by D. B. Watson
Ethan paused, looking up at his captive audience as drool covered the rigid staff in his hand.
"You like this?" he asked, fondling Justin.
Justin moaned, closing his eyes as Ethan's tongue teased him.
Ethan halted, grabbing Justin’s knees, flinging them over his shoulders. Ethan opened his pants, pushing them down along with his underwear. He raised Justin’s hips. "Now, should I prep you? You have been a bitch."
Justin leered back. “I don’t care. Just fuck me.”
"No, you'll thank me later." The skater boy removed a bottle of lube from his pants pocket and poured a generous sum onto his cock. He entered Justin, who wasn't a virgin, but the invasion was a lot for his body to swallow.
Justin's body clutched and held.
"Oh yeah, squeeze it!" Ethan said. Their faces were close as Justin's muscles relaxed, enjoying Ethan’s rhythm. "You’re nothing but a cock whore, Justin," Ethan whispered in his ear. His climax neared as his fingers dug deep into the back of Justin's thighs as both erupted in cries of lust. Ethan collapsed on "BOYFRIENDS DON MEAN NOTHING", then glared up at Justin, who was a victim to his high.
Ethan laughed as he slipped from Justin's body, leaving him to go clean up in the bathroom. Justin dressed and started collecting his things when Adam’s office door opened and Patrick walked out.
Justin turned, astonished that Patrick was even awake.
“I was so relieved it was a quickie,” said Patrick, his curly hair lying carelessly around his face as he stood in fashionable clothes.
“What are you doing up?” asked Justin. “Another job interview?” he said mockingly.
“I don’t need employment like you will, once Adam finds out.”
“You’re going to tell him? What am I thinking, of course you are. You would love me gone.”
“As much as I would, I’d rather let Adam see you for who you are, himself. So, no, I’m not going to tell him.”
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch. But, if I catch you desecrating my boyfriend’s office again, I’ll have no choice but to tell him. So, keep your Johns out of this office.” Patrick walked past Justin to the door, unlocking it. He left, leaving it wide open, boarding an open elevator and riding it down.
Ethan came out of the bathroom fully dressed, having heard.
"You sure he won’t tell?”
“Yeah, he won’t talk. Besides, if he wanted me gone, he would have convinced Adam by now.”
“You want to finish this back at your place, or mine?"
“Yours.” They stood facing one another, then as if cued—they kissed, both tongues fighting for control.
Justin waited as Ethan collected his coat and skateboard. They exited the office as Justin locked the door behind them.
CHAPTER 8
jaMiE
Adam parked in the hotel’s garage. He knew the elevator could take him to the penthouse, but he wanted to walk through the Duet’s lobby to perceive what the hype was about.
The Hotel Duet was a luxurious establishment, dating back from the 1940s. He stepped into the interior lobby and detected eyes pointing in his direction. Even the hotel guests’ pets were above standards.
Adam approached the elevators that he assumed would take him to the penthouse when a middle-aged man dressed in a refined manner held his hand up, stopping Adam in his tracks.
"Can I help you, sir?" the man said, bothered by Adam’s sheer gall of forcing him to talk to him.
"I don't know, can you?” Adam answered, catching the man’s tone of condescension.
The man didn’t hide his displeasure toward Adam’s comment but kept professional. "Are you here to see someone or check in?" The man scanned Adam’s attire and suspected he wasn’t a guest.
"And you are?" asked Adam, not caring what the man thought of him.
"I'm Mr. Ords. I'm the number one greeter here." His vulgar attitude oozed self-glorification. “And you are?”
"Adam Potter. I have an appointment with Yuri Jin in the penthouse." Adam didn’t use his detective title out of concern Yuri Jin might not want anyone to know.
"The penthouse?" He scrutinized Adam again as if he were checking for lies. Still unsure, he flagged a bellhop over and whispered in his ear, causing him to hurry off. He ignored Adam, looking off in the direction to where the employee dashed to.
This didn't sit well with Adam. "Is there a problem?"
"I'm required to call up first to verify any visitors to the penthouse.”
"Even with a key card?" Adam removed the electronic card from his coat pocket and showed it to him.
The greeter recognized the key. He placed his complete attention back on Adam as if his life hung in the balance.
"My apologies, sir. I wasn’t informed. Please follow me."
He escorted Adam, not toward the elevator the other guests were taking, but to a private one. A grander one.
"This is Mr. Jin’s private lift. It will take you straight to his penthouse. Also—to the garage." He added.
Adam pressed the card against the access panel and the door opened on cue.
"Have a pleasant day, sir." The man tilted his head.
