Bloodbath

by K. A. Merikan

  It was almost easier to interact with Toro’s men, who posed no risk to Domenico’s sanity, or to spend his time on minor assignments most people preferred not to do. So Dom—or rather Gian—became adamant at proving himself as a workaholic, and that in turn drew in people who needed more free time on their hands. With something to do, he was not as distracted with the warmth and honest conversations he was lacking, and additionally gave him an excuse to avoid Seth’s company when he was becoming a bit too clingy. And then, deep in the night when he closed his eyes and thought of the real life he’d put on hold in order to infiltrate Toro’s organization, loneliness was like a ghost that waited for his barriers to slip, only to settle on his chest and choke him.

  Despite the constant misguided attempts to spend every waking hour with Dom, Seth kept his part of the deal. His persona was clearer with each passing day. ‘Bastian’ liked to have a drink, he liked to go at it hard at the gym, and he fraternized with the men who spoke English. Seeing him so adept at not letting his mask slip was less weight on Domenico’s shoulders, but not being able to access the real Seth underneath the layers of lies was unnerving at best. What if there was something brewing inside of Seth that Domenico didn’t know about? What if each day here would somehow leave a permanent stain on Seth’s personality?

  It felt like losing him bit by bit, even though there was no merit to such thoughts.

  At least in the two weeks since they’ve arrived, Domenico got a chance for a few brief chats with Dana, and she told him about blind spots within the security system. None as big as the broken camera in the kitchen had been, but at least every now and then he could talk to Seth for a few minutes at a time. Nothing more was safe enough, and despite knowing of the lack of camera reach in several places, touching was out of the question, since they couldn’t risk someone walking in on that. In other words, every moment they spent together was like licking the outside of a Snickers bar wrapper when all he wanted was to shove the whole thing into his mouth. It made Domenico’s steel-hard persona melt little by little—something he couldn’t allow himself.

  Knowing they were watched 24/7, Domenico made sure not to be obvious about his search for surveillance equipment, but within the first few days, his trained eye located several around both their house and the main villa. Obscured within the pictures on the walls, or in the pattern of wallpapers, tiny cameras watched all the supposedly private areas. To make Gian more realistic, Domenico even watched straight porn once, though each time he tugged on his dick at the time, his thoughts were far away from pussy and tits. At least Mark was safe, because his quarters were located in the one area of Toro’s house where recording was considered too much of a risk. Dom guessed that it was there where the most grisly business was conducted. Including keeping captive girls or shipments of guns, since that was what Toro dealt in.

  That last time with Seth, in the cool, cramped shaft of the wine cellar, with Seth’s eyes reflecting a blind trust in Domenico’s decisions, was among his most treasured memories. Holding his lover’s life in his hands, Domenico felt an itch of protectiveness, and it came back every time he returned to it in his thoughts.

  He was coming back from a long-awaited chat with Toro that ended up with a small assignment for ‘Gian’s’ bored workaholic ass. It was progress, but the result still had him angry instead of satisfied. Back at someone’s beck and call, he only gained more conviction that it wasn’t a situation best suited for a man like him. He had instincts and a natural charisma, so vital to a man in charge, so what was he doing laughing at Toro’s jokes when his talents for leadership were being wasted each time he agreed with the man? At least thanks to their act, all three of them were safe, and judging by the last secret phone conversation he managed to conduct on a short trip to town, Miguel was still alive and well, even if camping out in the forest was far from optimal. Then again, Miguel talked so little Domenico doubted he lacked human contact.

  Dom stopped by the floor-length window in the first floor, pretending he was watching the women by the pool when in fact his gaze was on Seth’s naked back, which shone temptingly with droplets of water Dom would gladly lick up. Seth sat in one of the barstools submerged in a corner of the pool and drank with one of the men. Out of all people, it was rat-tailed Felipe, who seemed to have grown a liking for Seth despite neither of them able to communicate in the others’ language. Domenico felt a shiver go down his spine when Seth licked salt off the side of his hand before taking a shot of tequila. What he would give to have those lips on his cock instead.

