Adrian's Bodyguard [Vampires of Vadin 1] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove)

by Shelby Rhodes

  Adrian chuckled. “I suppose I did go a bit overboard.”

  “A bit?”

  “Okay, I may have let my temper get the better of me. But seriously, the man was complaining about leaves, and you weren’t helping at all.”

  “I may have been egging him on a bit.” Xavier shrugged. There was a wide sexy grin on his face. “A bodyguard has to have fun somehow. It can get a bit boring following someone around all day and night.”

  Adrian narrowed his eyes. “Well, it stops now. Play around with someone else. I have enough headaches to deal with.”

  “I don’t know…” Xavier rumbled huskily, his eyes darkening with desire. “I think you would find playing with me quite pleasurable.”

  He was a bit surprised by the man’s words. Until now he hadn’t seen even a hint that Xavier was interested in him.

  And it wasn’t exactly easy to hide arousal from another immortal, especially older immortals, as they knew what to look for. Having superior hearing and smell could be embarrassing at times—especially for the young.

  Adrian had no trouble hiding most of his emotions. However, arousal was one he had always struggled with despite his age. Well…he hadn’t really struggled. He had just never tried—though he probably should have. While sexual attraction was perfectly natural, it was not always appropriate.

  Xavier knew he was attracted to him—Adrian just hadn’t been aware the feelings were mutual.

  The man did look rather taken aback by what he had just said. He probably hadn’t intended to speak at all. The shock on the man’s face, however, had been brief and was quickly replaced by a guarded look. Adrian found it slightly amusing.

  Xavier cleared his throat. “These last few hours have been stressful. Maybe you should rest a bit before the council meeting.”

  In other words, Xavier wanted to be alone—the only time the man could really do that was when Adrian was in his bedroom. He would let the comment go for now, mostly because he needed to decide what he was going to do about it—if anything at all. He was, however, not going to ignore Xavier’s comment about stress.

  “In case you have forgotten, you were the source of some of that stress. However, resting a bit would probably help me calm down. It wouldn’t be good for me to unleash my temper on one of the council members, even if they deserve it.”

  * * * *

  Xavier paced his makeshift bedroom—there was still a surprising amount of space considering there were two couches, a coffee table, and a bed.

  What the hell had he been thinking? No, what the hell was wrong with him lately? Had he left all his common sense and control back in Arcadia? Just yesterday he had told himself not to taunt the king, but had he avoided that? No, what he did was stoke the king’s anger until he snapped at one of his citizens. Well, he couldn’t bring himself to feel too bad about it—the man had been highly annoying and self-absorbed—but still. It seemed the minute he was around Adrian his control went poof.

  Worst of all, Adrian now knew he was attracted to him. Oh, how cocky he had been—so confident in his ability to hide his emotions from even the oldest of immortals. Well, that ability sure did him a fuck-load of good today. The current situation just showed him how arrogant he had been.

  Xavier plopped gracelessly onto the couch, feeling completely drained. He had no idea what Adrian was going to do. Despite his obvious attraction, Adrian had never come on to him—he didn’t know why though. He could only hope it was propriety that held him back, and not that Xavier had appeared uninterested. He would be screwed if it was the latter. Xavier was worried—he couldn’t be certain that he’d be able to resist if Adrian made an advance toward him.

  * * * *

  Adrian grinned—he found it entertaining that Xavier was pacing back and forth like a caged animal outside his room.

  What to do, what to do, Adrian thought as he stretched out on his bed. He was rethinking his earlier decision to not get involved with Xavier. Judging by the hunger he had seen in the man’s eyes, it would be well worth any lecture he might face. When was the last time he had sex, anyway?

  God, had it really been three months? No wonder he was stressed—he couldn’t remember the last time he had gone so long without.

  Not that he had done so on purpose. He had just been a bit distracted by the assassination attempts. Well, he sure as hell wasn’t going to let something as insignificant as someone trying to kill him get in the way of his sex life, at least not anymore. It was most definitely time to end his celibacy—something he would do with or without Xavier.

