Justin rolled his eyes as he exited the coffee shop at the end of his shift, his irritation having a couple of sources. Predominantly, it was the meager tips he'd earned again. This was getting him nowhere. He could barely pay his bills, and that wasn't helping him to reach his primary goal - finding Molly. At the rate he was going, he'd never get into art school nor be hired into a position where he could use his artistic abilities. As much as he loved art, and wanted to explore it fully... the bottom line was the money that he hoped to earn. He needed that if he had any hope of tracking down his sister. Justin knew the odds of finding her were slim to none... but he had to try. He wouldn't give up until all hope had been extinguished.

Then, his second source of displeasure - Brandon. Upon turning his cell phone on at the end of his shift, there had been six voicemails from his other boss, along with four missed calls. Fuck. What does he want, Justin wondered. He knew it couldn't be anything good. He was already scheduled to work at the club tonight, so it couldn't be to pick up an extra shift. Perhaps he wanted him to be the performer of another lap dance auction. Justin smiled as he remembered his last lap dance. Not only had he made a great deal of money... he had met Brian. That was a night he knew he'd never forget no matter what the future brought them.

Listening to the messages, Justin's irritation turned to amusement as each message seemed to show Brandon progressively becoming more agitated. The last one made him laugh, as he heard a hostile, "Call me!" Justin knew he wasn't going to do that. It couldn't be that important. He knew he wasn't acting very respectfully toward one of his employers, but Justin couldn't seem to garner any respect for Brandon - not even on the best of days. The man was overbearing; not to mention being completely obnoxious and disgusting. There was nothing about the man that he didn't find repellent. Every moment he spent with that man only made the feeling accelerate even more.

In the beginning, Brandon hadn't been so overt about his interest. Looking back, Justin wondered if that had only been a ploy to relax him into taking the position. He had gone into Boy Toy with more than a small amount of trepidation. The reputation of both the establishment and the clientele was more than renowned... and not in a good way. Justin had been more than obvious in his hesitation. It wasn't his ambition to be hit on by every man in gay Pittsburgh. He was selective in his bed partners. All of his assignations were over quickly. No attachments, and no overnight guests. He loved giving blow jobs as much as he loved receiving them... and nothing felt as good as having his cock up a hot guy's ass, however, he'd never bottomed. He had so many long-standing trust issues dating back to childhood. Those only continued to carry over into his life.

As Justin moved closer to his apartment, he smiled as thoughts of Brian filtered into his mind. He couldn't help but be aware of how Brian was systematically destroying all the defenses he had spent years erecting. Justin knew it... but couldn't seem to stop it. Brian Kinney mesmerized him in every possible way. Last night he had wanted him so badly. If Brian would have pushed, Justin knew he would have given himself to the beautiful brunet. All these years of holding himself aloof, of only taking his pleasure in his way... safely remaining reticent; now to find his entire way of life was being challenged with the greatest of ease, all due to the charm and persistence of one man.

Just as he was slipping his key into the lock, he tensed, as he felt a presence behind him... a body he knew didn't belong to the man that was due to pick him up in less than an hour. Pulling the key back out and unobtrusively slipping it into his pocket, Justin knew the last thing he wanted to do was unlock the door, only to have the man behind him force himself inside after him. Justin turned to face the man he innately sensed to be behind him, hoping this discussion wouldn't last long. With a bored expression firmly in place, Justin asked, "What do you want, Brandon?" Justin visibly shuddered as Brandon's eyes moved over him, unable to mask the loathing that instantly assailed him when he fell under Brandon's leering gaze.

"Now there's a redundant question..." Brandon sneered.

Justin placed his back against the door, a blank look remaining on his face. "Why are you here, Brandon? I don't have a lot of time."

"Oh really? Plans with your new boyfriend?" Brandon retorted snidely. "I've been trying to call you all morning. As your employer, it would be nice if you'd do the courtesy of returning my calls."

"Right. I just finished work and didn't see your messages until then..." Justin answered, not bothering to say what they both knew to be true - he had no intention of speaking with him until he saw him at the club tonight.

Brandon's lip curled. Condescendingly, he told him, "Ahh yes, your little job as a coffee boy. You could do so much better, Justin... if only you'd be more reasonable."

