Kasper's Den

Thanks everyone for your feedback. It encouraged me to post another chapter. Special thanks to my editor and idea genie, Xelos.

+{Kasper's Den}+

Part 10

[By Emri]

Opening my eyes in Amir's warm, protective hold against his soothing heartbeat is the greatest way to wake up; at least until I realize that I have to pee and I can't wiggle out. I raised my head from his chest and looked up his strong, brown jaw to watch his pronounced, Arab nose flair and close with his light snores. His eyes were closed with a row of long, black lashes lining the center of them. He looked so peaceful and innocent when he slept. It was nothing like the muscled beast who'd ravaged my ass the night before.

Last night his parents left early for a fundraiser. I couldn't remember if it was for an orphanage in Bangladesh or building a new library. Ali, his twin, left too so we had the place to ourselves.

"This will be us someday with a family of our own. We will have a quiet night at home together and you'll make us something for dinner," Amir said as he kissed the back of my neck and slid his arms around me from behind as we watched his parents leave.

"I'm making dinner? " I asked as I turned my face to the side to get a kiss on the cheek.

"I think you should. How else will we feed ourselves? Father gave chef the night off. You wouldn't let us starve, would you?" Amir said with an oddly cold air that didn't sound like he was joking. I've never really prepared much other than cereal or toast. My mother is very traditional and she thought boys shouldn't cook or do "girl" things... it would make them gay.

"Ok, sure... I guess I could make a salad," I said as I looked at the bowl of fresh vegetables Emerson always kept on the counter.

"Good, something light so you can please me afterwards," Amir said as though that too was part of my job. He kissed my cheek and then went to flop on the couch and put on a soccer game.

I found some kale in the fridge and I knew where Emerson kept the big salad bowl when he made his uber-healthy creations. I diced an onion and sliced a tomato like I'd watched him do. I added cucumber, some tiny nuts (I didn't know what kind, but I liked them in the salads he made), and added the light dressing he uses. I tossed it all together and then found some smaller bowls for us.

"Are you almost done? I don't think it's supposed to take this long," Amir called from the couch in between cheering on his team.

"I... yes... just wait," I said and tried to hurry.

"Don't use that tone with me," Amir said and turned off the game. I stared at him with my jaw hanging open. I don't think he'd talked to me like that before. He stood up and walked towards me looking at me as if I was in need of punishment.

"You're being... Why are you being mean?" I asked and felt my voice breaking.

"We'll eat outside," he said, ignoring my question. "Bring the bowls out when you finish, and don't take too long." He walked past me and out the front door.

I felt like throwing it all in the trash and going to my room. I didn't know why he was being like that. I was confused and upset. I took a deep breath though. My submissive side told me to just take him his dinner. I rationalized that maybe he was just upset because he was hungry.

I put the bowls on a tray with napkins and two forks. I had to elbow the exit button on the door while i balanced it, but when I got halfway through the door I realized he'd want a drink too.

"Fuck," I whispered to myself and turned back towards the kitchen. I thought again of throwing it all away, but I couldn't. I love him and I wasn't up for a fight. We'd had a nice day together.

I grabbed two glasses and filled them with the cucumber water Emerson had made that morning. I loaded them on the tray and fought with the door again.

"Dude, what are you doing? I'm starved," Amir called from around the corner.

"I'm coming," I said, not sure if he would hear me.

"Hurry up," he barked. His tone, his words, the final straw. I set the tray down on the ground and went the other way. I'd had enough.

"Did you drop it?" he called when he heard the clink of bowls and forks. I went over to a bench by the front door and sat down, trying not to cry.

"Are you crying?" Amir called and I heard his footsteps rush around the corner. "Kasper? Baby love?" his tone changed completely when he saw me.

"What did I do? Why are you mad at me?" I asked and sniffled. He came over to me and squatted down in front of me. He took my hands and leaned in to rub his nose against mine.

"Come with me," he said and pulled on my hands. He pulled me up to my feet and then walked backwards and led me around the house.

"Oh!" I gasped when I saw what he had set up. There was a small round table with a white table cloth under a zig-zag of white sparkling lights near the pool. The table was set with plates and silverware and two flutes of some sparkling juice and flickering candles in the center of the table. It looked like a fancy restaurant. .

"It was a joke. I forget I can't prank you like I do with other guys. You're too sweet," he insisted in a sheepish, apologetic voice.

"Oh!" was all I could say. It was so beautiful and perfect. One of the house staff came out carrying a pizza box.

"I had them make your favorite food. I called your mom and she said you liked the pizza place near their house so I had the chef call them and bribe them for the exact recipe and one of their boxes. We had to special order the flour from a place in Ventura... see?" Amir said as he took the box from the house guy.

"It's from Perelli's! Holy woah!" I looked down and Amir opened it to show a perfect cheese pizza like I'd eaten hundreds of times as a kid.

"Of course! Only the best for my love," Amir said. "Am I forgiven? It was a bad joke."

"I can't believe you... no one's ever done something so thoughtful like that for me." I shook my head and looked at him. Amir moved towards me and leaned over the pizza box with his lips puckered like he wanted a kiss. I held back though and he pulled away with a guilty look.

"Why don't we go eat by the pool? Forget the fancy table, it's pizza," Amir offered. I followed him along the side of the pool back to a private area away from the big house. There were a few loungers hidden by a canopy of low palms.

"I can't wait for you to try this. It's the best cheese pizza you'll ever eat!" I said as Amir sat down on the lounge chair and patted the spot next to him. There was a small side table where he set down the box and opened it. He took out a slice for me and got one for himself.

Perelli's is that floppy thin New York style that you have to fold in half or it all slides off. Only he didn't know that, and he didn't follow my style. I counted to three and then we both took a bite. It was hot, fresh, and just like I remembered it. Amir took a bite and chewed on it as if evaluating.

"Not too bad," he said with a shrug. "Kinda greasy though." He set his slice down and wiped the back of his hand across his lips, smearing a little red sauce over his cheek. I leaned forward and swiped my tongue over it. Amir blushed and his lips spread into that confident smile that knows how much I want him.

"It's pretty messy," he said. He picked up his slice again and it flopped over as he brought it to his lips. The cheese and sauce slid off the bread and went straight down between his pecs and under his loose tank top.

"You're pretty messy," I corrected with a laugh.

"Aww fuck!" Amir laughed and put the slice down. He peeled off his tank top and used it to wipe off the cheese from his chest then tossed it on the grass. His rippling brown chest and abs lay illuminated by the night lights. Somehow the trail of sauce between his pecs only added to his allure. I couldn't stop laughing at his helpless state.

"You have to fold it in half or it spills everywhere," I gave him a pointer.

"Now you tell me." Amir glared. He took another piece from the box and folded it like I showed him. He went to bite into it. As he did, a large drop of grease and sauce escaped from the slice and landed on his bulging chest then rolled down his abs stopping at the green waistband of his boxer briefs that poked out from his shorts.

"It's good but so messy. I'm not used to it," Amir noted. The oily line highlighted his perfect abs and led my eyes down to his bulge. Staring at the glittering trail distracted me from the pizza. I needed his cock.

"You're eating like a two-year-old. You made a mess. Seriously, you might do better with a baby bib.." I covered a laugh and tried to look stern.

"I'm not a bab-" he started, but then went quiet as he came to the realization of what I was doing. He then continued, "Maybe you can help clean me... daddy?".

"I think I'd better." I set down my slice and leaned towards Amir. I crawled over him and kissed his firm pecs one after the other. He tossed his pizza over towards the open box and leaned back against the lounger while he slid his hands down my back. He lifted my shirt up and slid it off me.

"Yeah? You can help me?" Amir did the most adorable voice in his attempt to sound helpless.

"Such a mess! It's up to daddy to clean you" I said in my best daddy voice.

Amir nodded.I lapped at the leftover sauce between his pecs. It mixed with the sweaty salt of his skin. I collected it on my tongue and then raised up to meet his lips. I pushed my tongue through them and he sucked at the sauce.

When he finished it, I kissed down the center of his chest and went to the spot near the waistband of his boxerbriefs. I licked his abs clean and then kissed down to his bulge.

"Baby wants some milk or more pizza?" He asked. I looked up at him and nodded. He pushed down his shorts just enough to show his pubes. He stopped then, demanding an answer as if it had been a serious question.

