Kirian couldn’t deny that his head was starting to swim. Between the shuddering bass, the drinks, and some… confusing thoughts, he had almost forgotten what he was here to do.

Kirian had spotted Sebastian’s imposing figure skulking back to the wall, and had moved on to securing the target’s attention.

He still didn’t know much about the target, not even a name. But he had been provided a photo and some information about his preferences.

Honestly, Kirian was getting tired of all the seduction he had been doing so far. The target was far from his type. A grating, overgrown frat boy did nothing for him. And he preferred being feared over desired anyway.

Still, his body was warm and buzzed, and it wasn’t too hard to throw a few charged glances the target’s way.

The target had clearly noticed and was making his way over. He had a girl with him and they started dancing next to Kirian.

“Hey bro!” said the target, somehow much louder than the music.

Kirian nodded once in his direction and smiled, still dancing.

“I’ve never seen you ‘round before,” said the target

Kirian leaned closer and shouted, “I’m new!”

The girl with the target said, “Welcome!”

Kirian felt a little bad for her, as the target had obviously lost interest in her.

It wasn’t her fault, she was a pretty girl. But if the intel was true, the target was more into pretty guys.

Kirian waved at her, but held eye contact with the target. Target was already stepping closer.

“You need a proper welcome dude! Let’s go get some shots!” shouted Target.

The trio made their way to a cordoned off couch that hadn’t been there before. Kirian rolled his eyes internally. This guy was a real piece of work.

Target had flopped down on the couch, and the girl sat with him giggling. He leaned and whispered something in her ear which had her biting her lip and nodding.

She didn’t even glance at Kirian as she kissed Target’s cheek and shuffled across the room and up the stairs.

Kirian sat a seat away from Target, watching her go.

Target scooted closed and talk-shouted at him, “She hot, right?”

Kirian nodded but leaned even closer to say in his ear, “Not my type.”

Target’s smile widened but he made no further move. They sat there, having drinks brought to them and talking. Well, Target talked while Kirian tried to get a few words in.

Kirian was starting to feel impatient. The party was nowhere near slowing down on its own and for Sebastian to clear it, Target had to make a move.

Target was making no moves. His eyes flitted around the room, surprising aware for how much he had drunk. He had slung an arm around Kirian’s shoulders at one point but had slipped it off as the next round was being brought.

Kirian hadn’t been drinking much. Spilling as much as he could when Target wasn’t looking but ultimately he couldn’t look too suspicious and had taken at least three shots with Target.

Finally, Target gave him a long once over before saying just loud enough, “Bro you should check out the hot tub, it’s sick!”

Kirian turned to him and laughed, “I didn’t bring a swimsuit.”

“What are you, a pussy? Just wear your boxers,” replied Target. Their faces were just a little too close, but Target’s tone was surprisingly casual.

Kirian let the other man drag him across the room and up the stairs. He wondered to himself why the hot tub would be upstairs? He got his answer as they came to what looked like Target’s bedroom.

It was more like a suite. A large four poster bed, a huge flat screen tv, a large chest, a full size sofa, and French doors leading to a private bathroom. Inside the bathroom was, in fact, a large hot tub. There was a large window, but it was likely one sided.

Kirian was having no trouble keeping up the drunk and ditsy act, and he was starting to suspect that Target wanted him as drunk as possible before bringing him up here. His hairs stood on end.

In the private space, all pretense of friendship faded. Target was looking at him like he was prey. Kirian avoided eye contact, stretching the moment by looking around at the room in fake awe.

Target was leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, smirking. “Do you like what you see?” He asked.

“Yeah, this room is cool,” Kirian laughed.

Target stepped closer and said in a deeper voice, “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh, um… yeah” Kirian squeaked. He turned to the mirror and brushed his bangs off his face. Target came up behind him.

“Just yeah?” Target pushed. He was behind Kirian now, his hands rested on the counter, trapping the smaller man.

“I do, I’m just… trashed,” Kirian answered.

“You must be a lightweight. What did you say your name was again?” Target murmured in his ear.

“I didn’t,” Kirian whispered.

Muffled shouts rose from the party beneath them and the bass disappeared. In the mirror, Kirian could see Target’s brows crease.

Kirian turned around, looking up at Target directly.

“I thought we were going to try out the hot tub?” He asked. His hands resting gently on Target’s chest.

Target looked conflicted, before nodding. “We will, I just need to check something,” He responded.

Kirian twisted his mouth into a pout. “Are you scared? Or are you not into this?” He insisted in the same whisper.

Target’s expression softened. “If anyone should be scared, it’s you. I just need to make sure everything’s fine downstairs,” he replied. But he didn’t step away.

Kirian started playing with the hem of the target’s shirt. He couldn’t help thinking of how he had been touching Sebastian’s shirt earlier and it placed a strange heaviness in his chest. He ignored it and tried again, “Don’t you have people for that, I thought you were rich?”

That seemed to strike the right chord. The target pressed Kirian closer to the counter, his hands moving to Kirian’s hips. “You’re eager all of a sudden,” said the target.

Kirian ducked away playfully and ripped off his shirt. “Should I play hard to get,” he laughed.

The target lunged for him and Kirian ducked again, giggling.

His adrenaline was pumping hard now in anticipation. He had to keep this going for as long as he could.

The target looked truly frustrated now, his glassy eyes darkened.

“Get in the tub,” He demanded.

Kirian walked towards the tub, chest rising and falling.

“Are you going to get in with your jeans on?” the target asked.

Kirian froze. He had made a mistake. And a dangerous one at that.

Strapped to his legs were two knives, and if he took off his pants, his cover would be blown.

What if the target had already felt them? What if he’d seen Sebastian and recognized him somehow? What if this was a trap?

“Get in,” the target insisted.

Slowly, Kirian undid his shoes, then reached for the button on his jeans.

“Why do I have to get in first?” He tried. Laughing awkwardly.

The target stalked towards him. “Why don’t you want to?” He retorted.

Kirian couldn’t tell if it was lust or suspicion that had the other man so determined.

“I’m shy,” He said.

“The hell you are,” The target said in a commanding tone, “Off.”

Kirian gulped and moved to undo the button when the target collapsed in front of him.

Still sweaty, with the butt of his gun suspended in midair, stood Sebastian.