Flight of Fancy

Chapter Eight

Aidan kept his eye and hand on Gavin’s leash. As he’d expected, they weren’t the only Dom and sub in the dungeon, though they were the tamest. And as anticipated, Kerr couldn’t take his lecherous gaze from Gavin’s fine cock.

“My, what a large boy.”

The man’s fingers itched to hold that pretty shaft, still tight and hard thanks to Aidan’s petting and Gavin’s cock ring. Aidan played his part, pretending to like showing off his sub to the others in the room. Introductions had been made. He recognized a few names among the scum sitting around. Most had men with them, but a few had women attached to chains, much like Gavin’s.

Personally, Aidan liked the sight of Gavin in his grip. The collar was hot all by itself, but the leash added to that primitive sense of ownership Aidan had been feeling since Jack had first assigned Gavin to him.

Gavin played his part well. He looked adorable and innocent around so many predators. His smooth skin, marred only by the bruises on his ass, gleamed with good health. His lips were rosy, and his hands by his sides remained loose, signaling trust in his Master.

“What does he do?” Kerr asked.

As if Gavin were a trick pony. “He’s a good little cocksucker. He excels with bondage, and he’s a wonder to watch when he comes. Lots of spunk in this one.”

Kerr licked his lips while he ignored his own slaves. Three of them sat around him, naked and scarred. All looked glassy-eyed, as if they’d been drugged. They’d been pleasuring various people in the dungeon while Kerr circulated.

Now that the man had found Aidan, he seemed in no hurry to move on.

“So you’re the businessman I’ve heard so much about,” Kerr drawled, his accent hard to place.

“Maybe.” Aidan gave Kerr a cool glance. He had to work hard to get through Kerr’s shields, but he managed. The bastard wanted Gavin—no surprise. He also liked what he saw in Aidan. That whole comparison to Vikings thing worked in Aidan’s favor, because Kerr had a thing for big blond men. Someone named Samson kept circulating through Kerr’s mind. Oh, right, Samson Ruelle, Kerr’s right-hand man.

The crime lord was smaller than Aidan had thought he’d be, but he resonated with a toughness that suggested their mission wouldn’t be as easy as he’d hoped. Flashes of the book didn’t appear anywhere near the lascivious needs of their host. Aidan would have to look for it, moving things around in Carl’s brain. That would take time and concentration he couldn’t spare, not here surrounded by so many untrustworthy souls. And not when he had Gavin to protect.

He’d have to bide his time until he could get Kerr alone.

“So you control western Canada and the waters. I could use a man like you for support.”

“And I could use a powerful connection like yours to get things into the country easier.” Aidan nodded. “I like your sense of style.”

Kerr grinned. He was a handsome man empowered with his own sense of infallibility. Half the things Aidan could see in his mind made him want to retch. Killing and hurting others was a huge turn-on for Kerr. Sadism ran rampant through his tastes, and the things he wanted to do to Gavin… Aidan seriously considered killing him after they retrieved the book. He’d been toying with Ian’s idea of getting rid of Kerr, but after seeing what the man did for pleasure, Aidan knew ridding the world of this piece of shit would be doing society a favor.

“And I like your sense of style as well.” Kerr smiled at Aidan, lingering over the leather vest that exposed his chest and the tight black pants that didn’t allow room to hide much. “Tyler,” he said to the large, quiet man who remained close but not too close. “Fetch Samson, would you?”

Tyler nodded and left.

“Please, Aidan, have a seat.” Kerr sat on a leather sofa and waited for Aidan to sit with him.

Aidan joined him and urged Gavin to sit on his knees on the floor between Aidan’s splayed legs. “Good boy.”

