"Road trip with you, Mr. Bodyguard? That sounds positively delicious..." Justin purred, as his eyes lit up in excitement - his gaze smoldering as it fixated on Brian.

Ben rolled his eyes seeing that Justin still wasn't giving the matter of his safety the attention it deserved; along with realizing Brian would have his hands more than full of Justin. He had never seen Justin so instantly taken with another man. And in Justin's world - he came in contact with a lot of men; the opportunity was always available for him to explore. This wasn't just one of his standard fleeting interests - gauging Justin's every word and action; his body language was more than clear, The young star was making it his mission to have Brian.

He smirked thinking that Justin was going to be very disappointed as he knew Brian's policy so well. He never mixed business with pleasure. Brian might fuck a client afterward - but never during. Justin wasn't good with restraint or patience. He would struggle with that, and undoubtedly make bad choices to draw Brian's attention to him more fully. Justin didn't know that kind of behavior was a bad idea when dealing with Brian. His friend didn't handle his authority being disrespected - and he had the feeling Justin would attempt that daily. Brian might give him a little bit of rope, but when all was said and done, the noose would tighten upon Justin's neck and Brian would win both the battle and the war.

Ben was about to scold Justin, hoping to get his attention back to where it belonged - completely on his dilemma, but was frozen immobile when he looked at Brian. Fuck, he thought to himself. Sonofabitch, his thoughts continued, disbelief and total shock sending him reeling. On the verge of speaking, he had looked toward Brian, finding him still with an unwavering hot gaze on Justin. It was no surprise that Brian wanted Justin, however, his inability to keep it masked was a surprise of paramount proportions. Brian's eyes shifted to meet Ben's, resulting in his gaze diverting from lust-blown to being pissed and irritated. Ben sighed, realizing Brian's task just became even more tenuous.

"Uh, Brian?" Ben asked, his head shaking in his continued shocked disbelief.

"Not now, Ben," Brian snapped in fury. Averting his eyes from the both of them, he looked toward a befuddled-looking Horvath and his partner that seemed to be star-struck by Justin. "Are the two of you finished here?"

"Yes, Brian. We have what we need for now. I'll need a number to contact you, Mr. Taylor," Carl said, as he flipped open a notepad ready to write down the information.

Justin was about to answer when he was forestalled by Brian. "Any messages you need to relay to Mr. Taylor can go through me. I believe you have my numbers."

Horvath nodded. "Yes, I have them. For God's sake, be careful. This could be an overzealous fan, or you could have a total crackpot on your hands. Best not take any chances."

"Have you ever known me to do that?" Brian asked. Glaring at the uplifted eyebrow Carl was leveling upon him, he continued, "Okay, I'll clarify. Have you ever known me to place my client at risk?"

"Point taken. Mr. Taylor, you're in very good hands here. I'd suggest you do exactly as he tells you to do."

Justin smirked, as he playfully answered, "Oh, I'm quite certain I will be in very good hands, Detective. I have every intention of doing everything he says."

Brian's eyes narrowed on Justin in anger, quickly deciphering the sultry tone Justin employed. "Thanks, Carl. We should be back within a few days, and then, this house will be undergoing a large number of changes."

Ben and Justin asked in unison, "Changes?"

"We'll discuss that later," Brian clipped out, not secure in speaking too freely in this all-too-busy household.

Horvath made his way to the door, looking back at Hunter that stood staring in disbelief. "Montgomery? Are you coming?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah," he blushed, finally managing to tear his gaze away from Justin. "Umm, but do you think it's a good idea to just let them leave?"

"They are not suspects, James. We can't hold them on anything," Carl answered in exasperation.

Justin smirked, seeing the young officer's interest clearly, thinking he could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. He moved forward slowly, bestowing his trademark ‘Sunshine' smile. "Hunter? That was your name, wasn't it?"

"That's right, Mr. Taylor. It's good of you to remember..." Hunter said almost breathlessly.

