Okay, so don't hate me, but this chapter turned out different from what I originally planned. I had it all written, but then Kurt kept me up all last night, and I ended up rewriting the entire first half because I always let the characters have their way.

So, read on…

Chapter 7

Kurt walked nervously down the hall towards Blaine's room. He'd gone back to his own room to change clothes and to tell Doug not to expect him until morning. He changed into a pair of comfy pajama pants and a long sleeve Dalton shirt, washed and moisturized his face, brushed his teeth and tried to calm down.

Relax. You've hung out in Blaine's room for hours. The only difference tonight is that when you get tired, you can just go to sleep on those amazing 1200 thread Egyptian cotton sheets.

Blaine opened the door before Kurt could even knock.

"Welcome gorgeous."

Kurt hesitated to enter. Blaine looked downright sinful. He'd taken a shower and washed the gel out of his hair leaving it messy curly. His eyes were dark and lust heavy, his lips full and lush. He was shirtless, wearing only black briefs. Kurt couldn't help but stare as his body eagerly responded to the visual before him. Blaine grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Kurt looked around the room and smiled. There were candles everywhere, and music was softly playing from Blaine's iPod. Blaine slid his arms around Kurt's waist and began to sway to the music. Kurt rested his hands on Blaine's shoulders and followed his rhythm.

"So, tonight I discovered how much I enjoy dancing with you."

Kurt nodded. "Tonight was fun. Thank you for taking me."

"It was my pleasure."

"And thank you again for the clothes. It was really nice of you, but totally unnecessary. I have a closet full of clothes."

"It was necessary because it was what I wanted to see you wear."

Kurt wasn't sure what to say to that, so he said nothing. Blaine continued.

"As a matter of fact…there's something else I'd like to have you wear."

"What?"

Blaine was quiet for a moment before slowly shaking his head. "Not now. I'll give it to you later."

"Aw, now you're teasing me. Will I like it?"

"I like it, so I'm sure you'll want to wear it."

"As long as it's not something hideous."

"Of course not. I have excellent taste."

They continued to sway back and forth. Kurt closed his eyes and relaxed against Blaine. Blaine ran his hands slowly up and down Kurt's back a few times before slipping them underneath his shirt. Kurt shivered, not from a chill, but from heat as Blaine's palms pressed warm and urgent against his skin, exploring the creamy smoothness. Blaine traveled up and down for a minute more before grasping the hem of Kurt's shirt. He didn't say a word. He just pulled it up. Kurt automatically raised his arms and allowed Blaine to pull the shirt off, dropping it to the floor. Blaine ran his eyes over Kurt's chest before placing his palm over Kurt's heart. He could feel Kurt's heart beat quicken under his touch. He placed his other palm on Kurt's chest and ran both hands over Kurt's chest, down to his waist, up his back, coming to rest on his shoulders. He looked into Kurt's eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

Blaine stepped closer. He slid his hands up Kurt's shoulders to rest on either side of his neck. His thumbs gently rubbed his cheeks. Kurt's pulse was racing as a strange, unrecognizable sensation flashed through him. He was mesmerized by the way Blaine was looking at him. He could see the raw, carnal, need in his eyes.

His time was up.

Blaine's hands slid up into Kurt's hair to press his mouth to his. His hands were all over Kurt's body, stroking down his arms, up his back, down his back, and over his ass. His hands stayed on Kurt's ass, rubbing and squeezing, and then his fingers were at Kurt's waist, pulling at the sweatpants.

"Blaine…"

"Just relax and trust me, Kurt. I love you. I promise I'll take care of you."

"I know you will. It's just…"

"Yes?"

"I don't…I've never been with a boy…like…at all. I've never been with anyone."

"Neither have I."

"Really?"

"Really. I was waiting for you."

"I'd love to believe that."

"It's the truth. This is an all boys school. You don't think there are other gays here?" Blaine gently caressed Kurt's face. "I've been waiting for you. Just like the song. All my life, I was only waiting for Kurt Hummel to arrive."

Kurt smiled as he remembered the first time they saw each other during his Warbler audition. "You sound so sure."

Blaine settled his fingers against the smooth skin of Kurt's waist and rubbed softly.

