Brian paced, back and forth, in front of his desk, knowing breakfast would soon be finished and Justin would be coming to him for his first day of work. Coming to him, Brian thought to himself. Perhaps not in the manner he most wanted the hot little blond that was disrupting his daily routine coming to him... but it was a definite start in the right direction. A part of him was a bit appalled by the offer that he had extended to the young prisoner, yet another part of him knew it to be how it must be. If nothing else it was practical. The boy needed protection... and he needed it now. Without his intervention, Justin's days would escalate into an endless number of riotous acts, ones that would become increasingly more difficult to control. As much as the other prisoners feared him, when a large body of men banded together to evoke chaos, that fear was momentarily set aside; in such moments, fear of reprisal was the last thing from their minds.

Grimly, whether he accepted his ‘special' offer or not, he would be forced to protect the boy to a certain extent. Failing to do so would have his prison falling from his control. Before his arrival, it had come close to being one of the lowest-ranked in the state; the infirmary required more provisions and staff than a prison of this size was allotted to have. He would not return to that state of chaos. Brian was completely realistic. Even with his protection, he knew there would be incidents. It would be impossible to protect him 24/7. For one, he wasn't here on the weekends. And another, there would be a time in the morning where Justin's cell would be open, with him not in a place of protection. Gritting his teeth together, Brian thought of the shower incident not long ago. That was a risk every day now. He would have to increase the number of guards present. His problem, in doing so, he had to lower security elsewhere. One thing Brian knew for certain, there wasn't a choice. Justin Taylor was a youthful, prime piece of meat. They all wanted to be the first to slake their lust. Brian's eyes glazed in hunger as he remembered Justin cowering in the shower, only a towel wrapped around his perfect body. They were all out of luck. He reigned superior here... his desires were the ones that mattered. He would have Justin... and it would be soon.

Unable to wait any longer, knowing that Justin should be arriving for his first day of office duty, Brian strode briskly to his door, opening it to look outside and into the inner office to verify Justin's presence... knowing he did so for a couple of reasons. Without a doubt, he knew he wanted to see him, wanted to find him in one of the positions he had maneuvered him to be. Not to mention the fact... if Justin were presently in his outer office, he was safe for the moment. Brian didn't like how much that knowledge pleased him. In his most uncomfortable knowledge of that, he pacified himself that he felt that way primarily because he knew in such an instance... his prison was under control. It had nothing to do with Justin.

"Where the fuck is he?" Brian growled. "He should have been here by now..."

The door opened to the inner office, but the steps that followed the opening door were not of the man he most wanted to see. His eyes narrowed when he viewed his former office worker taking his place behind the desk, his head lowered and not meeting Brian's gaze. He looked to see Brandon trailing close behind, a look of unease on his face. His eyes narrowed on Brandon's tense expression, a grim sense of acceptance and understanding of what Brandon was undoubtedly about to tell him. "In my office, Brandon."

"Yes, Sir." Brandon hadn't wanted to be the one to take this trip to the warden's office... but knew it was left to him. That insipid little blond didn't know when he had it good. Now, he was left being the bearer of bad news... and a brand of news he knew would set the warden's nerves on edge.

"Where the fuck is Taylor?" Brian snapped without any delay... his patience was already beginning to waver.

Brandon sighed, his eyes hesitantly meeting the fierce ones of the warden. "In his cell, Sir."

"In his cell..." Brian repeated. "I do believe he is aware he is to report to work this morning. Has he changed his mind about wanting the privilege of working... and yet, not having the balls to tell me himself?"

Shaking his head, Brandon quickly moved to assure him that was not the case. "Not at all, Sir. After the incident in the shower, he thought he should wait a day to start his duties. Since the incident was provoked by his presence, he felt the other prisoners would resent him going about his daily routine when the others received punishment."

"He thought he should wait?" Brian took a deep breath, in and out, trying to force what remaining calm he still possessed over him. It wasn't working. Not at all. "Who the fuck does this kid think he is? I make the decisions... and I instructed him to work today."

"I think that incident really unsettled him, Sir..."

"Good. He needs to understand his weaknesses. Doing so can prevent them from being exploited... provided he responds to them appropriately," Brian told Brandon, his steps taking him to behind his desk. He looked up at Brandon, his expression unreadable when he spoke, "Give me about thirty minutes to respond to some phone calls. Then, I want Taylor brought to my office. In the meantime, keep a close eye on his cell."

