Saving Alexander (30 page)

They sat sandwiched together, catching their breath. Sage was having difficulties breathing with the man lying comfortably on his chest. He grinned. “Alex, I can’t bloody breathe, honey. You might like to move that gorgeous body off my chest.”

Alex sat up with alacrity, moving off him, releasing Sage’s spent cock with a sucking sound as he moved to sit beside him. Sage saw his lover’s grimace at the mess he was in; Sage’s come inside him and his own semen all over his body.

Alex quirked an eyebrow at Sage. “This is the only part I don’t like about sex without condoms. The mess.” He laughed softly. “I think I can safely say that your strumming of my dick still feels great. That’s a real party trick you have going there.” He mocked a frown. “As long as you don’t try it with anyone else.”

Sage chuckled at the words. “No chance of that. That’s reserved for you only.”

There was silence and Sage thought Alex had gone to sleep. Then Alex spoke softly.

“Sage?”

“Hmm?” Sage murmured, his hand reaching out to caress Alex’s hip.

“Seeing as how you’re shuffling between here and my place, wouldn’t it make sense to move in with me instead of staying at Dan’s? It’ll only be until you complete filming, so it’s not permanent. There’s somewhere to park your bike and you won’t have to have two sets of toothbrushes and spare clothes everywhere and you’ll be closer to the studio from there as well, so we’ll have more time—” His speech was interrupted by Sage’s mouth covering his.

Finally Sage released him and Alex looked dazed. “I thought you’d never ask,” Sage murmured. “I thought it was a great idea too but I didn’t want to presume. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than there with you, waking up to you every day, instead of feeling obliged to at least spend some time with Dan. And he always has a damn flat full of people.”

“Oh, so you like the idea then?” The relief in Alex’s voice was palpable and Sage grinned.

“I love the idea. We can make this work, lover boy.” He kissed Alex tenderly. “Come on, let’s get cleaned up and I’ll take you out for something to eat and we can plan my moving in.” He stood up and stretched, noticing Alex greedily eying his sticky stomach and groin.

“I love it when you look all wanton,” Alex murmured. "Makes a man want to start all over again.”

Sage reached down, cuffing his lover’s head. “You’re an insatiable git, you know that? Now get that sexy arse into the shower with me and let me take you out for a meal. I’m damned hungry after that all activity.”

Alex seemed to need no coaxing into the shower with him and Sage laughed as he followed Alex’s taut backside and long legs into the bathroom.

Time for round two…

Chapter 28

The next morning Sage went into the studio and the first person he saw was Sarah Brose, regarding him with sheer malevolence. Her small eyes glittered dangerously. Sage imagined she’d heard he was back with Alex. This time he was having none of her rude and confrontational attitude.

Time to make this right.

He pulled Luke aside. “Luke, can I have a word?”

Luke grinned. “Anything for my leading man, Sage. What’s up?”

“I’m glad you said that, Luke. I’d like a late birthday present, seeing as how you still owe me one, or an early Christmas present—you can decide which. I want you to fire Sarah Brose.”

Luke blinked, his face falling. “Fire her? Whatever for?”

“She’s been extremely rude and insulting to me since she’s been here. She looks at me like I’m some sort of bug that’s stuck to her shoe and I really don’t like her. She treats most people like shit and she’s just a nasty piece of work.”

Luke was aghast. “Christ, Sage, I can’t just fire someone because you don’t like them. There’d be hell to pay with the agencies and the employment people. She’s been here a while now, even though she works part time.”

“Then find a way to get rid of her.” Sage was implacable. “Get those high-priced lawyers and HR people to find a loophole. I really want her out sooner than later.”

Sage was well aware he was acting like a prima donna but he thought there had to be one time when he could play the “I’m the star” card and get people to do what he wanted.

Luke was looking at him open mouthed. “Well, I’ll speak to them and see what I can do but I can’t promise.”

“Find a way. I don’t want that woman around any longer than necessary. I’m sure you can do it.” Sage moved away, leaving Luke staring after him in absolute consternation. Sage grinned at the havoc he’d wrought. It had felt quite good to be a demanding bitch.

I might make a habit of this. Next thing you know I’ll be demanding Evian water, M&M’s with the green ones picked out and a bottle of Cristal every night.