"Pizza? Milk? Uh... Milkza?" I said hesitantly.

"Good choice", amir said, as he pushed me off revealing his thick bulge. "Say?" He asked, "do you know how they make pizza?" He put his hand on my hair, gripped my ponytail and ground my lips against his cock outline.

"No sir," I said through muffled lips. I shook my head and bit at the waistband of his shorts. He slid his other hand down and pushed on his shorts and boxer briefs until his cock freed itself and bounced up to smack my cheek.

"First, they prepare the ingredients specifically taste testing each one. Quality is key here. Tell me how it tastes." He grilled his cock and shook it in my face.

"Mmm hmm," I mumbled. Obeying his cue, I began to suck his rod.

"Then comes the dough... to prepare the dough one needs to knead the air out. This can be done by grabbing it and pulling it, pushing it apart and mashing it back together," he said as he sat up. He reached over me to knead my ass. He pushed down my shorts and briefs then grabbed me roughly. I loved the way he man-handled what was his; the ass that begged for his seed. I wiggled it for him as his finger slid against my hole.

"Now as with most baked items it is important to grease things properly and make sure the oven is warmed up. You can't go shoving things in when it's cold or it does no good. I need it nice and hot," Amir said. He reached over to the pizza box and then came back to slide two greased fingers inside me.

"Mmm," I moaned as I slurped his thick, pulsing cock. I pushed back against his fingers as he proved me open.

"It's getting there. Nice and hot for my meat," Amir said between gasps as his fat head pushed into my throat. I swallowed hard on it as I sputtered and gagged. My spit was leaking out of the corners of my lips as he fucked my throat and fingered me hole.

Amir moved around to lay on his side so he could get closer to my hole. He paused at my cock as he slid under me in an inverted position. He slurped on it and I started to buck into his tight lips as his fingers slid in and out of my warm hole.

He only sucked me for a minute, but he's so good at it that he had me close to the edge. I stopped fucking his mouth and pushed on his chest to let him know. I didn't want to finish too soon. I pulled my cock away and heard him laugh.

"Feels too good, baby? I think this oven is almost ready," Amir said as he rapidly shoved two fingers in and out of me. He gave my ass a smack and took his fingers out.

"Mmm hmm," I mumbled around the heavy throbbing monster stuffing my throat. Amir pushed me off of him, but I didn't want to let go of his cock. I sucked it even as I got to my feet, bent over his lap with my pacifier.

"You can't get enough, can you?" Amir laughed. He pushed me off of him and his cock popped out with a loud "bah" as it broke the seal of my lips. I looked at him with disappointment. He got on the lounger on his knees and brought me over to kiss him.

His heavy cock bounced angrily in front of him like a just-used diving board. A line of spit dripped down my chin. I reached down and pumped his cock, getting a little reward of precum in my palm. I raised it up to my lips to taste it.

"Good stuff?" he asked with a smile. I nodded. He reached behind me and pushed his fingers back inside my hole. I gave a little jump and gasped as he spread my hole with his slick digits. He gave me a few pumps and then slid his fingers out and brought them to my lips.

"Taste it baby, tell me if your pizza pussy is ready for me," Amir said as he pushed into my mouth. I sucked the sauce and grease off his fingers as he pushed them back against my throat.

"Oh fuck, Kasper. I'm so ready for you," he growled as I pumped his cock again.

"Me too. I need your dough in my oven," I bit on my lip and looked at him with needy eyes. He put a hand on the back of my neck and brought me in for another kiss before pushing me down to the lounge chair in front of him. He turned me away from him and pushed on my back until I fell forward on all fours.

"Time to get this pizza in the oven," Amir said from behind me. I looked back at him as he lined his cock up with my hole, but then he leaned over me and reached for another slice of the pizza.

"You're going to eat while you fuck me?" I asked as I watched him fold it in half.

"No, it's going in the oven! You wanted to see how the pizza is made. What baby wants, baby gets," Amir said cheerily and started to lower the slice towards my hole.

"No no no! Oh shit! Dude!" I yelped and crawled away from him.

"Get back here," Amir barked and grabbed my left hip with his free hand.

"Don't you dare!" I squealed and laughed; not sure if he was joking. He looked at me with serious eyes though. I raised up and started to get away from him.

"All right. If you're going to whine, we can skip that part. Get back here," Amir said and reached for me as he tossed the piece of pizza back into the box. We were definitely not having any leftovers.

"Yes sir," I came back to him and he pulled me back onto the lounge chair. He pushed me forward again and came up behind me. His heavy, swollen cock rested between the cheeks of my ass and he rubbed it over my hole as his arms wrapped around my waist. I reached down between my legs and felt his fully, hairy nuts. I gave them a squeeze. He gasped and then bit down on the back of my neck. It sent a shock of warmth through me as his muscled chest rested on my back and he lined his cock up with my hole.

"Ahhhh," I yelled as the tip of it pushed open my hole. He slowly slid it into me and kissed my neck. His hands went to my pecs and he twisted my nipples as he nibbled up to my ear.

"Uh huh," I whined as he shoved more inside me. My cock was rock hard and leaking precum against the lounge chair as Amir held me against his chest and worked himself deep inside me.

"Yes, baby. It's warmed up for me. You feel so good. Fuck I love this," he praised as he sank into me; his cock lighting up the spots inside me that made my dick drip a steady stream of precum.

"Oh fuck me, please. Fuck I need it so bad," I begged. He gave me what I asked for, but in slow, controlled movements to not hurt me. He was protective of his things.

"You want that, baby? You like me inside you giving your pussy what it needs?" Amir growled against my ear. His lips and tongue traced a path up my neck. He held onto me tightly as he started to slide in and out of me.

"Yes sir, please Mr. Pizzaman. I need it," I moaned. I turned my head until his lips found mine and locked on. Our tongues wrestled as his cock started to slide in and out of me. Each motion left me with a flutter of chills and fireworks as he gave his boy what he needed.

"You like what I made you?" Amir asked in a low voice as lips sucked on my earlobe. His hands rubbed up and down my chest until one made its way down to my cock. He gave it a squeeze and pumped it in time to his swift, steady fucking.

"Fuck yeah, you know how to please a customer," I assured in between gasps. My cock was pulsing in his hand as his cock dug deep inside me to the places that made my eyes roll back and my throat gasp for air.

"I try to match the product to the right customer," Amir chuckled. He pushed in deeper and rubbed his sweaty chest across my back. My body purred at his expert touch. I relaxed into him, arched my back, and tired to open for him.

"Fuck yeah. Keep going like this and you'll make manager soon," I praised as my body gave a shiver of delight.

"Employee of the month? That what I get for giving my boy what his body craves? Yeah boy? The milk that'll make a real man out of you? You're so hard," Amir noted as he stroked my throbbing cock while he filled me with his meat. I could feel it inside me. It was twice the size of mine; longer, thicker, hotter. It felt so good to be his; to be safe in his arm; to be under his control. The earth could have been exploding right then and I wouldn't notice.

"Fuck me... so fucking close to... uh fuck!" I felt my cock on the edge, those stars you see just before you're about to finish.

"Oh fuck, me too, Kasper. I can never last long inside you... so good my love," Amir grunted as he sped up. He has his legs between mine; his hairy, muscular thighs stretching mine out so he could dig in deeper to my hole.

"Uh I'm gonna... Ohhh," I howled as my cock started to shake in his hands and explode in cumworks or firecum or whatever the portmanteau is for that. My body shook and his arms wrapped around me to hold me against his chest.

"Baby! Fuck!" Amir groaned and started to fire off inside me. I could feel his hot cum shoot up into me, burying deep inside my hole.

"Uh huhhh," I gasped as we spasmed together, hunched over the lounge chair together shaking like two animals in the woods.

We collapsed together as his final shots fired deep into my gut, my cock squishing against the slimy cum-coated fabric of the chair. Amir rested on his elbows and knees so he wouldn't crush me as I recovered my breath in his cave of muscles. His lips came to rest on my shoulder, his arms slid around my cummy chest. I turned my face to the side and his lips found mine again.

"Fuck I love you so fucking much," Amir laughed as he gasped for air. "Let's just stay like this until the servants find us."

