A Mafia Romance

by YaDiva

Blaine is the son of a powerful crime boss. He has no intentions of joining the family business, especially since he finally has a gorgeous boyfriend named Kurt, but everyone else has other ideas. When Kurt gets caught in the middle, Blaine's true nature is unleashed. Like father, like son. Dark!Blaine. Features sex, violence, drug references, and heavy BDSM themes.

20. A Mafia Romance - Chapter 20

I swear I'm a lovely soccer mom who attends church regularly but...

Warnings for violence, murder, kidnapping, torture and attempted rape.

---

I just need some time

Gather all my thoughts

To make up for the love I just lost

You've been so good to me given me everything

Take what you want cause it doesn't belong to me

I woke up this morning with the hurting that

I would never ever wish upon

Even my worst enemy

Who is she, what the hell do you people want?

Is it me?

Is it you?

Is it something I forgot to do?

Tell me so that I understand

Take What You Want

Maroon 5

---

Chapter 20

Thursday morning Kurt sat on the front steps of his dorm surrounded by all of his things. He'd spent all day Wednesday packing and then had Nick and Jeff help him move everything outside to avoid his father having to come in. He didn't want to explain his super large bedroom filled with things belonging to Blaine.

Kurt stretched his legs out, let his head fall back, and closed his eyes. The day was beautiful and sunny. Just like the day he'd first arrived at Dalton.

Amazing how much had changed since that first day. He smiled as he remembered Wes, David and Trent appearing at his door under the ruse of showing him around. He was grateful to Wes for bringing him into the Warblers. It felt wonderful to finally have friends who fully accepted him and appreciated his talents.

And then there was Blaine.

Blaine.

His boyfriend.

His mafia crime boss boyfriend.

His dangerous mafia crime boss boyfriend who he was going to spend the summer with.

Kurt still couldn't believe his father had agreed, but he wasn't going to question it. He couldn't wait to spend the summer with Blaine. Being apart had been hard, but more than anything Kurt was worried about Blaine. He still had no idea what Blaine had been doing over the past month and a half. What did it really mean for him to be in charge? What exactly had Blaine been up to now that he was in charge of a criminal empire? Moving weapons around the country? Laundering drug money?

Murdering people?

A nervous chill shivered through Kurt.

This is the man you love. This is the man you want to be with. A criminal. What does that say about you?

It says I love him.

But it's so much more than that…

The way he felt when Blaine stared at him with deep, dark, intense eyes. The way his body melted, rose, and responded to Blaine's touch, the tone of his voice, his breath on his neck, his lips on his skin.

Did all 18 year old males want and need in the desperate way he wanted and needed Blaine, or was something else going on? Something…deeper. What made his mind shutdown and shift to an entirely different place when Blaine spanked him, or cuffed his wrists? Why did his body ache so hard with throbbing when Blaine shifted away from him too soon after sex?

And why was he longing for the collar and chastity cock cage Blaine mentioned the last time they had sex?

Was this normal, or was it something specific to Blaine? Or was it just him?

Burt's arrival made Kurt leave his questioning thoughts behind. Burt climbed out of the truck and hurried to his son, eager to hug him.

"Hey dad."

"Hey kiddo." Burt hugged Kurt tight for several long seconds. When he pulled back and looked into Kurt's eyes his heart warmed, yet filled with worry at the same time.

Of all the boys in this school, why a dangerous kid from a mafia family? Why can't he see the danger?

"Ready to go?"

"Absolutely."

Burt grabbed two bags. "I'm looking forward to having you home."

"I'm looking forward to being home. I'm also looking forward to Blaine's. Thanks again for giving me permission."

Burt wondered for the hundredth time if he should tell Kurt about Blaine's threats. As he studied his son Burt was struck by the growth changes. Kurt was several inches taller, his body firmer with more muscle definition. He had a strong jawline and an overall handsome maturity.

He's no longer a boy. He's a man.

A man capable of making his own decisions.

Right?

"Sure, Kurt. I'm just glad you're coming home, even if it's just for a week."

Kurt's smile kept Burt silent.

---

Telio stopped in the doorway of Blaine's room and watched in confused amusement.

"Blaine, what are you doing?"

Blaine's room looked like a tornado had swept through and thrown his clothes everywhere. Granted, they were in fairly neat piles, but they were everywhere.

"I'm getting ready for Kurt. I'm sure he's going to bring almost his entire wardrobe with him, not to mention all the shopping trips I plan to take him on. He's gonna need room for his clothes."

Telio rolled his eyes and shook his head. He should have known.

Getting ready for Kurt.

It was all Blaine talked about.

Now that war was officially declared, Blaine and Telio had returned to the compound. Being home comforted Blaine and gave him confidence. He felt stronger making war plans while sitting at his father's desk in the library. It was also the most convenient and safest place for him. Security had been risen to an all-time high. New, higher gates had been installed at the driveway entrance and additional men hired. As he oversaw the update to the electric fence around the property and the addition of guard dogs, Blaine couldn't help but think that his Grandfather Julio would have been proud.

Now that he was back and Kurt was coming, Blaine had given instructions to the staff for a complete overhaul of the compound. The house was to be cleaned from top to bottom. The grounds were being trimmed, new flowers installed, and Blaine was completely rearranging his bedroom, beginning with his closet. He'd also ordered a new mattress, linen and drapes. He wanted everything beautiful and perfect for his Kurt.

"Why don't you just give him one of the spare bedrooms to use as a closet? There's certainly more than enough."

Blaine shook his head. "No. I want him with me. Living with me. Sharing with me. Just like school."

Telio shrugged and headed to the kitchen in search of food. He found Elian sulking in the kitchen.

Elian was stunned and secretly overjoyed when Blaine invited him to move to the compound. It was strictly a strategic move on Blaine's part. Elian had proven himself talented and useful when it came to taking care of business. He knew all the players and he brought his father's historical knowledge to the table. Plus, Blaine found his ability to murder with his bare hands intoxicating and comforting. Blaine figured that between Telio and Elian, he and Kurt would be safe, and with Kurt living with him, he would be safe from Elian's advances. Temptation tamed.

Telio asked the cook to make him a sandwich. He grabbed a bottled water from the fridge and sat down across from Elian.

"What's wrong with you?"

Elian didn't look up. "Nothing."

Telio looked at him for a moment and then dismissed him from his mind as he pulled out his cell phone to make sure it was on and fully charged. He was still waiting to hear from Alicia.

"Can I ask you something?"

Telio looked up. "Yeah?"

"What's Kurt like?"

"Why do you wanna know? You planning on trying to get him to fuck you since Blaine wasn't interested? Unless you're looking to give Blaine a reason to kill you, I suggest you stay far away from Kurt. Blaine will fuck you up, and not the way you want."

Elian scowled at him. "I don't wanna sleep with him. I was just wondering what makes him so fucking special."

Telio nodded with a smirk. "Oh, I see. You wanna know why Blaine's lit a fire under everybody about Kurt's arrival, and why he won't fuck you."

Elian's scowl deepened. "You're such an ass."

"And you're a desperate idiot. Lemme help you out. Blaine's worked up about everything being perfect because he loves Kurt. He loves him a lot, and Kurt loves him. I told you before that you don't stand a chance. Nothing's changed. Go find somebody else to fuck you."

The cook placed a sandwich and chips in front of Telio, ending the conversation. Elian went to his room.

Kurt's not from our world.

I am.

I can help Blaine. I can protect him.

That makes me a far better partner for him.

Maybe if Kurt disappeared Blaine would see that...

---

Burt and Carol exchanged smiles of pride as they sat across from Kurt and Finn. They were at Breadstix to celebrate Kurt's arrival home and the end of the school year. Finn and Kurt took turns sharing stories of McKinley High madness, glee club drama, and Dalton boys behaving badly. Watching the boys laugh and banter back and forth filled Burt and Carol with happiness, but Burt's enjoyment was tempered by worry and the nagging question of whether or not to tell Kurt about Blaine's visit to the garage.

Part of Burt was sure Blaine was wrong about Kurt. He was sure Kurt would believe him if he told him about Blaine's threats. Kurt was his son. Their bond was strong. Forged by shared grief, struggle, trust, and above all, love. The love of a father and son. Surely Kurt's loyalty would lie with his father.

But what if it didn't?

Was it possible that Kurt was so in love that a shift had occurred? It wasn't a crazy notion. Those feelings of first love, first kiss, first everything…the realization that you can connect with someone in a new and powerful way, on a level that had nothing to do with your parents…those feelings were strong and could be all consuming. There was a reason why teenagers rebelled against their parents. The discovery of a whole new world of overwhelming new experiences and feelings that exploded warm and bright in your body and brain. Kurt was finally experiencing an entirely new and sensual type of love. It wasn't crazy to think that his allegiance had shifted.

But could it shift that far?

"Dad?"

"Dad?"

"Burt, honey?"

Burt looked up.

He didn't mean to say it.

It just came out.

"Blaine threatened me."

"What?"

"Blaine threatened me." Burt looked down for a moving and let out a breath before looking back up into Kurt's confused blue eyes.

"The other week…he stopped by the shop. Told me that if I didn't let you stay with him this summer he would…"

"What? He would what?"