Alex grinned at him as he wandered over. “Are you happy now? You’ve been threatening to do that since forever.”

Sage nodded. “That woman hates me. I have no idea why, but she gives me a really bad feeling.”

Alex looked a little disturbed. “I know. I keep having this feeling that I’ve seen her before. It just flits into my head and I think I’ve got it then, wham. It disappears.” He looked at the glowering visage of Sarah thoughtfully. "I can’t say I’ll be unhappy when she’s gone. She makes me feel a little on edge too, even though she’s always been very good to me.” He frowned. “Too good, really, for a stranger.”

Sage was about to speak when he was stopped by a sudden call from the far side of the studio.

“Sage! We’re ready to go. Get your arse over here.”

Sage sighed. Alex waved him off. “Go on. Strut your stuff, lover. You’re in demand.”

Back to the grindstone. There was no peace for the wicked.

* * *

Melanie van Pelt looked at the man sitting before her, marvelling at the transformation. She couldn’t believe the figure she saw was the same Alexander Montgomery she’d met more than three years ago. This man looked healthy, relaxed and happy.

Alex saw her watching and smiled wryly. “I know. I still look in the mirror and don’t believe it either. I never thought I could feel this way.”

Melanie inclined her head. “The improvement is incredible, Alex. This man has definitely been your saving grace. He deserves a medal.”

Alex grinned. “Sage would probably say the same thing. Poor bastard, he’s had had lot to put up with but he still sticks with me.”

“How are things at the film studio?” Melanie asked. “No more incidents, nothing else happened?”

Alex shook his head. “No, it’s been quiet. But then it was a long time between the last ones too, so that doesn’t mean much. There are no more big violent events in the book yet, and if the book is using the same timeline, we’re safe for a while. Although I think this person gets off on seeing everyone relax and then they act again and cause chaos. The press attention has died off, but there’s still a lot of buzz out there about
Double Exposure
. My books sales are still going through the roof.”

“And the urges, Alex? How have they been?”

“I’ve been fine, actually. Having Sage back, having to focus on rebuilding our relationship—it’s been good.” He hesitated. “Before I went away on the last book tour, he told me he was prepared to help me if I had any ‘special needs.’ He actually offered to be the one who did things to me as long as they weren’t too extreme. Sage said couples seem to do some of it in the bedroom as part of their sex life anyway and he could manage that. But it took a lot for him to offer it, I think.”

“He thinks that by doing it himself he doesn’t have to share you with another man.” Melanie nodded. “What did you tell him?”

“I said we’d talk about it when I got back and we haven’t really mentioned it again. I haven’t really felt the old needs and urges.”

Melanie looked pleased. “Good. So at least you know you have an out if you suddenly go all, ‘Flog me please.’” She grinned. “Even though it’s not quite the same as paying someone to do it and debauch you, which is mostly the attraction for people in your situation, it might be an alternative.”

“I would only do that as a last resort.” Alex was unwavering. “And at the moment, this man just being in my life is more than enough.” He looked down at his hands. “He’s moving in with me while he’s still living in London. Dan is okay with it and Sage seems quite excited about it.”

Melanie closed her book and tapped her pen against her knee. “That’s wonderful news, Alex. I’m pleased you sorted that out.”

Alex stood up. “I guess my time is up. I’ll be back in two weeks for the next appointment. Thanks again for everything, Melanie.”

He kissed her cheek softly and left the office.

* * *

Sage watched as Annie cantered around the field on the back of Tallulah Briar. It was a rare weekend off and he was going to make the most of it at his own home. He loved staying with Alex but he missed his horses and Miles. Mixed Jack stood in the opposite field, head over the fencing, watching his owner. Sage thought uncomfortably that it was as if he were being scrutinised by the huge beast and found distinctly lacking. He walked over to the black animal, reaching out a hand to stroke his nose. The horse whickered softly, lowering his head. Sage gave him a piece of apple from his pocket.

“There you go, you bad-tempered sod. You’ll be next, don’t worry. Just give Lulah her chance then I’m sure Annie will be over to fetch you. I’d love to ride you but my arse is a little tender at the moment.”