"Reasonable? I don't see where any of your intentions regarding me fall in line with reason. Now, can you get to the point... please?" Justin asked, feeling his temper quickly escalating, and feeling the temptation to quit the only job that he made a decent amount of money about to overtake him.

"Can't you invite me inside? It's not like I'm going to physically assault you. I haven't done that yet... have I?" Brandon asked in his most cajoling manner.

Distrust clearly transforming his face, Justin told him, "Here is just fine. And regarding physically assaulting me... your constant insinuations and groping attempts at the club come close enough. I'm not so sure given the privacy you wouldn't have done much more."

Brandon's eyes moved over him hotly... an unmasked hunger in his eyes. "Don't fool yourself, kid. You'd love it."

Observing Justin's look of impatience, Brandon decided he'd pushed the boy enough for now. He didn't want him to refuse his money-making opportunity. One that would not only line Justin's pockets... but one that would finally get him what he wanted most - his cock plowing the blond boy's perfect ass. Justin would be vulnerable and unable to resist once his plan was fully put into motion. Tonight, he would finally have this hot little piece. Afterward, he would cast him aside as he did all the others. At that point, Brian Kinney could have what remained... but he would use him first. "I have a business proposition for you..."

"What kind?" Justin asked, eyeing him in suspicion.

"I'm having a private party at my home tonight. I want you to give me and my friends lap dances. Not only will I pay you for your missed shift... I will also give you 5,000 dollars for your time." Brandon forced himself to keep the leer from his expression. He clearly read the wary expression on Justin's face, yet was further emboldened as he saw the dollar signs in Justin's eyes. His need for money would be his ultimate downfall. Finally, he'd found a way to exploit his weakness. Tonight he would finally fuck him. There would be no mercy in his possession. When he had taken his fill, he would pass him along to his other friends. Justin wouldn't be able to walk when they had finished with him. He would toss him out and it would be finished. What was just as enticing, would be knowing he'd broken in this prime piece of ass before Kinney did. "5,000 dollars for one evening of dancing. What do you say, Justin?"

Justin looked at him shrewdly for a moment... not trusting this offer at all, yet unable to shrug away what 5,000 dollars could do for him. "It's a lot of money for such an easy job. I have to wonder about it."

"It's nothing to worry about. I'd hardly do anything to harm my star attraction, would I? Cliff would be out for my blood. Right?" Brandon told him, trying his best to appear sincere, hoping he wasn't going overboard in such a role reversal of his standard behavior.

"I need to think about it. I'll call you this afternoon with my answer." Justin watched Brandon closely. "If that's okay with you..."

Brandon shrugged, knowing he couldn't appear too eager. "Fine. Just don't make me wait too long. If you don't want the job, I'm sure I can find someone else who does."

Justin bit his tongue to refrain from calling Brandon every kind of asshole he thought him to be. Of course, Brandon knew he needed the money. He had been more than clear about that when he'd taken the job at Boy Toy. "I have plans for lunch, which I need to get ready for now. I'll call you afterward. I have one condition, Brandon."

"What's that?" Brandon asked his mind more on the ‘lunch date' announcement... hoping it wasn't with Brian, and more importantly - that he didn't tell Brian about the offer. Why would he? It was just a job offer. No need for Justin to disclose something that would only make his new admirer jealous. Justin didn't seem the type to do that. He knew if Brian became aware, he would find a way to stop it. Brian Kinney knew all about his private parties... and exactly what they were all about.

"I want the money delivered upfront... and not a check. I want cash..." Justin told him, his unease and distrust in Brandon more than apparent.

Brandon snorted. "It's so nice that you trust your employer so well. Fine. You call me with the go-ahead and I'll have the money delivered to you." Brandon looked at Justin intensely for a long moment. "Don't think of crossing me, Justin. I'd hate to think what could happen to such a pretty boy as yourself if you thought to take my money and run."

"Where would I go, Brandon? I'm just trying to protect myself. If you're going to have an attitude about it, especially with my history with you, we can just forget the whole thing..." Justin muttered, a very large part of him telling him he should refuse this offer - here and now. He was so close to doing so, then he thought about Molly... how much that money could benefit him in his plans toward starting a search for her.

