“If you want me to go, I’ll go,” Craig said. Brian and Justin looked at each other in stunned silence. They were tempted to tell Craig to just leave. Brian didn’t want to make the man angry. Justin was thinking about what Brian had said, he didn’t want his father feeling lonely. “Why would you say that, Dad?” Justin asked. “Well, you aren’t looking too happy since I went to pick you up,” Craig pointed out as he walked behind them. “Are you two fighting?” “No,” Justin told him quickly. “Look Dad, I want you here.” “Brian?” Craig asked. “Like I’m going to say no to you,” Brian pointed out. “Brian,” Justin whined. Gio who had been walking behind them as well, laughed. He knew Brian was a very honest man and he liked that. “Does he have to come?” Brian asked as he looked at Gio. “What’s wrong with him being here?” Craig asked. “Fine,” Brian told him. “You can tell them he’s your boyfriend,” he said sarcastically. “Hey,” Gio complained. “That’s not in the job description.” Craig and Justin smirked. “He has a problem pretending to be your Dad’s boyfriend,” Brian whispered to Justin. “But he’s perfectly fine putting a bullet in someone’s head if your father asked. This world is more fucked up than I thought.” Justin cringed. “This is Debbie’s house,” Brian said as he looked back at Craig and Gio. They had to park a few houses away because there were no any available spaces. Brian knocked on the door when they reached the house. Debbie opened the door and smiled. “Hey, Deb,” Justin said. “Honey,” Debbie said pinching his cheek. “Come on inside, all of you.” “Thanks, Debbie,” Craig told her. “You’re a wonderful woman.” “Thanks,” Debbie was taken with Justin’s father. She thought the man was a perfect gentleman. “And who is this?” “This is Giovanni,” Craig looked at the man. “He’s my assistant and close friend. I hope you don’t mind that he came along.” “Of course not,” Debbie said closing the door. “The more the merrier.” “You’re late, Brian,” Michael protested. “We’re not even eating,” Emmett pointed out. Brian rolled his eyes and ignored Michael’s complaints. “Let’s move this to the table people,” Debbie told them. “Dinner is ready.” “So, what do you do Mr. Taylor?” Patrick asked later after they were all eating. “I’m a business man,” Craig said. “I have businesses with Brian, isn’t that right?” “Yes,” Brian said slowly. “So, are you partners now or what?” Ted asked. “Is that the reason Donovan took over half of my job?” Brian sighed. He really didn’t want to be discussing any business relating to Craig with them. “Don is a good guy,” Craig said. “He’s there to help. And Brian’s the sole owner of Kinnetic.” “Can we talk about something else?” Brian asked as he played with his food. “What’s with you?” Lindsay asked. Vic stared at Craig. He knew he had seen the man someplace but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “Where are you from originally, Craig?” “I was born here in Pittsburgh,” Craig informed him. “My mother was from New York and my father was from Sicily.” “Really?” Debbie asked. “We have Italian heritage too. You hear that Michael, you and Justin have a lot in common.” “I don’t think so,” Michael protested. “He’s not that far from the truth,” Brian uttered in response to Vic’s inquiry and Michael’s answer. Justin narrowed his eyes at Brian in silent warning. “I think it’s great that Justin found you,” Patrick said. “Yes,” Craig agreed. “It has all been a grave misunderstanding. But I won’t be going away anytime soon.” Brian flinched when he heard that. He knew he was in hell. “This is really good, Deb,” Craig told her. “Thanks,” Debbie beamed with the compliment. Michael wanted to puke. Justin rolled his eyes. “We’re going to Babylon after this,” Nicholas said. “Are you guys coming?” “What’s Babylon?” Gio asked. “It’s a gay club,” Melanie answered. “I don’t think it’s your kind of place.” “How would you know?” Gio asked. “You’re not gay,” Nicholas said. “We can tell.” “I want to see it anyway,” Gio pointed out. “If you guys go that is.” Brian wanted to kick Gio for saying that. He thought he would get a chance to breathe if he and Justin were able to escape to Babylon for a few hours. “That’s Brian’s kingdom,” Michael informed them. “That was before,” Emmett added. “Now that Justin has come into the picture, Brian has only eyes for him.” “What do they mean?” Craig asked. Justin wanted to die. “What was your father’s name?” Vic asked Craig. “Brian is the kind of guys that fucks them and leaves them,” Michael pointed out. “Shut the fuck up, Michael,” Brian hissed. “So, are you telling me this because he fucked you and never gave you a second look?” Craig asked. Justin wanted to die. He wanted to disappear at that exact second. “I