Chapter 14
14
TATUM
I can’t help but have a little skip in my step when I leave his room the next morning. He washed me in the shower, his hands sliding up and down my body, almost as if memorizing me. I feel the drag of his fingers across my skin even now.
And the way he pushed me to my knees and fucked my throat…
God, it won’t ever grow old.
How did I ever think that my ex, Brayden, did it for me? A weak man, who is too afraid of being his true self, who was ashamed of me.
Anthony is unabashedly into me. I can tell. He says he’s straight and yet he doesn’t shy away from letting everyone know who I belong to.
Speaking of Brayden, he hasn’t messaged me again, which is fine. I wouldn’t mind never hearing from him again.
I grab my homework from my room—as it’s nearing the end of the semester and I need to get my final projects and papers sorted—and make my way to the kitchen. As soon as I enter, I see Agatha bustling around, and standing at the island is Teddy in a frilly apron, a look of concentration on his face as he peers into the mixer.
“Oh my god,” I say with a giggle as I set my computer and books on the island and make my way over to my bodyguard. “What are you doing, Teddy?” I flick the lace on his apron and he grunts.
He peers up at me before going back to work, ignoring me completely.
Agatha pipes up as she hands me a plate of small cakes on some kind of fine china I’ve never seen before.
“Teddy’s a gem. He’s been helping me make some British cakes for Anthony’s visitor today. It has to be perfect. Kingston is British, you know?”
I don’t know, but I can’t peel my eyes away from Teddy. It brings a smile to my face and I feel another giggle bubble up inside of me.
“What kind of cakes?” I manage to ask.
“Well, this one is a bit of Victoria sponge. And this one is a lemon drizzle cake. Oh, and banoffee pie and seed cake.”
Teddy points to another, and Agatha grins. “And Teddy’s favorite, the scones.”
Grabbing one of them, Agatha stops me before I can place it in my mouth.
“You don’t eat this without jam and clotted cream, young man.”
“Clotted cream?” I ask, never having heard of it.
“Yes, we had it imported from a friend just for this. It’s not legal here, you know.”
“Really?” I ask and then do as she instructs, placing the cream on and then the raspberry jam before popping it into my mouth. A groan escapes me, and I lean forward dramatically.
“Oh my god, this is amazing. Why is this illegal? Teddy, you’re a genius.”
His cheeks pinken, but he continues to focus on his baking.
A cup of tea in a matching china cup is set down in front of me, and I take a dainty sip. My pinkie finger even goes up while I drink. I can’t help it.
“Glorious. Anthony’s visitor won’t be disappointed,” I remark as I take another small cake from the plate and swallow it down. Good fuck, if I keep living here, I’m going to gain a hundred pounds.
Worth it , I think as I take another swig of the tea.
As I continue to pick at the plate of treats Agatha gave me, I focus on working on my homework. An hour later, Agatha breaks me out of my intense focus and gestures to the cake stand.
“Would you like to help me bring this in, dear?” she asks.
I stretch and I nod. “Did Kingston arrive yet?” I ask, thankful I remembered his name.
“Oh, yes. You just missed him. You were very absorbed in your homework.”
As I pick up the platter, Teddy tuts at me.
I roll my eyes and grin at my friend. “I won’t drop your creations, bud,” I reassure him, following a bustling Agatha into Anthony’s office. She’s carrying a tray with tea, milk, and sugar as I follow behind with the cakes.
Anthony is seated in a chair opposite his guest, a handsome man who gives off a distinguished air. He’s wearing a three-piece suit and has his legs crossed showing off very expensive shoes. His dirty-blond hair is parted on the side and his face is perfectly shaven. I can’t help it when my eyes roam over him, taking him in.
I might be Anthony’s, but I can appreciate a work of art when I see one.
“Thank you, Aggie,” Anthony says as I set the cakes down on the coffee table, near Anthony’s British visitor. She leans down and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek before adding, “Come and see me when you’re done, young man. I have something for you.”
