Chapter Fifteen

Axel

Ifollow Kyle down the narrow corridor towards his cabin. When we reach his door, Kyle swipes his card, pushes it open, and strides inside without a word. I catch the door and hold it open, waving Brian off with a promise to message him when I'm leaving. Once he's gone, I hesitate for a heartbeat before crossing the threshold into his Kyle's private space.

The cabin is small but tidy. There's a slim couch, a tiny desk, a queen-size bed, and a glass sliding door through to the balcony. Kyle stands at the door, hands clenched at his sides, shoulders tense. It's dark outside, the moon lending a faint glow to the black ocean.

"Hey," I say softly, "What's going on? Talk to me."

For a moment I think he isn't going to turn but then he faces me. There's a look on his face I can't quite decipher, but it makes my heart ache.

"Did that guy say something else to you? Were you upset about the threesome?"

"No! I'm not a prude, at least I don't think I'm a prude. Fuck! How the hell would I know? I've had more experience with my right hand than with anything else. For all I know, I might love a threesome." He begins to pace the tiny cabin. "Each to their own is my philosophy. Whatever floats your boat so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. But that's not the point. This isn't about sex."

"It isn't?"

He stops and faces me. "No!"

"Explain it to me then." My heart goes out to him. He looks so vulnerable.

"I can't do this," he says, raking a hand through his hair. "This whole cruise thing, being around all these people, trying to fit in… it's too much. I feel like a fish out of water."

"Kyle, listen to me." I keep my voice steady and reassuring. "You don't have to change who you are or pretend to be someone you're not."

He sighs and waves a dismissive hand. "They're all… they're comfortable, laughing and having fun. I overthink everything. I'm awkward and I have no idea what I'm doing and it shows."

"Hey, the people who truly matter, the ones who care about you? They'll love you for exactly who you are."

He huffs and I wonder where all the insecurities come from. Is it just shyness, or his inexperience? I take a step closer, fighting the urge to wrap him in my arms and shield him from the world. Instead, I want to understand, to help him.

"Why don't we head out to the balcony?" I suggest. "We can get some fresh air. It might help put things in perspective."

For a long moment, he doesn't respond, just searches my face as if looking for something. Then, slowly, he nods.

"I'll make us a drink, huh?"

"Okay," he mumbles, his shoulders sagging.

I hold his gaze. He's amazing, inside and out. We only met a week or so ago, but in that short time, I feel as if I've come to know him. I'm aware I've hardly touched the surface, but I know enough. He's down to earth, and genuine, and cares for other people. He's not superficial, he's real. I wish he could see himself through my eyes, see how incredible he is.

"So tea or coffee?" I ask, aiming for upbeat trying to change the mood.

"I think we're best sticking to tea," he says. "There's only instant coffee in the cabin and it's terrible."

"Sure. Tea it is."

I spot a kettle on the desk. It's empty so I take it to the tiny bathroom and, after a struggle, manage to slot it under the spout in the sink and fill it with water. In the meantime, Kyle's found two white ceramic cups and dangled a tea bag into each. I plug in the kettle and turn it on.

As we wait for the water to boil we sit on the edge of Kyle's bed, as the slim couch is piled with clothes, books, and a bag containing souvenirs Kyle bought for his family. There's the small backpack that he took on the shore excursion, a bottle of sunscreen peeking out. It's so different to my suite where most of my personal items are in the walk-in dressing room. If we want to watch TV in Kyle's cabin, we need to sit on the bed. If we want to eat, the only spot is a tiny space on the desk or I guess there's the balcony.

The kettle whistles so I pour the water, then rummage in the tiny fridge for a miniscule carton of milk. Looking around, it hits home just how different things are from my suite, that Kyle really is out of his element and I've thrust him into my world without any preparation. No wonder he panicked.

I pass him a cup of tea and extend my hand. After a moment of hesitation, he takes it with his free one, his calloused palm warm against mine, as I lead him to the doors. Unfortunately I have to let his hand go to open it. We step out onto the balcony, where a gentle sea breeze lifts my hair reminding me it's still down around my shoulders. I wish I'd tied it back after the show, and taken the time to take off the eyeliner, but too late now. I tuck my hair behind my ears as we sit in the chairs that surround a small teak table.

"Sorry for freaking out back there," Kyle says.

"Hey, I understand. Hell, I'm not exactly in my element either."

He glances at me and I can tell he's surprised. "Really? I know large crowds make you anxious, but you're used to the spotlight, much better at talking to people in general."