"Or your parents," I noted through raspy breaths.

"Oh, yeah. Guess we can't do that... just five minutes, ok?" Amir said and kissed me again then rested his cheek against mine. I listened his breathing slow and then turn into a light snore. I was trapped under him, always trapped after we finished. I sighed and closed my eyes, happy with his giant softening spent cock stuffed deep in my crust.

++++

"If you need anything, ANYTHING at all, just text and we'll contact the house staff to come and care for you. Be good, little one," Mr. Hamad said and kissed my cheek.

"I'll be fine. Really, I'm just going to watch some TV and go to the gym," I assured. Emerson smiled at me and kissed my other cheek before his husband nudged him towards the doorway.

"Really, anything at all. Even if you're just bored. Emi and I have our phones on and yours is fully charged," Mr. Hamad said as he took the phone they'd bought me from the counter and slid it into my hand.

"I'll be fine! Don't worry. I can take care of myself for a few hours until Amir comes home from school. I'll go workout in the gym and then take a nap," I assured them. I'd never had overprotective parents. As annoyed as I probably should have been, I felt a warmth spread out from my heart across my body at how much they worried for me.

Emerson signed something to his husband and looked at me with concern.

"I know," Mr. Hamad said and signed back, "But he would be bored at the stockholder's meeting, and we'll be back in a few hours to get ready for the dinner tonight with the Tahirs."

I got another barrage of hugs and kisses with Mr. Hamad messing up my hair before they finally left. They closed the door and I realized I was alone for the first time in weeks. The cement and stone modern house seemed instantly cold and eerily quiet.

I shivered as I walked to my bedroom and changed into a pair of running shorts and a tank top. Emerson had bought me a new pair of running shoes. I was sure they cost more than my entire wardrobe back home, and I was itching to break them in. I'd been somewhat trapped in the compound the last few days since the last modeling job. Everyone had been so busy with work and school so I just tried to stay out of the way. Using their state of the art gym was becoming my daily outing.

The Tahirs had put off the dinner for a week. Reza's father had said that he had urgent business in Cairo, but Amir told me he thought Reza probably had a bruise from where he punched him. I was just glad to put off the awkwardness for awhile. Amir had been tense thinking about it. He also seemed sad. They had been friends for years before this. There had to be more to the story. I set off for the gym.

The Hamads have an awesome treadmill with this virtual reality headset. There's over a thousand different places you can go walk. Each walk features an endless set of options depending on which way you go. Yesterday I'd run six miles along the great wall of China, and today I wanted to race through the streets of Paris. I hadn't worked up to trying the hike through the Hollywood hills or running the beach path in Santa Monica. I knew it would make me homesick.

I put in my earphones as I crept through the main house and downstairs to the gym. I put on some music and was ready to get lost in a good long run. But when I pushed open the door to the gym, I found it already occupied.

Amir's uncle Zaid was there with the two guys I'd heard about but never seen. They looked like bodyguards and stood on either side of Zaid as he warmed up on a stationary bike. They grunted when they saw me as they pumped free weights over their heads.

They looked younger than Zaid, but older than me, possibly the average of our ages. They could have been twins with dark skin, hair, and eyes. Their muscles bulged in similar patterns, but their faces gave away their lack of familial relation. One had a rounder face with soft, boyish features while the other was sharp and angular with eyes that bored into me.

"Kasper! They let you out alone?" Zaid laughed. His two men closed in on either side of him, but he shooed them away with an annoyed huff.

"Everyone was busy today, and I wanted to use the treadmill," I said with a harmless smile I hoped would ease the tense looks I got from his guard dogs.

"Treadmill? No! It's a beautiful day. Why don't I take you up the trail? There are beautiful views of the Gulf from the peak," Zaid said and hopped off his bike. Bodyguard B handed him a towel and he wiped the sweat from his face and arms. He looked so different from the other Hamad men. Sure he had their large eyes and pronounced nose. He had their soft lips and dark, wavy hair, but he was smaller, thinner, more compact.

"I don't know... Mr. Hamad said not to go anywhere. I know Amir'd be upset if I went without him," I begged off. I was trying to be good here. As odd as it felt being treated like a child sometimes, it somewhat made up for the care and over-concern I'd missed out on growing up. I didn't mind my leash... sometimes.

"Nonsense! I'm just as protective of my brother's boys as he is, and I'd never let any harm come to the love of my favorite nephew. We have Azim and Bashir here to protect us and the trail is within the walls of our neighborhood. Come! It is perfectly safe and the fresh air will do you good," Zaid insisted as he came towards me and put his hand on my back. I nodded and let him nudge me out the door.

We found a bottle of sunblock in a drawer near the door and we rubbed ourselves down before heading out into the blinding Arab sun. Zaid took me around the other side of the house to a gate that read his faceprint before unlocking.

"Woah, cool. Will that work for my face too?" I asked. The Hamad world was out of a sci-fi movie sometimes. I always marveled at the things Amir seemed to take for granted.

"Doubtful. They don't like their boys escaping," Zaid laughed in a semi-maniacal tone that sent a little shiver through me. There was definitely some truth behind his joke, especially with the way Mr. Hamad protected Emerson.

I followed him through the gate and his two men came silently behind me. I would have forgotten they were there, but the one behind me put his hand on the gate when I went through as if it might close on me. We went up a sandy pathway between desert shrub and a few parched shade trees.

"Tell me about yourself, Kasper. I only know what Ali (Mr. Hamad to me) has shared in your file," Zaid asked.

"I have a file?" I perked up.

"Yes, you don't think they'd bring someone in without a full background check and history, do you? But it's pretty bland. You haven't done much, have you," Zaid observed.

I started to tell him about my family, my childhood. It all felt pretty uninteresting considering how these people lived, but Zaid held a slight smile of genuine interest as I prattled on about it. He listened and nodded or asked little questions to keep me talking as I got into the trouble I had in South Africa and how Amir helped me. The trail grew steadily steeper. He added encouragement like "That must have been hard for you," or "I'm glad my family helped you through it."

"I can see how happy you make Amir. I know you're exactly what he needs," Zaid said when we came to a stop on the trail. He pointed behind me and I turned to see a beautiful view of the city with the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf behind it. I hadn't realized how high we'd climbed.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," I said. He waved to a large rock and we went to sit on it to look out over the city while his two men walked around the side of the peak while talking in Arabic.

"It is... we have been here for thousands of years. My ancestors roamed these mountains with sheep. They were smart enough to settle and claim this land when outsiders began to find it," Zaid said. His eyes glowed with pride as he told me the proud history of how his family helped build this kingdom. I listened while watching little cars and trucks move like ants across the city.

"You know, everyone acts like you're some troublemaker guy, but I just don't see it," I noted when he finished. I suddenly realized that might not have been something he knew, but looking over at him I saw a sly smile cross his lips.

"Oh I can be quite the problem when I want... but I love my nephews and I respect their... pets." He rubbed my head gently and chuckled.

"Oh I'm a house pet, am I?" I laughed, but there was some truth to it.

"You have the potential to be. Hamad men can be bulldozers if you let us," he said with a slight tone of warning in his voice. "Just make sure you make yourself heard every now and then; even when you don't think it's important. Even sweet, loving Amir will eventually stop asking your opinion if you don't voice it."

I started to respond, but Zaid's watch suddenly chirped and a man's voice spoke in Arabic. Zaid touched a button and responded with a curious look.

"An old friend of the boys is at the gate! What a nice surprise. I don't think either Amir or Ali are home yet though! Do you know him?" Zaid asked as though I had understood his Arabic conversation with the guard. But I had a sinking feeling in my stomach that I knew who it was.

"It's Reza? Yes... we met," I tried to not clench my teeth as a sudden twist hit my stomach. I took my phone from my pocket. I needed to send Amir a message, but we were too far from the compound of a cell tower. I had no signal, no chance for help.

"You don't seem too thrilled. Is there something I'm missing? The boys grew up together," Zaid started. I shook my head. If he didn't know anything, if Amir hadn't told his closest uncle; it wasn't my place to breach his trust.

"Well let's head back and see what he wants," Zaid said. He waved for his entourage and we set off down the trail. We made it halfway back to the house when I saw a black sportscar slide into a parking spot near the oversized garage. I wished Amir was home. I got an uneasy feeling. We hurried down the trail towards him.

