Justin groaned when Brian pulled back to look at him. He was totally fucked. It was then that he realized what a fool he'd been to think he could coldly rebuff his husband's advances until the arrogant king finally gave up and went back home where he belonged. It had never been that simple with them. Brian thrived on a challenge; adversity meant very little to him. His initial pursuit of him beginning back in Pittsburgh only exemplified that. Now as he clearly viewed that look in Brian's eyes, Justin knew he was doomed. Brian was ordinarily the sexiest man alive... but when he had that savage hunter look in his eyes, mixed in with torrential need - Brian was at his most irresistible. Justin knew he didn't stand a chance.

"You want me, Justin. At least give me that," Brian's voice was raw as he stared hungrily at Justin's lips. He needed him so fucking badly. It didn't matter what he needed to do to make his beautiful husband submit. It had been too long. He had to have him. His hand reached up to trace along Justin's lower lip, a primal light entering his eyes when Justin's lips parted - seemingly of their own volition. Oh yes, Brian thought. His boy could never hide his responses. "Tell me, Justin; tell me how you've been aching to feel me again... just as I have been aching for you..."

In a futile attempt to ignore the desires rising in him, Justin effected his most bored expression. His gaze softened immediately when he read the flicker of hurt in Brian's eyes. "I-I, it doesn't matter, Brian. It's not going to change anything. Of course, I want you... I mean you are still Brian Kinney, no matter who else you might be. But..."

Brian flattened his finger against Justin's lips. "Shhh. That's enough for now. Yes, I am Brian Kinney. Always. Forget my royal title. Remember back to how we started - two men in the grip of a relentless desire. Let it be enough, at least for now."

"And after?" Justin asked him breathlessly, uncertain if he could bear reconnecting with Brian on a physical level, only to force himself to say goodbye again. The last time had nearly ripped his heart out. He wasn't sure he could do that again.

"Then we'll talk about all these issues that have become so distressing for you; problems that are much more active in your mind than they are in reality." Brian's fingertip resumed his slow stroke along Justin's lips. Only part of him recognized what he was saying, the other more dominant side of him focused on doing whatever necessary to have his beautiful blond again. At this moment, everything else paled in significance to that. His lips lowered to replace his fingers; deep, far-reaching moans emitting from both men as their lips once again connected. No matter what happened, it always came down to this. The heat they evoked in each other was comparable to a furnace. It was a relentless desire; one in which neither of them would ever escape.

Justin's hands reached up to clasp Brian's toned, slippery arms; a gasp fell from his lips at the perfection of this kiss - one that he knew could only be found in Brian's kiss. He moaned into Brian's mouth, his tongue quickly engaging the one of his aggressive lover. As he felt their cocks bumping against each other, Justin knew he was completely lost. This moment couldn't be denied; most especially - his husband, the king couldn't be denied. Brian was supreme in all things - in this even more so. He wanted this moment with him, even if it was the last time. "B-Brian..."

Brian pulled his lips free after several sipping kisses; his eyes were smoldering as he looked into Justin's. He had him. There wasn't a doubt in his mind - he had his beloved blond husband exactly where he wanted him. It was a place where he intended to keep him. "What is it, Justin? Tell me what you want..."

"Y-you. I want you," Justin's whisper was breathless. He couldn't deny his need any longer. Everything centered around being with Brian. Tomorrow he might look at things differently... but for the rest of today and tonight, he belonged to Brian once more. "Take me to bed, Brian."

A slow sensual smile curved Brian's lips. "Yes, I'll take you to bed, Justin... but I'm afraid I've been too hungry for entirely too long. I need you - now."

"In the shower?" Justin smirked knowingly. How many days had they started in the shower together? It was familiar territory for him... for them. Justin's smile turned into panting breaths when he quickly realized Brian wasn't wasting any time. In the short time that he had been speaking, Brian had slathered lotion on his fingers and was slipping them inside him. His cock quickened when he heard Brian's growl as his hips began pumping against Brian's fingers. His head arched back, his tongue rolling out to moisten his lips as Brian skillfully worked him into readiness. Barely able to speak, Justin gasped, "Brian... p-please."

