In love with my brother - 16. Chapter 16 - Intrusion

It was Friday evening and Anikin went to take a shower while I cleaned the kitchen. When I was done, I plopped down one the couch and turned on the TV. I zapped through the channels when suddenly something caught my attention and I had to flip back. There, on the screen was Anikin’s smiling face.

“So, Mr. Westwood.” The middle-aged female interviewer looked up at Anikin, readying to ask a question.

“Marshall, please.” Anikin corrected her with a smile.

“Marshall? But isn’t your last name Westwood?”

“Technically they both are. Westwood is from my dad. Marshall was my mother’s maiden name. Dad gave me the name to honor her.”

“So, you prefer Marshall, to honor her memory?”

“Sure, that as well. But mostly, it’s just because it sounds cooler.” He flashed her one of his dashing smiles and they both laughed.

“So, Mr. Marshall… This is the first time you’ve agreed to do an interview about your success.”

“That’s right.”

“Not only are you a popular model, you’re also the owner of Jiyuu modeling, where you work. And if that wasn’t enough, you’re also the CEO of Shell-Westwood investment corporation. How do you deal with all those demanding positions?” I knew Anikin had had an interview the other day, but I’d never guessed it would be a TV-interview. I pulled my legs up and watched my boyfriend on the screen.

“I spent most of my time on my modeling. After all, you need to make the most of it while your still young and good looking, right? For all the everyday work regarding my CEO positions, I have Chief operating officers hired , so that I only have to step in when necessary. Besides, I inherited the Shell-Westwood corporation from my dad, and he’s still keeping an eye on the progress.”

“I don’t know about the rest of the world, but I’m impressed –You’re said to be the most wanted bachelor at this time. Tell us, are you on the lookout for a partner?” The interviewer wiggled her brows at Anikin, which made him laugh.

“I’m very flattered, but I already have a lover and we’re very happy.” His answer made my stomach flutter.

“Aww. But since no one has heard about this, are you serious then?”

“Very serious.”

“Will we hear wedding bells in the near future?”

“Maybe that’s a little early to say. But who knows.” That was a very vague answer, not that I planning us to get married or anything.

Anikin suddenly plopped down next to me, an arm resting behind me and not looking like he was going to get up soon.

“Wow, I didn’t realize that was on tonight,” Anikin said, his gaze fixed on the screen where the interview continued.

“How come you didn’t tell me you were doing a TV-interview?” I asked and turned to look at him.

“I didn’t think it was important.”

“Not important? You’re in TV, this is huge.” I couldn’t help but being excited about it.

“There’s nothing to be so worked up about. It’s not like my face isn’t public already.”

“There’s a big difference between a still photo and one moving. Maybe you could get TV-commercials as well now.” I wondered how he would look in an acting role. I was certain he would be just as amazing an actor as he was a model.

“You don’t think I work enough as it is?” The laughter in his voice made the comment sound less serious.

“That reminds me, don’t you have paperwork to finish?” It had become a routine already, him going to his office after dinner. He’d had so much work to do for way too long.

“I don’t.” The simple answer made me turn to look at him again.

“You’re not working tomorrow?” A mixture of hope and doubt made my voice somewhat breathy.

“Nope.” He slid further down into the couch, raised his arms before folding his hands behind the backrest and looked back at me. “I needed a break.”

“The whole weekend?” I slowly leaned in, a smirk crept over my lips as I crawled onto his lap.

“The whole weekend.” The words were almost whispered as I leaned in and claimed his lips. I ran my fingers up under the fresh t-shirt he’d put on. His skin was so smooth and he smelled heavenly, we had too little time for this kind of intimacy these days. I felt my way over his abs and pecs. His nipples turned hard when I brushed my fingertips over them and slight goosebumps rose on his skin. With a pleasurable moan, he lowered his arms and pulled me closer so he could return the caresses.

His hands slid up my thighs and up under my shirt. Anikin knew my body well and went straight for the spots where I was the most sensitive. He started at the soft skin above my hipbone and I had to break the kiss as I shuddered. When he reached my nipple, he pulled at it slightly, before bending to take it in his mouth. A knock sounded on the front door.

“The…” I started to say.

