Noticing the Finance Manager

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Noticing the Finance Manager ISBN # 978-0-85715-627-3 ©Copyright Serena Yates 2011 Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright August 2011 Edited by Stacey Birkel Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2

New Horizons

NOTICING THE FINANCE MANAGER Serena Yates

Dedication For those who dream about giving their life a new direction.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction: Wonderful Tonight: Eric Clapton

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Chapter One

“You mean it?” Felix Oakden looked up, an embarrassing tear falling from one eye, but he couldn’t stop it. There was too much happiness inside him. “With all my heart.” Leo Taber pulled him closer, and the feel of his lover’s strong arms coming around Felix reminded him of what coming home felt like. “I want to spend even more time with you than we have so far. You’ve saved me from my fate as an angry, bitter man and have shown me so much love. I want to share my life with you.” “Thank you so much.” He kissed Leo on the lips, his heart jumping for joy. “Thank you for making my dream come true.” “Anytime, baby.” Leo kissed him back. “Anytime at all.” Felix put his head back onto his lover’s shoulder and sighed as Leo’s arms tightened. Still slightly out of breath from their most adventurous lovemaking yet—on a conference table in Leo’s office, for heaven’s sake—he luxuriated in the feeling of knowing that his love was returned. He loved hearing those three words from the man he’d fallen for fast and hard. It was more than he’d hoped for only weeks after first meeting him at the FOSK retreat. “This is the best gift ever, Leo.” He couldn’t help but smile as he tightened his grip around the little black velvet box containing Leo’s house key. Never mind that he’d already practically moved in. He’d had to give up his own apartment and sell all his stuff months ago after Perfect Health unjustly fired him based on the accusation of embezzlement from his abusive ex-lover—Victor the weasel. The temporary job at the retreat, mediated by his friend Emilio, had been a godsend, but Felix had been an awful waiter. Leo had rescued him from all that, at least for now. “I’m glad you like it.” Leo pulled back, cupping his cheek as he looked into his eyes. “I just want to make sure that you know I really want you in my life. Not just because it’s practical, but because I love you and want to share my life with you.” Leo Taber was a powerful presence with his square jaw, straight nose and soulful brown eyes. His supremely well-toned body just screamed bodyguard, which was exactly what he’d been in the past. Now he was running a security company with an ex-Army buddy of his but had found their banker to be less than helpful.

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Thank God Felix had been able to help obtain funding from Top Ventures, one of the biggest venture capital companies in Albany, New York. He hadn’t known he had it in him, but Leo had asked him for help, so what else could he have done? He couldn’t have turned him down even back then, when he’d still been hesitant about falling in love with a man who had anger management issues. But at least Leo was working on getting them under control. Felix leaned into Leo’s touch, nuzzling the warm skin and loving the slightly salty taste. It would be good to get out of his sister’s hair. He loved her and the kids, but her husband wasn’t exactly a fan of Felix and had made it clear he expected the stay to be extremely temporary. Even though he’d hardly been at their house, being able to officially move out would hopefully relieve the tension. “You want to go celebrate?” Leo’s voice was low, matching the suddenly gentler mood. “Like a date?” Felix grinned. “Yeah, I guess.” Leo chuckled. “We haven’t really done any of that, have we?” “It’s not like we had the time.” He shrugged. “Between me setting up that loan and you and Ivan trying to keep the business afloat, we have been kind of busy.” “That may be an explanation, but it’s no excuse.” Leo kissed him on the nose before pulling back. “I’d like to take you out, show off my handsome boyfriend and have some fun for a change.” “You would, huh?” Felix scooted back on the conference table, getting ready to find his glasses and get dressed. “I’d love that too. We’ll still have to work hard, and I’ll have to figure out what to do with my life, but that can wait. I vote for taking the weekend off.” “Your vote is my directive.” Leo let him go and started hunting for their clothes. Leo threw Felix’s towards him with an uncanny accuracy, while putting his own on piece by piece. Too bad all those muscles were being covered again. But he did want to get out of the office, so he started pulling on his own stuff. Finally, he retrieved his glasses from where he’d left them at the other end of the huge conference table. “Except maybe the moving in.” Felix blushed when Leo waggled his eyebrows at that. “I’d like to do that as quickly as possible. There isn’t much at my sister’s place, just a few boxes with books and paperwork, some paintings and stuff. It should be quick.” “We could do that this afternoon, just leave everything in the guest room then go out?” Leo looked so hopeful, how could he resist?

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“Sure.” He could deal with his inner neat freak and make himself wait to have everything cleared away permanently. He hoped.

**** Three hours later all his boxes sat in Leo’s spare bedroom and he was on his way to take a shower. Leo had made reservations but hadn’t told him where. Not that it mattered—as long as he was with Leo he knew he’d have a good time. When he walked into the master bathroom, he noticed that Leo was already under the shower spray. His entire body was glistening with water. Now, that was a definite step in the right direction. When Leo turned around and winked at him, Felix couldn’t get out of his sweaty and slightly dusty clothes fast enough. Showers together were always fun and, even though they’d had wild monkey sex in the office only a few hours before, he was ready to go again. Leo got hard as Felix undressed. That was such a turn-on. His own cock filled as his lover watched him. When Leo started stroking himself, Felix almost lost it. He wanted that beautiful cock in his mouth so badly, he could almost taste it. No wonder he was fully hard by the time he finally made it into the enclosed shower space. “Hey, gorgeous.” Leo’s voice was gravelly, and his arms opened in welcome. Felix stepped into the embrace and turned his face up for a kiss. He vaguely noticed the hot water running down his back and making everything wet. His focus was on Leo as the other man obliged and opened his mouth. Sparks of arousal travelled from his mouth to his cock when their lips touched. He licked into Leo’s mouth, exploring the hot depths as if his life depended on it, and started to grind his erection into Leo’s thigh. His lover’s hard cock against his belly further increased his arousal. Leo slid his hands down Felix’s slippery, wet back and grabbed his ass cheeks— kneading them and adding further pressure to what was going on between their slick erections. It was almost too much. He wanted this to last. But when Leo moved two fingers down his crack, putting pressure on his hole without penetrating, his body shook in anticipation. Leo rubbed back and forth over the sensitive skin, driving Felix up the wall with need.

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Felix sucked on his lover’s tongue as if his life depended on it, needing more friction and not getting enough. He tried to force Leo’s fingers inside his channel by pushing his ass out, which made Leo chuckle. “Tell me, baby.” Leo, the fiend, kept his touch just this side of forceful as he circled Felix’s hole, making it open of its own accord. “Tell me what you want me to do to you.” He pulled back from the kiss, totally overwhelmed and out of breath, and buried his face in Leo’s chest. It was too embarrassing. He loved it when Leo talked dirty, but he just couldn’t get himself to do it. He shook with need, pushing against Leo even harder in his desperate attempt to get off. His cock was painfully hard and his balls were already tight, but what he needed to push him over the edge was just out of reach. A strangled sob interrupted the quiet whooshing of water from above. Shit, was that me? One of Leo’s hands came up behind his head and stroked his nape, further increasing his desperation as the other man held him still for a moment. “Shhh, it’s okay. I’ve got you.” Leo’s other hand stopped moving, a finger poised over his aching hole for a moment. A reprieve wasn’t what he wanted. “Please.” When he opened his mouth to speak against Leo’s hot skin, he realised he wasn’t totally helpless. He stuck out his tongue and licked the warm water off Leo’s skin as he made his way through the light flurry of crinkly hair to one of Leo’s large brown nipples. He licked around it several times before latching on as if his next orgasm depended on it. Which it sort of did. “Arrrgh!” Leo shuddered and arched his back to push his chest against Felix’s mouth. “Not fair.” Felix sucked the swollen bud then nibbled with his teeth and shook his head. Nope, on the contrary, this is totally fair. He alternated careful nips and small bites with long licks. It was the surest way to drive Leo crazy. Leo was panting within seconds, pushing their groins together so their cocks slid against one another, helped along by pre-cum and water. Felix sucked more strongly and Leo finally slipped a finger inside his hole. “More.” He’d let go of the first nipple and licked his way across to the second. “Please. Give me more.”

