14. Chapter 14
Chapter fourteen
Alex
Alex stood in the shower, bawling as the warm water washed over his face, diluting his tears. He’d never had such an intense argument with Danyal than the one they’d had over going out dancing with Shae for the homeless youth fundraiser. Danyal had known the fundraiser was approaching for the past month, but he went to a new level of nuclear when Alex refused to stay home and cancel his plans. Alex stayed defiant and was proud he stood up for himself and his friendship. He’d sacrificed the last year with Shae because of Danyal’s insecurities, and would not stand for it anymore. Danyal had stormed out the door, slamming it in Alex’s face, and Alex was glad Danyal would be working late tonight at the café doing yearly inventory. He wouldn’t let the argument ruin his evening, and began preparing to start his night.
While getting dressed, Alex picked up his phone to check his messages, and saw he had a text from Galen to meet around the back of the apartment in five.
No peeking!
What had Alex gotten himself into? Fuck it! He had one goal tonight: enjoying himself and having fun.He waited for the prescribed time before walking down the stairs rather than the elevator, to arrive at the first-floor door closest to the back alley. Alex exited to see Galen standing beside a shiny new black SUV.
“Ya chariot has arrived, mate.”
“What’s this, Galen? I’m not a car person, so please excuse my ignorance.”
Galen gladly explained this beaut was a 2024 Lamborghini Uros Performante.
“It has a twin-turbo V-8 engine with 657 horsepower, and can go zero to 60 in 3.1 seconds, topping out at 190 miles per hour.”
Alex laughed as he had never seen Galen as excited as he was about the new SUV. He joked and asked Galen if he needed to give him and the Uros some time to get properly acquainted. Galen ignored Alex’s attempt at humor and added the Uros purred like a lioness. Galen proudly proclaimed that he was Alex’s driver from here on out, before clarifying the color was “Nero Noctis” rather than basic black. Alex laughed again, eliciting a scowl from Galen. Alex shook his head. He didn’t want the flashy limo, so they got him a flashy luxury SUV. After he asked how much the Uros cost, Galen said the invoice in the glove compartment said $265,000 before the security modifications.
“Great, now the entire neighborhood will think I’m a drug dealer.”
“Ya are a drug dealer, Alex,” Galen said. “Just the drug ya deal is, love.”
“Hilarious, Galen.”
Galen was in a rare relaxed mood tonight. Not that Alex minded it; he could stand to loosen up a little and have fun. Alex held up a bag and pulled out a shirt Shae had picked for Galen to wear tonight, based on the color of Galen’s eyes. With his right hand, Alex threw the shirt to Galen before saying he better get changed quickly, otherwise, they’d be late. He offered to protect the SUV while Galen changed.
Without a moment to waste, Galen began changing shirts right there in the alley. Alex started to turn around to give Galen privacy, but stopped when Galen began laughing and said he wasn’t ashamed of his body. Galen threw his old shirt over at Alex, hitting him in the chest. Alex tried not to look up, but he couldn’t resist. He noted that Galen’s muscles and hairy chest were even more enticing than he’d imagined. Alex internally cursed Shae for contagious filthy minds. He demanded his eyes stop staring, but they refused to comply. He looked up and met Galen’s eyes, as he asked if Shae had bought the right shirt since it was a bit tight. Alex chuckled, knowing it was the right shirt because, in Shae’s eyes, the tighter the better. He smiled at Galen and admitted royal blue was definitely his color, and that he should wear it more. Galen snickered and asked if basic black was Alex’s color, to which Alex replied his shirt was black, just like his heart. Alex then checked his watch and told Galen they needed to get the show on the road if they were going to meet Shae at midnight and make their grand entrance.
Alex and Galen walked to the entrance of Icon Nightclub, where they met Shae. Shae hugged Alex before introducing himself properly to Galen, since Alex had obviously forgotten his manners. Alex rolled his eyes before making formal introductions. He added that he expected everyone to play nice, and that there was only one rule tonight: have fun!
As they entered the club, their senses registered an onslaught of pounding rhythms and flashing lights. Shae immediately pulled Alex to the dance floor. Galen stepped to the side and watched as Alex and Shae let free their emotions and moved to the music. Before long, Shae got hot from the packed dance floor. He pulled off his shirt and encouraged Alex to do the same.
Shae leaned over, saying, “It’s OK if we put on a show for our demanding public.”
Alex reluctantly complied and continued to dance, not wanting to glance at Galen standing in the corner. Why am I so self-conscious? Fuck the world; I’m here to have fun.
