Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. It involves romantic and/or sexual relationship between men. If you are offended of this subject matter, if you are a minor, or if you are in a place where it is illegal to read this type of literature, please stop reading now.
Copyright © 2013 by Fritz Diantan. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the law, no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Author.
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Love Assassin Chapter Seven: Cruel Lesson
After Vincent's bombshell, I tried to act as normally as possible in the office. I did not let him notice anything out of the ordinary. Our interactions were limited strictly to work related matters. We remained friendly, with a little bit of banter here and there during team powwows. To any observer, our relationship was nothing more than a boss and an employee.
But inside, I was seething. I was not really sure to whom my anger was directed but there was this boiling rage inside me that makes me want to scream each time I see Vincent. How can he, as intelligent and talented as he was, decide to spend the rest of his life with a woman who was just going to make him waste his future? He will suffer because inevitably, Jenna will abandon him... it may take a few years but I was certain it will happen. And that will break his soul beyond repair when he was forced to realize what a waste his life had been all those years being married with such a woman.
All that prevented me from expressing my frustration was the knowledge that there was still something that I can do to save Vincent and after this coming weekend, I know for a fact that Jenna will leave him. How much he loves her will not matter, she will reject and abandon him. I know it was a cruel way to open Vincent's eyes but it was better for him to feel the pain now instead of enduring years of torment.
"Penny, can you tell Vincent I need to talk to him?" I said to my secretary through the intercom.
A minute later, he walked into my office. I told him to close the door. Vincent had a nervous look as he took a seat, probably, because it was the first time we were alone in a room since he told me about his plans to marry Jenna.
"Vincent, I need you to accompany me in a meeting tomorrow for this new client that is interested in working with us," I said calmly. "It's not a whale but I think it can be a great opportunity for you to learn more about how to represent the company in future."
"But, sir, I'm just a programmer," he said uncertainly.
"I'm also a programmer but that's not all that I do. We need our programmers to be able to talk to clients in a way that business people will understand them. As you might have experienced when we launched the Phoebus software, the teams that handled the development of the project are the best people to sell them," I explained. "Bong, Alex, and I usually talk to most of the clients but there are times when we need to delegate. There's a lot of interest in Phoebus at the moment because it's the shiny, new toy so most of the your team had been given clients to handle. Seeing that this will be your first time going to a client meeting, I'll be there to facilitate."
I saw Vincent's throat move as he swallowed his nervousness.
"Okay... um, how do I prepare for the meeting?"
"Just make sure that you will be able to answer any technical questions that the client may raise. Don't worry, I'll be there to control the conversation in case you get overwhelmed," I said, smiling reassuringly. "Here's the address of the restaurant. Penny made reservations for 11:30. Okay?"
Vincent took the piece of paper and nodded to me. As he got out of my office, I looked at the closed door and tried to justify whether what I was about to put in motion was for Vincent's sake and not for mine.
"Who is this guy again and why did I wasted my weeks stalking him?" asked Ruel while I watched the footage he gathered on my laptop. "You haven't explained how this Mendrez guy is connected to Vincent."
"The less you know the better," I said. "If I tell you, I would have to kill you. Trust no one. Do not put all your eggs in one basket--"
"Fine, fine. No need for the sarcastic clichés. I'm just curious 'cause you've been crazy obsessed with this guy. And I deserve to know if I need to do any more hacking in the future."
I laughed hard after hearing what Ruel just said. It was my first genuine laugh since finding out Vincent was set on marrying Jenna.
"You? Hacking?! Someone who could barely change his phone settings?" I said. "All you did was flirt with the secretary to let you connect to their Wifi network. I'm actually the one who did all the work to get Mendrez's itinerary."
An email notification took my attention. I frowned as I read the message.
FROM: migz@yeheymail.com TO: agent13@love-assassin.com SUBJECT: Assignment Status
A,
What's going on? Why is it taking so long to break up J and V? Reply ASAP.
M
I decided to control my annoyance. As much as I want to put Miguel in his place, I did not have time for this brat's tantrum at the moment.
FROM: agent13@love-assassin.com TO: migz@yeheymail.com SUBJECT: Re: Assignment Status
M,
Don't worry. Be patient. A plan is already in motion. In a few days, J and V will no longer be together.
A
I sent the reply and returned to watching the videos. I studied the man that will serve as the final tool I will use to destroy Vincent and Jenna's relationship.
"Conning that secretary was tough. If it wasn't for my charms, you won't be able to get access to their network, so be grateful," said Ruel.
"I'm giving you a new sports car, aren't I?" I retorted, rolling my eyes to him.
"How long do I have to keep tailing this guy?" asked he. "Sports car or not, it's getting kinda boring."
