Author's Note - this is the longest chapter and the final chapter of You Don't Understand Me. I hope you enjoy it. Please R+R. Thanks.
'I didn't expect to see you again. I know that Brendan doesn't really do sentiment. I mean ask his former business partners. Well the one that's still alive.' the man chuckled as his eyes bore into Walker's. Doug had stopped what he was doing and was watching the exchange before him, intrigued, but not surprised when he heard Brendan's name mentioned. 'What do you want?' Walker asked him his voice steady. 'You must mean more to him than he let on. But Brendan Brady has always been one for keeping his feelings hidden.' the man continued, clearly ignoring Walker's question. He turned to look out the door, Walker followed his gaze and saw two of the men who beat him up in Dublin. He shuddered and felt sick, memories flooding back of that night. The pain he felt with each blow, the flash of silver as Connor punched him with the knuckle dusters, but more than anything it was the look on Brendan's face as he pleaded for help, the absence in his eyes.
'So what exactly do you mean to Brendan Brady?' Connor hissed as he nodded at the two men, his back turned to Walker. Walker felt a sense of panic as the men strode towards the Deli. Doug had been silently watching from behind the counter. When he saw the men striding towards his business he felt compelled to say something. 'I…I don't want any trouble.' Doug stammered in a tiny voice unsure that anyone had even heard him. Connor turned slowly towards the counter, his eyes blazing as he shot Doug a look that stopped his heart. Doug went pale and staggered backward, colliding with the wall. He gulped.
The door opened and the men entered. Walker knew that he couldn't back down, so he planted his feet firmly, needing to stand his ground. Connor took a few confident steps towards him. His men hot on his heels. 'You and I are going to have a wee chat, away from prying eyes.' Connor hissed at Walker, leaning in slightly, making sure the latter part was heard clearly by Doug as his eyes fixed on the young America. As he straightened up, the two men quickly passed him and grabbed hold of Walker by the arms. All of Walker's instincts told him to fight, he struggled a little against their firm grips, to no avail. Connor turned and left the Deli, followed by Walker and his henchmen.
Out in the street Connor strode out in front of the others and headed in the direction of the club. Ste was waling to the Deli having dropped the kids off. He looked up and saw Walker being bundled through the gates of the yard. He looked puzzled, he didn't recognise the men with Walker and was even more confused by the fact it appeared that they had hold of his arms. 'Everything alright Walker.' Ste couldn't help inquiring. Walker glanced over his shoulder at Ste, he didn't speak, he just gave a blank look. Ste looked even more confused and then shook his head and rushed to the Deli. With a quick glance over his shoulder as he pushed the door open he saw the men pushing Walker up the metal steps to the club.
'Open the door.' Connor snapped at Walker was shoved towards it. Walker felt his jeans pockets, looked at the ground and muttered 'I've not got my keys.' 'Search him.' Connor barked his order. One of the men stepped forward and frisked Walker. He shook his head after a quick pat-down. 'Break it.' Connor snapped, his impatience growing. The other man pushed Walker out of the way and kicked the door. It burst open, tiny pieces of wood flying in all manner of directions. Walker was pushed inside.
Meanwhile Ste was just putting on his apron 'I just saw Walker with some guys going to the club. It looked as if they were sort of dragging him. I wonder what that's all about. Probably something to do with Brendan no doubt. Ste was now heading around the counter, not even noticing that Doug wasn't even listening, instead he was staring out of the window. 'Doug? Are you even listening to me?' Ste asked Doug when he didn't get a response. Doug chewed his bottom lip nervously, his mind was full of what had just transpired in front of him. He felt a pang of guilt that he didn't help Walker, but really what would he have been able to do? 'Doug!' Ste almost shrieked as he stood with his hands on his hips next to him. Doug quickly looked at Ste. 'Did you hear what I said? About Walker and those guys? Or was I talking to myself? What's wrong with you anyway?' Ste rambled on, flooding Doug's mind with endless questions. 'Yeah I heard what you said. Something about Walker and some guys?' Doug muttered as he turned to dace Ste.
