[Caius's POV]
It's been a long, exhausting day.
I'm on my way to the bathroom, desperate for a shower before collapsing into bed. But the moment I step inside, my mind betrays me. That scene—the one from Room 7—flashes behind my eyes. I can see that "Vanilla" kid in the bathtub again, vulnerable and lost in the haze of the drugs.
Aish. What is wrong with me? I can't stop thinking about him. Every time I blink, he's there. I need to cool my head. I turn the shower to the coldest setting, letting the icy water hit my skin. I close my eyes, hoping the chill will wash the thoughts away, but instead, I see him looking at me with those burning, hazy eyes.
It's an instant turn-on.
"Ahh, f*ck it. Whatever," I growl under my breath. I can't fight it tonight.
As I touch myself, my imagination runs wild. I can almost feel his smooth skin under my palms, see the sweat glistening on his neck, and hear that ragged breath as he stares at me from the tub. It's so f*cking hot.
The sound of his voice echoes in my head. "Hmm... Ahhh..." The sound makes me lose it. I'm making sounds of my own now, my heart racing until—Sht.*
I lean my head against the cold tile, panting. He actually made me cum just by thinking about him. This can't be real. Do I actually like him?
Nah. I'm just overworked. I'm just thinking too much. I finish my shower twice as fast as usual and crawl into bed, refusing to let my brain wander back to a certain nerdy intern.
[Gabriel's POV]
"You should bring this hat. And the mosquito repellent, too. Here, I'll put it in your bag." Callum says, fussing over my luggage.
"I packed a sandwich for you so you'll have something to eat on the way," Bram adds, tucking a wrapped bundle into a side pocket.
My brothers are currently in a state of high alert. They've checked my bag three times already. This is the first time I'll be away for a whole week. My internship requires me to stay on-site for a location shoot on a beautiful island.
Dorian is coming with me since he's the Assistant Director, which is the only reason Alistair hasn't barricaded the front door.
"What about your vitamins, Gaby? Did you put them in?" Brother Ali asks, his brow furrowed.
"Yes, Brother. But I'm almost out. I only have three capsules left, and we're going to be there for a week," I answer.
"I'm sorry. I've been so busy lately, I didn't notice," Ali says, rubbing his temples. He looks pale, like he has a massive headache.
He pulls his wallet out. "Rian, buy Gaby's vitamins on the way. Here's the money."
"No, Brother, it's okay. I'll handle it," Dorian says, waving the money away.
"No. I'm the one in charge of Gaby's health," Ali insists, his voice tight. "It's a small amount. Just take it."
Dorian sighs and accepts the bills. "Okay, Brother."
"Are you okay, Brother Ali?" I ask softly, worried by how tired he looks.
"I'm fine. Just take care of yourself there. Rian, don't let him out of your sight."
"I know," Dorian mutters.
"Brother Bram, pack me a sandwich, too!" Finn shouts, scrambling to get his gear ready.
"I already did. I prepared yours and Dorian's, too. Here, you carry them," Bram says, handing Finn a heavy bag.
You might be wondering why Finn is coming. One of the extras backed out at the last minute, and Dorian let Finn take the spot. He has a lot of scenes, even if he doesn't have many lines. He's thrilled.
"We're leaving now! I love you! Bye!" I hug them one by one.
Callum: "Take care. Don't get sick. Is Seb going?"
"No, he's staying at the office."
"Good," Callum grunts.
Bram: "I love you too, Gaby. Eat your vegetables!"
Evander: "Don't let anyone bully you at work, okay? If they do, tell me."
Finn: "Oi! I'm going with you, quit hugging me like I'm staying!" I tease him, and the others laugh.
Finally, I hug Alistair. "Take care. Call me every night when you get back to the hotel."
"I will, Brother. You take care, too."
We finally head out. Dorian is driving us to the port where we'll catch a boat to the island. As we get close to the meeting point, I turn to Dorian. "Brother, just drop me off at the gate. I don't want the crew to see us arriving together."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. We talked about this. I'm just a 'neighbor,' remember?"
"Fine," Dorian sighs. "Finn, keep him company. Walk with him."
"Ehh? I have to carry all these sandwiches!" Finn complains, but Dorian gives him a lethal look. "Okay, okay! I'm kidding. I wouldn't let him walk alone anyway."
Finn and I hop out and start walking toward the docks. Suddenly, a large white luxury van screeches to a halt in front of us. The door slides open, revealing Caius Vale. He's wearing dark sunglasses and looking unfairly handsome.
"Intern. Get in. I'll give you a ride," he says. He's back to calling me 'intern', callimg me whatever he wants.
"It's okay, sir. We're almost there. I can walk."
"Oh my gosh... CAIUS VALE!" Finn screams, covering his mouth and nearly falling to his knees.
I stare at my brother. Is he serious? He was just trashing Caius a few days ago, but now he's a total fanboy.
"And who is this?" Caius asks, tilting his head.
"He's my—"
"Brother! I'm Gaby's brother!" Finn shouts before I can stop him. I nudge him hard. The secret, Finn!
"Oh? Hello. Come inside then. We should go together," Caius says smoothly.
"No—" I start to say.
"Yes! Thank you!" Finn chirps, climbing into the van before I can grab his shirt.
I have no choice. I climb in after him. The van is silent, save for Finn's excited breathing. I can feel Caius watching me out of the corner of his eye, while Finn just stares at Caius like he's a god.
I have a very bad feeling about this trip. It's going to be chaotic.