by K. Sterling
“Roman found me and brought me back,” Jayce said once he could get his brain and his lips to work. He exchanged a glance with Roman and Quinn sensed brother’s calm gratitude.
“Why didn’t you tell me? You know how worried I’ve been!” Quinn said as he turned to Roman but Jayce hushed him.
“We needed to have a talk first and he gave me a few days to fix myself up and rest. I’m not clean yet, Quinn. But I’ve been here, with a doctor, and I’m getting healthier. I’m going to rehab and you’re never going to worry about me again,” he promised and Quinn covered his mouth as he swallowed another sob.
“Roman!” He threw his arms around him as months and months of fear, grief and feeling incomplete faded and were replaced by overwhelming relief and peace. “I love you so much! I will never be able to thank you,” he cried and Roman laughed softly as he caressed his back tenderly.
“Stop it. You’ve made me happier than I’ve ever been and we take care of each other. I’m glad I could bring him back and give you what you wanted. I’m ready to build a life with you and Jayce is welcome to join us when he’s better,” he said and Quinn gasped as he leaned back.
“You’re leaving? All ready?” He complained as he reached for him and Jayce nodded.
“I have to start now. I’m so tired of being sick and I don’t want to hurt you anymore. This is the best chance I’m ever going to get and I have to take it right now,” he stated and Quinn pushed out a hard breath then nodded.
“Ok. But we can talk and I can visit you?” He asked and Roman hummed softly as he rubbed his shoulders soothingly.
“You can talk to him every day and we’ll visit him once he’s settled in,” he promised and Quinn was lightheaded as he laughed. It was so much after being afraid for so long that he’d never see Jayce again. A car came around the side of the house and Quinn pulled in his lips as his nerves rioted. He didn’t want to let Jayce go yet. “Wow. You weren’t kidding, you’re leaving right now,” he said and Roman’s grip tightened reassuringly.
“We wanted you to see that he was here and he’s getting healthier but he’s got a lot of work to do before he’s ready to come home. He needs to be far away from London and everyone he knows, even you. Let him catch his breath and find himself again so he can start over and be stronger,” he said and Quinn relaxed and let go. He trusted Roman and he could feel how much stronger and braver Jayce was. For the first time in years, he trusted his brother.
“All right. Go,” he said as he stepped back and waved as the driver opened the door. Jayce slid Roman a sheepish smile as he offered his hand.
“I hoped he’d find a nice girl who wouldn’t break his heart,” Jayce said and Roman snorted as he took it. He clasped it firmly then pulled Jayce close and patted his back.
“That’s the last thing he needs but I’m never going to break his heart,” he vowed.
“I know,” Jayce said as he stepped back then pulled Quinn into another hug.
“You’d better fill me in on everything, I have a million questions,” he warned and Quinn nodded as he squeezed him. He was so thin and weak but Quinn couldn’t help it.
“I’ll start writing now, it’s a long story,” he laughed as he released him then wiped his nose as it started to run. He wasn’t ready to let him go but he couldn’t remember feeling more hopeful and happy as Jayce got in the car. They waved at each other and a hundred promises and shared jokes passed silently between them as the driver steered the car through the courtyard, toward the drive. “I think he’s going to be ok,” Quinn whispered as he watched the car go.
“I think so too,” Roman said as he tightened an arm around Quinn and turned him toward the house.
“How do you know?” He asked as they climbed the steps. Roman stopped him and he looked pained as he cupped his cheek tenderly.
“Because I offered him enough money to keep him high for the rest of his life if he promised never to see you again. He didn’t need to think about it. He wanted to get clean and be the brother you deserve and I’ve promised to do whatever it takes to help him,” he confessed and Quinn’s eyes narrowed.
“You were testing him,” he said and Roman shook his head.
“It wasn’t a bluff. I would have given him that money and made sure you believed he was dead. I’m so sorry but I would have lied to you for the rest of our lives if I had to.”
“No. It wouldn’t have been a lie,” Quinn said. “My brother would have been dead if he took that money. I wouldn’t want him back and it would kill me if I knew. But he’d never do that. He couldn’t any more than I could give up on him,” he insisted and Roman’s eyes were sad as they held his.
“He probably won’t tell you this but I swore I’d kill him if he went through that money and then came back to you. I would have done it,” he said and Quinn squeezed his eyes shut and didn’t let the thought penetrate.
“Roman. I would have killed him. But it doesn’t matter, you’re talking about things that would never happen. I’d kill Mr. Bishop if he hurt you but he’s not capable of that.”
“You could try,” Roman chuckled as he gathered Quinn in his arms. “Thank you. The only thing that could ever make me betray you and become the man I used to be, would be that. I love you and I have to protect you, you’re all that matters now,” he said and Quinn hummed as he offered Roman his lips.
