Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis by D. J. Manly

Atlantic Bridge www.atlanticbridge.net

Copyright ©2007 by D.J. Manly

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Metamorphosis by D. J. Manly

CONTENTS Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen About the Author ****

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Published by Liquid Silver Books, Imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana. Copyright 2007, DJ Manly. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the authors. This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

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Chapter One Amanda offered to personally drive him back to the Agency, which had caught Ramsay by surprise. Usually, her chauffeur did all the driving. This morning, few words passed between them. He had brought up the subject of his leaving a few times last week. She hadn't said too much. She'd merely nodded at him. Last night, he walked out onto the patio where she was sitting by the pool, took a deep breath, and announced that the time had come. The Los Angeles sky was threatening rain. He tried to focus on the clouds overhead as Amanda got behind the wheel and steered the small foreign coup out of the driveway. He wondered if Hunter was standing in the window. He told himself he didn't care if he was or not. Something akin to a knot settled in his throat and remained there. He laid his head back against the neck rest and closed his eyes. Hunter hadn't even come down to say goodbye to him this morning, and he'd been unusually cool to him the past few days. "Are you all right, Ramsay?" Amanda asked him suddenly, taking her eyes off the road for a moment to glance at him. "Sure," he replied, his voice sounding superficial, even to his own ears. "Why shouldn't I be?" "You're quiet, that's all." "You're not angry with me, are you?" "Why should I be angry? You fulfilled your end of the bargain. I'm more ... ah ... concerned, I guess." 5

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"Concerned?" Amanda stopped the vehicle at a light. "What is it exactly you're looking for? I'm not clear on that." The question caught him off guard. He tried to put together an answer in his head, but before he could, Amanda began speaking again. "And I never did understand what it was between you and Hunter." The light changed. They were moving again. "At first, I thought you were afraid of him because he'd hurt you somehow, but..." "He's never hurt me," Ramsay protested. "Hunter may look tough, but he's a pussy cat underneath all that macho stuff." He laughed, a laugh teetering on a sob. He turned his head to the window and quickly brushed at his cheek to hide the sudden rolling tear. "You did know each other before." "It's a long story." "One you don't want to talk about." "History," he grunted. "I never had much use for it, even in school." He attempted a faint laugh. "Will you get a replacement?" "I don't know. That's up to Hunter. Maybe he'd like some variety instead of the same guy all the time." He regretted the question. "Do you really intend on introducing him to high society?" "Yes. Why? Don't you think that's a good idea?" "Hunter is ... well ... rough trade all the way. He'd find those people plastic." "They are plastic." 6

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"It would be only to spite his father." "And bloody worth it," Amanda said adamantly. "And Ramsay, you never answered my question." "What was it again?" "What are you looking for?" "I know Hunter thinks I'm a fool," he blurted out suddenly. "He doesn't believe I'll ever find that client who will give me the life I dream about." "Well, I suppose you can fall in love with a rich man the same as you can a poor one." Ramsay decided not to comment. Fall in love? Love had absolutely nothing to do with it. He'd grown up in abject poverty. He'd dreamed of living a life of security and luxury. He'd witnessed first hand the lifestyles of some of his wealthy clients, and he wanted to live like that. He was waiting for the day one of those clients would offer to share that life with him. To hell with love ... at least the passionate kind ... there were many different kinds of love. When Jacques' house came into view, Ramsay sucked in some breath. This was it. He was home, the only home he'd known after the streets. He reached behind him and grabbed his suitcase. "You don't have to come in," he told Amanda, feeling anxious all of a sudden. She reached out and touched his pale blond hair. "You take care of yourself, Ramsay. I'll miss you." He smiled and then leaned over to kiss her perfumed cheek. "Me, too," he told her, and scrambled out of the car. **** 7

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Amanda watched Ramsay walk up the path to the front door. She'd called Jacques last night to tell him Ramsay was coming back. "I'd expected as much," he'd said. "Ramsay is still waiting for his Prince Charming." Amanda leaned back and closed her eyes. She'd felt especially protective of Ramsay these last few days. He seemed fragile. She hadn't even asked him to have sex with Hunter. She knew he was somehow silently grateful for that, although she wasn't sure why. As for Hunter, well, he'd been really into himself lately, hardly acknowledging Ramsay's presence the last few days. This morning, he hadn't even bothered to get out of bed to say goodbye. Ever since Ramsay and Hunter had come to her three months ago, she'd been trying to figure out what their prior relationship had been, but it had remained a mystery. They both came from the Agency, and although they didn't seem to be friends, they certainly weren't strangers either. Ramsay seemed skittish where Hunter was concerned, and Hunter was often impatient with Ramsay, passing remarks which seemed uncalled for. Amanda started the engine. She'd call Jacques later on. She wasn't sure if she wanted a replacement for Ramsay. Perhaps she'd wait a little while. The last few weeks had been rather hectic. Scott had gone into therapy, and according to the brief reports she'd received from Ciel, it was hell. And she'd been really worked up over Hunter's father lately. Her own father had been a cold son-of-a-bitch, but at least he'd never gone to the point of refusing to acknowledge his own 8

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children. She wasn't intending to let Senator Frank Delany get away with it. It was almost noon. She hated driving. The traffic was getting worse as she drove toward home. She thought about stopping by to see Scott and Ciel, but changed her mind. She promised herself she wouldn't interfere. She'd agreed to pay for Scott's therapy, without asking anything in return. She'd stay away until she received an invitation. **** Hunter sat watching his estranged father on the television. He'd been in front of the cameras a lot lately. The press was saying that he could be a candidate for president. Today, he was speaking about why he'd decided not to back the gay rights initiative. No surprise there. He turned off the set and walked outside. For a moment, he stood staring down into the swimming pool. "Going to drown yourself, loser?" he said aloud, then recklessly raked a hand through his dark hair. It was ironic really. If not for Ramsay, he wouldn't even be here. When he'd first come to America looking for his father, he'd been given temporary lodgings in one of his father's associates' condos, with the understanding that he'd disappear soon. This associate had used the services of the Agency, and one night, Hunter found the phone number and called. Ramsay showed up at his door. The attraction between them had been electric and immediate, that is, until Ramsay found out that he was just some poor reject living on borrowed time. Then everything changed. After Hunter's father told him he was on his own, Ramsay took him to the 9

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Agency, then suddenly acted as if he barely knew him. Ramsay was looking for a sugar daddy, and Hunter just didn't qualify on any level. When Amanda requested that both of them come to stay here together, Hunter knew Ramsay hadn't abandoned his stupid ideas. He'd just put them on hold for a while. Now he was gone. Hunter couldn't help wondering if Ramsay would ever find what he was looking for. As for living here with Amanda, it wasn't bad. Amanda was a fascinating woman. She had more money than anyone deserved to have, and her money allowed her to indulge all her whims and fetishes. She enjoyed watching men have sex, and she had no qualms about paying well for that privilege. She knew exactly what she wanted, exactly what turned her on, and she didn't give a damn who disapproved. Hunter couldn't help admiring that. Now Amanda seemed hell-bent on plotting vengeance against his father by making him over for high society, and initially, he'd been enthusiastic about that. Lately, however, little doubts were beginning to settle in, and he wasn't sure if it was worth all the anguish. His father had another family. Did he really want to ruin their lives? None of this was their fault. They didn't even know he existed. Maybe it was better to leave well enough alone. It was true his father had been cruel to him, and Hunter had been bitter about that, but revenge wasn't going to change anything. He had to face the fact that his father was never going to accept a gay son with Jamaican blood, no matter how well he could preen to high society. 10

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He was content to stay with Amanda for a while, though, content to separate himself from Ramsay, who had damn near broken his heart. Yes, he loved Ramsay, damn fool that he was, and he'd clung to the idea that Ramsay loved him, too, and that eventually he'd come to his senses. It hadn't happened. Ramsay hadn't suddenly run into his arms and declared his undying love for him, and it looked fairly certain that he was never going to. Hunter settled back into one of the comfortable lounge chairs. He wondered if he'd eventually become another Scott. Scott had been Amanda's first. After the death of her rich husband, she'd brought Scott home from the Agency, and he'd become her companion, amusing her with a variety of men, until Ciel came along. On a quest to find the most beautiful man, she'd found Ciel in Europe. She brought him back to America for Scott. She'd never imagined that Ciel would take Scott away from her. They'd fallen in love, but Scott was damaged goods. He'd been shifted from one foster home to another, and it seemed he didn't believe himself worthy of love, not even Ciel's love. Now, after a brief separation, Scott and Ciel were back together again. Scott was finally in therapy, the expensive kind that Amanda volunteered to pay for. He hoped it worked out for them. When Scott had separated briefly with Ciel a short time ago, he'd come back to Amanda's. Hunter had gotten to know him a little. He liked Scott. And although he'd only met Ciel briefly, he seemed to be a nice guy ... not to mention dropdead gorgeous. 11

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After Scott left Amanda for Ciel a few years back, there had been others. Chase, too, had been on the streets, having run away from home after his stepfather tried to sexually molest him. Chase and another guy called Cassidy had come here together. Although Hunter didn't know all the details, Cassidy apparently was shot and killed by his boyfriend, who'd had a serious drug problem. After Cassidy's death, Chase fell into a depression and stayed with Amanda for a while. Amanda's half-brother Jordon came for a visit after the death of their father, and Chase fell in love with him. Chase and Jordon now lived together in New York. Poor Amanda. She seemed destined to lose all those she held dear. Hunter couldn't help wonder why Amanda collected all these wounded gay men. Perhaps she didn't realize how much personal baggage they carried when she invited them into her home, or maybe they were exactly who she wanted them to be. Hunter sighed and felt himself drifting off. Yes. He would stay here for a while, lick his wounds, and when he felt stronger, he would move on. Gradually he would learn to accept the fact that he and Ramsay were never going to be together. **** When Amanda walked out onto the patio, she smiled. Hunter had fallen asleep in the lounge chair. She moved closer and smoothed back some of his soft, dark hair. She felt a little melancholy. She knew it had something to do with losing Ramsay. It was strange. She felt as if she'd never 12

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known him, not really. He hid so much of himself. It was true that Hunter was no big communicator either, but he'd opened up to her a great deal lately, especially about his father. Somehow the whole messy subject had brought them closer. Hunter's dark eyes blinked open suddenly. He issued her one of those famous smirks of his. "Well, woman, what's the news?" She was quite used to him now calling her "woman." At first, it had irked her a bit. She'd since realized that coming from Hunter, it was a sign of affection and wasn't meant in any derogatory sense. She pulled a chair closer to him and sat down. "Ramsay got home safe and sound. I drove him myself." "I meant, what's the news on Scott?" "Oh." She met his eyes, noticing the sharp tone to his voice. "I see." He smiled faintly, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Is it that painful?" "Painful?" He looked surprised. "What 'cha talking painful, woman?" Sometimes his Jamaican accent seemed especially pronounced. "You couldn't bring yourself to say goodbye to him." "I value my sleep." He looked away. "If you'd tell me about it, then I could..." "Could what?" He looked at her again. "Pat my shoulder, tell me it's going to be all right?" She sighed softly. "Hunter." 13

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"Just empty words designed to make you feel better, but they don't change anything. They don't help a hell of a lot, even if the intentions are good. What 'cha need to know for?" "I never really knew him." "That's the way he likes it." "I don't want it to be that way with us." "It won't be." She smiled. "If you ever want to talk to someone about it ... I'm here. It's not good to keep things bottled up inside." "I talked to Scott about it already." She lifted an eyebrow. "It's nothing against you, Amanda. It's just that Scott was almost as miserable as me when he left that man of his. Misery loves company, you know?" "Hunter, Ramsay is..." she began. "Amanda." He put up a hand. "Please, I'd really like it if we could talk about something else. Okay?" "Okay, I need to call some people. I've been thinking. We'll need a whole new wardrobe, dancing lessons and..." "Can we hold off on the makeover?" He laughed. "We have to be ready by September," she protested. He pursed his lips. "Is it really that important?" She sucked in some breath. "You've changed your mind?" "No, I haven't changed my mind exactly, but I need to think about this a while. When I said I'd do this, my emotions were ... well, I wasn't thinking things through. Why do you want to go back into that scene again, Mandy? You told me you despised those rich folks." 14

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"I do. All my life I watched those people, moved among them. I saw the hypocrisy, most of them a bunch of selfrighteous bigots who criticize others, then do worse themselves." "Then you want to use me to get your revenge, is that it?" There was a twinkle in his brown eyes. "No, Hunter. I..." He laughed, reaching for her hand. "I'm teasing. I know there's a little of that in it because of your own father. That's what gets you all steamed up. But I also know you think my old man needs a whipping because he hurt me. You care about me, and I can't help but feel touched by that." "It's worth it, if we make him feel ill at ease for even a minute." "Only a minute?" He laughed. "Look, my father is not going to suddenly develop a conscience where I'm concerned. I know that." She fell silent. "Look," he released her hand, "I didn't say no. I just don't want to go off half-cocked. I need to think this through." "Okay. I won't push you. We'll go ahead when and if you're ready." He nodded. "Now." She brightened. "We need to decide about men." "Men." His eyes twinkled. "I have no objection to the discussion of men. Anything you want, Mandy." "I want you to want, too. It's not just me. If you don't find them hot, then it will be a yawn-fest for me." He laughed. "We can't have that. Bring me the menu." 15

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She giggled. "Okay, baby." She reached over and kissed his cheek. "Let's go for dinner tonight, and by Saturday, I'll have something nice for us. I'll call Jacques and get him to send over something delicious." "Sounds good." He winked, relaxing back into the chair. Amanda stood up. "I'm going to take these heels off, maybe take a swim." "Um," he murmured, looking as if he was ready to fall asleep again. **** A few minutes after Amanda had slipped into the pool, the maid came outside with the phone in her hand. "Ms. Amanda," she called out. "A phone call for you." "Take a message," she replied, floating on her back. "It's Mr. Scott, and you said if..." "Scott? Okay, tell him to hold the line." She waded over to the side of the pool and crawled out. The maid handed her a towel and the phone. Hunter looked over at her now and lifted an eyebrow. Amanda met Hunter's gaze and took the phone in her hand. "Scott?" "Hello Amanda. How are things?" "Good. And with you?" There was a short pause, then, "Can I come home?" Home? She was surprised to hear him call it home. "Of course, but ... what's wrong?" "It's too hard with Ciel. The therapist thinks it might be better if we separate for a while." 16

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"Does Ciel know?" "Not yet. I'm waiting for him to get home from the university." "You know there's always a place for you here," Amanda said, but her heart sank as she said it. Ciel was not going to be happy about this. "I'll see you soon. Thanks." "Of course," she replied. "'Bye." "What happened?" Hunter asked. "I'm not sure. The therapist recommended that Scott and Ciel separate for a while. Scott's coming to stay here." **** Scott paced the living room floor. He had already packed. His suitcase lay open on the bed. His session had gone particularly badly today. His therapist was urging him to conjure up many things from his childhood, things he'd thought best forgotten. "You're still expressing anger in the place of sadness, Scott," she'd told him. "And you're not reaching." "Maybe I don't want to fucking reach!" had been his response. At that point, he'd told her how every time she pushed him to recover some ugly memory, he went home and took it out on Ciel. "He's going to hate me soon. It's not fair to him. None of this is his fault." "Are you saying he's not supportive?" "He's very supportive, but it's hard on him. We don't have sex. I'm angry all the time. I don't want to talk, or I scream 17

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at him for no reason. And I wake him up in the night with bad dreams." "The dreams ... well, that's your subconscious talking to you." "Ciel needs his sleep. He's finishing university this year. He works double shifts at the restaurant. He's supporting both of us. He can't keep being bombarded by my Goddamn subwhatever-it-is every night." "Have you considered separating while you're in therapy?" Scott blinked. "Leave him? I already did that, remember?" "But it's different this time. You have to concentrate on you. You can't be worried about his feelings all the time. You may need some space." Space. Did he really need space from the only man he'd ever loved? No, it wasn't about space. It was about punishing Ciel for something he had nothing to do with. It was time for it to stop. He just hoped he could explain it to him in the right way, in a way he'd understand. When the door finally opened, Scott took a deep breath. He paused, waited. Ciel walked into the room and threw his keys on the table. He didn't move to kiss him. These past few weeks, Scott knew Ciel had been cautious around him, walking on eggshells. The strain showed on his face, and so did the lack of sleep. "Hey baby. How did it go today?" Scott suddenly wanted to cry. He swallowed it. "Tough." Ciel nodded silently. He leaned against the doorjamb. Scott ran his eyes over him, his beauty never ceased to have the same impact ... his balls tightening, his cock jerking 18

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slightly. He licked his lips, images of the way they used to make love bombarding his senses. It seemed as if it had been years since they'd touched each other that way. The thought of it sent shivers up his spine, shivers of pleasure mixed strangely with trepidation. "I need to get out of here for a while." The words just came out like that, causing Ciel's black eyes to widen. "What? Get out of here? What are you talking about?" "My therapist thinks a separation would be good for us, especially during these early months when..." His hands were shaking. The expression which crossed Ciel's handsome face was one of hurt. There was no mistaking it. "Why would you want to leave me? Haven't I been supportive? I thought we were in this together. I thought..." "It's too hard," Scott groaned, his heart pounding in his chest. "It's not fair to you and..." "Bullshit," Ciel accused. "This isn't about me. This is about you. I want to speak to your therapist. Get her on the phone." "No, Ciel." He shook his head. "Let it go." He turned his back. He couldn't look at him suddenly. "I'm going to Amanda's for a while." "That figures." Scott turned around. "Where would you like me to go? And don't blame her. She had nothing to do with this." "Run away, Scott. Go ahead." Ciel threw up his hands. "What do you want with me anyway?" Scott snapped, losing his temper now. He tried to hold back, but once he started, the words ran out of him like water from a broken 19

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dam. That's the way it had always been. "I don't give you anything. I don't bring any money into the house. I barely talk to you anymore. I don't even fuck you. So, why do you keep holding onto me? What in hell do you want from me?" "I love you." Ciel met his eyes. "Oh, yeah," he sneered. "You don't believe me. I forgot. You don't believe anyone can love you." Scott lowered his head. "I can't worry about how this therapy is hurting you. I have to concentrate on me. Can't you understand that?" He shrugged and looked away. "I'm afraid," Ciel whispered. "Of what?" Scott moved closer to him. "Losing you." Scott reached out his hand. Ciel took it. Their eyes met. "You won't." "But I want to be the one to help you through this. Why won't you let me?" "No one can help me through this, Ciel. I have to do it all on my own." Ciel released his hand. His voice suddenly sounded cold as ice. "Do what you have to do." Ciel picked up his car keys and left the room. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Two It was almost ten o'clock at night when Hunter opened the front door to find Scott standing there. "Hey man. Amanda wasn't sure when to expect you. You okay?" Scott walked in and put down his suitcase. "Fine. Where's Amanda?" "She had a headache. She went to bed. She wasn't sure what time you were coming. I said I'd wait up." "I thought you'd be gone," Scott said, leaving his suitcase by the stairs in the hallway and walking down the corridor to the living room. Hunter eyed him. "Did you want me gone?" "No, I didn't mean it like that," Scott said, reaching for one of the glass decanters sitting on top of the bar. "Wanna drink?" "No, thanks." "Is Ramsay still here, too?" "Nope." Hunter walked over to one of the couches and threw himself down on it. "He's back at the Agency." Scott took a sip of his drink and turned to look at him. "I'm sorry. That sucks." "Why'd you leave Ciel?" "Because I'm an idiot." He laughed harshly. "Why would anyone in their right mind leave Ciel? Would you leave him?" "No." Scott laughed and drained his glass. "Okay, you made your point." 21

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"So?" "So what? Let it go, okay? Let's agree not to talk about fucking Ramsay or fucking Ciel." Hunter laughed. "I wasn't going to ask you what it was like fucking Ciel, but if you want to give me details..." Scott gave him an ironic look. "Funny guy. Ha, ha. You know damn well what I meant ... and as far as fucking Ciel, well, I really can't remember." "That I don't believe." "It's been a while." "You don't want to fuck him anymore, or he doesn't want you?" "It's me. Everything is me. I'm a disaster," he muttered, turning back to the bar to pour another drink. Hunter stood up. He walked over to him and reached around to take the glass out of Scott's hand. "It doesn't help. Believe me, I've tried. It just gives you a hangover on top of a heartache." He held onto Scott's hand. It was shaking. He wrapped his arms around him and pulled him back against his chest. "Let it go, man," he whispered against his cheek. "It's all right. No one will know. There's just you and me here." Scott's hand tightened in his. He heaved once, then lowered his head. Hunter held him as he cried, his own eyes filling with tears as an image of Ramsay flashed into his head. He pressed his lips against Scott's cheek and rocked him slightly as if Scott was a small boy. When Scott turned around in his arms and unabashedly pressed his groin against his, something stirred in Hunter's gut. Hunter grunted as Scott reached up and grabbed his 22

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hair, pulling his mouth down on his. Scott's lips seared his, then his sweet mouth opened, his tongue delving deep, seeking Hunter's. All rational thought switched off as Hunter's hands moved over Scott's luscious ass, yanking him closer, practically lifting him up off the floor. Hunter felt Scott's fingers tear at his hair, as his erection rubbed frantically against his thigh. He was kissing him feverishly, desperately devouring his mouth, his hands moving now over his shoulders and pulling on his shirt. Suddenly Scott tore his mouth away and moved his eyes downwards. The force of Scott's fingers tearing at the material of his shirt had caused several of the buttons to pop, leaving the shirt wide open now, revealing his naked torso. Scott pulled it off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor. He reached for Hunter's pants. Hunter let his head go back. He closed his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. Yes, yes, yes. His body craved this now, required it. He needed to turn off all thought and just feel, and as Scott's hands pushed his pants down over his hips and gripped his cock, a surge of electrified pleasure shot through his loins. "You're beautiful, Hunter," Scott growled. He gave him a slight shove backward. "That little twerp Ramsay is a goddamned fool." Hunter licked his lips as he found his way to the sofa. He stretched out on it, watching as Scott hastily removed his clothes. "Don't talk," Hunter breathed, his voice almost pleading. He didn't want to think about Ramsay anymore. He 23

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only wanted to let his thoughts linger on Scott's perfect ass and what being inside of it would feel like. Scott trailed a hand down Hunter's chest. "Okay," he said softly. "No more talk." He went down beside him on his knees, his tongue darting out to lick one of his nipples, as his hand reached down to play with his cock and his balls. Hunter arched his hips upward, sucking in some breath, as Scott's mouth moved from his nipples to his swollen cock. His tongue was doing incredible things to his cock, too incredible, so incredible that if he didn't stop, he was going to come right there. Hunter reached out, but before he could touch Scott's head, it lifted. He knew. He smiled slightly. "Got lube? It's been a while." Hunter swallowed. "Upstairs." "Let's go," Scott said, jumping to his feet. The act of sitting up brought Hunter face-to-face with Scott's erect cock. He stifled a moan and got off the sofa. He grabbed his clothes and moved down the hall. He could feel Scott at his heels, hear his breathing, heavy and steady. At the top of the stairs, Hunter turned around. "Amanda made up your bed and..." "Let's go to your room," Scott said, reaching out to hook his hand around Hunter's neck and pull him in for a kiss. It lasted too long, and Hunter found himself pressing Scott against the wall, his hands exploring his chest, his stomach, pausing to fondle his cock. "Um, Hunter, please," Scott gasped. "I can't wait much longer." Hunter took his hand and pulled him down the hallway to his room. He closed the door as Scott went to lie on the bed. 24

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He fumbled in his night stand for lube and condoms while Scott lay there looking at him, his gorgeous body glistening with sweat, his sex tilted up. As Hunter approached, Scott turned over, scrambling to his knees. "Don't hold back," he grunted, as Hunter squeezed lube onto his fingers and scrambled onto the bed behind him. "That's something you don't have to worry about," Hunter responded, inserting a lubricated finger up inside of him, then tearing open the condom and rolling it onto his cock. With both hands, he seized Scott's hips. As his cock inched deeper into Scott's ass, Hunter let his head go back, roughly pulling Scott's hips closer to his groin. His eyes closed, and some air released through his teeth. Scott let out a cry which sounded like a mixture of ecstasy and pain, then swore. "Ciel," he moaned. Hunter began to pump. He rode him hard, reaching around to roughly handle Scott's cock. As Hunter came, he slowed his pace, moaning out his pleasure as Scott's cock pulsed in his hand. Hunter let himself fall back on the bed. He squeezed his own cock for a moment, prolonging the sensation, letting his tongue move over his bottom lip. It dawned on him after a few seconds that Scott had called out Ciel's name, but that was okay. The entire time he'd been thinking about Ramsay. What a fucking pair they made. Scott rolled over. He was looking at him now. His eyes were red, probably from crying downstairs, or maybe he'd cried again during sex. Hunter decided not to ask. "You okay? Was it good?" 25

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Scott smiled faintly. "It hurt like hell, at first. It's been a while, like I said." "I'm sorry." "No, no, don't apologize. Once you got a rhythm on, it felt damn good. You were holding back, though." Hunter raised an eyebrow. "You think?" "Yeah." He nodded. "I heard you were rough trade." Hunter laughed. "I can be when it's profitable. Is that what you really wanted?" "I don't know what I want," he said softly. "Yes you do." Hunter met his eyes. "Yeah, but I may not be able to have it." "He loves you, doesn't he?" "Probably, but I need to totally believe in that love, and I don't. It's not fair of me to punish him. There are so many men out there who could treat him the way he deserves to be treated." "But he doesn't want those men out there." Scott reached over and touched Hunter's thigh. "Thanks for saying that. Ramsay is a..." "Ah-ah, remember?" "Not talking about him won't make it hurt less, Hunter." "Psychobabble?" "Maybe," Scott laughed. "But that boy is in for it. He's going to get burnt, and then he's going to realize what he gave up. He'll come crawling back, you'll see, if only for that incredible cock of yours. You really know how to use that thing, too." 26

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Hunter smiled faintly. "I might not be here when he comes back, just like Ciel." "Ouch," Scott winced. He slid off the bed. "I'm going to my room now. I want to sleep." Hunter scrambled after him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I can't compare what you and Ciel have to me and Ramsay. It's not the same." Scott turned around and met his eyes. "There are a lot of shouldn't haves tonight, honey. We can't live our lives wallowing in regret. All is forgiven. See you tomorrow." He winked at him and left the room. **** If it hadn't been for Roberta, the new maid, who reached out and caught her, Amanda might have broken her neck the next morning when she came downstairs. Scott's suitcase was sitting smack dab in the middle of the floor at the bottom of the stairs. "Madame Amanda," she said. "Are you all right?" Amanda swore under her breath. "Whose suitcase is that?" "Scott's," a voice replied. She turned her head to look at Hunter. "He showed up last night after you went to bed. Come have some breakfast. Roberta here is a great cook." Roberta smiled at him. "Thank you, sir." "Bring Amanda some of that French toast, and I could eat another plateful." He took Amanda's arm and led her into the dining room. Roberta scurried off to the kitchen. 27

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"You're up early," Amanda mused, hugging him to her. "And cheerful." He grinned and released her arm. He pulled out the chair for her, then took a seat himself. "What's gotten into you?" "What? Can't I be polite? You do intend to groom me for high society, right? I might as well start practicing." Amanda reached out for the carafe of coffee and poured herself a cup. "You've decided then?" He sat back in his seat. "It would be fun to make the old man uncomfortable, but I don't want..." He broke off. "You don't want what?" "I don't want to hurt his family. His children are my blood, Amanda. Something like this could shatter their entire world." "Then you don't intend for them to know about you ... that you're their brother?" "They're only kids. What good would it do? I'd never be allowed to spend any time with them. When they grow up, they can make up their own minds about me." "Okay," she said, sipping her coffee. "We do it just to make your father aware that he can't throw you away with yesterday's garbage." "How eloquent, Amanda." She laughed, then made a sound of appreciation as Roberta set down a steaming plate of French toast in front of her and another in front of Hunter. "You are right, this is to die for," she announced after eating a few bites. "How was Scott?" "He's going through a hard time," Hunter replied. 28

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"Did he say anything?" "We didn't talk ... much." Amanda poured herself some more coffee. "I'm expecting a call from Ciel. He'll probably blame me for this." "Why blame you?" "He just will." "So, what does this preparation for high society involve anyways?" "Some tweaking." "Tweaking?" "A manners coach, a dancing instructor, some brush ups on the stock market and politics. It wouldn't take much. With the right haircut and the right clothes..." "Haircut? No one touches my curls, woman." She grinned. "How long will all this preparation take?" "A few weeks. It's not like we're starting with Eliza Doolittle." "Who?" "Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady. You don't know My Fair Lady?" "What is it?" "A musical, dummy," a voice muttered. Amanda and Hunter turned their gazes to Scott, who rubbed his sleepy eyes and stumbled over to kiss Amanda on the cheek. "Hey, babe," Amanda said, taking note of his grey sweat pants and oversized tee-shirt. "Breakfast?" "Just coffee. Hey Hunter." 29

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"Hey yourself. Sleep all right?" "Like a baby. Thanks." He took a seat. Amanda poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him. "How's Ciel?" "Upset." "What did you tell him?" "I needed some space. That didn't go over too well." "Is that the truth?" She eyed him. "That I need space?" "Yes." "Not really. Rather, I'm trying to give him a break, but he doesn't see it that way." He stirred some milk into his coffee. "I'm going for a swim," Hunter announced, pushing back his chair. Scott glanced up at him, then back at Amanda. "Have fun." "How long are you planning on ... I mean you can stay as long as you like, but..." "I don't know; until I have a breakthrough, I guess." He laughed harshly and swallowed some coffee. "Therapist said this could take years. It's going to cost." "I don't care about the money," Amanda told him. "You still love Ciel, don't you?" "Unfortunately, yes." "Scott! You're telling me it's over, then?" Her heart sank. "No. I ... well, I could never say that but ... Amanda." He sighed heavily. "I can't keep punishing him. I didn't know this shit would be so hard. You don't know what it takes for me to go into that office ... my stomach in knots." 30

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She reached over and touched his hand. "What do I say if he calls me?" "Nothing. Don't say anything." "Are you planning on seeing him while you're with me?" "I don't know. I'll go as long as I can. Ciel is like a drug to me." "You're not going to drink, are you?" "I'll try not to drink too much. I had two drinks last night. I wanted a bottle. I'm trying." "Okay, I won't nag you." "Thanks. Look, try not to worry. If I come through this to the point where I can be with Ciel, give him what he needs, believe I'm worthy of his love, I'll go back to him ... if he still wants me. Even though I hate this therapy, I am committed to it, Amanda. I want it to work. I am so grateful to you for..." There were tears in his eyes. Amanda got up and put her arms around his neck. "I love you, Scott. I'll always love you. I'll always be here for you." "I know that," Scott told her, hugging her back. "You're the only family I've ever truly had, and you and Ciel are the only people I've ever loved, Amanda." Tears rolled down her cheeks. She cleared her throat. "Can you believe..." She forced a laugh. "—Hunter didn't know who Eliza Doolittle was?" "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain," Scott said in a snotty British accent. Amanda laughed and stepped away from him, wiping away the tears. 31

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"Well, we'll just have to expose good old Hunter to a little bit of culture, won't we?" "That's an excellent idea." Amanda snapped her fingers. "The opera and the symphony ... and we'll rent all the important films and take all the right books out of the library, and..." "Looks like Hunter is going to be a very busy little boy." Scott raised an eyebrow. She grinned. "I'll make a list this afternoon, and I must go and see Jacques this evening as well." "Jacques. It's been so long since I've seen him. How is he?" "You know Jacques. He's a mystery." "Not really." "He is a mystery," Amanda protested. "I know he trains his boys himself, and I'm sure in his youth, he was a male escort. He certainly has the looks. None of you boys will tell me how he does it, and I can't confirm it, but..." "How he does what?" "His training." "Why, are you interested in running a whorehouse now?" "Scott. Please. Jacques runs a respectable establishment which caters to the..." "He runs a whorehouse." "You call it what you want. Did Jacques actually train you?" "I'll never tell." He grinned. Amanda scowled at him. Scott laughed out loud. 32

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"Don't tell me. One day I'll come right out and ask him myself." "Go ahead. What are you going to the Agency for, anyway?" "I'm going to request something special for Saturday night." "What for?" "For Hunter?" "I'm here." Amanda narrowed her eyes. "You're not serious." "Why not? There's nothing like a little anonymous sex to..." "Don't even joke about that. Ciel would never forgive me." "He doesn't need to know." Scott sat back in his seat. "Are you determined to fuck this up for good?" "No." "Scott, I know you." She met his eyes. "You want to make it impossible. You want to make Ciel..." Scott stood up. "Don't analyze me, Amanda. I have a shrink for that." His voice raised an octave. "If you don't want me to party with Hunter upstairs, I won't. Don't sweat it." At that moment, Hunter walked in, wiping his face on a towel. He paused. "Should I walk back outside again?" "No," Scott said, glancing at Amanda. "We're fine." He walked out of the room. Hunter met Amanda's eyes. "Are you all right? You look kind of pale." She closed her eyes a moment. Scott was in one of his self destructive modes. She'd seen it before. He planned to drive 33

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Ciel away for good, and he'd use her, or anyone else, to help him do it. "Fucking self-fulfilling prophesy." "What's a fucking self-fulfilling prophesy?" She shook her head. "Never mind, I need to make a phone call. I'll see you later." Scott was in his room when she went upstairs. He had the stereo on, some seventies rock band was singing about love. She paused, considering going in to speak to him, but changed her mind. Instead, she went to her room, picked up the phone, and dialed Ciel. As she listened to the ringing of his phone, she almost hung up. She didn't want to interfere, but she felt like she didn't have a choice. The answering machine switched on, Ciel's voice saying, "You've reached Scott and Ciel. Leave us a message." "Ciel," she began, "it's Amanda. I think we should talk. I'll call you back." She hung up, biting on her thumbnail for a minute. There was no way she was going to allow Scott to go back to the way it used to be, although, of course, it was damn tempting. Scott knew her so well. He knew just what turned her on, and seeing him with Hunter would be damn exciting ... exciting, yes, but very selfish on her part. If Ciel found out, well ... God knew how he'd react, and for sure he'd blame her, and rightfully so. She picked the phone back up and dialed Jacques. After a few rings, she sighed in frustration. Was there no one at home? Finally, just as she was about to give up, she heard Jacques' voice. "'Allo?" "Hello, Jacques darling. Am I catching you at a bad time?" "It's never a bad time where you're concerned, cherie. What can I do for you?" 34

