Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2023 20:02:26 +1000 From: Gavin Hurst Subject: A life less than ordinary - Chapter 47-51 Thanks for the feedback. To answer the question many have asked, I have not decided when to end this, and I shall just continue writing. Please keep the feedback coming and remember, donate to nifty.org if you can spare a few bucks. Chapter 47 The week as always was long. I don't think I had ever worked so long or hard, or with such passion in my life. As Thursday night rolled around, I hopped on the jet as I flew back to London for what would be, for me, an extremely important meeting. I have often campaigned for Australian's indigenous people when we lived in Sydney. Their plight was important to me, as was their culture. Financially I was never in a position to do much, but now not only did I have the financial power to make change, my mind was racing on how I could use it to advance their cause in a beneficial way. I could tell Michael was a little sad leaving Karl behind. My own intelligence was telling me they were sleeping together every night. I called him down to the back of the jet where as I was spread out at the table working, and eating. "So, will a get a smile out of you this weekend?" I asked "It's really hard Boss. I've never felt this way before. Like I want to tell him how I feel, but I am afraid he will reject me." "Ah, love. It's never easy. If I can give you some advice, think about the reunion and not the departure. It gets me through the week these days." "Smart advice, I never thought of it like that." "I'm sure Karl has feelings for you thou. If I'm not mistaken, you've slept together every night this week." "How do you know this?" "I make it my business to know everything, and besides, Karl has been walking funny all week. What the hell are you doing to him at night." I laughed making his cheeks glow in the dim light. "Shut up Boss, you're embarrassing me. He likes me in him, so I do it. I am enjoying it. You know, woman used to complain about my width that hurt. Karl goes crazy and that drives me wild." His comment was funny, but cute, and having tasted his wares before, I knew what he meant. What he didn't make up for in massive length, the width was jaw stretching, and I can only imagine what it would do being pounding in my arse with it. I brushed those thoughts away as I detailed with him our plans for the next 24hrs. It was important, and there was to be no drama. "Boss, you bring the drama with you. I am the one that has to put out the fires" He threw at me with a cheeky look. As we touched down at Stanstead Airport, the car was waiting for us. Sam had booked me a suite at the Savoy and Johan should be there in the morning. It was just after midnight when we arrived, and as soon as we got in to the suite, Michael had a separate bedroom in the same suite, I hit the shower and bed. I was beat. As I hopped in to bed, I facetimed Jackson to say goodnight. He was in a good mood. He was showing me he could touch his nose without missing and that his dexterity was nearly back to normal, although after some to and fro he admitted he was still not great on his feet. "Do not over do it. I have a surprise for you, but only if you are not over doing it." I told him, which as usual drove him insane because I wouldn't share it with him. "I love you bub, see you tomorrow night, probably around 9pm by the time we get in." I finished the call out with. Friday Morning came around fast, and I had a breakfast meeting with Johan to go over everything in preparation. I was really impressed, as I always am, with how quick he was across the most minute details of every plan I passed his way. The guy was genius in my eyes. As we finished up breakfast, Michael motioned that the car had arrived. This was it, our big chance. Upon arriving at Australia House, I was taken by how Australian it was inside. Pictures, paintings, flooring, were all bits of back home I missed. We were greeted by a senior staffer, and led into a large meeting room, again filled with scenes from home. I had a sense of home sickness as looked at some of the shots, remembering the times I had been their, the people I had been with, and some places I wish I had visited. My trip down memory lane ended when the High Commissioner and Prime Minister entered the room. "Mr Prime Minster" I said as I extended my hand to greet him. "Please, Anthony. Grant good to see you again." He said as he grabbed my hand in a firm and welcoming double handshake. "Please, let me introduce our High Commissioner here in London, Stephen Smith" "An Honour High Commissioner." "Stephen is fine. There's too much formality here at times." He said in a knockabout way. I knew his face from the media, but meeting him, as well as the PM again, really was a bit of a buzz for me. As I introduced Johan, he refused to acknowledge them as Anthony & Stephen, and kept addressing by title. If this made him comfortable, I was not