4- Vaughn

Vaughn

My palms are sweating as I nervously sit on the couch, all the memories of that night, reaching in my head. Memories of me telling him about my fantasies and, fuck! What is he doing here?

“So the deal is going to be finalized as soon as you sign the papers, Mr Thorn,” Dad says and finally, he removes his gaze from me. He has been staring. And I hate his stares.

“I'm going to give you the money, but on one condition.” His deep voice rings in my ears, bringing back memories and feelings. Damn it! I should leave. I need to leave.

“Sure, Mr Thorn. I will give you anything.” Dad laughs, but no expression appears on the stranger, who I've come to know that his name is Mr Thorn face.

“You see, I require a marriage partner and you seem to have what I'm looking for.” His eyes land back on me and I shift uncomfortably, Wren smiling widely as she sits beside me.

“A partner? Are you interested in Wren?” An amused look appears on Dad’s face and I know that he's not going to think twice if he has to offer Wren up for money. Dad is selfish. I've always known of that fact.

“We are already business partners, I don't mind being in-laws. Right, Wren?” Dad turns to face Wren, who nods her head enthusiastically. She likes Mr Thorn. Who wouldn't?

“We can finalize a wedding and—”

“I only need a partner for three months. And I don't want your daughter. I need him.” Time stills for everyone, including me. My eyes widen in surprise as I look at Mr Thorn in awe. What the hell is he talking about? Me? The smile from Wren's face falls and she looks at me.

“W…what do you mean? He's a man.” Exactly. I may be gay. But no one knows about it, except Mr. Thorn. And I don't think he's gay. He doesn't look gay.

‘You don't look gay, either!” A voice rings in my head and I recoil from my thoughts.

“So? Does it matter? He's the one I want. And he's going to be with me for three months. That's the only condition for getting my money.” He states, his tone final. From the way he speaks, I can't help but feel that he's up to no good.

“My son is not gay.”

“Really?” He draws out in a taunting tone that makes me sweat as I gulp nervously. “His sexuality doesn't matter here.” He continues, his tone more serious this time.

“Vaughn is the one I want. It's either you handover your son for three months or you forget the money.” Silence reigns and Dad seems to be thinking about his decision. I silently pray for him to say no, but to my despair, he says.

“You can have him.” Wren and I look up at him in utter shock.

“Father—” We both call at the same time.

“It's just for three months. It's not as if anything is going to happen between you both. You are straight. You will come back home once the three months are over.”

“Dad, can you hear what you are saying? You are handing me over to him. He's in the mafia and—”

“I own the mafia. I'm the leader. Hi.” He draws out in sarcasm and I snarl at his guts. It annoys me.

“Vaughn. I don't expect you to argue. You've always been considerate, so why all this? Think about your family. Think about the law firm. How will you become a lawyer if it completely flops? Mr Thorn is the only person willing to offer us money. You are going to have to agree—”

“Dad,”

“Vaughn!” Dad calls sharply and I stop talking. That's it, I have to agree. I can't argue. I'm the obedient son. They all look up to me and I have to do what they say. I don't argue.

“Dad, you-” my sister begins, but my father cuts her short.

“Wren.”

“My assistant will send the necessary documents to sign. And I'm taking my husband home tomorrow.” There is a triumphant smile on Mr Thorn's face as he speaks and I fume with an intense rage.

“A word please.” I don't look at him as I speak, but he knows that I'm talking to him.

“Sure.” I stand on my feet and he does the same. I lead the way, Mr Thorn leisurely following beside me. I lead him to a room and the moment he walks in, I close the door with a bang as I angrily pin him to the wall.

“I don't think your father will like to see you act so violently.”

“Shut up!!” I snap at him, tightening my grip on his collar.

“Did you follow me here on purpose?”

“Maybe.” He smirks and I badly want to wipe that cocky smirk off his face.

“We don't need your fucking money. You are going to get out of this place.” I tell him but he laughs, in a mocking tone.

“You keep talking as if you are competent enough to fend for your family, Vaughn. I wonder what will happen when they find out the kind of person you are. What will Daddy say when he discovers that his Golden boy is actually gay?” I clench my jaw, gritting my teeth.

“What if he finds out about your dark fantasy? What do you think he will do when he finds out how twisted you are? Huh? And that you loved being gagged by a man? I guess we will find out in no time. And Rule number one,” He pauses, placing his hand on mine as he begins to remove my fingers from his collar.

“Never grab my collar, it can cost you these pretty hands.” He warns in a cold voice that sends chills down my spine. “And sit tight. This is going to be a long ride.” A sadistic look appears on his face as he pushes my hands back.

He smiles, then he begins to lightly slap my face repeatedly. “Welcome to hell, Vaughn Saint-McCarthy.” He draws out, word by word and with that, he walks out of the room, leaving me in my thoughts of complete confusion.