Friends, Sexcapades, And Love Affairs – Ch. 24
By Laura S. Fox
Copyright © 2021 Laura S. Fox
All Rights Reserved
Gay Erotica
Intended for Mature Audiences Only
This story will contain graphic depictions of sexual intercourse, strong
language and it is not meant for readers who are less than 18 years of age.
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on the front page, as they help us all enjoy so many great stories, while
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Chapter Twenty-Four – He
Said ...
He rarely drove, and his
car was used to catch dust in the parking lot, but he had to do it for this
particular quest. Adrian stood, his mind a haze, his hands resting still on the
wheel, a few yards away from Edward's house. He had rehearsed everything he
wanted to say over and over, but his words became a mess the more he repeated
them. Clasping the wheel tightly, he was about to get out of the car when the
large gate to the mansion opened, and Edward's limousine passed through. By the
looks of it, the owner of the house was on the backseat.
Without overthinking,
Adrian ignited the engine. What was he supposed to do now? Follow him? It
sounded stalkerish, but Adrian didn't care about
nuances at this point. For the fourth night that week, he had caught almost no
sleep. No matter how final Edward's words from their last meeting had sounded,
he needed one last explanation and definitive answer. He could only hope that
Edward would be honest and tell him the truth. All that talk with the boys had
convinced him that it was the most important thing he had to try.
The limousine didn't
hurry, whatever the destination was, and Adrian prayed silently that it
wouldn't be some fancy club where only members could enter. To his relief, the
car stopped in front of a restaurant, and Edward was helped out of the backseat
by his driver, who ceremoniously held the door.
From one side, someone
walked over to Edward, and Adrian froze. Even from that distance, it appeared
that the newcomer was a young man, no, probably a teenager, dressed in an
expensive suit. Little else could be said about his features. There seemed to
be affection between Edward and him as they shook hands and kissed each other
on the cheeks before walking inside together.
The wave of jealousy
clouding his judgment for a moment took him completely by surprise. So, it
hadn't taken Edward long to replace Adrian. Or, worse, he hadn't had to do
that; that thought brought a pang to his chest that stopped his breathing for a
moment. He was a complete moron. Adrian pursed his lips. Well, if that was the
truth, at least, now, he knew where he stood.
He walked into the
restaurant with a nonchalant gait that was nothing but an act. He approached
the maître d' with a charming smile. "I'm with Mr. Hastings," he explained,
after greeting the man.
The maître d' quirked a
thin eyebrow and examined the log in front of him.
"If you could just point
me to that table, that would be wonderful," Adrian said as he quickly scanned
the floor. He noticed Edward and his companion at a table in a corner. "Ah, I
see them. Thank you for your assistance."
The maître d' stood
nonplussed for just one second, and then he hurried from behind his desk. "Mr.
Hastings is down with just one other person. Would you please let me check with
him, first, sir?" the man said politely, but firmly.
Adrian was already
walking toward Edward. He could see him just fine, but he couldn't make of his
companion anything else but the back of his head. The young man had blond hair,
a bit on the rebellious side by how it was sticking everywhere, and Adrian
thought, with petty satisfaction, that he didn't fit Edward's pretensions for a
perfect presentation.
"Sir, sir?" The maître d'
sounded alarmed now and sauntered after Adrian.
The ruckus didn't pass
unnoticed, as a few people at the tables stopped their conversation to observe
what was happening. Edward raised his eyes and met Adrian's. For a second, he
appeared surprised, but then his face schooled itself into a neutral demeanor.
He stood up from his chair and gestured for Adrian.
Was Edward secretly
taking acting classes? No one could suspect what he was thinking. Adrian felt a
small chill down his back; it could be that he had never really known Edward,
and he was simply delusional in his misplaced affection.
"Mr. Hastings, is this
gentleman with you?" the maître d' asked in a slightly annoyed tone.
"Yes. Apologies for not
letting you know in advance. It simply slipped my mind."
The maître d' turned into
a sycophant in an instant, murmuring apologies. "I will send another menu to
your table right away."
"Thank you, Mr. Garmont," Edward said, inclining his head an inch. "Adrian,
please have a seat."
It was fucking surreal.
The plan wasn't to walk in and sit politely at the same table with Edward and
his latest conquest, or whoever that young man was. Adrian pursed his lips
hard, but Edward warned him with his eyes. He pulled the chair and sat,
although his teeth were grinding at the moment.
