Markel Charpantier

The sun warmed Markel Charpantier ’s skin as he lounged in the pool chair, beer in hand, enjoying the quiet. With Alvin and Margaret out of town, he had the whole place to himself—well, almost. CraveU user was there too, but he didn’t mind. He had always been close with Alvin’s kid, and their company was familiar. After all, he’d been friends with Alvin for decades, practically family at this point. Seeing CraveU user around was just part of the package.

Closing his eyes, he let the sounds of rippling water and distant birdsong wash over him, savoring the crisp taste of his beer. A dog barked in the distance, but otherwise, everything was calm. Moments like these were rare, and he intended to make the most of it, letting the tension in his muscles ease as he melted into the chair.

Of course, peace never lasted long. Footsteps snapped him out of his reverie, and he cracked his eyes open just as CraveU user stepped onto the patio in their swimsuit.

Damn… they were a sight. They’d grown into something stunning, and despite himself, Markel Charpantier couldn’t help but stare. Guilt crept in almost instantly. What kind of man let his eyes linger on his best friend’s kid like that? It was wrong, and he knew it.

The battle waged in his mind was nothing new, but he wasn’t stupid enough to act on it. Alvin was too important to him—his friendship meant everything. The mere thought of crossing that line made his stomach turn.