I huff a laugh. "You'd think so, wouldn't you? But the truth is I'm much more comfortable in the studio or on stage, where I have a purpose, a role to play. Off stage, I'm muddling my way through like everyone else."

"But you're popular—"

"Zelman is popular. I'm just riding on his coattails."

Kyle's brow furrows. "You say that like you're two separate people."

I shrug and take a sip of the hot tea. "I guess that's the way I think about it. It's the real me performing on stage, but the fans expect me to live up to the rock star persona twenty-four-seven. Deep down I'm just a boy from the 'burbs with my own hangups and insecurities."

"I had no idea," Kyle says. "I guess I just assumed…"

"That I have it all figured out?" I quirk a brow. "Far from it. But that's the beauty of life, isn't it?"

"Stumbling along, trying to find our way?"

"Exactly."

He offers me a small smile and I relax a little, raising my cup to my lips.

"It's beautiful out here," Kyle says, "but so different to home. Back home we'd be listening to a chorus of frogs and cicadas."

I chuckle. "At home, I'd be listening to a symphony of car horns." I take another sip of the English Breakfast before putting the cup down and angling my chair so I can reach him. "I don't think I fully realised just how new all this is to you, but, Kyle, you don't need to change who you are to fit in." I cup his cheek. "Your shyness, your authenticity… they're part of what makes you so special."

He meets my gaze and leans into my touch. "Even if I'm an inexperienced country boy?"

"Especially then." I lean in until our foreheads touch. "We all start somewhere, Kyle. And I'm honored you're trusting me to be part of your journey."

He tilts his chin up, closing the distance between us until our lips meet in a gentle kiss. His mouth moves against mine, soft and unhurried, and I melt into him, my free hand coming up to tangle in his hair. He tastes faintly of tea. A small moan escapes as my tongue teases the seam of his lips. He grants me access and shivers as I lick into his mouth. The kiss turns heated, desire simmering low in my belly.

"Kyle." I groan, breaking the kiss to trail my lips along his jaw. "God, the things you do to me. The things I want to do to you."

"Axel." He growls deep in his throat.

I capture his mouth in another searing kiss, and slip my hand under his shirt. I find a particularly sensitive spot and he chuckles against my lips.

"So responsive. I can't wait to learn every inch of you."

"I hope so," he mumbles.

I kiss him again before reluctantly pulling back. "Your tea."

"Bugger the tea," he says, grappling at my shoulders as he tries to pull me closer.

A chuckle escapes. "Let's take this inside, shall we? We don't want to give the neighbours a show."

I stand and hold out my hand, tugging him from his seat. Once on his feet, Kyle backs me up against the railing, his body aligning with mine in all the right places. I can feel his arousal pressing against my hip, hard and insistent. There's no doubt he wants this as much as I do. His hips grind against mine, seeking friction, and I moan at the exquisite pressure. I'm straining against my black jeans, aching for his touch. As if reading my mind, his hand drifts lower, palming me through the denim. As much as I want his hands on me, I pull away.

"Inside. Now."

We're in the cabin within seconds, and out of our clothes in record time.

Kyle doesn't waste a moment and pounces. My head falls back as he lavishes attention on my throat, licking and sucking until I'm sure there'll be marks. The thought sends a thrill through me—I love the idea of being claimed by this man.

"You taste salty," he says when he comes up for air.

"Sweaty after the show. I need a shower."

"I like it. It tastes like you." He runs a finger along my collarbone. "I like these too. What do they mean?"

"Freedom. I got them when I finally felt secure and could stand on my own two feet."

Kyle puts an open mouth kiss on one, then the other, and I melt under his touch until we find ourselves on the bed in a tangle of sheets and limbs. My cock is throbbing, desire coiling in my belly. I flip us over, and bring my lips to his mouth, as I press my cock against his. My hips undulate, seeking friction, each press sending sparks.

Kyle's breathing fast, his chest heaving. I move to the side and rest on one elbow to look down at him. Fuck, he's gorgeous. Strong and muscular, with crisp hair trailing from his chest, narrowing to a thin line running down to where his hard cock rests on his belly. I drag a finger over his length from tip to base. He parts his legs and I take the invitation, cupping his balls and rolling them in my palm. His cock jumps and I lift my eyes to meet his gaze. His pupils are blown, his lids heavy.

"Tell me what you want, Kyle."

"I want you." He swallows hard, his voice raspy with need. "All of you."

"You want my cock? You want me inside you? You want to be inside me? I'm happy—fucking amazingly happy—with anything you want. I just need to hear you say it."

"I want you. Inside me."

I pull back slightly, meeting his dark gaze. "Are you sure? We don't have to rush this."

