Without Borders 12
Without Borders 12
Title: Without Borders 12
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Noah remains blind, and he abandons Oakdale and Luke. Luke is left feeling guilty and lost, so he decides to focus on the foundation and PR work. Luke moves the foundation to Rome and avoids America. However, two years later, his family in Oakdale has been pressuring him to visit, and when an old friend calls him with a problem with her medical organization’s image, Luke agrees to fly to Miami. But can he turn their best doctor into a media star? As the cameras roll, Luke soon finds himself in a “pretend” relationship with Dr. Oliver …
Warning: none
Rating: PG- NC-17
First of all, a big shout of thanks to the amazing rhiannonhero! Thanks also to lovely traciamc
Chapter Twelve
Luke’s ass had never felt so sore. His entire body was moving like he’d just ridden a horse for hours. Of course, in this case, he was the one ridden. To say he felt like Reid owned his ass, had pounded on and kissed every inch of it, would be no exaggeration.
Sexual satisfaction hung in the air between them; Luke was sure Damian would smell it. But he didn’t care. Reid was by his side about to meet his father. Luke’s eyes drank him in hungrily.
“Ready to go in?” Luke asked him. “Don’t worry. My father promised me he’d behave.”
Reid gave him a doubtful look.
“I shouldn’t have shared so much about Damian and my childhood,” Luke said. “He’s really supportive now.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Course if he drives you to a camp for straightening queers, I’d advise you to leap out of the car.”
“Right.”
“If he offers to take you to a mental hospital, I’d stash some rope to climb out the window.”
“Got it.”
“If he tells you he’s dying, just give him a full brain scan.”
“Can do.”
“See,” Luke grinned widely, “it’ll be easy.”
Reid grasped his hand. “And this is the parent you feel closest to?”
Luke shrugged. “Pretty much.”
“What’d you tell your father about me anyhow?”
“Hmm,” Luke pretended to think about it, “that you’re rude, egotistical… and have a gigantic cock that’s fully loaded and uses me frequently as a sexual target. “
The corners of Reid’s mouth kicked up.
“Ahh, so you were honest with him,” Reid said.
Luke gasped with laughter. He was about to kiss Reid when he heard a familiar shout.
“Luciano!” His father called, coming out of the restaurant. “There you are.”
“Luciano?” Reid whispered to him as they both watched Damian coming over.
“My birth name,” Luke said.
“You mean I don’t even know the legal name of the man I’m sleeping with?” Reid asked.
“Turned on?” Luke grinned again.
“Rock hard,” Reid replied.
Then Damian reached them and they all went inside.
***
Damian was charming and civil at dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, mainly because of Jessica. Luke ate his crab and watched them, wondering when Damian would go after Reid. He knew it would happen. Reid, meanwhile, seemed content to eat his meal and rub his foot up at Luke’s ankle.
“Stone crab,” Jessica smiled, “what a treat.”
“Here,“ Damian dipped a piece of the crab into melted butter. “Open your mouth.”
Jessica Griffin, head of WMB, let out a girlish giggle. She let Damian feed her. Then Damian dipped a piece for himself. He stared at Jessica as he ate it and then licked the butter slowly from his lips.
“This is embarrassing,” Luke groaned in Reid’s ear. “I’m sorry.”
“Why?” Reid shrugged, “Jessica deserves a night out. And I’d say your father’s about to give it to her all night long.”
“Reid!”
“So your dad is on the prowl,” Reid laughed, “and he isn’t bad to watch in action. He’s kind of attractive to see flirting.”
“Are you saying my father is hot?” Luke’s tone became indignant.
“Hot and climbing all over Jessica,” Reid grinned. He stared at Luke. “Relax. I like the younger Grimaldi version. The pouty, high maintenance one.”
“Thanks a lot,” Luke had to smile though, Reid’s foot was now moving along his thigh.
Jessica and Damian devoured their crab.
Reid was much more meticulous with his. He was the only one at the table who’d refused to wear the bib. “Not even when I was a baby,” Reid said to the waiter with a look. Now Luke watched Reid take his tiny fork and wield it expertly in one hand, pulling out the meat in full chunks. He didn’t have one drop of butter or juice on him.
Luke broke off a small crab leg and sucked at the juice. At the same time, he rubbed his foot back at Reid. Reid looked at him, sucking on the crab leg. His eyes darkened. A moment later, Luke felt Reid’s hand glide over his crotch.
“Do you like the crab?” Damian was asking Luke.
“I do,” Luke said, his voice a little thick. He broke off another leg.
“Me too.” Reid said, “the crab is very,” he watched Luke a moment, “succulent.”
“I was reading an article about the dangers of mercury,” Jessica offered, “but they said shellfish was fine.”
“Just what we need the FDA to be doing,” Reid said, “doing more studies where they take back the findings of their older studies. Genius use of time. “
Damian had finished his crab, cracking it right down the middle. He ordered Jessica some more wine and toasted her.
“To Miami beauty,” he said smoothly.
Jessica let out another giggle.
Luke met Reid’s eyes.
“He gets away with anything with that accent,” Luke whispered.
“Fake that accent with me later, Luciano, “ Reid flirted, “and I’ll do anything you want.”
Luke suddenly felt his father watching them.
“Dr. Oliver,” Damian said pleasantly. “Tell me about your medical background.”
“It’s all on file,” Reid shrugged, “I’m sure you checked. “
“Reid’s very dedicated,” Jessica offered.
“And your personal background? “ Damian pursued. “Your family?”
“Not a concern,” Reid said.
“Reid’s private.” Jessica smiled fondly at him.
“I’m not private,“ Reid said irritated. “I’m professional.”
“Why is it not professional to share your family with some colleagues?” Damian countered.
“Dad,” Luke injected quickly, “I’m sure Reid will share things if he wants to.”
Luke uneasily sipped his water. He looked at Damian’s passive face and wasn’t fooled. Luke gave him a look to back off. Damian smiled innocently at him.
Luke was also certain Damian had checked Reid’s background thoroughly- all of it. He probably already knew everything from the color of Reid’s baby blanket right through his graduation day. He frowned at his father.
