A Promised Land (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove)

by Jools Louise

  Kadil shot Aaron a look, terrified he’d fuck up.

  He met Anne’s gaze steadily, trying not to flinch from the gimlet stare as she assessed his intentions. He was sure she could see right into his soul.

  “Madam, I am in love with your son. I would very much like to build a home with him, and Zada and Akeem. We have spent only a relatively short time together, and it scares me that I feel the way I do. In my country, my feelings would get me killed.”

  His eyes darkened as memories of Bahir hit him.

  “I already lost several friends because of what I am, because they are made the same way.”

  He focused again on Anne’s serious gaze.

  “I would give my life for your son, madam. I know you probably believe I am with him because I think he is an easy way to get to England. I did think that, at first, when I saw Aaron at the hotel. But I don’t feel like that now. I love him. I love the children, too.”

  Anne’s gaze remained on his for several heart-wrenching seconds before a slow smile lit her face, her arms went around him and she hugged him in a bone-crushing embrace that had him short of breath. For such a little woman, she packed a hell of a punch.

  “It won’t be necessary to give your life my dear, but I do expect you to lover, honor and cherish my boy. I have secured papers for you all, courtesy of a special license granted by the Prime Minister himself. Given that the children are the relatives of the unfortunately deceased ambassador of Syria to the UN, and you have proven yourself a worthy protector, you have all been granted immediate asylum in England, for as long as you need it.”

  Kadil felt a sudden wrench in his heart, his relief so profound that the force of it nearly brought him to his knees.

  Anne’s gentle hands cupped his face, her green eyes kind as she looked at him.

  “Kadil, I have looked into your history. My last conversation with my son gave me some concern about an incident you had in Jordan. I have been in contact with the authorities there, who informed me that the waiter who set you up to be fired, has a history of stealing. He is currently locked up in a Jordanian jail awaiting trial. I don’t expect he will fare too well.” Kadil’s eyes began to water as his brain ran through the implications of what Anne was telling him.

  “I have also spoken to several people you have worked with in the past, including your former employer in Jordan. They tell me you had ambitions to study as a chef.”

  Kadil nodded weakly, unable to speak. A force of nature? Anne was that and more. In a few short minutes she was doing more for his self-esteem than anyone ever had—apart from Aaron.

  “I have a friend who is willing to give you a trial, to see how you would feel about studying at a cooking school in London.”

  Anne tilted her head, eyes smiling as she witnessed his utter stupefaction.

  He nodded again and she chuckled, grabbing his arm in hers, then turning back to the others again.

  “Well, that’s all settled then. I have an aircraft waiting for me nearby. Your darling commander let my pilot land there. Wasn’t that kind of him?” She sent a cheerful wink at Captain Abrami, who laughed delightedly.

  “Yes, kind indeed, madam.” He smiled at her, dark eyes gleaming with amusement. “I wonder, madam, if I might be so bold as to request your presence at dinner one evening? When you have the time, of course.” He met her gaze fearlessly. Kadil felt a new respect for the man. He must have balls made of titanium.

  Anne blushed a little, looking slightly flustered.

  “Captain, that sounds delightful. I already have your number. Once I have things settled in England, I’ll make arrangements. Are you in port for long?”

  Kadil looked at Aaron, smiling at his boyfriend’s shocked amazement at his mother being asked on a date by the captain.

  “I am retired from the navy, effective today.” Captain Abrami replied, bowing slightly. “I would be delighted to accompany you all back to England, once I have completed my debriefing with my commander. If you would be so kind as to wait for an hour or so, I shall provide refreshments, then collect some things. I would like to see this saga to its end. I have grown quite attached to this little family.” His smile took in Aaron, Kadil, Najib and the children.

  “Captain Abrami. Alonzo. I’m sure that can be arranged. I know of a lovely little restaurant just around the corner from my apartment in Kensington Mews.” They shared a smile.

  “Does this mean we get to go home with Aaron and Kadil?” Akeem suddenly spoke up, shyly, ducking his head against Aaron’s hip.

  Aaron knelt beside him, hugging the little boy closer.

