by Joyee Flynn
"Always, my Dominic." I smiled as I moved us under the covers. I spooned against him and wrapped my arms around him. He was already breathing heavy with sleep as I realized for the first time ever that I was really, truly home.
CHAPTER 7
My cell phone woke me up the next morning. Rolling over to answer it, I realized I was alone in Dominic's bed. I frantically glanced around looking for him, to no avail.
"What?" I growled as I picked up the phone.
"Good morning to you too, asshole." Matteo snickered on the other line.
"Sorry, I seem to have lost my charge again," I mumbled as I wiped my hands over my face. "I woke up alone."
"I'm sorry, did you just admit to being in the Grand Duc's bed," Matteo exclaimed. "Care to explain that one?"
"No, I don't. Not until I find him and know if he's running from me again," I answered, too tired to put on my verbal filters. Why was I admitting all of this to my best friend?
"Fine, but I want details when we get there," he chuckled.
"Wait… What?" I asked, completely awake now.
"We talked with Lance after you were attacked," Matteo said gently. "We're your friends, Yuri. You think we wouldn't be on the first plane out once we found out this was more than just some asshole trying to assassinate the Grand Duc? There were Zakasacs involved with vampires to get at this guy. Something major is going down there, and we're not leaving you alone to deal with this!"
"Does Alexander know?" I asked, smiling at my friend’s determination to be at my back.
"Who do you think ordered us on the damn plane?" he chuckled.
"Can you pick me up something on the way?"
"Sure, what do you need?"
"Butt plugs." I snickered, knowing if it were anyone else except Matteo I would have been embarrassed.
"And why do we need those?" Matteo asked ever-so-sweetly.
"Because when I find my little man, I'm getting him stretched out for my cock as soon as possible. Maybe after he learns the fun of sex, he'll stay in bed," I growled as I got up and pulled on my clothes. "How long until you're here?"
"Less than two hours."
"Good, I'll let them know you’re coming," I answered as I got back to my room. "Hey, Matteo?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for coming, brother," I said, letting the appreciation and relief show in my voice.
"You'd do the same for us, brother," he replied. "I'll make sure to get what you need before we show up at your door."
"You are a true friend."
"Don't forget it." He snickered before hanging up. I laughed for a moment before tossing my phone on the bed and racing to get ready. And ten minutes later I was showered, dressed, and on a mission to find my wayward man. Again.
When I reached the kitchen, I leaned Dominic was in a meeting with his advisors that should be getting out soon. I stuffed some food in my face and raced over to get there before it was done. Hiding in one of the hallways by the main conference room, I bided my time.
I didn't have to wait long, five minutes later, the doors opened, and people started to leave. Dominic was the last one, and he had his head buried in some file. As he walked by me, I reached out and grabbed him, pulling him into the deserted hallway. He let out a yelp and dropped the folder as I lifted him into my arms.
"I don't like waking up alone," I growled as I licked his neck. "And I thought I told you not to go anywhere alone."
"Then you should always be at my side," he moaned as he wrapped his legs around my hips. "I need you on all types of levels."
"Do you now?" I chuckled as I felt his cock harden against my stomach. "What does my baby need right now?"
"You, Yuri, always you," he whispered in my ear before sucking on my earlobe. "You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to wake you. I wasn't sure how hurt you were last night and whether you needed to heal."
"I appreciate the thought, Dominic. But after the last morning you deserted me in bed, didn't you think I might read something into your absence?"
"Shit, I didn't," he answered as he stopped and leaned back to look into my eyes. "I'm sorry. Nothing's changed from last night, I swear. I'm not letting my fears get in the way again. I won't hide who I am anymore or how I feel about you."
"Thank God," I whispered as I leaned my forehead against his. "I wasn't sure when I found the bed empty."
"How can I make it up to you?" he asked, worry all over his features. "I promise to never just leave bed again like that. I didn't know it was a big deal or that it would upset you."
"How much time do we have before your next meeting?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows.
"I'm already late," he sighed, sticking out his bottom lip in the cutest pout. "Can I get a rain check?"