"No!" Brandon snapped. Immediately realizing he needed to soften his response, and give Justin a believable reason for his sudden generosity, Brandon told him, "I'm doing this for a friend that's visiting from out of town. He finds our gay clubs to be far beneath his exalted standards... so, I want to show him that I have something that's definitely worth a long look."

Justin flushed, realizing Brandon was talking about him... for now deciding to take Brandon's explanation at face value. He would think about it before making any decision. 5,000 dollars was hard to walk away from, particularly in his dire situation. "I'll get back to you soon. Now, again... I need to go."

Brandon smiled as he sensed his victory, much as the shark that is just about to devour his cornered meal... knowing the prey had no avenue of escape. Deciding to place a small amount of pressure, Brandon told him, "Fine. You have three hours. If I don't hear from you by then, I will offer the job to someone else. Goodbye, Justin."

Slipping inside his apartment, Justin quickly bolted the door... not taking any chances of Brandon turning back and trying to force his way inside. He didn't trust Brandon, not one bit. At the same time, his offer was both tempting and plausible. That money could benefit him so much. He didn't know what to do. All he knew was that he needed to make a decision soon, realizing either direction he took could end up impacting his life immensely.

Brian looked pensively across the table at the blond beauty that had been all but playing with his food. "Justin? Is something wrong with your lunch? I can get you something else..."

Justin looked up, frowning as Brian's words slowly registered into his conscious mind. "What? Oh no, it's good. I guess my mind is just someplace else."

"Hmmm. Not what a man wants to hear when he's out on a date... even a lunch date," Brian said with a slight smirk, nearly grimacing when he spoke the word date in reference to himself aloud.

"Date?" Justin rallied back. "Well, I guess it is one, isn't it? So, Mr. Kinney... why did you ask me out today? Is this a new technique? Seduction in the middle of the day?"

Brian laughed. "In the matter of seduction as pertaining to you, Mr. Taylor... I will utilize all hours of the day, whichever one gains me my most fervent desire."

Justin ran his finger around the rim of his glass, his eyes lowering then lifting to ascertain he had Brian's full attention. Forcing himself to keep his mind off of Brandon's offer and back on the gorgeous man in front of him, Justin flirtatiously asked, "Are you trying to seduce me, Brian?"

"I want that more than anything, Justin. You know that." Brian's eyes darkened as they drank in the beautiful young man before him. "I just don't want to rush you. I get that you have other issues in your life. If you let me, I could help you with them."

"Do you go around trying to improve the quality of life for all of your prospective bed partners?" Justin asked as he stabbed his fork into a piece of crisp salad.

"Hardly," Brian scoffed, in between bites of a perfectly cooked filet mignon. He pierced Justin with a razor-sharp stare. "You're special, Justin. I am just as determined in making you realize that as I am in getting to know you fully."

"I don't get you, Brian. You're just not what I've been led to expect from you." Justin remembered all the disparaging remarks Brandon had made about Brian prior to their meeting. He began to wonder if any of them had been true. There had been no reason not to believe him. Brian was a club owner much like Brandon. He had no reason to believe that Brian lived his life any differently than Brandon. That assumption was appearing to be blatantly false.

Brian rolled his eyes. "I'm sure your opinion has been affected by Brandon's perception of me. I've never been mistaken for a nice guy, Justin. I generally go after what I want until I get it. However, I don't do so in the same way Brandon does. I am nothing like him. If you don't believe anything else, I hope you'll believe that."

"I haven't known you long... but I do know that." Justin took a few more bites of his salad, and what he deemed as an overpriced burger before he looked at Brian inquisitively. "You're in a suit... and last night you said something about moving some appointments around. Do you work other than Babylon?"

"Yes. I own an advertising agency. I renovated the old baths. Started out small, but Kinnetik has really prospered..." Brian answered, glad the subject had come up, for it was a lead-in for what he wanted to discuss with Justin.

Justin's eyes widened. "Damn. I feel so stupid now. Why didn't I make the connection between Brian Kinney and Kinnetik? I guess I've been so lost in my own little world. That's really great, Brian."