Justin turned, winking at Brian deliberately, before he leaned forward to kiss Hunter deeply on the lips. His hand reached up to cup the boy's cheek. He pulled away to smile at the wide-eyed expression fixed on him. "Wasn't that so much nicer than an autograph?" Justin waited for him to nod, before continuing, "Don't you worry about me. I will be well taken care of."

"Uhhh, thanks, Mr. Taylor. We'll be in touch," Hunter stammered, as he moved to follow his impatiently waiting partner.

Once the door was closed behind them, Brian snapped, "Was that necessary, Taylor? It was obvious the kid had a crush on you, and now you blow it even more out of proportion."

"Had to give the boy something. He was actually kind of sweet," Justin answered. Moving back to stand next to Brian, he purred silkily, "Could it be that you were jealous, Mr. Kinney?"

"Let's get one thing perfectly clear, songbird. I am here to keep your bratty little ass alive, and nothing else," Brian snapped, wishing that his whole body believed the words that fell from his mouth.

Ben snorted behind him. "So, what's the plan, Brian?"

"Before we go any further, I want to establish one thing about this little vacation..." Justin began, his tone going from sexy to serious in one beat.

"What's that?" Brian asked warily.

"I won't leave without my son, most especially, not now," Justin said adamantly.

"Of course, not. Leaving him behind was never an option. However, that will be the end of the passenger list."

Ben narrowed his eyes, before he said, "Just the three of you? What the hell, Brian?"

"Don't get your panties in a bunch, Bruckner. You're coming too, but that's the end of it. I can't trust anyone in this house."

"Now wait just a minute. Who is gonna watch over Gus?" Justin asked in bewilderment.

Brian smiled, having that detail more than resolved, at least in his mind, before he answered, "I have that all in hand, for now, I just need you ready to leave."

"Not a problem, Brian. I'll let Daphne know what's going on and make certain Gus and Justin's bags are packed. Anything else I can do?" Ben asked.

"Actually, yes. I need a blueprint of the house, every room, and every piece of the land. Then, I need a complete list of everyone that not only has access to the house - but to Justin as well. That can be compiled on the way. Any other questions from either of you?" Brian virtually barked out, more than anxious to get on the road.

"Justin, could I have a moment with Brian before we leave?" Ben abruptly asked.

"Sure, I want to let Gus know what's going on. I'll see you soon," Justin responded, as his eyes gave Brian another thorough once over, before he headed toward the door; his back tensing when he heard Brian call out to him.

His eyes dark and intent, Brian called out, "Justin?"

"Yes, Brian?" Justin asked with an arched brow.

"Everything is going to be fine. You and your son will be safe, and then you can get back to a normal life."

Justin nodded. "Thanks, Brian."

"My pleasure," he smiled. "Meet me outside when you're ready. I do have a pool, but you will need to bring Gus a swimsuit and any toys he uses in the pool. My home is not accustomed to having children."

Ben snorted, responding without thinking, "More of a luxurious fuck pad."

"Really? How very interesting. I'd love to see that in play, and I am more than certain that you will keep me very entertained and satisfied, Mr. Bodyguard," Justin purred, switching from appreciative to sexy siren in one solitary moment. Justin laughed at Brian's harsh expletive, before he completed his exit.

"Something on your mind, Ben?" Brian asked with impatience.

Ben stared at him in exasperation. "As a matter of fact, yes. Reagan? What the fuck was that all about? And more importantly - what the hell are you playing at with Justin?"

"She was being a bitch and she really pissed me off. I actually thought it was funny, but she didn't get the joke," Brian answered blandly. "And I didn't realize I was playing at anything with Justin."

"No. She wouldn't get it. I don't think she likes you either, and when she finds out you've taken Gus away - she will be livid," Ben stated in warning. "Now, back to Justin..."

"Leave it alone, Ben. I know what I'm doing," Brian snapped.

"Normally I would agree, but I saw how you were looking at him. I - uh - mean, I'm not saying you can't manage it, but I know how serious you've always been about your ‘non-fraternization' policy."

