Eye of the Beholder

Part 9

Brian stormed into the diner hoping Michael would be there and he was.

"Jesus Brian, you look like shit. Did boy wonder keep you up all night?"

Brian wanted to choke his 'friend' to death but restrained himself.

"As a matter of fact he did. Now tell me what the fuck you put in his drink. You fucking bastard you could have killed him, ever think of that?"

"Me, What did I do?"

"What did you put in his drink? Don't make me ask again."

"Nothing."

"Really, I find that hard to believe. He was throwing up all night long, hence my chipper mood."

"Oh my God, is he all right?" Emmett asked.

"He's fine."

"So he got drunk."

"He only had two beers and I know what drunk looks like, Mikey."

"Is that little shit saying I put something in his drink?"

Brian took a deep breath and folded his hands on the table. "Let me explain this in words you'll understand. He only had two beers one of which I gave him. I certainly wouldn't poison my own boyfriend. You gave him the other. Do the fucking math."

"I didn't put anything in his drink."

"I think it would be safer for Justin if you just stay away from him." Debbie came over to their table. "Deb, could you make up some soup for Justin? Nothing heavy, he was sick all last night."

"Sure, I'll get right on it. Is Sunshine ok?"

"Yeah he just had a rough night. Emmett, can you do me a favor?"

"Uh sure."

"Would you take the soup over to Justin around your break time? Check on him, make sure he eats."

"Oh sure, I'll take care of everything; don't you worry. Uh but how will I get in?"

"Mikey, hand over your key."

Michael wanted to protest but saw the dark look in Brian's eyes. Michael put the key on the table and Brian shoved it over to Emmett.

"There, problem solved." He got up and went over to the counter. "Deb can I get some coffee to go?"

"Sure kiddo, you look like shit."

"I know," Brian groaned. "I have a presentation, so make it strong. Give Justin's soup to Emmett. He'll be taking it by the loft." Brian waved Emmett over to him. "I want you to keep the key for now. Don't give it back to Michael."

"You really think Michael slipped Justin something? I mean I saw Michael give it to him."

"It takes only seconds to put something in someone's drink although Mikey has the dexterity of an ox somehow it went unnoticed. You were there the day Justin got attacked. Did you see Michael?"

"No, you think Michael did that too?" Emmett gasped.

"Yeah I do. Justin said he hit the guy on the right shoulder. The next day at the gym I noticed Mikey had a bruise in the exact same spot. These aren't coincidences they can't be. Add to the fact Mikey doesn't like Justin; yes I think he's responsible. I just don't have any concrete proof."

Brian picked up his coffee and headed for the office. Before his meeting he had enough time to schedule an appointment with Detective Horvath.

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When lunch time rolled around Emmett let himself into Brian's loft and headed for the bedroom. Justin was still sleeping.

"Wake up sleepy head; Aunty Em is here."

Justin's eyes fluttered open. "Em, what are you doing here?"

"Your handsome prince ordered me over here to check on you and bring you some soup and I thought we could catch up on some girl talk."

Justin smiled, "That sounds like Brian. First things first, I need to pee."

"Do you need help?"

"Thank you, no," Justin said wryly.

Justin relieved his aching bladder then crawled back into bed. Emmett had gotten a spoon from the kitchen. Emmett handed over the soup to Justin. He kicked off his shoes and joined Justin on the bed. He chattered on as Justin ate.

"I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be in Brian Kinney's bed." Emmett stretched out "Pretty comfy. So how are you feeling? You look ok?"

"I'm fine. Last night was pure hell though. It felt like I puked up all my organs."

"That bad, huh?"

"Oh yeah."

"You should have seen Brian this morning at the diner. I don't think I ever saw him that mad before. He really ripped into Michael. He loves you so much baby."

Justin ducked his head down blushing. "Yeah I know. I love him too."

"Oh you're so lucky to have found the man of your dreams and you're so young."

"You'll find someone to. I'm sure of it."

"I'm beginning to wonder. I've kissed a lot of frogs and no prince yet."

They gossiped for a bit more till Emmett had to leave. He hugged Justin and kissed him on the cheek. Emmett told him to rest up for his prince.

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Brian walked into the precinct and met with Detective Horvath.

"Brian, what can I do for you?"

"I'll state right up front that it involves Michael Novotny so if you feel you can't help me because of conflicting interests assign me to someone who can."

"Why don't you tell me what this is about and I'll decide?"

"All right, a few weeks ago I brought my boyfriend home to live with me. Since that time he's been attacked and poisoned."

"I'm listening." Horvath got out a legal pad and started jotting down notes.

