Fic [AI RPF]: Protected Realm (3/4) - Adam/Kris/Katy
Headers and notes in Chapter 1.
Series Master Post.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
CHAPTER THREE
The movie had ended, credits long since over, and Katy was asleep against Kris’ shoulder. Adam could see the top of her golden head from where he had his face buried in Kris’ hair, breathing in the familiar scent.
He could probably go to sleep here, he thought hazily, with nothing but Kris for warmth. The smaller body fit perfectly against his, Kris’ shoulders under his arm at just the right height, and Katy’s petite form the complement to his. He was pretty sure it wasn’t supposed to work like this, but that didn’t stop it from feeling right. After Brad, he’d felt sure that he would never belong in forever; that such an ideal was an illusion. But if anyone could last forever, he thought it would be Kris and Katy. And in the moments when the doubts were silent, he felt like he could really be a part of their unit. He closed his eyes and breathed in, reveling in the feeling.
But the hour was late, and finally Adam knew he couldn’t put off leaving any longer. He took in one more breath of Kris, brushing his fingers against Katy’s hair, and pulled away.
Kris let out an unhappy sound and shifted on the sofa, watching drowsily as Adam stood and picked up his jacket. “Hey, are you free Tuesday night?”
Adam glanced at him, and saw Katy stretch and blink, waking. He thought a moment. “Yeah, I am. Why?”
“You should come over, of course.” A smile both sexy and shy curved Kris’ lips. “Keep Wednesday morning open too, if you can.”
Adam felt a rush of heat go through him at the suggestion, Kris’ sleep-heavy eyes prompting a groan that was quickly stifled. He hoped he wouldn’t have to wait for Tuesday before he could have Kris again, but- “Wait, that’s your and Katy’s date night.”
Kris rolled his eyes as if Adam were being dense. “Yeah. And now it’s our date night with you.” That smile again. “If that works for you.”
Adam blinked, taken completely by surprise. Ever since Kris and Katy had lived in L.A., he’d known that Tuesday was their night together - a tradition he’d regarded with some envy. “But… really?” he said, unable to help the smile that he could feel pulling at his mouth. “Are you sure?”
Katy pushed herself up off Kris’ shoulder with a fond look. “Of course, silly. You’re part of us now, we aren’t going to cut you out of something.” She sounded a bit scandalized at the idea.
Adam shrugged, trying to play it cool, but the smile wasn’t going anywhere. “I didn’t want to presume.”
Kris wrinkled his nose. “You have the right to presume that you’re welcome with us. I thought that was obvious.” He got up from the sofa and leaned up to press a soft kiss to Adam’s mouth. Adam leaned into it, deepening the connection for a moment before drawing reluctantly away. “Be here no later than six on Tuesday. We’re going out.”
“I’ll be here.” Adam leaned down to kiss Katy, then walked out to his car. He turned to look back at the house, and let his joy out in a laugh that echoed through the little yard.
Dating had been something he’d never really considered with Kris and Katy - that stage had seemed superfluous, unnecessary; not to mention difficult to execute under their circumstances. But that didn’t mean he hadn’t wanted it - and until now, it felt as if he’d underestimated how much he did want it.
He tilted his head back and let the cool night air flow over his face, feeling butterflies of anticipation and nerves take up residence in his belly. How long had it been since he’d felt like this? And the fact that they’d included him on their standing date night - something he knew was a commitment they took seriously - warmed him to the core.
Where would they go? What would they do? It had been awhile since Adam had been on a real date, and impossibly longer since he wasn’t the one planning it. What should he wear? What did one do on a date with Kris Allen? What if he wanted to go to some sports thing? Adam’s eyes widened in horror for a moment, but then he laughed. He didn’t care if Kris wanted to drag him to some game that he knew nothing about; he’d go, and he’d love it, because it was Kris and Katy.
*
Katy’s phone buzzed, and she looked at the screen to see a text from Adam:
Do you know what we're doing on Tuesday?
She smiled and put her book down, typing out a quick response. Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell ;)
The reply was swift: :( What sort of a girlfriend are you? I need to know what to wear!
She sat back on the sofa, enjoying this. Kris would say you'll look beautiful no matter what.
Don't tell me that's a good enough answer for you.
She laughed. Of course not.
Katyyy…
She took pity on him. I really don't know, hun.
What are you wearing? Don't want to clash.
This cute dress I found at Wasteland… She settled in to tell him about it.
*
Kris had managed to find an out-of-the-way Asian fusion restaurant, unremarkable from the outside and refreshingly uncrowded. As the hostess led them to their table, Adam admired the Zen decor and low lighting, allowing each party relative privacy. Then the hostess stopped, and Adam took in the booth she was gesturing to. He exchanged quick looks with Kris and Katy, seeing the same question reflected in their eyes: who to sit with?
Aware that the hostess was watching them, and not wanting Kris to ask for them to be reseated, Adam slid into the far side and watched as Katy and Kris took the other.
It stung a little, but as soon as they were alone Kris made apologetic faces until he laughed. The arrangement made the most sense, Adam admitted, and would look the least strange. The table between them had the added benefit of keeping Adam from giving in to the temptation to touch Kris. Though he hadn’t spied any camera phones in use yet, there was no point in taking chances, and peoples’ eyes and mouths worked even when their cameras didn’t.
The public setting left Adam feeling oddly exposed, despite the fact that they weren’t doing anything different than before they were together. Kris and Katy could feel it too, he could tell, their words and gestures a bit self-conscious and furtive, guarding against anything that could be incriminating if overheard.
He wondered if this was what it would have felt like had he dated while he was in the closet. No, he thought with a smirk, it would’ve been a thousand times worse. And he’d learned from his time with Drake and Marc that, closeted or not, fame brought with it no small amount of self-consciousness. At least this time, Kris and Katy were equally invested; had just as much - likely more - to lose.
A round of drinks helped burn off the initial awkwardness, and by the time their food came, Adam felt nearly normal. They ordered several dishes to share family style; it was almost like sharing off each others’ plates, he told himself, and the food was delicious. When the check came, Kris picked it up so smoothly there was no time to argue over it, and Adam let himself enjoy the feeling of simply being taken out.
Afterward, Kris drove them to a small bar and restaurant, concealed from Washington Boulevard by a high cinderblock wall. Adam eyed it a little suspiciously, the exterior reminding him more than a little of a strip club, though it would serve as a barrier against prying eyes. He wondered briefly where Kris got his recommendations. But once they were inside, the decor turned modern and upscale. They were led to a private corner of the patio, where a curved sofa sat up against a small fire pit, just big enough for the three of them. Kris sat, and Adam hesitated, glancing at Katy. He was feeling relaxed and comfortable from dinner, and would like nothing more than to settle between them, feeling them both pressed against him.
