“Yep, you will walk again; I never doubted that because you are a fighter, and giving up isn’t an option. Doctors can heal so much, and then it’s up to the patient to do the rest. Some do give up, and when they do, they will never fully recover.” Marc carefully turned Bailey, who was on crutches, so he could move around and use his legs a little. Bailey wasn’t able to stand for more than two seconds. However, he was confident that soon, he would be able to use his legs again.
Marc took Bailey’s face in his hands, “I love you so much, baby. I’ve never felt like this before. With you, it’s special. With you, it’s perfect,” Marc whispered, then he leaned toward Bailey and kissed him, hard.
Bailey let go of the crutches so that he could wrap his arms around Marc’s neck, which was a big mistake. Marc hadn’t expected Bailey to let go of the crutches, and Bailey had forgotten, for a short moment, that he still wasn’t able to stand on his own two feet. His legs weren’t strong enough, and it was because of Marc’s fast reaction fast that Bailey didn’t fall to the floor.
“I have you, baby. I won’t let you fall. I will never let you fall,” Marc whispered. Bailey wrapped his arms around Marc’s neck; Marc lifted Bailey into his arms and eased him into one of the lounge chairs that stood by the pool.
“Why don’t we go out for dinner tonight?” Bailey suddenly said, stunning Marc. “Alright, sweetheart. Do you have something in mind?” “Yep, Captain Jack’s. Byron has renewed the menu, and I’m curious,” Bailey replied, smiling. Marc smile too, and soon, Bailey would be able to walk again. That knowledge had lifted Bailey’s spirits big-time, which was good because Bailey had been showing signs of depression the previous day’s. Marc had been worried about Bailey’s mental state because the man had gone through so much in such a short time.
“We can take a bath together,” Marc carefully suggested. He longed to hold Bailey and make love to him, but he knew that the ball was in Bailey’s corner. Marc was patient because he didn’t want to put pressure on Bailey. “We don’t need to do anything that you don’t want to do. I’ll have to admit that I want nothing more than to make sweet, slow love to you, but it’s not the most important thing. Our relationship is so much more than just sex, and I know that you think the same,” Marc softy said.
Even though Bailey knew that Marc meant every word, he was relieved. This man really loved him, and he loved Marc more than he had loved anyone, ever. Bailey also was pleased that his father still was around. Marc had opened their home for Mario and the three bodyguards. Mario had graciously accepted Marc’s generous offer, which had pleased Bailey immensely. It gave them time to really get to know each other.
Even though Mario had been in town for a while now, they hadn’t had the chance to get to know each other because of all the things that had happened. Everyone who had been after Bailey was dead, except for Shauna; she was put away in an institution for the mentally ill. Bailey hoped that she would never get out; Shauna could rot in hell for all he cared.
“Yes, let’s take a bath together. And, could we invite my father to have dinner with us tonight?” Marc grinned as he told Bailey that, of course, it was alright if Mario would join them for dinner.
Bailey called his father to invite him to have dinner with him and Marc. Mario told Bailey that he was delighted and loved to have dinner with them. Marc went upstairs to fill the bath, which had hydro jets, which would be suitable for Bailey’s back. Hector, the physical therapist, had approved the use of the hydro jets, and Marc smiled at the thought of surprising Bailey.
“Are you ready for our bath?” Marc asked, grinning. “Yes, I am,” Bailey softly replied. “Baby, this bath is for you, and I won’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with,” Marc said after seeing the sudden insecurity in Bailey’s eyes. “I love you, sweetheart. What have goes so much further than just having good sex,” Marc assured Bailey.
Bailey smiled, “I’m sorry, I should know better than to be so full of doubt,” he replied. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs,’ Marc said as he kissed Bailey gently on the lips before lifting him into his arms and walking up the stairs. Bailey was making good progress, but still, he wasn’t able to stand on his own for too long, let alone climbing the stairs. Plus, Bailey liked it being carried by Marc.
The time that they spend in the tub was relaxing. Marc gently massaged Bailey’s feet, then his calves, his inner thighs, and when Bailey moved his hips forward, Marc saw that as an invitation to give Bailey’s hard erection his full attention. Bailey gasped when Marc gently wrapped his fingers around his stiff shaft. It felt so good; how could he have been so insecure about Marc not loving him? The way Marc touched him told Bailey everything that he needed to know.
“Feels good, baby?” Marc whispered hoarsely. “Yes, yes. It feels like heaven,” Bailey moaned as he started to move his hips more frantically. Marc tightened his grip as he stroked Bailey’s cock faster. “Oh, God. Oh, God,” Bailey kept chanting. Marc licked his lips at seeing the swollen erection; he leaned toward Bailey and kissed him hard. Bailey responded immediately by parting his lips. Their tongues lazily danced around each other, no domination, just enjoying and exploring.
Marc intensified the stroking, and it didn’t take long for Bailey to lose control. “Let go, baby. Just let it go. Come for me, sweetheart,” Marc gently commanded, then he lifted Bailey’s hips so that they were above water and closed his lips around Bailey’s needed cock. It was too much, and Bailey cried out as he shot his hot, creamy seed into Marc’s mouths. The former assassin took it all, and even carried on the sucking after Bailey was spent, prolonging the pleasure.
