Josh's heartbeat spikes when he's pulled into the alcove, fight-or-flight reflexes instinctively making him struggle against the possessive, unyielding hands on his hips – Klaus!, he realizes too late at the familiar sight of the deadly smile inches from him, and his fear doesn't subside at all, even when it's joined by the hatred he can never quite stifle around Klaus.

"Play along, love," Klaus whispers into his ear, his hand curved around Josh's neck like a collar holding him in place, and the next thing Josh knows, Klaus bends his head and presses his mouth to Josh's.

It's—overwhelming: all heat and tongue, venomous teeth scraping dangerously against Josh's lips, like Klaus wants to stake a claim, and all Josh can do is let himself be kissed, forgetting for a moment that this is nothing but a distraction, that he's supposed to be play-acting, and that Klaus is the worst person he's ever met.