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With a groan, Leo did as he’d been asked and slipped in a second finger. The stretch and slight burn was just what Felix needed. Frantically fucking himself on Leo’s thick fingers as he bit and licked his lover’s nipple, Felix was moving towards release at a dizzying pace. Leo’s panting breath above him, each hot exhale caressing the side of his face, was a sure sign his lover wasn’t far behind. Leo finally pegged his gland just as he pushed forward and that was it. “Leo!” He screamed his release as his orgasm raced through him, making him see stars and his legs shake. Wave after wave of pleasure overwhelmed him as Leo’s fingers twisted inside his clenching channel to prolong his ecstasy. When he was done and Leo had withdrawn his hand, all he wanted to do was collapse in post-orgasmic bliss and enjoy the afterglow. But Leo hadn’t come yet, so that wasn’t an option. He sank to his knees and sucked Leo’s glistening shaft straight down his throat. It had taken him a while to learn how to do that, but moments like this made the effort so worth it. Leo’s eyes widened as his mouth opened on a silent scream. His body stiffened and hot semen shot into Felix’s welcoming mouth as Leo shook through his orgasm. Felix swallowed it all and licked Leo clean before the water could take the salty semen away. Leo shut off the shower and sank onto the floor, taking Felix into his arms before leaning against the tile. “Man that was hot.” Leo kissed his temple and stroked his back. “Yeah, I don’t think I can move for a while.” He pushed closer to Leo’s hot body, trying to stave off having to get up for the warmth of a dry towel. “You moved enough just now.” Leo rested his chin on Felix’s head. “Sure feels that way.” He grinned. Best exercise he’d had in days.

**** “Emilio?” Felix had dropped the books he was trying to get into some kind of order when his phone rang. He was in the middle of unpacking, taking stock of what he had and figuring out what he wanted to do with it. It might all go back into one of the various boxes or some of it might make it to the office downstairs that Leo had offered to share with him for now.

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“Yeah, it’s me. Are you okay to talk?” Emilio sounded his usual bubbly self, probably trying to restrain himself from asking all his questions at once. “Sure. Let me just find a place to sit.” He cleared a space on the small sofa in the corner and perched on its edge. He moaned at how good it felt to be off his feet. “That sound says you’ve been at whatever you were doing for a while but are comfortable now.” Emilio settled down into his squeaking office chair, from the sound of it. “Yeah.” He chuckled as he eased his elbows onto his thighs to support his tired head. This is no way to spend a Saturday morning! “Couldn’t sleep anymore, so I sneaked out of bed to get some work done. Leo’s still snoring away, as far as I know.” “Good for him.” Emilio laughed. “How is he doing by the way?” “He’s much better now that the financial situation has been solved. That was clearly a large part of the problem for him. But even before that, he’s been to two Emotions Anonymous meetings since we returned. He asked me to go along with him next time, since it’s one that’s open for interested partners. I can’t wait to see what they do, for him to have made so much progress already.” Felix couldn’t have been prouder of Leo. “Well done on the financial situation, that is excellent news. Not that I ever doubted you could do it.” Emilio took a deep breath. “So, how are you doing now? Did you find an apartment or are you going to stay with your sister? Have you heard from Victor? I sure hope he’s permanently out of the picture. Oh, and have you found a job?” “Whoa, Emilio, don’t forget to breathe again.” Felix laughed. He really liked his temperamental Italian-American friend, but he could be a bit much to take when he got all excited like this. He explained all that had happened in the two weeks since they’d last spoken, then expected Emilio to say something. But his friend was suspiciously quiet. “So what do you think I should do?” Felix pressed his phone more closely to his cheek, strangely anxious all of a sudden. “It’s not about what I think you should do.” Emilio sure sounded like the counsellor he was when he said that. “This is about what’s right for you. Now that you have somewhat found your feet, you could sue Perfect Health for defamation of character or unjust dismissal. You could go up against Victor and try to get him to pay for what he did. You could also look into financial consulting. With the sort of success you’ve just had, I bet there are a few

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companies that might be interested in your services. Hell, you could start working for charities if that was what you wanted.” “Really? Financial consulting? But who would hire me?” He didn’t even have any references since Perfect Health had refused to give him any. That and Victor’s blackballing around town was the reason for the lack of a new job. “I don’t know the details of the financial job market, so I can’t tell you that. I’m just trying to make you think. You should use the success you’ve had with Leo’s company and make some use of that.” Emilio appeared very sure of himself. Maybe there was something in all of this? Just looking around, he did have a lot of finance theory textbooks. He’d be stupid not to make use of what he knew best. And being a waiter, which was very different from anything he’d ever done before, hadn’t worked out so well, at least not from a professional point of view. On a personal level, it had been the best thing that ever happened to him, because he’d met Leo. Financial consulting, who would have thought?

**** “You know, I’ve been thinking.” Leo took Felix’s hand as they strolled back to his car after their first joint Emotions Anonymous meeting. It had felt amazingly comfortable to have Felix there. Probably because they’d already discussed most of what came up. There really weren’t many secrets left between them. “Yeah?” Felix glanced at him, twitching lips betraying his amusement. “It’s not that rare of an event.” He chuckled despite himself. “No, seriously, what the counsellor said tonight about focusing on others’ needs reminded me of the epiphany I had just before I came back to the retreat to apologise about the way I’d been treating you.” “It did?” Felix stopped walking when they reached the car and turned around to face Leo, leaning against the vehicle “Oh, you mean when you said you’d realised that your angry reactions can hurt others.” “That’s exactly what I mean. For me, once I’d understood that with my heart, rather than trying to get the problem with my brain, it was the beginning of wanting to learn how to rein in my anger.” Leo hadn’t let go of Felix’s hand when they’d reached the car and he

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squeezed it now. “I’ll always be grateful to you for taking me back and accepting me with all my faults.” Felix blushed. “I’ll tell you a secret. I love you and being able to have a relationship with you now makes all the pain I went through worth it.” “I’ll always regret the pain I put you through, baby. But I also thank my lucky stars every day that you came along and had the patience to stick it out with me.” Leo bent down and pressed a quick but heartfelt kiss on Felix’s lush lips. “And I’ve been thinking about a way to help you find your feet, now that we’ve got my problems solved.” “Because you’re grateful?” Felix frowned a little. “Not just because I’m grateful. I’ll admit that’s part of it, and it’s what got me started thinking about it.” He shrugged. “I’m only human, you know?” “Yes, very human.” Felix smiled as he thrust his hips out, making Leo gasp when the erection touched his groin. Leo hissed, wanting nothing more than to push back and enjoy a little man-on-man action, right here in the parking lot. Hold on. They’d be home soon enough. “You see?” Felix laughed and pulled back. “That’s one of the reasons I love you so much—you’re so easily distracted.” “I’ll show you distraction when we get home.” Leo waggled his eyebrows, which only made Felix laugh harder. “Promise?” “Promise!” “Okay, now that we got that out of the way, what was it you wanted to tell me?” Felix tilted his head. “There hasn’t been a lot of time to talk about what comes next, right?” He’d been guilty of that as much as anyone. “True. But it’s okay, we’ve both been busy.” Felix shrugged. “I know. But we’re done with most of that now. All that’s left is the transfer of the money from Top Ventures to the bank later this week. So there’ll be time for other things.” He took a deep breath. I just hope he likes my idea. “And you’ve decided that one of those is my future, right?” Felix unsuccessfully tried to suppress a smile. “That is so cute.”

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“Yeah, well.” Cute wasn’t what he’d tried for, but from Felix he’d take almost anything. “I figure you’ve got to be thinking about what to do for a job, right?” Felix nodded. “From what you’ve told me, it’s pretty clear you can’t go back into a position within the finance department of one of the local, maybe national, healthcare providers.” Leo still wanted to beat up Felix’s asshole ex-boyfriend for that, but he’d promised Felix not to do anything stupid. He just hoped he wouldn’t live to regret that promise. In his experience, assholes like that didn’t just give up and go away. Felix swallowed heavily but nodded again. “You’ve been pretty successful at negotiating with all of those venture capital companies. And I know that sort of job would be very different from what you did before, but it made me wonder if that area would be something you’re interested in?” Leo held his breath as he waited for the answer. “I didn’t like the negotiation part very much.” Felix looked thoughtful, that little frown he made just with his eyebrows a dead giveaway that he was seriously thinking about it. “But I must admit that the questions they asked and the reports we had to give them had me intrigued. This whole idea of analysing a company based on the information available then deciding whether or not to give them money is fascinating.” “I’m glad to hear that.” How anyone could find staring at a bunch of numbers fascinating was beyond him, but Felix had clearly enjoyed it. And he was good at it, since he’d managed to get them the loan. “I thought that was the case, so I came up with this idea. What if you decided to use your financial skills in a slightly different way? It wouldn’t be corporate finance, but maybe that would make a nice change?” “What are you saying?” Felix’s eyes widened, clearly intrigued. “I think you should look at a position with one of the venture capital companies. They probably need people like you who can analyse numbers and come up with intelligent recommendations for them.” He smiled. “You know your way around the finance world, probably know where companies hide financial issues when they’re in trouble, so you’d be really well suited to ferret those out, right?” “Very true.” Felix’s eyes took on a faraway look. “I think you’re on to something here. With banks still pretty much refusing to loan money, and companies needing funds to help

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them expand, they are looking for capital from other sources. And those other sources will need more people to deal with the increased demand.” Leo nodded. Exactly. “You’re amazing.” Felix kissed him. “I’ll start looking into it immediately.”

