CHAPTER 17- A CALL TO CHARM PART 2

Ron's POV

After saying ‘goodnight' to Connor and Craig when we left Lindsay's, I placed a call to Jim asking what he wanted done next. Honestly, if Jim hadn't contacted me with a backup plan regarding Craig, I never would have reached out to that cold she-bitch known as my youngest daughter. Listening to her spout her plan tonight reminded me of all the reasons why.

Lindsay is Nancy's spawn in more ways than one can imagine. Not only is she manipulative and defiant but her penchant for extracurricular marital activities are just as legendary. There were many MANY times that I caught Nancy with a mouthful of pussy during our early years of marriage. Who knows? She may still muff-dive every once in awhile, I really don't give a damn as long as she is discreet and doesn't accept another dick inside her box. Lindsay is the opposite. I remember the day that she told me that she was involved with Melanie Marcus. My first thought was ‘Like Mother, Like Daughter' only in reverse. Every ten years or so, Lindsay gets an itch for dick and indiscriminately goes out and fucks one for twenty-four hours. I guess a dildo for her isn't as satisfying as the real thing.

Whereas Nancy was heartbroken and banned Lindsay from being part of the family until she changed her lesbian ways- pot meeting kettle if you ask me- I really didn't give a fuck about it. What bothered me was that I had arranged for Lindsay to become the second wife of Craig Taylor which would have indebted the imbecile to me. Once she popped out a kid, Craig and I would have been linked through blood and could have easily taken the Winston fortune away from Jennifer. But willful bitch that she is, she couldn't marry Craig's cock and keep that cunt lawyer on the side to lick whenever she got ready. No, as always, Lindsay had to go against the grain. Well she's suffering for it now, isn't she? Which brings me to why I'm helping Craig in the first place.

Brian Kinney....Brian fucking Kinney. A name that has been part of Lindsay's vocabulary for far too long and the reason why she wouldn't do as she was told and marry Craig Taylor. Granted he's done quite well for himself even though he was born on the wrong side of the tracks. It's what attracted Lindsay to him- that bad boy persona and stunning good looks- and that was fine as long as they just stayed friends. That changed the one and only night he fucked her. It took me awhile to get the real story of how that came about but Lindsay had confided in Lynette. It was a drugged up and drunken fuck after Lindsay had been dumped by a business major who was thought to be struggling with his own sexuality. I ran into him a few years later after Lynette's first divorce and it turned out that he just couldn't stand Lindsay's manipulative ways. He and Lynette hit it off and he was her second husband. He died a few years later but well, he left her his fortune so I guess it wasn't that bad for her.

The crazy thing was that Brian knew he was gay. He was never shy about it or hid it in the closet like so many other young men. But he was also twenty years old and at that age a man can get a hard on simply because the wind was blowing too hard. Well Lindsay took it to mean something entirely different and ended up heartbroken. So she decided that she would date women from then on since she couldn't have Brian as anything other than a friend. When she and Melanie decided to have a kid, Lindsay told Melanie that it was going to be Brian's kid or no one's. Melanie relented eventually and admittedly, the little boy is adorable but I'm still pissed off at her. And I'm certainly pissed off at Kinney. If only he hadn't boned the bitch...

Listening to her scheme and plot against Brian, I am almost sympathetic to the man. If he has had to endure Lindsay's headtrips thus far, I can't imagine what he has been going through. Strangely, I also feel a little sorry for Melanie having been involved with that harridan. Jim wanted me to find out what the real situation with Justin Taylor was and I'm almost sorry that I did. Whether I agree with Justin's penchant for dick or not, he still didn't deserve what has happened to him nor what he is going through now. I still have to play along with this for now because as long as that book is out there, we are all in danger. For now, Justin holds all the cards but if I can somehow convince him to give me the evidence by promising to make Connor and Brandon James along with Craig Taylor disappear from all of our lives, then it is well worth the risk.

Jim and I have talked at length about getting out of human trafficking for awhile now. It was never supposed to turn into this multi-million dollar web of flesh and lies. We were only supposed to share mistresses or misters between a selective few of us. The problem was that Craig wanted it to grow bigger and I can't lie, we've all reaped the benefits of the network. But it has long since been time to stop. When Connor and Brandon were introduced into the mix, things had become unpredictable at best. Now...now things are far out of the scope and we all run the risk of exposure. And that can't end well for any of us.   

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Justin's POV

Once the papers were signed, Mel and Donovan rushed back to their respective offices to get the process rolling on so many different agendas leading to the same objective: Stop the bullshit before it gets too far beyond control. The people joining forces to bring me to heel and free Brian were too many to speak of. Thankfully, Gus is still asleep. The big changes to his life were already going to take a toll when he woke up. Brian and I are just relieved that he's still resting comfortably, as if being held by angels. No tossing, turning or heavy sighing; just a long leggy boy who had thrown off the covers and had the smallest smirk gracing the full lips so like his father's.

Although I would never say unless asked, I was both happy and relieved to have Gus with us. There was no doubt that Lindsay would have used him to get information that she was too sneaky and childish to ask for herself. The papers that would stop Lindsay in her tracks went out of the door with Mel. She promised that when she was ready to deliver the news to Lindsay, she would allow me to see that at least a little justice would be served. For my part though, I'm not sure we did the right thing. What if, down the road, Brian decides that the last thing he wants is to be my ‘partner?.' I'm worried that in time Brian would begin to view me as a hairshirt or a millstone around his neck in matrimony, so to speak.

But then there is the other part of me that relished the feeling of being tied to such an incredible man; the man I was allowing to kiss the breath out of me and exchange it with his own. I didn't know how Brian really felt, although I am beginning to really understand and respect that Brian never says or does things he didn't want to do... and that included becoming the Taylor-Kinney Corporation. I sighed deeply as Brian dug his fingers into my scalp while still holding my lips captive. I could feel the tension draining from my body as Brian continued his sensual assault upon my lips. Brian's tongue danced along the seam of my closed mouth, coaxing it to open like a flower. I obediently and greedily allowed Brian inside of my oral cavity, twining my tongue around Brian's marauding one. The longer we stayed in that one spot, the more intense and possessive our kisses became.

I lead Brian to my- our- bedroom, I really have to get use to that. He's pulling at his clothes along the way. We broke apart momentarily to traverse the stairs but came back together in another heated exchange. Panting I detach from him to divest myself of my own clothes while he sheds the rest of his. Not for the first time since meeting Brian, I find myself once again grateful that it was Brian Kinney that I bumped into that night at a masquerade ball that I wasn't even sure I wanted to attend. Here in this room once again we were just Aiden and Blue and that's when I knew that no matter what happened from now on, as long as we keep being who we are, everything would be just fine.

That thought finished for the moment, I realized that I suddenly knew exactly what I needed to do. This was more than a consummation of a relationship. It was a reclaiming, a redefining and a reinvention of Aiden and Blue. Some of what I must have been thinking showed on my face because the next thing he or I know, we are wrapped in each other's arms, kissing wildly and using our bodies to try to subdue the other. Of course I lost the standing wrestling match but I didn't mind. Brian tossed me onto the bed, following me down and pinning me to the mattress. I didn't mind though; I want this. I want to be taken, and filled, and....his! That's what I want, I want to be his. I choose this, whatever it is that we have between us, for as long as it lasts, without regret and no longer out of fear. My way is forward and I will not go back to being a shell of a person. For anyone.

It was my turn to have him where I want him. I grabbed his shoulders, wrapped my legs around his waist and rolled him beneath me, kissing him as if my next breath depended on it. Brian kissed me back, his hands tangling into my hair. I moved against and down his body wanting to imprint my scent all over him. I kissed and sucked on his neck, making sure to pay close attention to the spots that I knew made him wiggle and squirm. I stayed there until I could feel him pressing up into me, letting me know that he was ready for more from me. I lingered at his nipples and other erogenous zones on his well-defined torso. I nipped the rippling muscles in his shoulders, finding new hot spots that he didn't even know he had. I smiled against his warming skin, licking the little droplets of sweat forming faster as his arousal increased.