going to correct him. We spent the next hour going over our plans, and how we envisioned the roll out happening. The Commonwealth was only tipping in $10m a year into 2 states and a territory during the initial trial phase of 3 years. A fairly minimal out lay in comparison to what we would be funding. Having agreed to an in principal agreement, the PM made it clear that cabinet approval would be quick, and that his people would be in touch with Johan and his team in the coming weeks to organise a joint press release. Meaning that somewhere in the next month I would have to head down to Australia, amongst everything else I was squeezing in. As we walked out the media were waiting, asking what we were meeting the PM about. "I have no comment, but, should the Prime Minister wish to make a statement, I am sure I could add to it later." I said as I hopped in to the car with Michael making sure the door was firmly closed before jumping in the front and our driver taking off. "Well," I said to Johan, "I think that went well" "Yes, I thought so too. I think it will be good for us. You have certainly made a lot of changes Grant, and I will admit, at first, I had concerns, but now I see that you were exactly what was needed. Plus, you got rid of the freeloaders. You have no idea how better my life is. They still ring me from time to time seeking money, crying poor, but they thought it was never ending and spent everything they received. I am glad they have gone. More power to you!" "Are you flying back with me tonight?" I asked. "No my wife is arriving this afternoon, we are spending the weekend here with friends, if that is ok." "Of course it is, do you need the jet to get home?" "Well, she would love that, my wife has heard about the plane, but has never flown on it." "Consider it done. I will have it at Stanstead at 6pm Sunday night if that suits, and then it can refuel and take me to New York." His gratitude was evident as we arrived back at the hotel. Michael jumped out and walked in to the lobby and grabbed my bags, as Johan and I said our good byes, and we headed to the airport. I made it back to Munich much earlier than I had anticipate and was home in tome for dinner. I was riding on cloud 9, but my mood became even more elevated when Jackson was standing at the door, with walking stick, waiting for me as hopped out of the car. I wasn't sure if I should hug him or not, but damn I just wanted to squeeze him. His look of clam and achievement spoke volumes as to how far he had come in a shorter than expected period. My love and pride for him was just bursting out, as I gently wrapped my arms around in, for the first time in a long time. I was so happy, the stars were finally aligning. Chapter 48 We had a good meal, and the conversation centred largely around our Charity work with LGBTQIA+ people, and how we had opened a temporary counselling office in one of the vacant shop fronts in the bank building. Whilst it was slow to take off, visiting numbers were increasing day by day. Whilst I knew this was a soft opening, it was more so that the people we had originally employed had something to do in the interim whilst the new complex was being rebuilt. Jules was very coy about everything and how much work she had put in, but the one thing that she mentioned more than anything, was Marcus, her detail. As a father you know when your kids are trying to tell you something, and when you need to ask questions. This was one of those times. Whilst I was trying to get Jackson attention, he was preoccupied by making sure he gets peas to stay on his fork, I noticed with a grin. Something I need to discuss later, I thought. After dinner, I wanted to head over to the cottage to catch up with James. As I entered, I noticed him standing in the kitchen cooking him and Sam dinner. Sam was due back from the US shortly, and obviously he wanted to have a special something planned. "Hey buddy," I said as I walked in. "Cooking me dinner are you, how sweet! But I've already eaten thanks." "Fuck you boss!" came his boisterous reply. This is what I missed every day. "I won't keep you, because I know Sam is due, but quick question for you. If you thought one of your details was banging his protectee, how would you handle it?" Puzzled I could see him doing the maths in his head. "If he lays a finger on her, I will kill the fucker." "Steady on cowboy! I just don't think everything is above board. But I want to talk to him, but wanted to run it past you first." James had become very protective of the girls, and Jules in particular since her accident, and did have a fatherly eye watching over her every day, especially Jackson out of order. He made sure he saw her and checked in on her daily, and would feed tid bits back to me just to let me know she was ok. I was grateful. But me mentioning this to him, was another level. He wasn't happy. "Boss, can I please talk to him first. He is my responsibility, and you asked me to take this role