The Fox and the Hunter

Mr. Gideon’s eyes snapped open. As consciousness flooded back, he immediately felt a heavy, solid weight anchoring him to the mattress. Before he could fully process the warmth pressed against his back, a low voice whispered directly into his ear, "Where do you think you're going, beautiful?" Gideon’s eyes widened in sheer panic. Instinct taking over, he drove his elbow backward, striking the stranger hard in the chest. The boy groaned from the impact, his grip loosening just enough. Seizing the moment, Gideon scrambled across the mattress, grabbing the bedsheet and wrapping it tightly around his naked body as he backed himself toward the window. "Who are you?!" Gideon demanded, his voice trembling with panic. The stranger slowly sat up in bed, looking up through a mess of blonde hair that framed a pair of striking green eyes. Gideon froze, momentarily caught off guard by just how breathtakingly handsome the boy was. As the boy stood up from the bed and began walking toward him, Gideon felt heat rush to his face. He couldn't help but stare at the sharp, defined lines of the boy's six-pack abs. A low chuckle bounced around the quiet room. The boy had clearly noticed exactly what Gideon was staring at. Within seconds, the space between them vanished. The boy stepped deep into Gideon's personal space, trapping him flat against the window. He leaned in, placing one hand flat on the glass right next to Gideon's head. Up close, Gideon's eyes darted involuntarily to the thick muscle of the boy's arms. "My name is Jace Thompson, Mr. Gideon," the boy murmured, his voice smooth. Gideon's breath hitched. "How... how do you know my name?" Jace smiled, a teasing glint in his green eyes. "I see you’ve forgotten me. But last night wasn't the first time we've met." Confusion swirled through Gideon's mind, leaving him completely defenseless as Jace caught him off guard. Jace reached out, his hands gripping Gideon's waist and pulling him flush against his chest. Leaning down, Jace whispered into his ear. "And by the way... you were great last night, Mr. Gideon. You were very naughty." Before Gideon could protest, Jace’s lips pressed against his neck, kissing and leaving a deep, burning mark against his skin. Flushing crimson, Gideon found a sudden burst of strength, pushed Jace away with all his might, and bolted straight into the attached bathroom, slamming the door behind him. In the bedroom, Jace just stood there, a smirk playing on his lips as he whispered to himself, "Perfect." Inside the bathroom, Gideon dropped the damp bedsheet onto the floor, his hands trembling. He turned on the faucet, splashing freezing cold water onto his face in a desperate bid to wake himself up. Grabbing a towel, he dried his skin roughly, his mind screaming a single, repeating mantra: This isn't happening. It’s a dream. It has to be a dream. What the hell did I do last night? he thought, pressing his palms against his throbbing temples. Forcing himself to breathe, Gideon strained to piece his memory back together. Images from the night before slowly began to crystallize. Yes... he had been at the elite corporate gala. He remembered drinking—he had definitely indulged more than usual—but he hadn't been blacked-out drunk. Then, a vivid scene flashed in his mind. He remembered standing across the grand ballroom, spotting Jace clad in a sharp, tailored black suit. The boy had been completely surrounded by high-profile investors looking to secure a partnership deal with his family's massive conglomerate. But mid-conversation, Jace’s sharp green eyes had cut right through the crowd, locking directly onto him. Startled by the intensity of the look, Gideon had quickly averted his eyes and walked away. He remembered the arrogant, amused smirk that had played on Jace’s lips the moment he noticed Gideon fleeing. "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen," Jace had murmured smoothly to the investors, cutting himself away from the crowd. "I must be going." Jace had pursued him through the venue, tracking him all the way until Gideon stepped out onto the secluded ballroom balcony. Out there, Gideon had looked up at the stars, taking a deep breath of the crisp night air to catch his composure. "Beautiful night tonight, isn't it, Mr. Gideon?" a deep voice had purred from behind him. Gideon had spun around, startled to find the very same boy standing just inches away. "You know who I am... which makes this rather embarrassing, considering I don't know who you are," Gideon had admitted, his cheeks flushing slightly. Jace had chuckled softly. "It's okay. I’m just shocked to see you out here. Actually, everyone inside is." Gideon’s eyes had saddened at that, the weight of his ten years of isolation hitting him all at once. "Yes, well... it’s true, it’s been a while since I've attended one of these. I’m trying my best, though." "Indeed you are," Jace had replied, his gaze dropping to Gideon's lips. "But if you want... we