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Chapter Two

Leo had never felt this good walking into any bank. More specifically, he’d never felt as certain that things were going to go his way for once. Not too long ago, his blood pressure would have been edging towards two hundred at this point. This specific banker had given him a few grey hairs as well, he was sure. But no more. Those days were over. With Ivan at his side, he passed the bespectacled secretary’s inspection and marched right into the nasty little man’s personal empire—or what he saw as one, Leo was sure. The depressing decor of dark wood and heavy leather chairs—and not a colourful piece of art in sight—heightened the sense of oppression and doom. He’d always felt small and insignificant under the gaze of seriously gloomy men in old-fashioned suits in ancientlooking oil paintings. Not today. “This is highly irregular.” Percival Smythe III, the most diminutive banker in history, drew himself up to his full height, such as it was. He remained in his chair as if he knew he’d need the protection of the big desk between himself and his two visitors. “I’m sure it is.” Leo grinned at him with as much irreverence as he could muster. He sat down on one of the visitors’ chairs without having been invited, watching the banker’s eyes widen in shock. Payback is so much fun! “But we have an appointment.” Ivan joined in as he, too, took a seat. The mock-serious expression on his chiselled face was hilarious and Leo had to bite his cheek to stop himself from laughing out loud and giving the game away too early. They’d all agreed some torture of the little weasel was in order. “I would hope you do!” The banker’s eyebrows rose. “Without one, you wouldn’t even make it past my secretary’s desk.” “So, what’s the problem then?” Ivan’s attempt to look innocent was cracking Leo up. “Whether you have an appointment or not is neither here nor there in your case. The fact is that you only have another four days to repay your loan, and no matter what you do or say, that decision will not change. I told you so just over three weeks ago, as did my boss. This bank needs to look good, and risking money by loaning it to less than successful

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businesses like Secure You is not in our best interests.” The banker leant back in his chair and crossed his arms. “So I really don’t see why you’re here taking up my valuable time.” Valuable time indeed! The man hadn’t even had the decency to try to look busy when they came in. And really, how much work could he have when Leo knew for a fact that the People’s Bank was struggling. According to some of the press reports he’d read when looking into the financial sector for Felix’s sake, it had lost a lot of the private customers that were its bread and butter. The crisis had driven people to look for friendlier service elsewhere. And business clients such as himself and Ivan had never been the bank’s strength in the first place. “We are not here to try to change that decision.” Leo leant back in his chair and crossed his legs, presenting a perfect picture of self-confidence. “You’re not?” The banker frowned. “But that makes no sense. Surely, you still need that money.” “Yes, we do, as would any business that just started up. However, we have decided that the People’s Bank is no longer the right source of funds for us.” Leo had never enjoyed himself so much while in a meeting with a banker. “There is nothing wrong with the People’s Bank. We apply sound business and banking principles and are very selective about who we lend money to. Unfortunately, Secure You no longer fulfils those conditions.” This banker on the defensive was a sight to behold. “There was no need to panic just because we’d had a couple of months with less cash coming in.” Ivan smiled, but it wasn’t a friendly smile. He had an amazing ability to make it look like a threat. “Business has already started to pick up again. So I’m afraid to tell you that you may have made a mistake.” “I do not make mistakes, and neither does my boss.” The banker looked from him to Ivan and back again, clearly confused. “Telling me that I do is certainly not the way to get me to change my mind.” “Let me tell you again, Mr Smythe, we are not here to change your mind.” Leo sat up and looked the little man straight in the eyes. He was happy to notice that the direct confrontation made him squirm in his seat. “So why are you here?” The banker was beginning to sweat. Dealing with uncertainty was apparently not to his liking.

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“We’re here to pay back the money early.” Leo pulled the cheque he’d received by courier earlier this morning from his pocket and placed it onto the banker’s desk. “What’s that?” The banker stared at the cheque as if it was going to jump and bite him. “A cheque for the outstanding amount of the loan.” Leo wanted to laugh but knew he’d have to remain serious for maximum effect. “I do believe you’ve seen one of those before.” Ivan quirked his eyebrows as if puzzled by the lack of understanding. “Of course I’ve seen one of those before!” The banker grabbed the piece of paper and held it under his nose for closer examination. “I just didn’t expect one in the context of this meeting.” In the context of this meeting? What an idiot! “Is everything in order?” Leo put on his best innocent face. A sideways glance towards his friend confirmed that he wasn’t doing a very convincing job. Ivan had a hand in front of his mouth, but his eyes were crinkling in that tell-tale way of someone laughing and trying to hide it. “Let me check your file.” The banker opened the folder to his right and started rifling through its contents. His hands were slightly shaking, and sweat was beating on his forehead as he looked for and found various pieces of paperwork. It didn’t seem to Leo that he was very coordinated, nor did the suddenly shaking banker look like someone who knew what he was looking for. Leo didn’t really care whether what he was doing made sense. Watching this man—whom he had hated with a passion— fall apart like this was way better than watching a reality show on TV. After a rather long examination of what seemed like every piece of paper in the folder, the banker leant back, a resigned look on his face. “So?” He badly wanted this man to admit defeat. “I do believe everything is in order.” The banker looked up from the paperwork, shock and incredulity fighting for dominance on his face. “We’d appreciate it if you could write us a receipt, please.” It wasn’t that they’d need one, just in case, but that he was going to draw this out as long as possible. “Certainly, sir.” The banker ground his teeth.

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Leo and Ivan openly grinned at each other for the first time. Seeing Percival fucking Smythe III this flustered had almost been worth all the suffering. Leo couldn’t wait to tell Felix so he could relive the whole scene. When the banker was done writing the receipt, Leo pretended to examine it with as much care as the banker had studied the cheque. The bright flush on the other man’s cheeks as he realised what was going on was priceless. “Just tell me one thing, if you will.” The banker looked a lot less self-confident than he had at the beginning of their meeting. “If I can.” Leo wasn’t going to give away any secrets. “Who helped you with this?” The banker leant forward. “What do you mean…helped us?” Leo wasn’t good at pretending, but he was going to give it his best shot. “Who did this for you? You couldn’t possibly have come up with alternative financing on your own. Not in this economic climate. No, someone must have helped you. And I would like to know who that was.” The banker narrowed his eyes. It was probably an attempt to stare him down. Unfortunately for the banker, Leo was made of sterner stuff. “I’m afraid I can’t reveal that information.” No way was he going to give away Felix. His lover had had enough trouble with people from the financial sector. Leo wasn’t about to add to that. “Never mind. I’ll find out myself.” The banker leant back and rubbed his temples. “We can’t have people interfering in the bank’s business.” And if that wasn’t proof of the man’s illusions of grandeur, Leo didn’t know what was. He couldn’t get out of here fast enough. They were finally free of the small-minded financial supervision of this bank. A celebration was definitely in order.

**** Leo couldn’t wait for the end of the work day. As soon as they’d made it back to the office, he’d called Felix to let him know that all was well. His lover had sounded relieved and promised him a celebration as soon as he made it home. Needless to say, staying in the office and making sure his work got done was a bit of a challenge after that. All he could think

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about all afternoon was how much he would like to celebrate—preferably in the privacy of their home with both of them naked. As soon as decently possible he left the office. The way home had never seemed so long, but he finally made it and walked inside. “I’m home.” He closed and locked the front door behind him and listened for an answer. Nothing. “Baby, where are you?” He dropped his briefcase on the floor and his keys on the little table next to the stairs, ready to hunt Felix down. Silence. He checked out the kitchen next, since he was a little hungry. There was a casserole in the oven, on low heat. That was a good sign. When he turned back towards the kitchen door, he noticed a single red rose on the kitchen table. There was a white envelope next to it. “Aha!” Leo grinned as he tore open the envelope and pulled out the note that was inside. “A treasure hunt maybe?” Take off your clothes and find the next rose. “Take off my clothes?” That sounded promising, so he did as Felix directed. As for the next rose…he turned towards the living room only to find another one on the CD player. He walked up to it and read the little note. Pick the music you’d like and come upstairs. He grinned as he chose the soft rock ballads they both liked so much. This was looking like a very promising evening. With the CD in one hand and the rose in the other, he walked upstairs slowly enough to let the anticipation build. His cock was pretty much ready now, but he forced himself to take the steps slowly. Felix had made an effort to make this fun, and the least he could do was to play along and enjoy it. The scent of sandalwood permeated the air as soon as he’d made it upstairs. Following his nose to the master bathroom, he stopped at the door. Soft candlelight had replaced the normal illumination, giving the room a romantic feel. The bed was already turned down and a very naked, very aroused Felix stood next to their bedroom entertainment centre. He wore a bright red bow tie around his neck and an equally red ribbon around his straining cock and balls. He’d put his glasses aside, nothing impeding the view of his fine-

