Corbin House Chronicles: Brotherhood Unbound

Chapter 18: Tension Between Colt and Elian

Colt, Elian, and Zeb were in their college swimming class, surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of splashing water and laughter as classmates practiced their strokes. Colt couldn't help but admire Zeb's toned physique, glistening as he swam laps. Zeb's confidence and charm seemed to radiate through the pool, drawing Colt in from across the water. But Colt wasn't the only one harboring a secret attraction. Elian, the class clown and playful flirt, had recently shifted his attention from Beau to Colt, especially after hearing rumors about the wild game room antics Colt, Zeb, and Max shared. Elian was intrigued, and now his interest in Colt was growing by the minute.

As Colt focused on Zeb, Zeb suddenly finished his swim and climbed out of the pool, grabbing a towel and heading off to chat with someone on the sidelines. Colt felt a pang of disappointment as Zeb walked away, leaving him feeling stranded in the water.

Seizing the opportunity, Elian glided over with his usual confidence, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "What's up, Colt?" he said, effortlessly striking up a conversation. Colt turned, surprised to see Elian so close, and tried to keep his cool as they exchanged greetings.

Elian's eyes sparkled with playful curiosity as he teased, "So, I see someone's been pretty focused on Zeb today. Don't let him get to you—he's not worth all that effort, you know." Elian chuckled softly, moving a bit closer in the water, his hand playfully splashing toward Colt.

Colt felt his cheeks warm slightly, caught off guard by Elian's boldness. "I don't know what you're talking about," he mumbled, attempting to brush it off, but his voice betrayed him.

Elian raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Sure, sure. You've got that look, Colt." He nudged him gently with his shoulder, keeping things light yet undeniably flirtatious. Colt couldn't help but feel both flattered and a little unsettled by Elian's attention.

Before Colt could respond, Elian leaned in, his hand brushing across Colt's waist as he laughed again. The contact was subtle yet intentional, sending a shiver down Colt's spine. Elian, sensing Colt's reaction, paused briefly, his hand lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. "You know," Elian murmured, "Zeb isn't the only one around here worth noticing."

Colt was about to respond when he felt Elian's hand graze the front of his swim trunks, the touch so brief and stealthy that no one else in the pool seemed to notice. His heart raced, caught between nervousness and intrigue, as he struggled to keep a straight face. Elian's grin only widened as he observed Colt's reaction, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You okay, Colt?" Elian teased, feigning innocence. "You look a little flushed."

Colt let out a small, nervous laugh, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, just... a little warm," he managed, though he could barely maintain eye contact with Elian. The thrill of Elian's touch lingered, and Colt couldn't shake the mixture of nervousness and excitement building inside him.

Elian leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If you're feeling hot, maybe we should take this to the showers," he suggested, a suggestive edge to his tone.

Unable to take the tension any longer, Colt muttered an excuse about needing a quick break and quickly swam toward the pool's edge, climbing out and making a beeline for the shower room. He could feel Elian's eyes on him as he went, that same teasing grin etched into his expression.

Once inside the shower room, Colt took a deep breath, the cool water helping to calm his racing heart. Elian had him completely off balance, and he couldn't help but wonder just what the playful flirt had in mind next.

Colt hurried into the shower room, trying to shake off the rush of adrenaline. He was sure he'd left Elian behind in the pool area, but as he turned on the water, he heard footsteps. Colt looked over his shoulder, only to see Elian entering the shower room with a mischievous grin.