Against All Odds Ch. 06

The clock read a quarter till six as Riley stepped out of the warm embrace of his bath. He went to the dresser where he'd carefully put away his clothes earlier. Looking through everything, he was at a loss as to what to wear. He didn't have much and what he did have wasn't in the best of shape. He wasn't even sure how he was supposed to dress for Noah's big surprise. Casual? Fancy? Not that he really owned anything fancy. In fact, he'd never even owned a suit in his life. Even at his graduation he only wore jeans and a T-shit with his favorite band depicted on the front. Luckily, his graduation gown covered his poor choice in attire.

It's not like it mattered much anyway. He had no graduation party to attend afterward, no celebratory dinner. He had returned home and began his normal chores with no mention of the special day. He didn't even get a "congratulations" from his foster parents who hadn't even bothered to show up for his ceremony. He supposed he was lucky that they had even allowed him to go but still, a little recognition would have been nice. Alex, his foster brother and best friend, would have been there if he hadn't left for college the year before. He at least had sent Riley a card. He still had that card, tucked away in his diary. It was the only card he'd ever gotten since his parents had died.

After careful consideration, Riley decided on a crisp, white, dress shirt with well-worn jeans. He brushed his auburn locks back into a neat ponytail, the strands catching the light like threads of spun copper. If he'd owned any after shave or cologne, he would have used them but he didn't, so he would just have to rely on his deodorant alone to keep him smelling fresh and clean. The rose scented body wash and shampoo he'd found in the bathroom helped too. Thank God for Noah who had thought of all the little things that Riley himself might have over looked.

Now that he was dressed and properly groomed, Riley sat on the massive, four poster bed, as he anxiously awaited Noah's arrival. A few moments later and a soft knock at the door echoed throughout the room. Riley's heart quickened. Taking a deep breath, he slid off the bed and made his way to the door, stopping briefly to check his reflection in the full length mirror next to the wardrobe. Slowly, Riley opened the door and froze. A warm sense of excitement rushed through him. Noah stood, looking down at him, and the man was absolutely stunning.

Riley had only ever seen Noah in his casual wear. Even when they had chatted on cam, Noah had usually been in just a simple T-shirt and jeans. What he was wearing now put everything else he had ever worn to shame. He was dressed in a dark gray, tailored suit that seemed to accentuate every contour of his form. His suit was complimented by a pair of dark brown, leather oxfords, exquisitely polished to an eye-popping shine. Riley couldn't help but feel a pang of inadequacy as he took in Noah's elegance.

"Are you ready?" Noah asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"Yes." Riley managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "But. I think I may be under dressed."

"Don't worry about that." Noah told him. "This night is about us, not what you're wearing, and besides, you'd look beautiful even in a burlap sack."

Riley blushed. "I think you're exaggerating."

"No, I'm not. You're beautiful, Riley. Everything about you is beautiful. Your eyes, your hair, everything. The sooner you accept that, the better."

"Thank you." Riley raised up on his tip toes and kissed Noah's cheek.

"You're more than welcome." Noah said. He then offered his arm to Riley. "Shall we?"

Riley nodded and accepted Noah's arm graciously, feeling a rush of warmth at the contact. Together they walked down the hall then descended the stairs, Riley's heart fluttering like a trapped bird in his chest. Noah hadn't said where they were going but based on the way that Noah was dressed, Riley doubted it was back to the kitchen where they'd had their lunch. They weren't going in the direction of the family dinning room, or the formal dinning room either. It wasn't until they turned down a familiar corridor that Riley realized where it was that Noah was taking him, the music room.

They had visited the music room briefly on the tour of the mansion and Riley had mentioned how beautiful it was, with it's polished floors, heavy drapes, and the baby grand that was sat near a large bank of windows. Riley had remarked on how he loved the piano and had always wanted to learn to play. Next to the library, the music room was probably his second favorite room.

As they entered the music room, Riley's breath caught in his throat. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candle light. Shadows danced across the walls. In the center of the room sat a table for two, adorned with flickering candles. A single, red, rose graced the center of the table, it's petals unfurling in a delicate ballet.

"Oh, Noah." Riley's voice trailed off, overwhelmed by the beauty of what he saw before him. The room had been transformed into a scene of enchantment. Even the dulcet tones of instrumental music floated through the air, adding to the ambiance.

