Finding Heaven

Finding Heaven

Chapter one

XXXXX

Armand Riesel of Riesel Hotel watched the blond in high heels walk down the steps of his mansion. He wasn’t really angry, not anymore. It was just too tiring to argue and fight anymore. Just wasn’t worth trying to make things work. Stopping at the bottom the blond put one manicured red painted fingernail to the bottom of red painted lips, before pale blue eyes came to him where he had stopped a few steps up.

“You’re still upset?” one perfectly shaped eyebrow rose with the question.

“No, Val I’m not,” Armand said coming down the rest of the way, he meet the pale blue eyes. “Disappointed mostly.”

“Well I’m sorry,” Val said still tapping a fingernail against the blood red bottom lip. “But you were to unreasonable Armand; you wanted something I couldn’t give.”

“I don’t find it all that unreasonable to expect my lover to be faithful.” Armand said crossing his arms over his chest.

“You haven’t touched me in months, I got lonely.” Val said turning to walk towards the living room.

“That’s because you’ve been in every man’s bed in this town,” Armand hissed praying his temper would hold. He saw Val stop and turn back to him.

“I like to be touched Armand you knew that when we started.” Val replied.

“Just not by me,” Armand sighed, seeing blue eyes look at him surprised.

“You’re a beast Armand, you never know when to keep control,” Val turned away again, not seeing the pain in Armand’s eyes.

“I never lose my control with you, Val, never once.” Armand replied. “All I wanted was someone to be faithful, and someone I can trust.”

“You want someone to own, someone you can control.” Val said shrugging a shoulder. “You want someone to be completely dependent on you, and I can’t be that anymore.”

“You told me that you wanted someone to take care of you, give you nice gifts, pretty clothes, jewelry.” Armand said seeing a smile come to those perfect lips.

“I did, but I didn’t know in return I’d have to give up my freedom.” Val said walking back over to him.

“You didn’t have to give up your freedom, Val. All I asked is that you were faithful to me.” Armand said.

“I’m sorry, but I have to pack,” Val said picking up a portfolio from the coffee table before turning to head back towards the steps.

“What the hell do you mean pack?” Armand hissed seeing the blond stop.

“You know love, pack my clothes and things.” Val said smiling.

“I don’t think so, you’re leaving this relationship the same way you came into it.” Armand hissed his temper stretched almost to the breaking point.

“What?! You can’t be serious,” Val cried a pout coming to those perfectly painted lips.

“Oh I am,” Armand said running a hand though his hair, trying not to meet the tears in the pale blue eyes. Seeing one slid down the pale cheek he felt his resolve crack a little. “Alright, you can take what you can carry, and I will give you a five thousand dollar check to help you out. Everything else will be burned.”

“I suppose that’s fair,” Val said knowing that was about the best one could expect.

“Yes,” Armand said watching Val head back up the stairs. Turning he walked into his office to write the check and to make sure all credit cards and bank accounts he had placed in Val’s name were canceled. Sitting down he leaned back in his chair.

“Armand?” Val’s silky voice came from the doorway. Looking up Armand looked over the person in his doorway, the tall lean body, long blond hair. The dress was an original, tightly fitting. Make up done perfect, nails done twice a week. Hell here was a walking fortune alone. “Want to do it one last time?”

“I’ll pass,” Armand said sliding the check across the desk. When he looked up he could see the pout that came to those lips again. Perfect lips, lips any man would die to have.

“Oh come on love,” Val said.

“God only knows what you’ve caught Val,” Armand said shaking his head as he ran his hand trough his short black hair.

“You know I’ve always practiced safe sex,” Val said reaching down to pick up the check.

“Sure that’s why your two last check ups came back with Gonorrhea, and herpes?” Armand asked shaking his head.

“You are to up tight about this whole medical thing,” Val said. “Besides it was just a few indiscretions.”

“Do you call me coming home to find you in my bed, not with one man but two a few indiscretions?” Armand asked seeing that Val had no forthcoming answer. “You’re lucky I don’t strip you down, put you in what you were wearing when I meet you and dump you back at that club.”

He waited to see if Val had anything to say to that, but those pale eyes continued to watch him. He hated having those eyes look at him like that; it made him remember how much he liked having that body wrapped around him. Shaking his head he leaned forward to place his elbows on the desk.

“Look at you Val. You’re a primadonna and you weren’t like that when we meet.” Armand said his eyes scanning the dress-clad body again. “Just get your stuff and leave Val.”

Armand turned his chair towards the window unable to look at his lost lover any longer. His eyes scanned the manicured lawn outside of his house that was until he saw a car pull up into his driveway. A Mercedes. He watched as a man got out and took the bags that Val was holding to put into the trunk. He then watched as they got back into the car and drove away.

Turning back to his desk he picked up his phone to call his housekeeper. As he hung up the phone he leaned back again and closed his eyes. Maybe he was asking too much, maybe he wanted someone who couldn’t get away from him, someone completely dependent on him. No he wanted someone who was faithful that was it.