Gavin remained passive, and his thoughts were quiet, for which Aidan was thankful. Keeping his concentration on Kerr was hard enough, made even more difficult by his current position. On the couch against the far wall, they could see most of the activities going on around them. It was a sexual free-for-all while men masturbated their masters, naughty boys were whipped until they bled, and several others engaged in oral sex while they talked, as if getting a shoe shine during business hours. Condoms, lube, and dildos lay on every table, provided for everyone’s amusement. What a considerate host.

“Eroticism at its best, hmm?” Kerr palmed one of his slaves’ heads. “Jimmy, I want you to suck off your playmate while Billy fucks you.”

Aidan and Kerr watched while his slaves played with each other, fucking and sucking being a favorite pastime in Kerr’s underground dungeon. A shriek interrupted them, and Aidan glanced to his right to see a heavily muscled, masked man, wearing only a pair of pants, use a whip to bloody a man tied to a freestanding St. Andrew’s cross. Next to them another guy smacked a young man over a spanking bench.

“I have plenty of games we can play.” Kerr watched as his sexual slaves climbed toward orgasm. But they didn’t come, and he didn’t let them.

Aidan, for all his fascination with voyeurism and oral sex, had a hard time remaining unaffected by the blatant hedonism surrounding them. Yet he didn’t find Kerr sexually exciting in the least. His boys looked tired and almost scared, and Aidan felt a surprising empathy for them.

“Ah, there’s Samson. Okay, boys, come.”

As they made a mess over themselves, a giant of a man, who surprisingly reminded Aidan of himself, approached. He had blond hair and blue eyes that missed nothing. And like Kerr, his thoughts were contained.

“Samson, this is Aidan Castle, our friend with Canadian ties. Aidan, my number one adviser, Samson Ruelle.”

Samson nodded, and Aidan caught a flare of interest.

“Samson. A pleasure.”

Samson looked down at Gavin. “Pretty pet you have there, Mr. Castle.”

“Call me Aidan.” Aidan gave him a pleasant smile. “I’m impressed with everything your boss has accomplished over the years. I’m just happy to be invited.”

Kerr considered him over steepled fingers. “Funny we haven’t met before now.”

Aidan didn’t need to be a mind reader to sense Kerr’s subtle suspicion. “I’ve kept a low profile while many of my competitors have been busted. You probably heard about the large smuggling ring that went down a month ago. Fucking DEA in upper Washington blew up a lot of good business.”

Kerr nodded. “Yes. I lost a few sources, thanks to meddling cops. I hadn’t heard of your involvement in the matter, though.”

“Exactly.” Aidan waited.

“But your exploits speak for themselves. The money you wired is good, and the guns you had dropped at my private wharf look to be just what I need.”

Thank God for Jack and his contacts.

Kerr stared at him for a moment. “Meeting new friends is always a treat. So what do you and your slave like to do for fun? Anything we’d care to see? You did seem eager to participate in the party. Or was that just an angle to talk business?”

Aidan knew to answer yes would get his ass thrown out in a heartbeat. Kerr had plenty of resources at his disposal. He picked and chose whom he worked with, and he liked men with common interests. His clear lust made him easy to read, at least, when it came to sex. Kerr expected a show, as did Samson.

Doubt weighed on his and Gavin’s ability to be convincing.

Pay or play time. Samson had taken root next to his boss and wouldn’t be moving anytime soon. The spent submissives by Carl’s feet didn’t receive more than his nod to go away. Kerr’s attention centered on him and Gavin, who thankfully remained mute and ready to obey at the drop of a hat. Perhaps Aidan could prod about the book while Kerr was distracted. The idea had merit.

“My boy and I like to fuck for an audience. He’s particularly good at sucking me off.” The thought of it had Aidan needing release. “What about you, Mr. Kerr?”

“Oh, call me Carl.”

“Carl.” Aidan ran a hand through Gavin’s soft hair. “What are your kinks?”

“I like to watch.” Carl’s wink and look at Gavin told Aidan what the man wanted. “Looks like our friendship is starting off on the right foot.”

Aidan shoved a hard thought into Carl’s mind, searching for Chronicles.