"He would blow up the garage and spread stories about me. About my campaign."

Carol gasped. Finn clenched his fists and longed for something to kick.

Kurt was speechless.

"I'm sorry, Kurt. I wasn't going to say anything, but…I couldn't let you leave without knowing the truth. Maybe it was all talk because threats and intimidation is what he knows from his family, but I felt you needed to know. This is who you love, Kurt. A man who would disrespect and threaten all I've built, and everything I'm trying to do."

Kurt felt a little nauseous.

Was it true?

Of course it was true. His father would never lie to him.

But did it matter?

"Finn was shaking his head angrily. "I'm gonna beat the shit outta that little twerp."

"Finn, please," said Carol.

Kurt's shoulders sagged as his heart sank. Now it all made sense. His father's lack of push back and easy agreement about the summer.

Blaine had threatened his father.

The boy he loved had threatened the man he loved.

But did it matter, or was he just like Anastasia?

"How can you still love him after what he did?"

"How am I supposed to stop loving him?"

"But…what he did to you…it was so wrong!"

…despite everything, I love him. I couldn't have left him if I'd wanted to. I'd already fallen in love with him. In the end, the truth didn't matter. Just like you."

"When did this happen?"

"He came by last week."

"Why didn't you tell me right away?"

"I needed time to think."

"About what?"

"I wasn't sure how you would handle it."

Kurt spoke slowly. "By how I would handle it…you mean who I would choose."

Burt sighed heavily. "Yeah. I was…" Burt trailed off.

Kurt swallowed. "You thought I would choose him over you."

The entire table sat in silence. After several minutes Carol stood up.

"Come on, Finn. Let's go get ice cream."

"I thought we were gonna have dessert here?"

Carol shook her head and gave him a look. "No. You and I are going to get ice cream. Come on."

Finn obediently stood up and followed his mother leaving father and son alone.

Minutes of silence passed as Burt waited for Kurt to speak, and Kurt tried to figure out what to say.

"Do you think he was serious?"

Burt held in his offense at the question. "Yes, he was serious. Very serious. He made that quite clear."

Kurt chose his words carefully. "He may have sounded serious…and I'm sure he wanted you to believe him, but…I don't believe he would ever really hurt you. Hurting you means hurting me, and Blaine would never purposely hurt me. He knows what you mean to me."

"I can't believe you're defending him."

"You need to understand that as he is pulled deeper and deeper into the criminal world, he will turn darker and more dangerous. It's a necessary change to deal with the pressures of being boss, and the life or death decisions that must be made."

"I'm not defending him. His actions were inexcusable, but…dad…please try to understand when I say that…this isn't the real Blaine. It's mob boss Blaine. The Blaine that has been thrown into a criminal world he never wanted. You said it yourself. Threats and intimidation are what he knows, especially these days. He's been dealing with a lot, and he really wanted me to spend the summer with him. He knew I wouldn't do it if you said no, so…I'm not excusing his behavior. I'm just saying that I understand where it's coming from and why."

"So, you're still going? You're still gonna spend the summer with him? After what he did?"

Kurt looked into his father's eyes.

He couldn't disappoint him, and he couldn't let Blaine get away with this.

"No, I'm not going. I'm not going to reward him for bad behavior."

Burt nodded. "Good. I'm glad you're finally seeing the truth about this kid."

x-x-x

An hour later Kurt sat on his bed holding his cell phone. The conflict in his heart physically pained him. He dialed Blaine's number.

"Hey gorgeous! Hi!"

"Hi. Are you busy?"

"I have to go out in a little bit, but I can talk."

Silence

"Kurt? What's wrong?"

"Did you threaten my father?"

Shit.

Apparently Burt Hummel didn't scare easy.

"Answer me, Blaine. Did you threaten my father?"

"Kurt…"

"A simple yes or no will suffice."

"Yes. Yes, I did, but listen…" Kurt interrupted.

"How could you do that? And you say you aren't your father!"

"I'm not my father!"

"Of course you are! Your father blew up your grandfather's business to get your mother to marry him! You just threatened to do the same thing for something far less substantial! That might even be worse!"

"I was just trying to make it easier for you!"

"By threatening my father's livelihood? His reputation?"

"You know I would have never done it! I would never do that to you!"

"Well good because I'm not coming."

"What?"

"I'm not coming, Blaine. You don't get rewarded for pulling a horrible stunt like this. I can't believe you would do something so mean! To me! To me, Blaine! The man you claim to love!"

Blaine started pacing back and forth in his room.

No, no, no. This was not happening. This could not happen.

"Now, Kurt listen to me. I get that you're mad, and I'm sorry, but you have to come. I need you, Kurt. I love you and I need you."

"I love you too, Blaine. Despite your fucked up behavior I still love you which…I don't even know what that says about me. How could you do this to me? To my father?"

"I'm sorry. I just…please…you have to come."

"No. I can't. I can't do that to him, and I can't do that to us. If we're going to be together, Blaine, you have to learn that you can't do things like this. No secrets, no lies, and no threats to my family!"

Blaine closed his eyes, his mind shifting from hurt and regret to anger and demand.

Anderson's were never refused.

Anderson's always got their way.

"Kurt…look, you're angry right now, so let's just take a step back for a minute. I'm sorry. I really am, but you have to come stay with me. I want you here, Kurt. I need you here, and I know you want and need me. You need me as much as I need you."

Kurt's familiar hunger for Blaine warmed and somersaulted through his stomach. Denying Blaine meant denying himself.

"Yes, I need you and I want to be with you, Blaine, but I can't. I can't do that to my father. I won't do that to him. Don't you see? This is your fault! You did this! You put me in this situation with your stupid threats! I can't hurt my father by choosing you over him. If I stay, and you don't do anything, it proves you were all talk and would never really hurt him or me, and hopefully in time he'll forgive you."

"You have to come stay with me for your own protection! It's not safe for you to be in Lima by yourself with everything that's going on!"

"Austin is still here, right?"

"Kurt…"

"And you taught me how to use a gun. I'll be fine."

"We're not talking about this anymore. I've told you before that your disobedience is dangerous. I was trying to be generous by allowing you to spend a week at home, but I see that was a mistake. My fault. Next Friday I will be there at 11:00 am to pick you up. That was the deal, Kurt and I expect you to stand by it."

"I'm not leaving, Blaine."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not!"

"I'll see you Friday."

Blaine hung up.

"Blaine?"

"Blaine?"

Kurt hung up and threw the phone down on the bed.

What the hell?

Kurt fumed for ten minutes until his phone rang. He angrily hit the answer button. "You have some nerve! I cannot believe…"

"Who's gonna fuck you, Kurt?"

"What?"

"Who's gonna fuck you? If you're there, and I'm here, who's gonna spank your ass and fuck your tight, delicious hole, hmmm? Who's gonna plug you and make you beg for release? Who's gonna give you the domination you crave, and make you submit the way you want and need? Because you need it don't you, Kurt? You need it bad."

And in that moment Kurt realized just how deep he was in.

Because despite Blaine's threats to his father, and despite how furious and angry he felt…

He was turned on as fuck.

Rock hard, pressing against his pants. Heart racing. Skin hot. Mouth wet and craving Blaine's cock.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

"I…I'll manage. It's just sex."

Blaine's voice was low, smooth, and oh so sexy.

"Oh, gorgeous. Between us…it's never just sex. It's a hell of a lot deeper than that. See you next Friday."

Blaine hung up.

Kurt fell back on his bed and wondered when exactly did he lose all control.

---

Blaine stared out his window into the backyard. He could see the new security dog handlers strolling the perimeter.

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

How had he miscalculated so badly?

He knew there was a chance Burt might tell Kurt about his visit, and he knew Kurt would be mad, but it never dawned on him that Kurt would flat out refuse to come.

But it didn't matter.

He would be at Kurt's house next Friday at 11:00 am. Kurt was coming to stay with him even if he had to kidnap him. He promised to keep Kurt safe and he had no intentions of failing. This one week was nerve-wracking and dangerous enough. No way was he going to spend the entire summer worried about Kurt's safety. Not with everything else going on. Plus, he needed Kurt with him. Bad.

Blaine sat down at his desk and opened his laptop. He pulled up the tracking site and stared at the red dot indicating Kurt was at home. He picked up his cell phone and called Austin.

"Yes, Blaine?"

"I want you to keep an even closer eye on him than ever. Do you understand? Anything out of the ordinary happens you call me immediately."

"Of course. Absolutely."

Blaine hung up as Telio knocked on his door and opened it.

"You ready?"

Blaine looked Telio up and down. He was wearing pressed dark blue jeans and a green button down shirt. A faint hint of cologne travelled through the air. Blaine grinned.

"Why do I get the feeling you're not coming with me to move my dad?"

Telio looked guilty. "Um, yeah. Do you think your mom will be pissed if I don't go?"

"Not if it involves a secret final date with a certain young lady from Crawford Country Day."

Telio didn't say anything. Blaine rolled his eyes.

"Would you relax? I'm not gonna tell my mom you're having a final fuck with your girlfriend. Where are you meeting her?"

"Hyatt. Downtown."

"Nice hotel. Have fun, be a gentleman, be careful, and use protection."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. If you're ready I'll drive you to the hospital. I feel like I should at least…I don't know…be there while he's loaded into the ambulance."