Then Luke turned his attention back to his crab. Nervously, he attempted to open it up. Every time he tried to crack it, the crab kept on slipping away from him. Luke attempted to hold it in place, and again the crab moved slightly . With an impatient snort, Reid suddenly took Luke’s plate and utensils, opened up the meat in one quick cut, and then slid the plate back to him. Luke looked at Reid, and he smiled at him. Reid’s mouth twitched slightly. He gave Luke back his cracker and his fork. Their fingers touched. Luke’s smile grew dreamy. He gazed into Reid’s eyes.
“Reid,” Jessica turned to him. Reid reluctantly took his eyes off of Luke. “Speaking of your professional life…I need your surgical skills, I know you aren’t due back yet, but can you come to the hospital in the morning?”
“Why? I’m not scheduled for anything until Wednesday.”
“I know. But we had an accident victim brought in- bad head trauma. If you can’t come in, Channing will do the procedure-”
“Channing? “ Reid scoffed. “I can operate better than him with just my pinky.”
Jessica smiled slightly, “So you can come in?”
“I’ll be there.”
“It’s a hard case.”
Reid shifted all of his attention to Jessica, dropping his foot from Luke’s. “Tell me.” Reid’s face lit up.
Jessica went over the facts of the case, but Luke was no longer listening. Luke studied Reid.
Luke could see a little eagerness in his eyes. He was clearly missed operating and being in the hospital, despite their time together. Luke could almost smell Reid’s sudden desire to cut into a brain.
“If we only had more equipment- “ Jessica was saying to Reid now.
“We will,” Reid paused and looked at Damian , “soon.”
Damian inclined his head in acknowledgement. Luke caught his breath. Here we go, he thought.
“What are your plans for the neuro-wing?” Damian asked him directly. “Can you tell me, Dr. Oliver?”
“Call him Reid,“ Luke said quickly.
They ignored him.
“I plan to make the neuro-wing the best damn brain trauma unit in America.” Reid met Damian’s eyes.
“You seem very certain of yourself.”
“If you have read my file, “ Reid said simply, “you already know I’m the best.”
Damian grunted. He looked at Jessica. “And you second this?”
Jessica nodded. “Reid is excellent.” She gave Damian a wide smile. “And you're so generous to help WMB.”
Damian preened a little. “I enjoy helping.”
“Not every person with money does.”
Damian leaned closer to her. “Thank you. My heart sings when you are pleased.”
Even Reid rolled his eyes at that one. Luke smothered a laugh. Jessica glowed.
The meal continued. Reid had survived the first test.
It wasn’t long though, when Jessica’s beeper went off. “I’m sorry- work.” She looked around regretfully. “I have to leave.”
“The night is young!” Damian protested. “ Come back after your work. We still need dessert. A nightcap!”
“Not for me. Once they have me at that hospital, I’ll be stuck there all night. Ask Reid “ she laughed. “He knows how it is.”
She leaned down and kissed Damian on both cheeks. “Besides,” Jessica rubbed her
stomach. “I’m stuffed. Thank you for the wonderful meal.”
“And wonderful company,” Damian said.
Jessica beamed at him. “I haven’t had this much fun flirting, since my ex-husband Duncan took me to a Scottish castle,“ she said simply.
“Then you must come to Malta,” Damian said, his eyes locked on Jessica, “and see my castle by the sea.”
Jessica sighed. “Sounds heavenly. “
“To a future date with a lovely lady,” Damian lifted his drink to her.
Jessica sighed again. She came around and hugged Luke. Then she nodded at Reid.
“Behave,” she told Reid.
Reid raised his eyebrow at her, “I think I need to be telling you that.”
Jessica blushed. “All work and no play….” She shrugged. Then she went to Damian and blew him a kiss.
“Call me,” she said.
“I will,” Damian rose to his feet. Luke and Reid followed suit.
“Marvelous woman,” Damian said with a smile.
When she was out of sight though, Damian’s charming smile faded, “Let’s order dessert now. Something sweet. And discuss other matters.”
“ Dad,“ Luke pointed at Reid’s plate, “Reid’s still eating his main course.”
Damian smiled, “Alright. We wait on the dessert a few minutes. But perhaps a drink for now, Dr. Oliver?”
Reid nodded yes.
Damian ordered two brandies.
“You were very smooth with Jessica ,” Luke told his father, trying to keep the conversation in neutral.
“I’m a good talker,” Damian shrugged. He sipped his drink.
“Well, me too,” Luke laughed, “Ask Reid. I have great oral skills.”
Reid and Damian stared at him.
“I mean, talking skills,” Luke blushed.
“I absolutely agree,” Reid said with a smirk. He drank some of the brandy.
Damian lowered his drink and turned a steely eye on Reid.
“So Dr. Oliver,” Damian began, “you explained the wing somewhat. And I do believe in Jessica’s good opinion. But, “ Damian paused, “ I need to know. Just what are your intentions with my son?”
They both looked at Luke.
Luke flushed. “Dad-“
Reid looked at Damian unflinchingly. “What I plan to do with Luke is none of your business. Luke’s a grown man.”
“You wouldn’t be the first to try and use the Grimaldis,” Damian said, “for our money or power. Perhaps this is your real interest in Luciano?”
Reid slowly lowered his fork.
“You got me,” Reid said and clapped his hands together. “Figured out my master plan. I’m not really a brilliant neurosurgeon trying to build a wing at all.” Reid shook off Luke’s arm on his shoulder. “ All those brains I operated on and repaired were just flukes. See I knew Luke was coming to Miami, so for the last eight years or so, I’ve been here plotting, waiting,” Reid rubbed his hands together like he was scheming. “I knew he would be unable to resist me. Once he gives me those funds, I really I plan to take Luke’s money and live in Key West and spend my time singing Jimmy Buffet tunes.”
“Great joking,” Luke tried to give a laugh, ”he’s got an odd sense of humor. He just -“
“Seriously,” Reid said. “That was my plan.”
“Please!” Luke said.
“Course I knew Luke would be fall right into the trap in about one day.”
“Reid-“
“Okay, maybe two.”
Luke turned and scowled at Reid. Reid picked up his fork, easily extracting the crab meat and chewed.