“Yes Armand?” The woman said coming into his office.

“Margaret, would you please air out the guest room, and have Val’s room cleared out.” Armand said seeing her nod. “Oh and I want whatever Val’s left to be burned.”

“Yes sir,” Margaret said softly. “About your suite sir?”

“Oh sorry,” Armand said having forgot to tell her. “I want the bed in my suite burned, and a new one put in.”

“Yes sir,” She said leaving the office. Staring at the door for a few minutes he sighed. He had come home to make one last effort to stay his wayward lover. Only to find the scene of the three of them in his bed together. Gritting his teeth he turned to his computer. He had cleared his schedule to be with Val today. Stop thinking about it, his mind yelled at him.

XXXXX

“Good morning Mr. Riesel,” The chauffeur said holding the door open for him.

“Good morning, Gates.” Armand said getting into the car. He smiled at the man across from him. “Morning Adam.”

“Morning,” Adam replied as the car started to move. He waited until Armand was settled before breaking the news that he had. “Several of the investors have pulled out of the Grand Hotel project, said something about the area not being profitable.”

“Yes well they’re a bunch of imbeciles,” Armand said shaking his head. Just want he needed, first his lover leaves him now his hotel project was in jeopardy.

“Armand please,” Adam said sighing. “Just send them the data quotes and they’ll see.”

“So let them read the projections, when they should believe me about the growth the area will have over the next two year?” Armand asked looking at the man.

“Since you’ve bought the land so cheep they’re concerned.” Adam said seeing his boss turn to look out the window. He could see by the look that last night didn’t go well for the man.

“Did you remember to cancel Val’s credit cards and accounts?” Armand asked looking back at Adam.

“Yes I did, last night after you called.” Adam replied as they pulled to a stop in front of one of his hotels.

“So what’s wrong with this one?” Armand asked getting out of the car, looking up he couldn’t say that he had ever been here before.

“Last one on your fathers list, I thought you might like to go over it.” Adam replied handing a file to him.

“Kind of small,” Armand said taking the file as he headed into the place. Upon entering he stopped his eyes scanning the small lobby. It was dimly lit, and the décor was about twenty years out of date. He turned when he saw an older woman coming towards them.

“My my, you are the image of your father,” She said stopping in front of them.

“Yeah,” Armand said his gaze scanning the hotel again, and decided to get right to business. “So how many rooms are useable?”

“All of them,” She replied sounding a bit surprised.

“Three hundred right?” Armand said checking the figures. Seeing that it was the right number he scanned the income for the year. “Incomes kind of low.”

“Yes well, considering the location, and the décor it’s not surprising.” She said seeing him look at her.

“I’d like to see a few of the rooms, and the pool.” Armand said seeing her nod.

“This way please.” She said gritting her teeth slightly as she led the way up an open staircase towards the second floor. Armand smiled slightly as he followed after her. At the top of the stairs she stopped in front of a door and pulled a key from her pocket. “This is our best suite.”

“I see,” Armand said walking into the room. He stopped seeing a small room with a sofa one chair, and a TV. In the corner stood a small bar. Keeping a groan to himself he walked over to the other door in the room opening to see a king size bed, two nightstands, a chair and an armoire. “Hum.”

“What does that mean?” The woman asked Adam quietly as Armand opened the bathroom door.

“Its means he’s not impressed.” Adam said giving the woman a weak smile.

“Oh,” She said looking back at the tall man.

“All right, I’d like to see the pool now,” Armand said seeing the woman open her mouth then shut it.

“Of course,” She said leading the way out of the room. Armand followed after her, his decision already made. He planed on having the thing bulldozed. Riding the elevator down, he glanced over at Adam then the woman again. They exited the elevator in just outside the pool area. Walking into it Armand eyes scanned the area.

“Well,” He said walking the area. Nothing impressive, the pool only went to five foot, and the hot tub had an out of order sign on it. Shaking his head he was about to give his answer when something caught his eye. Walking over he looked at the plaque. ‘Dedicated to my beautiful Rebecca.’ “Adam.”

“Sir?” Adam said knowing that Armand was going to shut the hotel down; he gave the woman a sad look.

“Have it remodeled.” Armand said turning to walk out of the pool area. Adam stared after him stunned for a few minutes before turning to the woman who looked very surprised.

“I will have our decorator contact you,” Adam said seeing her nod as he followed after his employer. He didn’t catch up with Armand until he got to the limo outside. Getting in he looked over at the man sitting across from him staring out the window again. “Armand?”

“It was my mothers wedding present,” Armand said glancing at Adam then back out the window. Adam didn’t comment, but he knew now why Armand decided to remodel instead of tearing it down. Going to his papers he looked for the best decorator for this hotel.

“How about Anni Price?” Adam asked seeing Armand shake his head no. “Terrance Bleehouse?”

“How about Gayle Rodgers?” Armand asked.

“She’s out of town,” Adam replied.

