CHAPTER SEVEN
Thomas was overcome by everything that had fallen upon him this last day. There were magnificent things like Riggs, and there were complicated and unfortunate things like Dr. Ferris.
Until he met Riggs, Thomas' life revolved around his career and his future; everything was calibrated to getting him where he wanted to be professionally.
Any trouble was dealt with like a physical blow; he took everything personally, no matter how small.
Anxiety hung off him like a constant shadow, and now, with things the absolute worst they could be professionally speaking, he felt none of those things.
The worry was there, but it was low-level and manageable.
Riggs gave him strength, clarity, and a view of the world from a position of power.
Thomas was trusting and believing in himself; whatever happened from here didn't matter because he knew he had the skill to work through it, and he had a man like Riggs McClain standing by his side.
Life was not to be feared; it was to be lived.
Riggs' apartment was large, roomy, and minimalist in taste, but he offered to let him decorate any way he wished.
He wouldn't take too many liberties, but he would suggest some color and some texture, maybe rugs, soft furniture, something warm.
Unlike the rest of the apartment, Riggs' bedroom was lush; it was obviously his favorite room.
The fabrics were thick and soft, and the furnishings large and comfortable.
Riggs carried him to the bed and sat him down gently on the edge.
He began to take off Thomas' clothing, a slow piece at a time.
Every inch of flesh that was exposed was kissed and nuzzled, and then he moved onto the next.
It enthralled and sensitized his flesh and sent trembling thrills through his system.
He was down to his briefs, and Riggs pressed his face against his hard cock straining through the fabric.
His hot breath tantalized and made Thomas' breath catch in his throat.
Then the briefs were gone, and he was being pushed back onto the large bed.
He was still on the edge with his legs being held aloft by Riggs.
Thomas relaxed and stared at his gorgeous lover.
Riggs positioned himself between Thomas' thighs and pushed them forward until Thomas' ass was stretched and presented.
Riggs opened the front of his jeans and pulled the sides apart before releasing his now hard, throbbing cock and holding it in his right hand.
It was a thing of beauty, and Thomas ached to feel it inside him, filling and stretching him, and know the pleasure that would engulf him.
He salivated at the sight and at the hungry look in Riggs's eyes.
He pressed the head against his entrance, teasing at first, and then, without warning, plunged inside, going to the base and holding Thomas in place.
The sensations that tore through him were explosive.
Thomas closed his eyes and panted for breath as Riggs held himself still for several seconds before pulling out and doing it again.
He slammed inside, stretching him tight.
Thomas reached down and started stroking his own cock, needing the relief.
He began to stroke in time with Riggs' thrusts, and soon he was rocking, thrusting his hips to meet Riggs, making the contact hard and rough and amazing.
"Your body is a feast, my love." Riggs voice was deep and guttural and sent another thrill racing down Thomas' back and pooling in his groin.
He sped up his strokes and could feel the climax rushing toward him.
Riggs suddenly pulled out, slapped his hand away, and grabbed Thomas, flipping him onto his knees.
He then plunged back inside and thrust forcefully while holding Thomas' hips in place.
Thomas held on and felt his body splintering and trembling with the pleasure that was filling him and the sensations that were raging through him.
Riggs held him with a punishing grip, and he came hard, hot, and fierce.
The roar that filled the room sent goosebumps cascading down Thomas's back, and he came, stream after stream, hitting the comforter beneath him.
Riggs pulled him up and wrapped his arms around him before sinking his teeth back into the little scar at the base of his throat.
The sensation reignited the fire, and Thomas came again in an explosive fashion.
Riggs held him fast, and Thomas had never felt so loved and protected as he did while in Riggs' arms. Riggs finished and gently picked Thomas back up.
He removed the comforter and tossed it into the corner and then lay Thomas onto the thick blanket. Riggs stripped down and lay beside him, pulling him into his arms. He was a cuddler, and Thomas couldn't be happier.
