“Are you okay, Barry?” I asked.
Barry blinked several times, then nodded. “I’m trying to get over the fact that Rupert hit on you. I suspected he had a serious attachment to you, but I thought it was because he saw you as one hell of a meal ticket. Didn’t know he wanted to fuck you. I wonder if his wife knows.”
I shrugged. “I’m sure she doesn’t. Look, if they send you another photo or letter demanding money, you can tell them I said to ‘suck my dick, they ain’t getting shit’. Dumb asshole didn’t even put any contact info in the letter.” I stood up, adjusting my sweats.
Barry looked up at me and nodded. “I’m proud of you, kid. I’m worried for you, but I’m also proud too.”
“Thanks, Barry.” I smiled because I had never felt so free in my life. I was about to finally be me and I couldn’t wait to share this moment with Aiden. Of course, he was out of town at the moment, but he’d be back tomorrow and back at work, writing up a story. I left Barry’s gym, went home and tried to sleep, but couldn’t… I was so excited. Finally, I had to take a pill in order to get some rest and I woke up around ten in the morning. I got up quickly, packed a bag, and called Barry to let him know I was taking a short break. He didn’t argue because he knew it would have been futile. I was going to see my man.
I made my travel arrangements, got to the airport, signed some fan autographs and boarded my plane, first class. A few hours later, I was in L.A. I rented a car, putting my bag in the back. I didn’t bother to get a hotel room. I was going to stay at Aiden’s. I drove to Ringside Magazine’s building, parked, then walked inside. My body was buzzing with more energy than when I headed into the ring. I was inside the belly of a media beast about to take my man out for a surprise dinner.
I walked up to the front desk and the girl behind the counter grinned at me. “Wow, I can’t believe it’s actually you.”
I smiled. “In the flesh. Listen, I’m here to see one of your staff members, but I don’t want him to know it’s me. Can you see if Aiden James is available?”
“Oh, okay… sure.” She dialed a number and waited. “Yes, hello Mr. James. You have a guest that would like to come up and see you. Is it okay if we send him up?” She paused as she awaited his reply. “Sure. Not a problem. Bye.” She hung up and looked at me. “He’s waiting. Oh, before you go, can I get your autograph?”
“My pleasure,” I said. I signed the piece of paper, took the visitor’s badge she gave me, then made my way to his floor, following her directions. The doors opened and I stepped off and looked around. The space was full of cubicles like a little maze. People were busy walking this way and that, some stopped when they noticed me walking through the aisles.
I had to ask one guy where Aiden’s desk was and he looked at me in shock, then pointed in the direction.
“Thank you,” I said, then made my way over to where my baby was working diligently. I could see his fingers flying over the keyboard as he typed away on his latest story. I stood over his shoulder and he didn’t even know I was there. This was going to be awesome. Boy, I was charged as hell to finally be coming out and on my Own. Fucking. Terms. “Hungry, baby?”
I was an exhausted mess when I arrived at work. Reuniting with Macio was the happiest day in my life, but it had taken me on an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns that left me feeling dizzy and disoriented worse than any buzz from alcohol.
I experienced the joys of being in his arms again, the fear that he would be ripped out of my life again, and the worry that our late-night talks were having a negative impact on his training. I hoped he was sleeping better than I was and that his dreams weren’t filled with uncertainty and doubt. During the day, I was sure of our love and that we’d have the life we both wanted, but that all disappeared the second I slipped into dreamland.
I hit the coffee hard and kept it coming all day long. I worked through lunch so I could leave early and start my mini vacation. Macio didn’t know it, but I took an extra day off so I could extend my stay with him and Caesar in Vegas. I existed on peanuts from the vending machine and an endless flow of coffee. As the afternoon wore on, the growling of my stomach was loud enough to garner looks and comments from my coworkers, but I just kept my mind on the prize – a long weekend with Macio.
