Friends, Sexcapades and Love Affairs Ch. 24

He felt guilty for being tight-lipped with them about his plan, but this time, when he invited everyone over, it had to be to announce his victory. Also, something else. A grin curled his lips as he thought about how shocked they would all be once he told them the big news.

But he shouldn't celebrate before climbing in the ring. There were many things to put in order, such as spending a small fortune on a new suit. After all, he needed to make an excellent first impression on his future in-laws.

***

"I'm close," Adrian said after greeting the person on the other end.

"Wait for me. I'll come get you," Christian whispered in an urgent tone.

Adrian parked at a fair distance from the estate. The Hastings were even bigger shots than he had imagined, so there was no way he would be allowed to pull in the driveway just like that. The surprise element was essential and having Christian working as an inside agent was part of the plan.

He had to wait for almost ten minutes, during which he nervously checked himself in the rearview mirror. Usually, he was proud of his looks, but now he was anxious like a kid on his first day in a new school. This wasn't his crowd; as charming as he could be, he doubted the people he would meet soon could be that easy to sway.

Christian emerged from behind the high gates, hands in his pockets, his hair as rebellious as the first time they met. He was grinning ear to ear, and it looked like he was happy for something to happen since the Sunday affairs at the Hastings, as he had told Adrian, were self-harm-inducing boring.

He knocked playfully on the car window, and Adrian lowered it so that they could speak.

"Everything all right?" He tried to rein in the anxiety he felt.

Christian offered him a huge smile. "Now would be a good moment to introduce yourself to the family. They are having dessert, and about half of them are already dozing off." He yawned, pressing a hand over his mouth in an exaggerated gesture.

"How am I going to pass through those gates? I noticed that there is someone manning them. Did Edward's folks never heard of automated systems?"

"Don't worry about that. I sent the porter on a fool's errand, and we have enough time to squeeze you in. But leave the car here; you might need it as a getaway vehicle."

"Now you're making me feel a bit uneasy. Will Edward's dad hunt me down with a rifle from the Second World War or something?"

Christian shrugged, but it looked like he could enjoy that kind of event. "Let's go. If we meet anyone on the way, I'll just say you're a friend of mine."

"I thought you said this day-long lunches are for family only."

"Yes, but no one can say rules can't be bent."

"Christian, I feel like I need to ask you. Are you sure? Once we're inside, you could pretend you don't know me."

Christian offered a smirk in return. "And risk having you thrown out before getting a chance to light up the seat of their pants? No way. I'm your ride-or-die." He stretched his arm, hand made into a fist.

Adrian climbed out of the car and pushed his fist into Christian's, determined not to leave him hanging.

There was so much pride in Christian's eyes and admiration that Adrian felt a bit embarrassed.

"That was my first brofist," Christian announced.

Adrian could understand why the kid liked to gossip. It looked like there weren't many ways for him to have fun. That would change. Once he and Edward -

He shook his head. The war was far from over. He was heading toward the battlefield right now, with nothing on his side by absurd bravery and a deep desire burning hot for a man called Edward Hastings.

The family estate was far more impressive than Edward's mansion, but Adrian didn't waste any time to observe the grandeur of the place. What he wanted more than everything was to extract Edward from it and make him his.

Christian became stiffer as they walked inside. A few members of the personnel greeted them in passing, but no one asked about Adrian's presence. However, a few curious looks landed on him, and Adrian couldn't stop thinking that the people hired there appeared ready to look down on him if they knew that he didn't belong there. He played a few snarky remarks in his mind and followed Christian to a large impressive door that supposedly led to the dining room.

"Ready?" Christian whispered.

"I was born ready," Adrian said with a smirk.

Christian encouraged him with a smile. They stepped inside, and, for a couple of moments, Adrian froze as he took in the opulence of the place. There was even a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, above the long table, at which around twenty people or so sat. Classical music played softly in the background, and the murmured conversation stopped when he entered. Pairs and pairs of curious eyes glued to him.

"Good afternoon," Adrian said politely. "My name is Adrian Rossi, and I'm here to talk to Mr. Charles Hastings on an important matter."

The silence continued.

"What is this nonsense?" Someone spoke from the head of the table, at the far end from Adrian.

Suddenly, the murmurs were back, echoing the words of the head of the family.

