Brian sat next to Ted in the back of the limousine looking out at the dreary Pittsburgh scenery. "So, this is Pittsburgh. Could it possibly be any more filthy?"

"Hmmm. I imagine it could," Ted replied drolly.

"I am hoping we are not here long enough to give the matter much consideration..." Brian retorted, turning his head to stare straight ahead, and away from the dirt and pollution that flowed freely in downtown Pittsburgh.

Ted turned to look at Brian, his brow raised inquiringly. "How long do you think we'll be here?"

"I have no idea. All I know is that I'm not leaving until I am assured my investment was well placed... and I determine exactly what Craig Taylor is hiding," Brian answered coldly.

"What makes you so sure he's hiding something? It could be that he's just scared to death of you... like the rest of the world," Ted told him, having learned long ago not to pull any punches with Brian Kinney, aka Prince Brahim El Khadir of Brakania.

Brian smiled for a moment. "Except for you."

He laughed shortly. "I've known you since we were small children, Brian. I know when it's safe to push... and when to retreat."

"As does anyone when they make the mistake once," Brian quipped.

"Indeed." Ted looked at Brian for a moment. "Have you heard from King Salah recently?"

"I think you hear from him more often than I. It still burns him that I left Brakania." Brian looked at Ted cunningly for a moment. "Of course, I could tell him how you have taken to referring to me as ‘my liege'. That undoubtedly would reassign the heat to you... and away from me for a while."

Ted looked at Brian aghast. "You wouldn't. I could be exiled!"

Brian laughed in genuine merriment. "Hardly. The King dotes on you, and you know it."

"Hmmmph. He tolerates me only because he trusts me to see that his precious jewel is happy," Ted uttered derisively.

"Jewel? You make me sound like a woman. I can assure you that is not the case." Brian glared at him fiercely. "Now, enough talk of Brakania. That part of my life is in the past. My future is here." Brian looked outside again in disgust. "Well, not here exactly..."

Ted smiled, echoing that sentiment completely. "So, does Craig Taylor know of our arrival?"

"No. He will know the moment we arrive at the store. Surprise, my dear Theodore, gives us the desired results."

Ted eyed him shrewdly. "You already suspect what we're going to find."

Brian nodded. "Yes, I do. I have kept a close eye on his account. He is making money. Why it isn't enough to make his payments remains to be determined... but, I will get to the bottom of it."

"I never doubted it for a moment, my liege," Ted goaded him.

Brian scowled at him ferociously. "Don't forget, I have the power to exile you as well. Definitely, something to keep in mind."

Craig Taylor had just finished his fifth cup of coffee since arriving at work a mere two hours ago. He was exhausted and stressed; feeling as if he carried the entire weight of the world upon his shoulders. His weary eyes had been scanning the books for the past hour. He thought everything had been adjusted, and gave the appearance of normalcy. Craig only hoped he hadn't missed anything. It was his hope that Brian Kinney would only give the books a quick perfunctory evaluation; although, he doubted that would be the case. In either event, he realized he'd probably done all he could do. His gut-wrenching feeling was that he wouldn't have much longer to wait for the financier's arrival.

Hearing a knock at his door, Craig gruffly called out his permission to enter. He looked up with an expression of surprise when he found Justin stepping inside carrying a bag of pastries, along with a large cup of coffee. He looked at his son inquiringly, before he noted, "Aren't you due at Vangard this morning?"

"I'm on the way. Mom said you took off in such a hurry this morning that you didn't take time to eat anything. I offered to drop this off on the way," Justin answered in way of explanation.

"Thank you, Justin. I appreciate that. I have just been working nonstop the past week to get things in order for this visit... everything else has slipped my mind," Craig Taylor mumbled in passing.

Justin eyed his father curiously. "Brian Kinney, right? I can't help but wonder why you went to him if he's such a frightening man."

"It's a long story, Justin... let's just leave it to say - my options were limited," Craig answered wearily.

"So, he took advantage of your predicament and assigned unrealistic terms... ones that he knew would be impossible for you to honor?" Justin asked angrily, coming to the immediate defense of his father.

Craig shook his head. "Not quite. The terms were actually reasonable. It's really my fault, Justin. I went for too many expansions much too quickly. Now I am paying the price."

"Well, I know you'll work through it, Dad. You always do." Justin looked at his father thoughtfully for a moment. "Did you give my suggestion any more consideration?" When Craig looked at him blankly for a moment, he continued, "About the store sign... "

"Oh right. Yes, I think it's a fine idea, Justin. If things go well with Mr. Kinney's visit, I'll probably move forward on it," Craig told him, more than slightly distracted... his attention on everything but a new store sign.

Justin nodded, oblivious to the pair of men that suddenly filled the doorway behind him; frowning as he watched his father's face drain of all color. He moved closer, his eyes narrowing in concern. "Dad, are you okay?"

