Candy Hearts, Vol. 2

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

DMITRI

“Okay, Brody, I’m here. Now tell me what the hell was so important that I had to leave the foundry?”

Dmitri stalked his way to the back room. Today had not been going well. Instead of meeting with clients as planned, he’d had to go to the foundry because a piece of equipment had broken. He’d sent Brody to the showroom to take care of his appointments while he dealt with getting his production line up and running again, only to have Brody start blowing up his phone about forty-five minutes ago.

“I have no idea what was so urgent it couldn’t wait. Sometimes I have to wonder…”

The words died in Dmitri’s mouth as Morgan stepped out from the curtains, and his feet stopped moving. He literally blinked then rubbed his eyes, convinced the man standing in front of him was an illusion.

“It’s you,” he said, immediately appalled at his lack of eloquence.

Morgan smiled. “Yeah, it is.”

“How the hell did you find me?”

“Funny story, that,” Brody said as he stepped through the curtains. “Mister Morgan here uses a different name for his real estate business. Goes by the name of Spencer Ellis. Which is why even my superior stalking skills weren’t able to find him. But then he shows up here today because the Covingtons were taking for-fucking-eh-ver to choose a piece, and he,” Brody nodded at Morgan, “is their real estate agent. Had some papers for them to sign, then helped them finally make a decision.” Again he nodded at Morgan. “Brilliant move, by the way, telling them the necklace matched the view from their bedroom. I wholeheartedly approve, especially since Madrigal was the most expensive piece they were considering.”

“Brody!” Dmitri rolled his eyes. They never talked about the price of the pieces. It was rule number one. “Have I taught you nothing?”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I figured I’ve earned some extra points today. And with that in mind, I’m going to take off so the two of you can…” Brody smirked, “get to know each other. Finally.”

Dmitri shook his head as Brody swept back into the office, but didn’t take his eyes off Morgan until Brody returned with his messenger bag slung over his shoulder. He nodded at Morgan. “Good luck with this one. He pretends he’s a grumpy bear, but he’s really a sweetheart once you get beneath the bluster.” Then he crossed to Dmitri and stood in front of him. “Now, tell me I did good and that I can take the rest of the day off.”

“One of these days, Brody.”

“Yes, but today is not that day. You’re welcome, Dimi.”

“Thank you, Brody, you may take the rest of the day off.”

Brody curtsied to him, then turned to Morgan. “I hope you have a great evening, and I’m glad this one can stop glowering at me every time I have to tell him I haven’t been able to find you.” He smirked at Dmitri as he walked past, but Dmitri didn’t turn as Brody exited the showroom, he only had eyes for Morgan. He waited until the door closed behind Brody, and he and Morgan were alone in the space.

“So this is yours,” Morgan said, gesturing at the space. “You do amazing work.”

“Thank you.” Dmitri cleared his throat, unexpectedly anxious and unsure of himself. His usual confidence and sense of control in most situations had deserted him as soon as Morgan appeared from behind the curtain, and he had no idea what to do. The ease with which he and Morgan had talked at dinner was nowhere to be found, and that made him twice as uncomfortable. He cleared his throat again. “You’re here.”

Morgan laughed, his eyes lighting up with humor. “Yes, and you are, too. I think we’ve established that.” Without moving forward, Morgan shifted on his feet. It drew Dmitri’s eye from Morgan’s face downward, and he only had time to note how good Morgan looked before the man spoke again and knocked the breath from Dmitri’s body. “I was looking for you, too, you know. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” Another laugh while Dmitri tried to remember how to draw air into his lungs. “I tried going out with the guy I was supposed to meet that night, but there wasn’t anything there.”

“Good.” Dmitri’s response was gruff, and Morgan laughed again. Morgan should always be laughing or smiling, Dmitri thought. It made his entire being light up, and the effect it had on him was astounding. He wanted to feel this way forever.

“Why did you tell me you knew how to find me?” Morgan asked. “Because obviously that wasn’t true.”

“No, it wasn’t. I thought I was meeting someone else as well. Someone…” Dmitri took in a deep breath wondering how much he should tell Morgan, and if the truth would cause Morgan to walk out the door.

“You know, Brody poured a couple of glasses of whisky but didn’t have time to touch his before you arrived. Do you mind if I…” Morgan nodded toward the curtain.

Dmitri smiled. “Highland Park 15?” he asked, then snorted as Morgan nodded. “Brody poured that for me. It’s my favorite. Or at least it has become so after our dinner.” When Morgan raised an eyebrow, Dmitri continued, “It’s what you ordered, so I had to try it. You have good taste.”

