Time will tell if the Martelli branch will be more of a nuisance than a boon. Once all is said and done, I’ll make my assessment. For now, things need doing, and my investments need saving. That’s more important than what inconsequential people may think about me.
“Uh. So. That was interesting,” I mutter as we get further down the hallway. Keegan makes a slashing gesture, and I eye him carefully, though I keep my mouth shut.
I mean, fuck, he’s got to be as creeped out by Leandro as I am, right? Because that kid is disturbing…although I get why Lio connects with him so well. Honestly, I understand it better than his and Benjamin’s relationship, with the weird friendship rules Benjamin enforces.
I follow Keegan to our suite and he tugs me into the bathroom, turning on the shower. I glance at him quizzically, but he doesn’t say a word until the steam starts to fill the room. Slumping against the wall, he tugs me close. He brings his lips next to my ear and whispers, “I don’t want to take the risk of Leandro overhearing things… He’s far too well-informed. If youhave something to say about him, it needs to be somewhere far away from here.”
Groaning, I realize he’s Antonio to the extreme when it comes to knowledge hoarding, and Keegan is right, the only way he could be succeeding at this is if he's bugging places, which… I pull back, staring into my lover’s eyes in horror. “He’s probably seen us have sex!”
Snorting, Keegan rolls his eyes. Keeping his voice low, he retorts, “For a Martelli, you have the weirdest sense of propriety at times. But yes, I’d wager he’s seen far more than he should…of everyone.”
I fight back a gasp as my eyes dart around the bathroom, now extremely freaked out. I mean…fuck. If he’s got the bedrooms bugged, would he do the same to thebathrooms? Keegan snorts, as if he can read my mind. It’s not that surprising given we've been together for so long.
“This is just wrong,” I mutter, shuddering.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a place of our own again, eventually. And we’ll make damn sure to go through and de-bug it regularly.” The grim slash to his lips belies that he’s not as accepting of this as he seems. He must consider the conversation enough because he backs up and starts to strip. “I’m going to take a quick shower before we get our marching orders. Sarah kept me in that damn bed recovering.”
Biting my lower lip, I decide to take a chance. “Why don’t you stay here? Especially with all the chaos going on?”
“And what, send Antonio with you? There’s no way you two are going off together any time soon.” Keegan’s glare is lethal, but I can’t fault him.
I shake my head, cupping his cheek, as I know what I’m about to ask is going to be far more than he’ll want to give. “No, I was thinking I could swing by and grab Allesandro. It’s just watching, and maybe if we have an opening, grabbing theasshole. It would be a good first step to see if Allesandro can really handle it, if he’s serious about following orders.”
Keegan scowls. “Fuck no. You want me to trust him with you while you’re alone? With no back up? No. And you absolutely will not be grabbing the target, not without significant discussion.”
“Even if I see a perfect opening?” I give him the best puppy-dog eyes possible, even managing a slight pout.
Snorting, he pushes me away, pointing his finger at me. “No. You will follow directions this time.”
“Even if they’re given by…” I shut my mouth at Keegan’s glare, a reminder of Leandro’s…skills. Fucking hell. We need Lio back soon, if only so that Leandro can be distracted with the kid. Clearing my throat, I redirect Keegan. “Fine. But, I still feel taking Allesandro would be the best option. Tennant is not well controlled right now. We have our son here. Carter is still down. Things are too combustible.”
Keegan runs his fingers through his short hair, cursing. He gives me a sharp nod as his shoulders slump. “Fine. But I’m warning you now, I expect a full, honest report. And if he fucks up…”
“Yes, Sir. I understand.” And I do. This is hard on my Dom and lover. But I need my former Master to prove himself, and the only way he can is if someone gives him a chance. Out of everyone left…I’m the only one who will.
Keegan grabs my shirt and pulls me close, slamming his mouth on mine. His kiss is devastating, an ownership that stamps itself on my very soul. It takes everything in me not to shiver against it, because fuck, when he goes into his Dom mode, I’m powerless…and yet, I know I have far more control with him than I’d ever imagine.
Fuck, the dual sensations, needs, and overwhelming love for him almost bows me over. When he finally draws back, I gulp insome much-needed air as I let those intense gray eyes bore into me. I may still have feelings for my former Master, but they pale in comparison to what I feel for Keegan. One is nothing but a sense of loyalty and a reminder of life owed, and the other? The other is the warmth of belonging, the intense desire to be one, and the utter surrender to another…
He must see the truth in me, because he lets me go with nothing more than a simple sigh. I don’t risk waiting around for him to change his mind. Instead, I give him one more quick kiss before leaving the bathroom and hurrying for the exit. I have my keys in one hand, and my phone in the other when I stumble into Antonio in the foyer.
“Going somewhere?” my best friend asks me, anticipation stamped all over his face.
Eyeing him carefully, I curse my luck. “Yep. Have to run a task.”
“Let me message Jude and I’ll come with you.” He whirls around and I breathe out noisily, grabbing his arm. He turns back toward me, his forehead furrowing in confusion. “Is there a problem?”
“Uh, yeah. Keegan would prefer we don’t go together on this.”
Antonio narrows his eyes at me, and folds his arms together while he studies me. Ever seen a pissed off twink? It’s like fitting an excessive amount of dynamite into a tiny but cute package. Not a good thing. “There’s something more going on…”
I cringe, unsure how he knows I’m hiding something. Watching him warily, I respond, “No. It’s just…I am going to take Allesandro with me.”
“WHAT?!” Antonio lunges at me, pushing me off balance. Cursing, I grab him in my arms, crushing him to me.
“Enough,” I hiss in his ear. “This is not the place. And regardless, Keegan gave permission.”
My friend struggles against me, but I don’t let go until he stills. I slowly drop my arms, stepping back slightly. I take in his pissed off stance, the way his hands are clenched into fists, and I consider stepping back further. Because this is not good.
