Note: Again, sorry for the delay. Real life and a four story rotation just is not pleasant. Thank you all that are reading & supporting this story. I appreciate it so much! Please continue to leave those thoughts. It is truly motivating! =)

Chapter 10

Jack maneuvered through the Manhattan traffic with a precision stemming from years of experience. He maintained a firm grip upon the wheel, only pausing to glance at his traveling companion at brief intervals; not wanting to startle Ianto even further than he instinctively knew he already was. He decided some small talk as they neared Ianto's apartment would be well advised.

"So, Ianto... how did you feel about your first night?" Jack asked, as he switched lanes once again, wishing to get to their destination in the quickest amount of time possible.

"I thought it went very well, Sir. The most important thing is how you think it went... and Mr. Harper as well," Ianto answered as an afterthought, feeling a bit guilty he continued to think of it as Jack's club... and not a shared property with his partner.

"I was more than impressed, Ianto as I have already expressed... and I can honestly say Owen agreed with that assessment. I do want to put you at ease about one thing, though. It's not really as if you have two bosses. Owen is more of a silent partner. As I invested the primary amount, Owen is more comfortable having it that way," he explained.

Frowning, thinking there was more to the story, Ianto asked, "It might be my imagination... along with being out of line and I mean no disrespect, but Mr. Harper doesn't seem very happy."

"No worries, Ianto. It's just us. You continue to amaze me with how incredibly astute you are... most especially regarding people you have barely just met," Jack asked, glancing towards him for a brief assessing look.

Ianto swallowed, as he looked out the window, watching as the scenery rapidly passed them by... feeling even more guilty at the secrets he was keeping from not only his boss, but someone he knew he was beginning to care about. He still didn't understand his complex reactions to Jack Harkness... but he knew without a doubt he was genuinely drawn to the man, as well as knowing he really did like him. Unable to reveal that he had made an investigation of not only the Harkness family, but those directly connected to them as well... he stammered out a reply, "Well, I have found in my work I need to make a quick study of people and their habits."

"That's very wise, along with thorough," Jack said, momentarily pacified... yet knowing something was missing from the picture of Ianto Jones; along with remaining determined to delve to the bottom of it - no matter what he may discover. Pulling into the elite apartment complex, Jack secured a parking spot, turning to Ianto with a warming smile, "It appears that we have arrived."

"Indeed we have, Sir. I can't thank you enough for the ride home," he stumbled out, wondering if he would be allowed to say goodnight here... in the relative safety of the car.

"Of course you can. How about you invite me inside for a cup of coffee... it is such a cold night after all," Jack whispered, his eyes straying to the alluring lips that beckoned him almost to the point of total loss of control.

"Coffee, Sir?" Ianto asked shakily.

"Mmmmm, yes. You know that warm beverage that starts out with beans, then becomes grounds... followed by sifting through a coffeemaker. Even instant is fine. I would really like to talk to you further... that is if you are not too tired," Jack prompted, hoping more than anything he received the invite he desperately wanted to obtain.

With a shudder, Ianto responded, "Instant? Not in my home. Okay... you can come up, but mind you... not too long."

Smiling broadly, Jack opened his door more than pleased with how this night was turning out... if he had anything to say about it this would be the beginning of a nice long evening. Jack followed Ianto closely as he typed in the security code to the outer doors of the apartment complex, next leading them to the elevator. Jack looked around briefly, before commenting, "This looks very nice, Ianto... very secure."

"Yes, security is taken very seriously here which was the main reason I chose it. It's pricey... but well worth it," Ianto answered, as he depressed the button that would transport them to his floor.

"Well, you can certainly afford it now," Jack reminded, knowing the salary he was paying him should work towards making Ianto more than comfortable.

"Hmmmm yes. That's always good for peace of mind... but I'm still not certain you are not overpaying me, Sir," Ianto said as they exited the elevator, and moved briskly towards his apartment, conveniently just a few doors down from the elevator.

"We've been over that, Ianto. It's the same salary I paid my last head of security. I expect a lot from my staff... most specifically trust. As long as I know I can trust you, we will always get along just fine," Jack answered, probing Ianto's eyes deeply; frowning slightly when Ianto almost guiltily looked away.

Opening the door, Ianto invited Jack inside as he studiously avoided the other man's probing gaze, inwardly struggling with the need to confess all to his all too mesmerizing employer; yet trying to remain strong and focused on his agenda. No, he couldn't let the almost hypnotizing charms of Jack Harkness divert him from his goal... one he had been steadfastly building towards for years now. He would NOT let his growing tenderness towards this man affect the outcome of a payday that must come.

That was another question burning in his mind... why did he care so much about Jack? He should be elated that he had Jack's trust and be using it accordingly to fall in with his plans; but anything but that was the case. He was ridden with guilt and remorse... but why? And... how was he going to turn off those emotions that only conflicted him from his true goal?