"Don't worry. Now that we know Mr. Mendrez is a man of habit, I just need you to do one last thing," I said then handing Ruel a hardbound book.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" he asked.
"I know you're allergic to reading but be careful with that book. It has an IP camera and a LTE modem hidden inside. All you need to do is position the book and stream the feed so I can monitor the progress of the plan."
"Should I be worried? What exactly is going to happen tomorrow?" asked Ruel, looking at me intently.
My smile made Ruel frown a bit.
"The beginning of Vincent's final lesson."
"Mendrez is here, but still no sign of Vincent," said Ruel's voice through my headset. I was sitting in my car, parked just around the corner to the restaurant, holding a tablet that was streaming the hidden camera's feed.
"Just eat you lunch, cameraman. He will show."
Ruel was positioned perfectly, near Rowan Mendrez's usual table and also captured the entrance. My tablet's clock showed 11:25 AM when Vincent entered the restaurant. He began to talk to the maitre d' when the familiar man got his attention. Rowan Mendrez stopped eating and had an expression of great surprise, almost shock upon seeing Vincent.
"Vincent, is that you?" the man asked as he stood.
I watched a multitude of emotions flash through Vincent's face then a thin, smile appeared.
"Mr. Mendrez," said Vincent, approaching the man. He extended his hand which the man took and shook.
"How have you been? You've... you look... you're tall," Rowan stuttered while still holding the younger man's hand. "Are you in school?"
"I'm okay. I'll be graduating next week. Information technology at LSU."
I studied Vincent's expression. It was evident that he was uncomfortable and wanted to run out of the restaurant at that very moment. I can see that the smile he was wearing took a lot of effort to hold up. His eyes were darting around as though he was about to be shot.
It was a risk. Knowing that I was the only one he had ever told about his affair with Rowan, Vincent might deduce that the meeting was a set up. But I needed them to meet for the final phase to work. Fortunately, I was able to find a small business near the restaurant that Mr. Mendrez frequents and I gave them an offer that they will not refuse. The meeting was just a formality, the client already agreed to work with Mobius but it served as my alibi in case Vincent entertains the notion that him running into Rowan today was anything other than coincidence.
"Congratulations! You went to my alma mater, that's... why don't you join me so we can catch up?" offered Rowan and gesturing to the seat on his table.
"I'm actually here to meet with my boss," said Vincent. "For a client meeting."
"Oh, I see," said Rowan, looking rather disappointed. "Well, maybe next time then. Here's my card so we... have a coffee or something."
Vincent took the business card and nodded politely then turned to go back to the maitre d' who led him to our reserved table.
I looked at the clock on my dashboard. 11:35 AM.
"You can finish your lunch and go," I told Ruel. "Mission was a success."
"That's it?" he asked, sounding confused.
"Yup."
"Can I keep the book?"
"Choose between the book or the car."
"I'll take the car."
"Thought so. Bring the book to my house later. And ignore me when I get there. Bye." I ended the call and put the tablet away. I got out of the car, then walked to the office building just beside the parking lot. After ten minutes, I entered the restaurant with the clients and was guided to the table where Vincent was waiting. He did not comment about the time, probably because he was still shaken by the unexpected encounter just moments ago. I introduced Vincent to the clients and he smiled genuinely while shaking their hands, though he looked a bit distracted as he tried to discreetly steal glances towards Rowan's direction.
"Are you okay?" I asked Vincent softly while the clients were giving their orders to the waiter.
"Yeah... um... just hungry, I guess," he said.
In the corner of my eye, I saw Rowan stood up and looked at Vincent's direction, then exited the restaurant. Vincent did not notice the man go but when he saw that Mr. Mendrez was no longer there, he looked more relaxed and his normal self.
The clients were impressed and Vincent did not appear to be suspicious about my involvement with the Mendrez incident. After the clients returned to their building, I told Vincent I will see him back to the office. As his cab rounded the corner, I went to the flower shop a few yards from the restaurant.
"Hi! Welcome to Happy Blossoms!" said by a girl in a pink apron.
"Hello, I want a dozen red roses delivered to this address, please," I said handing the paper I prepared in advance to the florist.
"No problem. Do you want to include a message on the card?"
"Yes but can you write it for me? I have a terrible handwriting."
"What's the message?"
"To Vincent. It was great seeing you again. Got your address from a friend in LSU. Let's meet again. Rowan."
Saturday... I woke up that morning after tossing and turning the entire night. My alarm clock beeped incessantly but I let it make noise for a few more minutes to drown out my thoughts. It was the day when I will conclude what planned for Vincent and Jenna. I finally hit the damn clock to shut it up but a new ringing made my dog started barking. Growling in annoyance as the doorbell made a racket, I walked to the front door and prepared to berate the person who dared disturb me that early in the morning.
