Chapter 5

5.

They were all stuck in their places. Like they couldnt even move their fingers. Waiting for what Ashwin has decided. 

Ashwin pulled himself out of Noah's arms. Scooting close to Jagger. He held his hands. Looking in his dark yet warm eyes. His looked at those bitten lips. He could feel Jagger's body as a heart itself. It was thumping so loud.

He smiled a bit. Softly pecked those fearful eyes. 

"Can I stay with you forever "? He asked and Jagger exhaled. He smiled with few tears that slipped from his eyes. He pulled Ashwin in his arms. Hugging him tightly. 

"Oh my god Ashwin I thought you will leave us". He was swaying them left right. He was happy relaxed to know that Ashwin trusted him.

"Where else am I gonna go? My home is here". Ashwin softly mumbled in his chest before closing his eyes. But Jagger has heard him. Loud and clear. 

"So, you were saying about a plan to expose him, what was that"? Ashwin asked Jagger once they all settled up. 

"Well it’s bit tricky. Actually I have met him once to be précised. But his eyes glint. Like he has a thing for people younger than him. He was basically trying to hit on me. He wants to have his hands on me". Jagger explained carefully. He saw Ashwin's eyes wide with shock. 

"He did what"? 

"Yes he did. He tried to flirt with your doctor". Ford said chuckling a bit. 

Ashwin turned to Jagger again. 

"Jagger, don’t fall in his trap please. He will hurt you. Please". Ashwin was pleading for him. 

"Ashwin baby. He can’t do anything to me baby. Trust me. Besides, I need your support. You told me he only lashes on you when he doesn’t have anyone to play with right? This way we can get time. I will keep him busy while you have to, very carefully; gather any evidence from his room or office from him. Any bank transaction. Any picture. Any deal with any hooker. We need to have as many proofs as we can okay"? Jagger cupped his cheeks and he nodded frantically. He would do anything Jagger would ask him. 

"But you"? He was still worried about him. 

"Listen Ashwin. Jagger will handle. Beside, we will have our guards for him. We will make sure Jagger is always guarded. So that he can’t take advantage. We won’t let anyone lay a finger on Jagger. Okay. You need to act normal in front of him. And he is late by 3 days. So we can look over to check for any loop holes okay"? Noah explained calmly. 

Ashwin held his head hung. He was thinking. It was true that his uncle would not touch him or abuse him as long has he has any prey to feed on. Jagger was strong. He could protect himself. He wanted to be free too. He wanted to live with Jagger without any fear. 

"Okay. I am in". Ashwin said confidently. And the boys smiled.

"Good. Let’s go for lunch now. My treat okay"? Ford announced and they all cheered in joy. 

************

"Ford. I want to be a doctor like you". Ashwin said as he saw Ford working on his patient's case after a hectic day at hospital. 

Noah was yet to come. He had few meetings. He had promised to be at dinner while Jagger was busy with his clients. 

"Sure baby boy. But you are in Sports Major right"? He said and Ashwin nodded. 

"So how about you carry on with your major and then you can start as a physiotherapist at the hospital"? He racked his fingers in Ashwin's hair. 

"Can I"? He asked holding his hands. Ford chuckled pinching his chubby cheeks. 

"Ofcourse you can buddy. Promise me you will work hard and get your dreams okay"? He asked warmly. Ashwin was just looking at the gorgeous man in front of him who was nothing but so kind to him. 

He had a glimpse of Jagger today with the client. He could never imagine it was the same Jagger who would laugh and smile and play with him. He was so distant with the man on the couch. So professional and serious. And then it was Noah. Yesterday night he had to attend a call from his team leader. And Ashwin almost pissed in his pants. For sure he was a wolf. 

But with Ashwin they were like his age fellow. They had protected him. Listened to him. Made him laugh a lot. 

And then it was Jagger. His sun to warm him. His moon to brighten his dark night. He didn’t remember if he had any nightmares since he had come here. He had spent the most peaceful nights here. As he was sure that Jagger would save him.  For first time he felt his own heart deceiving him. He didnt know if it was only infatuation or crush. Because he never felt this kind of care and affection from anyone. 

It was different. He was safe here. That’s why when Jagger told that he could choose to live the way he wanted once he was free. He out loud said his wish. He wanted to be here. Be with Jagger.  And now Jagger was risking his life. For him. Why? This why was disturbing him a lot. He wanted to know why. But he didn’t want to disturb Jagger by asking. He was just waiting. Waiting for the right time. Waiting to be free. 

