Chapter 59:
A Warning
Xavier grabbed a Coke from the bus' small
fridge and snapped open the ring, dropping heavily into the seat next to Brian.
"We should be there within the hour," he informed the quiet singer,
raising his eyebrows as Brian ignored the information.
"Want a sip?" he questioned.
Xavier smirked as Brian stared absorbedly out the window.
"Ahhh…you're not mad at me because of
what I said, are you?" he whined in a soft, mocking tone, placing a
massive hand on Brian's upper thigh. "I couldn't stand it if you were mad
at me."
Brian shoved Xavier's hand forcibly away,
glancing up quickly to see if any of the guys were watching, then glared darkly
at the bodyguard. Over the past weeks, Xavier had intensified his caresses,
making sure to do so only in public. Brian knew Xavier was shrewd, subtle with
his gestures and clever enough not to cause suspicion but just intimate enough
to keep him extremely uncomfortable. With one more vicious glare Brian turned
in his seat, shrinking as far away as he could from Xavier.
Xavier laughed quietly at Brian, amused
that he could plainly see how he affected the young singer. If he had known how
entertaining this discreet game of sexual intimidation unnerved Brian, he would
have started sooner. That he was attracted to the small Backstreet Boy was a
fact, one that he now acknowledged freely to himself. He had wrestled for quite
a while with that realization, uncomfortable at his discovery, never having
been in a situation where he actually desired the person he chose as his next
victim. Xavier glanced at Brian, who was shifting uneasily in his chair. Xavier
shrugged, indifferent. As much as he wanted the blond singer, he prided himself
on maintaining control, sexual or otherwise. As long as the game was
continuing, he was satisfied, and sexual relief didn't factor in. Xavier knew
any weakness on his part was a liability, and getting involved was a risk that
he was unwilling to take. Xavier gave another small laugh. Still, it didn't
hurt to have some fun and torment him …
Xavier snapped out of his musing as Nick
playfully slammed into the opposite seat, waving a hand-held game under Brian's
nose.
"Hey Bri, wanna play?"
Once again, Brian knew it was Nick's peace
offering, trying to mend their strained relationship. He stiffened, sensing
Xavier's intimidating eyes bearing down on him. He struggled internally,
remembering all too well Xavier's menacing threats a few moments ago. Angry at
having to ruin their fragile truce, Brian leaned forward towards Nick, his
words harsher than he intended them to be.
"Jeez, Nick! Just because you almost
fell out of the bus, you think we're now friends." Brian held up his cast,
as a reminder. "Don't think I haven't forgotten this. Oh, by the way, have
you ever thought that maybe I was really trying to push you out instead
of pull you in?"
Nick backed away slowly, stung by Brian's
vicious words. His eyes locked onto Brian's, the hatred clearly visible.
"I wish I had broken more than your wrist," he whispered with such
fury that even Xavier was impressed by the young man's wrath.
They both watched as Nick strode angrily
back to his seat before Xavier turned to give Brian a thoughtful look.
"Damn. Maybe I should have picked him instead of you." He knew this
would set Brian off and it did.
"Leave him alone or by God I swear
I'll find a way to kill you."
Xavier gave a small snort of derisive
laughter and reclined in his chair, closing his eyes, not noticing the true
hunger that lay in Brian's bright blue gaze.
***
