Corbin House Chronicles: Brotherhood Unbound

Chapter 9. Marc Bonds With Cain

Colt and Beau were lounging in the common room, sharing stories of their tasks and laughing over the events of the day. Marc finally strolled in, giving them both a grin as he dropped into a chair across from them.

"Finally, you made it!" Beau said, nudging Colt. "We've been waiting for you."

Before Marc could respond, Trey entered the room, looking both amused and a little flustered. He stretched out in a chair, letting out a deep sigh. "Man, I just finished with Connor. That guy had me giving him a massage for, like, an hour."

Colt laughed, raising an eyebrow. "A massage, huh? Someone's got Connor liking him." He gave Trey a teasing smirk.

Marc grinned, leaning forward. "Yeah, Trey, sounds like Connor's got a little crush on you. Didn't realize you were that popular." He chuckled, noticing how Trey tried to shrug off the attention, though he was clearly enjoying it.

"Hey, I was just helping him out," Trey replied, unable to hold back a small smile. "Besides, it wasn't that big a deal."

"Right, right," Beau chimed in, rolling his eyes. "And we're just supposed to believe you didn't notice Connor looking at you like that?"

Trey laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, alright, maybe he was a little into it," he admitted, his smirk widening. They all shared a laugh, trading more stories until Marc couldn't shake the feeling that he'd been left out of something exciting.

"So, it's just me who hasn't done anything, huh?" Marc said, glancing around with a mock sigh. "Guess I'm up next." He tried to sound casual, but a flicker of curiosity showed in his expression.

After a few more jokes and banter, Marc stood, giving them all a nod as he made his way toward Cain's room. He found Cain in the middle of his workout, lifting weights with laser focus. Cain's biceps flexed with each rep, his focus intense, and Marc couldn't help but notice the sheen of sweat tracing along his forearms and neck.

Cain looked up when he noticed Marc, setting his weights down with a small smile. "Hey, Marc," he greeted, his voice casual but commanding. "Perfect timing—I could use a spotter."

"Sure thing," Marc replied, moving closer. Cain's presence was magnetic, drawing Marc in with a mixture of awe and respect. Marc quickly settled in, steadying himself as he supported Cain's reps.

After a few intense sets, Marc shrugged off his own shirt, feeling the heat of the room and catching a hint of Cain's gaze as it traveled over his chest. Cain's eyes lingered, and Marc saw a glimmer of intrigue in his look.

"Didn't know you had ink," Cain said, nodding toward Marc's tattoos. He shifted closer, his gaze drawn to the intricate design on Marc's shoulder. "What's the story there?"

Marc felt a slight jolt at the attention, but he relaxed under Cain's interested gaze. "Got it after high school," he explained, turning slightly so Cain could see the design better. "It's kind of a tribute to my family, something to remind me of my roots."

Cain's fingers brushed over the tattoo, his touch rough but lingering, exploring the lines and details. "Respect that," he murmured, looking up to meet Marc's gaze. "It suits you—strong, grounded. Got that manly look to you."

Marc felt his cheeks warm slightly, but he held Cain's gaze. "Thanks. Appreciate that," he replied, his voice steady despite his quickening pulse.

Cain's eyes held an amused glint as he looked him up and down, a subtle smirk forming. "You know, here at the frat, we value loyalty and... discipline," he added smoothly, his tone laced with a teasing edge. "Following rules. Obeying our leaders."

Marc's heartbeat quickened at Cain's words, sensing the deeper meaning in them. "I get it," he said, meeting Cain's gaze without flinching. "I respect that. You guys have my back, and I trust you."

Cain's smirk deepened, a glint of challenge in his eyes. "Good. So, you'd be comfortable... following our lead? Surrendering to the rules, whatever they are?"

Marc's breath caught slightly, but he nodded, refusing to break the intensity of Cain's gaze. "I'd follow wherever you lead."

Cain raised an eyebrow, the smirk on his face widening. "Alright, then. Show me what you've got."

Marc hesitated, but something about the moment—Cain's tone, his steady gaze—compelled him to step forward. He shifted, flexing his shoulders, letting Cain see his full physique. Cain's gaze was appraising, taking in every detail with an intense, focused interest.

"Turn around," Cain instructed softly.

Marc complied, feeling both exposed and exhilarated. He could sense Cain's eyes moving over him, the unspoken power dynamic heightening the tension in the air.

A moment later, Marc felt a light, unexpected slap on his rear—firm but not rough. He tensed, feeling his cheeks flush, but he stayed steady, surprised at how the move sent a thrill through him. Cain chuckled softly and gave him another playful swat, letting the moment linger.

"Good job," Cain murmured, amusement in his voice. "See? You handled it just fine."

Marc turned back around, his heart racing as he tried to maintain his composure. Cain's intense energy had left him both exhilarated and rattled, but he managed a nod, breathing out. "Yeah... I'm good."

Cain's low chuckle filled the room as he nodded toward the door. "Alright, Marc. You're all set—good work today."

Marc left the room, feeling a surge of adrenaline as he walked back to his own room. The encounter replayed in his mind, Cain's intense presence lingering in his thoughts long after he closed the door behind him.