“Many people aren’t what they seem,” Damian said coldly. “Even in our own family, there were imposters.”
“Ahh,“ Reid said, “now it makes sense.” He nodded sagely. “ Paranoia in one of the first signs of it,” Reid said.
“What?” Damian said.
“Oh boy,” Luke mumbled and dropped his head into his hands.
“Of Capgras delusion. It a neurological disorder.” Reid talked on while he stuffed more crab into his mouth. “Patients think everybody is out to get them and nobody is who they seem. Might want to have yourself checked out.” Reid gave a small smile and tapped at the side of his head. “Just saying.”
Luke looked up and then squirmed at Damian’s face.
“Most people don’t speak to me that way,” Damian replied slowly and bared his teeth at Reid.
Reid shrugged, “I’m unique.”
“Dad,” Luke tried to interrupt. “Reid.”
“Noah never spoke to me like that.”
The name hung in the air.
“I’m sure.”
“He might be easily found, you know.”
“Dad!” Luke tried to jump in again. “I wouldn’t want to find Noah.”
Both men ignored him.
“I’m sure he’s out there somewhere,” Reid agreed. “He’s probably blindly jacking off right now, regretting letting Luke go, and knowing it was the worst mistake of his stupid, mediocre life.”
Damian turned his attention to Luke. “He called me, you know.” He spoke softly.
Luke caught his lip.
Reid frowned.
“Right before he walked out on you. “ Damian seemed lost in thought. His eyes glittered with an intense emotion.
“What - what did he say?”
Luke knew his face must have showed his apprehension then.How he wished he had a face that registered nothing. His heart pounded.Had Noah revealed that he’d hit Luke?
Reid sensed his alarm and gently rested his hand on Luke’s left thigh.
“He called and told me that you were a mess. “ Damian’s voice was clipped, his mouth tight. “That he was concerned and you were drinking again. He thought I should know how bad you’d gotten. ”
Luke clenched his teeth. “That’s sounds like him. I bet he was all morally righteous with you on the phone and told you how much he respects you and how much of a disaster I am.“ Luke swore, “Fucking ass kisser.”
Damian’s mouth fell. “Luciano,” he said, “I’ve never heard you speak this rudely before.”
“Blame me,” Reid said suddenly, “I’m a really bad influence on him.” His hand soothingly made a circle of warmth on Luke’s leg.
Luke’s heart was in his throat. He didn’t want to tell Damian how ugly it had all gotten, but he would tell him if it was necessary. He took a deep breath and gathered up his resolve. “Dad, “ he said, “Noah wasn’t concerned about me; he wasn’t what he appeared.”
“I know that,” Damian said abruptly. “I am a Grimaldi, after all.“ Damian’s face went taut with emotion.
“What’d you tell him?” Luke asked.
“That if he truly wanted what’s best for you, then he’d be helping you into rehab and not planning to take you away from the family.“ Damian’s mouth tightened. “The next thing I heard he’d abandoned you.”
Damian’s eyes glittered dangerously. He downed the rest of his brandy. He examined Reid again.
“So, forgetting Mr. Mayer, I repeat, what’re your intentions with my son?” Damian’s voice was soft as silk.
“Dad,” Luke stopped him. “I appreciate where this is coming from. I know it’s from your heart. But like Reid said- I’m a grown up. “
Damian stared at Luke. His steely face cracked a moment, and Luke spotted the vulnerability just underneath.
“I can count on Reid,” Luke told his father firmly. “He’s a pain in the ass, but - “
“Not an ass kisser,” Reid finished for him, making Luke smile.
Luke felt some of the tightness finally easing out of his chest.
Reid pushed away his dinner plate.
Reid glanced back at Luke briefly, but Luke saw warmth in his eyes. Then Reid looked at Damian. “Look, all kidding aside, I’ll say this once -“
Whatever it was, Reid didn’t get the chance. Damian’s phone buzzed.
He glanced at it. “Jessica,” He mouthed. “Yes?“ Damian said, he played with the edge of his napkin. “Not as long as you thought, eh? No, I don’t mind late. After your work then. Bellismo ! I look forward to having you,” Damian smiled, “with me.”
He hung up and looked at them. “ A little fun planned.“ Damian said. “ Now where were we?”
“We were here,” Luke told him. He turned to a surprised Reid. He firmly clasped Reid’s mouth and kissed him breathless.
“I’m also, finally, having fun,” Luke told his father. “I’m happy.”
Luke beamed a smile at both men.
Both men seemed unable to resist smiling back at him.
“Now we can order dessert.” Reid said. He signaled to the waiter and his cart full of sweets.
“Cheesecake or pie?” Damian asked, a subtle glint of humor on his own face.
“Reid will eat both, “ Luke answered absently. He held up a hand to stop the waiter from coming over. “But one more thing. “
Both men sighed.
Luke ignored that. He turned to Damian. “I expect Reid to get the foundation funds, with no strings, and have them released ASAP. You,” Luke said thrusting finger at Reid, “will go over the plans in detail with my father and be agreeable about it. And you,“ Luke thrust the same finger now at Damian, “will listen to my boyfriend and be charming to him from now on.”
When both men were silent, Luke gave a nod of satisfaction.
Luke saw Reid and Damian exchange a meaningful glance.
He waved the waiter over with the dessert cart.
They all started to eat.
“He is rather bossy,” Reid complained to Damian, as he ate some pie.
“He gets that from his mother,” Damian said smoothly, and took a bite of cheesecake.
***
As they waited for their cars outside the valet, Damian took Luke’s hand.
Reid had gone to the restroom. It was just the two of them.
“I leave in a day. I want to spend more time with you.”
“Me too.”
“Remember,” Damian told him, ” It’s fine to have a fun fling. But use your head.”
“It’s more than that.”
“Is it?” Damian just looked at him.
Reid came back to them. He looked from Luke to Damian.
Luke smiled. He could feel sparks of attraction starting between him and Reid. He linked his fingers with Reid’s.
“Well,” Damian shrugged as his car pulled up. “We’ll have all the time in the world soon.”
Luke turned back to his father. “What do you mean?”