“Thank you. I think.”

Morgan turned and passed through the curtain into the office, which gave Dmitri a moment to catch his breath again. He crossed the floor to the sofa and sat, gathering his thoughts about what to tell Morgan about that night, and summoning his courage to explain everything.

“Please sit,” Dmitri said when Morgan returned with the two glasses. He patted the cushion next to his own and felt his heart race when Morgan came around the coffee table and sat close enough that their knees brushed. He raised his glass to Morgan’s. “To what I hope becomes a good night,” he said.

Morgan touched his glass to Dmitri’s. “To a good night,” he said before bringing the glass to his mouth and taking a sip. He closed his eyes, and Dmitri watched as Morgan savored the whisky, as completely captivated by the man as he had been during their dinner. Everything about Morgan enthralled him from his gorgeous face to his elegant hands. The cut of this suit—so much better than the one Morgan had worn to dinner—gave hints of the body it clothed, and Dmitri wondered if he would get a chance to discover if his imagination did justice to the reality. He hoped he would as desire and attraction had him close to trembling.

It wasn’t only the physical, though. Dmitri had known, dated, and bedded any number of attractive men over the years. His business often put him in proximity to models and celebrities, some of whom had graced the covers of magazines proclaiming them the sexiest man alive. With Morgan, it went beyond what he looked like. Their conversation at dinner had been lively and ranged over a multitude of subjects, and Morgan had surprised Dmitri over and over with his insight and intelligence, his wit and the ease with which they talked.

What had bothered him most of all when he realized he might never see Morgan again was the loss of that connection. Now, he had another chance, but he was at a loss as to how to start.

Dmitri took a sip of his own whisky, the flavor bursting on his tongue full of earth and fruit, a bit of smoke, then mellowing into vanilla and apples, and finishing with caramel and a lingering sense of heat. It warmed his belly and reminded him of what it had been like to kiss Morgan. He wanted that again. With a deep breath, Dmitri prayed that this didn’t backfire and went with the truth.

“The person I was supposed to be meeting,” Dmitri began. “It was a business meeting, arranged by…” He shook his head. “It doesn’t really matter, but I was meeting a young man I wanted to hire to accompany me to parties and events.”

“An escort?” Morgan asked with a frown.

“If you will, yes. I was expecting to meet someone who was attractive and could show off my jewelry to its best effect without the complications of a romantic relationship. I’ve done this for years. It’s…easier.”

“Do you sleep with these…” Morgan trailed off and shook his head.

“Associates,” Dmitri offered. “And no. Not all of them. Sometimes, there’s been a spark, and only if it’s mutual. A few have turned into short-term relationships. My most recent associate is now engaged to someone he met at one of last year’s parties, so this arrangement often has its perks for both of us.”

“But you’ve never been interested in something long-term.”

It wasn’t a question, and Dmitri was brutally honest. “No.” He took another sip of his whisky. “But then there was you. At the restaurant. Obviously waiting for someone, so I thought you were there for me. I didn’t get the message that my actual appointment had cancelled until I contacted Analisse to let her know she’d outdone herself this time because the man I’d just had dinner with was perfect in every way imaginable.” Dmitri grimaced. “She nearly laughed herself sick.”

Morgan leaned forward bringing their thighs into closer contact. “Perfect for your business? Or perfect for?—”

“Perfect,” Dmitri said and lifted his chin so he could stare into Morgan’s eyes. “Just simply perfect. In every single way.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, oh.”

“Brody showed me your sketches.”

Dmitri’s chin dropped to his chest. “I will have to have words with him. Those drawings aren’t…” He shook his head and looked back at Morgan. “You inspired me. I haven’t been able to design anything without seeing it on you in some way since we met.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Morgan said.

“You should.” Dmitri shook his head. “No one else has ever affected me as much as you have.”

Morgan blushed as he stared at the liquid in his glass. “The feeling is mutual,” he said quietly, then looked up and met Dmitri’s eye. “I’m not sure how I feel about you thinking I was a paid escort, but that kiss we shared was amazing.”

“It was for me as well.”

“But then you took off.”

“Something I deeply, deeply regretted as soon as I realized I had no way to find you again, but I am adamant about having a signed contract with any of the associates I work with. You have no idea how much I wanted to keep kissing you.”

Morgan studied Dmitri for a moment, then shook his head. “I’m still not sure how I feel about you thinking I was an escort, and the fact that you wanted me…it’s confusing. It’s not that I think there’s anything wrong with sex work as long as it’s consensual. And you say you don’t expect that of your…associates.”