But as before, that would appear strange at best, and so Adam sat on Kris’ right, watching as Katy took the opposite side.
Kris ordered a bottle of merlot and a slice of German chocolate cake, over the protests of Adam and Katy. But with the wine and fire warming him, Adam shoved away the nagging sense of responsibility, content that they had no obvious audience, and accepted bites of rich chocolate from Kris’ fork.
He was feeling comfortably buzzed, Kris and Katy a bit further along, and it was good to indulge in the closeness forced by the small couch. Katy was there, after all, her presence making Adam feel safer about the way his arm rested heavily on Kris’ shoulders, his fingers tangling occasionally in her hair. Kris was growing less inhibited, leaning in to whisper things in Adam’s ear, his hand brushing against Adam’s leg or Katy’s cheek. Katy was giggly and happy, face flushed as she kissed Kris’ cheek, eyes smiling at Adam, full of the secret they held between them.
Adam was about to say something to move them on to the next part of the night, which he dearly hoped would involve the three of them and their bed, when a glint near the top of the wall caught his eye. Glancing up, he saw light flare on a lens, and froze.
Suddenly all too aware of how close his lips were to Kris’ temple, he pulled back a little, but pressed his hand against their arms to gain their attention. “Don’t look, but we’re being watched.”
Their posture stiffened, and Adam thought rapidly about where they were and if it was worth it to try to escape. “Give me the valet check,” he murmured to Kris. “I’ll get the car, and we’ll see if we can at least avoid being seen leaving together.”
Kris slipped him the claim stub, and Adam got up, deliberately nonchalant, and headed in the direction of the restroom before veering towards the valet stand. Within moments, Adam was behind the wheel of the Fusion, keeping an eye out for the paparazzo. He saw Kris and Katy first, and he put the car into gear as soon as they slid in.
They were quiet and tense for the first few minutes, before Kris said, “Do you think we did anything really obvious?”
“No,” Katy replied immediately, but she had her lip caught between her teeth. “I mean, there’s no way there’s anything that’s different from what you guys have done before, right? We weren’t exactly making out.”
Kris grimaced. “I don’t think I’ve ever fed Adam cake before.”
“You fed me, too.”
“Somehow I doubt those will be the pictures on TMZ.”
“Well, maybe he wasn’t there when we did that.”
Adam just listened. They were walking a fine line here; Katy was right, to an extent, that they could get away with a lot because that was what Kradam was about; they’d played it as a joke for months before it ever became anything real. But it was no longer a joke, and he wasn’t sure if he could retain perspective on it anymore.
It had been one thing to laugh and deny when there had been no relationship; now, he wouldn’t want to deny it anymore. Beyond that, he wasn’t sure if Kris even could, or if the game would be up the instant someone glimpsed his guilty face.
*
As it turned out, there were no photos of Kris feeding Adam. Their respective Twitter feeds exploded with fangirl squealing over the pictures of them with their heads bent together, Kris tucked under Adam’s arm, but it was nothing they hadn’t dealt with before and it didn’t require comment. Kris couldn’t resist tweaking his fans, making a comment about how Katy needed her Kradam fix, and while it made Adam nervous he had to admit it was the most normal response Kris could have had.
But he couldn’t help but think of next time, of all the things they couldn’t be seen doing, and what would happen when they inevitably were.
***
Adam was in the middle of rehearsing Fever when Kris walked in.
It had been a long day, the dancers had been dismissed, and Adam’s energy was fading fast. But when the door opened and light threw Kris’ form into silhouette, Adam felt enthusiasm flood him again. With someone watching - and not just anyone, but Kris - it gave him a new focus, and he allowed the infectious beat of the song to take him over as he beckoned Kris closer.
Kris grinned and played along, swaying his hips as he approached the stage. He did some funky little dance moves, moving with the groove as Adam put on a sultry face and flirted with body and voice.
It wasn’t long before Kris’ grin began to fade, his eyes locking on Adam and tracking the motion of his hips. Adam put more into it, working the stage as if he were in full costume, less playful and more seductive. He kept his attention on his audience of one, and felt gratified when he saw Kris swallow. He couldn’t see the finer details of Kris’ expression from the stage, but he didn’t need to in order to know that they were both turned on.
The song ended, and Adam had to let the moment go, turning back to his band. “How do we feel, guys? Ready to call it a night?”
“It looks like you are,” Tommy called, and Adam quirked his lips, raising his middle finger in response.
Monte’s face was a mix between indulgent and resigned as he said, “Yeah man, I think we’re good for today.” His eyes fell speculatively on Kris, and Adam had a paranoid second of wondering if his old friend had guessed. But Monte just turned towards his amp, and Adam relaxed. Nothing had changed; they all still thought he was hung up on the unattainable straight boy.
He put his mic away and hopped off the stage. Walking up to Kris, he threw a casual arm around his shoulders. “Katy get to the airport okay?” he asked as they started to walk out.
Kris’ eyes burned possessively as they looked up at Adam’s face, and Adam felt a wave of heat travel through him. “Yeah. I told her I’d seen The Hangover, so I know what kind of trouble she’ll get into.”
Adam smirked. “What did she say?”
Kris’ voice dropped low. “That it was nothing compared to what we get up to together.” He grinned. “I think part of her wishes she could scandalize her girlfriends with stories.”
“Ooh, only if I get to be there,” Adam said, waggling his eyebrows, and Kris laughed.
They parted ways at their cars, and headed for the hills and Kris’ house. Kris beat him there, and opened the front door with an unusually purposeful glint in his eye.
“You know,” he said lowly, “it’s a good thing I’m not the jealous type, or I might have a hard time with you going on tour.” His eyes swept up Adam’s body possessively.
“Oh yeah?” Adam breathed, stepping inside and closing the door, watching as Kris’ hand rose to settle on his torso. “And what would you do about it?”
Kris’ eyes shot up to meet his, and Adam looked back with just enough challenge to provoke a response. Kris’ fingers tightened in Adam’s shirt, and then their mouths were crushed together, Kris’ lips on his with little thought for finesse.
Adam threw himself into it, relishing the rawness, meeting Kris kiss for kiss but allowing him to take the lead. Strong hands tugged at his shirt, pushing it up Adam’s chest while Kris’ mouth dipped to suck hard on the skin there. Adam gasped, his hand coming up to grip Kris’ hair, but he resisted the urge to guide him. Instead, his other hand scrabbled at the buttons on Kris’ shirt, tugging them loose.