"Oh he's grown up quite a bit since I last saw him," Zaid said as we paused to watch Reza step out of his car. Reza stretched his arms up over his head and twisted a few times as though he'd been driving awhile. He had on a tight white tank top that showed off his bulging muscles under almond skin. His black, spiky hair framed a handsome face with full lips and big sunglasses. He smiled when he caught sight of us and raised a hand to wave.

"Hello, uncle!" Reza called up and bounded towards us in a pair of small red shorts that showed off his thick thighs and perfect ass. I cursed at myself for admiring him, but this country seemed to have an endless supply of beautiful muscle.

"The last time I saw you, you were just a skinny boy on the edge of blossoming. And you have certainly finished with that," Zaid said without realizing how pervy it sounded... or maybe he did realize but didn't care. I saw a slight blush settle in over Reza's cheeks as he came to hug Zaid.

"Yes, I've been working out and making gains. I think it's paying off. What do you think? Feel that, pretty solid," Reza said as he pulled away from Zaid. He flexed for him in various poses and leaned in towards Zaid who lit up and happily rubbed his hands over Reza's impressive progress. Reza turned to look at me and leered as if to say he had Amir's uncle under his spell. Zaid was happily entranced with his exploration of Reza's body.

I cleared my throat.

"Oh... and this is Kasper, but I hear you've already met," Zaid said as he collected himself. Reza came towards me like he wanted a hug, but I slid behind Zaid.

"Yes, we met," I said. I looked around as if Amir would suddenly show up. "I thought you weren't coming until tonight."

"Oh, my mother sent over some things for the dinner. She asked me to drop them off. I think she wanted me to hang out with Amir and Ali. Where are they?" Reza asked.

"The boys aren't home yet. You're welcome to come inside though. I'm sure we can entertain you until they get home," Zaid looked him over like a hungry lion. Reza smiled deviously at me.

"Sure! Let me get the stuff out of the car! Kasper, can you give me a hand?" Reza turned to look me up and down appraisingly. The look in his eyes made me feel dirty and I hugged my arms across my chest. Reza tried to put on a happy, nonthreatening expression, but I knew better than to trust him.

"I'm supposed to go workout before they get back," I said and started back towards the house.

"Kasper, don't be rude. He brought things for the dinner. You can give him a hand," Zaid called. I stopped and turned back towards them. They were both looking at me and Reza had that smile that said he knew I was going to have to go along with whatever he wanted.

"You'll come with us? I need to call Amir, he's expecting me to check-in soon." I fumbled for a plan in my head. The best I could think of was to get to my tablet and text him. He'd be furious.

"Sure," Zaid smiled. He was completely misreading this situation and only thought of his chance to spend more time ogling Reza. I sighed and went with them to Reza's trunk to bring in the bag of vegetables and bottles of wine his mother had sent. Zaid said something in Arabic to his men and they went off in the other direction. I guess he didn't need an entourage to help him flirt with Reza.

"You sure have a cute little ass in those shorts," Reza noted from behind me as I carried a small bag towards the little Hamad house in the back. I turned to the side as though I could hide it.

"Looks good from that angle too," Reza laughed as though it was an innocent joke. I felt my cheeks glow red from anger not embarrassment.

"My nephew has good taste," Zaid said as though Reza had offered a light hearted compliment. I ignored both of them and hurried down the path towards the front door. I had to get to my tablet. I would send Amir a message and he'd think of something to get me away from Reza.

Mr. Hamad had added me to the face recognition so the door opened when I waved my head in front of it. I went straight to the kitchen and set the bag down without looking to see what was in it. I wheeled around and found Reza directly behind me. He held a box of vegetables and used it to pin me back against the countertop.

"Look in the small bag! It's for you and Amir," he said and poked me in the stomach with the box.

"I will, but I seriously gotta pee!" I pushed against the box and he backed up with a surprised chuckle. He nodded to let me know I had his permission. I hated that I needed his permission. I tore off towards Amir's room where my tablet was charging. I swiped open the messaging app and typed out "Reza is here in your house! Help!"

It took maybe two seconds before Amir's face appeared on the screen. He had his phone held up in front of his face and I watched him rise and grab his bag as a professor droned on in Arabic in the background. He held a finger up to his lips to tell me I should be quiet as he made his way out of his class. I nodded, our eyes said enough to each other. He was pissed, worried, annoyed, a flurry of angry emotions.

"What the fuck?" Amir said when he made his way out of the building. "Are you ok? Who let him inside? What does he want? Did he hurt you? Did he touch my baby?"

"No, I'm ok. Your uncle let him in. He came with some stuff his mom sent for the dinner tonight and he flirted his way in. Your uncle is pretty much drooling over him," I noted.

"Yes. I'm afraid that Uncle Zaid loves anything young and muscular. He never lost the hunt for his prey of choice. I'm so sorry baby. You must be scared, but Zaid won't let Reza harm you. I'm rushing home. Go out there and make sure you stick to Zaid or else Reza might try to get you alone. Don't worry baby. I'll be there as fast as I can," Amir assured as he started to run across the quad. The picture bounced and I got a nice shot of his heaving pec muscles before things went dark.

I started back towards the living room, but before I could get to Amir's door I heard a knock.

"Kasper? Are you in there?" Reza's voice sounded from the other side of Amir's door.

"Uh just a second. I'm having some stomach problems," I lied. It was the first thing that came into my head. I hoped the thought of bad smells might ward him off. It didn't.

"Oh, can I get you something? Are you in pain?" Reza asked. I lunged towards the door and checked that the lock was secure.

"No, I'll be fine. Amir's coming home to take care of me," I said. I leaned back against the door and slid down to the floor.

"What's going on?" I heard a second voice join him behind the door. It was Zaid.

"Kasper's sick. He's locked the door. I'm worried about him," Reza said. He sounded convincing.

"Oh these doors don't really lock. It's just to let you know they want some privacy. You just jiggle the handle backwards two times." Zaid jiggled the handle. "And voila!" The door cracked open and hit me in the back.

"Is he sitting in front of the door? Kasper are you ok?" Zaid asked. I froze and said nothing.

"I don't like the sound of that. I bet he passed out! He must be very sick. We better get in there!" Reza urged. They started to push on the door and I lunged forward as they pushed it open. I landed on my hands and knees, ass towards the doorway.

"No, I just dropped something here," I fumbled around. "Ahh here it went." I felt around under Amir's side table and my hand found a cap to a water bottle.

They came in and saw what I had apparently been looking for. They looked at me like I was some sort of psychotic kitten.

"I lost it this morning! Don't want to be a litterbug," I joked and tried to look sincere.

"See? He's talking nonsense. We better get him checked out," Reza said with genuine concern. His tone threw me off. He didn't sound like the leering, angry monster Amir knew.

"I'm fine, just..." I started to say.

"He's fine! See! Kasper, get off the floor and come back out to the living room," Zaid said without care. He put his hand on Reza's shoulder and nudged him back towards the hall. Reza turned back to look at me with sympathetic eyes.

It was just a moment of eye contact, but his face seemed to tell me a lot. He looked like he genuinely cared and seemed upset that I was acting so strangely. I felt bad for a minute about calling Amir to rescue me. I got up and followed them back towards the main living area.

Zaid and Reza sat at the kitchen bar sipping water bottles. They'd made themselves comfortable in the little Hamad house that had become my home. It felt wrong to me.

"Don't just stand there," Zaid said to me with an annoyed look, "Come, come. Stop being weird."

"I suppose Amir will come bursting in the door at any moment," Reza said when I went around them to the other side of the bar and picked up a banana.

"Um, what? I don't... no idea," I said as I peeled it and looked down at the marble counter.

"I'm guessing you texted him for help as soon as the guards let me in. I'm sure he filled your head with all kinds of nonsense about me, right?" he laughed.

"What's the deal with you two anyway? You were such good friends as boys." Zaid noted.

"Just some joke that went wrong awhile back. I guess he never got over it. You know what a baby he can be when he loses," Reza said. I took a bite of the banana and hoped he'd share more of his side of the story. I wondered if he had a different interpretation of the events than Amir had. I realized he'd grown up around this family, probably eaten many meals at this counter. I wondered if maybe Amir had made more of it than Reza had.