"Finally! I though you died," said Madeline, pushing my door open even before I can say anything.
My blood curdling speech about decorum evaporated from my mind as she entered my house as though she owned the place.
"I brought coffee and breakfast... you may want to put on some clothes," she said looking at me and blushing slightly.
I was only wearing silk boxers. I smiled slyly and did a pose after closing the front door.
"My house, my rules. Why? Does my underwear make you uncomfortable?"
"Whatever, suit yourself," said Madeline, walking to my dining table and put down the bag of food.
"Why are you here?" I asked as I took one of the cups of coffee.
"You weren't answering my calls or text. And what the hell is this plan you and Ruel are up to? He said Vincent was going to propose to Jenna. He already made a choice so why aren't you backing off?"
I looked at Madeline sharply.
"Are you honestly trying to tell me how to live my life? Why do you care if I still plan to break Vincent's relationship?"
"I care because you're my friend!" she said loudly.
"Being my friend or are you still hanged up with your feelings for me? You know that nothing will ever happen between us, right? So, you might as well move on," I said scornfully.
I did not look at Madeline after saying my piece, which proved to be a mistake. Pancakes and scrambled eggs hit my face with a splat and landed on my lap. I look up to see Madeline standing in front of me, her face full of rage.
"You do whatever you want, asshole! But don't you dare call me when you need someone to put you back together. Geneva made the right decision to run away with your son because he will never be proud of the man you are right now!"
The words flew from Madeline's mouth and hit me like daggers. I looked at her, my mouth open in shock. Madeline closed her eyes and turned away, then hurriedly went out of my house.
I let my breathing return to normal before going to the shower. I could not afford to get distracted right now but as the water cascaded down my back, I could not help wonder whether my friendship with Madeline had ended. Using my Geneva and my son in an argument was a low blow and Madeline knew that... but I probably deserved it, after all that I have done and what I was just about to do.
After putting on some clothes, I took my phone. I checked the time before dialing the number. Based on Ruel's surveillance and the itinerary I got from Rowan Mendrez's office, the man was a workaholic and spends his Saturday mornings at work to prepare for the following week's deliveries. While I listened to the other line ringing, I watched Berry, my golden retriever eat the pieces of food that Madeline used as a weapon.
"Hello," a woman said when my call finally connected.
"Hello, ma'am. Sorry to disturbed you so early in the morning," I said sounding as chipper as I could. "This is Jerry from Happy Blossoms flower shop. Can I speak to Mr. Rowan Mendrez?"
"This is his wife. He already left for work. May I ask what this is about?" Mrs. Mendrez said.
"Ma'am, our shop's computer crashed this morning. So, we were trying to recheck the recipient addresses of flower deliveries scheduled for today. Ma'am, do you know a Vincent Salcedo? That's the recipient of Mr. Mendrez's flower delivery," I said. There was a pause on the other line for a few seconds. I was about to repeat what I said when Mrs. Mendrez cleared her throat.
"Yes, I know Vincent."
"Can you confirm whether the address we have is correct?"
"Yes, I'll confirm. Tell me the address."
I gave Mrs. Mendrez Vincent's address. She pretended to confirm that it was correct and I ended the call.
Picking up my keys, I left my house to see whether my plan will be successful. I parked a few houses from Vincent and Jenna's apartment but I was sure he will not notice me because I drove the car I rarely use to go to work, with deeply tinted windows. After killing the engine, I felt my chest started pounding as I waited whether Mrs. Mendrez will take the bait.
After fifteen minutes, I got my answer as I watched a black sedan parked in front of Vincent and Jenna's apartment. A man got out from the driver's side then opened the door to let a woman in her late forties out of the backseat. Walking briskly, her driver just a few paces behind, Mrs. Mendrez reached the front door and banged on it repeatedly. A few seconds after, the door opened to reveal Vincent and Jenna's furious faces though after realizing who it was, Vincent's expression changed dramatically.
"Who are you and why are you trying to break down our door?!" Jenna shouted to Mrs. Mendrez who was glaring at Vincent the moment he came into view.
"YOU! You son of a bitch!" spat Mrs. Mendrez. "I thought I've already made myself clear that you will never let my family see you ever again!"
"HEY! Who the hell do you think you are?" Jenna started to walk out but Vincent grabbed her arm.
"Mrs--Mrs. Mendrez, what are you doing here?" asked Vincent, whose face showed a kaleidoscope of dark emotions.
"As if you do not know? We had an agreement. I paid you to disappear. You don't contact my husband, you don't contact my children. Don't tell me you want to extort more money from us? Or do you just enjoy destroying families with your perversions!"
Jenna looked back to Vincent. "What is this bitch talking about?"
"This bitch is the wife of the man this homo seduced to get money out of back when he was a teenager!" retorted Mrs. Mendrez.