Soon their clothes were scattered across the floor, mouths sucking and biting at each others’ skin. Adam was enjoying this rare, assertive Kris, and followed without hesitation when Kris shoved him towards the bedroom.
Beside the bed, they kissed some more; but then Kris began to back off a little, his kisses carrying less authority, as if he were not quite catching on to Adam’s lack of aggression. Adam resisted the temptation to take the lead, instead just allowing himself to be guided by the slightest of signals from Kris, feeling that if he didn’t they would get caught in an impasse. A soft pressure at the flesh of his waist had him sitting on the bed, looking up through lowered lashes, face deliberately submissive. He wanted to play this as far as Kris would take it.
Kris’ gaze swept his body, and Adam smiled at the awareness that flared in the brown eyes as he took in Adam’s naked form. Kris paused for a second, examining Adam’s face; then, taking a deep breath and firming his expression, he raised a hand to tangle strong fingers in Adam’s hair. Adam let his mouth fall open a little, an offering. When the kiss came, Adam matched the hunger, nipping and pulling fiercely at Kris’ lips and letting his hands roam over the taut skin of Kris’ belly and down over his bare hips. Then he fell back onto the bed, letting his body sprawl, legs open in invitation. Kris looked him over, eyes narrow and determined, and Adam rolled his hips encouragingly.
Taking the opening, Kris climbed on the bed, reaching down to grasp Adam’s cock. Adam groaned, perhaps a bit more enthusiastically than the touch warranted, but had the reward of Kris moving his hand firmly in response. Adam licked his own palm and then gripped Kris, feeling the velvety slide of hot flesh against his skin. Then he wrapped a leg around Kris’ hips and tugged, bringing their cocks flush against each other, clearly open for more.
Kris thrust against him for a moment, then his gaze ran from Adam’s chest to belly to cock, and he bit his lip. Adam reached out and took his hand, guiding it down to his opening, while Kris watched him with wide eyes. “Just go slow,” Adam murmured, and arched his hips.
Kris’ fingers just brushed against Adam before his hand faltered and fell away. A feeling was growing in Adam’s gut when Kris raised his head. “I… I don’t…” He met Adam’s eyes, helplessly.
In an instant, Adam had them flipped over, Kris flat on his back and Adam pinning him with the length of his body. Kris gasped, and Adam gave one long, slow grind with his hips. Kris’ eyes rolled shut and he groaned, legs falling open.
Heat surged over Adam as he leaned down, feeling Kris’ breath hot against his face. “Then don’t,” he whispered, and ravished Kris’ mouth.
Kris’ hands went to his hair and grabbed, hanging on, as Adam ground their cocks together. Adam broke the kiss and began to suck at Kris’ neck, feeling a rush of arousal when Kris’s head fell back to bare his throat.
“I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk,” Adam growled, and Kris whimpered, a leg coming to wrap itself around Adam’s hips.
“Please… please.”
Fumbling the nightstand drawer open, Adam found the lube and condoms, making a mess as he hurriedly slicked his fingers. “You are mine,” he hissed, and slid two fingers in without so much as a pause.
Kris’ eyes flew open and he sucked in a breath, and Adam worried for a split second that he’d gone too fast. But then Kris released the air on a broken whine, “Adaaam,” drawn out as his chest shuddered, and Adam was on him again.
Suddenly hard enough to pound nails, Adam bent and sucked Kris’ cock in his mouth, swallowing him down. Kris’ back arched and he scrabbled at the sheets, and Adam slid his fingers in and out, Kris unbelievably tight around him. As quickly as he could, he worked a third finger in, trying to restrain himself from just taking while Kris’ moans and cries reached his ears.
“Adam, please,” Kris said, teeth catching his lip as though he didn’t know what else to say, couldn’t voice words dirty enough for what he wanted Adam to do to him. With a wolfish smile, Adam withdrew his fingers and got his face up in front of Kris’.
“Please what,” he murmured, dropping his head to bite at Kris’ lower lip. Kris whined, squirming under him, eyes wide and pleading. Adam lowered his mouth to Kris’ ear. “Do you want me to fuck you?”
Kris moaned, helplessly, and then Adam heard him say, “Yes… Adam, please, I want you to fuck me.”
Adam shuddered all over at the words. “You are so fucking amazing.” And then he wasted no more time. Lifting Kris’ knees and lining up, he pushed himself just inside.
Kris was still tight, so tight, and Adam pulled together all of his self control to keep from going too fast. Kris made incredible sounds, though, and rolled his hips up to meet Adam, and Adam growled and pushed until finally, he slid home.
Kris’ chest was rising and falling with short, sharp pants, fingers clenched in Adam’s hair, tight enough to hurt. Adam pulled back before thrusting in with one long stroke, and Kris’ eyes rolled back, face clenching up in ecstasy.
“Oh fuck yes,” Adam murmured, and lowered his head and drove in again.
He wasn’t about to hold back, not with Kris making those delicious sounds, head thrown back and wide open for Adam to possess. He dropped a hand to grip Kris’ hip, hard, keeping him in place while Adam fucked him in short, staccato thrusts; waiting for - there - the sudden arch and cry that told him he’d found the sweet spot. Adam felt a predatory smile come across his face as he kept at that spot, watching Kris’ eyes go wide and wild, body writhing as a babble of please poured from his mouth.
When Kris’ hand reached for his cock, purple and weeping against his stomach, Adam grabbed his wrist and pinned it to the bed. “You come when I say,” he murmured, thrilling when Kris shivered in response.
Minutes later, Kris was whimpering, head tossing against the bed while he thrust hard against Adam. But his hand stayed obediently on the bed where Adam had pressed it, fingers clenching in the sheets. “Adam, please, touch me,” Kris said, and his voice caught.
Adam wrapped his hand around Kris’ cock and stripped him once, twice, and then Kris was screaming, bucking into Adam’s hand as come painted his chest, legs clamping involuntarily around Adam’s waist.
Adam fucked him through it, until Kris was sprawled limp against the sheets, face slack with bliss. “So beautiful,” Adam gasped, taking a moment to lick at a streak of pearly white; then he let himself go, pounding into Kris until his own release hit him, making him close his eyes and shudder, Kris’ skin hot against his hands.
Afterward, Adam collapsed on his side, panting, and a moment later Kris turned into him, snuggling his face into Adam’s chest. Adam ran his hands through Kris’ hair, stroking clumsily at his back while he waited for his heart to calm. “God, Kris, you’re incredible,” he breathed.
