Brian stood before the mirror, a smile curving his lips as he slowly studied his appearance. He hadn't been certain which look he wanted to present to Justin - it was apparent that either look would have an enraged blond on his hands. As he had thought about it, he had elected to go with the look that would soon become a familiar part of Justin's new reality. It didn't matter to him that his appearance might be unsettling. What did matter was that Justin understood his position... and the unrelenting shift of power that would now be a part of his world. He could hardly wait to see his expression.

As the time had passed since his initial decision to take Justin and install him into his harem, Brian - the American - had a certain degree of hesitation. He had never done anything this ruthless, not to mention - criminal. This act would carry steep consequences; that was if he were caught. Of course, diplomatic immunity was often used in any crime committed in a foreign country, but as he had roots in this one as well, that might be hard to accomplish. Much of the stance he took with Justin would depend on his behavior - now and in the future. He was not a man to tolerate any form of disrespect. He definitely wouldn't be starting with this hot little blond.

When a knock sounded on his bedroom door, Brian looked up, his eyes quickly finding Ben standing behind him. "I assume you came to me with good news..."

Ben sighed dramatically. "I suppose that would depend on your point of view, Sire."

Brian turned around, his eyes angry as they stabbed into the gaze of his disapproving friend, and employee. "If you find my ways so disagreeable, Benjamin, I can release you from my service and allow you to make a life in America." His voice was snide when he added, "I'm sure Michael wouldn't mind that..."

"Sultan... I meant no disrespect." Ben's eyes widened in horror. The Sultan had never made such an offer before - it was one he found abhorrent. No matter how much he often disapproved of his master's decisions, he always adhered to them, knowing in doing so he was up close to protect him to the best of his ability. That, and the love for his country was what mattered most to him. He did love Michael dearly; however, if it ever came to a choice between his homeland and Michael, he was relatively certain Michael would come up short. "I am exactly where I want to be."

"Even though you disapprove of my choices."

Ben nodded, a smile quickly following. "Not all of the time, but I do try to act as your conscience more than I probably should. I hope you can forgive me for that."

"There's nothing to forgive, Ben. You are constantly trying to do what is in my best interest. I can't think badly of you for that." Brian rolled his lips under as he surveyed the face of the most loyal man he had ever known. He felt guilt rising in him knowing that he had information about Michael that he wasn't sharing. Perhaps it wasn't best to shield Ben from the truth. He needed to think about that more. One thing was certain, though. Should Michael continue his inappropriate behavior once they returned home - he would do whatever became necessary to restore tranquility to his home - no matter who was affected.

"Thank you, Sultan." Ben took in Brian's full Arab dress, realizing this was to make an impression on the young blond. Without a doubt, the young American would be taken off guard by Brian's much different appearance from their first meeting. Once the boy fully processed what was about to happen, the helplessness of his situation should quickly surmount. It would be interesting to see how Justin handled that. "Your guest is waiting in the sitting room."

Brian smiled. "Very good. Have the guards wait outside. I wish for some time alone with my new possession."

Ben swallowed slowly. The territorial words were never easy for him to hear. He should be accustomed to them. It was the way of his people; however, it wasn't how he viewed relationships or people in general. In some ways, he felt an outcast in his lands. As much as he loved his homeland, he didn't subscribe to all of its ways. That never bothered him much, though. His devotion was to his Sultan... no matter what that entailed. "As you wish. I'll be close should you need me."

"I think I can handle him. The only risk is him trying to flee the suite and alert anyone that would listen. I don't have to say - that can't happen." That would be a disaster of large proportions. Once they had him safely on the way to Al Duran, no one would listen to a word the beautiful boy had to say. "Escort the guards out, although advise the young man they will be right outside the door. I will join him very soon."

Bowing his head, Ben backed away from his Sultan. "As you wish."

Brian tilted his head to the side, once more, assessing and admiring the appearance he made. He looked hot, there wasn't a question about that. Of course, he knew he always looked hot. Justin would see that too. In the end, he would realize he was lucky to be desired and hunted to this degree. Once Justin became accustomed to his new world, he would strive to be the one most sought out by his Sultan. There wasn't a doubt in his mind. It was the desire of each member of his harem to be the one the master favored. Justin would be no different.

