Meant to Be Read online

  Speaking of dreams of grandeur, Stanley was in his element. He looked every bit the cultured young man he wished to be. His hair was cut short and styled within an inch of its life. His body toned and perfected by the stunning black three-piece suit that he wore. He missed nothing, everything was attended to, from a manicure to a light dusting of eyeliner. He was loving it and it showed.

  Whereas Walker had to constantly remind himself to stand up straight and not slouch and his suit although altered to fit him still gave off an aura of second-hand Sally. He didn’t care, Stanley made sure he was presentable, and that was all that mattered. This wasn’t for him, this was Stanley’s dream.

  “Go, work the room, I’m fine and if you get lucky, just text me and I’ll head home in a cab.” Walker patted his arm and turned to go check out the food and find a drink. He’d just recently turned twenty-one so made sure he had his driver’s license handy.

  …

  “I’ve had all the sycophantic activity that I can handle for now.” Nik said to Andrew who was fluttering about nearby. “I’m going down to make the circle of the room and I’ll indicate a few for the VIP room. Send them up after a few minutes.” He started at the back and worked his way forward parting the crowd as he made his way gesturing this way and that way, as Andrew took note of who he was indicating.

  The Coven has been holding this exclusive party twice a year for the past ten years and it always was a hit. The cream of society consistently showed up to see and be seen. It has become over the years a popularity contest that the locals, unawares, had put him in charge of.

  He was about to take a left and move towards the bar area when a movement to his right caught his attention and held it. Standing with his back leaning against one of the decorative Grecian pillars and both hands stuck in his pockets, was a man whose very presence seemed to call out to him. He felt it in every cell of his body and he heard it clearly in his mind. The pull was impossible to resist.

  He walked towards the young man without hesitation. Andrew touched his arm, and he barked at him. “Take them upstairs and I’ll meet you there later.” He never took his eyes off the stunningly attractive man by the column.

  Walker didn’t see the sexy man until he was standing right next to him and began to speak. He jumped at the intrusion but covered his startled reaction with an awkward cough which brought a small smile to the stranger’s face. Walker forced himself not to stare but, damn, the eyes that bore into him were like the clearest of blue water, just stunning. He couldn’t think of a better word to describe this man. Walker had never met anyone so breathtaking just in the way they walked and stood. He was somebody, that was clear. He belonged at this party, unlike Walker.

  “Hello, I haven’t seen you here before. Nik Hadden.” The beautiful man introduced himself and held out his perfectly strong and muscular hand towards Walker who stood there and stared at it. He shook his head and quickly grabbed the offered hand in a firm yet confident grip, he hoped.

  “Walker Hall, and I haven’t been here before. This is my first time. I’m just a wing man for my friend Stanley Binkman.” Walker pointed over to a group of men, one of which was Stanley. “You’ve been here before?” He asked as he turned his attention back to Nik.

  Nik was enchanted and not just because Walker was the most bewitching man he’d ever laid eyes upon but because he was Nik’s beloved. He was beautiful in a way that was so right. His finger styled blond hair and his flashing hazel eyes were captivating. Walker Hall, Nik loved the name, his Walker. He was so small, yet so solidly built and robust. He looked to be a handful, a delicious handful.

  His laid-back attitude brought a genuine air to everything he said. His smile was off the charts adorable and erotic in equal measures. Nik was shocked that living right here in Pittsburgh, under his nose was his beloved. This was why he had been feeling so distracted all week, why he was wanting more out of life, it was because Fate was sending him Walker, his beloved. He’d felt the shift in his desires from solitary to wanting a commitment and hadn’t fully understood why. Fate was preparing him for his forever lover, his life partner, his beloved.

  “Yes, I’ve attended a few times over the years. It’s fun and entertaining, you’ll have a good time.” Nik was playing along wanting Walker to treat him like an ordinary guy and not the owner of the joint. It has been a long time since he met someone who didn’t immediately know who he was and what he could do for them.