“Will do, Ms. Aggie,” the man says, and Agatha bustles out. I should follow her, but I don’t. I’m too intrigued.
“And who’s this?” Kingston asks, his accent thick and quite sexy.
“I’m Tatum,” I say before Anthony can answer and then wave my hand at the cakes. “My bodyguard made these specifically for you. Would you like some?”
Anthony shifts behind me, but I ignore him, watching as the man smiles, his blue eyes twinkling.
“I would like that, thank you. Why don’t you choose for me?”
I beam at him and then take a seat on the couch near him, piling up a plate of all my favorites and handing it to him. “Which one’s your favorite?” he asks me, and I stare down at it, biting my lip.
“This one,” I say, pointing to the Victoria sponge cake.
“By all means, then,” he parts his lips, and I stare at him. Is he flirting with me? Oh, how flattering , I think as I pop the cake between his lips and watch as he chews. His eyelids flutter, and I hear Anthony grumble behind me.
I don’t look though, just wait in anticipation as Kingston swallows.
“Wonderful,” he says, licking his lips. He leans forward to pour himself a cup of tea and I peer over at Anthony. He’s frowning, a hand rubbing ominously across his jaw.
“Tatum. Come here,” he says lowly, and Kingston chuckles.
I stand up and move toward him as he points to his lap.
I roll my eyes. “I mean, can you say please at least?”
Kingston bites back a cackle, and Anthony mutters under his breath. I don’t actually hear please , but he looks annoyed enough. So I settle on his thighs, his hand automatically going to my stomach and pulling me back against his chest.
Kingston grins at us as he takes a sip of his tea.
“Ah, I see.”
“Yes, you do see. Now, Kingston, can we get back to it?”
He nods as he pops another cake into his mouth. “These really are very good. Almost like I’m back home.”
“Hm,” Anthony replies, his hand moving under my shirt and making me shiver against him. “Kingston was Diablo and Angelo’s tutor. He came for a visit while in town.”
I nod, shifting a little on Anthony’s lap.
“That must have been fun. I’m sure you have a lot of stories.”
“I do,” he says with a chuckle. “Where is Angel anyway? I know Diablo is out of town.”
Anthony nods, his hand moving up to my nipple and plucking at it absently. It’s making me positively drool.
Suddenly, a secret door opens at the far end of the room, and Bane bursts through. Blood is spattered across his shirt, but of course, he most likely hasn’t noticed it as he makes his way quickly across the room.
Anthony sighs at the intrusion, and Kingston stands up, chuckling once more.
“I was wondering if I’d see you,” Kingston says, pulling Bane into a hug and clapping him on his back.
“Anthony tried to hide it from me, but news makes its way to me. I have my ways,” Bane says with a grin, pulling something out of his pocket and setting it into Kingston’s palm. “A gift. For my friend.”
Kingston glances down at it and then shakes his head, a smile pulling his lips up.
“Always so thoughtful,” he says, and Bane beams before turning to me.
“I didn’t forget about you, my little snack,” Bane says as he moves toward me, pulling something from his pocket.
Anthony grumbles again, but Bane just takes my hand and places something in it.
I peer down and see what it is. Another small bone.
“What is this?” I ask, turning it in my fingers.
“It’s a distal phalanx.”
My eyebrows rise, not sure what that means. Bane points at it and then beams once more, puffing up like a peacock. “It’s part of a thumb.”
I close my fingers around it. “Oh. Thank you. I love it.”
Bane blushes and then turns to Kingston. “Show them. I want them to see.”
Kingston holds up a chain with an eyeball dangling on the end of it, some kind of ornate piece that I’m sure Bane spent far too long on. And to be honest, besides the creepy eyeball in the middle, it’s quite nice. Bane has a talent for jewelry.
“You should put it on,” Anthony says, and Kingston’s eyes slam into his.
“I should.”
“I can help,” Bane offers and takes the chain, placing it around Kingston’s neck. It dangles against his nicely pressed shirt, and I bite back a laugh.