“Ignore it.” Anikin continued to tease my body and I forgot all about the door. A moment later I heard the muffled sound of my phone ringing somewhere in the house.

“Don’t.” Anikin whispered. “Just let it ring.” But my phone had only just gone silent when his started to chime. I could feel Anikin starting to tense up, clearly getting annoyed as well. Finally, the house was silent again and we could…

“Don’t you boys dare ignore me. I know you’re in there, Anikin’s car is parked in the driveway. Dominic – you hear me?” Anikin and I stared at each other for a moment.

‘Mom?’ I jumped off Anikin’s lap to let her in.

“Wait Dom – Please don’t go out like that,” Anikin begged. I stopped short on the upper step to the kitchen and glanced down at my body. Never minding my clothes being in disorder, my pants were strained from my aching erection.

“Just a second, Mom. What am I supposed to do about it?” I could hear Mom’s continuous complaining from outside.

“What do you usually do about it?” I just stared at him.

“You!” My gesture towards him was as desperate as the note of my voice. Anikin was silent for a moment.

“What did you do before me?”

‘I can’t believe I have to live through this again.’ “Pretty much what I’m about to do now…” I turned and walked out to open the front door. “Hi, Mom.” I gave her a smile from behind the door. “Come in, just give me a second – I… gotta go deal.” Then I turned to get to the bathroom.

“Again? I told you it would become a bad habit someday.” She let herself in while I dealt. “I tell you Anikin, he was horrible. It seemed that every time we had to go somewhere he would have an erection and we would have to wait.” I winced at the reminder. It hadn’t really been that bad. However, I had to agree that my dick’s timing had sucked. “Anyway. How are you, Sweetheart? Why didn’t you let me in?”

“I’m sorry Norah. I’m lost to the world when I’m working.” Great tactic, blame it on the work. I paced the bathroom trying to figure out how to force my stubborn dick to go down. But then, while I listened to the conversation from the living room, the problem seemed to magically solve itself. I’d probably stressed so much over it, the blood needed to go elsewhere – like my brain. Finally, I could leave the bathroom and join the others.

“Mom.” I went over to hug her.

“Did you wash your hands?” she asked before I could touch her.

“What? I didn’t… Just hug me.” Like I had been able to do that, with her waiting out here. “Why are you here, and so late?”

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by on the way.”

Mom stayed a little over an hour, just chatting about random stuff over a cup of coffee. I guess she’d just missed us. I didn’t blame her, we saw each other way too seldom.

“Bye, Mom. Drive safe. Say hi to Tom for me, ‘kay?” I hugged her goodbye and kissed her cheek. After hugging Anikin as well, she gave a happy wave and got in her car. We remained in the carport, waving at her car, until it disappeared down the road.

“Come on,” Anikin said and led the way in.

“It was nice to see her,” I said. “But shit her timing sucks. I bet she has an inner clock that starts ringing every time we get too comfortable with each other.” I had no idea how she was doing it, but it was kind of amazing.

“Should we assume that she’s coming back, or are we safe?” Anikin slowly came closer grabbing my chin.

“I think we’re safe.” The look in his eye turned my answer into a husky whisper. He silently led me to the bedroom, where we undressed each other. He then pushed me down on the bed and got on top of me – on top of me. My brain froze for a minute.

“Anikin what…” Having him on my lap was so unfamiliar I had no idea what to do. Anikin grabbed my hands and placed them on his ass cheeks.

“Do you want to top?” He asked.

“Sure, but we’re in the wrong position.” I was blabbering.

“No, Silly,” Anikin chuckled. “I mean, do you want to do me?”

“Where does this come from?” My brain was finally starting to work. Did I want to? I wasn’t sure. I tried to imagine the scenario, but came up blank.

“I just thought you might want to, since I do.”

“You do what?”

“Want to feel you inside of me.”

“I have no idea what to do.” Okay, I pretty much agreed to the idea there. I knew Anikin liked it both ways, but the thought had never occurred to me before.

“Don’t worry, I’ll guide you.” And he sure did give me a kick start, but once I was on it, everything just came naturally. He never got under me though, I guess the domineering side of him wouldn’t let him.

He was so responsive and so soft inside, I never would’ve imagined. And God could he move his hips.

