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Chapter 21 - Chameleon . . Wed. April 1st, 2020 . The moment we stepped out of the car, I saw it. Pure fucking Alpha. If we tell them he is my boyfriend, I will be a clear bottom, just subjugated to the stronger male. At least, Ross would definitely think that with all his alpha way of looking at the whole world around him. But damn! Nate was something. The way he walked to that door, I couldn't stop starting. He turned and gave me an alpha-vibe smirk, inviting me under his wing. "You coming, Richard?" Who the fuck is this man? And he asks me how many personalities I have? Now when I think about it, he is a fucking chameleon! With Ashley, he is this caring, calm, proper, blue-collar. With me, he is this kinky, nurturing, hot fucker. When we were at Ben's, he was the kind of guy you would introduce to your parents, a charismatic, collected family man. And now? He is fucking masculine alpha top, friendly, cool dude. What the fuck? We all act differently when we are with different people, but this seems like a whole other level. The weirdest thing was it didn't seem to be forced. Not even a little bit. I thought I knew many sides of him. Yet, what I saw was Nate, natural, like he is this way all the time. Except in the months I knew him, I never met him like this. I know how weird that may sound, but it was true. . I came to the door and called Ross. "Hi, we're here." "Sure, I am going up!" It took maybe only two minutes, and Ross opened the door with a huge grin. "Rix!" "What the hell?" "I love it! I've been waiting weeks to call you that!" "Why would you call me that, asshole?" "Chill, I thought you'd like it. Come on in!" I shook my head and went inside. Ross looked at Nate. Ross's eyes got stuck on him. It wasn't anything subtle. He obscenely checked him out like a piece of expensive equipment. Then he stopped on Nate's finger with the wedding ring and gave the slightest smirk. I think Nate wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't warned him, but I did notice it immediately. All blood boiled within me, and I was about to say something when Nate nonchalantly introduced himself with an extended hand. "Nate Hayes, Richard told me I can join you." Ross took his hand with a wide smile. "You can join us anytime." . I felt sick with the obvious flirtation, but something about Nate was fascinating. He acted like Ross was a good friend, and he was used to hearing lots of shit from him. And as if he didn't even take it seriously, he continued with a neutral smile. "Good to hear that. May I come in then?" Ross noticed this. He frowned while smiling like he was intrigued but knew this wouldn't be an easy play. Fuck you, asshole. It won't be any play. "Yes, sure, get in, boy." "No." Nate's stern face made Ross freeze. "No?" "Do not call me boy." Nate said it like a natural line that was not to be crossed, yet he gave him a chance to learn. He walked around Ross into the house and stood next to me, waiting for Ross to close the door. . Ross just smirked again, as I saw him do many times. This 'challenge accepted' attitude was slowly making me livid. I don't know why suddenly I was feeling so insecure. Ross is about three inches taller than Nate and me and outweighs me by about 20 lbs. This change of lifestyle he had is noticeable on his frame. But still, I was never insecure about bringing my boyfriends around him. He is a hunter and asshole, but I scored many times over him. I suppose I am intimidating in a more viable way. I like to view it like I am Thor, and next to me, he is the Hulk. . But now? I hated the way he was eyeing Nate! I loathed it with passion. Fuck, this quarantine, with yesterday's walk down memory lane, really messed up my spirit. I looked at Nate. He was nonchalant like he belonged here, and this was just another day among the rest of the alphas. Why do I keep thinking in this "alpha" way? Get a grip, man! . "Ted is already here. Do you want water?" "Sure, thanks." Nate just nodded with that calm smile and took off his jacket. I followed suit, and then we went inside. Ross brought us bottles and handed one to Nate. "Rix," he said as he handed me the second. "Why did you start calling me Rix, and why the fuck do you think it's so funny?" "Isn't it nostalgic for you?" "Right. Who did you fuck that went to high school with me?" "Do you remember Kyle McCoy? He was actually the one helping me build the gym down there." "Right... I heard that he came out a couple of months back. I was shocked!" "Yeah, unfortunately, it is not my doing." "Damn, still, I wouldn't have thought