"Because I am sure. We were meant to be together."

"How do you know?"

"I feel it. I've felt it ever since I laid eyes on you. You're the one for me, Kurt. The only one. And once an Anderson makes something…or someone theirs, we protect them with our life. We take care of them, we protect them, and we love them. Forever. That's how I feel about you. When I tell you I'll take care of you…that I'll protect you, I mean it, Kurt. I mean it with my entire being. I. Love. You."

Blaine delivered this speech with wide, honest, love-filled eyes. With every word Kurt fell deeper in love, as if that were possible. Blaine's kiss was passionate and filled with love and assurance.

The assurance Kurt needed to completely let go.

He stepped back from Blaine, his eyes never leaving his. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his sweat pants and pulled them down and off.

Passport granted.

Blaine slowly ran his eyes up and down Kurt's naked body before coming to rest on his cock. He stared at it for a moment before stepping forward and dropping to his knees. He leaned in and slowly licked, bottom to top. Kurt gasped as an entirely new level of arousal swelled within him. He moaned brokenly, as Blaine licked again, and again, and one time more before swallowing the head. He sucked hard and slow, sending sparks up and down Kurt's spine before swiftly deep throating the entire cock while his hands snaked around to grab Kurt's ass. He spread Kurt's cheeks, settling his fingers in the crack of his ass. Kurt half squealed, half grunted as he grabbed Blaine's hair to steady himself. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the heat and sensations of Blaine's mouth around him, leading to the familiar roll, slide and push as his cock twitched on the brink. Blaine must have sensed it because he dug his fingers deeper within Kurt's ass and pulled him closer, driving the cock down his throat. This sent Kurt over. He moaned Blaine's name over and over as his orgasm raced through him. Blaine swallowed and pulled off slowly before standing up. Kurt looked like he might pass out from a mixture of release exhaustion and shock. Blaine placed his hands on Kurt's shoulders and kissed him softly. Kurt's mind raced when he realized he was tasting his cum on Blaine's lips. He deepened the kiss and licked in Blaine's mouth to taste more. Now it was Blaine who shivered slightly from the sensual feel of Kurt's tongue, and the realization that Kurt was seeking the taste in his mouth.

Kurt likes the taste of cum. Perfect.

Blaine gently steered Kurt towards the bed. He pulled back the sheets and lay them down, pulling Kurt close to him, wrapping him tightly in his arms and legs. Kurt felt warm, sleepy and dazed. He snuggled in against Blaine and fell asleep in seconds.

Blaine kissed his forehead and held him tight. He would let Kurt sleep for a few hours. He needed the rest.

Because their night was far from over.

x-x-x-x-x

Kurt hummed and shifted on to his back to give more access.

Access to who didn't matter. This was a great dream.

Someone was stroking him. Gently, teasingly, and it felt amazing. A hand softly fondled his balls before stroking his cock. It was a wonderful back and forth that left him guessing. He never knew when they would switch.

And then there was a gentle press at his asshole. Nothing intrusive. More of a testing nudge. Kurt spread his legs a little further apart.

Soft kisses to his chest. Light fingers running up and down, and suddenly thumbs teasing his nipples. He gasped. His nipples were very sensitive. A tongue was licking his right nipple. Kurt dug his nails into the bed. Oh….small kisses to his chest again…stroking….another press to his entrance, this one a little firmer…

Kurt opened his eyes. He felt a moment of panic at the realization that this was real, not a dream, but then Blaine kissed away his fear. Kurt relaxed and allowed Blaine's kisses to sweep him away.

Until he realized Blaine was completely naked.

When did that happen?

Kurt didn't have time to dwell as Blaine straddled him and once again placed his hands on other side of Kurt's neck. His hold wasn't tight, but it triggered the strange, unrecognizable sensation Kurt felt earlier.

Blaine stared into Kurt's eyes which were swirling with lust and a tiny hint of fear. Blaine didn't know why, but the fear appealed to him just as much as the lust. He pushed the feeling aside as he leaned down and kissed Kurt softly before lowering his body down to slide their cocks together. He whispered desperately in Kurt's ear.

"Please…let me have you. Let me make love to you. Please…"

Kurt reached up and tangled his hands in Blaine's curls.

