Push

by BLMorticia

  Seth gasped and covered his mouth. He moved over to the left quick and leaned against the wall, panting. Malakei is gay?

  On the inside, Seth was doing flips knowing his crush played on the same team. On the other hand, he was still in the closet. Seth understood why, and it didn’t change the opinion he had of the man. In truth, it made things more than a little interesting.

  Seth shook his head and cleared his throat. He stomped his feet to make it sound like he was just coming down the hall. “Ahem, um, gents.” He stuck his head in, and Malakei appeared to be a little flustered. His light brown eyes were wide and wild. “Sorry, I was wondering if I could speak to you a moment, Malakei.”

  “Uh, sure, Seth.”

  Seth didn’t notice where Peter had gone that fast, but then again he didn’t care. He’d heard the information he wanted to hear, and hopefully, over the coming days and weeks, he’d use it to get closer to Malakei.

  “So, um… I wanted to apologize for earlier. I meant no harm, but you were right about me stereotyping. It wasn’t fair,” Seth said.

  “It’s okay. I totally got where you were coming from. I’ve been in this business for a while, and I get tired of people pigeonholing me. You know what I mean?”

  “Yes. I totally get it, and I’m sorry. You schooled me, right, but I’m gonna tell you this since it’s just you and me now. I was only looking out for me and my mates. If I feel something’s off, I’m not gonna hesitate to ask you again.”

  “Oh. As you should. It seems like you’re the leader, anyway,” Malakei answered.

  “I am. In every sense of the word, but I ask for their input. We’re a band, yes, but I control everything.”

  “So I see. I read that you’re the founder anyway, so….”

  “Yep. All right, then, I’m glad I got that off my chest. You’re a good guy, Malakei. I appreciate everything you’re gonna do for us.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Seth. I’m looking forward to dinner tonight.”

  “Me too. Everyone in my camp can’t wait to see your home. I gotta be honest; I’m more excited than anyone.” And he was, knowing the bits he’d overheard from Peter.

  “Great. I look forward to showing you. Like I said, the car will pick you guys up at seven thirty. That will give you guys time to relax, shower, all that. Call my driver if you need more time.”

  “Cool. Thanks again.” Seth held out his hand.

  “You’re welcome.” Malakei shook it firmly and let go more quickly than Seth would have liked. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “Yeah. Soon.” Seth turned on his heel and made his way down the hall toward the lift. With that bit of interaction, Seth was even more hyped to be in Malakei’s place. Now, the trick would be how he’d keep everything all business, knowing the possibility of having something with Malakei was well within reach.

  Chapter Thirteen

  MALAKEI BUSIED himself around his condo, making sure everything was just right for his guests’ arrival. It wasn’t like he was a slob; perfectionist, more like it. Malakei wanted to assure that High Stakes and family felt comfortable in his home.

  “Okay, everything’s ready. I’m glad you catered instead of cooking. You’re great, but Langley’s is a lot better,” Peter said, coming into the living room.

  Malakei snorted. “You’re just saying that to make me feel good. I can’t cook anything, not even boil an egg.”

  “But your burnt salmon was the best!”

  Malakei swatted Peter with a pillow. “Shaddup!”

  Peter blocked Malakei’s attempt and pulled him in for a hug. He pressed his mouth on top of Malakei’s and nibbled on his bottom lip. “Am I allowed to stay afterwards?”

  Malakei groaned into the embrace. Instantly his cock jolted in his slacks, feeling his ex-boyfriend so close to him. “For what? So you can remind me of my bad cooking?”

  “No.” Peter trailed the edge of Malakei’s lapel with his finger. “So I can be reminded of how good you are in bed.”

  “Just good?”

  “You’re the best I’ve ever had.”

  “That’s better. Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Mustang.” Malakei moved in and sucked Peter’s lip in between his own and bit down hard, making Peter squeal into the kiss.

  “Mmph. Is that a yes?”

  Malakei nodded. “Maybe I do need relief. It’s been a while. No strings?”

  “None, especially since you might bed the lead singer of High Stakes.”