“I don’t. Ever. It’s not a part of our contract.”

“But I still don’t understand why you need to hire someone. You’re a successful and attractive man. I’m sure you could have your pick of anyone you want.”

Again, Dmitri was confronted with the issue of how much to disclose about himself, and again, he opted for the full truth. “It’s convenience, mainly.” Morgan’s stare made Dmitri shift on the couch, made him turn more fully toward Morgan. “But probably not in the way you might think.” Dmitri took a sip of his drink, then put the glass on the coffee table before leaning back. “I had a partner several years ago when I was just starting out. He was a romantic partner as well as a business one, though the business was mine. I did the designs, he did the forging. When we broke up, he tried to ruin me by claiming my work was his and spreading rumors about me. It took a lot of effort to repair the damage he did. Doing what I do means there’s no chance of my business being in danger. The young men sign a contract. I pay them for their time. Everything is spelled out, so there are no misunderstandings. Once our association becomes physical, I don’t use them as models anymore.”

“You have rules,” Morgan said.

“Yes, I do.”

“Will you have rules for me as well?” Morgan asked, a playful note breaking through his serious tone.

Dmitri smiled. “Only if you want them.” He extended his hand toward Morgan and was thrilled when Morgan took hold of it. “But, you should know you make me want to break all of the ones I have for myself.”

“Brody said you’ve been grumpy.”

The statement brought a bark of laughter from Dmitri. “I must speak to him about being so forthcoming with my personal information.”

Morgan squeezed Dmitri’s hand. “Don’t. It’s clear he cares about you and wants to see you happy, and that makes it easier for me to trust you.”

“Is that a difficult thing for you?”

“More difficult since my last breakup.” Morgan shrugged. “It wasn’t pretty or easy, and my ex is an asshole I hope never to see again.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Dmitri said, and Morgan made a small noise of acknowledgement.

They fell into silence, Morgan watching as Dmitri’s thumb stroked over the pulse point on his wrist, Dmitri feeling Morgan’s heart rate increase as his breathing hitched every now and then, and a shiver ran up Morgan’s arm. Electricity sparked beneath Dmitri’s skin, and he licked his lips, gratified when Morgan’s gaze focused on his lips.

“I’d like to kiss you again,” Dmitri said, his voice husky, body tensing for rejection. But Morgan didn’t pull away. He leaned forward to put his glass on the table, then settled against Dmitri’s side.

“I’d like that too,” he said and raised his chin.

They flowed against each other as if they had done this numerous times instead of only once on a sidewalk. Morgan’s tongue flicked along Dmitri’s lips, a tease that begged for more, and Dmitri gave it gladly. He cupped Morgan’s face between his hands, pressed his mouth more firmly to Morgan’s, his tongue following as Morgan’s retreated.

Their first kiss had been tentative before it turned electrifying, surprising Dmitri with its intensity. This one surprised him again, but not because the way it made him feel was unexpected. Instead, what shocked him was how easily he lost himself in the feel of Morgan as he leaned against him, the taste of his mouth, the quiet whimpers he made, and how very, very much he wanted to feel more of Morgan.

As if reading his mind, Morgan rose up without breaking contact with Dmitri’s mouth, then straddled Dmitri’s legs and resettled himself in his lap. They both groaned as Morgan’s weight pressed against Dmitri, but still the kiss continued.

Now, Morgan’s hands roamed freely. Face, neck, throat, gentle tugs as Morgan undid Dmitri’s tie then unbuttoned his shirt. They both gasped as Morgan’s hands touched Dmitri’s chest, and Morgan rocked back slightly, breaking the kiss. Dmitri would have protested if Morgan wasn’t openly admiring what he’d uncovered.

“You’re gorgeous,” Morgan whispered as he ran his fingers over Dmitri’s pecs, following the lines of muscle down the center of his chest, tracing his abs, teasing at his treasure trail but not going any lower though Dmitri rocked his hips to indicate he wanted it.

Dmitri took the moment of Morgan’s distraction to push his suit jacket off his shoulders then loosen his tie and unbutton the crisp, white shirt. “Only fair,” he murmured as Morgan’s lightly furred chest came into view. Tight, rosy nipples peeked from a nest of sandy blond hair that matched the waves on Morgan’s head. Running his hands up Morgan’s back, Dmitri pressed against the smooth expanse, making Morgan lean forward. He lifted his legs slightly to rock Morgan further toward him again, but Morgan wasn’t having it. Leaning back, he stared at Dmitri, head tilted to one side.