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She smiled. She loved his French accent. He had a way of always making her feel secure when he spoke to her, as if nothing she could ask for would be out of the question. "I need someone for Saturday night." "Of course. Just for the night?" "Yes, for now." "Ah, we are in our variety phase." She laughed. "Do you have anyone in mind?" "Well, you're lucky, my darling, I've just returned from France and brought with me a new line of beauties. In fact, my house in France is now empty. Liam is here feeling out of sorts." "Liam?" "Oh, Mon Dieu, that's right, you don't know Liam. Liam is my associate, the French connection, so to speak, although he's actually an Irishman." He laughed. "I didn't know you even had an associate." "He oversees my house in France, or he did. Now, he'll help me here in LA." "Oh." "Yes, my Paris house is temporarily closed. Politics." "But I thought the French understood these things." "Ah, they do, until money enters the picture. It's a ... tax ... problem." "I see." "Please come by this evening, my love. Liam will take care of you." "You won't be there?" "I'm off to Amsterdam, I'm afraid." 35

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"If you left your partner in charge of the Agency, he must be competent. I'm not worried. I will miss seeing you however." "Moi aussi," he said. "I should be back in a few weeks' time." "Good luck." "Merci. How is your project coming?" She smiled. "I haven't really gotten started yet. Hunter is a luscious subject. How's Ramsay doing?" "He's only just returned, my dear. He's fine. He is anxious to get to work ... to find his ... ah ... dream?" Amanda sighed. "A dream, which most likely will lead to heartbreak." "Yes, but he's a determined young man. He must find that out for himself." "What time should I come by this evening?" "Anytime you like. The door is always open for you. I'll tell Liam to expect you." "Thank you, Jacques." "You are most welcome ma belle amie. Au revoir." "Au revoir." Amanda smiled when she hung up. Um, a new line from Europe. Heaven only knew what she'd discover. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Three The alarm clock told him it was past seven p.m. when Scott opened his eyes. He had fallen asleep with the stereo blaring. He got up, crossed the room, and switched it off. He stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower. He thought of Hunter fucking him for a moment. He hadn't been thinking last night when he'd let that happen. But Goddamn it, was he required to think about every fucking thing ... analyze his every move to death? That's all he did with that shrink: think, remember, try to identify how he felt about this and that. And with Ciel. It was no different, except he'd wonder about what Ciel was thinking and what Ciel was feeling. Scott stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. It was so simple before he'd met Ciel. There was just Amanda and her needs, and an array of beautiful men to touch and fuck. He didn't have to think about his shitty childhood, moving from one home to another, the fear, the anxiety, the pain. He didn't have to think about love. There was only lust, and lust was clean, and pure, and simple. Love was so Goddamned complicated. It held you prisoner and tore you in two. Why did Amanda have to bring Ciel to America? Why in hell couldn't she have left him in France where he belonged? He wouldn't be in this situation today. He'd still be here with Amanda, her number one, fucking his way through a parade 37

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of gorgeous male flesh, swimming, attending fancy dinners. He'd had it made. If he went back to simple, he wouldn't need to relive his past, to reach ... as the shrink always told him to do. He could just live here and pick up where he left off. He pulled on some jeans and walked out of the room. Amanda was coming down the hallway dressed to the nines. "Wow," he said. "Where you off to?" He gave her a peck on the cheek. Tight black dress with scooped neckline, highheeled pumps, and a simple rope of pearls around her neck. She'd left her reddish blond hair loose, and it fell around her shoulders nicely. She was a beautiful woman. Why in hell couldn't he have been straight? "To the Agency. Want to come for a ride?" "No thanks. I had my fill of the Agency when I lived there." Amanda took his arm and pulled him toward the stairs with her. "How are you?" "Okay," he shrugged. "Jacques has a new line from his house in France." "French men. He can keep 'em." Amanda laughed slightly as they walked down the staircase. "Now, now, and it doesn't mean they are all French. Are you hungry?" "A little. I need a drink." She glanced at him. "I know, I know, Mother. I'll be good. Just one." They reached the bottom of the staircase. Amanda laid her head momentarily on Scott's bare shoulder. "You know how much I love you." 38

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"Yes," he said, swallowing. He'd never doubted Amanda's love. "If I have to remove all the stock from the bar, I will." "Message received." Amanda raised her head. "My car's waiting. Hunter's around. He'll keep you company. I shouldn't be too long." Scott nodded. He walked her to the door and headed to the kitchen to get something to eat. **** After being on the road a few minutes, Amanda's cell phone rang. She scrambled to pull it out of her purse. It was Ciel. "Hello," she said. "How are you?" "Fine," he said. "Better than I thought." She pursed her lips. His voice sounded cool, almost void of expression. She sighed. "I want you to know I didn't encourage this." "I know that." "That's a relief." "It's just so convenient, though, isn't it?" "You are blaming me." "No, I'm not blaming you, Amanda. I'm just stating a fact. When Scott wants to run away, he runs to you." "I'm the only one he can run to." "I suppose." "Why don't you talk to him?" "About?" "About coming home?" "I thought he was home." 39

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"Ciel!" "Amanda, I'm getting tired now. I've done everything I possibly can. I wanted to see him through this. I was willing to put up with his moods. I know it's tough for him. He won't let me be there for him. So..." Amanda could suddenly feel his pain. It was coming across loud and clear. She wasn't sure what to say, and just when she'd figured out something, Ciel said, "Take care of him for me." "I will. But please don't give up on him, Ciel. I know he loves you and..." "You know," he said, "it's ironic. He's always been the one to doubt my love for him, but now, I'm beginning to wonder if he really loves me. I think he's in love with the idea of being in love with me ... but he sure as hell doesn't want to share his life with me." Amanda gripped the phone. For the first time, the thought occurred to her that Scott could really lose him. "I have to go," Ciel said. "Thanks for calling, and thank you for being there for Scott. You're all he has. Goodbye, Amanda." "Ciel, wait..." she began, but Ciel had hung up. **** When Hunter walked out into the kitchen, Scott was sitting at the counter eating a cold chicken sandwich. "Hey," he said. "How are you doing?" "I'm great, you?" Scott asked, grinning at him. "Fine. You slept a long time today." 40

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"You wore me out last night, stud." Scott winked at him. Hunter went to the refrigerator. He took out a can of cola and popped the top. He sat on a stool opposite Scott and watched him as he devoured the sandwich. "Amanda went to get you something." Hunter laughed. "I see. It's for tomorrow night." "I volunteered, but she seemed hostile to that idea." Scott wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and grinned. "What about Ciel?" Hunter met Scott's eyes. "What about him?" Scott shrugged. Hunter narrowed his eyes. "If he found out you were back in business..." "He doesn't have to know, and even if he does, to hell with him." "You don't mean that." Scott pushed away from the counter. "Sure I do. We fucked last night, didn't we?" Hunter followed Scott out of the kitchen and watched as he poured himself a drink from the bar in the living room. "Yes, but it wasn't..." "It wasn't what?" Scott asked. He sipped the drink. "It wasn't planned. It just happened ... two sorry sons-ofbitches getting their rocks off with substitutions." "Thanks," Scott threw at him. "Scott, I'm not Ciel, and you're not Ramsay. Let's be honest. You don't love me, and I don't love you." "Fuck love!" Scott drained the glass. "I'm fed up with love. I'm looking at you right now, and I see a cock, an ass, and a..." 41

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"I object to being called an ass, man," he chuckled. Scott poured himself another drink. He laughed. "You know what I meant." "Yeah, it's simple, it's easy, but it's a lie, isn't it?" "A sermon?" Scott shook his head, going to throw himself down on the sofa. "Spare me, Reverend Reese." Hunter fell quiet. "Aren't you fed up with moaning over Ramsay? He doesn't want you, so face reality and move on. You're a gorgeous guy, and you know how to use your cock. You can have any man you want for a night. Why settle? And if I want to come back here and amuse Amanda, if that's what makes me feel good, then why can't I do that?" "You'd risk losing Ciel, then?" "I've already lost him." "You've lost him, or you're hoping to lose him?" "Speak English, Jamaica boy." "You want to drive a wedge between you. You want him to confirm all your beliefs." Scott stared into his empty glass. He didn't say anything for a moment. "I want to fuck." He stood up. "Come on, take off your clothes." "You do what you want where Ciel is concerned, but I'm not helping you." Hunter shook his head. A look of disbelief came over Scott's face. Hunter swallowed. "I like you, man, but I can't put the rocks on the boat and wait with you while it sinks to the bottom. I'd rather be your friend than your fuck mate. If you 42

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don't want Ciel anymore, be a man and come out and tell him so." "Fuck off, then," Scott muttered. "Have another drink, Scott. You might even convince yourself of your own bullshit," Hunter muttered and walked out of the room. **** Amanda walked up the pathway of Jacques' beautiful big house and rang the bell. She was feeling a little ill at ease, even though she had complete confidence that Jacques knew what he was doing when he left this Liam man in charge. But she would have preferred to deal directly with Jacques, just because it had always been that way. The butler answered. Amanda always wanted to laugh when she saw him. He was the stereotype of the uptight butler, sober, courteous, and homely. He led her past the expensively decorated waiting area, through another door, and into the luxurious living room. "Would Madam like something to drink?" the butler inquired with a slight bow, indicating that she should sit down. "Red wine," she said. "Very well," he nodded his head. "Mr. Dunn will be with you shortly." The butler brought the wine, and Amanda stood up and walked around the room, looking at this and that. She was looking out the window onto the huge tennis court when she heard a male voice with an attractive Irish brogue say, "Ms. Martindale?" 43

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Amanda turned around, prepared to greet the man, but instead she fell mute. Liam Dunn was not at all what she expected. He was a tall man in his mid-thirties with a thick mane of dark brown hair layered back over his ears, settling at his collar. Widely set sea-green eyes illuminated a handsome face with a serious five o'clock shadow and a mouth which seemed as if it wanted to break out into an impish grin at any moment. He was wearing a pair of black dress pants, with an elegant red silk shirt tucked into the waistband; his body was well-muscled and toned. "I'm Liam," he said, extending his hand to her now. Amanda took it in hers, the feel of it jolting her back into reality. "Mr.... ah, Liam ... nice to meet you." "I'm sorry that Jacques isn't available to you tonight," he said, moving over to a chair and inviting her to sit opposite him. "I will do my best to see to your needs." That sent a little chill up her spine. He'd said it as if he, personally, would see to her needs. "Thank you." "Would you like another glass of wine?" "No, thank you. Not at the moment. What part of Ireland are you from, Mr. Dunn?" "Liam, please. I'm from Belfast originally." "You must miss it." "No," he shook his head. "I've grown tired of it. I enjoyed living in France actually, but I'm looking forward to retiring here in the United States." "Retiring?" She laughed. "You're a little young to retire, aren't you?" He smiled. 44

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"Has Jacques given you some information about...?" "Yes, but I'd rather hear it from you." That impish grin formed on his mouth now. "Well, I..." She squirmed a little in her chair. What in hell was wrong with her? She'd never been shy about this stuff before. "I have Hunter with me right now." "Yes. I know Hunter. Interesting young man." "I'm looking ... a young man to ... ah..." He leaned forward, those green eyes looking into hers. "A fuck mate for Hunter." She cleared her throat. "Yes." She felt his eyes move over her long legs and settle on her breasts. "Do you participate, or do you just watch?" "Ah, is that important?" Her chin went up. He smiled faintly. "If you mean, do I need to know that information, no, but out of curiosity ... I find the subject interesting." "Surely you've seen it all in your business, Mr. Dunn." She didn't quite feel comfortable with calling him Liam. "May I ask why you find this information so ... ah ... compelling?" "Certainly," he said. "You're a beautiful woman, and I'm intrigued by what turns you on sexually. Forgive me. I'm being impudent," he added hastily, but she knew he really wasn't asking for forgiveness. He didn't strike her as the kind of man who didn't think carefully before he spoke. She smiled, glancing down at her hands. "I can show you some photographs, of course," he said suddenly. "Or bring some of them downstairs for a closer 45

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inspection. There are a few out of the house, of course, but there are several here tonight who may pique your interest." "Don't trouble yourself too much, Mr. Dunn. It's only for the night. Maybe I could request several." "At the same time?" He raised an eyebrow. She laughed. "No, no, on consecutive nights." "Of course. And just what exactly would you require of the ones you chose?" He was looking at her so intently, Amanda felt herself blushing. "Well, as you know, I ... I like to watch." "Two men together." "Yes." "And you don't participate?" "No. Not usually." "What about three men?" "Three men together? Well, I find it a little complicated and not very romantic." "I mean..." He paused, looking at her again. "—two men making love, and one man personally giving you pleasure?" She cleared her throat. "I give myself pleasure at my own pace. I know what my body wants." "The man would be at your command also. You could instruct him." "Mr. Dunn..." She smiled faintly. "—are you a sex therapist?" "Not at all." He laughed deeply. "But I have very good instincts, Ms. Martindale." "I'll consider your suggestion." 46

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"Fair enough," he said softly, standing up. "Shall we view the pictures first, or would you like to see a few of them close up?" "No, bring them down, one at a time, please." "Naked or clothed?" She hadn't considered that. Um. She grinned. "Naked," she said impetuously. "A woman after my own heart," he said. She glanced at him. He smiled at her, then winked before leaving the room. When he was gone, she found herself taking a deep breath. Her heart was hammering in her chest for some reason, and she felt an unmistakable moistness between her legs. It was probably that Irish accent. God, it was sexy, and he had a way of speaking and looking at her that made her feel as if she was being at that moment stripped, bound, and fucked. The stone-faced butler returned with a tray. He set down a decanter of red wine and poured her another glass without asking. She thanked him and raised the glass to her lips. He bowed politely before leaving the room. Amanda drank down a glass and a half before the door opened again and Liam appeared. "I have chosen three. The first one is Hans. Jacques found him in Hamburg. He's quite a beauty. I'm sure you will ... ah..." he paused, "...here he comes." Amanda gripped the stem of the glass in her hand as Liam stood aside to admit Hans. He wasn't tall, but he was compact, muscular build, round, firm ass, and amply endowed. He was blond and blue-eyed, handsome in a very 47

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masculine way. He walked over in front of her, laced his hands behind his head and spread his legs. Liam walked over and placed a hand on Hans's shoulder. "Forgive him. He was a sex slave before Jacques brought him to us. It is how he was taught to display himself to his master." Liam's hand moved down the muscular curve of Hans's arm. Something about the way he touched him caused Amanda's nipples to stiffen under her dress. He moved around in back of him now. He wrapped his arms around Hans's waist and slid his hands up to his nipples. Almost casually he pulled on them, brushing his palms over them. They stiffened seductively. "So much nicer like this," Liam said. Hans licked his lips. His head fell back a little, his eyes closing. Amanda could scarcely breathe. She couldn't remember ever being this turned on. She stifled a moan, pressing her thighs together. Liam brushed his cheek against Hans's hair. He continued to torment his nipples, pulling, now pinching. "Stay quiet," he told him when Hans began to whimper, his cock lengthening, jutting straight out now. Amanda swallowed, licked her lips. Liam met her eyes, smiled. "What do you think?" "He likes you," she said softly, lifting the glass to her lips, the liquor causing the sensations to intensify. "You think so?" One hand moved down Hans's belly and took hold of his cock. He lifted it, fondled it in his hand, gently batted at it. His other hand stayed busy with Hans's tits. 48

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Amanda could see Hans's knees tremble. She suddenly pictured Liam removing his shirt. She could see Hans licking his nipples, falling at his feet, sucking his cock. She drained her glass and pushed the image away. "Can you turn him around?" "Certainly," he said. "Hans, show Ms. Martindale your ass." Hans turned around and bent over, displaying himself. Liam moved a hand over Hans's back, gave his ass a light slap, and inserted his index finger between his cheeks. He lightly flirted his finger over his opening. "Hans loves to be fucked. He loves to be opened, dominated, exposed. Hunter would be a good master." Amanda sucked in some breath. Her face flushed, her cunt soaked, she started laughing. Liam told Hans to stand up straight. "Did I say something to amuse you?" "You're a good salesman, Liam," she smirked. He bowed his head slightly. "I know desire, Amanda." She swallowed. "I'll take him. Saturday night." "He could be a little ... well ... he hasn't been in America long. He doesn't understand much English and may need some translation. Would you like me to come with him?" Her breath caught in her throat. "That's unusual, isn't it?" "Not if I want to," he met her eyes. "No extra charge. I used to be in the business myself, you know." "Oh, I have no doubt of that, Mr. Dunn. Does he talk?" "When you want him to..." Liam said. "He speaks mostly German, which suited the clients. As I told you, Hans was a 49

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sex slave. He spoke rarely. He's used to being given orders. He's obedient." "And what about you, Mr. Dunn?" She couldn't help notice the silky seductiveness in her voice all of a sudden. "Are you obedient?" "I can be, but it's not in my nature to be naturally obedient. But for pleasure, I can be anything you need." She stood up, her pulses fluttering, horny as hell. "I think I've seen enough. Just send the others on as well. I trust your judgment." "Which nights?" He placed a hand in Hans' hair and stroked it, then gave him a slight shove toward the door. He said something to him in German, and Hans left the room. "Saturday night for Hans as planned ... Tuesday and Friday for the other two. If there is anything special I should know about the others, you can tell me Saturday. That's enough for now. I can always come back for more." He came closer, took her arm. His touch sent a little shiver through her body. He walked her to the door. "Let me know the cost," she said. "I will write a check." "Of course, but Saturday night is on the house," he said, meeting her eyes. "What time would you like us to come?" She smiled faintly. "Eight o'clock?" "We'll be there. I have the address. Good evening, Amanda," he said softly. "Good evening, Mr. Dunn," she replied. The driver was waiting for her beside the car. He opened the door for her and shut it behind her. As soon as the limo began to move, she closed the privacy partition and lifted her 50

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dress. Her fingers reached down into her panties and found her swollen clit. She bit down on her bottom lip and frantically began to masturbate. Seconds later, her entire body trembled with orgasm. Oh, Mr. Dunn, you're good for what ails me. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Four Judge Clive Carmichael was a regular client, a rigid, unadventurous man in his sixties, who reserved Ramsay for every third Friday of each month. The routine never varied. He took him to a discrete gay bar for one drink, then back to his hotel room. There, he'd expect Ramsay to do a slow strip for him, display himself in various poses based on his instructions, masturbate, but not come. Finally, Ramsay would lube himself, get down on all fours, and the judge would fuck him. No kissing. And they had to be finished by midnight. Carmichael was not the man who would take him away from all this. He was income. Ramsay was "recreation," his dirty little secret. The judge called it "stress relief." Ramsay called it "being in the closet." At the bar now, Clive was going on about his wife and her obnoxious relatives. Ramsay listened patiently, nodding or shaking his head at the appropriate time. Carmichael really didn't expect Ramsay to say anything. He just wanted to vent. Ramsay was distracted however. He kept glancing at the back of a young man sitting at the bar a few feet away. He was sure it was Ciel. He'd met Ciel at Amanda's. You didn't forget seeing a man like that. He was hot. Ramsay wondered what he was doing here all alone, without Scott. "I'm sorry, Clive," he said suddenly. "I've go to go to the can. Hold that thought." 52

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"All right," he said. "But don't take too long, boy. I'd have to be home before midnight. I've got a golf date tomorrow." "Of course." Ramsay smiled, got up and headed to the bathroom. On the way, he paused to look over at the man in question. He cast a hurried glance back at Clive, then walked over to the bar and tapped him on the shoulder. The man turned around. "It is you," Ramsay said. "Ciel, hello. Do you remember me?" "Ah ... of course. Ramsay, right?" He smiled. Whoa. "Yes." If he'd been Scott, he wouldn't have let this guy out unless he was on a leash. "What are you doing here all alone?" "Having a drink. You?" "I'm with a client." Ciel raised an eyebrow. "My thing with Amanda is up. I'm back at the Agency now." "Oh. How's that working out?" He shrugged. "Fine. How's Scott?" "I don't know." He cocked his head. Ramsay glanced at the glass of smoky liquor sitting in front of him. He wasn't drunk, but he'd had a few. "He's not with you?" "He's with Amanda." Ramsay felt that in his gut. "What's he doing there?" "Why don't you ask him?" Ciel met his gaze. "So, weren't you guys ... I mean, isn't Scott in therapy?" Ciel nodded. 53

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"It's none of my business. I'm sorry. So, it's really over or...?" He knew he should stop asking so many questions, but Hunter had been pretty chummy with that Scott guy when he'd come to stay at Amanda's that time. "I wouldn't let him stay there with Hunter," he blurted, then regretted it when he saw the expression on Ciel's face change. "Why not?" "Well, nothing. It's just that you should go after him. Hunter is a seductive guy, and they got to be friends when Scott was there before. It was probably nothing, but..." Suddenly Ramsay felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Clive. "Are you ready?" he said, glancing at Ciel curiously. "Yes, coming. Well, good luck, Ciel," he said, holding out his hand. Ciel took it briefly. "Hope to see you again soon." **** Ciel watched Ramsay walk away behind a stout, whitehaired gentleman. He picked up his glass and drained it. He'd met Hunter. He was dark and dangerous-looking, great body, sexy, Jamaican accent. Amanda had kept him around apparently; couldn't say he blamed her. And now, Scott was there, too. How fucking convenient for everyone concerned. He wondered if Hunter would be subjected to Scott's bad moods after he came back from the shrink? Maybe Hunter could hold him, talk him through all the pain, give him what he, apparently, wasn't allowed to. Well, that was fine. That was just fine. To hell with him. Ciel pushed away from the bar. This place was dead. It was time to stop depriving 54

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himself, all those months he'd gone without sex, thinking this was the sacrifice he needed to make for Scott's love. Well, he'd made the damn sacrifice, and he was sleeping alone. Outside, the rain began to fall, and Ciel closed his eyes. He staggered a bit, having drunk more than he'd intended. On the corner of the street stood Rough Riders, a bar which could provide him with just the diversion he required. And as for Scott, Hunter could have him, along with all his hang ups and his baggage. "Fuck you, Scott!" he called out into the night. He pulled the door open to Rough Riders and was suddenly sucked into its vortex of light and sound. **** When Amanda got home, Scott was dancing by himself out on the patio with the stereo blasting through the outdoor speakers. Amanda switched off the music. "Hey, why'd you turn it off?" He had a drink in his hand. His eyes were heavy, his speech slurred. He was loaded. "I thought we'd discussed your drinking, and we agreed you wouldn't abuse it?" She hated to see him this way. She knew he was in pain. She knew him. "I said I'd try," he muttered. "I'm trying." "You don't seem to be trying very hard." He took a step closer. "You don't know what you're talking about," he growled. "You stand there judging me. You don't know what it means to love a man the way I love Ciel. You don't love, not intimately, you sit there on your throne and watch it all go down ... you protect your heart, and you throw 55

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our hearts to the wolves. This is your fault, Amanda. Your fault." Amanda was taken aback by his anger. He was yelling, loud enough to bring Hunter downstairs and outside. She was relieved to see him appear. Scott was in a rage, and although she wasn't afraid of him, she was a little tense. He could be really destructive when he was in this kind of mood. "Scott, I don't know what you're talking about. You're not making any sense." He pointed at her. "You brought him here. You threw us together, made me touch him, made me want him, enjoyed it all like a fucking movie, and now look at me. Look at me, you manipulative bitch!" Amanda winced. "What's going on?" Hunter asked, glancing at Amanda, then at Scott. "Ask him about love. Ask Hunter," he muttered, throwing the liquor in his glass to the back of his throat. "You don't know this pain. He does. He knows it too." "Scott," Amanda said softly, "why don't you just go to bed?" "Answer her, Hunter," Scott persisted, moving toward him. "Answer her, and I'll go to bed." Amanda looked at Hunter. "What's he talking about?" "I have no idea." "Fuck you," Scott threw at him. "You have no idea? Don't tell me you weren't thinking about Ramsay last night when your cock was up my ass!" 56

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Amanda gasped. "You fucked Scott last night?" She stared at Hunter. Hunter sighed. "It just happened. We were both feeling a little..." "He was missing Ramsay," Scott announced. "He's in love with him. And don't make excuses to her. She doesn't own you, although she thinks she does." Amanda tried not to let the words Scott was spouting get to her, but they were. She walked over to Hunter. "Why didn't you tell me?" Hunter opened his mouth to speak, but Scott answered for him. "You've lost us all, Amanda. We're all passionately in love with other men, me with Ciel, Hunter with Ramsay, Chase with Jordon ... why in hell don't you find your own man, goddamn it?" Amanda's eyes sparked with tears. "You just sit around and play with us like we're figures in a doll house and..." "Enough," Hunter snapped. "You're drunk and belligerent, and you don't have the right to abuse Amanda. You have a choice. Either get your ass upstairs and sleep it off, or I'll move your ass for you, man." Amanda swallowed hard. Hunter placed his hands on his hips. He was glaring at Scott. Scott was glaring back. "Fine, I'll go," Scott said flippantly. "You'll learn. You'll learn the hard way." He tossed his glass into the swimming pool and stumbled across the patio to the door, knocking over two chairs as he went. 57

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"I'll follow him up, make sure he makes it all right," Hunter muttered. As soon as he was gone, Amanda sank down into one of the chairs and started to cry. Is that what she'd done? Had she manipulated people, thrown them together and sat back to wait for the fireworks? If she had, she had never intended to. She didn't know Scott would fall in love with Ciel. She didn't know that Hunter loved Ramsay. She'd never meant to hurt them. She loved them. She loved them all. **** Hunter helped Scott into bed. He took off his shoes and covered him over with a blanket. He was just about to leave the room when Scott said his name. "Scott, I'm not in the mood for your any more of your bullshit, okay?" "I'm sorry," he said. "I ... didn't mean to ... is Amanda all right? I said some horrible things to her. I didn't mean all that. I just want..." "Scott, sleep it off. We'll talk about it tomorrow." Hunter walked out into the hallway and closed the door. Amanda was standing there when he came out. "Is he all right?" "No," Hunter said. "He's in love, fatally, and he can't deal with it. That's not your fault, Amanda." "What if it is?" Her eyes looked red and swollen. Hunter opened his arms. She moved into them. He held her close. "It's not," he insisted. He moved her out of his embrace, and they walked down the hall. "Listen, it's true you 58

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manipulate men sexually, but they are well paid, and they know exactly what they're getting into. You don't manipulate their emotions, how they feel when they're making love. You have no control over that. People fall in love, Amanda. It's some kind of voodoo shit, or something." She laughed a little. "Voodoo shit?" "Yeah, like a spell someone puts over you," he said. "It's like a joke sometimes. It's not like someone somewhere says, 'Hey, here's a nice guy, let's make him fall in love with this fellow over there, and this fellow will love him back.' No, it's like, 'Let's pick the most fucking unlikely guy who's fucking in the moon, and make some poor fuck fall for him' ... and then he becomes all you want, all you can ever think about and..." He stopped. Amanda was standing there looking at him, her eyes wide. He began to laugh. "I'm sorry, don't pay attention to me, okay?" "I think Scott hates me deep down." "Scott doesn't hate you, Amanda. He's had one hell of a childhood. He was never loved by anyone. He never had any security. That does strange things to people's heads. They need to protect themselves by building barriers, and they finally believe they aren't worthy of love at all. Scott has found love, against his will." He laughed a little. "What he wants is not to love Ciel, but he does. And at the same time, he wants to believe that Ciel loves him, but he can't. Can there be anything more painful than that?" She shook her head.

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"None of that has anything to do with you. He was just letting off steam, probably what he did with Ciel, which is why he's here. He felt bad about treating him like that." "Hunter, you, too ... you haven't had such a great time of it." "It's true, we were poor when I was growing up, but I never went hungry. I had no father. My mother worked hard, and she made sure I had what I needed. The main problem was that I look more white than black, and I'm gay, which meant I wasn't winning any popularity contests back home. And although I never told you, I was attacked by a bunch of gay bashers. They did some damage to my knees. It was what prompted me to leave there." "Oh, no, Hunter," she gasped. She reached out and squeezed his arm. "It's fine now," he murmured. "They ache a bit at night sometimes, nothing serious. But, Amanda, my mother always loved me. I knew that. My scars are not as deep as Scott's. I was happy when Ramsay and I were together. If Ramsay hadn't been so hell-bent on living the life of luxury, we could have made it. I believe he loved me." "What's not to say he still does?" "It doesn't matter anymore if he does or not. He's never going to admit it, so, I'm trying to move past Ramsay, okay?" "Okay." "Now, do me a favor, get rid of all the booze in the house, or hide it somewhere." She smiled. "Good idea." 60

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"You're not angry about Scott and I...?" He lifted an eyebrow. She shook her head. "No. I was surprised, that's all." "It just happened, it was no big deal. I'm going to bed. Try to get some sleep. Oh, and Scott told me he didn't mean to say all that stuff. He'll tell you tomorrow." "I know he didn't. Goodnight." She kissed him softly on the mouth. "Goodnight," he said and went to his own room. **** The place was filled with sweaty, horny men, and Ciel had been approached often to accompany an array of them into the dimly lit back room where he was told anything went. He was officially, certifiably drunk now. His inhibitions were gone, and his cock was hard. He was watching this guy on the dance floor, a real tease, moving his ass seductively. He wanted attention, and he was getting it. It was making Ciel feel downright aggressive. It didn't hurt that the guy was black, but very light-skinned like Scott, or that he had a hard, round ass, a little large, but damn inviting. He was wearing tight jeans, ripped in the right places, and a sleeveless cotton shirt which was now hanging open, revealing a ripple-board stomach, and a sweaty, sculpted chest, definitely shaved, with big, brown pointed nipples. Yes, he was that close, too damn close, and although Ciel was still hanging off the same little piece of bar, the siren on the dance floor had been moving in his direction for quite some time. He was making it clear that he wanted him, throwing him smile after smile, and 61

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now dancing near to the bar, completely off the dance floor. Ciel pushed back some of his own damp, black hair, his eyes on him as the dancer loomed closer still, close enough to speak to him. "Goddamn it," the dancer moaned, slowly gyrating his hips in an unmistakable rhythm. "If you aren't the most fucking beautiful hunk of man ... I want to worship you." It was a corny line. Ciel didn't care. The dancer stopped dancing. He was so close Ciel could feel his breath on his face. Ciel searched his face, looking for something in it, but he wasn't sure what. He looked into his eyes. "You live close?" "Um, not far." "How far?" Ciel wanted to know. He wasn't into a long drive. What he needed, he needed right now. "We can walk there, actually," his gaze swept the length of Ciel's body. "You look like you're fully loaded. Are you any good?" "Let me take you for a ride..." He lowered his eyes. "—and you can judge for yourself." "Sounds promising. What's your name, baby?" "Does it matter? Just call me C." "C? Um, how mysterious." "Not mysterious, my name is French, and it's complicated, and I don't feel like explaining what it means, so ... let's just go back to your place and fuck." "A man after my own heart," he laughed. "Baby, it's not your heart I'm after," Ciel groaned, leaning his mouth down beside the guy's ear. "Is that ass all yours?" 62

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He laughed. "One-hundred percent authentic. Will you talk dirty to me in French?" "Anything you want. Lead on," Ciel told him. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Five In spite of the fact that it was threatening rain, Ramsay declined Clive's offer for a lift and decided to walk back to the Agency. He stopped into an all-night coffee shop and ate a chocolate-covered doughnut and drank French vanilla hot chocolate. The place was almost empty, except for a tiredlooking girl behind the counter and a dopey-looking dude swinging a mop across the floor. He had come here a few times with Hunter. Hunter liked strong coffee, and he said they made it best here. He always ordered a cream-and-fruit-filled doughnut and got the filling all over his chin. Ramsay would take the napkin and wipe it off, and sometimes Hunter would stare all dreamy-like into his eyes for a second, then lean over and kiss him on the lips, a tender, sweet little kiss, flavored with cream and jelly. He remembered coming here one night after making love to him for hours. They'd been so hungry. They ordered an entire box of doughnuts and sat wolfing them down like two teenagers. The person behind the counter probably thought they were crack addicts. Ramsay laughed. They were addicted all right, but not to crack and not to doughnuts. They were addicted to each other, to each other's bodies, each other's taste and smell, and cocks, and tongues. But Hunter was no one. He had no money. He had no great future stretched before him. They'd live lean and poor, leaving the Agency behind them because he wouldn't be able to stand the thought of Hunter fucking someone else. What 64

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would they do? Where would they live? God, he had mulled this over and over again in his head, and still the answer was the same. He couldn't be with Hunter, unless he wanted to settle for being poor the rest of his life, and he couldn't bear the thought of that. He'd gone hungry as a child. He'd gone to school with holes in his shoes, no coat in the winter, shivering in the cold while his mother shot her veins up with heroin. He'd had a rat crawl over his feet at night, lived without electricity, no heat. No one should live like that. He couldn't do it again. He had to find that man who could give him the life he craved. He was out there somewhere. He just knew it. And if Hunter was his sacrifice, then so be it, but ... Hunter with Scott? Scott had left Ciel and was living with Amanda again, and with Hunter. It wasn't hard to imagine them together. Scott was good-looking. He and Hunter had really seemed to hit it off when Scott was there before, going off together alone. Had they fucked then? Had Hunter fucked Scott? There had been a definite attraction between them. He swallowed. Maybe Ciel would go and get Scott, take him home with him. Ramsay closed his eyes a minute. Goddamn it, go and get your man, Ciel, and take him home where he belongs. Ramsay got up and left the coffee shop. He took a hesitant look up at the night sky, felt the sprinkling of the rain, and then began to walk. ****