They lay together for awhile, Adam lazily stroking Kris’ skin, before he realized that Kris was being just a bit too still. Dropping a kiss on Kris’ head, Adam said, “You still with me, baby?”
When Kris shrugged a little in response, though, Adam felt a sudden jolt of fear. “What is it?” he asked, keeping his voice deliberately calm. “Did I hurt you?”
“No, no, I’m fine,” Kris said quickly, peering up from Adam’s chest for a moment before hiding his face again. Adam frowned, not reassured.
“Did you not like it?”
“No, I did,” Kris returned; then, almost inaudible: “That’s the problem.”
Eyebrows raised, Adam said, “Oh, honey, that’s never a problem.”
Kris shifted restlessly, starting to pull away, and Adam regretted being flippant. “Hey,” he said softly. “Talk to me.”
Kris hid his face again, and Adam waited, keeping his fingers running rhythmically through Kris’ hair.
After a long moment, Kris squirmed a little and said, “I didn’t…” before huffing out a breath. “I didn’t follow through on what I started.”
Adam mulled that over for a moment before realizing what Kris was saying. “Did you want to?” he asked, pretty sure he knew the answer, but wanting to hear Kris say it.
“No,” Kris said, pulling his face away a little, but keeping his gaze firmly on Adam’s chest. “But… why not?” There was a plaintive note in his voice.
Adam let his hand drift down Kris’ arm before returning to stroke his face, keeping the contact reassuring. “Because you didn’t,” he suggested. “It’s okay. Some people just don’t like it.”
“But… Katy,” Kris protested, his hand tightening a little on Adam’s waist.
Adam bit his lip, thinking, understanding Kris’ conflict. “I don’t think it has to change anything with her,” he said slowly. “You guys have a different dynamic, a different relationship.” He bowed his head, trying to catch Kris’ eyes. “There’s no rules, Kris. You don’t have to label this, or have it be all or nothing. You’re the one who decides what you like, nobody else.”
Kris’ gaze rose to tentatively meet his, and Adam smiled warmly. “You’re a beautiful and giving lover, and if you never want to top, I have no problem with that. If you ever do, the offer stands. There’s no pressure.” He pressed a soft kiss to Kris’ forehead. “And it’s clear to me that Katy’s very satisfied with you.” Then he pulled back and smiled again. “Nothing about you has changed, Kris. You’re just learning more about yourself.”
Kris met his eyes, and Adam could see the anxiety slowly begin to fade, overtaken by a small smile that curved his mouth. “Like how much I love you?"
Adam felt a rush of warmth at the uncharacteristic admission, and drew Kris close, pressing his lips to the soft hair. “Yeah,” he whispered, throat a little tight. “Like that.”
***
Adam was drowsing comfortably against Kris’ shoulder, Katy pressed up against his back. He wondered absently if they’d ever develop a habitual sleeping arrangement, but he kind of liked this, instinctive and flexible.
Kris’ phone rang, and the three of them groaned in concert. Kris sat up a little and reached for his phone, while Adam pressed his face into Kris’ side.
“‘Lo? …Oh, hi Mom.”
Adam opened his eyes, but didn’t move, listening.
“No, it’s okay, it’s easy to forget the time difference. We were just sleeping in.”
Katy shifted behind him, resting her chin on Adam’s shoulder. “Hi, Mom.”
Kris relayed her words, and Adam bit his lip, wanting to add his own greeting to the warm Southern woman. Instead he remained still and silent, knowing there was no plausible explanation for him being there so early in the morning. Knowing that, as much as Kim Allen loved and accepted him, it would all change if she knew about his relationship with her son and daughter-in-law.
He tried not to feel guilty about that.
“…Love you too. Here’s Katy.”
Kris turned and handed the phone to Katy, who put it to her ear and rolled out of bed. “Hi, Mom.”
She disappeared down the hall, and Kris settled back in the bed, facing Adam. His eyes scanned Adam’s face. “Sorry about that,” he began, but Adam shook his head.
“It’s okay. I understand.” He smiled, and waited for the crease between Kris’ brows to disappear. Kris’ features eased into a smile, and Adam’s heart gave a little twist that he told himself was happiness.
***
“Hey, listen. I was thinking I’d stay home this Tuesday.”
“What? Why?”
Adam worried a hangnail with his thumb, holding the phone in place with his shoulder. “You and Katy haven’t had any time to yourselves in awhile. You should do that. And I have some stuff at home I need to do,” he added, lamely.
“Adam, you’re only over a couple of times a week,” Kris protested.
“And you’re out late for most of the rest,” Adam replied quickly. “Come on. When’s the last time you went on a date, just you two?”
Kris grumbled under his breath. “Does that mean I get to take just you out on a date next?”
Adam ignored him. “Go on, take her out somewhere nice. Be seen. As a couple. If you don’t look out, people are going to think you’re sleeping with that fag you hang out with.” It came out less teasing than he intended.
“Don’t say that,” Kris said sharply. “Adam-”
“Kris,” Adam cut him off, suddenly feeling too tired for the conversation. “I’ll be fine. You and Katy have fun, I’ll see you as soon as I can.”
“Fine,” Kris said, then muttered, “why do I always let you have your way?” But there was fondness underlying the words.
Adam gave a quick smile. “Because you know I’m right. Goodnight, baby.” He hit End, then stared at the blank screen for a moment, smile falling away. He tossed the phone onto a side chair and laid back on his bed with a sigh.
*
Katy’s smile dropped as soon as they were in the car. She looked out the window at the paparazzi while Kris put the car into gear, pulling away from the restaurant. She felt queasy.
“I didn’t like that,” she said quietly, not entirely sure if she wanted Kris to hear.
His fingers tightened on the wheel, knuckles washing white. He was silent for a beat.
“I didn’t either,” he murmured finally, and Katy let go of a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “It felt like lying.”
“It felt like cheating,” Katy replied, surprising herself with her vehemence. She gave an unhappy laugh. “How’s that for irony?”
Kris had his lower lip tucked between his teeth. He released it, and Katy watched the color flow back into the soft flesh. “He wanted us to do it. And he’s right, it’ll be good to throw people off the scent. We’ve all been hanging out a lot more than normal lately.”
“Oh, he’s usually right,” Katy agreed. “I’m sure our publicists are happy. But I’m not, you aren’t, and I don’t care if it was Adam’s idea, when he sees the pictures I’m pretty sure he won’t be either.”
Kris ran a hand over his face. “There’s nothing else we can do. Not unless we want a whole lot more shit than I think any of us wants to take on.”
Katy didn’t reply, letting him take her silence as agreement. But as she watched the lights and cars flash by, she knew that one day they would have to make a choice.