The receptionist called up to let me know I had a visitor and I fought down my annoyance at the unexpected intrusion into my day. Didn’t this person know I had a hot stud to get to? I was so flustered that I didn’t even ask who it was, I just told her to send them on up. I hung up my phone and went back to typing my interview so I didn’t lose any more precious time.
“Hungry, baby?”
I sighed out loud because that voice did so many things to me. It warmed my heart, it turned me on, and it made me love stronger than I ever dreamed possible. I heard a warm chuckle and turned my head. Oh god, I had starved myself until I had become delirious. I wanted Macio so badly, my psyche imagined him standing in my cubicle looking at me like I was his next meal.
“Surprise.” A huge smile spread across Macio’s face when he saw the confused look on my face.
I jumped to my feet and threw my arms around his neck without even thinking about it. “Macio.”
“Hi, baby.” He wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly in the middle of my office like he did when we were alone. “I missed you and decided I’d gone enough days without seeing you.”
Surely, I was dreaming. I just knew my alarm was going to go off at any minute and he’d be gone. I did the only thing I could think of to prove that Macio was real and in front of me. I pinched the skin at his waist and twisted, but not too hard in case I wasn’t delusional or dreaming.
Macio growled low, then said, “I’m going to make you pay for that later.”
“Promise?”
“I’m real – we’re real – and soon you won’t need to pinch me to know the truth,” he replied.
“But we’re standing in the middle of my workplace with your arms around me.”
“Aiden, they’re all so busy, they don’t even know I’m here. Even if they did, it wouldn’t matter to me. I’m done hiding.”
I looked around the room and saw that what he said was true. Everyone had their eyes focused on their computers in front of them. My heart pounded in my chest as his words about not hiding penetrated my poor, starved brain. “What does that mean?”
“I’ll show you,” Macio said. “Can you leave now or should I…”
“No! I’m ahead of schedule on this article, so I can go.” I packed up my messenger bag and we walked together to the elevators. My stomach growled embarrassingly loud, causing Macio to scowl at me. “I was coming to see you tomorrow. That’s why I was working so hard to get ahead of my Monday deadline.”
“You don’t skip meals, babe. It’s bad for every part of your body, especially your beautiful brain.” He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me to him for a quick kiss while we traveled down to the ground floor.
I snorted. “Yeah, let’s pretend that’s what you think is beautiful.”
Macio’s expression grew very serious, and then he said, “It wasn’t your looks or your phenomenal ass that hooked me, Aiden. It was your wittiness, your sass, and the sparkling orneriness I saw in your blue eyes. As handsome as I think you are, and as much as I love your ass, it’s your personality that snagged my heart. That’s how I knew you were the one.” The one. That was some serious shit. “I have a huge surprise for you – one that will show you just how serious I am.”
I followed Macio to his rental car and stored my bag in his trunk before I got in the passenger seat. I wanted to ask him a million questions about where we were going and what we were doing, but I could tell by the firm set of his jaw that he wouldn’t answer them. He wanted to surprise me and that was final.
I was shocked when we pulled up to the valet parking line for Bogard’s. It was the most expensive and exclusive restaurant in Los Angeles. People waited for months to get a reservation,
but I guess if you’re Animacio De Niro, you didn’t have to.
“Wow,” I said as I got out of the car. “I can’t believe you brought me here.”
The valet parking attendant handed Macio a ticket, then drove off in the luxury rental. Macio turned to face me and reached for my hand. “One of the things that always hurt you the most was that we couldn’t be like any other couple and eat dinner together in a restaurant. I know how much it hurt you to see photos of me with Kathy doing the things that we never could. That all ends.”
“Macio.” I had to close my eyes to ward off the tears that threatened to spill. I kept them closed until I had myself under control. “Babe, I would’ve settled for a fast food joint.”
“Not for my guy.” Macio stunned me even more when he held open the door for me so I could precede him inside. He placed his hand on my lower back and guided me to the hostess station where we were greeted by an adoring fan. Macio graciously signed an autograph for her and then said, “I have a reservation for four.”
