Chapter 5

 

THE new flat looked spectacular considering Tony and Lyle had completed their move just six hours before. Tony was right. As an estate manager, Lyle was Mr. Organization. He’d planned out their gradual move over two weeks. First, he cleaned the flat from top to bottom, without Tony’s help. Then he painted. Tony picked out the paint but didn’t lift a brush.

Per Tony’s tastes, most of their furnishings were new, sleek, and stylish, but Lyle had secured a few special items through his estate work—classic pieces that would never go out of style. He was on hand to direct the delivery crews while Tony stood by flirting and offering cool drinks to the sweaty, burly men. Lyle loaded up his car with small loads from Ilsa’s each day. Then he unpacked, unwrapped, and placed everything before crashing for the night and doing it all over the next day. Tony handled relocating all his canvases and art supplies from Ilsa’s basement to a studio he’d rented downtown.

Upon entering the flat, the first impression was breathtaking. Alec stood transfixed for a moment as he and Eli followed Ilsa and Casey through the door. The welcoming main room—with its warm, golden-hued hardwood floors and coppery-brown walls—framed a stunning view of the London skyline through massive windows, which made up the far, back wall. Deep red drapes hung to the floor, complimenting the dark, chocolate brown, modern Italian furniture.

For the most part, the room was populated by beautiful, talkative men—young and older. But sprinkled here and there among them were a few straight couples, lesbian couples, and a variety of singles. Surprised by how many people he didn’t recognize, Alec’s eyes darted over the guests’ faces. Living with Tony and Lyle, he thought he’d come to know most, if not all, of their friends. But apparently those friends had brought friends to the party.

Gifts were snatched from the hands of those entering and passed over the heads of the partygoers to a far corner of the main room, for opening later. Waiters in white jackets moved effortlessly among the guests, bearing trays littered with tantalizing nibbles. Soft, unobtrusive music added a sexy vibe to the gathering, and everyone was smiling and talking and laughing. This party was clearly a success.

Alec leaned close to Eli’s ear. “Remind me, exactly how much money is Tony making with his painting?”

“A good amount, but he comes from money.” Eli turned and looked up at him. “He just rarely touches it.” He straightened Alec’s collar and smoothed his jacket as Alec smiled at his unconscious, affectionate actions. “He’s not very close to his parents and wants to make his own way with his talent.” Eli looked into his eyes and blushed when he caught Alec smiling knowingly at him.

Alec’s eyes lingered on Eli’s features for a moment and then were drawn up and across the room to a frantically waving woman with a long, straight braid of black hair down her back. Lynette Maza was one of several deaf students Eli interpreted for, shadowing her around campus and to her classes.

“I think someone is trying to get your attention,” Alec said softly.

“You have it, love.”

Alec kissed Eli’s forehead, took him by the shoulders, and turned him around to face in Lynette’s direction. His hands still on Eli’s shoulders, Alec felt the tension leave Eli’s body. Now he’d have someone to chat with and wouldn’t feel at such loose ends.

“Back in a tick,” Eli said, and he was gone before Alec could ask him to tell Lynette hello for him. Ilsa and Casey wandered over to the bar for a drink, and Alec found himself alone—for about five seconds.

“Alec,” Dray said, sidling up to him with a heart-stopping smile on his handsome face. About an inch or two taller than Alec, the man looked stunning in a perfectly tailored dark gray suit and no tie.

“Uh, hello, Dray.”

“Where’s Eli?”

Alec pointed. “He’s over there with a friend of his.”

Dray didn’t bother looking. “What do you think of this flat, eh?”

“Haven’t seen too much of it yet. Just got here.”

“You know,” Dray said, sipping his drink and gazing at him over the rim of the glass, “there’ll be a few more units ready for occupancy in a month or so. It’s a new building, and they’ll probably go quickly.”

Alec laughed. “Are you getting a commission or something?”