Edward's companion was
examining him with curious eyes. Adrian stole a glance at him. Fuck, he was
young and pretty. His big blue eyes were like taken from a commercial, and
Adrian had to keep himself from staring. He couldn't be older than eighteen,
and even that was a bit of a stretch. Boy, Edward liked them young, he thought
with spite.
"Well," Edward started,
once the maître d' was out of earshot, "to what occasion do I owe the
pleasure?"
"We still have things to
talk about," Adrian said, staring down stubbornly. He was afraid he would feel
tempted to strangle someone, preferably Edward, if he looked up.
"You could have called."
"And you could have
turned down my calls."
They spoke in low voices,
and Edward smiled a few times perfunctorily until the interest around them died
down. Adrian wasn't that good an actor.
"All right. This is not
the time, nor the place --" Edward started.
Adrian turned toward the
teenager sitting at the table who took in everything with eyes big as saucers.
"How about you go powder your nose or something, sugar?"
The blue eyes widened so
much that it felt like they were bent on swallowing the young man's entire
face. "Sugar?" He snickered and looked at Edward. "Who's this, Ed?"
"None of your business,
plaything," Adrian said through his teeth.
"Plaything?" The
youngster didn't appear offended, just surprised.
"Yeah," Adrian said, now
too worked up. "Edward, I had no idea you like your lovers this young. Barely
legal," he added, after throwing another condescending look in the direction of
Edward's companion. "You could have told me this is how you roll."
Edward frowned. "Keep
your voice down, Adrian. This is my cousin --"
Cousin?
"Is this Adrian?" The
teenager was obviously excited. "O.M.G." He grabbed Adrian's arm and leaned
over the table to have a good look at him. "He is so frigging sexy!"
"Christian, do I have to
reprimand you, too?" Edward became a bit aggravated.
Christian's eyes moved
between Edward and Adrian, and then he nodded thoughtfully. "You two have
matching dark circles."
Adrian looked at Edward.
His aristocratic face was drawn, and he appeared tired, which was unlike him.
Tough day at work? What could make Edward, who always seemed sharp no matter
the moment of the day, look like that? He was still elegant, his hair was still
brushed to perfection, but his eyes were dull.
"Your cousin? This is
your cousin?" Adrian asked.
"Edward is my fifth
cousin, once removed," Christian explained, although the question hadn't been
directed at him.
Adrian didn't know what
to say for a moment. Some of his righteous anger was gone, and he needed to
regroup his thoughts. Somewhat intrigued, he turned toward Christian. "How do
you know about me?" he asked directly.
Christian seemed to have
barely waited to be asked that. "Are you kidding me? Ed told me all about you!
And boy, you do live up to expectations. How was the test?"
"The test?" Adrian wanted
to turn toward Edward for confirmation, but he was too interested in what
Christian had to say.
"Don't tell me he didn't
introduce you to the family," Christian said, emphasizing the last word.
"What is your cousin
talking about?" Adrian asked Edward this time.
Christian was about to
say something again.
"Christian Marshall The Third," Edward said in a voice that brooked no
contradiction.
That appeared to have all
of the unruly youth's attention. "You didn't, right?" Christian asked in a
subdued voice. "But why?"
Edward worked his jaw.
"That's what I would like
to know, too," Adrian said.
"You're here to reproach
me something," Edward replied instead. "Go ahead and do your best. But please,
don't make a scene. I'd like to come back here."
Adrian drew one deep
breath. "Are we doing this in front of your cousin?"
"When you walked in here,
with murder in your eyes, you didn't appear to care. Do your worst," Edward
said. He seemed upset, and Adrian was a tad disconcerted by that. The tables
had somewhat turned, and he had no idea how or why.
"You still came." Adrian
drew one deep breath. "Even if you thought all was over between us, you still
came and met me. Why?"
Edward shrugged. "It was
a whim."
Christian intervened.
"What are you guys talking about? It's over between you two? When did that
happen?"
Adrian wanted Christian
to keep on talking, but Edward stared down his cousin, muting him.
"I don't buy it," Adrian
said incisively.
"I'm sorry, but I have
nothing else to sell," Edward replied in kind.
"How did you two split
up?" Christian intervened.
Adrian knew that very
moment that he was a man with nothing to lose. His eyes never leaving Edward,
he gave Christian the answer he was waiting for. "I told Edward that I loved
him, and he left."
"Wow," Christian
whispered, aware of not talking too loud to attract attention. "So, you're a
coward, after all, Ed?"
"My thought exactly,"
Adrian said, feeling vindicated a little by that confirmation.