"Oh, I will, Justin. I will." Brian's mouth lowered to attack the side of Justin's neck - teeth biting, lips sucking, tongue immediately moving to soothe. "Turn around," Brian rasped into Justin's ear. He couldn't wait any longer. He needed to be balls deep in his hot little ass right now.

Justin didn't need to be told twice. He wanted what Brian wanted. It always seemed to be that way. He turned to face the tile, his hands spreading out on it to brace himself; this would be quick and rough, there wasn't any doubt about that. Justin only winced slightly when the head of Brian's dick began to pass the ring of muscle. It amazed him how Brian managed to pace himself until he knew he was ready for more. No matter how much in need Brian was at the time, he always managed to stay in control. Justin knew there would never be another man like Brian; in fact, he didn't think he could be like this with another man again. Brian had spoiled him for all men.

"Are you ready for more, Sunshine?" Brian was panting in his controlled pace, his mouth moving to languidly worship Justin's neck and shoulders. "Fuck. You feel so damned good. I've missed this so much."

"Me too." Justin's response was more in the form of a whimper, but right now he didn't care. All that mattered was Brian, and how amazing his husband always made him feel. It was no wonder he felt so devastated in giving this up. Who could possibly walk away from this man with ease? "Don't hold back, Brian. I'm ready."

"That's good..." Brian bit out, as his mouth roamed over every enticing piece of flesh his lips could reach. "I don't think I could have held back much longer."

Justin gasped when he felt Brian's full-length beginning to hammer into him. One of his hands reached down to tug at his cock, as he felt himself lost to anything but the incredible feeling of Brian rocking into him. "So good, Brian. So damned good."

"Always, Justin... don't ever forget that." Brian's voice was a rasp in Justin's ear as he continued to pound into the tightness that was all he craved. Continuing to suck and lick at Justin's neck, Brian growled harshly, "That's the last time your hand will make you cum today. Next time it will be in my mouth."

Brian's words made Justin emit his own form of growl; within moments he was exploding against the side of the shower, his legs shaking as he felt Brian pounding into his own release. It took several minutes for his quivering limbs to still, and his heartbeat to slow to a more regular rhythm. Fuck. What this man did to him. It was no wonder he couldn't resist him. He turned around and faced his husband, an expression of contentment on his face. As he took in Brian's heated stare, he knew one thing for certain - they were far from done. "That was hot," Justin couldn't help but voice what they both knew to be true.

"It's going to get a whole lot hotter." Brian smashed his lips onto Justin's, a slow, deliberate tongue-fucking immediately commencing. "Now, let's go to bed," Brian demanded when he reluctantly pulled away from the warmth of Justin's mouth.

Justin nodded, quickly reaching for a towel to wrap around his waist. He looked at Brian uncertainly, words slipping out of his mouth - ones that he quickly realized to be a mistake. "What about Raoul? He should be returned soon."

"Raoul?" Brian's tone changed from sultry to one encased in ice in a brief instant. "Finally we reconnect and I hear the houseboy's name falling from your lips!? This fucking game with the staff needs to stop! Or maybe I need to do something a bit more permanent." Brian was shaking in his fury... and jealousy, although he would never admit his weakness to that appalling emotion to his aggravating little blond.

Eyes widening in disbelief, Justin stammered, "T-threats, Brian? After the moment we just shared?" He ran his hand through his wet hair, unable to believe he had succumbed to this ruthless predator once more. Obviously, the Brian of old was still with them. How could they discuss anything when he was going to act like such a savage? "I can't believe you, Brian. It was a reasonable question."

"Reasonable? I just finished fucking you after weeks apart. One of the first things to come out of your mouth is your concern for the hired help seeing us back together. You know me, Justin. How do you expect me to react?" Brian's eyes were wild as they stabbed accusingly into his husband. This was an outrage to him... one he just couldn't allow to rest. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that removing Raoul from the island had been the thing to do. If only Justin hadn't interfered in that. Now he could be faced with more radical measures. He didn't really care if those methods upset his outrageous blond, or not. All that mattered was getting him back on Brakanian soil in the quickest manner possible. The rest meant very little to him. All he needed was one sign from his grandfather that Justin would be completely safe in their home; if that happened, Justin would be on that plane - willing or not.