  “Yes, Akeem. My mother has arranged everything. We can go to England as soon as the captain here is finished with his commander. You, me, Zada and Kadil. Najib is going to stay here in Italy I think. Then we will all go fly to England with my mother and the captain here. What do you think?”

  Akeem hugged Aaron back, his little arms going around Aaron’s neck as Aaron lifted him, holding him on his hip, stroking his back gently.

  “I like flying. My dad used to take us with him when he went on holidays, when I was little.” Kadil smiled at the words. Akeem was already so little, to him. “I’m glad we can go to England. Where will we live?” Akeem asked, sounding a little afraid, still a little confused by what was going on.

  “Aaron’s mother is arranging for us all to live together,” Kadil said softly, moving next to Aaron and kissing the little boy on the cheek. He ruffled Akeem’s hair. “I’ve always wanted a goat.” He chuckled as Akeem giggled at the jest, in reference to the previous night.

  “Will I get to go to school?” Zada interjected, joining the discussion, her hand on Kadil’s waist.

  “Yes, of course, Zada.” Aaron looked down at her, tugging on her braid playfully. “We’ll look into which would be the best one for you.”

  “I’m glad. I was afraid I wouldn’t be allowed. My mother said that the bad people in Syria didn’t want girls to be educated.” She frowned. “I want to be educated. I think I’d like to learn about science.”

  Anne spoke up, looking approving.

  “Zada, you can be whatever you want to be, my dear. I’ll make sure of that. We all will.” Zada smiled at her, her dark eyes looking excited.

  “Shall we discuss things further, once we get to the plane?” Captain Abrami spoke up. “The sooner I get things finished up here, the sooner we can get under way. I’m sure you will all be relieved when you are home, or at least in your new home.”

  There was a general consensus of agreement, with Aaron carrying Akeem off the ship, following his mother and the captain who graciously assisted his mum down the gangway.

  Kadil held Zada’s hand as they followed on, squeezing it lightly, grinning as he felt the same excitement he saw in her eyes welling up inside him. He couldn’t believe things had been so easy. He’d had no clue just what a barrister really was, and was fairly certain there weren’t many like Aaron’s mother.

  He hadn’t told anyone on the ship about wanting to be a chef. It had been a pipe dream, an ambition he had only shared with a couple of people that had never materialized. The only chefs he had met had come from abroad, local boys never got the chance to train since it cost too much money. Money Kadil didn’t have. The fact that Anne had found out so quickly left him in awe of her. The fact that she was offering to help him achieve his dream…well, he just might be in love with her.

  He left the ship, his heart full and his hopes for the future fast becoming a reality.

  All because he had met a man called Aaron. He had known there was something special about the guy, had felt that little tug at his hearts strings…and his cock. He grinned wryly.

  If he was being honest, it had mostly been about his cock at first.

  Now?

  Now, it was the whole damned, delicious package.

  Chapter Ten

  The small townhouse that Aaron led his new extended family into after several hours of flying and immigration procedures was imm
aculate. A garage sat beneath in a quiet cobbled street away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag. Above the garage was the rest of the house, which rose another two stories, plus a bedroom space in the loft as well as a studio containing Aaron’s art equipment, a hobby of his for several years.

  The place had an open-plan living-area-cum-dining-room, and an upstairs extension which had the master bedroom. Attached to the living area was the bathroom, kitchen and two bedrooms.

  They were all pretty tired, but Aaron happened to mention the kids could choose their own bedroom, so they immediately raced inside and chattered excitedly about which one they wanted.

  Akeem went for one decorated in soft greens and blues, Zada chose the bedroom clad in pastel yellows with white trim. She said it reminded her of the sunshine back in Syria.

  Anne lived in an apartment not too far away, and she had invited Captain Abrami to stay with her. Aaron had been a little shocked, but pleased that his mother seemed to be having fun. He liked the captain, and knew his mother was no slouch when it came to sussing out people’s intentions. She would never invite anyone back that she didn’t trust. It seemed his family might be increasing even more. He hoped so. His mother worked far too hard, she deserved to enjoy some downtime with a handsome ex-Naval officer.

