by John Charles
As Bennett’s mouth continued driving Damien wild, his fingers, slicked with lube began probing. Damien groaned with pleasure and fear as Bennett’s fingers entered him. One then two, moving and seeking that special spot. He drummed both fingers against the bundle of nerves. Damien was lost. He couldn’t speak. His body no longer belonged to him.
Bennett’s eyes never lost contact with Damien’s. As Damien writhed under him, Bennett sucked harder, pulling all of his friend into his mouth and moaned.
Damien came so hard the world around him disappeared. When he returned from his orgasmic high, he felt Bennett’s lips on his, gently kissing his panting lips. Bennett lifted Damien’s feet to his shoulders, placed a condom on his hard as nails cock, and slowly entered his lover. Watching Damien’s eyes for any sign of trouble, he continued along his path till he was fully encased. Both seemed to breathe as if they were holding their breath. Bennett inched closer to his lover and kissed him tenderly. He started to thrust into the warmth below him. “So tight, tell me if I am hurting you and I’ll stop.”
“No, don’t stop. It’s been too long. I told you, you won’t hurt me,” said Damien as his body climbed the ladder once again.
Bennett kissed his neck, his shoulder, his eyes as his thrusting got harder. Damien rose to meet every thrust, wrapping both legs around his partner, pulling him deeper as Bennett continued to thrust into him. Suddenly Damien’s body convulsed. He came without touching himself screaming as he did. Holding onto Bennett as if his life depended on the man in his arms, Damien’s climax tightened Bennett like a vise. It was more than Bennett could handle driving him over the edge. “Fuck, coming,” moaned Bennett as he thrust deep into his lover, then fell forward, out of breath.
When his breathing returned to a more normal state, Bennett slid off his lover and held Damien until they both began to recover. Both men looked into each other’s eyes slowly drifting into the sleep only hot, loving sex can bring.
Chapter 12
One thing about Bennett was his dedication to schedule. Some thought it overly compulsive, but to Bennett it was a way to maintain a semblance of order in his hectic life. Being in pharmaceutical sales, he was constantly in meetings, working with clients, and traveling. Having a routine that fit into his crazy schedule became a necessity for him.
Karl made it his business to know Bennett’s routine. He coordinated his gym schedule so he and Bennett could workout together when Bennett was in town. He even began to cultivate Damien’s friendship.
Waverley insisted Karl get closer to Bennett to use him as a tool to get to Damien’s project. Karl had no problem with the idea. He liked Bennett and wanted something more. He knew Bennett and Damien were a thing that was not going away, but that wasn’t going to deter him.
Spotting Bennett’s last set on the bench; Karl asked, “Do you enjoy playing basketball as much as you enjoy watching the game?”
“When I get someone who can play, I do. Most of the guys around here are more into watching. Why, do you play?”
“I enjoy a one-on-one sometimes. And, I’ve been told I’m good, so if you are interested let’s find the time to shoot some hoops.”
“Sounds good to me,” said Bennett as he wiped sweat from his face. “Right now, I doubt it would be worth the effort. I need a shower and some food. Today’s workout was intense. Thanks for spotting.”
Karl and Bennett made their way to the lockers bantering about which team was better. To an onlooker they were good friends and coworkers.
Bennett’s travel schedule had him in a different city each week. Clients wanted his expertise in product meetings as well as updates on new drug regimens in development at Valentech. His weekends found Bennett at the Laundromat or at the gym catching up on his sorely missed workouts. Though he usually found time to run or do a small workout while traveling, most hotels rarely had the gym facilities he found at home. He also found the one-on-one basketball games with Karl enjoyable and challenging. Karl was as good as he said he was. That gave Bennett something to look forward to when not on the road.
He and Damien found time to talk most evenings, but Bennett wanted more than a phone call relationship. He wanted Damien. Unfortunately, his travel schedule and Damien’s long work hours made that all but impossible.
He was not surprised when he received a text from his lover, while on the way to a client. What did surprise him was the message. Hal thinks this is taking way too long. He feels we need to set the trap now or we’ll lose Waverley. I’ve got an idea that might just work. See you on Friday. Can you spend the weekend?