"Adrian's with me, uncle Charles," Christian intervened. "You'll want to listen to what he has to say."

Charles stood up, and Adrian had the chance for a good look at him. A man in his sixties, he carried himself like true royalty. His white hair was cut short, without any military rigor, and he appeared to be in perfect shape for his age. Everyone else at the table seemed to be suddenly small, despite him not being a particularly tall man. "And why didn't Mr. Rossi choose to approach me on a workday?"

Adrian scanned the room, looking for Edward. He sat somewhere in the middle, between two old relatives. His face was white as a sheet, and Adrian pondered briefly over whether he wasn't about to commit a severe mistake. No, he didn't have time to second-guess himself. It wasn't like he was outing Edward to the family. All he wanted was a word with the head of the family. It was needed to prove to Edward that he had meant everything and that he was willing to go the extra mile to prove it.

"This isn't about business, uncle Charles," Christian said. "It's about the family."

Charles appeared to frown slightly, although, from that distance, Adrian couldn't read his face well. "I suppose this is unconventional, but please, let's step into my office, Mr. Rossi."

Christian nudged Adrian to move, as it seemed that he needed to go behind the row of chairs to follow Charles through a side door. Edward stood up and began walking behind them at a fast pace. "What on earth do you think you're doing?" he hissed.

Adrian didn't bother to reply. He walked out of the room with both Christian and Edward in tow. Charles already waited for him in front of another door. "Edward," he said in an emotionless voice. "What is this about?"

"It concerns me, father," Edward replied.

A small sign of recognition appeared on Charles's face. "I see. Let's get this over with, then. You can go back and entertain our guests, Edward. You, too, Christian. This is between Mr. Rossi and I. And my checkbook," he added under his breath.

Adrian set his jaw hard. Christian didn't know the details of the so-called test, but he had a hunch that it wasn't necessarily about disowning Edward. Whatever Charles hinted at made much more sense. As much as Edward liked to think that his parents had come to terms with his choice of partners, Adrian sensed that it couldn't be completely true.

He followed Charles into the room, the head of the house called his office. It was as magnificent as the rest of the property Adrian had seen so far, but, again, he didn't plan on gawking and acting like an uncultured monkey.

He stood, waiting to be told to sit down. Charles was already at his desk, scribbling something in what, indeed, looked like a checkbook. "Don't bother with that, Mr. Hastings."

"Hmm?" Charles looked like he couldn't be bothered to listen.

"I'm not here for your money."

"Adrian," Edward called from behind. "Please, don't make a scene."

"Edward, I thought I told you something," Charles said in the same grave voice from before. "Christian, this is not something you should witness."

It was so strange for all three of them to stand, close to the door, while Charles sat at his desk. The balance of power was evident. Too bad Adrian didn't care for such things.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Christian said.

Adrian could tell the kid was grinning without looking at him.

"Close the door," Charles ordered shortly. He continued to scribble down in his checkbook. "Here you go, Mr. Rossi," he said and stretched out his hand. "I think you will find the pay acceptable."

Adrian made no move to take the check. "As I said, Mr. Hastings, I'm not here to take your money. I have plenty of my own."

"Really?" Charles quirked an eyebrow. "And what do you do for a living?"

"I work in advertising. I'm the Advertising Sales Director at the company I'm working for. And I'm just twenty-six years old. In a couple of years' time, I hope to get my own company on its feet."

"A working man," Charles said with a small smile. "If it's not a check you want, perhaps you would be interested in some recommendations. A few accounts would offer you a nice start, I suppose."

"No," Adrian said. "I'm not here to network, sir."

Charles let the check fall on the table. He shifted in his chair and stared at Adrian with new eyes. "What are you here for?"

Edward reached for him and caught his elbow. "Adrian, whatever you think you're doing, stop. And you, Christian -"

"Just to make it clear," Charles began, "is Mr. Rossi one of your male lovers, Edward?"

There was no disdain in how the words were said; they were just cold and measured.

Adrian shook off Edward's touch. He was still plenty angry with him. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am Edward's boyfriend," he replied.

"Boyfriend." Charles frowned for a second, then his features smoothed out in a neutral expression. "If you please, Mr. Rossi, name your price. As you can see, I have allowed enough already. Our guests are waiting."