I can’t believe this is my life. That I’m entangled with a mafia man and his family, where there are torture basements, secret doors, and men who give me thumb bones as a sign of affection. And yet, the way Anthony is still touching me, the way he possesses me makes me never want to leave.
I never want to leave.
Anthony’s nose drifts up my neck, his lips at my ear. I can hear him breathe. It’s steady and sure, so calming.
“It looks nice,” Bane says and then reaches out and touches the small dangling eye. “Don’t you think so, Boss?”
Anthony doesn’t move his face from my neck. “Yes. It does.”
“Would you like some cakes, Bane? Ms. Agatha outdid herself.”
“She did,” I say. “And Teddy. Apparently, he’s a master baker.” I turn slightly and glance at Anthony. “Did you know this?”
“I didn’t.”
“Hm, well, you should compliment him. I think he’d be very happy with that.”
Anthony hums under his breath and then looks at Bane and Kingston. “Why don’t you two go find Angelo. I need a moment alone with Tatum.”
Bane groans. “Aw, come on. Can’t we watch? I know it’s gonna be hot.” He turns to Kingston and winks. “Their chemistry is off the charts.”
Anthony’s hands tighten on me, and I feel my cock perk up between my legs.
“Is that so?” Kingston asks, settling back on the couch. “I do love a good show.”
Anthony huffs and then reaches out and cups my cock through my pants. I gasp and then arch up into it, the mood suddenly changing. The air thickens and the tension snaps between us.
“I think this one will just be for me,” Anthony hisses. “Just for me.”
Bane shifts on his feet with a pout, and Kingston nods, standing up once more and placing his hand on Bane’s back.
“We’ll go find Angel and maybe stop and thank Teddy for his creations.”
“If we have to,” Bane pouts, peering over his shoulder as he goes, wanting to catch a glimpse of the action, but Anthony waits, massaging my cock through my pants until they’re finally gone.
As soon as the door clicks shut, Anthony unzips my pants and pulls my cock out, grabbing onto it and squeezing.
“You can’t help yourself, can you? Making everyone want you.”
I moan and then shake my head, staring at those tattooed fingers against my cock. It’s so hot. He’s so fucking hot. “It’s called flirting and it’s harmless.”
“And yet, they can’t help but want you. To fuck you. Own you.”
I arch into his palm and then gasp when his thumb brushes over the swollen tip of me.
“It doesn’t matter though, does it? Because I belong to you,” I reply and then lean back and rub my nose against his neck, inhaling the scent of him. Manly, dark.
Perfection.
“Maybe I should call them back in and let them watch.”
I groan at the thought. I’ve never been into public sex before, but for some reason, when it’s Anthony doing it, claiming me, I want it. I want everyone to see how he owns me in that moment, how he makes me lose my fucking mind.
“I don’t…you should meet with your friend. He came all this way.”
He hesitates, his hand stilling on my dick. “You want me to wait? I’ve never known you to have patience.”
“I just,” I groan when he reaches down and cups my balls gently. “I just feel bad, you know?”
“Don’t feel bad. Kingston can wait. Now stand up and take your pants off.”
I groan as I do, pushing my pants down my legs and feeling them bunch around my ankles.
“All the way. I want you spread.”
“Why?” I ask as I kick them off and they puddle near the couch.
“Because. I. Said. So.”
I roll my eyes as he grabs on to my hips and pulls me into him, his eyes meeting mine. They spark, dark and erotic. He wants me, I can see it. It’s as clear as day.
“I want you bent over my desk, feet spread apart. As far as they can go.”
I nod and do as he says, leaning over the cool wood and spreading my legs as far as they’re able.
Anthony moves up behind me, humming appreciatively at the sight before him. His hand reaches between my legs, grazing over my balls as he takes a hold of my cock and pulls it from where it’s pressed against the desk. It’s now perpendicular with the floor, aching with the need to come.