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The guy's apartment was a pigsty. Even in his drunken state, Ciel didn't want to touch anything. The bedroom didn't look much better. The guy, who'd told him on the way to his place that his name was Gary, was ripping at his shirt now as Ciel contemplated the messy bed. "Let's do it in the living room," Ciel suggested. "On the floor." He pushed the guy gently away and headed back down the hall. "Sure," Gary said. "I'd do you anywhere, stud. You're pretty kinky." Ciel undid his own shirt. He threw it aside. "God, you're buff," Gary exclaimed, running his hands over Ciel's chest. "Do you work out?" He didn't want to talk, at all. "Look, could we please just do this?" He went about undoing his pants. "Take off your clothes," he told him. He swayed a little as he dipped down to remove his pants. Wow, he was wasted. Gary was suddenly naked, his cock erect. He didn't look as good naked, but that was okay. Ciel reached out for his arm, turned him around, and pressed his chest to Gary's back. "You feel that?" he urged, pressing his cock against Gary's ass. "Oh yeah, I feel it." Ciel grabbed Gary's hips and propelled him over to the sofa. He pushed him forward, holding his hips up, pressing his stomach down to rest over the sofa arm. "Lube, condom?" "Condoms on the kitchen counter. They're lubricated, and believe me baby, watching you walk over there naked is enough to lubricate me for a hundred men." 66

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Ciel retrieved the condoms. He ripped one open and rolled it onto his cock. "Look," Gary said, standing up. "I want to touch you. Can I? You're just about the most beautiful man I've ever seen. I don't know what you're doing here with me, but I figure I got lucky. So indulge me, okay?" Ciel shrugged. "Whatever." "Just a minute." Gary disappeared into the bedroom. He emerged with a pair of handcuffs in his hands. "You mind?" "For me?" "Look, I'll just cuff your wrists and hook them over your head. Nothing heavy. Come on, you'll look so sexy bound. I promise I won't do anything you don't want. Please?" At this point, he didn't really give a shit. He was horny, and if this guy took care of that, okay. Not to mention that the booze, which had initially made him feel aggressive, had now made him mellow. He would have agreed to just about anything. Gary quickly cuffed his wrists and then told him to lift them up so that he could attach them to the hook which was screwed to the ceiling. Ciel closed his eyes, only opening them again when he felt something wrap around his cock. "Hey, what are you doing?" "A leather strap, to bind your cock," Gary said. "It will give you a hell of an orgasm later. And these..." He dangled a pair of nipple clamps on a chain in front of him. "—to make those nipples of yours stay hard. But before I do that, I'm going to stimulate those nips myself." 67

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Ciel watched him walk over to the refrigerator. He opened the freezer and took out some ice cubes. "Look ... eh, Gary, I just want to fuck. This looks like it's going to turn into an allnight thing. I didn't want to..." "Don't worry baby, you'll fuck me all right," Gary whispered. "Don't worry. You'll fuck me for hours, beautiful." He lifted his hand and pressed something between Ciel's teeth before he was even aware of what it was. Something slipped down his throat. "When I have something this beautiful, I'm not letting it go until I have my fill, and that won't be for a long time." "What was that you put in my mouth?" Ciel demanded. "Don't panic, stud," Gary rubbed the ice cube over one of Ciel's nipples. "It will keep you hard, awake and horny all night long." Ciel sucked in some breath as his nipple stiffened. "You walked into that bar looking for rough trade tonight, didn't you? Why a guy who looks like you was alone, I'll never know, but it was my lucky night." Ciel watched him swirl the ice cube over his nipple. It was getting red, the cold causing the nipple to elongate. Gary's tongue and teeth went to work on it. Ciel's head went back, the effects of whatever he had given him making his cock stiffen even more. He pushed his hips forward, moaned in his throat as Gary nibbled at his nipple, and began to ice the other one. "Fuck," Ciel hissed. "Um, feels good doesn't it, baby? God, you're so sexy. Do you feel that strap around your cock? Mmm, it looks so good. 68

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You look good." He began to lick the other nipple. Then without warning, Ciel felt it being pinched. Gary clamped it, then the other. "There, perfect." Ciel licked his lips, the pleasure was intense. "Now ... something for that ass." He walked around him. "You have a great ass. I'm greasing up this big butt plug." He showed it to him, pulled on the nipple clamps, then slapped him firmly on the ass. Ciel felt the plug being pushed into him, and he grunted. God, he was horny. He licked his lips, his eyes closing. Scott was there, moving his hands over him, telling him how sexy he was. "I love you, Ciel," Scott said. Ciel moaned. A hand played now with his bound cock, moving it around. A tongue licked his balls, played with the plug in his ass. "Please," he pleaded. "Open your eyes," Gary said. Ciel looked at him. "See how hard I am? I want you to fuck me, but first, something to remember you by." He saw the flash, then another, then several more. "For my own private collection," he said. Ciel was about to protest when he felt Gary pull the clamps off his nipples, then kiss each one. Next his cock sprang loose, then the plug was pulled out of his ass. "Lower your hands," Gary said, "and I'll undo the cuffs." Ciel held out his hands for the guy to unlock the cuffs. "Now, are we horny enough?" Gary grinned at him. He walked over to the sofa and flung himself over it, ass up. 69

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"Now, I want to be fucked and good and hard. Show me what you got. And you better tell me your name, because I plan to be screaming it." "Ciel," he grunted, positioning himself behind Gary and grabbing his hips. "My name is Ciel. Go ahead, and scream all you want!" **** When Ciel finally opened his eyes, he wasn't sure where in the hell he was, then he looked around and remembered. He checked his watch. It was after three o'clock in the afternoon. Shit. He'd missed his morning class, not to mention that he was a half hour late for his shift at the restaurant. The boss was going to kill him. He stumbled to his feet and searched for his clothes. He hastily got dressed, found the bathroom and took a piss, then checked the bedroom. No one. Good. He was gone. He was just about to leave when he spotted the digital camera on the counter. Did that guy take pictures of him? Shit. He remembered the flash. He picked up the camera and turned it on. Sure enough, there were several images of him, naked and bound. Wonderful. He went through the line of them and pressed erase. His head ached, worsening when he hit outdoors. The sun was bright. He searched for his bike and found it twenty minutes later, intact. His keys were in his pocket. As he drove like hell to work, he tried to think of what he'd tell his boss. He hoped he wouldn't fire him. He'd never been late before. Damn you, Scott. "I'm not going to ruin my life 70

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because of you," he shouted. "I don't want one-night stands with strangers, I want a relationship with someone I can love and share things with, and if I can't find it with you, then I'll find it with someone else." When he walked into the restaurant, he realized there were tears running down his face. He was about to wipe them away when he spotted the manager. The boss looked irate. "I'm so sorry, Alec," he said. "I've just had some very bad news." When the boss saw the tears on his face, he seemed to calm down. "Is there anything I can do?" "No," he said. "But thank you. Again, I apologize for being late." "That's all right, Ciel. Try not to let it happen again." Ciel thanked him again, breathed an inward sigh of relief, and went right to work. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Six Amanda was sitting downstairs in the living room watching some mindless show on television when Scott finally made an appearance. He had washed and shaved, put on some jeans and a sleeveless tee-shirt. He looked a little haggard. "Hangover?" she suggested. He shook his head. "I'm fine, miraculously. I want to speak to you and Hunter." "I sent Hunter to the store with a list of books and movies I wanted him to buy." "I bet it was quite a list." "It was," she nodded solemnly. The words he'd said to her last night had been playing over and over in her head and still lingered. She hadn't slept well. "Amanda, about last night..." he began, coming closer. She put up her hand. "Let's forget it." "No, we can't. I know I said some horrible things. I can't remember all of it, but I know I blamed you for Ciel and I, and..." "You were drunk." "That's not an excuse, Amanda. Don't make up excuses for my bad behavior." He looked down at her, meeting her gaze. "You've been nothing but kind to me. I love you, you know that?" Tears sprang to her eyes. She nodded. She did know that, and she loved him. "I'm going through a hard time right now and..." 72

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"Scott," she reached out her hand to him. "You're going to lose him. Don't lose him. Go and talk to him." "And say what?" He swallowed. He sank down beside her on the sofa. She placed a hand on his head and lowered it to her shoulder. "Amanda, why can't it be like it was before? Why can't we just go back to when it was just you and me and the variety of perfect bodies and ... it was so simple." "Yes," she whispered. "I know. But time marches on and things change. We can't go back." She kissed the top of his head. "Scott, all the booze is gone. The reserve for my guests is locked away. I wanted you to know that." He lifted his head. "I understand. It's a good idea. I don't have any control." "When you're hurting, it's the first place you turn." "Are you having guests tonight?" He picked up his head and looked at her. "Yes, Liam Dunn and..." "Liam Dunn is coming here?" His eyes widened. "Yes. The guy he's bringing with him, Hans, speaks little English. We need a translator." "Liam doesn't translate. He hires someone to do it for him. He must like you." "It's not that." She waved her hand as Scott sat up straight. "How do you know Liam?" She narrowed her eyes. "Amanda?" Scott smiled. "What?" "Do you have a thing for Liam Dunn?" "Of course not," she snapped. "What in hell would make you think that? Jacques is in Amsterdam and..." 73

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"It's just the way you looked at me when you asked me that. And Liam is a handler; he doesn't come to people's houses to translate or do anything else. I find that a little suspicious. You must have made an impression on him." "I'm a good client, that's all." Scott laughed. She gave him a shove. "Stop that. So," she said, looking at him intently. "Tell me how you know Liam Dunn?" "He was my trainer." He lifted an eyebrow, then grinned at her when he saw her surprised expression. "Your ... you mean ... he trained you ... literally?" "When we enter the Agency, we must swear to never reveal anything about our trainers or the training we receive, so..." "I assumed that. None of you guys have ever told me anything. And Jacques, does he actually do that too, train people? I know, I shouldn't ask." "I'm not at the Agency anymore," he shrugged. "And the answer to that is yes. Jacques also does training." "A hands-on trainer," she repeated. "Yes. You find that hard to believe?" "I don't know, maybe. It's just Jacques and Liam who train?" "As far as I know. Sometimes senior rent boys do it." "That's so British ... rent boys." She giggled. "I prefer that term." "Did you ever train anyone?" "No. I wasn't senior enough. You whisked me away before I got to that stage. Usually it's those close to retirement. 74

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Jacques sometimes keeps them on as trainers. I think he does it to be benevolent, rather than just kicking them out." "Why did Liam train you and not Jacques?" "Curious girl," he grinned. "Well, I had both of them really. I began with Liam. Liam had brought some new meat from Europe, and Jacques was busy at the house in France. I ended my training with Jacques, but I almost didn't make it." "Why not?" "There are a lot of trust issues involved. I had a lot of problems with that, as you can imagine." "How long is the training usually?" Amanda leaned forward. "Six months, sometimes longer. It depends." "Six months?" "Yes, it's ... ah ... complicated." "Complicated how?" "I really can't go into that, even though I'm not part of it anymore. It's better left unsaid." "Okay. If you don't ... perform? Do you have to pass a test?" "You have to pass a variety of tests. And if you fail them, you're given a kind of severance package and a 'goodbye,' or sometimes you're restricted to specific clients, based on your performance." "Thanks for trusting me with that." "Amanda, I would trust you with my life. Now, tonight when your guests come, I will make myself scarce." "No. You will join us for dinner." "But not upstairs in the playroom?" 75

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"Not upstairs in the playroom ... at least, not until I know for sure where you stand with Ciel. Okay?" "I'll talk to him." Scott stood up. "Amanda. Again, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I need to apologize to Hunter too when he gets back." "You know, Scott, I've been thinking about the things you said last night, and there's no reason to go on about it, but ... there's always a grain of truth in everything ... no matter the delivery." "Amanda, listen..." "No, I took what you said to heart last night, Scott. You gave me a lot to think about. Let's leave it at that, okay?" "Okay." **** Hunter saw Amanda come downstairs three times wearing three different outfits. He didn't comment, but she seemed really keyed up. He wondered if she had worked things out with Scott. Finally when she came into the living room and sat down, Hunter asked her if she was all right. "Fine. Why?" She fiddled with the lavender dress she had on. It had a plunging neckline and was a little frilly around the collar and at the bottom of the skirt. She wore a pair of mauve high heels which she kept staring at. "These shoes are all wrong," she muttered. "And I should have something at the neck, don't you think?" She looked over at him as if he would know something about fashion accessories. "Hell, I don't know. Shoes look fine to me." 76

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"I could wear black," she said. "I wish I had a pair the same color as this dress. I saw a pair once, but they didn't look..." "Amanda," Hunter interrupted. "What are you talking about?" "Shoes." "Where's Scott?" "I don't know. He's going to join us for supper only, not later, and don't you encourage him." She pointed her finger. He walked over, leaned down and pretended to take a bite out of her wagging finger. She gave him an irritated look. "I have no intention of it. So, who'd you get finally?" "Hans." "Who?" "Hans. He doesn't speak much English." He laughed. "Great." "Liam is going to translate." "Liam? Liam Dunn?" "He said he knew you. Was he your trainer, too?" "No, Jacques was my ... what do you know about trainers?" "Scott told me a little. I know it's top secret, but..." He laughed. "Not top secret, just not to be blabbed about. No, Liam was in France when I was trained, but I met him once. Handsome devil." "He's okay," she shrugged. Hunter peered at her. "What I can't figure is why he's coming along." 77

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"Stop it," she snapped. "Scott said the same thing. It's nothing. He's being nice because Jacques is out of town, and I ... well ... he's just being nice, that's all." "I guess," he murmured. "Did you get the things on the list I told you to?" "Not all of them, most of them. Some of that stuff is pretty girlie, all that singing and prancing around..." "Never mind that." She stood up. "Now, I'm going to change these damn shoes, if that's all right with you," she muttered. "Or maybe I'll change the damn dress, just throw it out the window." Hunter laughed as he watched her clack off down the hallway. What in hell had gotten into her? **** Scott wandered around the apartment. He'd forgotten that Ciel worked until nine o'clock at Mino's tonight. He couldn't go there and interrupt him at work. The manager would have a shit fit. Scott had gone there ten minutes early one night to wait for him, and the manager bawled Ciel out about it. Scott walked into the bedroom and stared at the bed. It was neatly made, which wasn't unusual; Ciel always made the bed when he got up. He walked over and lay down on Ciel's side. He removed the pillow and sank his face into it, trying to inhale his scent, trying to inhale him. He wished he knew how to make it all right. Ciel would walk in here now, and he could say all the right things, and then in a week, it would all come crumbling down around them again. He needed to make it through this therapy, to revisit all the 78

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places in his past he didn't want to go, to heal himself so that he'd have something to offer Ciel besides a broken, emotional cripple of a man. He closed his eyes, imagining Ciel lying beside him. He sighed in contentment and drifted off to sleep. **** The car drove up in front of the house precisely at eight o'clock. Amanda had hired a special catering service for the evening, and they were busy in the kitchen. When the door bell rang, Amanda told the maid she'd get it. She stood there staring at the door just as Hunter came downstairs. "Aren't you going to answer it?" he asked, giving her a curious look. "Of course I am," she said, noting Hunter's pale-blue leather pants and navy silk shirt, which fell open at the throat. His slightly curly dark hair was still a little damp at the bottom and fell nicely on his collar. She'd changed her dress finally because she couldn't find the right damn shoes to go with it. She settled for a short red chiffon dress with a daring neckline and matching red heels. She'd pinned her hair up, then regretted it as she put her hand on the door knob. She should have left it down. "Amanda," Hunter said again, indicating the door with a sweep of his head. "Yes, yes," she said, turning the door handle and plastering a smile on her face. "Liam, Hans, please come in." Her heart started fluttering in her chest for no damn reason the moment Liam met her gaze with those fascinating green 79

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eyes of his. The teal-blue shirt he was wearing deepened the green of his eyes, making them hypnotic. She bet he didn't have many problems convincing his trainees to obey. As she held out her hand to him, she felt his gaze dip to her neckline. He wasn't the first man to look at her breasts. She was amply endowed, and her breasts drew a lot of attention. Normally, it pissed her off a little, made her feel objectified, but his gaze was different. It was incredibly erotic, suggestive even, and for some reason, it was turning her on big time. After a few seconds, however, she began to feel a little naked, and she reached up and put her hand there, drawing the material together. "Good evening, Amanda." Liam was kissing her hand now. "We're not too early, I hope." "Right on time," she said. "Please come in." Liam walked in with Hans behind him. He was dressed in tight designer jeans and a sleeveless tee-shirt. He wore a black, studded collar around his neck. Liam glanced at Hunter. "Hello, there. How are you, Hunter?" Hunter smiled. "Fine, Liam, and yourself?" "Fantastic." "You look it," was Hunter's response. "I brought wine, and a rose for the lady," Liam said in his wonderfully lyrical Irish accent. He bowed a little and brought his hands out from behind his back, handing her an expensive bottle of imported red wine and a matching rose. "I took off the thorns." Amanda was speechless. His charm was elegant, yet somehow lascivious. 80

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"That was very nice of you." "My pleasure. Hunter, this is Hans. What do you think?" He pulled Hans forward so that Hunter could get a better look. "Nice," Hunter commented. "So far. I'd have to inspect him a little closer of course." "After dinner," Amanda said with a smile. "What do you think of Hunter, Hans?" He glanced at him, then repeated the same phrase in German. "An was Sie denken Hunter?" "Hot," he replied deeply in his heavy accent, giving Hunter the once-over. Liam laughed. "Couldn't have said it any better myself." "Please come into the living room. Would you like a drink?" "No," Liam said. "I don't drink." "An Irishman who doesn't drink?" Amanda laughed. "That's unusual." "I'm not the kind of man who fits in easily with the crowd," he said, meeting her gaze again. That five o'clock shadow he wore was very sexy. It reminded her a little of Ciel. They were both men with a natural sensuality. They didn't even have to try. "Where is Scott?" Amanda asked Hunter discretely as they made their way to the living room. "I don't know," he said. Amanda sighed and continued to make her way to the living room with her guests. ****

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Hunter began asking Liam a few questions about Hans after they were all settled in the living room. He was handsome enough, but very quiet, and it wasn't only the language barrier. "He was a sex slave, you said?" "Yes. He had a master. Unfortunately, his master had to give him up. When he came to us, I knew he was very special, and we reserve him for very special clients." "Is it just bondage or heavy S and M?" "Anything you want. He loves it all," Liam replied, reaching over to ruffle some of Hans's blond hair affectionately. "He's a natural submissive. He loves to be ordered around. He loves to please. He's a bottom, so..." Liam ran his eyes over Hunter. "If I remember correctly, you're more than up for the task." Hunter smiled at him and met his gaze. He remembered being given to Liam after Ramsay brought him to the Agency, and the memories were extremely pleasant ones. Even though Jacques had trained him, Liam had volunteered to try him out. "No heavy stuff here," Amanda laughed lightly. "But a real submissive will be fun for a change, and Hunter will handle him well." Hunter watched Liam lean forward in his seat and say something to Amanda. She was sitting in the chair beside the sofa. He found himself drifting a little, back in time, to the first time he had met Liam Dunn. ****

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Ciel felt drained of energy as he left Mino's at a quarter after nine. Friday nights were always busy, and there had been a birthday party in the private dining room with almost twenty guests. Also, the effects of what that creep had given him last night hadn't totally worn off. He couldn't wait to crawl into bed. As he walked to the parking lot to get his bike, he pulled off the tie which held back his long hair and felt in his pocket for his keys. He could hardly believe it when he turned the corner to the staff parking area, and that guy from last night was standing beside his bike. What in fuck was he doing here? He was just about to say something when the guy held up something in the air. "Missing something besides me, baby?" Ciel squinted his eyes and came closer. He tightened his fingers around the motorcycle helmet he was carrying in his hand. "My wallet. Where did you get that?" "It must have fallen out of your pocket. I found it on the floor," he said. Ciel went to reach for it, but the guy held it away from him. "Ah-ah-ah, got to give me a kiss first." "I'm not giving you nothing. Give me my fucking wallet back." "That's not nice," Gary said. "I came all the way here to give it to you. You didn't even know it was gone. It also wasn't nice of you to erase pictures off my camera." Ciel told himself not to lose his temper. "Look, I didn't give you permission to take pictures of me..." He lowered his voice. "—like that. Now, give me my wallet ... please." 83

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"Okay," he said, smiling again, moving his eyes over him. Ciel felt himself squirm a little. He didn't look as good as he had last night. Of course, he was sober now. The guy handed him the wallet. "So, what 'cha doing now? Want to go somewhere?" "No thanks. I'm beat. I'm going home." He took a step toward his bike. Gary took a step to block him. "Who's Scott?" he demanded. "What do you know about Scott?" "You have a picture of a guy in your wallet, and it's got "Love, Scott" written on the back, with little kisses." "That's none of your business." Ciel met his eyes. "Now, if you don't mind..." "Well, actually, I do mind. You never told me you had a boyfriend." Ciel sighed. What in fuck? "You just can't pick someone up in a bar, have sex with them and pretend it never happened." "I'm not pretending anything. It was a one-night thing, leave it at that. I'd really like to go home. Now." Ciel eyed his bike. "Of course," Gary said with a flash of a smile. He moved out of the way. Ciel settled onto his bike, put on his helmet, and turned on the engine. "I downloaded your pictures onto my laptop before you erased them," he said loudly, over the roar of the bike 84

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engine. "My friends can hardly believe how gorgeous you are." Ciel watched him with disbelief as he suddenly began walking away, across the parking lot. "See you soon, babe," he called out, lifting a hand without turning around. "Fuck," Ciel said under his breath. This guy was distributing his pictures all over the place, and he'd obviously gone through his wallet. He knew his address, his social security number, he even knew about Scott. A shiver ran down his spine. What in hell had he gotten himself into here? All the way home, he kept analyzing those last four little words Gary had called out as he'd walked away from him ... See you soon, babe... [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Seven It was amazing how fresh it had all stayed in Hunter's mind. Seeing Liam again had brought it all back. It was early spring just a little over a year ago when his father had told him it was time to leave the condo. His father had stood there in the middle of the living room, counting the bills in his wallet. "Here," he'd said, holding the money out to him. "Take it and go." Hunter had bit back the pain. "That's it, then?" "That's it, what?" The man responsible for his existence looked perplexed. "Is there no blood in your body, man?" "I don't understand." He'd shook his head. "I'm offering you money to help you out and..." "You're offering me money to buy me off." Their eyes met. There was dead silence. "I'm sorry," he said, but he didn't sound it. "It's not going to work out. I can't tell my wife about you. She'd never forgive me, and ... it's best we leave it this way. Good luck," he said, and that was it. He just turned his back on him and left. He had swallowed the pain. He knew that Ramsay was on his way over. It would be all right. He could endure anything as long as Ramsay was by his side. The moment he'd arrived, Hunter had poured out his heart to him. Ramsay stood a few feet away, listening quietly. "So, he's not going to acknowledge you as his son?" 86

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"No." Hunter had told him the truth a few weeks after they'd gotten together. Ramsay knew he wasn't related to the guy who owned the condo, and he knew that his biological father was the senator. "Well, then," Ramsay said with a sigh. "Get your stuff. I'm taking you to the Agency." "The Agency?" Hunter was confused. "Why? Don't you want to get a place and...?" "With what money?" "I'll find a job." "Doing what?" "I don't know yet, but..." "Hunter." Ramsay came over and placed his hands on his shoulders. "The only serious money to be made is at the Agency. They'll take care of you there." "But I'm not a prostitute. I don't want to be a prostitute." "We're not prostitutes, not in the common sense, and you could meet a rich man, and he'd..." "Rich man?" He thought Ramsay was joking. "I don't want a rich man. I've got you." Hunter tried to hug him, but Ramsay moved away. "I'm sorry, Hunter. It's over." God, that had hurt. It still hurt, thinking about it. What he should have done then was just walk away from him, but he didn't. He couldn't because he still believed, believed that Ramsay loved him, that he didn't really mean what he'd said about finding a rich man. He'd walked into Jacques' fine house, looking around him in awe, trying to concentrate on what Ramsay was telling him. He couldn't deny that he was impressed with Jacques, so 87

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handsome and elegant with that French accent. Then Liam. Liam was there, too. Two beautiful older men who treated him like royalty. He was given a great room, fed good food, great wine. He almost forgot what he was there for. He didn't even realize that Ramsay had slipped away, and the others in the house were taking over, telling him how exciting their lives were, the rock concerts they went to, the fancy restaurants, the yachts, the celebrities. Some were investing their money, playing the stock market, and all they had to do was please the customer. "Where in the hell can you get paid this much, lead this kind of life, just by doing what comes naturally, what we all love to do?" It sounded so easy. It was easy. And Ramsay was there too, close by. At least he could see him. For a few days nothing much happened. Then one morning Liam asked him to come into the office. He sat across from him drinking coffee and helping himself to fresh pastries while Liam studied him. "Hunter, what do you think about what the others have been telling you?" "It's interesting." "You have a specific look we'd like to cultivate, but before your training begins..." "Training?" "Yes, everyone is trained before being assigned to our clientele." "Trained how?" "Trained to provide expert erotic services, to cater to a variety of sexual appetites." "I can suck cock with the best of them" 88

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"Really?" Liam said. "Show me." Hunter almost choked on his Danish. "Now?" "Yes, now. Show me." Liam pushed his chair back and let his legs fall open. "Make me hard and suck me off." Hunter took a breath. He wiped his mouth off and then stood up. He could see himself walking over to where Liam sat, felt himself sinking to his knees. Yeah. It wasn't unpleasant at all. When Amanda touched his shoulder, he almost jumped out of his skin. She was standing up, and the living room was empty. "Hunter, it's dinnertime. Didn't you hear me?" "Ah, sorry, no, I didn't." He stood up. "Where have you been?" she muttered, taking his arm and walking to the dining room. "You've been so quiet." "You and Liam were gabbing up a storm. I didn't want to interrupt." "Silly," she said, punching his arm. "You were daydreaming." "Was I?" "Yes. I wonder where Scott is. I guess he won't be joining us after all. It's too bad. Liam was looking forward to seeing him." Hunter nodded and followed her to the dinner table. He had a feeling it was going to be a very interesting evening. **** When Ciel walked into his bedroom, he was surprised to see Scott lying there, sleeping. He suddenly forgot all about the creep in the parking lot. A lump formed in his throat. He 89

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closed his eyes for a minute. Was he back for good? Why in hell did he have to love him so damn much? This craving he had for him, the craving he could feel in his cock, and even in his teeth—was it ever going to subside? How many nights had he lain there beside Scott, wanting him, but not knowing how to touch him anymore ... or if he should touch him at all? Scott was a beautiful package with layers and layers underneath his skin, dusty shelves from the past that he was afraid to disturb. Ciel took off his clothes. He moved over to him slowly, crawling onto the bed beside him. He touched his cheek with his fingertips. Had Scott changed his mind? Was he going to give him a chance to love him again, to be there beside him during the nightmare he had to relive? Did he dare hope that? He lay down beside him, close, letting his arm fall around his waist. He didn't want to wake him, but he wanted him so much, his cock propelled him closer, pressing itself into Scott's fine ass. Scott had the greatest ass, and right now, its invitation was compelling. Ciel's hand fell below Scott's waist. He carefully undid the zipper on Scott's jeans. He wasn't wearing underwear—all the better. As soon as he had the zipper opened, his fingers came into contact with his shaft. It was warm, the skin oh-so-silky. He could smell it, that heavy, intoxicating scent. He stifled a moan in his chest. It had been so long since he'd tasted him, so long since he'd been inside of him. He reached down with his other hand and squeezed his own cock. It ached. He ached. His fingers inched along Scott's shaft, and he lifted it 90

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out of his jeans. "Baby," he murmured, pressing his lips against Scott's neck. Ciel turned him onto his back. **** Scott's eyes opened. "Ciel," he breathed. Ciel moved down between his legs and pressed his lips against his shaft. One hand was inching up his chest and under his tee-shirt while the other circled the base of his cock. Scott felt Ciel finger one of his nipples roughly, causing him to grunt. Unable to resist, he reached his hand down and placed it in Ciel's long, black hair. Ciel was doing incredible things to his cock with his mouth, and Scott allowed himself to feel it, his eyes closing, the tip of his tongue darting out to moisten his dry lips. Suddenly, Ciel raised his head. Before Scott could protest, he reached up and yanked his tee-shirt up over his head. He threw it aside. "Ciel," Scott began, breathless. "Ta gueule," he growled, those dark eyes meeting his. Scott really didn't understand the words, but the meaning was clear. Shut up. Ciel straddled him suddenly, one knee grazing each side of his thighs. He pushed Scott's shoulders back against the pillow and grabbed his chin roughly in his hand. Ciel's mouth came down on his with an animalistic hunger. Scott had no choice but to submit, his mouth opening to battle with Ciel's tongue. Fingers rubbed over one of his nipples, and Ciel's mouth went from his mouth to his throat and then to his nipple, where he licked at it, then pulled it 91

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with his teeth. The other hand now jerked under him, a finger snaking up between his ass cheeks, teasing his opening. Scott raised his hips, giving him greater access. God, it felt so good, his hands on him, his mouth. Ciel reared back suddenly. Scott let his eyes feast on his sculptured chest and his thick cock. Ciel met his gaze. "Turn over," he said. It wasn't a request. It was a demand. Scott blinked, the tone of his voice masterful, determined. It was turning him on big time. He pushed the little voice away in his head, the one warning him of something. Scott turned around, anticipating being fucked by Ciel, who had the greatest cock and who could use it to stimulate almost every erogenous zone he had. There was no tenderness in Ciel's touch when he grabbed his hips and pulled him up on all fours. His hands were shaking and sweat was dripping off his forehead and his chest. Scott tried to look at Ciel's face, but he couldn't see it anymore. Ciel's head was lowered, his tongue beginning to torment his anus, licking it, swirling his tongue around, then stabbing it into him, at first with little jabs, then with sweet, deep sweeps. Scott's entire body was trembling. He cried out something, then begged for mercy as Ciel's hand came around at the same time to slap at his engorged cock a few times and massage his balls. "Oh, God, Ciel, please," he moaned. "Please, baby..." One hand moved back and forth across his chest, playing with his nipples as his tongue continued on its quest.