"Make yourself comfortable, Sir. I'll go get the coffee started," Ianto said, dodging Jack's inquiring looks, all but running into the kitchen.

Eyes narrowed shrewdly, Jack said, "Just simple coffee, nothing extravagant."

Jack wandered around the elegant room, as was his norm analytically absorbing everything. Jack looked at the mantel over the decorative fireplace, his eyes studying the photographs carefully... making one observation instantly. There were no pictures of Lisa. None of her singular... or as a couple. Very intersting, he mused to himself. In fact, there were numerous photos all of the same people. A striking older couple, most with a young child posing with them. On closer inspection, Jack concluded the child must be Ianto with whom he further assumed to be his parents. He smiled, thinking what a happy family they projected in each photograph. Scanning each one critically, Jack decided something was wrong... very wrong. This was a virtual shrine... but why? What had happened to this beautiful family? Could this be the answer to the mystery that surrounded Ianto Jones?

He moved about the room, trying to take in everything quickly, eyes darting with interest down the darkened hallway that Jack determined led to Ianto's bedroom. How he would love to venture there to ascertain if a picture of Lisa could be by Ianto's bedside. For some reason, Jack doubted it to be present. His gut told him there was something else going on between those two that had no resemblance to love; most certainly nothing pertaining to sex - at least from Ianto's point of view. He paused in his tempting steps to that room, thinking even for him that would be far too intrusive. Inwardly he groaned with just the thoughts of entering Ianto's bedroom; along with all the images such a thought elicited.

Moving over to the far side of the room, Jack noticed the terrace doors. He peered through them insantly enchanted by the spectacular view provided. Looking out he admired the mid morning Manhattan skyline; from this vantage point appearing calm, quiet... and utterly peaceful. A false conception he knew... but from his elevated view it was breathtaking. Looking down at his watch, Jack realized Ianto had been in the kitchen for quite some time now. What on earth was he doing in there, he wondered.

"Ianto, need some help in there?" Jack called out in concern, knowing it didn't take near this much time to brew a simple pot of coffee.

"Be right there, Jack. Perfection takes time... "

"I told you no fuss," he said smiling, before catching sight of a more relaxed Ianto carrying a tray with coffee and condiments, placing it on the rectangular marble coffee table set a few steps from the sofa. Jack's eyes moved over him slowly as he sat down and poured, noting he had removed his suit jacket, and loosened his tie... thinking it gave him a slightly disheveled appearance, bringing about even more images on how to make this man even more untidy.

Ianto pushed the cup and saucer over to Jack, smiling at him as if he held a secret he was just about to divulge. Quirking an eyebrow, Ianto murmured, "Be prepared to have your toes curled."

Jack looked at him dubiously, before responding, "You didn't need coffee to reach that effect, gorgeous."

"Just try it," Ianto chuckled, knowing he should be wary of Jack's pet name for him, but found he was growing so accustomed to it that now it just seemed like second nature coming from Jack Harkness.

Raising the cup to his lips, taking a small sip, Jack found himself groaning in bliss. Never had he had a brew that tasted like this. It was an insult to refer to it as coffee. It was rich, spicy... a pure ambrosia to the senses. Taking a longer sip, making certain he hadn't been mistaken and not just overwhelmed by Ianto's other more vast charms, he purred, "Oh wow, Mr. Jones. You just keep building on your incredible allure. I have never tasted anything remotely similar to this. What is it?"

"It's a special blend from the gourmet shop, with a few added ingredients from me. I'm glad you like it, Sir," Ianto beamed, pleased that Jack liked it to this degree.

"Ianto, please call me Jack. It was cute at first... hot even, but so very unnecessary. And, you are not even working now... " Jack reminded.

Placing his cup down, Ianto turned to him nodding after a moment saying, "I will try. Old habits die hard, you know."

"Indeed I do. So, tell me the pictures on the mantel... I assume that is your family?" Jack asked, hoping Ianto would give him the answers he sought... and not forced him to get them from the investigator.

Ianto didn't look away quickly enough before the pain displayed openly in his eyes. Answering in a husky voice, "Yes, my parents."

"I figured as much. You were a most handsome boy... it goes without saying that only progressed favorably over the years," Jack said, placing his cup down, throwing his arm behind the sofa, subtly moving closer to Ianto.

"I... ahhhh, thank you, Sir... ummmmm, Jack," he stumbled about, far from oblivious to Jack's steady approach.

Jack reached his hand forward to toy with the back of Ianto's hair, whispering in a low purr, "There was that so hard, Ianto... saying my name?"

"Uhhh, I guess not," he said, as his hand unconsciously reached up to loosen his tie yet again, feeling heat rising up his neck; certain it was displaying brightly on his face.