“How long?” He asked his eyes still outside watching the people on the darken street.

“Don’t know, but I’ll find out,” Adam replied seeing Armand head snap up.

“Gates stop the car,” Armand yelled as the car came to a screeching halt. Getting out Armand made his way back towards an alley where he saw several men beating a girl. “Hey!”

“What the hell,” One of the men said looking at where Armand stood.

“Shit let’s get out of here,” another said as they drop the girl and ran. Muttering Armand walked over to seeing her pull up to her knees.

“Hey you ok?” Armand asked kneeling down.

“Fine,” The voice said looking up. Armand’s eyes widened when he relied that it wasn’t a girl but a boy.

“Here,” Armand said handing the kid a hanky. Seeing the kid take it and press it to the cut on his mouth.

“Sir?” Adam said out of breath as he stopped in front of the alley way.

“I’m right here Adam,” Armand said his eyes still on boy.

“Is everything alright?” Adam asked taking a step into the alley.

“Fine,” Armand said reaching out to the take the boy’s shoulder, only to see him pull away slightly. “Come on I’ll give you a ride home.”

“Ha,” The boy said smiling. “Thanks, but I’m already home.”

“What?” Armand asked as he stood and so did the kid.

“I live in this alley,” The kid said indicating the dirty alley behind him. Armand looked down at the dirty red head, his eyes scanning the body. He’s eyes went back to the alley, before scanning the boy again. A thought came to him; suddenly see a clear plan of action.

“Alright then, I have a proposition for you,” Armand said grinning; he saw the boy looked startled looking at Adam then back at him.

“What kind of proposition?” He asked taking a step back. The boy looked around, seemingly looking for the best escape route.

“Come with me and find out,” Armand replied turning to walk out of the alley, but stopped and turned back to him. “Its not like you have somewhere you need to be.”

“I guess,” The boy said slowly following them out of the alley, his eyes widened at the limo parked on the street. Gates stood by the car waiting, as they approached he opened the door. Adam was the first to get in, while Armand waited for the boy.

“Back to the hotel sir?” Gates asked seeing Armand nod. Getting in he sat across from the boy, his eyes scanning the face in the dimly lit interior. Leaning forward slightly he opened the small fridge and pulled out a bottle of water which he held out to the boy.

“Thanks,” He said taking the water as he sat back to study the man across from him. He then shifted his attention Adam. He could see that Adam had a look he couldn’t place. He looked up when the limo pulled to a stop in front of a huge hotel, his eyes widening.

“Come on,” Armand said seeing the kid nod as he got out of the limo. He was quiet as he followed the man into the hotel wondering what he had gotten himself into to. He was quiet as he followed the man across the huge lobby to an elevator. He fidgeted as they rode up to the top floor. They exited the elevator and he was glad to see it was an office, relaxing slightly he followed the two men into one office. “Please sit.”

“Sir,” Adam said watching as the boy sat down. But he stopped at the look that Armand was giving him, nodding slightly he stood by the door.

“What’s your name?” Armand asked the boy.

“It’s Destin, Destin Rarry.” He said looking up.

“Alright,” Armand said sitting back in his chair as he watched the boy. “Are you interested in my proposal?”

“Maybe, depends on what it is.” The boy said seeing the man watch him for a few more minutes.

“I want you to become my lover,” Armand said seeing shock come to the boy’s face. He heard Adam mumble something, but his eyes stayed on Destin.

“I’m not…” Destin replied.

“Gay, I know.” Armand said seeing surprise come to they boy’s face again.

“Then why?” Destin asked looking over at Adam who was staring at the floor.

“Simple,” Armand replied. “Your homeless, you have no job, and from what I can see you have no money.”

“Yeah,” Destin replied looking back at him. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll have sex with you for money.”

“There’s more to it than that,” Armand said. “I will give you a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear.”

“In exchange for sex?” Destin asked not seeing the difference.

“Yes,” Armand said turning to Adam. “Why don’t you go get some food?”

“Sure,” Adam said leaving the office. When he turned back to Destin he could see panic cross the boy’s face.

“How old are you?” He asked.

“Eighteen,” Destin croaked looking like he wanted to escape. “And if I said yes, I would be no better then a whore.”

“Sort of,” Armand placed his elbows on his desk, resting his chin on his hands. “How long have you been on the streets?” He asked.

“Six months,” The boy answered dropping his eyes. Armand could see the shame that stained Destin’s face, and shaking his head he tried to make the boy feel better.

“Just think of my offer Destin,” Armand said, seeing silver green eyes come back to him. “If you decide you don’t want to do it, I will help you out with money for an apartment, and I’m sure I could find work in one of my hotels for you.”

“Oh,” Destin said, he didn’t know how to reply. It wasn’t every day he got picked up and was offered to become a gay man’s kept boy. He was quiet until Adam came back with food, which had his mouth watering since he hadn’t eaten in at least two days. He watched as Adam set the food down on the desk.