on. I need to be the one who does it." "Certainly Bud, this is why I came to you first. But, just don't go overboard. I mean seriously, at least he's not a serial killer." "I understand, leave my gun in my draw is what you are saying." "Spot on bud. Anyway, enjoy your time with Sam, and after Tuesday, he will be back here. As will I be more than now." I left James and wondered the long way back to the villa. As dusk was setting the lak looked so peaceful and a couple of yachts were bobbing across the water. I really was a beautiful place in the world, and the peace and tranquillity of it all, I really hadn't had the chance to take in. The paths went for miles, the trees starting to bloom in the spring. The sounds of birds calling it a day, and across the water some faint sounds of German folk music bouncing across to me. A beautiful way to a week I thought as I came to the terrace and into the sitting room. Jackson dressed in his gown and slippers was sitting watching TV, waiting for my return. As I sat next to him, he spoke softly, "I won't break if you touch me" were his only words. I kicked off my shoes, and placed my head on his lap. He ever so gently rubbed his fingers through my hair. "You know you don't have to be superman everyday, right?" His words so clear, his voice so emotive. "Ha, what do you mean?" "Bub, don't shit me. I know you. Since the kidnapping you have tried to be everything to everyone. I know the hours you have been doing in New York, like you are punishing yourself. But why? What's the reason, what good comes of it?" His comments just hung in the air, as I slowly let out a tear, and then another. I laid there as I started to sob. "That's it baby, let it all out. I know you too well. You've been too busy trying to fix everyone else and haven't worried about fixing yourself. Trust me, you were just as damaged as the rest of us. It's ok to let your guard down you know. We all need to sometime." We laid there for another hour, not talking, just alone in our own thoughts as the TV droned on in the background. "I need bed" I stated as I pulled my self off his lap." " You want a cuddle buddy tonight" Jackson asked with a cheeky grin. "How, I mean what, no, how? I was confused. "No no, not that, just a cuddle bub. Somethings just aren't ready. But, if you help me upstairs slowly, we can sleep in our bed together. I have been doing it all week, and the stairs are a part of my rehab" "Oh ok, lets go" As we approached the very wide and long sweeping central staircase, Jackson asked me to take his stick. "Right, give me your arm" he instructed as I gave him my left arm, which he hooked in to his. He then grabbed the banister and slowly but confidently he started to tackle the staircase. When I say slowly, oh yeah, we were in no rush. 5 mins and a ΒΌ of the way there. This was a long process, but again, I was proud of his determination to make the effort to beat out his enemies. Eventually after a few rest stops, we made the top. A wheel chair was positioned there for just this purpose. "Grab me the chair" he instructed as I pulled it over and he took a seat. "Phew, I am stuffed." That's why we bought a chair up. I'm still too weak to walk much after that." I could see he was drained and slowly I pushed him in to our bed which had been turned down. As I took his gown off and helped in to bed, I could see his cock outlined in his boxers, which was something I had missed. Knowing I still couldn't take it yet, I just looked on in envy. "Gee, you will have to work out soon, you're getting tubby." I said sniggering. "Fuck off old man. I can out run you anyway, even with a walking stick. Now kiss me good night and get your arse in to bed." Chapter 49 Jackson spent the weekend nagging me that he wanted to be in New York for the launch on Monday night. Whilst I was initially dead against, but Sunday afternoon I had Michelle gathering his needs together and her packing a bag to travel with us. "If you do come, you are to stay seated as much as possible, and not get out of your seat, unless to use the bathroom, and only then with assistance. You are to use the elevator in the house, and not the stairs." My list of demands went on and on as if I was lecturing a school kid. Jules, James & Sam were also joining us, but as I lectured Jackson, I lectured James that he was there as a "Plus one" for Sam, and not in a working capacity. "Boss, I am never off duty" He told me. "Try it" I shot back with a grin. As we loaded into the jet, I felt like the Partridge Family were off on an adventure. 