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Scott was close to losing his mind. His cock was leaking, throbbing. He could feel Ciel's hair lightly brush his ass. He was going to come. Suddenly, Ciel released him. Scott was breathing hard. He thought for a moment that he was just going to leave him like that. He glanced around and saw him take the lube out of the side table. He was back, grasping his hips again, a slick finger tracing his quivering hole. He felt so empty. He wanted him so much. He wanted him too damn much. "Ciel." He licked his lips. "Please," he moaned. The finger dipped inside of him. "Ciel! Jesus!" The finger went deeper, then began to fuck him, slowly at first, then faster and deeper and harder. He cried out, "Your cock. I want your cock. I want to fuck the other way." He tried to turn around, see him. "I want to see your face, baby. You're so beautiful and..." "No," Ciel said. He yanked Scott up, mauled him with his hands, roughly handling his sex. "I want to fuck you the way he does. Does he fuck you like this?" Scott grunted as he felt Ciel's cock invade his body. The pain let loose to pleasure almost immediately, but it wasn't tender. He couldn't make sense of what Ciel said, and then he said something else in French, which sounded muffled. Ciel held his hips tight and fucked him hard. At one point he grabbed Scott by the hair, pushed him forward, and pounded into him. His teeth rattled. Scott blew his load into the blanket, his breath coming in short gasps. God, it felt so good, this rough sex, unsentimental, but yet, with the only 93

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man he loved. And that was okay. But that little voice came back again. Something was wrong, and Ciel wasn't finished. He was still hard. "Turn over," he urged. "Suck my cock." Scott smiled. He turned over, about to smile, say something, but Ciel wasn't registering anything. He pushed him sideways, then got up off the bed. Scott's head was hanging over the side. "What are you...?" Scott began. Ciel came to stand at the side of the bed. He lowered his cock to his mouth. "Like that. Suck it like that." Ciel had a beautiful cock, and normally, he loved to suck it, but there was something almost hostile in Ciel's black eyes, something he didn't understand. He opened his mouth, took Ciel's cock inside, closed his eyes. He drifted off, lost in the taste of it, the movement, the way the vein pulsed, the taste of his cum in his mouth. He lay still as Ciel used his mouth the way he wanted, pushed it deeper, hitting the back of his throat. Ciel didn't touch him. He didn't caress his hair or his cheek as he normally did. He just kept saying, "Come on, do it, suck it ... go on." When Ciel came, Scott swallowed it until Ciel pulled away. He sat up, watching him as he paced the bedroom for a moment, Ciel's breathing sounding labored. He calmed after a few minutes and picked up his pants which were lying on the floor, then he left the room. Scott sat there, a little stunned, not quite knowing what had just happened. The only thing he knew was that it was profound, and it scared the hell out of him. He got off the 94

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bed, pulled on his own pants, and walked out into the living room. Ciel stood there in front of the window, looking outside. His long hair was damp with sweat. Scott wanted to touch him. Ciel hadn't given him much of an opportunity in bed. When Ciel finally spoke, he didn't turn around. "What are you doing here?" "We need to talk." "About what?" "About us, I guess." "You guess." "Can't you look at me?" "Not right now." Scott sighed. "What was that in there?" "I don't know. Nothing." "Nothing?" "That's what I said." Scott sighed. "I left for your sake." "Really? My sake. Are you sure, or did you leave me so that you could fuck Hunter Reese?" Scott's mouth opened. Oh, my God. How could he have known that? "Did Amanda tell you that?" "No." "It was one time. It didn't mean anything." He did turn around now. "So it's true, then. You did fuck him." Scott blinked. "How did you...?" "Ramsay told me." "Ramsay?" 95

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"Yeah, I saw him in a bar last night." Scott sank down on the sofa. "How would he know what happened with me and Hunter for Christ's sake?" "He didn't. He just told me Hunter was still with Amanda. The rest I guessed." "You didn't guess," Scott accused, standing up. "You set me up." Ciel shrugged. "You say you want to leave me so that you can have space. How does Hunter factor in? Does he give you more space than I do?" "For fuck's sake, Ciel, you and Hunter are not in the same ... don't compare Hunter to you. I love you." Ciel laughed. Scott winced inwardly. "You don't love me. You don't know how to love. I can't do this shit anymore, Scott." He turned around again. "Let's end it." Scott bit back the tears. "You don't mean that." "Yes, I do." His voice sounded flat suddenly, devoid of emotion. "You left me for space and ended up fucking another guy the minute you left here. That says it all." He turned around now. "So take your fucking problems and your fucking insecurities, and let me live my life. Let me learn how to live without you. Just leave. Please." He turned his back again. "Don't call me. Don't come around to see me. Pretend I'm dead. Live your life, get well, find someone else." He stopped talking. He clutched the curtain in his fist. Scott walked back into the bedroom. He got dressed. His body made all the right motions, but he couldn't feel them. 96

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When he came out of the bedroom, Ciel was standing in the same place, the curtain material still in his fist. "I'll pack up your stuff and have it sent to Amanda's," he said. Scott paused, his eyes moving over the beautiful curve of his back. The tears fell onto his cheeks and rolled down to the corners of his mouth. He tasted their bitterness on his tongue. He couldn't speak. The knot in his throat was beginning to hurt. He walked down the hallway and opened the door. He paused. There had to be something he could say, he could do. It couldn't be over. He could tell him he loved him, but it was clear Ciel didn't believe him anymore. He could fall on his knees and beg. That's what he wanted to do, to beg, but he wouldn't. Ciel was the only man he'd ever love, there was no question of that. So there would be no love in his life, but then, there had never been, had there? It was all so fitting. **** Amanda sat at the head of the table as was her custom. Liam sat on her right. Hans sat beside him, and Hunter took a seat on the left. Liam had an attractive smile, and that accent was mesmerizing. Amanda seemed to hang on his every word. Hunter was curious as to why Liam had come along. It was really quite unusual. But seeing him again invoked those memories of that day in the office at Jacques'. It made him horny as hell. He had sucked Liam's cock, and if he remembered correctly, he was generously endowed. Liam had sat there, not giving him much of an indication of whether he 97

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was enjoying it or not, and then rather abruptly, he had told him to stop. Hunter glanced up at him, his fingers curled around the base of his erection. "What? It's not good?" "It's fine," Liam said with that quirky smile of his. "Stand up and take off your clothes." Liam had watched him, those green eyes intense as Hunter had removed his shirt and his pants. "Everything," he insisted. Hunter peeled off his underwear, his socks. "Make your cock harder for me." It was already half way there. "Okay," he said, taking it into his hands and stroking it. As he did, Liam held his gaze. It was the sexiest thing. He was turning him on without laying a hand on him. "That's nice," he said softly. "Now stretch out on the desk, on your back. Let your feet touch the floor." Hunter saw Liam's tongue move over his lips quickly. His cock lurched. Liam stood up as Hunter lay on the desk on his back. "Lift your hands over your head." Hunter's hips moved upwards. He was goddamned horny now. Liam walked down the length of the desk, his eyes moving over Hunter's naked flesh, but he didn't touch him. Hunter's cock stood straight up, aching. "Please," he said softly. "You're not going to tease me too long, are you?" Liam looked down into his eyes. He gently lowered his mouth and kissed his lips, it was a gentle kiss, but pregnant 98

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with reserved passion. "You must learn patience. You must learn to hold onto your erection until the client is ready." Pre-cum leaked from his slit and rolled down his shaft. He could feel the warm drops landing on his belly. Liam slowly undid the buttons on his shirt and pulled it off his shoulders. Hunter clamped his teeth together. He had a marvelous chest, well-defined pecs, large brown nipples. His stomach was a muscular wave which led the way down to that perfect cock of his. He stepped out of his pants. Hunter remembered the anticipation, the excruciating agony awaiting his touch, and then the release. Liam had began lightly touching him with his fingertips, brushing his nipples, his cock, his balls, trailing his cock over his lips. He'd teased him without mercy, taking his time, lifting his legs, oiling his ass slowly and almost reverently. When he finally did take him, Hunter exploded as soon as he felt his cockhead nudge his anus. He couldn't hang on any longer. The fucking was long, hard, and oh-so-sweet. He remembered sitting up after, winding his hands around Liam's neck, kissing him long and hard. He would have kissed him all night if Liam hadn't gently pulled himself away. "Not bad," he said. "I'm leaving tomorrow. Jacques will take over your training. You're a gem, Hunter." Hunter was smiling now. Amanda said something about the soup, and Liam said that the soup in Ireland was always thick. "It's a meal, really." "This one is just an appetizer, but tasty," she said. "Hans seems to like it." 99

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Hans was wolfing down the soup as if he hadn't eaten in a week. "He has a ferocious appetite," Liam said. "For many things." He winked, which caused Amanda to laugh. "You have an unusual sense of humor, Liam," she said. "Wouldn't you say, Hunter?" Hunter picked up his soup spoon. "Yes, very alluring." He met Liam's gaze. Liam raised his wine glass to him. The dinner passed pleasantly, but it was longer than Hunter thought necessary. He was getting anxious to get upstairs. His recollections about Liam, along with the looks Hans was shooting in his direction had made him hard as hell. He was ready for anything. Amanda had drunk a little more than usual. He could tell by the way she laughed at almost everything, even when it wasn't that funny. "Why don't we have coffee and dessert upstairs in your room, Amanda?" Hunter suggested. She looked at him. "Are you getting impatient, baby?" He smiled. Yes, yes, and yes. "Good idea," Liam said, pushing away from the table. "Hunter, why don't you take Liam and Hans upstairs, and I'll see the staff out." "All right," he said, his heart beating a little quicker in his chest. "Shall we?" he said to Liam. Liam smiled at him. Amanda stood up. "Don't you start without me." "We wouldn't dream of it, my lady." Liam bowed his head. "The dinner was superb. Thank you. I think I'll skip dessert 100

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for now, just coffee for me, please. Hans, however, will have dessert, especially if it's filled with cream." Liam pulled Hans closer to him by hooking his finger in his collar. No one missed the innuendo. Amanda seemed breathless. "I'll be with you shortly," she said, and headed to the kitchen. Hunter headed down the hallway. Liam and Hans were behind him. At one point, he stopped short at the bottom of the stairs, and Liam's hard body brushed up against him. Hunter's entire body tingled. He smiled and walked up the stairs. He knew Liam's eyes were on him. He could feel it. When he opened the door to Amanda's bedroom, Liam laughed slightly. "What?" Hunter asked with a smile. "Not what I expected. A little too frilly." "Have a seat on the sofa," Hunter invited. "This isn't the room of attractions. Playroom is in there," Hunter swung his head to the door on the other side of the bed. "May I?" Liam asked. Hunter shrugged. "Go ahead." Hans followed on Liam's heels. Hunter heard a low whistle come from between Liam's teeth after he'd walked in. Hunter laughed. "Holy," he said, walking back out into the bedroom. "Quite a dungeon she has set up there; even Hans is impressed." "She likes to play." "She likes to watch her boys play," Liam corrected. "Amanda is a voyeur, not a participant." 101

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The maid entered at that moment with a tray. On it was a coffeepot and some cups. She nodded at the three of them and set the tray down on the table. "I will bring dessert promptly," she said. "How many?" "Two," Hunter said. "I don't know about Amanda." "The madam wishes to wait until later," the maid said and excused herself. Liam walked over to the table and poured some milk into one of the cups. He glanced at Hunter. "Milk and sugar?" "Two sugars. I take it black." "Hans here takes it that way, too," Liam said, fixing all three cups. Amanda entered the room soon after, followed by the maid. "Cream puffs," she announced with a laugh, grinning as Hunter reached over right away for his. She glanced at the maid. "You may leave. We'll be fine now." "Madame," she nodded and disappeared. Liam picked one of the desserts off the plate. He moved over to Hans and held it up to Hans' lips. He took a bite. Amanda and Hunter watched as the cream oozed out of Hans' mouth and circled his lips. Liam moved his mouth to Hans' and slowly licked the cream off his mouth. Hunter felt his balls tighten. "Let's get him naked, shall we?" Liam glanced at Amanda. "You're in command. I can make some suggestions, but please, feel free to have it the way you want it." "No," she breathed. "Take off his clothes." She turned to Hunter. "I think you're going to like what you see." "You already saw him naked?" 102

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"Amanda had a little show," Liam chuckled. "Shall we go into the other room?" The coffee was suddenly forgotten. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Eight Ciel lay on the bed while the persistent ringing of the doorbell sounded in his brain. He didn't know who in hell it was, and he didn't really care. He knew it wasn't Scott coming back, because Scott would have used his key. Anyhow, he doubted the door was even locked anyway. His head pounded. He had a horrific headache all of a sudden. He had just effectively ripped his own heart in two, but the tears wouldn't come. He'd been on a roller-coaster ride with Scott from the moment they'd met, and Scott sleeping with Hunter was the last straw, especially on the first night he'd been away. Yes, he'd slept with that creep last night, but he was a stranger, not someone he knew. He'd done it out of pain. Scott had left him, goddamn it, not the other way around. He sighed and swung his legs over the bed. The doorbell was still ringing. "Jesus Christ," he muttered. He stalked down the hall and threw the door open. "Hey, babe." It was that creepy guy again. "Listen," Ciel told him. "I'm in no mood for this. What do you want?" "Look, no need for hostility, Ciel," the guy said, leaning on the door jamb. "Let's have a drink, just a drink, and..." "No," Ciel said. "No drink." He sighed. His patience was running out. "Look, it was a one night thing—you get it? One night. And I want my pictures back." 104

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"Can't do that. They're on my hard drive, I'm afraid." Gary's gaze ran the length of him. "You look sexy like that, no shirt, those worn-out jeans. You're one sexy guy. Why don't you take pity on me and...?" "Look. Fuck off, okay? Don't come around here anymore." He went to shut the door. Gary's hand shot out and stopped it. He glared at Ciel. "I want you. I intend to have you, Ciel, at any cost. I just saw your boyfriend by the way." Ciel sucked in some breath. "Stay away from Scott." "Or?" "I warn you," he said. "Stay away from him. Don't go near him." "Protective, aren't we?" Gary sneered. "I didn't say anything to him. He seemed upset. Did you have a fight?" "None of your business." "He used to be a stripper downtown." "How do you know that?" "I showed a friend of mine his picture." "Give me back my picture. What else did you steal out of my wallet?" "Nothing. Nothing at all." He let go of the door. "Too bad you don't want to go for a drink with me tonight, but you will," he said. Ciel pushed the door closed and slid the chain over it. **** Amanda didn't change into her robe tonight. Instead, she chose to remain dressed. She knew it was irrational, but 105

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something about Liam made her feel shy, and usually, she was anything but. She sat in her chair and raised her legs up onto it. "I'm going to strip him, get him ready, if that's all right," Liam said, giving her a slow smile. "Do what you have to do. I'm not overly familiar with these kinds of ... things." "Aren't you? I mean, I'd think you were the mistress of these kinds of things." She wasn't sure what he was getting at, but she decided to let it go. "To be truly submissive," he said, pulling Hans's shirt over his head, "is to be truly free of all inhibitions, fears. One must give himself in complete trust." He unzipped Hans's jeans and pulled them down. Hans was naked underneath. "Take off your boots and your socks," he told Hans, pointing at his feet. "I try to speak as much English to him as possible. He has to learn." "He's really buff," Hunter moaned, moving his hand down to rub his own erection in his pants. Liam grinned at him. "I didn't bring the toys," Liam said suddenly. "I assumed you'd have what we need on hand, Amanda." "The toy chest," she said, letting her gaze travel over Hans's gorgeous ass and ready cock. "Hunter," she said softly. "Get naked, honey." "Right away," he said, beginning to undress. Amanda watched Liam as he went about taking things out of the chest. "Okay, a leather cock strap for binding, tight 106

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clamps for the nipples. Oh, Amanda," he grinned, looking at her. "A battery-operated butt plug—and a big one, too." "A new addition," she said, meeting his gaze. "You like that?" "Exquisite." "I bet you wouldn't like that in you." She laughed lightly. "Would you like to use it on me?" His voice deepened. She felt herself blushing. "Well, no, I mean..." He laughed. "For now, it's for Hans. Ah, cuffs, perfect." He walked across the floor and glanced at the various restraints and bondage apparatuses. "Perfect." "Hunter," Amanda said. "Masturbate. You have Hans's attention." "You have everyone's attention," Liam added, reaching out and lifting Hunter's sex in his hand for a second. Hunter closed his eyes. Liam removed his hand and took Hans by the collar. "On your knees," he said suddenly. Hans fell at his feet. "Crawl over there." Liam pointed to the corner of the room where cuffs hung from the ceiling and chains came up from the floor for the ankles. "You can pull up on the chains," Amanda told him, feeling warm all of a sudden. "Pull his ankles up to his wrists and spread him beautifully." "Um. Would you like that?" His gaze burnt into hers. She nodded, her mouth growing dry. "Very well. I'll let Hunter do the honors," he said. "I'll come over and stay beside you, if you don't mind, Amanda." 107

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"Be my guest," she replied, clearing her throat. "Hunter, all the toys are there. Make use of them, honey." Hunter didn't hesitate. Amanda shifted around a little on the chair as Liam came to stand beside her. He laid a hand on the top of chair. "I'll let him handle Hans. Hunter knows how. Watch. Enjoy." Hunter was hooking up Hans's wrists now. Hans moaned a little, licking his lips. Hunter leaned down, pushed his legs wide apart. "Wider," Hunter told him, Hans strained to obey. Hunter hooked the cuffs around Hans's ankles. He slapped his cock a few times, then began to wind the leather strap around it, taking up the balls at the same time. Then he pinched Hans's nipples hard and applied the clamps, leading the long chain down to the ring on the cock strap and securing it. He left little slack so that each movement pulled on his nipples and his cock. "Um," Amanda said. "Agonizing pleasure." "I'd love to do that to you," Liam said softly beside her ear. "I'd love to clamp your nipples. I bet they're big. I'd run the nipple chain between your legs and make sure it touched your clit." Amanda was speechless. "Well," she said, laughing a little. "Quite a fantasy." "Yes," he replied. "It is." Amanda placed her hand down between her legs as discretely as she could. Hunter was oiling up the batteryoperated butt plug. "Once it's turned on, it vibrates," she said, more for something to say. "It moves up and down, and in and out." 108

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"Really? Sounds exciting," Liam said. She glanced at him. "I don't know when you're serious." "Am I mysterious, Amanda?" His voice was so soft, so deep, tempered with that accent. It sent a jolt right to her inner core. "Somewhat." "Amanda, I don't want to inhibit you. What do you usually do during these sessions? Certainly you don't stay dressed." "I usually wear my robe, and I ... well..." "Pleasure yourself. Well, go ahead. If you can't enjoy yourself because I'm here, I'll leave." "No, it's okay. I know I'm being ridiculous. I'll be right back." Breathlessly, she slipped off the chair and went into the adjoining room. She took off her clothes, rubbed her aching breasts, and wrapped a robe around her. It was silly to be shy around Liam. He was, after all, just the trainer. When she walked back in, Hunter had drawn up the heavy chains. Hans was spread, his ankles up in the air next to wrists, practically bent double. "Bring him down a little," Liam instructed. "He's too high up." Hunter complied. The mirrors allowed for an excellent view. Hunter walked over to the chest and brought out a ball gag. "Forgot this." He put it into Hans's mouth and tied it. Hans moaned deeply as Hunter tugged on the chain which was attached to his cock and his nipples. Liam glanced at Amanda. "Allow me to show Hunter how Hans likes it." 109

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"Of course," Amanda said. Liam smiled at her, his fingers reaching out and pulling gently on the sash which held her robe together before she realized what he was doing. He spread her robe open, exposing her large breasts and her shaved mound. He ran his gaze over her body. "Don't hide on my account," he said softly. "You are beautiful. Your tits are huge, but so firm, and those nipples, I could suck on them all night. May I?" he asked, his gaze on her breasts. The juices ran down her thighs. She couldn't speak. He took that as a yes. He reached out and rubbed his thumb over one nipple. "May I suggest something?" "Ah, of course," she said softly. Hunter was looking over at them. "For your pleasure," he said. "Just some light bondage." He walked over to the chest and returned with a thin leather strap. "Lift your hands over your head," he instructed. She did, realizing that it pushed her bare breasts out further, making her feel a little self-conscious. He placed her wrists together and wrapped the strap around them. She felt very exposed. "I won't be able to..." she began. "It's all right," he said softly. "I'll do it for you. Now watch, I'm going to show Hunter how to use the light straps. And I think I'll take off my clothes," he smiled, his gaze going to her tits again. "I'm beginning to feel a little warm." He paused. "You know, laying like that, your tits look very large. Are you a D cup?" "Yes," she replied. "Close to double-D." 110

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He moved closer. His gaze was intense. God, she was so hot now. He reached out and grasped both nipples. He tweaked them, pulled on them, then gently slapped both breasts back and forth, watching them as they swayed. "Can I clamp them?" She closed her eyes, moving her hips forward. A slight whimper came from her lips. "Yes," she breathed. "Yes. Whatever you want." He walked away then, leaving her squirming like that. He lifted out a light whip with a multitude of fringes hanging from it. He handed it to Hunter. "Hit his cock and his nipples. It drives him crazy. Like this," he said, swinging it at Hans. "It doesn't hurt, doesn't leave marks. It stings and stimulates." Amanda wanted to rub her nipples. She wanted to touch her clit, but she couldn't. She watched as Liam removed his shirt. God, he was built, very, very nice. Then the pants. Her eyes widened when his cock came into view. He was bigger than she expected and hard. Hunter swung the whip, and Hans's cock reacted, as did his nipples. He was begging behind the ball gag as Hunter let loose without mercy on his balls. Liam walked over to her, naked. He dangled the clamps. They were jeweled. "I'll put them on loose," he said. "I want to see those nipples respond." "Liam," she moaned. "Can I have one hand free, please?" Liam's hand moved over her belly. Her hips moved upwards. A finger hit the hood and then delved deeper. "Is this what you want?" He began to slowly circle her clit with his finger. "I can do better," he whispered, one hand moving 111

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back and forth across her hard nipples. "Let me take care of these first," he said. Amanda gasped as his tongue came down and darted across her left nipple. He laved it, then nibbled, then took it between his teeth and pulled. He did the same to the right one. He looked down into her eyes and pinched one nipple between his thumb and forefinger, then applied the clamp. The pressure wasn't too tight, just perfect, and her cunt began to throb. The second one was clamped just as beautifully, and Liam picked up the chain which connected each nipple and fingered it in his hand. He pulled a little. She cried out. He walked down to the bottom of the chaise lounge, and with his hands he spread her thighs. She felt as if she was his captive. He drove a finger up inside her, all the while holding her gaze, removed it and slipped it into his mouth, licking it slowly. "Keep your legs spread. I'm going to free one of your hands, and then Hunter, Hans and I are going to give you a little show. At the end, I'll come back here for the grand finale." He walked to her head again and freed her right hand. It dropped between her legs. He reached down and kissed her mouth. Her lips opened to his. The kiss was intense, but far too short. Liam broke away and walked over to where Hunter was still whipping Hans. "Get down on all fours, Hunter. I want to fuck you." ****

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Ramsay heard the loud pounding on the door downstairs. He glanced at his alarm clock. It was past ten o'clock. He had just finished an appointment with a client, and he thought he'd get to sleep early. He was supposed to be available all day tomorrow to a special client who was coming in from out of town. When the pounding didn't stop, Ramsay crawled out of the bed and walked to the top of the stairs. He could hear the butler saying, "Do you realize what time it is, sir?" The voice that answered was slurred and very angry. "I don't give a shit. I want to see Ramsay." Ramsay's heart pounded in his chest. The butler returned with, "You're inebriated, sir, and if you don't leave, I will be forced to..." "Ramsay!" the voice called out. "Sir." The butler followed him "If you don't leave, I'll have to call the police." Ramsay took a step backward. He could see the man now, in silhouette, standing at the bottom of the stairs. "You won't call the police. Give me a break. Ramsay! Where in fuck are you?" Ramsay's eyes widened. What in hell was Scott doing here? Scott headed up the stairs. Ramsay stayed frozen to the spot. Scott placed his hand on the railing, then he reached out for Ramsay, practically pulling him off the landing. "I'm going to fucking kill you," he growled. 113

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Ramsay pulled backward and dragged Scott with him, saving both of them from tumbling down the stairs. Scott was on the floor. He blinked up at him. "Why did you do it?" "Why did I do what? You're drunk. What are you doing here?" The butler hovered at the bottom of the stairs. Scott stumbled to his feet. Ramsay saw the tears rolling down his face. "Why did you have to tell Ciel about Hunter and me?" he choked. "What do you mean ... Hunter and you? Is there a Hunter and you?" "It was one night, one fucking night, and now it's over. Ciel and I ... finished for good. Why did you tell him that I fucked Hunter?" "I didn't know that you ... you fucked Hunter." Scott looked down at the floor. "I ... I only told Ciel that Hunter was there with Amanda. I didn't even know you were there until he told me you'd left him." "Well, you must have insinuated something. Why did you have to say anything?" Scott wiped his hand across his face. "Never mind. Forget it. You little prick." Ramsay felt terrible. He hadn't thought it was going to go this far. He just wanted Scott away from Hunter. "I'm sorry that you and Ciel are ... I know how much you love him and..." "You're sorry for me?" Scott met his gaze and laughed in his face. "You're so pathetic. You feel sorry for me, when the guy you love is right there. All you have to do is go to him 114

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and tell him how you feel. The guy I love doesn't want me anymore. He told me to go, not to come back, and you feel fucking sorry for me!" Ramsay swallowed hard. Scott shook his head. "You'll find out. One day it's going to hit you and..." He wagged his finger in front of him, then stopped as if something had just dawned on him. "You told Ciel Hunter was there, hoping he'd take me home, away from Hunter. That's why you did it." "No, I didn't ... I don't care. I ... there's nothing between Hunter and me and..." "He fucked me," Scott said. "He fucked me good. And, you know what? I want him to fuck me again. You didn't tell me what a great cock he has, Ramsay, and how well he uses it. And now that Ciel doesn't want me anymore, there's nothing to stand in our way. Maybe Hunter is the guy for me after all. Maybe we belong together." Each word resounded in his chest like a bullet. Ramsay winced, gritted his teeth, his fist clenched at his side. "I. Don't. Care! Now leave me alone!" Tears threatened. He pushed them back. Scott laughed harshly. "I'm going back to Amanda's now. Your little talk with Ciel had the opposite effect than you intended, so it seems." He turned his back, placed a hand on the banister. "It's thrown me right back into Hunter's arms. Good work, champ." Ramsay could hardly breathe as he watched Scott walk down the stairs. And when the door slammed shut at the bottom, he reeled back against the wall and closed his eyes. 115

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**** Hunter was more than willing to accommodate Liam's request to get down on all fours. Amanda was watching intensely, which turned him on and amused him at the same time. He could swear that she was developing a thing for Liam, but he could be wrong. Hans was moaning in his restraints above as Liam got down on his knees behind Hunter and dragged his ass closer. He had lubed his index finger and was beginning to swirl it around his anus. His touch was gentle and invasive at the same time. Hunter spread his legs further, closing his eyes as Liam reached his other hand underneath him and began to fondle his cock and his balls. "You like that?" Liam breathed, lowering his head to trail his lips along Hunter's back as he inserted his finger up inside of him and moved it around slowly. "Um, yes," Hunter replied, sucking some air in between his teeth. He lifted his head, closed his eyes, moaned in his chest. Liam intensified his efforts, squeezing and moving his cock and balls around as his finger went in and out of Hunter's ass. Hunter licked his lips. He cried out something, his entire body trembling as he tried to hold on. Liam pulled him up and back into his arms, his left hand roaming his genitals, now playing roughly with his nipples, as two fingers went in and out of him. 116

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Hunter felt Amanda's eyes move over his naked body. God, it was turning him on—Liam putting him on display like that for Amanda to watch. Suddenly, Hunter was pushed down on the floor flat, one hand on his shoulder, as Liam yanked his ass upwards and pulled his fingers out. As Liam's cockhead began to fill his opening, Hunter bit his bottom lip. "God, fuck me," he yelled out. "Fuck me!" With both hands securely on Hunter's hips, Liam began to do that, hard, fast, and without mercy, while Amanda cried out in orgasm in the background. **** Scott found the bottle of expensive red wine on the counter in the kitchen and searched for the corkscrew. He opened the bottle and lifted it to his lips. He was a free agent now. "Good," he called out gruffly, raising his bottle and marching around Amanda's kitchen. "Good. I can do what the fuck I want now. Fuck Ciel! Fuck everyone." **** Hunter took Liam's hand and let him pull him to his feet. He went into his arms and kissed him passionately, then stepped away. Wow. What a fuck. It was a great fuck. Liam smiled at him. "Now," he said. "There's a horny slave called Hans hanging there. Take care of it." Hunter began to stroke himself as his eyes went to Hans, who was looking at him with desperate eyes. "I guess I could do that," he smiled. 117

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Liam chuckled, then walked over to Amanda. "Are you up for more, sweetheart?" Amanda looked over at Hunter. "Give Hans what he wants," she told him, with a grin. Hunter nodded. Amanda was very conscious of Liam's nearness. God, he was the sexiest man she'd ever seen. When he placed a hand on her thigh, she swallowed hard. "While he does that, and you watch..." His gaze washed over her. "—I'll take care of you." Their eyes met. "If you'll permit me." He reached for the chain on her nipple clamps. "Can I take them off now? I'd like to taste them. They must be a little tender." God, the things he said. Amanda took a breath. "Yes." He leaned over her and gently removed one clamp, dipping his tongue down to lave the nipple, then did the same with the other. She heard the clamps drop to the floor. He grasped both of her breasts in his hands and massaged them. "So beautiful," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her mouth. He took the nipples between his fingers and pinched them, his gaze on them. "Put your hand back over your head," he whispered. "Keep your legs spread open." Amanda's eyes moved over Liam's shoulder to the scene in front of her. Hunter was removing the plug from Hans's ass. "Um," Hunter murmured, running a teasing finger over Hans' exposed anus. "You are so spread, Hans, so accessible." He lowered him to the right height. "I'm going to fuck you so hard." 118

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Amanda felt her swollen bud pulse. "Um," Hunter murmured. Liam rubbed one palm over her breasts again, then moved down to the bottom of the chair. With his hands, he spread her vaginal lips, then lowered his mouth to her clit. The moment he touched it with his tongue, she screamed. Hunter had grabbed Hans by the hips and was fucking the hell out of him, while Liam's tongue moved frantically back and forth. Her entire body shook with orgasm, an orgasm which came again and again in multiple spasms and culminated when Hunter pulled out of Hans's ass. Hans was shooting his load straight up in the air and grunting loudly from behind his ball gag. Amanda looked over at Hunter, who had sunk down on the floor to rest, his eyes closing. She squeezed her legs together, sighing with pleasure, her eyes closing. It was such bliss, such peace. She felt sleepy now. Liam smiled at her as she pulled her robe closed. "How was it?" "Special," she said, smiling back at him and reaching up to untie her other hand. She sat up. Liam pulled on his pants, then went to help Hunter free Hans. "Let's have a drink in my room, shall we?" Amanda said. "I might have a diet cola for you," she said to Liam, who laughed. "Hunter, drink?" "Diet cola will do for me." "Me, too," Hans said. "Please." Amanda was surprised to hear him speak. It was the first thing he'd said since he'd stepped into this room. 119

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Comfortably settled in her room, Amanda handed everyone a can of diet cola. She kept them in the small refrigerator under the bar near her bed. A bit informal, but no one seemed to mind. Liam was sitting beside Hans on the sofa. Hunter was perched on the edge of the window sill, and Amanda sat in the chair. Everyone was quiet for a few minutes. That had been amazing, and although it was rare that she participated like that, she couldn't regret it. Liam began talking about what a great dinner it had been, and Amanda was just about to thank him for the compliment when they all heard a huge crash. Amanda sprang to her feet, Liam with her, and Hunter was on their heels. "Do you think it's an intruder?" Amanda said, looking at Liam. "Stay here," he said. "I'll go see. If I don't come back in an hour, call the CIA." He was joking, and in spite of the stress, she had to laugh. "Do you want me to come?" Hunter asked. "No." He shook his head. "Stay with Amanda and Hans. I'll be right back." He quickly ran down the staircase. Amanda squeezed Hunter's hand, then they heard Liam call upstairs, "Everything is fine. It's Scott. He's broken a bottle." Amanda ran down the stairs, Hunter behind her. Hans had come into the hallway and was hovering at the top of the stairs. "Hi, 'Manda," Scott said, grinning at her. He was standing at the entrance to the kitchen. "I'm sorry to break up the party. I dropped the bottle." 120

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Amanda looked at Hunter. Scott was piss-assed drunk again, which could only mean one thing. It hadn't gone well with Ciel, if that's where he'd gone. "Hello, Liam. Long time no see. How you doing, man?" Scott inquired, stumbling a bit as he came forward to shake his hand. "Better than you apparently," Liam remarked. Scott laughed. "Um, well, join the club." "Amanda," Liam said. "I think I better go." Hans had come downstairs. "Don't leave on my account," Scott said a little too loudly. "Do you want me to stay and...?" Liam asked her. "No, it's all right. I'll walk you to the door. Hunter, can you...?" Her eyes moved to Scott. He nodded with a sigh. Amanda took Liam's arm. "Wait for me in the car, Hans," Liam told him. "Goodnight, Hans," Amanda said. Hans nodded at her, then shot Hunter a long look. Hunter was busy with Scott. Liam waited until Hans was in the car, then he looked down at her. "I really enjoyed myself tonight, Amanda. I enjoyed being here, with you." Amanda didn't quite know what to say. "Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush. I'd say we're damn near perfect for each other. I'm bisexual, but with a decided preference for women, especially where my heart is concerned." 121

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Amanda's mouth opened a little. "Liam, I ... I'm not ... well, I don't..." He laughed, then reached down and kissed her cheek. "I'm not trying to be pushy. Let's leave it like that, but I hope you'll allow me to come back." She was lost for a moment in his gaze. "Ah, yes, of course." He smiled. "Good. I'll send the next one on Tuesday night in the car. What time?" "Nine o'clock?" "Fine. Goodnight," he said. She watched him walk down the path and get into his car, a red Ferrari convertible. He started the engine, turned the car around and roared away. She stood there for a moment, a faint smile on her lips, then closed the door. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Nine Ciel barely managed to drag himself to his Monday morning class. Depression had set in, and all day Sunday he stayed in bed. He knew he had to snap out of it. He tried to eat something at breakfast, but he couldn't seem to keep anything down. His friends were worried about him, and they all swarmed around him like a bunch of bees after the class was over. "What happened to you Friday?" Jeff asked. He was one of his closest friends in the writing program. Robert and Cathy, the other two, stood perfectly still, waiting for his answer. "What? I can't miss a class?" "You never miss classes," Cathy said. "What has he done now?" Jeff muttered. Ciel knew who he was referring to. Jeff was the only one who was gay out of the three, and he'd made it clear that he didn't think Scott was the guy for Ciel, right from the start. Scott never liked any of his friends. They were all a bunch of intellectual snobs as far as he was concerned, and he especially disliked Jeff, whom he accused Ciel of having an affair with. That had never happened. "He didn't do anything. I need a coffee. Let's go to the coffee shop. I'm buying." "Woo-hoo!" Robert joked. "I want a muffin too, in that case." Ciel tried to smile. It was damn tough. It had been hard enough just getting out of bed this morning. 123

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"What's really wrong?" Jeff asked him as they lined up to get the coffee, while Cathy and Robert found them a table. He didn't want to tell him it was over. He didn't think he could find the words, and he wouldn't be able to endure Jeff's satisfaction. "I have a stalker," he said. He'd almost forgotten about him since Scott's and his last conversation. "A what?" "Stalker. I met some guy in a bar. He stole my wallet and showed up at my door. He took some pictures." "What kind of pictures?" "Compromising ones." "Does Scott know?" "No." "Did he threaten you?" "Not really, but he's persistent." "Did you get your pictures back?" "Too late. He downloaded them and sent them to his friends." "Shit." They were at the counter now. "Don't tell the others," he said. Ciel ordered four coffees and a muffin for Robert. Jeff helped him carry it back to the table. After classes were over, Jeff walked Ciel back to his bike. "Should you call the cops?" "And say what? He hasn't done anything yet except ask me out for a drink." Ciel put on his helmet. "I think you should tell Scott. If he finds out and..." "Jeff," he swallowed. "It's over. Scott and I are over." He put up a hand. "Please, don't say anything." 124

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"I'm sorry," he said, putting a hand on Ciel's shoulder. "But I knew that..." "Jeff," Ciel cut him off. "Don't." Jeff nodded. "Call me." "Okay." He got on his bike and headed back home. **** The young man Liam sent over that Tuesday night was sweet, cute but a little shy. Hunter, however, put him at ease, and the lovemaking got pretty raunchy. Amanda teased Hunter about him after he left, saying the guy was head over heels. Hunter just laughed. It had been exciting, but it paled in comparison to the Saturday night before. Scott had been quiet all week. On Thursday morning, he woke up and asked Amanda if the driver could take him to his therapy session in the afternoon. "Of course," she said. Since his drunken invasion on the weekend, he'd kept to himself, sullen, distracted, staring off into space. He'd come out on the patio where she sat alone. Hunter was watching one of the movies she'd picked for him in the living room. He said nothing for a few seconds, then finally, he told her. "It's over." He was dry-eyed, sober, his expression unreadable. She didn't question him, and she didn't ask for explanations. Something in his tone told her he was dead serious. She felt such complete and utter sadness, not only for Scott, but for Ciel. "The car's ready for you, anytime," she told him, after going to speak with the driver. "What time will you be back?" "Around three," he said. 125

