Like Father, Like Son - 21

Nicky went into the spare bedroom in Declan’s apartment, meaning to just put his bags on the bed before returning to the living room. As he turned to leave he found Declan standing in the doorway, arms crossed.

Declan nodded to the bags. “Unpack.”

With a wry grimace Nicky set to it, hanging some things in the small closet, putting the rest into the dresser drawers. He should have known better than to think he could wait.

“That’s my good boy,” Declan told him when he’d finished. “Now where shall we go tonight? Any suggestions?”

“Somewhere we haven’t been before, for starters. A nice, popular restaurant?”

Declan considered the suggestion and nodded. “An excellent idea. Change then pack up dark jeans and a turtle neck and your boots.” He started to leave, stopped and walked to where Nicky stood, cupping his face in his hands. “For luck,” he said softly, brushing a kiss across Nicky’s lips. Before Nicky could respond Declan was back at the door. “Get ready,” were his last words as he disappeared down the hall.

Yes sir, Nicky would have rolled his eyes at the command except for the fact he actually, and rather obviously considering the relationship they were in, didn’t mind Declan’s ordering him to do things. He changed quickly into navy slacks, a blue button-down shirt and a tie, packed up what he’d need for later, and went into the living room.

“You look quite handsome,” Declan said appreciatively.

Nicky smiled, looking at his lover’s black slacks and dark gray shirt. The only color was in the deep wine of his tie. “You’re not so bad yourself.”  

“Thank you. Shall we?” Declan picked up his backpack from the sofa then opened the door, waiting for Nicky to join him.

* * * *

Capturing the woman they’d chosen proved to be no problem at all. She sat two tables away from them with her escort, engaged in an argument which everyone within earshot could, and did listen to. The man was obviously upset with her while she was scathingly cold in her responses.

Declan watched for the right moment before telling Nicky quietly, “I’m going to the men’s room. She’s at the point where she’s going to get up and stalk out.” He handed him enough cash to pay for their meal plus a tip. “As soon as I’m gone flag down the waiter, pay him, and go to the car. I’ll meet you there.”

“What if she doesn’t leave?”

Declan smiled tightly. “She will, I know her type. She’ll make a dramatic exit then go to her car, intending to leave her date stranded to teach him a lesson. I’ll intercept her before she takes off. Just be ready when I bring her to the car.” He handed Nicky the keys.

Nicky did as Declan had told him then sat in the car with the motor running, waiting. He was surprised to see Declan appear a few minutes later with his arm around the woman’s shoulders, deep in conversation with her. You’re a real lady killer when you want to be, babe, literally and figuratively.

When they got to the car Declan held open the rear door and the woman got in, smiling as she said, “Ah, we have a chauffeur.”

Declan chuckled. “We do.” His hands were around her throat seconds later, squeezing tightly despite her thrashings until she passed out. “Drive,” he ordered as he jumped in beside her.

Nicky did, with a mix of excitement and panic racing through him. He kept one eye on the rearview mirror to make certain no one had seen what happened and tried to follow them. It took several long blocks before he felt safe and pulled over to the curb. He crawled over the console to the passenger seat with a small sigh of relief. Declan patted his thigh after he switched to the driver’s seat. “Easy enough, now that I’ve got you,” he said, leaning over to kiss Nicky’s cheek before he pulled the car out into traffic, heading towards the outskirts of the city.