Carl rubbed his forehead.

“Boy, unzip me,” Aidan ordered Gavin and tugged on the collar. He felt Samson’s interest as well, but he kept his focus on Carl. “Gavin, I need to look into his mind for the book. Distract him for me. He wants to watch.”

Gavin timidly turned around, still on his knees, and moved to Aidan’s zipper. “Yes, Sir.” “God, I hope I can do this.” “Thank you, Sir.”

“You can. You like this. Forget about them and focus on me and my pleasure. Make your Master come, baby.”

“What nice manners,” Carl murmured. “Don’t you think, Samson?”

The bruiser nodded, but his hot gaze didn’t stray from Aidan’s face.

Aidan lifted his hips while Gavin pulled down his trousers. The tight fit hadn’t done much to conceal his growing erection, but now he was hard and out for all to see. Hard for Gavin’s clever fingers and talented mouth.

“You’re a big one yourself,” Samson said and licked his lips, his gaze now focused on Aidan’s cock.

“Yeah. I like sex, and I like games. This party is just what I needed.” He tugged on the chain in his fist. “Suck me, boy.”

He spread his legs wider, totally turned on by Gavin and the fact others watched his boy pleasuring him. They saw Gavin as Aidan saw him, the chain wrapped around Aidan’s fist as Gavin put his lips over the head of his cock and sucked.

“What a nice mouth.” Carl sat up and leaned closer, his erection visible. “Samson, some ease.”

Samson blinked, and Aidan caught the notion the bigger man didn’t normally pleasure the boss in that way. Then Samson’s thoughts turned mercenary. He intended to get Carl off while tempting Aidan at the same time. Eventually he’d make his move on Kerr and steal the business. A man as big and tough as Aidan’s planted background suggested was a partner Samson could use.

Aidan had a sudden thought—that’s if our cover holds.

Gavin teased his balls and sucked harder, startling a groan out of him.

“Good boy,” he said, his voice thick. “That’s it. Lick my sac. You hard, boy? You want to come?”

Gavin groaned, his hunger apparent in the hard sucks and mental need pouring through him.

While he struggled not to come, Aidan pushed again at Carl’s barriers. He saw the cracks and vulnerabilities and shoved sections of those mental walls aside. He could make out the spine of an older book, a treasure Carl wanted kept close. It was the means to an end. A way to ensure Stallbridge kept his nose out of Carl’s business as well as tethering the powerful man until Carl could find a way to use and exploit him in the best way possible.

Carl moaned as Samson’s large fist worked in the man’s lap. Aidan made out little of what actually transpired, since Samson’s hand covered most of Carl’s dick, but he could see Carl getting off on the open pleasure.

“That’s good, Samson.” Carl panted, his gaze not on Samson’s hand, but on Gavin’s hollowed cheeks. “I love an orgy. We’ll have to have a free-for-all later tonight. Won’t that be fun?” Carl reached out to stroke Gavin when Aidan intercepted and squeezed his hand tight.

“No one touches what’s mine,” Aidan growled.

Carl groaned. “Yes, that’s good. Squeeze me harder.”

Aidan wasn’t sure if he meant his comment for Aidan or Samson, but no one interfered, and Aidan quickly released him. Then Samson did something that had Carl cry out and throw his head back.

Aidan settled his fingers over the back of Gavin’s head. Fuck if he could think past the arousal rushing through him. Gavin’s hot mouth, Samson’s narrowed gaze, the danger, sex, and pleasure all around…

“Swallow me. That’s good. Oh fuck.” Aidan shot into Gavin’s mouth, covering his boy’s tongue and the back of his throat with a mouthful of seed. As he came, he heard Samson make a mental note to watch more closely next time, when he didn’t have the boss distracting him.

Aidan couldn’t help a shiver as Gavin licked him clean and waited for permission to scoot back.

“Enough,” he said, nearly breathless. “Tuck me back in.”