  He had few friends outside of the Coven because humans, in general, could not be trusted and tended to use people for their own gains and amusement. He didn’t believe this of Walker, but he just didn’t want to end the connection they were building. If Walker knew who he was, he would probably freeze up and try to run, he had that look about him. Nik needed time to forge a path forward before coming clean about his real identity.

  Nik held out his hand again and waited for Walker to take it and was pleased when he did. “Come with me to the balcony, it’s a great view of the festivities, you’ll love it. The dancing has started, and it’s beautiful to watch from up there.” He said and started leading Walker to the grand looking staircase. Walker pulled back when they were about to ascend.

  “I can’t go up there.”

  “Why not?”

  “Stanley said to stay in the main room and for god sake, don’t go upstairs. Those were his exact words.”

  Nik couldn’t help but laugh, Walker was so damn authentic that he just wanted to eat him up.

  “The second floor is for the upper crust.” Walker flipped his nose in that universal sign of snob. “You have to be specifically invited to go up.”

  “I’m acquainted with the head of security. It will be okay, trust me. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.” He pulled on Walker’s hand urging him forward.

  “Who are they going to blame, the guy in the Armani or the guy in the hand-me-down suit?”

  “Actually, it’s a Kiton, not an Armani.” Nik teased.

  “Well, either way, I’m the one getting the boot and you know it.”

  “Live dangerously, Walker. Come with me.” He again began to urge him forward and this time Walker went.

  “Okay, but if Stanley jumps my ass for not following directions, I’m blaming it on you.” He grinned and eagerly followed.

  “Trust me, baby, no one and I do mean no one is jumping your ass. I’ll keep you safe.” Nik took the opening and dropped a kiss to the back of Walker’s hand and then lead him up the stairs.

  Walker wasn’t sure why he was agreeing to go with this guy, but it did seem harmless. It’s not like he was luring him into a dark alley or anything. Although, considering the charm of this man, he probably wouldn’t have said no. He glanced to the side and noticed the strong muscled ass that shown every time Nik took a step up the stairs. Whatever he paid for that Kiton suit, it was worth every penny in Walker’s opinion. The way his pants stretched and caressed that ass was indecent and Walker couldn’t pry his eyes away.

  Nik noticed his beloved’s appreciation of his body, so he exaggerated some moves to impress. His beloved was so sweet, so innocent, so open, and so fucking gorgeous. Nik held tight to Walker’s hand as he led him to the elaborately decorated art déco railing that surrounded the upper floor.

  Nik was thoroughly satisfied by the look of surprised amazement on his beloved’s face. No one has looked at his club with such unguarded fascination in a very long time and it made him very proud of what he’d accomplished.

  “This is fantastic.” Walker burst, his eyes darting around as he looked out upon the room below. “It’s like some kind of palace ballroom, regal lavishness are the words I’m searching for I guess. Maybe I’ve read too many of Stanley’s historical romances.” He chuckled and leaned over the rail to take in every corner of the room below. “No wonder this place is exclusive, they wouldn’t want a bunch of bums coming in and messing up the place.”

  “Sometimes it hard to discern just who the bums are.” He commente
d, remembering the events of a few nights ago. He let go of Walker’s hand and placed his arm around him as Walker continued to take in the people and activities below them. He seemed to lean into the embrace which prompted Nik to take a step closer and tighten his embrace, just slightly. Walker smelled so heavenly, whatever cologne this man was wearing, Nik planned on buying it by the gallon.

  Andrew stepped up to Nik’s side and whispered casually that the people were gathered in the VIP lounge and he was expected to make an appearance. Walker heard half the conversation and drew his own conclusions.

  “Wow, you got picked for the VIP lounge, pretty cool. You better go, I hear it is quite an honor, according to Stanley.” Walker spoke in erratic sentences and stepped back from him and was about to turn away back towards the staircase. Nik caught him by the upper arm before he got too far away.

  “Come with me.” He suggested with a smile.

