Tulips by Orithain Part Four: Desert Sheik s usual lately, Li Ann was already waiting in the briefing room when Vic and Mac arrived. She was sitting in the chair at the far end as she had taken to doing since finding out the two guys were an item. She had to hold back a smile when she saw them; it was so obvious why they were late. Neither had apparently had time to shave that morning, and both sported whisker burns on their cheeks and throats, along with kiss-swollen lips. Mac had his shirt buttoned up to the throat, making Li Ann wonder what marks were hidden beneath the silk. And for the first time in quite a while, Vic was wearing a plain T-shirt under his leather jacket. When he sat down, the jacket fell open and Li Ann saw why he hadn't been wearing T-shirts lately. The form-fitting garment clearly outlined a nipple ring. Li Ann's jaw dropped slightly; Vic had never sported that particular piece of jewelry when they had been together. Following Li Ann's gaze, Vic flushed and pulled his jacket partially closed. He favored Mac with a glare for being the cause of his embarrassment. He still couldn't believe that one imploring look from Mac had made him promise to wear the nipple ring all the time. Mac returned the glare with an innocent expression. Having seen Li Ann and Vic's reactions, he knew full well why his lover was annoyed with him. But he wasn't going to back down on this. He loved knowing that Vic was wearing the ring, usually with a little charm bearing Mac's own initial. Besides which, Mac was well aware how turned on Vic got by having the ring played with, and the ex-thief took full advantage of that whenever he had a chance. He kept his lover in a near constant state of semi-arousal and greatly enjoyed reaping the results whenever he could. Seeing the half smile playing around Mac's lips, Vic seriously considered committing mayhem. He had a pretty good idea of why the younger man looked so smug and began contemplating ways to make him pay. Fortunately the Director arrived before Vic could try to murder Mac. "Good morning, kiddies. I see you're all playing nice today. And did you boys enjoy your recent little venture into childcare?" she purred. Vic sighed. She was obviously referring to their caring for their neighbors' children the previous Friday; he had stopped wondering how she found these things out. "It was...educational," he finally replied, thanking every deity he could think of that he and Mac could not have children. That one night with nine children had been more than enough to last him a lifetime. The Director's smile widened, but she let the subject rest. There were more important matters at hand. She tossed a copy of that morning's paper down in front of Mac, who was sitting in the middle. All three agents looked at her quizzically, not seeing anything particularly interesting in the articles. "As you can see, there will be a reception in Sheik Mahjid al Tahar's honor at the Omani consulate this evening. You three will attend. The sheik is a very important man in his country's politics despite his relatively young age. His father was killed by a rival tribe when he was only 14, and Mahjid assumed the leadership of his tribe at that moment. His first act was to find and kill his father's murderers. That was slightly over 10 years ago." "This guy?!" Mac demanded, pointing at the unfortunately clear picture on the front page. "He looks like Rudolf Valentino, right down to the dumb mustache and make-up. How could anyone take him seriously?" "Despite appearances—and you called it right, Mac, the sheik is a great fan of Valentino's and consciously emulates him—this is a very important and dangerous man. Maybe in part because of his appearance, many people don't take him seriously until it's too late." "So are we supposed to protect him from an assassination attempt?" Li Ann hazarded. "No, you are going to prove that he is running a white slavery ring." Not giving anyone a chance to comment, the Director continued, "Mr. al Tahar has been in Ottawa for six months now. In that time, there have been no fewer than 82 unexplained disappearances, all attractive young women between 16 and 30. Al Tahar travels back to his country by large, private jet every second weekend under diplomatic credentials. The missing women could easily be on that plane. He last went last weekend, so you have 8 days to stop him." "How are we supposed to do that?" Mac asked. "By using Li Ann as bait. One look at her and al Tahar won't be able to resist adding her to his collection." "Wait a minute; that's awfully dangerous for Li Ann!" Vic exclaimed, not noticing the suddenly jealous glance from Mac. "I can take care of myself, Vic. And if he's sending these girls into slavery, we have to stop him." Her sudden emphasis did not go unnoticed, and knowing Li Ann's history with child prostitution, it was not surprising. "Now that that's settled," the Director reclaimed their attention, "I want you all to go shopping. You'll need some appropriate attire for this evening." "Not a tux!" Vic groaned. Before Mac could add his own commentary, the Director stopped between them, resting one hand lightly on each of their shoulders. Both men involuntarily cringed, expecting to feel her claws dig in at any moment. Once again satisfied that Vic and Mac knew who was in charge, the Director smiled smugly and continued to prowl around the room. "As I was saying, it's black tie only. Use these credit cards," tossing one to each of them, "and return them when you're done. Oh, and Mr. Ramsey?" She waited till she had his full attention. "I expect you to make sure Victor is properly dressed tonight." With a silent groan, Mac managed a sickly smile in reply. Great, just great. Vic thinks a button down shirt is dressing up, and I'm supposed to get him into a bow tie and cummerbund. Right. Vic kept his head down to hide the smile on his face. He had a good idea of what was going through Mac's mind just then. Despite appearances, he was perfectly willing to dress up when required and in fact, had a tuxedo in his closet. He had no intention of telling Mac that though. He was looking forward to the younger man's efforts to convince him to buy and wear a tux. Besides which, the Director's last comment guaranteed that he'd be good. He'd noticed that she never missed an opportunity to touch Mac, and he had no intention of giving her any excuse to punish or otherwise get her hands on his lover. After grabbing a quick early lunch, Li Ann left the guys, promising to be ready when they came to pick her up at 7:00. Vic and Mac headed for the nearest men's clothing store offering tailored formal wear. Knowing that they would have to pay through the nose to have something ready for that evening, both were grateful they weren't personally paying for this. As they entered the store, after a moment's pause three different salespeople and the store manager converged on them. Mac had to hide a smile when three men and a woman nearly came to blows over who would serve Vic. He averted bloodshed by moving closer to Vic, putting an arm around him and nestling in close, making it clear they were together. The salespeople all paused to stare with varying degrees of lust, envy, and disappointment. The woman sighed heavily and moved away, not without a wistful glance back over her shoulder. The manager motioned the two remaining salesmen away, deciding the likelihood of violence was less if he personally took care of these two gentlemen. He had taken note of the veiled flash of jealousy in the younger man's eyes and did not care to contemplate the results should any of the salespeople attempt to poach on his territory. "Good day, gentlemen. I am Mr. Landry. How may I help you?" Mac flashed a charming smile at him. "We need tuxedos for this evening. I realize it's extremely short notice, but we are willing to pay whatever it takes to have them ready for 6:00." "6:00! I'm sorry, gentlemen, but that's simply impossible. That would only give us six and a half hours. We have prior commitments that prevent us from devoting such time to any one client." No matter how attractive. "Whatever it takes," Mac repeated gently. "We will pay for any penalties incurred by late delivery on other orders if necessary. I realize we cannot expect custom made suits in the short time frame we have, but you could tailor ready-made tuxes for us. We can remain here for the afternoon for the fittings, assuming you also sell the necessary accessories." Looking into determined brown eyes, the manager realized he might as well accede to their request. If he argued, he'd simply waste valuable time before agreeing anyway. With a sigh, he directed the two men to follow him to the fitting rooms. Once there, he told them to strip down to their underwear while he went for some tuxedos that should fit them. Shaking his head in disbelief, Mr. Landry left them alone while he went to fetch the garments. Mac started to strip immediately, but Vic hesitated, unwilling to have everyone see the nipple ring he wore. Mac realized what was bothering the older man and drew him into his embrace. "It's alright, love. No one will say anything. At worst they'll envy me for being with you. If it starts to really bother you, just remember how much I love you. Concentrate on me and forget about them." Vic had to laugh. "That will not help avoid embarrassment, Mac. If I concentrate on being alone with you, I'll end up giving them a show! Not to mention that they won't be able to fit the tux properly." But he did start pulling off his clothes. Mac started to laugh too. "Think cold thoughts, love. I don't want to be mobbed by people trying to get at you." "You owe me big for this, Ramsey." "What did you have in mind?" "Ask me again a little later." Vic grinned salaciously at his lover, leaving the younger man red-faced and partially aroused as Mr. Landry returned. Landry blinked at the sight of Vic's nipple ring but showed no other reaction. "I have brought several different styles for each of you, but I believe these first two will suit you admirably. Assuming of course that you have no objection to wearing the same style?" The heat generated when Vic's and Mac's eyes met as they contemplated appearing as a matched set made Mr. Landry