Finally reaching his treasure trail, I teased him with my tongue, pulling at the hairs with my teeth, causing him to raise his hips, trying to get me to pay attention to his straining cock. Bypassing his cock I ran my tongue along the inside of his spread thighs. He's ticklish there and I couldn't forbid my devious streak from having at least a little fun. Before he could protest, I stopped playing with him and instead devoured him.

There are few things I love more than the feel of Brian Kinney down my throat, the smell of his heightened arousal being one of them. Fortunately one activity leads to the other and then the sounds that come from deep within him add to the experience. His hands flex involuntarily as I keep pace with the fluid rhythm of his hips or change the rhythm altogether to keep him guessing and off balance. My fingers press against his perineum rubbing against his gland from the outside, demanding my tribute. Brian is begging for release and screaming for me to stop by turns and I know that he is so lost that his words are being stripped away from him with every swipe of my tongue. Finally I feel that telltale trembling of his legs and I know that he is close; that if I don't stop he is going to shoot soon.

I reached over and grabbed a condom from the bowl by the bed and rolled it down Brian's shaft. Then I took the lube and drizzled some on the tip. Using one hand to massage the lube onto the pre-lubed condom, Brian grabbed my other hand placing it against his open mouth. At the first touch of his tongue on the very tips of my fingers, I felt the sensation straight through my body, ending at my cock. He used some of the excess lube to prepare me while he kept up the ministrations with his mouth, taking the time to suck and lick each digit as his other hand opened me. My own reflexive actions had me squeezing and releasing Brian's cock within my hand as I pushed my ass into his fingers. When I couldn't take anymore of the foreplay, I lifted my body, slapped away his hand, and impaled myself on Brian's dick.

The slight pain before pleasure was always delicious with Brian. It was almost done without conscious thought from either of us, both moving together and gauging where each other is in achieving our ultimate pleasure. Our first ‘married' coupling was coming to an end, but it definitely ‘sealed the deal' for both of us, Brian raised his knees and grabbed my hips, using his knees for leverage I bounced on his steel hard cock as he kept me balanced. We came within seconds of each other, shouting each other's names.

Lying with Aiden in post-coital bliss was something that still amazed me. It wasn't something that I'd ever done with anyone before. Brian- or Aiden whenever we are alone- has represented so many ‘firsts' for me: the first time I didn't feel like a receptacle or that my mind had no value; knowing and being with him was the first time that I haven't felt alone and the first time I have felt truly alive. He always says that I would have been just fine had we never met, but I beg to differ. My life- for what it was- is so different from what others had planned for me. But with Brian by my side, we get to write our own destiny. It kind makes everything that I have gone through and everything that we will go through, worth it all in the end.

"Daddy and Jus, what are you still doing in bed?" Gus is standing at the doorway, sleepily rubbing his eyes.

I grab the covers and tell him, "Nothing. We're just about to get up."

"Good ‘cause I hungry. Can I have pancakes?," he says as he turns and moves towards the kitchen.

Brian smirks at me from his position on the other side of the bed, hands laced behind his head. "Are you sure he isn't your son?"

"What do you mean?" Gus looks and acts just like him in miniature form.

"Is appetite is just like yours. He's always hungry." And Brian lets out a huge laugh as my stomach picks just then to growl. "Just like a german train, it always comes in on time."   

I smacked him with a pillow and headed to the shower. No I have no more doubts that we made the right decision.

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Michael's POV

Oh my God, I am so fucking sore. But I'm happy. After I left the bar last night with the hottest guy I've ever seen next to Brian, we went back to his hotel room. I had never seen so much luxury in one place. He invited me into that tub thingy with all the bubbles- I think he called it  a jacuzzi or something like that, and after getting comfortable we talked some more about Brian. I found out that he's known Justin Taylor a long time but wouldn't tell me how right away. I figured that it didn't matter because Brandon was there with me so Justin couldn't have been too important.

The major surprise of the night was when his brother came in. I was so fucking surprised to see Connor James standing right in front of me. I mean what the fuck was Connor James doing in Pittsburgh of all places. Brandon told him how we met and Connor had gotten a strange look in his eyes when Brian and Justin were mentioned for a moment...or at least I thought he did.

While he went to take a shower, Brandon and I started fooling around. Brandon was whispering all sorts of dirty things in my ear and I couldn't help but wish that it was Brian saying those things. But I didn't let the other man know that. Instead I let him keep seducing me, mumbling yes to every suggestive word, letting my horniness rule my brain. Once I had given the green light, he flipped me over and started drilling me. I didn't mind his roughness; I needed it. It was a for shit day and I needed to forget my problems stemming from a fucking blond asshole for a few moments. And that's when Connor came out of the bathroom and ordered me to blow him. I did my best even though Brandon was pounding into me mercilessly by then and I could barely catch my breath. It went on like that for many hours. At one point Connor even ordered me to fuck him but he complained that I wasn't Justin, and Brandon agreed on that. I wasn't sure what they meant until earlier this morning.

Right after my shower this morning, as I was staring at all of the scrapes and bruises; the bite marks and welts all over me, Brandon came up behind me. He told me that he and Connor had something that they wanted to talk to me about. I thought that maybe they would want to set another date or something, but I couldn't have been further from the truth. Brandon asked me what my most valuable fantasy was. He seemed really interested so I told him that I wanted to own my own comic book store again, to get rid of Justin and to have Brian notice me as more than his best friend; to give me a chance to be more. That's when I noticed the photo album that Connor had been flipping through while I was answering the question.

His fingers seemed to caress each page, stroking the picture and then remembering aloud what was happening that day. When he told me to come closer, I got a good look at the model in the picture. But it wasn't a model at all. It was Justin in various poses. His mouth was even covered with duct tape in some of them. Others had him looking like he was in pain but that couldn't be since I was in the same position in less than three hours ago and even though I was in a little pain, I was fine. The bruises reminded me of the ones on my own body but his looked a lot worse probably because of his fair skin.

Brandon spoke to me again then, explaining what Justin really was, which was their shared whore who they wanted back. I couldn't help but be relieved that I wasn't the only one who thought Justin Taylor was a fucking slut. I asked if Brian knew about their past with Justin and was told that they didn't know, but it shouldn't matter. Justin was their property, bought and paid for, and he is supposed to be with them under the terms of his contract. Well I couldn't see anything wrong with that so I asked them what they wanted me to do to help them. I mean if removing Justin Taylor would return Brian to his former glory and take me along for the ride with him then why the fuck wouldn't I help them? Justin has been nothing but fucking trouble ever since he arrived in Pittsburgh. First he fucked up my hand and then he started hogging all of Brian's attention. It was time that he got back in his place which apparently was with Connor and Brandon.

So now I'm sitting in the diner waiting for Brian to get here, while fumbling around with the really expensive parting gift that Connor and Brandon gave me as I was leaving this morning. Brandon told me to remember my time with them every time I look at it. I couldn't help but be touched by it. Anyway, it's Monday morning and it's usually the one day that we always met at the diner before going to work. Well...when I had a job anyway. Which is another thing I really need to speak to him about. I guess once I show him the photo album full of pictures of Justin the whore, Brian will toss his raggedy blond ass out of Kinnetik and his life. Then that should free Brian up to hang out with me and as a thank you he'll go ahead and tell Ted to write the check to pay off my store. Brian loves me. He wouldn't want me to be unemployed.

He's alone when he comes in the door and I can't help but wave madly, motioning for him them to join me in our favorite booth. I see him roll his eyes but it's such a classic Brian thing to do that I really don't pay it any mind.