Brandon did a mental eye roll, knowing to do one before the warden wouldn't be in his own best interest. This kid was making his daily routine much more complicated than he felt to be necessary. As much as he understood Brian's urges toward the blond, as well as his desire to keep order in the prison, this young inmate was making his life much more difficult. Perhaps when the warden had him in place and worked out this obvious lust he had for him... only then could his life go back to normal. As long as he'd known the warden, he had never known him to react like this to a prisoner. Brandon didn't think this situation would improve soon at all. "As you wish, Sir." Brandon nodded his head, leaving the warden's inner domain as quickly as he'd arrived. One thing was for certain... Despite how coveted many would find Justin's place to be in regard to eliciting the warden's desires, Brandon knew the boy was walking a thin line right now. One that just might snap upon his next meeting with a Warden Kinney that looked to be close to losing all control. If that happened, God help them all.

"You've got to be the biggest fool I've ever met in here." Michael looked at Justin reclining on his bunk, knowing precisely where he was supposed to be right now... and how his present actions would result in upsetting his own morning. Michael snorted when Justin remained unresponsive. "And I've met a lot of them."

Justin grunted, this talk not what he wanted to be doing right now. He had so much to think about. Initially, he had played it all off to what had happened in the showers... but it was so much more than that. He was running scared and confused about his confrontation with the warden afterward. His offer had astounded him. That the warden wanted him hadn't come that much of a surprise... What had surprised him was the lengths the controlling warden was willing to go to in order to feed that want. What disturbed Justin the most was how his own body responded to the warden's touch... a desire growing in him that might come close to matching what the warden obviously felt for him. It was a path he wasn't certain he wanted to travel. The protection would be great... but did he truly want to be that much under that man's power?

"It's far too early for riddles, Michael... and I've already had enough of a fucked up morning..." Justin grumbled, sitting up on his bunk, frowning down at his sniping cellmate.

"Yeah. Nothing that surprised me, either. What does, is that you didn't go to work. Do you have any idea how pissed he is going to be?" Michael shook his head, back and forth, knowing it would most likely all be brought into his cell once again. The kid didn't get Brian... at all. Michael kept listening for footsteps that he knew was sure to arrive. His eyes narrowed on Brandon pacing back and forth, never far from their cell. Yep. It had already started. Justin was under the warden's surveillance. This day was only continuing to deteriorate.

Justin stared broodingly ahead. "The warden?"

"No. The King of France..." Michael muttered sarcastically.

"I wish I was in France..." Justin mused. He shrugged indifferently. "He's been mad at me since I arrived. I'm sure he'll understand I needed some time after that incident this morning."

"Understand?" Michael laughed. "Brian understands that you have disobeyed him again. I wouldn't get too comfortable. I have a feeling you'll be seeing him soon enough." Michael jerked his head toward Brandon that wasn't even attempting to hide his close perusal of their cell... and theirs alone. "He's keeping an eye on you. Bet I don't need to even tell you why that is."

Justin looked over at Brandon, grimacing when Brandon smiled tightly at him. "Fuck. Doesn't that man get that a man needs some space at times?"

"Brian?" Michael looked at Justin incredulously. "You are kidding, right? My advice to you is this - don't play games with him. He can make your life much easier here... and don't try to tell me you find his terms to be any kind of hardship. The men would line up to be in your place."

"Terms?" Justin audibly gasped. "You know about that - already?"

Michael laughed mockingly. "Justin. This isn't a country club. Everyone knows everything here. And it wouldn't matter. I was here when Brian came looking for you yesterday. If you're going to be stupid and refuse him... do it quickly. Don't drag this out and piss him off even more. Trust me. You really don't want to do that."

"I'll keep it in mind." Justin looked at Michael curiously, more than anything wanting a diversion. "You can tell me it's none of my business... but I have to ask. Why are you in here? You just don't seem to fit any more than I do."

Michael snorted. "It's none of your damn business. But it's old news now. I'll tell you."

Justin slid from his bunk, surprised when Michael gestured for him to sit next to him. Perhaps they would get along, after all. He remained silent, waiting for Michael to tell his story. There was a sadness in his cellmate's eyes. One that told him there was much more to Michael than met the eye.

"My Uncle Vic had just passed away. I lived with my ma and him. She took it really hard. I've never known a brother and sister to be so close. She went through this slump and things fell apart... I was afraid she was going to lose everything she'd worked so hard for. The thing is that my ma never had anything given to her. She worked hard for it all. When things got desperate, I made some really bad choices."

"Robbery?" Justin surmised.

Michael nodded. "They didn't catch me right away. I hid out... but before I did, I paid Ma's debt. Of course, they tried to get me to repay it... but the money was gone."

"I'm sorry about your Uncle Vic... and that you ended up here from what was obviously an act of love - misguided or not." Justin wasn't at all surprised by Michael's story. He didn't strike him as being either violent or criminal. "I guess you'll be paying off that debt for a long time."