"Right from the start Michael has disliked Justin. I just chalked it up to petty jealousy. Justin Taylor is nineteen and he's blind. A few weeks ago he was out walking. He has a seeing eye dog but on that occasion he didn't have him with him. He was pushed down from behind. Justin fought back and hit his attacker with his cane. The next day I noticed Michael had a bruise on his shoulder in the exact location Justin told me he hit the guy. He also said they were about the same height which they are. Last night I took Justin to Babylon. We danced and I bought him a beer. While I'm in the bathroom Michael gives Justin a beer. Justin didn't take any drugs and he only had two beers so he wasn't drunk. When I got him home he was sick all night long. Something was put in his drink and it wasn't the one I gave him. Of course Michael denies it and really all I have is speculation. No one has seen him do anything to Justin. I just want all of this on record in case, God forbid, something else happens."

"Well I have to say, you're right. You don't have a lot to go on but it does seem like the suspicion lies with Michael. Could there be someone else?"

"I don't think so. Justin did mention this fiddler that was being a nuisance, showing up when he went out for walks. I did see him briefly talk to Justin at Babylon but nothing serious."

"Does the fiddler have a name?"

"Justin never said."

"Could it be possible that he sat his drink down and someone slipped it in that way?"

"Justin would know better than to do that; besides Emmett, Michael and Ted were around him."

"Well all we can do is keep a record of this. I wish I could be of more help but there's got to be hard evidence first."

"I know. I've warned them both to stay away from each other. I worry about Justin. He obviously made a real enemy and he won't be able to see him coming. He's a tough kid though." Brian stood. "Thank you for seeing me."

"Anytime Brian, I just wish I could do more."

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When Brian got home the first thing he did was check on Justin. He found him lounging on the couch; Logan lay beside him with his furry head in his lap. When Logan saw Brian he moved to his bed and Brian took his spot.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

Brian caressed Justin's stomach. "Were you able to keep the soup down?"

"Yeah, I liked having Emmett over. He's a real hoot."

Brian got up and headed for the bedroom stripping as he went. He crawled into bed and laid there. He wasn't surprised when Justin joined him.

Justin curled up next to him. "How did your presentation go?"

"Ok I guess, I don't know. I think I sleepwalked through half of it."

"I'm sorry I kept you up."

"It wasn't your fault. Can I get some sleep now?"

Justin fell silent and Brian was lulled to sleep by the soft stroking of his hair.

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Cynthia knocked once then entered Brian's office. She set down a cup of coffee and his mail. He noticed that she couldn't keep a smile from her face.

"What are you so happy about?"

"I'm finally going to get to meet Justin."

Brian sat back in his chair. "Really, how's that?"

She plucked an envelope from the stack of mail and put it on top. Brian cringed when he saw the elegant envelope which was no doubt an invitation.

"Vance is having a party and since you're a partner you have to attend and if you'll notice at the bottom you're required to bring your wife or significant other."

"Yeah, that's real wonderful news. Like I want to subject Justin to Vance. You know if you wanted to meet Justin so badly you could have just stopped over some time."

Cynthia's mouth dropped open. "Now you tell me. I know you like to keep you office life and your personal life separate."

"Vance will probably have a shit fit if I bring Justin; he's young but he's the most mature person I know."

"Well I for one can't wait to meet him and between you and me, if Vance doesn't like it he can stuff it."

Brian smiled at his loyal assistant. "Thanks Cynthia."

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When Brian got home Justin was in the kitchen cooking him dinner. He loved the little things he did for him. They meant a lot to Brian.

"Smells good, beautiful."

"Brian," Justin blushed.

"I got some rather disturbing news at work."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, we're invited to a party."

"Aahhh Shit!" Justin cradled his hand to his chest.

"Christ, what did you do?"

Brian was at his side and took him over to the sink. He held Justin's hand under the cool water trying to soothe the burn.

"I just miscalculated."

Brian held his hand and looked into his blue-violet eyes that he loved so much. "Why don't you sit down and I'll finish up."

Justin thought about protesting but decided to let Brian have his way. "So you said something about a party?" Justin sat across from Brian at the island.

"Yeah, it's nothing more than a glorified office party. Since I'm partner I have to be there. The invitation says I have to bring my wife, so you up for it?"

"You want me to go with you?"

"Hey, if I have to suffer so do you." Brian dished up their meal and they took it to the dining room.

"Do you think it's a good idea though, that I go? I mean I don't want to make you look bad."

"Justin, that's impossible. I'm out at work; they know I'm gay. Sure they might balk at your age but so what. I don't plan to stay long anyway. I'll put in an appearance and then conveniently something will come up."

Justin smiled, "I like the way you think."