“I’d like to speak with you,” Adam said seeing Armand nod and getting up he started to follow.

“Go ahead and eat,” Armand said seeing the boy nod. With a last look he stepped into the reception area his eyes going to Adam.

“I think this is a very bad idea.” Adam said looking up at him.

“It’s a wonderful idea,” Armand said smiling. “He’s got nowhere else to go, and he’s very beautiful.”

“That’s not the point Armand, you don’t know anything about him, and he’s not gay.” He replied shaking his head.

“Listen; if he accepts the proposal and he comes back clean it will be fine. I don’t have to worry about him running off with another man like Val did.” Armand said spitting out the name.

“Armand, you’re not getting it, he’s not gay. He’s not going to sleep with you, how can you be so sure he’ll stay and not clean you out?” Adam said shaking his head. He saw the hated look that came to Armand’s face, be he needed Armand to understand. But he could see the determination in Armand’s eyes.

“It will be okay,” Armand said seeing Adam finally nod. Walking back in, they stopped as the boy looked up his face turning red.

“Sorry,” Destin said dropping his eyes as he swallowed.

“You can go Adam,” Armand said seeing Adam nod as he left the office, crossing over to his chair Armand sat down his eyes going to the boy again. He could see that he was making Destin nervous by watching him. With a sigh he turned in his chair to look out the window of his office.

“Hey mister,” Destin said seeing the man turn back towards him.

“It’s Armand Riesel,” Armand replied seeing Destin nod his head.

“Riesel, like the hotels?” Destin asked seeing him nod. “And if I accept this proposal do I have to have sex with you right now?”

“No,” Armand replied seeing the boy’s face flame red. “You will see the doctor for a complete check up, and if those test come back negative then you will get cleaned up and a new wardrobe will be started for you.”

“You’re not going to dress me up in faggy stuff are you?” Destin asked realizing to late what he said. He heard a small laugh come from the other man.

“No, you can choose what you wear.” Armand said. “Then we’ll get you move into my house, and go from there. That is if you accept.”

“Its not like I got any other offers,” Destin muttered. Looking up he saw that Armand was watching him. “Is there a trial period, you may not like having me around. It’s not like I’ve ever had sex with a man before.”

“I guess a getting to know each other.” Armand said seeing him relax ever so slightly. “And it’s not all about sex Destin.”

“Its not?” Destin asked watching Armand’s face, seeing the businessman’s face hadn’t changed since he had met him.

“No, you would accompany me on trips, and to formal dinner meetings, I take a vacation once a year.” Armand said. He watched as Destin rolled around the information, he watched; as the boy seemed to battle with himself then finally shrug his shoulders.

“Yes,” Destin replied. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice, it’s either this or the streets.”

“Wonderful,” Armand said standing. “Well come on.”

“Okay,” Destin replied lamely. But what else was he to do; six months on the street had already shown him just how cruel life could be. He was scared, but then again he had just given his life over to a man he didn’t know He looked up at the man, he wondered how tall Armand was, he had to be taller then him by Almost a foot give or take. But considering he was only five foot one he guessed it wasn’t all that tall

“Here we are,” Armand said seeing the boy look up at him with those amazing silver green eyes.

“Here? Where is Mr. Riesel?” Destin asked seeing him open a door to a room. Taking a step in he couldn’t help but gasp, it was huge.

“My private suite, you can shower and sleep here tonight.” Armand said watching as the boy looked ready to cry. He wondered at the look.

“Thank you,” Destin said sounding awed and tired.

“I’ll leave you alone; if you should have any problems call down to the desk they’ll know how to get a hold of me.” Armand said.

“Ok, thank you again.” He said watching the man nod then turn to leave the room. Destin stared at the door for what felt like hours. His mind going over what he had just done, he agreed to something he had promised himself he’d never do. He had sold himself for the knowledge of having a home. He had become some gay man’s kept boy

Swallowing slowly he surveyed the room. He felt tears slip down his cheek; he wanted to run but knew that he wouldn’t survive another month on the streets, and the man had offered to help him. He had offered to keep him off the streets if they didn’t become lovers.

Pushing away from the door, he headed towards the bathroom. He could at least shower and sleep on it; at least he could sleep without worrying of being attacked while he slept.

XXXXX

Adam knocked on the door at 8am sharp waiting a few minutes before entering the room. His face stern, that boy had better not have ran out. Walking towards the bedroom he stopped at seeing shiny copper red hair sticking out from a lump on the sofa. Walking over he pulled up the blanket slightly.

“Ah...” Destin yelled shooting up from the sofa.

“Don’t yell, it’s unbecoming,” Adam said seeing the boy nod. He had to admit he cleaned up well, but he was still a punk from the street.

“I’m sorry,” Destin said. “You startled me.”

“Why are you sleeping on the sofa?” Adam asked seeing the boy pull the blanket closer around himself.

“I didn’t want to get his bed dirty,” Destin replied softly.

“Oh well yes, you need to get up and get dressed.” Adam said seeing the boy look up again.

