Chapter Twenty

In Ilya’s basement gym, Shane balances on a stability ball, showing off as Ilya arrives, teases him, and initiates flirtation. Their banter turns physical, with Ilya positioning himself between Shane’s legs and kissing along Shane’s torso, contrasting Shane’s balance-focused regimen with Ilya’s more conventional training.

Ilya encourages Shane to turn toward the wall mirror and watch himself while Ilya stimulates him. When the bright lights feel overwhelming, Ilya dims them, revealing he installed mood lighting for Shane’s comfort. The reassurance and Ilya’s murmured praise, some in Russian, help Shane accept the vulnerability of being on display.

As Ilya continues, Shane confesses how much he missed Ilya and hears Ilya admit he sleeps better with Shane. They both wish they could sleep together every night, which underscores their desire for a more open, stable life together despite secrecy.

Guided by Ilya’s gentle insistence to keep his eyes open, Shane climaxes while watching himself in the mirror, then laughs breathlessly. They share affectionate teasing about Shane’s tidiness as he cleans up, and Ilya suggests a shower and offers to make breakfast, joking about chocolate pancakes before promising Shane’s protein shake. They plan to take care of Ilya’s arousal later, savoring a rare, unrushed day together.