wonder if he should leave them alone for a while. He heaved a sigh of relief, discreetly adjusting his own slacks, when they consciously damped the heat between them. The two agents began dressing, starting with the white dress shirts Landry offered them, then the tuxedos themselves. Before they could reach for the cummerbunds, the manager stopped them, saying that they should take measurements first. He began to move around the two men, calling out measurements to his assistant who had just entered the room. Very little alteration would be required for Vic, but Mac, being lankier, would need several fittings to get the garment just right. After trying the cummerbunds, which fit perfectly, Mr. Landry passed the tuxedos to two of his tailors. Once Vic and Mac were re-clothed, he led them over to various other departments, helping them to choose shoes, socks, bow ties, and cufflinks. Only when it came to the cufflinks did either man express a preference, Mac insisting that they had to have emeralds. Looking at Vic's eyes, Mr. Landry understood perfectly and found them what they wanted. After selecting everything they needed and leaving it all in the fitting area for them to try on once the tuxedos were ready, Landry led the two men to a small, private waiting room. He told them that it would be about a half-hour before they would be needed for another fitting and left them alone. "Hey Mac?" "Yeah?" "Remember earlier when I told you that you owed me big for this?" Vic waited till he saw Mac's hesitant nod before continuing. "It's time to pay up." Mac watched the older man nervously as he prowled closer. He briefly thought that Vic had been taking lessons from the Director before all rational thought abandoned him at the touch of Vic's lips on his. He moaned into his lover's mouth as Vic pressed him against the wall. He moaned again when Vic released his mouth far too soon for his liking. Panting for breath, he managed to ask, "What exactly did you have in mind?" "Remember the other night in the alley?" "God!" "I'll take that as a yes. Well, you're going to just stand here and let me suck you dry, lover. This time it's my turn." Mac only whimpered. Vic grinned and bit his chin, slowly unbuttoning Mac's shirt and pulling it free of his slacks. He pushed the shirt off, smiling at the various marks on Mac's body, sparing a thought to appreciate the store employees' discretion earlier. Between his nipple ring and the many marks on both their bodies, he'd been surprised no one had commented or even looked at them knowingly. The already hardened nipples before him drew his attention back to the task at hand. With a faint purr, Vic latched on to the nearest one, licking and sucking, feeling Mac's moans vibrate through his body. He kept that up for a short time, wishing he could drive Mac totally crazy but mindful of the half-hour time limit. Vic wanted to unfasten Mac's pants with his teeth, but the ex-thief was already so hard he was straining the fabric. He'd never be able to manage it, but he filed the idea away for some future time. He reached out to undo the slacks, pressing Mac against the wall with one shoulder. After releasing the button, he slowly, torturously, drew the tab on the zipper down, freeing Mac a millimeter at a time. He lapped at each bit of exposed flesh with his tongue, loving the taste. Mac was writhing against the wall long before Vic was done. He clenched his fists in Victor's silky hair, holding him close. He forced his eyes open, absently wondering when he had closed them, and stared down at the dark head nestled against his groin. The sight forced a moan from him. Hearing the tortured sound, Vic looked up, meeting Mac's eyes. He continued to watch his lover's face while licking his cock. Mac's eyes fell half closed with passion as the slight change in position allowed him to see Victor's tongue tracing along his erection. The sight of that pink tongue against the darkly flushed skin was almost too much for him, and he groaned loudly while thrusting forward into Vic. Hearing Mac's groan, Vic hastily pulled back and grasped the base of the younger man's erection. He wasn't ready for Mac to come yet. In fact, if they didn't have more fittings, he wouldn't let Mac come at all. He loved to look at the younger man when he was aroused. Mac practically oozed sex appeal, even more so than usual. "Vic! Please...don't stop...I need you..." Mac moaned. Vic laughed, letting his breath flow over Mac's aching cock. He pushed the slacks and boxers down below Mac's ass, fully exposing his cock so he could get at it more easily. He reached between Mac's legs, gently cupping his balls and rolling them in his hand. Mac's hands clenched and unclenched in Vic's hair as he desperately tried to hang on to control. He stroked through the silky strands, cupping Vic's head and urging him closer. Acceding to the demand, Vic ran his tongue up the underside of Mac's cock to the head, pausing to lap up the pre-cum already pooling there. After a few quick licks, Vic suddenly swallowed Mac to the hilt. He felt Mac hit the back of his throat, but he still wanted more. It wasn't enough. He tried desperately to draw Mac in farther, but it wasn't possible. He pulled back nearly to the head just to have the pleasure of sliding back down on Mac. He bobbed back and forth, tasting his lover, distantly registering the sound of deep, heartfelt groans. Mac couldn't believe Vic's sudden voraciousness. He'd never seen the ex-cop like this. He fucked Vic's mouth wildly, more than willing to help his lover draw him deeper. The sensations built rapidly, pushing him over the edge. With a hoarse scream, Mac came down Vic's throat. When his breathing steadied, Mac realized Vic was still on his knees at his feet, and he could see the older man's erection. Mac dropped down beside his partner, swooping in for a deep kiss, tasting himself in Vic's mouth. He pushed Vic flat on the floor, sliding down his body until he could unfasten the older man's jeans and draw his cock into his mouth. Vic was so close to the edge that it only took a few hard sucks to make him come. They rearranged their clothing and snuggled together on the sofa, exchanging lazy kisses and caresses until they heard a discreet knock at the door a few minutes later. When they called permission to come in, Mr. Landry entered, unable to prevent a small smile when he saw them. "If you gentlemen will permit, we are ready for your next fitting. Please follow me." At their nods, the manager turned and led them back to the fitting room. After two more fittings, the agents were ready to leave, dressed for the reception. They even had time for a quick trip home to pick up their dress watches instead of the everyday ones they were wearing. At 7:00 exactly, the two men were knocking at Li Ann's door. When she opened it for them, both were knocked speechless for a moment. She looked absolutely stunning in a low-cut, long black raw silk sheath slit up to her thigh on one side that left her back bare. With it she wore a large black diamond surrounded by a cluster of white diamonds set in a platinum choker and matching earrings. For the final touch, she added elbow length black silk evening gloves. Li Ann grinned at the two men. "If I have this effect on the two of you, this dress is definitely worth the price I paid." "You look incredible," Vic breathed. "A vision of loveliness. Al Tahar will be lucky to be able to get near you. We're going to have to spend the evening fending off wolves for you, " Mac added. Li Ann's smile widened, and she gave each of them a quick kiss on the cheek. "Let's go, guys. We have a slaver to catch." Each of the men offered her an arm, and they escorted her down to Mac's car. When they arrived at the party, Vic and Mac moved away from Li Ann, leaving her to try to attract al Tahar's attention. They found a corner partially screened by one of the ubiquitous potted palms, where they could keep an eye on Li Ann while remaining out of sight. Mac leaned back against the wall, a glass of champagne in hand while Vic stood half in front of him, effectively making him invisible from the rest of the room. Vic turned slightly so that his left side was toward the room, sipping at the champagne he held in that hand. He never noticed the inviting glances most of the women and not a few of the men threw his way or the way their eyes lustfully traced his profile and stripped the rest of him naked. He casually reached over with his right hand, the one hidden from the rest of the room, and petted Mac lightly. Mac choked on his champagne, staring at Vic in disbelief as he coughed, tears streaming from his eyes. "What are you doing?" he gasped. "I thought I'd see how it felt to be on the other side of the teasing for a change," Vic replied, smiling sweetly. "Vic! You can't...oh god, what...oh...yeessss." Mac bit his lip till a spot of blood showed. He fought desperately against the urge to arch into Victor's touch. Vic maintained an innocent look for the benefit of anyone looking his way, while his nimble fingers slid Mac's zipper down and probed inside. He reached through the flap on the younger man's shorts, finally grasping hot, rigid flesh. Mac bit down harder on his lip, a single droplet of blood running down his chin. Vic watched the drop of liquid with greedy eyes, leaning forward to lick it up. He claimed Mac's lips in a brief but thorough kiss, letting him taste the faint hint of his own blood. Vic straightened up again, his fingers still busy inside Mac's pants. He stroked his lover lightly, teasingly, loving the sound of the younger man's muffled gasps and whimpers. He could see Li Ann heading toward them, but he decided not to stop, just shifting enough to make room for her beside him. Mac stared in horror when Li Ann appeared beside Vic, unable to say a word. "Hi guys. Having fun? I haven't even seen al Tahar yet," Li Ann murmured. Suddenly noticing Mac's expression of apparent pain, she looked slightly alarmed. Mac bit down harder on his lip, not sure he could stand any more. "Mac?" Li Ann sounded concerned. Vic snickered; he couldn't help it. He shifted slightly, just enough for Li Ann to see his hand and understand what Mac's problem was. Her eyes widened but stayed fastened