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"Morning Theodore," Brian drawled as he strolled into Craig Taylor's office, brandishing two cups of steaming latte. "Hard at it already, I see."

 

"Humph. Been here for hours." He looked up from the computer briefly, taking the cup with a smile of eternal gratitude. "Thanks. I needed this."

 

"Why are you here so early? There isn't that big of a rush." Brian frowned as he took a sip, looking at him closely. "Have you found something amiss?"

 

Ted frowned thoughtfully for a moment. "Yes and no. The numbers all match up... but the entries show as modified in far too many columns."

 

"Okay. So, you're saying the money is now in the accounts, but that it was recently placed there," Brian growled, his instincts proven correct. Craig Taylor was trying to scam him.

 

"That's how it looks to me... but hard to prove. He could mark it off to delayed or bad bookkeeping."

 

"Exactly. This was a waste of time. I made an error in letting him know I was coming," Brian surmised.

 

Ted nodded. "I'm really surprised that you did."

 

Brian shrugged indifferently. "I didn't credit Taylor with the common sense to cover his tracks. It appears I underestimated him. Granting an extension isn't a problem. However, being scammed and lied to is one of massive proportions."

 

"I understand, Brian. Any lender in your position would react exactly the same way." Ted looked at Brian questioningly. "So, what do we do next?"

 

He looked around for a moment, as if suddenly realizing something was missing. "Where is he? I expected him to be hovering over you like yesterday."

 

"I have no idea. Perhaps the late-night inventory session is making his day begin later. His assistant manager is here, though."

 

Brian nodded. "I thought the inventory was just a ruse to get out of dinner... but, perhaps not. What I'm going to do is very simple. I'm going to give him his extension. Should he be late in his payments again, I will foreclose on his ass."

 

"So, we're done here? Are we going home now?" Ted asked in surprise, more than shocked that Brian was leaving before the acquisition of his obvious obsession.

 

Brian looked at him dubiously. "Theodore, you know me better than that. You are free to return home anytime you please. My business here isn't quite completed yet."

 

"Business?" Ted queried skeptically. "How much rejection can your ego take, Brian? I realize it's a novelty... but perhaps it's time to move on and forget about Justin Taylor."

 

"I think you'd be happier if you just returned home," Brian snapped. "What I do or don't do with the blond is my business... and mine alone."

 

"I would love to do that... but as it is - I don't feel comfortable leaving you here on your own. If something happened to you..." Ted began, only to be cut off by Brian's icy stare.

 

Brian glared at him fiercely. "What the fuck would you do if I was abducted... or worse? Right. There's nothing you could do except make a phone call. Tell me, Theodore. Would you want to be the one to make that call?"

 

Ted's eyes widened in horror. "Hell no, I wouldn't. But it would be better than leaving the king ignorant and then receiving the backlash."

 

"I spoke to him last night. He seemed calm enough," Brian smiled, remembering the talk with his grandfather.

 

"You spoke to King Salah?" Ted asked in amazement. "It's been so long. Is he well?"

 

Brian nodded, a smile of genuine warmth crossing his lips. "Yes, he seems very well."

 

"I'm glad you spoke. I know you miss him terribly... and it goes without saying how he feels about your absence from Brakania," Ted told him, smiling as he watched the transition in Brian at the mere mention of his grandfather, the king. Brian had no idea how apparent his love for his grandfather transformed his expression. Ted was always glad to see it. In those moments, it was more than clear that the spoiled prince actually held a heart.

 

"Yes. He's never hesitant about making his preferences known." Brian smiled as he recalled their conversation... and his pleasure in knowing they would be reunited soon. "I made him happy last night. That's always a good thing."

 

Ted's eyes narrowed on him in suspicion. "Only one thing would make your grandfather happy... and that's your return home. I know you don't wish to do that. And if you are returning home, then you're up to something. What is it, Brian?"

 

"I can't imagine why you are so suspicious. I've only attested to not wishing to be heralded as a future king. I never said anything about not visiting - from time to time," Brian replied a bit too nonchalantly.

 

"Right. Well, I've seen more than enough of this town." Ted moved around the desk, quickly throwing his belongings into his briefcase. "How long until you leave for Brakania?"