“I think you should tell me about the amenities here at Battenleigh Park,” he murmured and Roman grinned as his lips teased Quinn’s.
“The original house dates back to the 1200’s and the prison in the gatehouse has an oubliette beneath it. It was one of the features that attracted me to the property,” he said and hissed as Quinn bit Roman’s lip then shook his head.
“I’m more interested in hearing about the master suite, oddly enough.”
Epilogue
Five years later…
“Everything looks perfect out here. Let me know when the band arrives,” Quinn said to the planner and she gave him a thumbs up as she ran down the aisle to help the florists. “I’m going to check on the food,” he called after her and she waved for him to get out of her hair and let her work in peace. “Sorry!” He added sheepishly then turned and jogged up the steps and around the terrace to the kitchen doors. He sighed happily as he pushed them open. Every Olinescu woman was in Carlton House’s kitchen. Darius and Roman were finally able to get Grigore pardoned and they were laughing and arguing as they prepared countless trays of food and tureens of soups. The catering and alcohol budget was surprisingly minimal compared to the rest of the wedding. All the food was prepared by the women and the only beverages being served were champagne and ţuică. Quinn was going to be so ill by the end of the day and he couldn’t be happier about it. “Looks like you’ve got everything under control,” Quinn said as he went to bunică. She was happily babbling orders from her perch by the door and she laughed as she reached for his face.
“Quinn!” She sang as she patted his cheeks lovingly and he kissed her forehead.
“Keep them all in line,” he whispered as he escaped the madness in the kitchen. The hall was quiet until Quinn reached the stairs.
“Have you seen Darius?” Jenna accused as she stormed out of the study and Quinn bit his lip and cringed. If he was at the top of the steps he could have run from her.
“No, I’ve been helping the planner and making sure we’re all running on time,” he said as he turned then gasped. “Look at you! Darius is going to drag you down the aisle and marry you all over again,” he warned as he gently placed his hands on her belly. She usually wanted to be fawned over and told she was radiant but there were also times when it was safer to catch a grenade. She was truly radiant. Quinn thought she was even more adorable when she was pregnant but she wore an off the shoulder dress with a high waist and a full but tastefully short skirt in a shimmery pink and she glowed even brighter and softer.
“He’d have to come out of hiding to do that,” she seeth
ed as she absently placed her hand over his and Quinn assumed he was safe.
“What did he do?” He asked and she glared.
“It’s a girl,” she grumbled and Quinn whimpered as he ducked so he could see her face.
“But that’s so wonderful and she’ll be so perfect and precious!” He argued and she rolled her eyes.
“Of course she will but I already have three of them!” She pouted and Quinn pulled in his lips and appeared appropriately sympathetic. He was mostly sympathetic toward London and concerned for the safety of its male population in about twelve years, Darius was working on his fourth daughter. “Do you know what he told me?” Jenna hissed as she leaned closer and Quinn shook his head. “He said he’s done more research and he knows how to make sure the next one is a boy. I’m not even half way through this pregnancy and he’s already thinking about getting me pregnant again!” She complained loudly and Quinn flinched as it echoed in the foyer and the halls.
“Just think of your girls, before you kill him,” he urged and her eyes narrowed.
“I can’t kill him if I can’t find him,” she whispered and Quinn cleared his throat softly then leaned closer.
“Think of your girls, he’s never far,” he whispered back and her eyes lit up.
“You’re right! He’s probably with them or hovering close by,” she said as she tapped her chin. “If not, all I have to do is ask the little one to pretend to cry and he’ll come running,” she decided and Quinn gave her an encouraging squeeze.
“I’m glad I could help,” he said and she giggled as she kissed his cheek then took off toward the terrace doors. “Sorry, Darius,” Quinn murmured then turned and grabbed the bannister just as Jayce hurried into the gallery at the top of the steps.
“There you are,” he said as he did his best not to burst out laughing or wet his pants and Quinn could feel Jayce’s giggle ticking the back of his own throat as he climbed faster.
“Is he almost ready?” He asked as they hurried down the hall and Jayce snorted.
“I’ve never seen him this nervous,” he said as they entered the master suite.
“He was a mess when Darius and Jenna got married but this is even worse,” Quinn agreed and Jayce winked at him as he pushed the bathroom door open silently.
“I really think a bigger tie is the way to go,” Roman said very delicately as he stared at Mr. Bishop through the mirror. “It’s a little more…proportional,” he added then chewed on his lip as he scratched his head then swore. “What do you think?” He asked him.
“I like the smaller tie. It doesn’t draw the eye,” Mr. Bishop argued and Roman nodded then threw up a hand.
“I do see your point but it gets a little lost,” he worried and Jayce and Quinn exchanged tortured looks as they dared the other one to break and laugh first.
