Chapter Twelve

Kyle

The pulsing beat of the music reverberates through my body as I stand on the crowded pool deck, a drink in my hand. Beside me, Kate and Lindy are swaying to the rhythm, large grins on their faces. The whole area is alive with energy—rainbow lights flashing, and bodies moving as one, including people dancing in the pool itself. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced back home on the farm, not even at the couple of paddock parties I've attended.

My eyes are drawn to the stage where Axel is performing. He's a force of nature up there, stalking the platform like he owns it, dark hair flying as he pours his heart into the song. His deep voice rises above the music and I'm transfixed, hanging on his every word. There's something so raw and powerful about the way he performs, channelling all the emotion and passion inside him into music.

"Isn't he incredible?" Kate leans in and shouts over the noise. All I can do is nod, unable to tear my gaze away.

Axel hits a big note, face tipped back and arms outstretched, and the crowd goes wild. His stage presence is mesmerising. With every lyric, he has the audience under his spell. He's a born rock star. As I watch him, I'm in awe of his sheer talent, the way he gives the performance his all. His passion for the music shines through and it's impossible not to get swept up in it. I'm seeing a whole different side of Axel, doing what he was born to do.

My heart races as his eyes seem to find mine through the crowd, just for a second. It could be a trick of the light, but a thrill runs through me and I breathe in sharply. The magnetic pull between us, it's undeniable. Last night's kiss plays on a loop in my mind, the way his lips felt against mine, the warmth of his touch. It's awakened something and I can't wait to be alone with him again, to see where this goes. As his set comes to an explosive finish, I'm still reeling from the energy of his performance. My heart hammers in my chest, both from the exhilaration of the show and the anticipation of what the night ahead holds for us.

But beneath the excitement, nervousness flutters in my stomach. I've never been with someone who makes me feel this way. My experience is limited to fumbling encounters that left me feeling more disappointed than satisfied. I know it's because I need that emotional connection, that sense of trust and affection. With Axel, I have no doubt those things are there, but I worry my inexperience will be a letdown for him.

Kate leans in close, her voice barely audible over the cheering crowd. "Earth to Kyle! Where'd you go just now?"

I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts, aware I'm standing still as a statue. "Sorry, I was just… thinking."

She smirks. "Uh-huh, given where your eyes were focused, I bet you were ‘thinking' about a certain rock star. God, he's gorgeous, so I don't blame you. C'mon, let's dance! The night is young!"

I hesitate, glancing at the stage where Axel is taking his final bow. "Actually, I think I'm going to…"

"Going to what? Oh no you don't!" Kate grabs my arm, trying to keep me there.

I gently extract myself from her grip, and shrug my apology. "I'm sorry, I just need to…" I trail off, already backing away.

Kate and Lindy exchange a look before Lindy waves me off. "Don't think we're going to let you spend too much time alone in your cabin, but you can have a leave pass for now."

I feel guilty that they think I'm going back to my cabin, but I don't give them much more thought. Nerves and anticipation intertwine as I slip through the crowd and make my way to the edge of the performance area, but when my gaze lands on Axel everything else fades away. He's glistening with a sheen of sweat, his hair a wild mane that's so sexy. Our eyes meet and all the air leaves my lungs when he smiles. He gives someone a nod and I'm let through. My feet carry me forward, and he meets me halfway, the smile spreading across his face.

Before I can say anything, a man in a dark suit approaches. I notice it's Brian, the same guy I saw with Axel on the first day of the cruise and who trailed us around yesterday. Axel introduced us, but we've hardly exchanged a word. He's frowning as he looks around, then addresses Axel in a deep voice. "We should head back to the suite now. The next act isn't on stage for a few minutes, and we don't want the crowd to get restless."

The bodyguard's presence is a stark reminder of Axel's fame and the need for security. It's a world I'm not used to, but I'm beginning to understand the challenges that come with being in the public eye.

Axel nods. "Thanks, Brian."

He turns to me and takes my hand. "You okay?"

"Yeah, let's go." It's weird knowing there's attention on Axel, but it's worth it to be with him.

We follow Brian through the roped off area behind the makeshift stage until eventually we reach the elevator, with Brian stepping behind us to prevent anyone else from entering. The doors slide shut, the pulsating beat of the music fading into the background as Axel's fingers intertwine with mine, his thumb gently caressing my skin. "I've been looking forward to this all night," he murmurs, his voice low.

"Me too." God, if only he knew how much.

The elevator dings, signaling our arrival at Axel's floor. Brian steps out first and looks around ensuring the coast is clear before nodding for us to follow. We walk down the hallway, my heart racing with each step. I'm nervous as all fuck, wondering what's going to happen next, wondering if Axel wants the same things I do. But given the way he is almost dragging me along the corridor, I'd say he's as eager as I am to get into his suite.

As soon as we're inside, leaving Brian outside, all bets are off. Axel pulls me into his arms, his lips claiming mine in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless.

"Kyle," he whispers against my mouth, "I want you so badly."

I guess that answers my question.

I groan and kiss him again. His hands roam my body, stoking the fire within me—I'm wound up so tightly I think I'm going to explode. Suddenly he steps back. My heart drops, but then he grabs my hands and pulls me further into the suite. We head to the staircase where he abruptly stops on the first step and turns to look down and meet my gaze.