 

"I am hoping within the week." His eyes pulled to the body that filled the doorway, seeing that the elder Taylor had finally made his appearance. He hated how he was letting him off the hook... for now. In light of what he most sought to accomplish, mixed in with Ted's findings, Brian realized he had very little choice. Of course, it was well within his rights to deny the extension request... but perhaps this course would endear him to the blond he ached to possess. Brian turned back to face Ted, seeing that he was all set to depart. "I'll see you back in Manhattan. Go ahead and return, and send the jet back for me on standby."

 

Ted nodded in understanding. "Will do, Brian." He stepped to the doorway, noticing Craig hanging back looking at the both of them apprehensively. It was more than apparent the man had much to hide... but Brian was uncommonly letting it slide. Ted didn't doubt for a moment as to why. "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Taylor. Perhaps we'll cross paths again."

 

Craig stepped forward. "Your investigation is complete so soon?"

 

"It appears so. I must be going. I'm sure Brian will fill you in," Ted returned caustically, before making his exit.

 

"Mr. Kinney?" Craig asked, sweat beginning to bead his brow. "The findings on your investigation?"

 

"Have a seat, Craig. This won't take long," Brian told him, his eyes looking at him coldly. Brian was about to speak when his cell phone began to ring. He pulled it out, looking at the caller ID only briefly. Brian smiled, seeing it was Cynthia. That was excellent. He knew she would only phone if she had something on his investigation of Justin. Brian wasn't even surprised by the quickness of her call. She was the most efficient assistant he'd ever had in his employ. As soon as he finished with Craig, he would return her call. Once all the pieces of Justin Taylor's life fit together... Then his plan could progress. Brian didn't have a doubt he'd have Justin secured in his villa... available to see to his every pleasure and demand very soon. No other outcome would be acceptable to him.

 


 

Justin glared at the phone he held in his hand, almost as if he expected the one on the receiving end to be physically aware of his continued displeasure. He was supposed to be working, but found he couldn't concentrate. All due to the aggravating Brian Kinney. He hated that man with a passion. The fact that the man was the most gorgeous specimen of a man he'd ever laid eyes on didn't really matter. He abhorred all the man stood for. It was his greatest hope not to ever lay eyes on him again. Realistically, he had his doubts of that hope coming to fruition.

 

"I don't get why you're so upset, Justin. It was just a dinner party... not my scene at all. You knew I had an audition... and I never promised I would make it," Ethan whined petulantly.

 

"You don't get why?" Justin exclaimed in disbelief, thankful he was presently alone in the art department. "I needed you, Ethan. I can't tell you how much. This man is unbelievable... and he made the evening virtually unbearable. I was stuck sitting next to him at dinner... and then I had to see him at Babylon. You never showed up there, either!"

 

"Justin, you know Babylon isn't my thing. If I'd have known it was that important to you, I would have been there. You know that, right?" Ethan asked, his voice almost cooing now.

 

Rolling his eyes, Justin retorted, "All I know is that you weren't there when I needed you most."

 

"How many times do I have to say I'm sorry? I didn't think it was such a big deal. Damn. Was he such an ogre?" Ethan was inclined to ask.

 

"You have no idea..." Justin responded, thinking Brian Kinney to be the most beautiful and maddening man in the world. He was about to say more when he looked to see his cell phone ringing, the caller ID displaying his mother's number. "I have to go. My mom's calling. I'll talk to you later."

 

Justin hung up with Ethan, as he flipped open his cell phone, almost hesitant to answer... clearly remembering the last time she'd phoned him at work. Fuck. He'd never get any work done today. "Hey, Mom. What's up?" Justin asked, hoping she had something good to report this time.

 

"Well, I just wanted to let you know what your father just told me." She sighed deeply, almost as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. "It appears they are done investigating your father's books. Mr. Kinney has granted your father a two-month extension... and is leaving soon."

 

Eyes widening, his head began to shake in stunned disbelief. "I just don't believe it. That's great about Dad... but Mr. Kinney - he's actually leaving?"

 

"That's what your father said." Jennifer frowned thoughtfully for a moment. "Uhhh, you sound disappointed. I had the impression you didn't like the man."

 

Justin flushed, angry that he could possibly think of missing the arrogant man's presence in his life. "No. I'm not disappointed. I - uhhhm, I'm just surprised."

 

"Well, the way your father had been going on about him, I'm a bit surprised too. Perhaps you were both wrong about the man."

