The House Always Wins
By: Andr0gene (andr0gene@hotmail.com)
CHAPTER 25
When I got back after about forty minutes, I was surprised to find Michael home already, and I got the distinct feeling that something was just not right. Both he and Olivia were in the living room facing each other, and his posture was a little...aggressive.
Both of them looked at me, halting the conversation they'd been having, the last of which I'd captured as the doors of the elevator opened, with Michael's voice saying ‘please, don't say a word.'
I shrugged off my jacket, hanging it in the closet next to the elevator.
"What's going on?" I asked.
The vibe I got was tense, and definitely off.
"Nothing, dear," Olivia said eventually, after a little staring battle with Michael. She sent me a comforting smile. "My son just told me I couldn't use the jet."
"Oh," I replied, grinning and slipping an arm around Michael's waist. ‘Let me work on him. I might be able to change his mind."
"I...excuse me."
I frowned as she left, and looked up at Michael, whose jaws worked nervously.
"Okay, that was...weird. What's going on?"
"Nothing, like she said," he replied, a little gruffly.
Then a corner of his mouth lifted up, apologizing, and he turned to face me, wrapping both arms around my waist.
"Hi."
I silently mouthed the same back.
"She's gone, you know," I said, whispering.
"Yes, I know."
He lowered his head and kissed me. It seemed almost natural, the way he did that.
"I think I earned that after last night."
I liked hearing that, and kissed him back, then broke the kiss and blushed.
"Yeah, about that..." I bit my lower lip, unsure.
"What?"
"I umm...it's just...I had a great time."
He smiled softly and touched my chin with his thumb.
"So did I, and I'm glad it happened."
"You are?"
Whew, so I wasn't the only one developing something more here? He really liked me?
"Yes. There has been a lot of tension between us; it was bound to happen sooner or later. Physical attraction can be quite strong. Now at least, we can get on with it; we've got that part settled."
"Yeah," I replied, unsure. Somehow that sounded kinda cold. "So...what are you doing up here?"
He smiled again, tapping my nose with his finger.
"What, I can't come up and see my lover?"
I blushed at that, and looked away.
"Don't talk like that..."
"Why not?"
"You make it sound so...I dunno...dirty."
"There was nothing dirty about it," he said, a little admonishingly. "Intimacy like we had is not dirty; don't ever think that."
"Alright, sorry, but..."
"You need to know when to shut up," he said softly, pressing his lips on my mouth. "Don't think or talk it to death; just enjoy it, okay?"
I got another kiss and then he stepped back, nodding at the elevator.
"I'm off again. I'll see the both of you in an hour, downstairs for lunch?"
I nodded and smiled, following him, which made him look at me somewhat suspiciously. "What...?"
"I kinda promised Olivia I'd try to convince you to let her take the jet."
He halted and turned towards me, planting his hands on his hips.
"Okay...convince me." His eyes glistened mischievously. Hmm...
I took a step closer and rose up on my toes, brushing my lips over his. At the same time, I used my left hand and let it slide up on the inside of his leg. When he reacted, leaning in for another kiss, I retreated, grinning.
"Now where did you learn behavior such as that, hmmm?" he mumbled, slapping the control on the wall. "Alright, she can take the jet. But tonight I'm collecting."
The heated look he sent me was enough to send my heart racing.
"Sticks and stones..." I replied daringly, sticking out my tongue at him.
"You just watch yourself tonight... that's all I'm saying," he grinned.
Then the doors closed, and he was gone.
CHAPTER 26
I definitely didn't feel at ease during lunch, an hour later; Olivia was sending Michael angry looks all the time, and when I had told her I'd convinced him that she could use the jet, she just nodded. Something was brewing between those two.