Blaine shook his head. "Not necessary. Go on. Have a great time. Tell Alicia I said hi and I hope she has a great summer. I'll ride in with Elian and Elijah."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely."

Telio looked hesitant. "You know I normally wouldn't leave you alone…it's just that this is the only night she can meet me, and…" Blaine started pushing Telio towards the stairs.

"Would you shut the fuck up and get out of here? Go. Get. Laid."

"Alright, alright. Just be careful. Make sure you stay close to Elian. Shit. I can't believe I'm saying that, but I think he's a better shot than his brother."

"Would you just go?"

Telio headed towards the door. He stopped and turned around.

"Thanks."

---

Anastasia watched with laser focus as the nurses carefully prepared Mario for the journey to Cleveland. She had made several surprise visits to the clinic to observe the staff. She had personally picked out his room with both comfort and security in mind. She had carefully hand-picked the nurses who would care for Mario, and spent hours interrogating the head medical officer. Luther made sure the necessary cash was spread around to the right people, and Blaine arranged around the clock security, selecting men who had worked for his father for years, but were older and ready for less strenuous assignments.

None of these meticulous preparations eased Anastasia's mind as she watched the paramedics lift Mario into the back of the ambulance.

Once the doors closed she climbed into the car driven by Elian. She sat between Blaine and Luther. Elijah was in the passenger seat. She gripped Blaine's hand.

"Thank you for taking care of security."

"Mom…of course. You don't have to thank me for that."

"I know you're busy."

"Never too busy to take care of you and dad. Don't worry, mom. This was the right decision. It's for the best."

Anastasia sighed. "I just wish Cooper…I don't understand why he never came to see him. I waited a while longer to give him time to visit. Where is he? How could he do this?"

Blaine said nothing.

"Blaine...I know you and your brother don't get along, but please…promise me you won't…"

Blaine stopped her. "Don't, mom. Don't. Please. I can't promise you anything, so don't make me."

"You must promise me, Blaine! Please! Promise me that you will not harm your brother!"

"Mom…"

Anastasia's eyes filled with tears. "Please, Blaine, please? I can't lose anyone else…"

Blaine turned from her. "I'm sorry, but I can't. The best I can do is promise you that I won't do anything without just cause."

Tears rolled down Anastasia's face. "And what would be a just cause?"

Blaine turned back to look into her eyes.

"If I find out that he was the one that arranged the hit, or if he attacks me first."

Anastasia held his gaze for a moment before nodding. It was the best she was going to get.

"When are you moving back to the compound?"

"Oh." Anastasia glanced at Luther who stared straight ahead.

"Um, I…I guess I hadn't thought about it."

"Well, there's no reason for you to stay at the hotel, and the compound is safer."

Anastasia nodded. "Yes. I'll…I'll plan on moving back soon."

Luther continued staring straight ahead.

---

Telio arrived at the Hyatt and headed to room 1018. He took a breath and knocked on the door. Alicia immediately answered and pulled him in, throwing her arms around his neck. He easily picked her up and swung her around before placing her back on the floor. They held each other before pulling back to look into the other's eyes. A beat passed and Telio was pulling her to him, their lips and tongues locked together. When he finally allowed her up for air she took a few steps back.

Telio shrugged off his backpack and slowly took in every inch of her with his eyes. She was wearing a short red lingerie robe. She slowly untied the belt and let the robe fall to the floor. She was completely naked.

Telio held his breath as she slowly walked towards him with a seductive, alluring smile. She stopped in front of him, took two fingers, and proceeded to rub them around and in her vagina, coating them. She then pressed them to his lips. Telio obediently opened his mouth and sucked them in.

Alicia tilted her head and smiled. "We have all night."

From there it was on.

Telio took his cues from her. He followed her mood and desires, checking to make sure he could take and have, and she never denied him. Instead she reassured him until he trusted enough to let go and just take what he wanted, what he needed.

They made love and fucked throughout the night and into the morning. In bed. On the dresser. On the window sill. Against the wall. She was so light compared to his massive strength that they had the ability to do any and every position. Telio finally learned why men had an obsession with doggie style, a position he'd always thought of with apprehension. But Alicia reassured him, begging him to take her.

So he did.

Over and over and over again.

They finally fell asleep around 4:00 am. Spent, sweaty, and sleepy. Her body tucked safely against his, held in his arms, her head on his chest.

They woke up around 10:00 am. Alicia called the front desk to request a 1:00 pm checkout. They ordered room service, ate, and talked.

Telio was honest with her. Probably too honest. She listened carefully, fear tightening her chest as he told her about the mob war.

"…so, there's a strong possibility I may not live through the summer."

"But…" She didn't know what to say. Telio took her hand.

"I'm not saying I'm going to get killed, but I don't want you to be shocked if it happens. These people are going to try and kill us. Kill Blaine. I can't let that happen."

"But what about you? Why do you have to be the one to take a bullet for him? It's not fair!"

Telio shrugged. "That's just the way it is. I'm his protector. His bodyguard."

"I thought you were his consigliere."

"That too, but above everything else his safety is my number one priority. Mario expects me to keep his son alive, and that's what I plan to do. I owe him."

Alicia felt frantic. "You don't owe him your life! Yes, it was wonderful of him to give you a home after your parents died, but that doesn't mean you owe him your life!"

Telio felt a little overcome by her concern. She was the first person to care about him for him and nothing else.

"Actually, yes it does. I'm not stupid. Mario didn't take me in strictly out of guilt or some sense of doing the right thing. He took me in for a purpose. He figured out early on that Cooper would never accept his little brother. He couldn't see Blaine as an ally. He only saw him as a threat. Mario needed someone who could be close to Blaine. Someone with an excuse to be with him at all times. A companion, but more than that. Someone who could protect him in school, at home, and everywhere else. An adult wouldn't really work, but someone Blaine's age? Perfect. So, he took me in. He had Martin train me, and explain my purpose, and…well, that's just how it is."

"I don't understand how Blaine could allow this. It's so wrong."

Telio laid back on the pillows and pulled Alicia to him, settling her body on top of his. He gently played with her hair.

"The first night I was with the Andersons they put me in this huge bedroom down from Blaine's. The room was bigger than the apartment I'd live in with my mom. I was lying in this huge bed, and in that moment I think I really understood how alone I was in the world. My mother was dead. I'd seen my father get shot. I was all alone. In that bed, in that room, in the world.

Suddenly the bedroom door slowly opens and I see this mass of curls peek around the door. I swear Blaine's curls were bigger than him back then. He comes in with this teddy bear. He climbs up on the bed and just starts talking. He says his name is Blaine, as if I didn't know, and asks me if I'm scared. Of course I shake my head, no. He looks at me as if he knows I'm lying and pushes the bear at me. It's his favorite bear, but I can have it if it will make me feel better. I shake my head and give it back. He takes it, but then he climbs in under the covers and says he'll keep me company for a while just to make sure I don't get scared. That was the first time I relaxed since getting there. We've been together ever since."

Alicia shook her head. "It's still not fair."

Telio stared at the ceiling. "Maybe. I just think that sometimes you have to sacrifice for the ones you love."

They decided to take advantage of the huge Jacuzzi bathtub. They soaked in a comfortable silence before it was time to get dressed.

Packed and ready to go, Telio pulled a box out of his backpack and held it out nervously.

"Um…I bought you something. You don't have to wear it if you don't like it. I can always take it back. I just…I don't know…"

Alicia smiled at his nervousness and opened the box. Inside were 22 carat Tiffany solitaire diamond earrings.

"Oh, Telio…their beautiful."

"You don't have to wear them all the time, or anything. I just wanted to give you something before you left."

Alicia quickly took out her plain gold earrings and put them in.

"Of course I'll wear them all the time. They're beautiful. Thank you."

Telio nodded feeling pleased with himself. He handed her an envelope.

"There's also this. You can use it in London."

Alicia's eyes widened as she looked at the cash in the envelope.

"Um…how much money is this?"

"$7,000."

"Telio! I can't take this!"

"Why not?"

"It's $7,000! How am I supposed to explain where I got this from?"

"Why do you have to explain?"

"Telio…I don't have a job. My parents are going to want to know where this came from, and I'm certainly not saying, my boyfriend who's in the mob."

"So, don't tell them about it. Just keep it and use it if you need to, or if you see something you want. I'll feel better about you leaving the country if you have some cash. Just in case."

Alicia shook her head, but decided not to argue. She tucked the money into her bag.

"Please stay alive. I love you, and I need you alive."

"I love you too, and don't worry. I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

---

Friday morning Kurt rode to the shop with his dad.

"You just got home, Kurt. You sure you don't wanna connect with your friends?"

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way because I only planned to stay until Noon. Mercedes and I are going to the mall."

Burt chuckled. "Ah, the truth comes out. Do you need some money?"

Kurt's face warmed slightly as he thought about the $2,000 of the $5,000 he had in his bag from Blaine.

"No. I'm good. Thanks."

Kurt sighed when he surveyed his dad's office. "You haven't been keeping up on the filing."

Burt took off his hat and rubbed his head looking sheepish. "Well, I haven't really been here ya know."