"Well there's nothing that can't be worked out between brothers. You're certainly welcome to visit me anytime you wish," Zaid said without any attempt at veiling his lust for Reza.

"Thanks. Now that I'm back full-time, I hope I can work things out with Amir. We could be friends too, Kasper. I'd like to get to know you... Maybe you even know someone so I can find someone as beautiful as he has," Reza looked over at me and winked. I choked on a piece of banana and turned my head as I coughed.

"I... I don't um..." I fumbled for words and then just shoved the banana back in my mouth.

"I make you nervous, don't I? That's so cute! Your cheeks are pink and it makes your eyes so beautiful when you're intimidated," Reza's eyes lit up as he realized the power he held. He seemed to enjoy it for a split second but then shook his head as if it wasn't right.

"Amir must have really built me up to you!" He got off the barstool and came around the counter. I backed away but hit against the refrigerator. Reza studied me with confusion.

As he got closer I realized how much bigger he was. He was bulkier than Amir and every step towards me had me feeling weaker. I stared at his chest and then looked down.

"Really, Kasper," he said as his hand came down on my shoulder. "I'm not the bad guy here. Don't believe everything you've heard."

"I don't think you're bad, I..." I felt my heart pounding and then heard the chirp of the door alarm.

"Reza!" Amir called from behind him. "I didn't know you were coming." He was trying to sound light hearted but I heard the angry tint to his words.

"My mother sent some things for me to drop off. She cleared it with your dad," Reza noted as he turned around. My eyes met Amir's and he looked alarmed to find me hiding behind his enemy.

"Yes, and you've dropped them off I see. You should head home then," Amir replied with an obvious hint that Reza's time here was done. I slipped from behind Reza and tried to casually walk around the perimeter of the room to get closer to Amir.

"I invited him in. You boys should work out whatever caused this," Zaid interjected.

"I'll deal with you later, uncle," Amir growled. He wasn't happy his uncle had let Reza inside. I realized that once again Amir assumed I was too naive or dumb to have defended myself. His anger was aimed at the other two involved. Zaid looked strangely rattled. I'd never seen him like that. He was always the snappy guy with a good comeback.

"I think we should talk things out, Amir," Reza said and then added something in their language. I made my way to Amir who reached for me and brought me behind him. I put my hand in his back pocket like I was holding him back. I buried my nose in the back of his neck and inhaled his cologne mixed with sweat.

"If you wanted that, you would have texted me you were coming and waited for me to be here. Instead you chose to show up uninvited and come into my family's home with my cub here alone. That's a coward's way of getting to me," Amir said in English for my benefit as if knowing that Reza had likely softened me up.

"That's not... I came to talk to you! You'll want to hear this... " Reza started to argue, but Amir cut him off.

"You had your fun and scared my boy... That's a cowardly thing to do... It's time to go now. I'll see you at the dinner tonight since that is out of my control. Goodbye," Amir turned towards the door and waved his hand. Reza looked between us. His eyes lingered on me as though he hadn't meant to scare me.

"I'll walk you out," Zaid said and hopped off the barstool. He looked like he was realizing the extent of the situation and wanted to do some damage control as Amir's favorite uncle.

"But I..." Reza started, but Zaid went to him and took him by the arm.

"Let's go," Zaid said. As the ranking elder in the Hamad compound at the moment, Reza couldn't refuse. He knew better than to argue with someone who outranked him.

He said something in Arabic that had the tone of defeat and went with Zaid. Amir waited until the door closed behind them before turning to kiss me. He put his hands on my cheeks and searched me for damage.

"I can't believe he did that! If dad was here alone, there's no way anyone would let another man in our home. Father would be furious! He would have fired the entire staff," Amir fumed. He was referring to his American dad, Emerson, whom his Arab father, Mr. Hamad, protected fiercely.

"I was freaked, dude, but then... he seemed almost like... like maybe he wants to make things better with you," I added.

"Oh great! Not you too! Everyone falls for his act!" Amir looked at me with wild eyes like I'd betrayed him.

"No! That's not what I meant," I started to say, but realized Amir was taking it wrong.

"I was really scared when he followed me to the house. It was so creepy and I wished you were here with me. I wanted to run and hide until you got home," I admitted. When he heard that his protective side took over and his eyes went from bewildered to guilt-ridden.

"He shouldn't have been allowed in here. He knows that! I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you, baby. You're all I thought about the whole way here. You don't know what he would do just to mess with me. With those other guys it was bad enough, but you're my heart, Kasper. There is no game here, not for me," Amir said and kissed me then rubbed his nose over my cheek.

"I just... I meant like maybe... call a truce and agree to stay out of each other's lives, right? I don't want him to show up again or come after me," I stumbled over the words.

"That is for me to worry about. The safety of my boy is my first concern, and he clearly targets you! This is not something I want you worried for, my love. You don't deserve this. It is my job to protect you," Amir leaned in and kissed me as he held my cheeks. His lips wrestled with mine and I felt his pulse pounding through them.

"You're mine, Kasper. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, ok?" Amir put his forehead to mine and stared into me.

"Ok," I agreed. I relaxed into him and batted my eyelashes against his.

His hands slid down to my shoulders and back. He kept going down to my ass. He cupped my bottom and pulled me into his chest as our tongues wrestled. I shivered against the heat of his skin on mine. He pushed me back against the counter and leaned into me. He held me so tight as if I'd slip away. I melted into him. He started to grind his bulge against mine. I could feel how full he was and I needed him inside me. We got so lost in each other that we missed the chirp of the door alarm or the noise of his parents coming home.

"Should we go back out and knock?" Mr. Hamad's voice boomed behind us. Amir took a few more seconds to realize we had an audience. I tried to push against his chest, but he's an immovable rock when he has hold of what he desires.

"Mmm," I squirmed on Amir's lips and he got the message.

"Oh," he said as he pulled away from me. He turned his head back to face his fathers.

"It looks like the two of you are off to a good afternoon. I thought your class wasn't out until later?" Emerson signed and Mr. Hamad translated with a smirk. He still was uncomfortable seeing his son be too affectionate with me.

"Yes, well that's what I need to talk to father about... in private," Amir's voice was serious and it made Mr. Hamad look up with alarm.

"Can it wait? We'd like to rest before we get ready for the dinner... and it looks like you boys need your rest as well," Mr. Hamad said with one hand on his partner's waist. I guessed he was interested in spending the time in his bed.

"No sir, this is urgent," Amir said with formality. Mr. Hamad nodded and waved a hand towards the hallway. They went into my room which used to be Mr. Hamad's study.

Emerson and I exchanged awkward looks and then he came towards me with his cell phone to text things out with me. He typed to ask me what happened. I tried to think of what I could tell him that wouldn't divulge Amir's secrets about his past with Reza.

Emerson put on the speech to text app he used when speaking with people who don't know sign language. It picked up my story of everything that had happened since they'd left me.

I of course left out Amir's secret about why he and Reza were enemies. I couldn't tell his father that they had fucked and Reza used the recording against him. That was Amir's to share if he wanted. Emerson shook his head as he processed it.

"Something big happened between those two. I'm sure of it. I know my Ami and he never acts this strangely. The two were inseparable for so long when they were young. How could it end so suddenly?" Emerson typed out.

"I guess so... He won't talk about it," I half-lied. Amir wouldn't talk about it except with me. Emmerson scowled but I wasn't sure if it was meant for me or the situation.

"Reza's mother might know. I can talk to her. She can pry anything out of her son. She'll get to the bottom of this," Emerson typed out. I groaned. I didn't think that would make things better.

I didn't want to talk anymore and risk saying something I shouldn't. Luckily a notification went off on his phone and it distracted him. I walked away before he could turn his attention back to me.

I was heading for Amir's room to wait for him, but the door to my room opened and Mr. Hamad came out. He stopped when he saw me and looked sad.

"Amir says Reza upset you. I'm sorry for that. This should be your safe place. I'll instruct my brother of his error. No one should be allowed in our home without one of us here. Are you ok, sweet one?" he asked me. The way he said "us" let me clearly know he meant himself, Amir, or Ali. I doubted Emerson counted in that lot any more than I did. To them, the blonde boys were defenseless protectorates who needed an Arab male to keep them safe.