  “I need to pee,” Akeem said suddenly, clutching his trousers.

  Aaron shared a laugh with Kadil, then lifted the boy and deposited him in the bathroom in front of the toilet.

  “This is your bathroom, yours and Zada’s.” When Akeem had finished, Aaron walked everyone through the house, showing them where everything went.

  “I have a bathroom upstairs.” He ruffled Akeem’s dark hair playfully. “You can pee in either one.” Akeem giggled, poking his tongue out at the teasing.

  “There’s a laundry room downstairs next to the garage. I think probably we’re all a little tired. It’s been a long day. Shall I order take-out?”

  He received three identical grins in return and headed for the phone on the wall.

  “Do you like Chinese food? Or maybe Italian pizza?”

  “I’d like lemon meringue pie,” Akeem suddenly stated from the kitchen. Aaron blinked, then headed after Akeem.

  The boy had the fridge wide open, a grin on his face. Reaching inside, he produced a package with his favourite dessert inside.

  Aaron hadn’t looked in the fridge yet, but grinned back at Akeem as he went over to study the contents of his fridge.

  Someone had been busy. His mother, probably.

  The cooler was filled to the brim with food, including the pie. He tilted his head.

  “There’s a pizza in here, we just have to heat it in the oven. Plus salad and some olives.” He turned his head as Zada and Kadil entered the kitchen. “How about we have the pie after we have the pizza? Then I won’t get into trouble from my mum for not feeding you right.” He waggled his brows at Akeem, who held onto the pie box, but nodded in agreement.

  “I’ll get the plates.” Kadil began opening cupboards, rooting out utensils and plates and setting them on the wooden table in the center.

  “What should I do?” Zada asked, bright eyed and eager to help.

  They soon had a routine going, with Zada helping Aaron get the salad ready, then carefully placing the pizza into the oven to heat up.

  Kadil got Akeem to help him put the pie, and a trifle they found, onto dessert plates and dishes ready for later.

  Glasses of water were placed on the table and within a few minutes they were all tucking into the feast. Of course, Akeem managed to get his slice of pie, and a healthy dollop of trifle before the long day finally caught up.

  Akeem was pretty much asleep standing up, and headed into his bedroom willingly, flat out in seconds. Zada, her eyes drooping, kissed Aaron and Kadil goodnight, then departed for her room, leaving the two men with a load of dirty plates to wash up and lots to talk about as quiet descended on the house.

  “I’ll leave their bedroom doors open a little, just in case they wake up and get scared,” Aaron said, going to a door that looked like a cupboard and opening it up. Kadil grinned as he saw the in-built dishwasher. For that alone, Kadil fell for Aaron all over again. Dishwashing was his least favourite chore. If he could he’d eat off paper plates forever.

  “We can leave a light on as well.” Kadil answered, passing plates and dishes to Aaron as they got clean-up duty underway.

  “What made you change your mind?” Aaron said abruptly, his green eyes serious for a moment. “I had the feeling you weren’t intending to come with us.” He met Kadil’s eyes searchingly.

  Kadil sighed, placing the dish he was holding inside the dishwasher, then turning to Aaron and gripping both his hands.

  “It was suggested that I should quit worrying quite so hard about losing things that were within my grasp, because I was too afraid to reach for them.” He took a step closer, resting his cheek against Aaron’s strong chest, breathing in his lover’s scent, letting it wash over his senses soothingly.

  “What were you afraid of?” Aaron’s arms went around the smaller man, his chin resting atop Kadil’s dark hair.

  “You have everything. You have prospects, a career waiting in the wings and the strength and ambition to make a success of yourself,” Kadil tried to explain. “I’ve been struggling for years just to get one step ahead. I graduated from washing dishes in some shit hole of a hotel to lugging bags for people from one place to the next. I never seemed to be in the right place at the right time.”

  He hugged Aaron close, nuzzling his face into the fragrant warmth of Aaron’s throat, pressing a light kiss there.