"What are you thinking Ashwin"? Ford patted his shoulder. He saw Ashwin spacing out. He let Ashwin think about everything that happened in few days. His life was almost flip flopped. He knew it wasn’t easy for Ashwin to take in. He had suffered too much. 

"No… Nothing. Just about how everything changed". He was sitting on the floor with his back to the couch where Ford was working. 

"Trust me Ashwin. Everything will be fine". He assured and Ashwin smiled. 

"I know. I trust you all". Ashwin said simply.

"Especially Jagger. Right"? Ford said biting his lips. But Ashwin was still under his thoughts. 

"Especially Jagger. More than anyone. Wait. Whattt. Forddddd". He said out loud and then blushed. Hiding his face in his hands. He could clearly hear Ford laughing out. 

"I will tell Noah that you were naughty". He retorted playfully and it was an endless chase in the lounge. Ford trying to chase him and he was giggling all around until he was held and spun into a broad chest, secured tightly. 

"What’s going on baby"? Jagger, who just entered the lounge saw the Tom and Jerry play, held Ashwin and secured him. 

Ashwin was still giggling in his chest when Ford approached. He smiled fondly at the little boy. 

"Ok, now your Jagger has arrived. I am gonna go and freshen up. Noah is on the way. He is bringing food". He ruffled Ashwin's hair and went upstairs. 

"Here take some water". Jagger handed him a glass of water from the table as Ashwin was still panting hard due to running and giggling. 

"You free. Are you tired? Want me to give you a massage"? Ashwin said taking the seat beside him on the sofa.

"Can you give me a massage"? Jagger was surprised. 

"Oh. Don’t underestimate me. Come here. Sit". He placed a cushion on the floor. Sitting himself on the sofa making Jagger sit in between his legs. 

"Now relax". He started moving his hands on Jagger. His neck and shoulder muscles were so stiff. He promised to next time give him a proper oil massage. 

He was working on his scalp. Softly unlocking his hair locks. Pressing the exact comfort points on his neck and shoulder blades, he was removing all knots in the muscles. He could feel Jagger getting relaxed under his touches. 

They were in a comfortable silence. Except for the few conversation, and only if their frantically beating hearts could contribute. 

"Oh wow. Spa at home". Noah just entered the lounge and laughed at almost sleepy Jagger. 

"Hello Noah". Ashwin greeted. Jagger just waved. He was too relaxed and dizzy to respond. But Ashwin patted Jagger to look at Noah who seemed to be mesmerized by a freshly bathed Ford coming downstairs in comfy tee shirt and pants. 

Jagger winked at Ashwin asking him to watch the show. Ford stood by Noah looking at him with so much love. So was Noah. Intense and dark. Seems like they were in their own bubble. 

Noah held Ford around his waist with his left hand pulling him close. While he cupped his cheek with his right hand. Brushing the soft skin with the back of his fingers. 

Ford fisted his coat in his both hands. Closing his eyes he let Noah touch him. He was getting high on him. 

Noah held his nape, tilting his hand to plant a kiss. They were just centimeters close. Breathing the same air. Ford opened his eyes just once and then surrendered again. Their lips almost touched when Jagger faked a cough. Followed by the giggles of a blushing Ashwin.  

They opened their eyes startled as if they had forgotten the world around them and Noah huffed. 

"Seriously Jagger. I was just this close. You know how much I had missed Ford during the day". He said in a frustrating tone holding a beet red Ford in his arms. 

Jagger laughed out. 

"See Ashwin. Someone missed his boyfriend". He turned to Ashwin but his heart thumped so loud looking at how flustered Ashwin was. 

"All the best Jagger". Ford winked leaving to the kitchen with Noah to dish out the dinner. 

Jagger was just looking at Ashwin, who was trying hard to calm his heart. His cheeks were red, but what amused Jagger, was his ears. The red spread to his ears too. Jagger was just looking at him. His cuteness was stirring the feelings inside him. 

Sitting this close to him, he could even listen to how fast his heart was beating. He inched close removing the hands from his face. He was done at those pink lines when Ashwin saw him from his long lashes and bit his plump lips. 

Jagger followed every movement. From lowering his eyes to biting his lower lip in between his teeth. Jagger felt on fire. His mind was capturing the images that Jagger was sure, won’t let him sleep for nights. 

"Jaggg. Do… don’t look at me like.. This". Ashwin whined hiding his face in Jagger's hands. 

Jagger chuckled a bit. He was feeling helpless. But he wanted to be assured first. Of himself and Ashwin. So he just settled on pecking his forehead and stood up. 

"Come. The dinner is served". He stretched his hand for Ashwin to take and he took it. Without any hesitation, any fear. 