on Vic's hand. Seeing Li Ann's fascination, Vic freed his lover's cock from its covering, stroking a thumb over the weeping head. He rubbed the pre-cum around before bringing his hand to his mouth to lick it clean, keeping his eyes trained on Mac's the whole time. A faint moan escaped Mac, bringing a gasp from Li Ann. "Vic, please!" Mac begged, no longer caring that Li Ann was watching. "What's wrong, love? Do you want to come?" Vic whispered. "Yes! Oh god, please, Vic! I need it. I need you. Please!" Glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was near, Vic smiled at Li Ann. Nodding at her empty champagne flute, he directed her to hold it in front of Mac. Eyes wide, Li Ann did as Vic asked and watched as Vic positioned Mac so he would shoot into the glass. Vic stroked Mac harder and faster, pushing him into the orgasm he so desperately wanted. Mac barely held back a cry of pleasure as his entire body shuddered with his release. When he was done, Vic gently tucked him back inside his pants and zipped him up. Turning to Li Ann with a wild smile she had never seen before, Vic took the glass Mac had filled from her, and raised it to his lips. His eyes met Mac's as he drank down Mac's cum in long swallows. When he was done, he leaned forward for another kiss, letting Mac taste himself in his mouth. "God, Vic, I love you." Mac clung to the older man for a moment, not caring who saw them. "I love you, too. We belong to each other now." Vic nuzzled into Mac's throat briefly before stepping back to let the younger man gather his composure. After a moment to catch his breath, Mac looked up at his two companions, unable to control a deep blush when he met Li Ann's eyes. She smiled gently at him. "It's okay, Mac. I knew you two loved each other, but now I know it in my heart. Anyone can see you belong together. I'm glad you shared that with me." Li Ann visibly changed gears, switching into business mode. "But this isn't helping us get the sheik's attention. Any ideas?" "You mean other than repeating that in the middle of the dance floor?" Vic asked innocently. Li Ann snorted. "While that might get his...and everyone else's...attention, I don't think it would accomplish our goal." "You guys think about it for a minute. I'm going to get us some more champagne. I'm thirsty." With that Vic headed across the room toward a waiter he had spotted, leaving a fidgeting Mac with Li Ann. "Mac?" Li Ann finally asked in irritation. "What?" "Are you ever going to look at me again?" "Umm, no, actually that's not in my current plans." "Mac, it's nothing I haven't seen before. We were lovers after all." "It's different now." Mac was still shifting uncomfortably. "I know. Now you're in love with Vic, and I don't have any place in that. We all know it, and we'll deal with it. But not if you won't look at me!" Mac looked up at Li Ann's final, exasperated half yell. "Just...let's not talk about it, okay?" "Whatever. Any ideas how I can attract al Tahar's attention?" "Li Ann, if that dress didn't do it, I don't know what will." Mac grinned at her with something of his usual brashness. Then he looked around in faint surprise. "Isn't it taking Vic an awfully long time to get a couple of drinks? Do you see him anywhere?" Li Ann frowned slightly. Vic had been gone an inordinate amount of time just to get a few glasses of champagne. She looked around the room but didn't see him anywhere. After sharing a concerned glance, they split up and began to search the public areas of the consulate. The Director sat in her office, wearing her favorite black leather suit, and having a cup of coffee with Dobrinsky. She leaned back in her chair with her eyes closed, savoring the mental image of Victor and Mac in formal wear. Although they were off limits to her, and would have been even had they not been a couple, she could still admire what was in front of her. It was a pity their effectiveness would have been decreased if she had had an affair with Mac. She would have liked to try him out at least once. His father, after all, had been...quite satisfactory. She opened her eyes to find Dobrinsky regarding her quizzically. She merely raised one eyebrow at him, and he returned his attention to his coffee. "Do you think al Tahar's taken Li Ann yet?" Dobrinsky wondered. With a glance at the clock, noting that it was after 10:00, she responded, "I'm sure he has. Li Ann is just his type and-" "Wrong!" An enraged snarl interrupted her, and they both turned to see a worried-looking Li Ann and an infuriated Mac enter the room. "It seems Li Ann is not Sheik al Tahar's type after all. Vic is!" Mac paced the room restlessly like a caged tiger, unable to hold still for even a moment. Since the instant he had realized Victor was missing, Mac had been barely able to keep from killing someone. That bastard would pay for taking his lover. "Calm down, Mac. Victor is well able to take care of himself." At her words, Mac turned on the Director with a silent snarl, his entire posture a scream of rage. "Vic would never have let them take him without backup if he had been in any position to object." Mac forced the words out in a deep, guttural tone. Even the Director hesitated for a moment, taken aback by the primal bloodlust blazing in Mac's eyes. "That's enough, Mac. You'll be of no use to Victor if you don't get yourself under control. Logically he and the missing girls must still be somewhere in the consulate. Since it's foreign soil and technically inviolate, al Tahar would be insane to try to move them anywhere else." "So what do we do?" Li Ann asked. "We go in and get them out." "But...it is foreign soil. We would create an international incident." "We simply won't get caught. You're supposed to be master thieves, aren't you?" "Enough talking about it, let's just get Vic back!" Mac was impatient. Vic groaned, clutching his head. "Jesus, I didn't think I had that much champagne. Hey Mac..." He trailed off as he opened his eyes to a completely unfamiliar room. What the hell? "Ah, good, you are awake, my darling." Vic's eyes widened at the oily tones. He looked over his shoulder to see Sheik al Tahar leering at him. Wait a minute! He brought his eyes back to his shoulder, his naked shoulder. He looked down further, realizing he was naked except for the nipple ring and a gold chain around his waist. He swallowed hard, adding a metal collar to his list of "garments" when he did. "I, uh, don't believe we've been introduced?" "I am Sheik Majhid al Tahar. You may call me 'master'." Vic snorted. "And I shall call you Emerald. Such beautiful eyes you have. I look forward to seeing them glazed with passion while I am buried deep inside you." "I really don't think so." Al Tahar simply smirked, nodding toward a glass of water on the nightstand beside Vic. Thirsty from the drug he'd been given to knock him out, Vic drank the water quickly, keeping a wary eye on his captor. The sheik's smirk deepened when Vic replaced the empty glass on the nightstand. Vic stared at him, then his eyes widened and darted to the empty glass in alarm. "That's right, my beautiful one." Al Tahar actually twirled his moustache. "I hired a chemist to create an interesting little drug. It stimulates the sex drive beyond anything previously discovered. Soon you will be begging me to take you." "No." Al Tahar reached out to touch Vic, making the agent shoot off the bed. Overbalancing when his grab missed Victor, Mahjid fell over, smacking his chin on the nightstand. Vic stared while the sheik landed on his butt, banging into the base of the table, jarring the glass Vic had left on the edge, which then landed on Mahjid's head. Glaring at Vic, al Tahar climbed to his feet then slowly stalked toward the naked man. He admired the vision before him, taking note of the faint stirring at Victor's groin. "You see, my exquisite Emerald, you are already starting to feel the effects of the Fantasy. Do you like the name? I chose it myself. Very soon you will be running into my arms, ready to do anything I tell you." "Like hell!" Vic was angry at the words and also at his own body. He could feel the arousal coursing through his blood. Until this moment, only Mac had been able to draw this kind of reaction from him. He was disgusted that he could feel anything in the presence of this repulsive little man. But even with his emotional turmoil and without a single touch, he was already hard. He continued backing away from the sheik reflexively until his back hit the wall, and he had nowhere else to go. He soon realized that al Tahar had herded him to that very spot when he saw the manacles in the wall out the corner of his eye. "No!" he cried, attempting to twist away. But the drug was affecting Vic's coordination as well, and the sheik was easily able to restrain him. Once the agent's wrists were manacled, it was a simple matter to attach the ankle restraints, leaving him spread-eagled and vulnerable before al Tahar. The sheik admired Victor, reaching out to run a hand over a torso rising and falling with his quick pants. "You are indeed exquisite, my sweet. I shall take great pleasure in taming you." His attention was finally caught by the small charm on Vic's nipple ring, and he frowned when he realized it was a letter, almost certainly someone's initial. He flicked it with a finger, drawing a moan from Vic, and stated, "This will be removed soon. I am pleased that you are adorned for me, but I will not permit you to wear a remembrance of anyone else." He leered at Vic, again twirling his moustache and fluttering his eyelashes in what he fondly believed to be an irresistibly attractive fashion. The sheik looked so ridiculous that Vic was actually momentarily distracted from his arousal. It was all he could do not to laugh in the simpering fool's face. He was utterly amazed as he watched the sheik posturing before him, wondering how this...this jackass...could possibly be a political force in any country. Vic's attention was forcibly brought back to the problem at hand, so to speak, when the sheik stroked his weeping erection. Vic couldn't restrain a deep groan at the touch, and his hips arched into it as much as possible in his restraints. Inside he was screaming Mac's name, desperately trying not to respond to the drug and the