Not that I’m still thinking about that night and morning or anything.
Anyway, the reason I’m outside this local organic grocery store is because of a conversation I had with him about half an hour ago. When I was in class.
Bran
What are you in the mood for tonight?
Me
What kind of question is that? I’m always in the mood to do dirty things to you, baby.
I meant food. FOOD.
You mean aside from your cum?
Jesus. Yeah, aside from that.
I’m happy with anything you cook.
You sure? If you fancy something to eat, tell me. I’ll go grocery shopping in a bit.
Nah. I love anything you cook. Do what you want. Also, you’re getting groceries right now? It’s the afternoon.
I finished classes early, so I’m heading to the penthouse.
Hell yeah. I’m on my way.
Don’t you have uni?
Not important.
Don’t skip classes, Nikolai. I’ll see you later.
So yeah, I totally skipped classes. I actually left that class while reading his last text and rode my bike all the way here. I left it at a local parking lot and followed him around on foot.
He can’t possibly expect me to stay away when he’s going to the penthouse this early. It’s true that I last saw him this morning, but I’ve been going through withdrawals.
My mood is dangerously dependent on him and that’s not even funny anymore, but I’m done trying to figure it out.
I’m just obsessed with this man and everything about him. Some would argue it’s something a lot more dire than obsession.
He consumes me, but he also grounds me. I’ve never felt as mentally strong as when I’m with him. Even the most mundane things we do together—having meals, watching movies, listening to him read the boring morning newspapers—bring a huge smile to my face.
Brandon King is ravaging me alive, and I can’t wait until I’m fully inside him.
In the meantime, I’m content with indulging in my stalkerish tendencies. I wait by the corner of the grocery store. I’d love to go inside, but it’s one of those small shops where I’d totally stand out, and while I don’t mind, he would.
My lotus flower fits right in with the locals. I catch a glimpse of him putting a few tomatoes in his basket while smiling at something the shop owner says. Now, she’s an older woman, but not that old. Maybe in her thirties, and I don’t like the whole interaction.
Lady better stop giving him heart eyes if she’s in the mood to live another day.
I’m about to creep up into her field of vision and scare the bejesus out of her when I catch a peculiar view from off to the side.
Since Bran turned me into a professional stalker, I always pick the best spots to watch him up close and personal, and for that reason, these locations are…rather obscure. I often run into all sorts of bizarre views, including couples, druggies, and homeless people.
This one, however, is different.
Usually, the couples who lurk in corners are doing some heavy petting, if not actual sex. The current scene is nowhere near that image.
A larger guy shoves another one against the wall with a tight grip on his T-shirt’s collar, and I hear, “Shut the fuck up.”
Any other time, I’d ignore this and change my position to continue stalking my Bran.
Something stops me, though.
The guy who’s been shoved against the wall is familiar. Wait…is that…?
“Gaz?” I ask, walking toward them.
Sure enough, my cousin looks up, his fist clenched in the other man’s shirt. An older man—at least early to mid-thirties—who’s dressed in a white button-up shirt, black slacks, and leather shoes. His dark hair is slicked back and his expression is solemn.
He looks at me with complete disregard, as if I just intruded on his fun.
I flex my fist and make sure he sees it. This fucker will be buried six feet under before he attempts to harm my cousin. “What’s your name, motherfucker, and what’s your favorite way to die?”
“Niko, it’s not…” Gareth trails off on a wince when the asshole tightens his grip on his shirt.
“Step the fuck away from him.” I stride toward them. “Now.”
“Who the fuck are you?” the man asks, his accent distinctively American, his expression entirely murderous.
I’m going to break his face for daring to touch my family.
“My cousin, Nikolai.” Gareth shoves him away. “Please leave, sir.”
“Sir?” I echo. “Why the fuck are you calling him sir?”
“He’s my professor. Kayden Lockwood.” Gareth stands beside me, his expression closed off as he stares at the man.
He narrows his eyes on me before he looks my cousin up and down. “We are not done, Carson. I expect you in my office tomorrow morning.”
As he walks away, a wave of tension rolls off Gareth before he puffs out a long exhale.
I stand in front of him. “Why the fuck would your professor corner you in an alley?”
He glances up, his green eyes large and his blond hair sticking to his temples with sweat. “We…had a slight disagreement.”
“And he couldn’t solve it in the classroom like all other professors?”
“I…uh, I pulled something outside of law school and he was pissed.”
“That still doesn’t give him the right to attack you. Want me, Jer, and Kill to add him to the MIA list?”
“No, no. That’s not necessary. I can take care of this situation.”
“Didn’t look like you were doing a very good job at it. Kill and I will maim the fucker.”
“Niko, no.” He grabs my arm. “Don’t…tell Kill. Don’t tell anyone about what you just saw.”
“Why not…? Fuck me.” I pause. “Is this that man you told me about that time? The only one you’re attracted to?”
Gareth’s lips part. “N-no.”
“You just stuttered. You never stutter.”
“Just forget it. Since when are you this perceptive?”
“Since now. It’s him, isn’t it?”
“No,” he says with more force than needed.
“In that case, I guess I can discuss this further with Kill and Jer and see if it’s true or false.”
“Nikolai!”
“Or you can just tell me.”
“Fine! It’s him.” He looks more relieved than burdened as he puffs out the words. I relate to him in more ways than one.
I know what it’s like to be in a secret relationship where no one is allowed to know. It’s suffocating sometimes, but it’s worth it.
And from the look in Gareth’s eyes, I think he feels the same as I do. It’s not ideal, but like me, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“A much older professor, huh?” I grin. “You’re much more adventurous than I thought, cousin. I’m actually impressed.”
“It’s nothing serious, so don’t tell anyone.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yeah.”
I grab him by the shoulder. “Want me to continue my lesson about butt stuff?”
“No, thanks.” He pushes me away. “I’m…going for a walk.”
He storms away before I can question him some more. I consider following him, but immediately shut down that idea when I see Bran walking out of the store carrying a few bags.