"You'll be irresistible, everyone will love you. My assistant absolutely can't wait to meet you. She's the one that booked me at your resort."

"Then I have a lot to thank her for." Justin gazed in the direction of Brian's voice.

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Brian had Justin fitted for a new suit that fit perfectly. It was a dove gray Versace that went well with his coloring. Brian also selected a dark blue shirt. The tie he found was perfect for Justin. It was blue but when the light hit it just right it revealed a deep violet. It brought out Justin's eyes. Brian would be going with his patented black Armani with the red shirt. They would be the most stunning couple there. Brian could tell Justin was nervous about attending the party no matter how low key he tried to play it.

Brian had made dinner reservations before the party so he could spend some quality time with Justin and get the boy to relax. To make their dinner reservations on time Brian had to cut the shower fun time short. Brian couldn't take his eyes off of Justin in his suit. He was absolutely breathtaking. His beautiful long blonde hair fell softly around the collar of his shirt. Brian pulled him close to tie his tie for him. He ran his hands down the front of Justin's suit.

"You look amazing, baby."

Justin smiled a radiant smile. "I'll take your word on that."

"I mean it; you're absolutely beautiful. Everyone will be jealous. I'll definitely have the prettiest wife there."

"Brian." Justin couldn't help smiling.

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At the restaurant Brian pulled out Justin's chair for him. Justin let Brian order for him. He trusted that Brian knew what he liked, which was just about everything except shrimp salad. Brian ignored all the stares they were getting. He knew they both were hot. They enjoyed each other's company while they ate. Brian was glad that Justin seemed to be having a good time. He was still new to this whole romance thing. All things considered he thought he was doing pretty well.

Justin ordered a chocolaty desert. Of course Brian thought it would be fun to put on a show since they were still being watched by most tables around them. Brian fed each bite to Justin. He dipped his finger into the sticky chocolate and let Justin lick it off. He leaned across the table and met Justin with a hungry kiss that made Justin's toes curl. Their little show had the desired effect. Men were shifting their bulges and signaling for the check. The women were licking their lips and fanning themselves. Justin was unaware of the little show they put on and Brian wasn't about to tell him.

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Brian held Justin's hand just outside of the hotel ballroom where the party was being held.

"Are you ready?"

Justin squeezed Brian's hand. "As I'll ever be."

As soon as they entered the room they were the main attraction. There was a mixed reaction. Some looked at them with disdain others with open acceptance. The few people Brian tolerated, he got nods or smiles from.

"Well Justin, we made quite an entrance."

"Everyone's staring at us, aren't they?"

"Oh yeah. Great, my boss is coming."

"Brian, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

Brian played dumb just to watch the man hang himself. "What do you mean?"

"You bring this… this child here. It won't look good with the firm."

"Did you bother to read the invitations? It said I was to bring my wife or significant other. Justin is my other better half. I've made no secret that I'm gay and while Justin looks young I assure you he is no child. He's also blind; want to discriminate against that as well?"

Vance's face was turning a nice shade of plum.

"With all the ridicule and all, I forgot my manners. Gardner Vance, this is Justin Taylor, the love of my life."

"Nice to meet you, sir," Justin said meekly.

Brian whisked Justin around his fuming boss, as he spotted Cynthia across the room.

"Brian, are you sue you want to do this. You won't get fired will you?"

"They can't fire me for this. Who I see is none of their business, besides we're not staying long." Brian walked over to Cynthia and kissed her cheek. "Cyn, you look amazing." Brian pulled Justin into his arms. "This is Justin Taylor, blond, blind and mine."

Cynthia blinked at the blind part. She had no idea; Brian had never said anything. She felt a wave of pity for the young handsome man but pushed it aside knowing it wouldn't be welcomed.

"Justin, we finally meet. You're even more handsome than your picture."

"What picture?"

"The picture that Brian has on his desk in his office."

Brian glared at Cynthia.

"Busted," Justin chuckled.

Cynthia hugged Justin and he too kissed her on the cheek. "I hope you and Brian will be happy together for a very long time because he's so much nicer now that he has you. It makes working with him easier." Cynthia turned to Brian. "So did Vance grill you over an open flame?"

"He tried, but he can go fuck himself. If I have to be here I'm going to bring who I want."

Brian moved on and introduced Justin to some of the people he worked with. He kept away from the people who looked disapproving. Justin did him proud with his excellent manners and easy going nature.

Brian led Justin out onto the dance floor. They waltzed around the room. Both were so fluid and graceful that they were noticed by all. Justin loved to dance and was an excellent dancer, even better than Brian was. Brian twirled Justin around, dipped him low and brought him up in a searing kiss. A few people even clapped when they finished. Before they left for the evening Brian let Cynthia have one dance with Justin.