sheik's touch. Majhid smiled and dropped to his knees in front of Victor. Grasping the agent's hips in his hands, he swallowed Vic's cock in one motion. He sucked hard once and Vic came, crying no all the while. "Nononononononono," Vic moaned continuously, tears leaking from his eyes. Al Tahar pushed back to his feet after one last lick at Vic's already hardening cock. "Oh yes, my darling, you are mine now." He considered stealing a kiss, but one look into Vic's hate-filled eyes convinced him not to dare the other man's teeth. He stroked Vic back to full erection and slid a cock ring onto him. "Now, my sweet, you will have to beg me to come again. No matter how much you need to, you won't be able to." Vic whimpered, already feeling desperation. At that instant, while Victor's pained cry still rang in the air, Mac burst into the room. He took in the sight before him and hurled himself headlong at al Tahar with a cry of rage. He knocked the sheik to the floor, pounding his fist repeatedly into the smaller man's face. Li Ann, the Director, and Dobrinsky watched from the doorway, rather impressed by Mac's show of murderous rage, until al Tahar managed to twist free, stumbling toward the door, a hand over his nose which was streaming blood. The Director decked him with a single punch, then mourned her broken nail. "Mr. al Tahar?" A groan was his only reply. "Where are the missing girls, Mr. al Tahar?" "Go to hell!" "My dear man," she purred, "I run hell." The sheik tried to spit at her but choked on his blood instead. He looked up and met her eyes for the first time. She smiled with a certain vicious sweetness, making him shudder. "Would you prefer me to allow Mr. Ramsey to question you?" She regarded him inquiringly. Looking over her shoulder at Mac, who was being held back by Dobrinsky, al Tahar suddenly decided to cooperate, telling them that they could find the seventeen girls who hadn't already been shipped to their new owners in the basement, out of the way. Mac's attempts to get at al Tahar suddenly stopped when he heard Vic's whimpers. Spinning around, he really saw his lover's state this time, rushing over to him. Glaring back over his shoulder, he demanded the key to the restraints. Before the sheik could reply, Mac followed his gaze and saw the key on the table beside him. Snatching it up, he quickly freed Vic, catching him in his arms as he collapsed, curling in on himself in an attempt to relieve the pain of his unflagging arousal. " Vic?" Li Ann tried to get the attention of the man curled up in agony across the room. When she had no success, she turned her glare on the sheik. "What did you do to him?" Since he knew he had no chance of getting Victor, al Tahar had lost interest in him. "Oh, I fed him an aphrodisiac. It should wear off in about three hours, but he'll be insatiable till then," he said indifferently. "You bastard!" Li Ann wanted to kill him. Mac probably would have felt the same if he hadn't been fully occupied trying to comfort Victor. As the older man twisted in his arms, he saw the cock ring, realizing that it was exacerbating the problem. When he managed to release it, Vic came immediately, whimpering with pain, so aroused he was beyond pleasure. Mac held his lover tightly, stroking his hair lovingly, tears running down his own cheeks at Vic's pain. Tearing her eyes from her agents, the Director spoke to Li Ann while staring at the sheik. "Li Ann, take Victor and Mac home, while Dobrinsky and I get the women out of here." "What about him?" Li Ann nodded at al Tahar. "Unfortunately, all we can do is deport him.... After we teach him a lesson." She smiled coldly after glancing over at Vic. She and Dobrinsky dragged al Tahar out of the room, leaving Li Ann alone with her partners. Watching Vic, Li Ann realized that they weren't going to be leaving just yet. She knew she should leave them alone for a few minutes. They'd be perfectly safe with her outside the door, but she couldn't tear herself away. She watched Mac stroke Vic's hair over and over, trying to sooth him, and she saw the younger man suffer for his lover. "Oh god, it's starting again," Vic moaned. "It's okay, love, I'm right here. I'll take care of you," Mac whispered. Knowing that this was no pleasure for Vic, he pumped the older man rapidly, trying to make him come as quickly as possible. As soon as Vic was momentarily relaxed, Mac turned his attention to Li Ann. "Li Ann, try to find Vic's clothes or something he can wear. We need to get him out of here." Li Ann nodded, but before she could move, Vic spoke up. "I want my clothes. We picked them together, and I intend to keep them." "Vic-" Mac started. "I'm not leaving here without them. That bastard is not keeping one thing that belongs to me!" Suddenly understanding, Mac hugged his lover to him while Li Ann went to hunt down his clothes. He held Vic tighter when he felt tremors start to course through him again. "Again, love?" Vic gritted his teeth, trying to hold on to his control, but it was no use. "Yeah. God! I hate this!" "It's going to be okay, Vic. We'll get through this together. Just let me help you." Mac twisted around so his head was in Vic's lap. Vic was nearly fully erect again, but Mac hoped that by taking care of it before his arousal turned to pain, they'd be able to prevent the pain. With that in mind, Mac licked gently at the head of Vic's cock. He wanted to take it more slowly this time, but Vic was already so sensitized his whole body convulsed at the touch. Mac sighed, the vibrations making Vic shudder. Mac opened his mouth wider, taking Vic in slowly, licking at each inch of flesh as it entered his mouth. Vic moaned, in pleasure this time, as he felt the familiar sensation of his lover's mouth engulfing him. He arched up into Mac, greedy for the pleasure he knew was coming. Just then Li Ann came back into the room with Vic's clothes, although neither man noticed her. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight that met her eyes. Watching them, she remembered how talented Mac's mouth was and could almost taste the faintly bitter essence of Victor on her tongue. She could see Mac's throat working as he took Vic as deep as possible and swallowed continuously to please him. She watched Vic's hands clench and unclench in Mac's hair, holding the younger man tightly to him. Mac reached around his lover, cupping Vic's buttocks in his palms, pulling the older man even closer. His head bobbed slightly as he worked Vic's cock until the other man cried his name as he shot down his throat. Letting Vic slide free with a last kiss on the head, Mac twisted around again to draw the older man into a loving embrace. Opening his eyes finally, he froze momentarily when he saw Li Ann staring at them. Seeing two pairs of eyes looking back at her, Li Ann gestured with the armful of clothing she held. "I found your clothes, Vic." She hesitated before continuing, "He'd put them in his own closet." Vic closed his eyes as if that could wipe away everything that had happened that evening. No, not everything, he realized, looking at the man who held him so tenderly. He wanted to remember every moment with Mac earlier when he'd driven the younger man half-mad with passion. Nothing al Tahar had done could negate that. He smiled at Mac, the familiar smile that told his partners he was going to be all right. He climbed to his feet, reaching for his clothes. "Come on, guys, I want to go home." The next morning Vic and Mac walked into the briefing room together, much to the surprise of the Director and Li Ann. Jackie was there too, but she knew nothing about what had happened. The Director had no intention of allowing that story to get out. "Victor, I didn't expect to see you two today," the Director was unable to keep her surprise completely out of her voice. "After a good night's sleep, I'm good as new." Vic glanced at Li Ann and quickly looked away. "So, did you manage to find and free all the girls?" "Yes, although it will be virtually impossible to find the ones who were already sold. But at least you managed to save 17 more young women from a life of slavery. It was quite heroic of you, boys." The Director was back to her usual silky purr. "So glad to have been of help," Vic responded dryly. "So what happened to the sheik? Has he been deported?" "It seems Sheik al Tahar suffered an accident late last night. He tripped and fell down the stairs, breaking his neck. It was terribly unfortunate." Vic looked away, not saying a word. While Vic was temporarily lost in his thoughts, Mac met the Director's eyes, gratitude showing clearly in his. "Thank you," he mouthed. With a quick glance at Vic that showed she did care about him, the Director nodded slightly. The mood was broken by the entrance of a man in a clown suit. Vic eyed him warily, not having had good experiences with clowns lately. "Which one of you is Victor Mansfield?" "I am." Vic watched the clown with deepening suspicion. "Then these are for you." The clown deposited his burden in front of Vic with a flourish and left, discreetly escorted by two agents. Vic stared at the huge bouquet of tulips, then turned a slightly teary smile on Mac. He jumped up to hug his slightly red lover. Jackie rolled her eyes in disgust, but the Director just continued the briefing on the next case. Scenes like that between the two men were becoming the norm. Li Ann grinned, sparing a wistful, lustful thought for everything that she'd seen between them the night before. It looked like things were going to get very interesting. Interlude: Shiver Me Timbers "Hey, Vic?" "Yeah?" "We're invited to a Halloween party at Roy Fletcher's." Vic looked up with a frown. "Which one's Fletcher again?" "You remember, the architect who kept trying to hit on you." "Oh him. And you actually want to go?" Vic couldn't believe it. A blind man would be able to see how jealous Mac was. Unless maybe he was planning to have the guy killed, maybe bring one of the Cleaners along. "Yeah, if we're going to live here, we should make an effort to get along with the neighbors. Besides," Mac looked down, slightly embarrassed, "I don't think they're all quite clear on the fact that we're together. I want to get that straightened out." Vic had to bite the inside of his cheek hard