He reaches into a drawer and pulls out some lube, wetting his hand and stroking my cock once more, making me nearly squeal.
Oh my god, this never gets old. Why does this never get old?
He torments me this way for a solid minute, his hand shuttling slowly up and down my dick before his hand drags across my taint and through my crack. His fingers massage my hole, a dark chuckle moving through his chest when he hears me moan and watches the muscle flex under his ministrations.
“You like this? Of course you do. You’re so greedy.”
I nod, my cheek rubbing against the wood, sticking to some papers. But I don’t even care. I just want him to fuck me. I want him to take that big cock and shove it right inside of me. I want him to keep it up there for hours.
I’d cockwarm him any day.
But he doesn’t give me what I want. He spends what feels like hours teasing me, dragging his hand along my cock before pressing gently against my hole. Over and over again until I’m groaning mindlessly.
Begging.
Fuck me. Please. Please.
Finally after what feels like days, he pushes two fingers into my hole, and at this point, my body doesn’t even resist him. I just take him all the way to his knuckles, his wrist twisting inside of me. Searching. Hunting.
When he finally finds it, I come off the desk, my back bowing from the pleasure shooting through me.
“Anthony!” I shout, my fingers scrambling on the desk, trying to hold on to anything to anchor me. He chuckles again, his fingers massaging my prostate, not letting up until I’m fucking back against his hand, wanting more and yet never wanting this to end.
“Such a good boy for me,” he mutters as he continues to make me breathless.
His free hand cups my straining cock, and he starts to press in time with each stroke, making my eyes cross. I don’t last. Just come on a low moan, my throat closing on a gasp. I shoot directly onto the floor, the orgasm endless, but still, he doesn’t let up. He just continues to work my dick and my prostate until I’m crying out, begging for him to stop.
But he doesn’t. “You have one more for me,” he says, and I shake my head, still fucking back against his fingers.
I don’t know how he makes everything so good, especially as someone who’s apparently never had gay sex before. I’ve been with plenty of men, but none have been as skilled as him. None even compare.
Anthony is on a different planet altogether.
His fingers continue to pump my oversensitive dick and push against my swollen prostate.
“One more, Tatum. One more,” he demands.
I moan when I feel it, a low buzzing in my spine, moving quickly to my balls. They’re empty, and yet my second orgasm moves through me, a quick and painful thing. My cock jerks, cum spilling languidly over the tip and dripping to the floor. Anthony huffs in appreciation and then as my orgasm comes to an end, he pulls his fingers out of me slowly.
“Good. Good boy,” he says as his hand lets go of my softening cock.
I wet my lips, unable to move. I’ve never in my life had two orgasms like that. I feel like I lost my soul between the two. It’s puddled on the floor between my legs.
I feel him start to wipe me up and I don’t move, unable to, my body boneless.
I hear Anthony make a call and then the door opens, and still I just lie there, my bottom half exposed, my eyes shut.
“Ah, looks like you exhausted him,” Kingston says, his British accent full of amusement.
Anthony grunts and then pulls me up and into his arms, wrapping a blanket around me as he goes. He strides to the couch, and I nuzzle into his chest, feeling content and satiated for the first time in hours.
My hand moves up to his beating heart and I rest it there, letting myself drift off for a moment while Kingston and Anthony speak.
I’ll make sure I get him back , I think.
I’ll make him just as mindless as I was minutes ago.
As Kingston and Anthony converse, I eventually come to, blinking my eyes open and shifting uncomfortably on Anthony’s lap. I stretch and wet my dry lips, finding myself waking slowly.
The first thought in my head is that I need to get back to work on my homework. The second is that I could use a dose of Angel at this moment. I haven’t seen him all day.
He’s been more distant lately and even more spacey.
It has something to do with that secretive look he had while chatting on the phone the other day. I’m sure of it. It makes me worried for him. He’s such an innocent soul, so easily corruptible.