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"I will need the car this evening. I'm taking Hunter to the dance studio." Scott looked at her. "That should be something." "What? Don't you think he can learn to dance?" "All that crap you rich folks dance at those fund-raisers?" "Stop." Scott leaned down and kissed her. "I'll see you later." She lifted her coffee cup and drank. She could hear Hunter working out in the exercise room. She looked at the phone. She wondered if she should call Liam, thank him for that sweet young man he'd sent her? She did need to pay for the services as well. On impulse, she picked the receiver up and started to dial. When Hunter appeared, she put it back down. "Good workout?" He eyed her, rubbing his damp hair. "Great. I'm going to take a shower." "Have you been reading the grammar book?" "Yep. It ain't cool to say ain't or ... 'I want to suck your dick,' in front of a crowd of uppity rich people." She laughed. "Funny man." "Thank you. Scott still moping around?" She held out her hand. "Come here." Hunter came closer. "I smell. I need to take a shower. You hug me at your own risk." "I wasn't going to hug you," she protested. "Listen," she took his hand. "It really is over between Scott and Ciel." "I figured." "Did Scott tell you?" "No. But I hear him cry himself to sleep every night." 126

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Amanda sighed. "He's gone to his therapy now. Maybe that will help." "No therapy will cure that. Well, I'm off to take a shower." "Okay. Don't forget your dance course tonight." He placed a hand at his stomach and waltzed out of the room. She laughed. She sat there a few minutes and stared at the phone. Well, she did have to pay him, didn't she? **** Doctor Logan sat looking at him from across the room, her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. "You've been sitting there for almost ten minutes, Scott, and you haven't said a word. Would you like me to start today?" Scott's legs were crossed, his elbow resting on his thigh, palm supporting his chin. He wanted to scream at her, blame her for everything. She was the one who suggested he leave Ciel in the first place. If he'd stayed put, maybe they'd still be together. So, it was better he didn't speak just yet. He was unprepared for how bitter he felt toward her. He glanced up at her. "Sure," he said finally. "Go ahead." "Last time we were talking about one of your foster homes, the one you seem to have a lot of difficulty talking about. You stayed there the longest, didn't you?" "Yes," he swallowed. "How old were you when you were sent there?" "Thirteen." "You rather liked the place you were before, didn't you?" 127

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"It was an older woman. She was kind to all of us, but there were too many. Some of the kids were mean." "How so?" "They'd steal your food, or hit you." "But it was better than the place you went after." He nodded. "You'd already been in five foster families before this one. Why did you leave the older woman's place?" "She got sick. She had to give up the children." "And the people in the new place, what were they like?" He felt a shudder run through him. "Scott. They can't hurt you anymore." "The man ... he was ... he had a drinking problem." "Did he have a wife?" Scott nodded. "Was she kind to you?" "No." "Were you alone there?" "Yes." "And how long did you live with this family?" "Almost three years." "Were you abused?" Scott sucked in some breath. It was painful. "Scott, were you abused?" "Yes." He closed his eyes. "How?" He hissed. "Scott. How?" "I hate you." 128

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"It's all right." The words came out as if someone had reached in and yanked them one by one from deep in his gut. "Every way possible." "Sexually?" He grunted his answer. "Tell me about the abuse." "No." "Did you tell anyone?" "No." "How did you finally leave that place?" "I ran away three times. They kept bringing me back. Finally, when I was sixteen, I disappeared for good, lived on the streets. They didn't find me." "The family or the authorities?" "Neither one." "Was the family looking for you?" "He was." "The man." "Yes. He gave up eventually." "Scott, you must tell me about it, get it out, scream, punch the walls, it doesn't matter, but if you're going to heal, then..." "Maybe I don't want to heal." He swallowed. "I thought you wanted to get better." "I don't have any reason to." "What about Ciel?" He rubbed his hands over his face. "Scott?" 129

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"Ciel's gone," he said, his voice trembling, then he lowered his face into his hands and cried. **** Liam answered on the second ring. His deep, charmingly accented voice, resounded in her ear. "Hello, beautiful lady. What can I do for you?" "I want to thank you for Edward. He was very sweet." "Ah, glad you liked him. You wait until Saturday night." "I trust your judgment. I need to pay you." "Yes, well, you can do that over dinner tonight." "Dinner?" "Yes. I'd like to take you to dinner. Would you let me?" "What for?" He laughed. "To eat." "No, I meant, Liam, I..." "Just to eat, Amanda. Shall I swing around and pick you up around seven? I get hungry at that time." "Well, I will have to check my calendar. It's short notice and..." "Clear your calendar." She clutched the phone. "I'll pay for my own dinner." "As you like. Seven o'clock." "Okay. I can meet you at the restaurant." "I'll pick you up. It's more environmentally friendly that way, instead of taking two cars." "You have a point. That will be fine. I'll be ready for seven. Has Jacques returned from Amsterdam yet?" 130

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"No. He called yesterday. He's going to be there a while. Looks like I will have to put off my retirement." "It sounds funny, really, a man your age retiring. Are you really planning on staying in LA?" "Yes. I like Los Angeles. I'm thinking of buying a nice home in your area. How's the market?" "It's soft right now." "Um. I will need your guidance." "I'll do what I can to help, when the time comes." "Splendid. I'll see you tonight, then?" "Yes. I'll bring my checkbook." "Of course. Have a great day." "You, too." She hung up the phone. How in the hell did she end up having dinner with the man? All she'd wanted to do was pay her debt. **** Ciel put his key into the door and contemplated having a hot soak in the tub. His entire body ached and for no good reason. He walked in, dropped his keys on the kitchen counter, and then made his way down the hallway toward the bedroom. He froze when he reached the door. "Holy shit," he breathed, looking around the room. Plastered all over his walls were photocopies of the pictures that guy had taken of him. On the mirror beside the bed was written with marker, "You are mine and don't forget it," then something which froze his blood. "Amanda Martindale sure is a busy woman." 131

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Ciel cried out in rage. He tried to rub the writing off the mirror with the back of his hand and began ripping down all the pictures. "That's it!" he yelled. He picked up his keys, marched outside, and got on his bike. He still remembered where that guy lived. He was going to end this shit once and for all. **** Liam walked into where Ramsay was playing pool with Hans and motioned to him. Ramsay put down the pool cue and walked out into the hallway with him. "What is it, boss?" Liam smiled at him. He seemed in an unusually good mood, but then again, he was always kind to them. "First of all, I want to thank you for taking Hans under your wing. He's a little different." "He's quiet, but he's cool." "I have a brand-new client for you." "Oh?" "He saw your files and says you are just what he's looking for." "Great." "He's in his young forties, fairly handsome, fit. He's into straight sex really and wants someone to do things with, camping, boating." "Okay." "His name is Douglas Mayfield. You'll meet him tonight at his home in Beverly Hills." "Thanks, Liam." 132

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"Dinner will be served in ten minutes," Liam added with a nod and walked off. Ramsay came back into the pool room smiling. Every new client represented new hope to fulfill his dream. He glanced at Hans. "I'll shoot you two games out of three," he said. "Rack 'em up." **** Ciel parked his bike outside that guy's building and sat there glaring up at his apartment. He couldn't believe that that creep had just walked into his apartment. He must have somehow made an impression of his key and had one made. That's the only way he could figure he got in. He had checked his lock before he left, and it didn't seem to have been tampered with. He took off his helmet and got off the bike. He waited until the main door to the building opened, and someone came out. He quickly grabbed the door before it closed and entered the building. He walked up the two flights and down to the end of the hall where the guy's apartment was. He checked his name ... "Gary Flinn." He rang the bell and stood back. The door opened right away. Gary Flinn looked surprised. "Well, well, finally found your way back here, did you? Come in." "We got to talk," he said, his voice controlled. It wouldn't do any good to lose his temper. "Sure, baby," he said. "But talking is not what I think about when I look at you." Ciel sighed. "You broke into my apartment today." 133

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"No. I have a key." "I want the key." Ciel held out his hand. Gary smiled coyly. "If you'd invite me over, I wouldn't have to do that." "Gary." Ciel held his gaze. "Please, back off. Don't make me have to report you to the police." Gary laughed. "I'll just show them the pictures." "And that would prove what?" "That you're my lover." "I'm not your lover." "You're not Scott's lover either, anymore, or so it seems." Ciel clenched his jaw. "That night you wouldn't let me in for a drink, you were being so mean ... I saw him. Twice actually. I was outside your place for a while." Ciel sighed. "I saw him leave the first time. He looked really upset. Then later, he came back." Ciel sucked in some breath. "He did?" "Yes. He stood outside your place, his hand on the railing, but he didn't go up to the door. Eventually he walked away. Would you like to know where he went?" "You followed him?" "I had nothing better to do. He went to..." "I don't want to know." "Better you don't. He got roaring drunk, then ended up at a big, beautiful house in..." "I know where it is." 134

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"I found out it belongs to a woman named Amanda Martindale. What's he doing there? From his skin tone, he's not a relative. Is he the servant?" Ciel noticed the sarcastic twist in his voice. He wanted to punch him in the mouth. "No, he's not the servant, and you stay away from him. I want my key back, and I want it back now." Gary came close to him, looked into his eyes. "Or what, handsome? What are you going to do to me if I don't give it back?" Ciel took a step away from him. "I'll call the police." He laughed. "You threatened to do that before. Go ahead." Ciel headed for the door. "But hear this, baby, locking me up won't save you. One day, you'll be mine." "You're a fucking psycho." Ciel turned to look at him. "Stay away from Scott, and stay away from me." "Goddamn it," Ciel muttered as he got back on his bike. He'd have to ask the landlord to change the locks on his door now. He didn't want to have to involve the police, but he might not have a choice if this guy didn't let up. Now he knew about Amanda. He knew where Scott was living. Would he do something to Scott? Try and hurt him? When he got back up to his apartment, the answering machine was flashing. It was Jeff. "Worried about you, buddy," he said. "Call me." Ciel picked up the phone. Jeff offered to come over with a movie, and Ciel gratefully accepted. He didn't want to be alone tonight. While he was waiting for Jeff, he picked up the 135

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phone and began to dial Amanda. He listened to the phone ring once, then put it down. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe he was blowing this way out of proportion. He'd wait a while, and if that nut bothered him again, he'd call and warn Scott to be careful. **** Amanda regretted not pinning her hair up. By the time they reached the restaurant, her hair was a mess. When Liam came around and opened the car door for her, she was fussing with it in front of the little mirror attached to her purse. "You look beautiful," he said, leaning down closer to her. "I forgot that you drive a convertible." "I should have put the top up." "It's okay. It was nice." He offered his hand. She took it and smiled as she got out of the car in her navy tailored suit. It was a cool night, and she didn't feel like wearing a dress. Pinstripes were all the rage, and she paired the suit with a pale yellow sequined sweater. It set off her reddish blond hair nicely. Liam was dressed in a beautiful navy Armani suit. He wore an open-necked satiny black shirt underneath. He took her breath away. He was just too damned handsome. They were seated immediately in an intimate corner table. Liam ordered wine, and they were handed the menus. "How did you know this was my favorite place?" Amanda smiled at him, running her finger over the fancy raised letters on the menu in her hand. 136

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"I didn't. I like this place also. They have fabulous seafood." "I love seafood." "Are you in the mood for lobster?" He glanced at the menu. She shook her head. "No. I think I'm going to have a combination, a seafood platter. It's a lot of food, but I'm hungry." "Good. I love a woman with a fierce appetite." He met her gaze. She looked around the room unnecessarily. He had a way of unnerving her, taking her by surprise. She didn't feel as in control as normal. "Sometimes I think you're looking into my soul," she said softly, then laughed. It was a silly thing to say. "Really?" His voice was soft and low. He sipped his wine. "Now, why would you think that?" "You're very insightful, aren't you?" "I've had to be." "Because of what you do." "Yes. In part." There was a light shining in those green eyes of his tonight, a slight smile on his wine-kissed lips. He had that perfect shadow on his jaw that Scott was always trying to achieve. "You know," she said softly, "Scott always tried to get that shadow thing going. It was especially frustrating to him when I brought Ciel from Paris, because he had it down pat, just like you." "Do you like it?" 137

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"Yes, very much," she said. "It's very male, very ... ah ... sexy." He smiled. "Tell me about Ciel." She shrugged, sitting back in her seat, taking a swallow of her wine. "I went on a quest for the most beautiful man and found him in Europe. He was for Scott." "He was for you," he said softly. "Well, no. He was Scott's gift." "Ah, I see." "You look skeptical." "Do I?" "Yes. Why would you say he was for me?" "Because you enjoy collecting pretty men." She laughed. "I don't collect men." "You don't?" "I ... like beautiful men, of course. That's natural." "Yes, very. I like beautiful men myself, but I don't personally collect them." She decided to change the subject. "I'm not sure I believe that people can be bisexual." "Oh? Why's that?" "One can experiment, but truly one is one way or another, don't you think?" He pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Some people are, yes." "You must have a decided preference." "A decided preference in bed? No. It depends what mood I'm in. It's like food, really, some nights, you want to eat chicken, and some nights you want to eat fish, no?" "I suppose." 138

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"But I do have a preference where love is concerned. I prefer women. My body, I will give to both and with great pleasure, but my heart ... it's a different thing." "Why? Are you telling me you couldn't fall in love with a man?" "No. I have been in love with a man, and it's the reason that my heart is reserved for a woman." "I'm sorry. Was it painful?" "Yes," he said. "Very. But it was a long time ago. My heart has mended, and we've remained good friends. We are like brothers now." She caught her breath. Was he talking about Jacques? It wasn't any of her business. The waiter arrived at that moment, asking if they were ready to order. Amanda opted for her seafood platter, and Liam ordered lobster. Amanda reached over and poured them both another glass of wine. "How long has it been since you've been back to Ireland? Do you still have family there?" "Yes, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, that sort of thing. My mother passed on a few years back." "I'm sorry." "We weren't close. I came from a huge family. There were eight of us." "Eight children?" "Yes. Damn Catholics," he muttered. "No use for birth control. Parish priest controlled your life. My father was a useless drunk, couldn't hold down a job, and the babies kept coming. My mother worked out, scrubbing floors and the like. Older ones looked after us wee ones." 139

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"It sounds like you had a tough time of it." "We were poor," he said. "I was one of two boys and in the middle. I found work, mostly illegal stuff. There was money to be made in those days working for disreputable sorts." "How did you meet Jacques?" "It's a long story," he said, that accent seeming very pronounced tonight. "Story" came out like storray. It was like music listening to him talk. "You sure you're up for it?" "I'd love to hear it." "Well, I got into the business of pleasing men when I hit fifteen. I gave the money to me mum to feed the little ones. I met this businessman from Paris. He professed to be in love with me and carted me to France. The business was so much different there, no one gave a damn. Jacques lived in a big old house with his grandmother. She was running a male brothel." "His grandmother?" Amanda's eyes widened. She laughed. "I'm not fooling you. Anyway, Jacques brought me to meet her." He laughed. "She was a woman with a dirty mind, I'll tell you. It was very funny. I started living there, and I liked it. When the old lady died a few years into it, Jacques inherited everything. He took over. I worked for him, and then he got big ideas. He decided to start one up here, with the help of a few very important clients, and I was left to run the house in France. That's basically the scaled-down version of the story." Amanda nodded. "So, what is it you're looking for, Liam?" He smiled. "I think I might have found it." He met her gaze. 140

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Amanda's heart fluttered in her chest. She jumped a little as the waiter set her plate in front of her, then set Liam's down as well. Liam laughed. "He gave you a start, did he?" She placed a hand to her chest. Breathless. She was breathless. "Listen, darling," he said, looking at her. "I don't want to change your life. I know what kind of woman you are, independent, smart, sure of her own desires. I think we could find a way to make it work together. I want a woman who understands my needs. I need a hard cock once in a while. I need sexual adventures and a woman who can participate in that. I want to fall in love. I want a partner, a best friend, a woman who is my equal and will never let me forget it. I want you, Amanda." She froze. She had no idea what to say. "I have a lot of money. You have a lot of money. Neither one of us has to worry about that as a motive. I want to travel, see the world. I want to plant a rose garden." "A ... rose garden?" she managed. He smiled. "Yes. I've always wanted to plant roses, import them, exotic, blue and yellow and blood red." "You are an unusual man." "Yes, and you are my soul mate." She looked down at her food. She cleared her throat. "We should eat now." He laughed softly. "Yes. Good idea. Bon appétit, Amanda." **** 141

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"Ciel," Jeff said, putting the DVD in the player. "You are getting carried away with this stalker guy, really. He's just a nut job." "I know that," Ciel said. "But sometimes these guys are capable of ... Jeff, he took my wallet, got a key to my door, followed Scott to..." Jeff sat down beside him on the sofa and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's nothing. He's just enamored. Jesus, Ciel, have you looked in the mirror recently? You're the kind of guy who could make someone go off the deep end." Ciel narrowed his black eyes. "Thanks." "It's a compliment." Jeff ran his gaze over him. "Tall, muscular, fantastic body; those beautiful black eyes; silky, long black hair. You have the face of an angel with the hint of the devil with those whiskers you got going on. Not to mention you're French. Ciel, you walk down the hallway at the university, and people melt. It's normal. You tell me the guy is not overly handsome. You gave him the thrill of his life. Can I see the pictures?" "No," Ciel said. "They're photocopies, and I threw them out." "How compromising were these ... ah..." "Compromising, okay? Drop it." Jeff laughed. The movie began, and Ciel turned his attention to the television. "You know," Jeff said, "I'm glad it's over for you and Scott." "You had to say it, didn't you?" "He wasn't right for you." Ciel sighed. 142

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"He had so much baggage." "People come with baggage." "He didn't give you what you needed. He couldn't." Ciel turned his face to Jeff's. He was looking right at him in a way that Ciel had never seen before. "Jeff," he began. "What are you...?" Jeff reached out before he had the opportunity to finish the sentence. He grabbed his face between his hands and kissed him hotly. Ciel struggled away. "What in hell are you doing?" "What I should have done a long time ago. I love you," he said softly. "Don't you know?" Jesus Christ. Scott was right. He'd told him often how Jeff felt about him, but Ciel had never believed him. Ciel stood up. "Jeff, this is not the time. I'm not ready for this. I just broke up with Scott and..." "You fucked that creep!" Jeff was also on his feet. "Why didn't you come to me? Why did you have to fuck a complete stranger?" "I was drunk. I was in pain. Haven't you ever done anything you regretted?" "Yes. I regret not kissing you a long time ago. I should have thrown myself in the ring, tried to take you away from Scott." "It wouldn't have worked. I loved..." he paused. "I love Scott," he breathed. "I probably always will, even if there are a million reasons why I shouldn't." "Let me stay here with you tonight," Jeff's eyes went to the bedroom. "Let me hold you. You don't have to love me." "It wouldn't be fair to you, Jeff." He shook his head. 143

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"You think I care about fair?" He groaned. "I want you ... in my arms ... naked in that bed..." "I think you should leave now. I'll call you." Jeff picked his jacket up off the sofa. He gave Ciel one long look, then left. Ciel sighed and sank down onto the sofa. He stared at the television. Some guy was kissing another guy on the dance floor. Ciel put his face in his hands. Oh, God, Jeff was in love with him. That was all he needed. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Ten Amanda woke up smiling, with Liam, of all things, on her mind. She had enjoyed having dinner with him last night. They had spent three hours at the restaurant, lingering over coffee and dessert, discussing everything from politics to sex. Later they had taken a long walk, enjoying the cool night air. It was almost two in the morning by the time Liam had pulled up in front of her door. She'd been nervous about saying goodnight to him, not sure what to expect or what she would do if he asked to come in. As it turned out, her worry was in vain. He got out of the car and walked her to the door, gave her a chaste little kiss on the forehead, and thanked her for having dinner with him. "Call me," he said, walking back to his car and getting in. He lifted a hand and drove out of sight. Amanda had stood outside the door for the longest time, perplexed, slightly disappointed. Sure, she would have turned him down if he'd asked to come in, but she would have liked to be asked. Damn that man. Call me, indeed. He'd be doing the calling if there was any calling to be done. As the days passed, Amanda decided she wasn't going to waste time trying to figure out Liam Dunn. She had a lot of preparing to do. Hunter had gone through all the movies she'd suggested and was working his way through the reading list she'd given him ... bitching about it all the way. The musicals were "girlie and oh, so gay," and the classic novels were enough to put him to sleep. "They don't speak English," 145

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he complained. Amanda just laughed at him and told him to keep at it. They had started their dance lessons, and Hunter seemed to be getting more frustrated as the lessons went on, but she told herself he was improving. Scott was struggling. Amanda tried to be supportive, but it was almost impossible to talk to him for at least two days after each of his sessions with the therapist. Sometimes he'd stay in bed until three in the afternoon for days, then suddenly, get up and seem his old self again ... until the next session came around. Hunter often went in to sit with him in his room when Scott was in these moods. They didn't talk. Hunter would bring one of the books he was supposed to be reading and just sit there, by his bedside. Jacques called to tell her that he had returned. "I'll send you over some nice young men," he told her. "Whenever you want. If you have a preference, let me know. Let's hope you have some, because eventually, I'll run out." She laughed, thanking him. She wanted to ask about Liam. It had been almost three weeks since they'd had dinner, but she was damned if she would. "How was Amsterdam?" "Wonderful. I may have to go back soon. I'm trying to talk Liam into taking over here in Los Angeles. I may have to be in Amsterdam for an extended period. He's giving me a hard time about it, determined to retire, as he calls it." Amanda swallowed, longing to prolong the conversation, but she didn't. "Thank you, Jacques, for everything." "My pleasure, ma belle." 146

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"If you leave again, please let me know. Maybe we could have dinner. We keep talking about it, but it never happens." "How about here? You can bring Hunter and Scott. It's always a pleasure to see the ones you stole away from me." She laughed. "I'll consider it." "Liam will be here. I'm sure he'd like to see you again." "I ... yes, we had dinner," she said, trying to make her voice sound casual. "He was kind enough to come to the house with Hans. Hans is special." "Yes he is. I'll call you next week with a date." "Ah, okay." She didn't expect it to be that quick. "Well, I have to go. We have dance lessons tonight. Hunter is learning how to waltz." "Bonne chance," he said and rang off. **** Liam walked into the expensively furnished office just as Jacques was putting the phone down. He was sitting in the huge leather chair at his desk. "You busy?" Liam asked. "No. What is it?" "It's Ramsay. We may be losing him." "Really?" Jacques raised an eyebrow. "To a client. Mayfield, I think." "Who told you that, Ramsay or the client?" "Ramsay." "It might be part of his fantasy ... a little wishful thinking, n'est pas?" Jacques sat back in his chair and entwined his fingers. 147

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"That's what I thought at first, except that I just received a call this morning from Mayfield. He says he'll be by this evening. He wants to discuss something with us." Jacques laughed. "Well I'll be damned. Looks like Ramsay's dream may be coming true. Be careful what you wish for, eh?" "Um," Liam murmured. Jacques tilted his head slightly. "I was just speaking to Amanda Martindale on the phone, by the way." "You were?" "Yes. She told me you had dinner with her and that you accompanied Hans to an appointment at her house." "I did." "It's a little unusual, non?" "Yes," Liam said. "It is." Jacques held his gaze, then stood up. "I invited her to dinner, along with Hunter and Scott. Maybe Amanda can persuade you to stay on here and take my place while I'm in Amsterdam." Liam gave him a rakish smile. "I doubt that, but I'll look forward to seeing them." "Am I going to finally lose you, Liam?" Liam avoided looking into his eyes. "That happened a long time ago, remember?" "Um, yes. I remember. It's difficult to carry on a love affair while living on different continents." "It had nothing to do with that." There was no bitterness in Liam's voice. The time for bitterness had long since passed. 148

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"You are too much like Ramsay, Jacques. That was the problem." Jacques quirked an eyebrow. "How so?" Liam walked to the door. He paused and looked at Jacques over his shoulder. He was still beautiful, but the desire he'd once felt for him was gone. Jacques had broken his heart, but it had mended nicely. He still loved him, but he was no longer in love with him, thank God. Being in love with Jacques had been the most painful thing he'd ever endured in his life. "Liam?" Jacques was still waiting for an answer. "How am I like Ramsay?" "You sacrificed everything for your unrelenting goal," he told Jacques. "Even love." He didn't wait around for his reaction. **** Hunter's eyes widened when he saw Scott walk into the dance studio. He let out a groan. How much worse could it get? His lesson was going really badly tonight, and now Scott was here to laugh at him. How much worse could this night get? "Pay attention," the instructor, a middle-aged woman named Naomi, told him. "The waltz is a smooth dance. Remember, rise and fall, rise and fall. Okay, again, on the heel, on the ball, rise on the toe just to the end of the first beat ... there ... that's it ... hold your form. I'll be right back." "What are you doing here?" Hunter growled as Scott walked over to him. He had a big grin on his face. 149

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"I came to see how you're doing ... and from the looks of it ... there's no time to waste." "Oh shut up," Hunter muttered. "I hate this dancing stuff. I'm not any good at it. I have two left feet and..." "Okay, slow down," Scott said. "Let me show you." "What?" Hunter laughed. "Get real. Are you telling me you know how to do this stuff?" "I've cut a rug in my day." "Cut a what?" "Never mind. Be the girl." "You be the girl." "I can't show you, if you don't let me lead." Hunter sighed. "All right. "Remember the waltz is danced to music written in threequarter meter with thirty measures per minute." "Well excuse me, Mr. Ballroom Dancer." Scott grinned and took Hunter by the hands. "Okay, move in closer. First step, heel, then ball of your foot like the teacher said. Move your head ... move your head with the movement of your shoulder. That's it," he said as they danced around the floor. "Hey, this shit's not bad," Hunter said, laughing. "Okay, now you got to do that, except you've got to be a man." Hunter stopped, then looked into Scott's eyes. "Are you trying to tell me something, Scott?" Scott laughed and gave him a shove. The instructor was watching them suddenly. "Gentlemen," she said. "Please, this is a respectable establishment." 150

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"Well, we're not respectable," Scott told her, releasing Hunter. "He's all yours. I think he may have a clue now. Is Amanda here?" Scott asked. "In the gym," Hunter told him. "Gym? The ladies' gym downstairs?" "Yes, when Amanda signed me up for lessons, she joined the gym. She was going on about being flabby." "Oh good Lord," Scott rolled his eyes. "I was going to ask her to have a coffee with me while we waited for you." "Mr. Reese," the instructor said. "Back to work now. You can socialize later." "I have to socialize later," Hunter mocked, letting her take his hands. Scott laughed, lifted a hand and went in search of Amanda. **** When Scott walked into the all-women's gym, the receptionist gave him a curious look. Behind her were an array of women in all shapes and sizes on treadmills and exercise bikes. "Excuse me, sir," she said in a haughty voice. "This is an all-women's gym. Men are not allowed." "Oh, calm yourself, woman," Amanda suddenly appeared, walking across to the desk. "He's mine. And we're leaving." "Lucky you," one woman nearby chimed, wiping her face on her towel. "Let him stay," another called out. "He certainly makes exercising a hell of a lot more interesting." There was a chorus of agreement. 151

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Amanda laughed and took Scott's arm. He gave the ladies a little salute and walked outside with Amanda. "Hey," she kissed his cheek. "What are you doing here? I'm glad to see you." "I got bored. I wanted to see if I could help Hunter with his dancing." Amanda raised an eyebrow. "And did you?" "He may be beyond hope." She punched his arm. "Don't say that. You up for a dinner party next week?" "Where?" "Jacques'. We're invited." "Oh. Yeah, maybe," he said, looking around. "Should we go to the coffee shop? What time does Hunter get sprung?" She shook her head. "A half hour or so. I could use a..." She stopped. "Scott." "Yeah?" He looked at her. "I believe there's someone across the street who knows you." "Where?" He squinted. It was already dark. The figure walked across the street and stopped in front of them. "Hello Scott," he said. Scott studied him curiously. He wasn't tall, nor particularly good-looking. He was definitely biracial. "Do I know you?" "Not really," he cocked his head. "We have a mutual friend. Hello, Miss Martindale." Amanda said hello, then looked at Scott for explanation. "A mutual friend?" "More than a friend really, a lover." 152

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Scott narrowed his eyes. "I don't understand." "Ciel. Ciel Durand. I believe you were involved with him." Amanda placed a hand on Scott's arm. He stiffened. "Look, I don't know who in fuck you are, but..." "My name is Gary." He began to back away. "I'm the man of Ciel's dreams. Ciel and I don't want you coming around any more. You understand?" Scott took a step. Amanda pulled him back. "Don't, Scott, it's not worth it." He was gone. "Ciel didn't waste much time," Scott sneered. "Do you honestly think Ciel is involved with ... with him? Come on, give Ciel some credit. That guy Gary is a little weasel. Anyone can see that ... and not Ciel's type at all." "How did he know about me then?" He looked into Amanda's eyes. "I don't know," she said, shaking her head. "I really don't know." **** Hunter lay stretched out on the bed. Scott was slumped in a chair by the door. "Is she ever going to be ready?" Scott mused, glancing over at Hunter. He shrugged, rubbing his calf. "She's all hyped up about this dinner at Jacques'." "She's all hyped up about Liam Dunn." Hunter glanced over at him and grinned. "Do I detect a note of jealousy Scott?" "Don't be ridiculous. It's just not like Amanda to go gaga over some man, that's all. Your leg hurt?" 153

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"Yeah. It's all this dancing shit. And I have bad knees." "I remember ... those thugs." Hunter nodded. "How's it going ... the dancing? When I saw you last week, it looked pretty hopeless." "The dance instructor is a Nazi. I don't know why I have to learn all these dances. I'm not going to dance half of them." "You will if you go to one of those fund-raisers. I remember when I went one year with Amanda. What a howl." Scott sat up and slapped his knee. "Can you imagine the reaction when Amanda walked in with me on her arm? I was not more than twenty and black. The women were either terrified of me or wanted into my pants." Hunter grinned and shook his head. "Why did she do it?" "She did it to shock, to defy. I don't know. I guess because she could. She loves to fuck with convention. She's Amanda, and I guess that's why we're all so drawn to her." Hunter nodded silently. "So, do you think Amanda is falling in love?" "Nah," Scott replied. "That would take a miracle." "So how are things with the therapist?" "It sucks, but it's moving ahead. She says I'm about to make a breakthrough, whatever the hell that is." "That's good. And Ciel?" "I haven't talked to him in over a month. The strangest thing happened to me last week when Amanda and I were waiting for you at the dance place." "What?" 154

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"Some creepy guy—really ugly—he comes over to me, calls Amanda and me by name, and tells me he's Ciel's lover." "No shit. Did you believe him?" "Not at first, but then how did he know who we were? I'd never met him before." "Why in hell would he just come out and tell you that? And what was he doing there, outside the studio?" "Don't know. It was like he was waiting for me. He tells me that he and Ciel—I mean, get this—he and Ciel don't want me coming around." Hunter wrinkled his nose. "That doesn't make sense. Maybe you should call Ciel and..." "No. It's better I don't." He looked at Hunter, then stood up. "You could give me a little sugar once in a while you know, Hunter. It's really over." Hunter slid off the bed. "I would if I believed it." Scott rolled his eyes. "Let's go and see if Amanda is ready. We're going to be late for dinner, and if I remember right, Jacques likes punctuality." **** Amanda had a hard time staying quiet in the back of the car. She sensed that her talking was getting to Hunter, and Scott seemed to be ignoring her. "So," she announced sarcastically. "Let's get naked." Hunter looked at her. "What?" She laughed. "Scott thinks it's a good idea, don't you honey?" She nudged him. "Sure, whatever," he said. 155

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"Are you all right?" she asked him. "Fine. Why?" "You seem out there." "I was just thinking." "I hope you're okay with seeing Jacques." "Why shouldn't I be? He was always kind to me." "Hunter?" She raised an eyebrow. "I like Jacques. No worries," he said. "Do you think I look fat in this dress?" Amanda asked. Both young men looked at her. A stream of compliments flowed her way, and she grinned. "You guys are good for my ego." She'd left her hair down tonight. It fell just a little past her shoulders. She opted for a simple, sleeveless linen dress in lavender, which fell just above the knees. The white high heels she wore pinched her feet a little, but she figured she wouldn't be walking too much. She could always discretely slip them off under the table during the meal. Hunter and Scott walked on each side of her as they approached the door of Jacques' big house. She took both their arms. "Can there be a luckier woman than me anywhere in the world?" "Yes. We could be straight," Hunter mumbled. She smiled. "I wouldn't trade either one of you. Ring the bell, love." "This brings back memories," Scott commented. "Not bad ones?" Amanda glanced at him. "Wipe that worry off your brow," he said. "You'll get permanent wrinkles. Not bad ones, no." 156

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She nodded, her heart hammering in her chest as the door opened. It was that very uppity-looking butler. "Good evening. Please come in," he said. "Mr. Larose and Mr. Dunn are expecting you in the sitting room." It was a warm night, so there were no coats to take off. Amanda, Scott, and Hunter followed the butler down the hallway. Amanda didn't realize how invigorating it would be to see Liam again. She let Jacques kiss her cheek, but her gaze traveled immediately to the tall Irishman. He stood back away and waited for Jacques to finish greeting the guests. When Liam stepped forward, he lowered his head a little to make direct eye contact, then smiled. "Good evening, Amanda. You look beautiful." "Thank you," she said. He looked beautiful as well. In fact, he looked good enough to eat in his deep purple tailored suit with the long jacket and open-necked pale mauve shirt. Jacques wore his trademark black suit with a dark green shirt and a tie. "I didn't know it was formal," Scott announced. "You look fantastic, Scott," Jacques replied, ushering them all to seats in the sitting room. "Your jeans probably cost more than this suit." Everyone laughed. "Hunter," Liam said. "I really like that shirt. Did you buy it locally?" Jacques added his praise as well. It was silvery grey with a faint paisley print in the background. 157