have never fucked him,” Brian said. “Oh,” Craig said. “I see the problem then.” A few of the people at the table laughed. “Justin, I like your father,” Patrick announced. Michael was pouting. Craig looked at Vic who arched a brow. “His name was Benjamin.” “Did he have a nickname?” Vic asked. Brian swallowed hard afraid the gang would finally learn the truth. “I think we should talk about something else. I’m getting bored.” “It’s not all about you, you asshole,” Melanie told him. “Benny,” Craig answered as he stared at Vic. “And a few others.” Vic nodded slowly. He knew that Craig was hiding something from him. He looked at Brian and Justin who were suddenly starting to turn pale and he knew something was up. “I think it’s a phase,” Michael said suddenly. “Brian got bored and...” “Don’t even dare finish that, Michael,” Brian hissed as he got up. “Fuck you.” Justin took a deep breath. He knew this argument had been coming for sometime now. He only wished it didn’t have to happen now in front of his father. “You’re acting like a total snob,” Nicholas hissed at Michael. “Fuck you!” Michael said. “This is none of your business. You shouldn’t be here either.” “Well, Michael if you were the King of this world I guess you could have everything go your way,” Patrick told him. “You know, you should be quiet,” Craig told him. “Be a man and not some whiny brat.” Everyone at the table was silenced after that, except Michael of course. “Ma!” Michael whined. “Are you going to let him talk to me like that?” “He just did,” Debbie pointed out. “Try to be nice, honey.” Michael started pouting. “I need a cigarette,” Brian said. He really wanted to kick Michael to a pulp; Craig would be proud seeing how violent he could get. He shook his head as he stepped outside. He didn’t want his family involved with Justin’s father but now it was a little too late for that. He wished he could turn back time until they were back in New York. He would tell Justin the man he saw was someone that looked liked his father and he would have left it at that. *** Justin watched as Patrick fixed a few things and then announced he was done. He smiled as he watched the page that Patrick had created on the computer. “Wow,” Justin said. “Do you like it?” Patrick asked. “This looks great,” Justin informed him. “Thank you,” Patrick said getting up from the computer. “I hope to get an A on it.” “You will,” Justin assured him. “So,” Patrick mumbled as he walked to the kitchen. “What’s been going on with you?” “Not much,” Justin said. “Well, I don’t see you as much as I used to,” Patrick pointed out. “It’s like you’re hiding.” “It’s not that,” Justin explained. “I’ve been spending a lot of time with Brian. When he’s away I take the time to work on my homework and my art. It’s been a bit hectic.” Patrick nodded slowly. Justin couldn’t fool him; he knew there was something else. “So what about you?” Justin asked. “How are things?” “They’re okay,” Patrick told him. Justin arched a brow. He could see the smile on Patrick’s face. “Who is he?” “What?” Patrick asked. “You met someone,” Justin pointed out. Patrick started frowning and pouting. Justin rolled his eyes. “Tell me who it is.” “It’s Nicholas,” Patrick muttered. “You like him?” Justin asked surprised. “Yeah,” Patrick confessed. “But he’s so arrogant.” “I know,” Justin told him. “But that shouldn’t stop you. Look at me, I’m with Brian.” Patrick chuckled. “I guess.” “You should ask him out on a date,” Justin suggested. Patrick frowned. “We have been kind of seeing each other.” “Tell me more,” Justin told him as he sat on the couch. “Well, we fucked,” Patrick said as he went back with two beers in hand. “When was this?” Justin asked. “It was very soon after Alex died,” Patrick said feeling like an asshole. “I don’t know what happened. It...” “You don’t have to explain anything to me,” Justin told him as he put his hand on Patrick’s thigh. “I know you loved Alex.” Patrick nodded. “I want to be with him again but I feel so bad, Justin.” Justin frowned. “You haven’t been with him after that?” Patrick shook his head. “I’m so stupid. He’s waiting for me and he has been so patient. But what if I never can be with him or anyone else?” “Stop it,” Justin told him. “That’s not going to happen.” Patrick sighed. “Does he make you horny?” Justin asked. “Of course he does,” Patrick answered. “What kind of question is that?” “Then it’s you,” Justin told him. “You’re afraid of letting go of Alex.” Patrick looked away from his friend. He remembered things like Alex’s grin or his haunting eyes and his heart ached. He knew that what Justin was saying was true. In all honesty the other reason had nothing to do with Alex. It was because he was scared. He was scared shitless