"Kurt hung up his bag in the closet. "I'll take care of it. All of it."

Burt smiled appreciatively. The two looked at each other for a moment before Burt suddenly reached out and pulled Kurt into a hug. Kurt relaxed in his father's embrace.

As much as I want to see Blaine, not going is the right decision. For now it's the best thing. My dad needs me.

I'm so glad he's staying. I haven't lost him.

About an hour later as Kurt sorted and stacked, Benji Barnes stuck his head in.

"Hi Kurt. How ya doing?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Good, good. So, you home for the summer?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sure your dad is happy to have you home. He can use the help what with campaigning and all."

Kurt gestured around the office. "I can see that."

Benji laughed. "Yeah, but I hope you're not coming in every day. It is summer vacation."

"No, probably just Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or whenever he's got a heavy campaign schedule."

"Well good. Gotta make sure you have some fun. I'd better get back to it. I'll see ya later."

Kurt smiled. "Sure. See ya."

During his lunch break Benji made a call.

"It's me. He's home. Working Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and he is wearing a bracelet."

---

Friday night Blaine, Telio, and Elian sat in a black Cadillac watching the entrance of Carlton's, an expensive steak house in Downtown Westerville. They'd been waiting and watching for over an hour, tipped off by the bartender.

A little after midnight Sammy Avalon walked out arm and arm with a blonde.

Telio groaned. "Shit. We can't have a witness."

"Let's just shoot her. My brothers can slice up her body and get rid of the pieces, no problem."

Both Telio and Blaine turned to look at Elian with disgust. Elian shrugged. "What? Sometimes collateral damage can't be avoided."

Telio felt like punching him. "We're not killing an innocent girl who just happened to go out to dinner with the wrong guy, you asshole. How about we collateral damage you?"

Elian shrank back. "Fine. What do you wanna do? Vince and his guys have been tracking him for months and he's never alone."

Telio started the car. "Let's just follow him and see where he goes. He might drop her off."

Sammy opened the door for his date and then walked over to a car parked across from his. He spoke to someone in the car and then headed back to his. The other car started.

"Shit. Fucker's got a crew with him," said Telio. They slouched down in the car to avoid being seen before pulling off.

After a few miles Sammy and the other car turned into the driveway of a condo. Telio drove around the corner, pulled over to the curb, and looked at Blaine for instructions.

Blaine had been in an angry bad mood all day.

First he was upset about Kurt. As far as he was concerned Kurt was still coming to stay with him. He planned to be at Kurt's house at 11:00 am next Friday, and he hoped Kurt was ready because the last thing Blaine wanted was a showdown on the steps of the Hummel-Hudson home. Kurt needed to come willingly.

Obediently.

Or else he'd have to force him.

And that could turn ugly.

He meant what he said about not blowing up Hummel Tire & Lube.

But industrial accidents happen all the time.

Then there was his father. Leaving Mario in Cleveland had been harder than he'd anticipated. Listening to his mother cry all the way back to Westerville lit Blaine's already simmering anger, and pushed him into a quiet rage, desperate for release through revenge and murder.

Or sex.

But Kurt was in Lima, setting off his anger again, reigniting his temper and frustration.

Blaine stared at the building, a plan slowly forming in his mind.

"This must be the girl's building. He'll probably spend the night. That means his place is empty, right?"

Telio pulled off. "Let's find out."

Sammy's apartment was a brand new upscale 8-unit building on the edge of downtown. They parked across the street and stared at the building.

"It looks like no one's home," said Elian.

Blaine glanced at the clock. "It's 1:30 am. Everyone's asleep."

Telio pulled an illegally powerful stun gun out of the glove compartment. "We can wait inside for him to come home."

Elian frowned. "But he'll probably still have a crew with him."

"Of course he will. You and Blaine stay down here and take them out while I wait upstairs in his apartment. The moment he walks through the door I'll stun him. This way we get him alive. Luther can do the rest. Slowly. Over weeks. We're gonna make this mother-fucker wish we would kill him."

They spent the next 20 minutes arguing about the merits of this idea. In the end Blaine's thinning patience and mood for murder made the decision.

"I'm tired of wasting time trying to catch this asshole. Let's just stay and hope it works. Call Vince and tell him and Jimmy the address of the girl's place. We need someone to let us know when he leaves."

Once plans were finalized and cars strategically parked, the boys settled in to spend the night. Elian stretched out as much as he could across the back seat and fell asleep quickly.

"So, how was your date with Alicia?"

Telio glanced back at Elian. He still didn't want anyone to know her name. "Fine."

"Seriously? That's all I get?"

"Yep."

"Well can you at least confirm that you got laid?"

Telio glared at Blaine.

"Fine. I don't wanna hear about gross straight sex anyway."

"Good."

"But you did sleep with her, right?"

"None of your business."

"I thought straight guys always wanted to brag about their conquests."

"Yeah, douche bag straight guys."

Blaine stared out the window for a while, thinking about Kurt.

"Kurt's mad at me."

"What did you do?"

"I threatened his father."

"What?"

"I threatened his father."

"Oh, nice, Blaine. Real nice. Gee. I wonder why he's mad at you. Why the hell would you do that?"

"I wanted to make sure he'd let Kurt come stay with me for the summer."

"Oh, and you thought threatening the man was the way to go?"

"I fucked up, okay? I didn't think he'd tell Kurt."

Telio shook his head. "Wow. You know, Blaine, just because you look like your father doesn't mean you have to act like him. You don't have to make his mistakes."

"It worked with my mother," Blaine muttered.

"Yeah, it did. She married a man she was terrified of out of fear. Is that what you want for you and Kurt?"

"My mother is not scared of my father! She loves him! And trust me, Kurt is not scared of me. He had no problem telling me that he's not coming to stay with me for the summer."

"Good. I love it when he calls you on your bullshit."

"Whose side are you on?"

"Yours, Blaine. I'm always on your side except when you do stupid shit."

"I'm not letting Burt keep me from Kurt."

"He doesn't have to. You're doing a fine job of fucking up on your own. Keep it up and Kurt's gonna leave you."

Blaine shook his head. "Never happen. I'll never let that happen."

"And again I say, don't make your father's mistakes."

"My father didn't make mistakes. He and my mother have been married for over 20 years."

Telio shook his head. "Fine, but I'm telling you right now, I'm not gonna help you blow up Burt Hummel's business."

"I'm not blowing up Burt Hummel's business!"

"Glad to hear it."

Blaine wrapped his arms around himself and turned towards the door, snuggling into himself in an effort to get comfortable enough to go to sleep and ignore Telio.

So what if I'm like my father?

My father is a great man. The Andersons are respected because of all he's done, all he's accomplished. My parents love each other. I see how the shooting has affected my mother. She's devastated and lost without him. Things may have started less than idea, but she loves him and he loves her. Their marriage is strong.

Everything will be fine once Kurt is with me. I'll make it all up to him. I'll show him how much I Iove him.

Everything will be perfect.

x-x-x

A little after 9:00 am Telio's cell phone rang with a call from Vince. Sammy was just leaving the girl's condo.

"Alright, it's show time."

Telio checked his two guns and slid the stun gun into his waistband. He grabbed the lock picking kit from the glove compartment.

"Be careful, okay?" said Blaine. "There might be someone up there."

"If there is they're about to be taken out."

Elian looked nervously around the street. It was a quiet Saturday morning. "Try not to shoot anyone. The neighbors will hear."

Telio held up the stun gun. "Relax. This ain't my first time at the rodeo. Just make sure you guys move fast so I'm not facing 4 vs. 1."

Blaine watched Telio cross the street and ring the bell to get buzzed into the building. It took three tries before someone buzzed him in under the lie that he had a delivery.

Telio quickly made his way upstairs, careful to stay out of sight of the guy who opened his door and looked around thinking he had a delivery.

Getting into Sammy's apartment proved impossible.

Try as he might, Telio couldn't pick the lock. He would just have to wait in the hall. Seeing no good spot to hide he decided to pretend to be drunk and passed out on the floor. He took off his shirt and balled it up to rest his head on. He pulled his jeans down some and lay down in the corner, careful to cover his face with his arm. Sammy knew what he looked like. He'd have to move fast and hope no one else found him first.

Outside Blaine was swimming in a dark headspace. His blood was pumping strong and fast. His gun dangled from his fingers. He was in the mood to kill.

By contrast, Elian was anxious.

"This is a stupid idea. We're gonna get killed."

Blaine kept his eyes focused on the street. "It's not a stupid idea. Just relax, pay attention and shoot first."

"That's the problem with this plan. We're out in the open. People will hear us and see us."

"Not if we move fast."

Elian turned to look at Blaine and was overcome by how sexy he looked. Dark, intense, full of bloodlust. Elian wished he could convince Blaine to fuck him right then and there over the hood of the car.

Blaine gripped his gun as Sammy turned on to the street and pulled into the parking lot adjacent the building. A second car pulled up and parked right in front of the building.

They watched the men exit the car and hang around waiting for Sammy.

"Fuck! If they all go in with him Telio is screwed!"

Blaine quickly pushed the speed dial on his phone.

Telio hissed. "What?"

"He's here, but it looks like his crew is going in with him."