"Hello Mikey. What's up?" he asks me. When I move to greet him in our usual way, he backs up from me and looks down at the table. I see him notice the book before he asks, "Are we suddenly in the mood to take a trip down memory lane, Mikey?"

He motioned for Mom to bring him coffee as I resume my seat. "First I want to tell you about the...hottest...SEX I had last night, Brian. You'll never guess who I met at Woody's last night."

"Some loser I'm sure," he says and I can't help but feel the scowl on my forehead.

I don't know what the fuck is with him today. When I used to say that about David, he would say the same thing. But then he and David never got along; he doesn't even know Brandon. He orders his coffee and his usual breakfast before making a move to open the book. I stop him just before he has a chance to crack it open. When he huffs a breath and asks what the fuck my problem is, I tell him to just hold off a minute. I want his full attention on me before Justin invades his mind again.

"I got the book from my date last night," I tell him and then proceed to tell him about meeting Brandon James. Of course I didn't tell him what our conversations were about since that would probably make Brian angry. And I don't want him mad, I want him grateful to me for saving him and his company from that fucking whore.

Just as I'm getting to a few more explanations, I see Justin come in, along with Mel, Gus, Ted, that fucking bitch Cynthia, Donovan, and a tall woman who looks familiar but I don't know where from. I know right then that my time is short, and that if Brian was ever going to listen to me about his boy toy, I had to make sure he did it right now. Reaching over the table, I flicked the book cover wide open to the very first page. Honestly, I didn't give a fuck about protecting Justin; that wasn't my aim. My only goal was to get Brian to see that Justin is a fucking skank and that he deserved better... deserved someone wholesome, like me.

I kept watching Brian's reaction as I flipped page after page before him. I heard the gasp coming from behind him and met the horrified gaze of shining blue eyes looking in shock at the same photo album. I couldn't resist the smirk I knew had to be on my own lips as I said, "Hey Boy Wonder."

Brian looked up at me then but I wasn't expecting to see those particular emotions in them. The first one was anger...but it wasn't directed at Justin where it should have been; it was pointed at me. Why? I'm not the one who's a slut. The second was rage but why? Justin isn't that fucking important. If anything Brian should be tossing Justin's ass out for lying to him about his past to secure a job at Kinnetik. Justin did that; I didn't.

I was surprised when I looked up and saw Melanie reaching down to snatch the photo album. I tried to move it out of her reach but she was quicker.

"Michael, you're an asshole," she sneered at me.

"What the fuck are you talking about? I'm not the one with my asshole filled in those pictures. That would the sex slave right there."

"Michael don't say another fucking word," Brian said quietly to me. I still didn't understand.

"Why? Why is everyone defending the little fucker? Oh poor wittle Justin, got caught with his pants down, tied up and a dick in his ass and mouth. So the fuck what? I wouldn't be surprised if there were porn videos of him floating around somewhere. You know Brian, you should get rid of him. He's bad for business and your reputation. I mean if word got out that you have a whore working at Kinnetik, you could attract the wrong kind of clients or better yet, maybe you won't have any clients left." I think I made my point of how dangerous Justin Taylor really is to Brian Kinney.

"Where did you get this, Michael?" Melanie asks me.

"What the fuck does it matter? All that does matter is that I have exposed the little shit for what he really is." I answer, defiance in my voice. I make sure to pout, stomp my foot and fold my arms so that they know that I am serious and not budging on my position that the blond be removed from  Kinnetik and the presence of decent people. He's had them all fooled for far too long and it's time that the blinders come off. "It's time you all see that Mr. Perfect is nothing but a fucking con artist," I scream at them.

Before Melanie can say anything back to me, Brian gets up from the table and wraps his strong arms around fucking Justin and holds him close while asking Leda and Cynthia to take Gus to the other side of the Diner. I had forgotten about all of them, especially Gus. Why weren't he and Mel with Lindsay where they belonged? And why is Ted looking at me like Emmett did last night, as if I'm the lowest of the low? Well you know what....I don't give a shit. I did what I was supposed to do to protect my investment in choosing Brian as my best friend and soon-to-be life partner. If Justin goes away or he dies from embarrassment for being a whore, which he really should be embarrassed about, then so be it! "OUCH!!! Ma, what the hell was that for." I scream and rub the back of my head. She really has to stop hitting me. I'm a grown man.

"You're such an asshole Michael and I'm so ashamed to call you my son right now."

I looked away from her to see Carl coming into the Diner along with Uncle Vic and Rodney. Behind them is Ben. What the fuck are they all doing here? My question must have shown on my face because Vic walks over to Brian and Justin and pats the two of them on the back.

"I hear congratulations are in order guys. I wish you both much success and happiness."

I scowled at the two of them. Looking closely, nothing looks different between Brian and Justin. "What the fuck is he talking about? What's going on?"

Donovan took great pride in saying, "We just left the courthouse this morning Michael. As of this morning, Brian and Justin entered a Legal Domestic Partnership relationship."

"What the fuck does that mean? You know what, it doesn't matter because Brian is about to fire Justin anyway." I shake my head. I don't understand what all that law talk implies but whatever it is, Brian can get out of it. Justin has no business here. "Justin needs to go back to Connor and Brandon James where he belongs."

Justin made a move towards me but Brian stopped him, kissing his temple and holding him closely again. He really needs to let go of Justin. Before I tell him to do that Melanie interrupts me again.

"Michael there are two things that you need to know. The first is that Brian and Justin are as good as married. In fact they are even more married than straight people. Their entire lives are joined, and no, they will not be dissolving anything for anyone. Secondly, the fact that you are in possession of this photo album makes you an accessory to human trafficking."

"What? An accessory to what?" I can't believe what she's saying. Brian and Justin are more married than married heteros? Like fuck they are!

"It means that you are knowingly encouraging the wrongful and unlawful detainment of Justin Taylor at the hands of both Connor James and Brandon James. Based on this evidence and a written account provided by Justin Taylor and detailed in Brandon James' handwriting which corroborates everything in this album, you can and will be charged if you don't spill your fucking guts right now. Now where did you get the book and all of the information you are spouting?"

It just dawned on me what she said and that I could be in real trouble. I looked at Justin who had his face hidden in Brian's neck. Now that I think about it, Brian didn't seem surprised at all about the story I was telling him that Brandon had told me. Neither did any of the rest of them. What the fuck was going on? "I spent the night with Connor and Brandon last night and they told me that Justin belonged to them. That they bought him from his former master. They also told me that once Justin was back with them where he belonged, that they would buy my comic store and give it to me as payment for returning Justin to their care. Brandon also said that Brian would be free and clear because when seeing the pictures live and in color, there was no way that Brian would want their sex slave to stay with him especially not with a young impressionable son named Gus."

"What the fuck?!" Brian exploded, scaring everyone within the Diner. "How the fuck do they know about Gus? Melanie you didn't tell me that Lindsay spoke Gus's name aloud to them. They will surely do some digging to find out your name as well."

"There's a good possibility that they will, but I didn't hear Lindsay mention Gus's name. In fact, most of the talk was only of the new baby she wants, the child support you already pay for your son and then the call to the clinic in which she lied about her son having taken ill some time ago, which resulted in her and her husband wanting another child, in case there's another problem with marrow or some shit. She definitely didn't mention his name when I was listening and I doubt that Ron Peterson even knows it. So Michael, I know how Connor knows about Gus but how does Brandon?"

I could feel all of their eyes burning into me with their accusations. I couldn't decide whether to just leave or to stand my ground against the fucking blond kid who has now officially ruined not only my life as it is now, but also my hopes and dreams for the future. My eyes stopped on each face but when they got to Ben, I was shocked to see not only anger but pity. Seeing it made me realize just what I've lost and I can't even blame Justin for it, although publicly I will. "I told him. I was talking to Brandon about Brian and Justin and how the fucking blond was trying to take my place. I was drinking and really it just felt good to unload on a perfect stranger. I tried to talk to Emmett about it but he wouldn't listen. Maybe if he had I wouldn't be in this mess. Oh why can't that skanky blond boy ass just disappear already?! He doesn't belong!"