“When you come home,” Damian said simply.
Luke stared at his father.
“Well ah, “ Luke stuttered, “I have a press release to do, maybe two.” Luke said, feeling Reid’s eyes on him.
Damian nodded. ”And then home, yes? The foundation needs you. Your mail is stacked up too high.”
Luke bit his lip. “I’m sure, but-“
He looked again at Reid. He waited a second for Reid to jump in and demand Luke stay in Miami.
Reid stared back at him.
“How’s the weather in Rome right now?” Luke said weakly.
“Ah, rain. Your office view might be cloudy. But it will be so good to work side by side again, right?”
“Right,” Luke said distractedly. Why wasn’t Reid giving him a sign to stay?
“It was good to meet you,” Damian was saying now smoothly to Reid, shaking his hand. “I’m sure Luciano will enjoy vacation time here.”
“Thanks.”
They both watched as Damian climbed into his car.
“He really loves having me in Rome,” Luke murmured.
Reid said nothing.
Their car came. Luke tipped the valet and they went in.
Luke rested his hands on the wheel a second. He had Reid had not discussed the future. He waited. Reid didn’t speak.
“Aren’t you going to ask me?”
“Ask what?”
“Ask me not to go back.”
Slowly, Reid shook his head.
“You’re not?” Luke said, hurt. He turned the key in the ignition, suddenly feeling miserable.
“That’s your decision,” Reid told him.
“I’m asking you to tell me what you think that I should do.” Luke waited. Tell me to stay, please, please, please .
“Like I told your father, “ Reid said as he stared out the car window, “You’re an adult.”
“He has a dream about us- me - being his heir and running the business, you know?”
“Right.”
“He just wants that son and father thing.” Luke swallowed hard. “And I just want to make him happy.” He attempted a quick glance at Reid’s set face. “And you . And me.”
Reid made a rude noise, “You can’t make everybody happy, Luke,” he snorted. “that’s not the way the world works.”
“Says the man who doesn’t care if he makes anybody happy,” Luke shot back defensively.
Reid didn’t get how Damian had helped him through so much. How he’d lifted him up. Saved him.
“Do you want me to stay?” Luke asked again, as he turned off the exit-ramp and headed to the condo.
“That’s a choice you have to make,” Reid said again. His lips came together firmly. He wouldn’t say more.
They pulled up to the condo and they both got out. Luke held his keys in his hand so tightly he could feel a mark.
“So you don’t care,” Luke said angrily, “what I do. Where I live?“
“That isn’t what I said,” Reid began.
“No,” Luke interrupted. “You don’t say much, do you?”
“Well, how ‘bout you?” Reid replied tightly.
“What?”
“You could have just told Damian you were staying here. But no. You were all - ‘Yes, father. No, father. How’s the weather.’ It was idiotic. If you want to stay then stay- if you don’t-“ Reid stopped abruptly.
Luke folded his arms across his chest. Why wouldn’t Reid just ask him to stay?
“Is this a pride thing?” Luke asked him.
“Get over yourself,” Reid snorted.
“What?”
“You think everything revolves around you. You’re not the center of my universe.”
“I never said I was,” Luke’s voice was hollow sounding.
“Did I hit a nerve? “ Reid said. “Need me to reassure you now? ” Reid shook his head emphatically. “Do you ever think for yourself?”
“Shut up!”
“No, I’m interested. Did you ever make a decision without your family or your ex? Did you ever take control of anything?” Reid went up to Luke.
Luke body shook with anger.
“You’re such a jerk. I’d forgotten what an asshole you can be.”
“And I’ve forgotten what a spoiled brat you can be - “ Reid drew his breath in.
Their faces were inches apart. Luke’s hands were pushed against Reid’s chest. He could feel the warmth of Reid’s skin beneath his shirt.
Luke dropped his hands and took a step back from him.
Reid also stepped back.
“I’m not doing this,” Reid said quietly, and Luke felt a stab of deep hurt.
Reid rubbed his fingers over his face quickly. “I think I should go in. Jessica wants me at work to help her tomorrow and…” He fell silent.
“Fine,” Luke shrugged, “whatever.”
Reid started away.
“Doesn’t matter to me,” Luke added in his bitchiest tone. “Do whatever you need to do.”
“You too,” Reid said coldly.
He watched Reid walk away. Luke felt like he was burning up inside. He turned the air on in his car and rolled the windows down, but nothing helped. He started back to his hotel, but then drove past it. Luke cruised up and down AIA.
He drove along the beach. He glanced hopefully at his phone as it buzzed. Reid? No. It was his mother. Luke ignored the call. He’d been ignoring her calls for a while. He drove faster. How had this happened? How had they gone from “I love you” this afternoon to this huge fight? It was a stupid fight too. He knew it was ridiculous. He should turn around . Go back. Luke shook his head in confusion, a little stunned. No, he wasn’t going to beg Reid to have him stay. He wasn’t going to be whiny and needy. Luke turned onto the highway and raced the car down I-95. Let the cops pull him over. He didn’t care. He put his foot down and felt the speed. Faster, faster- Luke drove on. He drove all night.
Reid never called.
At dawn, Luke slowly made his way back to his hotel, his mind numb, his body aching for Reid. He took a long shower and crawled into the bed. Luke was painfully aware of Reid’s absence; how he was craving him. Not for sex, but just to be near him. He wanted to nuzzle his face in Reid’s neck and to wake up in his steady arms.
Luke twisted in his bed fretfully. He would fix this. He would go to the hospital in a few hours and have it out again with Reid. He’d make Reid admit he wanted Luke to stay. He’d force the words out of him.
Luke hugged the pillow. Every time he squeezed his eyes shut, he still saw Reid’s face, his beautiful face. Luke could picture Reid in the shower as he leaned in to kiss Luke’s lips, Reid trying not to laugh at Luke’s doing yoga, Reid’s eyes the night he told Luke that he could stay, Reid’s intensity at the moment he’d said he loved him. He’s mine and I’m his . Luke sighed and glided his hand over the pillow next to him. There was no way this was over, no way. A few hot tears escaped Luke’s eyes. He touched the pillow again. He’s mine and I’m his .
