration of himself is a delight to hear.
“It couldn’t get more badass than that. He was like a superhero on a mission, except instead of saving the world, he was saving himself and a spoiled mafia son.”
Plus Fuse seems happy., something he does not always display.
And maybe Karn was right to respect Fuse and let Fuse protect him.
Again a positive breakthrough. Fuse is finally seeing past the his father’s condemning words and realizing his self worth. It is beautiful to see.
“The more he replayed the event in his head, the more he realized how skilled he truly was.”
This is a beautiful reflection. Fuse realizes he has wasted time trying to please his father.
And best of all Fuse is negating the toxic words of his father. Doubting them , instead of blindly accepting them. This is a huge emotional step.
Fuse didn’t sleep. He couldn’t. Not when Karn was still out there doing who the hell knew what. Though Karn had remained calm, Fuse sensed suppressed rage in the way he balled his fists. For all he knew, Karn was borrowing more trouble than it was worth. his father had said was wrong. He wasn’t useless, an underachiever, or a ‘waste of sperm.’ If that were true, he and Karn would’ve had bullets in their heads by now. But they
He’d wasted too many nights wondering if he’d ever uphold his father’s expectations.
I love this image as it shows how desperate Fuse became trying to please a toxic father.
“Sometimes, he was so desperate that he’d look at the wise face of the moon and ask for advice. “
And I was right. I had wondered why Fuse just let Karn take off. And I figured. Fuse would guess Karn was heading for trouble. Fuse is sensitive and noticed Karn with the clenched fists that Karn was trying to hide.
Fuse didn’t sleep. He couldn’t. Not when Karn was still out there doing who the hell knew what. Though Karn had remained calm, Fuse sensed suppressed rage in the way he balled his fists. For all he knew, Karn was borrowing more trouble than it was worth.
Beautiful image of caring and Fuse liking to be cared for.
Warmth kindled in his chest, followed by the darkness of sleep.
Karn is showing his caring side and his determination to protect Fuse.
Fuse knew that he’d secretly assigned one for him anyway.
I expect jealousy from Fuse watching the close friendship that Karn has with friends.
My prediction was right. Fuse immediately reacted upon seeing Karn being affectionate with his friends.
About to carry on his way, Fuse stopped in his tracks as soon as Karn swung his arm around one of the guy’s necks. Karn gave the male such a warm and genuine smile, one he’d never given Fuse before. Was there something going on between them? It wasn’t like Karn wasn’t the type to have fuck buddies…
Fuse even fears how close the friendship is.
Fuse finds himself uncomfortable as he is scrutinized by the two friends.
Discomfort surged in Fuse’s chest.
Again his jealousy is present as he initially turns down a dinner invitation.
n.” A night watching Karn’s obnoxious, overenthusiastic manhandling of his friends in an over-the-top restaurant? No thanks.
The jealousy becomes worse as Fuse watches friendly touching. It is even worse to hear a waiter story about Karn.
Fuse is unhappy and now decides to go to keep his eye on Karn and to keep him away from waiters.
This is kind of cute jealousy.
Poor Fuse.
Fuse’s empty stomach was now stirring with mixed feelings of anger and dissatisfaction.
This asshole clearly got off on the idea of Karn toying with waiters, and although Fuse couldn’t explain why, he was not going to let Karn’s friends endorse it.
“
The sharing of clothes is intimate and unnerving to Fuse. It is also a sensual response.
His shoulders tensed as soon as he slipped on the blazer, which still faintly held Karn’s fragrance.
It was dark red and had a very bold floral print that would make him stick out like a sore thumb.
This is a nice image.
Fuse is obviously nervous about wearing expensive clothes. He is cute
This was rather hilarious.
“What a knockout…” Karn muttered.
Fuse’s cheeks burned. “I’m just wearing a suit.”
“I’m not talking about you,” Karn said, checking his hair. “I mean, look at me. I probably look tastier than the main course!”
Karn you sarcastic arrogant playful man.
Fuse returns to his denial thoughts. He justifies going as an duty for his dad. But the reality is pure jealousy.
At least, he’d convinced himself that this was the real reason. Because preventing Karn from fooling around with a waiter was ridiculous. He didn’t care what Karn did in his free time.
Sadly Fuse is incredibly uncomfortable and flashes into humiliating encounters with rich sons.
All of his experiences mingling with the upper-class were unpleasant memories of pampered, rich sons scrutinizing his dark skin and relaying the awful things his father had said about him.
I like this image.
Tasteful, classical music played over the speakers, setting a posh tone.
Fuse is definitely having trouble watching Lek be somewhat flirty with Karn. And he totally cannot handle the French cheek kiss greetings.
“Karn chuckled and leaned down to kiss him on both cheeks. He gave Narong the same gesture of affection before taking his place at the table.”
Fuse’s jealousy continues.
Fuse clenched his jaw and yanked out his chair, the heels of the seat squeaking as he pulled..
I love Karn trying to hold his hand publicly, even if he is rebuffed.
The silverware confusion is poor Fuse is perplexed.
As Fuse tries to deal with Karn’s sensual under the table touches, Fuse learns that Karn is taking care of Narong’s mom and has also offered the use of his private jet to his friends.
Karn definitely takes care of his friends. Fuse wishes Karn could have helped his sick mom.
Fuse is definitely observing that Karn is caring. He is letting him,self appreciate Karn. Another deeper step for Fuse.
Making sure his friends had a comfortable flight, taking care of their mothers. Karn was…a really good guy. He was starting to understand why everyone liked him.
