Rivals in Heat

Chapter 1: The Invitation

The air in Can’s Istanbul penthouse was thick with the scent of aged whiskey and unspoken tension. Alvise, the rugby titan with a body carved from marble, stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the Bosphorus glittering under the night sky. His broad shoulders strained against his tight black tee, and his jeans hugged every inch of his powerful thighs. He knew he was a sight—hell, his naked photos online had made him a fortune, even if his biggest fans weren’t exactly his type. But tonight wasn’t about that. Tonight was about a role, a chance to step into the limelight beyond the rugby field.

Can, the Turkish actor with a face that could stop traffic and a physique to rival Alvise’s, leaned against the bar, pouring two glasses of amber liquid. His dark eyes glinted with something dangerous, something calculated, as he watched Alvise’s every move. He was just as striking, maybe more so, with muscles that bulged under his tailored shirt and a smirk that promised trouble. ‘So, champ,’ Can drawled, his voice smooth as silk, ‘you ready to wrestle with me on the big screen? Bare-chested, raw, just two beasts going at it.’

Alvise turned, a cocky grin spreading across his chiseled face. ‘I’ve tackled bigger men than you on the field, pretty boy. I’m not worried about some staged fight.’

Can chuckled, handing him a glass. ‘Oh, it’s not just a fight. It’s art. Passion. Sweat. I need to see if you’ve got the grit for it. Why don’t you strip down, put on these fight pants, and let’s run through a scene right now?’ He gestured to a pair of tight, black shorts on the couch, his gaze lingering just a beat too long on Alvise’s frame.

Alvise raised an eyebrow, his grin faltering. ‘Strip? Here? You serious, mate?’

‘Dead serious,’ Can replied, stepping closer, his tone dripping with charm. ‘It’s just a test. No cameras, no crew. Just us. Come on, don’t tell me a guy like you is shy. I’ve seen those photos—nothing you haven’t shown the world already.’

Alvise hesitated, then shrugged, setting his glass down. ‘Fine. But don’t get any funny ideas.’ He peeled off his shirt, revealing a torso so perfect it could’ve been sculpted by the gods, every muscle rippling as he moved. Can’s eyes darkened, taking in the sight, and when Alvise dropped his jeans, stepping into the shorts, Can couldn’t help but stare at the bulge that strained against the fabric. Twenty-three centimeters of pure legend, even at rest.

‘Wow,’ Can said, his voice low, almost reverent. ‘I wonder how many women lose their damn minds over that cock.’

Alvise’s cheeks flushed, a rare crack in his confident armor. ‘Keep your eyes up here, man,’ he snapped, though there was a nervous edge to his tone.

Can smirked, stepping closer, the air between them crackling. ‘Relax, I’m just appreciating the competition. Tell you what—let’s have some fun. How about we jerk off together? I’d kill to see that thing in action.’

Alvise’s jaw tightened, and he grabbed his shirt, yanking it back on. ‘I’m not gay, alright? What the hell is this?’

Can held up his hands, feigning innocence. ‘Neither am I, champ. Don’t you do this shit in locker rooms? Just guys being guys?’

‘No,’ Alvise shot back, his voice hard. ‘Not with strangers, and definitely not with you.’

‘Alright, alright,’ Can said, his smile never wavering. ‘No worries. Let’s just finish our drinks and call it a night.’ He picked up Alvise’s glass, turning away for just a moment—long enough to slip something into the liquid. ‘To new beginnings,’ he toasted, handing it over.

Alvise took a long sip, the whiskey burning down his throat, unaware of the trap closing around him. His vision blurred, his limbs grew heavy, and the last thing he saw was Can’s predatory grin before darkness swallowed him whole.

When he came to, his wrists and ankles were bound, his body stretched in an X on a rigid hammock that encased him like a cage. Every inch of him was trapped—except his ass, left exposed, suspended in the air. His heart pounded as he realized the vulnerability of his position, the cool air teasing his bare skin. Voices murmured nearby, low and hungry, and Alvise’s blood ran cold. Whatever Can had planned, it was far from a simple screen test, and the heat building in the room promised something raw, forbidden, and dangerously close.