“I think I look like a clown,” Mr. Bishop decided and he sounded deeply disappointed.
“No, no, no!” Roman cried as he turned him and leaned back. His eyes narrowed as they carefully inspected Mr. Bishop from head to toe. Roman had transformed him and Grigore was going to sob his eyes out when he saw him. Roman had Mr. Bishop’s hair cut and styled so it was longer and higher on top and very close on the sides. He had Mr. Bishop grow out a light beard for the occasion and Roman trimmed and shaped it to give his face a narrower appearance. Roman patted him on the cheek and looked him very firmly in the eye. “Would I ever lie to you?”
“No, sir,” Mr. Bishop said and Roman nodded.
“You look very handsome, Mr. Bishop. I consider myself a bit of an expert and I would go as far as to say you look dashing, even,” he said and Mr. Bishop’s shoulders pulled back and his chin rose. “There we go!” Roman said encouragingly then rubbed his lower lip as he considered. “I have an idea and I want you to go with me here,” he said then reached for Mr. Bishop’s collar. His fingers flickered and flurried before he stepped back and held up his hands. “Ah! You’re perfect!” He declared and Mr. Bishop looked unsure but much more relaxed as he faced his reflection. It was a dramatic improvement.
“I like it but is it too casual?” Mr. Bishop asked. Roman removed the tie and unbuttoned the first few buttons and Mr. Bishop’s neck looked longer and his head appeared less square.
“Well, it is a garden wedding,” Roman mused as he smoothed Mr. Bishop’s lapels. “So, it is, in itself, less formal than a church wedding. But most importantly, it’s your wedding and Grigore already thinks you’re handsome and dashing so he’ll be happy no matter what you wear,” he pointed out and Mr. Bishop’s back straightened and he gave the mirror a firm nod.
“I like it,” he decided and Roman beamed up at him.
“Brilliant. I think you’re ready,” he said then gave his arms a squeeze. “Go stay out of sight so Grigore doesn’t see you until Darius comes to get you. I might not see you before then because I’m standing with Grigore but I’m so happy for you. He’s a wonderful man and I know you’re both going to take very good care of each other. I couldn’t ask for more,” he said and Quinn reached for Jayce as Mr. Bishop pulled Roman into a tight hug.
“Thank you for everything, sir. The wedding, my job, my life and Grigore.”
“It was nothing at all. You’ve been very patient with me and saved my life more times than I can count. And we’re family, Mr. Bishop, we take care of each other,” Roman said and Quinn turned to Jayce and jerked his head toward the door. Leave and shut the door behind you. Jayce was already backing out of the room. Jayce tapped at his watch then pointed. Don’t take too long. Quinn pulled a face as he cocked his thumb over his shoulder. Have you seen him? He gestured for Jayce to go and cover for him then slipped into the bathroom and pushed the door shut behind him.
“You weren’t this nervous on our wedding day,” he teased as he pulled his shirt over his head. He tossed it at the hamper and Roman’s cheeks puffed out as he turned and leaned against the sink.
“I just want this day to be completely perfect for them. I don’t think either of them ever believed they’d find love. You and I went about it differently but we both knew we’d find someone, someday. But they wouldn’t have, so I think this means something very different for them, than it did for us.” There was a catch in his voice and Quinn swore under his breath as he prowled toward Roman.
“We’re going to have a house full of guests very shortly but I’m about to fuck up the front of your trousers,” he warned as he unzipped his jeans and Roman’s eyes flicked upwards.
“I can change quickly…” he murmured and Quinn nodded.
“Good. It’s not looking good for your coat or that vest either,” he said then launched himself at Roman.
“Just don’t touch my hairrr…” He said then groaned.
“Sorry,” Quinn mumbled against Roman’s lips as his fingers pushed through his hair and Roman shrugged.
“Whatever, we’ve decided it’s a more informal event. I’ll make it work,” he said as he lifted Quinn and set him on the counter.
“I thought your life was a black tie event,” Quinn teased as he pulled Roman’s lips to his and he laughed softly as he kissed him.
“It was. Then I decided I needed something different,” Roman whispered silkily then stole Quinn’s wits and his heart all over again.
Dear Pervy reader,
I hope you enjoyed Roman and Quinn’s adventure and I have a feeling we’ll see more of Carlton House’s residents in the future. Ranulf’s got a very interesting story to tell and Jayce is due for a redemption. Please consider leaving a review, if you can. You’re my best cheerleaders and word of mouth is so vital and the best way to help my books find their way to more readers’ hearts. It’s getting harder for me to maintain writing as a career because of piracy and book stuffers. Please don’t read pirated copies of books, it’s crushing your favorite authors. And these authors with all that junk at the backs of their books… They’re not your friends or mine.
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