Brian turned to me then. And I don't think I have ever seen him look so disappointed in me, or so furious. I know that I have done some fucked up things in the past, but he never looked at me like he wants to murder me before. When he spoke, I think I shivered from the coldness in his voice. It was almost as if he was talking to the wall instead of me, his best friend.

"No Michael. It's you who doesn't belong in my life anymore. This was low, even for you. Between you and Lindsay.... You know what. I'm fucking through with you." Brian commented, shaking his head.

"What? What do you mean you're through, Brian? With me? No! You should be finished with Justin! This is all his fault. If he had just stayed with the James brothers then this wouldn't even be a conversation right now. You can't be through with me Brian. No one knows you like I do. We have a history! We are forever! Remember Brian? Always have, always will. You can't get rid of me; I won't let you! Do you hear me Brian? Listen to me! Please Brian, don't let that blond piece of shit come between us, between years of friendship. You owe me that Brian. I worked for it and have been with you all this time." I plead and can't help it as I feel the tears crowding my eyes while Brian looks through me as if I'm no longer here.

He walked over to Ma and told her that he would be in touch. Then he shook hands with Vic and Ben, rounded up Gus, Leda and Cynthia and left with Justin without so much as a backwards glance in my direction. I dried my face as Carl came over to me and told me that I was damned lucky that Brian and Justin are well off and don't need money. He said that Justin had every single right to file a lawsuit for defamation of character against me. He told me that although what I said may have been true to a degree, the fact that I was spreading rumors and drawing conclusions about a situation I knew nothing about was libelous and that I'm lucky that neither Brian or Justin felt like punching me in the fucking mouth. Then he cuffed me. It was painful and I told him to watch it. My arms are still hurting from being tied up.

I was surprised that I was being arrested and asked him why. All I did was show a couple of dirty pictures of the ‘golden boy' to Brian, which is not a crime. When Carl told me that Brandon and Connor said that I had stolen the watch from them which cost about fifteen grand, I nearly passed out. At first I argued but since I was in possession of the watch in question, I guess he was required by law not to listen to me. He read me my rights, saying that anything I say could be used against me. He told me that I have the right to an attorney and to have one present during questioning. I asked Mel and Donovan if they could represent me and they both said no since it would be a conflict of interest. Melanie is Justin's personal lawyer and Donovan is both Brian's and Kinnetik's. Fucking Justin. This is all his fault! But I couldn't say that.

Instead I looked over at Ma pleadingly. Surely she would help me. No matter what I ever did, Brian and Ma always forgave me or at the very least helped me when I was in a jam. Although her eyes are sad, she hasn't made a move to help me or stop her husband from doing his job.  Then I look at Ben who turns away from me and I think I really know what it feels like to be alone now. And I don't like the feeling at all.

Ethan's POV

I have been in Pittsburgh for two weeks, staying in a no-tell motel, still trying to catch up with Justin Taylor. At first, when I asked around about him, no one seemed to be able to tell me anything about him. He was a mystery. Sure people have seen him here or there, but not for any significant amount of time. I found out where he lives and decided to stake out the place. The odd thing was that no one, except a cleaning lady, which I'm pretty sure that Justin can not afford, was coming in or out of the building. I found that strange since he lives on a semi-busy street in the heart of the Liberty District.

While I was at a bar called Woody's last night, my luck changed. There was this dark-haired little man ranting and raving about Justin Taylor keeping company with Brian Kinney. The tall man with the complaining one at first looked bored, and then grew angry. I almost couldn't blame him; the man's voice was extremely annoying and he seemed prone to blame any and everything on Justin, when it was really Brian whom he should be blaming. God I really hate that man! I could have pointed out the many downfalls of Brian Kinney to the petulant pain in the ass with the whiny voice, but hey, if his own friend wasn't getting through to him, why should I have tried.

There was a blond watching the scene as avidly as I was, eating up every single word the brunet said. I didn't know why he seemed so interested, but whatever. As I was just about to approach the short man, I think his name was Michael, the tall blond did. I hovered and was able to catch bits and pieces of the conversation, including the fact that Kinney actually has a kid named Gus. Who the fuck would have a kid with that whore? I wonder if Jonas knew about it. Anyway, the complaints kept coming and the drinks kept flowing between the two men. The blond....for some reason he looks familiar. Familiar like I have masturbated to his picture in various ways or something. So when he said his name, I was excited that the voice was as sexy as the man himself but pissed off that the little disgruntled fuck was leaving with him.

Once Brandon and Michael left the bar, I noticed that I was being cruised. I mean seriously cruised, but then again that shouldn't be too much of a surprise since I'm famous and hot after all. I allowed the guy to approach me.

"Hey, aren't you Ethan Gold?" he asks.

I turn on my most dashing smile. Apparently this groupie has good taste. I wonder if he tastes as good as he looks. It's been ages since I've had sex and well... even though I would rather it be Justin, until such time as it is, anyone will do. "Why yes I am. And who might you be?"

"My name is William Wainwright. I believe that we both attended the Institute together although you were a music major. How's that going, by the way?"

How's that going? Is he serious? As if he didn't know. "I've released a few albums and just came back from tour not too long ago. But surely you know that."

"Actually no, I didn't. I've never really been into full orchestra-inspired classical music. I'm more of a piano fan. I find that helps me focus while painting. So what are you doing in Pittsburgh?"

I try to hold back my anger at him discounting who I am and give him a once over. Well, he seems cultured and well-groomed, even in this dingy place full of sweaty men. This was never my scene, but I figured that it was the best source of information since gay men love to gossip. But then most people- gay or straight- do, which is what Jonas used to give as the reason he couldn't be seen with me while he was dating Brian. I always suspected it was more than that, but I'll never know since he's dead now. Ah...anyway... "I came to Pittsburgh to renew an old acquaintance. Perhaps you've heard of him. His name is Justin Taylor."

If I wasn't looking carefully, I might have missed the single flash of recognition followed closely by the look of loathing which entered William's eyes. There was something definitely wrong between him and Justin. Perhaps this was my chance to find out.

"Yeah I know the fucker better than I care to."

"Scorned lover?" I asked. I just have to know.

"Not hardly and never likely. He's an asshole. Sadly though, he is also my boss, who I hope to replace very soon both in the company and his other position, beneath Brian Kinney."

Now it was my turn to have a moment of anger although I don't think my companion noticed. He appeared lost in his memories for a moment before I brought him back from his dark thoughts. Feigning nonchalance, I asked William, "What makes you so sure they are seeing each other?" I need to have more information so that I know how to proceed.

"You should see them together and then you wouldn't doubt what I'm saying. Sure Justin is hot, but I'm hotter and would make a more challenging bedmate for Brian. Justin's frigid ass probably just lays there like a dead thing while Brian humps him."

I really didn't need to hear or visualize that happening. So I asked, "What are you getting into tonight?"

He looked at me, really looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time. I couldn't tell whether he was a top or a bottom. It's so hard to tell these days. I mean take Jonas for example. I would have never known that he was anything else but a top until I saw him with Brian. There is no one getting into Brian's tight ass unless they have the jaws of life ready at their fingertips. Justin has this amazing ass but I remember seeing him in the men's room on campus once and his cock had to be at least a solid 9 inches. As for me, I'm a definite bottom. There's nothing I like more than a stiff prick up my butt...well unless it's my violin Mischa. I had to shake my thoughts clear of the residual memory of Justin's dick to pay attention to William again.

"I'm actually here with a few friends and we're heading to Babylon. You want to come?"

