GRABBING HIS JACKET off the chair he shrugged it on his shoulders before exiting the office. Although he loved his job, making a difference in society is always amazing, sometimes he missed the garage and having a simple day tuning up cars and having a beer. Walking out the door he strolled down the street finding his favorite little café in no time. Once he got inside, he glanced around briefly before he heard the airy laugh of his son and walked towards their table.
"Lucian stop—" Shiloh pants, shying away from his advances.
Muttering in Italian, Lucian was kissing up his neck while Shiloh blushed, half-heartedly trying to shove him away. Clearing his throat, they both jumped apart, looking completely guilty.
"Well, don't mind me," he said.
"Dad," Shiloh stood, launching himself at Mark. They embraced and he started wondering how much Shiloh had grown in the last few months because he was standing almost taller than him.
"Jesus' kid," Mark commented. "What the hell are they feeding you? You're almost as tall as me."
"Oh, you know, just my daily injections of steroids," Shiloh joked. "I ordered you a green tea because I'm sure you are well aware of how bad coffee is for you."
"Of course, you did," Mark muttered, sitting down at their table.
"Hello Mark," Lucian said, stretching his hand across the table politely.
"It's Mr. Warner to you."
"Dad," Shiloh chastised.
"Of course, I'm sorry Mr. Warner," Lucian said hastily.
"That's better," Mark said, ignoring the hand that was stretched out towards him. "Now, what did you call me here for?"
"Dad," Shiloh barked glaring at him. "I believe Lucian is saying hello to you."
Huffing, he shook Lucian's hand once before turning back expectantly to his son.
"Did you forget your manners back at the office?" Shiloh snapped.
"It's okay," Lucian said, softly touching his arm. "We, um, well I wanted to know why you won't attend our wedding."
"Can't," Mark corrected. "I can't attend because I have other things to do—"
"Listen if it's about the plane ticket—"
"No, it's not. The Warner's don't take or need handouts, thank you very much," Mark said sharply.
"Dad," Shiloh reproached. "This is the biggest day of my life and you won't come...? Why? If it were Jacob and Katerina you'd be there—"
"It has nothing to do with sexuality," Mark's voice softened. "I'm so sorry that you would even think that because I've always accepted you. I just think you are way too young."
"But—"
"Shiloh, I think your dad and I need some time alone," Lucian suggested calmly.
Looking between the two of them, Shiloh stared at him and Mark knew he was wondering if he should leave him alone with his fiancé.
"It's fine," he said waving his hand dismissively.
"Okay…" Shiloh said, reluctantly getting up. "I'll just be over there if you need me."
Looking back at Lucian he watched his whole demeanor change from calm and cool into one representing the slick criminal he was. Placing his arms on the table Lucian leaned in closely, his smoldering eyes flickering with mischief that made Mark feel incredibly uncomfortable.
"You know," Lucian started slowly. "When Shiloh told me you wanted to run for congress, I was behind you one hundred percent."
"I fail to see how that has anything to do with—"
"Even when you were losing," Lucian cut in. "When there were six days left and your polls were third runner-up to your opposition, you had no qualms about asking my father for help. Not to mention the money loans for your campaign trail."
Mark blanched.
He could recall that day just like it was yesterday. In his desperate attempt to win the election, he had asked Anthony to use his resources and friends to get him in. The bastard had got him there, no matter what he said now he would always be in debt to the Botticelli's.
"I am a businessman, Mark."
"What is it that you want?" He answered resigned.
"Simple," Lucian replied casually leaning back in his chair. "I just want Shiloh to be happy."
"I don't want him to marry the likes of you—"
Lucian scoffed. "As if you're any different. Politicians are just as crooked as criminals, only instead, they hide behind the law to save their asses. Nothing and I mean absolutely nothing, make your shit smell any better than mine."
Fuming silently, Mark glared at the man.
"I love Shiloh," Lucian said. "I don't care if you think I'm too old or he's too young. We are going to be family whether you like it or not. I'd rather have us get along for Shiloh's sake. And if I ever mistreat him in any way, you can personally kick my ass, but until then I will cherish and adore him. I would like for you to attend our wedding."
Although he hated the bastard, there was something he could admire; that was his courage and determination. "Wow kid, you've got some balls."
Lucian shrugged. "What can I say? I've been waiting my whole life for your son."
"Look," Mark reasoned. "It's not a question of if you love him or not. I'm concerned about the world you are sucking him into. He doesn't even know what you do and trust me he isn't the sort of person to just sit back and take being lied to. What do you think is going to happen when he finds out?"
"I promised my dad I would tell him before the wedding. This isn't something I take lightly either."
"I'll make you a deal then," Mark said. "If you claim to love him as much as you say, tell him before the wedding, and if he still wants to go through with it then I'll come."
For a second, he caught a glint of anger in Lucian's eyes but he quickly masked it. "That sounds fair enough."
"I mean everything, no white lies or half-truths."
"I will."
"I want your word."
The struggle became obvious as Lucian gritted his teeth together. "You have my word as a Botticelli." The two shook hands briefly and Lucian called Shiloh back to the table.
"Well, you guys don't look like you want to kill each other…" Shiloh said as he sat down. "What happened?"
"I should probably get going," Mark said looking at his watch. "I have a wedding speech to write."
"Really?" Shiloh broke out into a grin. "Are you going to come?"
"Yeah buddy, I'll be there."
"Oh, dad, you have no idea what this means to me," Shiloh hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much."
"I love you kiddo," Mark said holding him close. "I'd do anything for you."
iIi
LATER THAT NIGHT in his office Lucian pulled out a letter from his bottom drawer. It was in a thick envelope with Julliard's address scattered on the top-right corner. Opening the package, he read the letter for the fourteenth time assuring himself that he had done the right thing.
Dear Mr. Warner,
Congratulations! We are excited to have you attending our school in the fall. We look forward to receiving your acceptance into this school…
Pulling a lighter out of his pocket, he easily lit the frail sheet of paper on fire. It wasn't that he didn't want Shiloh to attend school, at the time he just needed his fiancé to focus on him and not be worrying about courses and horny college boys.
Especially the college boys.
When the letter fell into a pile of ash on his desk, he smiled satisfied. Leaning back in his chair his grin widened when he heard rustling in the kitchen and he knew Shiloh was probably fixing them dinner. Shredding the rest of the envelope he opened the window to get rid of the smoke and walked out of his office locking the door behind him. Shiloh knew that Lucian didn't like it when he was in there that way he locked the door.
Strolling into the kitchen he found his fiancé in nothing but a kitchen apron.
Palming himself through his slacks he laughed watching his boyfriend dance around the kitchen, occasionally wiggling his naked ass for his enjoyment.
"You are so naughty," Lucian said gazing at him with hooded eyes. "In questo momento vorrei venire a letto con te - would you like that?" He gripped the flimsy hot pink apron Shiloh was wearing, trying unsuccessfully to rip it off.
"No," Shiloh laughed squirming out of his touch. "We have to eat dinner first."
"Ugh," Lucian groaned. "You can't torture me like this beautiful."
"I can and I will. I want to thank you properly…With my mouth, lips, and…tongue…" he drawled the last word, smiling mischievously.
Licking his lips Lucian stared at him wondering where his baby penguin had gone. At the beginning of their relationship, it had taken him nearly a year to get Shiloh comfortable with even the idea of touching each other but now he was a little vixen. "You'll be the death of me."