  He clucked his tongue in irritation. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t even pleasured himself for quite a while. Well, that was something he could easily remedy—in fact, he could take care of it right now.

  Though…the wall between his bedroom and the sitting room was quite thin. Xavier would probably be able to hear him. Adrian grinned devilishly at the thought. Not something he should worry about, he was sure—nothing wrong with putting on a little show.

  * * * *

  Xavier stared blankly at the ceiling as he lay on the couch. He had yet to come up with a way to avoid possible conflict with Adrian. He wasn’t even sure if there was a way.

  All of his thoughts fled when he heard a soft moan. When the next moan broke the air, he realized the noise was coming from the bedroom and rushed to the door. Slamming it open, he burst into the room and promptly froze. He let out a distressed whimper when his cock thickened at the sight before him.

  Adrian lay nude on the bed, his long black hair fanned out beneath him. The man was breathing heavily, his chest noticeably rising and falling with each breath. He was also completely hairless, a fact he had forgotten about vampires until this very moment. Adrian’s bare chest was beautifully flushed, his small pink nipples erect. They were not the only thing erect, either. Adrian’s cock lay hard against his stomach—rosy pink at the tip, about seven inches long, thick, and dripping precum.

  Xavier groaned, his gaze following Adrian’s left hand as he trailed it lazily up his chest from where it had been resting on his toned stomach. Adrian moaned as he circled his left nipple with one long finger before gently rubbing, pinching, and playing with it to his heart’s content.

  Movement drew Xavier’s eyes away from Adrian’s left hand. The man’s right hand was slowly sliding down his body now, flicking his right nipple as it descended.

  Xavier held his breath when Adrian stopped right above his cock. His heart raced as he waited to see what that delicate hand was going to do. He didn’t know if he would survive this much longer. His cock was hard to the point of pain as it pressed against his fly, just begging to be released. He was sure his heart would beat out of his chest any minute now.

  Xavier let out a whimper when Adrian began to slide one of his slim fingers up the base of his cock. Oh God, he was going to explode. Adrian gently played with the spongy head, coating one of his fingers in precum.

  He let out another whimper as he watched Adrian bring his covered finger to his mouth. And what a beautiful mouth it was—it was currently parted with just a hint of fangs. His top lip was rather thin, but his bottom lip was thick and plump.

  The man’s mouth was also very talented, he thought as Adrian proceeded to lick, suck, and nibble on the tip of his finger before drawing it fully into his mouth.

  As he continued to suck and moan around his own finger, Adrian began to pleasure himself. After a few moments of watching the man moan and tremble as he rubbed his prick, Xavier did something he hadn’t done in years—he came in his pants. Xavier howled as his cock erupted multiple times. A few moments later, Adrian shouted as he, too, found his release. His cock spurted four times, covering his chest and stomach.

  Panting heavily, he focused on Adrian’s face for the first time since entering the room. Adrian was currently looking up at him through his lashes, his arms now stretched above his head, and there was a wide, knowing grin on his face.

  “Fuck,” Xavier whispered h
oarsely before he fled the room, slamming the door behind him.

  * * * *

  Still panting from his release, Adrian started to laugh. For the first time in months, he felt completely relaxed. “I should have gotten a bodyguard sooner.”

  He would let Xavier run for now, but he wasn’t even close to being done with him yet. It was only a matter of time before he got the man where he wanted him. Adrian licked his lips—this was going to be fun.

  Chapter Five

  Millions of thoughts ran through his head as he followed the man who was responsible for his current descent into hell. He should have run the minute he saw him lying there. But had he done that? Nooo, of course not! He apparently wasn’t smart enough to do that. No, instead he fucking stood there and watched until he came in his pants like a damn inexperienced youth!