so. But don't tell me Kyle's bottom!" "Let's say he is versatile now." "Wow... How is he? I haven't seen him in years." "I think pretty well, would be married now if the pandemic wouldn't hit. Lives a posh, stuck-up life. But he's cool." "Yeah, he was a great guy. But, still, you don't get to call me Rix." "Why not? I practically flipped with excitement when he told me. It's perfect!" "No. Where is Ted?" . I looked around and caught Nate watching us, clearly entertained. He had this sweet, relaxed smile I loved, but here it had a different edge. "He's downstairs. He was like a five-year-old boy in a toy store. It was funny." "Yeah, Ben was also pretty excited when he called me." "Well, it's a wet dream. Wait till you see it." "What do you like, Nate?" Nate just overlooked Ross's tone and shrugged his shoulders. "I am pretty open-minded but mostly climbing, highlines, or parkour. At home, I worked with bars and started with rings a couple of weeks ago. I've never been much of a gym rat." "Great, we built a boulder downstairs. You can show me some moves." "Yeah, Richard told me. I'd love to. It's been some time." "You have shoes with you?" "Sure." "Sweet, let's go down!" . He pointed us to the basement, and I led the way as I had been here before. I was pretty sure he chose to go last so he could check Nate out. Ross was right. Ted was like a man possessed. His eyes were so round that I had to chuckle. "Rick, my man!" We greeted him, and I introduced Nate. They exchanged some small talk, and Ted started ranting about everything Ross had here. I had to say I got the hype. This man could host some good workout parties or even start a small gym down here. It really was a wet dream! . We talked and goofed around in a friendly manner, and Nate looked like he had been part of the group for years. It was fascinating. Soon the doorbell rang, and Ross went up again. This time it was Ben with Courtney. We greeted them and talked as we checked out what we would do. Since we all had different points of interest, we split, and each did their own thing while we were gabbing like a couple of girls on brunch. We were just so excited to talk with other people. Months of solitude are hard on everyone. I was initially warming up with Nate and Cor, but soon he told me he wanted to try the boulder and went for his shoes. . After some time, we naturally split into groups. Ted wanted to progress in his handstands, and I joined him while Ben and Cor took the weights. Nate, of course, headed for the boulder, and I could see him looking at it like a long-lost best friend. That grin on his face was just so beautiful, I would want to have a picture of it hanging somewhere, and I would look at it every day to cheer me up! I like that guy, do I... But of course, Ross's new passion was a boulder as well, so he naturally went to Nate, and they grouped, talking about holds and routes. I must say I was lost on a few things, and after a while, I realized that Ted patiently waited when I froze watching them two. I turned to him and tried to continue what we were saying but forgot what it was. He hadn't said a thing and smiled at me before going into a handstand. . I kept glancing at Nate and Ross. Nate didn't seem bothered or interested in Ross's blatant flirting and looked like he was just enjoying the chance to climb after all this time. On the other hand, Ross surely realized by now that his attempts were not working, but instead of slowing down, he kept at it. Why does he do that? He let his prey often go when it was apparent there was no chance or it became too much. Usually, he gets bored after there is no sign of progress. So what is happening with him? . Then Ross did something that just did it for me! They had been talking for a while now without any movement staring into each other's eyes. Nate looked indifferent, while Ross seemed intrigued. But then Nate was clearly about to walk away when Ross pinned him to the wall by putting his hands on the wall behind him from each side. I put my hands into fists and stepped to them with menace in my eyes when a huge dark hand clasped around my torso. Ben appeared in front of me. With just a glance, he made it clear that I was not attacking our friend and host in his own home. I calmed down a bit but was still furious. . Nate now had his stone-cold face on, obviously bothered but kept being polite until Ross reached his limit. "What are you doing, Ross?" Ben asked "I am just trying something." "You really are cute." The way he said it was obvious that he was continuing the conversation we interrupted. "Ross, you wouldn't be able