to hold back his grin. He actually thought Mac's jealousy was kind of cute. Silly, but cute. It helped that Mac knew he was being ridiculous. They were committed to each other, but Mac still got the urge to start sharpening knives every time he saw someone lusting after Vic. "Okay, I don't suppose it'll kill us to go," Vic shrugged. "Since it's a Halloween party, I assume costumes are required?" "Of course. Uh, I have an idea about that." Vic cringed inwardly and regarded Mac with deep suspicion. The ex-thief's ideas never seemed to end well for his partner. "What?" "Pirates," Mac announced eagerly. "Pirates? As in kerchief on head, peg leg, hook for a hand, pirates?" "I didn't say Long John Silver or Captain Hook! Pirates as in romantic villains of the sea, loose billowy shirts open to the waist, tight leather pants, thigh-high boots, earrings, cutlasses, maybe a jewel in your navel..." Mac was getting distracted. Vic glared at him. "Sounds more like you're getting me ready to sell on the block." "Nuh uh," Mac shook his head emphatically. "You're mine, and I'm keeping you! But I have to admit, it's fun sometimes to watch people look at you knowing they can't touch. Some of them get such expressions of frustration!" he chuckled. "What am I? Some kind of trophy?" Vic was less amused. "Hey, I didn't mean it that way! It's just that you're so beautiful. Sometimes I still can't believe that you're with me." Vic sighed. He kept reassuring Mac that his heart belonged to him, but he didn't seem to be getting through. Maybe it was time to change tactics. "You are mine, and I'm not going to let you go. So you'd better get used to it. And if you expect me to wear a costume like that, you'd better plan on the same for yourself, lover." "That was my intention. I kind of like the idea of being a matched pair." "Just don't say that where the Director can hear you! She'd be putting us into harnesses." Mac got a strange look on his face and stared fixedly at Vic. "Don't even think about it. Not even for you am I doing bondage." A fleeting expression of remembered fear crossed Victor's face, and Mac could have kicked himself. "Sorry, love, I didn't mean to make you remember." "I know, it's okay. Maybe someday, but right now, I just can't think about it." Mac drew his lover into his arms, kissing him gently to that he didn't mind. He nibbled on Vic's lower lip, then soothed the abused flesh with slow swipes of his tongue. Gradually, he worked his way from tasting Vic's lip to tasting his whole mouth, working his way inside the warm cavity to tease the older man with quick flicks of his tongue. Vic groaned into Mac's mouth, wanting more than the light, teasing touches. He opened his mouth wider and probed Mac's lips with the tip of his own tongue, hoping to entice his lover in. Mac smiled against him briefly before accepting the invitation, leaning back against the wall and sliding his hands into the back pockets of Vic's jeans to pull the other man into the cradle of his hips. Both men groaned with pleasure at the feeling of their erections rubbing together. They shifted position to find the most pleasurable, as well as for the sheer fun of it. Mac released his hold on Vic's ass to run his hands up over his naked back, feeling the muscles ripple under his touch. He loved Vic's recent habit of not bothering with a shirt when they were at home. Maybe he should work on the slacks next. Vic sighed with pleasure as Mac caressed him, arching into the touch like a cat. He'd been lucky in his lovers for the past few years, both Li Ann and Mac having received extensive tutelage in how to give pleasure when they lived in Hong Kong. While he regretted what they'd suffered, Vic was more than happy to reap the benefits. He looked forward to more pleasant surprises, and occasionally turning the tables on Mac, for the rest of his life. "Mmm, that feels good, love. You can keep that up as long as you want." Mac laughed, "I think the Director'd have something to say about us showing up at work like this. Mind you, I'm pretty sure Li Ann wouldn't object. I still can't believe you did that!" Vic grinned. He enjoyed surprising the younger man, who still tended to think of him as pretty dull and responsible. He'd had fun with Mac that time. "Don't complain. You know you enjoyed it." Mac grinned back, his hands now busy running over Vic's chest, toying with hard nipples and tracing the small ring hanging there. He stopped nibbling on Vic's ear long enough to smile when he felt his lover's uncontrollable shiver at his actions. "Did I mention that the party's tonight?" "Since it is Halloween, I kinda figured that out for myself. So I suppose you already have these costumes?" "Yeah, they're upstairs." "And what were you planning to do if I refused to wear it?" "Convince you," Mac leered. Vic blinked. "Is it too late to say I don't like your idea for a costume?" He licked Mac's throat to encourage the right answer. "It's way...god, Vic!...way too late. Oh love, that's good! Stop...we have to stop. The party's in an hour and a half. We don't have time...Vic!" Mac couldn't help pressing into Vic's erection or hold back the groan of pleasure as they rubbed together. "Oh well, in that case..." Vic grinned evilly and backed away. Mac pulled him back for a quick kiss before letting him go. "You're going to pay for that later, lover. But right now, we really do have to get ready." He grabbed his lover's hand, pulling him upstairs. Vic stared at the costume on and beside the bed: knee-length black leather boots, a loose-fitting white silk shirt without any buttons, a large cutlass and sword belt, and his own black leather pants that he'd worn the night they got together. He grinned and shook his head, glancing back at Mac. "You didn't rent this stuff, did you? You bought it all." "That's not true," Mac stated defensively. "I rented the swords and sword belts. The rest of the stuff could be useful at other times." "I wasn't complaining, love. Now let's see what you got for yourself." With a glance at the brown leather boots on the floor, Vic started poking through the second pile of clothing, finding bronze-tone silk breeches and a brown leather vest that fastened only with a single, short gold chain in the center. "Very nice. I guess it's going to be my turn to chase everyone away from you." Once they were dressed, Mac fidgeted around nervously for a moment, making Vic wonder what was wrong now. "Uh, Vic, I uh, I have something for you," Mac finished in a rush. Seeing Vic's inquiring gaze, Mac reached into a dresser drawer and pulled out a small box. "Now, I don't want you to think that you have to wear it or anything. I mean, I just thought you might like it, but I don't want you to think that I'm trying to tell you what to do or anything." Mac handed the box to Vic, who by now was very curious, babbling all the while. Vic flipped open the small jeweler's box to find a gold barbell-style nipple ring. One end sported a tulip with a tiny emerald in each of its leaves and the other was an M. Looking up with a huge smile on his face, Vic stopped Mac's babbling with a kiss. When they drew back for air, he finally spoke. "Thank you, Mac. I love it. Put it in for me?" After another kiss, Mac reached with trembling fingers to remove the ornament Vic was wearing and replace it with the new one. He tried to hold his hand steady, but there was something so intimate about Vic asking him to do it. He slipped it into place, ending with a soft kiss on the nipple. Vic gasped at the touch, bringing his hands up to comb his fingers through Mac's soft hair, holding his lover's head in his hands. He leaned in to claim a kiss. Pulling back to stare into Mac's eyes, he said, "I love you." Mac smiled tremulously. "I love you, too." After another kiss they pulled themselves together; checked their costumes one last time, sharing a smile at the sight of Vic's nipple ring; and headed over to Fletcher's house. When the door opened in response to their knock, Vic and Mac found themselves faced with a barbarian warrior wearing a loincloth, boots, and a sword. Both men blinked in surprise before shaking the offered hand and going inside. Vic wondered if their host had held his hand a fraction too long, but he didn't say anything, not wanting to set off Mac's jealousy. The idea was pushed right out of his mind when he looked around and realized that he was standing in a living room painted in a zebra print pattern. He exchanged an amazed glance with Mac as they followed their host on a brief tour of the house. Each room was painted differently. The living room with its zebra pattern was actually one of the less jarring. There was a leopard print bedroom, another with tiger stripes and one patterned after a giraffe. The rest of the house was painted similarly, making Vic shudder at the thought of waking up to it every morning. They were saved from having to comment on Roy's rather unique decorating scheme by the sound of the doorbell as the next guests arrived. Within a few minutes the party was in full swing, and Vic and Mac joined the crowd dancing. Vic continued to tease Mac while they danced, maintaining full body contact as they gyrated together. He spared a quick thought of gratitude for the scantiness of their costumes as their naked chests rubbed together. It felt so good, and the lust blazing in Mac's eyes made him feel even better. Mac couldn't believe how Vic was teasing him. And seeing the look in his lover's eyes, he knew the other man was doing it on purpose. We'll never be able to leave the dance floor, at least not without giving everyone a free show. I don't care how dimly lit it is in here; these pants leave nothing to the imagination. Thank God Li Ann's not here at least! "Hey, Mac?" Vic whispered, nibbling on his ear. Mac shuddered at the twin sensations of hot breath teasing his inner ear and sharp teeth gently closing on his earlobe. He pulled Vic even closer, stroking his hands down over the tight leather. "What?" "I noticed a broom closet under the stairs on the main floor. I'd be willing to bet it's plenty big enough for two people inside. Wanna find out?" "What?! Are you serious?" Mac couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Completely serious," Vic purred, pressing