Introduction- Meeting
"And what do you think makes you suitable as a mercenary, Mr. Shaw?" the voice asked, from the chair.
Shaw laughed. The chair turned. Shaw looked, smiling, at his boss. He was handsome- wavy blonde hair, sharp eyes, trim body and cutting physique. But he was a more cunning and clever man than met the eyes. Shaw and Ian Howe shared a moment of silence, then Ian nodded. They shook hands.
"Congratulations, Mr. Shaw. You have joined my little gang. We've been friends for so long. Now you've really got my back."
"And you have mine."
Chapter 1
Ian checked his gun, before walking into the apartment door. He was alert and prepared- ready to fire, certain that his victim would resist. He heard the shower turn off, and footsteps. He waited, tense, standing on the balls of his feet.
"Hello, Ian." Shaw murmured in his ear. Ian whipped around, clicking the safety off of his gun. And lowered the weapon, seeing Shaw in only a towel.
Having never seen his best friend, who had stood by his side most of his life, so bare, it startled Ian, making him gape and blink furiously.
Shaw chuckled and looked at the gun. "Here to kill me? Oh, I see. You don't want me with you guys anymore- I'm just not valuable."
Ian came to his senses, and dropped the gun on the bed. Shaw smiled, and smoothed his bald head.
"Shaw- you know how this has to end."
Shaw backed Ian up to the wall. "I know how to end it, Ian." He whispered back, then leaned in and kissed him tenderly.
Ian started to resist, weakly pushing Shaw away. Shaw ran a hand through Ian's silky hair, and Ian's mind was in chaos.
Why, how, what? This was wrong, this was stupid, repulsive, disgusting! But still… Shaw was so very passionate, Ian could not possibly block it. He was in control now.
They broke away, breathing heavily.
"Shaw, what the-?"
Both men glanced at the gun on the bed. Ian dived for it, whilst Shaw did the same. Ian gabbed it first, aiming it at Shaw.
"Ian! No!" Shaw gasped.
"Why should I let you live? Why did you do that?"
"Why? Why?! Ian, isn't it obvious that I like you?"
"But we're friends, we're men!"
"If you feel that way, kill me." Shaw said, shrugging, his face clouded. "But I won't regret it."
Ian pulled back the gun and tried to squeeze the trigger, but for some reason, he couldn't. He tried again, with the same result.
Shaw blinked. Ian yelled in frustration. "Damn you, Shaw!"
He threw away the gun and grabbed Shaw, kissing him vehemently, feeling him relax under his touch.
And for the very first time in his life, he was happy. Ian Howe, the criminal mastermind, was in love.