to handle my cute," Nate said with a stern look. What were they talking about before? "Don't worry. I like them feisty." "Alas, I don't like them forceful." "Who said I'm forceful?" Nate gave him that cold stare. "Then you must have seen too much teenage drama in the 90ties to think this..." he looked meaningfully at Ross's arms around him, "would actually work." "Ross let go of him. You are acting like a dick." Ben said. . Nate looked at us, and when he saw my expression, a glimpse of worry went through his eyes for a brief second. Then he calmly assured me, "It's okay. I can handle him just fine." He turned back to Ross. "You should listen to them. It's getting annoying." Ross smirked, still full of himself. What the fuck is he doing?! "I can't figure you out. You definitely like dick." I was getting enraged at this point. I would have punched Ross long ago if Ben still hadn't held his hand on me. "Yet you can't accept that I am not interested in yours." "So you do like dick." The two of them were now staring at one another. Nate was evidently calm but annoyed, and Ross was amused and cocky. "Let's say I am extremely picky, and you haven't made the cut. It's nothing personal I am sure many assholes twitch seeing you hunt them. Now get off me." "Make me. Boy." Is that asshole seriously not seeing that he doesn't have a chance? Ben was standing there, frowning, observing them. Cor had arms crossed over her chest and looked at them strangely. . "I am also very picky about who can call me boy. Now. Remember, you were the one who asked for that." With that, the world around slowed to a halt, returning to motion at twice the speed. With the coolest face, Nate took one of Ross's thumbs and twisted them with his whole arm while Ross screamed. Nate then made a fast sideway move and ended up behind Ross, having him in a chokehold. It looked nearly funny, with Ross being taller and heavier than Nate behind him. Nate held him with such strength that Ross just stood there grunting, and Nate twisted Ross's arm higher to make Ross scream in pain. Then he let go of him, and Ross took two rapid steps to stop himself from falling. It all took maybe thirty seconds, but it was fucking breathtaking. Literally! I grinned, thoroughly delighted. Nate, however, had a look of pure concentration watching Ross with a slight smile. And he was right. "Damn, man, that was not cool. Now it's my turn" with that, Ross launched on Nate, and they started to wrestle properly. At this point, we just stood there, unsure if we should stop them, as neither seemed to mind this spontaneous sparring session. . The longer they were at it, the more they grinned, and Nate, probably 40 lbs lighter and a few inches shorter, could still take him down quite elaborately. It was fucking spectacular to watch. We would just sit on the couch with popcorn and shout at them like cheerleaders if we could move. It all happened so fast! Ross pinned Nate down a couple of times, he was, in the end, bigger, but every time, Nate found a way to get on top. After a couple of minutes, Nate fucking jumped up and grabbed two holds above him! Then he wrapped his legs around Ross's throat and let go making them both fall on the boulder mat. Ted and I cheered like a crowd at a wrestling match. They both panted, and Ross held his neck. "What the fuck was that?" "I always wanted to try that and never had the chance," Nate said with a huge grin sitting up. "Why?" Ross coughed, but we could see he was more than amused. He was grinning. "I learned early that being creative in a fight gives you a great edge." "Have you often fought for your life?" Nate laughed wholeheartedly. "This was far from that, man." "Who the fuck are you?" Ross was laughing now. "I was quite wild in my days, and we spared a lot with my friends." "Were you in a gang or something?" "Nah, just some adrenaline junkies with loads of testosterone and daddy issues." summarized Nate casually, something I had not even the slightest idea about. . "This was fun." Ross lay down on the mat catching a breath. "How many times you've been in a fight?" I asked. Nate shrugged his shoulders like that was not even a big deal. "Probably the same as you had one-night stands and hookups," Nate winked at me. Ted looked at me, "How many is that?" I looked into Nate's eyes as I slowly answered, "Never cared to count." "Cool," Ted exclaimed. "It's not a good thing," said Nate. "It's cool when you fight like that." . Ross sat up, watching him with a strange but still amused look. "It's fun when you spar with friends but not real bloody fights. That is not fun. People think