"You two know nothing
about me," Edward spat. "Now, if everything is clear --"
"Nothing's clear!" Adrian
said the same thing as Christian almost at the same time.
"I will not tolerate the
two of you making a scene here," Edward warned.
"Then you must tell me
about this test Christian is talking about, and explain why you didn't think I
should take it."
"I thought you were done
playing."
"That's not it."
Christian intervened
again, now in a conspiratorial voice. "Ed brings home to mom and dad only the potentials."
"Potentials?" Adrian
began whispering, too. "For what?"
"For marriage, of
course," Christian said in the most natural manner.
"Marriage?" Adrian
couldn't believe his ears.
"That's it. I'm done with
the two of you." Edward threw his napkin he had been playing with for the last
minutes on the table and stood up. "I'll pretend to attend to certain needs in
the hope that you, Adrian, won't be here when I get back."
Adrian stared at Edward's
retreating back and shook his head. He knew he had to hurry after him, but,
once, he didn't want to make a scene, and two, he wanted to hear more
explanations from Christian.
"Christian, you seem like
a swell guy," Adrian started.
"You, too," Christian
replied and smiled. "You thought I was Ed's boyfriend? Were you jealous?"
This one looked like he
favorited gossip as a type of entertainment. But he seemed like a reliable
source of information, and Adrian could see past that, especially since
Christian appeared to be an ally, too.
"Yes, madly jealous,"
Adrian admitted. "Now, tell me, what's this talk about marriage? Edward told me
clearly that he doesn't believe in such things."
Nor in love.
"Well, that's an act,"
Christian explained. "His parents are so afraid he might end up with a gold
digger that they are willing to go out of their ways to make sure that doesn't
happen."
"How, exactly?" Adrian
was more puzzled by the second.
"They promised they will
disown Edward the moment he finds a guy to marry."
"Wow. So what's the
test?"
Christian smiled, happy
to gossip away. "Edward takes home the potential husband, and then his parents
let the guy know that not only he won't see a dime, but that Edward won't see
one from them, ever again, either."
"And?" Adrian didn't
sense any of the earlier puzzlement going away.
"And," Christian sighed,
"they kind of got it right because all the guys bailed out the moment they
heard that."
"No shit." Adrian was
surprised. "So, why the hell didn't I get put to the test?"
Christian shrugged.
"Beats me. Of all the others, it looked like Edward liked you the most."
"For real?" Adrian felt
his head buzzing with possibilities.
Christian nodded with
conviction. "He talked so much about you. Truth be told," he lowered his voice
and looked around, "I thought I could hear the wedding bells this time around."
"So, you have no idea why
I didn't get put to this test?" Adrian asked, just to make it sure.
Christian shook his head
slowly. "None. I mean, I had no idea you two broke up. And Ed tells me
everything."
Seeing what a gossip
Christian was, Adrian doubted that, but he hoped he was wrong. "I must go after
him and confront him. Do you have any idea where the bathroom is in this
place?"
Christian pointed him in
the right direction. "I'll keep my fingers crossed for you."
"Thanks, man. Great meeting
you."
"Same here."
Adrian walked
purposefully; he had another thing to make clear now.
***
The bathroom of a fancy
restaurant was not the ideal backdrop for romantic conversation, but Adrian had
a feeling whatever they had to share wouldn't be that. His anger returned as he
walked in and saw Edward resting his hands against the edge of a sink the size
of a small apartment, while the water ran.
"Not caring about saving
the planet and all that?" Adrian opened with a joke.
Edward looked at him and
turned off the tap. "I can see that you're not well trained, after all. I
thought I was clear."
Adrian couldn't care an
iota about whatever lies flew out of Edward's mouth right now. He walked toward
him until he forced Edward to stand upright so that they could stare at one
another. "You left me with your cousin, knowing fully well that he would tell
me everything about that weird family test."
"And?" Edward looked up
to a fight. He was no longer cool and collected, his usual self. And the dark
circles under his eyes were proof that he was still human, after all.
"Why? Why didn't I get
put through the wringer, like everyone else?"
"Why? Are you sure you
don't know the answer already?"
"Enlighten me. I'm not
that clever, as you said before."
Edward bore his eyes into
Adrian's. "I suppose Christian explained that only men who I deem worthy of
being introduced to the family are invited to meet my parents."
"So? I'm not worthy? Why?
Because of my humble origins?" Adrian parodied the words.