“Four?” I asked. All of my happiness deflated out of me like a balloon when I realized that it was probably Rupert and Barry joining us for dinner.
“The other party has already arrived, sir. Follow me.”
Macio’s wide smile eased my dread a bit as I followed behind the hostess. I was absolutely shocked, and I mean you could’ve knocked me over with a feather, when we headed to a table where Macio’s brother and sister-in-law sat. Rico’s eyes briefly met mine, then shifted and lingered on his brother.
Rico rose to his feet when we got closer to the table. I could tell by the expression on his face that he wasn’t expecting my presence at dinner. I looked at Macio over my shoulder to gauge his emotions and all I saw were smiling eyes and a grin that radiated joy. His happiness caused my steps to falter.
Macio leaned forward and softly said, “I told Rico and Macy that I was bringing someone special to meet them; a person I loved more than any other. That won’t ever change no matter what happens here tonight or the days that follow. It’s me and you together versus the world, if need be.”
His words bolstered my courage and put a smile on my face for one of the most important introductions in my life. It was true what they said about only getting one chance at a first impression. I wanted Rico and Macy to see what Macio did when he looked at me – a man worthy of his love.
“Rico,” Macio said once we stood directly in front of him, “this is Aiden. I thought it was time you met the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Rico shifted his eyes to me and said nothing, didn’t move – not so much as a blink – until his wife let out an unladylike snort followed by a giggle. Rico turned to his wife and said, “I’m not giving you twenty dollars because you were only partially right. You said he was gay, I said he was gay and in love with Aiden.”
“Fine,” Macy said with an exaggerated eye roll. “Keep your damn money.”
Rico turned his attention back to us and I was happy to see that Macio was just as shocked as I was. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Aiden. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you.”
“You have?” Macio and I asked at once, making Rico laugh.
“Dumb ass.” Rico looped his arm around Macio’s neck and pulled him in for a hug before he extended his hand to me. “This lovely woman,” he nodded in the direction of his wife, “is Macy.”
I thrusted my hand toward Macy, but she waved me off, then launched herself at me for a hug. She hugged Macio next, then said, “It’s about time you came to your senses. You were miserable without him.”
“I wasn’t aware I mentioned Aiden that much to you guys,” Macio said once we took our seats.
“That’s how you know it’s real, sweetheart,” Macy said. “Talking about him was effortless and came naturally to you. Hell, you weren’t even aware you were giving so much away to us. I kept waiting for you to finally tell us you’re gay, but you never did. Then there was that Kathy debacle.” Macy shook her head.
“That wasn’t my brightest hour,” Macio replied. “I’m lucky that Kathy and I can still be friends. I’ll have to give her a heads up when I go public with my relationship with Aiden. I don’t want her to get caught up in the media storm, but I think it’s unavoidable.”
“You’re going to go public?” Rico asked in a concerned voice.
Macio bristled in his chair. “What? It’s okay to have a gay brother as long as it stays private?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth, little brother. You’re not too big for me to settle this like we used to when we were kids,” Rico warned.
“Enough, you two,” Macy admonished. “Aiden isn’t used to our dynamics yet.” She turned to Macio and said, “Rico is only concerned about the impact it will have on your life, Macio. He loves you no matter what. You know that.”
“Apparently he doesn’t know that, Macy.” Rico was looking down and his fingers were picking at the linen napkin in his lap. “He didn’t trust me enough to tell me he was gay. He didn’t tell me about Aiden or the truth about Kathy.” Rico raised his head and looked into Macio’s eyes. “I’m trying really hard not to take it personally, but I can’t seem to help it.”
“Rico, I promise that we’ll have the big heart-to-heart we should’ve had years ago this weekend. Tonight, I just want to show you the highest amount of respect I can by bringing Aiden to meet you. I want to show Aiden how much he means to me by bringing him home to meet the only family that I have.”