Sleep finally found him.
Title: Without Borders 12
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Noah remains blind, and he abandons Oakdale and Luke. Luke is left feeling guilty and lost, so he decides to focus on the foundation and PR work. Luke moves the foundation to Rome and avoids America. However, two years later, his family in Oakdale has been pressuring him to visit, and when an old friend calls him with a problem with her medical organization’s image, Luke agrees to fly to Miami. But can he turn their best doctor into a media star? As the cameras roll, Luke soon finds himself in a “pretend” relationship with Dr. Oliver …
Warning: none
Rating: PG- NC-17
First of all, a big shout of thanks to the amazing rhiannonhero! Thanks also to lovely traciamc
Chapter Twelve
Luke’s ass had never felt so sore. His entire body was moving like he’d just ridden a horse for hours. Of course, in this case, he was the one ridden. To say he felt like Reid owned his ass, had pounded on and kissed every inch of it, would be no exaggeration.
Sexual satisfaction hung in the air between them; Luke was sure Damian would smell it. But he didn’t care. Reid was by his side about to meet his father. Luke’s eyes drank him in hungrily.
“Ready to go in?” Luke asked him. “Don’t worry. My father promised me he’d behave.”
Reid gave him a doubtful look.
“I shouldn’t have shared so much about Damian and my childhood,” Luke said. “He’s really supportive now.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Course if he drives you to a camp for straightening queers, I’d advise you to leap out of the car.”
“Right.”
“If he offers to take you to a mental hospital, I’d stash some rope to climb out the window.”
“Got it.”
“If he tells you he’s dying, just give him a full brain scan.”
“Can do.”
“See,” Luke grinned widely, “it’ll be easy.”
Reid grasped his hand. “And this is the parent you feel closest to?”
Luke shrugged. “Pretty much.”
“What’d you tell your father about me anyhow?”
“Hmm,” Luke pretended to think about it, “that you’re rude, egotistical… and have a gigantic cock that’s fully loaded and uses me frequently as a sexual target. “
The corners of Reid’s mouth kicked up.
“Ahh, so you were honest with him,” Reid said.
Luke gasped with laughter. He was about to kiss Reid when he heard a familiar shout.
“Luciano!” His father called, coming out of the restaurant. “There you are.”
“Luciano?” Reid whispered to him as they both watched Damian coming over.
“My birth name,” Luke said.
“You mean I don’t even know the legal name of the man I’m sleeping with?” Reid asked.
“Turned on?” Luke grinned again.
“Rock hard,” Reid replied.
Then Damian reached them and they all went inside.
***
Damian was charming and civil at dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, mainly because of Jessica. Luke ate his crab and watched them, wondering when Damian would go after Reid. He knew it would happen. Reid, meanwhile, seemed content to eat his meal and rub his foot up at Luke’s ankle.
“Stone crab,” Jessica smiled, “what a treat.”
“Here,“ Damian dipped a piece of the crab into melted butter. “Open your mouth.”
Jessica Griffin, head of WMB, let out a girlish giggle. She let Damian feed her. Then Damian dipped a piece for himself. He stared at Jessica as he ate it and then licked the butter slowly from his lips.
“This is embarrassing,” Luke groaned in Reid’s ear. “I’m sorry.”
“Why?” Reid shrugged, “Jessica deserves a night out. And I’d say your father’s about to give it to her all night long.”
“Reid!”
“So your dad is on the prowl,” Reid laughed, “and he isn’t bad to watch in action. He’s kind of attractive to see flirting.”
“Are you saying my father is hot?” Luke’s tone became indignant.
“Hot and climbing all over Jessica,” Reid grinned. He stared at Luke. “Relax. I like the younger Grimaldi version. The pouty, high maintenance one.”
“Thanks a lot,” Luke had to smile though, Reid’s foot was now moving along his thigh.
Jessica and Damian devoured their crab.
Reid was much more meticulous with his. He was the only one at the table who’d refused to wear the bib. “Not even when I was a baby,” Reid said to the waiter with a look. Now Luke watched Reid take his tiny fork and wield it expertly in one hand, pulling out the meat in full chunks. He didn’t have one drop of butter or juice on him.
Luke broke off a small crab leg and sucked at the juice. At the same time, he rubbed his foot back at Reid. Reid looked at him, sucking on the crab leg. His eyes darkened. A moment later, Luke felt Reid’s hand glide over his crotch.
“Do you like the crab?” Damian was asking Luke.
“I do,” Luke said, his voice a little thick. He broke off another leg.
“Me too.” Reid said, “the crab is very,” he watched Luke a moment, “succulent.”
“I was reading an article about the dangers of mercury,” Jessica offered, “but they said shellfish was fine.”
“Just what we need the FDA to be doing,” Reid said, “doing more studies where they take back the findings of their older studies. Genius use of time. “
Damian had finished his crab, cracking it right down the middle. He ordered Jessica some more wine and toasted her.
“To Miami beauty,” he said smoothly.
Jessica let out another giggle.
Luke met Reid’s eyes.
“He gets away with anything with that accent,” Luke whispered.
“Fake that accent with me later, Luciano, “ Reid flirted, “and I’ll do anything you want.”
Luke suddenly felt his father watching them.
“Dr. Oliver,” Damian said pleasantly. “Tell me about your medical background.”
“It’s all on file,” Reid shrugged, “I’m sure you checked. “
“Reid’s very dedicated,” Jessica offered.
“And your personal background? “ Damian pursued. “Your family?”
“Not a concern,” Reid said.
“Reid’s private.” Jessica smiled fondly at him.
“I’m not private,“ Reid said irritated. “I’m professional.”
“Why is it not professional to share your family with some colleagues?” Damian countered.
“Dad,” Luke injected quickly, “I’m sure Reid will share things if he wants to.”
Luke uneasily sipped his water. He looked at Damian’s passive face and wasn’t fooled. Luke gave him a look to back off. Damian smiled innocently at him.
Luke was also certain Damian had checked Reid’s background thoroughly- all of it. He probably already knew everything from the color of Reid’s baby blanket right through his graduation day. He frowned at his father.