Chapter Four
Master Post
Series Master Post.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
CHAPTER THREE
The movie had ended, credits long since over, and Katy was asleep against Kris’ shoulder. Adam could see the top of her golden head from where he had his face buried in Kris’ hair, breathing in the familiar scent.
He could probably go to sleep here, he thought hazily, with nothing but Kris for warmth. The smaller body fit perfectly against his, Kris’ shoulders under his arm at just the right height, and Katy’s petite form the complement to his. He was pretty sure it wasn’t supposed to work like this, but that didn’t stop it from feeling right. After Brad, he’d felt sure that he would never belong in forever; that such an ideal was an illusion. But if anyone could last forever, he thought it would be Kris and Katy. And in the moments when the doubts were silent, he felt like he could really be a part of their unit. He closed his eyes and breathed in, reveling in the feeling.
But the hour was late, and finally Adam knew he couldn’t put off leaving any longer. He took in one more breath of Kris, brushing his fingers against Katy’s hair, and pulled away.
Kris let out an unhappy sound and shifted on the sofa, watching drowsily as Adam stood and picked up his jacket. “Hey, are you free Tuesday night?”
Adam glanced at him, and saw Katy stretch and blink, waking. He thought a moment. “Yeah, I am. Why?”
“You should come over, of course.” A smile both sexy and shy curved Kris’ lips. “Keep Wednesday morning open too, if you can.”
Adam felt a rush of heat go through him at the suggestion, Kris’ sleep-heavy eyes prompting a groan that was quickly stifled. He hoped he wouldn’t have to wait for Tuesday before he could have Kris again, but- “Wait, that’s your and Katy’s date night.”
Kris rolled his eyes as if Adam were being dense. “Yeah. And now it’s our date night with you.” That smile again. “If that works for you.”
Adam blinked, taken completely by surprise. Ever since Kris and Katy had lived in L.A., he’d known that Tuesday was their night together - a tradition he’d regarded with some envy. “But… really?” he said, unable to help the smile that he could feel pulling at his mouth. “Are you sure?”
Katy pushed herself up off Kris’ shoulder with a fond look. “Of course, silly. You’re part of us now, we aren’t going to cut you out of something.” She sounded a bit scandalized at the idea.
Adam shrugged, trying to play it cool, but the smile wasn’t going anywhere. “I didn’t want to presume.”
Kris wrinkled his nose. “You have the right to presume that you’re welcome with us. I thought that was obvious.” He got up from the sofa and leaned up to press a soft kiss to Adam’s mouth. Adam leaned into it, deepening the connection for a moment before drawing reluctantly away. “Be here no later than six on Tuesday. We’re going out.”
“I’ll be here.” Adam leaned down to kiss Katy, then walked out to his car. He turned to look back at the house, and let his joy out in a laugh that echoed through the little yard.
Dating had been something he’d never really considered with Kris and Katy - that stage had seemed superfluous, unnecessary; not to mention difficult to execute under their circumstances. But that didn’t mean he hadn’t wanted it - and until now, it felt as if he’d underestimated how much he did want it.
He tilted his head back and let the cool night air flow over his face, feeling butterflies of anticipation and nerves take up residence in his belly. How long had it been since he’d felt like this? And the fact that they’d included him on their standing date night - something he knew was a commitment they took seriously - warmed him to the core.
Where would they go? What would they do? It had been awhile since Adam had been on a real date, and impossibly longer since he wasn’t the one planning it. What should he wear? What did one do on a date with Kris Allen? What if he wanted to go to some sports thing? Adam’s eyes widened in horror for a moment, but then he laughed. He didn’t care if Kris wanted to drag him to some game that he knew nothing about; he’d go, and he’d love it, because it was Kris and Katy.
*
Katy’s phone buzzed, and she looked at the screen to see a text from Adam:
Do you know what we're doing on Tuesday?
She smiled and put her book down, typing out a quick response. Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell ;)
The reply was swift: :( What sort of a girlfriend are you? I need to know what to wear!
She sat back on the sofa, enjoying this. Kris would say you'll look beautiful no matter what.
Don't tell me that's a good enough answer for you.
She laughed. Of course not.
Katyyy…
She took pity on him. I really don't know, hun.
What are you wearing? Don't want to clash.
This cute dress I found at Wasteland… She settled in to tell him about it.
*
Kris had managed to find an out-of-the-way Asian fusion restaurant, unremarkable from the outside and refreshingly uncrowded. As the hostess led them to their table, Adam admired the Zen decor and low lighting, allowing each party relative privacy. Then the hostess stopped, and Adam took in the booth she was gesturing to. He exchanged quick looks with Kris and Katy, seeing the same question reflected in their eyes: who to sit with?
Aware that the hostess was watching them, and not wanting Kris to ask for them to be reseated, Adam slid into the far side and watched as Katy and Kris took the other.
It stung a little, but as soon as they were alone Kris made apologetic faces until he laughed. The arrangement made the most sense, Adam admitted, and would look the least strange. The table between them had the added benefit of keeping Adam from giving in to the temptation to touch Kris. Though he hadn’t spied any camera phones in use yet, there was no point in taking chances, and peoples’ eyes and mouths worked even when their cameras didn’t.
The public setting left Adam feeling oddly exposed, despite the fact that they weren’t doing anything different than before they were together. Kris and Katy could feel it too, he could tell, their words and gestures a bit self-conscious and furtive, guarding against anything that could be incriminating if overheard.
He wondered if this was what it would have felt like had he dated while he was in the closet. No, he thought with a smirk, it would’ve been a thousand times worse. And he’d learned from his time with Drake and Marc that, closeted or not, fame brought with it no small amount of self-consciousness. At least this time, Kris and Katy were equally invested; had just as much - likely more - to lose.
A round of drinks helped burn off the initial awkwardness, and by the time their food came, Adam felt nearly normal. They ordered several dishes to share family style; it was almost like sharing off each others’ plates, he told himself, and the food was delicious. When the check came, Kris picked it up so smoothly there was no time to argue over it, and Adam let himself enjoy the feeling of simply being taken out.
Afterward, Kris drove them to a small bar and restaurant, concealed from Washington Boulevard by a high cinderblock wall. Adam eyed it a little suspiciously, the exterior reminding him more than a little of a strip club, though it would serve as a barrier against prying eyes. He wondered briefly where Kris got his recommendations. But once they were inside, the decor turned modern and upscale. They were led to a private corner of the patio, where a curved sofa sat up against a small fire pit, just big enough for the three of them. Kris sat, and Adam hesitated, glancing at Katy. He was feeling relaxed and comfortable from dinner, and would like nothing more than to settle between them, feeling them both pressed against him.
