Riley had another dream in which he wanted so much, but he couldn’t reach fulfillment. He even felt strange happiness because, despite being rejected, he got a taste. The dream ended badly, though. 

He sat in his bed. It was quite late. 

“What to do? It is so long already. How long?” He had to think. 

Only yesterday, Rowan said that Taj was attending the arenas. Why did Riley think that Taj went there to watch?

 
Fuck, no. Taj was a fighter. 

That explained these lessons and why Taj was built like that. His shoulders were beautifully rounded with trained muscles. His lean, tough body gave Riley shivers thinking about how strong Taj had to be. 

But then, his long black hair that was tied back in a ponytail was so beautiful. Riley could imagine how Taj would look if he ordered someone to cut it according to the current fashion. Taj would be even more beautiful.

… In this dream, Riley touched Taj everywhere. 

Taj had his eyes closed and was letting Riley touch him. Riley pulled up Taj’s shirt, traced his muscles, and reached lower—untied his pants. Taj let him; he really did. Until he didn’t. 

The dream ended badly when Taj opened his eyes, and what? He suddenly broke both of Riley’s hands. How it hurt in this dream.

… More than three months; Riley managed to count it. 

Three months. That was too long. 

He had a sudden thought. What if being incognito at the University meant he wasn’t attractive enough? Could it be? Fuck, maybe? But yesterday, his idea seemed brilliant. To mention, to slightly suggest that he had money. 

Money always solved it. 

Riley had another thought. What if, before, all these people who liked him were only after his money? Fucking funny. It could even be. Did he care? No. He got what he wanted. Who cared if they meant it?

Yesterday he mentioned the money. The reaction he received was contrary to his expectations. Taj was angry. No one before was that angry. 

Riley tried to approach him for months. 

He knew he was perceived as a nice person. All said that… fuck, was it because they knew about his money? But even if… no. Here at the University they didn’t know he had money, and still, these girls liked him. Riley was not rejected, or rarely. 

Very rarely. He was not used to it.

How long had Taj wanted to do it like this? Ignoring… why had Taj played it like that? Three months. Was Taj fucking immortal?

Yesterday, Riley saw Taj talking to a girl who was observing him. He noticed because he himself was observing Taj too. 

She touched Taj’s hand and said something. 

This girl, Taj wouldn’t see her again. Riley had already ordered her to be transferred somewhere—to another school, or whatever. 

It was the first time Riley used his power in that way. 

He felt something growing in him after what Taj had told him yesterday: “Kid, I am not for sale.”

Riley felt miserable. He didn’t know what to do. Usually, it was easier. And fuck! If Taj didn’t want him, why did he suggest what he suggested?

No. No, no, no. Riley saw Taj’s small glances.

… Was it stupid what he said yesterday? Did he offend Taj? 

Fuck, yes, he did offend Taj. But why? Others were never offended… 

Riley knew his thoughts were random, jumping without order or logic. He couldn’t organize himself for the last few weeks. 

It felt like he was burning inside. These months were like torture. Riley would never have thought a man could do this to him. He hadn’t even thought about men before… before Taj touched him. Taj touched him, provoked him, and made him think. 

It was Taj’s fault. 

All the emotions, all these feelings that Riley felt. Taj had to fix it. For money or for free. It had to be like that, always was.

Riley couldn’t imagine more months like this. He would go on his knees, crawl, beg, and do whatever Taj would say. After all these nights filled with visions… and he needed to do something about it fast, as his mother had already asked if there was someone that he liked at the University. 

For sure there was, but Riley didn’t want his mother to know that her only son had changed his tastes. He had to be certain. Try it with Taj. Then he would tell his family. Because, grandfather, to tell him was fucking terrifying. Riley had to be sure before saying anything.

There was no time to waste; his family could find out. Would they bribe Taj? If his family intervened, it would be a disaster…

Riley decided. He would need to speak with Rowan. It shouldn’t be a problem to talk and laugh with her. Winning her attention should positively affect Taj.

Starting tomorrow. If it didn’t work, then Riley would have to figure out something different. He was not sure what. 

These dreams that Riley had were all so good. Too good. And the better they got, the worse he felt. All these visions that couldn’t be fulfilled… Taj. Riley needed to win him.