As we were headed up to the suite, Michael asked his mother to join him in his office for a moment, so I rode up alone. Fifteen minutes later, Olivia came in as well, and she seemed less moody; whatever it had been, they'd talked it out. I was glad about it, because I didn't want her last day, for now, to be spent in anger. I had planned to make dinner as a sort of sendoff, and I didn't want it ruined by the two of them staring each other down. I made a mental note to ask Michael, though, what all that had been about.
**********
By dinner, it was obvious that whatever the problem had been, it was resolved, and we spent almost two pleasant hours eating, talking and relaxing. Olivia complemented me on dinner, which had consisted of Apricot-Glazed Shrimp as an appetizer, Beef Casserole for the main course, and for dessert, mini cappuccino cheesecakes. The appetizer and dessert I'd gotten from the downstairs restaurant; the chef had been kind enough to give me those, not to mention all the ingredients I needed. The casserole was my own idea, since it was the only recipe I knew by heart. Okay, so it wasn't very fancy, but she still appreciated the effort.
After dinner, we moved to the living room and talked about Olivia's upcoming trip, what she planned on doing, and how long she'd be away - about a week.
"I haven't spoken to Madeline in months so I'm sure we have a lot of catching up to do," she said.
"Please call when you‘re ready to come back," Michael said, "I'll have the jet come and pick you up."
"Of course. And what are you boys going to do while I'm gone?"
She directed the question to Michael, but I shrugged, answering.
"Same old, same old, I guess."
"Actually," Michael said, "I was planning on taking the week off. Since you came here, I noticed Jason became a bit more alive. I'm afraid I've been neglecting him, or us, really, and I need to make that up to him."
He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and nuzzled my neck, and then kissed me there. He hadn't said a word to me, so I was kind of taken by surprise, but played along.
"Yeah, you have some serious making up to do."
"You got it," he whispered in my ear, but loud enough for her to hear.
I threw him a shy look for good measure, and Olivia gobbled it up like a hungry wolf.
"Splendid. I'm glad he's not leaving you by your lonesome up here; it tends to get a little dreary at times, don't you agree?"
So far, I couldn't relate, since I hadn't actually experienced that for a long period of time, but I nodded.
"A bit, yeah, but I kinda like spending time alone; I don't need people around to entertain myself."
Michael huffed indignantly.
"Thank you so much. I really feel loved now."
Olivia smiled and got up, setting her empty glass on the table.
"Well, you better make that remark up to him, Jason. I'll retire to my room. I still have some packing to do and I want to turn in early tonight."
We both wished her goodnight, and she disappeared. I half expected Michael to also make himself scarce, and retreat into the study, but he loosened his tie, unbuttoned his collar, and kept an arm around me. It was dark outside, and from up here there was a stunning view of the Strip; all those tiny car lights sparkling on the wide boulevard. We watched it for a while, both staying silent.
"I like sitting here sometimes with the lights turned off; just watching," he spoke suddenly, softly. "Relax after a long day, a glass of cognac...it doesn't get much better."
He looked sideways when I looked up at him and he winked.
"Current company not included."
I bit my lower lip, and then got up and turned off the lights, and I sat back down next to him.
He was right; it was relaxing to watch life continue from up here. Las Vegas Boulevard itself bustles with activity, but without any sound accompanying it, it had a soothing quality.
I blinked a few times when my eyelids became heavy and I yawned silently. It wasn't even 9:30!
"Tired?" he asked.
I looked up again and grinned apologetically.
"A little. It'll pass in a minute."
He held my gaze and then grazed my mouth with his lips, rubbing my arm with his hand. I parted my lips a little when he increased the pressure, and he snuck in for a long, slow kiss. When he lifted his head, a corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"I think Mother is right; you need to make that up to me. And I remember a certain promise from this afternoon..."
He snickered softly when I looked away, turning my head back with his other hand beneath my chin, and capturing my mouth again. We kissed for a while: long, unhurried warm kisses. I worked myself up a bit, then slipped onto his lap, straddling him. He didn't mind me taking the lead like that, something which I normally never did. What came over me? I dunno; I just wanted to do it. I slid a hand into his short hair, tilted his head a bit, and continued kissing him.
