CHAPTER 18

The sound of the library's door opening pulled Brian out of his thoughts and he turned around, getting ready to greet Callahan, but it was Duke who stepped inside, waving and grinning cutely. The librarian answered him the same way and wanted to ask him how his day was when his phone buzzed.

The message which hit his inbox was from Callahan, who was informing him he would come about fifteen minutes later and apologized for the inconvenience. Brian texted back, saying it was okay and thanking the lawyer for letting him know, then wanted to go to Duke's desk and chat a little with him, but the man was absorbed by the book he was reading, or at least he seemed so.

Since Melina started to work at The Base's vet clinic and animal rescue center, Duke, still unemployed, made a habit of waiting for his sister at the library, in the company of a good book. Although Brian and him had gotten pretty close and talked a lot, the young man was still a mystery for the librarian.

Duke was extremely good-looking, highly intelligent, well-mannered and, even if he didn't have a job, possessed a fortune that allowed him to live a more than comfortable life. His many qualities made him the center of attention. Numerous men of all ages were interested in having him as a partner, but he was still single.

I'm too busy for a relationship, Duke replied when Brian asked him why he wasn't with someone. Indeed, he spent a lot of time coordinating the activity of his grandfather's companies, calling and getting phone calls to and from England, reading reports, and attending board meetings via video call. Still, the young man had plenty of time to spare if he really wanted to have a sentimental and love life.

"Sorry I'm late." Callahan's pleasant, deep voice brought the librarian back to reality. "An unfortunate combination of incompetence and crowded traffic." He extended his hand. "It's always nice to see you."

"Likewise." Brian gave the hand a vigorous shake. "As for you being late, all's well that ends well." He gestured to the other chair behind the counter. "Let's sit."

Callahan nodded, followed the librarian and, once seated, put on the desk the briefcase he was carrying. "Here are all the contracts, transactions, merges, and everything else I signed as the legal representative of your companies. Take them at home, study them, and feel free to give me a call if there's something you don't understand."

Brian huffed a laugh and pushed the pile of documents aside. "They could be very well written in Chinese, my friend. I don't understand an iota of the information. I'll have Baldassare give them a read-through, or Luca. He may not be a lawyer, but he understands the ins and outs of business."

"I agree. He did a hell of a good job with his family's companies, if you ask me." Callahan relaxed into his chair. "Speaking of, how's your boy Luca? Is he in a better mindset?

"Luca is doing extremely well, thanks for asking." Brian smiled softly. "He came to terms with his past and with his grandmother wanting him dead. My pet submits beautifully to me." The last part was spoken in a dreamy voice.

"I'm happy to hear that. You are the perfect Dom for him." Callahan let out a sigh. "I've told you before and I'm telling you now: the two of you need to join a club, become part of a community, learn from others' experience. And why not show your pet off."

"I…it was a crazy busy period for me and not only for me, and I pushed a lot of things into the back of my mind, but I'll seriously think about it and bring the matter to Luca's attention," Brian replied after a few seconds of silence. "The truth is, I don't know where to begin," he admitted, a little embarrassed.

"Why didn't you say so from the start?" Callahan relaxed into the chair, the clear sound of his laughter vibrating through the air. "There's this friend of mine, Archibald Easton, he recently opened an establishment. Discreet, refined, the members are very carefully selected, so both you and your sub would be in excellent company." The man paused a bit, then cleared his throat. "I'm the Dungeon Master there, so I can vouch for the two of you."

"Thank you very much," Brian exclaimed, his face brightened by a grateful smile. "I appreciate your help a lot. I'm sure Luca will agree with the idea once he hears you…." He cut himself short, frowning. "Dungeon Master? It means you're…"

"A Sadist, yes," Callahan admitted, then let out a long sigh. "It's been years since I have found a masochist totally compatible with me. I'm looking for someone with a high tolerance for pain who would be willing to experiment new things." The lawyer grinned. "This is my problem. Now, what's the problem with that little beauty?" He pointed to Duke. "The poor thing stares at me like a deer caught in the headlight."

"Please, excuse me for a moment." Brian left his seat and went to the desk where the young man sat, pretending to read. "Is there something wrong? Do you need anything?"

"N-no," Duke stuttered, his eyes glued on the lawyer. "Who's the handsome guy you are talking to?" He turned beetroot red. "He gives me a hard time, if you know what I mean. Please, don't tell me he's taken, too."

"He's not." Brian could barely suppress a smile, amused by the tinge of despair in the young man's voice. "His name's Callahan, he's a lawyer working for a well-known office in the city and offers legal assistance to my companies."

"I…thank you." Duke's voice sounded somewhat defeated. "I thought…it doesn't matter. He's waiting for you. I don't need anything."

Brian nodded and went back, picking the conversation up where he left it. "My friend's name is Duke, and he works a lot. He thinks he'll be alone and never find anyone, and now I think I know why." The librarian inhaled sharply. "My guess is Duke's a submissive and doesn't know it. When he saw you, I swear he was about to drop to his knees. He wants you."