“Don’t forget our little monsters,” Macy scolded playfully.
Rico looked at his wife and snorted. “Who the hell could forget those two?” He turned his focus back on Macio and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me? Just answer that for me and we’ll put it behind us for the night. We can hug it out at our house this weekend when you bring Aiden to meet your niece and nephew.”
“Straight up fear, Rico. I was afraid I would lose the only family I had and it scared me into a hiding who I was. I am sorry that I hurt you by not telling you the truth, but I thought it was the only way.”
“Fair enough. Let’s enjoy this adult night out because it won’t be nearly as peaceful…”
“Or elegant,” Macy interjected.
“With the kids around,” Rico finished.
“Bring them on,” I said. “I adore kids.”
The waiter brought us a basket of bread and glasses of water while we perused the dinner and drink menu. “Everything looks so good,” Macy said. “I’m not sure what to get.”
“One of everything, baby, because Mr. Money Bags is picking up the bill,” Rico teased, smiling at his brother over the top of the menu he held in his hands.
My surprise date was one of the best nights of my life. Having dinner with Macio and his family in a public restaurant meant the world to me. Rico and Macy both seemed interested in what I did and I told them some behind the scenes funny stories, but without revealing the identities of the people involved, of course. Hearing Rico and Macio laugh and joke while telling stories of one another made me smile so much my face hurt by the time the valet attendant retrieved Macio’s rental car.
Rico and Macy hugged us both and made us promise to be at their home at seven for dinner the following evening. I couldn’t wait to meet the kids that had their uncle wrapped around their little fingers. I somehow doubted they were little monsters, but then again, their parents saw a different side of them than we would.
“This has been a wonderful night, Macio,” I said once we were inside his car. “Thank you so much. Meeting your family means the world to me and if you have time on Sunday, I’d love for you to meet my family too.”
“I wouldn’t miss it, baby.” Macio leaned forward and gave me a kiss before we set off.
“My house is that way.” I pointed to the street we passed.
“I haven’t forgotten where you live, Aiden. Our night isn’t over yet. I have one more surprise for you.” The excitement I heard in his voice made me smile. “I can�
�t wait!”
“I’ve only seen you this excited about sex,” I told Macio. “Please tell me we’re not going to a sex club. That’s not the way I’d prefer to make our debut as a couple.”
“Fuck no,” Macio said. “I’m not letting anyone get a look at what belongs to me. You’re mine, Aiden. I’ll never share you. Ever.”
“You’ll never have to.”
Weekend traffic was heavy, so it was another forty minutes before we reached our destination. “I don’t believe it,” I gushed when Macio turned into the entrance for the drive-in theater. “I haven’t been to one of these in years.”
“When I searched nighttime things to do, this popped up and I thought it would be cool. Then I checked to see what movies they were playing and I knew it was fate.”
“What movies?”
“Superman movie marathon. We’re going to eat popcorn, drink sodas – okay, I’ll probably drink water – and make out,” Macio said.
“It sounds like a perfect night.”
And it was. We did exactly what Macio had said, but we added in some groping and teasing in the mix. I’d never had a hard-on for as long as I had that night, nor had I ever wanted to suck Macio off as much as I did then, but I waited until we got home in the wee hours of the morning.
We didn’t make it very far inside my house before we starting ripping each other’s clothes off. Macio bent me over the couch and fucked me with every ounce of frustration he’d had from holding back for several hours. It was fast, dirty, and everything I’d been begging for every time I stroked his dick through his jeans.
Macio growled in my ear and I whimpered every time he pounded my prostate with the broad head of his dick. It didn’t take him long to make me come all over my leather couch or for him to fill my ass with his spunk.
We took a quick shower and climbed into my bed with the intention of sleeping until late morning or early afternoon. I had no idea what time it was when pounding at my front door woke me up.
“I swear to God, if that’s Rupert, I’m going to kill him,” I growled.
Undisputed Page 21