  Malakei pulled away and ran his hand over his closely shaven head. “You ruined the mood bringing him up.”

  “Why?”

  “Because, my mind was on you, that’s why. After you… performed… in the studio earlier, I hadn’t even thought about Seth.”

  “Bullshit, Malakei, and you know it. When I dropped to my knees, you weren’t even that into it.”

  Malakei cocked an eyebrow. “I didn’t look or sound convincing?”

  “Hells no. Look, I don’t blame you if you wanted to give him a ride. I would, but I don’t like stepping on the toes of people I care about.”

  “In romance, business, or both?”

  “When it comes to you, both.” Peter ambled closer to Malakei. “I love you, Kei. I will never stop loving you. That won’t change no matter if you take High Stakes under your wing along with the hot crooner, or not.”

  Malakei smiled at that and exhaled. “Dangit, Peter, why did I ever break up with you?”

  “You didn’t. I did with you because you wouldn’t come out. I still want you to tell the world. You deserve to be happy as an out, gay man.”

  “With you?”

  “With me, Seth, or anyone who wants to carry the burden of being a young, multimillionaire’s boyfriend.” He laughed. “I will be that man if you want. Just say the word.” Peter leaned in and kissed his lips.

  Malakei returned the embrace and grabbed Peter by his collar, holding him there. In a rush, he tangled tongues with him, then pulled back, staring at him as if he’d done something wrong. Feeling the adrenaline rush, his heart thumped against his rib cage, and he had a hard time catching his breath. Sure, he desired Peter, but the upper head won out over the lower one. “We can’t. Your dad−”

  “Is an old coot.”

  “There is that, and… it’s not a good idea. We had a good run. It’s time to move on.” Malakei moved away to put distance between himself and Peter.

  “Dammit, Kei. You told me not to care about what he says.”

  “Yes, and you should understand by now I’m horrible at taking my own advice. I’m sorry, Pete. I care for you, a lot, but I’m not ready. I got more things to do in music, and I don’t want the big interviews with major entertainment rags regarding my sexuality. I want to continue working without a lot of fanfare.”

  “You’ll get that, regardless.”

  “Yeah, and if I came out, it would be double what it is now.”

  “So? You can handle it.”

  “No, I really can’t. I hide in this tower for a reason. I’m distancing myself from hip-hop not only because I’m bored, but also I know how my peers would feel if I came out. I’m in the prime of my producing career. Now is not the time to confess.”

  “Well, when the hell will it? Will you have to retire from music first? Wait until you’re too old to get it up anymore?”

  “Ouch.” Malakei made a face. “I don’t know, but I can’t do it now. Too much is at stake here.”

  “Mhmm.” Peter sounded more than annoyed. “And in saying all that, tonight’s private afterparty is off too, I suppose.”

  “Yes, it is. It’s not a good idea to revisit those feelings again. I… I’m sorry. What can I say, I’m horny?”

  “Yeah? Well, I can take care—”

  As Peter was about to finish that statement, Malakei’s phone rang. “Saved by the bell.” He plucked it from his pocket and glanced at the screen. He swiped it from left to right. “Hello?”

  “Malakei? I have your guests downstairs. Should
I escort them up?”

  “If you would please, Dawson, thank you.” Malakei pressed the disconnect. “Peter….”

  “I know. I won’t make any comments in front of the High Stakes clan, I promise. But this conversation isn’t over.”

  Malakei nodded and picked up his glass of water.

  “Why not loosen up a little and have a glass of wine or beer?”

  “Nah. Not until our guests arrive,” Malakei said with a grin, holding up his glass in a toast. “I hope they like American cuisine.”

  SETH WAS a bundle of nerves when he exited the limo and walked into the Park Avenue building. When he returned to the hotel earlier, he couldn’t sleep. Instead, he smoked a whole pack of cigarettes and spent his time mostly on the balcony, playing his guitar. Then, after Seth showered, he dressed and returned toward the same spot, staring off into the New York night.

  I’m going to Malakei Oakley’s house.

