Chapter 2

“THERE ARE people watching,” the young man murmured, his head lowered.

“Everything will be all right, sweetheart.” Gabriel knew that to be a fact. Most everyone here had a far more dangerous secret, one that would keep any man or woman from revealing Gabriel’s queerness to the outside world. Those who didn’t possess the secret—the ones looking shocked and appalled—wouldn’t be telling tales.

He pulled the young man closer, almost reluctant to think about what was to become of him. It was rare to find one who could so easily pass for innocent. What dastardly deed could this little morsel have performed? He leaned in and took the young man’s earlobe between his teeth, then sucked it into his mouth, drawing the loveliest gasp from his dancing partner. Dressler had claimed this one for his own, but Gabriel was awfully tempted to steal the young man for himself. His scent was strong and riveting.

“You taste absolutely delicious.” He tightened his arm around the young man’s slender waist, while his free hand roamed, caressing and exploring. Gabriel soon found himself fighting his baser instincts, and he inhaled deeply, fueling his growing lust. Suddenly, something familiar invaded his senses, and he stopped dead cold. He knew that scent. Please, God, don’t let it be.

“Robert?”

“You know my name?” The young man pushed his mask up, revealing a beautiful face, one Gabriel had made love to in his dreams for what seemed an eternity.

“Of course I do,” Gabriel snapped, moving the mask back down into place. He would know Robert’s scent anywhere. All his time and effort spent resisting this particular temptation, only to have it land in his arms. Damn it all. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well, it’s a very big station, and with you being so important, I would hardly expect you to remember the name of one mail-room clerk,” Robert replied bashfully.

“Never mind. What the hell are you doing here?” He hated the crushed look in Robert’s eyes, but it was for his own good. Robert was careful, always making certain no one was watching when he studied Gabriel, but Gabriel didn’t need to catch those glances. He could smell the desire emanating from the young man’s every pore. At times it had been pure torture walking by him in the halls.

“I was invited.” Robert’s voice was quiet as he fidgeted, absently tugging at one end of his coat.

“Not by me, you weren’t.” Gabriel frowned and swatted Robert’s hand away. “Stop that. You’ll draw attention to yourself.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to….” His ocean-colored eyes became glassy, and Gabriel balled his fists at his sides. He knew he was being a complete ogre, but the mere thought that Robert had been deliberately placed in this situation by someone of his acquaintance was enough to get his blood boiling.

“Forgive me,” Robert said, standing a little straighter and looking up at Gabriel, those eyes calling to him. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. Am I… am I fired?”

“What?” Gabriel was surprised by that. What kind of man did Robert think he was? Well, considering his current behavior, he couldn’t fault Robert for jumping to such a conclusion. “No. Don’t be ridiculous.”

With a nod, Robert took a step back, his gaze going to the house. “I suppose I should go, then.”

“Why did you come?” Why was he asking? This was his opportunity to send Robert on his way, to fix things before they got any worse. Yet even knowing what he did, he was reluctant to let Robert go. What would become of them? What the hell was he talking about? There was no them, and it was better that way.

Robert fidgeted again. When he realized he was pulling on his coat, he stopped, a lovely blush crawling up his neck and cheeks. “I was hoping I could… sing for you.”

“You wanted to sing for me?” The thought shouldn’t make him so goddamn happy, but it did, and he was having a great deal of trouble keeping the dopey grin off his face. He fought himself regardless. It would only give Robert hope. Several employees at the station had approached him regarding Robert’s beautiful voice, but his concern for Robert’s safety always won out, so he maintained his distance. He’d been considering putting in a good word for Robert at another station. Coward that he was, he continued to put it off.

“Yes. Well, I was hoping that perhaps you might let me audition for a spot on one of the programs. I’ll start anywhere. I’ll even do the sponsors.”

Gabriel grabbed Robert’s wrist and headed for the house. “We have to get you out of here before—” He stopped in his tracks at the sight of Dressler and his brothers heading straight for them. It couldn’t be too late. He wouldn’t allow it. Gabriel spun Robert, then pushed him forward. “Move, quickly.”

“Is something wrong? Where are we going?” Robert asked worriedly, glancing over his shoulder at him.

“No time to explain, just walk.” The scent in the air changed, forcing Gabriel to grab Robert’s arm and break into a run. “Run! As fast as you can!” To his relief, Robert didn’t ask questions, simply attempted to keep up with him as he sprinted through the garden with Robert in tow.

They’d almost reached the end when the wolves descended.

“Oh my God!” Robert gasped. “Where did those dogs come from? Wait, those dogs look an awful lot like—” His eyes widened, and he turned to Gabriel. “What the hell are wolves doing in your garden?”

“Going somewhere, my dear friend?” Dressler asked, his loathing for Robert very evident in his eyes. Poor Robert appeared utterly stunned and confused. Gabriel wished he could set his mind at ease, but he couldn’t afford to take his eyes off Dressler.

“You son of a bitch,” Gabriel spat out. “How dare you bring him here! He’s an innocent.” He knew Dressler hadn’t been happy with him for a good while now, but to do this? It was unacceptable and in blatant violation of the code.

Dressler scoffed at that. “No human is innocent. Their mere existence is a crime against nature.”

“It’s against the rules,” Gabriel reminded Dressler heatedly.

“And we’re growing quite weary of your rules, Gabriel. Times have changed. The scales have tipped in favor of greed and corruption. Oversaturation. Now, the innocent—there is a sport worth pursuing. There are far fewer of those about. Imagine what the old dogs would be willing to pay for one of them? I can understand your hesitation. He is lovely, and I imagine even lovelier to bed. I would’ve been able to confirm the latter had you not interrupted us.” He cast Gabriel a wicked glance. “He’s a virgin.”

Gabriel’s head snapped in Robert’s direction. “Really? But you’re nearly twenty-five!”

Heat flared up Robert’s face. “Well, one can’t be too careful these days, and it’s not as if I have no experience at all. I’ve done things, just not… you know.” He cleared his throat and crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t have to explain my actions to you. Who I have in my bed, and when, is of no consequence to anyone.”

Walking calmly up to Robert, Dressler took Robert’s chin in his gloved hand. “Perhaps we might be able to come to an agreement. For old time’s sake. What do you say, Gabriel? Share and share alike?”