  He glared at the back of King Adrian’s head—the whole thing had been a trap. The man had known the noises would draw him into the room, and like an idiot, he fell for it. He had never considered himself a genius, but he’d thought he was at least semi-intelligent—apparently he had been wrong.

  What had happened to him? Was there something in the air in Vadin that killed brain cells?

  Xavier growled and glared harder when Adrian glanced at him from the corner of his eye and smirked.

  Taking a deep breath, he looked over to Baylin, who was walking beside him. He winced. The man was currently eyeing them both suspiciously. Great, something else to deal with.

  He cleared his throat and asked, “So how long do the council meetings usually last?”

  Baylin’s eyebrows rose at his question. “Something happened. I don’t know what, but believe me when I say this, I will find out. Until then I’ll pretend everything is fine. As for your question, it varies between two hours or more.”

  When they reached the meeting room, the two guards stationed there opened the doors. The room was much like Adrian’s throne room—marble pillars and intricate designs in silver and gold.

  There were twenty-one people in the room, all standing behind chairs that surrounded a large oval table. Twenty of them he recognized as council members, which meant the last man must be Dante Kozen, the head of the Kozen Zaytari group.

  * * * *

  Adrian’s gaze drifted over the council members’ faces. He briefly wondered if one of them was behind the attacks. Denial screamed in his head.

  No, there was no way he would believe that. They would never betray him. For heaven’s sake, they helped put him on the throne. Besides, if it were one of them, the Zaytari would have found something already—he was just letting Xavier’s doubt affect him. The man’s words were making him hesitate and question the faith he had in others. If he couldn’t trust his own judgment, then what could he trust?

  It physically hurt him to even consider the possibility that one of them had betrayed him. It just couldn’t be them—it wouldn’t even make sense for one of them to send an assassin after him. If they wanted him dead, all they would have to do was reveal the secret they all kept.

  Adrian blinked and realized that everyone was staring, silently waiting for him to start the meeting.

  Rubbing the back of his neck, Adrian asked, “So who would like to begin?”

  He was a bit confused when Dante stepped to his side and bowed. As far as he knew, the man was scheduled to give his report at the end of the meeting, not the beginning.

  His eyebrows rose when Xavier stepped a bit closer to his chair. Ignoring him, he turned to look at Dante and asked, “Is something wrong?”

  “Not exactly, Your Highness. I have something to say regarding the report I had planned to give.”

  “Am I to assume plans have changed?”

  “Your assumption is correct. I had intended to inform you of a strange and possibly dangerous situation today. However, some new information has come to light. It is pertinent that I investigate further before I give my report,” Dante informed him.

  “I see. Well, as you have never steered me wrong before, I give you leave to do what you see fit.” He looked at the man with narrowed eyes when he continued to stand there. “You have more to say?”

  “Yes.”

  “About what?” Adrian asked impatiently.

  “About the progress of our investigation into the assassination attempts.”

  The man was infuriating at times. Dante seemed to enjoy releasing information in bits and pieces—it was bloody annoying. “And what progress has been made?”

  “Unfortunately, none, Your Highness.”

  “And you had to tell me this why?”

  “For the love of…” started Councilwoman Sabriel Argent, before taking a deep breath to try to calm herself. Her efforts failed—she proceeded to snap at Dante just moments later. “Dante, just spit it out!”

  As Dante’s territory was located in Sabriel’s district, she had to deal with the man quite often. However, Sabriel was a woman of very little patience. He imagined Dante was a trial for her—she most likely snapped at him quite often.

  Looking slightly put out, Dante continued, “Yes, well…I have recently gotten in contact with several of the other Zaytari heads, and we as a group request that you allow us to provide more protection.”

  “I’m going to deny that request. I already have a bodyguard, and I do not need more than one.”

  “If you would, please at least consider it,” Dante asked of him as he stepped back to allow the meeting to begin.

  Adrian let out a grunt in response. “Now…let’s begin, shall we?”