"Not at all. That's not
an issue. We two established from the get-go that we weren't involved with some
happily-ever-after in the cards. I thought you and I were on the same page."
"You mean, you just tried
to protect yourself. But if that were true, why would you approach me in the
first place? After all, it appears that you are after a husband."
"Maybe I'm not always
after that."
They were so close,
Adrian could see tiny speckles of gold in Edward's eyes. He could kiss him,
right there, stop him from talking nonsense, but that wouldn't be right. Some
things had to be said.
"Bullshit," Adrian said,
getting dangerously close.
Edward didn't waver.
"Believe what you want. I played fair."
"Like hell you did. Tell
me, Edward, what are you afraid of, hmm?"
"Afraid?"
"Let me tell you if you're
so hard-headed that you don't want to admit. You're afraid of commitment. You
want to have your cake and eat it. You're not sure that you could give up on
your parents' wealth for the sake of love." Adrian was getting worked up with
each word. Good thing the restaurant wasn't packed, and so far, there had been
no interruptions from other patrons. He got into Edward's face to deliver the
final blow. "You told me to be the man because you're afraid to be one." With
that, he took a step back. "I think I got my answer."
"You got nothing. You
talked and talked." Edward had blanched during Adrian's speech, to the point
that now he looked alarmingly pale. "You have no idea what I'm afraid of."
"Oh, really? Then why
don't you illuminate me, Your Majesty?"
Edward seemed to hesitate
for a moment.
"Spit it out," Adrian
said abruptly. "I've already lost all my sleeping hours this week because of
you."
That appeared to surprise
Edward, which was strange, seeing that Christian had pointed out loud that they
both had matching dark circles. Could it be that Edward doubted his feelings?
After Adrian had practically bitten a big fat bullet to say those cheesy words
that, as lame as they were, told the truth and nothing but?
"I'm afraid," Edward said
slowly, punctuating every word, "that you're like everyone else."
Adrian remained
dumbfounded for a moment, although he had suspected as much during their little
conversation. "Pardon my French, Your Majesty, but are you fucking stupid?"
"Insulting me won't get
you anywhere. It is my right to maintain an illusion if that's what it takes."
Adrian moved and took
Edward's hand. It was cold and clammy. "Put me through that frigging test."
"It's not a test.
Christian is talking nonsense. My family is looking out for me."
"Which I can and am
willing to do. Even better than them," Adrian said, fully aware of the
aggressiveness in his voice.
Edward appeared as if his
determination succumbed under Adrian's assault. But then, he shook his head. "I
liked you, Adrian. Allow me to have that. And you talk like someone who has
never been truly tempted. I apologize, but I will not let you go through it."
"You must be kidding me,"
Adrian said under his breath. "I want you. Isn't it enough?"
Edward pulled his hand
free and let out a coarse laugh. "You're not the kind to marry. What are you
even talking about?"
"I'd marry you," Adrian
said with nonchalance.
Edward sighed, and some
of his usual control returned. "I don't need you to mess up my life just so
that you can prove a point. This is goodbye, Adrian, for real. Please leave me
alone."
Adrian wanted to argue
some more, but someone came in. Edward warned him with his eyes. Well, he got
some answers, and a new idea was taking root in his mind. He hurried out
without saying another word to Edward.
Christian waved at him,
the moment he saw him. "How did it go?" he asked excitedly.
"If I give you my number,
will you call me?" Adrian interrupted him.
Christian nodded and
stole a look behind Adrian. For his plan to be flawless, he didn't need Edward
to catch a whiff of what he was planning. He placed one card on the table, and
Christian grabbed it swiftly. At least, there was someone in that family Adrian
sensed he would like very much.
Without another word or
look behind, he was out. When he had said that he would win the game for
Edward, he had told the truth.
***
Some of what Edward had
said about having his Sundays filled with obligations made sense now, Adrian
thought after his conversation with Christian. The kid was fun, and Adrian had
ended up spending a couple of hours talking to him on the phone. His plan had
been received with a lot of enthusiasm, and Adrian felt comforted by the
thought that he had an ally behind the enemy lines. Jared and Mike both had
called to check on him, both careful about his feelings, but Adrian no longer
felt like moping, and his best friends didn't need to worry.
He felt guilty for being
tight-lipped with them about his plan, but this time, when he invited everyone
over, it had to be to announce his victory. Also, something else. A grin curled
his lips as he thought about how shocked they would all be once he told them
the big news.