15 of us in total was a bloody cramped effort, and I was busting to spill about the new plane that would be ready in under a month. But for now I was to remain mum, as it was a surprise for Jackson, as well as a luxury for me. Winging our way across to New York was a fun time, laughter, relaxation, a few drinks and jovial secrets being shared. Jackson kept scowling at me as Michelle was making sure he stuck to his water, which I found humorous. I knew it wouldn't be long before Michelle moved on, and I was trying to think of a role she could fill in our organisation which meant I wouldn't lose her, and I also knew Jackson and her had developed a really solid bond. I am sure something would come up soon. James was particularly relaxed as he and Jackson shared war stories of being laid up resting, whilst Sam and I both joined in the fun, and did a bit of work. Curiously, Jules sat up front with Marcus, and I did manage to get eye contact with James to indicate what I could see. As we arrived in New York in the early hours of Monday morning, a convoy of vehicles greeted us on the tarmac and drove us all to the house. Sam & James were staying with us, as James wanted to check out some CCTV issues and other finer points during his stay. Karl met us at the door, and the moment Michael appeared from the SUV, his face lit up like a Christmas tree. Michael just looked at him with a loving face as if to say, "I told you I would be back." Maggie appeared in the foyer to see us all, and for Jackson and her a slightly emotional reunion, as she had not seen him since his surgery and I think it was part the reason she was hiding behind her studies and visiting over the past 6 weeks. As we all went to our rooms, Michelle and I set Jackson up with his rails and guards to prevent him tripping over or falling out of bed during the night. It was so good to have him here again, as he liked to call this place home more than Germany as it was his design. Sleep came easy, and before long, we had all crashed out. Karl greeted us in bed at 6:30am with coffee the next morning and a quick chat, before I helped Jackson up and into the shower. Whilst we both were carrying morning wood; I'd almost forgotten how beautiful the naked form of my husband was. His body, whilst not as toned as it had been, still had a beautiful shape, the hair that covered his chest was still a perfect curl to it, and as it made its way down his torso, it bushed out around his most perfect 9" uncut cock, that whilst not erect, was full and hanging above two perfect balls that left me hard as a rock. "How we gonna do this bub" I asked knowing this was the first time I had helped him shower. "I will sit on the bench, and you can wash me, daddy" He let out with a grin and laugh. "Fuck off, I'm not your daddy!" I laughed back. As I grabbed some soap, I massaged his body and I could see that I was having an affect on his growing member, as I slowly worked my way down, I couldn't resist but slide my hand up and down his shaft, as I reached in to kiss him. "Tell me to stop if this hurts you." I whispered in his ear. "Just do it babe, I need it" he said back. As I worked on his monster, I could feel his balls tighten and his cock start to throb as I new he was ready to unload. Kissing him harder and feeling his tongue explore my mouth it was at that exact moment the grunting started as load after load after load erupted out of his cock covering everything in sight. "Damn babe, I needed that" he said after he caught his breath. "Your turn now" he instructed me. "I will wait bub, busy day and we have been in here 20 mins already." I laughed back. As I quickly washed I jumped out and got us towels and as I dried off Jackson stood there like a king in all his glory. A quick smack on his bum indicated I had finished. "Ok, lets grab some breakfast, and start this day off!" Walking in to the kitchen with me in a suit and Jackson in sweats, we were greeted by the girls and James, with Sam already at the office. Jackson spotted Chris in the corner of the room seeming to be a little stiff. As Jackson approached him, the two men just stood silent and started at one another for a moment that seemed time stood still. They had not spoken or seen each other since Chris was shot and dumped in the streets of New Jersey. The pain in each others eyes evident. It was then that Jackson reached out and pulled Chris in to a hug that's was both tight and reassuring. "I love you, brother" Jackson whispered in his ear, just loud enough for Chris to hear. "Thanks man, you too." After eventually separating, eyes wet with tears, Jackson took his seat at the bench as we had a quick bite, I was now running late, and Sam would be ready to kick my arse if I didn't get moving. "Right, I'm out of here. Girls, keep Dada occupied, but rested, Michelle, a smack across the bum if he misbehaves, Karl, make sure he eats enough and Chris, welcome back. I will be home at 5pm, make sure you have all of your party clothes on, Michelle, have Maggie take you to get a party dress, my shout." As I rushed down the stairs on to the street and into the car, Michael was surprised at the good mood I was in. "Why wouldn't I, I have my family in one place, Chris is back on deck, you look like you got laid, so I am guessing you won't be Mr Misery today." I laughed which earnt me a swat on the shoulder off Michael. The office was abuzz