Riley's heart swelled with love as Noah guided him to his seat. In true gentlemanly fashion, Noah pulled out Riley's seat for him before taking his own. A moment later and Baxter appeared as if by magic. Tina and Maggie followed, pushing in an elegant, chrome, serving trolley that held a feast fit for royalty.

Tina placed a basket of rolls on the table then quickly went to stand next to her mother near the serving cart. Maggie stood with a huge smile on her face as she awaited her instructions. Tina, on the other hand, did not look as enthused as her mother. Again, Riley felt sorry for her. It was obvious she had a crush on Noah but her feelings for him were not reciprocated. First loves were always the hardest to get over. Riley knew that fact all to well. Watching Alex leave for college was the hardest thing Riley had ever had to do aside from saying goodbye to his parents but he barely even remembered that time of his life.

It had taken him time to get over Alex. He was, after all, the first person who had ever really shown Riley any measure of kindness. They'd kept in touch for a while but as time dragged on, their communications became less and less and then stopped all together. Riley didn't blame Alex. He had a life to live that just didn't involve Riley now. Riley just hoped that wherever he was, whatever he was doing, he was happy. As for Tina, Riley knew that she would eventually move on from her crush and hopefully find someone else. She was young still and had her entire life ahead of her. Noah wouldn't be the only crush she'd develop. Maybe, someday, she'd even fall in love.

Riley was brought out of his thoughts as Baxter stepped up to the table. "Good evening, gentlemen." He greeted them. "If it pleases you, allow me to present tonight's menu."

"Yes, please do." Noah said, giving Baxter an approving nod.

"Very good, Sir." Baxter nodded to the two women who were acting as the servers for the evening. Each picked up a plate of food and set it before Noah and Riley as Baxter explained the dish that had been been prepared. "To begin your night." Baxter said, beginning his presentation as if they were in an upscale and expensive restaurant instead of the music room in Noah's mansion. Riley appreciated the level of detail that was put into creating an authentic fine dinning experience. "You will enjoy a peppery arugula salad paired with creamy burrata cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto, roasted tomatoes, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and finished with just a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts."

Riley barely understood any of the words that Baxter had used to describe the salad but looking at the dish before him made his mouth water in anticipation. When Riley thought of a salad he thought of bagged, ice burg lettuce, and few fixings. The plate before him though was a symphony of color mixed with the tangy, sweet, combination that was an explosion of flavor and refreshing to the palate. The very first mouthful had him moaning in pure bliss.

When they had finished with their salads, the women removed the empty bowls and then delivered the second course of the meal, the appetizers. Once again, Baxter gave a detailed description of the food that had been placed so elegantly upon the table.

"As an appetizer." Baxter began, "We are serving Oysters Rockefeller, topped with a luxurious mixture of spinach, shallots, butter, and Pernod, baked to perfection. For your wine, a crisp and refreshing Chardonnay with notes of green apples, citrus, and a hint of oak wood to complement the delicate flavor of the oysters."

Riley had never had oysters before and he wasn't sure that he would even like them. He'd heard they were an acquired taste. Not wanting to be rude though, he decided to at least sample one. At first he noticed that it had a strong briny taste. It tasted distinctly of the ocean which Riley actually found to be quite delicious.

"What do you think?" Noah asked, watching Riley closely.

"They're good." Riley told him, smiling. "Better than I thought they would be, honestly. Kind of reminds me of the sea food buffet at that Chinese place on Lakeview."

Noah laughed. "I've never ordered from there but now I might have to try it."

Riley gave him a quick wink. "They're good. Especially the egg drop soup and shrimp Lo Mein."

"Definitely have to try it then." Noah smiled, picking up another oyster and popping it into his mouth.

As each new course was introduced, the used dishes were removed and the wine poured and as with the other courses, Baxter described each new dish as it was being delivered to the table.

"For the main dish." Baxter said as a new course of steaming cuisine was brought to the table, "I have prepared Beef Wellington. A tender filet Mignon coated in a rich mushroom duxellers, wrapped in a flaky puff pastry and baked to a golden brown. This dish is served with a velvety demi-glace sauce infused with hints of red wine and thyme, alongside roasted asparagus spears and truffle mashed potatoes.