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boned face. He looked up at Leo with shining brown eyes and smiled. With his hands behind his back and head respectfully lowered he made Leo’s cock even harder. “Felix?” Leo stepped close enough to feel his lover’s body heat and held out the rose for him. “Thank you for going to all this trouble.” “You are welcome.” Felix grinned as he took the rose and held it to his nose for a quick sniff before putting it on top of the CD player. “I wanted to make this a special celebration, so I’ve prepared a few things.” Felix held out his hand for the CD and put it into its slot, pressing the play button before holding out his hand. “Dance with me?” Leo could only nod. He took his lover’s hand to pull him close as the first notes of Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton transformed their bedroom into an impromptu ballroom. Pulling Felix flush against his body, he moaned as their naked cocks touched. Felix wiggled until they were perfectly aligned. Leo followed his lover’s example and put his hands on the other man’s ass cheeks to make sure their groins remained close together. It was a new sensation to sway to music naked like this, but he was likely to want to repeat it. The slide of skin against skin was so sensual, his cock got even harder. Felix’s soft exhales on his pecs thrilled him. The man’s freshly showered scent caressed his nostrils. Leo was glad he trusted this man enough to let himself go and give in to the emotional moment. “I love you.” His voice was a husky whisper as he tried to swallow past the sudden lump in his throat. “I love you, too.” Felix looked up, his eyes suspiciously bright. “I’m so glad you noticed me, back when I was a waiter.” “I would have noticed you anywhere, baby.” He slid one hand up Felix’s strong back and cupped his nape. Pushing even closer to make sure not just their groins but the entire front of their bodies were touching, he bent down to kiss Felix. Holding his head still so he could slant his mouth at just the right angle, he pressed their lips together. Seconds later Felix opened to him, his lover’s tongue coming out to play. And what a game it was. Moving back and forth from one hot cavity to the other, they exchanged caresses until he thought he would come from just their kiss. Deliberately slowing down, he tried to prolong their pleasure, but Felix pulled back.

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“I need you.” His lover’s pupils were dilated with lust, his irises even darker than normal. “I need you, too. I want you to make love to me this time, baby.” Leo had hoped Felix would take the initiative, but as they’d become closer over these past weeks he’d begun to realise that might be too much for his adorably shy lover to ask for. “You do?” Felix’s eyes widened and his hips bucked. “Yeah. Been wanting it for a while.” Leo bit his lip to stop his orgasm. The increased friction of Felix’s suddenly very active lower body was driving his arousal to new heights. “Guess that turns you on, huh?” “You have no idea.” Felix blushed, but didn’t look away. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to do that.” “There isn’t much I don’t want to do with you.” Leo smiled, realising how true that really was as he said the words. “All you have to do is ask.” “But that’s so hard to do.” Felix blinked. “I never had a lover who was so interested in what I need or want.” Leo really was going to kill Victor and anyone else who’d hurt Felix by ignoring him. How could they do that? The man was utterly lovable and so giving, there was no way anyone with a soul could overlook him. “You’ve never had a real boyfriend, then.” Leo caressed Felix’s nape, which made his lover shudder. “No, I guess not.” Felix leaned in more closely, putting his head back onto Leo’s shoulder. “Which makes you my first and only.” “God, baby, you have no idea what that does to me.” Leo took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. “I think I do.” Felix slid a hand between their bodies and took hold of Leo’s nowdripping cock. “Oh, yeah, I think we need to move right to the next stage after this dance.” “After this dance?” Shit! I’m never going to make it now.

Felix chuckled. That sounded so gratifyingly impatient. He couldn’t believe his luck. He’d finally found someone who not only loved him back, but also listened to what he needed and wanted. Shit, Leo had thought about his career and come up with a really solid

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idea. Most people shut off their brains, and their interest, as soon as they heard Felix was in finance. Not Leo, though. He loved him even more, just for that. “We don’t have to keep dancing.” But, God, he loved this slow touching and sensual sliding a lot more than he’d ever thought. At first, it had seemed like a nice way to get them in the mood. Now, it was more like something he wanted to do just because it made him feel good, made his entire body tingle with excitement. “Nah, we should finish the song.” Leo tightened his embrace. “Okay.” He would agree to almost anything at this point. The pleasure already coursing through his body was too good to stop. When the song was done he was more than ready for the next step. He pulled back and pointed at the bed, unsure whether words, rather than moans, would come out when he opened his mouth. Leo seemed to understand and lay down in the centre of the bed, legs spread enticingly, while keeping his expectant gaze on Felix. No pressure, huh? He just hoped he’d get this right. After grabbing the lube and a condom from the drawer in the nightstand, he crawled between Leo’s legs. His lover’s hard cock lay on his stomach, the large balls already halfway drawn up. Leo’s hole was visible between his taut globes and Felix had a sudden urge to taste him there. He loved it so much when Leo rimmed him, it was probably time to return the favour. “Hands and knees, sweetheart.” His voice was raspy, giving away his excitement. Leo’s eyes widened for a moment, but he complied, turning around to present Felix with an even better view of his ass. It was enough to make him reconsider slow and sensuous. Thank God the ribbon he’d tied around his genitals now acted as a sort of cock ring, or he might have come right then. He put his hands on Leo’s ankles and slowly slid his touch upwards along his calves and thighs. He caressed the cheeks, playfully massaging them. Leo shuddered. Felix pulled them apart and bent forward to blow a breath across the wrinkled skin. The little hole twitched and he did it again. Leo moaned. He took a deep breath as he bent farther down, scenting the dark musk that he’d got occasional whiffs of when he’d licked Leo’s balls during oral sex. This was different—much

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better because it was more intense. Experimenting further, he slid his tongue from Leo’s balls, across his perineum, all the way up along his crack. “More.” Leo wiggled his ass, pushing back a little. Oh, yeah, more wasn’t going to be a problem. Felix licked and nibbled to his heart’s content. When the outside of Leo’s hole was good and wet, he focused on pushing his tongue inside. God, it was tight. “Ungh.” Leo collapsed onto his elbows and pushed back even more, clearly agreeing with what Felix was doing. He took Leo’s cock in one hand and pushed his tongue in as far as it would go. Leo whimpered, starting to move between tongue and hand as he fucked Felix’s fist. God, that was so hot. “Fuck!” Leo shook as ropes of white cum shot from his cock onto the sheets. Felix was so close, but he bit his tongue and held on. Withdrawing his hand while Leo finished coming, he slid a condom over his throbbing cock, lubed himself up and started pushing lube into Leo’s clenching hole. He needed to get in there now. Moving up until the tip of his cock was aligned with Leo’s hole, he grabbed his lover’s hips and pushed inside. “Yes!” They both said it at the same time. Before he knew what was going on, Leo had impaled himself on his cock, ass pressed against his pubes. As arousing as the picture was, he wanted to see Leo. He wanted to make love to him this first time. “Fuck me, please.” Leo pushed himself back up onto his hands and rocked forward. “Not like this.” Felix pulled back out. “What?” Leo whipped his head around, total shock on his face. “I want to see you, sweetheart. Turn on your back for me?” He watched the shock dissolve as Leo did as he’d asked. Felix put a pillow under his lover’s behind and got back into position. This time when he pushed inside Leo’s body, it felt right. They were connected and as close as they could ever get. Removing the ribbon made him feel better, the big release now within reach. He stayed still for a moment, wanting to give Leo time to get used to him. But his lover would have none of it. He encircled Felix’s shoulders with his arms and pulled him down into a kiss as he started rocking his hips.

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Felix responded with gentle thrusts and more intense kissing. Passion rose quickly, and even though they stuck with the slow rocking and careful caresses, his orgasm wasn’t going to be denied. It was only minutes later when the tingling along his spine started. “Love you.” Felix came in shuddering jerks, feeling as if he was flying as he stared into Leo’s widening eyes. “Felix!” Leo splashed his semen between their bodies, his eyes never leaving Felix’s. They held on to each other as if their lives depended on not letting go. The love shining from Leo’s eyes was undeniable and burned itself into Felix’s soul. It was the most loving and erotic moment of his life.