of giving in to Nicholas; of falling in love and losing it all over again. “I’ll get it,” Justin said when he heard the knock on the door. Patrick smiled when he heard Nicholas at the front door. Patrick glanced at the entrance and there was the man he was starting to fall for. “How are you doing?” Justin asked smiling. “I’m good,” Nicholas told him. “How about you?” “Great,” Justin informed him as he closed the door when Nicholas came inside the apartment. “What are you doing here?” Patrick asked. “I came to take you lovely boys out,” Nicholas told them. “That sounds good,” Patrick said smiling. “Uh,” Justin said. “I can’t go. I have things to do.” “Come on, Jus,” Patrick pleased. “Some other time, really,” Justin assured them. He walked over to Patrick and kissed him on the cheek. “Let go,” he whispered and moved away. “It was good to see you again Nick.” Nicholas nodded and waved at the blond. He turned around and smirked as he looked at Patrick. “I finally have you alone and all to myself.” Patrick smirked and got up. “Even if we weren’t alone I’d be all yours.” Nicholas hugged him and kissed him hard. He knew that patience was a virtue and his boy was coming around. *** “But this is my job,” Gio pointed out. “But you’re driving me insane!” Justin hissed. Brian arched a brow as Gio and Justin entered the blond’s apartment. “Is that any way to act around each other?” Justin’s head snapped to look at Brian. The brunet had been away for almost two weeks dealing with a campaign. He ran over to Brian and jumped in his arms. “I missed you, Brian,” Justin said. “I missed you too,” Brian assured him. He waved a hand at Gio to dismiss him. “Why are you two fighting now?” he asked and then started to kiss Justin’s neck. “He’s around me all the time,” Justin informed him. “And he insists on being my chauffeur. I can walk perfectly fine. I don’t need a damned escort.” Brian smirked. “So, now it’s getting to you.” “Shut up and fuck me,” Justin told him. “As you wish my little prince,” Brian teased. Justin laughed and kissed Brian. Brian walked to the bedroom with Justin in his arms. He put Justin on the bed and started taking off his clothes. He watched as the blond did the same, slowly and sexily; taunting him every step of the way. Brian didn’t need more reasons to want Justin, the blond was positively perfect. “Come here,” Justin said when he was naked. Brian finished getting naked and got in the bed. He got on top of Justin and kissed him. Their kiss was slow and passionate. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the feelings. His tongue slipped inside Justin’s mouth and he wasn’t sure who was doing the moaning; he didn’t care. Justin wrapped his legs around Brian’s waist. His hand took hold of Brian ass trying to push them closer. One hand running back up along Brian’s back until it reached the brunet’s hair. His fingers wrapped around the chestnut locks, which he pulled on each time Brian made a hard, sharp thrust. Brian pulled away quickly as he looked for a condom. When he found it he ripped it open and put it on. He was looking for lube when Justin started licking his fingers. The smaller man then started opening himself for his man. “Brian,” Justin moaned as he worked himself. Brian watched him not being able to move. His breath hitched and he moved when Justin called for him again. “So good,” Brian said when he was hovering over the blond. Justin was moaning and groaning under him. He had two fingers inside of him but it wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted Brian’s hard cock inside of him. Justin pulled his fingers away and lifted his legs up. Brian kissed him as he entered Justin. Their pace was awfully slow. Brian was enjoying every minute of it. He licked Justin’s lips and then his chin. Justin had his eyes open watching everything Brian did to him. Brian stopped moving and let Justin’s legs drop to the side. “Brian,” Justin whispered not sure what the brunet was doing. Brian took hold of Justin and pulled the blond’s body up with him as he sat on his haunches. Justin moaned as he felt Brian’s dick burying itself deeper inside of him. Justin’s hands caressed Brian’s face and he smiled. “I love you,” Brian told him. “I don’t want to ever lose you. I love you so much,” he wrapped his arms tightly around the blond. Justin frowned not sure what was going on with Brian. He knew something had happened. He kissed his man. He licked Brian’s jaw line as they started to move again. Brian let the blond lean back and he started to kiss Justin’s chest. Justin closed his eyes feeling lost. Their movements turned more demanding. They were reaching the same goal. Brian pulled Justin closed to him when he felt the blond