"I need to take a shower, but I want to be clear, I'm hoping you'll come with me." His hand lifts to my jaw in a light caress. "You mightn't want the same things I do or you mightn't be ready. And that's okay. Just say the word and you can wait for me down here. But if you come up these stairs, I plan on showing you just how much I want you."

My knees go weak as desire pools in my groin. I'm hard as nails. I'm tongue-tied. "I…"

His gaze softens. "I mean it. I won't rush you. You can—"

"Yes!" I join him on the first step, then take the next one before turning to look back at him. "Are you coming or what?"

He laughs, the sound loud and joyful, and chases me up the stairs.

The shower in the elegant bathroom is huge. "Wow! You could host a party in here."

"All I want is a private party for two," Axel says.

He's already taking off his boots, then tackles his shirt, peeling back the dark silk to reveal strong shoulders and acres of smooth skin. My mouth goes dry at the sight of the tattoos at his collarbones—feathers of some sort. He looks up, hands paused at his waistband, then straightens. Something flickers across his face and the corner of his mouth lifts. He steps towards me. His movement triggers me to lift my hands to my shirt.

"Don't," he says.

I freeze. "Wh—"

"Let me."

I drop my arms to my sides as Axel slowly undoes my buttons one by one, then pushes the fabric over my shoulders, exposing my chest. I'm conscious of how different we are. I'm broad and muscled from physical labour. My chest has a generous smattering of hair. I'm pale on my torso and shoulders, tanned on my lower arms—a farmer's tan. I'm nothing like his physical perfection. However, as his fingers rake over my pec and he leans in to kiss me, I have no doubt he likes what he sees.

We continue to kiss as we fumble with belts and buttons. My jeans catch around my ankles because I'm still wearing my boots. It should be awkward, but it's not. Axel chuckles and drops to his haunches to tug off my RMs.

Finally we're naked and Axel turns on the shower. He steps under the spray, water cascading down his body. The sight causes my cock to throb. He doesn't waste time, pulling me close, wrapping his arms around me, and pressing his wet body against mine. The warmth of his skin and his kisses have my heart pounding in my ears. His hands wander lower, tracing slow circles on my back as I melt into him. His cock is hard against me. I gasp and drop my forehead to his shoulder. Fucking hell!

He pulls away just enough to meet my eyes. "Tell me if I'm going too fast."

I shake my head, unable to find my voice, so bring my mouth to his instead. Desire like I've never felt before takes over and a groan escapes from deep in my chest. I explore his shoulders and move down to his sculpted back before tracing the contours of his arse. He growls against my mouth and grinds himself against me, intensifying the pleasure pooling in my belly.

Axel suddenly breaks the kiss and begins to trail soft kisses along my jawline. His teeth tug at my earlobe, and a shiver runs through me. "So fucking sexy," he whispers, his breath hot against my neck. "You're so fucking sexy."

I let out a moan as my body tingles under his touch. He kisses down my neck and collarbone, then trails kisses over my chest and torso, nipping and licking everywhere he goes. He traces patterns on my skin with his tongue, then sucks my nipple—it lights a trail of fire to my dick. His hands glide down to cup my arse and pull me closer to him, and we slide together as water cascades over us. I feel every inch of our bodies pressed together, the electricity surging through me with every touch.

His tongue goes back to my nipple, teasing it gently before sucking hard. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" I chant as he alternates between teasing and biting down on the sensitive bud, my cock throbbing in time with each pull. I want him to feel as good as I do, so shove my hand between us and reach for his cock, but before I can get hold, he steps back.

Without warning, he pushes me against the tiles and slips down to his knees. I gasp as his lips circle my cock and he takes me deep into his mouth. His groan vibrates against my shaft, and I slam my palms against the wall to stop myself from grasping his head. His touch is like a drug, making my mind foggy and my senses tingle. His tongue swirls around the head, and he teases, tracing over my slit. My grip tightens on the marble wall as he takes me deeper into his mouth, sucking hard, while his fingers explore the soft skin beneath my balls, massaging gently before moving up to stroke my length while he continues to suck.

Fuck, he knows what he's doing.

I force my head from the wall and look down at him in awe. He looks up through the steam, his eyes filled with desire. I cup his cheek, stroking it gently as he bobs his head up and down slowly, taking more of my length each time. My hips move in sync with his rhythm, desperate for release but savouring every moment. He's holding me at the base, his lips and tongue relentless, as he drives me closer and closer to the edge. I can see his other hand is moving rapidly as he jacks himself. So hot!

"I'm going to come." My words are breathy and my hips stutter.

Axel pulls off, looking up at me as he continues to stroke both of us at the same time. The look of pure pleasure on his face is the final shove I need and I'm coming, pulse after exquisite pulse. Steaks of white land on his chest, one right over the tattoo at his collarbone. One lands on his chin. His tongue darts out and tastes. He groans. Then he throws his head back, eyes squeezed shut, exploding at my feet.

My legs are weak as fuck, and I let myself slide down the wall until I'm sitting on my arse with Axel kneeling between my legs. I huff a laugh, in shock at the force of my orgasm.

So this is what sex is meant to be about.

"I think you broke me," I manage to say.

"Oh, baby. This is only the beginning," he replies, and all I can do is nod in response.