But he shouldn't
celebrate before climbing in the ring. There were many things to put in order,
such as spending a small fortune on a new suit. After all, he needed to make an
excellent first impression on his future in-laws.
***
"I'm close," Adrian said
after greeting the person on the other end.
"Wait for me. I'll come
get you," Christian whispered in an urgent tone.
Adrian parked at a fair
distance from the estate. The Hastings were even bigger shots than he had
imagined, so there was no way he would be allowed to pull in the driveway just
like that. The surprise element was essential and having Christian working as
an inside agent was part of the plan.
He had to wait for almost
ten minutes, during which he nervously checked himself in the rearview mirror.
Usually, he was proud of his looks, but now he was anxious like a kid on his
first day in a new school. This wasn't his crowd; as charming as he could be,
he doubted the people he would meet soon could be that easy to sway.
Christian emerged from
behind the high gates, hands in his pockets, his hair as rebellious as the
first time they met. He was grinning ear to ear, and it looked like he was
happy for something to happen since the Sunday affairs at the Hastings, as he
had told Adrian, were self-harm-inducing boring.
He knocked playfully on
the car window, and Adrian lowered it so that they could speak.
"Everything all right?"
He tried to rein in the anxiety he felt.
Christian offered him a
huge smile. "Now would be a good moment to introduce yourself to the family.
They are having dessert, and about half of them are already dozing off." He
yawned, pressing a hand over his mouth in an exaggerated gesture.
"How am I going to pass
through those gates? I noticed that there is someone manning them. Did Edward's
folks never heard of automated systems?"
"Don't worry about that.
I sent the porter on a fool's errand, and we have enough time to squeeze you
in. But leave the car here; you might need it as a getaway vehicle."
"Now you're making me
feel a bit uneasy. Will Edward's dad hunt me down with a rifle from the Second
World War or something?"
Christian shrugged, but
it looked like he could enjoy that kind of event. "Let's go. If we meet anyone
on the way, I'll just say you're a friend of mine."
"I thought you said this
day-long lunches are for family only."
"Yes, but no one can say
rules can't be bent."
"Christian, I feel like I
need to ask you. Are you sure? Once we're inside, you could pretend you don't
know me."
Christian offered a smirk
in return. "And risk having you thrown out before getting a chance to light up
the seat of their pants? No way. I'm your ride-or-die." He stretched his arm,
hand made into a fist.
Adrian climbed out of the
car and pushed his fist into Christian's, determined not to leave him
hanging.
There was so much pride
in Christian's eyes and admiration that Adrian felt a bit embarrassed.
"That was my first brofist," Christian announced.
Adrian could understand
why the kid liked to gossip. It looked like there weren't many ways for him to
have fun. That would change. Once he and Edward --
He shook his head. The
war was far from over. He was heading toward the battlefield right now, with
nothing on his side by absurd bravery and a deep desire burning hot for a man
called Edward Hastings.
The family estate was far
more impressive than Edward's mansion, but Adrian didn't waste any time to
observe the grandeur of the place. What he wanted more than everything was to
extract Edward from it and make him his.
Christian became stiffer
as they walked inside. A few members of the personnel greeted them in passing,
but no one asked about Adrian's presence. However, a few curious looks landed
on him, and Adrian couldn't stop thinking that the people hired there appeared
ready to look down on him if they knew that he didn't belong there. He played a
few snarky remarks in his mind and followed Christian to a large impressive
door that supposedly led to the dining room.
"Ready?" Christian
whispered.
"I was born ready,"
Adrian said with a smirk.
Christian encouraged him
with a smile. They stepped inside, and, for a couple of moments, Adrian froze
as he took in the opulence of the place. There was even a crystal chandelier
hanging from the ceiling, above the long table, at which around twenty people
or so sat. Classical music played softly in the background, and the murmured
conversation stopped when he entered. Pairs and pairs of curious eyes glued to
him.
"Good afternoon," Adrian
said politely. "My name is Adrian Rossi, and I'm here to talk to Mr. Charles
Hastings on an important matter."
The silence
continued.
"What is this nonsense?"
Someone spoke from the head of the table, at the far end from Adrian.
Suddenly, the murmurs
were back, echoing the words of the head of the family.
"Adrian's with me, uncle Charles," Christian intervened. "You'll want to listen
to what he has to say."
Charles stood up, and
Adrian had the chance for a good look at him. A man in his sixties, he carried
himself like true royalty. His white hair was cut short, without any military
rigor, and he appeared to be in perfect shape for his age. Everyone else at the
table seemed to be suddenly small, despite him not being a particularly tall
man. "And why didn't Mr. Rossi choose to approach me on a workday?"