I sat in my car, watching the scene unfold. I noticed that some of the front doors around Vincent's apartment opened and many of the neighbors started getting curious about the noise.
"Mrs. Mendrez, stop making a--"
"I knew you met with Rowan again. Did you enjoy the flowers he sent or haven't you received it yet? Tell me, is this girl one of you customers? Are you a professional gigolo now?"
Mrs. Mendrez was so relentless that all Vincent was able to do was stand their stunned while Jenna looked at him with a horrified expression. The woman took an envelope from her pocket then threw it to Vincent's face before landing on the ground.
"That's the last check you will ever get from my family. Money obviously is the only way to keep scum like you away. This is the last time I will even hear about you or else, I'll make sure you will get hurt."
After her threat, Mrs. Mendrez turned and walked back to her car. As Mrs. Mendrez left, Jenna stared at Vincent, looking outright disgusted.
"Jenna--" Vince began but stopped when she slapped his face with all the force she can muster.
"You're a... you're disgusting!" Jenna screamed. "I can't believe this! All these years? You were just using me as a cover to hide whatever freak you really are?! Or maybe you just wanted my father's money?"
"Jenna, no! I love you! Let me explain. Please, baby--" Vincent begged, tears running down his face.
"Fuck you! You make me sick! I want you and all of your shit out of this apartment before I return or I will tell daddy to take care of you!"
I watched as Jenna took off something from her finger then threw it to Vincent. I saw him flinched at the thing hit his cheek. Then, Jenna walked into the house, ignoring Vincent's pleas. She came back out and run to her parked car. It was painful to watch as Vincent repeatedly tapped on her car window, begging her to listen. Jenna backed out of their driveway and speed off, leaving her ex-fiancé sobbing pathetically in the middle of the street.
I watched Vincent looked around as some of his neighbors discreetly closed their front doors. A few houses down, some huddled together and threw him lofty glances, shaking their heads and muttering their gossips. Wiping his face while walking back to his apartment, Vincent picked up the envelope Mrs. Mendrez threw at him then ripped it to pieces before shutting the door with a bang.
The plan was a success. I knew that revealing Vincent's past to Jenna will make her run for the hills without listening to any explanation. It did not matter that Vincent was the victim, having been abused and abandoned when he was just a teenager. I was certain that they will never get back together because Jenna will accept anything that comes from Vincent now... I would even be surprise if she lets him come near her.
I started my engine and drove back to my house. I tried to feel happy for saving Vincent from a horrible future. But I could not stop myself from remembering his expression... the agony, the torment, and the humiliation that Vincent felt while he took Mrs. Mendrez insults and when Jenna threw the engagement ring to his face. And that was the only time I realized that my face was also wet with tears...
<>
Love Assassin chapter Eight: The Promise
I watched him silently.
Vincent arrived at the office on Monday as though nothing had happened to him just two days before. He smiled and talked to anyone who approached with his usual lopsided grin. He was so good at the pretense that I was the only one who noticed that the glimmer in his eyes was now gone... that behind the smile was a soul slowly breaking.
He did not say anything to me about what happened between him and Jenna or the Mendrez incident. By the way he talked to me during meetings, I was sure he did not suspect that I was involved in any way. Vincent tried to fool me as well with his smiles and banter, pretending that nothing was wrong unlike before when we kissed and he tried to quit. The way he was handling himself, being so composed and cool in the surface, was making me worried. I knew from personal experience that the calm before a great storm was very dangerous.
So, when Penny told me about her plan, I agreed. I called Vincent to my office to distract him, giving Penny and the other employees time to set up outside.
"Sir, the servers will be ready by next week so the expansion is on schedule," said Vincent.
"That's great," I said while looking at my watch.
"Is there anything else you need?" he asked.
"Well..." I turned to my display pretending to check on something and wishing Penny would hurry up. "Umm..."
"Dante, Alex said he is ready," said Penny through the intercom. I sighed in relief because I noticed Vincent was already starting to notice that I was stalling.
"Okay, I'll be there," I said then stood up. "Thanks, Vincent."
He looked at me with a half grin and a small frown. He turned and opened my office door.
"Surprise!" shouted everyone and Vincent was so startled that he actually took a step back.
I hurriedly pushed him out of my office as everyone started clapping and cheering.
"Guys, what's going on?" asked Vincent, confused.
"You're graduating tomorrow! Congratulations!" said Penny after handing him a glass of champagne.
"How did you guys know?" he asked.
"Well, Dante was asked to give the commencement address for the ceremony a week ago," my secretary said as she handed me a glass. "And because I handle his schedule I found out that you're graduating magna cum laude! Why didn't you tell us?"
Vincent looked at me, with a sheepish smile.
"It was nothing."