  “They picked you, not me and they’ll probably send you back to the main floor if you try to sneak me by their security.” Walker was impressed and appreciated that Nik thought enough to try to invite him to the private party in the VIP room.

  “No, come on, like I said, I know the head of security. I’m sure I can sneak you in.” Nik just seemed so sure of himself that Walker agreed to give it a try. What the hell, all they could do was kick him out, not like that’s never happened to him before.

  The VIP room was large and comfortable looking with special food and drinks available and waiters hovering around taking care of everyone’s needs. Walker entered with Nik and took a quick glance at the big guy guarding the door before averting his eyes. He didn’t seem interested in harassing him. Maybe Nik had an inside track, like he claimed. However it happened, Walker Hall, grease monkey was rubbing shoulders with Pittsburgh’s elite in the VIP room of The Imperial Club and he would never let Stanley forget it.

  Walker nonchalantly pulled his phone out of his pocket and was in the process of sending Stanley a text when Nik spoke and slipped his arm around him. “Who are you talking to?” He sounded just a bit irritated.

  “I sent Stanley a text telling him where I am. Actually, I was bragging pretty big. He answered saying he didn’t believe me.” Walker quickly explained himself. He didn’t want to get on the wrong side of his handsome friend. He was really liking the attention the man was giving him. It was glaringly obvious that Nik was way out of his league, but for some reason he wanted to hang and Walker wasn’t going to object.

  “Well, maybe this will convince him.” He held up Walker’s phone and pulled him into a close hug and took a selfie clearly showing them and several of the people in the background. “That should do it.” He handed the phone back to Walker.

  At that moment, several people rushed up to Nik and began talking about business, meetings, and projects, while the staff seemed to be right at hand for everything he needed. Walker found himself still held securely by the hand through it all. He thought Nik would probably start playing the room once he arrived, but he hadn’t left Walker’s side even for a moment. He wasn’t completely sure what Nik wanted from him.

  As he was listening to Nik discuss zoning and observed the networking going on in the room, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out hoping that Nik didn’t notice and read the message from Stanley.

  “What the fuck are you doing? That’s Nik Hadden in the picture with you. He owns this place. What are you doing in the VIP ROOM?!” Walker was stunned for a moment and was re-reading the text when he got another just as frantic. “How do you know Nik Hadden. You never told me you knew him. Do I even know you at all?” Stanley was drifting into drama so Walker locked his phone and stuck it back into his pocket.

  He looked over at the door and wondered how easily he could slip out unnoticed. Considering Nik was still holding his hand, he would have to wait for his opening and then make a run for it. This was Nik Hadden the owner of The Imperial Club along with a string of other businesses in this city. He was a heavy hitter in this town with tons of influence.

  Walker recognized the name now, but earlier he’d just been caught up in the extravagance of the affair and let the name slide by. Besides, in what universe would Nik Hadden be striking up a conversation with someone like him? Nikolas Hadden was a mover, shaker, celebrity, and he brought Walker Hall to his VIP lounge.

  He should have paid more attention to the newspapers and should have known what this guy looked like. Shit, he acted like a buffoon. Like someone’s country cousin blinded by the lights of the big city. He needed to go before he embarrassed himself any further.

  As Walker considered his options, he was suddenly struck with why this was happening and it chilled him to the bone. Nik Hadden and his elite pals were playing him for a fool. He was mocking him and his classlessness. This was how rich people entertained themselves.

  …

  Nik felt the pull even though it was tentative and just a test at how firm he was holding Walker’s hand. He was attempting to extricate himself and Nik was not ready to let him go. He finished with the group he was talking to and turned to give Walker his complete attention. He wished he could get out of there and take Walker up to his apartment, but he needed to be seen in the VIP room for a while longer. He bent and turned Walker’s face towards him. “What’s wrong?”

  Walker was startled and didn’t know what to say. If he told him he knew the truth, would he make a scene and treat him like shit before Walker could get out the door? A flash of embarrassing and humiliating possibilities crossed his mind in rapid succession.

