Sage nodded. Memphis didn’t argue. Vale’s agreement was silent but unmistakable.
Viper felt the decision settle in the room—heavy, inevitable.
Titus looked at him then, eyes meeting his. “And you’re going with me.”
Viper held the gaze.
“Damn right I am.”
They were doing this together—no matter what.
Steam still clung to the room, softening the edges of the city noise outside.
Titus dragged a towel through his hair once, twice, then gave up—let it fall damp. Viper stood in front of the mirror, shirt buttoned, tie a mess, jaw freshly shaved, and too fucking sexy for Titus to look at for long.
“Come here.” Titus stepped in and caught the end of the tie before Viper could ruin it further.
Viper didn’t argue. Just watched him.
Close.
Too close.
Not close enough. Their shower tryst still clung to his skin, heat restless under his ribs. He was getting addicted to this man, and fast.
He focused on the knot—clean lines, steady hands, simple. Or it should’ve been. Viper tipped his head a fraction, just enough that his breath ghosted over his cheek. Then Viper’s mouth skimmed the line of scruff along his jaw—barely a touch, a slow pass like he was checking the finish on something he owned.
His fingers stalled, fumbled.
“Hold still,” he muttered, willing his cock to settle the fuck down. He tightened the knot harder than necessary.
Viper made a short, choking sound, and Titus couldn’t help the low chuckle that slipped out.
“You’re trouble,” Viper growled.
Titus tightened the knot one last time, fingers brushing the warm line of Viper’s throat. “You knew that when you got in my shower.”
Viper’s jaw flexed, a muscle ticking under freshly shaved skin.
“Yeah,” the man murmured, eyes dropping to Titus’s mouth, “and I got in anyway.”
Heat crawled up his spine. Viper’s hand came to his hip—light, grounding, infuriatingly steady. Titus felt the warmth of it straight through the fabric, a slow brand that made his pulse kick.
“Mistake?” Titus asked, searching the man’s storm-colored eyes.
“Nope.” Viper’s hand dragged once along his waist, barely there and way too much.
Titus swallowed hard, breath catching before he masked it with a smirk. “We should go before you make us late.”
Viper didn’t move. “Me make us late?”
Strong arms pulled him flush. He could’ve gotten away—easily—but hurting Viper wasn’t in the cards.
“Okay… this…” Titus waved his arms as much as he could, gesturing to their locked bodies. “Makes us late.”
Viper’s smile was slow and pure sin. “I’m ready when you are.”
And then, calm as you please, Viper stepped back as if that charged bolt of electricity hadn’t just weakened him at the knees.
