Our Little Nest: Book 4 of The Two Timer Series

by D. B. Watson

  Adam extended his hand to Michael, who shook it with a firm hold.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Adam. Philip told me a lot about you and your family.”

  “Yeah, he helped us a lot. I owe him.”

  “You owe me nothing, Adam. I’m just glad they cleared your mother of all charges,” said Philip.

  “Adam, Uncle Michael is a zoologist. He just came back from Japan,” Patrick added.

  “That must keep you from home,” Adam said.

  “More than you know,” Philip mumbled before he swallowed the rest of his drink.

  Michael sighed as he glanced at his husband, exasperated.

  Adam realized he hit a nerve between the two, not meaning to. He was about to apologize when Bernardo walked up.

  “Gentlemen, sorry for interrupting, but Raoul opened his game room. Adam, you are welcome to join,” said Bernardo.

  “Sure,” said Adam, glancing at Patrick. “If Patrick doesn’t mind.”

  “I think that’s a brilliant idea. Father doesn’t invite just anyone down there. I’ll see you later.” Without another word or kiss, Patrick grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing server and wandered off.

  Bernardo took Adam to a carpeted staircase that led to a lower level of the house. They walked down the hallway lined with artwork and long display cases with priceless vases. At the end of the hall were double doors with the Valdez family crest.

  Bernardo knocked before opening the door and entering. Inside, Adam saw an impressive pool table in the middle of the room, surrounded by game tables. Video game systems and a jumbo television. An impressive bar with a bartender and an amazing view through the garden and a pond.

  “Welcome, Adam,” said Raoul, walking up, holding two glasses of whisky. He stopped short, handing Adam one glass. Taken aback by Raoul’s gesture, Adam hesitated before consuming the drink.

  “You seem hesitant, Adam,” said Bernardo.

  “He has every right to be,” Raoul stated, smiling. “I have been rather abrasive to him. Isn’t that true Adam?”

  “You’re a protective parent.”

  “That is true. I love my son.”

  “That is why Raoul is extending this olive branch to you,” said Bernardo. “You caught Drusilla when she fainted, and we are all grateful for that.”

  “I only did what any of you would do.”

  “And doing so has opened my eyes,” said Raoul. He held his glass up to Adam. “I want to welcome you to the family.”

  Adam was speechless and felt a weight lifted off his shoulders from Raoul’s warm words. He raised his glass to Raoul, and they clinked the crystal before drinking the dark brew. The smooth liquid covered Adam’s tongue as it slid down his throat. Adam savored the taste that lingered in his mouth.

  “You are tasting Raoul’s best stock,” said Bernardo. “Come, Adam, join us in a game of pool.”

  “I’d like that,” said Adam.

  ****

  Patrick walked around saying hello to people. He saw his mother engrossed in a conversation with a few of her friends. She waved at Patrick and he waved back.

  “Patrick,” said Miguel, walking up with two glasses of champagne. He noticed the one Patrick had was nearly empty. “It looks like you’re dry,” he said, handing Patrick a glass.

  “Thank you,” said Patrick, taking it just as a passing server, with a tray of empty glasses was coming toward them. Patrick set his finished flute on the tray and thanked the woman. He and Miguel drank down half of their cold duck before pausing.

  “I saw my father taking Adam from you,” said Miguel, sauntering toward the hall. Patrick walked beside him.

  “Yes, he’s taking him to my father’s game room.”

  “That's wonderful. So, you think he’s accepting Adam?”

  “What else could it be?”

  “Well, I hope you’re right.” They stopped at the French doors that led to the courtyard. “It’s a pity the wind picked up.”

  Patrick stared at the tables and chairs with lanterns dangling above. The wind had increased, and it appeared the outside dining was out of the question. Patrick sighed his disappointment. “Maybe tomorrow will be better.” He turned back to find Miguel had gone. He moved to return to the party when someone approached.

  “Hello again,” said Yuri, dressed in a stylish suit.

  Startled to see his ex-boyfriend in his home, Patrick’s glass slipped from his fingers, shattering at his feet.

  “Patrick are you all right?” asked Yuri, striding toward him.

  Patrick, in awe, took a step back, wanting to avoid contact with his privileged ex-lover. “Yuri, what are you doing here?” he demanded, incensed.

  “I received an invitation.”

  “From whom?”

  “Your parents.”

  “Why would they invite you to their anniversary party? Wait, don’t answer that. That’s why you were having coffee with my father.”

  “It was by chance that we ran into each other. I can’t help that I get along with your father better than, your other relationships. Present included.”

  Patrick didn’t like Yuri’s remark about Adam and took a smug stance. “Because of you—we’re broken up. And for your information, my father invited Adam down to his game room. They're probably having drinks as we speak.”