Then Luke turned his attention back to his crab. Nervously, he attempted to open it up. Every time he tried to crack it, the crab kept on slipping away from him. Luke attempted to hold it in place, and again the crab moved slightly . With an impatient snort, Reid suddenly took Luke’s plate and utensils, opened up the meat in one quick cut, and then slid the plate back to him. Luke looked at Reid, and he smiled at him. Reid’s mouth twitched slightly. He gave Luke back his cracker and his fork. Their fingers touched. Luke’s smile grew dreamy. He gazed into Reid’s eyes.
“Reid,” Jessica turned to him. Reid reluctantly took his eyes off of Luke. “Speaking of your professional life…I need your surgical skills, I know you aren’t due back yet, but can you come to the hospital in the morning?”
“Why? I’m not scheduled for anything until Wednesday.”
“I know. But we had an accident victim brought in- bad head trauma. If you can’t come in, Channing will do the procedure-”
“Channing? “ Reid scoffed. “I can operate better than him with just my pinky.”
Jessica smiled slightly, “So you can come in?”
“I’ll be there.”
“It’s a hard case.”
Reid shifted all of his attention to Jessica, dropping his foot from Luke’s. “Tell me.” Reid’s face lit up.
Jessica went over the facts of the case, but Luke was no longer listening. Luke studied Reid.
Luke could see a little eagerness in his eyes. He was clearly missed operating and being in the hospital, despite their time together. Luke could almost smell Reid’s sudden desire to cut into a brain.
“If we only had more equipment- “ Jessica was saying to Reid now.
“We will,” Reid paused and looked at Damian , “soon.”
Damian inclined his head in acknowledgement. Luke caught his breath. Here we go, he thought.
“What are your plans for the neuro-wing?” Damian asked him directly. “Can you tell me, Dr. Oliver?”
“Call him Reid,“ Luke said quickly.
They ignored him.
“I plan to make the neuro-wing the best damn brain trauma unit in America.” Reid met Damian’s eyes.
“You seem very certain of yourself.”
“If you have read my file, “ Reid said simply, “you already know I’m the best.”
Damian grunted. He looked at Jessica. “And you second this?”
Jessica nodded. “Reid is excellent.” She gave Damian a wide smile. “And you're so generous to help WMB.”
Damian preened a little. “I enjoy helping.”
“Not every person with money does.”
Damian leaned closer to her. “Thank you. My heart sings when you are pleased.”
Even Reid rolled his eyes at that one. Luke smothered a laugh. Jessica glowed.
The meal continued. Reid had survived the first test.
It wasn’t long though, when Jessica’s beeper went off. “I’m sorry- work.” She looked around regretfully. “I have to leave.”
“The night is young!” Damian protested. “ Come back after your work. We still need dessert. A nightcap!”
“Not for me. Once they have me at that hospital, I’ll be stuck there all night. Ask Reid “ she laughed. “He knows how it is.”
She leaned down and kissed Damian on both cheeks. “Besides,” Jessica rubbed her
stomach. “I’m stuffed. Thank you for the wonderful meal.”
“And wonderful company,” Damian said.
Jessica beamed at him. “I haven’t had this much fun flirting, since my ex-husband Duncan took me to a Scottish castle,“ she said simply.
“Then you must come to Malta,” Damian said, his eyes locked on Jessica, “and see my castle by the sea.”
Jessica sighed. “Sounds heavenly. “
“To a future date with a lovely lady,” Damian lifted his drink to her.
Jessica sighed again. She came around and hugged Luke. Then she nodded at Reid.
“Behave,” she told Reid.
Reid raised his eyebrow at her, “I think I need to be telling you that.”
Jessica blushed. “All work and no play….” She shrugged. Then she went to Damian and blew him a kiss.
“Call me,” she said.
“I will,” Damian rose to his feet. Luke and Reid followed suit.
“Marvelous woman,” Damian said with a smile.
When she was out of sight though, Damian’s charming smile faded, “Let’s order dessert now. Something sweet. And discuss other matters.”
“ Dad,“ Luke pointed at Reid’s plate, “Reid’s still eating his main course.”
Damian smiled, “Alright. We wait on the dessert a few minutes. But perhaps a drink for now, Dr. Oliver?”
Reid nodded yes.
Damian ordered two brandies.
“You were very smooth with Jessica ,” Luke told his father, trying to keep the conversation in neutral.
“I’m a good talker,” Damian shrugged. He sipped his drink.
“Well, me too,” Luke laughed, “Ask Reid. I have great oral skills.”
Reid and Damian stared at him.
“I mean, talking skills,” Luke blushed.
“I absolutely agree,” Reid said with a smirk. He drank some of the brandy.
Damian lowered his drink and turned a steely eye on Reid.
“So Dr. Oliver,” Damian began, “you explained the wing somewhat. And I do believe in Jessica’s good opinion. But, “ Damian paused, “ I need to know. Just what are your intentions with my son?”
They both looked at Luke.
Luke flushed. “Dad-“
Reid looked at Damian unflinchingly. “What I plan to do with Luke is none of your business. Luke’s a grown man.”
“You wouldn’t be the first to try and use the Grimaldis,” Damian said, “for our money or power. Perhaps this is your real interest in Luciano?”
Reid slowly lowered his fork.
“You got me,” Reid said and clapped his hands together. “Figured out my master plan. I’m not really a brilliant neurosurgeon trying to build a wing at all.” Reid shook off Luke’s arm on his shoulder. “ All those brains I operated on and repaired were just flukes. See I knew Luke was coming to Miami, so for the last eight years or so, I’ve been here plotting, waiting,” Reid rubbed his hands together like he was scheming. “I knew he would be unable to resist me. Once he gives me those funds, I really I plan to take Luke’s money and live in Key West and spend my time singing Jimmy Buffet tunes.”
“Great joking,” Luke tried to give a laugh, ”he’s got an odd sense of humor. He just -“
“Seriously,” Reid said. “That was my plan.”
“Please!” Luke said.
“Course I knew Luke would be fall right into the trap in about one day.”
“Reid-“
“Okay, maybe two.”
Luke turned and scowled at Reid. Reid picked up his fork, easily extracting the crab meat and chewed.
