Gorgon Boyfriend: Nectarios 2 (complete)

I’m a little miffed that Nectarios has been called away, but I decide to make use of my time and investigate some of the people Nectarios has a problem with. I bite his neck. “I’ll go sit with your mother, just in case anyone tries anything.”

“What a treat you are.” He gets dressed, and quickly we leave together. While the doctor examines Nectarios’ father, I sit with his mother in the parlor. Clementine is flustered and fretting, terribly worried about her husband. She shakes when she tries to drink her tea, so I hold the cup for her.

“You’re too kind,” she murmurs. “I only hope my son does not take advantage of that.”

“I’m rather rough with your son,” I say honestly. “I mean… I adore him, but I don’t let just anyone walk all over me.”

“Good, good,” she sighs. “I sometimes let his father get away with things. Such as banishing Nectarios before.” She shakes her head, and her long snakes twist into corkscrew curls. “I shouldn’t have let him do that, or now we wouldn’t be in this situation. I’m afraid that we have no time to patch things up.”

“Lady Clementine.” A man comes into the room and kneels beside her. “The doctor wishes to speak with you now.”

“Oh, good.” She stands up, then turns to look at me. “Help yourself to anything. Make yourself at home.” She quickly leaves.

As I stand, the man approaches me. He must be one of Nectarios’ childhood acquaintances - they look close to the same age. He’s a rather tall man with red hair, but his height could be exaggerated by his top hat. “Are you are Nectarios’ fiancée?” he asks. “I never figured him to settle for anyone. What happened?”

“He begged, and I settled,” I say firmly. “Now, who are you?”

“My name is Himley,” he replies. “Nectarios and I used to run in similar circles when we were teenagers. I’m mayor of Tea Country now, but I wanted to check in on my old friend.”

“You’re the mayor of Tea Country?” I ask in surprise. “I’ve heard stories about you.”

He winks. “Lady Dulcie, I’m sure we’ve both heard stories about one another.” He reaches over the table, taking a slice of cake into his hand. He bites it and sighs in contentment. “Now, that is a cake.”

I grimace at him. “What sort of circles did you run in?”

“Cake dances,” he laughs. “If you’ll excuse me, Lady Dulcie.” He walks away as Nectarios comes into the room.

“What were you two talking about?” Nectarios asks me.

“I’m not sure. But how do you know the mayor of Tea Country? Isn’t he bad news?” I whisper as he leads me away from the room.

“He and my father had business dealings. I’m sure he’s here just to keep them.” We move into a dark, quiet hallway. “I’m not worried about Himley at this moment.”

“I would be. I think he knows who I am.”

“He has more to lose here should his dealings with my father end,” he scoffs. “Tonight. Let me go tonight.”

I cross my arms. “What? Why so suddenly? I thought you wanted to plan.”

A deep, terrible scowl crosses Nectarios’ face. His snakes sway back and forth in uneasy restraint. “My father is not long, and he just confided in the doctor that Lord Barlow, the very man you want me to attack, has been blackmailing him for years. About me.”

“So he is a rat bastard then. I knew it, but this just adds shit to the pile.” I take hold of Nectarios’ hand. “You have to be careful. Go out as Sugar Daddy, and do what you must to him. But no one can suspect you.”

He cups my cheek in his hand. “That’s where I need you, my sugar baby. Hide me in plain sight. If you must trust anyone here, let it be my mother, or Himley.”

“It will be your mother. I do not trust Himley with a dead spider.”

He nods. “Understandable. I must go and prepare. I am afraid I will not get to coat my tongue in your delicious icing tonight, as planned.”

I frown slightly. “I can’t believe that sort of dirty talk actually works for me these days,” I sigh in disappointment. “Go. I’ll set up the room like you are ill.”

He leaves that evening, and I make excuses for his absence by saying he is in bed with a debilitating headache. I hear whispers from the visitors that make me want to stab their hands with forks.

“I’m not one to believe in such paltry rumors,” Himley approaches me, offering me a cup of tea. “But I also know my old friend.”

I look down at the teacup, gazing at my reflection in the tea. “Was he a friend? He says you’re just worried about business dealings you have with his father.”

“Can I not be doing both?” Himley shrugs. “Besides, there are people here whose intentions are worse.”

I look across the room with a frown, then glance back at Himley. “I should go check on Tari.”