Adrian looked one second at Edward. It was all he needed to strengthen his resolve. He was pissed as hell, but he knew, without the shadow of a doubt, why he was there. He turned toward Charles. "I don't have a price, sir. What I want is your son's hand in marriage." Adrian felt a bit stupid saying the words as if they played in a historical drama, and any moment now, the twenty-first century would come bursting through the door.

His words fell like bricks in the silence of the room.

"Adrian, have you lost your mind?" Edward was the first to explode.

"It's all right where it's supposed to be. You shut up now, while I discuss with your father about this important matter."

Charles's eyes grew wide. Adrian could swear he could hear Edward grinding his teeth. Well, he deserved to be put in place after assuming that easily that Adrian would be a sellout.

"This is so touching," Christian intervened. "I need to document this for all eternity."

"Christian, put away that phone or I'll have you swallow it," Charles boomed, taking everyone by surprise. "Get out now. You're too young to hear what I'm about to say."

Christian mumbled something, but he opened the door. "I can be your getaway driver," he whispered to Adrian before leaving the room.

Well, at least the 'ride' part was true in the 'ride-or-die' comment Christian had made earlier. But Adrian couldn't blame him. It looked like Charles Hastings wasn't someone who could be ignored when giving a direct order. Too bad, he couldn't order Adrian around.

"What is this absurdity?" Charles started, as soon as Christian was gone. His eyes moved from Adrian to Edward and back at him.

"I don't care if you choose to disown Edward," Adrian said fearlessly. "All I want is him."

Charles blinked a couple of times. "I thought the foolish idea of marrying a man had long fled your mind, Edward." He turned his attention to his son.

"Adrian doesn't speak for me, father."

"Then what is he doing here?" An unpleasant sneer appeared on the older Mr. Hastings's face.

"I'm here exactly for the reason I presented you," Adrian said stubbornly. If Edward was a coward, he wasn't. "I want to marry your son."

"He doesn't wish to marry you," Charles pointed out. "It appears that you're overstaying your welcome, young man." He appeared relaxed now.

Adrian didn't plan on letting the matter go. "He does. He's just afraid to go against you."

Charles smirked in satisfaction. "Like any son who truly respects his parents."

"How many relationships have you ruined for Edward, Mr. Hastings?" Adrian asked.

The question appeared to catch Charles off guard. "Edward has no business marrying a man. I don't care if other people think such travesty has a place in the world."

Adrian could feel the tension in his jaw growing. Yet, he kept on a pleasant demeanor. "How about you allow Edward to speak for himself?"

"Nobody keeps him from speaking. He just doesn't have anything to say."

Adrian turned to face Edward. He was pale and barely kept it in. He hated to do anything to hurt him right now, but Adrian needed to know. "Don't you have anything to say, Edward? Is it true what your father says, that he has never ruined anything for you? How many of your lovers did he corrupt with money?"

Edward was paperwhite now. Adrian bore his eyes into his. No matter how painful it was, a moment of truth was needed.

Edward didn't look away from him. "Three ... No, four."

The words were barely uttered. Adrian turned with a triumphant expression on his face toward Charles. "See? Your son does have something to say, after all."

Charles frowned. "I am already tired of this nonsense. Why did you have to take such a stubborn one to bed this time, Edward?"

Adrian had a few ideas about the reasons, but he wouldn't scandalize his future father-in-law by opening his mouth on the topic.

"Fine. I'll go on a limb here and assume that you know how to play your cards, Mr. Rossi." Charles began writing another check.

"Don't bother, Mr. Hastings," Adrian said.

"I will show you, Edward, for the umpteenth time, what these men are made of," Charles said, pretending to be deaf to Adrian's words. "Here, Mr. Rossi. It's enough to open three companies, not one." Adrian didn't move. Charles waved the check as if he could lure Adrian with it. "Take one look at it. You might think that I'm trying to fool you, but I'm not. It's good to cash in right now. Take it."

Adrian was starting to get bored with Charles's display. He took the check, looked at it, recited the amount out loud, and then put it back in front of Charles. "Sorry, still not interested. Edward is the one I want. Just agree and let's part amiably. I promise you won't have to see me, ever again."

Charles's face smoothed again. He began talking, offering Adrian obscene promises, all the while his eyes glinting. Adrian tuned it all out and started yawning. He put a hand to his mouth. "Is this how you lost the others?" he asked Edward, who stood there with a pained expression on his face.

