Introductions

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(Warning: Light non-con this chapter... angst and such. But trust me when I say it's necessary for the overall fic.)

Part 6

"It’s not necessary, Lily," Robert said softly, even as his hand stroked slowly over the smooth curves of painted metal. "It’s… too much."

"Nonsense, dear boy. If you’re going to represent my interests, those whom you call upon must recognize that I VALUE you and your opinions. Unfortunately, they’re unlikely to believe that if you arrive in some…" she shrugged, not sure of what the current slang was.

The young man smiled and shook his head before giving her a hug. "It’s beautiful. It just might be a bit… much."

Lily smiled again, shaking her head. "I’d say it’s exactly enough. Besides, it’s my prerogative to spoil you. It’s a grandmother’s right."

All he could do was laugh and kiss her cheek. "All right, Lily. I’ll stop arguing." His eyes trailed back to the car, visually caressing the sleek vehicle. "Care to go for a spin?"

The excitement in Robert’s eyes was the real reason for the BMW convertible, but she wouldn’t tell him that. Instead she simply handed him the keys and shook her head. "When you get back, dear. It’s a long drive to Tulsa and I don’t want you hurrying. You’ve only had your American driving permit for a few weeks."

Robert smiled and bent down, picking up his bag. "Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. It’s the left side I drive on, right?"

"Scamp! Enough teasing. Drive safely and I’ll expect you to call when you reach your hotel."

* * * * *

There was something distinctly American about cruising down the road through long stretches of countryside with the top down, wind in his hair, music blaring from the radio. It wasn’t the sort of thing people did in England, as a rule. Then again, there wasn’t as much road to cruise so perhaps that explained it.

He checked the GPS system, hoping he was operating it correctly and decided to stop at the next rest area for a bit. His legs could use a bit of a stretch after nearly four hours of driving. And coffee wouldn’t be a bad idea either, he realized as he saw the sign beside the road announcing a Starbuck’s among other things at the next exit. He’d better stop, he figured. He still had a good fourteen hours of driving to go.

* * * * *

Of all the things Robert had been surprised by since coming to the United States, being propositioned in a public restroom had to top the list. It was flattering, of course, because the other young man had been quite attractive, but… somehow the idea hadn’t been appealing. Possibly because of the location, but equally likely was the fact that… he hadn’t actually engaged in that sort of thing since the unpleasant encounter with Paul.
It had taken him a while to figure out what he wanted, and whatever it was that he and the Washingtonian had been doing just… wasn’t it. There had to be something more, and he knew it.

A small part of him still cherished the notion of Elliot and Trevor although he’d accepted the reality that they weren’t for him. Hell, Elliot hadn’t even bothered to call him after they’d… run into each other over three months earlier. Then again, he hadn’t called the older man and his number had been programmed into his phone for ages.

His lips curled into a small grin as he remembered the long, happy minutes he’d spent pressed against the other blond. Elliot had been forward, masterful… exciting and excited. Very excited, he recalled. Just as much so as he’d been, himself. He’d almost thought… hoped… that maybe… but no.

Still, Elliot and Trevor weren’t the only fish in the proverbial sea, he comforted himself as he returned to the motorway… highway, as they called it. They were just a difficult standard to match, both of them so deliciously handsome and intriguing. Not many men around who were single and swung his way who could possibly measure up to his ideals.

That didn’t mean it was impossible, of course. He just needed to… be patient. And continue his regular relationship with his left hand. "Bloody hell."

* * * * *

He’d called Lily almost as soon as he’d entered his room, then again after his afternoon meeting. It had gone well. The manager of the building he’d been checking had obviously been keeping up with repairs and such… for once. Unlike the last few places he’d examined.

He and Lily had chatted about that and how much he loved the car for a few minutes before ending the call and Robert suddenly found himself at loose ends.
There he was in a city he didn’t know, where he knew nobody at all, and… it was a first for him.
"So," he asked his image in the large mirror, "What’s a single, reasonably good-looking chap to do with himself?"

"What’s that? Find somewhere to go? Yes, Robert, I think you’re right."

He laughed at himself before opening his bag and selecting clothes that didn’t exactly scream businessman, although they were in rather short supply. He hadn’t expected to have much leisure time, after all, and now here he was with a profusion of said time on his hands. His ‘visits’ usually took more than one day, after all.