their groins together for emphasis. "What's the matter, don't you want me?" he laughed. Mac groaned. "You know damn well I want you! If you move away, everyone in the place'll know it too. But, a broom closet?" "I always wanted to make out in a closet. I've wondered about haylofts too, but that'll have to wait for another day. The closet, on the other hand, is right there, ready for the taking. If you'll pardon the pun." "This is a fine time for you to decide to get in touch with your inner self!" "Well, actually, love, I was hoping you would touch my inner self." Vic grinned wickedly. Mac whimpered, spun around and dragged Vic upstairs. "Where?" he growled. Vic laughed and moved ahead of his lover, leading him to a door under the staircase just inside the front door. He could feel Mac following closely behind him, so near Vic could feel the heat pouring off him. With a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, Vic pulled the door open and slipped inside, drawing Mac in behind him. "Uh, Vic?" "Mmm hmm?" "It's pitch black in here. Isn't there a light?" "There is, but Fletcher has the lights so low out there, that the light would show under the door if we turned it on in here." "I really don't want to kill myself on something in here." "Just lean back against the wall and stand still, and you won't get into any trouble." "I didn't come in here to stand sti...oh, god! Vic! Oh yeah, lover, that's so good! God, don't stop!" Vic was delighted by Mac's reaction when he freed his cock and engulfed it in his mouth. He was glad the breeches had been so easy to remove. He sucked lightly on the engorged member in his mouth, prompting several moans from Mac. But when the moans reached a certain fevered frenzy, he pulled back. Listening to Mac's response, he regretted not understanding the street dialect spoken in Hong Kong. He was sure he'd have learned some interesting curses if he did. He slithered back up Mac's body to silence his lover with a deep kiss, letting Mac taste himself in his mouth. "You are a damned cock tease!" Mac snarled when his mouth was free again. "Nope, I just didn't want you coming too soon. I want you deep inside me before you come." Mac moaned. "I'll take that as agreement," Vic grinned, his teeth gleaming whitely in the darkness. "We don't have anything. I don't want to hurt you." "You won't. I got myself ready for you before we left." Vic was nipping the length of Mac's jaw as he spoke, with occasional forays down to his lover's throat. Mac knew that he'd have more marks on him the next day for Li Ann and the others to snicker over, but he couldn't bring himself to care while Vic was making love to him. Vic twisted them around so that he was leaning against the wall with Mac over him. With one last kiss, Vic turned around to face the wall, settling his ass into the cradle of Mac's pelvis. He shuddered convulsively when he felt Mac's straining erection between his cheeks. "Fuck me now, Mac. Don't make me wait, please." Mac was more than happy to comply. He hurriedly unfastened and pushed down Vic's pants, smiling when he realized the older man wasn't wearing any underwear. He stroked a finger between the cheeks, finding that Vic was indeed ready for him. He pushed the finger into his lover, quickly following it with a second and third while Vic pushed back, fucking himself on Mac's fingers with moans of pleasure. Mac continued finger-fucking his lover for a few minutes, loving how responsive the older man was. If they had more time, he'd make Vic come like this before getting inside him, but he tried to keep in mind that they were in their neighbor's broom closet. Speed counted. With that in mind, Mac placed a hand over Vic's mouth to muffle his cries and slammed into him, just as he knew his lover wanted. He hesitated for a moment until Vic pushed back against him, seeking more, then he let himself take Victor hard. "Can you keep quiet?" he whispered in Vic's ear, wanting a hand free. Vic whimpered but nodded. He didn't know how, but somehow he would restrain his cries. He wanted Mac's hand free too. At Vic's nod, Mac slowly drew his hand down from his mouth, pinching Vic's nipples on his way down to his lover's weeping cock. He grasped the rock-hard erection, pumping it in time with his strokes into Vic's ass. Vic bit down hard on his own forearm to keep from screaming as he came into Mac's hand at the same moment Mac came hard into his ass. Mac released his grip on Vic's hip, snaking his hand up to grasp Vic's chin and pull his head around to kiss him. "So, did the closet live up to your expectations?" Vic laughed shakily. "Yeah, I don't think I could have survived anything more." Slowly withdrawing from Vic, Mac turned the other man around in his arms. "God help us when we get to the hayloft then!" Laughing together, Mac pulled out a large handkerchief and gave it to Vic to clean himself and the wall. A few minutes later, clothing rearranged, the two men slipped out of the closet, only to find themselves face to face with their host. They stopped dead, not knowing what to say or where to look. "See anything interesting?" Fletcher asked. Since he seemed interested in Vic, Mac decided to make use of his attraction and leave this whole mess to Vic. It was his fault anyway. "Well, actually, um...." Vic trailed off. He really had no idea what to say. Fletcher reached out, trailing a languid hand over the muscles of Vic's chest. "Perhaps I could show you the more interesting sights?" Vic gaped at him in disbelief before stepping back out of reach. "That's quite all right. I've seen all I really care to." The apparently deranged architect reached for Vic again, saying, "But I guarantee you'll enjoy it." "No thank you!" When Fletcher kept coming, Vic drew his sword, holding it between them. Fletcher drew his own sword to bat Vic's cutlass aside. In moments the two men were involved in duel in the dining room. Mac slid to the floor, unable to stand as he whooped with laughter at the most ridiculous sight he ever hoped to see. The other two men battled around the room, Fletcher trying to approach while Vic fended him off. "Hey, Vic, do you need me to defend your honor?" Mac gasped out between gales of laughter. Vic paused in his sword fight long enough to throw a vase at Mac. Twisting to avoid Fletcher's advance while he was distracted, Vic heard an ominous rip behind him and felt a slight burning sensation. Glancing down, he saw he had ripped the seat of his pants open and scraped his ass. He glared at Fletcher. "You owe me for a new pair of pants!" Totally out of patience, Vic snatched up another vase and brought it down on Fletcher's head. Hard. With a final glare at the unconscious man at his feet, Vic twisted around, trying to see how bad the damage was. Mac came over to see as well, dropping to his knees behind Vic to get a good look. "Hold still a minute, love. I can't see when you're squirming around like that." Unable to resist the temptation, Mac licked the slight wound clean, tracing the faintly bloody scratch with his tongue. Vic squirmed some more at his lover's touch. "Okay, that's it, let's go home before anything else happens." Mac grinned and climbed to his feet, sliding an arm around Vic's waist as they turned toward the door. Both stopped dead at the sight of the Director lounging in the doorway, dressed up as Cruella de Ville. She smiled very sweetly. "It looks like you've lost out to Victor for Best Swordsman, Mr. Ramsey." Interlude: Green Thumb "Hey, Vic, come check this out!" Mac was curled up in the bay window in their bedroom, staring down the street. Vic wondered if Mac was going to end up the gossip of the neighborhood, but he came over to see what had his partner so fascinated. "Check out Mr. Zaminsky. He's been at this for nearly two hours." Following Mac's directions, Vic looked down the street, absently noting that Katey's cat was stuck to the adhesive outside the Zaminskys' front door, and staring in amazement when he reached Mr. Zaminsky. The old man was digging massive holes in his front yard. It looked remarkably like an exploded mine field. "What the hell?" "He's digging up tree roots," Mac explained. "There aren't any trees in his yard!" Vic exclaimed. "I know, but just watch." And sure enough, moments later, Mr. Zaminsky dropped the hatchet he had been swinging and reached down into the hole he was standing in, coming up with a section of tree root in his hands. Vic stared at the elderly man, then up and down the street. It was a new neighborhood, and there weren't any trees. Well, there were saplings in the front yards, but this section of root was thicker than the trunks of the newly planted trees. The only thing Victor could imagine was that existing trees had been cut down and the stumps just bulldozed under when the development was built. But he couldn't come up with a single logical explanation for why Mr. Zaminsky was digging the remnants up. He shook his head in amazement. "That is so weird! But why do we care?" Mac grinned. "We don't. But it did remind me that we have to do something about our own yard if we want it to look good next spring." "Mac, neither of us is exactly what I'd call blessed with a green thumb. What did you have in mind?" Vic was getting nervous again; this sounded like another of Mac's seemingly harmless ideas that ended up with Vic in trouble. Or embarrassed. Or both. He still hadn't quite forgiven Mac for the Halloween party fiasco. Or the babysitting episode. "Come with me." Mac climbed out of the window seat and motioned Vic to follow him. "Any time. But shouldn't we stay inside then?" Vic leered suggestively, hoping to sidetrack Mac. Mac laughed and kept going. "Hold that thought, love. Right now, I want you to come to the back yard with me." Vic sighed and followed. What could possibly happen in the back yard after all? When he walked out the back door, he stopped dead, staring in amazement. Sometime since the last time he'd been out here, Mac had had a small greenhouse built in the back corner. Vic looked at his lover in bemusement, then headed for the insulated glass building to see if he could figure out why. As soon as he stepped through the door, a huge smile spread across his face. Everywhere he looked he saw the