Brian glared back at him, unwilling to accept how revealing his expressions had been. His biggest fear being - if Ben had read it, had Justin deciphered it as well? Denial or not, that was a scenario that could play out very badly. "The policy remains unchanged, regardless if my work becomes attached to appealing blond boy ass."

"You may think it's that simple, but if Justin discovers how much he's getting to you - he will be relentless," Ben warned him with a mocking smile, not falling for his friend's nonchalance for one moment. If not for the extreme danger Justin was obviously in, he would have been amused by these turn of events. Never had he watched Brian squirm as he had with Justin. The others probably wouldn't notice it. Brian's squirming was very subtle, and only properly visible by one who both knew him and who had a trained eye. Ben was blessed to be in both categories. "Brian, you are the best, and I don't trust anyone else to keep Justin as safe as you can, but if you lose your focus because his allure has become too distracting for you, this could end very badly. If it comes to that, it might be wise to bend your rules and relieve that tension."

"Benjamin Bruckner, how shocking! Are you implying that I should fuck my client?" Brian replied tongue-in-cheek, attempting to portray an air of indifference.

Ben sighed. "I'm just saying you need to consider all your options. Everything is not always black and white."

"Stop fussing, Ben. Now, shouldn't you be throwing your things in a bag?"

"Yes. I'll be right back, and I have the blueprints you want in the surveillance room. I'll bring them with us. Uhhh, Brian?"

"What now?" he asked wearily, wondering if they would ever get the hell out of here.

"You said you had a plan for a caregiver for Gus. Who do you know that is so trustworthy and available?" Ben asked, almost afraid of Brian's solution.

Brian nodded, his brow furrowing in thought. "She is beyond trustworthy and most likely available, but I will need to do some groveling. We have a love/hate relationship - and it depends on which side of the fence we are on. I'm not sure I recall which side we're on right now."

"Is there a chance she will turn you down?"

"Who could outlast the Kinney charm?" Brian quirked. "However, in that unlikely event, I'll just have to play my trump card. Her son, Michael."

"Michael? As in your best friend, Michael, the one I just met at your house?" Ben asked, his eyes lighting up with interest.

Brian smirked. "The one and only. Are you sure you don't want to stay behind now?"

"I think this trip just became infinitely more interesting. I will just go get ready, and make sure I pack for every contingency."

Ben was just about out the door, when Brian shouted out, "Don't forget the lube and condoms."

Brian laughed as Ben flipped him off before he passed through the door, his face scrunching into a deep frown as he pulled out his cell phone, scanning the numbers, in order to make his phone call. One that he was certain would garner him what he wanted, but having to ooze sweetness would probably fill his perfect orthodontics with more cavities than he could count. Hearing her snippy tone immediately answering, he internally groaned, thinking she was having a bad day. Just fucking perfect.

"Debbie, oh sweet mother of my heart..." Brian drawled, all but choking over the words. Despite the fact that she had been more of a mother than his own had ever been, Brian Kinney didn't bestow such accolades.

"Oh my God, Brian. What the fuck has happened? Is it Michael? Did you get hurt on that job? Talk to me, asshole. What's wrong?" she demanded in rapid Debbie fashion, not sparing a breath to let him speak. "Dammit, Brian, what's going on?"

"If you would allow me to speak, I will tell you," Brian responded patiently, sounding far more reasonable than he was actually feeling.

Debbie breathed in and out deeply. "Nobody is hurt, sick?"

"To my knowledge, everyone is just fine, at least for now."

"For now? What the hell does that mean?" she nearly shrieked into the phone.

"I need a favor, and it's a big one," he told her in all sincerity, and she must have picked up on it through the phone line when she didn't respond with her standard sarcasm.

She let out a long sigh. "I can tell it's important by how you're behaving. You never ask for help, and now to do so in a nice manner. I'm afraid to ask. Okay, let's hear it."