could get out of here." Gideon had let out a soft, breathy laugh, trying to play it cool. "I’d say you were trying to hit on me, young man, if I didn't know any better. Especially since we just met." Instead of backing down, Jace had stepped closer, reaching up to gently cup Gideon’s chin, forcing him to look up. A wicked smirk spread across his handsome face. "I am." Before Gideon could process the boldness, Jace had leaned down and captured his lips. Gideon’s eyes had widened in pure shock, but as the kiss deepened, his resistance melted. The sheer warmth of it made him forget everything—forget that they were standing on a public balcony right next to a crowded ballroom. When they finally broke apart, Gideon was gasping for air. Driven by a sudden, intoxicating rush of adrenaline, he had wrapped his arms tightly around Jace’s neck. Leaning in, he bit down playfully on Jace’s earlobe and whispered provocatively, "Wanna continue this somewhere else?" That sultry invitation had sent Jace’s heart racing, a dark flush creeping up the boy's neck even as a victorious, thrilled expression took over his face. "Yes, sir," Jace had rasped. From there, the memories became a chaotic, heated blur. Jace had taken him back to his private penthouse. The moment the door clicked shut, clothes were being torn off between frantic, breathless kisses. Gideon had caught Jace completely off guard when he suddenly pinned the younger man down onto the mattress. Hovering over him, Gideon had trailed a line of burning kisses down Jace's chest and abs, eventually taking the boy into his mouth. Jace had let out a low, ragged moan as Gideon worked his magic, the heat in the room rising to a fever pitch. Licking his lips with a heavy, provocative gaze, Gideon had then climbed over him, slowly lowering himself down onto Jace. Gideon gasped, arching his back as he took him in completely. Jace had hoisted himself up, gripping Gideon’s waist with a vice-like hold as Gideon began to move rhythmically up and down. The pace had turned frantic, a wild blur of friction and heat. Gideon had lost all control, throwing his head back and moaning loudly into the empty room, begging, "Faster... harder, right there... don't stop!" Hearing those undone words from the usually composed billionaire had pushed Jace over the edge. His grip tightened fiercely on Gideon’s hips, his movements becoming rough, dominant, and unyielding as he drove into him, losing himself entirely in the older man. Gideon snapped out of the memory, his entire face burning a furious crimson. He gripped the edge of the sink, horror and embarrassment washing over him as he had done that . Knock. Knock. Jace’s voice drifted through the door. "Hey, I’ve got some fresh towels and a change of clothes out here, if you want to take a proper shower." Gideon unlocked the door and cracked it open, looking out at him warily. Jace smirked, leaning against the doorframe with a playful glint in his eyes. "Or... maybe I could just join you in the shower instead? Another round, perhaps?" Gideon’s face turned even redder. Without a word, he snatched the clothes and towels out of Jace’s hands and slammed the bathroom door shut again. Outside, he could hear Jace’s rich, amused chuckle fading away. After finishing his shower and changing into the borrowed clothes, Gideon unlocked the door and stepped out. The rich, savory aroma of breakfast immediately hit his nose, accompanied by the sound of Jace softly singing along to a song playing on the radio. Gideon froze in the hallway, watching him work in the kitchen. He's incredibly attractive, he can cook, and he can sing... Gideon thought, before gasping quietly to himself as he realized what he was doing. Stop it! What is wrong with me? Clearing his throat, Gideon spoke up in a soft, tentative voice to get the younger man's attention. "Um... thanks for letting me use your shower." Jace spun around, a bright, genuine smile replacing his earlier smirk. "No problem, anytime. I'm making breakfast, come sit down. I'm almost done." "Okay," Gideon murmured, taking a seat at the sleek dining table. Once the food was ready, Jace plated it nicely and served him. As they began to eat, the heavy, suffocating tension from earlier slowly began to lift. To Gideon's surprise, they actually started talking normally. The conversation flowed easily, and before long, they were laughing together over breakfast like old acquaintances. When it was time to go, Jace walked him to the door to say his goodbye. "See you next time," Jace said smoothly, slipping a piece of paper into Gideon’s hand. "Call me." Gideon looked down at the phone number, his heart doing a strange little flutter. "Okay... I'll text you later," he replied, giving a small wave. Gideon walked down to the lobby and stepped outside, where his private car was already waiting. As he settled into the back seat, his driver pulled away from the curb, leaving the penthouse—and Jace—behind in the rearview mirror.