  “Well, good for Adam.”

  “Wait,” Patrick paused, glancing around. “Did you bring that boy toy with you?”

  “His name is Jamie. And yes, he’s here.”

  “Adam’s not babysitting, he’s here with me.”

  “Jamie can handle himself at a party. Thanks for your concern.”

  “I wasn’t. But what if Adam sees you? He’ll ask questions.”

  “You still haven’t told him about us?”

  “There’s no—us.”

  “Then you told him?” Yuri asked, moving toward him.

  “There’s nothing to tell. Besides—I didn’t ask him about his past relationships.”

  “Isn’t his past lover the detective who tried to charge you for murder?”

  “Adam saw right through him and proved him wrong.”

  “But you knew he was from Adam’s past. Yet—you said nothing to Adam about me.”

  Patrick tried to counter Yuri’s words but fell short. He’s right, he conceded. As soon as Adam said Yuri’s name—causing me to cut my finger—I should have spoken up and told him. But I didn’t. Why?

  Patrick, lost in thought, hadn’t noticed Yuri moved in closer.

  “What about the kiss we shared?” Yuri asked, grabbing Patrick, kissing him without permission.

  Patrick almost lost himself in the sweet, sensual kiss when through closed eyes he saw Adam. He opened them, remembering Yuri’s phone call. He remembered the apology and remembered his heart bleeding when Yuri said goodbye. Patrick struggled to break free of the powerful arms holding him. When Yuri released him from his grip, Patrick stepped back, banging into a small table. A glass bowl holding candy went off balance. Patrick turned to grab the table as Yuri grabbed him around the waist. The bowl and its contents crashed to the floor, the shattering glass and candy mixing.

  Yuri pulled Patrick away from the glass, bringing him back into contact with his body.

  Patrick released the table that wobbled a bit but remained standing. He pressed his hands against Yuri’s hold. “Let go, Yuri,” Patrick ordered.

  Yuri lifted Patrick slightly and spun him away from the broken glass before releasing him.

  Patrick backed away, angry that Yuri kissed him again. “Listen to me, Yuri,” he whispered. “I love Adam and he loves me.”

  “But his job comes first,” said Yuri.

  “Not tonight. I’ll tell him about you and the unwanted kisses. Adam will decide if he wants to continue working for you. If I were you, I would leave. Adam punches first, then asks questions later.”

  “You’re angry.”

  “Yes, I’m angry.”

  “You know you don’t make
the wisest decisions when you’re angry,” said Yuri with a calm voice. “You should think it over.”

  “Stop telling me what to do,” Patrick snapped, his voice cracking. “I wish people would stop telling me what to do.” Patrick turned to leave when he came face-to-face with Jamie Stewart.

  “Yuri, come and taste the hors d’oeuvres, they’re amazing,” Jamie beamed—until he saw Patrick. “Wow, what are the odds.”

  Patrick looked over Jamie’s outfit then back at Yuri. “You really should stop trying to better him. He’s uncouth.”

  “You know I owe you a slap,” Jamie said, stepping to him.

  “Is this behavior necessary?” Yuri asked.

  Jamie stopped his threat, listening to Yuri, but Patrick took full advantage.

  “No, I suppose you’re right,” Patrick said.

  Jamie watched as Patrick took another swing at him, blocking it, and delivering one of his own to Patrick’s cheek.

  Patrick stumbled back, shocked, as Jamie raced to stand behind Yuri.

  “Get him out of here,” he sneered at Yuri. “Or so help me I’ll have him thrown out.”

  Yuri tried to speak when Patrick held up his hands.

  “Leave, Yuri. Just leave me alone!” Patrick stormed off. Yuri tried to followed just as Shilo walked up, blocking his path.

  “Is everything well, Mr. Jin?” she asked, more for Patrick’s wellbeing as she noticed Jamie. Yuri looked at her, then back at the mess on the floor.

  “I bumped into the table, causing the mess,” he said, taking the blame and noticed Jamie had left.

  “I’ll have someone clean it up right away,” said Shilo as she stepped aside.

  Yuri walked away and caught up with Jamie.

  “Yuri, will he have me thrown out?”

  “I’ll talk to him but for now, just avoid him.”

  “I want to go home, Yuri.”

  “I can’t now.”

  “Please, Yuri.”

  “Go find Detective Potter and have him take you home.”

  “Why can’t you?”

  “I have to smooth it over with Patrick first.”

  “But he attacked me!”

  “That’s why I need to calm him down. I cannot afford to make his father angry.”

  “How do I find Adam?”

  “He’s with Mr. Valdez in his game room. The staircase is behind the main one.”

  “But Patrick said he was going to tell Adam. He might already be there.”