Gavin released him and put his cock back inside his pants, then zipped him back up.

“Now stand. Show our host how much you liked what you did. Come for him, but don’t look at him. Remember who you belong to.” “You can do this. I can’t take my eyes from you, and neither can Carl. It’s working. I’m positive he has the book here.”

Gavin nodded. “Yes, Sir.” He stood, closed his eyes, and gripped his large cock.

“Seeing you like this is turning me on all over again. Fuck, Gavin, you’re sexy as hell.”

Gavin groaned as he stroked, faster and faster, primed to explode.

“I want to see it,” Carl whispered, seemingly mesmerized. “A big mess all over the floor.”

Gavin grunted and tensed, his thighs tight as he neared his end. With only a small sigh, he released large streams of cum for all to see. His orgasm was massive, and Carl and Samson seemed to be riveted by the sight of it. Gavin had a real thing for exhibitionism. Aidan had thought his boy’s increased arousal yesterday had been due to his attraction for Mike, but apparently he just liked being watched.

A tool Aidan could use, even as he wondered at the hidden depths to his sub. Aidan liked that Gavin had kinks and needs not just any man could satisfy. It would take a special partner to please Gavin. A man like Aidan…

Fuck. Think, you idiot. Remember why you’re here. He grabbed the opportunity to delve deep again and pushed inside Carl’s head. He had the sense of Chronicles, a book giving details about oral sex, tantric loving, and forced seduction. Sex by Johann Stallbridge described in flowing, ridiculously poetic words. The book sat on an ornate desk in a masculine room, near walls of bookcases. Carl’s private study, down several halls behind those large oak-and-walnut double doors framed with golden detail from the—

His information stopped midsentence.

A cell phone buzzed. Carl checked the number and nodded. Death screamed out from Carl’s mind, something related to the phone call. Not good.

Carl stood on shaky feet while Samson assisted him. “I have something to attend to, but I’ll return shortly. Then the three of us can talk business and play some more. Enjoy yourselves while I’m gone.” He walked away with Samson by his side.

Aidan sat there, breathing hard, watching Gavin stroke the remaining cum from his cock. “Damn, you are pretty when you come.”

Gavin just blinked down at him.

“Well, boy, what shall we do now? Perhaps a few spankings, since the bench is open?” “A little more time down here before we go. I need to regroup, but not so it’s obvious. I read him, Gavin. The book is in his study. We find it; then we get the fuck out of here. I have a bad feeling not everyone in this dungeon will survive tonight’s fun, and I don’t want you here for that.” Gavin should only see the good parts of a D/s relationship. Aidan wanted to spare him the ugly side of dominance gone wrong. And hell, just being around half these people made Aidan consider a lobotomy. Sick fuckers, the most depraved having just walked away from the couch.

“Whatever your pleasure, Sir,” Gavin answered in a husky voice.

“You just gave me a heaping of it.” Aidan leaned close and kissed Gavin on the mouth, determined to protect Gavin from harm. They’d get the book and fly. Well, not literally. But if it came down to it, would he risk Gavin’s life for the mission? Or would he sacrifice all he’d built over the years for his blue-eyed, rosy-lipped boy? God help him, he wasn’t sure as he stared into a face becoming more important to him by the minute.

“OH MY GOD. I jacked off in front of other people. In front of that psycho. And I blew you too.”

Gavin had a hard time believing he’d actually done that, yet he couldn’t deny how hard he’d been going down on Aidan, knowing others watched. Here, around so many naked people fucking all over the place, he hadn’t minded his own nudity. But blowing Aidan with an audience? It had been good with Mike the other day, but they’d all participated. He never would have imagined how aroused being center stage would make him. Then again, he’d swallowed Aidan, his gorgeous, golden partner. It wasn’t just about sex with a stranger.

And speaking of hard… “This cock ring fucking hurts. Can you take it off me now?”

