Duke of Ruin (Gods of Montcove #4)

1. Noah

1

NOAH

I toss back the last of my whiskey sour and run my tongue along my teeth, savoring the burn as I swallow. This is my third drink, way too many for what’s at stake tonight, but I’m just blending in with the crowd. No one here has given me so much as a second glance, even though I’m not a member of this fraternity. I adjust my mask; it’s just another part of blending in. I’m one of about fifty guys here wearing the half mask identical to the one in The Phantom of the Opera , which is probably why no one has paid any attention to me.

I stand up from the barstool and sway slightly—yeah, I’ve had too much. The heirs to the Carbone family are all legacies for this frat, which is the only reason why I’m here. I have no interest in joining the Phi Alphas, or any other frat for that matter. I already belong to one: the fraternity of law enforcement officers. I straighten my shoulders, but try to be careful not to look too much like a cop. I’m one of the youngest undercover officers for the Montcove PD, which is perfect for this task, and I have the added perk of being able to finish my Criminal Psychology degree with my tuition completely covered.

Too bad there’s not much going on tonight besides the usual frat house nonsense—a lot of drinking, screwing around, and general debauchery. Too bad I’m not particularly interested in what’s on display tonight. The women are wearing barely-there dresses and elaborate jeweled masks. They look amazing, but my eyes keep wandering to the men in their designer tuxedos, some even wearing capes, with dark and mysterious masks to hide their identities.

There are places for openly gay men on this campus, but the Phi Alpha House isn’t one of them. I run my tongue over my lips and start toward the door. I think I’m done for the night since I won’t find anything useful at this party, and I shouldn’t risk hanging around and blowing my cover, especially since another whiskey sour is already calling to me.

I hear a slight commotion across the main room. This whole house is an ostentatious display of money. Most of the brothers here come from obnoxiously wealthy families with ties in both legal and not-so-legal dealings around Montcove, even expanding deeper into New England. Dark-stained oak trim surrounds almost everything, and bronze sconces and fixtures decorate the walls and surrounding furniture—all leather, of course. A split staircase leads to the second floor where the brothers who live in-house keep their bedrooms. The bar, with its hired tender, wraps around the back of the room and leads into a gourmet kitchen that I’m sure only hired chefs and caterers actually use.

The massive oak doors swing wide as a new group of revelers comes into view. I stop where I am and lean against the wall, trying to look inconspicuous as I catalogue each new attendee. The man in front is clearly the leader of this menagerie; he’s taller than the others and wears a jester’s hat with alternating blue and gold velvet stripes. His gold mask weaves around his temples and meets across his eyes, but I can see the bright flash of green even behind the mask. Sensuous lips curl back into a wide smile, and his jawline is sharp and angled. He looks like a statue of a Greek god. His tuxedo is bright blue with gold trim, matching his jester’s mask. His quick eyes scan the room, and my heart skips a beat when they rest on me.

Realization makes my chest tighten. He’s my target, Eli Carbone, but this is the first time I’ve seen him in person. There’s no reason he should recognize me, but my pulse quickens as his eyes linger on me for a moment before resuming their scan of the party. Two women flank him, their full breasts spilling over tight necklines, each of them dressed identically in blinding silver dresses and platinum masks, though one is blonde and the other brunette. Several other men in Renaissance-style masks follow them. I watch as Eli turns to his left and exchanges greetings with several of the other partiers, his entourage dutifully following his every step. Even from my vantage point, I can see that he’s graceful and quick. His eyes never stop moving as he assesses the room around him. I have to figure out how to get close to him without him figuring out I’m a cop.

I return to the bar and order another whiskey sour, which is probably the last thing I need, but this man has already gotten under my skin. He walks through the room like some sort of royalty, and I feel the compulsion to knock him down a peg. He comes from an evil family—they’re all corrupt, selfish mobsters with no regard for anyone without the Carbone name. They all lie, cheat, steal, and murder their way into money and power.

I turn back to the bar with my drink in hand, realizing that I need to school my expression when the bartender winces. I shake my head to clear it. If I want to pull this off, I can’t let my emotions get in the way. I pull in a deep breath and close my eyes for a second.

