Page 18 of Troy

Taking our seats, Ryan’s PA, Charlie, brings in coffee and pastries and offers a friendly greeting before taking a seat next to Ryan to take notes. I reach over and snag two coffees for myself and Raff then look up and smile.

“Okay then, let’s get this show rolling.” I open one of the folders on the table; there is one for each of us. Raff bats his eyelashes at me and opens his as Ryan and Nico follow suit.

We spend the next two hours explaining how our company works, what we have achieved and how we want to go forward. Enthusiastic, Raff offers some excellent suggestions; Nico seems impressed and proffers more recommendations to Raff’s.

When we get to salary and the terms and conditions of Raff’s position here, I notice his surprise when he sees our offer and he glances quickly at me and mouths, “Really?”

Of course, Ryan notices and clarifies, “I think it’s a fair amount for commitment and work we are going to demand from you. Do you not agree?”

“Umm, yeah. It’s a very generous amount, I’m just surprised.” Raff chuckles deeply and looks around. “Okay, where do I sign?”

Nico laughs and hands over his pen; four signatures later, Rafferty McMahon is part of De’ath of You Enterprise. The huge grins on our faces show how ecstatic we are.

“So, Raff, shall I show you around?” Nico asks, catching me off guard; I expected to do this. But I’m happy for Nico to get to know the man who has become so important to me.

“Yeah, sure. That would be great, it looks awesome from here.” Raff eyes me, “Are you okay with this?”

“Sure, I’ll see you back here, then I’ll take you to your office.” I don’t want to be apart for too long and the desire to kiss him again overwhelms me, so I focus on Nico who watches me, his head tilted to one side as he tries to work out what is going on between me and Raff. “Don’t keep him too long, Nico; we’ve got plans for this afternoon.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you do.” Nico scoffs.

Raff shoots Nico an annoyed look: I can read him so well already. I love how he wants to protect me. Damn, I’m lost to him. I let out a sigh as he falls in step with Nico.

Ryan waits for the men to leave the room before turning to me and smile. Here it goes, I wonder what he’s going to say?

“Are you going to tell me what happened between you adamantly refusing to acknowledge your attraction yesterday morning, and you looking totally loved up this morning?” Ryan’s question isn’t him simply being nosey. I believe he is concerned for me. “He seems like a good man, you look happy, Troy. I’ve known you for over a year now and, although you have always been cheerful, it’s nothing to the way you look now. What is it about Raff that is so different than Logan? I don’t mean to pry and, by all means, tell me to mind my own business, but you look content.”

“I don’t know how this has happened, Ry. But he called me yesterday, making me realize how I had hurt him by leaving him. We talked and let our feelings be known. We agreed to take it slowly, but this morning was a different matter.” I gaze out the window to catch up with my thoughts then look back at Ryan. “But, he completes me. He is the antithesis of every other man I have ever been with, including Franco, but it feels right. We still have so much to learn about each other; I can’t wait to find out about his life, and that’s where the difference is between him and anyone else I’ve been with.” I chuckle at the thought of how slowly we took it this morning, then I realize this is the first time I have mentioned Franco in many months. In fact, I may never have talked to Ryan about him.

“I think you are right, Troy; I can see a change in you. I also understand your hesitancy, but only you can make the choice to accept him into your heart. I’m sure he doesn’t want to be a replacement for Franco because that is an impossible task. He will want to make his own mark on you.” Ryan pats my shoulder and then saunters off, back to his office.

I get the feeling I’m being appraised by Nico. I know he looks out for his friend, so I’m happy for him to ask me what is going on. I only desire to be with Troy, to make him happy; Nico must understand this. Traversing the building, Nico explains what takes place and how much more he has planned. His enthusiasm is infectious and he soon has me caught up in his vision.

“So, what do you think, Raff; do you think this going to work? Can you be a part of this?”

“Hell yes! I can’t believe this is happening to me, I never thought I could be so lucky.” My mind isn’t solely on my new position here, and my huge salary, but on Troy and what we seem to have.

“Hmm, I think your work is just what we are looking for. You show a different, edgier side of photography. You have an ability to pick the best shot and make what could be a mundane fashion shoot into a riot, showing such excitement and diversity. That is why Troy has been championing you for months now.” Nico shoots me a look to see if I’m going to comment on Troy, but I hold back, biding my time to see what he thinks. I don’t have to wait long.

“So, you and Troy seem to have gotten close.” He considers me, “I apologize if my rabbit comment offended you.”

“Yeah? It was intrusive, but, as you have brought it up, I feel I should clear the air. Troy is my future. I have, no, we have never felt such an instant connection, such a basic need to be with a man before. But we have yet to fuck, like rabbits or any other way.” Surprise flashes in Nico’s eyes, “Yeah, we decided we need to get to know each other more. To not base what we have on a purely carnal or sexual reaction.”

“But, that episode up against the car did not look like either of you are showing restraint.” Nico chuckles dryly then straightens his face.

“Oh, you saw that, did you? Are you really expecting me to explain every intimate moment we share? Because, that isn’t going to happen. I expect us both to behave professionally at work, I’m sure you and your husband are not displaying your private life during work hours, right?” If Nico thinks I’m a pushover, he is very wrong.

“Touché, Raff. Just one word of warning: don’t mess with his past, with Franco. You will be fortunate if you ever hear him mention his name. So, don’t press him for details because, although you say you have never felt such an immediate attraction, Troy has. I was with Franco the night he met Troy and there was no doubt they were connected, that they completed each other.”

“I really think that is a very low blow, Nico; I don’t appreciate you already belittling what we have. I know Franco was your best friend, too, but he isn’t here now and Troy has found in me the reason to be happy again. I intend to make him happy for the rest of our lives. I think we are done here for today.” I give Nico a sharp look and register his chagrin.

“Don’t you hurt him, Raff; I don’t think he would survive it.” Nico growls, his retort infuriating me.

“You need to back off, this is none of your business.” I snap at him.

“Troy will always be my business; he is my brother.” Nico stalks towards me and I can tell he’s not done, but I am.

“He’s all grown up now, Nico; let him make his own decisions.”

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