“As soon as you’re totally soft. Hard to get them off when you’re still erect. God, what a beautiful cock. You came hard, baby. You liked it, didn’t you?”

“Not because of Kerr and his goon. But it was a turn-on, doing you in front of them. All of them,” he said, looking out at the others watching them with interest. He sighed. “Does that make me a freak?”

“Hell yeah. My freak. I came just as hard. Right into that perfect mouth.” Aidan grinned down at him and stroked his hair. Out loud, he said, “Come, boy. Let’s play a bit.”

They took their time, getting their second wind, and fooled around with a few spankings. Gavin and Aidan watched a man on his knees suck off two men at the same time while they dueled inside his mouth.

An image of Aidan and Mike taking him like that gave Gavin some naughty ideas.

“Yeah. We’ll have to try that at home,” Aidan murmured and jerked his leash. “I know a guy who’d love to get his dick inside your mouth. And I know how much you’ll like it, you little slut.” “You wear my collar well, baby. See how everyone’s looking at you, wishing they owned you?”

Gavin had at first hated the collar and leash, but now it felt too damn good. He liked Aidan having control, and the proof of that lay in the chain lead. He wanted the cock ring off, because his erection had returned, and his engorged shaft made the hurt too good for his peace of mind. He needed to concentrate on their real reason for being here, but good Lord, this full-blown nest of sin was as arousing as hell. He wasn’t sure if he liked knowing Aidan could read how much he liked it.

“Easy, Gavin. I’m not judging. We’re supposed to be into this. You’re doing a hell of a job. Go with it.” Aidan pulled him closer and ordered him to stand with his back to the wall. “Just wait until I take you to Mike’s club. Christ, it’s like sex on crack, totally hot, and totally addicting.”

The notion Aidan wanted to take Gavin anywhere after the mission ended eased something inside him, even as his arousal increased.

A slender man with his companion crawling behind him stopped in front of them. The man in charge wore a brief black jockstrap. His slave was naked save for the rope tied around his throat, knotted to the length in his Master’s hand. “I noticed your play with Carl earlier. I’m John. I like your pretty slave. I’d like to see him come up close. May I?” John nodded to his companion, now kneeling by his side.

“Hands only.” Aidan crossed his arms over his chest.

“Certainly. Slave, jack him off.” John handed his slave a small vial.

“Yes, Sir.” The slave oiled up his hand and masturbated Gavin without pause. As if it were natural to publicly jerk off in front of anyone who wandered by. While Aidan and John made small talk, discussing business and arms dealings, Gavin remained aware of everything and everyone around him.

God. This guy was good. Slow and easy, his grip firm.

“My slave is new. Tight. I bought him from a friend of mine who caters to virgin ass,” he heard John say.

“Nice.” Aidan nodded. “Mine is still in training too. Found him at a club in Portland.”

They watched for a few moments, and Gavin felt himself begin to falter. His balls grew tight; his cock was aching. The cock ring restricted enough blood flow that he looked enormous and flushed.

“Come when you can’t hold back anymore,” Aidan ordered. “For John’s pleasure. And mine.”

John excused himself from Aidan and moved behind his slave. He propped the talented man up on his hands and knees. After releasing a greased hard-on from the leather jock holding him fast, he rammed himself inside his slave’s ass, fucking while watching Gavin with greedy eyes.

Gavin moaned in ecstasy, his orgasm perilously close. The slave’s fist moved faster, but it was Aidan’s hot gaze that nearly brought Gavin to his knees.

Aidan growled, “I said I want to see you come, boy. Spurt hard. Let’s see that hot load.”

Gavin cried out as he came, shocked when the slave moved in and sucked him, swallowing much of his cum while he laved him with a hot tongue.

John jerked him back just as Aidan readied to do the same. Aidan said something in a low voice, which had John nodding. He continued to fuck and said, “I’ll take care of it.”