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Chapter Three

Felix hit the beeping alarm clock with a vengeance. He so didn’t want to wake up yet. Reliving everything they’d done all weekend, mostly in bed but on a select few other surfaces as well, was much more fun than contemplating getting up. And for what? His meeting at the Chamber of Commerce wasn’t until the afternoon. He pulled the sheets up over his head, willing himself to relax or he’d never get back to sleep. Why did the damned thing keep going anyway? Had Leo forgotten to switch it off like he usually did? Shit! Suddenly the veils of unconsciousness lifted from his sleep-addled brain much more quickly than even caffeine could have made them move. Leo needed to get to work on time. He’d mentioned an important new client meeting this Monday morning. Felix tore open his eyes to check where his lover was. Not next to him in bed. That was a good sign. He turned his head to check the bathroom at the same time as Leo walked out, dressed in nothing more than a tiny towel wound around his hips. Mmm. “Morning, baby.” He smiled and walked to Felix’s side of the bed to give him an indepth good morning kiss. Felix was about to lie back and enjoy the arousal coursing through his veins more fully when Leo pulled back. Darn. “I’m glad you’re awake already, that way I don’t have to make you get up.” Leo grinned and stepped back before Felix was able to grab him and pull him down back under the covers. “Why would I need to get up?” Felix shook his head, trying to chase the last remnants of sleep fog away. “Unless you want me to make you breakfast?” “Baby, I’d love you to make me breakfast, you know I love your cooking, but I’d never wake you up just for that!” Leo mock-frowned. “So why?” Felix yawned and stretched, resigned to the fact that he was now far too awake to get back to sleep again.

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“I have a surprise for you.” Leo smiled. “You don’t have to come see it this morning, if you don’t want to, but I thought it would be nice to, you know, go to the office together?” “You would, huh?” Felix grinned. “You are such a romantic at heart, you know that?” “Just don’t tell anyone.” Leo looked supremely embarrassed. “They’ll take away my tough-guy card if they find out.” “Not that I would care, I like you just the way you are. But, if you’re so attached to it…” He sighed dramatically, making Leo laugh. “Yeah, I get what you’re saying.” Leo tilted his head and made puppy eyes. “Still want you to come to the office with me, please?” “Sure.” How could he resist when it was clearly so important to Leo?

**** An hour and a half later they’d managed to have a great breakfast and a leisurely drive to the office. He’d even worn a suit on Leo’s request, which he thought was a little odd. The tension had grown by the minute, and by the time Leo had parked in the underground lot and they’d got out of the car, his stomach was in knots. “Hey, don’t worry, it’s all good.” Leo locked the car and took his hand for comfort. He didn’t even let go when they entered the elevator. They got a few questioning looks and a couple of scowls, but on the whole the professional crowd that populated this office building seemed to be a peaceful one. Finally, they had arrived on the fifth floor and walked into the already-familiar office suite. “Good morning, gentlemen.” Sheila, the combined receptionist and secretary, looked up from her desk in the central area, giving them a perfect smile. “Good morning, Sheila.” Leo grinned back and pointed to his right. “Did they get it all done?” “Yes, sir, they did.” Sheila reached for her phone. “I assume you want Ivan to be present as well?” “Ivan wouldn’t miss this for the world.” The man in question, all suited up as well, walked into the office suite with perfect timing. “Morning, everyone. Are you ready to do this?”

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“Been ready for a long time.” Leo playfully punched Ivan in the upper arm. Not that the well-muscled ex-Army man even seemed to notice. “Just waiting on you, as usual.” Ivan just raised his eyebrows and turned to Felix. “Morning, Felix. Good to see you here.” Ivan held out his hand and they shook. “I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing, but it’s good to see you, too.” Felix smiled at Leo’s old friend. “All will be revealed shortly.” Ivan stood back and motioned Leo ahead, towards their right. “I’m sure you’ll want to do the honours.” “Indeed.” Leo took Felix’s hand in his and started walking. The other two were hot on their heels. Walking past the large conference room, where he’d had some of the hottest sex of his life just over a week ago, made Felix flush. He’d never be able to walk past again without getting a hard-on, damn it! Leo squeezing his hand and winking at him when he looked up didn’t exactly help. Leo stopped in front of the office at the end of the corridor. There was another, smaller conference room beyond it, but it was this one that held everyone’s interest. Including Felix’s. He stared at the sign, not sure what to say. Felix Oakden, Finance Manger was written in big, gold letters on a black sign that was attached to the door. “What…” Felix swallowed and looked at Leo for help. “That wasn’t here before.” Leo chuckled and shook his head. “You mean…” He’d never been this lost for words. “We took a vote, after you successfully got us the financing from Top Ventures. Secure You has been growing a lot, which explains our slight cash flow shortage—as you so ably pointed out to the idiot bank who wouldn’t listen. Ivan and I don’t have the time to take care of the increasingly complex financial side of things, and the accounting firm we engage to do the basic bookkeeping won’t be able to cope much longer. So, we decided we need a finance manager so we can focus on growing the business.” Leo took a deep breath. “We’d very much like you to be that person. We won’t be able to pay much in the beginning, and it’s not enough to be a full-time position—” Felix couldn’t hold back any longer. He threw himself into Leo’s arms, hugging his lover as tightly as possible.

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“Thank you.” He buried his face in the soft spot at the base of Leo’s neck. “Thank you so much for trusting me like this.” “Of course we trust you.” Leo’s arms came around him, warming his heart as much as his lover’s words had. “Not everyone does.” Felix sniffled, trying his best to suppress the happy tears that wanted out. “Maybe not, but they’re idiots.” Ivan’s voice sounded as sure as Leo’s had. “I mean, listening to a man who sleeps with his boss to be promoted has got to be stupid, right?” “Yeah.” Felix nodded. “He still managed to convince an awful lot of people in the health insurance industry, at least, that I was a worthless cheater and embezzler. A rumour was all they needed, apparently.” “Yeah, well, Secure You deals in facts. And anyway, you’ve helped us so much you deserve a stake in the company, if you want it. We wouldn’t even exist anymore without you. Mr Percival Smythe III would have liquidated the company without a second thought had you not found us the money to repay the loan early.” Leo pulled back so he could look him in the face. “So, what do you say, baby, will you give it a go?” “Of course I will.” Felix stretched to kiss his man, at least briefly. “Thank you!”

**** “Do you have a minute?” Felix walked into Leo’s office after setting up the basic organisation of his files with Sheila’s help. It was just before lunch, and time for a break. He intended to spend it with Leo. The open-door policy they had was great, allowing him to walk into his boyfriend’s office unannounced. It was also shitty, because his plan wouldn’t really work with an open door. Well, it would, but it could get totally embarrassing. “Sure.” Leo looked up from his paperwork. “Anything for you.” “I was hoping we could have lunch together.” Felix still held the doorknob in his hand. “I would love that. In fact, there is one other thing we need to talk about, now that you’re settled in.” Leo pushed his chair back from the desk, ready to get up. “Stay there.” Felix closed the door. Fuck it. There had to be room for confidential discussions, right?

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“Felix?” Leo’s face was one big question mark when Felix turned back around. Here goes nothing. He swayed his hips as he walked towards Leo, giving him his best ‘fuck me’ look and licking his lips provocatively, just to make perfectly clear that the last thing he wanted was a business discussion. He felt utterly ridiculous until he saw the heat flare in Leo’s eyes as the man leant back in his chair with a grin. That was what made Felix so hot every time. He loved knowing that he could excite this normally so-controlled man to the point where he lost his head and lived in the moment. “Yeah, baby.” Leo held out one hand, rubbing his crotch with the other. “I like the way you think.” Felix sauntered the rest of the way over, stopping just out of reach of Leo’s hands. “Put your hands behind your head and leave them there until I tell you it’s okay to move them.” Felix grinned when Leo’s eyes widened. He had to give him credit, though. His lover lifted his hands and did as he was told. “Good boy.” Leo’s eyes widened and a flush spread from his neck upwards. Who knew? “You like that?” Felix was utterly shocked. He’d meant to make this a fun game, just this once, but it looked like he’d tapped into one of Leo’s hidden fantasies. Leo’s colour deepened, but he nodded. “No problem, I can live with that.” At least on a part-time basis. He liked being at the receiving end of Leo’s forceful nature too much to make this upside-down situation permanent. But for now he was going to milk it for all it was worth. He walked up to Leo the rest of the way then stood between his man’s legs for a moment to take in the view. Leo looked good in pretty much anything he wore, but the dark blue suit with the light blue shirt and the red tie was one of Felix’s favourite outfits. He loved the quiet power emanating from his lover. Combined with the highly aroused breathing and the slightly lost look as Leo visibly struggled to keep his hands where they were, it turned him on like nobody’s business. His cock positively ached as it hardened all the way and pushed against his straining zipper. Ignoring his discomfort, he focused all his attention on Leo. He placed his hands on the armrests of Leo’s chair and bent forward until their lips almost touched. Leo’s hot breath came more quickly and before he knew what happened,