"I will," Adam replied boarding the elevator and watching Mr. Ords vanish from sight as the doors shut. “You, self-righteous—” Adam stopped himself when Patrick came to mind. He could see Patrick’s father demanding obedience from his staff toward the unwanted clientele. But to think Patrick would approve of such behavior was ridiculous. Not my Pat, he thought. He was nothing like his father. At least Adam hoped.
The quiet elevator moved fast, and Adam eyed a silver button with a key card slot. The interior reflective metal shined a golden tone with wood trim.
When the ride stopped and the doors opened, Adam was greeted by one full-grown German shepherd and two male bodyguards. One man bore a healed gash on his right chin, a clean-shaven face, and hair buzz-cut short. The second guard’s hair was shoulder-length and he had a close-cut beard. Both wore the traditional thug attire with leather coats. They displayed their guns in shoulder holsters like jewelry.
The bearded guard stepped up to Adam. “ID.”
Adam removed his wallet with his badge and handed it to him.
The scarred face stepped up next. “I’m gonna frisk you,” he said as a matter of fact.
Frisked by the disfigured one while his partner looked over his ID wasn't a huge deal. Adam knew the drill.
"I need your gun," his searcher said with a heavy accent.
"What for?" asked Adam, not taking his eyes off him.
"No one's allowed to carry a gun through the penthouse except me and my brother, and you’re not my brother."
"No, I'm not." Adam hesitated but removed his gun, removing the envelope. He made sure the safety was on before handing it handle-first to him. He kept the bullets, placing them in his coat pocket.
"We’ll return it when you leave, Detective,” said the bearded guard. He handed Adam’s ID back before leaving. The shepherd stared hard at Adam, baring his teeth. He calmed once the guard returned with their employer and his owner.
Yuri Jin approached with the bodyguard behind him. He oozed confidence, perfect proportions, with radiant green eyes. His jet-black hair passed his shoulders. Adam could see blue streaks as it swayed from his movement. Yuri’s stare was unbreakable as he studied Adam's rustic attire. He wondered if Patrick lay naked on his bed, coaching as he picked his outfit. Yuri first greeted his faithful and loyal pet with a tender pat on his head, then bled a warm smile toward Adam.
"Welcome, Detective Potter." Yuri extended his palm out of politeness.
Adam took hold of the billionaire’s soft but active hand as they shook their greeting. "Mr. Jin."
“Please join me in my library,” said Yuri, taking the lead.
Adam followed, passing artwork and lavish furniture. Bookshelves covered the walls. the office, a warm fireplace with two tall leather chairs sat at opposite ends of a plush rug. The aroma o
f coffee rose from a pitcher sitting on an antique tray on a coffee table between them. Dual small silver containers, one with cream and the other with sugar, sat with cups and saucers. Yuri picked up a filled cup and took his seat.
"Please help yourself, Mr. Potter," Yuri offered, taking a sip of his tea.
"Thank you, but no, I already had two cups," Adam declined, sinking into the soft but comfortable chair.
"Perhaps, something to eat?"
"No, thank you again, I'm fine."
"Very well. To begin, I will only need you to guard Jamie when I'm not around. A few days I will need you to stay with him overnight; will that be a problem? You'll receive double pay for your services."
"No, it won't be a problem." Adam realized this might not sit well with Patrick.
"Perfect. I'll have a room made up for you. Do you have any questions?"
Adam retrieved his notepad and pencil from his jacket pocket.
"Who are the two men at the elevator?"
"Yes, the Lou brothers, Li Fu, and the one with the scar is Chen."
"How long have they worked for you?"
"Several years. And before you ask, Jamie finds them too intimidating."
"I see. When can I speak to Mr. Stewart?"
Yuri placed his cup on the table and stood. “Come, I’ll introduce you.” Adam rose and walked with Yuri out of the study toward a room at the end of the hall. Yuri opened the sliding doors to a charming dining room. Jamie Stewart sat at the table barefoot wearing a tee-shirt, sweatpants, and drinking a glass of milk. His sun-bleached hair hung chaotically around his face as his magnetic, blue eyes watched Adam enter. Jamie placed his glass down as his tongue danced over his upper and lower lip.
Adam didn't realize he was gawking at the picturesque man who reminded him of someone.
Yuri took note of Adam admiring his youthful lover. "He's quite a beholder, isn't he, Detective Potter?" asked Yuri.
"What?" Adam asked, knowing what Yuri said.
"You were gazing intently at him."
"Yes, but only—"
Yuri cut Adam off. "It's fine, Detective. Most can’t help but stare. I rather enjoy that others find Jamie exquisite."
Jamie sat unaffected by Yuri’s comment, soaking up his egg yolk with a piece of bagel.
"Join us, Detective." Yuri gestured toward an empty seat.