"I could see he was in need of help from the very first second I walked into the library." Callahan paused, examining Duke with a critical eye. "I'll talk to him, see what he needs and wants, and we'll take it from there."

Brian nodded in understanding. "I hope all goes well. He needs someone like you in his life, to give him a purpose and keep him grounded, and he could be exactly what you are looking for."

Callahan didn't reply to the librarian's words; he spent a few more minutes in the man's company, offering him some more details about his friend, the BDSM club owner, the place, and the members, then went to where Duke was reading and asked for permission to sit next to him. In a voice that was stern and gentle at the same time, the lawyer asked the young man if he needed any help.

For a few good seconds, Duke wasn't able to articulate a single word; he just stared at Callahan, blinking from time to time, still finding it hard to believe the man sitting next to him, the embodiment of sexiness and dominance, was talking to him. After swallowing hard a few times, he finally whispered a yes, his lips slightly trembling.

In a protective, but also dominant gesture, Callahan covered one of Duke's hands with his, asking punctual questions and answering to those of the younger man. From his place behind the counter, Brian watched them, the smile formed on his face starting to spread light over his face. Deep in his heart, he knew that, under his very eyes, two souls came together, and they would never break up.

***********

To say Stephanie was surprised when Brian invited her to Castello Cavallieri during her vacation, in the company of his extended family, Luca, Martino, and their cute baby, plus a few other kids she didn't get to know very well, would be the understatement of the century. She couldn't believe her ears, especially when the librarian extended the invitation to Bailey and Lennox.

The elegant lines of the edifice, its size, the decors, the splendid gardens, tastefully furnished, spacious rooms—everything produced a powerful, pleasant, lasting impression on Stephanie. Using one of the staff members as a guide, she wandered in the long corridors, climbed up the monumental, spiral staircase, and admired the intricate, elaborate decorations on the ceilings of the dining hall, the grand ballroom, and the grand salon.

On her tour through Castello Cavallieri, Stephanie often stopped in front of the paintings representing the most remarkable members of the family, men and women alike. While it was clear that Brian shared a lot of features with his male ancestors, she was amazed to discover a close resemblance between her and many of the noble ladies from the portraits.

Stephanie didn't have much time to think about the reality of her and Bailey being part of the Cavallieri family, busy as she was with spending as much time possible outside, in the company of the kids, engaged in their games, watching them playing, walking through the gardens or laying in a hammock, a good book in hand.

Under Lennox's watchful eye, Bailey was also enjoying the vacation; the pregnancy wasn't very advanced, so they were thrilled at the prospect of going to Nuzzo's farm, meeting the horses and spending as much time riding as his husband-to-be would allow them. Just like at The Base, they hung out with Martino, Liam, and Gabriele.

Brian paid his cousin a visit the very next day after he arrived at Castello Cavallieri, but only took Stefano, Mauro, and Mert with him. He didn't want to force the presence of his whole family on Nuzzo all of a sudden, without talking to him first. Besides, he wanted to be alone with the man when he would explain to him who Stephanie and Bailey were, and why he was going to introduce them as his best friends, and not half-siblings.

"Welcome, my dear cousin!" Nuzzo greeted the librarian, giving him a bear hug. "How can I thank you for what you did for Stefano?" The man gazed over at his son, eyes shining with paternal affection and pride. "He grew up so much and looks like a real mafioso now, a true man of honor!"

"You thank me all the time." Brian let out a short laugh, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Plus, I love Stefano. He is very mature for his age, amazing in many ways, and so smart. This is young Mauro." He gently pushed the teen forward. "I know you both have been talking about racehorses."

"Well, doesn't he look like a Sedara, from head to toe?" Nuzzo smiled paternally and kissed the teen on the forehead. "Come on, my boy, I'll answer all your questions. Breeding and raising horses hides no secrets from me."

"The poor boy went through a lot," Brian whispered when Mauro, accompanied by one of the horse breeder's trusted hands, headed to the stables. "However, since he got in touch with you, and especially from the moment I told him we are coming here on vacation, he bloomed." The librarian added, his voice a little livelier.

"You, cousin, protected the future." Nuzzo turned to the other man, admiration and respect mixing in his voice. "Scratch that, you are the future, because each and every one of these boys carry with them a little part of you."

"Thank you." Brian offered his cousin a bright smile. "That's really nice of you to say. I love each and every one of them." He paused for a moment, choosing his words, then continued a bit hesitantly. "Do you happen to have any horses for sale? I want to buy one for Mauro."

"Yes, I have quite a few," Nuzzo answered right away, then frowned. "I suppose you don't want the kid to find out the horse is for him, at least not right away. How do we do that?"

"I think I have an idea." Brian smiled, then winked. "Come on, let's go get Mauro."