Being the one on the giving end gave me a different kind of kick. Although it was more of the happiness to be able to bring him this kind of pleasure, rather than it being better for me to be in this position. I actually felt better being on the bottom.

“You okay?” Anikin slumped and breathed against my neck.

“I think…” I was breathless and sated. I wasn’t even sure I could open my eyes. He slid down beside me and rested his head on my sticky stomach and sighed with content.

“I don’t wanna move,” I said, but I could feel the sleepiness starting to wear off, usually it lasted longer.

“Then don’t.” I felt Anikin’s tongue slide over my hipbone towards my stomach, making me shiver. “That has to be the best taste in the universe.” Anikin whispered against my skin.

“Seriously? You can’t find anything that tastes better than my sweat after sex?” I couldn’t keep the row of chuckles from escaping. The spell was broken, I opened my eyes and found Anikin’s smiling face. I reached over interlocked my fingers with his, studying our hands.

“Did you like it?” Anikin interrupted after few moments of silence. I moved my eyes to his face and found him studying me, a caring look in his eyes.

“I didn’t not like it. I mean, I loved that I could give you that kind of pleasure. But I prefer being on the bottom. Not that I would mind doing it again though, if you want to.” Then, without a word he got up and tucked himself in my arms. The vulnerability he’d just shown me was new, and I wouldn’t soon forget it. I was sure our relationship would only get better from then on. I could just feel it.

***

Yeah. And I forced myself to recall that moment time and time again, for the next two weeks. My goal to find the courage and finally tell Mom who I was dating, was completely overshow by the fact that Tina was all over Anikin. He was back at the agency doing his modeling. And at every opportunity Tina was there, watching, talking, touching. I was past the jealousy of her taking so much unneeded attention and was just boiling with anger. I never seemed to be able to speak a word with him without her butting in, pushing me away. If it wasn’t for her, my life would’ve been perfect. How Anikin didn’t go nuts was beyond me. But he stayed his polite business self all the way through.

***

“Could you please tell her not to cling to you like that? How can you even stand it?” I slammed the door to my locker and the sound echoed in the room. Anikin was leaning against the next row of lockers, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Just let it go Dom. There’s no point in getting so annoyed over it. She’ll only be here for another five months. Her parents are one of the biggest sponsors of the agency and I agreed to do them this favor, to get their daughter into the world of modeling. I owe it to them.” How could he stay this calm?

“Argh!” I threw my hands up in surrender, but knew without a doubt that I would come to hate my work in the next five months.

***

“Seriously… I’m not joking. She’s everywhere I turn. More precisely, she’s everywhere Anikin turns.” I slid down to slouch on the bench where Sean and I sat.

“And you’re sure it’s not just a coincidence? She works there after all … as a model.”

“That’s why it’s so freaking annoying. She doesn’t shoot with Anikin, and after what he’s told me, they are never going to. Something about their looks not being a match.”

“I can’t say I don’t get you. But since you can’t do anything about it yourself, why not talk to Anikin about it?” Sean looked down at me.

“I’ve already tried that. Her parents are one of the agency’s biggest sponsors, so Anikin can’t tell her off. Or at least so he says. I don’t really understand how a successful business like the agency needs sponsors anyway.”

“He probably has his reasons.” We both fell into silence while I brooded.

“Enough!” I stood abruptly. “I need to move, this is making me depressed. Let’s go burn some energy.” Sean got up and followed me.

“Sure. What do you have in mind?” he asked. “Just don’t forget we both have work today.”

“How about the action center? It’s been ages since we went last time.”

“Oh, hell yeah… I’m gonna nail the wall this time and ring that damn bell,” Sean exclaimed. I too felt the thrill of expectation by the thought. When we were still in high school we used to go there a lot. When all the other guys went to the gym to work out, Sean and I went to explore our own limitations. I’d always been too much of a wuss to try the bungee jump, but maybe this time.

“Let’s meet up at your house tomorrow, maybe your mom will take us,” I said.

“Anikin?” I shook my head at his question.

“No, he’s working.” I’m sure my disappointment sounded clear through my voice.

“What? There’s only two weeks left of summer break. Is he not going to spend any time with you at all?”

