Why did the care part sound more sensual than the man just taking care of him? The words had been sensually spoken and made Justin blush slightly.
“I want you to know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me since we first met,” Justin said as he sat up straighter so Demetri would know he was serious. “But if you’re asking me to choose between your care and my friendship with Caleb, I’m picking Caleb.”
Besides, Justin knew he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell with this guy. He wasn’t going to wreck his friendship over some stupid fantasy that Demetri would actually take Justin to bed. Justin fidgeted in his seat when Demetri fixed those mysterious eyes on him. Although Demetri had been nice to him for ten years, the man had always kept his distance, talking only a little more than Wulf, but not much more.
It might have been the mystery surrounding the powerful Mr. Frost that intrigued Justin. That was possible. Justin was so small and frail, and this man was so large and dominant. It was a real turn-on. He’d often wondered why he couldn’t crush on someone his own age, but no matter how much he tried to turn his lusty needs away from Demetri, those feelings wouldn’t diminish.
He also didn’t appreciate Demetri using what he’d done for Justin as an incentive to do the man’s bidding.
There was something close to pride in Demetri’s eyes. “You’re a good friend to my son, Justin Vlore.”
Demetri rose, and Justin’s eyes dropped to the man’s crotch before he quickly looked away. He was going to die of blushing tonight. The older man took the glass of liquor he’d poured and then sat on the corner of his desk, his body so close to Justin that he could feel the heat coming off of the man. “I’m glad to see that you’re so loyal to Caleb.”
Justin was so aware of the older man who was sitting a few inches in front of him that his heart was thumping wildly, the blood pulsing through his ears with a deafening roar. He swallowed tightly when Demetri tucked his finger under Justin’s chin and made him look at him.
“How’s the wrist?”
What wrist? Oh, his! Justin lifted his arm and waved the cast. “Fine.”
“Let me know if there is any discomfort. Aberdeen took the liberty of filling your prescription for pain meds.”
Justin wanted to duck his head, but Demetri hadn’t removed his finger. Instead, Justin lowered his eyes. “Thank you for all that you do for me, Mr. Frost.”
“You’re like…”
Demetri paused, and Justin once again prayed the man didn’t say “like a son.”
“You’re a part of this family, Justin.”
Justin’s heart skipped a beat at the proclamation. “I would like to think so,” he said, hoping he wasn’t overstepping his boundaries. With Demetri, one never knew. From what he’d heard and seen over the years, Demetri ran his company with an iron fist. The man wasn’t known for his niceties except when it came to those who resided at Frost Manor. Demetri had never been anything but kind to Justin.
The man’s thumb caressed Justin’s chin, and Justin felt his erection blossoming. If only Demetri would kiss him! Justin had yet to kiss anyone, and he was dying to know how soft the older man’s lips were. He just bet that Demetri could kiss his brain right out of his head.
Disappointment filled him when Demetri’s hand fell away. “Go join Caleb upstairs.”
Justin rose from his seat, and his face was inches from the older man’s. Demetri hadn’t moved. He just stared at Justin with those intent eyes, making Justin feel as if his legs were made of cooked noodles. “Good night, Mr. Frost.”
Demetri caressed Justin’s cheek. “Good night, Justin.”
Justin knew he should head out of the study, but he was transfixed with Demetri and couldn’t seem to move.
“Was there something else you needed?” Demetri asked as he continued to pet Justin’s cheek. If the guy looked down, there would be no hiding Justin’s full-blown hard-on. He wasn’t sure what insanity possessed him, but Justin leaned forward, their lips a mere inch apart. Demetri’s caressing hand slid to rest at Justin’s nape. “Yes?”
Justin tried to find his voice, about to ask the older man to kiss him when Demetri pulled back, letting his hand drop.
“Go find Caleb.”
It took a second for Justin’s brain to kick in. He cleared his throat, took a step back, and nearly fell over the chair behind him. Demetri’s hand shot out and caught Justin, steadying him. Justin blushed and pulled away, hurrying from the study. Once he climbed the stairs to the second floor, he stopped and leaned against the oak-paneled wall, breathing heavily.
What had that been about? Why had Demetri looked as if he was about to kiss Justin only to send him away? Justin could still smell Demetri’s masculine cologne as he fought to catch his breath.