"Always," I replied as I nipped his lower lip. He responded by giving me a passionate kiss and pulling me closer.
"We better stop or you're going to be really late and have a sore ass," I panted as we parted.
"A sore ass?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, after I spank you for leaving me in bed alone." I snickered, but then stopped when I saw his face turn bright red. "What's wrong, baby?"
"I think I like that idea," he mumbled, turning away from me.
"You do?" I asked as my cock hardened enough to pound nails.
"Is that bad?"
"No, it's so fucking hot I want to fuck you right here against the wall," I purred. His eyes went wide as he smiled at me. I ran my hands over his ass and squeezed the firm globes. "I've never wanted someone the way I want you, Dominic. You're like a drug I can't get enough of."
"I feel the same way," he said firmly. "I wanted to stay in bed with you all day, but I knew I couldn't."
"That means a lot to me," I replied quietly. And it really did. I unwrapped his legs and lowered him to the floor. Deciding to bite the bullet and tell him how I really felt, I took his face in my hands. "I love you, Dominic."
"I-I…" he stammered.
"You don't have to say it back." I smiled, trying not to put pressure on him. I bent over and picked up the files he had dropped.
"But it's how I feel," he said, grabbing my arm. I turned back to him as he pulled me down to his face. "I love you too."
I kissed him deeply then, trying to show all the joy I felt in that kiss. He moaned and wrapped his arms around my neck.
"You're fucking gay!" Charles yelled, startling us both. We broke apart, and I instinctively pushed Dominic behind me. "This is unbelievable, you can't be gay."
"Yes he can," I snarled as my fangs and claws came out. Dominic laid a hand on my arm, and I turned towards him. He gave me a nod to show he could handle this.
"I've always been gay," he stated firmly, looking Charles in the eye. "I was under the impression that I couldn't be the Grand Duc and be who I truly am. I was wrong, and I'm not going to hide it anymore."
"The advisors won't stand for this," Chuck snarled as he shook with rage.
"It's not their fucking decision or business," Dominic replied, completely keeping his cool. "You answer to me, Charles, not the other way around. And it would behoove you to remember that."
"He's a commoner," Charles stammered, but it was obvious that some of the wind was taken out of his sails. "You're supposed to find a Duchess!"
"Too bad," Dominic said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I suggest you get to the next meeting and stop telling me what to do before I lose my temper."
Charles’ hands tightened into fists, but he kept his mouth shut and gave a half-assed bow before walking away. We waited several moments until we knew he was out of earshot.
"Dominic, I'm so sorry," I whispered, moving away from him. "I shouldn't have done this in public like this. I wasn't thinking."
"I'm not." He smirked as he tilted his head to the side and studied me. "I wasn't kidding about not hiding anymore, Yuri. You aren't some dirty secret that I'm going to hide away from everyone. I'm proud that we're together."
"You a
re the most wonderful man I've ever known," I said, trying to hide my shock. I guess I hadn't really thought this all through yet. Dominic smiled warmly at me as he took my hand. "I'll walk you to your next meeting."
"It's like we're in school, walking each other to class." He giggled quietly. "It feels nice."
"Yes, but I wish that was the reason I'm going with you instead of escorting you out of fear for your life," I answered. "No more walking around alone, Dominic. It's not safe."
"I promise." He nodded as we walked to his study. When we got there, several of the advisors were standing there looking pissed. Wow, Chuck moved fast. Dominic led us right up to them without even flinching. "Let me stop you before you even make the mistake of talking. Yuri is my choice. He's a credit to our race and a fine warrior. And to be honest, I don't give a shit if you like it or not."
Several of them gasped, obviously not used to Dominic speaking that way. He paused for a moment to let his words sink in. I saw other advisors joining us, but they were smiling. Had Chuck run to his buddies to corner Dominic while leaving others out? That was interesting.
"If you have a problem with this, let me be very clear. Yuri isn't going anywhere unless he chooses to end it between us. If you don't like it, there's the fucking door," Dominic said, not letting go of my hand. "Now, I suggest we get on with business."