Back in Chez Chez Walker stood nervously in the office while Connor made himself comfortable in Brendan's chair. 'So Walker.' he dragged out the recently learnt name while looking slowly up at the Englishman. 'How close are you and Brendan really? I mean I saw his face when you were having the shite beat out of ya and there was nothing.' Connor smirked as he waved his hand to emphasis the point. Walker didn't answer. 'Not very talkative are yis? I'm sure we can work on that.' he sneered as he flicked his wrist in a beckoning motion to someone by the door. The two men entered the room and grabbed hold of Walker who grunted his anger. They quickly went to work beating him.
After watching the beating Connor rose to his feet and walked around the desk so he was only inches away from Walker. Walker had blood trickling from his nose and a couple of cuts to his face and a bloodied lip. He also had a few fresh bruises appearing, some on his existing bruises. Walker breathed in sharply through his teeth from the pain, he could smell Connor's aftershave and cigarettes.
Doug was still distracted. Ste huffed at him. 'Are you going to tell me what's wrong or am I going to have to guess?' he snapped, clearly annoyed. 'Sorry.' Doug mumbled as he went back to chopping a tomato. 'Doug if there's something wrong then I need to know.' a tremble crept into Ste's voice as he leaned against the counter next to Doug, looking at his boyfriend with concern. 'It's nothing. I'm fine, ok?' Doug smiled weakly at Ste, who was far from convinced.
Connor gave a dramatic sigh as he raised his hand to Walker's bruised face. Walker pulled away, anger clearly visible in his eyes, his jaw clenched. Connor gave a short laugh. 'Oh now don't be shy.' he smirked as he stepped away. Suddenly Walker was being rushed forward and slammed onto the desk, face first. He groaned in pain. 'This isn't going to hurt. Much.' Connor said with a wicked grin, as he reached for his belt. Walker heard the sound of a belt buckle being undone, leather being strained and then being sped past fabric, before the sound of metal hitting the floor. He gulped. He strained to see what Connor was doing, but was just held back down on the desk. His heart was racing, now he wished for Cheryl or Joel, but especially Brendan.
'Ste there's something I need to tell you.' Doug stammered as he put down the knife and looked at Ste who was cutting open a baguette. Ste turned to Doug. 'Go on then.' his tone was dismissive as he peered at his lover. Doug fidgeted with the blue gloves on his hands, he looked down. 'Well.' Ste snapped. Doug's eyes darted up. 'Um, I don't know if it was anything or if it was nothing. But I know if I don't say anything and something happens, then I don't know.' Doug mumbled and shrugged. Ste watched him and rolled his eyes, he was getting frustrated. 'Doug stop talking in riddles and just tell me right.' he snapped. Doug jumped at the harshness of Ste's voice.
'Ok. You said you saw Walker with some guys, yeah.' he began. Ste nodded 'Yeah.' 'Well, they were in here.' Doug continued before being interrupted by Ste 'So?' Doug looked at Ste and sighed. 'I think they're associates of Brendan's and Walker didn't look too happy they were here. He kind of looked scared. 'Doug said quickly. Ste rolled his eyes and shook his head. 'Was that it? Walker doesn't do scared. You've seen him all calm and collected.' he snapped as he turned back to his cutting. 'I think they're going to do something to him.' Doug snapped back.
In the club Walker was struggling to get free from the men's grips, but he was just met with a couple of swift punches to the back and side causing him to lag, gasping for breath against the desk. Connor had now undone his trousers and had pushed them down his thighs. 'Have you ever been fucked before Walker?' his tone was as if the question was just a normal part of a conversation. Walker didn't answer him, his head was spinning, his body ached, he tried to focus on keeping his breathing steady. 'I've never been fucked myself, nor have I ever fucked a man, but there's very few things that Brendan Brady holds close. His baby sister and his boyfriends.' Connor said the last words as if it were poisonous.
'So you see why I've got to do it? Because I knew that you mean more to him than he let on. You see I've been watching Walker. I saw the carry on with you and Brendan and the boy from the Deli and that scrawny kid from the street. I heard what was said, so I know that you mean a whole lot more to Brendan than he showed in Dublin.' Connor told as he pulled his flaccid cock from his briefs. 'Once I've finished with you, Brendan won't want anything to do with you. Every time he tries to fuck you he will just end up thinking of me.' he told as he began to stroke his cock, urging it to get hard. 'Of course he can just get a new boyfriend, but I think you mean far more to him than you know. More than even he knows.' Connor said breathlessly as he worked on getting an erection.
