Royal Love (12 page)

“You want to dance?” Michael asked.

“Sure, let’s go. But we have to stay in sight of the SS.”

They danced under the watchful eyes of the Secret Service, and everyone turned to watch the two hot guys with the bulging crotches. They were having a great time being the center of attention until someone tapped Darren on the shoulder. “Who the fuck do you clowns think you are?” said the muscular man confronting Darren and Michael. “Did your chauffeur pay off the doormen to get you in? You rich guys make me fucking sick. I oughta teach you a lesson.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Darren said.

“Why, are your drivers gonna beat me up for you?” The obnoxious guy sneered. “Let’s see how tough they are.”

“Can’t say I didn’t warn you,” Darren said as he signaled the agents, who were already moving in.

As the pissed-off guy drew back to hit Darren, the man was thrown onto a table with one arm behind his back. Two agents frog-marched him to the door and physically threw him out of the club.

“That was impressive,” Michael said.

“Well, our guys are a little tougher than your Scotland Yard mates.”

“I’d say you’re right on the money with that one.”

“It kinda ruined my mood, though. Sucks. Let’s leave and go to the Cobalt, okay?”

“This is your city, so lead on!”

Darren told Blake they wanted to leave. “Let’s go to the Cobalt on R Street Northwest, okay?”

“You got it.”

The group made their way to the door, where the bouncers made a path for them. They got into their vehicles and left. When they pulled up in front of the Cobalt, the same parking problem existed.

They double-parked again and went into the bar that was pulsating with house music and crawling with hot guys. The club tried to collect a cover charge on everyone, but the Secret Service detail leader talked with the manager, and they were waved in. The detail never paid entrance fees when they were protecting someone.

“This is Dupont Circle, one of Washington’s gay areas, and as you can see, it attracts all the pretty boys. Just look at ’em!” Darren said.

“It would only be fair, since they’ve been staring at us since we walked in. That fellow hasn’t taken his eyes off your crotch.”

“Great! That’s the kind of attention I like, not like that asshole in the last bar,” Darren said. “This is a great song! Let’s dance.”

Michael took Darren’s hand, and they edged onto the dance floor, staying in full view of the agents. They rocked out to the music, and the other dancers moved back a bit to watch them. A man rushed up to Darren, agitating the Secret Service, but Darren waved them off.

“Darren! Oh my God, I haven’t seen you since the night we went out!” the man said as he threw his arms around Darren.

“Eric, good to see you too. This is my boyfriend, Michael. Michael, this is Eric, an old friend,” Darren said over the music.

“Glad to meet you. You’re boyfriends? Wow, you make a hot couple.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Michael smiled.

“Is that an English accent I hear?” Eric asked.

“Yes, afraid so, mate.”

“How fucking sexy! Darren, where did you find him?”

“Look, why don’t you come over to our table when we’re through dancing?”

“Sure, hot stuff. See you in a bit,” Eric said as he ate Darren up with his eyes.

When Eric was gone, Michael said, “I’d say he still has the hots for you!”

“I’m taken,” Darren said.

“You’re damn right you are!”

They danced until they were drenched in sweat, and then Michael took Darren’s hand and led him to their table. Their drinks were diluted with water from the melted ice cubes, so they ordered fresh ones. As the waiter returned, Eric found them and sat down.

“You two danced hot and sexy out there!” Eric said. “It was a pleasure to watch. Now tell me, Darren, where did you meet this incredible guy?”

“We met in London and have been seeing each other for a while now.”

“That’s so sweet. I guess you’re here for your mother’s wedding? It’s the hottest ticket in town.”

“Yeah, we flew in today, and our schedule is pretty full until we leave, so we decided to hit the bars tonight.”

“Where else have you been?” Eric asked.

“Well, we were at Town Danceboutique, but we left after a minor disturbance.”

“What happened? That place always has good energy.”

“A guy was pissed that we jumped the line. When he got in, he came up to me and started to give me major shit. He started to punch me, but my bodyguards took care of him.”

“That sucks, but I’m glad you had protection. So, Michael, have you gotten used to the things that come with dating the son of a president?”

“Because of my position, I’m already used to this life, so I fit right into Darren’s routine with no problem.”

“Oh? What do you do for a living?”

“You don’t have to answer that,” Darren told Michael.

“Why not? Our picture will probably be in the papers, and the secret will be out then anyway.” Michael looked at Eric. “I’m Prince Michael, by the way.”

“What? Darren! Your boyfriend is a fucking prince? Are you kidding me?”

“Nope,” Darren said proudly. “He’s representing King William at the wedding as well as being my date. I love this man, and he loves me.”

“Any chance of a threesome? You know, for old times’ sake?”

“Not a chance in hell,” Michael answered before Darren could open his mouth.

“Darren?” Eric pressed.

“You heard my man. That’s the way it is. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to get in one more dance, and then we’re heading to bed. Good to see you again,” Darren said as he and Michael rose from the table.

On the way back to the dance floor, Michael said, “Forgive me if I spoke out of turn back there.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. If you think I’m sharing you with anyone, you’re crazy!”

T
HE
SUV
S
pulled up quietly in front of Blair House, and the boys got
out.

“Thank you, Blake, and thanks to the rest of the detail. I’m sorry the music was so loud.”

“You’re welcome, Darren. It looked like you had a good time at the second bar.”

“Oh yes! Thanks again. See you all tomorrow.”

Darren and Michael went in, trying not to make any noise as the entire house was asleep. They went to their bedroom, took off their clothes, and collapsed into bed, exhausted.

