18. CARLOS
CARLOS
I t's two days later, and I’m waiting outside the Kozlov mansion in the back of my car for Simon to join me.
Today we leave for Brazil. My father arranged for us to be collected as we are using his private jet.
My brother Enrico, along with Lucas and Mark, are in another vehicle, already heading for the airport.
Simon wasn’t thrilled to be chauffeured with me as a companion.
Speaking of Simon, here he comes, walking out toward the car with a small case, like he’s heading for his own execution.
I will make him smile one day. I have to laugh though, as I look behind him where Aaron, Kai and Seb are waving him off.
They’re an interesting family, I’ll give them that.
After the driver places Simon's luggage in the trunk, he sulkily gets into the back with me, not even looking at me. Treating me like a stranger. Like we haven’t fucked and seen every inch of each other’s bodies.
“I don’t see why you had to pick me up like it’s some kind of fucking relationship. Do you know what those assholes are like? I’ve had to listen to constant questions this morning about this trip and you.”
“Sorry, my father’s orders. I gather if they’re asking questions, they know about you?”
Simon stills in his seat and glances at me before fidgeting with the car door, pretending that there is something interesting going on outside of the car.
“No. Well, Dima says they know but I’ve not confirmed anything.”
That's new information.
“Dima knows? About you or about us?”
“Both, so can we drop it please? I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Fine.”
“How long are we going to be away? You have enough luggage back there for a month,” he says.
“A week, maybe two. I always overpack. You can never be too careful.”
“Careful? It’s fucking clothes.”
“Expensive and beautiful clothes.”
“Snob.”
“I prefer to say I have good taste and take pride in how I look.”
“I take pride and don’t own an obscene amount of clothing.”
“That’s because you wear the same thing and I guess have multiple items of the same clothing?”
“Smart ass.”
I lean over and lower my voice, and I don’t miss the goosebumps that flare up on his neck.
“You still look fucking delicious.”
“Stop. No flirting, innuendos, whispering or touching while we’re away. I just wanna do what you need me to do and go home.”
“But what if I need to cum?”
He stares blankly at me, unimpressed.
“Then use your hand.”
“Eh. There are plenty of guys back home. I won’t need to resort to using my own hands.”
The comment has the impact I wanted as he clenches his jaw and turns to look back outside. I’m not going to do anything with anyone, I just want Simon to acknowledge he wants me too. Badly.
The car remains in silence, but not awkward as we drive to the airport.
The journey flies by, and upon arrival we are escorted to the private lounge where Enrico, Lucas and Mark are waiting for us.
I haven’t seen Enrico since our last meeting after we found him, and the time apart has affected him.
He is less put together and he looks to have lost a little weight.
Not that he needed to. But that's his problem.
“Ready for home?” I say to my brother who is sitting like a child waiting to be scolded by his parents. He needs to grow the fuck up.
“You’re a piece of shit, Carlos. Who's this guy? Boyfriend?” he says in a high pitched voice, meant to belittle my sexuality.
“No. Simon is helping us out on this trip. Not that I have to explain it to you.”
“Whatever. Just be careful, Simon. He likes to dip his pen in the office ink.”
I go to speak, but Simon saves me the job.
“Why don’t you shut the hell up, fuckface? Nobody is interested in anything you have to say,” Simon says before taking a seat on the opposite row of seats and starting to flick through his phone. I’m impressed.
“Do you know who I am, little bitch?” Enrico shouts at Simon. Simon doesn’t look up, and responds by giving Enrico the finger. Lucas and Mark chuckle and I can’t help but smile. It's good to see I’m not the only person Simon can be a dick to.
“I think it's best you don’t talk until we land,” I say as I lean against the window where we have a clear view of my father’s jet. The groundmen finish their checks so it won’t be long until we’re allowed on board.
“Carlos, they‘re ready for us to board,” Lucas says.
“Let’s go,” I say to everyone, and Simon looks up and pockets his phone, following us all out onto the tarmac, unaware of the trouble that lies ahead of us.