Should be back late Friday. Have a game scheduled for Saturday with our “friend” but I can cancel.
No, don’t. Come over Friday night. Miss you
Will do. Have to run. Late for a meeting. Love you!
Love you? Really? Thought Damien as he put his phone on the desk in his lab. Yeah, Michael said that too, but remember what that brought? Bennett is different. God, I’ve got to get past that or this will end up worse.
The balance of Damien’s week was a blur. He worked till midnight three nights in a row trying to finish the documents Hal wanted from him. He was losing patience with his staff and had difficulty concentrating. Thursday morning he lost it. A member of his staff made a minor mistake that should have been handled with a few words or no comments at all, but Damien blew up. His outburst was so out of character that word spread threw out the company. Watch out for Damien. He’s turning into a real bastard.
Andrea was not happy when she heard the rumors. This project was hurting Damien and the company. “Can I see you in my office for a few minutes Damien?” she said when he answered his phone.
“No time for that Andrea. Remember the project you and your boss dumped on me?”
“That’s exactly why we need to talk. I won’t argue with you Damien. Please come to my office right now.”
“Fine” he said as he abruptly cradled the phone. “I’ll be in Andrea’s office,” he barked to his assistant as he left the lab.
When he got there, he was not surprised to see Ferris sitting near Andrea’s desk. “Sit down Damien. We need to talk,” said Ferris without standing. Damien moved the chair so he could see both Ferris and Andrea without turning his head, then sat. “It has come to our attention that you are now considered the company bastard,” said Ferris holding his hand up signaling he didn’t want a reply. “That is not good for you or the company. This project has gotten to you, hasn’t it?”
Damien was livid. He took the project to help the company and get Waverley, but it was more than he bargained for. “Sir, with all due respect, you have no idea what it takes to create a phony lab protocol as well as maintaining my regular work schedule. If I had known what I was signing up for, I’d have said no.”
Ferris and Andrea shared a look that told Damien something was not good. “What’s going on?” asked Damien.
“Hal thinks Waverley is losing patience with Karl. We need to get this done now. Are you almost finished with the project abstract?”
“Yes, I planned to give it to Bennett on Friday. Is there something I’m missing?”
Andrea’s usual self-assured confidence was not there when she said, “Waverley sent a very threatening text to Karl last night. Nicholle gave us the heads up suggesting Karl may be in danger.”
“Damn, that guy is crazy. Do you think he would hurt Karl just to get my project?
“We’re not sure what he is capable of doing Damien,” said Ferris, “but Hal has put a detail on Karl. He is being watched all the time now.”
“On Karl, what about putting a detail on Waverley?” asked Damien as he stood and walked to the window. “This is getting out of hand.”
“There’s been a detail on Waverley for weeks. They haven’t found anything out of the norm. Now that he has threatened Karl, Hal thought it prudent to cover him, too.”
“I’ll make sure Bennett has the abstract this weekend. The plans are still the same?”
> “Thank you Damien. I want you to stop working on the protocol tomorrow. Have a peaceful weekend and comeback Monday to your regular job, nothing more,” said Ferris.
A relieved Damien left Andrea’s office. Damn, Bennett has this basketball thing with Karl on Saturday, just when I have time to spend with him.
Damien walked into his lab and asked that he not be disturbed. He worked till midnight on Thursday and all day Friday to finish the abstract and put his usual polish on the protocol. He felt good. He knew Waverley’s team would not see the flaws until it was too late. The protocol looked so perfect, it would fool the best scientists. He took the abstract with him as he closed the lab at 7 on Friday.
Damien wanted to be rested and alert for Bennett, so he went directly to his bedroom and lay down. Just a little nap and I’ll be fine.
When he opened his eyes, he saw a smiling Bennett lying next to him. “Hi, how long have you been here?” He said as he inched closer to his lover and pecked his smiling lips. “What’s so funny?”