“Maybe.” Dray smiled coyly before looking Alec up and down. Alec felt his face grow warm and fought the urge to cover his crotch protectively.

“Well, Eli and I aren’t look—”

“Really? Remind me. Isn’t he on the ground floor, and you’re in the attic?”

“Yes.”

Dray allowed his gaze to drift around the room as he took another sip. Alec just stared at him, waiting for elaboration that never came. He decided to change the subject. “Thanks for your help today.”

“Oh, you’re welcome. Glad to help.”

“How did the unloading go? Any glitches?”

“I don’t know. There was plenty of manpower here when we pulled up. No need for me to strain myself further.” Dray’s gaze locked on his, hazel eyes twinkling seductively. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked, stepping closer.

Alec backed away. This man has no concept of personal space, and… and he smells very good. “No, thank you. I was just about to get drinks for us… uh, me and Eli. Have fun.” He walked away quickly, but he felt Dray’s eyes on him. Alec joined Casey and Ilsa at the bar, where Tony was busy being delightful and productive with the liquor.

“What can I get you, Alec?” he asked.

“Guiness for me and a red wine for Eli, please.”

“Done and done.”

“Where is he?” Ilsa asked, and Alec pointed.

While he waited for their drinks, he watched Eli and Lynette engaged in an animated discussion. Their signing was fast and beautiful to watch. He could read some of it, having been with Eli long enough to pick up some British Sign Language. The tiny amount of American Sign Language he knew was so different that it did him little good with their conversation.

It impressed him that Eli knew both, but he likened it to someone knowing two or more spoken languages. You learn it, and you simply speak it when necessary. Eli seemed to make the transition effortlessly. Alec reminded himself to push Eli for some more instruction, because whenever the two of them scheduled a practice session, it wasn’t long before their hands were doing things other than signing.

Alec grabbed his beer and carried the wine to Eli.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Alec smiled at Lynette, set his beer down, and signed very slowly, Hello, L-Y-N-E-T-T-E. He didn’t look at her but instead watched his fingers as he signed the correct letters.

Hi, A-L-E-C. How are you?

Good. Thank you.

“Sorry I ran off,” Eli said.

Alec kissed him. “No worries.”

Lynette waited for Alec to refocus on her. A-L-E-C, meet my boyfriend, J-I-M.

Alec smiled apologetically. He’d only caught his and Jim’s names, but he easily guessed what was said.

Nice to meet you, J-I-M.

“I’m hearing,” Jim said with a smile.

“Oh, yes? Sorry.” Alec retrieved his beer.

“No need to apologize.”

Eli put down his wine to sign the conversation for Lynette and translate for Alec, if need be.

“How do you know Tony and Lyle?” Alec asked.

“I’m an art student working part time at the gallery where Tony had his last show.”

Lynette grinned brightly. Tony thinks J-I-M cute.

Jim frowned at his girlfriend’s explanation, and Alec and Eli laughed. Then Alec noticed Jim looking past him, over his shoulder. “Why does that bloke keep looking over here?” he asked. Eli and Alec turned simultaneously and caught Dray watching them. He flashed them a brilliant smile and a wink before returning to his conversation, and Alec felt his face grow hot. He looked quickly at Eli.

“Because he’s hot for my boyfriend,” Eli said.

“Eli—”

“It’s true! He won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” Eli grabbed his wine and took a sip. Pausing, he looked at Alec. “You have told him ‘no’ recently, haven’t you?”

Alec remained silent.

“Alec?”

“He hasn’t asked me anything!”

“A simple ‘back the fuck off’ would suffice!”

Though she couldn’t hear them, Lynette could certainly read Eli’s face and body language. She and Jim shared a worried glance.

Alec sighed and smiled tolerantly at Eli. “Consider it done, babe.” He leaned in and kissed him softly, instantly making Eli feel like the jealous idiot he was.

Eli looked at the floor in shame. “I’m sorry.”