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"Amanda bought it," Hunter said, taking a seat on the sofa beside Scott. "I bought it from a men's boutique downtown called Raring," Amanda replied. "Nice things there. A little too loud for your taste, Jacques, but Liam, you'd like it." Liam laughed. "Guess I'm a little less uptight, eh Jacques?" "Apparently so," he smiled. "It suits you, Hunter." "Thanks." "Drinks all around," Liam announced. "What can I get you?" He walked over to the bar. "Tom Collins," Amanda said. "Tom Collins for the lady. Hunter, Scott?" "I'll take rum, if you got it," Hunter said. "Of course." "Just Diet Coke for me," Scott said. Liam raised an eyebrow. Amanda reached over from where she was sitting in a big leather chair and patted Scott's knee. "I'll have a scotch," Jacques told Liam. While Liam went about fixing the drinks, Jacques directed his attention to Scott. "You look wonderful," he said. "It's been a long time." Scott nodded. "Yes it has. You look great too, Jacques. You haven't changed." He laughed. "Thank you, Scott. This is nice, dinner like this." "Yes," Amanda replied, glancing up at Liam as he walked over and handed her the drink. "We should have done this a long time ago." 158

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"We're having chicken for supper. I hope that's to your taste," Jacques announced. "Wonderful," Amanda said. "Sounds good," Hunter repeated. "So, Hunter," Liam said, delivering the rest of the drinks to the guests. "How is your prep going?" "Oh, it's going." Scott began to laugh. Hunter punched him playfully. "What's the problem?" Liam smiled. "Well, for a guy with Jamaican blood, the guy has no rhythm." "I do too have rhythm." "Yeah, in bed, maybe," Scott replied dryly. Everyone laughed. Liam walked over and turned on the stereo. "Come on Amanda," he said, holding out his hand. "Let's show Hunter how it's done." Her eyes widened. "What?" "Dance with me." All eyes turned to them as Liam reached down, took Amanda's hand, and pulled her to her feet. "You remember the waltz, don't you?" "Yes, yes, but..." "The Blue Danube. It was originally performed in 1867," he said, pulling her into his arms before she really had a chance to protest. "Did you know there were words written to this waltz?" "No-o ... I didn't," she said as his arms slipped around her. 159

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"Strauss wrote them himself originally for a boy's choir." He was moving her gracefully across the floor, his body so close, one hand holding hers, the other flat and gentle at the small of her back. "How do you know that?" She smiled up at him, almost forgetting that they weren't completely alone in the room. "It's my favorite waltz. It's sentimental, I know." He lowered his head near her cheek. She sucked in some breath as his soft hair caressed her skin. "I'm feeling rather vulnerable tonight, Amanda." She swallowed. "The first verse goes ... Danube so blue, so bright and blue, through vale and field you flow so calm, our Vienna greets you, your silver stream through all the lands you merry the heart with your beautiful shores." "It's beautiful." "It sounds better in German." The waltz sped up, and Amanda found herself practically carried around the floor in his strong arms. When the music ended, she was winded. Liam released her and gave her a little bow. "Thank you," he said. "Wow, that was a workout." She laughed. "We all need a good workout once in a while." He grinned, then turned to Hunter. "What did you think?" "It was beautiful to watch," Hunter said. Scott clapped his hands a few times. "Bravo." Jacques stood up. "I think dinner is ready," he said. 160

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Amanda detected a note of impatience in Jacques voice, but she didn't comment on it. Liam offered her his arm. "Shall we?" Amanda smiled and nodded, and they all headed in the direction of the dining room. The dinner was delicious, the conversation very pleasant. They all lingered over drinks at the table until well after midnight. Liam was telling hilarious stories about the characters he knew back home in Ireland when he was a boy. Liam was a natural storyteller. He knew how to keep you hooked and drop the punch line in such a way as to have you splitting a gut. Amanda laughed so hard, the tears rolled down her face. She was sure her makeup was ruined, and eventually, as the night wore on, she didn't care. When the conversation slowed down to a comfortable hum, Amanda decided it was probably time to leave. "Oh my," she said. "It's almost three in the morning. We should be leaving." Amanda glanced at Hunter and Scott, who were deep in conversation about something. "Ready guys?" Scott nodded. "Yeah, it's been great, man." Hunter nodded at Jacques and then at Liam. "No need to rush," Liam said. Jacques rose from his chair when he saw Amanda get to her feet. "It's been a pleasant evening. Thank you so much for coming." 161

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"Thanks for inviting us," Amanda said, accepting Jacques' kiss on the cheek. Hunter and Scott both shook Jacques' hand. Hunter gave Liam a hug. "See you," he said. Liam smiled at Scott. "I'll walk you to the door." Jacques said goodnight again, but lingered behind. At the door, Liam placed a hand on Amanda's arm. "Can I talk to you a moment?" Amanda nodded. Hunter and Scott were already walking to the car. The driver had been waiting since midnight. Amanda hadn't thought they'd be this late. Her pulse sped up a bit. "What is it?" "I was wondering if you'd permit me to come back next Saturday night. I could bring Hans with me, act as interpreter." A slight smile curved on his lips. "If I remember right, you interpret very well." She smiled. "Will there be a charge?" She was flirting badly, but she was damned if she could help herself. "No. All my services where you're concerned are free." He looked down into her eyes. "But I should charge you?" "Why's that?" "You didn't call me." "You didn't call me, either." "Did you want me to?" She bit her bottom lip. "No, I mean ... I didn't mean that. I..." "What did you mean?" He smiled. "Stop it," she said, then laughed. "I'm not doing anything ... yet." 162

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"You know what I mean." "You keep saying that, Amanda, but I really don't. I might look as if I can read your mind, but I can't. I didn't call you. Do you know why?" "No." "I thought that you were the kind of woman who wanted to do the calling. Was I wrong?" "No." "I took it that you had no interest in calling me." Amanda threw a look out at the car. "Listen Liam, I like you, but..." "But what?" Those green eyes were getting to her. "I don't want to change my life." "I'm not asking you to change your life. I'm only asking you to expand it a little." She laughed. "Come Saturday. I'm happy to be your friend, Liam." "Only that?" He raised an eyebrow. "I wish I could say the same." "What? You don't want to be my friend?" "Yes, I do, but I want to be much more than just your friend." He released her arm. "I'm a man. It's pretty difficult for a man like me to only think of friendship when I look at you, especially since I know I can give you what you need." She cleared her throat. This was getting intense. "I'll see you Saturday night. For dinner, of course."

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"Of course." He laughed. "I'll bring Hans. Can we make it seven? By eight, I'm famished. Eight is Jacques, I'm a seveno'clock man." She laughed. "Of course. I should invite Jacques as well." "No." He shook his head. "Ah, okay," she replied. "Goodnight." "Goodnight," he said. He stood in the doorway until she was safely inside the car. Scott and Hunter were both looking at her as the car pulled away from Jacques' house. "What?" she asked. "Nothing," Scott said, smiling. Hunter folded his arms across his chest and smirked. "What?" she demanded impatiently. "Is Liam coming for dinner Saturday night?" Scott began to hum the tune to The Blue Danube. "Yes, and so what if he is?" Amanda stuck out her chin. "Scott," she said irritably. "Stop humming that damn song." Scott and Hunter burst into laughter. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Eleven The restaurant was very busy again tonight, and Ciel found himself without even a moment to think. Everyone was groaning, and the air conditioning was being difficult. The sous chef was getting very impatient with his new assistant, who, in his opinion ... "But what in hell do I know ... overseasons everything." Ciel rolled his eyes at one of the other waiters and was prepared to carry a tray to some hungry patrons when the manager stopped him before he went through the swinging doors. "Ciel?" "What is it, Alec?" He was balancing the platter on his palm, hoping to hell he wasn't in shit for something. "I told you about having people hanging around waiting for you until you finished your shift, didn't I, Ciel?" "Yes, sir," he said. Was Scott out there? "Well, wait on your customers and then take care of it." "Yes, sir, I'm sorry, I didn't know," Ciel said. Ciel went to deliver his plates, looking around curiously. He saw him. It wasn't Scott. It was that creep. Ciel swore softly. He almost dropped the plates before he put them down in front of the customers. Ciel walked over to where that guy was standing near the cash register, trying to contain his anger. "What in hell are you doing here?" he muttered under his breath. "Now, sweetie, is that any way to greet a man you've fucked, Ciel?" 165

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"Lower your voice. Are you trying to get me fired?" Ciel looked around anxiously. "Not at all." "Well, leave then. We're not allowed to have people hanging around waiting for us. So leave." "I will if you agree to meet me later." Gary looked into his eyes. "God, you are so beautiful." "No. I'm not meeting you, now leave. I have to go back to work. The manager is looking over here." "I see him, looks like a sour fellow. Agree to meet me, and I'll leave." "No," Ciel said between clenched teeth. "I'm not fucking meeting you. I don't want you around me. I told you to..." Gary raised his voice. "The other night was wonderful, Ciel. I can't stop..." "Okay," Ciel breathed, glancing over his shoulder. The manager was just about to head in his direction. "Fine, where?" "I'll wait for you outside. We'll go for a drink." Ciel didn't say anything. He just walked away. When he summoned the courage to look again, Gary was gone. The manager glared at him and walked off. **** Ramsay rolled across the huge, king-sized bed several times, as if he were a small boy again. Outside the window were the Swiss Alps. They were breathtaking. He jumped out of bed naked and padded across the room, sinking his toes into the deep, plush carpet. He could hear the shower running 166

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in the adjacent room. He picked up the phone and ordered freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. He'd wait and see what Douglas wanted for breakfast. When Douglas Mayfield came out of the shower, Ramsay ran over and hugged him. They stood together admiring the scenery. "I'm so happy," Ramsay said, hugging him. Douglas kissed the top of his head. "Good. I'm glad. When I asked you if you wanted to travel around with me, I wasn't sure you'd say yes." "Why wouldn't I?" Ramsay looked up at him. "It's all I've ever dreamed of." "Well, you're so beautiful. I'm older and..." "Very sweet," Ramsay kissed his mouth gently. Douglas pulled his towel off and let it fall to the floor. "You have a sweet mouth. I want to fuck it," he said hoarsely, pushing Ramsay to his knees. Ramsay opened his mouth and began to slowly swallow Douglas' cock. Douglas took Ramsay's head between his hands and held it still; then he began to rock his hips back and forth. Ramsay closed his eyes. He'd be all right, as long as images of Hunter stopped appearing in his head. Hunter naked, Hunter touching him. Um, yeah. The cock exploded in his mouth. He tasted, swallowed, and looked up into eyes that were blue, not brown. He told those brown eyes silently to fuck him. He wanted Douglas to fuck Hunter right out of his heart. ****

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Ciel was ready to fight now. He was so Goddamned angry. How dare that guy come to his place of work? The parking lot was empty when he walked out into the night. He looked around. "Where are you? Where are you, you fucking creep? Now I'm pissed. I'm going to..." "You're going to what, darling?" a voice asked him. He turned around, saw a flash, felt the blow, then nothing. **** Scott couldn't sit down. He was pacing up and down. Breakthrough. Is this what she called a breakthrough? "Scott," she said. "Don't stop. You were beginning to tell me what happened to you at the last foster home." He took a breath. "He took me downstairs to the basement." He suddenly could smell it, all musty and dank, with a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. He shuddered. She didn't interrupt. "I had on a pair of pajama bottoms. He ripped them off. I remember the look on his face. He ... leered at me. He made me..." Scott cleared his throat. "He made me do all kinds of poses, and he took pictures." "Did he touch you?" "Yes, goddamn it. He mauled me..." Scott's voice broke. "He handled my genitals and ... he ... put things up inside of me..." His voice broke. "He called me an animal. He said I was a ... like a mutt off the street ... that no one wanted me, and all I was good for was..." He stopped. "He left me there for days. He raped me, and then he..." "He what, Scott?" 168

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"He invited his friends." "How many?" "Three. They came regularly. They tortured me, and ... I wanted to die." Tears ran down his face. "What about the woman?" "She sometimes watched." He sank down into his chair. "They can't hurt you anymore, Scott." "I know." "Those things they said to you weren't true. They were evil. They wanted to demoralize you, take away your spirit." Scott swallowed. "How do you feel?" "Like a weight has been lifted off my chest." He wiped his eyes. "It's taken me so long to talk about it. Why?" "It's too painful, but hiding down there only made it fester. Now that you've liberated it, you can deal with it. We can finally start working on your self-esteem." "I hate them." "Have you considered going to the police, having them pay for what they did to you?" "Oh God, no." "It may be something in your future when you're stronger, not now. They should pay for what they did. They may have done it to others." He nodded. "That's enough for today. Would you like me to have my secretary call for your car?" "No," he said. "I'd like to walk a bit, then I'll call on my cell phone. 169

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"Stay in the waiting room as long as you like, and if you need me, call my emergency number," she said. "I'll be all right," Scott told her, and for the first time in a long time, he actually meant it. **** Amanda had already received an invitation for a huge fund-raiser. It was three weeks away, and Senator Delany was going to be in attendance. She had really stepped up Hunter's preparation. He learned the proper table manners, could dance a few of the social dances adequately, and was well-versed in current politics. She hired a grammar coach to ensure he was pronouncing his words properly and revamped his wardrobe. One morning, as she left her room to go down to breakfast, she heard some giggling as she walked by Scott's room. She knocked on the door and was told to come in. She found Scott and Hunter cuddling in bed together. They were laughing like fools. "What are you boys up to?" "She sounds like our mother, doesn't she?" Hunter laughed. Scott hid his face under the blanket. "Please, Mom, we'll be good." "Very funny. Hunter, you didn't forget that Liam is bringing Hans tonight?" "I know," he replied. "Yum." "Is he a real sub?" Scott asked. "Yep. He doesn't even talk, but he has a great ass," Hunter sank down into the bed. Amanda smiled. "We have a tux fitting today, Hunter." 170

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He groaned. "Already?" "Fund-raiser is in a few weeks." "Yeah, yeah." "Hey, can I stick around tonight?" Scott asked Amanda. Amanda looked hesitant. "I'll be good. I only want to watch. Can I watch?" "We'll see," she said. She grinned and closed the door behind her. Hunter and Scott had gotten very close over the last little while. She didn't mind. She was glad, really. Hunter had been sticking pretty close to Scott, especially right after his sessions. She felt sad as she walked down the stairs. It looked like it was really over between Scott and Ciel now. She never thought she'd see the day. **** As it turned out, Scott did not stick around for the evening. He decided to go and see a movie. He figured it was for the best. Amanda seemed a little uncomfortable with the idea of him joining them in the playroom. It was weird, considering that at one time he was her main man. But that was okay. Amanda was right; the past was the past, and one had to move on. If only he could get past the pain of losing Ciel. The movie was good. He enjoyed it. He tried not to notice the couples cuddling, holding hands in the theater. As he walked out into the lobby, someone said his name. Scott looked up to see Ciel's friend Jeff, standing there with three other guys. Scott nodded at him. He really didn't want to see this guy now, or ever. He'd always suspected he'd had a thing for Ciel, 171

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although Ciel always laughed at him when he said that. It didn't matter anymore He was surprised when Jeff came over to him. "Scott, have you seen Ciel?" He looked anxious. "No," Scott said. "Why?" "He's not with you at that rich woman's house?" "Amanda's? No. Why?" Scott felt his heart race. "Why? Where is he? Where's Ciel?" "I don't know." Jeff shook his head. "He hasn't been home in days. He hasn't showed up for classes. I went by Mino's, and he hasn't been there either." "That doesn't make sense. Where in fuck can he be?" Jeff shook his head. "I thought he was with you." Scott was speechless. He could hardly breathe. "When did you see him last?" "A few weeks back. He told me you guys had broken up. We had a bit of a ... disagreement and..." "You tried to move in too soon, Jeff," Scott sneered at him. "Ciel's not a rebound kind of guy." Jeff looked down at the floor. "Well, if you hear from him, can you have him call me?" "Sure," Scott nodded, watching him walk away. Scott headed out of the theater and hailed a cab. He felt in his pockets. He still had the key. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Twelve Hunter whistled when Amanda came down the stairs about six-thirty. She was wearing a one-piece pant suit in a beautiful shade of cream, which fastened at the throat with a jeweled clasp. She'd put her hair up, leaving little tendrils at the sides, and donned a pair of white sandals. "I look okay, then?" "Better. You look good enough to eat. If I wasn't a cock man, I'd ... take a bite myself." "Flattery will get you just about anything you want," she grinned. "And speaking of that," she paused, looking at him. "What is it you want?" "Uh-oh," he said. "Not 'uh-oh.' We have to start thinking about your future." "I thought we were doing that. I want cock." She laughed. "That's a given. I mean, what do you want long-term, and don't say cock again." Hunter laughed. "You and Scott need to be thinking about where you want to be in five years. It's too late for the fall term, but it would be a good idea if you both enrolled in school after the Christmas break." "School ... as in books and pencils and shit?" "Did the grammar coach teach you to talk like that?" "No, but..." "No buts ... I'll get some calendars. You can check out the programs." 173

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"Look, woman." Hunter pointed at her, narrowing his eyes. "The grammar coach said no more of that." "Screw the grammar coach," he said. "Stop being such a brat, Hunter. We'll talk more about it later. Did Scott leave?" "This afternoon." "I'm going to check on dinner." "Don't worry," he called after her. "Your honey will be here soon." Amanda turned around, glared at him for a second, then went into the kitchen. **** Scott threw his key on the ground in frustration. It didn't work anymore. He pounded on the door. "Ciel, open up. It's me, Scott. Ciel!" "He's not there," a voice said suddenly from behind him. It was the neighbor from downstairs, the elderly Greek woman. "You haven't seen him?" "Not in days," she said. "I haven't heard him, either. I haven't heard anyone up here. I usually hear his stereo, and he always comes down and asks me if I need the garbage taken out." Scott chewed his thumbnail. "Have you two had a fight?" "No, no." "Good. You're using the wrong key. You must have forgotten. Mr. Monteri changed the lock." 174

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"Changed the lock?" Scott's eyes widened. Shit? Had Ciel gone that far and locked him out? "You know Monteri, how cheap he is. He was complaining about it one day. I saw him change them; then he came downstairs and said he hoped I had no repairs to do because the lock had been expensive and so on. You know how he goes on." "Did he say why Ciel wanted the lock changed?" She shook her head. "No." Scott reached out and touched her arm. "Thanks, Mrs. Erasmus," he said. He peered in through the window. The blind was down. Maybe he could jimmy it, somehow get inside. "Good luck," she said and went back downstairs. Scott sighed. The only thing he could do was break the window. He was considering doing just that when he saw Mr. Monteri. He zipped up his short, black leather jacket, and took the stairs two at a time. "Mr. Monteri," he called out, walking over to where he was standing by his car. "Oh you. What do you want? I'm not changing anything else. I got to redo the damn roof. See that?" he pointed to the dangling shingles. "Yeah, look, I lost my new key, and Ciel isn't home. Can you let me in?" "You'll have to pay to make a new one," he complained, taking out a bunch of keys and heading up the stairs. "Get that boyfriend of yours to get a couple of copies made." "Okay," he said, sucking in some breath. "Thanks." 175

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"I may have to raise your rent this year," he grumbled and went back down the stairs. Scott walked into the apartment and looked around. Empty. Ciel's bed was made. He opened the refrigerator door and peered in. The milk had soured, past date. Ciel had taken a steak out of the freezer to thaw at one time. It was rotten. The answering machine was flashing. The screen said that the box was full. Scott poured the milk out and dumped the steak in a garbage bag. Something was wrong. Something was desperately wrong. He stood in the middle of the floor for a second, perplexed, then left, locking the door behind him. He dumped the rotten steak and smelly milk carton on his way. **** Ciel was stiff. He had long since given up trying to get loose from the ropes. He'd woken up in Gary's bed, gagged and bound, tied to the headboard. He had no idea how long he'd been here, but it seemed forever. Gary hadn't touched him, yet, but Ciel knew it was only a matter of time. "I want you to want me," Gary told him. "Eventually, you will. With no water, no food, you'll die. Anything is better than death. I want you to give yourself to me." He could survive quite a while without food, but he knew that he wouldn't last more than a few days without water. Ciel had thought about faking it, just to get himself untied, but Gary told him not to even think of it. "I have no intention of untying you. All I want is your verbal consent. I want you bound." 176

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"If I consent, will you let me go?" Ciel insisted. He just laughed. "How can I ever let you go, Ciel? I love you. I love you with all my heart." **** Liam and Hans showed up exactly on time, and the dinner was delicious. Hunter couldn't help but notice that Amanda and Liam didn't take their eyes off each other. He and Scott had joked about it, but could it be that Amanda was falling in love? He couldn't say he blamed her. Liam was gorgeous, charming, cultured, sexy as hell, and bisexual, and he didn't seem to mind indulging her little fantasies. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it. They didn't linger over dessert. In fact, Amanda seemed anxious to get upstairs to the playroom, and so did Liam. Liam took Hans by the collar. He pulled him across the floor and looked at Hunter. "Strip him," he said, those green eyes seeming to dance. Amanda walked in seconds later in her robe and high heels. She'd let it drape open, revealing a frilly, low-cut bra and matching panties. Liam's gaze went immediately to her. Hunter began to take off Hans's clothes, careful not to touch his nipples or his cock. He planned to tease a while. Hans's eyes were filled with lust. Hunter was getting hard. Liam turned Amanda around to face him. He pushed the robe off her shoulders and lowered his mouth to hers. They kissed. Liam took a step back, assessing her. He lowered the 177

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straps on her bra and lifted out one breast, kissed the nipple, then lifted out the other. "Leave them like that," he instructed. Amanda went to sit on her chair, and Liam walked over to Hunter. "Take off your shirt," he told him. Hunter pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside. "You," Liam said to Hans. "Go lie on that table, your hands over your head, legs spread. Don't touch yourself." Hans immediately obeyed. Hunter smiled at Liam. Liam smiled back. "You are so hot," Liam told him. "Put your hands over your head and lean against the wall." Hunter pressed back against the wall, his hands over his head. "Problem with you is, you've had too much control. You need discipline." Hunter's heart began to beat hard in his chest. Liam undid his shirt and let it drop to the floor. He ran his hand over his chest, brushed his thumbs over his nipples. "What do you say, Amanda?" Liam looked at her in the mirror. "What does he need?" "A real man," she moaned, playfully handling her own nipples. Liam placed his hands over Hunter's wrists. He looked intensely into his eyes. He licked and nibbled one nipple, then the other. Hunter's chest heaved. "You want to get fucked, little boy?" Hunter swallowed. "If you want to get fucked, you have to earn it." 178

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Hunter smiled. One of Liam's hands trailed down Hunter's chest and then opened his pants. He stood up straight. "Take them off. Leave the briefs." Hunter was hard as rock. He kicked the pants away, his cock peeking out of the waistband of his briefs. "Lower the waistband, but don't take off the underwear. I want it displayed." Hunter lowered the waistband of his underwear, licking his lips. Hans moaned from where he lay on the table. Liam undid his own pants and took them down, then came the shoes, the socks, the underwear. He took Hunter's arm and pulled him forward. He yanked him into his arms and held him, Hunter's back to his chest. "Isn't he beautiful?" "Yes," Amanda said. One of Liam's hands roamed Hunter's chest, then reached down to ever-so-slowly move his erection back and forth. Hunter could feel Liam's cock pressing into his ass, and the feeling of Liam's hand moving his cock around was driving him crazy. Liam released him. "Stand there with your hands behind your head," he said to Hunter. "Hans..." He turned to the other. "—come over here." Hans immediately ran over and got on his knees in front of Liam. "I'm going to fuck you. I want you to ever so gently lick Hunter's shaft. Don't suck it. Don't take it in your mouth, just lick it." Liam went to get a short, padded footstool from the corner of the room. "Kneel on it," he told Hans. 179

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Hans got up onto the stool, then took Hunter's cock into his hand and ever so slowly began moving his tongue along it. Liam went over to the chest to get a few things, then got on his knees behind Hans. He had positioned all three of them so that Amanda could see everything through the mirror. Hunter let his head go back as the sensation of Hans's tongue moving along his shaft began to take effect. "Now," Liam said softly. "I am going to grease this very thick imitation dick and fuck your hole with it, Hans, to get you ready for me." Hans was moaning over Hunter's cock. Hunter was having a difficult time standing still. He swayed on his feet, clenched his teeth, moaned deep in his chest. Hans grunted as Liam inserted the greased cock into his ass. "Watch in the mirror, Hunter. Imagine it's my cock pumping into your ass." That was it. Hunter's cock began to drip pre-cum. "Remember how to hold on, Hunter," Liam warned. "You know how." Hunter nodded with a grimace. Hold on. Hold on. Amanda cried out now with orgasm as she massaged her clit. Liam pulled Hans away from Hunter and off the stool. He pressed Hans face down on the floor and fucked the hell out of his ass with that greased toy. Hunter was in agony, his hands still plastered to his neck, and Liam now replaced the toy with his own cock. He pulled 180

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out of Hans before he came, throwing the condom aside. He reached onto the floor for another. "Get down here beside Hans," Liam told him. Hunter went to his knees. "Both of you, side by side. Spread it wide." Hunter looked into Hans' face. He was smiling. "Hans, I want you to fondle Hunter's tits, and his cock and balls while I fuck him. Play with him." The lubricated finger pressed up inside of him, then the sheathed cock. Liam began fucking Hunter, slowly, deeply, causing loud moans to ring out of him, while Hans slapped his cock and twisted his nipples quite brutally. Hunter screamed when he came, his cock pumping out streams of cum. Liam pushed him onto his back. He hovered over him, kissing his mouth sensuously, then smiling up at Amanda in the mirror. She'd broken out into a sweat. Liam stood up. "Tie up Hans, Hunter. Spread him out and have some fun with him." He walked over and looked at Amanda. "I'm up for a little more fun of my own." **** "Gary," Ciel called out weakly from the bedroom. He could hardly lift his head anymore. If his captor didn't give him some water, he was going to die. "Gary!" Suddenly Gary walked in. He stood looking at him from the doorframe. "You rang?" Sick fuck. "I need some water. I can't survive without water. Please." Gary had removed the gag hours ago, claiming that his apartment was soundproof. 181

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"Give me a kiss, and I'll give you some water." Ciel clenched his teeth. "Okay." He had no choice. Gary came over to the bed. He leaned down. "Open mouth. I want one of those kisses you Frenchies are famous for." Ciel tried to swallow his disgust as Gary's tongue probed his. It lasted far too long, and culminated with Gary's hand brushing his cock. Gary brought him some water. He lifted his head and let him drink. Ciel coughed and sputtered, and Gary took the glass away. "I think I want you naked," he said. Ciel sighed. "Gary, let's talk about this. If you let me go, I won't tell the police. We'll call it square, okay?" Suddenly, Gary was sliding the zipper down on his pants. "Yes, naked," he moaned. "Tell me the things Scott used to do with your cock." Ciel closed his eyes. "I spoke to Scott." "You didn't hurt him! If you hurt him, I..." "You'll what?" Gary laughed, holding Ciel's cock in his hand and stroking it. "Not much you can do, baby. Great cock. Bet he loved sucking it, loved it inside of him." Ciel kept his eyes closed. He felt his shirt being ripped open. "Great chest, too. I've always wanted a body like that. You're an angel, Ciel." "You're the fucking devil," Ciel spat, glaring at him. "I hate your filthy hands on me." 182

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Gary squeezed his cock until it hurt, then released it. "Well, one day you'll love it, baby. One day soon." Roughly, he tied the gag back in his mouth. Ciel breathed a sigh of relief when he left the room. He had to find a way to get the fuck out of there. **** Amanda watched as Hunter played with different toys in Hans' spread ass. Liam had come to the back of her seat and reached down to play with her breasts from behind, making sure not to obstruct her view. The more Hunter tormented the bound Hans, the more Hans seemed to like it. A tight cock ring, nipple clamps which pulled at his nipples and the skin of his scrotum at the same time, a leather gag in his mouth, a huge monster of a vibrating toy deep in his ass ... the guy was in heaven. Liam left her for a second while she used her vibrator, her body shuddering with several extreme orgasms. He returned with a delicious-smelling balm. She had no idea what stuff she had in that chest. "I'm going to rub it on your nipples. It's red, very sexy," Liam told her. "It's supposed to taste good, too." "Are you planning on tasting it?" She squirmed a little on the chair, as his finger dabbed some on her left nipple. "I plan on licking off every bit of it," he said. He rubbed the stuff on thoroughly. She was so wet. She wanted him between her thighs, licking her, fucking her. Did she want to fuck him? 183

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He came around to the side and began to lick her nipples. Hunter dragged the dildo out of Hans' ass and began to fuck him with his cock. Hans was sobbing in gratitude. Suddenly Liam pulled Amanda off her long chair. "What are you doing?" She blinked. He glanced over at Hunter who was fucking Hans. Liam lay down on the chair. Amanda's eyes went to his erect cock. "I want you to use me." "You want me..." "Come on, Amanda," he met her gaze. "Straddle me, ride me. You know you want to. Come on, my cock is yours." He pointed to the condoms. Amanda reached over for one. "Tear it open," he breathed. "Put it on my cock. Take off those wet panties." Hunter was releasing his load into Hans' ass. Her pussy throbbed in response. She tore open the condom with her teeth. Yes, yes. She rolled it onto his cock. He moaned a little. "I want you," he said, looking into her eyes. "I never wanted to fuck a woman as much as I want to fuck you right now. Fuck me, Amanda." Amanda reached a leg over him. Liam pulled her up on top of him. She straddled his cock. He reached up and grabbed her breasts in his hands. "Go, take it, take it all," he said in that fine, deep accent of his. She felt her drenched pussy capture the head of his cock. He reared up, causing her to cover half his shaft. She moaned. God, he felt good. He felt so good, hard, so hard. She closed her eyes. His hand reached around and grabbed 184

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her ass, spreading her cheeks. She felt the tip of his finger at her anal passage. She moaned. He pressed his lips against her breasts, then took one of her nipples between his teeth. She sank lower onto him. His head went back. "Yes, yes, Jesus," he cried out, slamming his head into the pillow. "Go, do it, work it," he growled. She let go. She actually let go and rode him. She cried out, she swore, increasing her pace. She watched his face contort in orgasm and he exploded inside her, calling out her name. The tears flowed. Amanda found herself crying uncontrollably. She looked down into his face and thought it was the most beautiful face she'd ever seen. Then she just felt scared. He reached out for her. She recoiled, climbed off of him. Liam narrowed his eyes. "Are you okay?" Hunter was sitting on the floor beside Hans. She saw him glance over at her, looking confused, concerned even. She grabbed her robe off the floor and ran from the room. **** Hunter stood up and looked over at Liam, who was slowly putting his pants back on. "What in hell happened?" Hunter asked, glancing at Liam, then at the door of the room. Liam sighed. "I'm not sure really. Come on, Hans," he said. "Get dressed. It's time for us to leave." Hunter hurriedly put on his clothes as well and went looking for Amanda. She wasn't in her bedroom. He went into each room upstairs, but he didn't find her. Then he heard her 185

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voice downstairs in the hall. She was talking to someone. "What do you mean, he's disappeared?" Her voice sounded strained. Hunter froze. A voice answered, a voice filled with fear. "Amanda, he's just gone. I can't find him anywhere." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Thirteen "Oh my God," Amanda cried out. Hunter raced down the stairs. Liam came down quickly behind him. "What's happened?" Liam asked, looking from Amanda to Scott. Although Hunter wasn't sure what had happened really, the look on Scott's face was enough to make him pull Scott into his arms and hug him tight for a second. "It's Ciel, Scott's boyfriend. He's disappeared," Amanda told Liam. "Tell me everything," Liam said, pulling Scott away from Hunter for a moment and looking him in the eye. "I'll fix us a drink," Hunter said. They all went into the living room, Hans hovering uncertainly around the entrance. Liam sat on one side of Scott, Amanda on the other. Hunter handed Scott a shot of whiskey, but he shook his head that he didn't want it. "I met Jeff tonight, one of Ciel's friends from the university. He wanted to know if I'd seen Ciel. He hasn't been to school. He hasn't been to work. I went to the apartment, and he's changed the locks." "Changed the locks?" Amanda echoed. She looked at Liam. "They broke up recently." He nodded. "I went to all his old haunts, I've asked everyone. No one has seen him. He's just like ... disappeared. And there was sour milk in the fridge and rotten meat. Amanda, I'm scared. He wouldn't just stop going to classes or to work." 187

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"Maybe we should call the police," Amanda said. Liam nodded, patting Scott's shoulder. "Have you got a picture of him?" Scott took his wallet out of his jeans and gave him a photograph. Liam raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I know," Scott said with a sad smile. "He's pretty good-looking." Liam nodded. "Look, I'll do what I can, and Jacques has some connections in the city." He stood up. Amanda stood up and followed Liam to the door. "Thank you," she said. "Not at all. I won't guarantee anything, but we'll do what we can. Amanda," he said. "We need to talk." She shook her head. "Just leave it alone, okay?" "I don't know if I can." He met her gaze with his. "For tonight." "Of course. Come on, Hans," he motioned. "Time to go home." Amanda watched him go. She closed the door. There was so much going on in her head, mostly Ciel, right now. But she couldn't pretend that he hadn't gotten to her, touched a core of her that hadn't been touched in a very long time, perhaps had never really been touched like that at all. She'd possessed him totally tonight, and he'd surrendered, given her his body, and she'd used it exactly the way she'd needed to. He'd broken down the wall, and now she felt helpless, vulnerable, and she didn't like that feeling. Her father had made her feel that way. She'd loved him so much, but he 188

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never gave her what she needed. She wiped the tears which came again. Scott needed her now. It was not the time to think about this stuff. As she walked back into the room, Hunter was trying to comfort Scott. "What if he left the country, just left everything, went back to France? I may never see him again." He cried on Hunter's shoulder, and Hunter stroked his hair, looking up at Amanda helplessly. "We'll find him," Amanda said. "If he went to the ends of the earth, we'll find him." **** Ciel was drifting. Scott was sitting beside him on the bed, saying his name. "I do love you," he whispered. "I love you, Ciel. I want to make love to you. Let me, please, let me make love to you." "Yes," Ciel said. "Yes." His eyes opened suddenly as he felt a hand stroking his cock. The face swam in front of him. The gag was gone. "I'll make love to you, baby," the voice vibrated in his ear. "I'll make love to you good." He started to struggle, tried to propel the hands away from him as if it was a foreign object. "Don't. Don't touch me." He heard him swear. "You hate me, and I've done nothing to you. I love you. I really love you." "Please, water," Ciel said, trying to swallow. "If you love me, give me water." "Just a little sip," Gary said. 189

