Page 18 of Family Matters

He couldn’t hold back for long, and, with a strangled cry, coated the walls of Bart’s tight channel with his hot seed, whole protectively wrapping the arms on the man who fell exhausted on top of him. With the tips of his fingers, the librarian caressed the damp waves of blond hair adorning Bart’s head, whispering sweet words of praise and love.

I’ve been such a neglectful Dom,Brian said to himself, guilt and regret as he caught a glimpse of the longing filling Luca’s stormy-grey eyes. I’m sorry, my precious pet, I promise to make it up to you as soon as this madness is over.The librarian sighed softly, hoping that moment would come sooner rather than later; he missed the sensation of confidence and control possessing his sub was giving him every time.

As if he’d guessed Brian’s thoughts, Luca ran his fingers through his Dom’s long, silky strands. Being a father for the first time was a tough job, especially since he loved little Gianluca with every fiber of his being. Constantly worrying over the baby’s health, flinching at every sound he made, losing sleep over a thousand small things put extra pressure on his shoulders.

When the mayhem created by the apparition of Semyon Narkin’s only grandson at The Base was over, Luca knew Brian would be more than happy to take all the worries offhis shoulders and help him let some steam out. It took some time for the Sicilian to understand the essence of submission and giving up control, but, when he did, the man was grateful Callahan suggested it as a way for him and Brian to get over the hell Hubert, Ottavio, and his henchmen put the two of them through.

Bart finally slid off Brian and, rolling on one side, curled next to his husband and hugged Martino from behind. The librarian brought one of his hands to his chest and let rest there, fingers spread. Luca got the message and laced the fingers of his free hand with those of his Dominant, and the two of them stayed like that, in comfortable silence, grateful that it was a Saturday, and everyone slept a little longer.

**********

A few days passed since Ferris’ bodyguard rescue, which was a total success. The young man was at the clinic, under permanent supervision, because, although the septicemia was avoided at the last minute and the wounds were healing nicely, he was not out of the danger zone yet. Unfortunately, Doctor Alasdair said, restoring his sight, even partially, was impossible, so the blindness was permanent.

However, it seemed the guard came to terms with the fact that he wouldn’t be able to see for the rest of his life. It was the fake news of Ferris’ death that made him lose the will to live, and, what was worse, he didn’t believe any of the people who told him the kid was alive and well, vehemently shaking his head whenever he heard them.

The crew in charge with the rescue operation also captured a few of the kidnappers and gave them to Semyon, who had his men interrogated them. The henchmen couldn’t resistthe Russians’ interrogation methods for long, and confessed Donna Fabrizia’s involvement in Sonya’s killing and her son and the kid’s bodyguard being kidnapped.

After the visit at Brian’s house, Semyon asked here and there and found out what the man did for the heirs. Fully convinced that the librarian didn’t have anything to do with the unfortunate incidents which so dramatically altered the course of his life, he apologized, then asked him to take Ferris under his wing and teach the boy how to be a real Mafia boss.

Brian promised to do so, and reminded the Russian that Reardon, the teen’s father, was also a great example of a Mafia leader. Then, the librarian gave Semyon a complete update on Callum’s state of health, and said it was safe for Ferris to visit him, to which the old man happily agreed, especially since he considered the young guard as being part of the family.

“Do you have any plans for today?” Brian turned to Ferris and cleared his throat before continuing. “I’d like you to come with me to the clinic.”

“But I’m fine.” The boy protested halfheartedly. “And anyway, don’t you have a job? I mean, from what I’ve noticed, you are not the type to…you know…skip work.” He frowned.

“My co-worker, Jamie, is a nice person who agreed to change shifts with me, so don’t worry, I’m not skipping work.”There was a tinge of amusement in Brian’s voice. “We are going to see Callum…if you want to, that is.”