Adrian scanned the room,
looking for Edward. He sat somewhere in the middle, between two old relatives.
His face was white as a sheet, and Adrian pondered briefly over whether he
wasn't about to commit a severe mistake. No, he didn't have time to
second-guess himself. It wasn't like he was outing Edward to the family. All he
wanted was a word with the head of the family. It was needed to prove to Edward
that he had meant everything and that he was willing to go the extra mile to
prove it.
"This isn't about
business, uncle Charles," Christian said. "It's about
the family."
Charles appeared to frown
slightly, although, from that distance, Adrian couldn't read his face well. "I
suppose this is unconventional, but please, let's step into my office, Mr.
Rossi."
Christian nudged Adrian
to move, as it seemed that he needed to go behind the row of chairs to follow
Charles through a side door. Edward stood up and began walking behind them at a
fast pace. "What on earth do you think you're doing?" he hissed.
Adrian didn't bother to
reply. He walked out of the room with both Christian and Edward in tow. Charles
already waited for him in front of another door. "Edward," he said in an
emotionless voice. "What is this about?"
"It concerns me, father,"
Edward replied.
A small sign of
recognition appeared on Charles's face. "I see. Let's get this over with, then.
You can go back and entertain our guests, Edward. You, too, Christian. This is
between Mr. Rossi and I. And my checkbook," he added
under his breath.
Adrian set his jaw hard.
Christian didn't know the details of the so-called test, but he had a hunch
that it wasn't necessarily about disowning Edward. Whatever Charles hinted at
made much more sense. As much as Edward liked to think that his parents had
come to terms with his choice of partners, Adrian sensed that it couldn't be
completely true.
He followed Charles into
the room, the head of the house called his office. It was as magnificent as the
rest of the property Adrian had seen so far, but, again, he didn't plan on
gawking and acting like an uncultured monkey.
He stood, waiting to be
told to sit down. Charles was already at his desk, scribbling something in
what, indeed, looked like a checkbook. "Don't bother with that, Mr. Hastings."
"Hmm?" Charles looked
like he couldn't be bothered to listen.
"I'm not here for your
money."
"Adrian," Edward called
from behind. "Please, don't make a scene."
"Edward, I thought I told
you something," Charles said in the same grave voice from before. "Christian,
this is not something you should witness."
It was so strange for all
three of them to stand, close to the door, while Charles sat at his desk. The
balance of power was evident. Too bad Adrian didn't care for such things.
"I wouldn't miss it for
the world," Christian said.
Adrian could tell the kid
was grinning without looking at him.
"Close the door," Charles
ordered shortly. He continued to scribble down in his checkbook. "Here you go,
Mr. Rossi," he said and stretched out his hand. "I think you will find the pay
acceptable."
Adrian made no move to
take the check. "As I said, Mr. Hastings, I'm not here to take your money. I
have plenty of my own."
"Really?" Charles quirked
an eyebrow. "And what do you do for a living?"
"I work in advertising.
I'm the Advertising Sales Director at the company I'm working for. And I'm just
twenty-six years old. In a couple of years' time, I hope to get my own company
on its feet."
"A working man," Charles said
with a small smile. "If it's not a check you want, perhaps you would be
interested in some recommendations. A few accounts would offer you a nice
start, I suppose."
"No," Adrian said. "I'm
not here to network, sir."
Charles let the check
fall on the table. He shifted in his chair and stared at Adrian with new eyes.
"What are you here for?"
Edward reached for him
and caught his elbow. "Adrian, whatever you think you're doing, stop. And you,
Christian --"
"Just to make it clear,"
Charles began, "is Mr. Rossi one of your male lovers, Edward?"
There was no disdain in
how the words were said; they were just cold and measured.
Adrian shook off Edward's
touch. He was still plenty angry with him. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am
Edward's boyfriend," he replied.
"Boyfriend." Charles
frowned for a second, then his features smoothed out in a neutral expression.
"If you please, Mr. Rossi, name your price. As you can see, I have allowed
enough already. Our guests are waiting."
Adrian looked one second
at Edward. It was all he needed to strengthen his resolve. He was pissed as
hell, but he knew, without the shadow of a doubt, why he was there. He turned
toward Charles. "I don't have a price, sir. What I want is your son's hand in
marriage." Adrian felt a bit stupid saying the words as if they played in a
historical drama, and any moment now, the twenty-first century would come
bursting through the door.