same thing—tulips. Hundreds and hundreds of tulips of every shape, size and color. Ever since the ridiculous case that had brought them together, tulips seemed to be their flower, and Mac seemed to enjoy making romantic gestures. He turned to face Mac, joy shining on his face. Mac smiled back, relieved that Vic liked his surprise. It was sometimes hard to know what would be too much, but so far he seemed to be doing pretty well. Vic's kiss made it clear that he approved of the greenhouse and its contents, and Mac lost himself in the pleasure of his partner's touch and taste. Vic eventually had to release Mac's mouth or faint from lack of air. His green eyes glowed with happiness, and he simply said, "Thank you." Nothing more was needed. After several more kisses, they finally went back outside to do the actual yardwork. They were fortunate enough to have a huge old maple tree in the back corner of their lot, but much as they loved its beauty, it seemed to shed enough leaves to carpet the city in the fall. They both armed themselves with rakes and went to do battle with the enemy. But it was a beautiful autumn day, and raking leaves was boring, so they spent as much time watching the flex of each other's muscles and engaged in mock duels with their rakes as they did in actual work. Their yells and laughter carried to the next house on the still afternoon air, and Roy Fletcher, the architect who lived to one side and who had fought Victor with swords after having a bit too much to drink at his Halloween party, glanced out the window of his upstairs study which happened to overlook both their backyards. Seeing the two men playing outside, he put aside his work for a moment to watch them, letting himself fantasize about being down there with them. Oblivious of their audience, Mac let Vic get closer, then pounced on him, dropping his rake and pulling Vic's out of his hands. He backed Vic against the fence, pulling his T-shirt free of his jeans, and running his hands over Vic's torso, teasing at the nipples that hardened in the cool air. Vic moaned, leaning on the fence for support, and arched into Mac's touch. He grabbed Mac's hands and held one to his nipple, feeling Mac flick the nipple ring. He dragged Mac's other hand down to his groin, letting the other man feel how hard he was already. Just looking at Mac was sometimes enough to make him ache. He couldn't believe how much he loved and wanted the younger man even though Mac often still irritated the hell out of him. Mac stroked Vic's erection, tracing its shape with his fingers while Vic moaned into his mouth. He slowly unfastened the button and started to pull down the zipper. He smiled when he found that Vic wasn't wearing anything under his jeans; it looked like Mac's influence was wearing off on him. Mac pushed the jeans down around Vic's knees and dropped down to kneel in front of Vic. That put him at eye level with Vic's erection and he couldn't resist admiring it. He thought his lover had the most beautiful face and body he'd ever seen, and his cock matched the rest of him. Long and thick, already flushed almost purple and dripping beads of pre-cum from the tip, Mac had to taste it. He lapped at the head, drinking in the flavor of Vic's arousal, then began working his way down the length, licking and nibbling gently toward the base of the shaft and his lover's aching balls. He licked at the sac, then sucked the balls into his mouth, one after the other, rolling them on his tongue while Vic gasped and moaned above him. Watching from his window, Roy unconsciously started to stroke his own growing erection. Mac slowly worked his way back up Vic's cock, sucking lightly as he went. By this time Vic's hips were jerking uncontrollably, and finally he couldn't take the teasing any longer. He grabbed Mac by the hair and thrust into his mouth, moaning with pleasure at the sensation of Mac's hot mouth after the cool air. Mac simply held Vic in his mouth at first, just absorbing the taste and feel of him. When Vic was begging, he started to suck lightly and slowly, ever so slowly, began to bob his head up and down as he gradually let Vic's cock slide a little farther in each time. Then his tongue stroked Vic while he was sucking him, and Vic yelled his name, but Mac pulled off before Vic could come. Vic yelped at the sudden cool air striking his cock, which flagged slightly. He stared at Mac accusingly. "Why'd you stop?" Mac grinned. "Obviously, I didn't want you to come yet." He suddenly jumped to his feet and spun Victor around to face the fence. He pulled a tube of lubricant out of his jacket pocket and hastily readied both of them. "I want you to do something for me, Vic," he breathed in his lover's ear, making the older man shudder as he blew on the sensitive whorls and then nibbled on the lobe. "I want to take you now, but I don't want you to come. Can you do that for me, lover? Can you hold on till I'm done?" "Are you nuts?!?" Vic couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was this some kind of dominance game Mac was playing? "No, but after I come inside you, I want you to take me, hard and fast. But to do that, you have to hold on till I'm finished. Will you do that for me, Vic?" Mac was sucking Vic's throat now, leaving another mark on him. Vic could only whimper and nod, having lost the power of speech at the images Mac's request sent through his mind. He had no idea how he would manage it, but he would do what Mac wanted. Even if it killed him. Meanwhile Mac was pressing into Vic, slowly sliding inside in one long, smooth glide. Vic braced himself against the fence with both hands, digging his nails in to keep from reaching for his cock. He was so hard it hurt, and when Mac moved one hand up from his hip to pinch a nipple, he screamed. Mac kept stroking in and out of him, rubbing over his prostate till he thought he would go mad with the pleasure. He shifted slightly so Mac didn't keep hitting that pleasure point or he'd never be able to hold out. He started contracting his muscles rhythmically to force Mac to come. Mac cried out at the suddenly tightened grip and started to thrust faster. He moved both hands back to Vic's hips to hold him steady while he pumped into him. Vic pushed back against him, and Mac bit down on his shoulder to stifle his cry as he came into Vic's ass, thrusting in a final time as deeply as he could. Finally he released Vic's shoulder, kissing the bloody mark apologetically, then slowly disengaged from Vic. Vic straightened up and turned to face Mac, flexing his fingers which had begun to cramp while he dug them into the fence. Mac smiled, pulled the lube back out of his pocket and handed it to him, turned around and dropped to all fours in the pile of leaves at Victor's feet. Vic lost no time in applying the slick to himself and Mac and hastily stretching his lover. Then he rammed into Mac, beyond controlling himself. He fucked Mac hard, just as he had hoped, taking him savagely. Though he was too spent to come again, Mac felt pleasure pulse through him when Vic came, practically howling. Next door, Roy came moments after Vic did, then jumped up swearing as he realized he'd just covered the plans for the new building he was working on with semen. The two men sank down into their bed of leaves, still joined. Mac started to laugh, and Vic pulled out of him and flipped him over to see his face. "What?" he asked as he shifted on top of Mac into his favorite position. "Still think I don't have a green thumb and can't make anything grow?" Vic laughed too. "You can make me grow anytime, love!" Interlude: Ringing in the New It was New Year's Eve, and instead of going to the Agency party or spending time with friends, Victor Mansfield and Mac Ramsey were happily curled up together at home, wearing comfortable, casual clothes. "Are you sure you don't mind staying in?" Vic was a little nervous since he knew Mac was a lot more social than he was. Mac sighed, smiled and kissed his lover. "How many times do I have to tell you, love? This is our first New Year's Eve together, and I want to spend it with you. Next year we'll party with the whole planet." Vic smiled and settled back against Mac in their bedroom window seat. They both returned their attention to the display on their street. Fletcher's house next door didn't sport anything so ordinary as regular Christmas lights. Oh no, instead he had set up a series of floodlights but not in red and green as anyone else would do. Roy seemed to think that pastel-colored lights better expressed the spirit of the season. Vic personally thought they looked more appropriate to Easter than Christmas, but each to his own. And then there was Katey and Kenny's life-size nativity scene on their other side. The statue of the Virgin Mary had apparently been selected to exactly match the blue of their house. And for some reason no one could fathom, there was an elf included in the scene. Elsewhere along the street were glowing menorahs, Kwanzaa displays, decorated trees, twinkle lights, chaser lights, lit up Santas, Frosties, Rudolfs, candy canes, soldiers, sleighs, everything imaginable. Not to be outdone, Mac had strung strands of the new icicle lights that were so popular this year from the eaves and decorated the evergreen in the front yard with hundreds of miniature lights. Now the two men sat in the darkness looking out at the neighborhood's display. For the first time ever, they felt like they really belonged somewhere. They had each other, a house in the suburbs, neighbors, in short an ordinary, middle-class life. And for excitement they had their jobs as secret agents. Nestled in Mac's arms, Vic had never been happier in his life. He rubbed his head against Mac's shoulder like a contented cat, and the younger man responded by dropping a kiss on top of his head. Mac's hands were also busy, delving under Vic's sweater to caress the familiar contours of his chest and flicking over his nipples. Mac stopped to probe the left nipple, feeling the ornament Vic wore to try to decide which one it was by touch. Today it was the ring again with the small charm in the shape of an M. Vic shifted against Mac, practically purring in contentment, and he could feel Mac's growing erection nudge his ass. He glanced