In addition, we'll be serving a succulent lobster risotto. Lobster tail meat nestled atop a creamy bed of Arborio rice and cooked in a lobster-infused broth. This dish is garnished with chives and a drizzle of truffle oil. Both dishes are served with a Cabernet Sauvignon, a full-bodied red wine with hints of blackberry, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice.

For your desert, you will enjoy a decadent chocolate lava cake with a molten center, served warm, alongside a vibrant raspberry coulis and garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves."

Each dish was a masterpiece, from the delicate salad to the succulent main course. The wine flowed freely, and the sweet aroma of each dish filled the air around them. Riley picked up his glass, looking at it hesitantly. "I've never actually had wine before." He admitted, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Noah smiled warmly. "Just take your time and savor it." He told him. "You might find that you like it."

Starting with the Chardonnay, Riley took a sip and at once his taste buds awakened to the rich flavors. To Riley's surprise, he found himself enjoying the wine's complexity, savoring each sip as the evening unfolded. The Chardonnay was tasty, Riley couldn't deny that, but he found that he enjoyed the taste of the Cabernet even more. The marriage of chocolate and spice created a tantalizing outpouring of flavor that bust on his tongue and overwhelmed his senses. It was unlike anything he'd ever had the pleasure of tasting before.

The best part of the meal, for Riley though, was the cake. Riley had always been a lover of chocolate but when he bit into the lava cake he suddenly thought he had died and gone to chocolate heaven. The richness of the gooey, chocolate center that oozed out with each forkful, caused an explosion of flavor in his mouth that had him moaning in a way that had Noah wishing he were the cause instead of the cake.

It wasn't just the sweetness of the chocolate or even the way it melted in Riley's mouth though the chocolate brought a moment of bliss to the tongue as sweet as the moment a rose opens for the eyes, it was also the memories it brought with it. Memories of birthdays with his dads or the ice cream from the shop down the street from his parent's house. Memories that Riley clung onto with every ounce of strength he had lest they be forgotten with time and age. He cherished those memories. They were all that he had left.

Once they had finished eating, Baxter, Maggie and Tina quickly cleaned up and left the room. Noah pulled a small, black, remote from his pocket and after pressing a few buttons, if the night wasn't already perfect enough, the Rose, by Bette Midler began to play throughout the room. Noah rose from his seat and extended his hand to Riley. "May I have this dance?" He asked, looking down at the omega who had captured his heart.

Riley's heart fluttered as he stood, his hand trembling as it met Noah's. "I...I don't know how to dance." He said softly, his eyes meeting Noah's.

Noah's smile was reassuring. "It's Okay." He said, "Just follow my lead."

With a nod, Riley allowed himself to be guided to the dance floor. The gentle melody of the music filled the air as Noah's arms encircled him, guiding him effortlessly across the floor. With each step, Riley felt himself surrendering to the music. They danced in perfect harmony as the world around them faded away until there was only the two of them, lost in the magic of the moment. Riley melted into Noah's arms, their bodies moved and swayed to the music, pressed together in an intimate embrace. Then, as the music reached its crescendo, Noah leaned in and pressed his lips to Riley's.

It was so right, so perfect. Riley fit against him as though he were made to exist in Noah's arms, and he never wanted to let him go. Noah opened his mouth and he felt Riley respond in kind. Their tongues met, dancing together in the wet heat of their mouths. Noah's body came alive, burning with desire as he heard Riley's needful gasp. He slid his tongue deeper into the omega's mouth, tasting him. He tasted sweet, like wine and chocolate. Noah felt himself growing hard and soon in a effort to calming his growing desire, he started to pull back, meaning to break the kiss but Riley held onto him, refusing to let go.

Riley slid his hands up Noah's chest and around the back of his neck, pressing his body further against him. Noah moaned, reaching down and cupping Riley's ass. He loved how close they were, how their bodies molded together as though were made for each other. Noah kissed him greedily, sucking and biting at his full, pink, lips. He trailed kisses along Riley's jaw and then his neck. He could feel the heat from Riley's body and smell his scent, sweet and floral, like roses.

"My rose." Noah whispered into Riley's ear.