"It's not really my scene, but hey, I have an idea. Why don't we meet for breakfast in the morning at about 10? That should at least give you enough time to shower and change before breakfast and a growing boy has to eat right?"

He smiled at me and I have to admit, it's a really attractive smile. He's cute in a blond, boy next store sort of way. But Justin Taylor is sexy in that world-weary, been-there-done-that-seen-it-all kind of way. It doesn't hurt that he is incredibly talented and has money, which makes him worthy of me. And I will be happy to spend my time making him see that, while he opens his wallet to support me while I make his life comfortable. Living with Jonas taught me that there is a lot to be said about not having to cruise for tricks after work, especially when there is a tight ass waiting to be filled at home.

"Sure. I think I can drag myself out of bed long enough to eat. Is the Liberty Diner okay to meet?"

"No problem," I tell him. "I've been meaning to see if I can catch up with Justin there. Everyone says that he eats there sometimes." There's that ‘look' again but what does it mean? I want to ask but again it's gone and I don't want to make an enemy of a technical new friend.

"Yeah he does. His plane should be landing soon if it hasn't already."

"Oh? Where did he go?"

"Brian and Justin went to Aruba. I was supposed to go too but there was an issue with my passport being expired and a new one wouldn't have gotten here in time."

"So you've been running the office?" This guy must be pretty high up for Brian to leave his business open while he's out of the country.

"No, Brian shut down the office for the week. I had the option to work in the New York office or the one in Chicago for the week but didn't want to so he gave me the time off. Technically I got paid for doing nothing."

I laughed. "While the people who went to Aruba got paid to work AND have a vacation at the same time. I think you and I have a lot to talk about. I'll see you in the morning."

We parted ways and now I am sitting in this diner waiting on him. I can't lie, I went home and jerked off to the visual of Brandon James again. But this time in the middle of my fantasy it was Brandon, Justin and William. Needless to say the orgasm was fucking amazing.

I saw the little whiny man from last night at the bar, he came storming in like a man on a mission. He raced passed me with a pretty big book in his hand. I couldn't help but be curious and wanted to ask him about it. As soon as I made up my mind about approaching him and starting up a conversation leading to the object, William came up. I looked to where the short brunet had seated himself and headed in that direction. We ended up sitting two booths away from him because some other queers kept us from getting the booth closest to him. I mentally shrugged thinking that if I could hear a wrong note in a 300 member orchestra, then surely I could attune my ear passed all conversation to what was being said at his table.

William was regaling me about what a fun time I missed last night at Babylon. I heard but wasn't really listening to what he was saying. It seemed that as long as I made the appropriate remarks, snickered or laughed when his statement amused him, he was happy to continue talking. Brian walked in all casual, and like he owned the place. I put my head down hoping that he wouldn't notice me. The last thing I need is for everyone in the place to know our past history and that I am in reality, broke. He orders and ‘Mikey' as Brian called him, begins to tell Brian about his night with Brandon James. Apparently William has as much vested in their conversation as I do, although I don't know what for. I didn't really bother to ask. As the conversation behind us gets heated, I notice that William has taken out his cell phone. I ask him what he is doing but he shushes me and tells me to listen. I move over to the same side of the booth he's on and almost bump right into Justin and a little boy. There were also several other people in tow but I really didn't notice them. My eyes were riveted on Justin's ass encased in the most enticing pair of cargo pants. I could tell from the way they hugged his ass that they were tailored and my palms itched to touch it. The collective gasp from the other patrons including William brought me out of my reverie.

It seems that Justin and Brian have basically tied the knot and the whiny little man is none too happy about it. Fuck! I'm not too fond of the idea either and by the looks of it, neither is William. Justin was supposed to be my meal ticket and my ultimate revenge against Brian Kinney. But as I hear the conversation progress, I find myself understanding so much more about the artist and how distant he always seemed. They are speaking about Justin's past with the James brothers which is not only appalling but heartbreaking as well. I'm dying to know the full story but Michael is stopped from saying anything else by the lesbian and another guy. Apparently they are attorneys for both Brian and Justin and have told Michael that what he is in possession of is some sort of evidence. This can't be good for anyone. Another man walks in and kisses the waitress before approaching Michael who at this point is screeching at the top of his lungs because Brian has told him that their friendship is over. Brian approaches the same waitress and whispers to her that he will be in touch. His arm is still around Justin and his other hand has his son's hand firmly in it. The little boy is looking up at his father adoringly and I can't help but feel a little twinge of jealousy that Brian has everything that I don't; everything that I didn't know I wanted until this moment. He stops by and whispers, asking the blonde woman and a tall brunette to come with them while Melanie, Donovan and Ted do what they must do regarding Michael. He said he didn't want his son and husband to witness it.

I didn't know what he was speaking of until the screeching from Michael died down and his mother's husband started speaking. Unfortunately for Michael, he is being arrested on grounds of grand larceny. The watch which he said that Brandon gave him this morning as payment for showing the photo album to Brian, was reported stolen by Brandon and his brother Connor. I look over at William who is still recording all of this even though he is as shocked as I am.

When Michael was finally ushered out of the Diner in handcuffs, still protesting his innocence to his step-father, I turn back to William to ask what he intends to do. He explains to me what he knows of Connor and Brandon James in conjunction with Justin Taylor. He did some digging while his bosses were away following one of Justin's ‘ex-clients' coming in for a meeting with Kinnetik. William had heard Justin being threatened but couldn't understand why at the time, at least not all of it. I think that William is just as shocked to learn that Justin didn't whore himself out willingly, but to save his family, as I am to learn that Brian Kinney is a father.

I asked William what he intends to do with the recording and he said that he wasn't sure yet. I know that he can do one of two things: either he can blackmail Justin although finding out that Brian and Justin are married now could pose a bigger problem now that they are filthy fucking rich. Or he could try his luck and blackmail the James brothers. Whereas Brandon is out and really doesn't give a fuck what anyone thinks about it, Connor is not. In fact there are rumors that he is going to propose to some actress soon. This could either make William rich or get William killed. But what if I help him?

I know that I'm not exactly popular, but the fact is that I have been in the public eye. Furthermore, I need money. I don't have any marketable skills outside of my music and that's very limiting. With people like Justin and William, their gifts make room for them to work in a number of mediums and still live comfortably. I could become a music teacher at both the elementary and college level but that would mean taking education courses to get certified. Who the fuck has time or money for that? Not me! I'm too busy worrying about where the fuck I'm going to live. And now that my only option is married to someone else, I don't have too many other options to speak of and none that immediately come to mind.

So I put the idea out there to see if William will take the bait. I weigh all the pros and cons out for him, watching as the idea begins to take root in his head. We could put a price of two million dollars on it so that both of us make good on this deal and Connor gets to keep his reputation; basically everyone walks away happy. William tells me that he will think it over and let me know tonight. He has to get to the office even though he isn't sure if Brian and Justin will be there. It was then that I noticed that he is dressed in a suit. I ask him if he minds the company since I need to speak with Brian about some personal business. I then explain my history with Mr. Kinney and he looks at me with newfound respect. Perhaps there won't be a need to blackmail anyone once I finish with Brian.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lindsay's POV

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and accomplished, ready to begin my day. I noticed that Mel didn't sleep next to me but that isn't exactly unusual. If she has been working late, she usually sleeps in the guest room or in her office so that she doesn't wake me. Gus isn't up yet, so I'm taking this opportunity to have a cup of coffee in peace. A rare and momentous occasion indeed.

I can't help but think back to last night. All of my hopes and dreams for my future are coming together rather nicely. It was a joy to see Daddy after all this time. Perhaps after Brian and I get married, he and I can spend time together the way we used to when I was younger. Last night made me realize how much I miss being Daddy's protege.