Alex leaned over to Shae and yelled over the music that he needed to hit the bathroom. Shae nodded as he walked away. Upon returning to the edge of the dance floor, Alex quickly noticed Galen was not in his place in the corner. He scanned the bar intently. Did Galen leave? No, he’s on the dance floor with Shae.
Alex watched Shae and Galen dance among the sweaty men on the dance floor. To Alex’s surprise, Galen had both moves and rhythm. Alex was glad Galen was happily enjoying the moment for once. Let’s make this more interesting. Alex closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. He reached out to the DJ’s mind and placed a suggested playlist in his head, consisting of all of Galen’s favorite songs that he’d shared with Alex. It was a small action that still caused a severe headache, but the pain was worth it to see Galen’s face light up as ‘Little Bird’ began to play. Galen looked towards Alex and smiled, acknowledging what Alex had orchestrated. Galen danced and grew freer with each beat.
While his favorite songs continued to play, Galen leaned to say something to Shae and began to walk toward Alex.
“No fun, mate. When ya promise to go dancing, and ya stop dancing. DJ is lit,” shouted Galen over the blaring music.
“I’m giving you some space to cut loose,” said Alex.
“Plenty of room on the dance floor. If ya don’t join us, will have to leave with the fancy new Uros.”
“Fine, I’ll join, but you better not report me to HR,” responded Alex.
Alex and Galen returned to the dance floor as the DJ continued to play Galen’s favorite songs. In the heat of the moment, Alex was freed of his worries and fears. He danced as Shae helped Galen pull off his shirt. Instinctively, Alex turned away, not wanting to embarrass Galen. A hand on his shoulder turned Alex around, and Galen gave him a disapproving look with one eyebrow raised. With his other hand, Galen made a circular motion, instructing Alex to turn around to dance with them. Alex awkwardly nodded, trying not to look at Galen’s handsome face with the sweat rolling down his cheek and bouncing off his furry chest and abs. Galen’s hand on his bare shoulder sent shockwaves through Alex’s body.
Fuck it. It’s only another body among the hundreds on this dance floor.
Alex gave into the moment, focusing on the life force and sexual energy dancing around him. He instinctively pulled the energy into his body until nearly every cell burst. He reached over to Galen and touched him gently on the forehead with his right index finger. From Galen’s reaction, and the light reflecting in his eyes, he saw that Galen could now see the fantastic energies surrounding them. All three men danced, feeling the primal energy flowing through Alex. With each movement of his hands, arms, and body, Alex was the director, commanding the orchestra of energy around them.
When the bar announced it was closing at three a.m., Shae said his goodbyes by hugging Alex and Galen before waving as he made his way to the nearest metro station. Alex and Galen walked silently back to the parking lot to retrieve the new Uros.
“Gotta ask, mate––was ya pushin’ the DJ in his set?”
“Why would you think that?” said Alex innocently.
“Cuz he played every song I like, including ‘Little Bird.’ Track’s a lil old to be making a comeback.”
Alex just smiled. He may have given the DJ a little nudge, but in his defense, the DJ played all of Shae’s favorites, too.
“Cheers, anyway. Meant a lot, mate. The light show was bang-on.”
“Yeah, they have good lighting in that place.”
“Nah, not talking about that. Cosmic energy ya allowed me to see. Never seen anything so awesome. Can still see the energy around ya. Still glowing and bursting with energy.”
“You’re welcome. I’m learning to tune it out if needed,” said Alex.
“Are ya blushing, mate?”
Alex knew he had been caught thinking about all the energy and sexual desire swirling on the dance floor. He hoped Danyal was in a better mood when he got home, because Alex had plenty of pent-up energy of his own he needed to release. Whether Galen knew it or not, he turned the head of every man looking in his direction, including Alex.
“You were the center of attention,” said Alex.
Galen blushed and said, “Can’t help being a 6’4 rugby god from New Zealand. There’s no way to hide it. Ya learn to embrace it.”
Alex laughed so hard he slipped on the ice. Reflexively reaching out, Galen caught Alex and pulled him up with their bodies moving closer than ever before. Alex could feel the intense heat of Galen’s body, and he smelled so enticing.
“Excellent catch,” said Alex, steadying himself and hastily stepping away from Galen’s embrace.
“Cheers, all in a day’s work. Let me take ya home,” said Galen, his face flushing again.
Alex smiled and laughed to himself. I see I’m not the only one embarrassing myself. “I have one more favor: how do you open this car door? I’m afraid to break it.”
“Ya pull the handle here…”
Before Galen could open the door, they were caught off guard by the jarring alarm emanating from their phones.
911 return to PGC immediately.