"I need you to babysit in my home for the next few days. I would need you to stay over and supervise the child. You would be paid very well," Brian said, trying to sweeten the pot.

"A baby? Well, I'll be damned. You actually put that cock somewhere other than a twink's ass," she said, beginning to roar in hysterical laughter.

Brian sighed. This was going to be even more difficult than he had imagined. "It's not my baby, and he's not really a baby. The boy is four years old and the son of my new client. I need to bring them home with me for the next few days, so I can wrap up some loose ends before I can fully commit to this case. This young man is in a great deal of danger, Debbie, and I really need to get a handle on it, so I can keep him - both of them, alive and well."

"Who's the client? Would I know him?"

"You might if you listen to pop music. My client is Justin Taylor. He's a singer, and someone has marked him to die."

"Justin Taylor? I know his music. I've seen him on TV. Beautiful boy, and he has a baby? And someone wants to hurt him?" she shouted in outrage.

"Yes, Debbie. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Can you take care of Justin's child while I have them at my home? Please, Debbie," Brian asked, virtually biting his tongue, feeling as if foreign words were passing from his lips, as he humbled himself placing his success or failure solely at her mercy.

Debbie let out a loud cackle. "Of course I will, dip shit. I was enjoying making you squirm. When do you want me there?"

"We haven't left Justin's home yet, but are due to shortly. Give me at least a couple of hours. Thank you, Debbie. I owe you one," Brian admitted, knowing she would play off this for a long time to come.

"One? Are you fucking kidding me? You owe me a dozen times over, and I swear, someday I will collect," she told him roughly, but Brian could hear the smile in her voice and knew everything was good between them, at least at this particular moment. That part of his mission resolved, Brian ended the call telling her he'd see her soon, preparing himself for the mocking smile and the ‘you owe me' looks that he would be receiving for the next few days, and for much longer thereafter.

Brian looked at the time, thinking it was taking them longer to leave than he would have preferred. He slid his phone into his pocket, momentarily stiffening when a smaller, lithe body nestled against his back. Fuck, why hadn't he heard him, Brian thought, as he berated himself. Then, he remembered that Ben had left the door ajar, but that still didn't explain why he hadn't heard him. Brian bit his lip, as Justin slid his hands around Brian's waist, anchoring himself to him. He would not give in. Just a moment longer of feeling that hot - and from what he could feel - well-proportioned body pressed against his own; then he would find the resolve to extricate himself and conduct himself in a professional manner.

Who the hell was he kidding? Certainly, not himself. He might try to tell Ben he was immune, but he knew he was far from that. If not for this case, and the danger the blond was in - he would have had him pinned to the wall, the carpet, the door - anything that would afford him the luxury of fucking his ass senseless. When this was over, he told himself, he would be doing exactly that. No other ending could he fathom or accept.

"Alone at last, Brian..." Justin whispered, as his hands moved up and down Brian's chest.

"I thought I had arranged to meet you outside," Brian grumbled. Knowing he was making a mistake in not severing himself from Justin's clinging grasp, Brian asked him, "Are you and Gus ready to go?"

"Yep, we're all set. Just waiting on you, but there's no rush, is there? I mean, you're here now and I know you won't let anything happen to me. So, how about we get to know each other a bit better?" Justin rasped in a low husky growl, as his fingers began to toy with the belt at Brian's waist.

Knowing he had to get a handle on this fast, before things escalated so far he could never pull them back, Brian moved his hands to cover Justin's; squeezing them firmly, yet gently, as he forcibly removed them. Turning around, he placed his standard indifferent and cold gaze upon his face. "We can get to know each other during the ride. Now, if you're ready, Mr. Taylor - shall we get going? I'm sure Ben will be with us shortly."

Justin moistened his lips deliberately, smiling, as Brian wasn't quick enough to hide his darkening gaze. "I am more than ready for you, Mr. Kinney. I have every intention of getting to know you much better on this little trip, and trust me, Mr. Bodyguard, I always get what I want..."

TBC