“Many people aren’t what they seem,” Damian said coldly. “Even in our own family, there were imposters.”
“Ahh,“ Reid said, “now it makes sense.” He nodded sagely. “ Paranoia in one of the first signs of it,” Reid said.
“What?” Damian said.
“Oh boy,” Luke mumbled and dropped his head into his hands.
“Of Capgras delusion. It a neurological disorder.” Reid talked on while he stuffed more crab into his mouth. “Patients think everybody is out to get them and nobody is who they seem. Might want to have yourself checked out.” Reid gave a small smile and tapped at the side of his head. “Just saying.”
Luke looked up and then squirmed at Damian’s face.
“Most people don’t speak to me that way,” Damian replied slowly and bared his teeth at Reid.
Reid shrugged, “I’m unique.”
“Dad,” Luke tried to interrupt. “Reid.”
“Noah never spoke to me like that.”
The name hung in the air.
“I’m sure.”
“He might be easily found, you know.”
“Dad!” Luke tried to jump in again. “I wouldn’t want to find Noah.”
Both men ignored him.
“I’m sure he’s out there somewhere,” Reid agreed. “He’s probably blindly jacking off right now, regretting letting Luke go, and knowing it was the worst mistake of his stupid, mediocre life.”
Damian turned his attention to Luke. “He called me, you know.” He spoke softly.
Luke caught his lip.
Reid frowned.
“Right before he walked out on you. “ Damian seemed lost in thought. His eyes glittered with an intense emotion.
“What - what did he say?”
Luke knew his face must have showed his apprehension then.How he wished he had a face that registered nothing. His heart pounded.Had Noah revealed that he’d hit Luke?
Reid sensed his alarm and gently rested his hand on Luke’s left thigh.
“He called and told me that you were a mess. “ Damian’s voice was clipped, his mouth tight. “That he was concerned and you were drinking again. He thought I should know how bad you’d gotten. ”
Luke clenched his teeth. “That’s sounds like him. I bet he was all morally righteous with you on the phone and told you how much he respects you and how much of a disaster I am.“ Luke swore, “Fucking ass kisser.”
Damian’s mouth fell. “Luciano,” he said, “I’ve never heard you speak this rudely before.”
“Blame me,” Reid said suddenly, “I’m a really bad influence on him.” His hand soothingly made a circle of warmth on Luke’s leg.
Luke’s heart was in his throat. He didn’t want to tell Damian how ugly it had all gotten, but he would tell him if it was necessary. He took a deep breath and gathered up his resolve. “Dad, “ he said, “Noah wasn’t concerned about me; he wasn’t what he appeared.”
“I know that,” Damian said abruptly. “I am a Grimaldi, after all.“ Damian’s face went taut with emotion.
“What’d you tell him?” Luke asked.
“That if he truly wanted what’s best for you, then he’d be helping you into rehab and not planning to take you away from the family.“ Damian’s mouth tightened. “The next thing I heard he’d abandoned you.”
Damian’s eyes glittered dangerously. He downed the rest of his brandy. He examined Reid again.
“So, forgetting Mr. Mayer, I repeat, what’re your intentions with my son?” Damian’s voice was soft as silk.
“Dad,” Luke stopped him. “I appreciate where this is coming from. I know it’s from your heart. But like Reid said- I’m a grown up. “
Damian stared at Luke. His steely face cracked a moment, and Luke spotted the vulnerability just underneath.
“I can count on Reid,” Luke told his father firmly. “He’s a pain in the ass, but - “
“Not an ass kisser,” Reid finished for him, making Luke smile.
Luke felt some of the tightness finally easing out of his chest.
Reid pushed away his dinner plate.
Reid glanced back at Luke briefly, but Luke saw warmth in his eyes. Then Reid looked at Damian. “Look, all kidding aside, I’ll say this once -“
Whatever it was, Reid didn’t get the chance. Damian’s phone buzzed.
He glanced at it. “Jessica,” He mouthed. “Yes?“ Damian said, he played with the edge of his napkin. “Not as long as you thought, eh? No, I don’t mind late. After your work then. Bellismo ! I look forward to having you,” Damian smiled, “with me.”
He hung up and looked at them. “ A little fun planned.“ Damian said. “ Now where were we?”
“We were here,” Luke told him. He turned to a surprised Reid. He firmly clasped Reid’s mouth and kissed him breathless.
“I’m also, finally, having fun,” Luke told his father. “I’m happy.”
Luke beamed a smile at both men.
Both men seemed unable to resist smiling back at him.
“Now we can order dessert.” Reid said. He signaled to the waiter and his cart full of sweets.
“Cheesecake or pie?” Damian asked, a subtle glint of humor on his own face.
“Reid will eat both, “ Luke answered absently. He held up a hand to stop the waiter from coming over. “But one more thing. “
Both men sighed.
Luke ignored that. He turned to Damian. “I expect Reid to get the foundation funds, with no strings, and have them released ASAP. You,” Luke said thrusting finger at Reid, “will go over the plans in detail with my father and be agreeable about it. And you,“ Luke thrust the same finger now at Damian, “will listen to my boyfriend and be charming to him from now on.”
When both men were silent, Luke gave a nod of satisfaction.
Luke saw Reid and Damian exchange a meaningful glance.
He waved the waiter over with the dessert cart.
They all started to eat.
“He is rather bossy,” Reid complained to Damian, as he ate some pie.
“He gets that from his mother,” Damian said smoothly, and took a bite of cheesecake.
***
As they waited for their cars outside the valet, Damian took Luke’s hand.
Reid had gone to the restroom. It was just the two of them.
“I leave in a day. I want to spend more time with you.”
“Me too.”
“Remember,” Damian told him, ” It’s fine to have a fun fling. But use your head.”
“It’s more than that.”
“Is it?” Damian just looked at him.
Reid came back to them. He looked from Luke to Damian.
Luke smiled. He could feel sparks of attraction starting between him and Reid. He linked his fingers with Reid’s.
“Well,” Damian shrugged as his car pulled up. “We’ll have all the time in the world soon.”
Luke turned back to his father. “What do you mean?”
“When you come home,” Damian said simply.