"I feel better now... I was so scared. I didn't know what to do so I texted Amir and then tried to hide from them. The way he looked at me and talked about me made me think he was going to do something," I admitted. Something about his presence let me know I didn't have to put up a wall, and being truthful would help Amir's case that Reza wasn't to be trusted.

It worked too. Mr. Hamad looked at me with alarm.

"I don't like that you felt so unsafe. You shouldn't have to know what to do to stay safe in my home... your home. You're our boy and you deserve our protection," Mr. Hamad looked sad. He took his status as the leader of this family very seriously. He put one hand on my shoulder and used the other to stroke my cheek. I raised a hand to cover his, to hold it as if to say I trusted him.

Emerson must have come up behind me because Mr. Hamad took his hand off my shoulder and signed some things with his husband. His other hand slid down my cheek and to my back. He brought me into his chest as he discussed something with Emerson in silent signs.

"Thank you, sir... I feel better now" I said when he finally let me go. He looked at his husband and nodded his head towards their bedroom. Emerson came and gave me a sad look then took his husband's hand and they left us.

"I had to tell him," Amir said as he led me to his room.

"You told him about the video?" I asked incredulously.

"No. What? No way! He would blame me for being stupid enough to get myself into that. I told him that I needed better protection for you, and if you couldn't feel safe here then I'd move us into the apartment we keep on campus." Amir took my hand and pulled me towards his door.

"On campus? But I like it here. I have a family. We can't go!" I protested.

"I meant it, Kasper. He needs to know that I'm as protective of you as he is of dad. I'm a man now. I plan to start a family with you just like he did. This isn't some dumb crush." Amir looked at me with serious eyes.

"A family? With me? I'm only 18. I don't want kids and we haven't even talked about that," I flustered. He paused and turned to look at me as he opened his door.

"I meant someday. And what's there to talk about? You're mine." Amir gripped my hand protectively. I winced when he squeezed too hard. I pulled it back.

"You can't take me away! I like it here, Amir I like your family and Emerson and everyone's so nice and... this place just feels like..." I finished the rest of the sentence in my head. It felt like home. It felt more like a home than the place I grew up. I didn't feel weird here. I wasn't a disappointment to everyone. I wasn't the unwanted fuck-up.

"I know, my love. He promised he'll speak to Zaid, the security, and the men of the house. He doesn't want you to leave here either. You've become their favorite son. I just needed him to know that I have a duty to you like he has to dad. I take it seriously," Amir said and brought me into his chest as we stumbled into his room. He closed the door behind us with his foot and nudged me over towards his bed as we kissed.

"So it was just a bluff? You promise? I... just got here. I can't leave." I tried not to sound like I was begging, but I felt desperation at the thought of leaving the Hamad compound. As bored as I'd been the last few days, this was the most peaceful place I'd ever lived. This was the family I dreamed about when I was an awkward gay kid in a cold, religious family.

"No," Amir said in a breathy voice as he explored new places to nibble on me. He kissed down my neck and lipped at the shoulder of my tank top. "It's my duty to keep you safe. Whatever that comes to, I'll do it." He sounded so final in the way he said it, but then his gentle kisses and his arms pulling me down to his bed had me distracted.

+++

I didn't know what to wear for the dinner and Emerson was so busy with the preparations that he didn't stop in to pick something out for me. I asked Amir for help, but since his arch nemesis would be there he wanted me covered from head to toe. He put on a simple blue t-shirt that framed his muscles nicely and a pair of short khaki shorts. I decided on a long-sleeved thin sweater in pink with white jeans.

We made it out to the living room before the guests arrived and Emerson smiled approvingly. The house staff must have been working hard while we were in Amir's room. The place was spotless and the large bar that separated the kitchen from the dining and living areas was set up with trays of hors d'oeuvres and a selection of drinks for us and wine for the adults. It looked like the homiest of homes with soft lighting and some weird but peaceful Arab music playing. Of course Emerson had thought of everything.

Amir immediately went to the food trays with wide eyes and a big smile. Emerson stopped him just as he was about to grab what he wanted. He signed something that I guessed meant "Wait for the guests." Amir sighed and turned to me with a look of defeat. He put his hand on my chest and pulled on my shirt to bring me towards him. He reached for my hands and tried to guide me through an awkward dance to the music playing in the living room.

"I haven't heard this song in forever. My grandfather used to play it for me." Amir started singing the words softly in my ear. I had no idea what they meant, but his deep Arab notes sent a chill through me as I rubbed my nose across his neck. I love his cologne and the way his muscled chest feels against mine.

"You two are goofy," Ali's voice said behind me. It snapped me back from the fog and I turned to see both him and Emerson watching us.

"Everything is ready?" Mr. Hamad asked as he came in from the other side of the room. Amir looked up, but kept me against his chest. He signed something to his husband and I looked over to see Emerson sign back with a confident nod.

Mr. Hamad sighed and nodded, but he didn't look entirely pleased. Maybe he was just as uneasy as Amir about this evening. Maybe he wanted it over with as much as we did. I could feel the tension return to Amir as he held me. His pulse quickened against my chest. He held me a little too tightly.

"Are you sure you need me for this? I don't think Kasper should have to see Reza again after this afternoon. I was thinking of taking him out for dinner since I've been so busy with school this week," Amir attempted a last ditch effort at escape.

"Kasper will be fine. We will all be here and that boy won't try anything on him. Besides, your dad worked hard to pull this together. We will be here as a family and things will work out between you boys," Mr. Hamad said.

"They're here," Ali said ominously as the panel by the door chirped and flashed a strobe light for Emerson. We all turned to stare at the panel as if they would teleport through it.

"I won't let you out of my grasp until he's gone," Amir assured in a whisper.

"What if I have to pee?" I asked. I started to laugh, but his eyes told me it wasn't time to joke.

"I'll go with you," he said with quiet determination.

It took a few minutes for the Tahirs to park and walk back to the little house Mr. Hamad had built for his family. We all froze like a window display at some fancy Arabian department store as if waiting to be reanimated by the arrivals. It was eerily quiet. I even heard the footsteps as the Tahirs made their way up the front path.

The doorbell rang and everyone sighed as if we'd been holding our breaths. Mr. Hamad went to the door and opened it to a handsome older couple.

Zaira and Bashir Tahir stood in the open doorway with pleasant smiles and a small gift basket with wine poking out of the top. I could see the parts of each that had grown in their son. Reza's mother had his oversized brown eyes and his father held that strong jaw and wide shoulders. They exchanged handshakes, hugs, cheek kisses, and laughter with Emerson and Mr. Hamad in that overly gushy European style that always seemed a bit too much. Amir let me wiggle around so I could turn to see them, but he kept an arm across my waist as if I'd be pulled into their vortex of horror.

He gave a sudden jolt when they moved inside and Reza appeared behind them. It was followed by a sharp gasp when a second boy came into view at his side. Amir knew him and the sight of him made Amir's arms fall from their protective hold on me.

"Kai!... Kai?.... Kai!" Amir yelled in a voice that cycled through emotions. I looked back at him and it took exactly three seconds to sink in who the new guy was. In those three seconds, Amir dropped me and moved around me like a rocket aimed at the doorway.

It was THE Kai. It was the Kai that had been involved in his fall-out with Reza. It was the Kai whom he'd pursued and lost. It was the Kai he'd had deep feelings for and thought he'd never see again. It was the Kai. I instantly felt a stab in my stomach as Amir rushed him, hugged him, and put his hands on Kai's shoulders as if to confirm his dream was reality.

They talked, hugged, and laughed while I stood back where he'd left me; the old toy. With his warm covering gone, the chill of the room hit me as I looked around and watched everyone paired off. Emerson was signing with Mrs. Tahir while Mr. Hamad entertained her husband. Ali had gone to Reza since Amir's threatened stance seemed to have faded. Amir was stuck to Kai who still hadn't made it inside the doorway. I looked around helplessly and found myself alone.

Kai was everything Amir had described. He was a perfect mix of Chinese and Australian with tan skin, wavy brown hair and soft eyes. He was as tall as Amir and had muscles that bulged under his tight blue Henley shirt. The light from the pathway hung over his head like a halo. He threw back his head and laughed at something Amir said, showing perfect white teeth and full lips. I knew immediately that I didn't like him.

