Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 4

Alex rang the doorbell and took a deep breath as he waited outside Sebastian’s penthouse. He adjusted the pile of files on his arm as he waited. He did a quick sniff of his armpit and also blew into his palm and sniffed his breath.

His hand was still covering his mouth when the door suddenly opened. Sebastian stood there, wearing a fitted short-sleeve shirt that clung to his broad chest and arms, making his muscles pop. Alex could tell that he works out. His biceps looked like they could tear through the fabric at any second, and his shorts hung low on his hips, revealing thick, powerful thighs and smooth, golden skin.

Alex Swallowed.

“Hi..Mr King,” he managed

“You're early,” Sebastian said, not acknowledging his greeting.

Alex looked at the watch on his wrist. Six-fifty. He was 10 minutes early. He had hoped that it might make a good impression. Now he wasn’t so sure.

Sebastian stepped aside and let him in without another word. Alex stepped into the living room and almost tripped over himself. The space was beautiful: high ceilings, glass windows that looked out over the city, expensive furniture in muted gray and blacks. Alex hoped to live in a place like this one day.

As impressive as the apartment was, what caught his attention most was the man standing next to him.

So this was what Sebastian King looked like in casual wear. His shorts hugged him in all the right places, and his shirt stretched across his chest every time he moved. The man looked hot in a suit but damn, and yet still manages to look even more sexy in casual wear.

And his scent… God. Something rich and woodsy with a hint of spice. The scent hit Alex the moment he opened the door, and for a split second, he imagined burying his face into Sebastian's neck and just breathing.

“Care for anything?” Sebastian asked him, and Alex was taken by surprise. He didn’t expect him to care

“Uh.. Water is fine. "Thank you,” Alex said, trying to sound as grateful as he could. He noted how soft the plush couch was as he sat down. He placed the files on the coffee table and took a deep breath, trying to steady his rapidly beating heart.

Sebastian walked towards the kitchen and soon returned with a tall glass of water; he handed the glass to Alex

Alex took it graciously but as he was about to, their fingers touched, just for a second, but that was all it took.. A jolt of something sharp and hot traveled up Alex’s arm, making him shiver. He tried to hide it, but Sebastian’s eyes flicked toward him, and for a moment, the tension between them felt like it could set the room on fire.

Sebastian cleared his throat and moved away from him, as if afraid of what might happen if he stayed too close. He sat down across from him, one leg resting casually over the other. His strong calves peeked out from beneath the shorts, and Alex had to stop himself from staring.

“You can take off your jacket and tie,” Sebastian said, his voice low but firm. Get comfortable. It’s going to be a long night.”

Alex froze. Did Sebastian just tell him to take off his clothes? They were moving too fast, no?

His eyes flicked up, meeting Sebastian’s. The man’s expression didn’t change. Still serious. Still unreadable. Still incredibly hot.

“Oh, uh, sure,” Alex muttered. He fumbled with his tie and slid off his jacket, folding it neatly and placing it on the armrest beside him. He was now in his white dress shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and he suddenly felt like a boy next to a man.

Sebastian leaned forward and picked up one of the folders. “Let’s start with the infringement report,” he said, flipping through the pages with expert hands.

Alex leaned forward, opening his laptop. They worked in silence for a few minutes, going through details, checking timestamps, and discussing inconsistencies in the claim. But the tension never left the room.

Every time Sebastian leaned over to point something out, his scent hit Alex like a drug. Every time their arms brushed, Alex felt that spark again.

It was distracting. It was intoxicating.

“Who do you think is lying?” Alex asked, referring to the case they were working on.

Sebastian glanced at him. “Everyone lies,” he said flatly, his eyes scanning the page. “It’s just a matter of who gets caught.”

Alex let out a small laugh. “Wow. That’s… comforting.”

Sebastian looked at him, his gaze holding for just a second too long. He didn’t laugh or smile. Just continued scanning the pages. “I’m not here to comfort you.” He sounded almost angry.

Alex felt his cheeks warm instantly.

“As lawyers, it’s not our job to ask if our client is guilty or not. Our job is to make sure they’re not found guilty.

He nodded, suddenly too aware of his own breathing. He liked that Sebastian had used ‘our job’, which made him feel included as a lawyer.

Sebastian leaned back, legs spread slightly, the fabric of his shorts shifting dangerously. Alex could see the outline of his c**k. He tried not to look. Failed. Looked again.

Sebastian noticed. s**t. His lips twitched, just a tiny smirk that made Alex want to crawl under the couch.

“Problem?” Sebastian asked casually.

“No. No problem,” Alex said too quickly.

Sebastian studied him for a minute. Alex wondered what he was thinking about.

Sebastian picked up another folder, handed it to him. Their fingers brushed again, this time on purpose. Alex was sure of it.

They went back to working, but the silence was thick with tension. Alex’s fingers trembled slightly on the keyboard. Sebastian’s voice seemed to get deeper every time he said his name.

Hours passed. The city lights outside glowed against the windows. The files were almost done.

Alex closed his laptop and leaned back. “We’ve covered most of it,” he said, stretching slightly, his shirt pulling tight across his chest.

Sebastian looked at him for a long moment. “You did okay tonight.”

Alex met his eyes. “Thanks.”

Alex could tell that he was not used to complimenting people.

Sebastian stood and walked to the window, hands in his pockets. Alex’s eyes followed him, watching how the fabric clung to him, how the muscles moved beneath it.

“I should go,” Alex said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Sebastian didn’t turn around. “You could stay. If you want to review the rest of the contract. There’s still more to look at.”

Alex turned slowly. His heartbeat echoed in his ears. Did Sebastian just ask him to stay?

He could stay, actually, there was nothing more interesting waiting for him at his tiny apartment. He had an extra suit at work that he could get changed into tomorrow.

But he couldn’t help wondering if there was more to it. Why did Sebastian want him to stay back? He didn’t know him; they were practically strangers.

Alex shifted in his chair. He wanted to stay. He wanted to sit on Sebastian’s strong thighs and inhale him. He wanted to kiss those inviting lips and he wanted to bounce on his c**k and to feel him inside of him.

But he was scared. If anything should go wrong, he could lose his job and be back to not being able to afford even the most basic things or help out his parents.

He didn’t want to flatter himself by thinking that Sebastian wanted him. But what if that was the case? He suddenly felt a rush of courage.

“Are you sure that’s the only reason you want me to stay?” he asked, his voice soft.

Sebastian finally turned, his eyes locking onto Alex’s. He studied him for a minute.

“No,” he said simply.

The room went quiet.

Alex felt like the floor had disappeared beneath him.

Sebastian stood up and moved towards him, and Alex stood up too. They were now so close that their noses were almost touching.