by Lisa Oliver
“I didn’t say that. I….”
“You what?” Bronson snapped. “We’ve been through this shit. Ronan is your mate. You bought this club for him. You claimed him already. What’s the harm in being seen with him, which will not only put paid to the ridiculous notion of you marrying that gold digger, but will also promote this club, which in case you’ve forgotten opens at the end of next week. You can turn this crap-fest into a PR opportunity and solidify your bond with your mate. Instead, you let it be known by the things you didn’t say, that the last thing you wanted was for you and Ronan to be seen out in public. Didn’t you hear his comment about the paparazzi?”
“I’ve been out in public with him,” Asaph protested. He rubbed his chest. Ronan must be really upset, and he was getting it all secondhand, which was not pleasant. His wolf didn’t understand why they weren’t tracking Ronan down already. His animal side was all for snuggling around the precious man and snapping at anyone that got too close. Possessive bastard; but Asaph was starting to think his animal side had the right idea. “I’ve taken him to dinner twice. I introduced him to George on security and Beatrice in the office. The men who work here all know he’s my partner, fiancé or whatever the hell you want to call it. I’m not trying to hide him.”
“Then why did you stiffen and your scent change when I mentioned making a thing of this for the press?”
“Because if the press gets wind of this, then I’ll be slapped with fucking labels, and you know I hate that whole idea. I’m a person, an individual. Who I care about, marry or whatever is nobody’s business but my own.”
“I know that, you know that and so does Ronan. But he lives as an out and proud gay man. He cut his niche in the human world, and accepts any limitations that come with it. I’m the first one to admit that what Leticia has done is wrong on so many levels I can’t even count them. But if she’s using the press to pressure you into marrying her, then I don’t see why you don’t use the same tool to get back at her. Either that or call the police and have her arrested for fraud, theft or defamation of character. She’s got to be stopped one way or the other.”
“If I get her arrested, she’d be out of jail before nightfall, you know that. And then, even if the case sticks, there’d be court case after court case, and yes my business would suffer because of it. Who wants to be labeled as a man who dated a psycho bitch who doesn’t understand the word ‘over’.”
“It’s that, or be labeled gay,” Bronson said. “Which one can you live with? Personally, I think the gay angle is your best way to go. Sure, it’ll be big news for a little while, but everyone’s fifteen minutes of fame has been shortened to five thanks to social media and being gay isn’t the kiss of death for your business life. If this happened thirty years ago, maybe; but not now.”
“I’m a fucking businessman. I’ve built this business from scratch. When I go out people respect me because of the hard work I’ve put in, the money I’ve made and the lengths I go to succeed. I’ve done all this with my own two hands. Being seen with Ronan, it’ll change the way people look at me. I don’t know why; I just know it will. With one picture, one comment, I go from being a respected businessman to a gay businessman, and suddenly all anyone is interested in is what I do in the bedroom. It annoys the crap out of me, but it’s true and you can’t deny it. I’m still the same person; my business advice is still as sound as ever. My money’s still the same color, and I still have the same amount of clout. But people’s reactions to me will change, and I’ve worked too hard to let that happen.”
Bronson leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “If that’s the way you feel then go through with this sham of a marriage with Leticia. Set her and Ronan up in separate houses. Get Ronan to jack you off into a jar so you can create mini-Asaphs for the world to see, to preserve your precious image. You’d have to tell Leticia about your wolf side if you want pups, but I’m sure if you pay her enough money she’ll keep her mouth shut. Maybe. And of course, you’ll devastate your omega, but hey, why should that be a problem? You bought him a club of his own. He’s rich now, thanks to your bite. He should be grateful, right?”
Asaph felt his mouth drop open, his mind stuttering, trying to work out what to address first. “I can’t believe, after all these years as friends, you’d think I’d even contemplate doing something like that. I thought you liked Ronan. How could you believe for one second I’d be so cruel as to subject him to a life like that?”