Adrian had never seen him so messed up. That needed correction.

At his question, Edward just nodded meekly.

Adrian turned toward Charles, who didn't appear to be capable of stopping talking bullshit. "Well, you're not going to lose me," he said to Edward, his eyes never leaving Charles. "I don't care about any of this stuff."

Charles seemed to finally relent. "I see. Your stubborness is absurd. But all of this doesn't matter since Edward doesn't plan on marrying you, anyway. I think we're done here, Mr. Rossi. I suppose you don't want to walk out of here, escorted like some petty criminal."

"I'll be out of your hair in a moment," Adrian promised. "There's one last thing I have to do."

Edward's mouth went slack when Adrian went down on one knee and offered the small square box that had been in his pocket for the entire day. "Edward Hastings, I'm going to ask you in this stupid cheesy manner, only this time. Will you ditch your fancy life, and come live with me? I promise we won't end eating only ramen or other non-nutritious meals."

"What are you asking, idiot?" Edward mumbled, but his eyes were soft like Adrian had never seen them.

"Will you marry me, asshole?" Adrian replied in kind. "This is what I'm asking. And hurry, because this position sucks balls and not in a fun way."

Charles gasped in what had to be outrage. Probably no one ever talked like that under that roof. Well, there were first times for everything, including Adrian Rossi going on one knee and saying corny stuff.

"Edward, please tell your acquaintance that my patience is running thin."

"I won't get up until I hear an answer," Adrian said. "Yes or no, Edward. What will it be?"

"Just tell him 'no' already and end this tasteless display," Charles said in disgust.

"Yes," Edward said.

"Then hurry," Charles said. "You don't have to confirm everything I'm telling you. Just go ahead and -"

Adrian grinned. "Sorry, sir, but your son just replied to my question."

Edward was still white as a sheet, but he took the box from Adrian's hand.

"Edward!" Charles was, apparently, flabbergasted and overwhelmed by the course of events. "You can't be serious."

Edward threw one look at Adrian, who stood up, wincing. "I'm afraid I am, dad."

"Edward, stop this nonsense right now!"

"Let's go, Edward." Adrian grabbed his boyfriend's hand and pulled him toward the door. "We have the getaway car waiting for us."

"Edward, get back here this instant!"

Adrian didn't wait to hear more of that. He rushed through the door, hand in hand with Edward.

"Will anyone stop us?" He broke into a sprint, forcing Edward to keep up. "Which way can we get out of here faster?"

Edward took the lead, and Adrian was the one to follow. Apparently, there was a shortcut, and soon they were out of the house.

"Where is your car?" Edward asked, his voice tensed.

"Parked outside," Adrian replied.

The porter tried to stop them. "Mr. Edward, please -"

"Sorry, man, we can't stay and chat," Adrian dodged him, and Edward just murmured something as he followed his example.

A happy honk let him know that his ride-or-die was behind the wheel, as promised. Something was wrong with that picture, but Adrian didn't have the time to stop and think. Adrian and Edward climbed quickly in the backseat.

"Pedal to the metal, partner," Adrian said.

"What did he say?" Christian asked.

"He said 'yes'!" Adrian replied victoriously.

Christian shouted from the top of his lungs as he kicked the engine into gear.

"Oh, damn, are you guys insane?" Edward protested. "No one's really coming -"

"Oh, shut up already." Adrian pressed his lips against Edward's mouth. He had missed that.

Edward struggled against him, much to his annoyance. One would have thought that once he had said 'yes', Edward would be less of a pain in the butt.

Adrian tried to kiss him again. Edward kept him away. "Christian doesn't have a license!"

"What?! Christian!" Adrian sobered up instantly. "Stop the car immediately!" Another realization hit him. "And how the hell did you get the keys?"

"I picked your pocket," Christian replied, completely unfazed and pleased with himself.

"Where did you get this cousin of yours?" Adrian turned toward Edward. "Juvie?"

Edward just shrugged.

"Stop the car, Christian," Adrian commanded in the more commandeering voice he could muster.

"Just one more minute," Christian begged. "And I know how to drive."

"Now, Christian, or you're not my partner anymore."

That appeared to convince Christian to stop the car. He groaned and put his head on the wheel. "And I was looking forward to be chased by the police."