"Blaine…you already have me. I'm already yours."

Blaine sucked a deep, red mark into Kurt's neck. "I want all of you. Every inch of you. I need you, Kurt. I need to feel you. All of you. Please…"

Their kisses turned feverish and desperate. Blaine ran his lips and tongue down Kurt's chest, stopping to swallow his cock and suck for a moment before pulling off and coming back up to kiss Kurt some more. Kurt was drowning under the weight of Blaine's body. The heaviness felt so good, and his kisses were so sweet and passionate, and his hands felt so right, and…

Blaine stopped to reach over and open the drawer of his nightstand. He took out a bottle of lube.

Kurt shut his eyes. Calm down. It's okay. This is Blaine. You love Blaine and he loves you and you want this.

Don't you?

Blaine kissed Kurt for several more minutes before moving down to settle between his legs. When Kurt heard Blaine pop the top open on the lube, a wave of panic flowed through him.

No. Not yet. I'm not ready.

"Blaine…"

Blaine quickly moved back up to look into Kurt's eyes.

"I'm right here, gorgeous. Just close your eyes and let me make you feel good. I'll take care of you. I promise."

Kurt shook his head. "I…I can't. I'm sorry. I…I'm not ready. I'm just not."

Blaine was on the brink. Something inside him was starting to push its way through. Something wicked and sinister that fed off Kurt's fear. His mind started spinning.

Just take him.

Andersons always take what they want.

He's powerless to stop…

"Blaine?"

Blaine shook his head. What was wrong with him? Was he really about to rape the man he loved? What the fuck?

Blaine rolled off of Kurt and climbed off the bed. He put his briefs on, walked over to his desk and sat down in the chair. He put his face in his hands.

Kurt sat up and looked at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't…I didn't mean to…"

Blaine shook his head. "No, no. It…it's not you, it's me. I'm sorry."

"But I…I shouldn't have let you think…"

Blaine walked over to the bed and sat down, pulling Kurt into his arms.

"No, no, Kurt. No. You didn't do anything wrong. You're not ready, and I shouldn't have pushed. I just…I want you so much, but I want you to want it as much as I do."

"But I do want it! I don't know what's wrong with me!"

"Nothing's wrong with you, Kurt. You're just not ready, and that's fine. I can wait."

"Yeah, but for how long?"

"For however long it takes, gorgeous." Even if it kills me.

They sat in silence for several moments before Kurt looked up with sad eyes full of tears. His voice was a whisper.

"Do you want me to go?"

Blaine's heart plummeted. "No. God no, Kurt. I never want you to go. Ever. I need you. I love you."

Kurt put his sweatpants back on. They crawled back under the covers and Kurt rested his head on Blaine's chest.

"Blaine?"

"Yes, gorgeous?"

"Thank you."

x-x-x-x-x

Kurt woke up around 7:30 am. He stretched his legs under the covers and sighed. He felt great. So warm, relaxed and…trapped.

Blaine was wrapped heavy and warm around him. His arms held Kurt close, and one leg was draped over Kurt's. When Kurt tried to wiggle away, Blaine's hold tightened. Kurt hated to wake him, but he needed to use the bathroom.

"Blaine?"

"Blaine, wake up. I gotta pee."

Kurt started moving a little harder, but Blaine's grip remained strong.

"Blaine?"

"Blaine!"

Blaine's eyes opened. He was completely unaware of releasing Kurt as he turned quickly, reaching towards his nightstand drawer…

"No alarm to turn off, silly. It's Saturday."

Oh.

Kurt.

Right.

Kurt spent the night.

Blaine quickly turned back towards Kurt who was looking at him in amusement.

He was grateful Kurt thought he was reaching for an alarm clock.

"Morning."

They took turns using the bathroom before snuggling back under the covers. They lay in a comfortable silence until Blaine spoke.

"What were you really thinking about last night?"

Kurt tensed a little. He really wanted to forget about last night. Well, not about the blow job. That was incredible.

"What do you mean?"

"When we were walking to the dance. What were you thinking about, and don't tell me school stuff."

Oh.

"I was thinking about your father."

"My father?"

"Yes."

"What about him?"