  They reached the main area of the party. Yuri glanced around, not seeing Patrick at first, but then saw him going into the guest bathroom.

  “I see Patrick, this is your chance. I’ll keep him occupied.”

  Jamie hurried off as Yuri went to find Miguel.

  ****

  Adam hadn’t played pool in years, but could keep up with a few games. Raoul challenged him first and won. Bernardo came next and Adam bested him. Philip and Michael came down and played a few games.

  “Your game, Adam,” said Philip. “Where did you learn to play?”

  “My dad taught me and my brothers. He said he learned in college.”

  Philip realized Adam was referring to Anton, whom he’d dated in college while he and Michael were taking a break from each other. Philip enjoyed showing Anton how to break the balls, and perform a bridge because he got to lean down with him to direct his fingers.

  “Well Adam,” Michael sounded in. “Where did you and Patrick meet?”

  “By chance, actually—he fell out of a tree,” Adam responded.

  “He what?” Michael asked.

  “Patrick was chased into a tree by a stalker at Hell’s Gate.”

  “Astonishing. Patrick must have been horrified!”

  “Lucky for him, Adam drove by,” Philip said.

  “I agree. You’re his hero, Adam,” Michael said.

  Embarrassed by all the compliments, Adam gathered the pool balls in the triangle rack for another game, thinking of Patrick and missing him.

  “Philip, we need refills. Do you mind?” Michael asked his husband tunefully.

  “I’ll be right back.” Philip gathered the glasses and moved to the bar.

  Michael waited until Philip was out of ear shot and spotted Raoul playing cards on the other side of the room, before turning to Adam, who finished setting the table. “Adam, do you mind if I give you a little advice?”

  “Sure.”

  “Take care around Patrick.”

  “Take care?”

  “Yes, my nephew can become a bit—unbalanced when he doesn’t get his way.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Ever since Patrick was a teen, he developed into a privileged child. But when his entitlement is shaken or tested, he acts out in damaging ways.”

  “In what ways?” Adam regretted asking.

  “Have you ever wondered why the indoor staff is all women?”

  “Not really.”

  “The staff used to be men and women, but Patrick’s parents discovered their son when upset by being told no gravitates to wine and men. Several times he’s been caught with the staff. So, his parents took drastic measures.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Just giving you some in sight.”

  Before Adam could respond Philip returned holding a tray with three tumblers of scotch.

  “Did I miss anything?” Philip asked.

  Adam was about to tell him his husband should mind his own business when his cell rang. He checked the caller ID and saw an unknown caller. Normally he didn’t answer these types of calls, but a driving pull impelled him to answer. He looked at the two men who were scuffing the tips of their pool sticks. “I need to take this call.”

  “Of course, Adam,” Philip said.

  Adam left to take the call in the hallway. “Hello,” was all he could say when an ear-piercing hum entered his head. Adam could feel something holding him in place as the voice whispered in his ear. The call ended and Adam seemed to snap out of his trance. It took him a moment to regain movement of his body as he stumbled down the hallway.

  “Are you all right, Adam?” asked Jamie.

  Adam eyed the younger man as his voice consumed him. “Jamie, what are you doing here?”

  “I came with a friend.”

  “Where’s Yuri?”

  “Out.”

  “Out? After someone tried to kill you, he decided to leave you again. Okay, you need to go home. Go find your friend and tell them you have to leave.”

  “But aren’t you my bodyguard?” Jamie asked grabbing his arm.

  Adam felt a shock from his touch and became aroused again. It took everything in him to not act on it. He yanked his arm away. “Jamie, I can’t. I’m at my boyfriend’s parent’s house.”

  “So, you’re abandoning your client?”

  “No.”

  “Then take me home. I don’t want to be here anymore.”

  “Listen go to the kitchen and call Yuri to see if he’ll come for you.”

  “You promise you’ll take me if he can’t?”

  “Yes, I promise. Now go.”

  Jamie hurried off as Adam stopped at the foot of the stairs and leaned against the wall. He didn’t see Yuri stepping into a room at the top of the stairs.

  ****

  Patrick washed his face as he surveyed his cheek, which showed no mark. He heard someone trying to open the locked door. “Just a minute!” he called, drying his face and hands and turning to leave. He grabbed the door handle, which should release the lock, finding it jammed. He struggled for a moment, then began to bang on the door. “Hello, the door is stuck. Can you get someone?” he called, but no one responded. He pulled out his cell and called Carlos.

  It took a moment for Carlos to unlock the door without drawing any on-lookers. When the lock gave, he opened the door to a relieved Patrick.

  “Thank you, Carlos,” Patrick said, straightening his jacket.

  “You’re welcome, young sir. I kept it di
screet. I’ll get someone on this right away.”

  “Good man.” Patrick left to find Adam.