“I do like Ronan and that’s why I’m the one person who can sit here and tell you to your face that what you’re doing isn’t any less cruel. You heard what your mate said. He’ll stay away from you because of the increase in interest from the paparazzi. He already believes you don’t think he’s good enough to stand by your side. How anyone could treat a mate like that is beyond me. And you’re supposed to be an Alpha wolf. You’re letting Leticia walk all over you…”
“Only because I’d rip her throat out if I saw her,” Asaph growled. “I wouldn’t be able to even talk to her without wanting her dead.”
“More importantly you’ve let Ronan down,” Bronson continued, blatantly ignoring Asaph’s comment. “You’ve done the one thing no mated wolf would ever do – put your needs ahead of his. All because you’re worried people’s perceptions of you will change. How do you know they will? How do you know you won’t pick up new business from this? Being LGBTQ friendly isn’t a bad thing and maybe Ronan would be an asset to your reputation as well. Have you seen Ronan out in public? Does he slurp his soup? Pick his nose at the table? Or is he charming, friendly, personable and so damn pretty everyone loves him and doesn’t even care who he sleeps with?”
Asaph thought about how Ronan dealt with Penny and the men and women working at his club. Bronson was right. Ronan had a beautiful, calm way with people. He was friendly, encouraged them to talk and more than that, he actually listened to people, and that was a huge people skill. If he ever had any interest in business he’d probably exceed Asaph in the success stakes. Asaph had already done a background check on his mate, not that he’d told Bronson that, but everything in the investigator’s notes pointed to the fact he was a hard worker, people liked him and he wasn’t afraid to negotiate for the things he needed. Unlike Asaph, Ronan was prepared to compromise and that truly worked in his favor.
Taking a long breath and letting it out, Asaph made a decision, one he knew would change his life forever. “Do I have anything special on for this evening? You seem to know more about my social calendar than I do.”
“Will it matter if Leticia is there?” Bronson asked, flipping a screen on his tablet. Asaph shook his head. Leticia wouldn’t make a scene in front of the people she’d grown up with. But turning up with Ronan would certainly send the right message to a number of people, especially Leticia.
Chapter Twenty
Ronan wasn’t the type to chew his nails, but he wished he smoked as his hands wouldn’t stay still. Correction. All of him felt fidgety. Asaph phoned him two hours earlier, apologized for being a jerk, and asked if Ronan could be showered and ready to go out by six o’clock. Oh, and not to worry about clothes because Asaph was bringing him something to wear. They were going to a charity dinner and Asaph wanted Ronan there as his date. His. Date. Asaph said those specific words, and Ronan didn’t know whether to melt on the floor, or fly into a panic.
The call had been a blessing. No matter how hard Ronan tried, his brain kept yelling at him that he just wasn’t enough for his mate. His anger quickly morphed to hurt; understandable, but painful. That hurt had morphed again; worry this time. The type of worry that only a smoke, a stiff drink, or the end of his fingernails would cure. What if Ronan did something wrong? What if he embarrassed Asaph in public? Was Asaph going to continue to introduce him as his fiancé, or was he simply going as a friend or business associate? What if being at this dinner upset wealthy people and Asaph’s business suffered?
Ronan didn’t know what to do – plead a headache and refuse
to go was his first thought – but Asaph had asked him so nicely; when it was all said and done, Asaph was his mate, and even spending a few hours apart, Ronan missed him with an ache even dancing couldn’t dissipate. So he paced and worried about the little things; hair tied up or left to hang nicely down his back; which boots would be most suitable; eyeliner or should he go for a business look. He’d got his hair brushed and he was showered, but by the time he heard the knock at his door he wasn’t sure if he should answer it. But knowing Asaph was on the other side of it, meant that wasn’t really a question at all.
“You look lovely like that.” Asaph’s eyes gleamed and Ronan realized he’d answered the door wearing only a towel. And to say he was underdressed was a huge understatement. Asaph looked magnificent. He was wearing a light gray suit cut so fine every inch of Asaph’s body was on display. His black shoes matched his shirt and his tie provided a sparkly highlight – black threaded with pale silver stripes. His blond hair was styled, he’d shaved for the evening and even his watch looked expensive.
