“Are you gay?” Hans asked bluntly, curious.
“I’m bi,” Adrik muttered, digging into the jar. He pulled out a gold band and slipped it on.
Hans raised his eyebrows. “Really? I pegged you as a top.”
The bartender chimed in, “I did too.”
Adrik’s face went crimson this time. “Okay, I’ve never bottomed. But I’m willing to flip around and fight for position now and then.”
Hans laughed under his breath, heat curling low in his chest. Yeah, this guy was trouble. The kind he knew he shouldn’t want—but damn if he didn’t already. He’d chase him to the ends of the earth. Why was he overwhelmed with these feelings for a total stranger? Adrik woke up something inside him, a sensation that had been buried deep for what felt like an eternity.
“So,” Hans said, voice dropping a little, “why haven’t you ever bottomed?”
Adrik’s smile was slow, deliberate. “I saw your black wristband.”
Hans leaned in, his grin widening. “And so you just decided you wanted to bottom for me? Tonight?”
Adrik’s eyes locked on his, unwavering, and Hans felt the weight of his gaze—like the air between them had thickened. This wasn’t just casual banter anymore. A line was being drawn, an invitation into something magnetic, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
Hans’ thoughts tangled. He should walk away, keep his distance, avoid this man who looked like he belonged in a crimedrama. But damn, the thrill of it—the risk, the heat—pulled at him harder than caution ever could.
Adrik’s lips curved, faint but certain. “Maybe.”
Hans exhaled, half laugh, half surrender. “Maybe, huh? That’s not exactly a promise.” He tilted his glass, letting the ice clink, pretending he was more relaxed than he felt. “You sound like a guy who likes to keep his options open.”
Adrik shrugged, but his gaze stayed locked on Hans. “Options make life interesting.”
Hans smirked, though inside he was a mess of nerves and desire. He wanted to lean in, close the distance, test just how much danger Adrik really was for him. But he also wanted to keep it light, keep it playful, keep himself from diving headfirst into something he couldn’t control. He’d sworn off ever getting involved after his bout of depression over a broken heart.
“Well,” Hans said, his tone teasing, “I guess I’ll just have to see if you’re as flexible as that wristband says.”
Adrik’s grin widened, slow and knowing. “Guess you will.”
Hans chuckled, shaking his head.Definitely trouble. Big trouble. And he wasn’t committing—not yet. But he wasn’t walking away either.
Hans’ phone rang, so he quickly picked it up. It was his father, so he had to answer it.
“Got to get this.” Hans turned to Adrik, then stood and moved away from the bar area.Of all the times for him to call.“Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back; we’ll continue this conversation.”
He stepped onto the back area, where it was quieter.
“What’s up?” Hans asked.
“Just letting you know we’re on our way to Munich. Why don’t you meet us there next weekend?”
“Sounds great. Message me the info and I’ll be there.”
“Your mother will be pleased. We miss you. Love you, Hans. See you soon.”
“Love you too.” Hans ended the call, then stepped back into the bar. Adrik was gone. Hans had barely stepped away to answer his parents’ call when Adrik vanished.
Chapter Four
Hans
He returned to hisstool, the space beside him empty, the air already cooled from where Adrik had sat. Herschel stood before him, polishing a glass.
“He paid and left. Said nothing,” Herschel said.