“Sure,” Destin said slipping from the sofa and heading towards the bathroom. Hearing the door close Adam picked up the blanket the kid had been wrapped in and folded it. It was a few minutes later when Destin reappeared in the dirty jeans and sweatshirt he had been wearing the day before. “Where are we going?”

“To see the doctor,” Adam said leading the way from the room. He was surprised at how quiet the boy was, but then he was quiet last night too. Getting into the limo that was parked in front of the hotel, Adam continued to watch the boy; he wondered what Armand saw in him. Was it the slender body, those eyes? Maybe it was the fact the kid had no one to run to.

“Why are you staring at me?” Destin asked quietly.

“You’re very different from most of Armand’s lovers.” Adam said seeing a blush cover the boy’s cheeks. He was surprised when Destin didn’t ask how. Shrugging Adam sat back in his chair and looked out the window.

They entered the doctor’s office seeing a nurse look up. She stood and walked towards them a smile on her face and a clipboard in her hand. “Destin Rarry?”

“Yes,” Destin said seeing her nod and she handed him the clipboard and a pen.

“Fill these out, the doctor will be right with you,” She said turning away. Taking a seat Destin looked over what she had given him. Some of the lines were already filled in. First blank line was his social security number, filling that in he went onto the next question. Blood type, A. Birth date, April 12. How many sexual partners has he had? He glanced over at Adam who was watching him with a smirk.

Destin could feel his face flame as he answered the rest of the question. He saw that Armand was a very thorough person when it came to this. But still it was a little embarrassing to be answering these questions. Once finished he set the clipboard on his lap.

“All finished?” The nurse asked appearing in front of him.

“Yes ma’am,” Destin replied handing it back to her.

“Come this way please,” she said turning away. Standing Destin saw that Adam remained sitting. Well at least he got to see the doctor alone. Following the nurse he sat in the chair she had indicated and rolled up his sleeve. The first thing she did was take his blood pressure, which to his surprise was fine. Next to be checked was his weight and height. She said he was underweight but considering he lived on the streets it wasn’t surprising. “Now to draw some blood.”

“With a needle?” Destin asked seeing her look at him sharply.

“Well of course silly,” She replied smiling at him as she pulled a rubber tube from a table then proceeded to wrap it around his bicep. Destin watched as she cleaned the spot but after that he had to look away. Closing his eyes tightly he prayed he wouldn’t pass out. “All done.”

“It is?” He asked looking back as she taped a cotton ball to the spot and bent he arm up.

“You don’t look so well, sit here until you feel better,” She said walking away. Taking a deep breath Destin closed his eyes for a minute. He reopened them when he heard the nurse come back. “You okay to stand?”

“Yeah,” He said standing to follow after her.

“Alright I need you to pee in this cup,” She said leading him towards a small bathroom. Handing him the cup she stood outside the door while he went in. When he came out she took the cup from him writing on the side then setting it on a tray led him into an examining room, where she sat down at one of those tiny desk.

“You’ll need to undress,” She said jotting down a few notes then stood.

“You mean all of it?” He asked seeing her smile again.

“Yes,” She said walking around him to pull a gown from one of the drawers. “When the doctor comes be wearing only this.”

“Th…thanks.” Destin said watching her leave. Getting undressed he pulled the gown on and sat down on the little exam table. He tried not to fidget too much, but he was nervous he really didn’t like doctors. Hearing a knock on the door he saw the doctor come in, an older gray haired man with a friendly smile.

“Hello Destin, I’m Dr. Baker.” He said walking over to the table the nurse had left his chart on. Sitting down he started to look over the chart, he then glanced back at the pasty youth. “Relax; you don’t have to be scared.”

“Okay,” Destin replied smiling weakly as the doctor got up. Dr. Baker started the exam, checking his heart, lungs, glands, his ears and eyes. It was towards the end of the exam when the nurse knocked on the door and reappeared carrying another chart.

“Oh good you found it,” Dr. Baker said taking his latex gloves off to take the chart from her. His eyes scanned it before he turned back to Destin. “Seems the orphanage kept pretty good records, looks like only one shot you’ll need.”

“Okay,” Destin replied as the doctor put the other chart with the one they had started and turned back to him.

“Get dressed and then Nurse Kim can show you to my office.” Dr. Baker said.

“Alright,” He replied watching the doctor leave, his eyes then going back to Nurse Kim.

“I’m going to go get your shot ready, why you get dressed.” She said seeing him nod as she left the room. Destin waited until the door closed behind her. Getting down he started to pull his clothing back on. How did they get his medical record from the orphanage, he had only been here an hour at the most. What was Armand going to do when he found out that he had been in an orphanage for the past six years?

The nurse came back instructing him to sit on the exam table while she pushed up his tee-shirt sleeve. Cleaning a spot on his shoulder she gave him the shot. Once finished she looked at him. “Well that was better then when we took blood.”