“Are you going to let me in?” Asaph’s smile let him know he was pleased with the approval. “I’ve brought clothes for you. I wasn’t sure if you owned a suit.”
“Er no, yes, thank you.” Ronan stepped back and let his mate into his living room. He was acutely aware his space looked nothing like Asaph’s home, but Asaph seemed to like it.
“Homely,” he said with another smile, looking around. Ronan knew Asaph’s sharp wolf eyes wouldn’t miss a thing, from the shabbiness of his couch, to the abstract art on his walls. “I can’t wait to see what you do with that monstrosity of mine. I definitely don’t have the soft touch or way with colors you do. I like it, but then I like you too.”
Ronan was flustered and he wanted to kick himself for it. The way Asaph looked at him, as though he was the sun and moon combined was intense; Ronan knew that if Asaph looked at him like that over dinner no one would be able to mistake the connection they shared; no matter how he might be introduced. Caught in the intensity of Asaph’s bright blue eyes, Ronan could feel the air almost swirl around them, the feeling growing and growing until Ronan almost fell – his need to touch overwhelming.
“I feel it too, sweetheart, believe me I do,” Asaph said in a husky voice, stepping into Ronan’s space. “Where’s the bedroom. You need to get dressed as we’re expected at the dinner by seven. How quickly you dress will determine how long we have for kissing.”
“Nothing more?” Ronan blushed as he led Asaph across his living room, to the bedroom beyond. He was never a flirt, never, but just being around Asaph seemed to bring it out.
“Oh I want to do so much more,” Asaph growled in his ear. “But this is an important night. I plan to show you off.”
Taking the suit bag Asaph held out for him, Ronan carefully laid it on the bed. On opening it, he found a darker gray suit than the one Asaph was wearing, with a pale gray shirt and a tie with tiny black stripes.
“I’ve never worn a tie,” he said, setting it to one side and dropping his towel. Asaph’s moan behind him had Ronan moving quickly. He didn’t own underwear and he didn’t want the front or back of his fancy new pants showing damp marks. He pulled on the pants, finding the legs longer than expected. They pooled around his ankles.
“I got them to add four inches to account for your heels,” Asaph said. “I had to guess your measurements. We’ll get you properly tailored suits before we go to Vegas.”
“You still want me to go with you then? Only, I was thinking, if I’m just going to be at the hotel all day, then maybe I’d better stay here and get to know my staff.” Ronan said, sliding the shirt around his shoulders. It was so soft, and yet looked like crisp linen and Ronan loved it.
“We’ll only be gone for three days,” Asaph said firmly, helping Ronan pull on his jacket, once the shirt was buttoned. The fit was perfect and showcased Ronan’s shoulders and trim waist. “I’ve organized the business side of things to be done in the mornings, and I want you to come with me. We’re breaking ground on a new casino and it’s exciting. All the afternoons are free, so we can play tourist. It’s not something I’ve done before so I’m looking forward to it. You’ll be my date for the two dinner meetings I can’t get out of, and I am sorry about that, but I was hoping that on one of our free afternoons you’d duck into a wedding chapel with me and make our relationship legal.”
“I can probably find time in my busy schedule to do that,” Ronan said, turning and handing Asaph his tie. “I honestly don’t know how these things are supposed to be tied. I’ve never had a cause to wear one.”
Having Asaph so close, as the man quickly and efficiently got Ronan’s tie sorted, was playing havoc with his senses. Ronan had his head tilted up. Asaph’s was bent down as he worked with the material in his hands. If Ronan stood on tiptoe, he could….
“There.” Asaph smiled. “Now was there something else you wanted, or should we go? The limo is waiting outside.”
“Kiss me first. You promised.” One brush of Asaph’s lips and Ronan’s nerves melted away. In Asaph’s arms he felt a sense of safety, security and well-being he hadn’t had since his mom died. Asaph deliberately kept his kisses light, almost playful, but the contact was something Ronan was coming to crave and he let Asaph do as he wanted. Feeling Asaph’s heat, his hard torso under the shirt, Asaph smelled like home and love and all of the things Ronan hadn’t even realized he’d been missing.
