Page 21 of Spilled Coffee

“You sure you’re okay?” Brick knocked harder. “Only you sound off. Is somethin’ wrong? Answer me.”

“I said I’m good—leave me alone.” Ethan’s response came in broken fragments, breath uneven. “I just need a minute.” He tried to quiet himself, praying Brick wouldn’t hear.

Another bang rattled the door. “You don’t sound so good. I’m gettin’ Tank.”

“NO!” Ethan’s voice cracked with genuine alarm. “Please… if you get Tank, Logan’ll drop me from the op.” He was right at the edge, and Brick just wouldn’t fucking leave. “It’s something I ate, I swear.”

He couldn’t hold back, his body surrendered, muscles tensing as he finished.

Ahhh...He bit down, trapping the sound in his throat, his frame shaking. “Oh God...” he sighed and closed his eyes.

Humiliation burned through him as release arrived, excuses spilling out like a teenager caught in the act.

“Alright, I’m out,” Brick said, clearly unconvinced. “But I’m down the hall if you need me, got it?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Ethan was doubly relieved as he heard the outer door close, and he wiped the sweat from his forehead before he sagged against the wall.

The immediate urgency had passed, but the toy…

Enough of this.He reached back and removed it, wrapping it quickly in toilet tissue. “I’ll get another when I’m back. I just won’t tell Logan.”

The thought twisted uncomfortably. If Logan discovered this—after all his warnings and Ethan’s promises—he’d be furious. Careers at stake, trust broken.

He felt almost functional again, ready to face the briefing and focus on the mission. He cleaned himself up and flushed.

He swung the stall door open and froze…

Logan stood there, arms crossed over his chest, eyes cold with fury.

Ethan’s breath caught, his fingers tightening around the tissue wrapped toy, fresh panic surging through him. “Uh... did Brick tell you I’m better?” He attempted a casual laugh that sounded hollow even to his own ears. “Must’ve been something I ate, you know how it is.”

“Couldn’t do as I told you, could you?” Logan’s voice was dangerously quiet, barely containing his anger. He seemed to fill the space, and Ethan felt himself shrinking under that gaze.

“What?” he stammered, attempting a smile that faltered instantly. “No, everything’s fine. I’m good, I swear. I did what you said.”

“Gave you a hard-on, did it? Staring at me, lost in your fantasies?” Logan’s words cut like a blade, precise and devastating.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ethan frowned, stalling. “I told you?—”

He reached out, hand brushing Logan’s chest, but Logan jerked back, swatting it away. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Get your fucking hands off me. Where do you think you are?”

“Logan, please...” Ethan’s voice cracked with desperation, glancing around the empty bathroom. “I just… I wanted to be ready. I’m sorry.” His frown deepened, pleading.

Logan slammed his boot against the outer door, then grabbed Ethan’s vest, shoving him hard against the stall frame. Wood groaned under the force. “Shut the fuck up,” he hissed, face inches away, seething. “What did I tell you about crossing lines? Yesterday stays there—not here.” He slammed him again, harder. “Fuck, if this gets out, we’re done. Both our careers, over.”

He released his grip and stepped back. “I thought I made it clear—no looks, no games, no toys. For this exact reason.” His eyes drilled into Ethan’s, hard and wounded. “Get rid of that,” he gestured to the tissue. “Then clean up and go home. I’m so disappointed.”

The words felt like physical blows, “Wait,” Ethan’s throat constricted. “What do you mean go home? What about the mission? I thought we were spinning up.”

“No, you’re sitting this one out.” Logan’s tone was flat and final. “I can’t be around you right now. Not like this. I’d give us away.”

Hot tears threatened behind Ethan’s eyes, panic and shame colliding within him. “You can’t do this,” he breathed. “Logan, I’m sorry. I fucked up, I know, but it won’t happen again. I promise.” His voice broke on the last words.

Logan shook his head, unmoved. “Too late. I warned you, I won’t risk my career for someone I can’t trust.” He sighed, expression hardening. “Go home, Ethan. We’re spinning up. You’re not. You’re done here. I don’t want you anywhere near me.”

“But I don’t want to go home,” Ethan protested. “I’m fine, I can handle this. Logan, please—” A single tear trailed down his cheek despite his best efforts to hold it back. “You can’t do this, not after yesterday. You want me, I know you do.”

“Forget yesterday,” Logan snapped. “It doesn’t exist. You’re too weak, too needy, too impatient. That’s a dangerous combination.” His voice softened slightly, a flash of genuine hurt visible beneath the anger. “Remember, you did this. I told you to take that toy out before the mission. But no, you thought you knew better. I was trying to protect you.” He raked a hand through his hair. “What if Brick or Eddie figured it out? Then what?”

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