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Leo’s lips were on his. Leo could kiss with the best of them, and even with his hands still obediently behind his head, the tongue-fucking he gave Felix was memorable. Felix finally pulled back, dizzy with lust. Leo’s eyes were bright, his chest heaved and his arms shook with effort. Time for the next step. Sliding his hands from the armrests to Leo’s thighs, he slowly lowered himself to his knees. He caressed Leo through his pants for a moment, making his lover moan. When he opened the belt then the zipper and found out Leo had gone commando, his arousal spiked and he barely suppressed a moan. “Fuck, that’s so sexy.” He looked up into Leo’s flushed face. “You’re killing me here.” Leo closed his eyes for a moment. “I want to touch you so badly right now.” “Not until I tell you.” Felix tried to look stern and must have succeeded because Leo’s nostrils flared and he nodded. He turned his attention back to carefully freeing Leo’s swollen cock and the soft ball sac from his pants. When he’d got everything out, he enjoyed the obscene picture for a few seconds before he took pity on his lover and started licking his balls. It only made things worse, and Leo started bucking his hips in a desperate attempt to get his cock inside Felix’s mouth. Felix stopped his ministrations and looked up. “Don’t tell me I can’t move at all!” Leo looked desperate. His cock twitched on his stomach, releasing a little more pre-cum. “I want you to stay still as long as you can.” He caressed Leo’s thighs to try to calm his lover down a little. “It’ll make everything better in the end.” Leo just nodded. Felix could hardly wait to taste him, so after only a little more attention to his lover’s balls, he licked his way up the thick shaft until he reached the cock head. Taking the stiff organ into his hand to carefully pull it towards him, he licked around the glans to collect all the delicious pre-cum he could before enveloping the entire head with his lips and starting to suck for all he was worth. He knew the sudden change of pace would drive Leo wild. A strangled shout from above his head was Leo’s only response. But his thighs trembled with the effort to stay still. It looked as if he was ready to come. Felix had the same

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problem. Never letting up on sucking Leo’s cock as hard as he could, he quickly reached down to open his pants and pull out his erection. Wrapping it in a handkerchief he’d pulled out of his pocket, he hoped to keep his mess to a minimum. But there was no way he wasn’t going to come from this. He kept the suction going until Leo started whimpering. Ready for the grand finale, he moved his lips farther down the thick shaft, taking in all of Leo in one steady move. As soon as the fat cock head hit the back of his throat he took a deep breath, relaxed and took him even farther in. When he’d bottomed out, Felix could feel the crinkly pubic hair against his nose. He started a rhythmic swallowing motion that was meant to push Leo over the edge as quickly and intensely as possible. “Fuck!” Leo started shooting down his throat, shaking under his hands as he did. It was so hot that Felix followed him right into orgasmic bliss and came into the handkerchief as pulses of pleasure chased around his entire body. When Leo was done, Felix licked him clean and finally let the softening cock slide from his mouth. He looked up into the very sated and still slightly dazed eyes of a very blissful Leo. “Now you can move.” He didn’t think Leo would be capable of anything much, but he owed it to his lover to set him free from the voluntary restraints they had agreed on. Moving more quickly than the eye could follow, Leo’s hands came down, grabbed him under the arms and pulled him into the other man’s lap, so Felix was straddling him. Even thought he was totally spent, their naked cocks touching when Leo pushed him more closely against his body sent little tingles of arousal through his whole body. Leo pulled his head closer and whispered, “I love you so much,” just before he started kissing him with more passion than should have been possible after the way they’d just come. Felix closed his eyes and sank into the kiss. Those were the last words spoken for quite a while.

****

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“You do know that this kind of event creeps me out, right?” Felix looked so adorably upset, Leo was hard put not to kiss him right in the foyer of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, propriety be damned. “I know, baby, but it’s an important part of getting word about your new job out to the local business community.” He put a hand in the small of Felix’s back as they entered the large function room. “It’s the first time they’ve organised an informal meeting between companies looking for funding and potential providers of capital, and I think you need to be here. Some of them might remember you from your old job, and they need to find out what you’re up to now. Just think of it as good PR.” People in business suits were chatting in small groups. There was a coffee bar to their right, and a small table with nametags to their left. He gave the registrar sitting behind it their names and was given two badges to pin to their lapels and a handful of brochures from the various attending companies. “I hate PR. And it’s only a potential new job.” Felix looked up once he’d pinned the badge to his suit. “Remember, Top Ventures only said they were interested after the interview on Tuesday. Considering the fact it’s now Thursday, and we still haven’t heard from them, I’d say the interest isn’t all that high after all.” “Don’t worry about it, they’ll offer you the job.” Leo reluctantly let go of Felix as they made their way towards the coffee bar. He was definitely in need of some caffeinated fortification. This sort of public shindig wasn’t his thing, either. But he’d do anything to help Felix back on to his professional feet. “I sure hope so.” Felix took the coffee he’d been offered and stirred sugar into it. “I really liked your idea and appreciate all you’ve done for me. Being finance manager for Secure You is already wonderful. It’s just that getting into the type of analysis the job at Top Ventures offers would be such a dream come true.” Leo smiled at Felix, trying to give him all the encouragement he could. Coffees in hand, they started mingling. An hour later, he was encouraged about the prospects for Albany’s local economy. There were a lot of small companies with great ideas and plans around. He’d just spotted his contacts from Top Ventures and was about to walk up to them, when a rather small man, dressed in a ridiculously old-fashioned pin-striped suit and wearing a furious scowl on his face, approached from their right.

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Percival Smythe III walked up to them as if he owned the world, or at the very least their souls. Of course, had Leo thought about it, he’d have realised they’d run into him at a meeting like this. But for the idiot to approach them? What the fuck could he possibly want? “What are you doing here?” The banker was red in the face and turned redder by the second. “Surely you’re not looking for people to throw more good money at the lost cause that is your company?” “Good afternoon to you too, Mr. Smythe.” Leo wasn’t going to stoop to the idiot’s level. The banker humphed and turned towards Felix, now that he hadn’t got Leo to respond. “Good afternoon to you, sir. My name is Percival Smythe III, and I’m in charge of commercial lending for the People’s Bank right here in Albany.” He held out his hand for Felix to shake. Felix didn’t move a muscle. With an irritated frown, the banker dropped his hand but continued undeterred. “We believe in local funding for our great business community, but I sincerely hope you’re not considering giving money to this man’s company.” “And why not?” Felix wore his best noncommittal expression, the one Leo had discovered this afternoon as they’d talked to some of the more irritating members of the business community—the ones who had some sort of political agenda, mostly. “Frankly, because Secure You is an extremely bad credit risk. I’ve had the bad fortune to have to deal with them in a professional capacity, and let me tell you, they’re about as sound an investment as the Titanic on her maiden voyage.” The banker moved his head closer to Felix’s face, dropping his voice to a whisper. “I’d be happy to give you more information, if you’re interested. Obviously, I’d ask you to step away with me so we can have some privacy.” “Is that so?” Felix stepped back from the obnoxious little man. “I must tell you that this lack of financial fortitude is a rather big surprise for me.” “As it was for me.” The banker nodded, totally serious and clearly completely oblivious to the smile that was tugging at Felix’s lips. “They must have some pretty fancy account doctoring going on or a very clever finance manager. All the numbers look great at first glance, but once you dig deeper…” This is beyond ridiculous!

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“I’d be careful about spreading unfounded rumours like that, if I were you.” Leo stepped closer to the banker, adding his physical bulk to the warning in his words. “I happen to know that you don’t have the data to back up anything you said.” “They are most certainly not rumours.” The banker looked down his nose at Leo, which was quite an achievement since Leo was at least a foot taller. “In fact, I think I’ll take measures to let the public, and any potential further investors like this poor, unsuspecting man here, know that Secure You is a bad credit risk.” “You can’t do that!” Leo fisted his hands. “Just watch me!” The banker looked triumphant before turning back to Felix. “You see what I mean? The business community deserves to know about the risk they’re running in dealing with this company. And I think you’d be qualified to help me uncover the problems, since you had recent dealings with Mr. Taber.” The smile on Mr. Smythe’s face was positively predatory.