Bailey felt drowsy, and it must have shown. “Let’s get you into bed; I’ll wake you in about two hours. You have time enough to dress for dinner,” Marc chuckled. Bailey wanted to protest because Marc didn’t have his release yet, but Marc cut him short. “I’m okay, baby. This was about you.”
Chapter Forty Seven
They went to Captain Jack’s for dinner because Byron had a new recipe, and he wanted his brother and Bailey to try. Marc frowned when he entered Captain Jack’s. “I don’t believe it. Doesn’t have any respect at all?” Marc growled. Mario and Bailey turned around to face a livid Marc. Marc had entered the restaurant behind Mario and Bailey.
“What’s the matter? Oh,” Bailey added after looking in the direction that Marc was glaring. There, in the corner of the restaurant, sat Marcus Blake Senior, and he wasn’t alone. Opposite Marcus Blake sat Gloria McCallum, Marcus’ former mistress. The words that his mother had spoken on her deathbed came to mind again, “I’m not sick. I’m dying, yes, but it’s murder.” How had he forgotten? “Let’s go somewhere else,” Bailey suggested. Mario’s face was unreadable; he was observing Marc.
“No, we have dinner as planned. Byron wants us to try his new recipe, and that’s what we’re going to do. We sit down, have a nice dinner, and enjoy the evening,” Marc said. They were escorted to their table. Mario ordered a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild - Pauillac Premier Grand Cru Classé from 2017. And since Bailey had cut down on the medication and was allowed to drink a glass of wine again.
“That’s an expensive bottle,” Bailey commented. Mario smiled; he said, “Only the best is good enough for my son and his partner.” Bailey had a feeling that there was more to it, but he let it go for now. He would talk to his father about it, but now was not the time to question Mario.
“Care to share, or is it too private?” Mario said when the waiter had left to get the wine and three glasses. “No, it’s not private. My father is sitting in the far corner; the woman opposite him is his former mistress Gloria McCallum,” Marc explained, and he told Mario what had happened when he had arrived at the family compound after the phone call from Celia.
Mario looked angry after Marc was finished. “Are you going to do something about it?” the mob boss asked bluntly. “Yes,” was all Marc said. Bailey inwardly sighed because he knew that Marc would investigate the death of his mother and that the man wou
ldn’t stop until the last stone was turned.
Marc glared at the man who he suspected had killed his mother when suddenly the man in question turned his head and look straight into Marc’s eyes. If Marcus had wanted to shock Marc, then he had another thing coming. The two men kept staring at each other, and it was Marcus senior who turned his eyes away first. Marc then turned and focussed on Bailey and Mario. The mob boss chuckled and looked approvingly at Marc; he had liked what he had seen.
The waiter had obviously told Byron that Marc and his guests had arrived because it was Byron who came to their table, carrying the wine and three glasses. It was clear that he hadn’t noticed his father, who was quietly observing his son’s interaction.
“Welcome,” Byron said smiling, then he looked at Mario and said, as he put the bottle carefully on the table, “Good choice Mario.” The mob boss smiled. “I know,” he softly replied as he eyed Bailey.
“Don’t be shocked, and don’t look over your shoulder,” Marc began carefully. Byron frowned but nodded. “Marcus Blake is here,” Marc eyed his younger brother intently. Byron had been afraid of their father, and rightly so because the man was a bully. “I will greet him in a while. Then I’ll ask him nicely not to visit my restaurant ever again,” Byron said coldly. Marc nodded approvingly, as did Mario.
Byron had changed a lot since he had left the family compound and away from their father. Byron knew that Marc had given him the chance to be his own man, and he had taken that chance with both hands. Now, Byron was the proud owner of Captain Jack’s and had turned the already popular restaurant into an even more successful establishment.
Byron knew that he had Marc in his corner, and Mario had told Byron that he had his back as well, should it become necessary. Byron, however, could hold his own, plus he wasn’t intimidated by their father anymore. Marc couldn’t be prouder of his younger sibling.
Byron filled the glasses with the expensive wine and left. It wasn’t necessary to order because Byron would serve them his new dish. He knew which appetizers they liked, which would be served in a minute by the waiter.
Marc watched Byron walking toward the table that Marcus and Gloria were sitting at, and Marc saw his father smile. What was the bastard up to now? It seemed that Byron and Marcus were in discussion, and Marc was curious about their conversation. It looked like Gloria said something to Byron, but he ignored her, much to Marc’s amusement. Gloria didn’t like to be ignored, well, too bad.
Dinner had been perfect, but if one had asked Marc what Byron had served them, he wouldn’t be able to recall. It had tasted so good, and that was what Marc would remember. They were back home and sitting in the living room where Marc served cognac for him and Mario; Bailey wasn’t allowed to drink strong alcohol.