Craig nodded, his eyes staring bleakly behind him... his worse fears realized as he watched Brian's gaze flick immediately away from him to rest on the backside view of his son. There was no disguising that look that immediately transformed Brian's initial look of boredom into one of acute interest. Swallowing slowly, Craig forced his gaze back to Justin. "I think you'd better get to work, Justin."

"I'd be more than interested in knowing just what kind of work Justin does," a deep, husky voice purred from behind him.

Justin spun around, the voice almost stabbing into him with its penetrating intensity. "Mr. Kinney, I presume." He stared the older, taller man down unflinchingly... refusing to look away from his searching gaze; finding the man repellent for all the anguish he had invoked on his father, despite the fact of finding his beauty almost magnetizing. Fuck, Justin thought to himself - beautiful was an understatement in regards to this man.

Brian was immediately caught off guard by the sight that greeted his eyes. He made no attempt to hide his intimate perusal of the vision before him. A slow smile curved his lips as his eyes crawled up and down the captivating blond. He was exquisite, Brian thought. Brian couldn't remember ever seeing a man such as this one. And, in his travels... he had seen more than he could ever begin to count. His eyes became dark and full of a new purpose. Stepping inside the small office, Brian quickly determined this trip would be a combination of business and pleasure. Upon his arrival in Pittsburgh he would have found such a thought to be ludicrous at best; however, now that he had the entrancing blond in his sights... that variable had undeniably changed.

The small body was compact and perfect, legs that were meant to wrap around his hips as he fucked the boy savagely... mercilessly. His eyes trailed upward to the flat and tight stomach, hands itching to remove each article of clothing that hindered his view from this delectable morsel. When his gaze fastened on the succulent lips, it was all Brian could do not to break them open with the bruising pressure of his mouth, his tongue plundering the depths until the blond gave him everything he desired. His blue eyes even intrigued him. They were uncommonly deep, and right now stabbing daggers into him. Brian smiled at that awareness. He would turn that contempt into a look of burning need. His eyes raising further to admire the blond hair, Brian couldn't wait to get his hands on the glowing strands... and all of him - in the quickest manner possible.

Stepping closer, ignoring the nervous gasp behind the desk, Brian moved closer to his prey. "I am, indeed. However, it appears that I'm at a slight disadvantage here. You know who I am... but, I don't know you. I'd like to amend that immediately."

Craig stood from behind his desk, moving forward hoping to extricate Justin from this situation before it escalated further. Seeing the predatory look in Brian's eyes, he worried it may be too late. His only hope was for Justin to show no interest in the man. He wasn't sure even that would be enough with this man. He moved towards Brian, his hand outstretched in greeting. "Mr. Kinney, this is my son, Justin. He merely stopped by on his way to work." Craig released Brian's hand after a moment, turning to look at his son. "He was about to leave. Isn't that right, Justin?"

Justin nodded. "Yes, I was." He looked towards his dad. "Have a good day, Dad. I'll see you tonight." Justin managed to slide past the financier, unaware of how close he'd come to being grabbed by the immensely hot-blooded man. He turned to look back, finding Brian's gaze devouring him where he stood. "It was nice to meet you, Mr. Kinney. I hope you enjoy your stay in Pittsburgh."

Brian chuckled lustfully, eliciting a groan of understanding from Ted still standing in the doorway. "I intend to, Justin."

All of them watched Justin's hasty departure; each of them knowing that the blond's life had irrevocably changed, all but the boy himself. Brian motioned Ted inside quickly performing the introductions. "Craig Taylor, this is my personal accountant, Theodore Schmidt. I want him to have full access to your books."

Craig inwardly groaned, realizing Brian wasn't going to take the quick and easy path in assessing his operation. "Of course, Mr. Kinney." Craig nodded in greeting to Brian's accountant. "I'm certain you'll find everything in order, Mr. Schmidt."

"Let's hope so," Ted replied dryly. "The sooner we can leave this town the better."

Brian raised his brow, looking at Ted in admonishment. "That isn't very polite, Theodore. Belittling Craig's hometown."

Ted inclined his head. "My deepest apologies, Mr. Taylor. I didn't mean to offend."

"None was taken," Craig replied gruffly. "Please have a seat, gentleman. I will pull up the accounting information... and I assume you'll want an in-depth tour."

Brian became thoughtful for a long moment. "You know Craig that was quite cunning of you to have your enticing son present on my arrival to distract me."

"It wasn't intentional... and, I had no way of knowing when you'd be arriving." Craig met the intense eyes briefly. "I doubt your paths should cross again. Justin has nothing to do with Taylor Electronics."

"On the contrary, Craig. Depending on what we find here... your charming son could have everything to do with the future of Taylor Electronics," Brian warned in a low resonant growl.

Ted rolled his eyes, knowing in an instant they wouldn't be going anywhere for some time to come. Brian wanted Justin Taylor. And, there was one thing Ted knew without a moment of hesitation; whether in his life as Brian, the financier, or as Brahim the Prince of Brakania - there would be no relenting until he achieved what he desired.

TBC