  * * * *

  Over the last few hours, Xavier had come to a realization. All council meetings were absolutely awful. It didn’t matter what species you were—meetings always ended in useless arguments between people in high positions who thought they knew best. They were also boring. He sure as hell was happy when Adrian held up his hand and ended it.

  At the meeting’s conclusion, the council members stood and meandered around the room, continuing to discuss various issues among themselves. Xavier wondered how long Adrian intended to linger—the man was currently having a discussion with a few of the council members. Really, who would want to linger after a meeting? he thought with a sigh.

  By the time Adrian was ready to leave, most of the council members had departed. To his disappointment, the man had just stood up when one of the few remaining council members approached—if he was not mistaken, it was Councilman Kaiden Voltair.

  Adrian let out a deep sigh and flopped back down—he did not look pleased with the man’s presence. “Yes, Councilman Voltair?”

  Xavier thought the man looked rather pompous. The words the councilman spoke next only strengthened that assumption.

  With a touch of arrogance, Voltair divulged, “I find that I am forced to bring up a matter of great importance myself, as none of the others seem to be willing. It is time for you to have an heir. It has been put off long enough, and with your life currently in danger, the need for one is pertinent to the survival of the kingdom. It is irresponsible for you to continue to ignore the issue.”

  Judging from the look in his eyes and the smell of arousal coming from him, the councilman wouldn’t mind taking care of the issue himself. Xavier stepped closer to the king and glared fiercely at the man.

  Adrian hissed. “You grow quite bold, Kaiden. As lenient as I am on proper protocol, even I will not put up with disrespect. If I were you, I would choose my next words carefully.”

  “I meant no offense, King Adrian. I have the utmost respect for you. To be honest, my worry is more for you than the future of the kingdom. You have been alone for a long time. Isn’t it about time you settled down?”

  Adrian let out a snort. “Whether I am alone or not is no business of yours. I will have an heir when I am good and ready. I would suggest focusing more on your own love life rather than mine. If you even have one, that is.”

  His harsh words had apparently not discouraged Voltair. On the contrary, the smell of arousal coming
from the man had actually thickened. He briefly wondered if the man was purposely provoking the king.

  Xavier stayed out of the argument for the most part—and his plan had been to continue to do so—but then the man reached out to touch Adrian.

  Grabbing the councilor’s wrist roughly, he jerked him away from the king. “I would suggest keeping your hands to yourself, Councilor Voltair,” Xavier warned with a growl, the air becoming frigid around him.

  Adrian’s eyebrows rose in question at Xavier’s actions. Kaiden Voltair, however, looked quite shocked. That shock soon turned to outrage.

  “I would never harm the king. It is an insult to my honor to even suggest such a thing,” Voltair seethed, his voice clipped.

  Xavier’s anger caused the now-cold air to swirl around them. “King Adrian’s safety is all that matters. I do not care to, or have the time to, worry about your bruised pride.”

  He was glaring menacingly down at the man when Kaiden hissed, grabbed his shirt, and jerked him forward. He could feel his powers pushing to be let free, his anger feeding them. Ice began to form on the councilman’s hands—ice that, to Xavier’s shock, evaporated moments later when an unusual amount of heat radiated from Kaiden’s hands.

  “Let’s play nice, boys…Kaiden…” Adrian coaxed.

  After a few tense seconds, the councilman slowly released Xavier’s shirt. The man’s face went through a range of emotions before he turned to face the king. “Yes…Your Highness?”

  “It is Xavier’s job to see everyone as a threat. Try not to be so easily offended. Please be secure in the fact that I have full confidence that you would never purposely cause me harm or betray me,” Adrian scolded gently.

  “Thank you, Your Highness. I apologize for my actions,” Kaiden replied, bowing slightly. “As I have business elsewhere, it is time for me to leave. I hope to continue this conversation at a later date…when tempers are not so high. Goodbye.” Kaiden bowed once more and made his exit.