 

Justin snorted indelicately. "Hmmph. I doubt that. Good for Dad. Brian Kinney had him on edge. Now he can concentrate on business, and we can forget his obnoxious presence..."

 

Jennifer laughed. "I think someone protests a bit too much. If you want to say goodbye to him, I do believe he's staying at the Fairmont."

 

"Hardly," Justin answered, with a slow shudder. "I don't ever want to speak to that man again."

 

After hanging up the phone and attempting to get back to work, Justin couldn't help but remember the cold, calculating look in Brian's eyes when he'd rebuffed him just last night. The man was mesmerizing, while possessing this air of danger and intrigue about him. Justin didn't know what it was about Brian Kinney, the financier, but something didn't quite add up with him. Settling back down to his current project, Justin decided he was better off not knowing more about the beautiful, mysterious man.

 


 

Brian was in the back of his limo, en route to the Fairmont, listening to every word Cynthia relayed to him... as if lives hung in the balance. He couldn't ever remember a call being more important to him. His success hinged on what had been uncovered in that report. Brian knew no matter what, he wouldn't deviate from his plan to bring Justin to Brakania. It was just his hope to do it in a civilized manner. However, it didn't have to be that way, either. He was the grandson of a powerful king, and that came with power and knowledge. Brian knew when to strike... and how to make things happen in accordance with his wishes. Never had he been so intent on doing so.

 

"Okay. So, let me see if I get this straight. Justin Taylor graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts. He is employed in the art department at an advertising agency. Vangard was the name?" he asked, tipping the driver generously as he slipped from the limo.

 

"That's correct," Cynthia answered. "I have sent a fax. It should be in your machine now. I phoned your investigator last night. It seemed important to you. He did an in-depth search on Vangard as well. I think you'll find the results to be interesting."

 

Brian chuckled as he stepped into the elevator, ignoring everything and everyone around him... his focus absolute. "Remind me to give you a raise when I return."

 

"Don't think I'll forget, either. Which is when, exactly?" she asked, unable to hide the curiosity from her tone.

 

"I'm not quite sure. It depends on what's in this report... and how it can be used." He stepped out of the elevator and turned the corner to stride to his private set of rooms... his eyes becoming cold and savage as they rested on what stood on each side of the door to his suite. "I'll be in touch. I have a problem here."

 

He closed and pocketed his phone, not giving Cynthia a chance to respond. He picked up his pace, his eyes stormy and full of rage as he advanced on the two men at his door. Once he was in their line of sight, he watched as they fell to their knees, eyes lowered in supplication. Brian began to swear at them in Arabic tongue, his fury boiling out of control. Telling them in no uncertain terms the peril that faced them should they reveal his identity to anyone. Brian growled as they quivered at his feet, unmoving except for their trembling. He looked down the hallway, relieved to find it empty, before he ordered them, "Get inside my suite. NOW!"

 

Meekly, they followed him inside... immediately falling to their knees again when the prince began to pace and continue his expletives. Taking in a deep breath, Brian forced calm upon himself... knowing he couldn't achieve his goals in this frame of mind. At last composed enough to speak, Brian demanded, "What the fuck are you two doing here?"

 

The older of the two looked up, fear clearly displayed in his eyes. "Our deepest apologies, Your Highness. The king was worried for your safety in this strange land. He sent us from Manhattan to watch over you."

 

"Strange land? Pittsburgh?" Brian looked down at them in disgust, knowing he needed them gone - now. He couldn't risk Justin finding out about his connection to Brakania.  "It doesn't matter. You are dismissed. I have no need of your services here."

 

The younger one cleared his throat nervously. "With all due respect, Sire... we are here on the king's orders. We cannot abandon our post."

 

Brian eyed them savagely for a moment, tempted to tear them apart. Shaking his head in resignation, he knew that would be for nothing. The king would just send others. His only choice was to get his grandfather to call them off. "Fine. I will get my grandfather to send you on your way," Brian hissed, before flipping open his phone... his eyes pulled unerringly to the reports that lay connected to his fax machine.

 

The phone rang a long while before his grandfather groggily answered. Brian's face remained dark and uncompromising as he heard the king's voice. This time he wasn't softening. He would hold his ground, and not concede to his grandfather's whims. "Grandfather. What the fuck do you think you're pulling?"

 

King Salah sat up straight in bed, sliding to the side to don his robe, then moving to his changing room to speak to his irate grandson privately. "Brahim, do you have any idea how late the hour is here?"

