Chapter 3

"He played his part so convincingly."

"He was serious about it."

I froze. "What are you saying? He's gay?"

"He likes you. Wants to see you again."

"So you're setting me up on a blind date?"

My roommate nodded nervously before bolting out the door, as if staying a second longer would be fatal.

I stared at the name "Zachary Evans" flashing on my phone screen, fingers trembling as I hastily powered it off.

Late that night, while showering, urgent knocking startled me.

Thinking it was an emergency, I wrapped a towel around myself and went to answer.

Ethan Sullivan stood outside.

He had his own place off-campus.

Him showing up here at this hour was suspicious.

Instinctively, I shielded myself—then remembered we were both men. There was nothing to hide.

The strong scent of alcohol hit me. He never drank.

Had something happened?

"Why aren't you answering your phone?" His tone was sharp.

"It's turned off."

"For this long? Are you avoiding me?"

"Why would I avoid you?"

Internally, I scoffed. I'd rather be laughing at his misery.

Ethan studied me, his tense expression easing slightly when he saw I wasn't lying.

Maybe the alcohol was getting to him—his steps were unsteady, nearly causing him to stumble.

I reached out to steady him, but he angrily shook me off.

"Now I can't even touch you? You used to cling to me in bed, refusing to leave," I muttered under my breath.

Ethan ignored me, sitting on the edge of my bed instead. His gaze landed on the stuffed bear nearby, lips curling in mockery.

"You still sleep with toys at your age?"

I quickly tossed it onto my roommate's bed. "It's not mine!"

Silence stretched between us.

"Today's my birthday," he said suddenly. "Did you forget?"

"I remember," I admitted.

"Where's my gift? You promised to celebrate every birthday with me."

"Wasn't your ex-girlfriend enough?" I needled him. "You actually believed those empty words?"

Ethan's eyes darkened. In one swift motion, he pinned my wrists above my head, slamming me against the wall. "Julian Anderson, you really need to be taught a lesson."

He forced me to meet his gaze, his grip unyielding.

A sense of danger made me struggle instinctively.

But that only made him tighten his hold.

I could see his Adam's apple bob, his breathing growing uneven.

"Julian," he said, voice rough, "if others can have you... why can't I?"

"What... are you talking about?"

His gaze dropped to my lips. "Isn't it obvious?"

"I want to sleep with you."