when I walked in. Everyone was in over drive; tonight was the night. Steven seemed on top of everything, and Sam as usual was co-ordinating the whole thing. It was at this stage that I realised that it was Karl that had started this whole event thing, and I had not only not asked if he was attending, but in my own misgivings, I left him out. I grabbed my phone to fix the problem. "Karl, I feel really bad, but I forgot to make sure you were coming tonight as well. Please, forgive me, an oversight on my behalf." I said meekly. "It's ok, I am just the house manager, this is your business." "Karl, you are more than just our house manager. You are an integral part of the team. This was your baby. Make sure you are ready to go by 6 as well. Please." Finishing the call I walked out in to the main admin area, and grabbed Sam to make our way down to Chelsea Pier where we had booked a large space to hold the launch. Whilst I had left the whole organisation of the event to Karl, and mainly Sam, the space had been transformed into an amazing space filled with white linen, and fairy lighting, and images of the countries we were entering. There was also some shots of the people we were going to assist, and an area designed to show off our new digital footprint, and yes, advertise our own brand opening in America. Sam had invited Ambassadors, politicians, High New Wealth individuals, some show biz folk, and of course, the media were invited, as much as I hated them, I needed to use them to our advantage. We had a the top New York Restaurant, Kochi, catering with an Asian inspired cocktail menu, and some great music acts to keep the excitement rolling. We knew that the feedback we had received that it was an event that had the `IT' factor, and getting a ticket was the hottest thing in town. Heading back to the office after ticking everything off, I told Sam to get home, have a rest and get ready, I wouldn't be far behind him. I motioned for Steven to do the same. I needed all my key people on point tonight, and I had heard that Johan had also arrived, along with a team of the Executive Leadership in Munich. This was a big night. Klaus was buzzing. He was really enjoying his new roles, and was delivering everything I had asked. "Ah Grant, I am going to head to the Pier and just do last minute checks on the IT systems, I have my suit, I will get changed there." I didn't have the heart to tell him it was set. This was just as much his baby as everyone else's. Hopping in the car, we raced home and in the door. I needed a shower and a change, before heading down town to the event. What I wasn't prepared for, upon entering my bedroom, was Jackson standing there, black Armani suit, dressed, and looking like a GQ model on debut. "You are breath taking my love." I said as I eyed off the platinum cuffs he was wearing. "A bit if new bling?" I commented as I looked at how gorgeous they were. "Well, I needed to something to match my new watch!" He said as he lifted his cuff to show off his new Rolex timepiece. It was stunning. "Wow, retail therapy I see." Noting that I really was pleased he had spoilt himself. What I didn't see was the box sitting on the bed with gold bow "Here," he said. "I got you a small gift to show you how proud of what you have achieved so far. As I opened the box an identical watch in gold, and the matching cuff links glistened in the light of our bedroom. "Bub, you shouldn't have." "Well, I have all these cards in my wallet, and I thought it was time to use them" Jokingly he added. "Um, you seem to forget, I saw the AmEx statement from your `decorator' shopping spree. I know you have no problem using them." We both smiled and kissed, as I stripped off racing for the shower. Dressed and ready to impress we made our way down stairs to get everyone together. Both Maggie & Jules looked spectacular, with just the right amount of make up to show they cared, but without overdoing it. Maggie had on a gorgeous emerald necklace that Jackson had bought her, and Jules a Sapphire one that matched both their eyes. Wow, he really is loving shopping I thought to myself. Michelle was looking stunning in a strapless gown that really highlighted her figure, and whilst she was tall, she chose a shoe with minimal heel so as to not stand out in the crowd. Karl looked amazing. And what made him look even cuter was the fact that he was standing there holding Michaels hand. It was like a mini prom get together. Finally Sam and James joined us. I opened a few bottles of champagne and toasted everyone for their efforts, none more so than Karl and Sam. As we quickly finished, we headed down to the waiting limo's that would whisk us off to the event. As we were queuing up to exit the vehicles, I could see the flashes going off and the people milling around on the red carpet, I was worried about Jackson, but I also had Michelle riding with us, just in case. Approaching the entry, as the door opened, Michael first out, as he helped