I set the teacup down and leave the room. I return to the bedroom just as Nectarios is coming in through the window, and I race up to him. “You’re back so soon! Are you alright?”

He starts to titter, his shoulders shaking. He throws his head back, laughing loudly as he drops his crossbow to the floor. He rips off his mask and wig, then cups his hand over his eyes as he turns to me.

“Your glasses,” I murmur. “Nectarios, where are your glasses?”

“I dropped them,” he replies cooly. “Oh, my dear, sweet sugar baby. It is so good to be back in your presence.”

“Tari, what happened?” I snap at him. “Tell me this instant!”

“I caught him in the midst of a tryst. Nothing I haven’t seen before, but it did not look like his participants were too thrilled. So I got a little angry. I used my eyes on him and let the others get away.”

I furrow my brow at Nectarios. “Did they see you?”

He shakes his head. “I took my glasses off before I went inside, so all I had to do was have him look at me. He broke easily and told me everything.” He sits down on the edge of the bed and takes a deep breath. “I cut out his tongue, like you had suggested. That was all I was going to do after I got the gold from his safe. But as I was leaving, I saw his little trove of handsome young men come in and finish him off.”

“Oh...” I gasp. “Are you sure no one saw your face? Because they’re going to blame this on Sugar Daddy.”

“Fine, let it be. I am positive no one saw me. Or at least saw me and knew me.” He falls back onto the bed. “Watching them shred Lord Barlow, though... that was new.”

I sit down beside him on the bed. “Do you wish to talk about it?”

Nectarios sighs heavily. “I want your lips, if I am allowed to ask for anything.”

I lean over, kissing him and trailing my lips down his jaw and neck. I dart my tongue over the cherry-red scales, and I can feel his pulse flutter. “What did you bring back?”

Nectarios moans and places his hand on my ear. As I raise my head, I see a small, glittery crystal spoon between his fingertips. “It doesn’t look like much,” he says with a smile. “But I will bet you this tiny spoon is made from sugar opals.”

I gasp as I take the precious spoon into my hands. “Who would have a spoon made from sugar opals?”

“They say that utensils made from sugar opals makes sweets turn into a powerful liquor, so people used to have whole sets made from the stones.” He smiles up at me. “Should we test it out?”

I set the spoon aside and give him another kiss, slipping my tongue between his lips. “You’re strong enough for me.”

“I bet if you put that spoon on your tongue, my sugar baby would turn into the finest rum.” He runs his fingers through my hair. “I’m on fire, Lady Dulcie. Take me now, I beg of you.”

“You asked for it,” I giggle. 

In the morning, there is a pounding at the door. Nectarios barely has a chance to get up and put on a robe when his mother bursts in, and whisks him from the room to whisper urgently to him outside.

“Murdered?” Nectarios manages to sound surprised.

I get dressed and brush my hair while he tries to calm his mother down. Once she leaves, he comes back into the room. “Funny story,” he says, leaning over me from behind. “Lord Barlow was murdered by a strange fellow in a mask last night.”

“What else did your mother say?”

Nectarios kisses my cheek, then brushes my hair aside. “Not much else was said. But she is horribly worried that this masked lunatic will be coming to all the important families to kill and rob them. She said she has heard rumors about the Sugar Daddy from other places in Pirlipat.”

“You’re a legend.” I set my brush aside. “But that’s not what I meant. I was wondering what has been said about the murder itself.”

“Nothing, to my knowledge.” He stands back to allow me up. “But I suspect they’ll have investigators sent here shortly.”

“If you want your revenge on your childhood chums, you’re going to have to be extremely careful about it,” I scold him.

He grins. “I was thinking we should have a dinner party.”

I grimace. “All at once?”

“Strike while the iron is hot, then wait until the pancake is nice and bubbly to flip it.” he sticks his tongue out. “I just want to scare them. The murder wasn’t my fault.”

“Certainly,” I sigh. “So you want to do it like the Hollow Moon party again?”

“You remember that?” he asks happily.

I step up to him and undo the belt of his robe. “I was the fake hostage. Remember? A girl doesn’t forget her first time.”

“That was such a long time ago, but you were such an incredible sport. An absolute delight to work with.” He kisses me. “I figured we would throw a dinner party and I would get held hostage. That way, I can hide in plain sight.”