“You, that’s what’s so funny. I’m glad I have a key cause you were dead to the world when I got here. Someone could have robbed you and you’d not have even stirred.”
“I must have been more exhausted that I thought. I just wanted to take a nap and be awake when you arrived.” He cuddled Bennett and asked, “What time is it, anyway?”
“Almost midnight,” said Bennett. “I got here around ten and found you in this zombie state. You haven’t even moved.” “Are you okay now or do you want to go back to sleep?”
“No, I’m awake. I’m not going back to sleep right now,” said Damien as he rolled on top of Bennett, sitting on his thighs.
“I could get used to this,” said Bennett as he pulled Damien’s hands to his lips. If my schedule were not so hectic we could be doing this every night.”
“Every night? Are you suggesting something Bennett?”
“I’m here most nights when I’m in town, so yeah, I guess I am suggesting something,” he said with a lopsided smile on his face.
“That’s certainly worth considering. How much rent can you afford?”
“Rent? I’ll give you rent,” said Bennett as he pulled Damien into a heated kiss. Then began tickling him into hysterical submission.
“Okay, stop! I give,” said Damien as he managed to escape from his aggressor. “You continue to treat me like that and I’m taking my key back,” he said as he stood near the bed. “Now get up and let’s go for some food. I’m in the mood for breakfast and it’s past midnight so it’s technically morning.”
After breakfast at the all night diner, Damien explained what Ferris and Hal wanted them to do. “If you follow the plan, we’ll have this over with in no time.”
“I’m glad you are finished with all the extra hours. I don’t want to be dating the company bastard,” said Bennett as he and Damien cuddled on the couch. “I know you slept several hours, but I’ve not had much sleep so I’m going to bed. Want to join me?”
Chapter13
After their workout, Damien, Bennett and Karl made their way to Valentech to begin a normal Monday on the job. Bennett’s travel schedule had him working locally all week, which allowed him time to get caught up on his office paperwork and to meet with people he hadn’t seen in a while. He took the abstract to the lunchroom during his morning break hoping to find time to read Damien’s document.
Fully absorbed in the abstract, he didn’t hear Karl enter the lunchroom. “Earth to Bennett,” said Karl as he sat opposite his coworker. “What is so interesting that you didn’t even hear me?”
Bennett looked up from the abstract and smiled at his friend. “Just catching up on some reading. Some people write so well, it’s like reading a novel even though it’s just an abstract.” He closed the document and placed it on the table so Karl could see the title, then got up for more coffee. “Want to heat that up?” he said pointing to Karl’s coffee mug.
Before Karl could answer, the PA system announced a call for Bennett. He picked up the phone, told the receptionist he would take the call in his office, and ran from the lunchroom. Karl’s heart skipped a beat as he thumbed through the abstract realizing it was on Damien’s new project. Karl placed the abstract into some papers he had with him and left the lunchroom.
He texted Waverley as he walked to the copy room. Have something you will enjoy reading. Am making a copy right now. Will send it to you later today. After making two copies, Karl carefully placed the original back on the table where Bennett left it, hoping Bennett was still on his phone call.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes. Have to run an errand,” said Karl as he walked past Jay’s lab assistant, after lunch. “I should be back in ten or fifteen minutes.” He made his way to the post office and overnighted a copy of Damien’s abstract to Waverley. Hope this gets him off my back for a while. He put the second copy in an envelope and placed it in his trunk. I’ve got to read that later, he told himself as he drove back to Valentech.
“He copied it”, said Bennett after retrieving the abstract.
“How do you know?” asked the voice on the phone. I can tell by the folds. If he just read it, there would be no discernible fold marks, but it clearly shows he folded each page and put the cover down when he copied it.”
“Good work. We’ll make sure to keep a close watch on our friend. I think our game has just begun,” said the voice. “You meeting him tomorrow morning?”
“Yes, Damien and I will be at the gym for our normal workout.”
“Stay alert. I wonder if he will do anything to let you know what he’s done.”
