Dive into Temptation [ManxBoy]

37. Trouble in Paradise

A/N: Really struggled editing this chapter and just kinda decided to throw it out as is. So if you notice anything needing fixed, please tell me. I will come in later to polish it up.

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My heart was pounding as I followed Ryan into the sea of pulsing lights. The air was thick with smoke and the blasting of music hit me full force, and I had to resist the urge to cover my ears. The room was a maze of bodies, each one moving to the rhythm of a bass that seemed to echo through my very bones. The tang of sweat lingered in the air and I couldn't help scrunching up my face, feeling as if I were tasting it on my tongue. The smell took me back to high school, when the locker room would be full of boys on the brink of discovering deodorant. Spilled beer also assaulted my senses and I wondered why I even agreed to come with Ryan to this party.

Clutching onto his sleeve, I felt my chest tighten with each step we took further into the crowd. His own hand held my wrist loosely, which was thankfully free of bruises since it had been about a month since Dom and I ended things. Laughter and shouts bounced around me, making my head spin. Ryan was saying something about meeting someone, but his words were lost to me, drowned out by the relentless beat of music in my ears.

As we weaved through the crowd, I caught sight of Rosie ahead. Ryan immediately let go of my hand and took hers. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me behind him. Her look sent a wave of unease crashing over me. I wondered if Ryan had revealed our secret kiss. Even though nothing had come of it, I couldn't shake the thought that she might know, and was secretly hating me.

"Adam? What are you doing here?" Rosie asked, her voice barely audible over the thumping beats.

I mustered a nervous smile, even though I wasn't thrilled to see her. "Hey, Ryan invited me. Thought I'd give it a shot."

Rosie's eyebrows shot up, clearly curious. "Wow. I didn't think you were the party type."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, even though it was killing me inside to talk to her. "Yeah, well, trying new things, you know?"

"We're trying to find him a new boyfriend, since he broke up with me." Ryan chimed in, his tone playful, causing Rosie to roll her eyes with a smile.

I shot Ryan a sharp look, not happy that he was revealing my sexuality. I guess he hadn't told her about the kiss. There was no way he would make a joke about us breaking up if she knew we had kissed.

Soon, Ryan led Rosie and me to an open spot on the couch, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. I felt uncomfortable, but Ryan gently pushed me down into a seat and sat beside me, the crowd squeezing us together tightly. His broad shoulders pressed firmly against mine. Rosie settled onto his lap, and I tried my best to hide my distaste, forcing my gaze elsewhere.

Ryan had a habit of spreading his long legs when he sat, so his thighs were pressed right against mine, our knees touching. I glanced at Rosie to see if she found it odd, but she didn't seem to think anything of it as she chatted with a stranger on the other side of Ryan.

Then, Ryan leaned his head closer to me, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "Are you still in the closet?" He pulled away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry, I forgot to ask!" he shouted over the blaring music.

I let out a sigh, wondering why I was even bothering. I gave Ryan a shrug and he pursed his lips but nodded. Everyone in my family knew by now. The only reason I would want to keep my sexuality a secret was so that Rosie didn't find out and suspect I had a thing for her man, which I obviously didn't. But Ryan didn't seem concerned by her knowing I was gay. If anyone should be worried, it should be him, the one who kissed me.