  His excitement was quickly subdued when he noticed Felipe rolling a joint. The man was as lazy as he was unappetizing, and his daily routine consisted of drinking, drugging himself, napping, and consuming copious amounts of food in a never-ending cycle of fruitless indulgence. The rat tail with beads at the back of his head offended Domenico’s sense of style, but worse yet, Dom had no idea why Toro even kept the man here. Felipe seemed utterly useless, but his presence would unnerve Domenico until he knew the man’s purpose here. Maybe Seth would found out since they seemed to have become drinking buddies.

  Dom exchanged a few words with David, whom he met on the way down the marble stairs, but he was eager to escape the man’s company as soon as possible. David enjoyed stories of gore and killings too much for Domenico’s liking. Sure, some things needed to be dealt with, but the way David reveled in the violence made Domenico wonder if the man was even with Toro for money and prestige, or for opportunities to kill, and he didn’t like the conclusion he was coming to.

  Dom then flirted with one of the girls whose only role was to provide entertainment for Toro’s men, whatever that might entail. He didn’t question their presence, but he didn’t think all of them were prostitutes specifically paid to be available and tempting. With violence not happening out in the open on most days, he guessed there were women for whom the sense of constant danger was an aphrodisiac, and who’d feel right at home in the paradise that Toro created in the suburbs of El Encanto.

  “Are you looking for something?” The sharp voice of the head maid—or housekeeper-or whatever else her official job title was—made him turn his head. Natalia was an attractive woman, even if somewhat plump and with a face that seemed too full for her features. Old enough to be Domenico’s mother, she exuded confidence that made her stand out in a house full of gold diggers and girls who were here solely because of their sex appeal, and while she always wore plain clothes, they made her look classy in comparison.

  “Just fighting off mosquitoes,” he said, winking at her, and she rolled her eyes as she walked past him.

  “Finally someone who will leave this place without warts between his legs.”

  Domenico rubbed his face, stifling the urge to laugh, but when she disappeared from sight, he made his way to the exit.

  He decided to walk through the garden for a change and slipped through the back door and down the steps guarded by Greek-style statues. The flowers had a heavy, sickly smell that he both hated and loved, because it reminded him of his mother’s backyard. She’d always loved roses and grew as many as she could fit into her small garden.

  Correction. She still loved roses. Because she was alive and well, and one day, Domenico would have breakfast in her garden again.

  “Hey,” Dana’s whisper was like a snake slipping out from between the flowers behind Dom.

  His feet stopped, along with his heart, which stirred in alarm that someone had managed to creep up on him unnoticed. This did not usually happen. Maybe it was the loud bird song and monkey calls from the jungle beyond the walls. Whatever Dana was doing on a daily basis, even with cameras everywhere, she clearly did not neglect any chance to polish her skills.

  Domenico turned around and gave her a polite nod. She wore a tight-fitting green dress that showcased her breasts and flawless figure. The baby bump was barely there and Domn only noticed because he knew she was pregnant. “Miss,” he said, unsure whether the garden was a safe space for a chat. Wit
h so many decorative elements, the potential for hiding equipment was high.

  Dana smiled and touched one of the roses. “No bugs here, only a camera.” Though she still kept her voice quiet. “You got a job from Toro?”

  Domenico relaxed and pushed his hands into his pockets, keeping his distance to not appear as if he were flirting with Toro’s woman. “Yes. I’m making myself useful, and Seth seems at ease with the others. I haven’t heard any complaints about Mark either. All going as planned.”

  “Would it be too much to ask for Seth to show more interest in Sara? She’s been circling around him, and she’s unattached. It will seem strange if he doesn’t fuck her soon.”

  Hellfire burst into Domenico’s head, pulverized his brain, and started covering his bone with soot. For several seconds he did not know what to say. “Maybe something should happen to her then?” he asked, unable to keep his voice from tightening.

  Dana’s facial expression didn’t change much, but her pupils did widen. “It’s not like it would hurt him, and his cover has been surprisingly good so far.”