"I'm sure," he whispers, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

"Then let me take care of you, babe. Let me show you how much you mean to me."

We'll take it slow and if he changes his mind, then I'm easy. I'm just happy to have Kyle in my arms any way I can have him.

He pulls me down for another kiss, one that makes my toes curl. His mouth is hot, his tongue darting out to taste mine. His stubble abrades my lips with a perfect rasp. I wrap my hand around his cock, stroking until he's pushing up into my fist.

I lift my face and whisper. "Do you have… supplies?"

He looks up, lips swollen and eyes dark. "Huh?"

"Lube? Condoms?"

Kyle raises on his elbows. "Shit!"

"Hold on," I say, standing to retrieve my pants.

"What you are you doing? You got stuff in your pocket?"

"Nope."

"Noooo." He drops back onto the pillow, his forearm over his eyes.

I can't help it, I laugh. His disappointment is so real.

"Give me a minute." I tap out my message then throw the phone onto the bedside table and climb back onto the bed.

"Ax—"

I take his cock into my mouth and his words disappear. I work him over, sucking and licking, until he's wet and throbbing.

There's a knock at the door.

I let go of him with a pop.

"Noooo."

I head to the door and crack it open. A hand appears through the gap and I grab the bag, closing the door and hot-tailing it back to the bed where Kyle is looking at me with confusion. I hold up the bag. "Supplies."

"Where did that come from?" he asks.

"Brian. I sent him a text."

"You what?" His voice raises an octave.

I shrug. "What's the point of being a rock star if I can't throw my weight around every once in a while?"

"Bloody hell, Axel." But even as he says the words, he's chuckling.

The laughter doesn't last long as I open the lube and squirt some on my fingers. Now, I take him into my mouth and at the same time my slippery fingers glide over the smooth skin behind his balls. I rub gently at his rim, working the muscles until they ease slightly at my touch. Kyle groans as I breach him with the tip of my finger. He stiffens, and I still my hand, sucking on his cock until he relaxes again. Then I slowly work him open, stretching and preparing his body for what's to come. His cock slips from my mouth as I lift my head so I can watch his face. He's trembling, but there's pleasure on his face. I read him for signs of discomfort, as I add another finger and move gently in and out of his hole.

"Please," he whimpers, although I'm not even sure he knows what he's asking for. His body is straining as he grapples with the sheets.

"Just let go," I say. "I've got you."

And with that promise, I take him apart piece by piece—with my mouth, with my fingers, and finally with my cock. I suit up and position myself at his entrance, and as I push, meet his eyes. "Just breathe, babe," I whisper.

Our eyes lock. Kyle nods once as he bites his lip. I bend and kiss him, devouring his mouth as I push inside slowly then start moving gently. He moans as I pull back and thrust forward.

"Oh, God, that feels… good. You feel amazing," Kyle says. His skin is flushed, his pupils blown and my heart hammers in my chest to know I'm making him feel that way.

He's hot and tight and it takes every ounce of restraint not to give into the desire to pummel his arse. Each thrust brings me closer to the edge as heat builds in my groin. I'm not sure I've ever been this hard. Physically it's amazing, but there's something extra about watching Kyle's expression as I fuck him. I start pumping faster, using my hips to drive deep inside him. We fit together perfectly.

"You feel so good around me," I say. I thrust again, Kyle's muscles clenching.

"Oh, God." He grasps my biceps and trembles, his cock leaking onto his stomach.

Our skin slaps together, as the scent of sweat and sex fills the room. Kyle moans and I bite back a groan. I lean down and we kiss, sloppy and wet as our bodies keep moving.

Kyle's body is now arching upwards meeting me thrust for thrust. We're locked together in a perfect rhythm. I know I won't be able to hold out much longer, so balance myself on one arm and reach for his cock with my other hand.

"Fuck! Oh my God. Fuck. Fuck." A litany of curses fall from Kyle's mouth until he's shuddering beneath me and painting our skin with his release.

His body clamps down on mine and drags my orgasm from me. I'm helpless against the rhythmic pulls, and the scent of his come. I explode inside him, filling the condom in an orgasm that last and lasts until eventually I fall breathless on top of him. His arms wrap around my shoulders, holding me through my aftershocks. I take a deep breath, loving his scent, enjoying the post-orgasmic bliss.

When I can finally move, I gently pull out, roll to the side, and remove the condom before falling into Kyle's arms again. My head rests on the pillow next to his. I gaze into his warm, brown eyes looking for a sign of how he's feeling.

His smile and the tender way he reaches out and touches my lips tells me everything I need to know.