Speaking of Brian, I am really looking forward to getting to the clinic. I was so happy to find out that they still have the sample Brian had originally given to Mel and I in case Gus didn't take the first time. But what can I say... Gus has both mine and Brian's DNA, he was bound and determined to be a little overachiever. I can't help but feel pride in that. Sometimes I wonder if Mel had a dick and was able to get me pregnant would Gus be as perfect or more perfect than he is now. But then I discard the notion because whereas Mel is successful, she will never be Brian.

That thought sticks with me as I take my shower and get dressed before going inside Gus's room to wake him. I still find it a little odd that he hasn't woken up yet. He's usually up with the birds or if he sleeps late, he at least comes down when he smells coffee. He is his father's son after all. I call him and there isn't an answer. The covers are over his head but that's how he sleeps. I walk over to the bed, still calling him softly and joking about the tickle monster which usually gets him giggling and wiggling even though he's still pretending to be asleep. I begin at the foot of the bed, giving warnings that the tickle monster is going to get his little toes. I don't hear any movement. So I go straight for his sides and get a handful of pillow. I pulled back the covers and notice that all the pillows and quilts have been strategically placed. Automatically I know that Gus is with Mel. I look in the guest room and notice that the bed hasn't been slept in. It is exactly the same way that I remade the bed the night before last. Mel can't make the bed like I can so it's easy to tell my work from hers.

I'm not going to lie. I want to know what the fuck is going on. Even if Mel was going to take him out and let me sleep, she would have left a note. When I check Gus' room, the kitchen, her office, and our bedroom, there isn't one. I call her cell phone which just goes straight to voicemail. Understand that I know that she wouldn't let anything happen to Gus, but I'm still his mother and deserve to be notified when MY child is being taken somewhere. When I call Mel's office, I'm told that she hasn't been in yet and that she may not be in until mid-afternoon. I ask if she is out on assignment and the secretary laughed and told me that I could say that but didn't elaborate. I call Brian to find out if he knows what's going on but I get his voicemail too. When I call Kinnetik, that bitch's voice comes over the receiver telling us that the offices are still closed but will reopen at ten this morning. I guess with Brian just coming back from Aruba, he would demand a late start. Ted should be in New York so I don't bother with him.

I look at the clock and realize that I have to get to my appointment. So I leave a note for Mel telling her that I want to speak with her when I get back and that she and Gus better be here. For my dealings with Mel lately, I'm beginning to understand why my mother ruled her house with an iron fist. Nothing went on within the Peterson household without Nancy Peterson knowing about it. Perhaps that's the problem between Mel and I. I've allowed her too much freedom. Perhaps it's time to adopt the WASP methods of household management. I can certainly micromanage better than that old bat.

Arriving at the clinic, I am delighted to be taken in right away. I guess they may have had a look at my chart from the last time when I faked a panic attack in front of people to be taken in the back faster. Hell, even Melanie had been fooled. I never told her differently but on my visits after that, I was always taken in right away. Amazing what can happen when you're a blonde and people mistake you for being weak.

Dr. Emory comes in and performs the usual perfunctory exam. He feels my breasts checking for lumps and I get another good look of how attractive he is. I can't help my body's natural reaction to the way he smells and the way his green eyes sparkle when he asks me questions about my last pregnancy. As he palpates my uterus, I can't help but feel like I want his hands to go lower. He isn't looking into my eyes anymore but at my vag which I know is dripping wet by now. He looks like he is tempted to do the dirty with me but suddenly recalls that he is my doctor and there is such a thing called medical ethics. He turns away from me and begins to write up his report as he asks me questions about my medical history. It was then that I realize that I am long overdue for my twenty-four hour dick-a-thon but it will have to wait. Right now I'm too focused on making sure that I get pregnant with Brian's baby.

After I get dressed and leave the inner offices, I head up to the front to make my next appointment. I hear a familiar voice at the front desk asking if I had been inseminated yet. What the fuck?! No one should know about that except Daddy, Craig, and Connor, and I don't believe that any of them would tell on me. The nurse asks for verification of who the visitor is and Melanie pulls out her license and information. I had forgotten to take her off my records as my medical proxy, a situation that will be rectified immediately.

I tell the nurse that Mel is no longer allowed access to my records as I stand beside my irate partner. Mel sneers at me and asks if the procedure occurred yet. I remind her that she should know better than anyone that I have to go through a round of tests before it can happen, but by this time on Friday, the process will officially start. When she chuckled and told me to think again, I wanted to slap her, but it was a good thing that I didn't, because out of the corner of my eye I noticed Brian's lawyer with her. I asked what he was doing there, but before he could answer, Justin Taylor walked in and said that he was making sure that his husband's sperm wasn't going to enter my twat. He produced a signed affidavit which he walked over and handed to the nurse at the desk. Reading it, she asked if he was sure. When I asked what she meant, Justin took great pleasure in telling me that Brian had ordered his sample destroyed, and that Melanie, who was his attorney, and Donovan, who was Brian's, were there to make sure it happened.

Dr. Emory came out of his office to ask about the commotion. I explained that the three of them were trying to make trouble for me and my husband to have another child. I took pride in the way Justin bristled at my statement but it didn't last long. Both Donovan and Melanie told me that Brian and Justin had signed the Legal Domestic Partnership papers earlier this morning and by the time I was supposed to be inseminated, they would basically be legally tied together until death do they part. Melanie and I hadn't even made that kind of commitment to each other, and yet Brian has? With Justin? I couldn't get my head around the fact that my own wife had betrayed me.

Before I could protest further, Justin handed me copies of all the documentation in case I wanted to ask my own attorney about it, and also a restraining order preventing me from contacting Brian and Gus. It was signed by the new Chief of Police and looked to be ironclad. Melanie told me that while I was busy here, she had taken the liberty of hiring movers. Since most of what I owned was bought and paid for by either Melanie or Brian, she advised them of what possessions of mine to pack and that they would be waiting for me after my bus ride home. Since the car and everything else was in her name, she made it impossible for me to claim anything.

I ran out of the doctor's office feeling at my lowest, but also vengeful. I went inside the bank, determined to withdraw every last cent out of the account. Imagine my surprise when I was told that my fucking card no longer worked, and that I had been taken off of the accounts as of this morning. It turns out that Mel was within her rights to do that as well. Don't I have any fucking rights? For almost ten years I have been with the bitch and pushed her to become who she is today, but this is the thanks I get? I will not take this shit lying down. I pulled out my cell phone intent on calling my father only to hear the fucking pleasant automated voice tell me that my phone was only operable to call 911 if this was an emergency. FUCK YES! This is an emergency but I couldn't use 911 for that. What the fuck am I supposed to do?

I looked down at the papers in my hands. According to the restraining order, I am not to be within 50 feet of Brian, Justin, Gus or Melanie at any given time nor their places of residence or businesses. If I approach them, I can be immediately arrested. On Gus' paperwork Brian had cited ‘Endangerment of a Minor Child.' What the fuck was he talking about? If anyone had endangered Gus it was him and Melanie, having let him in the presence of a known prostitute named Justin Taylor. It doesn't matter what he is now, it's who and what he STILL is as far as I'm concerned dammit! They also included a copy of the child support order and highlighted that as long as Gus was in the home, support would be paid, but since he was no longer with me, all payments ceased. The final kick in my ass though was the last document stating that Mel had signed her rights back over to Brian. What the fuck?! How could she do that without talking to me? There must be some law that wouldn't allow it to be so simple but if there was....fuck that BITCH! She is going to pay. They ALL are going to pay!!! But first I have to find a way to get rid of that fucking Justin Taylor. If I can't have Brian, that fucking blond won't either!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

William's POV

Mr. Ethan Gold, does think that I don't know what he is doing. He's using me for connections and information about Brian and Justin. I saw his face when Justin's lawyer said that for all intents and purposes Brian and Justin are married. Was I a little disappointed? Sure. It means that I can't hit on Brian anymore without Justin being able to stick his unwanted opinion into it. There are boundaries, that although they didn't get me anywhere the first time I tried, I definitely can't cross them now. If there was any doubts about how Brian feels about Justin, there certainly aren't now. He was possessive and attentive even as the man known as Brian's former best friend verbally assassinated Justin's character inside the Diner. Brian cares more for the little blond  than either of them realize.