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Chapter Four

Felix took a deep breath in an attempt to calm down. Another one followed right in its wake, but he was still too upset to remain polite. This jerk was insulting Leo, flinging totally unfounded accusations at his lover’s company. They were emotional enough to make it look like an attempt at revenge. But for what? Could it be sour grapes? From what Leo had said, the banker had not been happy that Secure You had managed to pay back the loan. But why that made the banker so determined to destroy Leo’s business was anyone’s guess. “Now, would you please come with me so we can discuss this in detail?” Mr. Smythe seemed convinced he had Felix’s agreement to listen to his nonsense. “I will do no such thing.” He took a deep breath, holding on to his control. “You’re not interested in helping me expose the unsavoury financial dealings of this company?” Mr. Smythe looked shocked. “I believe you’d be ill advised to make anything about your dealings with Secure You public.” He swallowed and plunged right in. “Once the truth comes out, you and your bank would look very stupid.” “What do you mean about the truth coming out?” Mr. Smythe narrowed his eyes. “I happen to know some of the details you were referring to.” Felix barely kept a straight face. “You can’t know any of that.” Mr. Smythe stepped back. “Unless…” “I do believe we were never officially introduced. Allow me to rectify that.” Felix held out his hand. “I’m Felix Oakden, the new finance manager at Secure You.” “Finance manger?” Mr. Smythe took another step back. Thank God he wouldn’t have to shake the man’s hand. “But, but…” Mr. Smythe looked at Leo, then back at Felix, as if hoping for guidance. “So, you see, not only do I know that there are no shady dealings at Secure You, I’m not the least interested in sharing private financial information with you either.” Hopefully that would get rid of the little fucker. “Well!” Mr. Smythe pulled himself up to his full height. “We’ll see about that! Since you’re employed by Mr. Taber, I can see why you wouldn’t want to share any of his

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company’s dark financial secrets. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop going after Secure You, since your assurance that nothing is wrong is no longer worth even a penny.” “Do as you like.” He knew there was nothing wrong. If Mr. Smythe wanted to waste his bank’s time on a wild goose chase, that was his problem. “I will.” Mr. Smythe was about to turn his back when his eyes suddenly widened and he stared at Felix as if he’d only just seen him standing there. His mouth fell open, but no sound emerged. “What?” He was in no mood for further games. “You…you’re…” Mr. Smythe closed his eyes and pulled himself together. Opening them again, he lifted his hand and pointed at Felix. “You’re that embezzler!” People around them suddenly fell silent. Some turned around and stared. Even though it was relatively few, Felix felt as though the whole room was watching him. He was ready to vanish into a hole in the ground if it would end the unwanted attention. “I thought your name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it at first.” Mr. Smythe started to smile. “But I’m right, aren’t I? You were involved in that embezzling scandal at Perfect Health about a year ago, weren’t you? A good friend of mine told me about it at the time. He was quite close to the whole situation and very well informed.” Oh, God, isn’t it ever going to end? “And who might that have been?” Leo looked livid. “Not that it matters.” Felix was ready to give up. Regurgitating all of this was going to ruin any chances he might still have to get the job with Top Ventures. Worse than that, he was going to drag Leo’s company down with him, just because he worked there. And that was something he couldn’t allow. His lover had worked too long and hard for his success and didn’t deserve to be raked through the mud like that. He would go back to being a waiter, awful as that had been, before he’d allow Leo to get hurt. “Oh, but it does matter.” Leo extended a hand. He looked at him, still in shock. What was he doing? “Come here, baby.” Leo’s hand came closer. A gasp from the audience made Felix look up. A few people looked doubtful, staring at Leo’s outstretched hand, then him. Others already looked disgusted, even though nothing had happened yet to confirm their suspicions. Oh, great. Not just did they believe anything anyone said, even without factual support, they were bigots as well.

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Tough shit! That bit of idiocy he knew how to deal with. Nobody was pushing him back into the closet. Felix took the small step needed and grasped Leo’s hand like the lifeline it was. As his lover’s fingers came around his and he was pulled close enough to the magnificent body to feel Leo’s body heat, calm descended over him. He was no longer alone. There was no need to accept any shit from anyone. He was innocent, and if necessary he was going to prove it. The realisation hit him so hard he was surprised it didn’t knock him over. Just like there was no need to stay hidden in the closet, there was no need to hide from people’s misguided beliefs about what he had or hadn’t done while working for Perfect Health. “That’s it.” Leo’s deep voice was like further balm for his soul. “Now, why don’t you tell them what’s what?” So Felix did. It was amazingly easy to speak the freeing words of defence that had always been on his tongue but had somehow never made it past his lips. What the hell had he been afraid of? Yes, Victor had been abusive, but in the end? The asshole had only had power over Felix because he’d let him. He could see doubts in some people’s faces, understanding in others’. None of that really mattered, though. The battle for his reputation wouldn’t be won or lost here and now—it would take time. What was important was that he’d made a start. When he was done saying his piece, there was silence. He looked around, and discovered that Mr. Smythe had apparently made a quiet exit. Coward! A few people smiled at him and nodded their heads before they returned to their own discussions. Others frowned, but no one really important in the scheme of things. The only important person in the room stood right next to him. “I’m so proud of you!” Leo was practically bouncing. “You think I did okay?” He stepped closer, wanting Leo’s arms around him. “More than okay.” Leo took his hand, his eyes burning with need. “All I want to do now is to take you home and show you how much I love you.” Felix just nodded. That was what he wanted too. “Excuse me?” The voice came from right behind him.

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What now? Reluctantly Felix tore his gaze away from Leo’s face and turned around. A middle-aged man wearing a conservative blue suit stood there, a badge with Press pinned to his lapel. He held an old-fashioned notebook and a pencil in one hand, while his other was trying to shove his horn-rimmed glasses back up to the top of his nose. “I’m very sorry to interrupt.” The man blushed but didn’t look away. “I just… Well, I heard what you were saying and I was wondering if you’d be willing to do an interview with me?” “And you are?” Leo’s voice was close to growling. Felix loved it when his lover got all possessive. “Oh, sorry.” The man pulled a pink press ID card from his pocket. “My name is Claude Kent. I work for the Albany Herald. In the business section. Well, I write articles about business. And the economy.” “Look, I don’t think I want to do an interview, okay? I’m not sure what good it would do. I’d much rather focus on my new job and put this all behind me.” Felix had started to turn around when he felt a hand on his arm. “Please hear me out.” Mr. Kent desperately tried to keep his glasses where they were supposed to be. “I’ve been investigating the healthcare industry for a while. Based on some of the deals that have been struck and a few statements from employees who quit their jobs, I have the impression that something strange is going on. But I can’t get to the bottom of it. Nobody has the courage to speak up.” “Really?” Leo’s smile was sarcastic. “Really!” Mr. Kent didn’t seem to notice and returned to his plea. “When I heard what you said just now, I couldn’t help but think that you might be on to something. I was just hoping that you’d be willing to talk to me about what you know.” “So this isn’t about the scandal I was supposedly involved in?” Felix felt a lot better about this already. “Oh no! The Albany Herald isn’t a tabloid!” Mr. Kent finally had the glasses where he wanted them and took the pen into his right hand. “If you give me a contact number, I’ll call you next week and maybe we can meet to talk about some of the background? Please?” “Okay.” If Mr. Kent was as serious as he seemed, maybe this would be a good thing. It had sort of bugged him that Victor the weasel and his asshole ex-boss had got away with

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kicking him out and making him the scapegoat for whatever shady deals they were involved in. If this Mr. Kent was willing to help the truth come to light, maybe Felix should help him? “Really?” Mr. Kent’s glasses almost took a nosedive as the man jumped up and down before he managed to get a hold of himself and turned serious again. “Thank you so much.” “No problem.” He grinned. This could be fun.

**** A few weeks later… “Hey, have you seen the article?” Leo looked up from his perusal of the business section of the Albany Herald. Felix had just lifted the carafe with coffee from the counter and turned around a little faster than planned, making the liquid slosh in its container. As much as he loved going to the office with Leo every weekday morning, the lazy Saturdays and Sundays where they just hung out together were more fun. Especially considering that they always started with very hot wake-up sex. His ass was still tingling from the thorough fucking his lover had given him a few hours ago. Looking at him now, though—bare-chested and with his hair deliciously tousled—his cock started filling again. He just couldn’t get enough of him. The heated glance Felix gave him as he walked up to their breakfast nook spoke volumes. His tented shorts confirmed Leo’s suspicions. Hot damn, we’re going to have morning sex as well as wake-up sex! Another perfect Saturday was within reach. “Yeah, I looked at it earlier when you were in the shower.” Felix poured them both refills then put the empty carafe into the dishwasher before sitting down again. “He did a good job, didn’t he?” “As much as I hate to admit it, yes, he did.” Leo folded the paper and put it away. He hadn’t liked the many meetings Mr. Kent had insisted on having with Felix, but he’d ground his teeth and suffered through the weeks of investigations the clever journalist had insisted on. It had paid off when Victor was arrested. The People’s Bank had been implicated in the whole mess and was now in the spotlight as well, owing to allegations that Mr. Percival fucking Smythe III had given and withdrawn loans based on unsupported evidence.