Kurt sat up and shifted so he could see Blaine's expression. He didn't look mad, just very curious and a little confused.

"Well," Kurt began slowly. "He's killed people, right?"

Blaine nodded. It was the truth. His father was a murderer.

"How do you feel about that?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…how does it feel to know your father has killed someone? Several someones."

Blaine settled back against the headboard looking thoughtful.

"Don't tell me you've never thought about it before."

"Actually…I don't think I ever have. I mean…it's just one of those things. I don't always know when its happened or will happen. I just know it's something he does when necessary."

Kurt shook his head. "But…doesn't it bother you?"

Blaine thought for a moment. "Not really. Does that make me a bad person?"

Kurt quickly shook his head. "No, no, of course not, but it is….I don't know. I guess if you're used to it."

"I just never think about it."

Kurt nodded.

Blaine waited. He had a feeling there was more. He resolved to answer Kurt's questions honestly. He would always be honest until he couldn't.

"Have you ever seen him kill someone?"

Blaine nodded. "Yeah."

"When?"

"I think I was 6 or 7. It was in the summer and I was home with my mom. I'd been playing outside all day. Riding my bike, chasing the dog. I remember this blue car going past our house. I don't know why I remember it so clearly, but I do. Anyway, I finally went in for a snack. My mom and I were in the kitchen when this guy just burst in. My mom screamed and grabbed me. The guy was yelling, but he wasn't pointing the gun at us. He was pointing it towards the kitchen door. He was waiting for my father to hear all the screaming and to come running in, but he wasn't home. Eventually the guy figured this out. I remember he looked so confused. He was there to kill my dad. He didn't wanna shoot a defenseless woman and her child. I honestly think he was trying to figure out what to do when my dad came in the back door and shot him."

Kurt was stunned. "What happened to him? His body?"

"Uncle Luther and some men came and took it away. I remember my parents screaming at each other that night. My father wanted to move. It was something he'd been saying for a while, but my mother didn't want to. Back then we lived in a suburb of Westerville. I went to East Westerville Elementary and Cooper was at the junior high. My mom wanted us to live like regular people. She wanted me and Coop to have as normal a life as possible, but my father wanted us to move somewhere secluded. Safer." Blaine smiled. "My mom won that battle. We stayed until there was another attempt on my father's life. Then we moved."

"Where do you live now?"

Blaine grinned. "Dalton." Kurt punched his shoulder. "It's a huge house on acres and acres of land right outside Westerville. It's secluded, hard to find, and heavily guarded."

Kurt frowned. "Your childhood sounds kind of hard."

Blaine shook his head. "Actually, it was awesome thanks to my mom. I remember that after we moved, I still wanted to ride the bus to school like all my friends, but of course the bus didn't come out that far, so my mom arranged for one of my dad's men to drive us to the closest bus stop every day. He would park a little ways down and my mom and I would wait at the bus stop as if we walked there. She made sure I got to go to all the birthday parties, and she always threw me a big birthday party at some place in town so no one had to come to our house. She always tried to make everything normal."

Kurt felt a slight pain of melancholy. He missed his mom.

"She sounds wonderful. I'd love to meet her one day."

"You would?"

"Of course."

Blaine was quiet. Now that was something to think about. Could he ever take Kurt home to meet his parents? Or at least his mom?

"So how did you end up at Dalton?"

Blaine sighed and looked down at the bed sheets. "I started at Westerville High. Cooper had gone through with no problem, despite telling anyone who would listen that he was a member of the mob. He's such a fucking idiot. Anyway, my dad had already decided that I should go to Dalton, but I didn't want to. All my friends were going to Westerville, so I wanted to go too. Another battle my mom fought and won, but then Telio beat the shit out of this kid and got expelled so…"

"Wait a minute? What?"

"He did it for me, and at the end of the day, it really was for the best."

"What happened?"

"I knew I was gay by the time I hit 7th grade, but I didn't tell anyone except my family. My mom was fine with it, my dad was disappointed, Telio didn't care, and Cooper thought it was hilarious. Anyway, I kept it to myself until ninth grade when I met this kid named Jeremiah. He was gay and out, so I asked him to this school dance. We went and had a pretty good time until the very end."