  “Do you think I feel any less of you for not having the same chances I’ve had?” Aarons asked with a slight edge to his voice. “You must know I have never judged a person by the job they do or how much money they make.” He was definitely irritated.

  Kadil eased away, cupping Aaron’s face, smiling a little at the pout on Aaron’s gorgeous lips.

  “No, my love. I’m the one who has been judgmental.” He kissed the pout, tasting lemons, oregano and Aaron’s unique flavor. “Najib essentially told me to quit bitching and start living.” His tongue darted out, licking along the seam of those tasty lips, feeling the corners turn up in a slight smile.

  “I was placing my own doubts onto you. I’m sorry.” Aaron’s lips parted on a sigh and Kadil dove in, searching for hidden treasure. Aaron’s tongue met his, playfully playing tag until the kiss deepened and playtime ended. Kadil explored the hidden recesses of his lover’s mouth, feeling Aaron’s hands move to cup his ass, grinding their cocks together.

  The kiss went on and on, switching angles, licking and biting at each other greedily. Hands were constantly in motion as dirty dishes were forgotten, their passion igniting until they were both swollen with need, panting hard.

  After several minutes they eased back, still touching, trying to catch their breath.

  Kadil thought his lover had never looked sexier. Those luscious lips all swollen and moist, his eyes shooting gold sparks, heavy lidded with desire.

  “I’m thinking a nice hot bath might be in order,” Kadil said suggestively, nipping at Aaron’s whiskery jaw, then rasping his tongue over the manly stubble.

  Aaron shuddered, lifting his chin to allow Kadil better access. Kadil accepted the invitation, licking his way downward, enjoying the way his lover was coming apart in his arms.

  “Why don’t you go run a bath while I finish off in here and set the alarm? I’ll be up soon.” Aaron forced himself to pull back before they ended up fucking right there on the kitchen floor.

  “Great idea, stud.” Kadil gave Aaron a last, hard kiss on the mouth, smacked Aaron’s ass playfully, then darted out of reach before Aaron could retaliate.

  Aaron shook the lust cloud from his brain, concentrating on the mundane task of cleaning up, his cock so hard it was threatening to push right through the thick denim of his pants. He could feel the damp patch as pre-cum soaked into hi
s boxers and stood for a moment trying to calm himself before he embarrassed himself into his jeans.

  “The man’s dangerous,” he murmured to himself, leaving the kitchen to check locks and make sure the alarm system was set. He could hear water running upstairs and felt his cock twitch painfully against his jeans. “Down, boy.”

  Adjusting himself, he managed to make his way upstairs without incident, checking in on the children to see them still fast asleep. He left their doors ajar, flipped on a nightlight at the bottom of the stairs, then headed on up.

  Kadil had obviously found the bubble bath, the scent of sandalwood and something else permeating the air. He grinned at the pile of clothes strewn on the carpet, picking them up and placing them neatly on a chair.

  Stripping, he made sure to fold his own clothes neatly, putting them down on an adjacent chair before heading for the bathroom.

  His grin widened as he spied Kadil lounging in utter bliss, his eyes closed, and with bubbles up to his chin in the fragrant water of the large tub. His curly dark hair had grown to the point that it formed little ringlets, framing that beautiful face. He looked cute as fuck.

  “Room for one more?” Aaron asked teasingly, laughing as Kadil nodded without opening his eyes.

  Stepping into the warm water, gasping as the heat hit his toes, Aaron slid in behind the Syrian, sighing in pleasure at the dual delight of the delicious warmth of Kadil and the water against his body. His cock was trapped between Kadil’s slim thighs, wedged along his crease, and Aaron’s head fell back on a groan as he rested against the back of the tub, his fingers stroking indolently through the damp chest hair of his lover’s upper torso, flicking the dark tan nipples teasingly.

  “Do you hear that?” Aaron murmured after a while, nearly asleep, Kadil’s body sprawled against him.

  “What?” Kadil sounded drowsy and content, his face turning to the side to meet Aaron’s lips.

  “We’re home,” Aaron replied, closing his lips over Kadil’s, hungrily seeking out every sweet taste and texture.