Once they're immersed in the hot water, Alexander asks Dove to prepare cocktails and a platter of appetizers to pass the time. Strauss approaches his guest and says, — You have to know that I really like you. I'm not just saying this because we slept together. I mean it, and I thought... I don't know. Maybe I thought I could win you over if I hired you first, I wanted you to spend more time with me — Alexander continues, — But if you really see what I thought we had... if you only reciprocated for money, then… — Alexander sighs, trying to formulate his words — Forget it, I shouldn't have assumed I could buy your feelings.
At that moment, Tadeus suddenly smiles. Hearing him ramble, he no longer feels so uncomfortable — It's okay to have doubts about what you feel. I myself can't help but wonder what you really want — he says, letting out a small laugh — It seems we have the same questions.
— I don't wanna have any more doubts — Alexander says. Instead of words, Tadeus responds with a kiss. He gently presses his lips to Alexander's. His hands reach the back of his head, while he feels delicate caresses traveling from his waist up his back. — I like talking to you, I like spending time with you, and above all, I loved fucking you — he says, looking into his eyes — Do you think that's okay? Do you think we can believe the words we say to each other, that we can make promises?
— Yes, it's okay — Tadeus says, lost in his gaze.
Alexander kisses him intensely for several seconds, but Tadeus takes his face in his hands and leans down until his knee is against the low wall of the jacuzzi where he's sitting, his hands resting on the edge. Tadeus kisses his cheeks, the side of his chin, licks his neck, and trails his tongue down his collarbone and chest. He doesn't stop when he reaches his abdomen, where he decides to kneel so as not to break his kiss. A simple glance upwards sends the message he needs for Alexander to remove his underwear and stand up. Tadeus lets Alexander's hands guide him around his face to receive his cock in his mouth. Again and again, he flicks his tongue and sucks each time the tip touches the back of his throat.
At one point, Tadeus notices Alexander increasing the force with each thrust, so he closes his eyes and tries to hold his breath each time that member grazes the back of his throat — Open your eyes, I want you to see me — Alexander orders, caressing his cheek. Tadeus is lost in Alexander's lascivious gaze as he watches the movements of his tongue make him moan with pleasure — Oh, damn! — he sighs intensely, letting out his last breath. Alexander watches as Tadeus covers his mouth and kneels in front of him — Are you okay?
— Yes, I'm fine — Tadeus replies, coughing slightly.
— I'm sorry, I think I went too far.
— It's okay — he says, looking down.
Alexander lifts Tadeus' face, gently propping his chin with his fingers, and kisses him sweetly — I want to be the only one who can kiss these lips and the only one you make love with — says as he breaks the kiss. He grabs a couple of towels for both of them, and they get out of the jacuzzi and enter the room through the balcony.
— I promise. I won't kiss anyone else the way I kiss you.
Alexander smiles at this statement, and they hug each other for several seconds until Tadeus decides to kiss him. The night stretches on with caresses and sighs of pleasure that fog the windows of the room.
Brief moments to dance, laugh, and eat between the different positions they decide to experiment with, give them enough energy to continue until dawn.
— I've been thinking about what you told me, about memories — Alexander remarks. Both are completely naked, lying on the balcony floor on top of a thick, plush blanket — I remember once my father took me hunting.
He remembers himself as a teenager. He held a shotgun; his father, a tall, burly man in a suit, stood beside him with his hand on his shoulder, urging him to shoot a man running in terror. "He betrayed us, he hurt us, he hurt our family. We have to finish him off." he told him. "You have to be fierce like an animal if you want to survive in this world, son. I won't always be here to protect you."
By that time, Alexander had already confronted his father many times about his illegal activities, and the answer was always the same: "If I turn myself in now, the foreigners will come to kill you when I'm gone. There's no going back."
— And what were you hunting? — Tadeus asks, pulling him from his thoughts.
— Animals — Alexander responds, still remembering that decisive shot — We used to hunt in the woods behind the house where I grew up.
— I figured this wasn't your real home.
— Why do you say that? — Alexander asks, pulling Tadeus into a hug.
— It's lifeless. You need to decorate it a bit.
— I only came to this city on business. I didn't plan on staying long until I met you.
— So it was you who followed me all this time — Tadeus remarks with a smile.
— Everything done for love is justified.
Tadeus' smile fades slightly as he recognizes, for the first time, a sincere look in his eyes. He had never considered that this man's words held any real meaning until now, when he can't help but feel moved, as if something deep in his heart is stirring for him. He's surprised to find within himself such genuine longing for a man he's supposed to feel nothing for.
There are no longer any walls of denial that Alexander can't break down with a single glance — You can't see anyone else the way you see me — Tadeus says impulsively.
— Is Tadeus a jealous man? — Alexander asks — Okay, I promise — he says, smiling at that expectant look.
— Let's do it again — Tadeus says, giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
Alexander positions himself between his lover's legs as his eyes search for lubricant. — It's not necessary, I still have part of you inside me — Tadeus says, taking the penis in his hand to guide it.
Alexander pants at these words and penetrates him carefully. He rubs his cock against Tadeus' insides. Tadeus moans, accepting each sensation of pleasure — Don't close your eyes — Tadeus says, taking his face in his hands as he moves his hips to heighten the stimulation.
Alexander presses his forehead to Tadeus' and whimpers beside him when he finishes once more — Stay with me — Alexander whispers before falling asleep.
— I won't leave — Tadeus replies, staring at the ceiling. A simple sentence that complicates everything. A sentence that carries a promise that would be dangerous to break. He already has enough with Edwin's threats in his mind, but Alexander's breath on his neck is another kind of threat, one that arouses pleasure and desire. A desire that grows more fervent with every moment they share.
In the morning, Tadeus gets up to wash his face, but on his way to the bathroom, he hears a knock at the door. He looks around the room for his clothes until he gives up and decides to wear some of Alexander's. If this is supposed to be his room, it won't be hard to find something to wear — What are you doing? — he hears Strauss' voice.
— I thought I could use something of yours.
— Let's take a shower first.
After freshening up and changing into clean clothes, they both sit down at the table on the balcony for breakfast. The table is laden with scrambled eggs, sandwiches, pancakes, a small jar of honey, a jar of hot chocolate, coffee, plates of chopped fruit like mango, strawberries, and bananas, a basket of bread and arepas, a stick of butter, a cheese board, and finally, a plate of crispy bacon.
— Do you usually eat all of this? — Tadeus asks.
– No, I usually just choose one, but this time we're going to share — he says — We need to recharge.