He smiled, thinking of the reason his backside was sore. Alex had definitely enjoyed his bout of topping him. He didn’t do it often but by God, when he did, he made the most of it.

Warm hands encircled his waist under his leather jacket and he smiled at the familiar scent behind him. Alex kissed the tip of his ear, his tongue warm. “God, your ears are cold, babe. We need to get you some earmuffs.”

Sage snorted. “As if that’s going to happen.” He smiled as he leaned back into his boyfriend’s protective arms. “Have you finished your conference call? How did the meeting go?”

“It went fine. The publisher is on board with the ideas for my new book so I suppose I’d better knuckle down and start writing soon. I’m giving you warning, though. When I write, I’m a monster. I hate being interrupted and I become all obsessive. So be prepared for the bastard from hell.”

Sage chuckled. “I’m sure I’ll manage. I’ll just make sure to give you a good rogering now and then to keep you in your place.” He cocked an eyebrow at Alex. “You will still need rogering, won’t you? You won’t go all solitary and withdraw all privileges because you’re busy? Because I wouldn’t like that at all.”

Alex kissed the back of his head. “You need have no worries on that score. Are you coming in for lunch?”

Sage turned around, pulling Alex in for a kiss. They heard Annie’s shout of disgust across the field and laughed. The couple walked back to the house, sitting down at the kitchen top to enjoy the lunch Alex had prepared. As Sage munched on his sandwich he switched on the TV to watch the news. Alex sighed.

Sage looked injured. “What? You know I like the news programmes.”

“It’s all just so much bad news, though. And they’re still going on about
Double Exposure
and all the drama. I’m sick of seeing myself on the TV.”

“You’re just jealous because they have more pictures of me up there than they have of you.” Sage ducked as Alex threw the dishcloth at him in mock exasperation.

They both heard the name “Eric Rossi” mentioned and froze. Sage quickly turned up the volume.

“Self-styled ‘Man about Town’ Eric Rossi was found dead in his Belgravia home this morning. Sources are saying it appears to be a suicide but at this stage, no specific details have been released. Police are investigating and we’ll bring you updated news as we get it.”

Sage was aware of Alex standing stricken beside him, grasping his arm with a clinch so tight it was cutting off his circulation.

“Alex, it’s all right. Ow, could you just let go a little bit? That’s better. Come here.”

He stood up, pulling Alex into his arms, feeling his body trembling. He wasn’t quite sure why his lover seemed so upset. This was the man who’d raped him the last time they’d met and Sage certainly wouldn’t lose any sleep over the bastard, harsh though that might sound.

Alex finally spoke. “God, I can’t believe Eric would kill himself. He just wasn’t the type. He was too full of himself. I don’t believe it.”

Sage stared at him curiously. “Perhaps he had money worries or something else. Perhaps someone found out about his work at Scarlet and threatened to expose him. Who knows?”

Alex shook his head vigorously. “You didn’t know Eric like I did.” Sage winced at his poor choice of words. “If anyone had threatened to expose his S–and-M activities, he’d have told them to do it. He was proud of it. It might not have been something he broadcast publicly out of choice, but if it got out, it’s not something he would have killed himself over. He would have milked it.”

Sage shrugged. “Well, I for one can’t say I really care. Not after what he did to you.”

Alex was silent. Sage sighed. “It’s happened and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. If it does look suspicious the police will find out.”

His boyfriend nodded but still didn’t look convinced. “Can you keep the TV on please? Don’t turn it off. I’d like to see what they have to say about it later.”

They finished their lunch in silence, each preoccupied with his own thoughts. Sage knew Alex had known the man a long time, intimately, so it was only natural to have some level of feeling for the man. Perhaps he’d been a bit harsh. He took Alex’s hands in his. They were cold.

“I’m sorry about my comment earlier. It was a bit crass. As much as I dislike the man, he was still someone you knew.” He swallowed. “Someone you knew fairly well. I should have respected that.”

Alex reached up, cupping his face tenderly. “You muppet, I’m upset he’s dead because yes, I knew him and believe it or not, there was a better side to him in the beginning.” His voice hardened. “But after what he did to me last time, I can’t care about him too much. I’m more worried he left something behind the police might find, some details about what he did in his spare time and that could lead back to me. That means you could be exposed. And that scares me to death.”