I smiled at him as he turned to me, raised out joint hands, and kissed mine. He winked at me as he let go and walked into his study.
"Why fuck his number two when you can go straight for the Grand Duc himself?" Xavier growled quietly at me. He leaned forward and groped my groin as he whispered in my ear, "This isn't over, you piece of shit."
"Yes, it is," I hissed back as I grabbed his wrist and moved it away before squeezing it. The pain showed on his face as I made my point. "You fucking touch him or hurt him and I will end you."
Xavier didn't say a word when I released him, spinning on his heel and going into the study. Chuck and the others scurried in after him as a few of the advisors smiled at me as they walked by. A couple even gave me a nod of approval. Once they were all inside, I realized leaving Dominic alone, even with his advisors, could be a mistake.
"Rick, I need you at the Grand Duc's study," I said after calling him up.
"Be there in three minutes," he answered. I paced in front of the door as I waited for one of my only trusted allies here. He raced up to me a few moments later. "What's up, Yuri?"
"Chuck and the advisors know about me and the Grand Duc," I replied quietly as I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. "About half of them didn't take it very well."
"I won't leave his side." He nodded in understanding. "Just do me one thing?"
"Sure," I replied, feeling confused.
"Make him happy," Rick said, fidgeting. "He's had a shit life and a lot of responsibility and messes thrown at him for one so young. The Grand Duc deserves a partner who can help him and really be there for him."
"I love him," I admitted, feeling my cheeks grow hot.
"That's good enough for me." He smiled as he reached for the doorknob, but then turned back to me. "Oh, and you've got some very large friends in the security office demanding to see you."
"Shit," I cursed, rolling my eyes. "I forgot to tell you they were coming. I just found out a couple of hours ago, then all this went down."
"No problem, but I suggest you hurry." He snickered. "I think they believe we've tied you up somewhere, and not in a good way."
"Got it." I chuckled as I turned and ran for the offices. A minute or two later, I burst through the security office door and gasped when I saw them, all of them — Alexander, Dimitri, Matteo, and Nate. The gang’s all here.
"From what Lance told us, you handled everything last night," Alexander said as he shook my hand. "But that doesn't mean we didn't all agree you needed the best backup you could get."
"I never say no to good help," I answered as I turned to Dimitri and gave him a hug. I did the same to Matteo, but I shook Nate's hand since I didn't know him as well. "Especially now."
"Is the cat out of the bag?" Matteo smirked. Everyone looked at him confused, and I realized my best friend had kept his mouth shut.
"Yeah, one of the advisors caught us kissing in the hallway." I sighed as I led everyone to the security conference room. The post-trans followed along as well considering I'd ordered them to do just that when they arrived. "And he was already high on the list of suspects. But after this, I need the help. About half the advisors were ready to corner Dominic and looked pissed. The other half seemed to not have gotten the invite but looked happy for him."
"Dominic?" Dimitri snorted. "When you were told to keep him safe, did anyone say you should also do that in his bed? Or is he that hot you just couldn't resist?"
"Don't talk about him like that," I snarled, not even caring it was one of my best friends. Everyone's eyes went wide at my reaction, making me realize how I'd over-reacted. "I'm sorry, I'm worried about him even more now that people know."
"You love him," Dimitri stated.
"Yeah, I know it's fast."
"It's different for everyone," Matteo said, than glanced at Nate. "I knew right away it was Nate, both times. Even before my memories came back to me, I knew he was the one for me shortly after meeting him."
Several months ago, Matteo had been shot in the head. Though he physically recovered quickly, his memories came back a little slower. Some never came back. At first, he didn't even know that he was mated or who Nate was. But they worked out their issues and Matteo's recovered the memories that needed addressing.
"Thanks for understanding," I replied quietly, feeling my face heat up again. Then I switched to business. "Wally, can you get everyone copies of the background files?"
"Yup," he said as he booked it out of the room. I pulled out the map and notes I'd brought with me from my room.
