THE GLARE

Kole wasn't used to dressing like this.

The suit was tailored, sleek, clinging to him like second skin. Charcoal gray with a satin black lapel. The kind of thing made to be worn once, photographed everywhere, and then never seen again. The stylists had even done his hair-a little product, a lot of flair. For once, he didn't look like a street interviewer with a mic and an attitude. He looked... expensive.

"Stop fidgeting," Jackson murmured next to him.

They stood backstage at an award ceremony in LA-Jackson had been presenting, Kole had been invited as his 'plus one.' And the world had noticed. Cameras. Fans. Articles already going up.

Kole rolled his shoulders. "I'm not fidgeting. I'm adjusting. This collar is choking me."

Jackson leaned in, hand brushing Kole's neck as he loosened it by a fraction. His touch lingered just a second too long. Kole's breath caught.

"Better?" Jackson asked.

"No," Kole said flatly. "Still feel like I'm in a trap."

Jackson smirked. "You are."

They stepped onto the red carpet together, and Kole saw it: the way Jackson's jaw tensed every time someone called Kole's name. The way his hand stayed on Kole's lower back like he was claiming territory.

Paparazzi were screaming for photos. One reporter yelled, "Jackson! Kole! One smile! Come on-just a little closer!"

Kole leaned in, out of habit now. Jackson pulled him tighter, his mouth near Kole's ear.

"Smile like you mean it," he said. But there was something sharp under the velvet.

Kole turned his head just enough to meet Jackson's gaze. "You want me to act like I'm yours?" he whispered. "Then maybe you should try treating me like it."

The flashbulbs exploded.

They walked past the cameras, the lights, the glittering chaos.

Inside, the venue was all gold and opulence. They sat at a table with other industry faces, none of whom Kole knew. He tried to fake it, but his voice felt hollow.

Jackson said very little, except to refill Kole's glass when it dipped below half.

Halfway through the night, a young actor-Leo Martinez, the same guy from the interview-approached their table. Leo looked just as irritatingly handsome up close, with that smug actor charm that made Kole's skin crawl.

"Hey, Kole," Leo said. "Didn't think I'd see you here. Still recovering from our last chat?"

Kole smirked. "Just barely. Your cologne left a mark."

Leo laughed and reached for Kole's hand. "Well, if you ever want another interview-or something less formal-"

Jackson stood.

Everyone looked up. His smile was thin, cold.

"Actually," Jackson said, voice low, "we're leaving."

Kole blinked. "What-"

"Now."

Leo's eyes widened slightly, and he stepped back. "Right. Well. Catch you later, Kole."

Jackson didn't wait for Kole to respond. He was already moving.

Kole followed because he didn't know what else to do. They left through the back, into the night.

The door clicked shut behind them. Silence.

"You could've let me handle that," Kole said finally.

Jackson turned to him. His eyes blazed.

"You were enjoying it."

Kole stepped forward, chest brushing Jackson's. "So what if I was?"

Jackson grabbed his chin, tilted Kole's face up. Not rough. Not soft.

"You're mine in front of the cameras. But you've been mine off them for a long time too. You just haven't figured it out yet."

Kole pulled back, breath shaky. "You don't own me."

Jackson's smirk was slow. Dangerous.

"Not yet."

---

The car ride back to the hotel was silent. Tense.

Jackson sat stiff in his seat, one hand draped over his knee, jaw tight, eyes on the glowing LA skyline. Kole sat with his arms crossed, still feeling the echo of Jackson's hand under his jaw. Possessive. Electric.

He hated how much it affected him.

The second the elevator doors shut behind them, Kole turned.

"You don't get to police who talks to me."

"It wasn't just talk," Jackson muttered.

"So what?" Kole challenged. "You kiss me on camera, hold me like I'm yours at galas, but treat me like a PR prop behind closed doors. And then the second someone flirts with me-"

Jackson rounded on him. "You wanted him to."

Kole barked a laugh. "Maybe I did! At least Leo knows what he wants. What do you want, Jackson?"

Silence.

The elevator dinged. They stepped out, hearts hammering.

Inside the suite, Kole threw his jacket across the room and yanked off his tie. Jackson leaned against the wall, watching him.

"You looked good tonight," he said, voice low.

Kole turned, half out of his shirt. "That all I am to you? Something that looks good next to you on a red carpet?"

Jackson stepped forward. "No."

Then why don't you touch me when no one's watching? Kole wanted to scream it.

Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed, anger bleeding into exhaustion.

Jackson moved closer, dropping to one knee in front of him.

"I don't touch you when we're alone because I'm scared once I start, I won't stop."

Kole's chest tightened.

Jackson reached for his hand but didn't take it. Just hovered.

"Don't give that part of you to someone like Leo. Not when I'm standing right here."

Kole swallowed. "Then prove it."

Jackson looked up at him with something raw in his eyes.

"I will."