But as before, that would appear strange at best, and so Adam sat on Kris’ right, watching as Katy took the opposite side.
Kris ordered a bottle of merlot and a slice of German chocolate cake, over the protests of Adam and Katy. But with the wine and fire warming him, Adam shoved away the nagging sense of responsibility, content that they had no obvious audience, and accepted bites of rich chocolate from Kris’ fork.
He was feeling comfortably buzzed, Kris and Katy a bit further along, and it was good to indulge in the closeness forced by the small couch. Katy was there, after all, her presence making Adam feel safer about the way his arm rested heavily on Kris’ shoulders, his fingers tangling occasionally in her hair. Kris was growing less inhibited, leaning in to whisper things in Adam’s ear, his hand brushing against Adam’s leg or Katy’s cheek. Katy was giggly and happy, face flushed as she kissed Kris’ cheek, eyes smiling at Adam, full of the secret they held between them.
Adam was about to say something to move them on to the next part of the night, which he dearly hoped would involve the three of them and their bed, when a glint near the top of the wall caught his eye. Glancing up, he saw light flare on a lens, and froze.
Suddenly all too aware of how close his lips were to Kris’ temple, he pulled back a little, but pressed his hand against their arms to gain their attention. “Don’t look, but we’re being watched.”
Their posture stiffened, and Adam thought rapidly about where they were and if it was worth it to try to escape. “Give me the valet check,” he murmured to Kris. “I’ll get the car, and we’ll see if we can at least avoid being seen leaving together.”
Kris slipped him the claim stub, and Adam got up, deliberately nonchalant, and headed in the direction of the restroom before veering towards the valet stand. Within moments, Adam was behind the wheel of the Fusion, keeping an eye out for the paparazzo. He saw Kris and Katy first, and he put the car into gear as soon as they slid in.
They were quiet and tense for the first few minutes, before Kris said, “Do you think we did anything really obvious?”
“No,” Katy replied immediately, but she had her lip caught between her teeth. “I mean, there’s no way there’s anything that’s different from what you guys have done before, right? We weren’t exactly making out.”
Kris grimaced. “I don’t think I’ve ever fed Adam cake before.”
“You fed me, too.”
“Somehow I doubt those will be the pictures on TMZ.”
“Well, maybe he wasn’t there when we did that.”
Adam just listened. They were walking a fine line here; Katy was right, to an extent, that they could get away with a lot because that was what Kradam was about; they’d played it as a joke for months before it ever became anything real. But it was no longer a joke, and he wasn’t sure if he could retain perspective on it anymore.
It had been one thing to laugh and deny when there had been no relationship; now, he wouldn’t want to deny it anymore. Beyond that, he wasn’t sure if Kris even could, or if the game would be up the instant someone glimpsed his guilty face.
*
As it turned out, there were no photos of Kris feeding Adam. Their respective Twitter feeds exploded with fangirl squealing over the pictures of them with their heads bent together, Kris tucked under Adam’s arm, but it was nothing they hadn’t dealt with before and it didn’t require comment. Kris couldn’t resist tweaking his fans, making a comment about how Katy needed her Kradam fix, and while it made Adam nervous he had to admit it was the most normal response Kris could have had.
But he couldn’t help but think of next time, of all the things they couldn’t be seen doing, and what would happen when they inevitably were.
***
Adam was in the middle of rehearsing Fever when Kris walked in.
It had been a long day, the dancers had been dismissed, and Adam’s energy was fading fast. But when the door opened and light threw Kris’ form into silhouette, Adam felt enthusiasm flood him again. With someone watching - and not just anyone, but Kris - it gave him a new focus, and he allowed the infectious beat of the song to take him over as he beckoned Kris closer.
Kris grinned and played along, swaying his hips as he approached the stage. He did some funky little dance moves, moving with the groove as Adam put on a sultry face and flirted with body and voice.
It wasn’t long before Kris’ grin began to fade, his eyes locking on Adam and tracking the motion of his hips. Adam put more into it, working the stage as if he were in full costume, less playful and more seductive. He kept his attention on his audience of one, and felt gratified when he saw Kris swallow. He couldn’t see the finer details of Kris’ expression from the stage, but he didn’t need to in order to know that they were both turned on.
The song ended, and Adam had to let the moment go, turning back to his band. “How do we feel, guys? Ready to call it a night?”
“It looks like you are,” Tommy called, and Adam quirked his lips, raising his middle finger in response.
Monte’s face was a mix between indulgent and resigned as he said, “Yeah man, I think we’re good for today.” His eyes fell speculatively on Kris, and Adam had a paranoid second of wondering if his old friend had guessed. But Monte just turned towards his amp, and Adam relaxed. Nothing had changed; they all still thought he was hung up on the unattainable straight boy.
He put his mic away and hopped off the stage. Walking up to Kris, he threw a casual arm around his shoulders. “Katy get to the airport okay?” he asked as they started to walk out.
Kris’ eyes burned possessively as they looked up at Adam’s face, and Adam felt a wave of heat travel through him. “Yeah. I told her I’d seen The Hangover, so I know what kind of trouble she’ll get into.”
Adam smirked. “What did she say?”
Kris’ voice dropped low. “That it was nothing compared to what we get up to together.” He grinned. “I think part of her wishes she could scandalize her girlfriends with stories.”
“Ooh, only if I get to be there,” Adam said, waggling his eyebrows, and Kris laughed.
They parted ways at their cars, and headed for the hills and Kris’ house. Kris beat him there, and opened the front door with an unusually purposeful glint in his eye.
“You know,” he said lowly, “it’s a good thing I’m not the jealous type, or I might have a hard time with you going on tour.” His eyes swept up Adam’s body possessively.
“Oh yeah?” Adam breathed, stepping inside and closing the door, watching as Kris’ hand rose to settle on his torso. “And what would you do about it?”
Kris’ eyes shot up to meet his, and Adam looked back with just enough challenge to provoke a response. Kris’ fingers tightened in Adam’s shirt, and then their mouths were crushed together, Kris’ lips on his with little thought for finesse.
Adam threw himself into it, relishing the rawness, meeting Kris kiss for kiss but allowing him to take the lead. Strong hands tugged at his shirt, pushing it up Adam’s chest while Kris’ mouth dipped to suck hard on the skin there. Adam gasped, his hand coming up to grip Kris’ hair, but he resisted the urge to guide him. Instead, his other hand scrabbled at the buttons on Kris’ shirt, tugging them loose.