Luke stared at his father.
“Well ah, “ Luke stuttered, “I have a press release to do, maybe two.” Luke said, feeling Reid’s eyes on him.
Damian nodded. ”And then home, yes? The foundation needs you. Your mail is stacked up too high.”
Luke bit his lip. “I’m sure, but-“
He looked again at Reid. He waited a second for Reid to jump in and demand Luke stay in Miami.
Reid stared back at him.
“How’s the weather in Rome right now?” Luke said weakly.
“Ah, rain. Your office view might be cloudy. But it will be so good to work side by side again, right?”
“Right,” Luke said distractedly. Why wasn’t Reid giving him a sign to stay?
“It was good to meet you,” Damian was saying now smoothly to Reid, shaking his hand. “I’m sure Luciano will enjoy vacation time here.”
“Thanks.”
They both watched as Damian climbed into his car.
“He really loves having me in Rome,” Luke murmured.
Reid said nothing.
Their car came. Luke tipped the valet and they went in.
Luke rested his hands on the wheel a second. He had Reid had not discussed the future. He waited. Reid didn’t speak.
“Aren’t you going to ask me?”
“Ask what?”
“Ask me not to go back.”
Slowly, Reid shook his head.
“You’re not?” Luke said, hurt. He turned the key in the ignition, suddenly feeling miserable.
“That’s your decision,” Reid told him.
“I’m asking you to tell me what you think that I should do.” Luke waited. Tell me to stay, please, please, please .
“Like I told your father, “ Reid said as he stared out the car window, “You’re an adult.”
“He has a dream about us- me - being his heir and running the business, you know?”
“Right.”
“He just wants that son and father thing.” Luke swallowed hard. “And I just want to make him happy.” He attempted a quick glance at Reid’s set face. “And you . And me.”
Reid made a rude noise, “You can’t make everybody happy, Luke,” he snorted. “that’s not the way the world works.”
“Says the man who doesn’t care if he makes anybody happy,” Luke shot back defensively.
Reid didn’t get how Damian had helped him through so much. How he’d lifted him up. Saved him.
“Do you want me to stay?” Luke asked again, as he turned off the exit-ramp and headed to the condo.
“That’s a choice you have to make,” Reid said again. His lips came together firmly. He wouldn’t say more.
They pulled up to the condo and they both got out. Luke held his keys in his hand so tightly he could feel a mark.
“So you don’t care,” Luke said angrily, “what I do. Where I live?“
“That isn’t what I said,” Reid began.
“No,” Luke interrupted. “You don’t say much, do you?”
“Well, how ‘bout you?” Reid replied tightly.
“What?”
“You could have just told Damian you were staying here. But no. You were all - ‘Yes, father. No, father. How’s the weather.’ It was idiotic. If you want to stay then stay- if you don’t-“ Reid stopped abruptly.
Luke folded his arms across his chest. Why wouldn’t Reid just ask him to stay?
“Is this a pride thing?” Luke asked him.
“Get over yourself,” Reid snorted.
“What?”
“You think everything revolves around you. You’re not the center of my universe.”
“I never said I was,” Luke’s voice was hollow sounding.
“Did I hit a nerve? “ Reid said. “Need me to reassure you now? ” Reid shook his head emphatically. “Do you ever think for yourself?”
“Shut up!”
“No, I’m interested. Did you ever make a decision without your family or your ex? Did you ever take control of anything?” Reid went up to Luke.
Luke body shook with anger.
“You’re such a jerk. I’d forgotten what an asshole you can be.”
“And I’ve forgotten what a spoiled brat you can be - “ Reid drew his breath in.
Their faces were inches apart. Luke’s hands were pushed against Reid’s chest. He could feel the warmth of Reid’s skin beneath his shirt.
Luke dropped his hands and took a step back from him.
Reid also stepped back.
“I’m not doing this,” Reid said quietly, and Luke felt a stab of deep hurt.
Reid rubbed his fingers over his face quickly. “I think I should go in. Jessica wants me at work to help her tomorrow and…” He fell silent.
“Fine,” Luke shrugged, “whatever.”
Reid started away.
“Doesn’t matter to me,” Luke added in his bitchiest tone. “Do whatever you need to do.”
“You too,” Reid said coldly.
He watched Reid walk away. Luke felt like he was burning up inside. He turned the air on in his car and rolled the windows down, but nothing helped. He started back to his hotel, but then drove past it. Luke cruised up and down AIA.
He drove along the beach. He glanced hopefully at his phone as it buzzed. Reid? No. It was his mother. Luke ignored the call. He’d been ignoring her calls for a while. He drove faster. How had this happened? How had they gone from “I love you” this afternoon to this huge fight? It was a stupid fight too. He knew it was ridiculous. He should turn around . Go back. Luke shook his head in confusion, a little stunned. No, he wasn’t going to beg Reid to have him stay. He wasn’t going to be whiny and needy. Luke turned onto the highway and raced the car down I-95. Let the cops pull him over. He didn’t care. He put his foot down and felt the speed. Faster, faster- Luke drove on. He drove all night.
Reid never called.
At dawn, Luke slowly made his way back to his hotel, his mind numb, his body aching for Reid. He took a long shower and crawled into the bed. Luke was painfully aware of Reid’s absence; how he was craving him. Not for sex, but just to be near him. He wanted to nuzzle his face in Reid’s neck and to wake up in his steady arms.
Luke twisted in his bed fretfully. He would fix this. He would go to the hospital in a few hours and have it out again with Reid. He’d make Reid admit he wanted Luke to stay. He’d force the words out of him.
Luke hugged the pillow. Every time he squeezed his eyes shut, he still saw Reid’s face, his beautiful face. Luke could picture Reid in the shower as he leaned in to kiss Luke’s lips, Reid trying not to laugh at Luke’s doing yoga, Reid’s eyes the night he told Luke that he could stay, Reid’s intensity at the moment he’d said he loved him. He’s mine and I’m his . Luke sighed and glided his hand over the pillow next to him. There was no way this was over, no way. A few hot tears escaped Luke’s eyes. He touched the pillow again. He’s mine and I’m his .
Sleep finally found him.