“Hum?” Destin asked looking at her as she placed a band-aid against the shot mark. He had been so lost in thought that he hadn’t been paying attention.

“Nothing, come on.” She said leading him towards an office, stopping outside she knocked softly then opened the door. Destin could see Adam sitting in front of the doctor’s desk, with the doctor on the phone at the desk. Walking in, he took the seat next to Adam.

“Of course Mr. Riesel,” The doctor said. “Yes, yes. I’m sure he’ll be glad to know, thank you.” The doctor hung up the phone and turned to them. “Well Destin you’ll be glad to know you’re a healthy eighteen-year-old.”

“Everything came back clean?” Adam asked seeing the doctor nod.

“Even the drug test came back clean, and he’s updated on his shots now.” The doctor told Adam. Destin sat back slightly feeling almost like a dog while they discussed his medical history. “Alright, should I schedule him for six months?”

“Please,” Adam replied as he stood. Destin also stood thanking the doctor as he followed Adam out. Once in the car he sat back with a sigh. He could see that Adam was once again watching him.

“What?” He asked, still irritated because they had found his medical records. Not that Armand had asked him for any type of history last night.

“I’m surprised,” Adam replied seeing the boy’s eyes narrow.

“That I’m not some crack head?” Destin asked seeing the man smile.

“Yes,” Adam replied.

“Now what?” Destin asked watching the other man across from him. He could see the look that came to Adams face. “Is this where you tell me there’s still time to bail?”

“Only if you want,” Adam replied finding that he liked the boy. Most of Armand’s lovers were money hungry, but he really couldn’t see that in this boy. He saw that Destin choose to not comment. “You must be hungry we should stop for something to eat.”

“I’m not, thanks.” The boy replied turning to look out the window. “I’m not use to eating every day, and I don’t think my stomach could take any food.”

“Alright,” Adam replied feeling bad for the boy. The limo stopped in front of a very exclusive store, getting out Adam led Destin into the shop seeing the boy’s eyes widen. He stopped watching the boy who continued to stand gaping at the store. “Destin?”

“What?” He asked awed.

“You need to find new clothes,” Adam said seeing the boy look at him.

“Really?” Destin asked seeing Adam nod.

“It’s not like you can keep walking around in those,” Adam said indicating the dirty cloths that Destin was wearing. He saw the kid nod as he started to slowly walk through the store. Shaking his head he followed after him, surprised at the selection he made. Nothing flashy, mostly jeans and shirts.

“All done,” Destin said turning to Adam who had followed him around the store. He saw Adam raise an eyebrow at him.

“That’s not enough,” Adam replied seeing the boy look down. Seeing the boy looked confused he sighed, taking him by the sleeve of his dirty shirt and pulled him towards a dressing room.

“Hey,” Destin replied seeing Adam look back at him.

“I don’t have all day,” Adam replied picking up a few things on his way. He stopped outside of the dressing room and hand the underwear he had picked up. Shooing him into the dressing room he checked his watch, it would be after lunch by the time they finished, and they still had to get Destin’s hair cut. “Destin?”

“Yeah?” The boy answered looking out of the little curtain. He took the bag that Adam was holding out.

“Put your old stuff in there okay,” He said seeing him nod as he pulled back.

“Mr. Sharp?” A woman asked seeing Adam turn to her.

“Yes?” He replied.

“I’m the tailor; you said something about someone needing to be fitted for a suit?” She asked as he nodded. They turned as Destin stepped from the dressing room. He looked nervously between the two.

“Nice,” Adam replied liking the shirt the boy had picked. It was a basic brown with a deep copper dragon across it. “Come here and stand on this.”

“Why?” Destin asked looking at the woman again.

“To get measured for a suit,” Adam said as the boy crossed over to stand on the small wooden box. He was quiet as the woman measured him.

“Okay how many?” she asked looking at Adam.

“Two, one black one blue,” He replied seeing her nod then turn to walk away. Turning back To Destin he looked down the boy. Black jeans that were slightly loose, but he had no socks or shoes on. Shaking his head and muttering a curse he walked away only to come back a few minutes later carrying a bunch of socks and a pair of boots.

“I already have shoes,” Destin replied seeing that look that came to Adam’s face when the man got annoyed. “I’m sorry; I don’t mean to be a pest.”

“Its okay,” Adam replied seeing the boy look up at him. He held out the shoes seeing the boy take them, and then sitting down in a chair he pulled the socks on the one shoe.

“It’s too big,” Destin said looking up at Adam seeing the man’s eyebrows draw together.

“Really?” He asked walking over seeing it was by quite a bit, taking the boots back and walking away. He was surprised to see Destin walked with him.

“It’s easier,” The boy said shrugging. By the time they were done in the shoe department Destin had a pair of dress shoes, a pair nice black boots, a pair of work boots and a new pair of tennis shoes. “I’ve never had so many shoes.”

Adam could hold back the choking sound he made stopping as they walked from the store. “Really?”

“Are you okay?” Destin asked seeing him nod. “Well yeah, never had a need.”