Michael's hands landed on my ass, softly caressing it, and he moaned contently, answering the kiss. I felt him react beneath me and moved on his lap, closer to him, but he was in no hurry to change position to take over, or to do anything else other than just this. I liked that.
He probed my mouth slowly, rubbing his tongue erotically against mine. By the time he broke the kiss he coughed softly and looked down with a quasi-annoyed frown.
"Now look what you've done."
I grinned shyly and he softly slapped my behind.
"You think that's funny?"
"Yep," I replied, putting my hand on his chest, letting it slide down to his stomach.
He softly sighed when I reached his crotch, and added some pressure to it. He spread his hand on my ass, slowly rubbing it, and licked my nose with the tip of his tongue.
I snickered softly. "What are you; a dog?"
He did it again but I caught him, sucking him into my mouth.
This was nice. Here on the sofa, in the dark; neither of us seemed to want to take it any farther than this. Nice and warm, just close together. Sometimes, the only sound that could be heard was a kiss, or a relaxed moan.
At long last Michael lifted me up, but instead of rising, he turned sideways and sat me on the sofa, then pushed me backwards and crawled alongside me, stretching out. We continued kissing, and a hand of his slipped inside my shirt, caressing my chest. He found a nipple, made it hard, and then withdrew, opening my shirt all the way up. Then he bent over my chest and stuck out his long, agile tongue, touching the nipple with the tip. It looked damn hot, seeing him do that. It became sensitive to the touch, and he turned his attention on the other nipple, repeating it. Then he returned to my lips, and stretched out again, pressing his erection against my leg. I brought my hand down but he caught it.
"No. I don't want anything, I just want to lie here with you," he whispered.
It took some shifting around, but we ended up with him spooning me. Then his hand slipped inside my shirt again, and spread out on my chest, holding me so I wouldn't fall off.
"Just like this."
He pressed his lips in my neck, and settled behind me.
I didn't think he'd be the kind of guy to do this: lie on a sofa cuddling with someone, but I liked it, feeling his warm body close against my back. And even though I was on my left side, it didn't bother me; I fell asleep soon after.
CHAPTER 27
Olivia found us the next morning, still lying in that same position. She softly touched my shoulder and pressed a finger to her lips, indicating to me to stay silent.
"I'll make some tea," she whispered, "but I'd like to talk to you."
I yawned and nodded and she left. I waited a few minutes, not wanting to give up the warmth of Michael holding me, but eventually, I picked up his arm and laid it on his side. Then I let myself roll off the sofa, softly landing on my hands and knees, got up, and headed to the kitchen.
A glance at the microwave clock told me it was a little after six; what was she doing up so early? I asked her while making coffee.
"I couldn't sleep all that well," she answered, fingering the ear of her cup, "I'm sure you noticed a bit of friction between my son and me, yesterday."
"Yeah, I wondered about that. I meant to ask Michael about it; what was going on?"
"We had a difference of opinion."
"About...?"
"You."
"Me?" I echoed. "What about me?"
"Jason, I know..."
"Good morning," Michael's voice came from the doorway. "What are you two doing up this early?"
He startled both Olivia and me, and I cursed softly.
"God, give us a heart attack, why don't you?"
He looked very sleepy and this was actually the first time I've ever saw him like that; his hair mussed up and the imprint of the pillow on his cheek. It looked kinda funny.
"Coffee?"
"Yes please."
I poured two cups and handed one to him, for which I received a peck on the cheek. Then I turned to Olivia while sipping the hot beverage.
"You were saying?"
"No, it's nothing important," she replied, sending a quick glance to her son, and I felt a bit of tension rising when Michael narrowed his eyes at her, just for a second or so.
"What time do you wish to leave, Mother?" he asked her, a bit gruffly, almost cutting her off.