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Ciel felt the water touch his lips. He gagged, then tried to force himself to keep it down. He coughed a little, then it was gone. "A kiss," Gary whispered. "A kiss, my beautiful Ciel." Ciel twisted away from him, then lay still as the man's mouth came down hard on his. Oh, God, he was never getting out of here. **** Hunter went with Scott to the police. They had a picture of Ciel and all the information, and said they'd look into it. They didn't seem too concerned. One officer said, "It's seems simple. You had a lover's spat, and he's taken off." Scott was really upset when he came out of the precinct. "Come on," Hunter said. "I'll help you look for him. We'll probably find him faster than those assholes." Amanda hired a special investigator. "I don't care what the cost is," she said. "Find him." At around nine o'clock that night, the doorbell rang. Amanda hurried to the door, thinking there was some news. Liam stood there. They looked at each. Neither one of them had anything to report. "Come in," she said. "Thank you." "Diet Coke?" He laughed. "Fine." "I was the one who brought Ciel and Scott together," she said. She poured some Diet Coke into an ice-filled glass and handed it to him. He sat down on the sofa. "So I gathered." 190

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"I went looking all over for the most beautiful man, and I found Ciel." "Good choice. He's gorgeous." "I brought him for Scott." "And for you." She smiled a little. "Yes. He was my choice, not Scott's." "And they fell in love." "Yes." "And how did you feel about that?" He took a sip of his Coke. "Hurt at first. Ciel was taking my Scott away." She smiled a little sadly. "But he was never really your Scott to begin with." She nodded. "I think it hurt because they had found something together you wanted for yourself. Scott and Ciel could never be in love with you, the way they were in love with one other." She didn't say anything. "What are you so afraid of, Amanda?" "Don't lecture me like a man on my eccentric tastes. At least I have the guts to stand up and admit what turns me on. I don't hide it." "That's it? You think I'm judging you? I admire that in you, Amanda. Never hide who you are. I've never tried to pretend I'm a straight man." "You are judging me." "I'm not judging you. I'm asking you why you're so scared of letting yourself be loved?" She froze. "I'm not." 191

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"Yes, you are," Liam said. He stood up, came a little closer. "Last night you felt something with me you haven't felt in a long time. And you got scared and ran away." Tears ran down her face. "I don't want to be dominated by any man. I want to do what I want, go where I want, live out my fantasies, and my ... my father and my husband both tried to make me into what they wanted me to be. I'll never do that again, Liam." "Good," he said, placing a hand on her shoulders. "I wouldn't want to be with you if I thought you'd let me mold you into someone else. Amanda, I'm in love with you." Her mouth fell open. "I knew we were perfect for each other the moment I saw you—because, Amanda, I too, don't want to be with someone who expects me to change. I want to be with one person, but someone who enjoys men the way I do, who will be turned on by watching me with other men ... but at the end of the night, when everyone goes home, I want to crawl in bed beside you. I want to wake up in the morning beside you. I want to grow old with you. Amanda, marry me." Her mouth stayed open. He laughed. "Are you trying to catch flies?" "I can't believe you..." She stopped. "I think ... I might be falling ... I love you, too," she whispered. His face broke into a smile. He pulled her close, kissed her passionately on the mouth. She touched his hair, shook her head in wonder. "You said we were soul mates." "Yes," he said softly. "We are." 192

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"We're both strong-willed people. We could end up killing each other." "As long as I die in your arms," he grinned. "Now that that's settled, and I can breathe again, let's help Scott find that man of his, shall we?" **** Hunter was searching desperately for Scott in a bar called Rough Riders. They'd split up about twenty minutes before, both equipped with photographs of Ciel, trying to find someone who had seen him. Hunter had finally hit gold. The guy's name was Rico, and he was more than a little stoned, but he told Hunter some interesting things about Ciel being in that bar and going off with some guy a few weeks back. When Hunter spotted Scott at the bar, deep in discussion with the bartender, he sighed with relief. "Scott," Hunter said, pulling on his arm. "This is Rico. Rico, tell Scott what you told me." "Hey, baby," Rico said. "You and your friend here got it going on? Hot! This must be my lucky night. You guys wanna...?" "Never mind that shit," Scott snapped. "What did you tell my friend here?" "Okay baby, take it easy." He put up his hands. "That guy in the picture, he was in here one night a few weeks back. I wouldn't forget him. Not many guys come in here looking that good ... one hell of hunk. He'd had a few. Guys were cruising 193

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him, but Gary got him. Had a good time, too, 'cause I got some pictures of him on my hard drive." "You have Ciel's pictures on your hard drive?" Scott blinked. "What kind of pictures?" "Naked pictures. Gary was bragging about it to everyone ... how he'd had this hunk in his bed. Come back to my place, I'll show you. I have one of those pictures on my monitor. Keeps me up, if you know what I mean." He winked. Scott clicked his tongue with disgust. "This Gary guy," Hunter probed. "What's his last name? Where does he live?" "I don't know," Rico shrugged. "Take me to your place," Scott demanded. "Show me this picture." "Sure thing, baby. It's worth the trip." **** As it turned out, Rico didn't live far from the club. As they walked along the darkened streets, Hunter took out his cell phone. Amanda picked up on the second ring. "Where are you?" was her first question. He knew she'd be worried. "We're on the corner of Seaman and Cumming." He suddenly realized how ridiculous that sounded. "Where? Be serious." "I am. That's the name of the streets. We may have something," "What? Wait a minute." 194

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Amanda placed her hand over the phone. She was talking to someone. "Amanda?" "We're coming. We'll meet you there." "It's okay. You don't have to. Just keep that PI handy. We'll need to find a guy that Ciel might have gone home with." "Where are you right now?" "We're entering this dumpy apartment building." "What's the address?" "I don't know, but it's on the corner of those two streets I won't mention again." "We're on our way. Is Scott okay?" "He's very stressed and upset." "Stay close to him. And don't go anywhere without us. I'll call the private eye guy on the way there." "Okay." Hunter hung up and followed Scott and Rico up a narrow flight of stairs. **** Liam drove fast toward the Village. Luckily, the traffic was light. Amanda spoke with the private detective she'd hired, and he would meet them there. When she finally got off the phone, she smiled over at Liam, whose gaze was fixed to the road. "You didn't have to do this, Liam." "Yes I did. If I'm going to be part of your life..." He paused and glanced at her. "—and I do want to be part of your life, Amanda—I might as well start now." 195

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She didn't say anything. She just sat back in the leatherpadded seat and closed her eyes. Could she allow a man to come back into her life again? Granted, this was one of her choosing, not her father's. This was an exciting man who had enough money that he wasn't interested in hers and who wouldn't cramp her style in any way. But marriage ... that was a little too much for her. She wondered if he'd considered just living together for a while ... a trial, to see if it would work. God, was she in love? She looked over at him, his hair blowing in the cool night breeze, and she decided that yes, damn it, she was. She was in love with Liam Dunn, and if they could just find Ciel, maybe she could sit down and seriously consider what she was going to do about that. **** Scott stood over in the corner of the room as Liam, Amanda, and some stranger hovered around this guy Rico's computer. Hunter was trying to reassure the guy that they weren't up to anything weird. "We're just trying to find out where that Gary guy lives," Hunter told him. "We'll be out of your hair soon." Scott put his face in his hands. Had something happened to Ciel? Had he met some creep and ... Suddenly, something dawned on him. "I saw him," Scott shouted out. "I saw the bastard. He came up to me ... Amanda, you were there, that night at the dance studio place." Everyone was looking at him, including the blue-suited man fiddling on the computer. "That creepy guy. I remember," Amanda said. 196

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"What did you say this Gary guy looked like?" the detective asked Rico. "Not tall, light-skinned ... like him." Rico pointed at Scott. "Biracial?" "Yes." "Okay, we have his description," the detective told Amanda. "And I have all the information I need to find his home address." "How long before you have it?" Amanda asked. Hunter walked over to Scott and placed an arm around him. Scott leaned on him gratefully. He felt as if he were going to pass out. "Twenty-four hours," the PI said. "Now I suggest you all go home. I'll call you as soon as I have it." **** "Twenty-four hours." Scott sighed. They had gone back to Amanda's, and he was pacing the living room. How in the hell am I going to survive twenty-four hours?" Liam glanced at Amanda. He took her arm and led her down the hallway. "I'm going home now. I'll see if I can speed things up a little." "How?" He smiled. "Just let me worry about that. I'll call you soon." He kissed the top of her head. Amanda watched him go and then closed the front door. She walked back into the living room. It was almost three in the morning. She looked at Hunter and Scott, who sat huddled together on the sofa. It was going to be a long night. 197

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**** "You're not getting any water. Nothing," the voice said. It sounded like a child's voice, a child in the midst of having a tantrum. It wavered in and out of his brain. Ciel fought to open his eyes, but he was drifting away. His mouth was so dry. The pain was intense now, cramping mostly, deep in his gut and in his arms and legs. He felt sick. He wanted to throw up, but he couldn't. He was going to die here. Please, don't let me die here. "You don't love me ... love me ... love me ... you used me that night ... you don't love me ... I love you, Ciel ... I love you ... love me ... love me ... you don't... I do love you, Scott. I love you more than heaven and earth and the sky and ... Scott ... God, we could have been so happy together. Why didn't you let me help you? Why didn't you let me hold you when you were sad ... you could have told me why. What happened to you? Why didn't you trust me? Scott, where are you? Where... **** "Have they found him yet?" Jacques asked Liam as he came through the door. Liam was surprised to see that Jacques was still up. "No," he said. "What are you doing still awake?" "I couldn't sleep." "I know some people who can find him faster, maybe. I'm going to make a few phone calls." 198

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"Good idea. I can give you a few names as well, but it won't come cheap." Liam shrugged. "It doesn't matter." "You know, I was thinking," Jacques said, following him into the other room. "Thinking about what?" Liam asked, picking up a small notebook he kept beside the phone on the table. "About us." Liam paused. "Us?" "Yes, when we first met." "Ah." Why in hell would he be thinking about that? "You're in love with Amanda Martindale, aren't you?" "I've asked her to marry me, but I doubt she's going to." He busied himself searching for a number in his phone directory. "It's serious, then." Something in the tone of his voice caused Liam to look over at him. "Yes, Jacques. It's serious." He nodded silently. "I'll leave you to it," he said, with an elegant wave of his hand. "If I can be of assistance, let me know. I do have some contacts. Please keep me informed." "I'll do that," Liam said and picked up the phone. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Fourteen The doorbell rang at twenty after six in the morning. Amanda blinked open her eyes and groaned. She was still sitting in the chair in the living room. Hunter and Scott had fallen asleep together on the sofa, Scott's head on Hunter's chest. She stood up, stretched her aching limbs and padded to the front door in her bare feet. The maid had arrived and was already at the door. Amanda was a little surprised to see Liam walking down the hallway toward her at this time in the morning. It was obvious from his appearance that he hadn't slept. "We got him. We found Ciel." "Oh thank God," she gasped, clutching the material of his shirt. "Let me tell Scott and..." "Wait," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "What?" Amanda's heart sank. "He's all right, isn't he?" Liam shook his head. "No, but he's alive." Amanda walked further down the hall with him, away from the living room. "What in hell happened?" "He was taken hostage by some weirdo. He wasn't given any food or water for days." "Oh my God." "The bastard is in custody. I called the police, and he was arrested. Scott's boyfriend was suffering from severe dehydration. Another ten hours and he would have been dead. He's at the hospital, in intensive care." Tears ran down Amanda's face. "Who would do such a thing?" 200

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Liam shook his head. "Makes you wonder. The guy is real nut job. He kept going on about how he loved him ... Yeah, he loved him all right—he almost killed him." "Is Ciel going to make it?" "They're hopeful." "How did you...? Were you there when...?" "It wasn't exactly by legal means, so I won't go into it too much. We broke in, overpowered the guy, and found Ciel tied up in the bedroom. I called the ambulance, and the police, and had the psycho arrested." Amanda hugged him. "Thank you, Liam." "Go and wake Scott up." He smiled. "I'll take him to the hospital now. Do you want me to tell him, or...?" "No, I'll tell him," Amanda said. "I'll call the detective and tell him it's all over. Go into the kitchen and have some coffee. I'll come get you when Scott's ready." **** Scott was now spending every day at the hospital with Ciel, who was getting stronger all the time. At least that was one thing off Amanda's mind, but she was feeling the pressure as the date approached for the upcoming fundraiser. She hoped Hunter would be ready to face his father. Liam was coming over tonight and on his own this time. It would be just the three of them. She was looking forward to a little stress relief. At about three o'clock that afternoon, she walked out onto the patio to find Hunter dancing with himself. She held back a smile. At one point, he came close to falling into the 201

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swimming pool, but he was doing well. When he saw her, he grinned. "Hey, woman, you be spying on me, then?" "The grammar coach told you not to talk like that," she pointed out. He put out his hand as if waiting for a slap. She pushed his hand away. "How are you really feeling now about the big event?" "Fine. In fact, I can't wait to see the old man's face. I feel confident. Talk about ruining a dude's evening!" She smiled faintly. "It's 'man,' not 'dude,' and it will serve him right." "I don't want to spend my life trying to get back at him, Amanda. This is a one-time deal, right?" He looked so serious all of a sudden. Amanda sobered. "Whatever you want, love." "I can talk politics with the best of them now. I can dance all these silly dances. I know the ending to My Fair Lady ... God, I practically fell asleep, but I held on. That's one long movie..." Amanda giggled. "But there's one thing I can do better than all of those old rich farts." "What's that?" Amanda narrowed her eyes. "Suck cock," he said. Amanda burst into laughter. "No protest there," she said. "And Liam can attest to that." Hunter grinned. "I love having you here, Hunter." 202

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"I know you do, and I've got used to being here, but you do know one day I'm going to..." "Yes." She put up her hand, swallowing. "I know. And so you should, sweetie. You have to live your life." "And you have to live yours." He met her gaze. "If I had a man like Liam interested in me, I'd grab him, Amanda. I wouldn't wait. He's handsome, sexy, can give you what you want sexually. What are you waiting for?" "You didn't say 'woman.'" "Woman!" She threw back her head and laughed. He took her hand. "Okay, come on, dance with me. I've got to practice." "You're right. Assume the position." He lifted an eyebrow. She giggled again and gave him a brief hug. "I love you, Hunter." She took his hands in hers. "Shall we dance?" "Just don't start singing that song, okay ... the one about dancing all night..." **** Scott had rearranged Ciel's pillow for the hundredth time, then checked to see if he had water in his glass by the bed. "Will you stop! What's wrong?" Scott seemed upset. "Nothing. Are you feeling okay?" "I'm fine," Ciel smiled. "Stop fussing over me." "I almost lost you," Scott said, choking back tears. "Don't fucking tell me to stop." 203

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"Okay," Ciel put up a hand. "Okay." He held out his hand to him. "I'm sorry. Come here." Scott took his hand. "What are you sorry about?" "...for putting you through all this. It was stupid, going home with a complete stranger." "It's in the past. Ciel, I want to tell you everything ... about what happened to me as a kid. I want to share everything with you." Ciel's eyes widened. "You do? You never wanted to open up to me before." "I know. Things are different now. I've said it once to my therapist; I can repeat it. I can give voice to all that pain. I love you. I know you love me. I don't want to live without you. I want you to ... to really know me." Ciel hugged him close, swallowing hard. "Okay," he whispered. "And damn it," Scott said, backing up and wiping his eyes. "Every time we break up, you end up in the damn hospital. Knock it off, will ya?" Ciel laughed. "It's true. Last time, I got into that fight at the baths when I went looking for you." Scott shook his head. He smiled at him tenderly. "I can't let you out by yourself anymore." "Guess you'll have to stick around." Scott lowered his head onto Ciel's chest. "I love you so much. We're going to be all right now. Please say that you won't give up on me, that you'll keep on loving me no matter what." 204

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"I can't help it," Ciel replied, touching Scott's hair. Tears welled up in his eyes. "No choice, baby." **** When Hunter entered the living room later that evening, Liam was already there. He and Amanda looked deeply engrossed in conversation. He was just about to sneak back out, when Amanda spied him out of the corner of her eye. "Hey, you," she said. "Get that gorgeous butt of yours back in here." "I didn't want to interrupt." He nodded at Liam, who looked very handsome in his blue jeans and burgundy shirt. "Hey, Hunter," he said. "Amanda tells me you're talking about leaving her." "Well, all the little chicks got to fly the coop sometime," he said, lifting his eyes up and grinning at Amanda. She sighed. "So it seems. I lose all my boys." "Not all of them," Liam said, giving her a meaningful look. Hunter pretended to be looking elsewhere. He contained a smile. Amanda cleared her throat. "Ciel is doing well," she announced. "They say he'll be out of the hospital by early next week." "Yeah," Hunter said, sitting down next to Liam. "Scott is really happy. He called me today. I've been trying to give them some space, but I'll go and see Ciel tomorrow." "I miss Scott," Amanda said. "He could have stayed here." "Yes. Well, their apartment is closer to the hospital," Hunter said. 205

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"He could have used the driver." "I think he feels closer to Ciel being back at the apartment. It looks like they're getting back together," Hunter added. "Thank God." Amanda placed a hand to her chest. "Although I don't know what they'll do for money. I want to help them, but Scott is being so stubborn, and I didn't even dare broach the subject to Ciel yesterday when I went to visit him." "Maybe they'd consider a loan," Liam suggested. "Perhaps. It's ridiculous. I have all this money, and it would take so little, really, to give them a hand." "Scott told me that Ciel's boss came by and offered him his job back," Hunter said. "Well, he should, after what happened. Scott told me he is looking for work as well." "Let me see if I can't help him with that," Liam contributed. "Ciel won't like it if he's involved in the sex industry in some way," Amanda told Liam, pursing her red lips. "Not that," Liam laughed. "I do have friends in other industries, you know. I have a lot of contacts. I'll see what I can do." "Of course. I wasn't thinking. Thank you. Well," Amanda said. "I guess we should go to dinner. I'm starved." "Liam," Hunter said, causing him to pause a moment in the living room. Liam glanced at him over one broad shoulder. "I was just wondering how Ramsay was doing. Would you say ... ah ... tell him I said hello." 206

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"Can't do that, I'm afraid, Ramsay's no longer with the Agency," Liam said. "Didn't you know?" Hunter felt his heart sink. "No I didn't. What happened? Where is he?" "Some rich dude whisked him away ... looks like he finally got what he wanted all along." Amanda suddenly stopped in the hallway, overhearing Liam's words. She turned around and glanced at Hunter. "I'm sorry, honey," she said. "Did I say something out of turn?" Liam asked. "No," Hunter said, shaking his head. "No worries. Let's eat." The dinner was delicious, but Hunter had little appetite. Ramsay had gone off with some rich old fart, living the high life. He'd done it. Jesus Christ. He'd really done it. He lifted the bottle of wine on the table and filled his glass a third time. What he really wanted was rum, but what he really needed was a good kick in the head for still caring, for still loving the little fuck. By the time he'd swallowed the fifth glass, he told himself he no longer gave a shit. Liam Dunn was looking really good to him now, and he discretely reached between his thighs and adjusted his swollen cock. If Amanda wanted a performance tonight, she had nothing to worry about, because he was prepared to give her one. Hunter had drunk a little too much at dinner, and Amanda was pretty sure she knew why, although she didn't say 207

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anything further to Liam about it. As they went upstairs together, Hunter seemed a little impatient. "Go on in," Amanda told them, indicating her playroom. "I'll be with you in a minute." She saw Hunter place his hands on Liam's ass. Liam glanced back at him and laughed, and Hunter gave him the slightest shove into the room. For some reason, she felt a little stab of jealousy. It was an unfamiliar feeling. She pushed it away. It wasn't that she didn't want Hunter to touch Liam; in fact, she did. She wanted to watch them make love, without Hans as a distraction. She knew they'd be beautiful together. But the anticipated sexual excitation associated with that scenario was laced with fear. What if Liam wanted Hunter exclusively for himself, without her involvement? What if they fell in love like Scott and Ciel had? What if Liam took Hunter away, or rather Hunter took Liam? She shook her head, told herself she was being ridiculous. A few minutes later, she walked into her large, mirrored playroom and hovered around the door a second. Hunter was leaning against the wall, fully clothed. Liam was perched on her chair. He smiled when he saw her. She smiled back. Nothing had gone on between them in her absence. She'd decided to strip off everything tonight, just put on the robe. She had her slim pink vibrator clutched between her fingers. She looked at Liam for a second, then announced, "I want to see the two of you together. I want you to make love, really make love, slowly, sensuously, erotically, on my bed." "On your bed?" Hunter looked surprised. "It's far too ... ah ... clinical in here. Any objection?" 208

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"None," Hunter replied, his voice deep, his gaze raking over Liam. "We await your pleasure, my lady." Liam presented her with that impish grin of his. "Let's do it," she said, walking back out into her bedroom. Hunter and Liam followed on her heels. Amanda installed herself on her settee, which allowed her a clear view of the bed. "I'm not going to give you instructions. I don't believe you need any. Pretend I'm not here." "That's a switch," Hunter muttered. "Nasty," Amanda said, with a smirk. "At least you could be grateful. Look what I'm giving you." "Oh, I'm grateful," Hunter said, his voice soaked with desire as he looked at Liam again. "And anxious," Liam added, moving closer to him. He glanced at the mirror over Amanda's bed and grinned. Hunter sucked in some breath. His skin tingled when Liam wrapped his fingers around his wrist. He wanted to be taken, to be used in any way Liam chose. He wanted the pleasure to overwhelm this intense pain he was feeling. "Please," he said softly when Liam began to undo his shirt. Liam paused, met his gaze. Perhaps he saw it in his eyes, but it didn't matter. Hunter reached for Liam's shirt. He fumbled with the buttons, fighting the tears which threatened, cursing himself, telling himself that only children cried. There was nothing he could do about Ramsay. He was gone. He wasn't going to 209

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come running back to him, as he'd hoped. God, had he hoped he would ... right up until tonight? "Easy," Liam whispered against his cheek. "Easy, Hunter." His breathing was coming hard and fast. He unzipped his pants, watching as Liam took off his own. "Lay down on the bed," Liam said. Hunter did as Liam asked. "I'll be back," he said. "Put your hands over your head." Hunter watched him disappear into the other room. He closed his eyes. Amanda's vibrator was buzzing low. Hunter's cock was standing straight up, at attention. He licked his lips. No, don't think about him. Don't think about Ramsay. Liam emerged a few seconds later from the other room, handcuffs and rope in his hands. He winked at Amanda. Concentrate on this beautiful man with his erection swinging between his legs and his gorgeous chest. Anticipate his touch, his cock, and forget that little bastard. He doesn't love you. He doesn't want you. Liam met his eyes as he cuffed one wrist and then the other to the iron bars in the headboard. One hand trailed over his chest and down his stomach, causing Hunter to swallow. "Oh baby," Liam said softly. "Lift your legs up in the air and spread them wide." Hunter grinned at him. "You dirty boy," he whispered. Liam laughed low in his throat. He wrapped a healthy length of rope around one ankle, then the other and connected them to the bedpost. The position left him totally exposed, but surprisingly comfortable. "Amanda, you like?" Liam turned to glance at her. 210

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"Oh God yes," she managed. "Tell me what you're going to do to him before you do it. Words turn me on just as much as actions." "My pleasure," he said. He looked down at Hunter. "Do words turn you on too, my fine stud?" "When you talk like that with that accent, they do." Hunter laughed slightly. "My cock is so damn hard." "Um, your nipples are hard too, but not hard enough. Guess I'll have to do something about that, eh?" "Use your tongue and your teeth," Hunter replied softly. Liam got onto the bed on his knees in front of Hunter. He leaned over him and began working on his nipples, lapping, nibbling, teasing them without mercy. Hunter's head dug into the pillow. He loved having his nipples stimulated, and Liam was so good at it. He was taking his time, careful not to touch Hunter's cock at all. Liam raised his head now, twisting Hunter's stiff nipples between his fingers. "Look how hard they are," he said. "Your nipples are so sensitive. They love the attention." "Um," Hunter answered. "Don't stop." Liam twisted harder, tugging, pulling, while one hand now went down between his legs. "I'm still tormenting his nipples," he said. "And now, um, what's this ... a nice little bud ... and very sensitive." Hunter moaned as Liam's finger teased his opening. "Tell me, Hunter, baby, do you like to get fucked?" "Um, fuck me, fuck me, Liam." "Oh not yet. I'm having far too much fun. Your cock is so hard. It needs a severe thrashing. Hunter, you have a very..." 211

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Liam slapped it with his palm. "—very..." He slapped it again. "—undisciplined cock." Hunter howled out loud. Liam was exciting him more and more with each slap of his hand. Now his finger was playing around Hunter's entrance, his cock was pulsing, his nipples aching. "I need to get some lube," Liam said, getting off the bed. "You need to be greased everywhere ... nipples, cock, balls, and in that desperate glory hole of yours." Hunter moaned as Liam gave his cock one final cuffing, then went off to get what he needed. He returned immediately. "Should we gag you? We don't want to wake up the neighbors." He reached down and kissed him hotly on the mouth. "I'll gag you now. Later, I plan on feeding you my cock, so I'll take it out then." Amanda cried out in orgasm suddenly. Liam smiled as he fitted the gag on Hunter. He spread the lube on his hands. "First those tits." He reached down and began to massage the lube into Hunter's nipples, making slow, circular movements with his thumbs. Hunter felt as if he'd lose his mind. "Um, tits are all nice and lubed," Liam said then ran his hands down over Hunter's chest to his stomach. He massaged the grease into Hunter's navel, then gripped the base of his cock. Hunter groaned behind the gag. "So sexy," Liam whispered. "Look how hard my cock is." He squeezed the base of Hunter's and his own at the same time. "Looking at you lubed and bound like that makes me so hard, makes me want to fuck you so deep." Hunter's cock began to pulse. 212

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Liam massaged Hunter's shaft, then reached underneath to handle his balls. Hunter thrashed on the bed. "Now, now, be a good boy," Liam told him, meeting his gaze. God, he was trying. The pre-cum was dribbling down his shaft now, and as one of Liam's fingers entered his asshole, he felt his cock throb. Liam withdrew his finger and got up on the bed on his knees in front of him. "Don't come," he said. He reached over and withdrew the gag. "You're going to eat my dick before I fuck you." Liam moved up over him, then straddled Hunter's mouth with his cock. "Now eat it, baby," he said softly. "Take it all in your throat. Show me you appreciate it, and maybe, just maybe, I'll fill your ass with it." Hunter reached out his tongue and licked the head of Liam's cock as Liam teasingly moved it across his lips. "You taste so good," Hunter moaned. "God, my cock aches so much." "Um, I know," Liam smiled. "I'll take care of that, baby— soon. Now, go to work." Amanda left her finger on her clit. She had already had several orgasms. Ah, the beauty of being female. The beauty of these two men, their naked bodies slippery with sweat, the desire in their eyes, the deep moans of need coming from their lips, titillated all of her senses. It was the most incredibly sensuous sight. She could see Liam's hard cock sink deeper into Hunter's mouth, his head going back to take it all. Liam's handsome face contorted with pleasure as he began to 213

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fuck the mouth of the man underneath him. Amanda licked her lips, seized by another powerful orgasm as she watched their powerful muscles play under their skin. Liam suddenly pulled back. He looked over at her. "A special treat for you tonight, my love," he said. "Oh." She met his gaze. "Get the strap-on in the other room, the biggest one, grease it well, and fuck me while I fuck Hunter." A little thrill shot through her. She let her robe float to the floor. She hurried to her toy chest and rummaged through the array of strap-on devices. She chose the largest one, as he suggested, a three-strap harness that went around each thigh, giving the wearer more control. It had a vibrating egg on one end which she inserted into her own vagina. Liam walked into the room just as she'd finished putting it in place. She blushed. He grinned. "You better hurry. Hunter is horny as hell." She nodded. Liam lifted her breasts in his hands, rubbing the nipples. "Beautiful tits. Will you wear clamps for me?" God, he was the kinkiest man. "Of course." He put his hand in the drawer of the chest and brought out a set of clamps. He brushed her nipples again with the palm of his hand. They stiffened. "They should always stay that way," he said. "I'd like to see you in a tight tee-shirt, no bra, with your nipples hard like that." She laughed. 214

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He walked over to the chest a second time and took out a short, soft crop. Amanda lifted an eyebrow. "It's for Hunter's beautiful nipples. I'm going to whip them a little. It doesn't hurt, but it sure stiffens the tits. He loves having his nipples stimulated. Come," he said, taking her hand. She glanced over at Hunter when she came out of the room. "He's losing his erection." "I'll fix that in a minute," he said. He took her nipples between his fingers and squeezed. Amanda's head went back. "Ooh," she moaned. He licked one, clamped it, then licked the other, and clamped that one. "God, you're so sexy. All you need is high heels." He walked to the closet and chose a pair of red sixinch heels. "Put those on." While she was putting on the shoes, Liam reached down and began to play with Hunter's prick. It revived immediately. "Ah, youth," he said. Then he whipped the small crop across Hunter's chest, sweeping both nipples consecutively. "Um." Hunter's chest rose off the bed. "Feels good, doesn't it?" Liam whipped his nipples again. "Like that?" "Yes, fuck," Hunter breathed, his nipples tingling. "Now oil me," Liam told Amanda, kneeling in front of Hunter. "Do it slowly, baby," he told her. "I'm just going to play a bit in Hunter's hole and give his nipples the attention they deserve." "Oh God," Hunter breathed. 215

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Amanda ran her hands over Liam's ass, then spread his cheeks. She slowly inserted her lubed finger. "Fuck me with it gently," Liam told her. "I'm just about ready to enter Hunter." "Fuck," Hunter cried out. Liam had put the head of his cock into him and let the crop come down over his chest again. Liam looked back at Amanda. "Take out your finger, get on the bed, and make my ass yours, baby." Amanda swallowed. The vibrating egg was driving her crazy. She positioned herself, listened to Hunter groan as Liam threw the crop aside and fucked him deeper, then she plunged the head of the dildo up inside of Liam. "Um," Liam groaned. "It's slanted, and big. It's nice. Don't be afraid. I won't break. Fuck me hard, follow my lead with Hunter." In a few seconds, they were in an erotic dance of lust. Amanda could feel Liam fucking Hunter, could hear Hunter's pleas. She could feel Liam's heat. The clamps on her nipples were giving her just an added bit of pleasurable pain; the egg in her vagina buzzed as she rutted Liam's beautiful ass hard. The orgasm came unexpectedly, and when it did, it shook her to her soul. She pulled out of Liam, exhausted, spent, feeling so wonderful. Liam came inside of Hunter soon after, and Hunter's cock shot streams of cum into the air, hitting the back wall. They all lay quietly on the bed. Liam reached over and undid the ropes on Hunter's ankles, letting him lower his legs. Then he got up and undid the wrist cuffs. 216

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Amanda sat up, surprised when Liam asked Hunter, "Can you leave us alone, please?" Hunter smiled and got off the bed. "Sure. Goodnight," he said. He walked across the room and closed the door behind him. Amanda blinked at Liam. "What?" Liam reached over and pulled Amanda to her feet. He undid the harness and tossed it aside. He ran his hand over her hair and kissed her mouth gently. "Lift your foot," he said. He took off one shoe, then the other. She stared at him in wonder. He took her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Now you've had your fun, Amanda Martindale. The rest of the night," he told her, "you're mine." When his mouth came down hotly on hers, there was nothing left to say. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Fifteen Amanda lingered over her coffee the next morning, barely stirring when Hunter appeared. She glanced at him through half-closed eyes, and he laughed. "Hard night?" She made a face and took another swallow of her coffee. Hunter poured himself some coffee. "You're up early." "Couldn't sleep." She reached over and patted his hand. He refilled her cup, and she gave him a look of gratitude. "Don't get stressed out over that damn charity thing on Saturday night." She waved at him. "I'm not," he said, shaking his head. "I know it's this weekend coming up, and surprisingly, I'm kind of looking forward to it." "It's Ramsay, then?" Hunter sat back in his chair, his coffee cup in hand. "There's nothing I can do about it." "I had no idea that you ... well ... loved him that much. You kept it well hidden." He shrugged, looking up as he heard a deep, male voice say in a crisp Irish accent, "God, I hope there's coffee left for me." Amanda smiled when she saw Hunter's eyes widen. "Sure," she said. "Sit down, handsome, and we'll fix you right up." 218

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Liam leaned down to kiss Amanda on the mouth, then took a seat beside her. "Close your mouth there, boy. Didn't you get enough of that last night?" Liam said to Hunter with a grin. Hunter's expression broke into a smile. "Well, I'll be..." "Quiet is what you'll be," Amanda warned. Hunter issued her an innocent look. "That's just what I was about to say," he said and innocently sipped some of his coffee. **** Thursday morning, Scott was there at the hospital bright and early to take Ciel home. As it turned out, they didn't go about releasing him until after ten o'clock. Ciel was happy as hell to be leaving, but he wasn't too happy about having to be pushed out in a wheelchair. "Hospital policy," the nurse said. Scott had noticed how much weight Ciel had lost. He looked drawn in the face. The ordeal had taken a lot out of him. "We're going to have to fatten you up," Scott told him as he helped him into the back of the taxicab. Amanda wanted to send the car, but Scott had decided that this was something he wanted to do on his own. He was thinking about Amanda in the cab. The night before last, they had had a good talk, after her visit with Ciel. She had offered him a loan to go to school, a loan that he could pay back at his own pace. He was glad that Liam had been with her, because it gave him a chance to thank him for all he'd done. If it hadn't been for him, Ciel might have died. When Liam had handed him a list with three names on it, saying that any of these 219