While Ethan and I were walking to Kinnetik and I was detailing my options to him, I looked up just what a Legal Domestic Partnership meant. In short, it means that Brian and Justin are forever. In long list of legal terms paraphrased, it means that everything Brian owns is now Justin's and vice versa. They are like their own corporation and the only way to get out of it is to pretty much liquidate everything and start from scratch. Since they were already super rich on their own- yeah I investigated Justin's assets so what?- together they are now uber-rich. If Ethan thinks that he can still win Justin away from Brian with his corny prose and pretensions, he should rethink that theory quick, fast and in a hurry. Even if he was the most charming motherfucker on the planet, I doubt that Justin Taylor would consider Ethan Gold as anything more than a bump on the road to his continuing success. Fuck, I'd have more of a chance, even though Justin and I can't stand each other. At least he would know I'm honest; Ethan isn't.

Which leads me to my current dilemma. As I Ieft Ethan in the lobby with Brian's super-sassy secretary Cynthia, I have to admit that I am giving serious thought to the options he laid out. I already know that I can't overtly threaten Justin with exposure. At this point his money will allow him to do whatever the hell he wants short of murder- and it might even cover that too. The most Justin has to lose is his reputation, and let's face it, Brian Kinney, along with the help of his staff, buys those every single day for products. Putting the man's genius with Justin's talent will only make them more successful. Therefore the only two options that are really left to me are blackmailing Connor James, or selling the story and footage to Entertainment Tonight, Star Magazine or that new show called Xtra on NBC. If the innuendo is out there, that is guaranteed money.

Most people would wonder why I would do such a thing. My answer is simple. I'm fucking greedy. Hey, I know my moral limitations, but this kind of greed was not forged overnight. Most would never know that Brian and I had similar pasts. He's worked hard to achieve everything he has; I can respect that. But me... well I just don't have that kind of time. I want to write my own destiny right now. I've earned it, having to grow up with crackhead parents. In fact I've already worked my fucking heart out earning a scholarship to the Institute. Consequently, the professors were harder on me than the paying students, thinking that I was just a fucking charity case that they let in because the Administration had a moral conscience. I'll give it to Justin...he's fucking brilliant at what he does. But I've felt like I've been chasing him all this time to no avail. Having money will allow me to do what I want to do for a change. I've earned that. If selling this story or blackmailing a celebrity is the fastest way to do that then so be it.

I feel eyes watching me from the doorway of the Art Department and I know who is there without even turning around.

"You and I need to get something straight Wainwright,"Justin tells me, before advancing further into the room.

"Look Taylor...I'm not sure this is the proper time or place to ‘get things straight' as you call it. I'm trying to prepare for work before the others get here." There I said what needed to be said. Now I wish he would just go and leave me to my thoughts.

"It's precisely why I want to speak to you before the others get here. Although we had fun in Aruba, there was and still is a lot of work to be done on these campaigns. We didn't just acquire one division of Renaissance Hotels. We now have the whole kit and caboodle. That said, I need to know that you are on board. There's no place for anything other than work here, so if you have a gripe with me, let's hash that out now while we're alone."

Okay... So I can respect the fact that he is willing to clear the air between us before the other staff arrives but... "What's there to talk about?"

He dropped his eyes before he said softly, "I saw you in the Diner this morning. I need to know if you are going to try to hold that situation against me."

So that's what he is worried about. "And if I do? What then?" I know it's not nice or prudent to poke the beast but I just gotta know how far he is willing to go to defend himself.

"Then nothing. I just need to know so that I can protect myself from the emotional fallout. There are many pieces to this puzzle that you haven't heard about or understand. So much more than what that idiot Michael spouted. He was only parroting what he'd been told and even that wasn't all the way accurate. It was so much..."

He turned away from me before turning back and looking at me square in the eye. And I knew in that moment that no matter what I had been through, Justin Taylor had been through and is going through much worse even now. "You won't have any problems out of me in terms of my work Justin."

"That's good to know. And in terms of everything else?" There was no need to voice what it was he was really concerned about.

Perhaps it was the look in his eyes that made me want to tell him what my plans are- I'll never know- but I outlined my plan to him, watching his eyes get bigger and bigger. When Justin speaks he is damn near begging me not to do it. He says that he may not like me but would rather dislike me while I'm breathing. I asked him what he meant by that. He made me swear that I wouldn't tell anyone and when I did, he told me of a friend of his that had tried to save him and where he ended up which was dead. I was amazed, although I shouldn't be, that Justin still carries the guilt of Jason Kemp's death with him. He also told me that with luck this situation would be made public within the scope of the law and that Connor's exposure could taint the evidence of what he and Brandon did. My parents are now serving time for a double homicide which they almost got away with because of a technicality, so I understand what he means. I told him that I would think seriously about what he has said and then we leave it at that for now. But I know just like I'm sitting here, this is not the end of the conversation. Not by a long shot.

The others began to drift in and it's time for me to listen to all they have seen and heard during their work-cation. Based on their tone with me, I have a lot of fences to mend. But I'll do it if for no other reason than I could have been Justin Taylor, had I not gotten out from under my own parents. It's ironic how now that I know the truth about him, I can see that he really isn't all that bad of a person even if he is an arrogant and bossy little fucker. Well that just means that we'll bump heads often and work will never be boring. I guess there are some advantages to not being born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Justin's life is proof of that.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Brian's POV

It has already been the morning from hell and it isn't even eleven yet. I thought when Justin and I signed the papers and fucked, that we would get at least a few hours to take a deep breath and absorb it all. I mean, fuck, we are as married as two people can get. We became our own corporation... Taylor-Kinney Corp. I'll admit it has a nice ring to it. This is something that I never even considered, even with Jonas, especially with Jonas.  But despite what Justin may think or feel, I don't regret any of it. I've known pretty much from the beginning that Justin was special, and hearing the truth just proved how much. I've known abuse, physically, mentally and emotionally but I don't know if I could have survived what he has and still come out of it both determined and sane.  Which brings me to the subject of  rationally insane Lindsay.

Ever met someone who has completely reasonable concepts, but a warped way of achieving them? No? Well neither did I until Mel spelled out Lindsay's ‘plan' for my life. Ordinarily, I would say Lindsay is on the crazy train to Nowhere-ville fast and yet she is completely in her right mind. She isn't delusional, even mildly so, like Michael is, unwilling or unable to see the changes that I have undergone since leaving for New York five years ago. No... Lindsay is cold and calculating in ways that I would have never perceived her capable of, and yet faced with the evidence of her perfidy, I can't disregard it anymore. I told Mel that I want Lindsay as far away from me and Gus as possible and Mel came up with this idea.  

Mel told me that she was going to request a meeting with her mentor, who had become a judge just after I left for New York. She wants to restore my parental rights and actually has for a long time. Melanie officially became Daphne's patient a few weeks ago, around the time that I met Justin, and the younger told Melanie that if there was something in her life that was keeping her from being the best her that she could be, then it was time to drop the weight. Ironically Mel had been to the doctor earlier that week and was told that she was slowly being poisoned. Her blood work showed traces of arsenic, that were slowly being increased over time. That was a shock to hear, but Mel had an ulterior motive for telling me. Melanie doesn't want Gus anywhere near Lindsay except for supervised visitation at the most. Any woman who would use her child consistently as a bargaining chip was not looking out for the child's best interests. Nor was someone who is intentionally trying to off her partner. I asked Mel how much her life insurance policy was worth and nearly keeled over from the figure that Mel gave me. If Lindsay had been able to succeed in killing Melanie, she would have been seven million dollars richer. Part of that money is from Mel rolling over her dad's policy into her own which was initially 3.5 million. Lindsay's behavior had always walked a fine line between bitchy and unstable, which I could handle. But this is something that just can't be ignored anymore. Her greed rules everything and comes before everything, including our son and it is far from healthy. But either way, I'm glad that Mel is restoring my rights to Gus, even if I'm not particularly happy for the reason.