Adam sat between the two men. He was given a cup of coffee by a female who flashed a warm smile as she poured his drink. “Thank you,” Adam said, not wanting to refuse the kind gesture. Adam suspected her age to be in her late twenties’ early thirties. Her exposed auburn skin was clear of blemishes and she wore little to no makeup. She wore her hair in a pixie style.
"Enjoy Detective Potter." She returned the canister to the buffet table.
"Detective Potter, Jamie Stewart.” Yuri sent a harsh stare toward Jamie. “The lady is Penny Bell, my assistant."
“Hello, Jamie, and Ms. Bell.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Detective Potter,” Penny nodded with a smile before stepping away.
“Why are you here, Detective Potter?” asked Jamie.
Yuri answered instead. "Detective Potter is to be your bodyguard. I told you this yesterday,” said Yuri, who received a text. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.” He stood and left the room.
Jamie settled back in his seat and stared at his empty plate.
"Do you want more to eat, Jamie?" asked Penny.
"No, I'm full. It was delicious. Thank you, Penny."
"You’re welcome."
"I have things to do," Jamie said, about to stand.
"No, Jamie.” Penny intervened. “Yuri wants you to get to know Detective Potter. I'm sure you’ll have a lot to talk about.” She left the room before Jamie could protest.
Jamie sat back and scrutinized Adam, preoccupied with his coffee that he didn’t drink.
"I knew you were coming; I just don't enjoy having a bodyguard."
Adam avoided eye contact when he spoke.
"I'm sure once we set ground rules, we'll get along wickedly."
"You can look at me, Detective. I don't mind. I enjoy looking at you." His tone was seductive, which worried Adam. He locked eyes with Jamie's royal blues.
A smile spread across Jamie's face, making his attractiveness clearer.
Adam willed his impulses to calm and focused on the job. "What do you think about setting rules?" asked Adam.
Jamie pondered the idea. The younger man's eye drifted away, then ascended back up to Adam's face.
"How about we see what happens?” Jamie suggested.
Adam knew this wasn’t going to be easy.
"Mr. Stewart—"
Jamie rolled his eyes and turned his attention away.
Adam corrected his mistake. "Forgive me. Jamie," he smiled.
Jamie pivoted his interest back to Adam.
"Much better, Detective. I'm no one's father."
"Far from it. May I ask how old you are?"
"I’ll be nineteen next month."
"So, you're still young."
"Only in appearance Detective, I'm more than mature in other fields."
"How long have you been with Mr. Jin?"
"Two years.”
"You seem calm."
"Why shouldn't I be?"
"Well, someone tried to kill you."
"Why get upset? I'm still alive."
"It could happen again," said Adam.
"That's why you're here, Detective. To prevent it."
"Then I need information."
"We can talk while we're out."
"Out?"
"Shopping. I need a few things."
"But—" Realizing this was one reason he hated doing this job, he stared back at the defiant Jamie and recanted his protest. "Fine."
"Wonderful. Enjoy your coffee and I'll go change." Jamie darted from the room as Adam found himself lost in his thoughts.
Penny re-entered the room with a servant who went about clearing the table. Penny stood nearby, supervising. Adam looked up and caught her dark-brown eyes staring into his.
"Sorry, Detective. I didn't mean to disturb you."
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you come in, Ms. Bell."
"Please call me Penny. Isn't that dangerous in your line of work?"
"It can be. Will you join me, Penny?"
"I have other duties."
"This will only take a minute."
Penny conceded and sat in Yuri Jin's chair, crossing her slender legs.
"How long have you been working for Yuri Jin?"
"I've been living and working for Yuri for twelve-plus years."
"Are you and Jamie close?"
"I'm very fond of him."
"Must have been strange to have someone new to live with you both."
"Yuri has always been a soft-hearted person; he couldn't turn his back on Jamie."
“Have you all lived here long?”
“We’ve lived overseas for the past five years. We’ve just returned to the States.”
“Was it just you and Yuri for a while before Jamie?”
“No.”
“Yuri had a lover before Jamie?”
“You’ll have to talk to Yuri about that."
Adam changed the subject. "Does Jamie get along with Mr. Jin’s bodyguards?"
"As well as you can expect, a teenager to behave."
"Can you tell me anything regarding Jamie's incident in the park?"
"I wasn't there."
"True, but you were here when Yuri brought him home, correct?"
"Yes."
"How did he appear?"
"As anticipated; upset."
"Did Yuri seek medical attention?"
"No, Jamie wasn't physically hurt."
“How about mentally?”
"He went through something awful. He's fine now, I assure you. I and Yuri took excellent care of him," she defended.
"I'm sure you did. I'm sorry, I never meant to upset you."