But before I can shift off Anthony’s lap, and make my excuses, I hear the two of them discussing Angel and Mikhail.
“It’s done?” Kingston asks.
“It is. The paperwork has been signed.”
I can tell that Anthony is careful about what he says, not sure how much I’m taking in at the moment, but I get the gist. Angel won’t be here much longer. The business deal has gone through.
My chest tightens and I feel my body heat in frustration.
I know Anthony thinks he’s doing what’s best. He’s explained this all to me, and I heard every word, but it seems so callous. So cold. I would never marry my child off for a business deal. I would rather die.
I peel Anthony’s hands off of me and push myself up, away from him. I grab on to the blanket, tightening it around my hips and making my way over to my pants. Stupid man, thinking he could distract me with a nice hand job and some filthy words.
Behind the desk, I pull my pants up my legs and then without a backward glance, I make my way out. I can feel Anthony’s eyes on me as I walk from his office, but I refuse to look at him.
He knows my thoughts on the matter.
And I really don’t want to ruin my post-orgasm mood by thinking of my best friend being sold off and languishing in a loveless arranged marriage.
“Angel?” I ask one of the soldiers guarding the house, and they nod toward the garden. Of course that’s where he is.
As I make my way toward him, Teddy appears by my side.
I glance up at him and see a bit of flour on his cheek. I reach up and brush it away.
“There, just a bit of leftovers from baking.”
His cheeks flush, and I can feel his gaze on me through the sunglasses. I wrap my arm around his back and squeeze him, his big body swaying into mine for a moment, but almost as soon as it starts, it’s over. He steps away from me and continues to look around, as if assessing possible threats. Not that there’s been any issues since the explosion when Sabrina was visiting. Since then, Anthony has doubled the guards and has been vigilant in making sure that we’re safe.
But like Agatha whispered to me the other day, this can’t go on forever. Something has to give.
And I think what gives is Angel and the added protection Mikhail brings to this family.
My sweet, tender-hearted friend.
“Did you know that Anthony is marrying Angel off to some man for a business deal?” I blurt to Teddy.
He doesn’t answer, and my mood sours.
“Anyways, it doesn’t matter. I just want to hang out with Angel for a bit and pretend nothing bad is going to happen.”
We trudge on and I finally find him with Casey, who is donning a flower crown and bending down to eat something from a picnic basket.
“Oh,” I say with a small laugh. “That looks amazing.”
Casey rolls his eyes as he stands and then huffs. “I can’t say no to him.”
Angel beams up at his bodyguard. “He cannot.”
“Did Bane leave? I know that he came out to visit you.”
“Oh yes, he’s back underground. He can’t stand the sun for long,” Angel says as he comes up to me and tucks a flower behind my ear. “Anyways, I had a lovely time catching up with Kingston. He said he met you.”
“Yep, he was your tutor?”
“Yes, and let me tell you, he was the reason for my sexual awakening.”
Casey sighs and then plugs his ears. “I really don’t need to hear this.”
Angel swats at him playfully. “You’re just jealous it wasn’t you who sparked the desire. It’s mainly because you weren’t with us then. But Kingston was. I spent hours ogling that man. He’s hot, isn’t he? And that accent. Gah.”
I grin at my friend and nod. “Yeah, he’s a hottie.”
Angel beams like the sun and then leans toward me. “Don’t let my dad hear you say that. He’ll blow a gasket. He’s already growly enough.”
“Yeah, I know,” I mutter, and my ass twinges slightly. “He’s already proven how much he disapproves of me smiling at anyone but him.”
Angel’s cheeks flush and he turns away from me, getting back to gardening. He pulls on some gloves and kneels down, working on a small patch, pulling weeds and plucking dead flowers from the blooms.
I can’t believe he’s going to be married to someone who doesn’t love him.
My frown deepens, and I huff loudly.
“What?” Angel asks, peering up at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say, not wanting to wreck his afternoon. Although, mine surely has been. No matter how much Anthony tries to placate me and fuck me into submission, I can’t get over this. I just can’t.