Justin jumped up from the circular plush sofa the moment the goons that had accosted him left him alone in the room. He wasn't foolish enough to go out the door. The warning had been more than clear - that would get him nowhere. The one that had been in charge had been kind to him, his eyes displaying a sadness at his plight; however, he had been firm. "The master will attend to you soon. Don't worsen your situation and attempt to leave. He won't tolerate that."

Who the fuck was the master? And more importantly - what did he want with him??

He had been tormenting himself the entire time trying to remember how he knew the man that was leading what was on all counts an abduction. They had followed him as he left the employee's quarters, waiting until he was alone, and away from camera surveillance. Thinking back, this had been planned very well. They knew where cameras would be present, and acted precisely with that knowledge in mind. Once they had brought him back into the casino, and in sight of the cameras, they flanked him so that no one would be the wiser. Not calling out had been his mistake, although, at the time, he had been too shocked and scared to think clearly, most certainly his responses were slowed. All he could do now was play this scene out... and hope he was allowed to walk out of here unencumbered. Bearing in mind the urgency in which he was taken - he wasn't holding out much hope for that.

Striding over to the balcony doors, Justin yanked them open, instantly surprised they hadn't been locked. As he stepped onto the balcony and looked down, he could see why that hadn't been a concern. No one would possibly see or hear him in its seclusion. Undoubtedly, this was what one would deem as the Presidential Suite. He was truly trapped until this unknown master relaxed his grip. He could only hope that would be soon.

Looking out and down at the bright lights of Las Vegas, he tried to distract himself by seeing the allure the tourists held for Sin City. He didn't feel the same. All this town had been was trouble for him. It appeared that had only continued. Inwardly, he was shaking in fear, but he knew he needed to keep his head about him. There had to be a reason a man of obvious importance sought him out. Perhaps it was something that would be financially beneficial to him. In his near-bankrupt state - he would be a fool not to listen. His back slightly tensed when he heard, along with felt, another presence behind him; forcing himself not to turn around and face his kidnapper was the hardest thing he'd ever done.

"So kind of you to join me, Justin..." the mocking voice purred from directly behind him.

Justin gasped. He recognized that condescending voice - even if he had only met him one time. Spinning around to face him, his back pressed tightly to the high railing, Justin spat out, "You! Fuck! I should have realized!" He paused for a moment to take a good look at the man that had so blatantly tried to pick him up while he was still on duty, his eyes widening in both shock and dread. This wasn't good, and he knew it. He had already perceived the man he remembered being referred to as Brian as being powerful... but now, it was clear how much that was true. It was now that he could remember where he knew the other man from - it was his friend from the poker game. He was fucked. At this point, he didn't know much - but that much was more than clear. "What do you want? And why are you wearing those foreign clothes when you were in American clothing earlier?"

Laughter erupting, Brian instantly realized - he would never become bored with this one. "So many questions. Let me see if I can answer them to your satisfaction. First, though, let me assure you that you will come to no harm, Justin. Fear is not what I wish to see in your beautiful blue eyes."

"I'm so sorry that displeases you; however, being taken against my will tends to inspire a bit of trepidation..." Justin retorted bitterly.

Brian inclined his head. "Understandable." His eyes narrowed on Justin sharply, his tone icy when he asked, "They didn't hurt you, did they?"

Justin was tempted to lie. Perhaps if this strange man felt that his staff had violated his orders, he would get some sort of opening to escape. As much as he wished he could speak the deceptive words, he really couldn't do it. Right now, it was unknown to him exactly what this man would do to those disloyal to him. Justin didn't want that on his conscience. "No. They were firm, but they didn't hurt me."

"Good. I would be most displeased." Brian moved closer, but not close enough to cause the apprehensive boy to startle. He wanted to move in closer. Fuck, he wanted that, and so much more. However, now was not the time for haste. The boy was already going to be forced into a new, and more savage world. Instilling fear in him wasn't his objective. Brian wanted to see a burning desire in those blue eyes, and the commitment of serving his master. He would have that. Although, with this blond, he wasn't certain it would be immediate. "Allow me to more formally introduce myself. I am Sultan Amir Ali Nazari - ruler of Al Duran, an island within the United Arab Emirates. My lineage connects me to America as well; however, that connection is slight. Simply speaking, in my land - my word is the law."