The next morning, Darren and Michael got up late, but no one bothered them because of the night before. When they reached the table, they drank orange juice by the glassful, followed by a lot of coffee. The cook made them a very light breakfast of one scrambled egg and toast each.

David and Shane came into the dining room and asked about the evening out.

“Well, how did it go last night? Did you have fun?” David asked.

“We had a ton of fun even though we had to change clubs,” Darren said.

“Did something happen?” Shane asked.

“It was nothing, really. But it ruined my buzz, so we went to the Cobalt where we rocked it out,” Darren said, and Michael chuckled.

“Excuse me, I need to check on something. Be right back,” Shane said.

“Sounds like a pretty wild night,” David said after Shane left the room.

“It was. We even were asked to have a threesome!” Michael laughed.

“By who? Some stranger, or… did you know this person, Darren?” David asked.

“Yeah, he was one of the few dates I had in Washington before I was assigned to you in London. He’s kinda cute, but a little bit of a dim bulb. Before I could answer, Michael made it plain that it wasn’t ever going to happen.”

“Good for you, Michael. As a new couple, you do not want a third guy involved. It can complicate things greatly and has been known to break up the couple.”

“Well, he said no before I could even open my mouth. We’re exclusive, and I like it that way. In twenty years, who knows? If we need to spice up our sex life, maybe a close friend could join us for an evening. But that’s so far off, I don’t even wanna think about it.”

“Smart. Build on what you have together. You make a cute couple, and I think you’re good for each other,” David said.

“So, Mr. Ambassador, I take it that you approve of our being a couple?” Michael asked.

“Yes, Your Highness, I do approve. Darren has been much happier since you entered his life. Anything that makes my boys happy is okay with me, as long as it’s not destructive.”

“Thank you, Uncle David, that means a lot to me,” Darren said. “You know, when you were president, I thought of you as my father in many ways. I still feel embarrassed about coming to you with questions about the Secret Service and my nonexistent sex life.”

“It makes me happy to hear you say that. Just because I’m a gay man doesn’t mean I don’t have strong fatherly feelings. Just ask Jack.”

“I know, and I love you for it.”

Darren hugged David for several long moments, and Michael teared up a little.

“If you don’t already know it, Uncle David, you made it bearable for me as a gay kid, even if I was the son of the Veep.”

“And then we added Brandon, who I hope you love as a brother.”

“No question about it. Speaking of Brandon, where the hell is he?”

“He’s over at the White House. They’re kind of winding things down for a few days until the wedding is over and the newlyweds are given at least a day to themselves.”

“She needs that. I hope they can pull it off. Should we go over there, or what?”

“First, we have to decide what we’re doing tonight for Harry’s bachelor party.”

“I’ve solved that, if you okay it,” said Shane as he returned.

“Oh good. What did you come up with?”

“Harry and his guests will go to the Cosmos Club. It’s an exclusive club, and we have a private room for dinner and drinks. Since it’s private, the boys can all come as well.”

“Honey, that’s outstanding! Has anyone told Harry yet?”

“No, he got in so late last night that I didn’t get a chance to see him. So, let’s go over now and tell everyone the plans.”

“Okay, let’s go, guys.”

They walked across Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House and found Brandon, Jack, Harry, and Victoria in the family quarters.

“Good morning, boys. Everyone feeling good today?” Victoria asked while looking at Darren and Michael.

“Yep, everyone’s on top of their game.”

“This is Harry Rothschild, everyone. Harry, dear, this is former President David Windsor, his husband, Shane Thompson-Windsor, my son of course, and His Royal Highness, Prince Michael. I hope you all have a chance to get to know each other a little before tomorrow.”

They all shook hands, and David’s impression of Harry was favorable.

“Harry, we’d like to take you out this evening for dinner and drinks at the Cosmos Club as a sort of bachelor party,” David said.

“That’s very kind of you, David,” Harry said. “Thank you, I look forward to it.”

“Great, that’s settled, then. What time did you tell the club we’ll be arriving?” David asked Shane.

“I told them we’d be there around six. I also advised the Secret Service, and they’re ready.”

“Thank you,” Victoria said. “It’s kind of you to arrange something so classy for my fiancé.”

“Dad, does that mean I can go too?” Jack asked.

“Yes, it does. All the males of this extended family will be going. I promise to bring you home fairly sober and without stain.” David laughed.

“You’d better, mister, or you’ll be named ambassador to some country that doesn’t even have indoor plumbing!” Victoria said with a grin.

T
HE
REST
of the day passed quickly until it was time for everyone to dress for dinner at the club. They decided on formal dress, and even Jack had a tux, as David had bought one for him months earlier. When they gathered back at the White House, the motorcade was waiting for them. Since a former president, the president’s sons, and the soon-to-be First Husband were going out, a full protection detail was ordered up. The motorcade consisted of eight vehicles. All members of the family rode in the same limousine and the customary “war wagons,” were part of the procession.

At ten minutes to six, the motorcade pulled out for the short run to the club. With lights and sirens, they were there in five minutes. An advance team was already on the scene, and entrance to the club was achieved fairly quickly. A few people stared at the sight, but in Washington, people were used to VIP motorcades flitting around the city as well as the surrounding area.

They were greeted by the manager of the club, who handed temporary membership cards to every person in the Windsor party. This made the club in full compliance with the laws governing private social clubs. They were shown to a private lounge where they could have a drink before moving on to their dining room.

“Wow, this is really cool, Dads,” Jack said as he looked around and up at the chandeliers. Prince Michael was drawn to some of the oil paintings, which he recognized as having been painted by British painters.

As they sat in deep leather chairs, waiters appeared to take drink requests. Those under twenty-one ordered sodas while the adults ordered cocktails.