Lek is definitely taunting Fuse with Karn. He points out waiters.
This is a live rich image.
To distract himself, Fuse picked up the glass of wine and took an experimental sniff,
letting the rich notes of candied violets and dark berries fill his nose and brush along his taste buds. Beautiful. Brush along his taste buds.
Karn is definitely flirting and obvious, smirking. To Fuse’s dismay.
The program itself only eats away a piece of my time. I have other, more important commitments.” Karn cast a pointed look at Fuse and then smirked at him.
Fuse gulped under the friends’ curious stares and cut Karn a sharp look. He’d kill him later.
Nice image. And no Karn is not giving up.
As he waited for his refill, he danced his fingers along Fuse’s lap, caressing the quickly forming goosebumps Fuse had tried to ignore.
Fuse you are failing at ignoring Karn.
Karn is turning on his formidable charm. He praises Fuse. I love him for doing this.
You should see Ai’Fuse fight. He makes kung fu masters look like they just earned their white belts.”
I am just going to call Fuse. Flustered Fuse. Lol. He can’t win. Karn has magic fingers.
So Fuse by now is a caught by Karn. He responds to an invitation to go to the bathroom. Fuse knows full well why he is going with Karn. And he is aroused at the invitation.
Breath caught in his throat, Fuse took the hint. “Me too.”
The bathroom encounter is sensual and erotic.
It is lovely and erotic that Fuse has never felt someone wanting him sensually.
No one had ever wanted him before. Yet Karn
Mess sounded as serious as a heart attack. Fuse was something he desired.
Fuse needs to feel that he is desired.
Fuse is now putting himself in the hands of Karn. Symbolically and literally.
This is submission and beautiful
“How do you want me?” He stuttered.
Messy and Beautiful from Karn is sensual.
licked the shell of Fuse’s ear, a place that was super responsive.
Very sensual.
A rush of tingles ran down his back at the sensation.
Like this image.
Fuse swallowed a lump of pent-up lust in his throat
I like this .
Why did it feel so erotic? This deep set of trust and pain.
Sensuality can push into dangerous but erotic at the same time.
This is very beautiful erotic writing. It is sensual but caring.
His magic touch had placed Fuse under an alluring spell that could only be broken by fulfillment.
This is sexy.
The taste of him was smoother than any wine, sweeter than any berry, and more addicting than any drug.
So beautiful.
Each time he breathed his scent, it felt fresher than oxygen in the cleanest forest
This is beautiful.
. His touch was like a match to gasoline—instant heat. All Fuse could do was consume him.
Again strong heat.
However In the midst of this erotic encounter, there is such love.
This whole passage actually makes me teary at the beauty of love.
This is love creating the love making.
In his strong arms, Fuse felt protected and cared for. He rode waves of affection created by the intensity of their kiss.
Honestly it makes me want to cry with this closeness.
. This is also sweet and telling.
At being interrupted Karn snarls.
But Fuse just chuckles.
Fuck…” Karn growled and kissed Fuse’s ear.
Fuse chuckled and rested his head against Karn’s shoulder, grateful for the interruption.
But he does not just chuckle, he rested his head against Karn’s shoulder.
This is intimacy and affection. What shocked Fuse the most was that under the guise of satisfying his desire, the greatest pleasure was his closeness with Karn.
Unfortunately Karn is called away. Fuse has to listen to the stories of Karn from his friends.
Another emotional breakthrough.
Fuse is finally starting to admit to himself that he wants an emotional relationship with Karn.
Him and Karn? As if. Although, the more he thought about it…it would be nice to have a relationship.
Finally Fuseylu admit this.
But the two friends set off his doubts about Karn.
“Ai’Fuse is probably right. Ai’Karn’s never been serious about anyone before.”
Lek shrugged. “It just feels like they like each other. Maybe I’m too jet-lagged.”
“That’s probably it,” Fuse said, his heart sinking.
Fuse is afraid.
This evening had shown Fuse what a relationship with someone could potentially look like—enjoying each other’s presence while not being able to resist them. He’d liked the closeness that he and Karn shared. And he wanted something more.
At least Fuse now knows that he wants something more.
But he talks himself out of these thoughts. Saying Karn does not.
But Karn was not an option. He didn’t seem like he was looking for anything serious. Maybe he wasn’t even the relationship type.
But hope lingers. Fuse knows what he wants.
Regardless, Fuse was at a point where he was ready for someone to give him that emotional connection.
This is still a big step in the relationship.
The ending is filled with doubts. Fuse is talking himself out of trusting that Karn wants to be with him.
And now he was ready for it. Fuse accepted that Karn likely wasn’t looking for anything
serious.
Fuse is giving in to doubts.
He had mentioned them being friends with benefits. His friends made it clear how frivolous he could be. To Karn, Fuse really was just a dessert.
Fuse is listening to frivolous Karn stories.
And that was okay. Fuse didn’t even know if he wanted anything with Karn.
But after seeing how close he was with his friends,
Fuse realized he wanted that with someone too. And it was about time he did something for himself for a change.
This is Fuse realizing that he now wants someone in his life
He has tasted the sweetness of intimacy and love.
He wants it for himself.
Again this is emotional development.for Fuse.
And he is not going after a girl. I won’t let him.
I loved the character development in this chapter. It was beautiful.
I want to hear Karn’s thoughts on Fuse.
I am hoping Fuse will not run away. But I do not think he can. He cares deeply.