Sliding even closer, Jack ran his fingers along Ianto's neck, having an increasingly difficult time remembering tonight he had been on a mission to simply find out more about this beautiful and complex man. The perfection of him, the enticing smell of him... clean and incredibly masculine; a combination of everything that was Ianto Jones distracting him almost unbearably. "Ianto, look at me," Jack softly ordered, waiting for Ianto to acquiesce. "Tell me why there isn't a picture of my sister on your mantel?"

Swallowing nervously, Ianto answered, "I guess I just never got around to it yet. I should probably speak to Lisa about that."

"Hmmm. I wouldn't bother with that. Seeing that you haven't already done so... or that my very vain sister hasn't insisted upon it, tells me a great deal," Jack surmised aloud, his eyes clouding over as he stared at Ianto with unabashed hunger.

"I... ah don't know what to say, Jack. You confuse me at every turn... " Ianto foolishly returned.

Reaching up, Jack lightly stroked a finger across Ianto's full luscious lips, as he moved closer to them, eliciting a low husky growl, "Confuse you? I don't see how, gorgeous. I have been extremely open from day one how much I fucking want you."

"No, not about that. Confuse me about how I find myself feeling knowing of that want," Ianto honestly answered, knowing this would only get him in deeper with Jack Harkness.

Lips coming closer until they were ghosting against Ianto's... their breaths mixing together, Jack asked, "And how does it make you feel?"

"I can't describe it, really. It's different from anything I've ever felt. I just don't know what to do... " Ianto whispered, forcing himself to look away from Jack's penetrating and all too predatory gaze.

"Well then, I think the solution is more than clear. The time has come to discard things that are familiar... and explore the excitement of the unknown. I would be more than happy to be your guide," Jack growled, as he snagged his hand around Ianto's neck, pulling him towards him, laying down on the couch...making certain Ianto followed him down. Eyes blazing fiercely, he rasped out, "Kiss me, Ianto Jones. Then tell me you don't feel exactly as I do."

Ianto let out a quick breath at the unexpected movement, but before he could voice a response, Jack was pulling on his neck until their lips were fused together. Jack wrapped his arms tightly around Ianto's waist, relishing the exquisite feel of finally being horizontal with this delicious man. Uncaring at the moment that in the back of his mind he knew Owen's caution was correct... that he should slow down until they knew more about Ianto; his body overruling common sense with one underlying factor - possession of this man.

Nipping at his lips, Jack soothed them with the stroke of his tongue... desperately asking for permission to enter; elated when access was soon after granted. Jack groaned as he felt Ianto's hardness rising against his own, in their position able to feel every delectable curve. His tongue swiftly and surely moved inside Ianto's mouth, tasting the enticing flavor that was much more than the coffee they had just consumed - it was pure Ianto. Jack had never enjoyed a taste more... and he intuitively deduced it was one of many flavors he would continue to crave from this man, even after he had acquired them. His mouth moving hotly against the younger man's Jack hissed in tormented desire as Ianto begin to squirm against him, virtually humping against his aching erection... Ianto's tongue engaging in their erotic dance.

"I need you, Ianto... so badly," Jack growled against Ianto's now swollen lips, moving his hands down to clasp around the perfect ass he was salivating to possess.

Ianto groaned, before managing to pull his mouth free, placing his hands on the sofa to give himself some leverage. Vaulting upwards quickly, eyes averting from Jack's pouting scowl, he paced back and forth, raising his hand up to halt a quickly approaching Jack Harkness. "Stop, please Jack. I can't do this now. I'm not saying that I don't want to... the timing is just not right."

"I would say the timing is more than right... but I agree, you have some decisions to make; ones that I think are long overdue. I suggest that you do that soon... and save Lisa some extended pain," Jack bluntly told him, picking up his coat to head towards the door. "Get some rest, Ianto. Think about what I've said... and remember this - I'm not going anywhere. When the time is right you will know. And another thing, if there is something going on that you feel you need to keep bottled up inside - you don't. You can come to me with anything. I can and will help you. Goodnight, Ianto."

"Goodnight, Jack," he answered, securing the door behind him, running a shaky hand through his hair. Plans or not, Ianto knew what had to be done... what should have been done long ago. He would just find another way. The path he had been on was not only cruel, but beneath him as well.

Opening his cell phone, he texted Lisa words that he should have sent long ago... but for his own selfish reasons had not.

Lisa, can we meet for lunch tomorrow? There is something we need to discuss.

Preparing himself for bed, Ianto realized he was closing one door... the most promising one to fulfilling his goals; but in doing so he was both being true to himself, along with finally being fair to Lisa. Ianto wondered how much longer he could delay telling Jack everything. He knew he came closer each moment they spent together. Doing so would most likely in effect destroy everything. But, could he stop himself from that full disclosure?

The unthinkable had happened to Ianto Jones. For the first time in more years than he could remember he cared about something more than his quest for revenge. Could he balance them both... or would one fall by the wayside? Ianto smiled as he lay down to sleep, the last image in his head the smiling face of Jack Harkness. He groaned before sleep overtook him. He was undoubtedly truly fucked.

TBC