“Interesting party.” A voice startles me out of my thoughts. It’s smooth and rich, steeped in wealth and diplomacy.

“Definitely,” I answer. I open my eyes and blink twice when I turn to the speaker. It’s him . I fight to control my expression as my heart starts pounding in my chest. “Have we…have we met?” I manage to stammer out the words, fighting to keep my wince internal.

“I don’t believe so,” he says as he trains those emerald eyes on me. My hands twitch with the compulsion to reach out and touch his mask. It looks like it’s made from spun gold. “I’m Eli.” He extends his hand, and I stare at it stupidly for a heartbeat.

“Noah,” I say, and take his hand. It’s warm and soft, and the unsettling image of it wrapped around my dick flashes through my mind. I swallow, and my throat feels thick. I’m about to blow this.

“Well, Noah.” He smiles at me as though he can feel my nervousness through my hand, which I notice he hasn’t yet released. “Are you pledging?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” I finally manage a weak smile.

“Well, let me know if you do,” he answers, and nods at someone across the room. He finally releases my hand and reaches up to run his fingers across my jawline, an uncomfortably intimate gesture that sets my nerves tingling.

“I will.” My eyes narrow as he walks away from me. I can just make out the muscle definition of his legs through his tuxedo. I should look away, but I can’t help myself as I watch him breeze through the room like he owns it. I finally drag my eyes away from his lithe figure and turn back to the bar. The bartender wears a slight smirk that he quickly erases once my eyes are trained on him. I take a few more sips of my drink, then set the mostly empty tumbler down and stand up, swaying slightly on my feet. I did what I came to do; I made contact. Now I need to get out of here before I do something really stupid.

As I make my way through the crowd, I notice Eli again. This time, he’s looking directly at me. My heart stutters and I can’t tear my eyes away. He gives me a short nod. I can’t tell if it’s an invitation or simply an acknowledgement, but in my buzzed state, I take it as the former and change direction. As soon as he realizes I’m headed straight for him, Eli whispers something in the ear of the woman next to him and stands up. He gives me a quick glance over his shoulder before walking in the opposite direction. I hesitate, but only for a second, before I follow.

I keep my eyes trained on his back, watching the silky material of his tux swaying with his movements, as I follow him toward a back door. He slips through it, and I think I see another quick glance in my direction as the door closes behind him. I cross the room and put my hand on the bronze handle, then pause. I should turn around and leave. Even if he was trying to get my attention, it was subtle enough to pretend I missed it. My skin tingles in anticipation for what’s on the other side of this door. Against my better judgment, I turn the handle and push through.

I’m surrounded by greenery. A massive oak tree stands in the center of a meticulously manicured garden. Shrubs and flowers rise on each side of me, giving the air a sweet and earthy scent. I’m standing on a narrow stone path that leads to a concrete bench underneath the tree, but I don’t see Eli anywhere. My pulse quickens as I realize that I don’t see anyone . The music from the party is muffled behind me, but the air in this place is heavy and quiet. I cautiously take a step forward, following the path. Even in my drunken state I realize the potential for danger in this situation, and my senses sharpen as I listen for anything unusual. Is it possible that Eli somehow already knows about me, and now he’s lured me out here to eliminate me? That would fit with the Carbone way of business. And I stupidly walked right into the trap. I should turn back now before I end up at the bottom of the river, but my feet keep moving forward down the path. I approach the tree, the massive trunk blocking most of my view of the rest of the garden. I tune into my surroundings and slowly arch around the trunk, and I notice that the path continues on the other side of it.

I check my surroundings again. My skin tingles with excitement and anticipation, though I can’t figure out why. I slip onto the other side of the path, trying to keep silent as I follow it deeper into the garden.

“Took you long enough.”

I jump and spin around with my hands in the air defensively, only to see Eli leaning against the oak tree. I lower my hands as I chastise myself. I am so fucking stupid tonight. I know I drank too much, though I know that’s not my only excuse right now. I was trained by the best agents at Montcove PD, and they would have my ass right now if they could see how dumb I’ve been tonight. I shake my head, flexing my jaw. This is it; this is how I die. I followed my target a little too closely, and now I’ll disappear like so many of the Carbone enemies.

