Reckoning - 8. Chapter 8

Adam’s workday was ending soon. He would have to shower and dress for his and Patrick’s date. He made the reservation at a posh restaurant he knew Patrick would love. Adam wanted to make their evening special so Patrick didn’t have second thoughts on moving in with him. He made the final notes to his investigation he would conduct tomorrow after he received his retainer from Paul.

A knock at his door caught his attention. “Come on in Justin.”

The door opened, but it wasn’t Justin who walked in his office and shut the door behind him. Raoul Cyprus Valdez stood before Adam with such contempt Adam thought if the man wanted to wipe him from existence he could make it happen.

Adam rose from his seat and stared back at the tycoon, whose eyes matched his son’s. Adam didn’t want to get into an argument with his lover’s father. He needed to keep a cool head and not take anything he has to say personally.

“Mr. Valdez, this is a surprise.”

“Is it detective?”

“I suppose Patrick told you about us becoming roommates.”

“Roommates? No. Roommate would mean your splitting expenses 50/50. If that’s true, I don’t believe this place would be my son’s first choice.”

“I asked Patrick to move in with me and he agreed.”

“Are you having financial troubles with maintaining this place?”

“What? No.” Adam bit his tongue before he said something he’ll regret.

“There must be, for you to insist on my son moving in with you?”

Adam thought back to when Patrick was seeing Gavin. He might not have been living with him, but he sure as hell was being abused. Where was daddy then?

“I assure you Mr. Valdez my intension for you son has nothing to do with your money.”

“My son has his own wealth pass down to him from his grandparents and his inheritance from me and his mother.”

“Fine, it has nothing to do with his wealth.”

“He claims he’s in love with you.”

“And I love him.”

Raoul paused, gazing around Adam’s office not for curiosity but as disdain.

“My son demands a certain lifestyle you cannot afford.”

“You’d be surprised where your son’s taste lies.”

Raoul almost laughed at Adam’s boldness. He reached into his tailored suit jacket and removed his checkbook. “How much detective?”

“Excuse me?”

“Your price for leaving my son alone? Name it.”

Adam wanted to keep the peace and not cause waves between him and Patrick’s father, but to think he was a gold digger was pushing him too far. “Listen, you self-righteous…” before he could dig into Raoul, Patrick rushed inside.

“I knew it,” he said to his father. “You just couldn’t trust me making my own decisions.”

Raoul, surprised to see his son.

“I came here on your behalf,” Raoul said.

Patrick wanted to tear into his father but couldn’t embarrass him. “Father I’ll walk you to your car,” was all Patrick said before walking out of the office.

Raoul put his checkbook away and looked at Adam one last time.

“The offer is still on the table detective,” he said, not waiting for a reply as he left the office, joining Patrick on the elevator.

Adam wanted to throw something, but he kept his composure as he dropped back into his chair. Justin appeared at the door, waiting for Adam’s cue to speak.

“I can’t believe Patrick shares genes with that guy. And don’t tell me they’re from a different world because Patrick is not from that man’s world.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

Adam could tell Justin felt awkward and didn’t want to drag him into his problems. “Justin let’s call it a day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, boss. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Justin.”

Justin grabbed his coat bag and shut off his desk light before leaving. He took the stairs down, not wanting to wait for the elevator.

Downstairs, Patrick remained quiet until he reached his father’s sports car. Raoul adjusted his coat before stopping beside his son, who wouldn’t look at him.

“You know why I’m here Patrick.”

“Because you need to be in control of my life?”

“Because I don’t want what happen with Gavin happen again.”

“What do you know about Gavin?”

“I know he was blackmailing you to stay with him.”

“You do?” Patrick turned to him.

“After his death Philip gain access of the photos the detective’s found at the scene.”

“Father—I’m sorry…” Patrick dropped his head when his father stopped him by grabbing his shoulders and giving him a small shake.

“You have nothing to apologize for. You were the victim of an extortionist. To think I fell for his lies puts me to shame.”

“No, father.” Patrick grasped his father’s arms.

“Patrick, I can’t stand by and watch it all happen again. You’re too good for him. You deserve better.”