so because the closest they came to an actual one was in an action movie." "Depends where you've been born," said Ben. We all looked at him. He and Cor were the only ones who didn't seem to enjoy the sparring show. "True," said Nate looking at him. The tension in the room suddenly rose. Everyone except Nate knew that Ben seriously hated fighters. He has his issues and reasons for them. . Ross, obviously, as the rest of us, picked up on that fast. "Who wants a beer?" "We just worked out." "And? This lockdown is killing me! Let me celebrate being with a bunch of people again. We can do some serious training the next time." From how he looked, he was down here training more than needed, but human contact is scarce for all of us at this point. "I agree with Ross. I meet people over the phone or screen and drink my beer alone, so I'll take one." Ted raised his hand. "Sure, sounds fine." I joined. Ben nodded, and Cor shook her head and opened her water. . "Nate?" Ross asked on his way up the stairs. "I don't drink." "AA?" He said jokingly. "No. I think I have already drunk my share of alcohol for life. And I haven't had a drink in 15 years now. So beer would probably floor me. Can I climb a bit more till we leave?" "Sure, enjoy it. You can come to play with anything here anytime." Nate rolled his eyes. "Boulder is fine. Thanks." Ross went up. . "Maybe you should just tell him," Ted told me. "We didn't want to make a big deal of it. Of course, if asked, we would say it, but we didn't feel the need to come here in matching shirts." "He is just playing. I have been hit on more than a few times, and this was just playful teasing. He's cool." "You're not bothered by it?" Ben asked Nate. Nate shrugged his shoulders and continued like he was talking about the weather. "It doesn't do anything to me. So I don't feel the need to be insecure about it. But if it bothers you, we should tell him. It seems everyone else knows." . "What do you mean by it doesn't do anything to you? And what does everyone else know?" Ross came back. "He is with me," I said. "You should have said that. I'd tone it down a bit." Nate chuckled. "A bit? How generous, man." "Well, you need to put the new bitch to a test if it should be serious." Most of us just rolled our eyes and shook our heads. . "And why do you think it doesn't do anything?" He winked cocky. "I don't get attracted to many people. It's about the smell of them for me." "So I don't smell good to you?" "Is this conversation really going on?" Nate asked and turned to boulder. Nate grinned at me, and I was delighted. He just said in front of a bunch of guys that he likes only my smell. Fuck that felt good. Like he proclaimed that I am the only one worth him. Damn right! "Come on. So you two are an item?" "Pretty much, but it's complicated as fuck." I said, still looking at Nate, choosing the route and chalking up his hands. "Tell me." Nate turned to me and shrugged. He had a look like it was up to me. Anyway, he put on the shoes again and grabbed a hold. I marveled at how he moved from one hold to the other, the strength and flexibility of this man... We all watched him for a while. Then Ted started talking about something, and all I heard was the murmur of voices behind me. My eyes were glued to my man. Yes. He is my man! . The rest of the night was great. We laughed, goofed around, and talked about all that shit that was going on. We drank more beer and had a great time. Most of the night, Nate was by my side. Sweaty and pumped from all that moving. I would devour him if I could. Then I realized I fucking could! I stared at his profile, and soon he turned to me, feeling my stare. He smiled, and I just took his hand in my, and with a second, I pulled him on my lips. We were among my friends out and free. I could kiss him in public and feel safe. I kissed him gently, enjoying his lips, and smiled when I let go of him. The room fell into silence, and we realized it only after a while. . Ben looked kind of pissed for some reason, Cor and Ted smiled gently, and Ross grinned like the pervert he is. "Do you want to go upstairs? We can wait." Ross grinned widely, showing his white teeth. "No thanks, I don't want to take a chance that some hidden camera will be there." I grinned back at him "Hidden camera?" Nate looked at me. This just started another long talk, joking, and much more fun! This was one of the best nights in the last few months!
________ For those reading the FomEB. This chapter takes place in April 2020. The Fiance of my Ex-Boss 9 is happening in December 2019.
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