“I know how it sounds, but it’s not that easy. He’s got three positions to take care of, and apparently, it’s really hard to take a break from all of them at the same time.” I understood Anikin’s dilemma, but That didn’t make it any less frustrating. I was getting greedy. I wanted him more, like when we stayed at St. Androma.

“Excuses,” Sean muttered. “He’s the CEO for Christ sake. Why not just get someone else to do the job for him?”

“You know it doesn’t work like that.” I turned and looked at him, but obvious denial was written all over his face. “At least that makes more time to spend with you. Well, I gotta run. My shift starts in half an hour. Thanks for listening. I’ll see you in the morning.” I looked up from my watch and slapped his back before heading in the opposite direction, feeling much lighter at heart than I’d had for the past two weeks.

***

When I arrived at the agency I was surprised to find the entrance hall almost deserted. The only people about, were the regular personnel and a few people walking through. On my way to the dressing room I rounded the reception desk.

“Where is everyone?” I’d seen the brunette before, but I didn’t remember her name.

“The new girl nailed a shoot with the boss at 12. No one thought he’d agree to it, but it seems her parents had a thing or two to say about that.” She raised a brow at me. Apparently, the frown I felt on my face was as deep as I guessed. I skipped the dress code for once and went straight to studio 4, after asking the receptionist where the shoot would take place.

The studio was packed. For a moment, I wondered why Anikin hadn’t reprimanded anyone and told them to get back at work. I found Tamaki standing off to the side with Luke and William.

“Tamaki. What’s going on?” Tamaki turned his head when I called out to him, but he didn’t smile.

“Everyone wanted to see how this was going to turn out. Anikin is beyond pissed, but you know what he’s like, he doesn’t show it when he’s being professional. She hasn’t even noticed”

“I thought he didn’t want to shoot with her.”

“He didn’t. They don’t match – no good pictures will come out of it. But, her parents decided they would force him to comply. And here we are.” I stared at Tamaki in shock.

“How could they force him? Sure he doesn’t need their money to keep the business going?”

“Technically he doesn’t. But cutting them off would mean Anikin had to sit on the top floor, as active CEO for a very long time. Spending loads of energy restructuring the whole finance department. The business, as it is now, is built from the sponsorships he obtained when he started the business. And rearranging the foundations now would take a lot of time and effort. I guess he found it easier to just comply.” Tamaki shrugged and we both fell into silence.

I spotted Tina and Anikin across the room. Even at this distance I could see how heavily she was coming on to him. Even though he seemed to be politely interacting with her, I knew him well enough to see that he was choking beneath the surface.

The photographer gestured for everyone to take their places and the shoot began.

I was horrified. I had never at this agency seen such a bad shoot. It was a nightmare to watch. Tina was practically mounting Anikin in front of the camera. Their aura, their very image, was so far off, I instantly knew it wasn’t going to be any good, just as Tamaki had predicted.

Throughout the next hour or so, people slowly started to leave the studio while shaking their heads. Tamaki and I remained to the bitter end. Tamaki for support I guess, and me too for that matter, but I also wanted to see the pictures.

During the last hour, as the photographer got increasingly frustrated, I could see Anikin trying even harder to work with what Tina had to offer, but it was no use. When the end of the shoot was finally announced, he looked exhausted. Tamaki and I went to join him at the computer.

Anikin rubbed a hand over his face with a tired sigh. I wanted so badly to slip my arms around him to make him feel better, but I didn’t. Instead I slipped in front of Tamaki and took a step further to my left. With Tamaki covering behind us and the table in front, I grabbed Anikin’s hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. He turned his gaze towards me and offered me a tired smile.

“You okay?” I asked

“I’ll live. But I’ll definitely need a very long break as soon as it’s possible.”

“Yeah …” ‘Sure would be nice. Just too bad I’ll be back in school when that happens.’ The photographer was ready to go through the photos, so I let go of Anikin’s hand and we all turned our attention to the table.

“Why are you here?” The annoyed splutter came from Tina as she walked up behind us. We all turned to stare at her. “I mean…” She began, her voice going softer as she realized Anikin too was staring at her. “Shouldn’t you be somewhere else? You know – Running errands?”

“Leave him alone” – “Shut up Tina,” Anikin and Tamaki growled at her, before turning back to the screen. I too turned a second later, but not quick enough to miss the death glare Tina send me.