My eyes sweep up and down Eli’s frame and I feel a slight twinge in my cock. He’s beautiful, and I don’t see any weapons. Some of his entourage must be hiding out here waiting for his signal. It’s possible that I just can’t see his weapon, but I think he’d be holding it if he was about to attack. I look around, trying to sense someone else.

“We’re alone, Noah,” he says, his voice silken and thick. I make a decision right here and now: if this is how I die, I’ll at least die fighting. I straighten my shoulders and look directly into his piercing eyes.

“What do you want?” I ask, keeping my voice level.

“I noticed you watching me,” Eli answers, his sultry voice like a caress. “I thought we could have some fun.”

I tilt my head, my lips curling into a slight smirk. “What did you have in mind?” I take a step closer as he pushes himself away from the tree trunk.

“Nothing specific.” Eli’s smile turns wicked, and my cock throbs. “What’s the point of a masquerade without some anonymous…excitement?”

I take another step toward him, our bodies now within arm’s reach. I steel myself for the impending violence, still listening for his associates in the bushes around us.

“I told you, we’re alone,” Eli murmurs as he reaches a hand out to touch my face. His fingers slide along the edge of my mask, and I fight the urge to turn my head so that his skin makes contact with mine. He takes a step closer and my breath catches as his fingers slide down the bottom of my mask and along my exposed jaw.

On impulse, I take a step closer, our bodies now just inches apart. I can feel heat radiating from him in the cool autumn air. My eyes drift to his lips as they part slightly. I want to touch them, but I lock myself in place. This is where it happens; this is where it ends. His hand slides down to the side of my neck and his fingers tighten around the back of it, pulling me closer. I close my eyes and wait for the cut of the blade or the white-hot flash of a bullet.

He kisses me. His lips are hard against mine, and a second later my hands are buried in his curls. His hair is silky and perfect as his tongue probes against my lips and I part them. He pushes his tongue into my mouth, swirling against my teeth and tongue with expert precision. I kiss him back, matching his fervent need, and pull him closer until out bodies are flush against each other. I can feel the outline of his dick against my leg.

For a split second, I panic. What the hell am I doing? This is Eli Carbone, one of the most connected students on this campus. My handler would absolutely kill me if he could see me right now. I shove Eli backward and he hits the trunk of the tree with a gasp. His eyes flash with something that almost looks like anger. I close the distance between us and press against him, kissing him harder. I shove my tongue into his mouth and press my body against him. My dick is hard, straining against my pants, and I push into him. He releases a soft groan into my mouth, and it only makes me hotter.

I reach down and unbuckle his belt, then pull open his pants. I shove my hand inside them and wrap my fist around his cock. He’s huge and throbbing with need, silky skin wrapped around a rock-hard shaft. I start slowly pumping my hand, and he rolls his head back against the tree with a groan. I move my lips down to his neck as he unbuttons his shirt and I kiss down his chest. His dick pulses in my hand like he’s holding back from climax already. I lick his nipple and he releases another heady moan as I run my thumb over the tip of his cock, feeling the slick precum at the tip.

He gasps and spins around with me until the rough bark of the tree trunk scrapes against my back. I pump him harder until he grabs my hand to stop me. I open the buttons on my shirt as he fumbles with my belt, and in a single smooth motion he pulls my trousers down, his eyes widening as my cock springs free. He kisses me again and I roll my hips, my cock pushing against the warmth of his skin. He drops to his knees and looks up at me, his liquid emerald eyes shining with wicked pleasure.

I groan as he flicks his tongue across the tip of my dick. My eyes roll back. He feels so good against me, my dick throbbing so hard it hurts. He teases me with his tongue again, then grins up at me. I grab a fistful of his curly hair and pull his face toward me. He smirks at me as I guide the head of my dick toward his mouth. Just the thought of those soft lips brings me to the edge. I touch the tip to his lips, willing them to part, and watch as he takes his own dick in his hand and starts pumping. His eyes roll back in his head and he parts his lips. I shove my cock in his mouth, muffling any attempt he makes at a groan. He swirls his tongue around the tip and opens his mouth wider to allow me full access. I feel him gag as I hit the back of his throat.