'Like what?' Ste asked, concern in his voice. 'I dunno, but you saw them. Beat him up, I don't know. But we've got to help.' Doug said firmly. With that he pulled off his apron and tossed it on the counter before dashing to the door. Ste hurried after him, calling his name. 'Doug. Doug. DOUG.' he shouted, causing the other man to stop in his tracks. Ste jogged over to join Doug in the middle of the road. 'We can't just go barging in. You have no idea what they're doing. It could be dangerous.' Ste pleaded with Doug, taking hold of his wrist. 'We need to find Brendan.' he added. Doug nodded in agreement.
'Come on.' Connor puffed angrily as he looked down at his semi-hard cock. The wait was killing Walker, it was agony. It was even worse than when he though he was going to die at the hands of Connor. 'Get his trousers down.' Connor snarled, his breathing was short. Walker gulped and closed his eyes, desperately trying to wriggle free, but was once again greeted with a couple punches. He slumped down wheezing. He could hear his heart beat in his ears, it was beating at the same pace after a vigorous work out. His whole body tensed and his mind numbed when he felt hands brush his waist and fingers on his belt.
Doug and Ste ran up the wall steps without a second to loose. Once at the blue door Ste banged on it heavily. 'Come on. Come on.' he muttered as they waited. Doug paced, his eyes drawn to the club. 'You don't think he's gone out?' Ste asked as he banged again. 'He can't have. Walker was buying his coffee.' Doug replied with a panic. Ste banged again, and the door opened, but instead of Brendan they were met with the womanly shape of Cheryl. 'Hi.' she smiled warmly at them, but having seen the expressions on their face, she frowned. 'Is Brendan here?' Ste barked. A little stunned at the aggression in Ste's voice she mumbled 'I…..I don't know.' 'Cheryl we need to know now.' Doug snapped, she looked at him, her eyes wide. 'Why?' she almost whispered, so stunned by their aggression towards her. 'Cheryl please we just need to know.' Ste snapped. 'Look Walker's in trouble.' Doug said firmly. 'What kind of trouble?' Brendan's voice joined the conversation as he walked down the stairs doing up his belt.
'Almost there. A little bit more.' Connor panted. Walker was strewn across the desk, his arse exposed for all to see. He felt shame, but his face was pale. 'Ahhh. Finally. You ready Walker?' Connor grinned with relief as he was ready. He shuffled forward, his trousers had worked their way down to his ankles and he'd pushed his briefs to his knees. Walker's mouth was dry, his whole body tense, and he felt like he was going to be sick. 'You don't want to take him dry.' a familiar Irish voice filled the room.
Connor jerked his head around to the door and saw Brendan leaning casually against the door frame. Walker strained to see, but was pushed back down, all the same Brendan's voice was like music to his ears. 'You would know Brendan.' Connor sniggered. Brendan stepped into the office, his heart leaped and his mouth went dry as he saw the sight of Walker pinned to his desk, his trousers and boxers around his ankles. 'Thanks for the advice, but now if you don't mind Brendan, I've got some business to take care of.' Connor said cockily as he shuffled closer to Walker, who could now feel the heat emitting from the man's bare flesh.
'I don't think so.' Brendan growled as he stepped forward and seized Connor's upper arm. Connor smirked 'Get off me Brendan. This has to be done.' he hissed, his eyes turning dark. Brendan leaned in closer, tightening his grip on Connor' arm. 'Leave him alone.' Brendan snarled. 'Why would I want to do that?' Connor asked a smile playing on his lips. 'Because I said so.' Brendan replied in hushed tones. Connor let out a mocking laugh. 'Now what makes you think I would do as you say?' he asked. Brendan faltered, he looked down. 'Just as I thought. Now I really do have business to be getting on with.' Connor smirked as with one hand he grabbed hold of Walker's hip, resulting in a gasp from the man on the desk. Brendan pulled on his arm violently, causing him to let go.