 

"I don't give a damn. I asked you not to interfere... and what have you done? If Justin gets any idea of my true identity, he will never come to Brakania!" Brian hissed, momentarily forgetting to whom he spoke to with such disrespect.

 

"Brahim, I am going to remember how distraught you are right now. While doing so, I am going to caution you to mind your tongue with me. Now, I have done nothing to impede you in the capture of your Justin. I am merely making certain you remain safe until you are once again on our lands," the king spoke calmly and reasonably. Both of them knew if it had been anyone else, this conversation would be going much differently.

 

Brian sighed, knowing he had veered sharply out of line. "My apologies, Grandfather. Let me assure you that I am safe, and have been so all this time in Manhattan. I am not ignorant, you know. I have known these men to be watching over me... but to have them follow me to Pittsburgh, I can't have it!"

 

"You. Can't. Have it?" the king growled in response.

 

"Once again, I apologize, My King..." Brian humbly responded, knowing this wasn't going well at all. "Let me explain, Sir. My identity has been well hidden. I presently have a plan in motion to bring Justin to Brakania. It's vital that he remain oblivious to this plan until I get him there. Surely you can understand this?"

 

"I do understand, Brahim. I wonder if you do, though..." he answered, thinking this Justin had made a swift and perhaps lasting impression on his grandson. He couldn't be more pleased. It was time Brahim settled down and accepted his true responsibilities.

 

Brian rolled his eyes. "What does that mean?"

 

"This boy is affecting your judgment. I feel he already means more to you than you realize..." the king told him bluntly.

 

Brian snorted. "I just need to fuck him. Then, I'll be fine."

 

"Brahim! That is highly inappropriate. You really need to get yourself back in check before you arrive..." the king answered, smiling despite his words of reproof... his love for his beloved grandson having no boundaries.

 

Clenching his teeth together, Brian responded, "I'll endeavor to remember. All I ask is that you call off your guards. At least, allow them to watch me from a distance. That's all I ask."

 

"Fine. I'll call them off," the king mumbled, realizing that he didn't capitulate for anyone; however, knowing Brahim wasn't just anyone. "Have you stopped to consider the wrath of your Justin when he is here and realizes how you have misled him? You will have many bridges to mend with this young man."

 

"I will worry about that when the moment arrives. Now all that matters is getting him there..."

 

"Very well, child. Let me speak with them. I trust if you need any assistance on my end, that you will advise me."

 

Brian smiled, knowing how difficult any sort of concessions were for his grandfather. "Of course I will, Sir. I have this well in hand. Justin will be there soon, and I will follow shortly thereafter."

 

"All will be ready for you, Brahim. It will be wonderful to have you home again," the king answered, both of them knowing it was the king's hope to make it a lasting duration.

 

Brian nodded to himself, unaware of how much he had truly missed this overwhelming man's presence in his life... and his homeland until this moment. "I look forward to being home again too, Grandfather. We'll speak soon." Without further delay, Brian carried his phone over to the waiting guards, eyeing them in cold deliberation... determined they wouldn't unrest his plans. "The king wishes to speak with you."

 

Without awaiting their response, Brian stepped quickly to the fax machine... withdrawing the detailed, yet concise, report, a laugh of victory immediately falling from his lips. "How perfect," Brian purred aloud, already feeling the trap closing around his delicious blond obsession. He smiled as he committed to memory all the information pertaining not only to Justin... but to the owner of Vangard as well. Gardner Vance was the key. How fortunate it was for him that Vance was in debt to his eyeballs... some of which seemed to be to some very unsavory men. And a floundering business that he was barely managing to keep afloat. Oh yes, he could use that.

 

Watching as the guards bowed and departed as quickly as they'd arrived, Brian picked up his phone to call the man that would be the tool in reaching his most profound desire. When a woman's voice answered crisply, Brian succinctly clipped out, "This is Prince Brahim El Kadir. I need to speak with Gardner Vance... and I need to do so immediately."

 

Brian smiled as he sat down on the sofa, waiting for the man to come to the phone, knowing soon he would have what he desired firmly within his grasp. Soon, Justin, you will be in my lands... under my rule. You will submit to me. All that you are will belong exclusively to me. Then, I will rid myself of my obsession for you.

 

TBC

 

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