“Of course I want to!” Ferris’s face brightened from a smile that reached his eyes, but vanished a few seconds later. “But…would the doctor allow us to see him? I heard grandfather talking to his company’s chief security, he said Callum’s back is covered in infected wounds and he’s weakened.”

“The infection was stopped from spreading, and almost all the wounds are healed.” Brian swallowed thickly. “I think there’s something you have to know before we go there. Callum’s sight was irreversibly damaged. He won’t be able to see again.” He said the last part bluntly.

For a while, Ferris didn’t react in any way, then he inhaled sharply and clenched his hands into fists. “Is there anything else I should know? I mean, except the...you know...blindness? Is Callum...can he hear me?” Then, the boy lost his composure and clung to Brian. “I'm scared. Who are those people? Callum loved to read and play guitar, why did they hurt him? Why did mom have to die?” He started to cry.

“I'm trying to find out. I have my suspicions, but I want to know everything.” Brian held the boy close to him and rubbed soothing circles on his back. “Callum will still be able to play guitar. Reading is another matter but he can learn to read Braille. I can teach him if he'll let me. If I had to think of a reason why it's because he succeeded in protecting you and they didn't get what they wanted.I'm so sorry for your momma and Callum. I wish I had the answer as to why this happened.”

After a few moments, Ferris was more relaxed, the tension in his muscles almost gone, and he followed the librarian to the car. “I never knew my father.” He started talking a few momentsafter the vehicle took off. “You are his friend, what kind of man is he?” His voice was dripping curiosity

“He's a good man.” Brian’s answer came right away, in an affectionate voice. “Always been a great friend to me. He's honorable and loyal.”

“Mom told me he was handsome, too, and I look like him.” Ferris asked, a small, shy smile playing on his lips. “Is it true?”

“My friend is indeed a very good-looking man.” Brian studied the teenager from the corner of the eye. “Yes, you really do look a lot like your dad. I'm surprised I didn't see the resemblance myself. It was your mom who told me you are Reardon’s son.”

A comfortable silence took over the car for the rest of the ride, with Brian focused on the road, and Ferris staring at the windshield, wondering what was Callum’s real state of health. He was afraid the librarian was hiding something from him, and the guard was much worse, most likely still unconscious.

A multitude of emotions took over Ferris when Brian pulled the car into the hospital’s parking lot, then guided him into the building and down the corridor that took them to Callum’s room. To the teenager’s immense surprise and joy, his guard was awake and had company. He listened with visible interest to the other man, who was telling him about different fighting styles.

Gesturing to him to keep silent for the time being, Brian gently shoved Ferris to the bed. When only a few inches separated him from Callum, the teenager called the name of theyoung guard, who turned his head and stared blankly ahead, disbelief written all over his face. Listening intently, he was trying to determine if what he heard was real or just a product of his imagination.

Ferris took Callum’s hands between his, heartbroken at the sight his bodyguard and best friend was offering. However, when he spoke again, the teenager didn’t let any of his feelings into his voice, managing to make it sound cheerful and carefree, much to the happiness of the one who protected him at the cost of his physical integrity.

Tears running down his face, Callum thanked Ferris for staying alive. A great guy by the name of Andrea Malaspina, who worked for a prominent Mafia boss, he continued, offered to teach him how to fight even if he couldn’t see. The young man planned to use the newly gained skills to take revenge against those who killed Sonya and her son, but, with Ferris surviving, he was going to train harder, because he was needed again.

CHAPTER 14

Ferris and Callum chatted for more than an hour, both of them having a lot to tell to the other one. Their conversation was interrupted by Brian, who checked his watch. “Sorry, boys, but it’s time for us to go, unless we want to have our asses kicked by Doc Alasdair for not letting his patient to rest.” He grinned, then affectionately patted Callum on the shoulder. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Wait.” The young bodyguard turned in the direction the librarian’s voice was coming from. “I’d like you to stay a bit more. There’s something I want to talk to you about.” He swallowed hard. “Alone.”

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