'What do you want from me?' Brendan hissed loudly. The two men holding Walker down slackened their grips, not sure if they should help their boss or stay where they were. 'My money back.' Connor sneered. Brendan gave a manic grin and then sneered, his eyes not moving from Connor's. 'Fine.' he whispered. 'The full one million.' Connor whispered back. 'The full one million.' Brendan answered loudly. Connor contemplated the offer, gave a sharp nod. Brendan let go of his arm and he leaned down and pulled up his briefs and trousers. 'We have a deal?' Brendan wanted to make sure. 'Deal.' Connor answered as he moved away, doing his trousers up. Connor offered his hand to Brendan, who looked down at the extended limb and turned and went over to Walker.
While the two men moved away from the desk Brendan carefully placed a hand on Walker's shoulder, while watching as Connor and co left the office. Walker slowly raised himself from the desk. He kept his head down, unable to look at Brendan, his face burning with shame. 'I'll leave my bank details on the bar, just to make sure you've got them.' Connor shouted from the bar. Brendan moved his gaze from the door to Walker, who was doing his jeans up. Brendan went to speak, but something stopped him. They heard the door to the club bang shut. 'How did you know?' Walker eventually broke the uneasy silence, but his gaze remained down. 'Douglas and Steven.' Brendan replied.
'I'm sorry Brendan.' Walker mumbled as he turned to face the other man. 'What for?' he asked as he looked at Walker's face, he was blushing. 'The money.' Walker replied quietly. Brendan sniggered as he raised his hand to Walker's face, who flinched. Brendan was visibly taken back by the flinch and sighed and glanced down. When he looked back up he saw a look of reassurance in Walker's eyes. Encouraged by the look he moved his hand closer, extended his thumb and wiped some blood from Walker's cheek. Their eyes locked. Brendan cupped Walker's face and drew his lips closer, eventually they collided.
Doug and Ste had seen Connor and co leave the club and head off away from the village as they stood inside the Deli. They hurried outside, locking up as they went. They were joined by Cheryl who came rushing down the steps. 'What happened?' she asked. 'They guys just left, but Brendan and Walker haven't come out.' Ste answered as they entered the yard. 'What's going on?' Joel called as he walked into the yard by the other gates. Having received no answer, he quickly followed behind them up the metal steps.
Brendan and Walker were kissing passionately, their arms wrapped around the other. Brendan slowly pushed Walker back onto the desk, so he was sitting on the edge. His fingers finding their way to the hem of his t-shirt. Ste, Doug, Cheryl and Joel burst into the office. Brendan jumped away from Walker, who quickly stood up from the desk, his eyes immediately on the floor as he blushed. Brendan on the other hand turned to face them, staring at each one. 'What?' he shouted. Joel shook his head, not answering he sauntered off. Cheryl chose to speak 'Is everything ok, Bren?' she asked, he voice a little shaky. 'Why?' he asked. 'The bother? Those men?' she said.
'Can you see them? Are they here? You can check under the desk if you'd like, in case they're hiding.' Brendan snapped harshly. Cheryl blushed, her face red, tears welling in her eyes. Brendan was about to add something when Walker interrupted 'Brendan.' he said firmly. Brendan looked over his shoulder at his lover, the fear in Walker's eyes had been replaced with weariness. Brendan felt pain, not physical pain, but an emotional pain. He looked down ashamed at his own behaviour.
Cheryl ushered Ste and Doug away from the office and into the bar. Brendan followed them. He went to speak, but nothing came out. When he heard footsteps behind him he looked at the ground. When they stopped he relaxed a little. 'I'm sorry.' he mumbled towards Cheryl, Ste and Doug. Cheryl turned to face him and a warm pleased smile spread across her lips. She bounded across the bar and threw her arms around Brendan's shoulders, hugging his tightly. 'It's ok. We know you were just worried.' she held him tighter. As she left her grip go, he looked into her eyes and smiled.