"Of course, it's something!" said Penny. "It's something worth partying for!"
Everyone in the office liked Vincent. He had a great attitude and used his brilliance to help anyone who needed it. It did not surprise me that no one found it ridiculous to celebrate his graduation, probably because most of the staff were fresh graduates themselves just a few year before.
For a moment, I thought Vincent's facade will crack as he got overwhelmed with the clapping and greetings from his colleagues. I knew he had never experience that kind of support from a jealous and over-competitive person like Jenna. I watched as he let himself smile as the moment sink in. After everyone was able to shake his hand, Vincent tried to discreetly get out of the center of attention. It was easy, seeing that Penny and some of the other staff cleared a space for dancing and the sound system that was usually reserved for announcements was now blaring loud music.
"Hey, congrats!" I said to Vincent, patting him on the back as we watched our co-workers party.
"Thanks. Is this really okay?" he asked. "Aren't we supposed to be working on our deadlines or something?"
"Chill. Office hours are over," I said, grinning. "We all deserve a break once in a while. It just happens that there was actually worth celebrating for."
"So, my graduation was just an excuse to party?" Vincent asked, grinning widely as well. I looked at him and at that moment, I saw it again... the glimmer in his eyes.
"Have you met these people? They'll celebrate anything as long as it comes with free booze!" I joked.
We both laughed but after a few seconds, Vincent grew silent. I sipped my drink and just stood by his side, giving him the opportunity to tell me what was bothering him instead of prying.
"I wasn't actually planning on going to the ceremony tomorrow," he said so softly I near missed it due to the loud music.
"Why? Moments like a graduation do not happen often," I said. "You should celebrate it. You earned it."
"I don't know... it's just a ceremony, a formality. It doesn't really make a difference if I go or not."
"What about your parents? Aren't they excited to see you graduate?"
"They're in the province... we haven't really spoken in years," said Vincent, smiling sadly. "We had a different view when it came to education. Both of them didn't go to college because they couldn't afford it and they were not thrilled when I insisted on leaving our province to study. I was lucky one of my uncles helped me."
I looked at Vincent. He was staring at his dancing colleagues but I was quite certain he was not seeing them. There was a defeated look in his eyes.
"Well, what about your uncle then? I'm sure he'll be proud to see you attend the ceremony," I said.
"Yeah, I'm sure he would have. He died before I even graduated high school... but I'm sure he would have been very proud."
"How about you go for my sake?"
Vincent turned to me, frowning a little.
"I'll be giving the commencement address," I said, shrugging a little. "I don't know... I heard college assemblies can get really rowdy. I might need someone there to protect me from the onslaught of fans and admirers if I did a bang-up job with my inspiring and eloquent speech."
I grinned as Vincent gave a genuine, hearty laugh. The masculine sound that he made was so beautiful and perfect, so addicting that I wanted to hear him do it over and over again.
"Wow! Inspiring and eloquent, huh? I might be tempted to go just to see if you'll be able to deliver," he said, grinning.
"If don't go, you'll never know."
The party lasted for an hour and only when the maintenance crew insisted on expelling us that Penny relented and everyone went home one by one. I only had one glass of champagne but Vincent was constantly handed one by anyone who noticed him holding an empty glass.
"Vincent, come on. I'll give you a ride," I offered, seeing that he was a little tipsy.
He looked at me, his cheery expression turning worried.
"No, it's okay, sir. I'll just get a cab," he said.
"Nonsense! There's no need for that," I insisted. "I can't afford you getting lost or mugged the eve of your graduation. Let me drive you home."
The sound of my voice might have given him the impression that my offer was non-negotiable. He swallowed once then, as those defeated, nodded his agreement. We went to the parking lot and got into my car.
"You good enough to give directions?" I joked.
"Yeah," Vincent muttered.
I knew Jenna kicked him out and the reason why I offered to drive him was to know where he was living now. Vincent gave short, plain directions and we spent most part of the ride in awkward silence.
"Stop here," he finally said, after twenty minutes.
"Here?" I asked, making sure we were in the right place.
"Yeah," Vincent affirmed, sounding embarrassed.
I thought he was leading me to a friend's apartment or maybe even a dormitory building. A cheap, run-down motel was far from what I was expecting.
"You live here?" I looked at Vincent but he averted my eyes.
"Jenna and I... we broke up. She kicked me out of our apartment... well, it was her father's, actually. This is just temporary," Vincent said, waving half-heartedly towards the motel.
"My friends... I can't really stay with them, 'cause they don't have room. And I'm just waiting for my next pay so I can afford to rent an apartment. I kinda used up most of my savings after buying the ring..." Vincent's voice trailed off.
I bit my tongue. The guilt that rushed over me nearly made me apologize for what I had made him experienced. But instead of a confession, I held his shoulder and gripped it firmly.