They were quiet as they walked down the street towards a salon, Adam had told him that they needed to have his hair cut and he need a manicure, of course Adam had turned red with laughter when he had told him manicures were for women and gay men. He was going to have to learn to think before he opened his mouth.

“Here we are,” Adam said holding the door open. Walking in Destin looked up at the place. It was nice in the smelly salon way, two many perfumes and colognes mixed together, and then there was the smell of the hair dye.

“Well, well look at the beauty,” A man said coming towards them. Destin looked around wondering whom the man was talking about. “Oh, and modest.”

“Serge,” Adam said seeing the man turn to him a smile on his face.

“Oh come now, its not every day a pure beauty walks in,” Serge said looking at the boy again, seeing the confused look still on his face. Reaching out he took the boy’s hand and led him towards a chair. Destin’s eyes widened as he reached out to grab Adam trying to get away from the strange man.

“Its okay,” Adam said prying the boy’s fingers from his suit coat. Letting go Destin allowed the man to pull him towards a chair, sitting him down Serge pulled a cover over him, then leaned the chair back.

“Don’t be scared dove,” Serge said seeing the boys eyes widen. “I promise not to be to rough.”

“Adam?” Destin asked seeing the man look at him.

“What?” Adam asked putting his hand over the phone he was on. He could see the look of terror on the boys face, and had to admit that it was strange. “Don’t worry Destin, I’ll be right here.”

“Okay,” he replied as he closed his eyes and relaxed. He was quiet as Serge washed his hair; the wrapping a towel around his head led him to another chair.

“Do you have a preference?” Serge asked.

“No,” Destin replied as the man started to pull a comb through his hair. He looked up as Serge seemed to look at him, suddenly a smile split the man’s face and he started to clip this and that, then blow dry the deep coppery red hair. After what felt like hours Serge turned him towards the mirror. He had left Destin’s hair slightly long so that it just touched his shoulders, letting the rest feather around his face.

“Its perfect,” Serge said turning Destin towards Adam.

“Good,” Adam said as Serge pulled the covering from the boy and let him down from the chair. “Thanks Serge.”

“Thanks,” Destin said following after Adam. “Now what?”

“Lunch,” Adam replied checking his watch. “Armand won’t be meeting us; he’s had a few problems at the hotel and said he’d meet you at home later.”

“Home?” Destin asked stopping, he saw Adam turn back to him.

“Yes home, you knew that you were going to be living with him right?” Adam asked as the boy nodded and got into the car. They had lunch at a small restaurant, and then Adam took him to Armand’s house. His eyes widened as he looked up at the mansion.

“Welcome,” A woman said from the steps as Adam took his arm and led him up the steps.

“Margaret this is Destin,” Adam said seeing the woman smile down at the boy.

“Hello Destin,” She said taking his hands. “Thanks Adam.”

“You’re welcome,” Adam said walking back down the steps and disappearing into the car. Destin watched it drive away before turning to Margaret.

“Don’t be nervous, come on in,” She said leading the boy in. “Would you like me to show you to your room?”

“Sure,” Destin said slipping his shoes off and then followed after her. His eyes widened as followed after her, the place was amazing. He almost ran into her when she stopped outside a room that several men were carrying things into.

“Your room is right next to Armand’s,” She said slipping into the room with him behind her. “That door leads to his suite.”

“Okay,” He said watching her walk away.

XXXXX

Armand opened the door to his house and stopped at seeing the small pair of boots placed neatly by the door. Was he really that small? Armand wondered. Shaking his head he stopped by his office before heading in search of Destin and Margaret. Entering the kitchen his eyes widened as he saw the boy sitting at the center island cutting up carrots and laughing with Margaret.

“Welcome home Armand,” Margaret said. Armand didn’t comment as Destin turned his attention to him, he couldn’t seem to pull his eyes from the boy.

“Welcome home,” Destin said softly.

“Hey,” Armand finally said coming into the kitchen and kissed Margaret on the cheek before sitting down on a chair next to Destin. “Have you seen your room?”

“Yeah, but I felt in the way so I came down to help Mrs. Gates.” He replied seeing the man nod.

“Well dinners almost ready, you two should go sit,” She said as Destin slowly laid the knife down and slipped from his chair. He followed after Armand seeing that they entered a huge dinning room with a table that could seat at least fifty people. Armand sat at the head, and then indicated the chair to his left. Sitting down Destin folded his hands in his lap and stared at the top of the table.

“Did you have a good day?” He asked Armand quietly.

“I did, thank you. How was your day?” Armand asked reaching out to touch a stay lock of hair, he saw the boy look up.

“It was interesting,” Destin replied. They fell back into silence; it only broke when Margaret brought dinner which they ate in silence. Destin was hardly able to eat, he was so nervous. He wasn’t sure what was expected of him, he was tired after being dragged all over today.

“Dessert?” Armand asked seeing Destin look up at him.

“No, thank you.” Destin replied seeing the man settle back in the chair he was sitting in.