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people were prepared to offer him a job, he almost kissed him. He had a lot to tell Ciel when they got home. He couldn't wait. Ciel seemed a little wobbly on his feet as Scott helped him climb the stairs. "I need to start exercising again," he said. "You will. The doctor said to take it easy. I'm going to make you a good lunch." "I have to get my strength back," Ciel said, looking around as he came in, "I will need to get back to work, and ... you cleaned the apartment." "Yes," Scott said, leading him to the sofa. "Sit, sit." Ciel sat, sinking into the sofa with a sigh. "That was nice of you." "I had to make myself useful. Ciel, I spoke to your boss. He said to take another week off, then come back." "We need the money, Scott." "Don't worry about that. I've taken care of it." "We can't depend on Amanda for everything." "Not Amanda. I have a job." Ciel narrowed his eyes. "Doing what?" "Not what you think. A real job. I start at the bottom, but the pay is good, and there are benefits. It's working in an office building. I'm in the mail room, but there are training courses, and I can move up." "Scott." Ciel opened his arms. "Baby. That's wonderful." Scott hugged him, then moved away. He wanted him so much, it hurt, but not yet. Ciel wasn't strong enough. "And I 220

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want to go to school. I'd have to make up a few high school courses, but I'd like to go to university." "That's a great idea." "Now, don't get angry..." Scott held up a hand. "What?" "Amanda offered me a loan, interest free, to pay back when I can. It's not a handout, and there are no strings attached. When I'm ready to go to university ... it's just for that." "It's okay," Ciel said with a nod. "A loan. That's nice of her. Amanda loves you a lot." "She loves you, too." "I know. I also know that I've been hard on her sometimes. I just wanted us to be ... us, you know, a break from who we were." "I know that." "And you were right, by the way." "About what?" "Jeff." Scott raised an eyebrow. "He was in love with me. He told me so." Scott nodded. "That doesn't matter. You weren't in love with him, and I had no right to freak out." There was silence for a few minutes. "I'm going to make us a nice lunch, then tomorrow, you're on your own. I start my new job." "Use my bike," Ciel offered. "Are you kidding? I'd break my neck driving that thing. I'll take the bus. I'll buy a pass." 221

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"Okay." Ciel smiled. Scott leaned in to kiss him. "Tonight, we talk. I'll have to switch my therapy sessions to the evening, but..." He swallowed. "Will you come with me?" "Of course. I said I would." "Not in the waiting room." He met his gaze. "I want you to be there in session with me. I want us to do this together." Ciel smiled faintly. "Anything you want." "What's wrong? You look pensive." Scott sat down beside him and took his hand. "There is going to be a trial." "I know. We already talked about that. I can't wait to see the bastard go to prison." Ciel sighed. "I don't know if I can face him again. I want to ... I want to kill him." Scott squeezed Ciel's hand. "I want to kill him, too, but let's let the criminal justice system deal with him. And you won't have to face him alone, Ciel. I'll be there with you." "I know," he said, nodding. "It's going to take a while, honey, for you to leave this behind you, but if I can begin to leave my past behind me, you can get rid of this. Don't let him win. The best revenge is to forget you ever saw him." Ciel nodded with determination. "I will, baby," he said. "I will." Scott stood up, then walked into kitchen and started to prepare the lunch. **** 222

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"I'm jealous," Liam said, taking Amanda's hands and running his gaze over her. She was dressed in a beautiful aqua gown. It was floor-length and made of taffeta, falling off the shoulders. There was a wispy little shawl with it. She had a matching purse and shoes, and her hair was done up with a thin, jeweled comb as adornment in the back. She had settled on pearls for jewelry. Amanda gave Liam a little kiss on the nose. "Suffer," she whispered. He laughed. They were standing in the living room. Liam went to sit down in a chair. "Thanks a lot." She gave him a sassy look. Since last weekend, Liam had been at the house a lot, mostly just for a drink, a short chat. He was busy at the Agency. Jacques had suddenly decided he wanted to take a holiday. Each time she looked at him, she felt slightly bewildered. She had allowed herself to stay in that room with him after Hunter had left. She had given herself to the pleasure of his arms. He'd kissed every inch of her, given her orgasm after orgasm with his tongue and his hands. He'd lain there holding her for the longest time after, kissing her slowly, driving her completely mad with desire until she had pushed him down on his back and mounted him. They'd fucked slowly, her moving to her own pace, and he'd looked so damn gorgeous. They fell asleep in each others' arms. When she'd awakened that morning, it felt so foreign to her to have a man in her bed. It had been years—and never any man who looked as wickedly delicious as this one. She'd stared at him for the longest time. Did she want this? Did she 223

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want Liam Dunn in her life? The answer was simply, yes. He was a good man. They were compatible, and for some damn reason, he was in love with her. And now, as she looked over at him sitting there in that chair, she had to acknowledge that she, too, was in love with him. But no marriage. She'd told him last night. "I figured that," he said, but he didn't take it badly. "It doesn't mean we can't live together, as long as you don't mind living here. I'm attached to this house." He smiled. "Okay. We'll work on that," he said. "What are you thinking about?" Liam asked her suddenly, jolting her out of her thoughts. "You." She smiled at him. "Your rose garden." "Yes," he said. "I've been scouting a place outside for that. I'll need some hothouses." She nodded. "Of course. Go ahead." "Ooh," he teased. "This is serious." "Damn serious," she said, meeting his eyes. "It's not everyday I let men put their hothouses on my property." He grinned. "I'll remember that." "What will we do when Hunter leaves?" "Are you fretting already? He's not gone yet. Look, we can always find someone else from the Agency to come and stay, or..." He shrugged. "—we can have an open-door policy." She grinned. "We need someone to your taste, as well as mine." "Of course. We'll shop around." "Ooh, I love shopping." She giggled. 224

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"I can tell." He blew her a kiss. "I saw your closets upstairs." She shook her fist at Liam, jokingly, then sobered. "What is taking Hunter so long?" A few seconds later, the maid appeared. "Here he is. Mr. Reese, Miss. He looks sensational." Liam stood up. Amanda let out a gasp. Liam groaned. Hunter looked absolutely gorgeous. He was wearing a tailored black tux, with a white ruffled shirt. The suit molded his fine, hard body perfectly. His hair, which was slightly curly, had been slicked back with just the slightest touch of shiny gel. In the last few weeks, he'd managed to get that shadow across his jaw going, and he looked dark, dangerous, and incredibly sexy. "The shoes are killing me," Hunter said, looking down at his feet. Amanda grinned. "You look delicious." "Um," Liam agreed, coming closer. "If we had time, and it wouldn't muss you all up ... well ... I'd take you upstairs and fuck you good." "Don't start that," Hunter warned, grinning. "I'm sorely tempted. I could use a good hand job just about now." "Now you're stressed?" Amanda accused. "Yes," he said. "You look beautiful, by the way." "Thank you." Liam hugged her. "She always looks beautiful. Okay, you two, off you go. Knock those rich assholes dead." Amanda laughed, kissed his cheek, and took Hunter's arm. "The chariot awaits," she said. 225

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**** Ramsay was very excited as he stepped out of Douglas's long, black limousine. They had just returned from Europe, and Douglas told him that they really didn't have to come out tonight. But the charity event was being held at the Empire Hotel. It was really fancy, and there was a chance he'd get to see some celebrities. He was raring to go. Douglas had called his own private tailor this afternoon to fit Ramsay with a beautiful blue suit. Douglas was dressed in a fine black suit with a white shirt and bow tie. He looked very nice. "Now," Douglas said, as they walked up to the door among the other people who were all dressed in their finery. "We'll have to be discreet. I have no qualms about bringing you here, but these kinds of people don't go in for anything too demonstrative, no matter what sex." Ramsay leaned over and said close to his ear, "It wouldn't hurt some of them. They look like they have a big stick up their asses." Douglas smiled at him as they reached the entrance. "Behave." Ramsay chuckled. "I will be on my very best behavior." **** Hunter felt Amanda reach over for his hand in the back seat of the limousine. He let her hold it, his eyes closed. There were so many things going on in his mind. He was thinking about what it might have been like, growing up like this, with a senator as his father. A little surreal. He 226

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supposed, if this was the kind of life he was used to, it wouldn't be so bad. He was picturing how he would react when he saw his father tonight. Maybe he would pretend he didn't know him, but that was going to be difficult. Knowing Amanda, she'd go right up and say hello. He smiled. You had to hand it to Amanda. He'd probably just nod and say, "Good evening, Senator." Wouldn't that be a howl? Amanda had promised not to make a scene, although he knew she sorely wanted to. "Here we go," Amanda said suddenly, as the car pulled up smoothly to the curb. "Are you ready?" "Well, for lack of a choice..." He sucked in some breath. "— I am." Ramsay was far less excited about this event after he and Douglas were seated at their table. The charity was the heart foundation, and various people got up to speak. They went on and on, and Ramsay was finding it hard to stay awake. They were seated with another couple who were in their sixties and very uppity. Ramsay sipped his glass of water and nodded at them with a smile occasionally, making sure he clapped in all the right places. At one time, Douglas leaned over to him and said, "It gets better. The dinner is coming and then there's dancing. I will regret not being able to dance with you, but if you want to..." "No," Ramsay replied softly. "I like watching." Douglas nodded and returned his attention to the speaker at the podium. Ramsay glanced around at all the people in their diamonds and expensive clothes. It was another world. Then he saw 227

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Amanda. He almost choked on his water. It was Amanda in an aqua gown. She was sitting at the table with a middleaged man and a woman. There was someone sitting on the other side of her, but Ramsay couldn't see who at first. When the speeches were over, and the MC announced that dinner was now being served in the dining room, Amanda stood up. Ramsay put down his glass of water. Hunter. His heartbeat quickened in his chest. It was Hunter, dressed in a tux. He looked gorgeous. He watched as Hunter took Amanda's arm, and they walked in the direction that everyone else was going. Ramsay didn't realize that he was still standing there, riveted to the spot, until Douglas asked him if he were coming. "Ah, yes, sorry," he muttered. **** "He hasn't seen you yet," Amanda said in a low voice next to his ear. "He saw me, though, and he didn't look happy." She laughed. Hunter marveled at the food on his plate. It was nicely presented, but there was so little of it. "Can we go for pizza later?" Amanda smiled. "It's for charity." "May I ask how much they're charging for each of these plates?" "Two thousand dollars." Hunter's eyes widened. "Holy shit," he said, then looked around to see if anyone had heard him. They hadn't. He began to eat, remembering which fork was for what. The 228

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people next to them were talking about the current government, and Hunter was able to make a few comments which appeared to impress them. Hunter was pretending to laugh at something the lady next to him was saying, when he saw Ramsay. He was sitting at the next table. He could only see him from a side view, but he knew it was him ... blond, angelic, with that creamy white skin. He was with a middleaged man, very handsome. Then Ramsay turned his head around and looked right at him. Hunter knew that Ramsay had spotted him. Something stirred in Hunter's gut, a mix of anger and longing. "Are you all right?" Amanda asked him. "You don't look well. Your father didn't see you. He's way over there at that table with his wife." She moved her head to the left. "It's not my father. It's ... Ramsay." "Ramsay," she repeated softly. "Where?" "Don't, he's looking right at us. He's here with his ... whoremaster," he said between clenched teeth. "Do you want to leave?" Amanda asked. "Don't worry, I won't do anything. Let's just eat." Amanda nodded. Someone across from her said something, and Amanda pasted on a fake smile, leaning closer to hear. The meal stretched on forever, and Hunter was getting impatient. He tried to appear interested in the conversation and to keep himself from looking over at Ramsay, but he couldn't stop. Worse, every time he looked over there, Ramsay was looking back. "Excuse me," he said, scraping 229

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back the chair. "I'm going to use the washroom," he told Amanda, leaning into her ear. "In the lobby," she said. He nodded and headed off, promising himself he wasn't going to look at Ramsay again. When he entered the bathroom, an attendant handed him a towel. He thanked him and walked into the other part where the urinals were. He unzipped and was just about to take a piss when he heard a voice say, "Small world, eh?" Hunter zipped his pants without pissing. He stood there for a moment, his back to him. "What do you want?" "Nothing," Ramsay said. "I just wanted to say hello." Hunter took a breath and turned around. "You look fantastic, by the way. It's weird seeing you at a place like this. Have you seen your father yet?" "I've seen him." "Did he see you?" "I don't think so ... look..." He was about to say something else, scream at him, tell him to go away, but he couldn't. Looking at him rendered him speechless. Hunter swallowed. When he spoke again, the words were barely audible. "Please, Ramsay," he said. "Please." Ramsay bit his lip. "Okay." He nodded. "He is ... he gives me..." "What? What does he give you?" Hunter met his gaze. Those incredible light blue eyes reflected only sadness. "I have the life I've always wanted now." "Good. I'm happy that you..." Hunter stopped. Tears accumulated in his eyes. 230

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"No." Ramsay shook his head. "Don't. Don't you fucking ... do this to me." One tear rolled down Hunter's cheek. He didn't bother to brush it away. "You'll ruin everything." "Go back to your ... Get the fuck away from me." Hunter turned his back again. "I love you," Ramsay said abruptly. "I always have. I just..." "...Don't love me enough." "Don't ask me to give it all up, now that I've found it." "I'm not asking you to do anything except leave me alone." "But I can't, you see." Hunter turned back around. "I don't get you." "I would give him up," Ramsay whispered. "If you said..." "What?" Hunter croaked desperately. "You'd give him up if I said what? I'll say anything. Jesus Christ, anything you want. What? What Ramsay? What in hell do you want me to say? Do you want me to get on my knees?" Ramsay started to sob. Hunter reached out for him. He grabbed his shoulders, pulled him into his arms. He kissed the top of his head, rocked him back and forth. "I'm no prince. I have nothing Ramsay, except for my heart, my body, but they're yours. They've been yours from the moment we met." Ramsay tightened his hold on him. "Don't let me go, Hunter. Don't let me go." **** 231

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Amanda made her way into the ballroom, wondering where in the hell Hunter had gotten to. The senator was having a drink at the bar, speaking to a political lobbyist he'd known for years. "Frank Foreman," she exclaimed, walking over to him. "I haven't seen you in a while. You haven't aged a bit." Foreman's eyes lit up with delight. "Amanda Martindale. You look stunning as ever. How are you, dear?" "Wonderful," she said. "You know Senator Delany?" "Senator." She smiled at him. He nodded curtly. "I think I see someone over there I know," he said. "If you'll please excuse me, I..." He stopped speaking. Amanda turned around to see Hunter standing there behind her. "Oh Hunter," she said. "There you are, darling. I've been lost without you." "I'm sorry," he said, his gaze going to the senator. "Hunter, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine, Frank Foreman, and this is Senator Delany." Hunter shook Foreman's hand, then glanced at the senator. "I believe we've met, haven't we, Senator?" Hunter held out his hand. The senator took Hunter's hand briefly. Amanda would have given a fortune to have had a camera. Suddenly, the senator's wife appeared. This couldn't have gotten any better. "Hello, dear. Introduce me," she said. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said stiffly. "You know Mr. Foreman, and this is Amanda Martindale." 232

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"Frank, please," Foreman said. The senator's wife nodded at him, then looked at Amanda. "The Amanda Martindale? My, you are well known for your charitable donations." "Thank you," Amanda smiled. "And who..." She paused, running her gaze over Hunter. "—is this extremely attractive young man here?" She looked at her husband. Amanda saw him shift his weight. "Hunter ... ah...?" "Reese. It was my mother's name." He looked at the senator. "Yes, well, Mr. Reese, this is my wife, Diane." The senator looked around him. Hunter took her hand and kissed it. "Charming. I hope you will permit me a dance." "Of course. How about now?" She took his arm. "I love the waltz." "Go ahead," Amanda said to Hunter. "I don't mind." Suddenly someone else captured Foreman's attention, and Amanda was left standing there alone with Delany. As soon as he was sure no one else was listening, he said, between clenched teeth, "How dare you? Are you trying to destroy me?" "Maybe I'm trying to save you." "Save me from what?" "Yourself." She turned around and watched as Hunter guided the senator's wife gracefully around the floor. "He's your son," she said. "He's a wonderful young man." "I already told you, I can't tell my family about..." 233

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"Why not?" Amanda asked, glancing at the dance floor. "Your wife seems enchanted with him. Have a nice evening, Senator. And remember, you have nothing to fear from Hunter. He doesn't want or need anything from you. Only, one day you may come to regret it." **** On the way home, in the back of the car, Hunter seemed to be on top of the world. He kept going on about his father, and the look on his face when he'd come face-to-face with him. "I swear his wife fell in love with me. I danced four times with her. It was killing him." "You did so well," Amanda said. "I was so proud of you. I didn't think this would make you so happy." "I think it did him well, but that's not why I'm so happy." He met her eyes. "Tell me." She'd sensed a change in him after he'd disappeared. "Does this have something to do with Ramsay?" "He's leaving that guy, the client he was with. He loves me, Amanda. Goddamn it, after all this time, after he got everything he wanted, he's figured out that he loves me more." Amanda threw her arms around him. "Oh, Hunter, I'm so happy for you. You deserve it. You deserve it, baby." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Sixteen Ramsay stood outside Amanda's large house, gazing up at Hunter's bedroom window, or at least, what used to be his bedroom window. Maybe he'd changed rooms. He sure hoped not. He put down his suitcase and searched the grass for a small rock. He found one that he thought was big enough to make a noise, but not too big. He didn't want to break the window, although he was so giddy that he really didn't care that much. He threw the rock. It hit, then bounced back down to the ground, missing his head by inches. When he heard the window open, he breathed a sigh of relief. Hunter stuck his head out. He laughed. "Ramsay. What in hell are you doing?" "Let me in, will ya? It's cold out here." "I'll be right down." It was cold out, but Ramsay knew it was warm in Hunter's bed ... in Hunter's arms. It was true he thought, as he picked up his suitcase and headed around to the front door. He'd lost his mind. He'd given up everything he ever wanted—or everything he ever thought he wanted—for Hunter. He smiled. It had been a losing battle from the moment he'd set eyes on him. If only he'd accepted that from the beginning, they wouldn't have wasted this much time. The door opened. Hunter stood there, naked from the waist up, an oversized pair of navy blue pajama pants the only material saving him from being naked. Ramsay sucked in some breath. Beautiful. That dark brown hair with the 235

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slightest of curl to it, those beautiful brown eyes, that skin, looking as if it was permanently kissed by the sun ... emotionally, he was already on his knees. Hunter smiled softly at him. "Are you going to come in, or are you going to stand there staring at me all night?" "Night? Hell," Ramsay said, walking in and closing the door. "It's almost morning." He leaned back against the front door, sucking in some breath. Hunter came closer. "What happened?" He touched Ramsay's cheek. Ramsay closed his eyes, ran his tongue over his bottom lip. "I told him." "You told him what?" Hunter whispered, bending his head, brushing Ramsay's cheek with his. "I told him that..." He stopped. Hunter's fingers were undoing his shirt. "I told him that ... ah ... Hunter," he moaned, as Hunter's lips caressed his left nipple. He spread his shirt open and pushed it off his shoulders. "Go on," Hunter urged, licking Ramsay's nipple now, beginning to undo his pants. "God," he hissed, grabbing the band of Hunter's pajama bottoms and pushing them down over his erection. "You're hard," he moaned. "Yes," Hunter replied. "I'm hard." Ramsay wrapped his hand around the base of Hunter's cock, as Hunter pushed his pants down around his ankles. "Suck it," Hunter urged, placing a hand on Ramsay's shoulder, pushing him to his knees. "Oh God, suck it ... 236

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Ramsay. I need you. I love you so much. God, I love you," he gasped as Ramsay took the head of Hunter's cock in his mouth. He licked the pre-cum, tasting him, taking him deeper into his mouth. Hunter's hands were in his hair, pulling. One of Ramsay's hands moved up Hunter's thigh and massaged his ass cheek. He had the greatest ass. "Stop, stop," he begged, pulling back. "I'll come. I want to come inside of you." Ramsay felt himself being pulled to his feet. "Come on, leave the suitcase. Come to my room." Hunter's voice was low, hoarse, so damn sexy. Ramsay would have followed him anywhere. Seconds after they were in the room, Hunter closed the door with his foot, and Ramsay was pressed flat against the wall. Hunter held his wrists together over his head and began to lubricate his hole. Ramsay moaned with pleasure. "Yes, yes, um, keep doing that," he urged. Two fingers entered him. He grunted, crying out as Hunter began to furiously fuck Ramsay's ass with his fingers. Hunter released his wrists. Ramsay placed his hands on the wall, palms down, pushing his hips in and out, trying to keep pace with Hunter's maneuvers. Suddenly, he felt Hunter's hands on his thighs. He pulled them wide apart. The fingers withdrew, and Hunter's cock took their place. Ramsay closed his eyes and sighed, his mouth opening wide as he threw his head back and groaned. Hunter had gripped his hips and was plunging into him like a torpedo. No mercy. Ramsay was completely his. Hunter slowed his pace 237

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now, working his ass with his rock-hard cock, moving his hips from side to side. Ramsay lowered his forehead on the wall, the muscles in his calves working. His breathing was hard and shallow. Hunter's hand was on his cock. He was squeezing the length of it, tightening his hold as it pulsed in his fist. Ramsay felt it thunder with orgasm. "Oh God. Oh God..." he whimpered, and Hunter milked the last bit of cum out of it as he exploded inside Ramsay's ass. Ramsay tried to recover his breath. He reached around for Hunter's hand and found it. Hunter pressed his chest against Ramsay's back, waiting for his breathing to come back to normal, bestowing tiny, butterfly kisses on Ramsay's shoulder. Ramsay squeezed his hand. "I'm so happy," he whispered, blinking away the tears as he turned around. He reached up to brush back some of Hunter's disarrayed hair. His forehead was hot. A single roll of sweat was making its way down the side of his face. Hunter smiled at him. "Me too," he said. He lowered his mouth to Ramsay's and kissed him, a sweet, warm kiss which touched the very core of him. Then he walked over to the bed and lay down. He patted the place beside him. "Come over here." Ramsay lay down beside him. "So, how did you tell him you were leaving?" Hunter asked him, meeting his gaze.

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"I told him the truth. I told him that I was in love and that I had thought I'd get over it, but that I saw you and ... my heart was breaking." Hunter touched his cheek. "Will Amanda mind, me being here?" Ramsay asked suddenly. "Why should she mind? It's only for a short time." "What do you mean?" Hunter sat up. "I hope you didn't think we were going to live here together." "It's perfect," Ramsay said. "No," Hunter replied. "It's not perfect. I'm planning on leaving here, getting a proper job. Amanda offered me a loan to go to school. I finished high school at home." Ramsay was speechless. He sat up and threw his legs over the side of the bed. How would they live? They'd live in a dump, eat out of cans. They'd be poor. At least here, they could live in a nice house. "Ramsay, listen to me," Hunter said, walking around in front of him. "Do you love me?" "Do you have to ask me that? You know I do. Look what I gave up." "That's not the right answer," Hunter grumbled. "I don't want to go through life with you telling me what you gave up. Either I'm worth more, or I'm not. Make up your mind." "You're angry." "Yes I'm angry. You haven't changed at all." "Yes I have." He reached out and took Hunter's hand. "I trust you. I love you. I want to be with you." 239

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"Then we have to take what comes, do it on our own, make our own happiness." Ramsay nodded. He pulled Hunter down beside him. "Now calm down. I'm here. Hold me, and let's get some sleep, okay? We'll talk about it more in the morning." He kissed him, laid his head on Hunter's chest and closed his eyes. Peace. For the first time in a long time, he felt peace. **** Ciel sat listening in horror as Scott talked, his fingernails digging into the palms of his hands. Scott was recounting the abuse he had endured in the last foster home he'd stayed in before he went to the streets. The husband, the wife, the husband's sick friends ... the abuse was ongoing and brutal. Scott sobbed like a baby when he came to the end. Ciel held out his hand, and Scott went into his arms. The therapist left them alone for a few minutes. Ciel wiped Scott's tears, Scott wiped his. "Let's go home," Scott suggested. Ciel smiled. "Oh, yeah," he replied. Ciel had been out of the hospital now for a few weeks, and the nightmare of what he'd lived in that bedroom was starting to subside. He was engrossed in Scott's past now, and it was actually helping him. He knew that he'd never felt so close to Scott as he did now. Scott had finally let him in, and that's all he'd ever wanted. "I'm going to take a shower," Ciel called out. They'd have an early supper, and then Ciel would go to work at the restaurant. He'd only done a few shifts and was finding it hard 240

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getting back into routine. Scott loved his new job in the office complex, and Ciel knew that it made him feel proud. Ciel turned on the shower and stripped off his clothes. He'd put on a few pounds, thanks to Scott, since he'd been home, and physically he was beginning to feel a hell of a lot stronger. He didn't hear Scott come into the bathroom. He only turned his head when the shower door slid open, and Scott stepped in behind him. "You know," Scott said. "I was thinking." Ciel smiled as Scott picked up the bar of soap and ran it over Ciel's back. "Thinking about what?" His cock was noticeably stiffer all of a sudden. "I was thinking that I have this gorgeous ... and I mean gorgeous, sexy, naked man in my shower, and I'm in the stupid kitchen worrying about what I'm going to make for supper." He reached around and grasped Ciel's cock in his hand. Ciel sucked in some breath. "There's something definitely wrong with that picture, don't you think?" "Umm," Ciel replied. Scott was massaging his prick, then reaching down and slowly handling his ball sac. "Umm, yeah," he heard himself exclaim. "Umm, yeah," Scott echoed, one hand moving over Ciel's cock to caress his stomach, tweak his nipples. "You'll be saying more than that when I get done with you, baby." "You think?" Ciel challenged, grinning. 241

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Scott pressed his erection against Ciel's ass. "I don't have to think. I can feel it." "Oh, I feel it," Ciel licked his lips. His cock felt it, too. Scott dipped down to his knees. He spread Ciel's ass and began to tongue his opening. Ciel gasped, placing his head against the tile. "Fuck," he cried out. "Jesus, yes." One of Scott's hands reached between his legs and played with his cock, his balls; the other held his ass open so that he could delve his tongue into him. "Scott, um ... Scott ... oh ... yeah..." Ciel grunted. "Stop, I'm going to..." "No, you're not," Scott said, standing up. He turned the water off. "Come on. I want you in the bed. I want all of you." There was no mistaking the lust in Scott's eyes. It was severely turning him on. Seconds later, Ciel was lying on his back on the bed and Scott was lifting Ciel's legs over his shoulders. "Look at me," he said. "I'm looking," Ciel replied softly. Scott reached down and kissed his mouth deeply. "You are so beautiful," Scott said, running his gaze over his chest, his cock. "You have the greatest abs, the hottest ass ... and it's mine. Say it, baby." "It's yours," Ciel said. "All of it. Fuck me. Come on, Scott, fuck me now." Scott went into him slowly, then pushed his cock to the hilt, his eyes looking down into Ciel's. It felt so good. Scott's cock inside of him was like coming home. Ciel came hard and 242

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fast, and then he lay there watching Scott. It seemed as if Scott disappeared somewhere for a moment, his eyes glazed over. He kept saying, "Oh, God. Oh, God..." and then he exploded, his head flying back, the cords in his neck standing out, a tongue flying over his lips. He shook his hips in and out of Ciel in one grand finale and collapsed on top of him, his heart thudding in his chest. "I love you, I love you," he whispered against his ear. Ceil smiled. They lay together on the bed for as long as they could, then they got up and made supper together. "It's going to be all right now, baby," Scott said. "You know that, don't you?" Ciel answered him with a quiet nod of his head and lifted the spoon out of the pot for Scott to taste. **** One year later Amanda stood in front of the mirror fussing with her hair. Scott lay on the bed in his grey suit, watching her through half-closed eyes. "Will you stop that!" she snapped. "Stop what? Why are you so nervous?" "It's not everyday someone gets married, you know." He shrugged. "It's no biggie." "Yes, it's a biggie ... and get up off the bed with that suit. It's going to be a wrinkled mess." He got up, pressing down the material with his hands. "Shouldn't you be somewhere else?" "I thought you wanted me here?" "You have duties. You are the best man. Why don't you go and fuss over the groom?" 243

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He shrugged. "Okay. You'd like to go fuss over him, I bet." "Get out," she muttered. "You're getting on my nerves." "All the guests have arrived." "Don't tell me that. Get." Scott laughed and left the room. He wandered downstairs, skirting past the caterers, and ran into Ciel. "Hey, baby." Ciel leaned in and kissed his mouth softly. "Amanda is stressed right out." Ciel laughed. "She'll calm down." "We hope." "I shouldn't be here talking to you. I have things to do. I'll see you soon." Scott winked at him. Ciel walked off down the hallway. Scott watched him go. He looked so damn handsome in that suit. He was going to have a hell of a time keeping his hands off of him. When the music started to play, a soft, romantic, classical sonata, Scott made his way outside and around to the back. He walked up the red-carpeted path, noting all the guests who were patiently seated on both sides of the isle. He stood under a three-sided white wedding gazebo, decorated with a floral header and a white tulle and white wisteria garland. The roses that Liam had grown were everywhere, and Scott was getting a little high on the bouquet. The woman with a long, white robe and a book in her hand appeared in front of him all of a sudden, and he nodded at her. He turned his direction to the front, his gaze moving to Ciel who stood patiently at the back. He suddenly wondered what it would be like if they did this ... came together to 244

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declare their love for each other in front of all these people. The thought warmed his heart. Scott felt for the ring in his pocket for the hundredth time, then told himself to relax. Jacques suddenly appeared, looking breathless, taking his place under the gazebo on the opposite side. He winked at Scott and held up the ring. When they came walking down the aisle together, everyone clapped. Yes, it was unconventional, but it was beautiful. Amanda looked stunning, and she beamed as she marched, Ramsay on one arm and Hunter on the other. At the gazebo, she kissed them both warmly and went to take her seat in the front. Scott watched as Liam took her hand and wiped at the tears on her cheek. They all turned to listen as the justice of the peace spoke. Ramsay and Hunter held hands and looked into each others' eyes. They read what they'd written for each other, placed the rings on each others' fingers, and kissed deeply when it was over. There was not a dry eye in the house, including Scott's. The first moment Hunter had, he walked over to Scott and hugged him. "Thank you for being here." "Thank you for being an inspiration," Scott said. He looked at Ciel. "You're giving us ideas." "They are?" Ciel made a face. "Yeah," Scott said. "They are. And you shut up." "Well, we already act like a married couple." Ciel smirked. "We might as well make this suffering official." Hunter laughed as Scott socked Ciel in the arm. 245

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"I guess I'll see you soon, eh, Hunter? We're in the same class at the college this term," Scott told him, ignoring Ciel, who was pretending to be in pain. "You got in!" "Yeah. And I discovered that we were taking the same class." "All right," Hunter said, slapping his palm with Scott's. "What's Ramsay up to?" "He's going to start technical school. He's interested in computers." "That's great," Scott said. Ciel echoed him. "How's your job going at the advertising company?" Hunter asked Ciel. "Well, writing jingles was not what I intended, but it's fun. I'm still working on my novel." "I want the first copy, signed." Amanda appeared suddenly, Liam and Ramsay following behind. "What's going on over here?" she asked "Your guests are waiting for you,". Hunter placed an arm on Amanda's shoulder. "Coming, dear," he teased. She pushed him away with a grin. "So when are you two marching the march?" Ramsay inquired, looking at Amanda. "I've begged," Liam said. "But my begging falls on deaf ears. She's a cold-hearted woman." "He's living here; isn't that enough?" She looked over at Liam and then smiled. "I don't let just any man plant roses in my garden, you know." 246

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Liam grinned. "That be the truth." "I need a drink," Ciel said suddenly. "All that ushering has worn me out. Come on, hot stuff." He took Scott's arm. Scott laughed. Hunter grabbed Ramsay's hand and pulled him along. "See you inside," he said. "Our fans are waiting." Amanda looked at Liam. "Shall we go in as well?" he asked. "Give me a minute, okay?" "Are you all right, darlin'?" She kissed his cheek. "Fine. There've been a lot of changes, that's all. I'm feeling a tad melancholy." She was just about to say something else when a young man of about twenty, with silky black hair and clear blue eyes, suddenly appeared in front of them. "Excuse me," he said. "Could you tell me how to get inside. I'm a little lost." He smiled. Amanda couldn't help but notice how sweet he was. "Ah, what's your name?" "Drew. I came with Jacques." "Ah, you live at the Agency?" "Yes," he said with a smile. "I'm new." "Just go right around there, Drew." She pointed. "And follow the noise." "Thanks," he said, throwing Liam an appreciative glance, then disappeared around the side. "Nice," she said. "Very nice. What do you think?" "Um," Liam agreed. "Delicious." "One of Jacques' new additions." "It looks like it." 247

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"To your taste?" "Definitely," he said. "And yours?" "Yum. I'd love to see you dominate him. Think Jacques would let us have him tomorrow night?" "I'll talk to Jacques." "Splendid." "How are you feeling now? Still sad?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow with a slow smile. "I'm beginning to feel a whole lot better," she said. "Shall we?" She gave Liam her hand, and they walked around the house and into the front door. The End [Back to Table of Contents]

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About the Author D.J. Manly is first and foremost a writer, but is also a college professor, a small business operator, and a sociologist who works as a consultant on research projects. D.J. is a proud Canadian who lives in French Canada, and is fluent in both English and French. Human rights are a great concern, and D.J. longs for a peaceful world free of sexism, racism, and homophobia. D.J. writes for the pure love of writing, and always with the reader in mind. If D.J. doesn't enjoy reading it, it won't be written. Great characters, great sex, and a great love are the elements you'll find in D.J's work. There is nothing quite as exciting as beautiful men falling in love. Come taste D.J's work, but be careful—you may become as addicted to reading it as D.J. is to writing it. One reviewer wrote that reading D.J. can give you "third degree burns in an air conditioned room." That says it all. E-mail D.J. any time with questions or comments. Visit D.J. online at www.djmanly.com

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