  For the duration of the day and the ride over, Seth stayed silent. All he could think of was how his luck had changed within the blink of an eye. He’d never thought in a million years he’d meet M. Prophet in the flesh. Perhaps being the mayor of London wasn’t so farfetched after all.

  “Seth?”

  “Yes, Mom?”

  “Are you all right, dear?”

  “’M fine. Just a little nervous, is all.” Seth ran his hand through his locks for the umpteenth time. “How do I look?”

  “You look stunning, Re-Re. If Malakei were gay, he’d be a fool not to snap you up.”

  Seth grinned at that. “Thanks.” He inhaled sharply and offered his arm to her. “Shall we?”

  “We should.” They’d caught up with the others and hopped on the express lift similar to the one in Malakei’s work building.

  “How many people live up here, sir?” Morty asked from the back.

  “Only Mr. Oakley lives on this floor. This is his private elevator. When he bought the place, he had it installed to only accommodate him and any guests he might have,” the doorman answered him.

  “Wow. Now that’s fancy living,” Gina added.

  Seth didn’t expect anything less from Malakei. He was obviously a private person. Holding a secret that big would make anyone somewhat of a hermit. Cyberstalking him, Seth wondered why he hadn’t seen M. Prophet anywhere other than traveling alone from time to time or to make very limited appearances. Now he knew the reason.

  After only a minute, they’d arrived on the top floor penthouse, leading to Malakei’s home. The large double doors were only steps away from the lift. The large hallway had a marble floor much like the lobby downstairs. There was a huge panoramic window. Pictures and paintings covered the walls.

  “Well, here we are. He is expecting you,” the guy called Dawson said. He knocked on the door twice. Malakei opened it wide, flashing that trademark smile.

  “Hello, everyone. How was your rest?”

  “Good, wonderful,” they all said in a chorus. Seth didn’t get any rest, but it was fine. He’d sleep on the way back, preferably with dreams of Malakei roaming through his brain.

  “Great. Please come in. I can show you around a little, then we’ll enjoy dinner.”

  They all walked in, with Seth being the last one. He hung back, taking in Malakei from head to toe. He’d changed from the three-piece gray suit to a more traditional black one with a tie. Suddenly, Seth felt underdressed.

  “I had no idea this was a more formal affair,” Seth said, clutching his V-neck sweater tightly under his nails.

  “Oh, no worries. I’m always formal. You can wear whatever makes you comfortable.”

  After Malakei closed the door, he waved Seth ahead. Seth accepted with a nod and walked away to catch up with the group.

  “This is my living room, and across the way is my dining area. There’s Pete; you all know him.”

  Seth eyed Peter Mustang, sitting at the table, drinking. In all truth, he was jealous that the record exec was here.

  Instead, Seth checked himself and paid attention to Malakei’s tour of his place. It was spacious, airy, with lots of windows. The furniture, walls, and everything down to the throw pillows were matched in brown and gray hues. The lighting was bright throughout, walls covered in pictures from one end to the next. The view to the outside was amazing. Seth was drawn to the sight of the moon.

  “Fucking gorgeous,” he mouthed to himself and turned back to join the others. Malakei had taken them to the kitchen which was all decked out in white with huge countertops and an island in the middle. For what he’d heard about New York, this place was massive.

  “Okay, on to my library, which is right here.” Malakei continued to talk, showing them around the large room with books everywhere. A large desk sat in the middle, along with a recliner next to the fireplace. The place smelled of fine wood along with the scents coming from the wood burning in the hearth. It was a perfect scene, almost like the ones on Christmas cards. Seth was amazed at the details of Malakei’s place, but he wasn’t surprised by it.

  As they went from the library to the entertainment room, then back to the living area, Seth was more than impressed. Fact was he could put his home in here along with a whole block.

  “How many bedrooms you got?” Morty asked.

  “Five and three and a half bathrooms.”

  “Just enough for all of us to stay in.” Morty laughed, along with the others.

  “Hey, I don’t mind. I have people over from time to time. Just say the word.”

