A/N: Thank you for being so patient with me. R/L and this posting rotation has been such a bear. I hope this update will be worth the wait. Some truths come out, and a bit of progress made. Thank you to those reading & commenting. It is greatly appreciated!
Chapter 9
Ianto moaned under the onslaught of the determination of Jack's mouth. Claiming was the word Jack had used. As Jack's tongue made quick work of the ravaging of his mouth, Ianto decided claiming had been a more than accurate description. In this brief kiss Ianto felt possessed. Undoubtedly, he felt claimed just as Jack had professed to do. How could he resist this determined and overtly sexual man. And, did he really want to?
Jack growled into the heat of Ianto's mouth. "Kiss me back, Ianto. Just as you did last night. Fuck - kiss me, now." Jack snagged his hand at the back of Ianto's neck, pulling him closer still – in effect fusing their mouths even closer together. Jack's tongue began to thoroughly explore each and every crevice inside of Ianto's mouth, groaning when the Welshman's tongue timidly began to meet his intense forays. Jack's other hand began to move up and down Ianto's thigh as he demonstrated the most erotic tongue fuck he had ever given in his vast years of experience. All with one goal in mind – seducing this gorgeous man into his bed. Even in these early days, Jack wasn't certain there would be a time he wouldn't want this man there.
Ianto gasped as their tongues battled for dominance, surprised how much Jack received as well as took. Quickly he began to realize Jack wasn't merely an aggressor, he yearned to receive just as deeply. What that meant in regards to how strong and cold Jack could be, he didn't know, all he did know was that this man affected him as no one had before, male or female alike; and if he was to be brutally honest with himself – he didn't want it to end. Ianto found himself hating that he was seated in the chair with Jack hovering over him. The position wasn't conducive to acquiring that body friction that he knew both of them so intensely craved. Of course, he had no doubt that Jack would change their positioning at the time of his choosing. But, Ianto was quickly finding he wanted that closeness – now.
Jack's mouth moved with hungry intensity, over and over, thinking he could never taste him enough. Every touch and kiss only resulting in him wanting more. He hoped to have the patience to wait... but the more he touched this man – the closer his patience came to totally evaporation. Reluctantly, Jack released his possession of Ianto's mouth, knowing each of them needed to pause long enough to catch their breath. He trailed his lips along Ianto's cheek, pausing to breathe hotly into his ear. With a husky purr, encased in velvet, Jack said, "I want you, Ianto. Badly. Admit how you feel, Ianto Jones. Tell me you want me."
Ianto swallowed deeply, his eyes falling into the burning ones that were fixed on him in primal possession. "I – uh – this is new to me, Jack. I don't know what I'm feeling."
"This may be new to you, but I don't believe you to be unaware of your thoughts and feelings... most particularly your desires," Jack whispered as he stood to his full height. "The only thing that's stopping me from dragging you upstairs now is that I already have my servant assembling a brunch for us. And, I know you need to eat. I need to eat as well... but, that is not the hunger that is calling to me right now."
Ianto blushed brightly, his eyes lifting to Jack's in a glare when the older man burst out in laughter. "The things you say are entirely too forward, Sir. Normal people do not go on as you do."
"You will learn quickly, I stand far apart from the boundaries of normal."
"It hadn't escaped my notice, Sir..." Ianto returned in a quick response.
Jack shook with laughter, before he motioned Ianto ahead of him. "Shall we feed our hunger, Mr. Jones. Well, one of them at least. I have hope the other can be fulfilled later."
"Hmmph. I think the hunger undoubtedly left me befuddled. Just a lapse I'm certain," Ianto told him, not for one moment believing the nonsense he was spouting.
Arching a dubious brow, Jack retorted, "If I thought that were true, I might have to starve you. However, as we both know that it's not – such drastic measures won't be necessary."
Walking alongside of him, Ianto grumbled, "I never know when you're serious or messing with my head."
"Few people ever do," Jack laughed. Pointing him out onto the terrace, Jack urged Ianto towards the table set up buffet style in the far corner, assembled with a mixture of cold sandwiches, fresh fruits and cakes. "Help yourself, Ianto."
"Thank you, Sir. This looks fabulous. Now I realize I'm hungrier than I'd thought," he laughed.
Jack leaned closer, taking a teasing nip of Ianto's ear. "Don't be so coy, Ianto. We both knew you were hungry... just not necessarily for food."
"Such cheek you have. It never ends with you, does it?" Ianto answered with a nervous laugh, taking a plate and attempting to ignore Jack and the responses his nearness continued to evoke.
A voice cleared abruptly behind them. "I'm sorry to interrupt your brunch, Sir. But, you've had a numerous amount of calls from Mr. Hart this morning."
Jack's eyes flared, as he moved towards her. Tersely, he clipped out, "Thank you, Mrs. Wilcox. I will return his calls shortly. Should he call again, advise him that I am busy and will call him back when I can."
"Yes, Sir. I will relay the message," she told him crisply. Glancing briefly towards Ianto, she asked, "Did you need anything else, Sir?"