"Mmmm. It could be great for you too, Justin..." Brian prompted, hoping Justin received this offer better than he did his last one regarding a job at Babylon. "I have a very discerning eye. When I looked through your sketchbook last night, I was very impressed."

"Really?" Justin asked, his face lighting up in excitement.

Brian nodded. "I don't issue false praise, Justin. In fact, your talent is remarkable. I'd be a fool not to recognize it. I would like to make use of it... in a way that will benefit us both."

"What did you have in mind?" Justin asked, his wide-eyed expression affecting the brunet in ways he couldn't possibly understand or even fully recognize.

"I want you to come work for me in my art department. Granted, an entry position... but I think you could work your way up in no time." Brian named a starting salary that staggered him. "Think about it, Justin. You can walk away from both Boy Toy and the coffee shop without a backward glance."

Justin's eyes closed briefly as he imagined what accepting Brian's offer could mean for him. With that kind of income, he could begin his search for Molly much more quickly. The money Brandon was offering for his party unsettled him the more he thought about it, and it was such a small amount in comparison to the position Brian was offering. Fuck, what should he do? More than anything he wanted to take the job... but was it wise with how close he was becoming to Brian? Sex in the workplace was never a good idea, especially with the boss. Whether they spoke of it or not, that was precisely where they were heading... and at breakneck speed. "I don't know, Brian. It's a dream come true... really it is. But what about our relationship? I mean office romances are never a good thing. What if it ends badly? And how would the rest of your staff feel? I haven't even been to art school. I couldn't afford it. There are so many problems."

"They are all problems that are easily sorted out. Our relationship will have no bearing on how I treat you at Kinnetik. If you fuck up, trust me, you'll know about it. Regardless of how I feel about you on a personal level, that won't change. And I don't care about your education. It's not anyone's business. I'm the boss, remember..." Brian watched as Justin pushed the remainder of his lunch away, quickly doing the same. "Tell me you'll do it, Justin. At least long enough to give it a try. That's all I'm asking."

Watching as Brian signed the check to pay the bill and tip the waiter, Justin popped a mint into his mouth as he preceded him out of the restaurant. Looking at him almost wistfully, Justin told him, "It's very tempting, Brian. Much more than Brandon's offer."

For some reason, those words sent an instant chill coursing up and down Brian's spine. He grasped Justin's arm to immediately stop his steps. "What offer?" he asked in a low tone.

"He told me I could have tonight off with pay, provided I come to a party he's throwing for some friends at his home. He said he'd pay me 5,000 dollars to do my lap dance performance for him and his friends." Justin looked away from the fire burning in Brian's eyes, initially mistaking it for jealousy and not for the concern that it was. "I told him I'd let him know this afternoon."

Brian's nostrils flared, anger and worry flushing his face brightly. "You can tell him now! There is no way you can do that, Justin."

"What do you mean - no way?" Justin fired back. "You can't tell me what I can and can't do, Brian."

Brian pulled Justin away from the sidewalk and all the curious onlookers, leading him quickly to his jeep, opening the passenger door, and watching him slip inside. Moving around to the driver's side, Brian slid in but didn't start the engine. Turning to face Justin, he spoke in a calm voice. "Justin, I'm not trying to tell you what to do. This is not a party for you. I don't care how much he's offering you, it's a trap. I know all about Brandon's parties and what goes on there. It's common enough in his circles... but it's very bad news, Justin."

"Bad news how?" Justin asked him, having a sinking feeling he knew... but needing to hear what Brian had to say.

"They are orgies of the worst kind, Justin. Fuck parties that are less than consensual. You will carry out your assignment... but that won't be the true agenda. You will be drugged. Once the drug takes effect, which won't be long... he will use your body in every possible way. Then, he will pass you over to his friends. It will be intensive... and in the aftermath, you will feel like you've been a rape victim, which in all truth, will be exactly what you've been."

Justin's eyes widened, unable to fathom that Brandon would go this far to have him... yet, as he thought about Brandon's manner with him, it all made perfect sense. "So, sort of a date rape drug?" Turning away from Brian's intense stare, Justin looked out the window, whispering words that had an instant impact on his would-be lover. "Not exactly how I envisioned my first time..."