"What?" Riley asked, his voice sounding quiet and disconnected as though he were lost in a trance.

"You're my rose." Noah repeated in equally hushed tones.

"I love roses." Riley purred into the side of Noah's neck, wrapping his arms tighter around the alpha.

"I know." Noah smiled. "So do I."

***

Lilian glanced at the clock. It was almost ten but she couldn't seem to settle her nerves enough to wind down for the night. Noah had not joined her for dinner and when she discovered the reason why, she was livid. She knew that Noah had intended to invite Riley to stay in the mansion but Lilian had hoped, after their heated discussion over breakfast, that Riley would take the hint and leave. Apparently he was more determined to worm his way into Noah's bed than she'd originally thought. No matter, Lilian was just as determined, if not more so. She planned to end Noah's infatuation with Riley before he got in to deep.

Seated behind her mahogany desk, Lilian tapped her perfectly manicured nails impatiently as she considered her options. The air in the room was heavy with the scent of expensive perfume, the faintest aroma of stale coffee, and Lilian's growing frustration. She needed information and she needed it fast. There was only one person that she knew could be trusted not to betray her to Noah. Picking up her smart phone, she quickly dialed a familiar number then waited, anxiously, for the call to be picked up.

After a few rings, a gravely voice answered on the other end. "Hello?"

"Lewis, it's Lilian." She said, her tone cool and business like.

She immediately heard a groan coming from the other end of the line. "Lilian, it's late. What's this about?"

"I need a favor." She replied, lowering her voice to a soft whisper.

There was a slight pause and then a very audible sigh."I'm all out of favors to give." The voice on the phone said, not hiding his annoyance with the late night call.

"Don't give me that." Lilian hissed. "Lewis, you owe me."

Another pause. "Fine. What do you need?"

Lilian leaned back in her chair, a calculating gleam in her eyes. "I need you to do some digging for me."

"Business or personal?"

"Personal." She said. "I want you to look into the background of someone named Riley Hicks. He's...involved with my son, Noah. I need to know everything about him."

"Riley Hicks, huh? Any particular reason?"

Lilian hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I have reason to believe that he's not what he seems. He grew up in foster care, apparently. His parents were killed in a car accident, or so he claims. I want to know the details of that accident, who his parents were, what they did and where he went after they died. I want to know if he has any living family, where he went to school, where he's worked. And most importantly, I want to know if he's hiding anything from Noah."

When Lewis spoke again, there was a note of concern in his voice. "Lilian, are you sure about this? You seem...determined to find something, even if there isn't anything there to find."

Lilian's jaw tightened. "I'm sure. I just need to know if this boy is genuine or, as I suspect, he's just after Noah's money."

Lewis sighed. "Alright, I'll get started right away but remember, sometimes the truth can be difficult to accept."

Lilian rubbed at her temples, frowning. "I'm well aware that, Lewis. Just get me the information I need."

"Alright. Give me a few days and I'll be in touch."

"Be quick about it." With that, she ended the call, her mind already spinning with possibilities. One thing that really bothered her though was the name Hicks. It seemed so familiar, like she had heard it somewhere before yet, she just couldn't place it. At any rate, something about Noah's new friend just didn't sit right with her. If Riley was hiding something, and she was almost certain that he was, she would find out soon enough. She was determined to expose the truth about Riley Hicks no matter what the cost.

***

Riley rested his head on Noah's shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beat against his chest. They danced another two dances, swaying together as the melody of each new song wrapped around them like a warm embrace.

Finally, as the last song came to an end, they returned to the table and Noah refilled each of their glasses. Riley took a small, tentative, sip of his wine. Already feeling the effects of the drink, he didn't want to get too intoxicated. He had to admit though, the wine did make him feel more relaxed and also a bit giddy. He was surprised at how quickly it had affected him. This wasn't his first time drinking alcohol though it wasn't something he indulged in regularly, he still thought he should have been able to handle it better.

Noah, on the other hand, seemed perfectly fine. The wine obviously had not had the same effect on him as it had Riley. Of course, Noah's size probably helped him metabolize the alcohol better. He was taller than Riley and more muscular. And, generally speaking, alphas were just plain stronger so, of course he'd be able to hold his alcohol better than Riley.