Michelle, then Jackson, then me out of the car. As Jackson & I made our way up the red carpet, media were asking a myriad of questions from what I was wearing, to what financial impacts we would have in the countries. Using Jackson as an excuse, I politely said "I need to get my husband inside an to his seat. I promise I will make time for all of you after my speech, and we can chat soon." That seemed to work, as they all went rushing back to the car behind us. As I turned my head back, It was the girls, and the camera's were going crazy! Karl was escorting them both up the carpet, and I could see he was in his element. Maggie was slightly embarrassed but I was surprised to see Jules lapping it up and posing for many pictures. I was so proud of them, and they took to the limelight so easy, but as a dad, I also had concerns. Landing inside, I moved Jackson over to the wing back chair I had placed in for him, so he could feel included. In fact there like a king whilst people made their way towards him, to make introductions, ask after his welfare, and also to try and get me alone for a moment. Whilst Chris was not his primary at the moment, I could see him keeping a watchful eye out for him. Corey, who was overseeing Jackson, tonight, was laughing at his mates protectiveness. After an hour, I was called up on stage but the MC and introduced to the New York crowd. A warm round of applause was had, and as I approached the lectern, I knew it was make or break time, and that it was up to me. I started by speaking of background, and who I was and who we were as a family. Our identity, our politics and how I ended up in front of them tonight. As discussed our reasoning and vision, the room remained silent. As I spoke about our programs, some interviews were played on a screen with the people of Belize talking about poverty and struggles. I spoke of Maria, an undocumented who worked for me, and when I found out, I explained what I had done. There was many reasons behind out decision, but the main one was equality. If someone with my wealth and power could not make a difference, then what was the reason for having it in the first place. This rounded out my speech and was met with rapturous applause that lasted 5 mins. I was very humbled by the reception I had received. Walking back to Jackson, he stood and embraced me and gave me a huge kiss, as the media snapped it up. I grabbed a drink, took a long sip and said to Jackson, "I need to deal with this crowd. God knows how long I will be. Just make sure you are ok." "Don't worry about me, Capt America is keeping an eye on me" as he nodded towards Chris. I laughed as I walked off with Michael by my side. As I did media interview after media interview, I was starting to feel the effects of the past few weeks. Maybe Jackson was right. Maybe I need to slow down a little. I was feeling exhausted. My brain was beginning was starting to refuse to co-operate. I was dead. Chapter 50 As we arrived back at the town house, I was spent. I still knew that the next few days would be critical. Tomorrow our first branch in the US opened, and after tonight, I had to keep up the momentum for just a little bit longer. Not for long, just a few more days. As we all gathered in the main reception room, I made a toast and thanked everyone, including those not present for their tireless work and commitment they had put in over the last few months, whilst we faced some of the biggest challenges as well as some of our greatest success. "I have decided tonight, that my husband is right. I take on too much at times, and if we plan to grow, then I must grow as well. On Friday I we will be all heading to the Caribbean for a week on board the Lady Lucia. All of us. Yes, that includes you Karl," I added with a smirk, `It is time to have some fun. So I ask you all to make the necessary plans, to be away for the week." Jacksons smile was huge. I knew he more than any of us needed it. And I was looking forward to the break. Steven and Johan were very capable in my absence, and I was sure they would be fine with this. Heading upstairs, we walked in to our bedroom. "I need a shower bub, I need to refresh." "Ok, I am just going to hop in to bed." Washing the away the night of excess, whilst tired, I felt refreshed. And I was glad I did. As I walked back in to the bedroom, laying naked in the middle of the bed, with his cock like a flag poll was Jackson. "How about I help you get off; seems you missed out this morning." "Are you sure you are up to it?" I asked with some caution. "I wouldn't offer if I wasn't" As I slid between his legs, I could see by the wet tip how horny he was. Feeling his massive balls in my hand, my mouth fell down on his cock, and it tasted so good. As he pulled me up towards him, I tasted his mouth on mine, as we kissed with such force and passion. It wasn't before long I was straddling his cock wanting to feel all of him in me. And with a bit of spit, I lowered myself down on to