"Fuck!"

"Wait, wait…maybe not..."

Blaine watched as Sammy appeared to give the men instructions. He then turned and climbed the steps alone.

"Never mind."

Blaine hung up and waited. Sammy disappeared inside the building while the three men hung around out front.

Blaine and Elian looked at each other. Were they really going to be this lucky? A simple drive by?

Blaine scooted over into the driver's seat and started the car.

"You should let me drive, Blaine."

"Shut up and get ready to shoot."

Upstairs Sammy stopped and immediately drew his gun when he saw the body lying on the floor. He approached cautiously.

"Hey! Get up!" He kicked Telio's leg. Telio groaned. Sammy shook his head. Seriously? All the money he pays for this place and there's a fucking homeless guy in front of his door?

"Hey asshole! You gotta get up and get outta here!"

Telio remained motionless. He waited until he heard Sammy step a little closer.

"Get your ass up!" Sammy cocked his gun.

Telio sprung up and pressed the stun gun to Sammy's chest. Sammy dropped his gun as the electric bolts caused his body to convulse violently before he dropped to the floor like a rock.

Outside Elian crouched down in the back of the car as Blaine slowly pulled up to the building and rolled down the window.

"Excuse me? Can you tell me how to get to Lexington Drive?"

None of the guys approached the car. Blaine saw their hands slowly and instinctively move towards their guns.

One guy yelled out, "Where you trying to go, kid?"

"The dance studio on Lexington Drive. Gotta pick up my sister."

One of the guys cautiously moved a little closer to get a better look at him. Hell, this was just a kid. He walked over and bent down to the window.

"Uh, yeah. You need to take…"

Blaine shot him in the face while Elian took out the other two with a speed and precision that rivaled Telio. At that moment the front door opened and Telio came down the steps, Sammy's lifeless body slung over his shoulder. Blaine popped the trunk and Telio dumped him inside before jumping in the car. They sped off towards the compound.

Once they were several miles away Telio took over driving and Blaine called Luther.

"Jesus, Blaine! Why the fuck were you there? How many times do I have to tell you to leave this stuff to your men?"

"I'm not a coward. I'm not sitting around while everyone else takes care of shit."

Luther closed his eyes and shook his head. "Blaine…for the love of your mother will you please leave the rough stuff to the guys? If something happens to you your mother will lose her mind."

Blaine felt a slight pang of guilt. "Alright, alright, fine. "

Telio looked at the rearview mirror. "Shit. We've got trouble." Two black cars were barreling towards them.

"Fuck. We're being chased, Luther. Send some guys to help us. We're on the highway headed home just past Canton Farms."

"Be careful, Blaine! Please!"

Blaine hung up and pulled a high-powered rifle from under the seat and handed it to Elian. Telio accelerated as the cars grew closer.

"Get down, Blaine!"

Telio started swerving as shots rang out, busting the back window. Elian returned fire. Blaine rolled down his window, half climbed out and started shooting.

"Blaine, stay in the fucking car!" screamed Telio.

"I'm not gonna just sit here!"

Suddenly there was a loud pop sound and the car started slowing down and moving erratically.

"We just lost a tire!" Telio struggled to maintain control and acceleration as another tire was blown out.

"Fuck!"

Blaine looked around. There were cornfields on one side of the road and trees on the other.

"Head for the trees!"

Telio wrenched the steering wheel towards the right and the car careened off the side of the road into the grass. The three boys jumped out of the car and started running.

"Go, go, go," screamed Telio, pushing Blaine ahead of him. "Keep running!" Telio stopped and ducked behind a tree. Blaine stopped.

"What are you doing?"

"Just keep running!"

"I'm not leaving you!"

"Will you fucking go!"

Blaine hesitated for a moment and then took off, trying to avoid logs and uneven earth. He could hear gunshots and people yelling at each other. He stopped behind a large tree and pulled out his gun.

Suddenly the forest seemed very quiet. He peeked around the tree, but didn't see anyone. He crept forward, eyes darting back and forth, forward and behind. He hoped he was heading towards the spot where he left Telio, but he wasn't sure. A bullet whizzed by him. He hit the ground and scrambled towards a tree. More bullets came flying and then he heard a gargled scream. He peeked out in time to see a guy he didn't recognize fall to the ground.

Distracted by the sight, he didn't hear the footsteps sneak up behind him.

There was sudden blinding pain as he was struck on the side of his head by the butt of a gun. He fell over as loud buzzing filled his ears, but maintained his grip on his gun. He grunted as someone kicked him over on to his back. Fighting the pain he gripped his gun and fired almost blindly, hitting the man standing over him. The man fell next to him. He rolled away from the body and sat up on his knees. His head was killing him, and all he wanted to do was close his eyes and put his head down, but he forced himself to stand and stumble forward.

"Telio!"

"Elian!"

"Telio!"

He leaned against a tree and squeezed his eyes shut. The buzzing in his head was joined by a darkness determined to swallow his consciousness. He could feel himself losing.

"Blaine!"

Telio ran to him. "Blaine! Shit! Come on! We gotta go!"

A shot rang out.

Telio fell forward with a yell, gripping his arm, his face twisted in pain. Blaine fell back, pinned beneath him.

"Telio…Telio…"

Telio rolled off Blaine with a painful grunt and sat up. Vince and Elian came running towards them.

Elian crouched down in front of Blaine. "Are you hit? Can you walk?"

Elian helped Blaine to his feet while Telio accepted Vince's outstretched hand, but then insisted on walking on his own as he gripped his arm.

They emerged from the trees to a scene of cars, bodies, and men carrying large guns. In the middle of the scene, on his knees was Sammy, his hands and wrists wrapped in electrical tape and rope. Tape covered his mouth and eyes.

One of the men stepped forward. "A bullet must have hit the lock. He managed to kick the trunk open, but we were right here when he tried to escape."

Telio nodded. "Put him in the trunk of one of the other cars and take him to the compound. Lock him in the barn closet. We'll deal with him later."

Luther came running up. "Blaine! Are you okay? What the fuck happened?"

Blaine was leaning heavily on Elian, and blinking furiously to deal with the throbbing in his head.

"I'm fine…just need to go home."

Luther looked closer at his head. "I'm calling Dr. Weinstein."

Blaine nodded and immediately regretted it as the pain intensified. "Telio's hurt."

Luther whirled around. Telio was still gripping his arm, the sleeve of his shirt covered in blood. "I'll be fine. It's just a flesh wound. Weinstein can stitch it up."

Luther was furious. "What the hell were you thinking? Grabbing Sammy in broad fucking daylight? Why was Blaine there? And why the hell weren't you in the Hummer? At least it's bullet proof!"

Elian wrapped an arm protectively around Blaine who looked like he might pass out at any moment.

"Can you yell at us later? We need to get him home, and we should probably get out of here before the state troopers show up."

Luther looked around in disgust and waved his hand. "Go."

x-x-x

That evening Blaine lay in bed, eyes closed, slightly high on painkillers. Elian sat beside him holding his hand. He quickly released it when Telio came in.

"Hey Blaine. How you doing?"

Blaine stared at Telio with glassy eyes. "Fine. How's…arm…"

"It's fine. The bullet barely grazed me."

Blaine nodded slightly and closed his eyes.

"Is he really okay?"

Elian hadn't taken his eyes off Blaine. "Dr. Weinstein said he'll be fine. A very slight concussion. He didn't even need stiches. Whoever hit him was trying to knock him out, but they didn't hit hard enough. It's kind of strange. You'd think they would have just shot him."

A chill ran through Telio. "No," he said. "They had instructions. Capture, but don't kill." His throat closed and he felt a tightness in his chest. Every once in a while Telio was reminded of just how much he truly loved Blaine.

And it never failed to shock him just a little.

"I'm going to bed. You should probably do the same."

"I will," said Elian. "In a little while."

Telio gave Elian a hard look. Elian was staring at Blaine with concerned, lovesick eyes, his fingers poised to grip Blaine's hand the moment Telio left.

This asshole.

"In case you've forgotten, Blaine has a boyfriend."

Elian frowned. "I know."

"Who will be here…soon."

Elian glared at him. "I know."

"Yeah, well make sure you don't forget."

Telio slowly walked back to his room. Despite his brave front his arm hurt like hell. He refused the pain medicine offered by Dr. Weinstein, preferring to remain completely alert and aware. He lay down on his bed.

Kurt has a right to be angry, but he needs to bring his ass here before Elian fucks things up.

---

Sunday morning Kurt lay in bed thinking about Blaine. They hadn't spoken since Thursday's fight, but they had traded text messages.

B – I can't wait to see you next week.

K – Unless you are coming for a visit, you won't see me next week.

B – I am coming for a visit. Friday. You will leave with me.

K – No I'm not.

B – Yes you are.

K – I love you, but no I'm not.

B – See you Friday. Be packed.

K - No

But despite his constant refusals, Kurt was having second thoughts about his decision.

He missed Blaine.

He'd really been looking forward to spending time with him. He knew Blaine had all these plans of places they were going to go, and things they were going to do, and frankly, the ideal of sitting in Lima and working at the shop like every other summer paled in comparison.

His body missed Blaine, too.