around hurriedly, making sure that there were no lights on in the house to make them visible. When he was assured of their invisibility, Vic made short work of removing his jeans and reached behind him to unfasten Mac's pants and push them out of the way. That done he probed under the mass of cushions until he found the tube of lubricant they kept there, which he then handed to Mac. They had no way of knowing that Fletcher had noticed their propensity for making love in the window seat and that his Christmas present to himself had been a pair of night vision binoculars. He had a comfortable chair set up with a perfect view of the window, and he was settled in to watch them again. It was his new hobby. Mac laughed shakily and applied the lube to himself, then prepared Vic. He took his time over Vic, stroking the slick over him, circling the tight ring of muscle that waited for his touch, slowly sliding one finger inside him and working it around, then adding a second and finally a third finger. By then Vic was moaning with pleasure and bucking back against Mac's fingers, desperately seeking more. Mac pulled out, ignoring Vic's protests and positioned the head of his cock at the entrance to Vic's body. Vic raised himself slightly and sank down onto Mac, sighing hoarsely at the pleasure of being filled. He shifted his hips, gasping as Mac pressed against his prostate, arching back against his lover. He began to move more rapidly, thrusting back onto Mac and pulling away, crying Mac's name as he did. Mac let Vic control their pace while he brought one hand around to caress his cock and the other played with Vic's nipples. He still loved how sensitive they were and could spend hours teasing Vic. Vic's increasing pace let him know that his lover was getting close as did the shudders rippling through him, and he speeded up his motions on Vic's cock. The dual sensations of Mac's cock in him and Mac's hands on him were enough to push Victor over the edge, and his spasms of pleasure carried Mac after him. Seeing Vic's cum spurt over the window, pulsing from his cock, was enough to make Roy come as well. Of course the hand he was jerking himself with also helped. Vic sank back against Mac again, still joined, luxuriating in his lover's embrace. He loved these moments after they'd come when they were still part of each other and it felt like nothing in the universe could ever separate them. Mac tightened his grip on Vic, never wanting to let him go. Finally though, he felt himself slip out of Vic, sighed and turned the older man around in his arms. They shared a loving kiss before slowly climbing to their feet and pulling their clothes back on. "Come on, love, it's after 11:00. Let's go downstairs, start a fire, put on some music and break out the champagne," Vic suggested. Mac smiled back. "Sounds like a great idea." A few minutes later they'd put their plan into effect and were sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, with a wine bucket, a bottle of champagne and two glasses beside them. Mac opened the champagne and handed a glass to Vic, blushing when he met his lover's gaze as they both remembered the last time Vic had taken a champagne glass Mac had filled. Vic grinned, took a sip and said, "Very nice, but not nearly as good as the last—vintage." Mac blushed more deeply but met Vic's grin with his own. "I still can't believe you did that. In public. In front of Li Ann." Vic shrugged. "I wanted you." As if that was all that needed to be said. "Well, now it's my turn," Mac smiled salaciously. Vic eyed him nervously, wondering just what he had in mind. At least there was no one around to see it. Mac pounced on Vic, kissing him and slowly stripping his clothes away while licking and nibbling each newly exposed bit of flesh. He paid particular attention to the nipple when he reached it, as always enjoying the contrast in texture between the pebbled flesh and the hard metal warmed by Vic's own body heat. He lapped at the nipple with long strokes of his tongue, tugged at it with his teeth, sucked it into his mouth for long moments while he flicked the ring with a fingertip. Vic arched under Mac's ministrations, whimpering with pleasure. He gasped when Mac pulled away to stare down at him. "What?" "You're so beautiful. Sometimes I still can't believe you're mine," Mac said softly. "We belong to each other, love," Victor responded, green eyes glowing with love and lust. Mac smiled down at the older man and reached over to grab the champagne bottle. Never taking his eyes from Vic's, he poured a measure of the cold liquid into Vic's navel, chuckling at his gasp before returning the bottle to its bed of ice in the wine bucket. Then Mac leaned down, his tongue flickering out to lap up some of the wine. Slowly, with many teasing flicks of his tongue that nearly drove Vic mad, Mac drank all the champagne he'd poured onto his lover. He grabbed the bottle again, taking a swig of champagne into his mouth and sliding down to settle between Vic's legs. He drew the head of Vic's cock into his mouth, allowing a few rivulets of champagne to run down the length, but careful to prevent the balance from spilling from his mouth. Vic cried out at the dual sensations of Mac's warm mouth wrapped around him and the tingling of the wine's bubbles on the sensitive head. His hips arched uncontrollably, thrusting him deeper into Mac's mouth, while he clutched at Mac, combing his fingers through silky hair. When Mac started swallowing the champagne in his mouth, shortly followed by Vic, he nearly screamed at the pleasure. Mac pulled off to get another mouthful of wine, moving down to Vic's balls and the sensitive perineum which he teased with small quantities of the effervescent wine. Vic whimpered at the sensation. "Please, Mac," he moaned, "I need you inside me now." His hips thrust up at Mac for emphasis, and he writhed wantonly beneath his lover. Mac swallowed what wine remained in his mouth and shifted into position over his lover. "Open your eyes, Victor." Mac's tone made it clear that he wasn't moving till Vic did as he asked. Heavy lashes fluttered, and slits of glowing green appeared as Vic attempted to focus on Mac. "Look," with a nod at the clock in the corner, "it's midnight. Happy New Year, love." As Vic opened his mouth to respond, Mac slid inside him, his passage eased by the lubrication from their earlier session upstairs. Vic's New Year's wish came out as an incoherent whimper as he felt himself filled once again. Mac began thrusting in earnest, plunging in and out of Victor, drawing continuous moans and whimpers from the older man. Firelight gilded both bodies, defining each muscle as they flexed, arched together, trying to get ever closer. Despite the nearly unbearable pleasure, both men kept their eyes open, baring their souls to each other as the tension mounted. Never faltering in his rhythm, Mac leaned down to claim Vic's mouth in a possessive kiss, his tongue thrusting into the warm haven offered in time with the strokes of his lower body. As he felt himself drawing near the brink, Mac reared up, eyes once again locking on Vic's, and he cried his lover's name as he came deep inside, feeling the pulsation of Vic's body as he exploded at nearly the same instant. After an endless moment locked together, Mac carefully withdrew from Victor and stretched out beside him on the floor cushions. As he expected, Vic rolled over to drape himself over him in his favorite position. Mac wasn't sure he'd be able to sleep anymore without Vic lying on top of him. They both dozed in the warmth generated by the fire, enjoying their closeness and not feeling any urge to move upstairs. Suddenly their lethargy was shattered by the sound of the doorbell. They stared at each other in bemusement, wondering who on earth would be at the door at barely half an hour after midnight on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day now. Since he was on top, Vic rolled to his feet, stopping just long enough to step into his jeans before heading to the door. He opened it only to stare in total shock. "Alice? What are you doing here?" "Allegra." Vic glared at his sister for her non-reply, prompting her to add, "I graduated from the program, Moose, and I came home." "Home? Here? You can't stay here, Ali- Allegra." "Would you prefer that I arrange for her to return to your parents' home, Mr. Mansfield?" The Director stepped out of the shadows. "Of course not!" "Well then?" "Hey! Doesn't what I think count?" "No." The Director and Vic achieved perfect unison. Vic sighed, knowing that once again, he had no choice. "Okay, you can stay here, Allegra." The Director smiled with her usual saccharine sweetness. "Happy New Year, Victor. And extend my wishes to Mac as well." And she left. Vic sighed again, drawing his teenaged sister inside the house and shutting the door. Hearing the door close, Mac appeared in the doorway, still naked. "Hey, Vic, who was at the..." Seeing Allegra, who regarded him with interest, he trailed off, vanishing back into the living room for a moment to reappear wearing his slacks. "Hey, Mac, Allegra needs a place to stay, and I said it would be okay for her to stay here." Mac stared at his lover in disbelief, but seeing that he was serious, nodded his approval. Of course Vic's sister could stay with them. Too bad that meant they'd have to be a little more discreet about their lovemaking. "Thanks, guys. You don't know how much I appreciate this. There was no way I wanted to go back to Mom and Dad's." "No problem," Vic lied, moving over to stand beside Mac, who put his arm around him. Both men stared at the teenager, wondering just how they'd suddenly become parents and how this was going to affect their lives. Tulips V: Attachments orithain67@sympatico.ca

Fandom/Series: Once a Thief Rating: NC-17 Disclaimer: They still belong to Alliance, not me. Thanks as always to those wonderful ladies Lianne, Imsida and RositaMia who beta for me, to Aries and Nic who tell me bluntly when a scene doesn't work, and to everyone who sends feedback (I admit it, I'm a junkie!) on this series. Now that it's done, maybe Aries will stop sharpening that ax and put away that gun! (Please?) back to top

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