His words fell like
bricks in the silence of the room.
"Adrian, have you lost
your mind?" Edward was the first to explode.
"It's all right where
it's supposed to be. You shut up now, while I discuss with your father about
this important matter."
Charles's eyes grew wide.
Adrian could swear he could hear Edward grinding his teeth. Well, he deserved
to be put in place after assuming that easily that Adrian would be a
sellout.
"This is so touching,"
Christian intervened. "I need to document this for all eternity."
"Christian, put away that
phone or I'll have you swallow it," Charles boomed, taking everyone by
surprise. "Get out now. You're too young to hear what I'm about to say."
Christian mumbled
something, but he opened the door. "I can be your getaway driver," he whispered
to Adrian before leaving the room.
Well, at least the `ride'
part was true in the `ride-or-die' comment Christian had made earlier. But
Adrian couldn't blame him. It looked like Charles Hastings wasn't someone who
could be ignored when giving a direct order. Too bad, he couldn't order Adrian
around.
"What is this absurdity?"
Charles started, as soon as Christian was gone. His eyes moved from Adrian to
Edward and back at him.
"I don't care if you
choose to disown Edward," Adrian said fearlessly. "All I want is him."
Charles blinked a couple
of times. "I thought the foolish idea of marrying a man had long fled your
mind, Edward." He turned his attention to his son.
"Adrian doesn't speak for
me, father."
"Then what is he doing
here?" An unpleasant sneer appeared on the older Mr. Hastings's face.
"I'm here exactly for the
reason I presented you," Adrian said stubbornly. If Edward was a coward, he
wasn't. "I want to marry your son."
"He doesn't wish to marry
you," Charles pointed out. "It appears that you're overstaying your welcome,
young man." He appeared relaxed now.
Adrian didn't plan on
letting the matter go. "He does. He's just afraid to go against you."
Charles smirked in
satisfaction. "Like any son who truly respects his parents."
"How many relationships
have you ruined for Edward, Mr. Hastings?" Adrian asked.
The question appeared to
catch Charles off guard. "Edward has no business marrying a man. I don't care
if other people think such travesty has a place in the world."
Adrian could feel the
tension in his jaw growing. Yet, he kept on a pleasant demeanor. "How about you
allow Edward to speak for himself?"
"Nobody keeps him from
speaking. He just doesn't have anything to say."
Adrian turned to face
Edward. He was pale and barely kept it in. He hated to do anything to hurt him
right now, but Adrian needed to know. "Don't you have anything to say, Edward?
Is it true what your father says, that he has never ruined anything for you?
How many of your lovers did he corrupt with money?"
Edward was paperwhite now. Adrian bore his eyes into his. No matter
how painful it was, a moment of truth was needed.
Edward didn't look away
from him. "Three ... No, four."
The words were barely
uttered. Adrian turned with a triumphant expression on his face toward Charles.
"See? Your son does have something to say, after all."
Charles frowned. "I am
already tired of this nonsense. Why did you have to take such a stubborn one to
bed this time, Edward?"
Adrian had a few ideas
about the reasons, but he wouldn't scandalize his future father-in-law by
opening his mouth on the topic.
"Fine. I'll go on a limb
here and assume that you know how to play your cards, Mr. Rossi." Charles began
writing another check.
"Don't bother, Mr.
Hastings," Adrian said.
"I will show you, Edward,
for the umpteenth time, what these men are made of," Charles said, pretending
to be deaf to Adrian's words. "Here, Mr. Rossi. It's enough to open three
companies, not one." Adrian didn't move. Charles waved the check as if he could
lure Adrian with it. "Take one look at it. You might think that I'm trying to
fool you, but I'm not. It's good to cash in right now. Take it."
Adrian was starting to
get bored with Charles's display. He took the check, looked at it, recited the
amount out loud, and then put it back in front of Charles. "Sorry, still not
interested. Edward is the one I want. Just agree and let's part amiably. I
promise you won't have to see me, ever again."
Charles's face smoothed
again. He began talking, offering Adrian obscene promises, all the while his
eyes glinting. Adrian tuned it all out and started yawning. He put a hand to
his mouth. "Is this how you lost the others?" he asked Edward, who stood there
with a pained expression on his face.
Adrian had never seen him
so messed up. That needed correction.
At his question, Edward
just nodded meekly.
Adrian turned toward
Charles, who didn't appear to be capable of stopping talking bullshit. "Well,
you're not going to lose me," he said to Edward, his eyes never leaving
Charles. "I don't care about any of this stuff."
