Page 4 of Play Room Actor

Kilian raised his brows at Vasily’s sarcastic tone. “Any tips on how I can get this grumpy bear to take me seriously?”

“Ha!” Vasily barked. “Good luck with that. This guy’s a brick wall.”

Vasily, of course, had no clue. He didn’t even know I was an actor. I stayed curt, grim, and rarely laughed—it made me more convincing as a bouncer. A quick glance at the clock told me it was already 2 a.m. Time to check the playrooms and see if the ladies were doing all right.

“I’m making my rounds,” I said.

Vasily nodded. As I was about to leave, Kilian stepped away from the wall and held the door open with the chivalry of a gentleman.

“So? Are we grabbing a drink later?”

“You’re like a dog,” I muttered, feeling annoyed.

“Do you like dogs?”

“I’m working.” I stopped near the smoking lounge and turned to face him. “Why don’t you go back to your friends and enjoy your evening?”

“I am. As soon as you tell me your name. You already know mine, after all.”

I tilted my head to the side, letting out a low grunt. Kilian’s gorgeous dark eyes sparkled as they stayed fixed on me, unwavering. He almost had me—almost. But then I saw it. Something was … off. His hyper-enthusiastic attempts to win me over were sweet in their own way, but there was something in his gaze—a flicker of something foreign, like a lurking shadow.

I squinted, trying to see past his mask.

Drugs?

No. His pupils are normal.

But there was an emptiness in him, something he was trying to cover up with his over-the-top charm and borderline obsessive persistence.

Whatever it was, it made me instinctively step back. Because whatever I saw there, it was something I’d be better off avoiding.

“Mick,” I said coolly, knowing he wouldn’t give up otherwise.

“Mick as in Mickey Mouse?”

“Mick as in Mick Jagger.”

“You don’t look like Mick Jagger.”

“No, really?” I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

“The Stones are great, and Mick Jagger rocks, but David’s better. Call me Bowie,” he said with a disarming calmness that threw me off. “I bet you’re a pretty chill guy. Too bad you’re not ready yet.” He winked at me one last time before heading back to his friends.

For a moment, I just stood there, dumbfounded. And then, just as a smile tugged at my lips, Kilian turned around, walking backward, and gave me a two-finger salute.

I shook my head, trying to wipe the joy off my face, but it wouldn’t go away. So I ducked into the staff area, forcing myself to focus on my job.

2

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Dominic

I swapped out towels, gathered empty bottles, and delivered fresh drinks to the ladies. The whole time, Kilian’s words echoed in the back of my mind:

“Shame you’re not ready yet.”

He had hit the nail on the head, but how did he know? And more importantly—ready for what? A one-night stand? Or for him? I wasn’t ready for sex, but that wasn’t a matter of choice. If it were up to me, I’d want nothing more than sex, but my body wasn’t cooperating—or rather, my dick wasn’t.