Burning desire

Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter
The night was cool, the air thick with the scent of rain and city life. Adrian Carter had always loved New York, but tonight, the neon lights felt dimmer, and the crowds felt lonelier. Nursing his whiskey at a dimly lit bar in SoHo, he barely noticed the man who took the seat beside him—until their eyes met.

"You look like you could use another," the stranger said, his voice smooth as velvet. He had dark, tousled hair, sharp cheekbones, and a confidence that sent a shiver down Adrian's spine.

"That obvious?" Adrian smirked, raising an eyebrow.

The man chuckled. "A little." He signaled to the bartender. "I’m Daniel. And you are?"

"Adrian."

Their hands brushed as Adrian accepted his drink. Sparks ignited. And just like that, the night changed.

Chapter 2: Drunk on More Than Liquor
The conversation flowed as easily as the drinks, laughter cutting through the hum of the bar. Adrian learned that Daniel was a photographer, a world traveler with a mischievous streak. Daniel, in turn, discovered Adrian's love for literature and his struggle to finish his first novel.

"So, you're the brooding writer type?" Daniel teased, his gaze lingering a little too long.

Adrian rolled his eyes but smirked. "And you're the mysterious artist. How cliché are we?"

Daniel leaned in, his breath warm against Adrian's ear. "I don't mind clichés... if they lead to good stories."

Adrian swallowed hard. The tension was electric, thick with promise. He wasn’t sure if it was the whiskey, the heat of Daniel’s gaze, or just the universe throwing him a bone, but for the first time in a long time, he felt alive.

Chapter 3: A Night to Remember
Somewhere between the last drink and the neon glow of the streets, Daniel took Adrian’s hand. Their fingers laced together effortlessly, as if they'd done this a hundred times before.

"Your place or mine?" Daniel whispered against Adrian’s lips, his voice low and laced with heat.

Adrian's pulse thundered. He didn't answer with words—he simply pulled Daniel into a kiss that set them both on fire.

Chapter 4: Morning-After Tensions
Adrian awoke to the scent of coffee and something warm curled against his chest. Blinking against the morning light, he realized it was Daniel, still asleep, his arm draped over Adrian’s waist.

For a moment, Adrian allowed himself to enjoy the intimacy, the quiet breathing, the warmth. Then reality hit.

This wasn’t what he did. He didn’t do sleepovers. He didn’t do breakfast with strangers.

Slipping out of bed carefully, he reached for his clothes. He barely had his shirt on when Daniel stirred.

"Sneaking out?" Daniel’s voice was husky with sleep, amusement glinting in his eyes.

Adrian hesitated. "I have work. Deadlines."

Daniel sat up, stretching. "You’re not the first guy to run from this, you know."

Adrian sighed. "It’s not like that."

Daniel smirked. "Then prove it. Stay. At least for coffee."

Chapter 5: Flirting with Danger
Adrian did stay. Coffee turned into lingering conversation, and somehow, he left Daniel’s apartment with a promise to meet again. Something about Daniel unsettled him—his confidence, his ability to read Adrian so easily.

Back at his apartment, Adrian tried to drown himself in work, but his mind kept drifting. A text from Daniel popped up.

Thinking about me?

Adrian rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto his lips. You wish.

I do.

Adrian’s pulse quickened. This was dangerous. And he liked it.

Chapter 6: Old Wounds
The more time Adrian spent with Daniel, the more cracks began to show. Adrian had scars—ones he didn’t talk about. Relationships that had ended badly. Promises broken. Love that had left him shattered.

Daniel sensed it, but he didn’t push. "You’re always looking for an exit," he said one evening, their fingers interlaced on Adrian’s couch.

"Maybe I just like knowing there’s one," Adrian murmured.

Daniel leaned in, brushing his lips over Adrian’s knuckles. "Maybe one day, you won’t need one."

Chapter 7: Ghosts of the Past
They were at dinner when it happened. A familiar voice called Adrian’s name, sending ice through his veins.

He turned, and there he was—Ethan. The ex who had left him broken.

"Adrian," Ethan said smoothly, eyes flickering to Daniel. "Who’s this?"

Daniel’s grip on Adrian’s hand tightened. Adrian forced a smile. "Just someone who actually stayed."

Chapter 8: Passion and Possessiveness
That night, Adrian was tense, Daniel could feel it.

"You don’t have to explain," Daniel said softly, tracing Adrian’s jaw with his thumb.

"He hurt me," Adrian admitted. "And I let him."

Daniel’s lips found Adrian’s, slow and deliberate. "I’m not him."

Adrian responded in kind, their bodies tangling together in a fevered need for reassurance. They didn’t need words—just the feeling of skin on skin, lips on lips, a desperate promise sealed in the dark.

Chapter 9: A Weekend Away
Daniel whisked Adrian away for a weekend by the sea. Adrian resisted at first, but soon, the ocean air, the long walks, and Daniel’s teasing touches began to erode his defenses.

"See? Relaxing isn’t so bad," Daniel murmured against Adrian’s neck as they lay on the sand, the waves kissing their feet.

"Only because you’re here," Adrian admitted, his walls crumbling one by one.

Chapter 10: Almost Breaking
Adrian’s fears reared their ugly head when Daniel got a call from an old flame. Adrian lashed out, jealousy consuming him.

"Is this all just fun for you?" Adrian accused.

Daniel’s face darkened. "Is that what you think of me?"

The argument left them breathless, wounded. But when Adrian reached for Daniel in the dark, he was still there. Still choosing him.

Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t going to leave after all.

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