Justin stared at Brian dumbfounded. He would never completely understand him; in fact, he didn't think such a feat was possible... but he did recognize that his words had been foolish, especially to his territorial husband. If not for everything else going on between them now, he might find it endearing... but with the obstacles that stood between them, now wasn't that time. "Okay, perhaps my timing was off... but again - it was a logical question." He shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "It doesn't matter. Your barbaric attitude has once again killed the mood. I'll be in the bedroom - my bedroom." Justin stared angrily at his obviously pissed-off desert king. "My door shall be locked!"

Brian emitted a cold, mocking laugh. His hand reached out to clasp around Justin's arm as he was about to make his escape. His eyes were almost black when he spat out, "Don't console yourself with that, little fucker. If I wanted in - no lock would keep me out!" Brian released him as quickly as he'd touched him, his hand pulling back as if scalded by the hottest of flames. He moved around his stunned and speechless husband, his footsteps taking him to the guest quarters. As he slammed the door behind him, Brian looked around. He had no intention of spending the night in here. Not only was he here to bring Justin home, but he was also here to make sure he was protected. He fully intended to achieve both of his goals... and that blond-headed little hellion wasn't about to slow him down.

Ben had become weary of all the questioning. So far his interrogations of the household staff had been of no benefit. Very few remained on the list. It was early in the day, and already he was tired and irritable. His luncheon with Michael hadn't improved his mood at all. When he'd asked Michael about his strange visit with Lindsay, his partner became tight-lipped, anxious even. Something was off with that, but his duties had prohibited him from delving any deeper. He knew he would get back to that, though... and it would be soon. He had long ago realized that secrets left untold didn't bode well for future events - most particularly regarding Michael. He would find his answers.

So lost in his thoughts, he jumped when he felt someone moving up behind him, a restraining hand falling to his shoulder. He spun around in surprise, gasping as he realized who had intercepted him. "Your Highness, you startled me. I'm afraid I was lost in too many thoughts."

"I can understand that. Much has been thrown at you to resolve in a short amount of time." Salah looked at the man he trusted the most with the greatest of anxiety. He had felt a sense of fear all day today, and the apprehension increased in him after Brahim called to check on their progress. As he read the tension on Benjamin's face, he doubted he would have anything good to report to his grandson. "How is your investigation proceeding?"

"Slowly, Your Highness. Very slowly." A frown pierced his brow as he thought of who remained to question. His list had grown very short. "I don't have many within the house left to question, Sire. That concerns me."

A slow nod followed. "Me as well. I was hoping we could secure the house quickly." Salah looked down the vacant hallway, still not feeling the comfort to speak freely. He cursed under his breath, at this moment much resembling an older version of his grandson. He hated this feeling of helplessness. His hopes had been pinned on Brahim's plans. A secured home would make it more viable for Justin to come home. He wanted that nearly as much as Brahim did. Undoubtedly he wanted that before the birth of their child. Perhaps it was a dream of a foolish old man, yet he still yearned for that precious family to be reunited when the new life arrived. He couldn't help wanting that more than anything.

Ben hated seeing the former king so distressed. This man held a strength that few men ever possessed. He'd like to think it had been passed down to Brahim. Ben kind of thought it did. The two El Khadir men were defined with such strong characteristics, they were impossible to misread. He wanted to speak to Salah about Lindsay's visit on the grounds today... he hoped that it wouldn't somehow cast Michael in a bad light. He didn't know why Lindsay had visited or spoken with Michael so fervently... but he knew one thing for certain - Salah needed to know. "Your Highness, could we speak privately for a moment?"

Salah opened his mouth to answer when an ear-piercing scream reached them. His eyes widening in horror, Salah's eyes bulged in despair. "That sounds like Daphne!"