* * * * *

It was a man at the front desk who looked to be in his mid-thirties that was able to direct Robert to an appropriate club. Apparently he’d set off the clerk’s gaydar.

He didn’t mind, of course, because the club was a nice one. A bit heavy on the strobe lights for his tastes, but enjoyable in all other respects. And the drinks were strong, though not cheap.

He danced for a while, laughing every time someone complimented him on his accent as though he’d selected in deliberately. He laughed a lot.

He also drank a bit, oblivious to the two sets of eyes watching him from the corner of the large room.

* * * * *

"I like that one, Farrell," the taller of the two murmured below the music, one hand stroking the bulge in his pants, "And he’s drinking a real drink. It won’t change color and he won’t taste a thing."

The shorter, darker one rolled his eyes. "Gods, Ricky. You’re such a fag."

"Hey, did I make fun of you when you wanted that girl last night? No. Did I try to keep you from dragging me to a straight club? No. So shut the fuck up and be a little supportive here."

The shorter man’s eyes rolled again and he sighed. "Fine. Go for it. I’ll keep watch when you’re ready."

"You do that," Ricky said softly, slipping skillfully through the crowd to the young blond man’s side.

* * * * *

Robert arched a brow as the tall man stopped beside him. His eyes roamed down the long form, then back up, examining the front of his pants without seeming to. Nice build, not too bulky… good thighs, solid waist… toned abs and pecs, judging from the tight t-shirt… nice wide mouth, soft looking lips, sharp nose and… oh, my.

"You have lovely eyes," Robert shouted in order to be heard. It was true, too. The man’s eyes were a deep, stormy grey, a darker ring around the outer edges, framed by thick, dark lashes under light brown eyebrows and hair. "I’m Robert…"

"Ricky," the man called back. "You’re English, huh? Cool. I like England. The London theater scene is killer!" He let his own gaze wander Robert’s body slowly. "So… can I buy you a drink… Robert?"

He cocked his head, giving Ricky a slow grin. “Wouldn‘t mind a bit," he said, finishing the last of what was in his glass. "Jack and coke?"

"Gods I’m glad you didn’t ask for something fruity. One more mai-tai and I’d have screamed! Be right back."

Robert blinked, only then noticing the profusion of red, umbrella-bearing cocktails being consumed. He shook his head, chuckling softly. He had no idea of why any man, regardless of how submissive he might be, would want to drink something so… girlish. Then again, to each his own.

His eyes moved to the bar and he smiled as he watched his new friend Ricky. He suspected the bloke had some intention of seducing him but Robert wasn’t going to let that happen. He was looking for Mr. Right, after all, not Mr. Right Now.

That was why he was so surprised to find himself in a dark corner of the parking lot what seemed like a few minutes later. His eyes were bleary but he thought he was… bent over a car?

Robert groaned slightly, trying to lever himself up. It took him a few tries but he finally managed it, swaying woozily on his feet. "What the bloody… hell…"

That was when he realized his pants were around his ankles and there was… "No," he gasped, reaching down to touch the aching pucker between his legs. He breathed a small sigh of relief when his fingers found only the small amount of lubricant one might expect from a condom.

It wasn’t much, but at least whoever had left him here-his ‘friend’ Ricky, presumably-hadn’t exposed him to whatever diseases he might be carrying.

That didn’t change the fact that the other man had apparently drugged him and…
His mind rebelled at the word as he struggled to pull himself together, buttoning and zipping frantically. He stumbled to his car on the other side of the lot, stopping only once to vomit before he arrived. He flung himself into the driver’s seat, hissing loudly as his rear hit the leather. "Bloody FUCK…!"

* * * * *

It was a difficult drive back to his hotel, and even more difficult to walk across the lobby with something approaching his usual gait. Robert forced himself not to cry as he entered his room and stripped, throwing his clothes in the trash can. He’d never wear them again, he knew.

He was still huddled on the floor of the tub four hours later, painfully hot water pounding his body. He was fairly sure he’d never feel clean again. Not for the rest of his life…

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(A/N: Many thanks to RemityGirl, TheShadowCat and RedSharpie for the reviews on 4 & 5. As always, much appreciated. Is anyone else still reading this, though? LOL

Also: TheShadowCat-- read your dessert scene. *grins* VERY nice! Can't say hotter or not, but definitely hot! Not being familiar with the characters made it a bit hard to visualize but... still VERY HOT! *grins hugely* YOU need to write more, damn it! :P)