Bennett spent the balance of his day working on client proposals and updating himself on other Valentech projects. His job depended on his ability to quickly capture the meaning of project abstracts and to develop an understanding of the potential of the intended products. To him, it was a fantastic game – challenging, yet enjoyable.
When Karl’s phone buzzed Tuesday afternoon, he knew it was Waverley, before he looked at the screen. This is exactly what we need. Find a way to get into the system and get all the files on this project. I want them before Friday!
Karl had anticipated the request and was desperately trying to get past the privacy walls in the system when his phone rang. “Mr. Valente would like to see you Karl. He said to meet him in engineering,” said Cindy.
“Okay, I’ll ask Jay if I can go and get back to you.”
“I’ve already cleared it with Jay, so just let him know where you are going. He’ll understand.”
Karl did as instructed and made his way to engineering to meet Valente. When he arrived, Karl was surprised to see several of Valentech’s I.T. and engineering techs waiting for him. “Cindy said you wanted to see me Mr. Valente.”
“Yes, Karl. We’ve been going over your ideas about an automated system for lab testing our products. Our lab tests are so different and have prevented us from developing a system as you suggested. But we need it, so I called this meeting. Take a seat and let’s see if we can brainstorm a solution.”
The techs, Ferris, and Karl spent the next hour laying out ideas. At the end of the meeting, Ferris told everyone, “You have been cleared to use the system files. Take some time and peruse the different procedures. See if you can identify a similarity that we can work with. Some of you already have clearance beyond this, but for those who are getting it today, please understand you are a “Read Only” user, so don’t try to change anything or the system will kick you out.”
Karl hid his pleasure as he left the meeting. Even with the “Read Only” restriction, he should be able to find Damien’s project and get the file Waverley wanted. He made his way back to Jay’s lab and pretended to be involved in his new assignment. As he looked around the system, he spotted several projects from other scientists, but couldn’t find Damien’s. Then he saw a folder marked thoroughbred. Why would any folder be named thoroughbred? He clicked to open the folder and was presented with a screen requiring the user to
enter a secure password. He spent several minutes entering passwords that he thought Damien might use to protect his project folder, to no avail. After several attempts, he closed the system to prevent a security alert. He would try again later.
Two hours later, he tried a new list of passwords again without success. What would Damien use that he and his staff would remember? He tried birthdays, sports team names, celebrity names – none worked. Then he got an idea. I wonder. After keying in the number/letter combination, he received access. Wow, who would have thought Damien would use his boyfriend’s name and birthday?
His screen showed folders for several projects he knew to be top secret. Included in the list was Damien’s Genetic project. Careful not to draw attention to himself, Karl opened the Genetic folder and found numerous other folders for the project. He hit the jackpot. Now what do I do?
His concentration was interrupted when one of the other lab techs asked him a question. Logging off the system, Karl turned his attention back to Jay’s project.
Wednesday found Karl in a quandary. Jay’s project required his utmost attention to detail or the results could be skewed. He didn’t want any mistakes that would point back to him. Nor did he want anyone hurt by bad results recording. Yet he now had the opportunity to get the files he needed to get Waverley off his back. But how would he get those files to his blackmailer? Suddenly he had an idea. He looked through his knapsack and found a thumb drive he used to transfer songs to his car’s mp3 player. He inserted the drive into the computer’s USB port, hoping it was not restricted. To his surprise, the computer recognized the drive. He then made his way through the various folders to Damien’s project. Ferris said we couldn’t write to a folder, but I wonder if I can copy them. He tested his idea with a small folder and found it worked flawlessly.
On his way home from work Karl stopped at an office supply store and purchased the largest thumb drive they had in stock.
The following morning he met Damien and Bennett for his normal workout routine. He laughed and joked with his coworkers as if nothing out of the normal had happened. When he reached his desk, Karl inserted the new thumb drive allowing his computer to recognize and install it. Once done, he navigated to Damien’s project and began the tedious task of secretly copying the folders to his thumb drive. By lunchtime, he had only been able to find enough time to copy a third of the folders. He couldn’t stop his regular job to do this.