his mast, as I felt every inch enter my hole. As I rode him slowly and gently, I knew he was enjoying it. My eyes had rolled back in my head more than once as we rocked in unison and him pumping in and out of me. I could feel I could not last much longer, and before I knew it, without touching my own cock, it shot forth with spurt after spurt of hot white cum, coating Jacksons furry abs and chin. It was such a pleasurable climax but now I was spent and just wanted to sleep. Meanwhile a few floors below, Karl and Michael were having their own sordid romp as they rolled around in their love making. Karl was an experienced love maker, and Michael was playing catch up. Whilst Michael had made it known he was a strict top, Karl had convinced him after an hour of arse play, that he was ready to try bottoming. AS he lubed up his cock, he gently placed it at the opening of Michaels now opened hole, as he started to slide into his lover for the first time. Michaels nerves soon turned in to passion, as he learnt how to take cock, and enjoy the pleasures derived from it. Screaming out Karl's name, Karl unleased a torrent of cum in to his hole, as Michael cum in to his own hand beneath him. Laying in the afterglow of the now familiar ritual of Karl curled in to Michael's chest, under the weight of his massive bicep, Michael let out a whisper that Karl didn't hear at first. "Hey, I didn't hear you, what did you say" Karl responded to our now frozen Michael. "I love you" he repeated a second time as his anxieties and fears of rejection put up a defence barrier around him. "I'm glad. Cause I love you too." Came Karl's response to Michael, who now had a tear in the corner of each of eye. Michael all but smothered the smaller man as he rolled over to hug him. Michael was a realist he liked to tell people. He was positive that love didn't exist, and certainly not in the arms of another man. Tonight, it was proven that not only he could love a man, but another man would love him in return. As Michael held on to Karl as they drifted off to sleep. Another happening was taking place on the 4th floor. "Jules, we have to tell your dad, and I have to tell James, it's my job!" Marcus repeated over and over again. Jules and Marcus had been carrying out their little affair for a few weeks now, and Marcus was concerned that if got out, it would backfire and hurt those around Jules. They'd been having the same argument now for days, as Jules refused to come clean with her dad. "No, it's none of their business. I have had heaps of boyfriends before and never told my dad." She threw back at him. "So, I am your boyfriend?" "Of course, you are. I never stop thinking about you." "Jules, you need to understand that you can be my protectee and be in a relationship with you. It is too dangerous. It's how my work is done." He was trying to press his point home but as usual it was falling on deaf ears. Unbeknown to them the wheels were already in motion to remove Marcus as Jules detail, and before it got out of hand. James had done his homework, and as I had suspected, he had come to the same conclusion as me. Chapter 51a Heading in to work this morning, I was decked out in a bank polo shirt and cap. I loved being a part of openings, and the buzz and excitement that comes with it. It is the culmination of a collective joint effort that brings the first customer through the door. This was no different. At 9am on the dot, we cut the ribbon and opened our first branch in the USA. The first of many yet to come. A good 100 of so actual customers were there to sign up new accounts. We had spent massive amounts on the marketing campaign with introductory low low rates on borrowings, and solid returns on investment. We also were providing a credit card with zero fees and the lowest interest rate in the entire country. We had a good combination that we knew people would take too. Selling our brand was the hardest part as it was non English. Whilst we could of changed it to German Peoples Bank, or, even introduced a new brand, I was insistent on keeping Deutsch Volksbank and the logo. Some people thought we were related to Volkswagen, not understanding that `Volks' translated was. But, those people still opened accounts. By days end we had opened 530 accounts in our branch, and our online portal had received over 150,000 credit card applications, to the point where at one stage the website crashed, much to Klaus' panic and dismay. "Don't stress Klaus, it's the volume, the team will get it back up in 10mins. Grab a coffee!" I yelled to him across a heap of people. "I have had 5 already. I think I need to slow down." He laughed back. We were all dead on our feet by the time we closed. It had been a huge day, and the work created by the online applications meant we would need more people on board, sooner. I headed home and I knew my tank was running dry. I needed a break. I needed to stop. As we were heading home, I received a call from the team at