Orin sat in his study most of the night, going over the facts, or rather the manufactured facts that he planned to present to the board. His uncle, who would be attending the meeting, advised him to keep it sharp and concise and to avoid making it look like a personal vendetta.
"He's a bad fit for the museum, but it is also a vendetta. I want this kid out. He openly disrespected me on multiple occasions. I want him to suffer, and I want him out of this field." Orin pressed, knowing that he was getting emotional, but the anger he felt over this was eating him up.
“Control yourself tomorrow if you get off message, they will drop the complaint and pass it back to the supervisor in charge.” His uncle didn’t care one way or the other, but he understood Orin’s need for punishment.
"I'll keep it short and focused." He assured.
His influence would only take him so far; he needed to prove that Thomas was ill-suited for placement at the museum and present him as a possible threat to their reputation.
With Mandy's assistance, he was confident that he had enough to get what he wanted.
He would have several people there backing him and supporting his complaint.
Thomas would have no one; he would be facing this tribunal alone.
That bartender won't give a shit about Thomas' career; that man will be well on his way to his next hook-up by now.
The staff of the Blood Rose is there solely for entertainment.
Time to grow up, Thomas, and learn the ways of the world.
Orin smiled and looked out the window, anxious to finish this.
Riggs lay with Thomas fast asleep in his arms as the dawn light came through his window. The night had been enchanting; every minute was filled with love. It was there very clear. He loved this little man in the bowtie and would protect and defend until the very end of time itself.
They'd made love three more times before Thomas finally fell asleep, curled into his side.
The feeling of having him so close and vulnerable was a very rich and exhilarating experience.
Thomas made everything better. He ran his hand down Thomas' leg, where it lay across his hips, and turned to place a soft kiss on his forehead. He could get used to this very quickly.
“What time is it?” Thomas asked he didn't open his eyes but stretched and then cuddled back to Riggs' side.
"Almost ten," Riggs answered and placed another kiss on his forehead.
"I should start getting ready. The board meeting is at two." He stated but still had not opened his eyes.
“You still have time. Just relax and steady yourself for the day.” Riggs wasn’t ready to let him go yet.
"You talked me into it." Thomas settled in, and his peace was palatable.
They got up, showed, and dressed by noon. Thomas was going to head home to get ready, but Riggs had someone pick up his things for him. Riggs liked having him there in the apartment and didn't want him to go home. This was his home.
He came out of the bedroom dressed in a dark blue suit and his signature bowtie.
He looked good enough to eat, but that would have to wait till later.
Riggs was also dressed in a suit; he would be one of Master Rose's guards, and he was dressed accordingly.
Master Rose likes to make an impression, and he sees his guards as an extension of himself.
"You look great, sweetheart," Riggs said, walking up to him and placing a kiss on his cheek.
"So do you, Riggs. That suit is cut to perfection."
"Thank you. He led him over to the counter and handed him a glass of orange juice. I know you said you weren't hungry, and I understand that, but would you at least have a glass of juice? It will keep your energy up." Thomas smiled at him and drank the juice.
"I should probably go. I want to get there early.
" Thomas said, grabbed his messenger bag, and slung it over his shoulder.
Riggs had arranged for Errol to drive Thomas to the museum.
He would be traveling with Master Rose and would be there with him when the meeting began.
They wanted the element of surprise so Dr. Ferris wouldn't know what he was facing until he walked into it.
He held him and kissed him hard and deep, giving him all the strength and security he could channel. "You'll do fine, sweetheart." He said.
"I will be fine because you will be there." Thomas' confidence touched him, and he kissed him again. "I love you, Thomas." He said and meant it. The little man was his heart and soul.
“I love you too, Riggs.” Thomas smiled.
He walked Thomas down to the garage and turned him over to Errol with a firm command to take care of him or face the consequences.
"He's safe, my friend." Errol smiled and winked.
Riggs didn't doubt that, but he really hated parting from his newly claimed beloved.
They'd been together for the past two days, and the separation, although temporary, was weighing heavily upon him.