All Love
"Hey... baby. Baby, wake up."
"Mmm... what?" Liam mumbled, burying his face deeper into the pillow.
"Baby, please. Wake up so you can take a bath."
Liam remained motionless, anchored to the bed by a deep, post-coital exhaustion. Seeing no other way, Jeff gathered the smaller man into his arms, carrying him toward the bathroom. The warm water was already waiting, the steam curling against the tiles. As Jeff lowered him into the tub, Liam's eyes flew open at the sudden sensation.
"Jeff, what are you doing?"
"Calm down. Let me wash you."
"It's late... past midnight," Liam protested weakly. "I can do it myself. Just go."
"Oh? Are you shy now?" Jeff teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Shut up."
Jeff laughed softly. "I'm sorry. Just relax and let me take care of you."
Liam finally yielded, leaning back and watching as Jeff worked. Jeff was efficient but incredibly gentle, his hands moving with a reverence that made Liam's chest tighten. He washed Liam's hair, his fingers massaging the scalp before trailing down his back and chest. After a final rinse, Jeff lifted a dripping Liam from the water, wrapped him in a plush towel, and carried him back to the bedroom to dry him off.
"Where is your phone, by the way?" Jeff asked as he helped Liam into a clean shirt. "I haven't seen it since I got here."
"I threw it away," Liam said simply, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Jeff paused, startled. "What? Why?"
"Nothing. Stop asking so many questions."
"Fine," Jeff sighed, deciding not to push. "You must be hungry. I ordered pizza; it should be here soon."
"You should have asked the cook to make something."
"Liam, it's the middle of the night. The staff is asleep, but delivery is always awake."
When the food arrived, they ate in a comfortable silence until Jeff's phone buzzed. It was a message from Tasha. Jeff looked at the screen, his expression darkening.
Tasha: I think I know exactly how to use this video.
Liam caught a glimpse of the text and immediately looked away, his jaw tightening. "You should go be with her. I don't even know why you're still here."
"Liam... stop. You know I don't want Tasha."
"I don't know anything."
"Look at the message," Jeff insisted, holding out the phone.
"No."
"Please, Liam."
Liam reluctantly turned. "What is she going to do?"
"I don't know." Jeff began to type. What do you want?
The reply was instantaneous: You'll be mine, or I'll ruin your career and your reputation.
Jeff stared at the screen, dumbfounded. He looked at Liam, expecting a plan or a strategy. Instead, Liam let out a sharp, selfish flare of temper. "Let her post it! Who cares? Nobody knows me anyway!"
The outburst was born of fear, and Liam calmed as quickly as he had ignited. He slumped back. "What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," Jeff admitted.
They sat in the heavy silence of the room, both lost in the implications of Tasha's threat. Eventually, Jeff asked for a blanket so he could sleep on the rug. Liam provided it without a word.
At 2:00 AM, Liam was still staring at the ceiling. The bed felt too large, the air too cold. He slid out from under the covers and walked to where Jeff lay on the floor. He slipped inside the blanket, wrapping his arms around Jeff's waist from behind.
"Liam? Are you okay?"
"Just let me sleep here. Please."
"No... no, go back up to the bed."
Liam squeezed tighter. "Come with me, then."
Jeff gave in. They climbed back into the oversized bed, and Liam curled into Jeff's chest, resting his head over Jeff's heart. Jeff began to stroke Liam's hair, a rhythmic, soothing motion.
"Are you trying to seduce me again?" Jeff whispered.
"What?!" Liam started to pull away, offended.
"No, wait," Jeff chuckled, pulling him back. "I'm just teasing you."
"Stop it."
Liam didn't pull away again. He drifted off to sleep with a rare, genuine smile touching his lips.
The Morning After
Ben woke up feeling as though his head were filled with lead. He blinked slowly, only to find a face hovering inches from his own. He bolted upright in a panic.
"Hey, hey! Calm down," Arthur said, holding up his hands.
"Sorry, sir! I'm so sorry!" Ben stammered, his heart racing. "I must have staggered in here. I'll leave."
"I brought you here, Ben. It's not a big deal."
Ben froze. Oh God, Ben, you idiot. As his mind cleared, the memories of the previous night—the drinking, the confession, the bruising kiss—came flooding back. His face drained of color, replaced by sheer terror. He dropped to his knees, apologizing profusely.
"Ben! Ben, look at me!" Arthur barked.
"Sir—"
"Stand up." Arthur reached down and hauled Ben to his feet, pulling him close. "I'm not mad. In fact, I'm happy you remember."
"Sir..."
"Can I kiss you now?" Arthur asked, his voice low and intense.
"What?!" Ben's survival instinct kicked in. He shoved Arthur aside and bolted out of the room.
Arthur gave chase, shouting his name, but Ben was fast. He disappeared past the foyer. The guards stepped forward to intercept him, but Arthur signaled them to stay back. He returned to his room, fuming. He reached for his phone to call Ben, only to realize he had deleted the number in a fit of rage weeks ago.
"How did I... damn it!"
He sat on the bed, his anger dissolving into a strange, giddy smile. Watching Ben sleep all night had been the most peaceful experience of his life. He was a man of violence and power, yet he was utterly undone by a man who looked like a cat when he stirred.
"I hate this feeling," Arthur muttered, though the smile remained. He looked over and saw a phone sitting on the nightstand. Ben's phone. "Heaven truly favors me."
The Confrontation
Ben ran until his lungs burned, convinced Arthur was going to hunt him down. He reached for his pocket to call Liam, only to realize his mistake. "I forgot my phone."
He couldn't go back. He walked the remaining distance to Liam's estate, arriving just as the sun was fully up. He let himself in through the kitchen, only to stop dead. There was Jeff, humming to himself and making breakfast.
"What are you doing here?" Ben snarled.
"Oh, hey, Ben," Jeff said casually. "Liam knows I'm here. I'm making him breakfast."
In a flash of movement, Ben lunged, grabbing Jeff by the collar and slamming him against the counter. "I will kill you right now if you don't tell me what your mission is."
Jeff didn't flinch. He sniffed the air. "Mmm. You smell like a distillery."
"Shut the fuck up!"
"I'm just wondering what Liam will say when he smells you," Jeff smirked.
Ben grabbed a paring knife from the block and pressed it against Jeff's throat. "You think I'm joking?"
"Wow, wow! Calm down!"
"Ben!"
They both turned to see one of the head guards standing in the doorway. "Who let this man in?" Ben demanded.
"Ben, lower the knife. He's been with the Master all night. Master's orders."
"What?" Ben's grip loosened.
"Told you," Jeff whispered.
Ben released him, his face a mask of confusion and lingering suspicion. "Where is Liam?"
"Upstairs."
"Move it." Ben dragged Jeff toward the stairs and knocked firmly. The door opened, revealing a tired but calm Liam.
"Ben!"
"Sir," Ben said, his professional mask sliding back into place. "I caught the traitor."
"Ben, let him go. And... wow. You smell like a bar."
Ben stepped back immediately, bowing his head in an apology. He shot one last "I'm watching you" look at Jeff before retreating, leaving the two of them alone in the hallway.