Blaine stopped. His eyes turned sad and his shoulders drooped. Kurt reached for his hand and held it.

"It was hot in the gym so we went outside to get some air and…these guys jumped us. Two of them held me while the other two were beating Jeremiah, and then…they threw me to the ground and started kicking the shit out of me. Telio came out looking for us and saw them kicking me, and…he lost it. He grabbed one of the guys and just…I mean he nearly killed this kid. It took two teachers to pull him off. The guys who started it got suspended for five days, but Telio got permanently expelled due to his "brutal nature and extreme aggression." It was such a load of bullshit. He was a straight A student who had never been in trouble before. The guys who jumped us were known troublemakers, but the school didn't care. I think the principal was secretly pleased. I'd seen him eyeing Jeremiah and I when we were dancing."

Kurt sighed. Damn. Did every school in America, except Dalton, give free range for students to beat up gay kids?

"I'm so sorry that happened to you."

Blaine shook his head. "Really I was lucky. It was just one time. You endured shit every day. If I ever get my hands on that Karofsky guy…"

Kurt shook his head. "No. David has a lot to come to terms with about himself. I think in time…once we're out of high school…maybe he'll get there."

"Not an excuse for his behavior."

Kurt shrugged. He didn't care about Karofsky anymore, or McKinley. It all seemed like a lifetime ago.

They spent most of Saturday in bed, talking, watching movies and eating the snacks Blaine had stashed in his room. For the first time Kurt could remember, Blaine talked about his family. How he and Cooper were close until Cooper hit high school and fell in love with his father's world, and with being Cooper Anderson; how his grandfather considered him worthless and a traitor for being gay; and how beautiful his mother was. He even showed Kurt a picture of his parents on their wedding day. Kurt was impressed with just how beautiful Anastasia was, but he couldn't help but notice a slight sadness to her smile. He didn't mention it to Blaine. He was shocked by how much Blaine looked like his father. He'd seen pictures of Mario Anderson online, but he was younger in this photo, making the resemblance seem even stronger.

"You look like your father."

Blaine frowned. "Yeah, but that's where the similarities end."

By the time Kurt finally prepared to leave around 5:00 pm, he felt he had learned more about Blaine's life in one day than he had in the past 2 ½ months. Something about Blaine finally opening up and sharing with him, made Kurt feel better about everything.

Including the idea of sex.

Blaine walked him to his room. Kurt turned to him before going in.

"Thanks again for being understanding about last night. I promise I'm almost there. I just need a little more time. I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing. You didn't do anything wrong, and you shouldn't apologize for not being ready. You're ready when you're ready, and when you are, I'll be here."

Kurt nodded. "I really do love you."

"And I love you. You mean everything to me, Kurt. Everything." Blaine pulled something out of his pocket.

"Give me your right wrist."

Kurt held out his wrist and watched as Blaine buckled a black, leather cuff around his wrist. Then to his surprise, Blaine took out a small key and locked a tiny lock embedded inside the leather. Kurt held up his arm and felt the same strange sensation he'd felt when Blaine had his hands on his neck.

"It's beautiful, Blaine."

"I'm glad you like it. I'd like you to wear it."

Kurt nodded. "But...can I take it off?"

Blaine's stare was intense, his voice firm. "I have the only key." Kurt watched as Blaine placed the chain holding the key around his neck.

"Remember what I told you, Kurt. When an Anderson makes someone theirs...we take care of them, we protect them, and we love them...

Forever"

Sunday evening Telio was walking back to his room from the gym. His body felt good, but his mind was preoccupied. His thoughts ran the gamut from things overheard during their last trip home, to his growing concerns about Blaine and Kurt, to how pretty Alicia looked at the dance and how he was a grade A schmuck for not following Kurt's advice to talk to her. If Blaine could get some ass, why shouldn't he?

He stopped at the door to his room, pulled out his key…and stopped.

He looked around.

He sniffed the air.

He put his ear to the door and listened.

He sniffed the air again.

And smiled.

Cute. Very cute.

He put his key in the lock and turned it. He waited a moment before bursting into the room. He expertly blocked Blaine's punch, grabbed him by the arm, flipped him over and slammed him to the floor.