"How nice for you..." Justin cooed, making his best attempt at not appearing impressed. Inside, he was shaking. A fucking Sultan, no less! The only thing that comforted him was knowing he was on American soil. There wasn't much this powerful ruler could do from here - was there? Justin thought back to their beginning. Not only had he insulted his pride, but he had rejected him as well. "Now, how about you tell me what this has to do with me!"

"I think you know the answer to that, Justin." Brian took another step closer, his hands resting at his sides; enforcing himself not to touch the blond, refraining from taking him - here and now, the most difficult act he'd ever endured. "You know what I want, Justin. And now, I think you know I'm going to have it." His eyes swept over the luscious, beautiful boy, his most urgent desire being to see the boy completely naked. He decided he would feast his eyes on him, long before his body did the same. He wanted to memorize every perfect inch of what already belonged exclusively to him. "I must thank you for rejecting me... although, I didn't realize it to be so fortuitous at the time."

"T-thank me?" Justin stammered. "It doesn't sound like you took it as rejection. You are just as determined to have things your way."

Brian nodded emphatically. His voice was a low rasp when he uttered, "You have no idea how determined. My statement was in regard to now understanding that a rushed night would have never been enough with you. I have taken steps to make certain I have much longer than tonight."

"S-steps? What do you mean?" Justin's eyes were filled with instant alarm as the seriousness of this meeting more fully assailed him. "I'm not staying here with you!"

"No, of course not. I can't stay, either. My plane leaves in the morning. That hasn't changed." Brian watched him as a cunning panther, waiting for the move that would secure the prey into the well-laid trap. One that he didn't ever intend on releasing.

Justin shook his head, hoping it would clear the fog that continued to permeate around it. "What has changed, then?"

"That's very simple. It seems that your employment here has ended, but that's not the best part. Soon, you will be on the way to my island. You will be living in my home, and learning the ways of pleasing your master from within the harem. An adjustment for certain; however, I am confident you will adapt." Brian's eyes were smoldering as he looked at the beauty of the boy. He was going crazy with desire knowing that this boy was now his possession, but he couldn't touch him yet. He needed to get him away from here, and under his rule. Once he did - and Justin was trained in the art of pleasing him, Brian knew he would be at him - morning, noon, and night. His possession of Justin wouldn't relax until he'd sated himself. Then, he would do it again and again.

"H-harem?" Justin squawked. "You actually have a harem!? I won't do it, Sultan... or whatever you're fucking called. I am an American. There are laws that protect me. People will look for me!" Justin bit at his lip, hoping Brian wouldn't see the lie for what it was. Surely he couldn't know that much about him yet. As an orphan, he had no one. He had moved to Vegas hoping to win enough money to give him some kind of a life - a better one than he'd had. Thankfully, he'd found a job, but it was barely enough to sustain him.

Brian surveyed him in amusement. "Hold that thought, pet. I'll be right back." He moved into the sitting room, where a slip of paper lay on a table. He picked it up, smiling and thanking the gods for the contents of it. Returning to find Justin standing in the same position, his hands clutching to the railing, Brian told him, "It's amazing how fast my men can gather information." His eyes swept over Justin. "Not to mention how resourceful they are at acquiring my property."

"I don't belong to you! I don't care if you succeed in abducting me - somehow, I will find someone to help me. When I do, I will come home, and you will pay for this outrage!" Justin hissed, his eyes shooting flames at the man that was totally enchanted by the fire in the young blond's eyes.

"You are so fucking hot like this, Justin Taylor." Brian's breathing became erratic as he watched the young blond squirming. He couldn't wait to feel him moving beneath him. Fuck. How he wished he had time to take him now. "If only we had the time. There is so much I would show you tonight... before your training commences."

"I will never let you touch me. Never!" Justin felt his heart lurching in his chest as he met the determined desire in the Sultan's eyes. He had never seen such obsession and dark lust in a man's eyes. It nearly suffocated him. What would it be like when they were on his home turf? How could it be more intense than it was right now? Justin wasn't sure how it could be, but he knew that it would. Despite his arrogance, he could feel the desire for this man. He was undoubtedly the most beautiful man he had ever seen. However, that wasn't enough. He couldn't - he wouldn't give in to this man. Not now. Not ever. "Anything you take from me will be by force..."