As they left Brian couldn't help but get another dig in at Vance's expense. He patted the man on the shoulder. "See now, that wasn't so bad was it? We may have even livened up this dull ass party of yours."

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As soon as Brian got Justin back to the loft they began to undress each other, kissing every inch of flesh they exposed. Brian flopped down on the bed and pulled Justin on top of him. He nuzzled his soft warm neck. Brian nipped at his ear.

"I want you to fuck me," Brian whispered.

A shock wave rippled through Justin's cock and a bead of precum formed on the tip. "Are you sure?"

Brian gave Justin's erect cock a few firm tugs.

"I think you're up for the job."

"Ok, but can we make it more even?"

"How do you mean?"

"Let me blindfold you."

Brian grabbed up his tie and handed it to Justin. He tied the blindfold on securely. Brian laid back and just enjoyed the sensations he was feeling. He knew Justin wanted him to feel what it was like for him. Justin kissed his lips. His little tongue snaked in and had a few forays with Brian's tongue. He gave Brian's adam's apple a broad lick. Justin licked at Brian's nipples till they were hard tight little buds. Brian felt hands caress his chest and stomach in a swirling pattern.

Brian felt warm breath against his hard cock but it went untouched and he groaned silently in frustration. Justin nipped at his thighs and Brian had to struggle to keep his hips still. Justin rolled Brian over and lifted his hips so he could put a pillow beneath Brian. Justin teasingly nipped and licked at Brian's cheeks working his way closer to his crack. Brian was so hard he needed more now. He thrust his hips into the pillow trying to relieve some of the pressure in his pulsing dick. Justin stilled his hips and popped him on the ass.

"Patience," Justin singsonged.

Brian growled low in his throat. He heard Justin's teasing laughter. He felt his ass cheeks being pulled apart and moaned as Justin began to nibble around the edges of his hole. Brian pushed his ass up and out wanting more. Justin licked across his puckered hole. Then he dived in with wild abandon. He ate out Brian's ass till the older man was thrashing and moaning with his pent up desire.

Justin found the lube and a condom by touch. Justin warmed the lube in his fingers. Even though Brian had been thoroughly rimmed Brian wasn't used to bottoming. He worked the lube up into Brian. Justin allowed Brian to fuck himself on his fingers since he was being such a good boy. Justin rolled on the condom and placed his rock hard cock against Brian's hole, not pushing in just pressing it there and retreating.

"Justin, quit fucking around and fuck me already."

Justin slapped his ass again. "Such a bossy little bottom you are."

Justin pushed in till the head of his cock was in. Brian gripped the silk sheets in his fists. Justin gasped as Brian's hole massaged the tip of his cock. Brian was so tight, almost painfully so. Justin pushed till he impaled Brian on his shaft.

He allowed Brian to adjust to the fullness of him. When Brian pushed back Justin took that as the go ahead. He slowly withdrew and entered him again in one smooth stroke. They started out with a gentle rocking motion between them. Justin grabbed some of Brian's hair in his fist and tugged just hard enough to be pleasurable. Their pace sped up as their need grew. Justin rotated his hips in a spiral. Brian panted and was moaning into the pillow. His baby knew just what to do to make him feel good.

Justin could tell that Brian was getting close. He steadied himself then pulled Brian up to his chest so that he was squatting on his cock. The bigger man could easily crush him if he lost his balance. Justin draped an arm around Brian's chest as Brian fucked himself on Justin's shaft. In this position he penetrated him deeply. Justin felt Brian's hole clenching his cock. Brian arched his back and was cumming in great gushes. Justin bit his shoulder as his own orgasm took hold. He felt the condom fill within Brian. Brian soaked the sheets with his hot cum. He felt the last few trickles slide down his shaft. Brian fell forward, spent from his exertions. Justin collapsed on top of him. Brian ripped off the tie and blinked adjusting his eyes to the light of the loft. Justin rolled off of Brian and onto his side. Brian stripped off the condom for him and disposed of it. Brian kissed Justin.

"That was fucking amazing. You can top me anytime. I haven't cum that hard since I was your age and of course since I met you."

"Glad you liked it. I'm a quick learner and I did learn from the master."

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As Brian got ready for work a sense of foreboding washed over him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something bad would happen and it scared him. He didn't know what to do to prevent this thing that may or may not happen. It was too early to be driving himself crazy.

"What do you have planned for today?"

"I thought maybe I'd finish the story I was working on. It's a special one just for Gus."

"I'm sure Sonny boy will love it. Are you going out today?"