"Fuck!"

Telio laughed. "You suck. I hope Kurt sucks your dick as hard as you suck."

Blaine slowly sat up and turned his body to lean against the wall. "How the hell did you know?"

Telio grinned. "Because I'm awesome. Plus, raspberries."

Blaine closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the wall. Of course.

"You always smell like raspberries. Kurt smells like vanilla-mint. I can smell you two before I see you."

Telio stripped off his shirt and sweatpants. Blaine ran his eyes over his chiseled body. He wasn't attracted to Telio, but he could definitely appreciate his beauty.

"So, why are you here trying to kick my ass?"

"What the hell did you say to Kurt at the dance?"

Telio shrugged. "Nothing special. Just being honest with him about your future and his place in it."

Blaine looked at him angrily. "Kurt is my future, but more importantly, I don't want you talking to him about me, my family, or anything else."

"Why not? Because you want to keep filling his head with lies?"

"I'm not lying to him!"

"Yeah, you are, Blaine! You're lying to yourself, you're lying to him, and you're both going to get hurt!"

Blaine shook his head. "Stop projecting what you want on to me, and don't say anything else to Kurt. Understand?"

"Of course. Boss."

"Don't call me that."

Blaine was quiet for a moment before continuing.

"I've been thinking about something, and I want your opinion."

"Okay."

"I'd like to take Kurt home to meet my mom."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah."

Telio's initial thought was that it was a terrible idea, but the more he thought about it, the more he decided it was a great idea. If Kurt could see how Blaine's family lived, all the guards and guns, maybe he would get scared and decide he wanted out.

"Well, you shouldn't bring him home for family dinner night."

"No, no. I was thinking some other weekend. Maybe when my father's out of town."

"If you're serious about him, your dad has to meet him sometime."

"I know, but not yet. Kurt's already read too much about him online. I wanna hold off on their meeting for as long as possible. I just really want him to meet mom. I think she'll really like him."

Telio sighed. "Alright, Blaine. Whatever, but you and I need to start training again. Seriously dude, you really do suck. You need to be able to protect yourself. I shouldn't have been able to flip you that fucking easy."

Blaine nodded. Telio was right. He needed to be able to protect himself and Kurt.

"Okay."

Guilt. Guilt. Guilt.

"I mean, don't get me wrong, kiddo. I'm glad you've adjusted so well, and you're having fun, but I was hoping you'd come home at least once a month."

Kurt's heart sank with the weight of the guilt he felt.

He hadn't been home once since arriving at Dalton.

It wasn't like he hadn't thought about it, but he'd been so caught up with Blaine, that the weeks had flown by. Okay. Honestly? He hadn't wanted to go home. Going home meant a weekend without Blaine and frankly, Kurt hated the thought.

"I know. I'm sorry. I've just been so busy with school, and the Warblers and…"

"So, what's his name?"

"What?"

"So, what's his name? Come on, Kurt. I can hear it in your voice, and don't tell me it's only because Dalton is so freaking great. Something besides school work has kept you from coming home. What's his name?"

Kurt sighed and smiled. "His name is Blaine, dad. Blaine Anderson."

"Uh huh," said Burt. "Okay, tell me more."

He's the son of a mafia boss who murders people, and builds buildings.

"Um…well, he's a junior like me, and he's in the Warblers. Some days I feel like he is the Warblers, but anyway, he's really handsome, and smart, and just…he's great."

"Okay. Well…I know you guys have dorm rooms…and dorm rooms have beds…I don't wanna pry, but…just be careful. Remember, Kurt. You matter."

Funny you should mention that, dad. I almost lost my virginity to him Friday night.

"I know, dad. I remember."

"Okay, well, don't forget."

"I won't."

The rest of the conversation was catch up on all things Finn, and Carol, and Lima, ending with Kurt promising to come home that weekend. Burt would pick him up Friday after class, and he would love to meet Blaine.

Mario Anderson nuzzled his wife's neck. "You are so beautiful, Stasia. So, so beautiful. I love you more every day."

Anastasia said nothing. Mario pulled back and cupped her cheek.

"Do you still love me?"

"You know I do."