In the middle of their text fights Blaine would suddenly throw in something sexual and ignite Kurt's desire.

B – You've been such a bad boy, Kurt. When you get here Friday I am going to punish you.

K – I'm not coming Friday.

B – I bought you a cock cage. I can't wait to put it on you. I also have a new plug for you. Wanna see it?

Blaine sent him a picture of a plug that made Kurt's ass clench and his dick throb. He didn't text Blaine back. Instead he jerked off to thoughts of Blaine fucking him while he wore the cock cage, not letting him come, and then plugging his ass afterwards to hold in Blaine's release.

Blaine called him Sunday morning.

"Hey gorgeous."

"Hi."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine. How are you?"

I almost got killed yesterday. "I'm okay, but I miss you. I can't wait to see you Friday. I'm looking forward to our date."

Kurt sighed. "Blaine…"

Blaine kept going. "I have everything planned. We're going to celebrate the official start of summer. Our summer."

Kurt decided to ignore him, but he was concerned by the tiredness of Blaine's voice.

"What have you been doing? You sound tired."

"Nothing much. Just the usual."

Murder, kidnapping, beating, torture.

"And what exactly is the usual? You sound really worn out. Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

"Everything's fine. It's just been a busy week. We moved my dad to a clinic in Cleveland. That was hard. My mom was so sad, and…it was just hard."

Kurt felt guilty. Maybe he should have been with Blaine for that. And he had forgotten all about Anastasia. It would be nice to spend time with her, especially in light of everything she'd been through. She'd probably appreciate the visit.

Kurt felt frustrated. He should be getting ready to spend the summer with his boyfriend. Not punishing them both.

"Why couldn't you have just let me handle my dad?"

Blaine's voice was quiet. "I'm sorry, Kurt. I just didn't think things through. I was trying to make things easier and instead I fucked up. I'm sorry."

Blaine's words and tone surprised Kurt. It was the first time he'd acknowledged his mistake.

Improved behavior should be rewarded, right?

"I can't come stay with you, but…if you want to come here on Friday and maybe…apologize to my dad…we could have dinner here. I'll cook."

Easy, Blaine. Don't push. "You know, I don't think we've ever had a proper dinner date, Kurt. I'd love to take you on a proper date."

"No. I'll cook and we'll eat here. You need to apologize and start making amends if my father is ever going to at least tolerate you. Forgiveness is probably years away."

Blaine smiled. His Kurt wasn't stupid. He wasn't getting in a car. That was okay. Once he was there he'd figure out a way to get Kurt into his car.

By force if necessary.

"Okay, gorgeous. Dinner at your place on Friday."

---

Luther quietly entered Anastasia's hotel room. She was standing by the window looking out. She was dressed simply. Jeans and a white t-shirt, her hair loose, hanging down her back. Gold hoops in her ears, no shoes. She looked like she was approaching 30 instead of 50.

Luther sat down in the desk chair and waited. She finally turned around.

"I'd like to start working on the foundation this week."

Luther nodded. "Okay. I'll tell Beth to make sure your office is ready."

"I'm returning to the compound Saturday."

Luther stared at the floor and said nothing.

"I need to be at home."

Still nothing.

"Blaine and Telio need me."

Luther looked at her and shook his head. "No they don't."

"They're just boys."

"They're men who can take care of themselves. They've been taking care of themselves and taking care of business. They don't need you." I need you.

Anastasia turned away from him and went back to staring out the window. Luther ran his eyes up and down her body, appreciating the snug fit of her jeans, the lift of her breasts, her smooth olive skin, her long black hair. She was so beautiful.

And finally available.

Sort of.

Luther stood up and walked over to the window. She didn't look at him, but she could feel him standing close. Too close. He gently moved her hair aside and whispered in her ear.

"Tell me what you need."

Anastasia closed her eyes. She couldn't communicate her longing, or what she craved. She'd never been taught to. Somehow Mario just knew. From the moment he touched her he knew, and he instinctively did everything. She'd never heard the words sub, or Dom, or bondage, and Mario never used those words. They just fell into their roles and grew addicted to each other.

And now her pusher was gone. She needed a hit, but she didn't know what drug to ask for.

"I need Mario."

Luther stepped back, physically pained and disappointed.

He turned and left.

---

That evening Blaine stood in the middle of his room surveying the changes. The walls had been painted a cerulean blue and new drapes hung. The new mattress would arrive tomorrow. Half of his large walk-in closet was empty, ready for Kurt's clothes. He'd thought about ordering another dresser, but figured he'd wait and see if Kurt wanted a dresser or perhaps a vanity table with lights.

Telio appeared in the doorway. "Blue?"

"Cerulean blue. To match Kurt's eyes."

Telio rolled his eyes. "Okay. Listen, if you wanna interrogate Sammy before Luther destroys him, now might be a good time to come out to the barn. Luther's out of control."

Luther out of control?

"What's he doing?"

"A lot of twisted shit."

"Good. I hope the bastard suffers and never dies. He can just stay in the barn and Luther can beat the shit out of him whenever he feels like it."

"Well, like I said, if you wanna see what you can get out of him about Chartussi, you may wanna do it tonight. Luther says he wants to keep him alive for as long as possible, but at the rate things are going…"

Blaine's sadistic side buzzed with interest. He followed Telio out to the barn.

Sammy was naked, hanging by rope tied around his wrists from a beam in the ceiling. Rope was tied around each of his ankles and then tied to stakes planted several feet apart in the ground so his legs were spread apart.

He was unrecognizable. His face and body were covered in bruises and contusions from being beaten and kicked. Lisa's full name had been carved slowly into his back with a sharp knife, but what made Blaine's jaw drop and his eyes widen were the bricks.

A hole had been drilled in two bricks and rope strung through. One hung from Sammy's cock and another from his balls.

Blaine looked at Telio in disbelief. Telio shrugged and gestured towards Elian.

Elian was standing quietly in the corner staring contently at his handiwork.

Luther was circling Sammy's body, a whip in one hand and a cattle prod in the other. Blaine had never seen him like this. His face twisted with anger and a diabolical expression. Blaine could almost feel his vengeful rage. Luther looked terrifying.

"Luther?"

Luther looked at Blaine with glassy, deranged eyes.

"Uh, do you mind if I ask him a few questions?"

Luther shook his head.

"Sammy? Sammy, can you hear me?"

Sammy was whimpering and crying in pain, hoping someone was about to shoot him. He couldn't take anymore. The beating, the cutting, the cattle prod up his ass…

Luther suddenly cut across Sammy's chest with the whip causing him to scream.

"Do you hear him talking to you, you worthless piece of shit? Answer him!"

Sammy's eyes were narrow slits trying to figure out who was talking to him. Luther hit him again.

"Answer him!"

Sammy managed, "I hear…"

Blaine's tone was very conversational.

"Sammy, I just need to know one thing. Did you and Chartussi plan the hit on my father?"

Sammy managed to open his eyes a little more. He could just make out a fuzzy image of Blaine, but in his painful, weakened state he thought it was Mario.

"Not…our…idea…had help."

"It wasn't your idea but someone offered to help? Who helped you?"

"Your…son."

Blaine was confused. "What? My son?"

"Coo…per."

Blaine turned cold.

Cooper.

Cooper arranged the hit on their father.

Blaine always knew there was a possibility Cooper was behind the attack, but deep down inside he hoped it wasn't true because if it was true…

It meant Cooper wouldn't hesitate to kill him.

Which meant he had to kill Cooper first.

And break his mother's heart.

Blaine turned and slowly left, Sammy's screams vibrating on his skin as Luther attacked him with the whip.

When Luther was done for the night they cut Sammy down and threw him in the barn closet, wrists and ankles bound, bricks still tied to his genitals. Luther poured two bottles of rubbing alcohol all over Sammy's back, essentially setting him on fire. A fire that would burn like hell, but never bring death. Sammy's horrific screams were inhuman. Luther yanked Sammy's head back, grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground, stuffed it in Sammy's mouth and then covered his mouth with tape. He walked out and didn't look back. Elian locked the door with a smile.

---

Kurt spent most of Monday at Rachel's house discussing audition songs for NYADA, listening to the musical injustices visited upon her in glee club, and dodging questions about Blaine.

"I just don't get you, Kurt. He's a total cutie. Why are you hiding him? You should be totally flaunting your hot boyfriend."

"He lives all the way in Westerville, Rachel."

"There are cars, Kurt."

Kurt didn't say anything. Rachel leaned in conspiratorially. "If you've been hiding him because of his family, I want you to know that you don't have to. We know all about him."

"What do you mean you know all about him?"

"Finn told us."

Kurt's panic level rose. "Finn told you what?"

"About his family. You know. Ma-fi-a." Rachel over enunciated each syllable and gave Kurt a knowing look and what was supposed to be a reassuring nod.

Kurt wasn't sure what to say, so he waited for Rachel to inevitably continue talking.

"Just because his family is part of the mafia doesn't mean he's not a nice guy, right? He seemed very pleasant at regionals, and he's very talented."

Kurt exhaled. Okay. Apparently Finn had sense enough not to spill anything important.

"The summer's just getting started. We have plenty of time to plan a double-date or whatever."