  “I want to leave.” He said as forcefully as his pounding heart would allow. He looked up at Nik and then looked away, his eyes were no longer cool waters they’d changed to molten steel. Walker was beginning to become afraid. He flexed his hand but Nik was not releasing him. This could turn bad really quick.

  …

  Nik was more scared than he could ever remember being. If he handled this wrong, he could lose Walker and he could not lose his beloved. It was pure ego that had him snapping that picture so Walker could send it to his friend. Was he so stupid to think that Stanley Binkman wouldn’t text back and inform Walker of who he was. The apprehension and the distrust on Walker’s face was killing him.

  Nik glanced up at Josef who had just entered the room and indicated for him to take over. Nik couldn’t stay and play nice any longer, he had to get Walker somewhere quiet and explain himself. He looked down at Walker once again and hope his expression showed what he was feeling.

  “I have a good idea the things that are going through your mind right now and I’m asking you to let me explain.” Walker stared at him with eyes that were cold and angry but he gave a stiff nod, it was enough for now, at least he was going to give him a chance. “Thank you.” Nik said and pulled him behind the bar and out a back door before Walker could change his mind.

  Walker wasn’t sure why he was going to let Nik talk. He was sure it would be the typical, ‘it was just a joke, why are you so upset’ line of explanation. But he had to hear him out, the man gave a vibe that Walker fought but could not resist and that baffled the hell out of him. No one ever affected him like this, his cock was throbbing in his pants and his hand was in a tight fist. He didn’t know if he wanted to fuck him or punch him in the nose, maybe both.

  He followed him down a hallway and into what looked to be an office. It was nice, and it had monitors on the desk that gave a clear view of the entire establishment. Nik finally released Walker’s hand, but he seemed reluctant to move away from him. It’s not like he could just run away, Nik had a lot of people working for him that could easily stop Walker from leaving if they wanted to.

  “By the look on your face, I’m assuming your friend Stanley told you who I am.” Nik began and took a step closer to Walker but didn’t try to touch him.

  “Yes, he did.” Walker tried to sound firm but his voice had a quiver that he failed to hide. Thankfully, Nik did not comment on it.

  “I didn’t
tell you who I was because I was enjoying our conversation, I was enjoying you treating me like just another guest. I got caught up in it and I let it go on too long.” Nik moved closer still, getting right up into Walker’s space and reached out to push the hair back from Walker’s eyes so he could see him clearly.

  “Did everyone in the VIP lounge know you were jerking me around? Were they in on the big joke?” Walker spoke softly and glanced behind at the closed door as if judging how quickly he could leave. “Were you recording the whole thing so you could play it later for your friends and have a big laugh?” He didn’t realize it but his voice rose with each accusation. He was furious and Nik’s explanation was not washing. Walker turned and made for the door.

  “You are not leaving!” Nik shouted in response to Walker attempting to walk out of the room. Nik took him by the upper arm and swung Walker around to face him. “No one knew, there are no recordings, this is not a joke.” He slammed Walker against him and took his mouth in a hard, demanding kiss. There was no stopping once he got the scent of Walker’s arousal. The smell instantly filled the room and had his instincts taking over.

  Walker was furious, but he was also unbelievably turned on. Nik was a take charge sort of guy and Walker was falling for it like one of those damsels in Stanley’s books. He wanted Nik even if he refused to admit it. He wanted Nik just as much as Nik wanted him. The hard cock that was pressing into his hip was just as demanding as Walker’s throbbing member which was struggling for release. Their lust for one another was enormous.

  The kiss became fevered, both men pushing for more contact, deeper exploration and control was lost. Nik pushed Walker up against the wall and ran his hands down his front until he cupped his prize. Walker’s cock jerked when Nik took it in a firm grip. Nik then began to vigorously rub his own hard cock against Walker’s hip bone in rhythm with his strokes of Walker’s cock.