"Michael!" I said, indignantly. "Let the woman drink her tea. What's with you, huh? Go take a shower or something."
I tried going for a smile from either of them, but neither even hinted at wanting to produce one. Michael even shot me an angered look.
"Ooookay, Don't mind me. I'll go take that shower, then."
I set my cup on the kitchen counter, and left.
**********
Michael came into the bedroom half an hour later, while I was getting dressed, and called my name. I called back from the closet, and he appeared in the doorway, unbuttoning his shirt.
"I'm taking her to the airport in an hour."
He shrugged his shirt off of his shoulders and came in, looking around. I grabbed a clean shirt for him when he didn't seem to directly find something and grinned shyly when an eyebrow of his rose up questioningly.
"Makes you look younger," I explained, "especially with jeans."
"Hmm... are you going to dress me now?" He smiled and took the shirt, a blindingly white one.
"Hey, if I have to look at it, why not look at something nice?"
"In other words; what I usually wear you don't like?" He said it threateningly but his eyes twinkled humorously.
"Sure I do," I replied quickly. "I just like that one."
He shrugged and watched as I put on a thin sweater.
"What would you say if I said I'd like it if you wore..."
He looked around until he found something in my section. He reached up and touched the pile of new shirts, taking one from the middle.
"...this one? Yellow looks good on you."
I rolled my eyes and took off the sweater.
"Fine, it's only fair, I guess," I said, snickering, and reached for the shirt. It was a dress shirt, a bit too formal, but hey, if he liked it, I wanted to please.
"Or better yet; just like that," he grinned, holding it back, "only jeans; works for me."
I blushed when he winked, and yanked the shirt out of his hand, putting it on, but he prevented me from closing all of the buttons by taking a step toward me, and sliding his arm around my waist.
"What's the rush?"
His eyes fixed on my mouth.
"Stop it, there's no time. I'm coming with you, right?"
He smiled and slowly shook his head.
"There's no rush. Mmm, you look hot in that shirt."
He brought up his other hand and thumbed a nipple, hidden under the soft fabric, and I bit my lower lip, looking up.
"Look at that," he whispered softly, "so willing..."
I grinned shyly. So what if I was? I liked him. I don't mind showing that, once I know it's reciprocated.
I brought up my own hand and touched his chest, burying my fingers in the soft short hair. He let the arm behind me slide down to the small of my back. I looked up expectantly and he smiled down on me; he didn't make any indication of trying more.
I let my own hand go down to his belly, where the muscles contracted as soon as I reached the area below it, and halted there, tickling the mystery trail with the tips of my fingers. A sound escaped his lips and he half closed his eyes when I stuck out my tongue and licked one of his own nipples.
His other hand shot up and grabbed my neck, and he pulled me up, covering my lips with his wide opened mouth for a loose hot kiss that had my ears popping. His teeth softly bit my lips as he gently forced me backwards until the back of my knees contacted with a low stool. I heard him opening his zipper, and sucked harder on his tongue, which he had plunged deep between my lips.
He moaned softly against my mouth and tried to pull back, but I wouldn't let him. He moaned a little louder, then growled threateningly, and I finally released it, and snickered when he threw me a heated look.
"If you want something to suck on," he whispered hoarsely, "I have something you might like a bit more."
He pushed me down onto the stool, effectively putting me level with his crotch, which bulged in front of me.
I let my hand travel up on the inside of his leg and looked up when he gently cupped the back of my head. He nodded silently when my hand reached him and touched his balls through the fabric.
I hadn't seen him from this close before and I admired him as I pulled him free from the confines of his boxers, thick, hard, ready and... uncut.
‘Wow," I whispered softly, smelling him. Pure male scent entered my nostrils, musky and erotic.
"You like that?" Michael whispered back.
I nodded slowly as I pulled the foreskin back. It was almost a mesmerizing experience to see the deep purple tip appear. A drop of clear liquid pearled from the small opening as I did that, and it eventually dripped down onto my jeans. Above me, Michael hissed softly when I stuck out my tongue and licked it, catching the next drop.