Aidan didn’t respond. He dragged Gavin out of the dungeon and down the hallway. Once away from the masses, Aidan stopped him and removed the cock ring. He tossed it to the floor. “Let’s get you clean. I don’t like the thought of that fucker’s mouth on what’s mine.”

He didn’t sound angry, but Gavin thought he detected fury beneath the calm.

Nut that he was, it excited him. Aidan was acting a lot more territorial than Gavin might have thought he would. But why? He didn’t need to. He’d already established the appearance of ownership. So why the macho display in a hallway away from the others? Unless Aidan knew of some hidden cameras and wanted to add another layer to their cover.

Gavin obeyed, docile, as Aidan led him back up the stairs and past several staff toward their room. Once inside, Gavin waited in place while Aidan ran the shower.

To his surprise, Aidan returned, stripped down to nothing.

“Stay,” Aidan commanded.

As if Gavin were a dog. Gavin frowned but said nothing, aware of a potential audience.

Aidan removed the leash but not the collar. He pushed Gavin toward the bathroom and the shower. They both stepped inside the glass-walled stall.

While Gavin let the hot water rush over him, Aidan’s soapy hands ran over his body. His Master washed every part of him clean, especially his cock.

But before Gavin could return the favor, he found himself pushed face-first against the wall, his hips pulled back and his feet spread apart.

“Don’t move,” Aidan growled.

A glance over his shoulder showed Aidan smearing something on his cock. The water would have washed it away if Aidan hadn’t moved the showerhead. And then Aidan was there, in Gavin’s ass, shoving himself deep.

“Need to fuck you. Take it, you little slut. Take my cock.”

The rough possession was shocking, because the usually calm Aidan seemed out of control. He pounded into Gavin with ferocity. His large cock stroked and shoved, hammering a painful climax out of Gavin when he’d thought himself too tired to come again.

As he messed the glass wall, he felt Aidan jerk. Rough hands gripped Gavin hard while Aidan came inside him.

“Shit, yeah. Oh man. That’s it. Let me coat you. All inside you, boy. All mine.” Aidan pumped a few more times before stilling. They remained connected for a few moments, the water running in a steady rhythm, only the sounds of their labored breathing contributing to the rhythmic waterfall in the room. Then Aidan pulled out. “Now clean me up. Take care of your Master.”

“Yes, Sir.” Gavin hurried to obey, loving this feeling of belonging. Aidan had staked a claim clearly knowing others might watch. They had no idea if the bathroom was bugged, but the bedroom definitely had a few cameras. Still, Gavin didn’t get the sense Aidan played for an audience. He’d wanted to mark Gavin for himself. Or so Gavin wanted to think.

After he’d cleaned Aidan and again himself, at Aidan’s insistence, Aidan forced him to his knees. “Suck me. I want you to feel me with that mouth. Know me.”

Gavin knelt before his Master and closed his eyes, loving the familiarity of Aidan all around him. Spent, Aidan remained soft. But neither of them seemed to care.

After some time, Aidan started to grow hard again. But he tapped Gavin’s shoulder. “Enough.” He turned off the water. “Stay here.”

Aidan left the shower, grabbed a towel, and returned to dry Gavin off. Then he did the same for himself. “Go lie down on the bed. I have a few things to do. Wait for me.”

Gavin did as ordered, wondering what came next.

Aidan sent, “I have to find that room. We need to leave tonight. I have a bad feeling something’s wrong. That scene with John… He’d been told to delay us. To test us. I don’t like it.”

“Sir?” Gavin flushed but remained passive on the bed, chilled and starting to shake. “I mean, Aidan? Say that again.”

“Cover up. I can feel you’re cold.” Aidan sounded irritated. “Carl paid John to delay us with sex. And there was something that bastard Samson was thinking about before they left, about a coup. The more I think about it, the more I think this party is more than entertainment for Carl. Something’s off. Let’s get the book and get out. Time for evasive maneuvers.”