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“You never liked Mr. Kent very much, did you?” Felix sipped his coffee and leant back, spreading his legs to give his bulge room to grow. Leo was mesmerised. “Leo?” Felix sounded amused. He looked up into twinkling brown eyes and Felix’s wide smile. “Um…” He’d totally lost track of what they’d been talking about. “You were saying?” “Nothing important.” Felix put his empty coffee mug onto the table. “Good.” He grinned, letting his gaze openly wander over Felix’s tempting body. “I think we need to return to the bedroom.” “You do?” Felix raised his eyebrows. “Whatever for? We changed the sheets already. I thought we were going to do the laundry, grocery shopping, some gardening…you know, Saturday stuff.” “Saturday stuff?” He slumped in his seat. Felix was right—they did need to get those chores done. “I guess you’re right.” “You weren’t supposed to agree!” Felix frowned. “I wasn’t?” How was he supposed to think while half his blood had already gone south in the hope of some action? “No! Since when are chores more important than sex?” Felix blushed furiously and ducked his head. Yes! His lover’s continuing shyness around talking about what they did together—and no longer just in the bedroom—was too cute. He hoped that would never change. “They’re not, baby. I’d much rather make love to you.” He leant forward so his mouth was inches from Felix’s face. “I want to have hot and dirty sex with you, fuck you for hours and make you come so hard you’ll forget your own name.” “Fuck!” Felix’s head flew up and his eyes were already glazed over with lust. “You’re going to make me come if you keep talking to me like that.” “That sounds like a worthwhile experiment.” One he’d wanted to try for a while, but somehow they always got distracted. Felix’s eyes widened in shock. “But I like touching you too much, so we’re going to vary your scenario a little.” There was no point in denying himself that most basic pleasure of touch.

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“Oh, boy, we have a scenario now.” Felix shook his head. “Exactly how long have you been planning this?” “A few weeks?” Ever since I first met you. “Should be good, then.” Felix grinned and spread his arms as he leant back in his chair. “I’m all yours.” “You’re not mad?” He stared at his lover’s chest—the dusting of light brown hair and the already hard small brown nipples. How the hell was he going to stop himself from licking all of that beauty? “Why should I be mad?” Felix frowned. “You’ve obviously given this some thought, so it must be important to you. And I have yet to discover anything that you’ve wanted to do to me which I haven’t liked…a lot.” “You’re so amazing.” He got up and held out his hand for Felix. “Come on, I want us to be comfortable for this.” Felix got up and took his hand, following him into the living room. He spread out one of the soft blankets they kept there on the sofa. “Get naked and lie down. I’ll just get a few things from the bedroom.” Seeing his lover nod, he left before more skin was revealed. If he stayed to watch, it would all be over much too soon. Having grabbed a small towel, a couple of wet washcloths and their much-used bottle of lube, he made his way back to the living room. They’d both been tested and had forgone condoms ever since so he didn’t need any of those. He got out of his shorts while he was at it. Felix lay spread out on the couch, slowly stroking his very erect cock while gazing up at him from under his thick eyelashes. His cock had been hard before, but this was just cruel. Taking a deep breath for control, he dropped his items on the floor where they’d be within easy reach. He motioned for Felix to sit up then slid onto the couch behind him. Taking his lover’s upper body into his arms so that Felix was leaning against his chest once he sat down, he leant back and got comfortable. Sliding one hand down Felix’s body until he reached the hard cock, he enclosed it in his fist but didn’t move. Felix looked up at him, a question in his eyes. “I want you to lie perfectly still. You can use your arms and hands to hold on to me, but I don’t want you to touch yourself.” He slid his other arm around Felix’s chest to hold him

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still if necessary. “I’m going to tell you all the things I’ve dreamt about doing to you. I know dirty talk gets you hotter than hell, and today I want you to come from it.” “Fuck.” Felix’s hips tried to buck, but he put pressure on his lover’s stomach and held him down. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem.” “Not yet.” He grinned and tightened his grip on Felix’s cock, still not moving an inch. “I want to torture you a little first.” “You’re doing an excellent job.” Felix started breathing faster as Leo’s hands slid up along his arms to hold on to his shoulders. “I can feel your heartbeat in the tip of your cock, baby. I know how hard you are and how badly you want to move. I love it that you trust me enough to lie still like this, but one day I want to tie you up. Lick you from your toes, up your legs, across your abs and your chest, get lost in licking and biting your nipples before kissing you until we’re both out of air.” He could see it in his head, and it was driving him as crazy as it was Felix. “Leo!” Felix writhed in his arms, desperate for some friction, but he wouldn’t let up. Not yet. “Then I’m going to lick my way back down to give your beautiful cock and balls some attention. Make them all shiny with my spit. Your tight little hole is next. I’ll make sure it’s good and slick from my tongue before I slide the first finger inside.” He could practically feel the tight heat around his digit. “Then I’ll add a second and a third, really open you up for my cock. Make sure you’re stretched and ready when I take you.” “Please.” Felix started shaking with need. “Want you to do that so much.” “I will. Maybe I’ll fuck you with a dildo first.” The image alone almost made him come. They’d never used toys, but it looked as if Felix was into the idea as much as he was. “Yes!” Felix started moving his hips from side to side, the only movement possible. He looked up at Leo, staring into his eyes. “Make me come, Leo, please make me come.” Fuck it, he wanted inside Felix right now. He grabbed the lube, slid out from under his dazed lover and was on the couch, between his legs in no time. Felix pulled his knees up and out, presenting him with his pink rosette in an offer Leo didn’t even try to resist. The lube was open and poured all over Felix’s crack in no time. Slathering his throbbing cock with the rest before he forgot, he was about to slide a finger in to start stretching Felix. “No.” Felix shook his head and pushed his ass up as far as possible.

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“No?” He almost fainted from the shock. “No stretching. Want you to push right in.” Felix moaned. “Please. I’m so ready and I want to feel you, just your cock. Right. Fucking. Now.” Who was he to refuse? He put his cock head to Felix’s opening and started pushing. Felix helped and he was halfway in before he knew it. He looked up into Felix’s face. It was a little strained, but his lover was smiling and nodding. “Just like that.” Felix groaned as he impaled himself a little farther. “Keep going. Love the pain as you stretch me.” Who the fuck was talking whom into orgasm here? He lost it then, and pushed all the way inside in one long thrust. “Yes!” Felix shook under him, wriggling his ass in a most effective movement. Tingles shot up and down his spine and the need to thrust became overpowering. He started fucking Felix in long, deep thrusts that had them both panting for air in moments. Felix clung to him as he sped up, reaching for release. “Love you!” Felix scrunched his eyes shut as heat splashed between their bodies. The scent combined with the feeling of the hot reams of cum about to stick them together pushed him over the edge. He groaned as he emptied his balls into his lover’s clenching ass while he shook from the pleasure coursing through his body. He kept moving until Felix had drained the last drop from him then collapsed onto his side, sliding out of his lover’s body as he pulled him closer. “Man.” “Yeah.” “So going to do that again.” “What? Right now?” He didn’t think he could move anytime soon, never mind straight away. “Nah, let’s give it a few minutes.” Felix lifted his head and kissed him. “Just wanted to make sure you know that I really, really like these fantasies of yours.” “You want to try some of that? Not just listen to me talking about it?” Boy, he could so get into that idea. “Sure.” Felix snuggled back down against his side. “Wouldn’t want things to get boring.”

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“There’s no danger of that, not ever since I noticed you at that retreat.” He tightened his arms around Felix. “Glad you did.” Felix’s breathing slowed down as he slipped into sleep. Leo grinned as he closed his eyes then drifted off to sleep. He may have resisted taking anger management classes, but it had been the best damned investment he’d ever made. Meeting and getting to know Felix had been better than his wildest dreams.

About the Author I’m a night owl who starts writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back. Living and working in seven countries has taught me that there's more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes and preferences that exist on our planet. I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending. I currently live in the United Kingdom, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, travelling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages. Email: [email protected] Serena loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Serena Yates New Horizons: Saving the Bodyguard New Horizons: Supporting the Director New Horizons: Encouraging the Writer New Horizons: Discovering the Actor New Horizons: Rescuing the Librarian Scrolls of Vengeance: The Magic Thieves Men of Riverside: Forgiving Jason Men of Riverside: Saving Zeke Men of Riverside: Understanding Mark Men of Riverside: Rediscovering Adrian Men of Riverside: Finding Elliot Sins of Summer: Summer Escape Mi Amore: Max’s Italian Romance Stealing My Heart: The Magic Thieves

Also by Serena Yates and AJ Llewellyn Elemental Superpowers: The Cake

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