  Seth perked up at that. “Are you serious? You’d let us lot stay here and live it up with you a couple of days?”

  “Why not? I have my personal studio here, so… I don’t see it as an issue.”

  “That’s awfully kind of you, Malakei,” Gio’s mother, Theresa, spoke up.

  “Ah, it’s no problem. I like having company. I’m helping High Stakes out, so it would be great to have you guys over. Okay, well that’s it. Is everyone ready for food?”

  Everyone agreed, except for Seth who wanted to see where Malakei slept. He kept that desire silent and ambled in with the rest of them to the dining area to take a seat. To his disappointment, Malakei joined Peter on the other end instead of sitting at his right.

  “Just to let you know, I’m no cook. I had dinner brought in.” Malakei chuckled. He passed the different plates down, full of meat, potatoes, salad, and rolls. Everything smelled heavenly, and Seth was starving because he didn’t eat anything at the hotel earlier.

  “This looks and smells amazing,” Seth’s mother said aloud.

  “It is. Langley’s is one of the top spots in New York. You have to visit before you head back to Britain,” Peter offered.

  Seth drew up his lips and eyed Peter strangely. Why was he so intent on them leaving? They’d only just gotten here and were about to start an exciting partnership.

  Perhaps Peter wanted Malakei back. He said as much in the studio during their conversation. Seth wasn’t sure how’d he compete with the record exec for Malakei’s attention, but he wouldn’t give up all that easily.

  Chapter Fourteen

  ONCE EVERYONE departed, Malakei couldn’t rest. His mind kept drifting between Seth and Peter, who did everything he could to convince Malakei to let him stay the night. Despite being horny, Malakei refused and forced him to leave. He knew that move might put a strain on his relationship with Peter going forward, but at this point he almost didn’t care.

  After changing out of his suit, he threw on a pair of basketball shorts and a T-shirt, then made himself a cup of hot Sleepytime tea. With the steaming mug in his hand, Malakei pressed the button on his remote to turn on the television. Being so late in the evening, he might catch a couple of good reruns before he went to sleep.

  Just as he was about to take a sip, Malakei’s phone buzzed. He lifted it from his pocket and smiled when he saw Sheena’s name pop up on the caller ID.

  “Hey, Sheena. What’s up?”

  “I was bored out of my mind, so I called you. W
hat’cha doing?”

  “Drinking tea, trying to get rest. You?”

  Sheena sighed through the receiver. “I went out with the waiter from the restaurant. And, well, I invited him back to my place.”

  “Okay? And?”

  “And, he was a total jerk. He has three baby mommas. Three! Two with the same name. He’s got six kids, Kei. And then he tells me he’s interested in being with me because he doesn’t have any children by black women. Can you believe that shit?”

  Malakei gasped and shook his head. “Wow, that is something. I’m sorry.”

  “Not as sorry as me. Please tell me you had a better night.”

  “I had a good time. The band came over, and we had dinner. Peter was here too.”

  “Ohh. And how is Peter doing?”

  “He’s good. Still trying to get me back in his bed and make me come out.” Malakei exhaled. “He tried his best to stay over tonight, too, but I yelled at him and he left.”

  “Geez, Kei. There’s nothing wrong with getting sex from familiar sources when you’re in a pinch.”

  “Not when he’s the son of your former employer,” Malakei added.

  “Les still doesn’t know?”

  “Nope. And he’s not going to. Not if I can help it, anyway. Besides, I, um… I like someone.”

  “Oh? Do tell,” Sheena said.

  Malakei heard her tone pick up. “The lead singer of this band, High Stakes. I’m very attracted to him. He’s very… metal, with a rough edge. I’m drawn to him in a way I haven’t been to anyone, but then again we are working together.”

  “Malakei, you’re talking yourself out of this already? Just let it ride and see where it goes.”

  “Yeah, but what if High Stakes gets big? How will we handle all that publicity? And Seth is openly gay. I’m sure he doesn’t want to deal with a closeted rapper.”

  “You don’t know that. Dammit, Kei, stop selling yourself short. You’re quite a catch, man. Act like it.”