Brian swallowed slowly, the burning fires of desire pooling in his stomach. "First time?" he asked, his voice deep and husky.

Flushing, Justin nodded. "Yes. I'm experienced as a top, but never as a bottom."

"Good to know," Brian whispered, his gaze all-encompassing on the blond. "You can't go there, Justin. They will hurt you badly. Promise me you won't go. Take my offer instead. You can say goodbye to the entire world Brandon represents."

"On one condition," Justin prompted. "Only if you're doing this because of my artistic talent and the benefit you think I can bring to your company... and not simply to rescue me."

Brian curled his lips under nodding emphatically. "That's a hell of a lot of money for me to shell out on a yearly basis just to fix your life. Not that you're not worth it... but I'm not that selfless. I want your talents at Kinnetik. You have the potential for greatness, Justin Taylor. Under the right tutelage you can aspire to heights you can't begin to imagine. Let me take you there."

"Alright, Brian. I'll give it a try. God knows I need to get away from Brandon. Living my life as I have been isn't getting me any closer to reaching my goals," Justin answered, a sad sigh immediately following.

Glancing at his watch, he scowled at the quickly moving time, wanting nothing more than to question Justin about those goals. "Will you come back to Kinnetik with me now? I want to show you around... and I'd like to be with you when you call Brandon."

"You're afraid he's going to get unpleasant about it..." Justin surmised, finding himself thinking that could be the case.

Brian nodded, intuitively knowing this was Brandon's desperation play... knowing the beautiful boy was quickly slipping away from him. "I hope not... but I don't think you should be alone today."

"I know you think you can take on the world, Mr. Kinney... but I can fight my own battles. We've known each other for such a short amount of time, but I do love that you seem to want to do anything for me. I've never had that. It means more than I can say..."

"Perhaps I'm just looking out for a potential investment. In any event, I've got your back, Taylor," Brian answered, tongue-in-cheek, knowing with each passing moment he was falling more deeply for this blond beauty. No matter what the future brought for them, he wouldn't allow Justin to be sullied by Brandon or any of his group of followers. This boy was special. Now it was a matter of making Justin realize just how much he had to offer the world. Brian intended to do everything in his power to make that happen.

Chicago, Illinois

A mere 500 miles away, the beautiful blonde girl shot up in her bed, sweat drenching her skin as the nightmare assailed her anew. It was the middle of the day. She had worked late last night, and had been trying to catch a short nap in between classes... and still, she couldn't escape the nightmares of her tormented past. Running a shaking hand through her hair, she reached for the glass of water on her bedside table. Taking a slow, yet deep drink, she remained still as her heart rate began to slow.

As she sat on the side of the bed, Molly couldn't help but think about Justin. Sweet, beautiful, and kind Justin. He had been everything a brother should be... her protector, and undoubtedly her best friend. She missed him so much. More than that, she lived with the constant fear of what had become of him.

Was he alive? She gritted her teeth in determination... unbeknownst to her, an expression that was echoed within her twin. He had to be alive, she thought. They had always been so close. The bond between them was so complete. If he were dead, she would feel it. She knew she would. Molly could bear the separation... but not knowing how he was doing, in particular his safety - that unnerved her more than anything.

Tears sliding down her cheeks, Molly achingly whispered, "I know you're alive, Justin. Somehow, we'll find each other again. I know we will."

She laughed slightly, uncertain of why, but for the first time in many years, feeling some hope. Maybe the constant dreams signified something. The connection they always shared only seemed to be growing stronger. Perhaps it meant something good was about to happen. God, she hoped so. Even if they couldn't physically see each other, she lived for the day she heard his voice again. That soft, comforting voice that told her everything would be okay.

Stretching back out on her bed, Molly smiled as she forced herself to hear that voice. The sound had faded in her mind over the years... it had been so very long. Yet, she could still hear his voice. She wondered what he sounded like now. One day she would hear it again. She knew it. Fate couldn't be so cruel as to keep them apart forever. Closing her eyes as she willed herself into a more blissful sleep, Molly whispered, "I hope you're happy, Jus."

TBC