The hand behind my head gently pulled me forward, and I took him between my lips, whirling my tongue over the slick tip. Then he slowly entered me until he hit the back of my throat, and I started to suck as he pulled back.
He tasted really good, and I went down on him again for another taste, repeating it several times, each time taking him in a bit deeper. Then I let him escape and traveled down the base, licking his hard shaft, and then up once more, returning him to my throat. He started rocking his hips and moaning softly; then louder each time he lodged himself deeper.
I brought up my free hand, as the other as still wrapped around him, and touched my nipple. It sent a little shock through me and I sighed - I was so turned on; god this was good.
Back when I had first met a guy, he'd taught me how to please him like this; it was the one thing I wasn't inexperienced at. I was glad he had done that, because Michael clearly enjoyed it, whispering dirty words to me between moans.
"Bloody hell," he breathed, "slow down."
I let him escape reluctantly and looked up, slowly jerking him off. The hand on the back of my head pulled gently and I rose, and he caught my mouth, hungrily kissing me.
I continued my ministrations with my hand while I stood close to him and he moaned against my mouth.
"This feels bloody good," he breathed, licking the tip of my nose, my lips. "You look so damn hot, with your hair all wet and that shirt. I'm buying all the yellow ones..."
He kissed me once more, hotly rubbing his tongue against mine. Then he pushed me down on the stool again, and took hold of his cock, brushing my half opened lips with the tip. Clear fluid dripped steadily from the tip, slicking my cheek before he returned it to my mouth, pushing his hips forward. He slipped between my lips again, directing the speed by returned his hand to the back of my head.
I wanted to go a little faster, but he steadily fucked my mouth, not allowing it. After about five minutes of that, he started to breathe heavier and whispered that he was about to come. I started sucking harder now, and the hand behind my head moved to my shoulder.
When he was ready, he pulled out and jerked himself off while I waited for the crowning achievement of my work. It jetted out in long thin strands of white, landing on my tongue, my cheek and all the way to my ear, my chest and clothes. He tasted great, and I tried to catch more as his orgasm wound down, taking over when he let go of himself.
He twitched sensitively and moaned when I took him in my mouth again, enveloping him with warm wetness, to catch the last few drops, finally letting him escape.
"Wherever you learned how to do that, remind me to send him a thank you note; my god, that was unbelievable," he panted, softly laughing and blowing out some deep breaths.
I blushed and he pulled me up, surprising me by capturing my mouth for a deep probing kiss and ‘Mmm-ed' softly, contently, when he tasted himself. He licked some of it from my chin, returning to my mouth and I savored it, softly sucking on his tongue.
Then he softly growled as he looked at his watch.
"Damn, I have fifteen minutes left to get ready!"
Shit! I looked down at myself, making a face at him.
"Thank you; and I just showered. These were clean clothes!"
"Your own fault once again," he winked.
He took off his shirt and pants, leaving them on the floor in a heap, and his boxers followed.
"Take care of these for me, will you; I'm going to take a quick shower."
"What about me? I can't go to the airport like this!" I exclaimed.
"You can't go then, now can you?"
He sent me a positively smug look, like he was very pleased with himself and left for the bathroom.
CHAPTER 28
Hey ho,
Well, Olivia is gone for a week. I had hoped to be there, to drop her off, but Michael's...umm...let's say ‘generosity', prevented me from doing so. I had just enough time to clean up a little, and say goodbye. I had hoped to talk to her in the car; she had clearly wanted to tell me something important this morning, and it was probably about Michael.
Speaking of whom... Diary, tell me. Are Michael and I headed for a quick, carnal fling, here? It sure appears that way. He's been... frisky, even when Olivia's not around. And I have to say; I wouldn't mind. I don't mind!
Let's not kid ourselves here: I want him. He's hot!