squeezing his hard shaft. They kissed each other. It was a strong kiss, tongues fighting one another. Brian’s hand gripped Justin’s hips and he brought him up and down. He threw his head back and groaned his pleasure. Justin screamed Brian’s name as his body dropped forward. His cum splashed in between them. When Justin opened his eyes Brian was watching him. “Brian.” “I’m okay,” Brian told him quickly. “I...” Justin didn’t know what to say. “I love you.” Brian caressed the blond’s hair. “I know.” Brian pulled out of Justin and got rid of the condom. Justin lay back in the bed. He was sure something had happened to Brian and he wished the brunet would tell him. He knew he had to give Brian some space and not corner him and he might come around. “You missed me,” Brian stated. Justin chuckled. “Yeah, like crazy.” Brian rested next to him. Justin yawned. “You had a tiresome day?” Brian asked. Justin nodded slowly. His head dropped into the pillow. “I have to go home,” Brian told him as he caressed Justin’s face. “No,” Justin protested like a little kid. “Stay.” Brian smiled and got in the bed. He wrapped his arms around Justin’s smaller body and tried to go to sleep with his boyfriend, but as much as he tried to forget what happened during the day he couldn’t. A FEW HOURS BEFORE Brian was in the elevator trying to ignore Alvin. He didn’t know what the hell he was still doing in Chicago. His business meeting had ended and he got the account he wanted. It had only taken a week and he was going home when Craig came into the picture. The man told him there were a few people he wanted Brian to meet. Brian accepted because he wanted to be in Craig’s good graces. Now they were still there meeting people and Brian was tired and he missed Justin. He had been at the bar having a few drinks and his shadow, Alvin, was there with him. “We’re here, boss,” Alvin told him when the elevator reached their floor. Brian narrowed his eyes at him. “I have told you a million times not to call me that.” “I keep forgetting boss,” Alvin smirked. Brian rolled his eyes and they went to the suite. As soon as they were inside they saw Craig sitting down about to eat. Brian walked over to the man and looked at the food. “Join me, Brian,” Craig told him. “I’m not hungry,” Brian told him as he looked at the waiter. He looked at the man and something struck him as odd. He kept on watching him and realized that the waiter wasn’t smiling. “Is that how you give your best service,” Brian snarled. “A smile wouldn’t kill you.” The waiter raised his head at Brian knowing that the man was speaking to him. Brian knew he was pissed and he was taking it out in the man. “Well,” Brian said. Craig smirked at Brian. He liked the man’s attitude. “Don’t you understand what I’m saying?” Brian asked. “What are you from another planet or what? Jesus, I don’t think he understand fucking English,” Brian said giving up and about to go and lay down when everyone around him was standing up and holding their guns out. “Get him,” Craig hissed. Brian watched as Marcus and Edward went after the waiter. They pushed him on the floor and started stripping him. “We’re leaving right now,” Craig announced. Brian didn’t have a clue as to what was going on. “Did anyone eat anything?” Craig demanded. “Russian,” Marcus said when he found a tattoo on the waiter’s body. “Kill him,” Craig hissed. Brian watched stunned as Marcus took his gun put a silencer on and killed the man. He wanted to die. He wanted to run away and never come back. “Brian,” Alvin said pulling Brian by the arm. “Come on, let’s get your things.” Brian walked away with Alvin. He packed his things in a haze. He couldn’t believe what was happening. Someone tried to kill them. It was real. Craig hadn’t been lying about anything. Part of him always hoped that Craig was playing. That at one point he would say ‘it’s all a big joke, we wanted to see the look on your face’ but that never happened. “Ready?” Alvin asked. Brian nodded and Alvin took his carry-on. “Come on,” Alvin told him. “Don’t think about it.” On the ride home Brian tried not to think about it. But it was useless. All he could see was the man’s face staring back at them. There was no fear even though he saw recognition. The man knew he was going to die but there was no fear. But then again, Brian thought, he had been afraid enough for the both of them. PRESENT TIME Brian sighed and tried to push it all away. He thought of Justin’s beautiful face and closed his eyes. He could never let anything bad happen to Justin. He knew that he had to come up with a solution soon. He didn’t want to be part of Craig’s circle. He wanted to wake up from this awful nightmare in one piece and with Justin by his side.