"This is what I've gotten done so far," I explained as I pointed out the areas of change. Everyone leaned in and studied the improvements as I then detailed what still needed to be done. Somewhere during catching my friends up with where we were, Wally came in with the copies and passed them out. We moved into background and what I'd learned about everyone in the castle.
About an hour or so later, Dominic knocked before walking into the room. "I was told we had guests." He smiled widely.
"Your Highness," they all said as they stood and bowed.
"These are your friends, are they not, Yuri?"
"They are, Your Highness," I replied, raising an eyebrow, wondering what he was getting at.
"Then fuck the 'your highness' shit, I'm Dominic." He chuckled. Dominic moved so he could shake everyone's hands. I chortled at my friends' shocked faces. "I'm sorry if I interrupted, but Yuri owes me a rain check."
"What was it for again?" I snickered as he sauntered over to me and sat on my lap after I took my seat. Dominic glanced over his shoulder at me as he wiggled his ass against my groin. I gave a slight growl as I grabbed his hips to hold him still. "Be good, baby, I already owe you a spanking."
"Promises, promises." He giggled.
"Don't mind us, you've already seen us all fuck." Matteo winked at me.
"He has, has he?" Dominic snarled, turning around to face me in a flash. "Is there something I should know?"
"No, baby." I smiled widely, "Dimitri and Alexander have sex on just about every flat surface no matter who’s around. Matteo and Nate were having sex outdoors with Lance, and we stumbled upon them."
"It's your turn to give us a show." Dimitri laughed hysterically. I saw Dominic's cheeks turn bright red, and I gave him a questioning look.
"Is it wrong that the idea turns me on?" he whispered in my ear. My cock got as hard as a rock instantly.
"I think it's hot that you're a little exhibitionist," I purred. "There are no windows in this room."
"But I don't even know your friends."
"I was just kidding," Dimitri said, sounding nervous.
"Sh
ut up, Dimitri," Nate chided. "Let them work this out, and we might just get a hot show."
"Dom, we can play on our own," I said carefully. I was surprised at my reaction to the idea. I never thought I'd be into sharing Dominic with anyone else. But I loved that they might see how hot and responsive my man was.
"I said I wanted you to show me everything." He hissed as he rubbed his hard cock against mine through our pants. "I like the idea, and I think you really love the idea, Yuri."
"I do," I whimpered as I grabbed the arms of the chair so hard I almost broke them.
Matteo cleared his throat and handed me something. "You'll need this."
"What is that?" Dominic asked, craning his neck to see in the bag as he kept toying with my groin.
"I asked Matteo to pick up plugs and lube so we can get you ready for me," I panted.
"I've got twenty minutes until my next meeting," he moaned as he pulled off his suit jacket. His hair cascaded around him as the jacket slipped to the floor and he began to slowly unbutton his shirt.
"You're killing me," I groaned. "Who knew you were this kinky?"
"I didn't, but I think I just want you, no matter the situation," Dominic purred. He pinched his nipples once they were revealed. I growled loudly and ripped his shirt off of him.
"Stand up and turn around, you've been a very, very bad boy," I ordered. Dominic's eyes went wide and filled with lust. He did as I said, facing the conference room table and wiggling his ass at me. I smacked one of his firm globes hard. "Don't tease me, this is a punishment."
"Okay," he yelped. Running my hands over his cheeks, I worked my way around to the front of his pants and unzipped them. I glanced over Dominic's shoulder to see my friends squirming in their seats. It got me even harder than I could ever have imagined. All those lustful looks directed at my man just did it for me.
"How do you want me to do this?" I smirked at Matteo. "I want you guys to see how beautiful my baby is."
"Have him lean forward, brace his hands on the table, and spread his legs," Alexander said, all but drooling.
"You heard him, Dominic," I ordered as I pulled his pants off. Dominic did exactly as Alexander suggested, leaning over just enough to stick his ass in my face but so our voyeurs could still see his naked body. He moaned loudly as I pulled the slick and smallest butt plug out of the bag, placing it on the table next to his hand. I saw his cock leaking pre-cum and smiled. "Are you ready, baby?"