It was over far too soon, but in a way Ronan was grateful especially when he buttoned his jacket; pleased to see the cut of it meant that the bulge in his pants was covered. At least he wouldn’t embarrass himself, although a quick peek showed Asaph was having the same predicament.
“Come home with me tonight?” Asaph asked, his arms still wrapped around Ronan’s waist.
“Can’t wait,” Ronan said, disengaging himself and hunting for his boots. They were only ankle high so would fit under his suit pants perfectly. Sliding his wallet, phone and keys into his pockets, Ronan held out his hand.
“Ready when you are,” and as they left the apartment and headed down to the waiting car, Ronan prayed his mate would still want his company by the end of the evening.
Chapter Twenty-One
Asaph projected an icy calm exterior, one he was known for among the business community. No one looking at him would guess his stomach was in knots and his teeth were clenched. Focusing on positive things like the stunning way Ronan’s slim body carried a suit; the air of nonchalance the man managed to pull off, even though Asaph could smell his anxiety, all helped, but Asaph knew they were in for a trying evening. Ronan’d been quietly thrilled with the limousine, greeting Asaph’s driver Harry with a smile and a handshake, and then exclaiming over the luxury of the interior. He was fascinated with the communications set up; the way the glass sparkled in the bar and the softness of the seats. But none of that could mask the slight change in Ronan’s scent.
“What are you worried about sweet one?” Asaph asked, pulling Ronan gently into a hug that Ronan seemed pleased to take.
“Your business, how people may treat you differently if you’re seen with me,” Ronan admitted. Asaph found his honesty refreshing – it wasn’t as commonplace as it should be among the humans he dealt with. Likewise, there was no sign of the games women often played with him; the coy looks, the hints something might be wrong that used to drive Asaph up the wall because he was supposed to guess what the hell it was. He knew he wasn’t perfect by any means, but if someone had an issue, especially if it was with him, he preferred they just came out and said so.
“I’d be lying if I said that didn’t worry me a little too,” Asaph said, deciding to repay candor with candor. “But I remind myself I have built a solid business that I could sell tomorrow if I wanted to for double its value. You are the one person who’s important enough for me to walk away from it all if necessary, and once I’d considered that possibility and decided your happiness was more important, then I found there was no way I cou
ld lose.”
Ronan was quiet, another bonus. Asaph nuzzled his hair and then for some reason his mouth decided to open again. In a way Ronan was too accepting and Asaph wasn’t used to it.
“I’m truly sorry for making you think you weren’t worth coming out for this afternoon,” he said softly. “I didn’t realize at the time that I was doing you a disservice. I’ve gotten self-centered over the years and it took harsh words from Bronson to help me remember my priorities.”
“And what priorities are those?” Ronan asked, and Asaph could see his whole face was smiling.
“Well, there’s you,” Asaph said, kissing Ronan’s forehead, “and then there’s you again, and then…yep, it’s you again. You’re important to me Ronan, and even though I might not act like it sometimes, just give me a chance to get my head around these changes.”
“Because you thought your mate would be a woman?”
“Because I didn’t think I’d ever be blessed with a mate at all,” Asaph corrected. “But yes, I did think if I’d ever be so lucky as to find that person meant for me, then because of what I’d conditioned myself to think and feel, I did picture a woman in that role. It’s not easy being wolf in a human world, as I’m sure you found out for yourself.”
“I never had a pack,” Ronan shrugged. “It was only ever me and my mom. She never told me who my father was, and after a while it didn’t really matter. She always let me know how much I was loved and cared for and while I think it was my dad who probably kicked her out of her pack, she never said anything about it. I like to think he didn’t even know of my existence. I went to human schools, had human friends and didn’t know any different.”
“I’ve seen the worst things that can occur in pack life,” Asaph said grimly, quickly banishing the thoughts of his mother and brother. “I vowed I would never go back; never be an Alpha in that respect and I don’t regret my decision one bit.”