"Let's go get your stuff," I said.
Vincent turned to me, his blushing face frowning deeply.
"What?" he asked.
"You're staying with me."
"No, sir--"
"Vincent," I said, cutting him off. "Do you really think I'll be able to sleep properly tonight if I go and leave you in this place?"
"You don't have to--"
"You come with me to my home or I'll get a room here? Either way, I'm not leaving you alone."
I looked at him, straight in the eyes, as I gave him my ultimatum. He had not stopped blushing since we arrived at the motel. When he finally realized that I was not going anywhere without him, he gave a sigh and nodded.
"I'll come with you," Vincent said, softly.
"Okay, then," I said, smiling at him. "Let's go get your things."
Vincent slept in my spare bedroom and maybe due to the amount of champagne he drank, he passed out almost immediately as soon as his head hit the pillow. I watched him sleep for a few minutes, listening to his breathing. He looked handsome laying there but the stress of the past few days showed as he snored softly, clearly exhausted. With Berry at my heels, I went out the room and closed the door. Surprisingly, Berry curled up in front of the door as though guarding it.
"You take care of him, okay?" I said, crouching down and patting his head.
I undressed and laid on my bed. I forced myself to sleep even if all I wanted to do was curl up on the bed next room, beside the man that I loved.
I woke up with the smell of bacon and eggs. Walking to the kitchen in just my usual shorts, I found Vincent in front of the stove and cooking breakfast, with Berry sitting expectantly near his feet. Vincent was wearing jersey shorts and a white cotton tee. With his back turned to me, I took advantage to admire his toned body which was accented by his current clothing.
"Good morning," I said.
Vincent turned and smiled at me, then blushed.
"Good morning. I hope you don't mind that I cooked breakfast," he said while his eyes roamed through my almost naked body.
"Of course not," I said, walking towards the coffee machine beside the stove and pour myself a cup. "I see you met Berry."
"Yeah. He's a good boy," Vincent said, smiling down to the dog.
After he finished cooking, we sat down to eat.
"You know, you can stay here a long as you need to," I offered to Vincent.
He looked at me with warm eyes, smiling gratefully.
"Thank you. But I just need to wait for my pay then I think I can afford renting an apartment."
"You can't afford a decent apartment with just half a month's pay."
"I'll make do. I can sell... some stuff to have enough for a deposit," said Vincent, playing with the remaining bacon in his plate. "I don't want to impose..."
"It's not an imposition. I know what it felt like to need help. If it wasn't for those who believed in me, I won't be here today. So, let me help and believe in you, okay?" I said, putting much emphasis on the last part. With his lopsided grin, Vincent nodded.
I spent the rest of the morning helping Vincent settle, giving him a tour around the subdivision and telling him about the nearby establishments that may interest him like the gym and grocery store. Then, we prepared for the graduation ceremony that afternoon. Vincent looked dashing in his dark navy dress shirt and silver tie, a scarlet robe draped over an arm.
We drove in silence to the venue but I could not help smiling the whole time. I felt weirdly proud of Vincent's accomplishment, despite not having any contribution to his college life. Though, I did notice him looking around nervously when we arrived in the venue's parking lot. There were other graduates with their parents in the parking lot and their presence seemed to have a negative effect to Vincent's composure.
"Is something wrong?" I asked him after I killed the engine.
Vincent smiled at me and just shook his head. As we got out of the car, I saw some students looked at our direction and gave strange looks to Vincent, who did his best to ignore them. I suddenly understood... my guess was that Jenna told people about Vincent's past, most likely to appear victimized and save her reputation. Some of the graduates also stared at me, probably wondering who I was or maybe even jumping to conclusion about my relationship with Vincent. I could not careless as we walked out of the parking lot.
There was nothing special with the ceremony that followed. My speech was the highlight and I saw that many students were surprised to find out who I was. After the ceremony, I made sure to find Vincent and walked with him to the car in plain view of everyone. In their attempt to give a good impression for a future job interview, some of the graduates approached me and even congratulated Vincent for the honors he received. Even if I had no plans to hire any of them, I smiled and gave some cheesy inspirational crap to get them out of the way.
"I guess, your prediction came true," said Vincent as I started the car.
"What prediction?"
"That you will get mobbed by fans and admirers."
"Happens every time," I said then glanced at Vincent and we just started laughing.
"Where are we going?" Vincent asked after a few minutes.
"We've gotta eat. Aren't you hungry?" I said, maneuvering the car and parking it in front of a restaurant. "Don't worry, it's my treat."
"Dan, you don't have to--" he started but I put my hand on top of his head like patting a dog.
"When are you going to realize that resistance is futile?" I said to Vincent. "I'm going to treat you to dinner and we're going to celebrate your graduation because you deserve it. Comprende?"