Mario slid his hand down to rest against Anastasia neck. "Sometimes I wonder."

Anastasia said nothing. Mario tightened his grip.

"Did I completely corrupt your love for me all those years ago?"

Anastasia shook her head. "No. I still love you."

Mario slid his hand down to rest on her breast as he leaned in. "And I still love you more than anything."

Anastasia allowed herself to fall into his kiss. It was easy to do. Mario's power over her had not diminished over the years. If anything, it grew stronger.

There was an urgent knock on the door.

Mario practically growled. "What?"

Luther opened the door. "My apologies, but we have company."

"Who?"

Luther hesitated before speaking. "Sammy Avalon.

Mario shook his head. "Should that name mean something to me?"

"He's a messenger for Frank Chartussi."

Mario frowned. "I'll be down in five minutes."

x-x-x-x-x

Sammy Avalon sat in the lobby of the headquarters of Anderson Construction. He looked around with a smirk on his face. Fancy ass building for a criminal snake like Mario Anderson. He stood up as Beth Rogers, Mario's administrative assistant approached.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Avalon, but Mr. Anderson wasn't expecting you. He's travelling from his home and will be here as soon as possible."

"I'm happy to have my driver take me to his home if it's more convenient for Mr. Anderson."

Beth smiled sweetly. Yeah, right. Do I look crazy?

"Not necessary at all. Mr. Anderson is already on his way. Can I get you anything while you wait?"

"No, thank you."

"Well, please make yourself comfortable. I'll come get you the moment he arrives."

Forty-five minutes later Sammy was led to a large conference room. Mario was already seated at the table in a large, black leather chair. He wore an impeccably pressed black suit, crisp white shirt and gray tie. Luther sat next to him. Two other men were stationed in each corner of the room. Mario and Luther stood up when Sammy entered the room.

"Mr. Avalon."

"Mr. Anderson, a pleasure to meet you."

"My business partner, Luther."

"Luther?"

"Yes. Just Luther."

All three men shook hands.

Mario sat down, crossed his legs and folded his hands on his knee.

"I wish Mr. Chartussi had told me you were coming to pay us a visit. I would have made arrangements for you."

"Not necessary. My stay will be short."

Mario narrowed his eyes. "What can I do for you?"

Sammy sat back and looked Mario up and down.

"There's a rumor that the Andersons are moving into the drug business. Is this true?"

Mario shook his head. "Not at all. I have no interest, or tolerance for the drug trade. It's a nasty, destructive business."

Sammy smirked. "Perhaps, but it's also very lucrative. Perhaps your family is running short on cash and looking for a way to make a little extra."

"I can assure you our cash flow is just fine. Furthermore, if we ever decide to enter the drug trade, we will continue to honor the agreement. We will never do business in New York."

Sammy stood up. "That's what I was hoping to hear. I thank you for your time."

"One question before you leave, Mr. Avalon. May I ask why Mr. Chartussi felt this visit was necessary?"

Sammy was quiet for a moment. "Mr. Chartussi received some information that was obviously incorrect. He wanted to clear things up so there were no misunderstandings."

Mario nodded. "Please tell him I thank him for coming to me directly."

"Of course. Thank you for your time."

Mario and Luther waited until Sammy left the room. Mario nodded to the two men in the corner. "Follow him and make sure he leaves the state."

Once the men left, Mario leaned his elbow on the table, and rested his chin on his hand. Luther frowned and slowly shook his head.

"This isn't good. Something triggered that visit, and I don't believe for a second it was someone whispering in Chartussi's ear."

Mario sighed. "I agree." He thought for a moment. "Let's put Justin on Cooper."

Luther nodded. He tried to think of a delicate way to express his next thought, but there simply wasn't one. He would have to just put it out there.

"Perhaps it's time to pull Blaine out of Dalton. He could go to Westerville. He'd be home every night. I could start working with him."

Mario shook his head. "No. I don't wanna do that until absolutely necessary. He just needs one more year and he'll graduate, and he's happy there. This might not be Cooper. It might just be idle gossip. Chartussi's always been paranoid about the east coast. This could be nothing."

Luther sighed.

It was Mario's one flaw.

He loved his sons and the love sometimes made him blind.