Jack shook his head in irritation that she had given him the message within Ianto's earshot before he coldly dismissed her. "No. That will be all. I'll summon you if we require anything further."
"Very well. Enjoy your brunch," she answered, departing the terrace as quickly as she had arrived.
Jack rejoined Ianto at the buffet table who was studiously selecting melon slices with silver tongs, quickly assembling his own plate deciding now would be the perfect time to have their little chat about John Hart. He had been distracted from the subject twice now, solely due to his overwhelming need for Ianto. Now, with a table between them, as they enjoyed their meal – this would be the most appropriate of moments. "Let's sit, Ianto. We have much to discuss while we dine."
As they were walking to the round table in the center of the terrace, Ianto looked at Jack curiously. "Did I hear mention that John had been phoning you?"
"You might have," Jack clipped out, still annoyed the usually proficient Mrs. Wilcox hadn't given him his message in private. "It's of no matter. He often bothers me over tedious matters. I'm sure it's much the same."
"Right. Although, I'm sure that's not what ails my boss today. Is it, Jack?" Ianto countered, knowing he was agitating the older man even further.
Jack glared at Ianto, as he chewed a large slice of melon, his eyes narrowed and intent on his companion. "Far be it from me to know all the inner workings of a madman's mind. Perhaps you can elaborate on that for me."
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Ianto said as he took a bite of his sandwich. He raised it up, pointing it to Jack. "This is actually very good."
"Glad to hear it," he snapped. "Now, how about we talk about John Hart..."
"Not much to say, Sir. I work for him. Mostly I am in the surveillance room. He doesn't come in there very often."
Jack laughed harshly. "I have no doubt he always knows exactly where you are, though."
"Perhaps he did... but, not so much right now." Ianto smirked, trying to return Jack to a lighter mood, finding the irritated and menacing Jack far more frightening than anything he'd ever seen in John Hart.
"Funny guy," Jack chuckled. "Now, being serious... you cannot trust him, Ianto. The man is evil incarnate. That he hasn't displayed that to you yet means he has plans for you. I don't have to think long on what that plan could consist of; all I know is this – if he is playing the nice guy with you, and for a long period of time – you are in big trouble, Ianto."
"I can handle myself, Sir. Perhaps if you realize my being here has no real purpose to your own goals, I can go back to my life and lay all these suspicions about John to rest," Ianto said stormily, while knowing in effect he was talking to a brick wall.
Jack looked at him incredulously for a long moment. "I don't dispute that you can handle yourself with the best of them... but, John is entirely different. He plays for keeps. Much as myself, he plays to win – although, I generally stay within the boundaries of the law. John Hart plays by his own set of rules. He would kill his own mother if it would benefit him to do so."
"Such bitterness, Sir. Could it be there is a case of unrequited love?" Ianto boldly challenged him, in between bites of fruit.
"You don't want to push me, Ianto," Jack hissed. "There was never any love between us, although there was sex – good sex, in fact. But, that's all it ever was for me. He can become very obsessed, and he will do anything to get what he wants. When he reaches the point that he realizes he cannot have it – he will set out to destroy it. Don't fall into that trap, Ianto. I nearly lost good friends due to his treachery, but I opened my eyes to exactly what he was... and still is. Trust me in this, Ianto. He is vicious and no good can come of your association with him."
"That's a lot to take in, Sir. I am unfamiliar with these things you speak of... and what's worse, I barely know you. How can I trust you over him?" Ianto asked, searching Jack's imploring eyes deeply, seeing nothing but truth and concern in them; causing him to be confused and uncertain what to think or do next.
Jack eyes probed Ianto's deeply, seeing the strength, uncertainty and fear within them. "My gut tells me that you had mixed feelings about him before coming to me. If not, you would have asked him to handle it. If my guess is right – he knows where your Lisa is, and would produce her as a 'special' favor to you. Ah ha. I see by the look in your eyes it had been mentioned."
"Yes." Shuttering his eyes briefly, remembering that uncomfortable last chat he'd had with John, he answered, "He basically told me I could come to him for help, and that he would provide it. But, a high price tag would be attached."
"Bastard," Jack snarled. "Let me guess – the price was for you to be willing in his bed, a veritable sex slave, if you will."
Ianto nodded, unable to meet Jack's eyes. "That was my general impression."
"As much as I want you, Ianto Jones... and God knows I want you fiercely – I would never do that to you. That is a form of rape, and it's so text book John Hart. And, in light of what you learnt about Lisa – that would have been even more devastating for you in the aftermath."
"I agree with that. It's more than apparent she never cared about me, was only using me," Ianto replied sadly.
"I am sorry that she so disillusioned you... however, I can't claim to be sorry her personal failings brought you into my world," Jack said, with warming eyes – one's that were drinking Ianto in deeply.