**********

Two days passed in a blink. Noah was busy with his meetings. And Ford had a surgery. Jagger would accompany Ashwin when he had no client. Ashwin made himself comfortable to do his assignments that he missed due to his sickness. 

He had his lectures due on Wednesday. 

Jagger had just came to the lounge looking at Ashwin studying. He was typing on the laptop in between scattered books. 

Noah had messaged that he was on the way after fetching Ford. 

Jagger was about to say something when one of the house maids came to inform that George Pond has arrived. 

Ashwin heard it and he was pale at once. He looked at Jagger but he assured him. 

"Take him to my office." He asked the maid to serve some snacks too before going to Ashwin. 

"Ashwin look at me". He cupped his cheeks. 

"Jagger. He will take me away from you. He will hurt you ". He was on a verge of crying. 

Just then Noah and Ford entered. And by their looks, they knew who had come. 

"Ashwin. No one can hurt you ever. I will make sure. And I will just have a talk. Okay. You stay here. I will be back soon". He patted his cheeks and tried to stand up but Ashwin held his hand. 

"Pro. Promise me ". 

"I promise you baby. I will come back to you". Jagger smiled kissing his forehead. He signaled Noah and Ford to keep him busy. 

**********

"Good evening Mr. George". Jagger greeted once he enter the office and closing the door behind. The room had hidden cameras that had access in Noah's laptop. He knew by now Noah would have switched it on. 

George, who was relaxing on the couch with a glass of juice, stood up to greet Jagger back. Jagger could clearly see his eyes burnt with desire for a moment before he controlled himself…

"Good evening Mr. Cole. Am sorry to disturb you at this hour. I believe you must be busy". He held his hand gripping his tightly between his two hands. 

Jagger cringed in his heart. This man couldn’t even hide himself. Or maybe he underestimated Jagger's skills. 

"Oh no. Not at all. I am never busy for important people. Please have a seat". Jagger returned a fake smile. "Would you like anything? I have Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, and Champagne. Anything"? Jagger turned to the mini fridge. He could feel daggers at his back...

"Beer... If you have". He heard and scoffed. 

"Sure. Here". He accompanied him on the couch with beers. Keeping a safe distance. He wanted to see how far he can take things in first proper meeting.

"So Mr. Cole. I was here to fetch Ashwin. I hope he didn’t annoy you. He is a bit childish. After his parents passed away, I had pampered him a lot. He is sometimes spoiled and stubborn. But..." 

"No problem at all Mr. George. He didn’t bother me at all. He is after all a kid for me. And I have dealt with many people. So I can handle him. He is much stable, but for now I would need to extend the session timings. You know 2 hours are not enough. Sometimes we have to hypnotize the patient. And then the patient falls asleep. So…" Jagger said deliberately stating his point. 

He saw George frowning a bit. But... He had to take the bait. 

"I trust you Cole". He dropped the honorific. "I am just worried about him, you know. He is the only family I have. I get so lonely without him". He said sweetly trying to trace his fingers on Jagger's hand resting on the couch. 

Ashwin gritted his teeth watching it in Noah's cam. How badly he wanted to sway that filthy hand and chop into pieces. Ford wrapped his arm around his shoulders. He knew they had no other option. 

"But I trust him with you... Only if you agree for a cup of coffee tomorrow. Besides, I have a little something for you as a token of appreciation for your dedication. I am impressed that you are so dedicated to your profession even in your young age when boys roam around in the bars and hook up with girls for a night stand". This time George boldly moved his hand on his arm.

Jagger softly removed the hand from his biceps, trying to act normal. 

"Coffee is okay sir. But why gift. I mean this is what I have to do and this is what I am paid for. Nothing specific to have anything special". He tried to act like unbothered. 

"Oh. Call me George. And secondly, I haven’t asked if you want to accept it or not. I already bought for you. So you have to have it. So about Ashwin"? He stood up as in waiting for Ashwin.

"Uhm Ashwin. Can’t you bring him tomorrow? Like I said he is under the impact of hypnotism. And he has to pack his things yet. But only if you don’t mind..." 

"Oh it’s okay. I will get him tomorrow. So coffee? In fact how about I will pick you at 7 okay. Dinner on me". He straightened his pants and blazer. 

Jagger faked a smiled. 

"Sure. Let’s meet". He stretched his hand for a goodbye handshake. But he was surprised too when George pulled him for a hug and sniffed his hairline before leaving. 

"Asshole. Bastard". 

Jagger and Ashwin yelled at same time. Noah and Ford were stupefied. Looking at the screen. They didn’t expect George to be this bold. But... He was. 

************

Tabby