The Errand Boy

'Say yes! Say yes!’ Ashley's mind roared excitedly, and he opened his mouth to reply, but instead of obeying his mind, he said…….

“Of course not. I mean we are together, why would I enjoy kissing another man?” Ashley asked with a fake smile, and Lanky sighed in relief.

“Wow, I nearly had high blood pressure. You got me scared, baby,” Lanky said and happily hugged Ashley.

Ashley wasn't happy, but he wore a fake smile. How was he supposed to tell his man lover, Lanky, that he did not only enjoy kissing Maverick but would happily do it a million times? He was scared of disappointing Lanky. He knew telling him would not only ruin their relationship but could get Maverick brutally murdered.

“But Lanky, I have always told you that we should be open to new companies. There's nothing wrong with having a polygamous relationship. I think it will make our bond stronger,” Ashley said in a soft voice. Lanky immediately shifted away from him, a deep frown etched on his face.

“What do you mean? Do you like someone else?” Lanky asked with a look of surprise.

“Of course not. I am just saying we should be open to other men….”Ashley stuttered unsure of what to say. Lanky didn't look happy at Ashley's words.

Lanky's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "So, you want to bring other men into our relationship? After everything we've been through, you want to risk our bond for some fleeting pleasure?"

Ashley hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to hurt Lanky, but he couldn't deny his feelings for Maverick either.

"I-I just think it could be exciting," Ashley stammered. "And it would show that our love is strong enough to handle anything."

Lanky's gaze turned incredulous. "Exciting? Do you call risking our relationship exciting? I thought we had something real, Ashley. Something worth fighting for."

Ashley's heart sank, seeing the hurt in Lanky's eyes. He knew he had to tread carefully or risk losing the man he loved.

"Lanky, please understand...I didn't mean to hurt you," Ashley said, reaching out to touch Lanky's arm.

“I understand you. We've been so busy with work that we barely have time for each other, but that doesn't mean other men can make us happy. Can you please not talk about this ever again?” Lanky asked politely, gently pulling Ashley closer to him.

“Of course, I wouldn't,” Ashley replied and they both hugged each other.

Meanwhile, back in the room, Maverick was getting tired and angry at Mark.

“With all due respect, Mr. Mark, I can not help you to deliver hard drugs. Don't you know it’s bad for your health?” Maverick replied politely when Mark passed him a white box. Without opening it, he knew what was inside, he had seen it several times back at the secret spy department. He couldn't bring himself to imagine where Mark had seen it. Although he knew that Lanky was a drug lord suspect, deep down within him, he was praying for a miracle, hoping it wasn't true, but seeing Mark with a box of cocaine proved it all. ‘Where else could such a young boy find hard drugs if not from his brother's store?’ he thought aloud.

“What is wrong with you? Don't be such a useless bartender. If it wasn't for the fact that I took pity on you and your hustle, I would have sacked you,” Mark boasted like a spoiled child. “I have told you before, this box doesn't contain drugs, it's just medicine,” he lied, pointing at the white box.

Maverick furrowed his brows, what a ‘Who do you think you're deceiving look?’

“Can I open it then? Can I open the box and check it? Just to be sure,” he proposed and picked up the box, but Mark dragged it from him.

“Are you saying you don't trust me?” Mark asked and pretended to be offended.

‘Well, we just met a few days ago, and you've sabotaged my crush, of course, I don't trust you!’ Maverick wanted to reply to Mark like that, but instead, he found himself saying….

“Of course I trust you. You're the only man I trust in my life. But this is about our safety, if the police catch me on my way to deliver it, I might get arrested,” Maverick replied respectfully.

“Arrested? I just said it is not drugs! Fine, I will ask my brother to double your salary if you successfully deliver the box,” Mark said, trying to win him over, but Maverick refused.

Maverick knew that most times, the wealthy men and women use people below them as errand boys, and they end up as scapegoats, while the people enjoy. So he was determined not to accept the offer.

“Oh come on, you're a greedy dog!” Mark growled in frustration. “Fine, I will triple your salary, and you'll be allowed to attend my brother's birthday party. It's a huge party, a lot of billionaires would be here. I am sure they would gladly help you in return for a night,” Mark said with a cunning smirk.

Maverick wanted to say no, but he knew this was the perfect opportunity to start his mission. If he attends the party, he will become familiar with Lanky's customers, friends, supporters, and allies.

Also, if the police stopped him while transporting the box, Officer Caleb would free him before he closed his eyes and opened it.

“Fine, no problem. But I'll take your word. I believe you when you said the box doesn't contain hard drugs,” Maverick said with a smooth voice and bowed.

Mark was impressed at his words, and he smiled broadly, “Nice, it's good to obey your master. If you do, you'll get good rewards. By the way, what's your name?” He asked.

“Birdie High,” Maverick replied and bowed.

“Birdie…. Before I forget, my former bartender always satisfied me in bed, for a huge amount. If you cooperate with me, I'll make you rich,” Mark said proudly, and Maverick faked a smile.

“I will get going now, Mr. Mark,” Maverick informed, and before Mark could start his annoying words, Maverick left his room.