It makes me rage just thinking about it.
Angel puts down his shovel and places his hands on his worn jeans. “I know what this is about, Tatum, and like I’ve said before, I’m fine. I am. My dad has already told me about it. We’re going to have a ceremony here in a few days.”
My mouth falls open as he pushes himself to his feet and makes his way up to me.
“That soon?” I rasp out.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” I ask, my body warming in frustration, my stomach clenching uneasily.
“Because I knew how upset you’d be,” he says, grasping my forearms lightly. “And I’m happy. I know you don’t believe it, but I am. I’m excited for this new chapter in my life.”
“But you don’t even know him!” I nearly shout, and Angel shakes his head, his cheeks flushing.
“But I do. Kind of. We’ve been…” he lowers his voice. “Speaking.”
“Is that who you’ve been talking to?”
“Yeah.”
My eyes widen, and I let him continue. “It’s a bit of a secret. My dad can’t ever know, but we’ve been chatting. Me and Mikhail. He’s…” He clutches me a little tighter. “He’s beautiful.”
I don’t believe it. How can I? He doesn’t know the man. They haven’t even met. So what if he’s been speaking to him on the phone? That means nothing. Right?
“I know what you’re thinking, but my dad has spoken to me about this arrangement and I’ve told him it’s okay, that we can go ahead with it. I really am happy about it.”
“But…but what about finishing school?”
“I’m online. I’ll be fine. I can finish out the year strong.”
“Will this guy let you continue on with your studies? I know you want to get your master’s.”
He lets out a little laugh. “Of course. He’s not archaic. He’s kind and sweet. He wants me just as much as I want him.”
Something niggles in my belly, something wrong and off, but I can’t put my finger on it. Then again, who wouldn’t want Angel? Maybe I’m just being illogically possessive of my friend. I don’t want him to end up hurt. I might have to burn the world down—or at least enlist Bane’s help to do so.
“Okay, if you’re sure.”
He beams. “I am. And I wanted to tell you sooner, once I knew the contract had been signed, but my dad made me promise to keep it to myself.”
“How outrageous. How long have you known?”
“Just a few days. I really did want to tell you. My dad just didn’t want you to know. Not yet.”
My lips curl down. “But now I know.”
“Well, it’s good because tomorrow I get fitted for a wedding suit and I will be purchasing some lingerie.” His cheeks darken as he peers up at me. “I—I’m going to have sex, Tatum. Oh my god.”
I clutch at him tightly and then pull him into a tight hug. “I’m glad you told me. I will murder your dad for keeping this from me. That must have been terrible, keeping this secret.”
“It was. I wanted to tell you forever. Well, it felt like forever. It was awful.”
“God. I hate your dad right now.” Angel snorts, and I squeeze him closely. “But I’ll be with you tomorrow. I’ll be there every step of the way. When does he arrive? Mikhail?”
“Day after tomorrow. I cannot wait to meet him in person.”
I nod and then link my fingers through his. “And when do you leave?”
His face falls slightly, but he perks up right away. “This weekend. Right after the ceremony. He’ll fly me to his…our home. I really wish I could stay longer. Diablo said he’s coming for the wedding, even though my dad told him to stay away for his safety. But he never listens.”
“Good for him. That was a ridiculous request.”
“Yeah, but…please don’t worry. Casey comes with me. It was part of the deal. He’ll be there, watching out for me, if things go wrong. Which they won’t. I promise.”
I feel something ugly shift inside of me. Not jealousy, but worry.
This can’t be good, it really can’t. And yet, how can I not be happy for my friend? He’s excited about this future he’s going to build with a man he thinks he’s in love with.
I can be supportive. I can. Even if I disagree.
“I want to come visit you. Right away. As soon as I can.”
He nods and then starts to bounce on his toes. “I honestly can’t wait to have my asshole obliterated.”
I let out a laugh and he joins me, the two of us wheezing until our eyes leak with tears.