Brian laughed. "You delude yourself. I don't have to force any man - nor would I. You want me already. That desire will only increase. I will see to that!" Unable to resist, Brian moved forward, his hand reaching out to cup the side of Justin's face. He groaned at the unbelievable softness of his skin. Instantly, he wondered if he felt like that all over. One thing was for certain - he would be gaining firsthand knowledge of that. He couldn't wait to begin the process.

Earlier, he had been questioning his decision, unsure if he could live with such primitive actions. As he glimpsed the brief flash of lust behind the anger in Justin's eyes, Brian had his answer. He would do anything that placed them in close proximity for a long-term duration. Unleashing the desire in this man was all that mattered. That the desire would belong to him - and him alone - spurred him on all the more. Quirking a brow, Brian issued what he hoped to be an offer, and a temptation the boy couldn't refuse. "As we're in Vegas, how about we place a little wager to enact on your arrival in Al Duran."

"W-what kind of wager?" Justin asked, hating how his eyes kept straying to the beautiful savage's lips.

"Very simple really. I will have a horse, and provisions waiting for you when you land. I will be on a later flight. Should you use them well and elude me from capturing you, then, I will give you free passage home, along with a substantial bonus." Brian watched Justin's face brighten in what was clearly exhilaration at thoughts of besting the master at his own game. "You name the price."

"Okay." Justin had no reason to trust him, but he could tell this man enjoyed gambling. He trusted him to honor his end - in the unlikely event that he lost. "Fifty thousand dollars."

Brian rolled his eyes. "Fifty thousand? You vastly underrate yourself, my boy. Done. You will have 24-hours from the time you land to evade my capture. You will have a horse, food, map, compass, and everything you need to survive in that time."

"How much of that time will you be in Al Duran looking for me?"

"Your plane will land eight hours before mine." Brian lowered his hand from stroking the beautiful blond's face, knowing it was now or never for him. He wanted him now. Touching him had only brought torment on himself until he could do so in full. "Do we have a deal?"

Justin bit at his lip. What choice did he really have? Why not take advantage of this offer, and come out of it better financially - if he found a way to evade him? He would have eight hours to find a place to hide before the Sultan landed and found him. Surely, he could manage that. "If I win, I get my freedom and 50 thousand dollars. What happens if I lose?"

Brian licked his lips, imagining everything he would do to this boy once he had him secured in the harem, but more importantly - in his own private bedchamber. "You will be mine until I say otherwise. When I call for you to come to me - you will do so without question. You will do the best of your ability to serve me in all ways."

"You still won't force me?" Justin knew the question had been a mistake the instant he saw the fury in the Sultan's eyes.

"I am not a rapist, Justin! I will only force you to spend time with me as you become accustomed to your new life. I will not force you to perform in my bed. You will want that, though. I swear that to you. In fact, you will beg for my possession!" Brian's nostrils flared as outrage overwhelmed him at the accusation. He forced no man. There was no need - now or ever!

Justin smirked, determined to leave this room with the upper hand. "Fine, then." He held out his hand in a customary attempt of a handshake, realizing how ludicrous it was under these circumstances. "You've got yourself a deal, Sultan. However, I'm afraid you will lose. I was an orphan, and a runaway for a long time. I know how to make myself invisible."

"I look forward to the challenge. However, I am an experienced hunter." Brian moved closer, ignoring the gesture of a handshake. He had a different idea in mind to not only seal the deal - but more firmly gauge Justin's response to him. His breath caressed along Justin's lips, as he whispered, "There are no lengths I won't go to in my search for you. Now, I think we will seal the deal my way..."

Brian didn't give Justin a chance to respond before his lips smashed down onto the unsuspecting ones, a groan of near painful desire ripping from his throat. His tongue instantly moved to conquer the mouth beneath his own, a growl escaping when Justin's lips parted to give him the access he desperately craved. If the blond were to be honest, he would suggest it to be a connection they both desired. As his tongue only briefly learned the taste and feel of the man that would soon be his, Brian's voice was ragged when he gutturally rasped, "My possession. Soon that will be irrefutable - even to you. Go and begin your journey, Justin Taylor. When I reach my land, I will hunt and capture you."

As he watched the boy shakily pulling free and rushing from the balcony, Brian smiled. He touched his lips, savoring the aftermath of the intense kiss. Justin had kissed him back. The boy wanted him. His desire would only increase. "Hide well, my own. I will be close behind... and I will never let you go."

TBC