And so what if we mix business with pleasure a bit? It makes the time go by much faster, not to mention that its way more fun! By now he should know that I'm definitely not opposed to going there, not after that slutty stunt from this morning, lol!
I was actually glad that Tommy Jones, my first guy from high school, taught me so well. *blush*
It was damn hot, I can tell you that. I think I'll wear yellow only from now on. Michael said he thought I looked hot in it. Why not help things along a bit, huh? ;)
He said that he was taking the week off, but that was only for Olivia's benefit. I find myself disappointed, though, because I'd like to spend time with him, alone, without having to fake the feelings he's causing inside of me.
Yes, diary, I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with him. And I accept that; I just wish it were a two way street. It'll be impossible, though. What would a guy like him want with a loser like me, huh? Sure, money can clean a guy up, no problem, but it would take a lot more than that to get him interested in me, beyond the physical side of things, something which he clearly wants.
*sigh*
Oh well, I'll take the physical part, then. At least that's something to think back on, when I'm out there on my own. But that's weeks away, still. Until then, I plan on enjoying every last minute of it. What is it mom always says; better to have loved and lived than to never have lived at all? Something like that, anyway.
If I end up hurt, or my heart is broken, at least I'll have lived this much.
Enough with the sadness now! It's time to take another shower (I only had time to quickly rinse my face; poor Olivia. I almost didn't dare kiss her goodbye, offering her the...umm...unspoiled cheek, and see what the day brings. Michael's not gonna be up again until lunch time. Maybe I'm going to go look for some stuff online, try to get my focus back on my studies. It'll give me something to do until Olivia comes h...
**********
The door to the bedroom opened and I looked up startled.
"Michael, I..." I stuttered when he came in. "I thought you were going to work?"
"Apparently," he said, cocking his eyebrow amused.
His eyes traveled my naked body as I was lying on my stomach, on the bed, writing; I'd stripped down to take the shower but then wanted to write down my thoughts.
He left the door opened and came to the bed, sitting down.
"So this is how you spend the day when I'm not here; I didn't know what I was missing."
I blushed and drew the covers over me.
"Oh come on, after what we did an hour ago in there, playing coy doesn't work with me anymore."
"I thought you'd be going straight to work! I was about to go take another shower, no thanks to you."
He snickered and shrugged off the black leather jacket he wore, dropping it on the back of the bed, and sat down, and then laid down beside me.
"I said I was taking the week off."
"Yeah, but that was when Olivia..."
He was actually taking the week off? I looked at him, frowning.
"What? It's been years since I had some time off; I deserve a break."
"Sure," I said, "I'm not saying you don't. I just thought..."
"That was your first mistake; you thought," he said, winking. "What are you writing in there?" He nodded at the diary.
"Nothing special. Plans for the future."
"Can I read it?"
Nooooooooooooononono.
"Nah, it's just gibberish."
I put the diary under the bed. He shrugged and sat up and began to unbutton his shirt.
"Ehm... what are you doing?"
He took off the shirt and started on his jeans, lying back on the bed and raising his hips, pushing them off.
"What does it look like?" he asked, winking.
"Michael..."
He rolled onto his side and worked himself underneath my upraised form, and pulled my head down.
"I'm going to fuck you. Long and slow, until you beg me to stop; I couldn't wait to get her on that plane and get back here."
At that, he lifted up his head and kissed me, effectively silencing my somewhat shocked reply. Jesus, could he get any more direct?
CHAPTER 29
From that day onward, things changed noticeably between us. Over the next three days, I think I saw an actual glimpse of the real Michael Black: funny, relaxed, sexy, frisky, playful.
It wasn't just the physical aspect of all this that had me falling for him. Even outside the bedroom, he proved to be a challenging adversary; we engaged in discussions, sometimes heated, about a number of topics, finding ourselves in agreement on some points, and bitter enemies on others.