"Yeah. An ongoing fight with Ma too. She's been scraping up money and making payments. I hate that she's been doing it... but I can't really stop her while I'm in here." Michael's face held a bitter expression.

Justin smiled in understanding. "Sounds like something my mom would do. She does it because she loves you, Michael. Don't ever forget that."

"I know. Ma's a class act. She deserves more than life has given her. I hope one day I can make all this up to her."

He patted Michael gently on the back. "I think having you home will do that. I hope everything works out for you, Michael."

"You too, Justin. I really mean it." Michael looked at him closely, his back tensing as he noticed Brandon moving closer. "You're alright kid."

"Thanks..." Justin smiled, thinking this had actually been a good talk, a moment he hadn't expected to have with the mocking and sarcastic cellmate he had first been introduced to on his arrival.

Brandon stood in front of them with his hands on his hips. "I really hate to break up your moment of bonding... but the warden needs to see you, Taylor."

"Fine." Justin stood to his feet, knowing there would be no avoidance of it. "I don't suppose you could tell him I'm sick."

"No, I couldn't... and I'm tired of babysitting you. I would just advise you to do as he says... then life will be easier on all of us." Brandon didn't wait for his response as he motioned Justin out. "Let's go, Blondie. The warden doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Michael watched them leave, shaking his head in compassion for the boy. "Good luck," he whispered, knowing the kid needed more than that. As much as he'd been pushing Brian, the boy needed a miracle. He hoped he found one soon.

Brian's mood hadn't improved within the last thirty minutes. When the knock sounded on his door, and Brandon ushered his most time-consuming inmate inside, his patience was far from restored. He pulled his gaze from Justin to nod toward Brandon. "That will be all. Leave us."

"Shall I wait for him outside?" Brandon asked, uncertain of what he was supposed to do.

"No. I need to walk the blocks. I'll escort him back." Brian's eyes dismissed Brandon, his gaze fully locked on the blond that was displaying a bit more backbone than he had previously. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the nervousness, yet strength that seemed to be holding him together. Brian didn't really want the boy to be anxious around him... but a little fear was appropriate in this situation. Once Brandon was gone, Brian clipped out, "Have a seat."

Justin didn't voice that argument this time. He remembered his last visit here when he'd protested taking a seat. That hadn't gone well at all. Immediately he took his seat, respectfully murmuring, "Thank you, Sir."

Deliberately, Brian remained silent for a long moment, his eyes drilling into the top of Justin's head. "First of all... look at me." Once Justin had complied with his demand, Brian wondered if that had been such a good idea. Those fucking eyes... not to mention that set of perfectly proportioned lips, got him every time. Clearing his throat roughly, Brian growled, "Would you mind telling me why you didn't feel the need to report for work this morning?"

"I- I just needed some time, Warden." Justin didn't know what to say, or how to even say it. There was something so primitive in the warden's eyes. He had never felt so possessed in a single glance as he had when he'd just looked into those hazel eyes. They were mesmerizing to the point of all rational thought being immediately swept from his mind.

"Is this about the incident in the showers... or our discussion afterward?" Brian prompted, deciding he was going to partially lay Justin's mind to rest.

Justin flushed, knowing they had to talk about it... but had hoped it wouldn't be quite yet. "More about our talk, Sir. I kind of expected such an incident in the showers... at least in my early days here."

"Perhaps you aren't as gullible as I originally thought." Brian nodded in approval of that assessment. "That's good to know. You not only need to toughen up, but you must be alert as well. Life has undergone a big change for you. If you don't adjust quickly, your chances of surviving this are very slim."

"I understand that, Sir... and I am trying. Ummm, regarding your offer..." Justin began, only to stop when the warden held up a hand to silence him.

Brian couldn't believe he was about to do this... especially in the knowledge that he knew he had Justin exactly where he wanted him - running head-first into his well-laid trap... but suddenly he wanted so much more. "I've changed my mind, Justin."

Justin's jaw dropped down. "You don't want me anymore?"

A brow sharply arched. "Step behind my desk and feel my cock. You would know that NOT to be the case."

Eyes widening, Justin couldn't hold back a chuckle... one he wasn't certain he was supposed to release. As he looked back into the warden's intense gaze, he was relieved to find he wasn't at the end of one of his menacing glares. "I'm sorry, Sir. I shouldn't have laughed. I just didn't expect you to say that."

"It's fine, Justin. For the most part, if I am not disciplining you for breaking prison rules, I will allow you to speak freely. However, only when we are alone." Brian stared heatedly at him for a long moment, making certain Justin was understanding every word and evocative glance. "I have changed my mind regarding my ultimatum. I am going to protect you... no matter what happens between us on a more personal level." Brian's eyes moved over the slouching blond freely. "I think we both know it's going to happen, Justin. It's only a matter of time."