"Si," said Vincent with a grin.
I could not remember the last time I felt so at ease. It was as if time stood still while Vincent and I ate great food and drank fantastic wine. He laughed and forgot all the bad things that happened to him the past few days. As for me, I also forgot... forgot all the bad things that I had done and how far I had gone to get what I wanted.
"Are you sure you won't die?" Vincent asked after dinner as we got into the car.
"Don't worry. I only had one glass of wine unlike you who insisted on trying to finish the bottle. Do you have a drinking problem you're not telling me about?" I joked, glancing over him as I started driving.
"The price of that wine was half the entire bill," Vincent said, his voice slurring sexily. "It seems a waste not to finish it."
I laughed, trying very hard not to stare at him and make the car crash. As we got home, I supported Vincent as he had trouble walking in a straight line. Berry greeted us, barking and wagging his tail enthusiastically. I gently laid Vincent to his bed and went to the kitchen to give the dog his dinner.
I returned to Vincent's room and saw that he had not moved an inch since I left him.
"You okay?" I asked sitting beside him.
Vincent groaned in the affirmative through his slightly opened lips, his eyes close.
"Okay, then. Try to change your clothes before you doze off."
I started moving to leave when a hand grabbed my arm gently. Looking down to Vincent, I saw his eyes were now open and looking directly at me. With just the light from the corridor, his eyes sparkled with emotion.
"Why did you do it?" he asked, softly.
"What?" I said, nervously.
"Your kindness... you've done so much for me. You didn't have to let me stay. I don't deserve... you."
Vincent's hold on my arm tightened slightly. He sat up on the bed, all the while never taking his eyes off mine. His face came nearer and nearer until our lips touched. With his other hand, he held the back of my head as we kissed gently and very lightly pulled me down with him to the bed.
Now on top of Vincent, I took control and kissed him with more passion as he let my tongue in and sucked it gently. It was electric as Vincent let his hands roamed my back, clawing my shirt when I proceeded to nibble and lick the side of his neck. I embraced him tightly, feeling his lean body against mine as he moaned.
"Are you sure?" I whispered to his ear then licked it.
"Yes, please!" he said, holding me tighter.
I returned to kissing his mouth as I expertly unbuttoned his shirt, unbuckled his belt, and zipped his pants. Exposing his chest, I licked his perfect pectorals until I reached a nipple. Vincent groaned and puffed his chest as I sucked gently. I alternately played with his sensitive nubs with my tongue and fingers, enjoying his reactions... moaning and shuddering as I continued to taste his body.
With my other hand, I massaged the bulge straining the thin fabric of his boxers. I kissed his torso, traveling down until I reached his navel and uncovered his cock. After licking the bulbous head several times, I engulfed Vincent's dick to the root and sucked him vigorously. The pleasure was making him crazy as he grabbed the sheets to the point of ripping.
"Dan... Dante..." I heard Vincent say as I went up and down on his cock. "Let me... do you too. Please?"
I stopped sucking him and almost destroyed my shirt and pants to get out of them. Laying prone and breathing heavily in the bed, Vincent looked up at me as I undressed. His lips were red and puffy... he looked vulnerable yet masculine, so sexy... so perfect.
I kissed him again while taking off his shirt as he kicked off his pants and underwear. Our hard bodies rubbed together, bare and raw, sweat mixing to magnify our senses. I little bit his lips as his hand held my dick, pumping it up and down. Positioning myself to suck his cock again, I could not help shuddering after I felt Vincent swallow my tool, his throat relenting and started massaging its hardness. I did not know when was the last time he had been with another man but by the way he used his tongue and took the head of my dick without gagging, Vincent was a talented cocksucker.
Wanting to make him remember all the pleasure of being with a man, I spread his legs wider until my tongue reached its goal. Vincent's throat vibrated with his muffled squeal when my lips and tongue made contact with his hole. His tight hole was very sensitive, making him wriggle and groan with so much pleasure that he almost stopped sucking me... he just held the head of my dick tightly with his lips as I persistently prodded his ass. When Vincent's hole relaxed enough, I got up from the bed, opened a drawer of the side table, and took out a condom.
I looked at him, my dick bobbing in the air as I kneeled in the bed. He stared up at me, panting but nodded his head in a silent agreement. Unwrapping the rubber, I put it on quickly, raised Vincent's legs to my shoulders and slowly plunged inside him. Vincent closed his eyes, frowning and biting down hard on his bottom lip. I made sure to be gentle. It took a few minutes to get inside him completely but it was worth it. It was obvious that no one had been inside him for a very long time as his hole gripped my dick tightly, pulsing every now and then as it tried to adjust and relax.