He was a master in building a base for his opinion, an ability that I sorely lacked; I always head into an argument with my heart on my sleeve, and just go from there.
He forced me to take sides in a few discussions, sometimes even managing to alter my point of view.
I never succeeded doing that with him, though, and simply gave up when he wouldn't see my side. Not that he was always right, or thought he was right but simply because, according to him, it was impossible to talk to me about certain subjects.
"You are the most stubborn person I have ever met," he told me one time. "I can't believe you support that."
Another time he simply left the room and cooled off in the study, when I had uttered such an offending suggestion as to what he could do with his opinion that he assured me that it would be better for him to leave the room, lest he commit a murder. Sex had been very wild, that particular night.
There was also one time that I stalked out, completely flabbergasted at his narrow-minded approach to a particular sensitive subject and a subsequent ‘fight'. I accused him of being so far back into the dark ages, dogs would have still been barking out of their asses.
The subject was marriage, gay marriage. I'm not in favor of it, for a number of reasons, not in the least through my upbringing. I guess that rubbed off on me, I dunno, but also because I wouldn't want to be tied to someone like that.
Michael's opinion was the exact opposite; his reasoning in favor was that, in his opinion, it was a declaration of love and partnership, for the rest of the world, law, friends, and family as well.
"These days, people leave each other way too easily. Marriage forces them to take steps to undo all they have shared up to then, during which time they are obligated to really look at the problem, and deal with it," he said, "The gay community, especially, could do with a bit less easy-partnering, if you ask me. One reason it is so difficult to come out for young men like you, is that people have this idea about gay people being sexually promiscuous, jumping from partner to partner faster than the average person changes clothes. That's not who I am, that's not who many of us are. You know it, I know it; but it's much more fun, and effective, to display the flamboyant of ‘our' kind on TV and in magazines, instead of the regular people, who's lives don't differ all that much from every day life of a straight couple, and who really are quite boring."
He did have a point, but it took me a while to get to it, myself. When I finally did, I apologized and partly acknowledged his view, not entirely letting go of my own opinion. He inclined his head gracefully, accepting the apology.
"Fair enough. So...shall we?"
"Shall we what?" I asked, not seeing the trap he'd dug for me.
f
"Get married, of course!"
Aaah! I walked right into that one. I slapped him and he took it, snickering.
"You're too easy," he hiccupped.
"Bah. I'm not talking to you anymore."
At that he launched into a loud laughing fit, grabbing me to keep me from escaping the room.
"Don't be such a teen. Come on..."
"It's a serious discussion and you're making fun of it. And I'm not a teen!"
God, the way I said it sounded like a teen on a tantrum!
That thought was confirmed by another roaring laugh.
"Michael...lemme go."
"Never."
"Michael..." I repeated, threateningly, clawing at his arm wrapped around my waist and digging my nails into his flesh. I really didn't think it was funny.
"Stop that."
"Then let me go!"
"No. Don't be so recalcitrant."
"Re-what?" I stopped resisting, looking at him questioningly.
"Argumentative, obstinate."
"Look who's talking! Let go! Now!"
He wrapped his other arm around my middle and worked me down onto my back, on the sofa.
"Get off of me! Unfair!"
"Everything is allowed in love and war," he said, wiggling his eyebrows. He kept following my mouth with his.
"Yeah, well we're not in love, and this isn't a war. So get off, and cut it out!"
"Says who? You?"
"Yeah, says me. Michael... I said cut it out!"
"I heard you. I'm choosing not to listen to that drivel."
"Michael..."
"Jason...?"
He grinned, settling on top of me.
"Shit, you're impossible to talk to! What are you doing?"
"Making sure you're not getting away."
I kept avoiding his mouth, still following mine, closing in.
"No! Michael, I don't wanna..."
"Sure you don't."
He finally caught my lips but instead of kissing me, he bit them and none too gently.
"Now do I have your attention? Good."
Fuck, that hurt!
"You bit me? You bit me!"
