Chapter Four

Merlin snuggled further under the covers not wanting to leave the warmth of his bed or the dream he'd been having of Arthur. The weekend spent with Arthur had been fantastic, he'd completely enjoyed all of it; he'd known instinctively that Arthur would be a good over, he hadn't counted on him blowing him away, and yes sex with Arthur was addictive.

Waking early on Monday morning Arthur stretched and smiled his first waking thoughts of Merlin. Reaching for his phone he quickly typed out a text to him.

: 5:45 a.m.: Pick you up at 7 before work?

: 5:47 a.m.: Only if you provide coffee and food!

:5:48 a.m.: *grins evilly* I'll definitely provide you with a hot sustenance.

:5:48 a.m.: *gasps* while siding his hand down to….

:5:49 a.m.: #* ! Merlin! Get up before you become breakfast!

:5:50 a.m.: Promises promises….

: 5:51 a.m.: *Growls* MERLIN! Behave before you find yourself with more than you can deal with.

:5:51 a.m.: Growly morning texts are kind of hot Mr. Pendragon, as for the rest of that text….bring it ;-p

Chucking Arthur shook his head.

:5:53 a.m.: I'll be there at 7 sharp, be ready. Oh and don't forget that we will be having dinner with the Ambassador this evening so dress appropriately please since you will be attending with me.

Arthur pulled up at seven on the dot, Merlin was just coming out of the door and Arthur felt like someone had kicked him in the gut. Merlin had on a grey suit that fit him perfectly, a white shirt with a purple tie, his hair was artfully arranged to have that just fucked look. When he got in the car and smiled his beautiful smile that showed the dimples, Arthur nearly forgot to breath and he could only stare.

"Arthur?" Merlin inquired.

"Fuck Merlin you're beautiful."

Merlin leaned over into Arthur's space and kissed him, Arthur trying to remember not to mess his hair cupped the back of his neck, turning the kiss from chaste to something slightly more. Groaning Arthur ended the kiss to lean his forehead against Merlin's.

"I am never going to make it through the whole day sane, not with you looking so edible."

"Think about it this Arthur. You only have to behave while we are at work, after that all bets are off," Merlin says with a blush and a smile.

Smiling Arthur kisses him chastely before starting the car.

"Okay, but I'll expect a return of my Merlin later."

"I'll see what I can do, now wasn't there a mention of coffee and food?" Merlin asked with a smile.

Arthur smirks, sometimes Merlin is very single minded.

Arthur sits back in his chair at 5:45 that evening. He's more than ready for the day to be over, no, the whole bloody the month. The work Giles and George present is only standard, neither goes above and beyond, nor do they seem to be able to think outside the box. He spent a rather unpleasant lunch with his father being yelled at for not double checking some of the work that was submitted by them. He doesn't have the time or inclination to train them up to standard, not while there is a perfect answer to this entire problem already in place.

"Come," he snaps at the knock on the door.

He is not pleased to see Giles opening his door, with a mug in his hand even, ugh! Taking a deep breath and counting to ten before exhaling, he tries to smile, but feels like it's more of a grimace.

"Giles, how can I help you?"

"I thought perhaps after the day you've had you might like some tea, and I'm also supposed to inform you that Merlin had a family emergency and had to leave rather abruptly. " Frowning Arthur taps his fingers on his desk.

"Was there any further message Giles?"

"No, that was all sir."

Sighing Arthur looks at the clock, he needs to leave soon. The plan had been for Merlin to attend the dinner with him, followed by a return to one flat or the other.

"Please have the company car brought around Giles, and then you may go for the evening."

Arthur narrows his eyes slightly as he catches Giles smile when the man turns to leave, snatching his phone up he quickly texts Merlin.

: 6:02 p.m.: What's going on Emrys? Is everything ok?

He stands pulling on his suit jacket, heading out of his office to the elevators. He hates being late, but there's no help for it. He looks at his phone when he feels it vibrate in his hand.

: 6:05 p.m.: Sorry, my Mom is in the hospital. Thank you so much for asking, I'll be in when I can.

Raising an eyebrow Arthur has a feeling that something is not right yet he can't put his finger on it.

: 6:06 p.m.: We will be talking about this later Emrys.

Giles is standing in his basement looking at Merlin who is bound and gagged on a bed, eyes wide and full of fury. "Well Merlin, looks like it's my time to shine. With you out of my way Arthur will have no choice but to choose me." Giles mocks, a small smile on his face as he walks away still holding Merlin's phone.

"Have a good night, sleep well."

Merlin is suddenly afraid for Arthur.