  “He’s my husband, and he’s not putting his dick into some dirty slut’s cunt,” hissed Domenico as he leaned down, pretending he wanted to smell a flower.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll think of something then. The Morenos are arriving earlier than expected after all. Next week. I don’t know if they keep changing their plans just to mess with Toro, or if they’re up to some business that thwarts their plans so much.”

  Domenico smirked. “Hard to say. I got closer to Toro, but at this rate, getting to the top is going to take longer than I expected. That fucker really is crazy about safety. I don’t blame him, but if I’m to become his right hand, I need the men on my side before it happens. It’s all very tedious.”

  “The Moreno visit will surely be an opportunity for you to prove yourself. Most of the men like the two of you. I’ve heard it from the girls. They like that you keep social but don’t meddle in their affairs. I have a plan for you to show off your skill.” She stepped closer.

  Domenico’s eyes narrowed, and he turned his body slightly to excuse the closeness. He could not afford to be the object of Toro’s jealousy, though what the man saw in Dana—he had no idea. Surely, there was enough pretty women to satisfy every taste.

  “I will set an explosive someplace where a maid would find it, and I will tell you exactly how to disarm it beforehand. This way you can be the savior of Moreno’s life.”

  Domenico frowned at her. It did make sense for Toro to take notice of a man who knew his way with explosives, but it would be a bit of a long shot. “We’d have to make sure my alibi is flawless, or else he’ll suspect I planted the damn bomb myself.”

  Dana nodded and smelled the rose, but her serene look didn’t match the conversation about explosives. “I’ll keep thinking.”

  “And for Seth and Mark as well. Additionally, how would you plant it in the first place? It is a good idea overall, but we don’t want you in danger either,” Domenico said. As their chief informant, she was an invaluable tool that would help them go back home in due time.

  “Right, right. I know how to cut off all electricity, but it would be suspicious. Toro would likely evacuate everyone.” She groaned and walked off without another word.

  Domenico made sure not to look after her so that it didn’t seem as if he were ogling her ass. He picked one of the roses to keep the scent with him for longer, and he made his way around the overgrown house, exchanging greetings with everyone he knew. Dana was right. He was just the type of man all of the others here would like—friendly yet not too much, with a dark sense of humor and not straying from violence. Additionally, as an outsider, he was not seen as a threat to anyone’s position. Not yet. So this was exactly the time to make initial alliances before he could progress to more advanced parts of the plan.

  The pool was loud with disco music, and he could hear laughter even as he approached the never-ending party. He stalled mid-step when he saw Seth with a blonde girl—possibly Sara herself—sitting on his shoulders. They were playing volleyball in the water against a similar couple positioned on the other side of the net unfolded over the middle of the shallow end. Domenico couldn’t help but imagine that woman’s genitals rubbing against Seth’s nape. It had Dom clenching his fist over the stem of the rose so hard thorns dug into his skin.

  He walked around the pool, making sure to stare at the tits of one of the women, who sunbathed topless. His gaze trailed over Seth’s tan, damp torso, and he was hit with anger so irrational he threw the rose to the ground, now angry he’d taken it in the first place.

  Seth smiled at him widely, and it looked so genuine Domenico immediately missed falling asleep to smiles like that. “Gian! You should join us! We need a fourth to play doubles!”

  Sara giggled and held on to Seth’s head when he swayed her too much.

  Domenico swallowed the hateful sensation brewing in his chest and smiled. “Can’t do. I’ve got work to do.”

  Seth scooted down in the water, and Sara must have understood it was her cue to go, because she slid off Seth’s shoulders as soon as the surface was close enough.

  “You’re no fun, Gian!” She laughed, rubbing her fingers over Seth’s arms. She had no right to touch one hair on Seth’s forearm, let alone paw at him that way. What was next? Would she be sliding those red-nailed fingers over the hair on Seth’s stomach? She needed to go.