Charles seemed to finally
relent. "I see. Your stubborness is absurd. But all
of this doesn't matter since Edward doesn't plan on marrying you, anyway. I
think we're done here, Mr. Rossi. I suppose you don't want to walk out of here,
escorted like some petty criminal."
"I'll be out of your hair
in a moment," Adrian promised. "There's one last thing I have to do."
Edward's mouth went slack
when Adrian went down on one knee and offered the small square box that had
been in his pocket for the entire day. "Edward Hastings, I'm going to ask you
in this stupid cheesy manner, only this time. Will you ditch your fancy life,
and come live with me? I promise we won't end eating only ramen or other
non-nutritious meals."
"What are you asking,
idiot?" Edward mumbled, but his eyes were soft like Adrian had never seen them.
"Will you marry me,
asshole?" Adrian replied in kind. "This is what I'm asking. And hurry, because
this position sucks balls and not in a fun way."
Charles gasped in what
had to be outrage. Probably no one ever talked like that under that roof. Well,
there were first times for everything, including Adrian Rossi going on one knee
and saying corny stuff.
"Edward, please tell your
acquaintance that my patience is running thin."
"I won't get up until I
hear an answer," Adrian said. "Yes or no, Edward. What will it be?"
"Just tell him `no' already
and end this tasteless display," Charles said in disgust.
"Yes," Edward said.
"Then hurry," Charles
said. "You don't have to confirm everything I'm telling you. Just go ahead and
--"
Adrian grinned. "Sorry,
sir, but your son just replied to my question."
Edward was still white as
a sheet, but he took the box from Adrian's hand.
"Edward!" Charles was,
apparently, flabbergasted and overwhelmed by the course of events. "You can't
be serious."
Edward threw one look at
Adrian, who stood up, wincing. "I'm afraid I am, dad."
"Edward, stop this
nonsense right now!"
"Let's go, Edward."
Adrian grabbed his boyfriend's hand and pulled him toward the door. "We have
the getaway car waiting for us."
"Edward, get back here
this instant!"
Adrian didn't wait to
hear more of that. He rushed through the door, hand in hand with Edward.
"Will anyone stop us?" He
broke into a sprint, forcing Edward to keep up. "Which way can we get out of
here faster?"
Edward took the lead, and
Adrian was the one to follow. Apparently, there was a shortcut, and soon they
were out of the house.
"Where is your car?"
Edward asked, his voice tensed.
"Parked outside," Adrian
replied.
The porter tried to stop
them. "Mr. Edward, please --"
"Sorry, man, we can't
stay and chat," Adrian dodged him, and Edward just murmured something as he
followed his example.
A happy honk let him know
that his ride-or-die was behind the wheel, as promised. Something was wrong
with that picture, but Adrian didn't have the time to stop and think. Adrian
and Edward climbed quickly in the backseat.
"Pedal to the metal,
partner," Adrian said.
"What did he say?"
Christian asked.
"He said `yes'!" Adrian
replied victoriously.
Christian shouted from
the top of his lungs as he kicked the engine into gear.
"Oh, damn, are you guys
insane?" Edward protested. "No one's really coming --"
"Oh, shut up already."
Adrian pressed his lips against Edward's mouth. He had missed that.
Edward struggled against
him, much to his annoyance. One would have thought that once he had said `yes',
Edward would be less of a pain in the butt.
Adrian tried to kiss him
again. Edward kept him away. "Christian doesn't have a license!"
"What?! Christian!"
Adrian sobered up instantly. "Stop the car immediately!" Another realization
hit him. "And how the hell did you get the keys?"
"I picked your pocket,"
Christian replied, completely unfazed and pleased with himself.
"Where did you get this
cousin of yours?" Adrian turned toward Edward. "Juvie?"
Edward just shrugged.
"Stop the car,
Christian," Adrian commanded in the more commandeering voice he could muster.
"Just one more minute,"
Christian begged. "And I know how to drive."
"Now, Christian, or
you're not my partner anymore."
That appeared to convince
Christian to stop the car. He groaned and put his head on the wheel. "And I was
looking forward to be chased by the police."
"Where has the kid lived
until now?" Adrian asked. "Chased by the police means being caught by the
police, Christian."
Christian moved from the
driver's seat, making room for him to climb behind the wheel.
"That could be fun, too."
Adrian shook his head and
smiled. Another smile met him in the rearview mirror.
TBC