Rachel smiled and nodded approvingly. "Perfect."

x-x-x

That evening Kurt plopped down next to his father on the couch and stared at the TV. It was a basketball game. Burt glanced at Kurt with an amused smile. He knew his son. This wouldn't last 20 seconds.

"Who's winning?" asked Kurt.

"The Knicks."

Eight seconds ticked by and Kurt turned to his father. "When's halftime?"

Burt knew what that meant. It meant Kurt wanted to talk. Burt reached for the remote and muted the TV.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your game."

"No problem. What's up?"

"I've invited Blaine to dinner on Friday."

"Dinner? Dinner where?"

"Here. I'm going to cook."

"You expect me to have dinner in my home with someone who threatened me? Who disrespected me in my place of business? Are you kidding?"

"He's coming to apologize and ask for your forgiveness. Please, dad? I can't do this. I can't always be caught in the middle. I need the two of you to get along, or at least tolerate each other's existence."

Burt sat back and shook his head. He just didn't understand Kurt's fascination with this kid.

But he was tired of fighting about it.

He could see the conflict and struggle in Kurt's eyes, and it pained him to see it there. Kurt had already been through too much to have to endure more.

"Fine. Dinner on Friday, but you have to do something for me."

"Of course. Anything."

"Tomorrow I'm speaking at the Cairo-Cridersville Monthly Business Luncheon. I'll be sharing all the reasons why I deserve their vote over rubber chicken and day old salad. I'd like you to accompany me."

Kurt arched an eyebrow. His father had never hidden the fact that he had a gay son, but Kurt had taken it upon himself to stay out of the spotlight. Especially at small town events where being gay would definitely raise eyebrows and possibly challenging questions.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? That doesn't sound like a very progressive, forward thinking group."

"All the more reason why they need to see a small business owner, someone they can relate to, who is proud of his son."

"Of course I'll go. Would you like me to wear one of my more avant-garde ensembles, or shall I go more young republican?"

"You wear anything you want, kiddo."

Kurt smiled. "Thanks dad. For everything."

Burt nodded and watched Kurt disappear upstairs. He turned the game back on.

Dinner with Blaine.

Great.

---

Tuesday morning Benji arrived at Hummel Tire & Lube a few minutes early. He immediately got to work on a car transmission. He took a break around 10:00 am and wandered into the front waiting room.

No Kurt.

He went back to Burt's office. Door locked, lights out.

He went back out on the floor to find the floor manager, Carlos.

"Hey, Carlos. Burt coming in today?"

"Nah. He's got some campaign thing. He'll be here tomorrow."

"Oh. Okay."

This didn't necessarily mean Kurt wouldn't be in, so Benji waited until 3:30 pm to make the call.

"It's me. The kid's not here today. It will have to go down tomorrow."

---

Wednesday morning Kurt headed downstairs to the kitchen. Burt noted his simple, but tight, jeans and t-shirt.

"You coming in today?"

"Yeah. I'm almost done with the filing, and it looks like you haven't done inventory in a while. I'll see what you're low on and place a couple of orders."

"Thanks, Kurt. I really appreciate it."

"It's no problem, but you really need to think about hiring a part-time office manager, especially for the fall when campaign season moves into high gear."

Carol gave Burt a stern look. "Thank you, Kurt. I've been saying the same thing for months now."

Burt waved his hand. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I tell ya what? How about you hire someone for me before you leave for school? You can spend the summer looking for the right candidate and train them."

"You would trust me to do that?"

"Absolutely."

Kurt thought a moment before slowly nodding his head. "Okay. I'll find you someone great. Not as great as me of course, but close."

"Excellent."

x-x-x

Kurt arrived at the shop at 10:00 am. He sometimes drove in versus riding with his dad in case Burt had to leave for campaign stuff which was the case today.

Around 2:00 pm Burt poked his head into the storage room where Kurt was counting and making notes.

"I've got a meeting with Shue about campaign donations, upcoming filings, and boring crap like that. I'll see you later at home."

"Okay."

Burt turned to leave, but then turned back and looked at Kurt.

"Kurt?"

Kurt looked up.

"I love you, and…I'm really glad you're home."

"Thanks dad. I love you too."

x-x-x

At 5:03 pm the mechanics closed the garage doors and prepared to leave. By 5:20 pm everyone was gone except Kurt. He glanced at the clock, stretched and promised himself he'd leave by 5:45 pm. He planned to help Carol with a new recipe.

x-x-x

Austin kept his eyes fixed on the front door of Hummel Tire & Lube waiting for Kurt to emerge. He'd been watching Kurt since he returned home. He didn't mind except for when Kurt went to the mall. Keeping up with him and staying out of sight was a challenge.

Austin stayed with Kurt until 10:00 pm every night when he was relieved by two overnight guards so he could get some sleep. He was always back in front of the Hummel-Hudson home at 7:00 am.

He was so focused on the door of the shop that he didn't notice the man sneaking up on him.

Two shots to the head through the rolled down window.

The man glanced around and quickly opened the car door, pushing Austin's body over to the passenger seat. He started the car and sped off.

x-x-x

Kurt stood up and walked out front to the waiting room. He checked that the front door was locked and turned off the main lights in the waiting room and the garage area.

Kurt was heading back towards the office when he was grabbed from behind and held while a large man with a moustache, tattoos and hoop earrings punched him four times in the stomach. Kurt doubled over in pain. The man behind him quickly placed a plastic bag over his head. As the drawstring tightened around his neck, instinct led Kurt to try and take a breath, inhaling the chemicals. His throat and eyes burned and his face grew hot and itchy. As his panic escalated, he struggled harder to breathe, ingesting more chemicals. His eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed to the floor.

The man who punched him worked quickly. He rolled Kurt flat on to his back and stretched out the arm with the bracelet. He took a piece of thick black leather out of his pocket and worked it between the bracelet and Kurt's skin.

The other man double-checked the garage and made sure the front door was locked. He nervously watched the tattooed man take a vial out of his pocket.

"How long is this gonna take?"

"Just a few seconds. The liquid works fast. Come hold his wrist steady."

"Okay, but don't get any of that shit on me. It'll eat my hand."

After putting on gloves the man carefully opened a vial of clear liquid. He applied two drops to the lock of the bracelet. Small bubbles appeared, and after a few seconds, the bracelet opened as the lock weakened and melted. The man quickly removed the bracelet and placed it in a plastic bag.

They carried Kurt's lifeless body out the back door to a waiting car. They laid him in the trunk and slammed it closed. The car pulled off.

The two men went back inside and grabbed Kurt's bag from the closet and his keys from the desk. They went out to Kurt's car, climbed in, and took off.

15 minutes later Benji came in through the back door. He headed over to the security system, removed the tape and replaced it.

He turned out all the lights, locked the back door, and left.

---

Blaine listened intently to the well-dressed, and very handsome Logan Bethenson. Blaine loved Logan's Brooklyn accent, and even better, he liked what he was saying.

"…tired of that asshole throwing his weight around. He's stingy as fuck. The percentages he demands are too fucking high, and he changes them whenever the hell he wants. I'm looking for more stability and a fairer share of the profit."

Blaine nodded in understanding and looked approvingly at Kevin Ewing. Kevin's family had worked for the Andersons for years and were completely trustworthy and loyal. Blaine had assigned Kevin the task of finding someone in New York who would be willing to help the Andersons attack Chartussi on his home turf.

While the Andersons were admired and well-respected, none of the New York families wanted to join ranks with them against another New York family. Despite their dislike of Chartussi, there was strong geographic loyalty along with the fear of going up against the most powerful family in New York.

Despite their deep New York roots, the Bethenson Brothers, twins Logan and Laurent, had no such loyalty. They were tired of being trapped under Chartussi. For the right deal they would happily side with the Andersons.

Blaine glanced at Telio to gauge his thoughts, and was disappointed to find him glaring distrustfully at Logan.

"Do you have some concerns, Telio?" asked Blaine.

"Yeah, I do. Several."

Logan sat back and spread his arms wide. "Ask anything you'd like, and feel free to verify my answers. We are totally legit, and we are here in good faith. Nothing would give us more pleasure than seeing Chartussi destroyed."

For the next 45 minutes Telio grilled Logan on everything from details regarding their business, to the possibility of reprisals from other New York families.

Blaine sat silently and listened, grateful for the millionth time that Telio was his consigliere, his protector, his brother, and his best friend.

As Telio's suspicions were allayed, the conversation turned to other things. Blaine tuned out and picked up his phone. As he did several times a day he pulled up the tracking site.

NO PROGRAM INITIATED. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.

What?

Blaine closed out of the site and logged on again.

NO PROGRAM INITIATED. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.

He walked over to the desk and opened his laptop. He logged on.

NO PROGRAM INITIATED. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.

Elian, who had been sitting in the corner listening and staring at Blaine, saw the flash of panic wash across Blaine's face.

"Blaine, what's wrong?"

Blaine stood up. "Um, nothing. I'm sure it's nothing. I'll be right back. Excuse me."

Blaine headed to the living room, dialing Kurt's number as he walked.

It rang.

And rang.

And rang some more.

It never clicked to voicemail.

Blaine's stomach twisted into a tight coil of panic and fear.

Something's wrong.

Something's wrong, something's wrong, something's wrong.