“You’re sure?” I ask. “This is a big gamble.”

“Let me surprise you, my love.” He places his chin in the palm of my hand. 

We start making plans for the dinner party, and he invites the few who have been bothering him. There aren’t as many people as I suspected, which makes me feel better about this whole scheme. He’s offering them a chance to buy plots of his father’s estate, so they will have money with them. His mother has not been told about the scheme, and I am to keep my eyes on her throughout the night.

It’s getting late when the guests arrive. Some bring their partners, while others come alone. And then comes one uninvited guest.

“Lord Himley,” I gasp in alarm when I see him at the dessert table. “What are you doing here?”

“I saw everyone else coming, so I came.” He takes a bite of the layered nougat cake and smiles happily. “Pirlipat knows its way around sugar. Don’t you think?” he asks me with a knowing grin.

“Lord Himley, you weren’t invited to this dinner. I’m not sure we have enough prepared to feed you.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I can make myself at home.” He pats the table. “This is all I need to make me happy. Now, where is your lovely fiancé?”

I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. “Nectarios is still dealing with a headache, but he’ll be coming out shortly.”

Himley winks. “I sure hope so. It was lovely talking to you again, Lady Dulcie.”

I hurry off to join the dinner party, and greet them with Clementine. “What’s wrong, Dulcie?” she asks me. “You look worried.”

“Stories about the Sugar Daddy, no doubt,” one of the men laughs. “My wife did not want me leaving the house this evening.”

“I think it’s all nonsense. Lots of people wanted Barlow dead and in the ground. I don’t believe this masked murderer story for a second,” another guffaws. 

“A man was murdered,” Clementine says sternly. “This is nothing to laugh at, made-up murderer or not.” She glances at me. “Where is my son? Shouldn’t he be here already?”

A slow clap rings through the hall and everyone turns to the doorway. Sugar Daddy shuts the door behind him and sighs. “Welcome to the party, everyone.”

Screams ring through the hall as he strides into the room. He looks over the dessert table and sidles up next to Himley. “My, my, what a face on you.”

Himley circles his finger around his face. “Could say the same about you.”

“It’s always a treat to have guests, uninvited or not.” Sugar Daddy chuckles. “But tonight is truly a special event. Would everyone mind sitting down at the table, please?” He lifts his crossbow. “Before I start having you dance, that is.”

Everyone rushes to the table, pushing Clementine and I towards the back. Himley is the only one who comes to us and assists Clementine to her seat. I approach Sugar Daddy and stand before him.

“Why are you here?” I ask him sternly.

“Dulcie, come sit!” Clementine says urgently.

I lift my chin at Sugar Daddy. “Where is my fiancé?”

“The handsome-looking chap?” Sugar Daddy laughs. “He’s a little tied up.”

I force a smile down. “I don’t appreciate your puns.”

I don’t appreciate your lip, but here we are.” He then leans in close to me. “I’m going to grab you, my sugar baby. Act a little for me.” He takes my arm and twists it behind my back. I cry out as if I am in pain, but we have done worse things together in bed.

“Dulcie!” Clementine cries.

“Stay seated, mother!” I beg her. “I’m alright.”

Himley is the only at the table one smiling. Does he even know what’s going on? Or maybe he does actually know what’s going on.

Sugar Daddy keeps me close, tugging me against his body. “Everyone just stay calm. No one has to die tonight. I just need you all to sit tight and enjoy your evening.” He walks around the table with me. “This does not have to end like it did for Lord Barlow.”

A shudder passes through the room. All falls silent save for the sound of Himley’s utensils clinking as he continues to eat his desserts. 

“You, there!” Sugar Daddy points to one of the lords at the table. “Why have you come here tonight?”

“I was told it would be to support my friend,” he says shakily. “He’s ill, and I want to help his family to...”

Sugar daddy shoots towards the ceiling. Sparks rain down on the table and everyone starts to scream and panic all over again. “Help!” he laughs. “Is that why you’re all here?”

“No,” Himley says proudly. 

“You fool! You’ll get us all killed!” someone hisses at him.

“I’m being honest,” Himley scoffs.

Sugar Daddy stops at the head of the table. He sits down with me in his lap and lays the crossbow on the tabletop. “If you’re all here to help, then you will most certainly be willing to cooperate with me. Don’t forget, I’m sweetening the deal by holding this entire household hostage. The son can and will be killed on my command.” His fingers slip around my neck and along my jaw. “While I hold this delicious little thing in the palm of my hands.”