Gavin trusted Aidan’s instinct, even if he didn’t see anything all that unusual about tonight. Hell, all of it had been surreal. But leaving sounded like a terrific idea. Just as soon as Gavin’s legs could move again. Good Christ, but Aidan had worn him out. “Your call. Just tell me what to do.”

“Stay here, boy. I need to go talk to Mr. Kerr about something. Allow no one inside. No sex for you but what I give you. If I’m not back by midnight, find Mr. Kerr. Is that understood?” Aidan re-dressed in his leather pants and vest. Like before, he wore no underwear, just socks and boots to complete the outfit.

Gavin found that incredibly sexy. Aidan looked so buff and brawny, his biceps and chest huge under that skimpy black vest. He cleared his throat and his mind. “Yes, Sir.” He walked Aidan to the door. “You can bet your sexy ass I’ll come after you if you don’t come back.”

“Lock up behind me. And if I hear one word about you sucking anyone off or letting anyone else touch that ass, I’ll beat the shit out of you. You won’t sit for a week, you little slut.”

“No, Sir.”

“GOOD.” AIDAN STEPPED outside and shut the door behind him, relieved when he heard the door lock. Now to find that fucking book and leave. He kept thinking about the way Samson had looked at him, as if he knew something. And for John to maneuver him like that… He didn’t like it.

It wasn’t impossible to find other psychics outside the PWP. Hell, look at the Cannons. A family of mind benders in Bend, Oregon, of all places. Maybe Samson had read something Aidan hadn’t intended. Or the cover Jack had given them had failed. He hadn’t sensed that Carl was on to them, but Samson could have been. Aidan only knew something felt off, and his instincts had saved him more than once before.

Bad enough he’d nearly lost his mind when that fucking asshole had sucked Gavin’s cock. Playing with him was one thing, but no one used a mouth on Gavin without permission, and especially not some deviant slave with ties to a gangbanger from Detroit.

Cleaning, then fucking Gavin, had cemented his position as Master, as one in control. No more jealousy, no more ridiculous fear for his partner. Gavin had been unnerved about the incident, though he hadn’t thought as much. But Aidan had caught a tendril of Gavin’s unease about that asshole blowing him, and he’d nearly gone ballistic. Stupid, and so unnecessary. Yet he couldn’t help it. He was taking this Dom shit seriously; Gavin belonged to him.

He shot down the hallway like a man possessed, digging into minds as he passed, searching for Carl’s study. Though he’d caught glimpses of it in Carl’s head, every hallway around here looked the same. He wished to hell he didn’t have to be so close to read minds. If something happened to Gavin while he was gone, Aidan wouldn’t know until he returned to his lover’s—partner’s—side. Christ, he had to stop thinking about Gavin in a personal sense. They were on a job. A mission. Success meant everything.

Yet part of him realized it paled next to Gavin being safe and happy. Next to another tomorrow spent with Gavin in his arms.

He grimaced and finally struck pay dirt when he came upon another man currently getting blown against the wall by a guard.

Turning in another direction, Aidan walked away from the wing where the guests were staying and moved toward a corridor guarded on either side by large men with guns.

“Stop, please.” They moved to meet him.

He thought quickly. “I need to speak with Mr. Kerr. It’s urgent.” Aidan lowered his voice and looked around. “There’s an undercover federal agent downstairs. I recognized him from the last time my cousin was busted. We need to fix that. Pronto.”

The guards didn’t blink. One of them quickly radioed Samson to explain the situation. “Yes, Sir. I understand. Yes. But I agree with Mr. Castle. This is urgent.” After a moment, he signed off and turned to Aidan. “Sir, please come with me.”

Time to find that book and leave. Aidan felt a chill pass over him and resolved to hurry. He couldn’t let anything happen to Gavin. He wouldn’t let anything happen. Life without Gavin didn’t bear thinking about.