"No, I thought I'd stay in today. Why?"

"No reason."

Brian hugged him tight as if his life depended on it. He breathed in the scent of Justin's hair and calmed himself a little.

"Brian, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm just in a weird mood; ignore me." Brian kissed his sweet lips. "Later."

"Later."

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Justin worked steadily all afternoon on 'their fairy tale.' The new book would be released especially for Gus. Justin was making himself a snack when the buzzer interrupted him. Justin pressed the intercom.

"Who is it?"

"It's Ben; can I come up?"

"Sure."

Justin buzzed him up. When Ben entered the building the door didn't latch properly behind him. A shadowy figure slipped in and stayed to the shadows. He went unnoticed by Ben. Justin had the door open waiting for Ben when he arrived.

"So Ben, what can I do for you?"

"You mentioned I could borrow some of your books for class. It's been a while I know but I've been swamped lately."

"Oh no problem, I have a box of them." Justin went over to a corner of the loft and picked up a cardboard box. He brought it over to the dining room table. "Help yourself; take whatever you want."

"Thanks Justin. I was wondering if you gave speaking to my class any thought. We'd love to have you."

"Oh, well you know I'd do almost anything for a friend. Anything but public speaking. If Brian were here I know he'd talk me into it. You'd think it'd be easy not having to see all those people but it's not."

"Justin it's perfectly fine; I didn't mean to put you on the spot. I won't ask you again"

"Thanks, I just don't think I could do it."

"Well, I'll get out of your hair. Thanks for the books. I think they'll work out well."

"Glad I could help."

Not a minute went by after Ben left that there was a knock at the door. Justin thought Ben might have forgotten something. He opened the loft door.

"Ben, did you forget something?"

Justin was pushed roughly back. Someone entered and the loft door slammed shut. Justin caught his balance and stood rigid. Logan snarled at the intruder.

"Keep the dog away from me."

Justin recognized the voice instantly. He suppressed a shiver. Obviously he was dealing with one sick individual.

"Logan, stay," Justin commanded. "Ethan, what are you doing here?"

"What on earth does he see in you?" Ethan circled Justin slowly keeping out of Logan's range. "Sure, you're beautiful. You must be one hell of a fuck if you can keep Kinney so attentive, but you're not perfect. You're flawed. Kinney only has the best of the best."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Why are you doing this? It was you, wasn't it? You pushed me, poisoned my drink; you did it."

"Gee smart too, of course it was me. Who else did you think it was?"

Logan stayed taut and at the ready. He wanted to pounce and attack but his master commanded him to stay so he would wait and watch.

"It so easily could have been me."

Justin sighed, "What are you talking about?"

"I could be where you are now, a kept boy. About six months ago I came across the great Brian Kinney. I wanted him. I wanted him so bad I could taste it. I knew his reputation. He fucked everything that moved so you'd think I'd have a chance with him, right? You know what he said to me?" Ethan grabbed a fist full of Justin's hair and pulled hard.

"Ahh, I don't know."

"What, not even a guess? He said not interested, fuck off. Ever since then I vowed I'd hurt Kinney. Oh not him directly, just the one thing he cared about the most, you."

Tears pricked the corners of Justin's eyes from the pain of having his hair pulled so roughly.

"What are you going to do?"

"I think I'll make you a little less desirable for Kinney."

"You could never get a man like Brian. He was right to tell you to fuck off. You're sick and you can't even play a fucking violin. You suck. You're not man enough to satisfy Brian."

Ethan let out a roar of rage and pushed Justin roughly. Justin tripped and fell forward. His head struck the corner of the island hard. He was unconscious when he hit the floor. Logan sprang forward knocking Ethan away from Justin. Logan put himself between his master and the evil being that was hurting him. Logan snapped and bit Ethan's leg.

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Brian was working at his desk when a blinding pain shot through his head. He cried out and held his head. He shut his eyes and more than ever felt there was something terribly wrong with Justin.

"Brian are you ok?" Cynthia poked her head in.

"No, headache. Something is wrong. I have to get back to the loft. Justin needs me."

"Go, I'll cover for you. Don't worry about a thing."

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Brian drove at breakneck speeds to get to the loft. All that mattered was getting to Justin. He pulled up with a screech in front of the loft and ran up the stairs not bothering to wait for the elevator. As he rounded the third floor he could hear Logan barking wildly and put on a burst of speed. When Brian threw the loft door open he saw Justin lying on the floor, blood at his temple drenching the wood floor beneath.

"Justin!" Brian ran to him skidding on his knees. He touched Justin's still form.

"No, no, no, no, no GOD!"

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