We had all decided to meet up at the Diner after Mel and Donovan took care of things at the courthouse this morning. I decided to go in a little earlier. I really wanted to speak with Deb and make sure that she was brought up to speed on everything before the gay grapevine had a chance to buzz with the news. Unfortunately for me, Michael was there too. I remembered what Mel had told me and whose company Michael had spent the night in. I knew, seeing the subtle dark circles under his eyes and bruises around his neck but glee in his eyes, that whatever Michael had to endure for whatever was causing the joy in his eyes, did not bode well for Justin or me.

I greeted him with the same ‘Hey Mikey' of many years passed and I swear the man looked like a puppy about to pee on himself. When he moved to kiss me, I turned my head allowing his lips, which I'm sure had been all over Brandon's dick and possibly Connor's too, to rest briefly on my cheek before pushing him back to his side of the booth. Had I been thinking at the moment, I would have told him to switch sides but I just wanted to get the impromptu meeting out of the way. I did not need Michael spouting his bullshit in Justin's presence, especially not the details of his time with the James brothers. Michael told me everything that happened in graphic detail and I wondered where Michael Novotny, my childhood friend, had gone. I tuned out most of the acts he was describing so that I wouldn't get sick to my stomach. I had mastered the art of looking like I was hearing Michael but not listening to him long ago and he had never been able to tell the difference. It wasn't until I registered the bell on the door behind me, the words Justin and property in the same sentence, and the photo album suddenly being flipped open at my fingertips, that my attention was fully engaged once again.

With every word Michael spoke and every image which assaulted my sight, I felt like choking the bile out of Michael. I remembered reading the written account of other names, and descriptions of the vilest sexual depravity imaginable when Justin let me view Connor and Brandon's journal but to see the images in graphic detail not only made my stomach turn and my heart ache but it conjured up every feeling of rage within the cells of my body. I wanted nothing more than to become the violence that I felt welling inside of me and destroy everything in my path, beginning with my so-called ‘best friend' and ending with the maniacs who started all this. I wondered if I could get away with the Temporary Insanity defense and vowed to ask Melanie about it later. The gasps behind me brought me out of my murderous reverie.

Suddenly all my focus was on Justin. I watched as his normally pale skin drained of all color as Michael kept loudly declaring what he had been told. I have to give Justin credit though. He hadn't fainted or faltered, just stood there stoically as Michael categorized his ‘supposed' faults as if they were gospel, and spewed incriminations loud enough for all in the Diner to hear. It wasn't until Michael told him that he belonged to Brandon and Connor that Justin moved. I think that if I hadn't been there, Michael wouldn't have survived the encounter. I listened to Mel explain to Michael what Justin and I had done that morning and listened to his denials and bleating about me ousting Justin from my life. It hurt, but after hearing about Lindsay and being faced with Michael's treachery, I was done. These are not the type of people I want in my life- the kind where I always have to watch my actions and words that can be misinterpreted. Who wants to live always wondering what the people who supposedly know you best are thinking and what motivates them? I don't...not any longer .

Justin is coming back in the office, followed by Cynthia. I know that Ethan Gold is here but I decided that I didn't want to see the fucker without my husband- God will I ever get used to that?- present. Gold is NOT to be trusted under any circumstances. And something tells me that it's especially true in lieu of how today has already started.

Justin moved to settle into the chair in front of my desk but I motioned him to sit on my lap. I asked him how it went with William in the art department. Justin filled me in on the decision William is trying to make about what to do with the video he made at the Diner. Justin is scared for Wainwright and knowing what I know now, I can't say that I blame him. I can't quite figure out what motivates the little fucker, other than his obvious greed. His unpredictability is scary but Justin says that's what makes his art good. I still don't understand the rivalry between them- must be some sensitive artist bullshit- but if it keeps Kinnetik lucrative and they can put aside their problems, then I won't step in and fire William Wainwright.

Once Justin is sitting comfortably, I tell Cynthia to let that idiot waiting for me into the office. Justin moves his ass tightly against my crotch and I can't help the little moan that escapes me. There is nothing in the world like Justin's ass. It's plump and so fucking squeezable. When I'm inside of him I feel like I want to spend and then fall asleep inside the softest place on earth. Yeah, I'm a fucking lesbian- where the fuck did my balls just disappear to? Justin moves again and I'm reminded just how my balls work and how they feel in the palm of his talented hands; in his mouth. I bite my lip to calm myself, adding a little pain to bring me back into focus. Justin sees it and presses his plush lips against mine. Just as he's about to deepen the kiss, we're interrupted by loud throat clearing. I turn my attention to the object of disgust while keeping Justin perched right where his is.

"Well Eck, to what do I owe this displeasure?" I let the contempt I feel for him lace my voice with venom. I will never understand what Jonas saw in it...I mean him.

"Surely you can speak with a civilized tongue in your head Brian. But that just goes to show that what I've been saying is true. Money can't buy class."

"And yet Eck, that is EXACTLY why you are here. Because you want what will never be yours."

His eyes widened at me. "What are you talking about? All I want is what Jonas promised me."

Does he really take me for a fool? He licks his lips every time he looks at Justin. It's time that I show him that I'm not blind nor generous. "Let's not play asshole Eck. You aren't smart enough and idiocy doesn't cultivate patience with me. Let me be clear here. You want Justin...too fucking bad, he's taken and he's mine. You want what Jonas supposedly promised you? Too fucking bad, it's mine. He had no right to promise you anything that belonged to me, and that includes the condo which your stuff- such as it is- is in danger of finding a new home on the curb. You have wasted your time in coming here. So I would suggest that you take yourself back to New York and begin looking for a new place to live. But to show you that I am a somewhat charitable human being, I'll extend your deadline by two days. Keep in mind that I don't owe you any courtesy and haven't from the beginning."

I watched as Eck sputtered while I was speaking. It took everything in me not to laugh at his imitation of a drenched cat.  He was twitching and stuttering about the unfairness of it all. But his last words still hung in the air by the time I was through.

"You'll be sorry Brian. You will live to regret this!"

"I highly doubt that but I'm curious to know how." He looked at Justin again and I suddenly knew what he was planning. "Do it and it will be your funeral Igor. Trust me on this, this isn't a game that you want to play."

He pulled himself up to his full height and stuck out his chin. "For the last fucking time Brian, call me by my name. Ethan...Ethan...ETHAN!! And I'll decide what games I want to play, NOT YOU!"

I wanted to reason with him, not for my sake or even Justin's, but for his own. I think Justin really made some headway talking to Wainwright man-to-man and laying it all out on the line for him to make an informed decision. I decide to try to do the same with this scuzzbucket. "What you are about to do is so much bigger than just the two main stars, E...Ethan... There are some really dangerous people in some very high places that you are about to fuck with. Take my advice and leave it alone."

"Or?" That fucking defiance again.

I shake my head. "Or make sure that your medical insurance is paid up and you pick a funeral home. The least you can do is have your arrangements already made in case someone actually finds you." Perhaps my last statement hit its mark because I actually see the flash of fear enter his eyes just before it disintegrates into hate again.

"I'll take my chances," he tells me and leaves my office.

I look at Justin who in turn is looking at me with wide eyes. He is as in shock as I am of how nonchalantly Ethan took the warning I gave him. We decide to call Mel and tell her that there is a shitstorm about to hit our case...and his name is Ethan Gold.