I can feel him getting hard, so I’m having twice as hard a time keeping a serious expression on my face.

“Please, don’t hurt them,” Clementine says breathlessly. “We’ll do whatever you ask.”

The rest of the table remains oddly quiet.

“Won’t we?” Clementine urges.

Sugar Daddy sighs as his hand slips further along my throat. “Play along, baby.” he whispers so only I can hear.

I gasp, grunting and wheezing as if his fingers were tightening.

“You want to watch a woman die?” Himley asks.

It takes longer than I thought for someone to stand up. “Stop! Fine,” he snarls. “What are your demands?”

“Good job, sugar baby,” Sugar Daddy whispers to me. “Brownie points to you.” He picks up his crossbow and shoots the man in the arm with a candy egg. It splatters, and I know it hurts on impact, but it sends red dye all over him and his dinner guest. 

“That’s for taking so long!” Sugar Daddy stands, plopping me on the table. “All of you, hand over anything of value, then place your chairs in a circle with your backs to one another. You - top hat idiot - tie them up for me.”

Himley smirks. “You got it.” He tosses a gold pocket watch onto the table before he starts placing chairs in a circle.

“I will search your pockets when you are tied up. If I find anything, you won’t just be receiving chocolate to the temple,” Sugar Daddy growls. “Except you, fine lady.” He motions to Clementine. “I’ve taken enough from you tonight.” He glances down at me. “I’m giving you everything tonight, and I don’t just mean the money.”

I bite my lip to keep from smiling. “I’m not letting you get away with this, you monster.”

“I hope not.” He shoots another firework arrow into the ceiling, sending people dropping to the floor. “This is so much fun!”

Once everyone is tied to their chairs, Sugar Daddy searches their pockets. Once he’s gathered all the valuables and jewelry, he snatches my wrist. “When this lovely angel returns, it means you are all safe and can go about enjoying your lovely dinner.” He blows a kiss. “Have an extra slice of cake on me.”

He takes me from the dining hall and rushes into the library. There, he opens up a secret passage that leads down a narrow corridor, which opens on a circular room lined with doors to other secret passages. He rips off the mask, laughing. “What a riot! I think they were pissing their pants.”

I snatch him up and kiss him. “I’ve never enjoyed your antics so much.”

He licks the corner of his mouth as his snakes rise up, free from the wig. “You were quite good yourself. But I can’t work with you again. I get far too hard in the trousers to be taken seriously.”

I kiss him hungrily, pushing his back against the wall. “I noticed.” I push him down onto his knees, enjoying the view. “Everything but the boots,” I command him.

He’s stripping off his shirt. “What about the hostages? You intend to make them wait?”

I roll my eyes. “Fine, wait in the bedroom. I’ll enter, make a scene, then race to come save my poor fiancé.”

I go back the way we came, rushing into the dining hall and falling into Clementine’s arms. Then I go to rescue Nectarios and, while the rest of the mansion is in a panic, I push him to the floor. I’ve never felt such excitement before, such need for him. I ride him with abandon, gasping and moaning in pleasure. His fingers wrap tightly around the chair behind him, his back arches off the ground as he lets out loud snarls of pleasure. I paw my hands down his chest, watching him writhe on the floor while agrin spreads across his face.

The night winds down and, as cold air creeps onto our feverish skin, I snuggle close to his side. “We’ve been using that word fiancé a lot,” he says thoughtfully. His fingertips drum along my arm. “I know it’s all an act for my parents, but what if it were real?”

I sit up and look down upon him. His long red snakes flow over the pillow, and his sharp eyes gaze up at me with tenderness. “Are you asking me to marry you?” I tap my finger against his lips. “Because you can’t do that.”

He frowns.

“You and I are more than married already,” I whisper to him. “You are my partner, my confidant, my pet.” I place a soft kiss on his lips. “You hold my heart so tenderly and so close. How could you possibly do more than that?”

Nectarios brushes my hair aside, tucking it behind my ear. “I thought as much. I just wanted to hear you say it.” He chuckles gently as he holds me. “I love you, my sugar baby.”

I lie down, closing my eyes as I listen to the gentle thrum of his heart. “I love you too.”