'What happened?' Ste couldn't help but ask, his voice sounding a little weak. Brendan shot his a look, Ste wasn't sure of type of look, but it alarmed him slightly. Brendan was contemplating his answer, he desperately wanted to preserve Walker's dignity. They didn't need to know that he had found Walker pinned down on the desk with his arse on display about to be raped. He figured the physical injuries they could see were enough to show partially what happened. He was about to tell his altered truth when Walker stepped forward and in a surprisingly confident, yet dismissive voice he told them 'I was beat up and about to be killed.' Brendan closed his eyes, relief that he wasn't going to have to reveal the painful truth.
'Why?' Cheryl asked somewhat stunned. Walker shot Brendan a sideways look. 'Because of me.' he replied before Walker had time to lie. Ste, Doug and Cheryl looked at Brendan. 'No surprise there.' Doug mumbled beneath his breath, but loud enough for Ste to hear and eyeball him. 'Look it's over now and that's it. End of.' Walker said. Brendan sighed as he looked over at Walker. He then trudged over to the bar and perched on one of the stools. Doug was the first to move, grabbing Ste's arm he pulled him towards the door to the club. 'Douglas.' Brendan called out. Doug and Ste turned collectively to face Brendan. Doug gulped anxiously and tightened his grip on Ste's arm. Brendan didn't look at them, instead his eyes were captivated with the mobile he was fiddling with.
'Thank you.' he almost whispered as he shot the young American a quick glance. Doug was overwhelmed, never had he heard Brendan Brady say thank you. Ste grabbed Doug and pulled him carefully out of the bar over the broken wood and splinters. Cheryl was left alone with Brendan and Walker. 'Right I think I'm just going to leave, so you can, Whatever it is that you guys get up to.' She smiled sheepishly before dashing out of the door, leaving Brendan and Walker alone.
Walker hesitated. Brendan got to his feet seeming oblivious to Walker standing in the shadows of the club. Brendan walked around to the bar. He picked up two tumblers from a shelf and a bottle of Irish Whiskey. He poured the golden liquid into the glasses and looked slowly at Walker. Without saying anything he lifted the glass to his lips and sipped, his eyes fixed on Walker. Walker stepped forward to the bar and picked up the other glass. He looked into the contents and mumbled 'I'm sorry Brendan', unable to meet his eye. Brendan placed his tumbler on the counter. 'What for?' he asked. Walker glanced up and then instantly back down, placing the untouched drink back on the bar. 'The money.' he said quietly. His eyes darted up when he heard a slow laugh rolling from Brendan's throat.
'What's so funny?' Walker gasped bemused. Brendan stopped laughing, a grin was spreading across his lips. 'He's not getting my money.' he smiled. Walker frowned. 'What? You said you'd give him the money.' he stammered. 'He owes me. I got rid of Danny Houston for him. He owes me.' Brendan said as he took another sip. Walker ran his hand through his hair. 'So what about when he realises that you've not paid him, then what?' he snapped. Brendan calmly placed the glass back on the counter and looked at Walker, who had turned pale again and was in a state of panic. 'He wont know.' he simply replied. 'Huh, yeah of course I'm always forgetting when I'm getting one million pounds moved to my account.' he snarled sarcastically. Brendan couldn't help but smile. He walked around the bar and up to Walker. 'He wont know because he is going to get one million pounds. It just wont be from me.' he grinned. Walker shook his head in confusion.
'I have a friend who hacked his off shore account, put it all in my name and has transferred one million pounds from that shore to Connor's Irish.' he put it so simply. 'And you don't think he'll notice.' Walker asked softly. 'It wont matter. The moment he steps foot in Dublin the police are going to arrest him. An anonymous tip off about a large casement of drugs that arrived in Dublin port last night and it has Connor O'Brien's name all over it.' he almost whispered getting closer to Walker, lust burning in his eyes. 'He'll know it was you. What if he comes after you?' Walker asked quietly, letting Brendan get closer. 'I wont be here. Nor will you. And nor will Cheryl.' Brendan said as he got even closer. Walker could feel his breath tickling his cheek, he began to blush. 'We're leaving.' Brendan purred as he kissed Walker. 'Where?' Walker mumbled against Brendan's lips. 'Wherever.' With that they began kissing with more hunger and passion, locked in an embrace.