Airbus. "Mr Von Garbner, your plane is ready for collection" came the greeting from the Senior VP of Corporate." "You're early!" I said a little bit surprised by the call. "Oh, sorry sir, you don't have to collect it yet, but, when you are ready, it is waiting for you." "No no, now is fine. I actually would like to collect it tomorrow afternoon if at all possible, it ties in nicely for something I have planned. I will have my team wire the final payment over ASAP, I will phone the captain and have him there at lunch time with some of my crew to do handover, and if you could lodge a flight plan to New York LaGuardia with a 5pm departure time, that would be super." I was treating the purchase of a $200m A330-900 the same way as I would purchasing my last car. I was finding the whole thing amusing in a way. "Ok Michael, change of plans, tomorrow morning you and I are going to France to collect the new plane. Captain Hendrickson will be there by lunch, with his two first officers, and 4 cabin crew. Once we land, I will send the Jet back to Munich, and we will hop back to New York." "Great, best I cancel my dinner date." He replied half sarcastically "Oh don't be a sook! What about if I let you bring him with us for the day." "Shit boss, that would be crazy wild." "Well, lets not get to carried away, we aren't joining the Mile high club. Yet!" Michael laughed. My mind raced on how to tell a small little lie to Jackson without being caught. I was about to do a transatlantic crossing and return in one day, with Michael and Karl. I never make life easy, but I developed a plan and explained it to Michael, as he was now in on my deceit. "When we get home, and you see Jackson and I sitting on the sofa, I want you to ring me from a private number and don't speak, Just let me do the talking, and don't answer any questions. Got it!" "Sure boss." Chapter 51b Walking in the door, I wandered straight up stairs to get changed, looking for James as I went. I quickly changed and kept heading up stairs, which is something I rarely do. Maggie was in her room, EarPods in, doing study, and as I went to check Jules room, I noticed her shower was running, but outside her bathroom, was a pair of men's business shoes, surprisingly the same as Marcus wears, I thought to myself. Oh well I thought, enjoy it now kiddo, because I am about to move him off your detail. Whilst I was fine if Jules wanted a relationship, she was now 22, and very independent in her views, and doing some really good work. But, as Marcus was her lead detail, I could not allow it to carry on in its current form. End of story, and I had both Jackson's and James' support on it. I finally made it up to the roof top terrace, and Jackson was sitting in an easy chair just taking in the smells of New York and sunset in the distance. As I leant down, I kissed his forehead. "How you doing Husband" I asked in a jovial manner. "Yeah good. I haven't been up here since I returned, and I have been up here sitting and thinking for a few hours." "Everything OK?" I asked expressing some caution. "Perfect. Like when in Germany I feel everything is so formal, maybe it's the Villa, the staff, the people we deal with, I don't know, but when I am here, it feels like Sydney in a way. More fun, our staff here are fun, we laugh more here. I don't know, I just feel happier here." "Ah, ok, but you know we can't leave Germany for ever right, I am tied to it for life in many ways." "I know. I guess Jo was also my best friend I had in Germany, and now he has gone, I am struggling to get excited about the project, and anyway, I was thinking, Jules is doing an amazing job. Her and the management team have proven they don't need me. How about, once I am back on my feet, I look to do the same here, or, find myself a project that I want to do." "Really? Is that what you want?" It was at this exact moment Michael chose to ring. His timing could not have been any worse. "Hello Grant here." I said in to the phone. "Oh yes, aha, yes, aha, ok. Well I wasn't planning on heading to Munich for a few weeks, but if it cant wait, how about I leave here early morning, sign all the documents, then I can fly back to New York, as I am starting a family Holiday then." "Ah Great, thank you so much, see you then." "Who was that" Jackson asked. "Um, insurance company, they need my signature, and it can't be via email. If I don't do it now, it will hold some things in Munich, I am going to dart across in the morning, and back again late tomorrow, so I don't miss our holiday." "I will come with you! I love going in the Jet." Was the reply I had not encountered from Jackson. "No babe, I am going to have to put my foot down. All this travelling when you need to rest, and 15hrs flying in one day. No. Sorry, I love you, but no." I tried not to sound to harsh, but I had to stop him coming. "Fine party pooper." But you owe me. I want a big fat gift for making me stay home, came his reply. If only he knew I thought to myself.