“You know you don’t have to be nervous, I don’t bite,” Armand said as a blush covered the boy’s cheeks.

“I’m just not sure what you expect from me right now,” Destin replied looking up to see the amusement that came to Armand’s face. It was the first emotion other then what he figured was Armand’s business face.

“This is the trial period right? The chance to get to know each other,” Armand asked seeing the boy nod. “By the way you look very nice.”

“Thank you,” Destin said dropping his eyes from the man as he felt his face turn red again. “Adam bought way to much stuff.”

“Not really,” Armand said surprised when he had gotten the bill, it had been much lower then he had expected it to be. And he could see that Destin had very different taste from any other man he had dated. Yet as he watched Destin fidget under his gaze he found that he liked the boy.

“What do you expect from me?” Destin asked eyeing him from under his eyelashes. “If I become your um…lover.”

“I expect you to be faithful to me, if you take that step,” Armand replied watching the boy’s face flame.

“And you? Do you have to be faithful to me?” Destin all but whispered, as the situation seemed to finally settle in on him. He realized he didn’t know anything about this man. He had no clue if there was anything he could catch from Armand. “How do I know you don’t have anything?”

“Of course I’d be faithful,” Armand said watching as the boy continued to stare at his hands. “And I saw the doctor this morning, everything came back clean on me also, would you like to see the report?”

“No. What would happen if I was ever unfaithful to you?” Destin asked. “Considering if…”

“I’d dump you with what you had when I met you back into the ally I found you in.” Armand replied seeing the boy’s head nod up and down. He continued to watch the boy as Destin continued to stare at the tabletop. Armand felt slightly better knowing the boy was concerned about stuff like this.

“Why are you staring at me?” Destin finally asked not looking up, his face and ears felt like they were on fire.

“No reason,” Armand said reaching out to touch him again, but stopped seeing that Destin looked ready to bolt. “You look tired.”

“I am,” Destin said not telling him that he had slept very little the night before, and then the running around today had taken there toll on him.

“Well why don’t I walk you up to your room?” Armand said getting up. He left the room with the boy following behind. Up the grand staircase, Destin covered a yawn. “If you should ever get lost here, find a phone and dial 0, that goes to the kitchen and someone is always there.”

“Okay,” He said looking up to study the man. Armand was tall, thick short black hair, and deep brown eyes. He was good looking, and from everything Destin had seen very very rich. But that didn’t matter to him, no matter how rich the guy was, if he found out he didn’t like him, no amount of money in this world could keep him here.

“You look lost in thought?” Armand said as the boy’s eyes focused on his face.

“Hah?” He asked seeing the man smile. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Armand replied stopping outside of Destin’s door. Opening the door he let Destin go ahead him into the room.

“Wow they put everything away,” Destin said scanning the room.

“Nice,” Armand said seeing that Adam had really done a great job matching the room to Destin. The colors seemed to suit the boy nicely. “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” He replied smiling over his shoulder at Armand.

“Alright I’ll leave you to it,” Armand said walking over to him, taking his shoulders he leaned down slightly and gently kissed Destin on his mouth. Pulling back he smiled as he saw the confusion in the boy’s eyes. “Well now that you’re here this is my privilege.”

“Oh,” Destin said seeing the man walk away shutting the door behind him. He waited for a few minutes then stripped down to his underwear, walking over to dump the mess in his hamper.

“Destin?” Armand said from the doorway between the two rooms causing the boy to jump.

“What?” he asked turning to the man, blushing again as he realized he was still in his underwear and Armand would be able to see the bruises on his chest and stomach.

“Starting Monday you’ll have a tutor, considering you had such a crappie education.” Armand said scanning the boys pale bruised skin.

“Ok,” He said watching Armand’s deep dark brown eyes. He saw the slow smile that crossed the man’s face before he nodded then turned and disappeared from the doorway shutting the door. Shaking his head he walked towards the desk against one wall, sitting on it was a letter lying on top of a notebook. Scanning the desk he stopped on the computer that was cool he’d never had one before.

Picking up the letter he read it. Something about starting lessons that he should jot down whatever in a journal to clear his mind. That it was a personal keepsake for him alone, that no one would read it. Pulling the chair out he sat down and opened the notebook. Pulling the top drawer open he found a pencil and tapping the pencil against his bottom lip he wondered at what to write, yet his mind kept returning to the kiss.

Setting down he wrote down about his day, and how confused he was. He liked Armand as a person so far, other then the man seemed coldish, but at dinner he had caught glimpse of something warmer under Armand’s cold persona

Destin stopped writing, his eyes going to the wall in front of him. He wasn’t sure if he should write anything else. It wasn’t like he had a lot on his mind. To be honest the only think on his mind was the man making noise in the next room.

Closing the notebook and laying the pencil down Destin stood and stretched. He was ready to end his first day. Going over to the bed he climbed in and with a sigh rolled to his side and curling into a ball closed his eyes and slipped off to sleep.