Justin didn't argue the warden's point. "May I ask why you changed your mind?"

Brian nodded. "Of course. My job is to keep this prison running in an orderly fashion. Protecting you is going to be vital in maintaining that order." He stood up from behind his desk, uncaring that he would soon prove how the blond's presence affected him, knowing the closer he walked toward him, the more his cock would awaken. Slowly, Brian advanced behind Justin's chair, his hands lowering to rest on the blond's shoulders. He rubbed them firmly, his fingers sinking deep into his flesh. Lowering his head, he whispered into Justin's ear, "One thing doesn't change, Justin." Brian's lips brushed against Justin's ear, his breathing slightly increasing. "I still want you... badly. What those men wanted from you this morning is nothing in comparison to how badly I need to fuck you."

His hands gripped the sides of his chair, all in an effort not to reach out to the warden. Despite his fear of him, Justin knew he wanted him more than he'd ever wanted another man. He didn't think he could resist him for long... nor did he think the warden would allow it. "So... I- I, uhhh, don't understand then. Why are you withdrawing your earlier offer?"

Brian moved his mouth down the side of Justin's neck, knowing better than to capture those tempting lips now. He wouldn't be able to stop... and the boy clearly wasn't ready for all he wanted quite yet. "That's simple, Justin. I want you to come to me with the same painful desire you have instilled in me." He slid his hand down to brush against Justin's cock, smiling when he felt how surprisingly large the blond was. "Now that is a nice bonus," Brian huskily murmured, his hand opening and closing to squeeze it. "I will protect you, Justin... as much as I can. But this remains separate. You will beg me for the pleasure I can give you. I swear that you will."

Justin moaned, knowing a part of him wanted to commence begging now. He wouldn't though. Time. He needed time to think this through. "It's just much too fast, Sir. I need to think."

Reluctantly, but with understanding, Brian backed away. "Yes. I get that." He returned to behind his desk, pausing to pull the tented slacks away from his engorged cock. He pierced Justin with a sharp and encompassing gaze. "Don't play games with me... or make me wait too long. I do have a breaking point... particularly with you. Don't make me reach it."

"I'll try not to, Sir."

"You may have the morning off. I want you at the desk outside of my office immediately after lunch. There will be instructions there for you in the event I'm either busy or not back from lunch myself. I don't want to have to send for you again." Brian's eyes pierced Justin's intently. "Do you understand me?"

Nodding emphatically, Justin answered, "Yes, Sir. I do."

"Okay. I'll walk you back now." Standing from behind his desk, he moved forward, his hand grasping Justin's arm to forestall him. "Another warning to keep in mind - stay out of trouble for the remainder of the morning. As enticing as your ass is... I don't want to rescue it again today."

"I'll do my best, Sir." Justin almost smiled at his words, despite the warning he had felt a bit of warmth in the warden's voice. He was still frightened of this immensely powerful and assertive man... but he now respected him as well. The warden could have forced him to accept all that he wanted, but he hadn't. He could be mistaken, but he felt there was honor in this man that appeared so indifferent on the outside. One thing Justin felt for certain... he would continue to learn more about this complicated man. For the first time, he found himself looking forward to that discovery.

"Craig Taylor," the voice grumbled into the phone. This day had been filled with interruptions... ones that seemed would never end. He didn't need another. His finances were in total disarray. He had spent a small fortune in covering his tracks; now his business was suffering as a result.

An equally agitated voice came across the line. "Mr. Taylor, this isn't working out here. I need to come home... or you need to wire me more money."

"I told you not to call me!" Craig snarled, his footsteps carrying him quickly to slam his office door. "I gave you twenty-five thousand dollars two weeks ago. That should be enough for you to relocate and start over. You have a new identity in a different country. I am NOT going down because you suddenly got homesick!"

"This place is foreign to me. I don't know anyone!" He dragged a hand through his already disheveled hair. "What we did was wrong... no matter how fucked up your son may be."

Craig clenched his teeth in fury. "That disgusting little faggot is exactly where he should be. With any luck, prison will rid me of that problem!" He scowled, looking at the figures of his rapidly diminishing bank balance, grimly realizing he had most likely chosen the wrong man for the job. "I'll see what I can do and be in touch. Don't call me again... and remember this, Hobbs - if I go down, you come right with me."

He threw his phone back onto his desk, sweat breaking out on his brow. "Fuck," he swore, over and over again. Chris Hobbs needed to be brought under control. His son was in prison for killing him. If his involvement in the cover-up was revealed, he would be facing a prison sentence, and his disgusting son would be walking free. That was something that couldn't happen. Not now... or ever.

TBC