"Jason..."
I started bucking underneath him.
"...stop it. Jason! God damn it... don't you get it?"
"Let me go!"
"No."
He shifted his weight to pin my legs down and grabbed my hands, with which I tried to work him off of me.
"Jason, stop it, I'm trying to say something here!"
"You have a funny way of talking. Get off!"
I kept on working against him and he let go, after a minute of hefty resistance on my part; then I walked out, fuming.
CHAPTER 30
Hey,
I'm starting to think that us staying together like this, while Olivia isn't here, isn't helping matters. The lines, for me, are quickly become blurrier and blurrier, especially the last few days.
Michael's been here 24/7 and it's getting harder to not think it's all real. So I have an idea; tonight, when he's in the study, I'm going to move some of my crap to the guestroom and stay there for a few days, get some perspective again, until Olivia gets back. Because if this continues, I don't know how long it'll take me before I blurt out something stupid.
Like that I love him.
Shit... Where'd that come from?
**********
That evening, I waited until Michael disappeared into the study for a while. Then I went to the master bedroom, hauled an armful of clothes from the hangers, and went to the guest room, where I dumped it on the bed. I mumbled appropriate responses to anything he could say about it, rehearsing it as I went back and forth several times.
I was on the last trip, clearing some stuff out of the master bedroom's bathroom, when Michael appeared in the doorway, startling me.
"Hey... I didn't hear you," I said.
"Obviously."
"I moved my stuff to the guestroom," I said.
Maybe if I explained to him my reasons, if he'd listen, he'd see where I was coming from.
His eyes darkened and the muscles in his jaw contracted.
"Move them back."
"But..."
"Move. Them. Back. Now!"
His voice sounded snappy and I saluted, clicking my heels.
"Absofuckinglutely, sir! Anything else, Sir?" I said, as sarcastic as I could.
His eyes narrowed, sending me a silent warning. What the hell was the matter with him? I walked past him and went into the guestroom, gathering the clothes again.
Michael leaned against the doorframe, watching as I gathered an armful of shirts, his hands shoved in his pockets. He moved out of the way when I brought them over to the master bedroom. It took me three trips to get my stuff back; then I silently saluted again, before leaving the room.
His hand shot out, grabbing my arm.
"I'm sorry," he said.
I looked at the hand holding my arm and then up to his face.
"Then allow me to bring my stuff in here," I pleaded, turning toward him. "Please?"
Maybe, if I asked nicely, calmly...or maybe if I...
I leaned closer to him and kissed his jaw and cheek and then his lips.
"Please...just let me do that."
He answered the kiss, coming forward when I pulled back, holding it for a while longer. Then he shook his head slowly, smiling sadly.
"That was a very nice try, but I still won't let you move your stuff in here. You belong there, not here."
He let go, and shoved his hand back into his pocket. He remained there for a little while longer, and then turned around, leaving me alone.
**********
Aaargh! God he was stubborn. Why was he so adamant about this? Olivia wasn't here; there was no one to see if I slept there, other than the maid, who was in on all of it. I didn't understand! Shit! I needed a drink. A big one.
**********
I was in luck; there was a new bartender in the bar downstairs and he didn't give me any grief, he didn't even ask me for my ID. So I sat down and ordered a Southern Comfort, the one alcoholic drink that I do enjoy once in a while. I decided to make it a double; what the heck.
This time, I wasn't interested in any of the guests in here, I just wanted to sit here, drink a few, and forget all about the last few weeks. And not think any further then when the next refill would occur.
I had about five when I hit a snag; the bartender suddenly grew a conscience.
"Sir... I don't think that's such a good idea..." he said, when I asked what the problem was. So? I had good reason to get off my tits on booze. That was not his concern.
"Oh come on..."
"Umm... big brother is watching."
I didn't immediately understand that, but when I followed his gaze, I saw the reason standing in the doorway. "Big Brother," himself.