Ianto looked up, amazed that he was now finding Jack's words to be so sincere. He knew he had been doubtful about John Hart's honor for some time now, but could all the horrid things that Jack spoke of be the truth? Looking deeply into Jack's eyes, Ianto began to think Lisa may not have been the first case of his misguided character. Ianto realized Jack was far from innocent himself, but could he be the lesser of two evils? And, could he be the man he could trust? Ianto knew he needed to determine the answer quickly, for he was aware that Jack's pursuit would only grow in fervor. He had been more than clear about the consequences should Ianto ever reveal his desire for him. At this point in time, there was no denying how attracted he was to the older man. Resisting him indefinitely being unlikely at best.
"I just wish I could be certain about John. If what you say could somehow be proven, it would change so many things," Ianto said, feeling his chest tighten as Jack's feral gaze warmed him, inside and out.
In a guttural tone, Jack rasped, "Don't toy with me, gorgeous. Are you saying what I think you're saying? If I can make John reveal himself... will you trust me? And, in doing so... will you let me have you?"
Blushing profusely, Ianto answered with a shy nod. "If you can prove it, I'll see no reason to hold back from what we both know I want. In that event... I will be yours."
Jack licked his lips, anticipation creating a quick twitch in his pants. He opened up his cell phone, preparing to enter the numbers that would give him what he wanted most. Gruffly he commanded, "Come sit very close to me, Ianto. Try not to breathe into the phone or utter even a gasp. I can't put it on speaker, or he will know. I have a feeling this call will be brief. He won't commit to much over the phone – unless I can rile him quickly. But, I have the feeling I can do just that."
Ianto nodded, before he moved his chair to be touching Jack's. "Okay, let's do it."
Jack smiled. "Oh yeah. We'll be doing it very soon."
Moments later, John's voice all but hissed into the phone. "Well, it's about time Jackie boy. I've only called you half a dozen times this morning."
Jack smirked. This was going to be too easy, he thought. Once again – John would pay the price for going up against the master... and the prize would be all his– at last. "We haven't spoken in how long, John? I didn't see the need to rush to renew contact."
"Always an asshole, aren't you, Harkness?" John sneered. "I think you know why I called."
"Not a clue. I'm on holiday... so if it's casino business, I'm afraid I'll have to refer you to Owen," Jack told him blandly, glad he knew that wasn't the case, or his chief security advisor wouldn't be speaking to him for weeks – if not more.
"Holiday? Since when do you take a holiday? Must be something very interesting pulling your focus from the casino – since we both know you don't trust anyone to watch your business; not even your precious Owen," John fired back. "Now, let's cut to the chase – where is he?"
Jack's eyes flickered to Ianto briefly, seeing that he was taking this all in – and by the wide eyed expression on the Welshman's face determining he had never heard John using such a cold and demanding tone. "He? You mean Owen? Well... as it's morning and he was at the casino all night, I'd assume he's home with his wife."
"You know damned well who I'm talking about. Quit fucking with me, and turn my property back over to me... or I swear, Jack-" John went on in deranged fury.
Ianto bit his lip to stifle the gasp that threatened to erupt. What a fool he'd been. The man was clearly insane... and as Jack predicted – borderline obsessed. There was no way he could continue working for him. He wanted to tell him right now, but he knew he needed to do this Jack's way.
"Or what, John? Exactly what do you think you can do to me?" Jack hissed back, in a low, deadly tone that provoked instant shivers within Ianto.
"I'm not afraid of you, Jack. Hear me well. If Ianto does not return to his home by tonight – I will destroy you!" John snarled, before clicking the phone closed.
Ianto stood quickly to his feet, pacing the terrace, back and forth... running a shaking hand through his hair. "All this time, I've been such a fool. The man is out of his mind... and obsessed. I can't go back there, I just can't. Oh my God, Jack... what am I going to do?"
Jack smiled, willing the predator in him to move cautiously, when his more baser instincts urged him to take him now – in every way possible. He walked towards him, whispering softly, "You don't have to go back, Ianto. For now, you stay with me... and as for your job, we'll work that out later."
"I'll stay... for now. I was completely taken in first by Lisa, then by John... please don't let me be wrong in trusting you," Ianto whispered almost brokenly. "I'm not sure how much more deception I can take."
Jack pulled Ianto into his arms, stroking his head lightly, unknowing where this unexpected tenderness came from – only knowing that it existed for this man. He kissed the corner of Ianto's mouth, before fastening his lips softly on the one's that so bewitched him. Sipping, licking and sucking on the full lips, Jack groaned out a raspy response, "I want you so much, Ianto... but most of all, I want your trust. Fuck, I can't believe I'm saying that, but it's true. You know where my room is, beautiful. When you're ready – come to me."
Ianto searched Jack's eyes for long moments, only finding sincerity and need within them. He linked his hands around Jack's waist, his eyes glowing with desire – a need that was equally revealed in the older man's eyes. "I'm ready now, Jack. If you want me... I'm yours."
Jack moaned, as he yanked Ianto closer letting him feel the need rising within him, exhilarated in feeling the answering response against him. His voice, low, purposeful and seductive, Jack murmured silkily, "There's no going back now, Ianto Jones. From here on out – you're mine."
TBC