Mario sipped his cognac and eyed Bailey intently, suddenly he said in a soft voice, “Did you read the rest of your mother’s diary?” Bailey blinked, and it took a few seconds before he answered because the question was so out of the blue. “No, I haven’t,” he replied quietly. “Well, you should; it’s the best way to learn more about her,” Mario added. And again, Bailey saw the pain in his father’s eyes.
It was the following morning, after breakfast, that Bailey decided to continue with his mother’s diary. Hector wouldn’t be visiting until the next day, so Bailey had all the time in the world to read Emily’s journal.
Journal in hand, Bailey went into the sunroom and sat down on the comfortable recliner that stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Rays of the sunshine were shining down on him; Bailey felt relaxed when he opened the diary and started reading.
October 17, 1994
Mario called me today; he wants to see the boys. I told him no because it wouldn’t do them any good. Brendan and Bailey need stability in their lives, and they don’t get that when Mario turns up to see them every now and then.
Instead, I asked, no, I begged him to let me see Robert and Fabian. The fact is that Bailey misses his twin brother so much. They always had a special bond, and now they are separated because of Mario.
In his sleep, Bailey often calls for Fabian; then, he starts crying. He doesn’t remember in the morning, thank God. I will never return and never forgive Mario for keeping my two other precious boys away from me.
I’m trying to make a home for my boys and me, but it’s not easy. Mario keeps an eye on me. Even though I don’t see him or one of his men, I know they are there because I can sense them.
December 23, 1994
It’s nearly Christmas, and the boys and I trimmed the Christmas tree. Bailey keeps asking after Fabian, and by now, I don’t know how to answer anymore. It breaks my heart to see my little boy so sad.
February 26, 1995
Today I got a telephone call from Mario. It seems that Fabian’s behavior has given him reason’s for concern. Mario told me that he caught Fabian torturing the neighbor’s cat. He also said that it wasn’t the first time that he had seen Fabian torturing animals.
He inquired after Bailey, asked me if Bailey had the same, well, urge hurting animals. I told him that, no, Bailey loves animals, and he’s the kindest child I know, just like Brendan.
I begged him again to let me see Robert and Fabian, but again, Mario refused, which gives me no other choice than to relent.
March 7, 1995
It looks like Bailey has accepted that Fabian is out of his life and that his twin won’t return. It’s been a while since he asked about Fabian. My two sons are finally adjusting, and I’m so pleased to see that both are doing great at school and making friends, too.
I still worry about Fabian because of what Mario has told me. It’s hard to imagine that my sweet boy hurts animals and has fun doing so.
Even though I hate Mario for keeping me away from Robert and Fabian, I know he wouldn’t lie to me about my children. It’s a horrifying thought that my boy is capable of these dreadful things.
“Everything okay in here?” Marc softly asked as he stepped into the sunroom. Bailey gently closed the journal as he turned to face Marc. “Yeah, everything is alright,” Bailey replied. Marc didn’t look convinced; he said, “Are you sure because you look a bit shaken.”
Bailey sighed. “According to my mother, my father knew that something wasn’t right with Fabian when he was only about five years old. It’s alarming to read about that,” he said. “I need to talk to my father about Fabian,” Bailey added. Marc nodded; he said, “You do that because he is the only one left who can answer many of your questions.”
Bailey looked at Marc; he softly said, “Are you really going to investigate the death of your mother?” Marc nodded. “Yes, it’s something that I need to do. Someone close to my mother murdered her, and I want them punished,” he said. “Do you need to stay at the family compound for that?” Bailey inquired. “Yes, I do, baby,” Marc answered patiently, he knew what was coming, and he wasn’t disappointed. “I’m coming with you,” a determined Bailey said.
“I don’t think so, sweetheart; it’s way too dangerous. Plus, you need your rehab sessions,” Marc explained. Bailey looked chagrinned; he said, “Is it because I’m not able to walk properly?” “Partly, yes,” Marc answered honestly. Bailey blinked because he hadn’t expected Marc to be so God damned honest, so blunt.
“Listen, baby. If my father murdered my mother, then it will get dangerous, and I want you safe,” Marc said, eyeing Bailey intently. “I’m the safest when I’m with you,” Bailey insisted, and that was something that Marc couldn’t argue about because it was true.
“When do we leave?” “I don’t know. I need to do some research, and I don’t know how long that takes,” Marc replied. Marc knew that he wouldn’t leave before Bailey was able to walk again. He knew that the situation at the family compound could turn ugly in record time. Marc decided that he would call his sister, Celia, first before surprising his father with an unexpected visit.
The front door opened and closed again; Marc knew that it was Byron. Marc immediately questioned Byron abou
t his conversation with their father at the restaurant earlier. “Well, the bastard wanted me to expand, opening Captain Jack’s all over the country. He, of course, would bankroll the whole deal; that way, he would control me again,” Byron replied. Marc noticed that Byron wasn’t tense; if anything, the man seemed relaxed. “I, of course, told him to go to hell and take that bitch that now may call herself Mrs. Blake with him,” Byron grinned. “You should have seen their faces; it was priceless, especially that of Gloria, my God, she really is a bitch,” Byron informed Marc, Bailey, and Mario, who was still present.
Assassins the Florist Book One Part One Page 27