Controlling his movements with my fistful of his hair, I shove myself into his mouth over and over. I look down to watch him pleasuring himself as I thrust into his mouth. When he reaches his climax, spurting all over his hands and my shoes, I throw my head back with a cry. I release into the back of his throat, the sound of his choking sending wave after wave of orgasm through me. I watch as he swallows every bit of me before I release his hair.

He pushes himself to his feet, still only inches from me. His hand, sticky with his own cum, reaches for my face. I can smell him on me as he pushes his fingers into my mouth and I lick them clean. He moves his hand and kisses me again, hard. My dick twitches in anticipation of another round, but he pulls away, buttoning his shirt and making himself presentable. I lean against the tree for a moment longer before I start buttoning my own shirt.

“It was certainly a pleasure to meet you, Noah,” Eli says, his voice light and easy. “Maybe we’ll run into each other again.” He turns away from me and walks back toward the house, leaving me glaring after him with my pants around my ankles.

I blink a few times, trying to process what the hell just happened. Did I really just get a blowjob from Eli Carbone? This was all wrong, but damn did it feel good to shove my cock down his throat. I shiver at the thought, then pull my pants up and tuck in my shirt. How the hell was I supposed to explain this to my handler? I guess I don’t have to give him all the details of how I made contact with my target, just that I did. Still, way to make a situation much more complicated than it had to be.

My clothes finally presentable, I slip back through the door and into the house. I keep my head down and make a quick exit, though I’m pretty sure I see Eli watching me at one point. I turn up the street, heading back in the direction of my apartment just off campus. I fucking hate living there, but it comes with the assignment.

Once I make it back to my building, I take the elevator to my floor, and as soon as I’m safely locked inside my apartment I call my handler, Detective Rossi. The phone rings as I look around my room—small bed and nightstand, smaller dresser, a desk and chair. That’s all the furniture in the small apartment, which has a tiny kitchenette with a refrigerator crammed into the corner, and an even tinier bathroom through the only door in the place.

“Update?” Rossi’s voice cuts through my thoughts. His voice is sharp and allows no room for banter. How he was ever an undercover officer makes my head spin. He’s such a cop.

“I made contact with the target,” I say quickly, keeping my voice low. I doubt anyone can hear me through the walls, but I can’t be too careful.

“Anything useful?” Rossi asks.

My mind swims with images of Eli looking up at me with his lips wrapped around my dick. I shake my head, trying to focus.

“Well?” Rossi snaps.

“No…I mean, not really,” I say.

“Which is it, kid?” Rossi’s voice grates against my nerves.

“No,” I say. “It was just a stupid frat party.”

“I figured as much, but it’s a good place to start,” Rossi says while I press my lips together. “Let me know when you find something we can use. Remember who the real target is.”

“Of course,” I answer, and hang up the phone. My job is to get close to Eli, but the man Rossi wants is actually his uncle, the leader of the Carbone family. I can’t imagine that taking him down will have any long-term impact, since they’ll just put another Carbone in his place. I keep thoughts like that to myself, though. Eventually I’ll make it far enough up the food chain so I can make these decisions, but for now I just have to follow orders, and right now my orders are to get close to Eli Carbone. I close my eyes and fall back onto my bed. I can still taste him on my lips. I’m not exactly a virgin, but that may have been the best sexual encounter I’ve ever had.

I can feel my dick getting hard again at the thought, but I try to shut it down. I get out of bed and head to the shower. Something like that cannot happen again. This case is already complicated enough, and if the department finds out that I’m fucking the target it could throw the whole case under suspicion. I’m not sure if anyone in the department even knows I’m attracted to men, since it isn’t exactly something I announce when I walk into a room. My father definitely wouldn’t approve if I did.

I turn the shower to cold and step inside, the water painful against my flushed skin. Nothing like this will happen again. I’ll just have to keep myself in check. Definitely no more drinking on the job.