"Fuck," he muttered breathlessly when I hit his spot.
"Yes, baby. Feel it..." I whispered, hips rotating very slowly, just enough to tease his prostate.
We were both breathing heavily and as he opened his eyes, I leaned down and kissed him. Gently at first, I touched his lips with mine, sucking the bottom then nibbling the top before pushing my tongue inside his mouth. Vincent moaned and gripped the back of my head. I started my hips, moving slowly back and forth.
Each thrust elicited a primal sound from the young man below me, which invigorated my lust. I picked up the pace and plunged in more forcefully, alternating my rhythm... unrelenting and keeping him guessing. I wanted him to feel every inch of my dick as I forced his hole to open up some more. I wanted him to remember that night for the rest of his life and keep him craving for more...
"Dante," Vincent moaned in between kisses. "I'm... getting close."
As I fucked him repeatedly, his dick got rubbed by our bodies, lubricated by our combined sweat.
"Cum with me, Vincent," I said, biting his neck gently and sped up my thrusts.
My dick wedged in and out of Vincent with renewed vigor when his tight hole started throbbing as he came closer to blowing. Our heavy breathing synced, our hands clutching each other's body for dear life as we let the pleasure consume us. His moans started to get louder and when I could not hold it anymore, I drove my cock in as far as it could go and kissed Vincent roughly, groaning in his mouth as I exploded.
Feeling my large tool pulsating inside him as I came pushed him over the edge. I sucked his tongue while he gave several grunts, his dick spraying our chests and abs with cum. Before his orgasm was over, I dived my head and sucked the crook of his neck hard enough to give him a hickey. Vincent howled to the intense sensation, which also made his balls shoot out a little more juice.
I had the stamina to keep going for another round. But sensing that Vincent was about to pass out from exhaustion, I decided to pull out of him and lay beside him. He moaned a little when my dick popped out of his hole and I could not help but smile. My grin grew wider when Vincent draped an arm over my torso and snuggled my chest. Warmth slowly spread inside me and I hugged him in return. With my mind too invigorated due to the turn of events that night, I was not able to sleep as fast as Vincent. I stared up the ceiling while listening to him snore gently which I found so adorable.
A beeping caught my attention. As gently as I could, I got out of the bed and searched for my phone before it disturbed Vincent. I read the email I just received.
FROM: migz@yeheymail.com TO: agent13@love-assassin.com SUBJECT: Final payment sent
A,
I deposited your fee and it just cleared. Jenna told me what happened. I was shock to learn about Vincent's past. I wasn't sure but you were the one who revealed it, right? Anyway, thank you for your services. Please, do not contact me after this and I hope you honor your guarantee regarding discretion.
M
I turned off my phone then put it away before returning to bed and putting my arms around Vincent. He stirred a little and I noticed him smiling slightly.
As I started to drift off, I made a promise... to give Vincent all the care and support he deserved, to help him grow and be the strong man he was, but most of all, to protect him from the truth and never let him discover... the things that I had to do to save him.
"I love you," I whispered as I kissed the top of his head.
Saying the words terrified me for some reason but I knew in my heart it was something that I could never deny. Vincent spoke so softly, exhaustion evident in his voice. But even in my sleep-fogged mind, I was sure of what I heard...
"I love you too."
We slept holding each other and preparing our hearts for the uncertain future.
(The end of first arc. The second arc of Love Assassin will be posted soon.)
FROM THE AUTHOR:
Hello everyone!
I hope you guys enjoyed these two chapters of Love Assassin. Though this is the last chapter of the first arc, the story will continue and new chapters will be posted here as usual. I am also posting this story in my blog and the chapters are available as PDF and ePub files. The individual chapter files can be downloaded for free. I encourage you guys to subscribe to my blog so that you can get automatically notified if I posted a new chapter (because I may miss notifying readers through email).
http://theadlaotribe.wordpress.com/love-assassin/
A consolidated ebook of Love Assassin is now available in Smashwords.com. If you enjoy this story and my writing, please buy a copy. As a limited-time offer, customers can set the price they want to pay for the ebook. Thank you for your support. I may also publish the first book of Love Assassin as a paperback (physical) book... if you think that it's a worth-while thing to do, please give me your thoughts.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/415936
Please also check out my other work, ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe.
=> Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F1JUK7S => Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/ADLAO-Hidden-Tribe-Chronicles-Volume/dp/1492396702 => CreateSpace Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4438483
A simple message or comment about my writing also serve as encouragement. You may contact me via email at theadlaotribe@gmail.com.
Check out my other story: Falling for a Straight Guy http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/highschool/falling-for-a-straight-guy/ http://theadlaotribe.wordpress.com/falling-for-a-straight-guy/
Thank you for reading!
Fritz Diantan theadlaotribe.wordpress.com