Soon their clothes were scattered across the floor, mouths sucking and biting at each others’ skin. Adam was enjoying this rare, assertive Kris, and followed without hesitation when Kris shoved him towards the bedroom.
Beside the bed, they kissed some more; but then Kris began to back off a little, his kisses carrying less authority, as if he were not quite catching on to Adam’s lack of aggression. Adam resisted the temptation to take the lead, instead just allowing himself to be guided by the slightest of signals from Kris, feeling that if he didn’t they would get caught in an impasse. A soft pressure at the flesh of his waist had him sitting on the bed, looking up through lowered lashes, face deliberately submissive. He wanted to play this as far as Kris would take it.
Kris’ gaze swept his body, and Adam smiled at the awareness that flared in the brown eyes as he took in Adam’s naked form. Kris paused for a second, examining Adam’s face; then, taking a deep breath and firming his expression, he raised a hand to tangle strong fingers in Adam’s hair. Adam let his mouth fall open a little, an offering. When the kiss came, Adam matched the hunger, nipping and pulling fiercely at Kris’ lips and letting his hands roam over the taut skin of Kris’ belly and down over his bare hips. Then he fell back onto the bed, letting his body sprawl, legs open in invitation. Kris looked him over, eyes narrow and determined, and Adam rolled his hips encouragingly.
Taking the opening, Kris climbed on the bed, reaching down to grasp Adam’s cock. Adam groaned, perhaps a bit more enthusiastically than the touch warranted, but had the reward of Kris moving his hand firmly in response. Adam licked his own palm and then gripped Kris, feeling the velvety slide of hot flesh against his skin. Then he wrapped a leg around Kris’ hips and tugged, bringing their cocks flush against each other, clearly open for more.
Kris thrust against him for a moment, then his gaze ran from Adam’s chest to belly to cock, and he bit his lip. Adam reached out and took his hand, guiding it down to his opening, while Kris watched him with wide eyes. “Just go slow,” Adam murmured, and arched his hips.
Kris’ fingers just brushed against Adam before his hand faltered and fell away. A feeling was growing in Adam’s gut when Kris raised his head. “I… I don’t…” He met Adam’s eyes, helplessly.
In an instant, Adam had them flipped over, Kris flat on his back and Adam pinning him with the length of his body. Kris gasped, and Adam gave one long, slow grind with his hips. Kris’ eyes rolled shut and he groaned, legs falling open.
Heat surged over Adam as he leaned down, feeling Kris’ breath hot against his face. “Then don’t,” he whispered, and ravished Kris’ mouth.
Kris’ hands went to his hair and grabbed, hanging on, as Adam ground their cocks together. Adam broke the kiss and began to suck at Kris’ neck, feeling a rush of arousal when Kris’s head fell back to bare his throat.
“I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk,” Adam growled, and Kris whimpered, a leg coming to wrap itself around Adam’s hips.
“Please… please.”
Fumbling the nightstand drawer open, Adam found the lube and condoms, making a mess as he hurriedly slicked his fingers. “You are mine,” he hissed, and slid two fingers in without so much as a pause.
Kris’ eyes flew open and he sucked in a breath, and Adam worried for a split second that he’d gone too fast. But then Kris released the air on a broken whine, “Adaaam,” drawn out as his chest shuddered, and Adam was on him again.
Suddenly hard enough to pound nails, Adam bent and sucked Kris’ cock in his mouth, swallowing him down. Kris’ back arched and he scrabbled at the sheets, and Adam slid his fingers in and out, Kris unbelievably tight around him. As quickly as he could, he worked a third finger in, trying to restrain himself from just taking while Kris’ moans and cries reached his ears.
“Adam, please,” Kris said, teeth catching his lip as though he didn’t know what else to say, couldn’t voice words dirty enough for what he wanted Adam to do to him. With a wolfish smile, Adam withdrew his fingers and got his face up in front of Kris’.
“Please what,” he murmured, dropping his head to bite at Kris’ lower lip. Kris whined, squirming under him, eyes wide and pleading. Adam lowered his mouth to Kris’ ear. “Do you want me to fuck you?”
Kris moaned, helplessly, and then Adam heard him say, “Yes… Adam, please, I want you to fuck me.”
Adam shuddered all over at the words. “You are so fucking amazing.” And then he wasted no more time. Lifting Kris’ knees and lining up, he pushed himself just inside.
Kris was still tight, so tight, and Adam pulled together all of his self control to keep from going too fast. Kris made incredible sounds, though, and rolled his hips up to meet Adam, and Adam growled and pushed until finally, he slid home.
Kris’ chest was rising and falling with short, sharp pants, fingers clenched in Adam’s hair, tight enough to hurt. Adam pulled back before thrusting in with one long stroke, and Kris’ eyes rolled back, face clenching up in ecstasy.
“Oh fuck yes,” Adam murmured, and lowered his head and drove in again.
He wasn’t about to hold back, not with Kris making those delicious sounds, head thrown back and wide open for Adam to possess. He dropped a hand to grip Kris’ hip, hard, keeping him in place while Adam fucked him in short, staccato thrusts; waiting for - there - the sudden arch and cry that told him he’d found the sweet spot. Adam felt a predatory smile come across his face as he kept at that spot, watching Kris’ eyes go wide and wild, body writhing as a babble of please poured from his mouth.
When Kris’ hand reached for his cock, purple and weeping against his stomach, Adam grabbed his wrist and pinned it to the bed. “You come when I say,” he murmured, thrilling when Kris shivered in response.
Minutes later, Kris was whimpering, head tossing against the bed while he thrust hard against Adam. But his hand stayed obediently on the bed where Adam had pressed it, fingers clenching in the sheets. “Adam, please, touch me,” Kris said, and his voice caught.
Adam wrapped his hand around Kris’ cock and stripped him once, twice, and then Kris was screaming, bucking into Adam’s hand as come painted his chest, legs clamping involuntarily around Adam’s waist.
Adam fucked him through it, until Kris was sprawled limp against the sheets, face slack with bliss. “So beautiful,” Adam gasped, taking a moment to lick at a streak of pearly white; then he let himself go, pounding into Kris until his own release hit him, making him close his eyes and shudder, Kris’ skin hot against his hands.
Afterward, Adam collapsed on his side, panting, and a moment later Kris turned into him, snuggling his face into Adam’s chest. Adam ran his hands through Kris’ hair, stroking clumsily at his back while he waited for his heart to calm. “God, Kris, you’re incredible,” he breathed.
They lay together for awhile, Adam lazily stroking Kris’ skin, before he realized that Kris was being just a bit too still. Dropping a kiss on Kris’ head, Adam said, “You still with me, baby?”