“Let’s see what you have, Brian.” Anikin said to the photographer.

“Well, we tried a bunch of different lightings but…” Brian trailed off and turned the screen around for Anikin to see and maneuver through the collection on his own. I could understand the rising tension in Anikin’s body as he scrolled through the pictures.

“No – none of them. They’re all trash, throw it out.” Anikin turned the screen back towards Brian, a disgusted look on his face.

“Are you sure? How about…” Brian quickly scrolled through the pictures and turned the screen back to show Anikin. “This one?” He didn’t sound convinced himself that it was usable.

“It looks like she’s trying to fuck me… I can’t advertise this kind of thing. It’d be a spot on the business’ image.” Brian bowed his head in apology and Tina had gotten very quiet behind us.

“Throw it out. No way in hell am I going to send something so vulgar out for public view.” He turned and stared to walk away but changed his mind and stopped beside Tina.

“Listen, Tina. I have no doubt you are a great model, I’ve seen a little of your potential in the pictures you did with Tamaki. But you really need to consider what kind of image you wish to announce, cause this…” he tuned at gestured towards the laptop screen. “That is not going to get you far.” Then he left the room. Just then my cellphone beeped. I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at the screen.

“Shit!” Without saying goodbye I dashed out of the studio. On my way, I ran passed Anikin.

“Hey!” he called after me.

“Sorry. I’ll see you later.” I turned right at the next hall. ‘I can’t believe I’m late, GOD.’

I got an earful from all those depending on me being on time, when the shoot ended. I had to apologize over and over, and promise to never let it happen again, before I could finally go home.

“Dominic! Hold up” Michael called after me. “Could you take this to the second floor on your way? I need to go home, it’s my daughter’s birthday and I’d hate to be late.” He put emphasis on late just to make me feel all the guiltier.

“Of cause. And I’m sorry, again”

“As long as it’s not repeated no harm has been done. Now go. You too, probably have someone to go home to.” He sent me off with a wink before he turned.

I knew Anikin wouldn’t be home ‘til late so I was in no hurry. I was in my own world and made my way to the top floor on automatic, rather than rational thought. I was pulled out of my daze when I was going back down and the elevator doors shut in my face.

‘Dammit.’ I sighed at my bad luck. ‘Might as well take the stairs.’ I turned and headed towards the stairwell down the next hall.

“Wait, Dominic.”

‘Fuck. Me! Just the person I wanted to talk to.’ I stopped on the half landing between the first and lower floor. Tina came down the stairs toward me, her heels clicking on the tiles as she walked. What had she been doing up there? Well, if her parents could make Anikin do a shoot he’d been keen on avoiding, why shouldn’t she also be upstairs. This was getting absurd. I stopped and turned to look at her, but didn’t answer.

“Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot, and I apologize for that. But I was hoping that I could ask you to give me Anikin’s number.” I fell my jaw drop. For a minute, I just stared at her with a mixture of disbelief and awe.

“Uhm…” I was at a loss for words. How stupid could one person be allowed to be? “Why do you want Anikin’s number?” ‘Duh, isn’t that obvious.’

“Well, I have a reason to think he might be interested, and I thought if I had his number, I could get a little closer to him.” I took a step back. This woman was completely delusional! How could she even be thinking that after the disastrous shoot earlier? A feeling of panic started to creep in on me, my instincts told me to get as far away from this woman as I could.

“No.” I began to turn around. She grabbed my arm.

“What gives you the privilege to say so. It has nothing to do with you anyway – now give me his number.” In that moment, my brain just snapped, I wanted her long gone – and fast.

“Listen, you crazy bitch. Stay the fuck away from my boyfriend, he has no interest in you. Your freaking delusional!” I rarely yelled at people, but this woman made me seething with ire.

“You’re lying.” Her words were nothing more than a whisper. Something in her face changed. Her eyes went wide and unfocused, and her face went slack. She stepped forward and I stepped back. “It can’t be you.” I felt the edge of the upper step, I couldn’t go any further. I turned my head so I could see the next step and start my descent, but before I could make the move I felt something against my shoulder.

My brain froze as I felt the pull of gravity on my body, I don’t think I even fought it. The only thing my brain registered was the crazy look on Tina’s face, right before she opened her mouth and screamed.