Not waiting for another command, Ben ran off in the direction of Daphne's room; Salah was following closely, yet not quite able to keep up. His hand unclipped the gun secured over his shoulder, ready for any possibility as he ran into Daphne's room. His eyes wildly scanned the sitting room, a sense of foreboding assailing him at the continued screams in the next room. He burst into the room, his eyes bulging as he quickly discovered the source of Daphne's terror. He held up his hand, whispering to her in the calmest and softest of voices - "Be very still, Daphne. I've got this."

His head didn't turn to face Salah's panicked gasp, as he continued to edge slowly toward the bed. His mind remained fixed on one thing - and one alone - placing one of the deadliest snakes that lived in these lands out of commission... and before it could strike its innocent prey. Ben was almost at the bed now; he couldn't risk firing his gun here, the snake was slithering along Daphne's covered legs... its attack generally was to sink into unhindered flesh. His eyes were wide, unwavering from the menacing creature that clearly sought to make Daphne its victim. Neither he nor Salah heard the other man that came into the room, eyes filled with terror at the tragedy that could possibly befall the mother of the future heir.

Daphne's lips were quivering, her hands barely able to restrain from striking out at the beast that sought to harm her. She had to trust this man that she didn't really know. Right now, for the sake of her unborn child, and her own life - she had to trust Ben. She knew he was her only hope. "Pleaseeeeee," she whimpered brokenly, tears streaming down her face.

Salah felt his heart pounding erratically in his chest as he watched Ben reach out and grab the snake's neck from behind; he twisted it to the left, then to the right, savagely breaking its repellent neck. "Thank you. I-I don't know what I would have told Brahim or Justin if something had happened to this girl. And the baby... I can't even begin to express my gratitude, Benjamin."

"Justin?" the voice whispered from behind them. "I thought he was gone... out of Brahim's life." Michael stared coldly at the former king; the man that had ordered his exile.

Ice and distrust entered Salah's eyes. "It was a slip of the tongue, Michael. Justin was very close to Daphne." He couldn't worry about that right now; his only concern was for Daphne who was breathing far too heavily. He rushed to her side, sitting down on the bed and leaning down to soothingly stroke the side of her face. "It's okay now, Sweetheart. Everything is fine now."

"The s-snake. Is it dead?" she asked, her eyes still petrified... her breath coming in and out sharply.

"Yes, I killed it, Daphne. I'm just going to dispose of it." Ben exchanged a knowing look with Salah, both of them saying much with a simple look. This had been an act of the worst form of sabotage. This snake didn't just slither into the house and up the stairs to be found on Daphne's bed... most especially not the most dangerous snake in these lands. Someone had tried to kill Daphne. Now it has become more imperative to find answers.

"I-it was poisonous?" she asked, barely able to speak.

Nodding, Ben answered, "The most poisonous snake that lives here... the Egyptian Cobra."

Salah sighed. This was much more dire than Brahim had thought. He had worried that Brahim wasn't taking it as seriously as it should be. This changed things. He would need to contact his grandson immediately. Salah couldn't help but wonder if Brahim would confide in Justin. This would only reaffirm Justin's decision in his mind. Brahim's husband would only become more rebellious... and that was the last thing any of them needed right now. "Come with me to my office, Benjamin. We have a great deal to discuss." He smiled affectionately at Daphne, relieved when her rapid breathing seemed to be slowing. "I'll return after I talk to Ben."

The men slipped from the room, Michael suspiciously hanging back; it was Ben that turned to face him first. "Michael? Did you see someone near Daphne's room?"

Michael swallowed deeply, his head lowering to the floor, knowing what he had to do... yet fearing the consequences on so many levels. "N-no. I didn't see anyone." He raised his eyes, at once flinching at the distrust he viewed in his partner's eyes. He had been such a fool. Why had he chased over the impossible dream of Brahim when he already had this incredible man that loved him so much? There wasn't a choice now. He had to set things right. "I may not have seen anyone... but I think I know who might have brought that snake onto the grounds. And if I'm right... this is probably just the beginning."

TBC