Blaine ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. He called Austin.

No answer.

Blaine tried pulling up the site several more times while alternating between calling Austin and Kurt.

He called Hummel Tire & Lube. Voicemail. He didn't leave a message.

He debated for two seconds before calling the Hummel-Hudson home.

"Hello?"

"Hi Carol. It's Blaine."

There was a pause. "Oh. Hi. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Listen, I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm trying to reach Kurt."

Carol glanced at the clock and was surprised to see it was 7:00 pm.

"You know, I got caught up watching a movie and didn't even look at the time. He should have been home about an hour ago. We were going to do some cooking together."

"So, he's not there?"

"No. Did you call his cell?"

"Of course. There was no answer and it didn't go to voice mail."

"Hmph. That's strange. He could be with Burt. If they're at a campaign event he might have his phone turned off."

But I should be able to see him on the site!

"Could you please give Burt a call and check?"

"Sure honey. Do you want me to call you back?"

"Yes."

Blaine hung up and ran upstairs.

"Logan, Laurent, please excuse me, but an emergency has come up and we need to go. Kevin will take you out tonight and see that you have a fabulous time at our expense."

Logan and Laurent said their goodbyes quickly and followed Kevin out.

Telio could both feel and see Blaine's panic. "What's wrong?"

"Kurt. He's disappeared from the tracking site. He's not answering his phone and the voice mail isn't coming on. He's not at home. He's not at the shop. Something's wrong. Something's fucking wrong."

"Okay. Calm down. You don't know that. He could be with his father."

At that moment Blaine's cell phone rang.

"Carol?"

"Yes. Kurt's not with his dad, but Burt is on his way home, so he's going to swing by the shop. He's probably just not hearing his phone, honey."

"No. Kurt knows better. He would never not have his phone on him."

Carol could hear Blaine's panic. "Honey, I'm sure everything's fine."

Blaine hung up on her.

Everything was not fine.

Nothing was fucking fine.

"Get four cars ready. We're going to Lima."

---

Kurt shivered awake and immediately touched his face. It felt so tight, itchy, and dry. He ran his fingers along his cheeks. The skin was peeling.

He opened his eyes, but remained in darkness. He blinked thinking his eyes needed time to adjust.

It took a full minute for him to realize he was blind.

He struggled to his feet as hysteria and fear raced through him. He put his hands out in front of him.

"Hello?"

"Hello?"

"Hello?"

He took a tentative step forward. He waved his arms around trying to feel for a wall. He took another step forward and then another until his hand felt a cool, rough, metal surface. Was this the wall? He felt along it, moving slowly, calling out desperately.

"Hello? Is anyone here? Please? Hello? Help me, please!"

After a few minutes he realized he was possibly travelling in a circle around the perimeter of a room. He contemplated moving away from the wall, but fear kept him in place. Instead he decided to scream.

"Help! Help! Please! Somebody, help me! I can't see!"

---

Blowing away the speed limit put Blaine and the caravan of cars in Lima in record time. Blaine sent one car to Hummel Tire & Lube to see if there was any sign of Austin. He sent the other to Austin's hotel. The other car followed him to the Hummel-Hudson home.

As he climbed out of the Hummer, Burt came flying out the front door and across the lawn, his face red and enraged. He lunged at Blaine.

"Where's my son? What the fuck did you do? Where's Kurt?"

Telio was about to attack Burt, but Blaine stopped him.

"No! No! It's okay!"

Burt punched Blaine in the jaw and then grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to him, their faces inches from the other.

"Where is he? I know you did something! Where is he?"

"I don't know! I swear I don't know!"

Burt released him and Blaine stumbled back. Burt was breathing hard and giving Blaine a death look. Carol pulled on his arm.

"Burt, calm down! This isn't helping! We don't even know if something's wrong! He probably went for a drive, or he's with Rachel, or Mercedes and forgot to mention it. Both of you just calm down!"

Blaine's cell phone rang.

"Yeah?"

"We're at Austin's hotel. His stuff is still here, but there's no sign of him or his car."

Blaine hung up.

Carol started pulling Burt towards the house. "Can we please get off the front lawn?"

Burt started walking but then turned around.

"If I find out that you took him…"

"I didn't take him! I'm the one that called you!"

"If something happens to my son, I swear I will kill you. Do you hear me? Why couldn't you just leave him alone? I told you to leave him alone!"

"Burt! Stop it! Both of you! You're all being ridiculous! You're acting like Kurt's been missing for days! It's been…what? Maybe two hours! Stop overreacting!"

Burt shook his head. "You don't get it, Carol." Burt gestured towards Blaine. "He knows. He knows something's happened. That's why he's here with all his cars, and his entourage, and his guns. That's why he called us. Somehow he knows because this is his fault!"

Carol looked quizzically at Blaine. "Is that true? Do you know something? Has something happened to Kurt?"

"No, I mean…I don't know that, but if something has happened…I'll find him. I will. I swear."

"You can go to hell!"

---

Kurt stopped screaming. His throat was starting to hurt and the fact that no one had answered was escalating his fear and anxiety. He decided to try moving away from the wall. He took a tentative step forward, followed by a few more, arms outstretched. He managed to move across the room hitting the opposite wall. So the room was empty and definitely small.

Kurt leaned back against the wall. Now what?

Kurt wasn't alone.

The man hadn't made a sound. He'd enjoyed watching Kurt move blindly around the room.

But now those tight jeans were calling to him.

Kurt's gasp turned to a scream as he felt a hand between his legs, another pulling at his jeans.

"No! Stop!"

He started punching wildly, trying to pull away from the hands touching him. The stinging slap to his face was so hard his entire head vibrated. He staggered a few steps and fell, landing on his hands and knees. His assailant dropped behind him and grabbed at his jeans, trying to tug them down. Kurt kicked his leg back, sending the person falling back. He scurried across the floor and stood up.

"Leave me alone! Leave me alone! Help! Help!"

Silence.

Suddenly Kurt heard a sliding sound.

"What are you doing? We're waiting for you."

"What? Hello? Who's there?"

A sliding sound. Silence.

"Hello?"

"Hello?"

"Is anyone there?"

"Please don't hurt me! Please!"

Silence.

Several minutes passed. Kurt slid down the wall and let the tears roll. As he cried his eyes started to burn. The more they burned, the more he cried. Slowly his vision returned. He blinked several times and cried harder until the room came into full view.

It was indeed small. More like a closet than a room. The walls were black, smooth and metal. Where was the door?

He stood up and walked around the walls. Finally he saw a small indention in the wall. He dug his fingers in and tried sliding the wall, but of course it was locked.

He went over to the corner and sat down. He put his head down and closed his eyes. Tears rolled again as two questions cycled through his head.

Is someone coming back to rape me?

Is Blaine looking for me?

---

Blaine stood in the middle of Austin's hotel room looking for possible clues, and trying to keep it together.

But his worry and fear was intensifying with every passing minute. His entire body felt weighed down by dread and guilt.

Someone had Kurt.

Someone who knew to remove Kurt's bracelet…

Or someone who stripped him down to bind his wrists…

Whatever it was, it was his fault. All his fault. His fault, his fault, his fault….

"Blaine?" Telio grabbed Blaine as his knees buckled. Feeling embarrassed, Blaine pushed him away and started tearing though Austin's bag. Telio stepped back and gave him space. Telio was worried about Kurt, but he knew his worry couldn't come close to what Blaine was feeling.

"There's nothing here. Besides, I don't think Austin would betray me."

"Neither do I," said Telio. "Now what?"

Blaine's phone rang.

Luther.

"Yeah?"

"Where are you?"

"Lima. Austin's hotel room."

"You need to come to Anderson Construction."

"Headquarters? Why?"

"Just get here. Fast."

x-x-x

At 11:30 pm Telio slammed to a stop in front of Anderson Construction. Luther was waiting outside.

"What's going on?"

"Follow me."

Blaine, Telio and Elian walked through the doors and stopped.

Austin's dead body was stretched out in an X on the marble floor of the lobby. On top of his chest was a saran wrapped rectangular block of cocaine. A note was stabbed into the block with a knife. Blaine pulled out the knife and picked up the note.

NOW THE REAL FUN BEGINS

"Anything on the security tapes?" asked Telio.

Luther shook his head. "No. Whoever did this knew how to access the building. The guards claim they didn't see anything, and the security tapes have been erased."

Blaine studied the block of cocaine.

Knew how to access the building.

Knew where and how to erase the security tapes.

Knew how to circumvent the guards.

A block of cocaine.

Kurt's tracking bracelet disabled.

Blaine looked at Telio.

Telio read his mind and slowly nodded.

Elian looked between the two of them.

"What? What is it?"

Blaine's voice was a whisper.

"Cooper. Cooper has Kurt."

---

Just a quick update on my life for those who care. I was recently promoted at work, so overnight my life was turned upside down. Add back-to-school to the mix, and I have been beyond busy, and extremely exhausted. I'm hoping to get this story finished sooner rather than later, but please accept my apologies for the long wait between chapters. It drives me just as nuts as it does you.

Thank you for all the reviews, messages and notes. They mean more than you know and are the only reason why I'm not abandoning this completely. That and the kitty would be mad. :-)