“Father, I never loved Gavin, I loathed him. But Adam—he saved my life several times and when I’m in his arms I feel safe and loved. When he asked me to move in, I swear I wanted to shout from the rooftops.”

“But the money…”

“Adam doesn’t care about my money, he wants me. Trust me when I say you have nothing to worry about.”

Raoul cupped his son’s face in his chilled palms. “Your happiness is all I want.”

“Then believe me when I say I’m happy. Now go home mother’s waiting for you.”

“Very well. I assume you’re staying here?”

“Yes. I’m having a few things delivered here so I can spend the night.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.” Raoul gave his son a soft kiss on the cheek before climbing back into his car and driving off. Patrick watched as he drove off before turning and going back inside. When he entered the lobby, he moved for the elevator when he saw Justin standing by the door.

“Such touching words,” Justin said.

“Should I add ease dropping to your list of duties?” Patrick asked.

“Well, you were both standing on a public street so its public domain.”

Patrick just smirked at the blonde as he pressed the button for the elevator.

“You know Adam will never except your money now that your father tried to pay him off.”

“He doesn’t have to. We have each other.” The doors opened, and he stepped in.

“So, cliché.”

“Said the jealous secretary.”

“You’re only bringing stress onto Adam who doesn’t need it.”

“For fuck’s sake Justin mind your own business or so help me, I will talk to Adam about your meddling. How do you think he’ll take that?”

Justin back off and walked away.

“That’s what I thought,” Patrick murmured, pressing the button for the second floor. He rode up, worried that Adam took offense of what his father did. He could never explain his behavior to Adam. “What if he changes his mind about me moving in?” he said aloud when the doors opened and Adam stepped into the elevator. “Adam,” was all he could say when Adam pulled him in for a kiss. Patrick cling to the strong man as his breath taken away. When they parted, Patrick waited until Adam spoke first.

“Your early.”

“I figured out what my father plan, so I grabbed a cab.”

“Just in the nick of time.”

“I’m sorry…”

“You’re not the one who needs to apologize.”

“Do you want to change your mind about the move?”

“Do you still want to move in with me?”

“Hell yeah.”

Adam laughed at his response and kissed him again. He leaned over and pressed the button for the third floor.

“I have a reservation at seven for Chloe’s.”

“I love Chloe’s.”

“Good.”

“My clothes are being delivered in an hour.”

“Okay how about we shower first?”

“Is showering all I’ll be doing?”

“Well, we should share a shower so not to be late.”

“Sharing a shower with you will make us late.”

“Tell you what if you promise to stay the night I’ll wait until later?”

“Deal. I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Pat. What your father said…”

“I don’t believe a thing he says about you. I love you Adam and no one can change that.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Adam swooped Patrick into his arms and spun him around.

“Adam stop,” Patrick laughed.

The doors opened and Adam carried Patrick through the apartment and into his bedroom. As planned, they showered. Patrick helped Adam dress for their evening out while he wore Adam’s robe.

“You bought a new suit and tie,” Patrick said, his wild curls tied back.

“I can’t remember the last time I needed a tie,” he said watching Patrick skillful hands maneuver the tie to conform to the knot he wanted.

“I’m loving this suit. It’s so retro.”

“Really? To be honest, I grabbed the first suit that caught my eye.”

“Well, you have a good eye.”

“I imagine all your clothes tailored made.”

“Not all of them.” Patrick couldn’t help but feel put on the spot. When he finished with Adam’s tie, he stepped back and sat on the bed.

Adam turned to his door mirror and studied his new look while he slipped on his jacket. He slicked his hair back, leaving some volume on top. He noticed Patrick’s attention drifting, and he cursed himself for his smart comment. “Pat, how do I look?”

Patrick turned back and flashed an approving smile. “You look so handsome.”

Adam held his hands out, and Patrick took them, allowing Adam to pull him to his feet.

“Pat did I say anything to upset you?”

“No. But I want you to know that I don’t always shop with designers. Mia got me into thrift stories.”

“I wasn’t judging you Pat. I would never do that.”

“I know.”

“No, Pat you don’t.”

Patrick’s cell phone interrupted Adam.

Patrick looked at the caller ID. “It my delivery.”

“I’ll get it.”

“I’ll tell them you’re coming.” Patrick texted as he headed for the elevator.