PART 2 OF CLOSE ENOUGH TO BREAK

*****
Not so cocky now, are you?
*****

Nicholas always thought he had control.

Every game, every push and pull between them—he was always the one leading.

The one who teased. The one who got under EJ's skin just to see what he'd do.

But now?

Now, with **EJ's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him in without hesitation—without room to escape—**Nicholas realized something.

He had been wrong.

Very, very wrong.

EJ kissed him without hesitation, without restraint.

And Nicholas felt it everywhere.

The way EJ's grip tightened in his hair, keeping him right where he wanted him. The way his other hand slid down Nicholas's arm, slow, deliberate, possessive.

Nicholas had spent so much time waiting for EJ to crack.

But now that he had?

Now that EJ was the one taking control?

Nicholas was falling apart.

And worst of all?

He liked it.

Nicholas barely had time to breathe before EJ pulled away just enough to speak, his lips still grazing Nicholas's.

"You always think you're the one in control."

Nicholas exhaled shakily, still catching up. "Aren't I?"

EJ chuckled. Low, deep, amused.

Then he tightened his grip, tilting Nicholas's chin up with two fingers.

"Not anymore."

Nicholas's breath caught.

For the first time, he felt like he was the one being played with.

And it was intoxicating.

EJ didn't rush.

He took his time, dragging his lips down Nicholas's jaw, slow and teasing, just enough to make Nicholas's fingers dig into his sleeves.

Nicholas had always been the one to push.

To get too close, to watch EJ try to fight it.

But now?

Now, EJ was making him wait.

Now, Nicholas was the one struggling to breathe.

And when EJ finally—finally—murmured, "Not so cocky now, are you?"

Nicholas shuddered.

And he hated how much he loved it.

EJ pulled back just slightly, his lips still hovering close, as if he was waiting for Nicholas to make the next move.

And that was the worst part.

Because Nicholas wanted to.

God, he wanted to.

EJ tilted his head, watching him carefully. "What's wrong?"

Nicholas swallowed. "You're—"

EJ smirked. "Winning?"

Nicholas cursed under his breath.

Because yes.

Yes, he was.

And Nicholas had never lost a game to him before.

But this time?

This time, he didn't mind losing.

Nicholas was always the one who noticed things. The one who paid attention.

But now?

Now, EJ was watching him.

And Nicholas—for the first time in his life—felt completely, utterly exposed.

EJ tilted his head, a quiet hum slipping past his lips.

"Quiet all of a sudden."

Nicholas scowled. "Shut up."

EJ chuckled, his fingers brushing the nape of Nicholas's neck—just barely, just enough.

"Not so cocky now, are you?"

Nicholas inhaled sharply.

Because that's what he always said. That was his line.

But now, EJ was throwing it back at him.

And it was working.

Damn it.

EJ leaned in again—slow, deliberate, waiting.

Waiting for Nicholas to shove him away.

Waiting for him to take back control.

But Nicholas didn't.

Because the truth was, he didn't want to.

His patience snapped.

Before he could even think about it, Nicholas grabbed EJ's collar and pulled him in.

The moment their lips met; EJ made a sound that sent fire straight through Nicholas's veins.

It was satisfaction.

Because EJ had known—he had always known—that Nicholas would cave first.

And Nicholas hated how much he loved that.

This kiss was different.

There was no hesitation, no teasing, no waiting for the other to back down.

Just heat. Just tension unraveling all at once.

Nicholas felt the way EJ tightened his grip on him, pulling him closer instead of holding him still.

The way his fingers curled slightly against Nicholas's skin, like he wasn't ready to let go.

And when they finally pulled apart—just barely, just enough to breathe—Nicholas wasn't smirking anymore.

Neither of them were.

EJ met his gaze, steady, unreadable, like he was waiting for Nicholas to finally admit what this was.

Nicholas exhaled sharply, his heart pounding.

"...I really, really hate you sometimes."

EJ smirked. "No, you don't."

Nicholas groaned, dragging a hand down his face. This was so unfair.

But when he looked up again, EJ was still there.

Still close.

Still watching him like he already knew everything Nicholas was too stubborn to say.

And Nicholas knew—he wasn't getting out of this one.

Not this time.

And maybe, for once, he didn't want to.