"Kasper, you're shaking. What's wrong, little one?" Mr. Hamad said as he reached for me. He and Reza's father had walked over to my side while I was caught up in my head.

"I'm ok, sir. Just cold." I forced a smile and saw Reza's father giving me a head to toe inspection with his eyes. Mr. Hamad pulled me over to his warm chest and introduced me.

"This is Kasper, our youngest and newest addition," Mr. Hamad chuckled as he wrapped an arm around me and put a hand on my hair. I had my blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun. He pet me and messed it up a little, but I didn't mind. His touch reassured me.

"It's nice to meet you, sir," I said and offered my hand to Reza's father. I kept my manners to make Mr. Hamad proud.

"A Californian! Oh I haven't been to the states since probably before you were born," Mr. Tahir laughed. "I do miss that accent." He took my hand and shook it as if I was being overly formal.

"Thank you sir," I said with automated conversation as I kept a side eye on Amir. I wasn't feeling very thankful though since he'd brought Kai into my world.

"Kasper's been modeling while he stays with us. He did an ad with your Reza," Mr. Hamad said proudly as if I'd been working on a cure for something.

"I saw! The pictures were stunning. Reza looked so happy posing with him. With Kasper's looks, I'm sure he will have a good career." Mr. Tahir looked me up and down. He made no mention of the girl who'd shot with us.

They went back to their Arabic conversation over my head as Mr. Hamad rubbed his warm hands up and down my arms and over my chest like I was a puppy. I was happy to play his pet. I watched as Amir, Ali, Reza, and Kai went to sit in the living room without a second thought to me. They weren't even talking in English. I guessed Kai was fluent in Arabic too, another ten points for his scoreboard.

"It is good to see the boys getting along again, right Kasper?" Mr. Hamad said and brought me back into the conversation.

"Yes sir... it's great," I mumbled.

"They were like brothers for so long. I miss the days when they were simple children. I hope they find that brotherhood again," Mr. Tahir added.

I don't think Amir and I had ever been in the same room this long without him looking over to check on me. I watched him, but the only eyes that caught mine were Kai's. He nodded a smile at me and waved as if he knew who I was. I raised my hand halfway up to return his greeting and Amir finally turned to look at me. His look told me he'd forgotten I was there, forgotten I existed, an old life crashing into new.

"Kasper! Come meet Kai!" He said with a surprised laugh. He waved his hand towards me and then quickly returned his attention to Kai like he didn't care if I complied with his request or not.

I did though. I went over there. I didn't want to be the pouting lurker hiding in the arms of Mr. Hamad, though he was happy to have me there. I took a deep breath and strolled the few paces to the living room. Reza watched me coming with a curious look.

"Hi Kasper!" Kai said as I arrived next to Amir. He stood up and leaned over Amir to hug me. He wasn't a tight hugger like the Hamad men. He seemed tentative. He didn't know me. He smelled like citrus with a woodsy hint of mild cologne. He wanted me to like him.

I didn't know how to respond. I gave a muted "Nice to meet you," as he pulled away.

"Your eyes are beautiful," Kai said in a gentle, Australian timbre.

"Aren't they? We modeled together... at least until Amir got too jealous," Reza laughed as though he was chiding an old friend.

"I had to rescue him from Reza! He isn't used to being pawed at by a stray dog," Amir smiled like he and Reza hadn't come to blows at the photoshoot. He took my hand and pulled me down into his lap like he suddenly seemed to notice I was there.

Just as I was trying to figure out what to say, Mr. Hamad rescued me by announcing that the dinner was ready.

The adults were filling their plates with food from the counter. Amir stood quickly, nearly pushing me to the floor, and gestured for Kai to go first. I slid off to the side and watched as the two of them went to get plates with Ali closed behind.

"After you," Reza said to me and gave me the hand motion Amir had used on Kai.

I started slowly, but I was watching as Amir and Kai got in line behind Mr. Hamad. Amir must have said something funny because Kai gave that laugh. It's that kind of laugh that comes out around someone you're interested in. Anything they say is suddenly the funniest thing you've ever heard. I felt Reza's hand nudge me forward and I turned to look at him. His eyes read my face and he cocked his head to the side to study me.

"No," he whispered like I'd asked him a question. "Trust me. He's not a threat. I ran into him last month when I was in Sydney. I explained that everything that went down was just a joke that got out of control. I wanted to make it up to Amir. I wanted to tell him at the photo shoot, but he was such an asshole to me and... well... things got out of control. I brought Kai here as an olive branch."

"Thanks," I said with a tinge of sarcasm. I was happy that Amir would make peace with Reza. I was angry that Kai so readily sucked up his attention, his affection.

"It's not like that. He's only here for a few days and Amir is all about you. I've never seen him so protective of anyone. He was ready to fight to the death with me," Reza noted. He sighed and gave me those eyes that begged me to accept it.

"Kasper, everything ok?" Mr. Hamad called as he set his plate on the table. Kai turned to look at me as he was loading his plate with food. I nodded and forced a smile to Mr. Hamad. He accepted it and turned his attention to his guests. The adults were sitting at the family table.

"Kasper," Ali said from the buffet. He paused with his plate in his hand as he looked between me and Reza. "Come get some food." He was looking out for his brother's boy. He picked up a clean plate from the end and held it out for me. I went to him and hid by his side as I watched Amir and Kai fill their plates from the buffet. They talked and laughed about some shared joke then they left through the front door to find the poolside table. He left me.

Ali waited and helped me through the buffet explaining what everything was and what I probably wouldn't like. He pointed out the things his dad had made and said I had to at least get a few bites of each. It almost felt like I was there with Amir, in his protective warmth and glow, but it was his brother. Reza followed behind us.

I finished my selections. I'd let Ali pile my plate high to appease his parents even though we both knew I wouldn't eat half of it. He put his hand in the center of my back and guided me out towards the pool.

We found Amir and Kai sitting under a string of twinkling white lights set up in a zig zag over the metal table with six white chairs. Ali set his food down next to his brother and then pulled out the chair next to his for me. Reza sat across from me and next to Kai. Amir didn't look up from Kai's attention.

They bantered back and forth in Arabic punctuated with loud bursts of laughter. They were rehashing old times, good times, times before I was there and English was necessary.

I picked over the plate of food. I could spot what was Emerson's and what was Mrs. Tahir's. Emerson's food never had a single spot of grease, but always burst with flavor. Mrs. Tahir's was more traditional, heavier, halal (The muslim tradition of acceptable foods and preparation). The four of them carried on between bites, all traces of animosity between Reza and Amir were gone. Reza must have done a good job with Kai. He must have taken full responsibility and begged penance. Amir lit up with a personality I hadn't seen before.

"Oh and I imagine Kasper complains enough about it," Kai said, switching to English to make my ears prick up. I raised my head to meet his gaze and he winked at me with something more than mild interest. He held my eyes and his lips curled up into a smile when he saw I wasn't sure of him.

"Never, he likes my snoring. He finds it comforting," Amir laughed.

"It's not the snoring so much as the gas. You forget we've shared a room. It's like sleeping next to a Mumbai subway!" Reza joked. "I'm sure he's just being polite."

"My boy sleeps like a rock, cradled into my chest," Amir said.

"I have to! The house is freezing!" I interjected, trying to sound light.

"He does the cutest thing though when I find him sleeping alone. He curls up like an egg with my pillow as the yolk," Amir said and looked at me adoringly. He put his hand to my forehead and pushed my hair back behind my ears.

"I can imagine. He's adorable," Reza said and gave me a wink, then added, "At least he doesn't kick!" I didn't know who he was talking about, but then Kai confessed to it.

"Hey, I don't do that anymore... not as much," Kai protested.

"I remember! You got me in the nuts once!" Amir laughed. They went back to Arabic then as the words sank in.

He'd shared a bed with Kai. I wondered what they'd done together and why he hadn't mentioned that. I was surging with jealousy all over again. I set down my fork. I hadn't eaten much, but my stomach couldn't handle anymore. They'd slept together. It pounded over and over in my head. He'd kicked Amir in the nuts once which meant they'd probably done it multiple times. I felt my pulse pounding in my ears and it drowned out their conversation. I looked down at my plate as it swirled around and around in my head.