“What do you want from me, Dmitri?” he asked. “Because if you only want me as one of your boys, that’s not going to work.”

Shaking his head, Dmitri sat up straighter. It put his face inches away from Morgan’s, though it lessened the contact between them. Somehow, it was the most intimate moment Dmitri had ever been a part of because he knew, in the deepest part of his being, this was the start of something important, and he didn’t want to screw it up.

He took both of Morgan’s hands in his own and raised them to his lips, held them clasped between his as he caught and held Morgan’s gaze.

“I want to get to know you,” Dmitri started. “I want to take you on dates, spend time talking with you, learning all about you. I want you to come to these parties with me as my plus one, not my work associate. If our connection is as strong as it seems to be, I would like to introduce you as my boyfriend. What do you think?”

“That will work,” Morgan said. “For a start.”

The smile that spread across Morgan’s face was glorious, and Dmitri lost himself in the beauty of it and the wonder of having Morgan here, in his arms. The feeling grew inside his chest until he had no choice but to gather Morgan close and ask to kiss him again.

Morgan didn’t answer, just lowered his mouth to Dmitri’s. They came together with the softest of touches that gradually grew in urgency as the kiss went on. Morgan ground against Dmitri, both of them hard, their hands running over muscles, fingers tracing ridges, teasing at sensitive spots. Their sounds mingled, groans and sighs, the occasional sharp intake of breath or soft laugh.

Dmitri couldn’t remember another man who turned him on as much as Morgan. As much as he had fantasized about finding this man and how it would feel to touch him, the reality put Dmitri’s imagination to shame.

“I want to touch you,” Morgan whispered, his forehead resting against Dmitri’s, his breath ghosting over Dmitri’s lips.

“You are.”

“You know what I mean.”

Dmitri rolled his hips up, and Morgan laughed. “That’s a yes, in case you’re wondering,” Dmitri said.

Without wasting a second, Morgan had Dmitri’s belt undone, the button on his pants open, and was slowly lowering the zipper. He slid off Dmitri’s legs and lowered himself to the floor, drawing Dmitri’s pants off at the same time.

When Dmitri’s naked ass touched the fabric of the sofa, he chuckled. “I have never done anything like this here,” he said.

“Got it.” Morgan rose to his knees. “No stains to upset the customers.”

“I’m more concerned about Brody. He’ll be in here tomorrow morning with a magnifying glass, and I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Morgan laughed, and then sighed as he leaned forward, hands skating up Dmitri’s thighs. “I’ll be careful,” he said, then lowered his mouth to Dmitri’s cock.

“Oh, fuck,” Dmitri breathed as Morgan slowly took all of him into the back of his throat. He watched as Morgan rose off his cock, then took him back in again, the sight one he wanted to memorize. It had been too long since anyone had touched him like this, but then he realized no one ever had before. The connection between him and Morgan made everything feel almost overwhelming, heightening every response, and it didn’t take long before Dmitri was on the edge.

“I’m close,” he said, his voice hoarse from groaning.

Instead of pulling off, Morgan took his cock all the way down his throat and swallowed, muscles contracting around Dmitri’s glans while his tongue teased Dmitri’s shaft. Morgan swallowed again as his hands rose to Dmitri’s balls and a single finger traced its way along his taint. The sensation made Dmitri thrust deeper into Morgan’s throat as he began to climax.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” Dmitri chanted as Morgan licked and sucked and swallowed until there wasn’t a drop left for Brody to find.

Dmitri gathered Morgan in his arms and pulled him onto his lap. He traced Morgan’s jaw and the lines of his neck. “I’ve imagined this part of you so many times,” he said. “Drawn it and adorned it with gold and diamonds.”

Pulling Morgan to him, he traced the tendons and bones that had inspired him and driven his creative impulses, marveling at the pulse beneath his fingertips, the warmth in the skin he touched, the beat of a vein that betrayed the rhythm of Morgan’s heart.

“You are so much more than I knew I could ask for,” Dmitri whispered and pulled Morgan into an embrace, his own heart beating harder as Morgan settled his head on his shoulder and sighed. Even as Dmitri entwined their hands, he began to imagine a ring for Morgan’s left hand. It was too early for such ideas, Dmitri knew. All the same, as he listened to Morgan’s heart and knew Morgan could hear his beating in time, he couldn’t shake the idea that Morgan would someday wear this ring as a symbol of their connection and love for each other.