When Kris shrugged a little in response, though, Adam felt a sudden jolt of fear. “What is it?” he asked, keeping his voice deliberately calm. “Did I hurt you?”
“No, no, I’m fine,” Kris said quickly, peering up from Adam’s chest for a moment before hiding his face again. Adam frowned, not reassured.
“Did you not like it?”
“No, I did,” Kris returned; then, almost inaudible: “That’s the problem.”
Eyebrows raised, Adam said, “Oh, honey, that’s never a problem.”
Kris shifted restlessly, starting to pull away, and Adam regretted being flippant. “Hey,” he said softly. “Talk to me.”
Kris hid his face again, and Adam waited, keeping his fingers running rhythmically through Kris’ hair.
After a long moment, Kris squirmed a little and said, “I didn’t…” before huffing out a breath. “I didn’t follow through on what I started.”
Adam mulled that over for a moment before realizing what Kris was saying. “Did you want to?” he asked, pretty sure he knew the answer, but wanting to hear Kris say it.
“No,” Kris said, pulling his face away a little, but keeping his gaze firmly on Adam’s chest. “But… why not?” There was a plaintive note in his voice.
Adam let his hand drift down Kris’ arm before returning to stroke his face, keeping the contact reassuring. “Because you didn’t,” he suggested. “It’s okay. Some people just don’t like it.”
“But… Katy,” Kris protested, his hand tightening a little on Adam’s waist.
Adam bit his lip, thinking, understanding Kris’ conflict. “I don’t think it has to change anything with her,” he said slowly. “You guys have a different dynamic, a different relationship.” He bowed his head, trying to catch Kris’ eyes. “There’s no rules, Kris. You don’t have to label this, or have it be all or nothing. You’re the one who decides what you like, nobody else.”
Kris’ gaze rose to tentatively meet his, and Adam smiled warmly. “You’re a beautiful and giving lover, and if you never want to top, I have no problem with that. If you ever do, the offer stands. There’s no pressure.” He pressed a soft kiss to Kris’ forehead. “And it’s clear to me that Katy’s very satisfied with you.” Then he pulled back and smiled again. “Nothing about you has changed, Kris. You’re just learning more about yourself.”
Kris met his eyes, and Adam could see the anxiety slowly begin to fade, overtaken by a small smile that curved his mouth. “Like how much I love you?"
Adam felt a rush of warmth at the uncharacteristic admission, and drew Kris close, pressing his lips to the soft hair. “Yeah,” he whispered, throat a little tight. “Like that.”
***
Adam was drowsing comfortably against Kris’ shoulder, Katy pressed up against his back. He wondered absently if they’d ever develop a habitual sleeping arrangement, but he kind of liked this, instinctive and flexible.
Kris’ phone rang, and the three of them groaned in concert. Kris sat up a little and reached for his phone, while Adam pressed his face into Kris’ side.
“‘Lo? …Oh, hi Mom.”
Adam opened his eyes, but didn’t move, listening.
“No, it’s okay, it’s easy to forget the time difference. We were just sleeping in.”
Katy shifted behind him, resting her chin on Adam’s shoulder. “Hi, Mom.”
Kris relayed her words, and Adam bit his lip, wanting to add his own greeting to the warm Southern woman. Instead he remained still and silent, knowing there was no plausible explanation for him being there so early in the morning. Knowing that, as much as Kim Allen loved and accepted him, it would all change if she knew about his relationship with her son and daughter-in-law.
He tried not to feel guilty about that.
“…Love you too. Here’s Katy.”
Kris turned and handed the phone to Katy, who put it to her ear and rolled out of bed. “Hi, Mom.”
She disappeared down the hall, and Kris settled back in the bed, facing Adam. His eyes scanned Adam’s face. “Sorry about that,” he began, but Adam shook his head.
“It’s okay. I understand.” He smiled, and waited for the crease between Kris’ brows to disappear. Kris’ features eased into a smile, and Adam’s heart gave a little twist that he told himself was happiness.
***
“Hey, listen. I was thinking I’d stay home this Tuesday.”
“What? Why?”
Adam worried a hangnail with his thumb, holding the phone in place with his shoulder. “You and Katy haven’t had any time to yourselves in awhile. You should do that. And I have some stuff at home I need to do,” he added, lamely.
“Adam, you’re only over a couple of times a week,” Kris protested.
“And you’re out late for most of the rest,” Adam replied quickly. “Come on. When’s the last time you went on a date, just you two?”
Kris grumbled under his breath. “Does that mean I get to take just you out on a date next?”
Adam ignored him. “Go on, take her out somewhere nice. Be seen. As a couple. If you don’t look out, people are going to think you’re sleeping with that fag you hang out with.” It came out less teasing than he intended.
“Don’t say that,” Kris said sharply. “Adam-”
“Kris,” Adam cut him off, suddenly feeling too tired for the conversation. “I’ll be fine. You and Katy have fun, I’ll see you as soon as I can.”
“Fine,” Kris said, then muttered, “why do I always let you have your way?” But there was fondness underlying the words.
Adam gave a quick smile. “Because you know I’m right. Goodnight, baby.” He hit End, then stared at the blank screen for a moment, smile falling away. He tossed the phone onto a side chair and laid back on his bed with a sigh.
*
Katy’s smile dropped as soon as they were in the car. She looked out the window at the paparazzi while Kris put the car into gear, pulling away from the restaurant. She felt queasy.
“I didn’t like that,” she said quietly, not entirely sure if she wanted Kris to hear.
His fingers tightened on the wheel, knuckles washing white. He was silent for a beat.
“I didn’t either,” he murmured finally, and Katy let go of a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “It felt like lying.”
“It felt like cheating,” Katy replied, surprising herself with her vehemence. She gave an unhappy laugh. “How’s that for irony?”
Kris had his lower lip tucked between his teeth. He released it, and Katy watched the color flow back into the soft flesh. “He wanted us to do it. And he’s right, it’ll be good to throw people off the scent. We’ve all been hanging out a lot more than normal lately.”
“Oh, he’s usually right,” Katy agreed. “I’m sure our publicists are happy. But I’m not, you aren’t, and I don’t care if it was Adam’s idea, when he sees the pictures I’m pretty sure he won’t be either.”
Kris ran a hand over his face. “There’s nothing else we can do. Not unless we want a whole lot more shit than I think any of us wants to take on.”
Katy didn’t reply, letting him take her silence as agreement. But as she watched the lights and cars flash by, she knew that one day they would have to make a choice.
Chapter Four
Master Post