"Right, Kasper?" Amir said and turned to me. I looked up and saw they were all looking at me.

"Um what?" I asked.

"You ok? You look sad," he said and studied my face.

"I'm good," I lied. He reached his hand to my cheek and cupped it, rubbing a finger near my temple. I felt a little shock of pain on my skin.

"Hey, I think you're starting to get a little zit here," he noted and rubbed his finger over it. I pulled back and everyone laughed. It hit me like a slap.

"Don't embarrass him," Kai laughed as if he pitied me, as if I needed defending, as if I wasn't even a challenge to his affections for Amir, as if I was some meaningless boy he didn't need to take seriously, as if I didn't matter. I felt like the sad little brother who they'd been forced to bring along. I didn't belong here.

"I... be right back," I said and got up without waiting for a reply. I made my way back towards the house, but the adults would be in there and I didn't feel like dealing with that. I went around to the little stone circle around the koi pond and sank down on the cold stone with my back against the wall.

I pulled my knees up into my chest and hugged them, lowering my face into my crossed arms. For the first time there, I wanted to go home. I tried to tell myself that I was just being a baby, that of course Amir had exes and a full life before me... but this felt different.

"Baby," Amir whispered as he came around the corner of the house. "You're mad at me?"

"No," I croaked, trying to not sound so pitiful. "I just need a minute."

But he didn't go away. He came and slid down the wall next to me and leaned over to rest his head on mine.

"Do you know how much my heart twists when I see you sad? I didn't mean to offend you. They weren't laughing at you. They were laughing at me for saying something so stupid... I'm sure it's not a zit, and if it is then dad has some cream that can clear it right up!" Amir said.

I didn't respond or look up. He sighed and kissed my hair.

He rubbed a hand down my back and slid the other under my knees. He lifted me off the stone and brought me over to his lap sideways so my head rested on his shoulder. He slid the hand that was under my knee down my thigh to cup my ass. He squeezed it and wrapped his other arm around my back to pull me close against his chest. He leaned his head down and kissed my knees, one at a time.

"We'll fix you up, you'll be pretty again," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"It's not a zit!" I smacked a hand against his chest. He looked at me with pouty lips and begging eyes. It just made me angrier.

"What's wrong then? We were having a good time. Reza apologized for things and he did it without spilling the details to Ali. Can you believe it? He begged Kai to realize it was all him and not me. He brought him here after the photoshoot as a peace offering. That's why they put the dinner off for a week. Reza wanted to surprise me and ask forgiveness. Isn't that great?" Amir asked.

"Yes, I'm happy for you... Now Kai likes you again. You can start over with him just like you wanted... You get another shot," I said, realizing how my words sounded.

"Wait, What? Kasper! Baby! I don't want another shot at Kai! Are you serious? Why would I want him when I have you? Is that why you're upset? We were all having a good time... I thought... Right?" Amir sighed.

"You were having a good time with your friends. I wasn't... and I don't speak that language. You all fit together... As soon as Kai walked through the door, you let go of me and..." I said but Amir cut me off.

"No! I didn't mean to do that. It's not like that at all. Oh my love... that was an asshole thing to do and I'm so sorry... I just... It was like seeing a ghost, Kasper. After all this time he just walks through the door like... I was in shock. I didn't mean to cut you out of things. I'd never do that intentionally," Amir offered.

He kissed my forehead then asked, "You will forgive me?"

I nodded against his shoulder then rubbed my nose along his chin. I felt my body filling up with his warmth again, his heartbeat pounding in his neck as I pressed my cheek into him.

"I love you so much. I'd never do anything to hurt you." he assured.

"I love you too. I guess I was just being jealous." I offered a truce.

"Jealous?" Amir said as if that was something he hadn't considered. He mulled it over then laughed. "You were ready to fight for you man?"

"Uh huh," I said and kissed up his jaw. "You think I could take him?"

"Doubtful. Kai wrestled through high school... I'd have to step in and rescue you." Amir laughed.

"You were really jealous of Kai? Why?" Amir said when he stopped. He looked like he couldn't believe it.

"He just fits here. He's from your world. He speaks your language. He brought your worst enemy back to being your friend..." I trailed off. Amir just shook his head in disbelief.

"Kasper! You drive me so crazy. You fit in here from the first minute my parents figured out you were tricked into the bad aspects of the show. They love you and so do I. You're the quintessential California golden boy," Amir said.

"I'm ok... I guess," I laughed uncomfortably.

"You're an international model!" Amir argued.

"I took a few pictures in Africa and here," I dismissed.

"You've been on television!" Amir continued.

"A side part on an awful show," I laughed. I was blushing furiously. I could feel my cheeks burn.

"And that porn site got well over a million clicks just from a few pictures of you in your underwear," Amir pressed on. "Trust me, the lawyers got the records in case we needed to sue."

"That was embarrassing for my whole family, and not something to be proud of," I pointed. I buried my face in his shoulder.

"I'm never embarrassed of you. I'm proud you're mine. I always will be." Amir raised my eyes to look at his. He nodded like he'd just confirmed something to himself.

"Kai isn't your competition," he said. "You are your only competition, Kasper. You're a beautiful boy with a beautiful soul whose family spent 18 years trying to crush. They tried to make you feel bad about who you are because it didn't suit their antiquated narrative. And in spite of all that, you still expect the best of everyone. You still want to give everyone a chance."

"Stop..." I looked down. I couldn't handle his adoration. I felt stupid for being so upset about Kai.

"Ok... You may not see how perfect you are, but I do. You aren't here because we pity you. You're here because we all love you. You belong here," Amir affirmed. "You get that?"

He waited for me to nod and then kissed me and wrapped his arms around me tightly.

"You see how much better you make things? I was so mad at Reza and then when he did this, surprised me with Kai and asking forgiveness... I thought of you. You always look for the best in people and it... it changed me. You make me a better person," Amir finished.

We made out for a few minutes. We were on the edge of doing more and forgetting we had a house full of guests until Ali showed up.

"If you two are done with... whatever this is, we're wanted back inside," he announced.

Amir said something that sounded like a curse in Arabic and Ali just laughed and walked off.

"We better get this over with. I hope they're almost done. I need some time with you... alone," Amir whispered. He kissed me one more time and then pushed up on my bottom to indicate I should stand. He followed me then took my hand and lead me back towards the house.

Everyone was inside and they seemed to be waiting for us. We walked in, hand in hand, and Mr. Hamad gave us a nod of approval. Everyone was gathered around the big kitchen bar. The food had been cleared away and there was a big cake on the counter and a long line of half-filled champagne flutes.

Mr. Hamad started a little speech about how much the Tahirs meant to their family... our family. He announced some new deal Mr. Tahir had made to lure a new corporate headquarters of some company I'd never heard of. He said it would be billions in investments and new jobs and other stuff that sounded exciting. I tried to look interested and smile as Amir stood behind me with his arms wrapped securely across my chest and his chin on my shoulder.

I caught Kai's eyes a few times while Mr. Hamad spoke. I felt a little guilty for instantly judging him and disliking him. I offered him a smile and he winked back at me and returned it. He nodded as his eyes looked at Amir's hold on me. He looked genuinely happy.

Amir leaned around me to take a flute of champagne. His father pointed him to the lighter colored ones which I guessed were non-alcoholic. He got two for us and then whispered that he couldn't wait to get back to his room with me. I needed him too.

Looking around I saw Mr. Hamad look at us as he finished his toast. He gave a nod of approval and a satisfied smile as he watched his son's hold on me. He tipped his glass towards me and gave a wink like we had some private joke. I saw Emerson looking out over his family and friends, the comfort and love he'd created here. I watched Ali looking down at his phone and completely bored with this situation in a way that one can only look within the confines of a safe and happy family. He didn't have a care in the world.

I felt Amir slowly rub his hand up and down my stomach as he pulled me back against his muscled chest and laughed at something his father had said while I was lost in thought. I put my hand over his and our fingers interlaced. He squeezed my hand, letting me know he had me. I turned back to rub my cheek against his shoulder. I was his. I was home. -- Thanks for reading. Comment if you'd like more: tarzanacide@gmail.com -- My Stories: https://sites.google.com/view/emri/