  “I’m the boring brother,” Domenico said and grabbed Seth’s hand to help him out of the pool. It felt pleasantly cool to the touch, but when Seth jumped out and some of the water on his body sprayed on Domenico, he swallowed hard, trying not to think of it too much.

  Seth put his arm over Dom’s shoulders in a manner that wouldn’t be suspicious for brothers, yet the proximity of Seth’s chest, his pecs, his taut stomach still made the hairs on Dom’s body bristle. “I’ll just put a few tequilas in him, and he’ll join us.” Seth laughed.

  “Told you, I gotta work,” Dom said, leading him away from the pool and from the loud music, but the water soaking through his shirt already caressed Domenico’s shoulder as they walked. How was Domenico supposed to survive this torment for weeks? Maybe even months? Especially with Seth following him like a puppy whenever it was justifiable. He was a walking, breathing temptation that Domenico kept torturing himself with when all he wanted to do was pin Seth down in the grass and slide his cock in between those pert buttocks.

  Seth walked by him in a pair of green board shorts, and Dom was like a dog salivating over a bone he couldn’t chew on just because his master said so. He hated his master so much. One day soon he’d bite right through Toro’s throat and chew on his bone until he sucked out all the marrow.

  “I’ll get dressed,” Seth said.

  There it was. Domenico knew how this would go. The last time they’d left the complex together Seth had insisted on some kind of sex or closeness, and that was out of the question. They could not be seen. They needed to be beyond suspicion, and with Domenico’s body so starved for Seth’s touch, he was not sure if he could keep himself in check. He certainly couldn’t control Seth as easily as he’d declared upon their arrival.

  “I don’t think it’s such a good idea,” he said as they walked through the lawn and toward a huge area with cars and bikes provided for the use of Toro’s men.

  “Why? Are you in a rush? I can change in two minutes.” Despite all the fun he seemed to had been having at the pool, Seth was still eager to come with Dom, and Dom didn’t miss the way Seth’s gaze slid over Dom’s exposed arms. A camera wouldn’t catch the sparks flying between them or the meaning behind glances full of longing.

  Domenico swallowed and stretched his neck, discreetly pushing off Seth’s arm. The heat of his body was too much of a temptation. “It’s not a good idea. We can’t make out anywhere in this town, because we don’t know who can suspect us or report us.”

  It was as if those words unblocked Seth’s tongue and let him speak freel
y. “I don’t want to stay here alone. Whatever it is, I can handle it. You’ve seen me do shit. I’ll go with you.”

  Domenico shot him a sharp glance. “I’m going to beat up a man, because he doesn’t want his daughter working here. How about that?” hissed Domenico.

  It did the job. Made Seth take half a step back. “I mean… it’s her choice, right? And it’s not like she’s being hurt here,” Seth said, even though he didn’t even know which woman they were talking about. All he wanted was for his world to seem nicer, and Dom needed to convey that before it got nicer, it would have to get much, much uglier.

  “It doesn’t matter. That’s my assignment, I agreed to do it because Gian is bored with just having fun, and I it’s easy enough for Toro to let me do it even as an outsider. I don’t even know the man’s name. I only have a picture and the address of his shop.”

  Seth licked his tempting lips and watched Domenico. He slid his hands over his stomach, rubbing them over the dark hairs Domenico wanted to lick. He seemed to be doing it because he didn’t know what to do with his hands, but he had no idea what kind of thoughts he provoked in Dom. Thoughts that would put them both in trouble.

  “I just… want to go with you. Whatever you do. We could stop in the forest on the way. Talk.”

  That ‘talking’ would have surely ended in them putting their hands on each other, and Domenico had already risked far too much back in that wine cellar. It had been insanely risky, and his stomach felt queasy every time he thought back to it, no matter what other emotions the memories provoked.

  He made an abrupt turn to face Seth, with the set of garages already too close to risk conversation any further. “Look, I have a lot on my plate. You might be having fun with Sara, but I’m so busy I can’t even think anymore. I can’t have you breathing down my back and pushing your hand into my pants today on top of that.”