Cause you keep me coming back for more
And I feel a little better than I did before
If I never see your face again, I don't mind
Cause we've gone much further than I thought we'd get tonight.
-If I Never See Your Face Again by Maroon 5-

After two glorious weeks in Biarritz, Kurt and Blaine returned to the city relaxed, well-rested and in love. Crazy, happily, passionately, can't breathe without the other, in love. Kurt could tell that Blaine had really forgiven him for everything that had happened, and Blaine finally believed that Kurt would never leave him again. Best of all, the darkness had settled. It was soothed by Kurt's constant presence and obedience, coupled with Blaine's dominance and trust in Kurt. The flow of power and control, surrender and submission, was balanced with a strong and powerful love. Things were finally right and as they should be.

Things were perfect.

Except for the partnership proposal.

Blaine wanted to accept it, but Kurt remained adamantly opposed. Blaine knew he could do whatever he wanted, regardless of Kurt's objections, but he really wanted Kurt's full support and agreement. This was an important decision regarding their future. He wanted them on the same page.

Kurt remained resolute in his objections. He was sure Mike could not be trusted.

"He's too greedy and controlling. He's greedy for money and your power, and he is trying to control who his daughter sleeps with. You can't trust him."

Blaine couldn't help but smile. Greedy for money power and control. Blaine wanted money. Lots of money. He could definitely be accused of being greedy. As for power...he already had that. Control? Well, the only control he wanted was over Kurt, and he had that too.

Yes, he and Mike were very similar.

Like father, like son.

On Wednesday, Blaine decided to invite Samantha to lunch. He hoped she might be able to give him some insight into Mike's thinking. And he wanted to know what was going on inside her head. Samantha was spoiled, but not silly or stupid. Why was she so willing to go along with her father's plans? Wouldn't most girls have a serious issue with their father trying to dictate who they sleep with? Why was she going along with this?

As he prepared to leave, Blaine was amused at the jealous bitch look on Kurt's face. Kurt was not invited to lunch. Blaine felt he could get Samantha to open up more if Kurt wasn't sitting there, shooting evil looks her way. Kurt rolled his eyes and caressed his hair across his forehead.

"Please remind Samantha that you are one, gay and two, taken. Tell her to go find another gay man to be a hag for."

Blaine smiled and pulled Kurt to him, wrapping his arms around his waist as Kurt continued.

"Also, please inform her that inappropriately feeling up a gay man will not make him straight. Tell her to keep her hands off. You are my man and you are unavailable."

Blaine laughed. Jealous Kurt was the best.

"I will deliver your messages. Anything else?"

"Yes. Tell her I love you."

"I will tell her that. I will add that I love you."

"Good."

As usual, Blaine arrived early so he could watch Samantha's entrance. She looked lovely in a long white skirt and navy blue blouse that brought out her eyes. Blaine watched as almost every man in the restaurant turned to stare at her. With all these guys willing to throw themselves at her feet, why on earth did she want to sleep with a gay man? None of this made sense.

"Hello beautiful Blaine."

"Ah, I've grown up? I'm not a baby anymore?"

Samantha smiled a sad smile. "No. You aren't."

Blaine looked at her quizzically. What was going on?

As soon as the waiter took their order, Blaine launched.

"Okay, talk to me Samantha. What's going on? Why would you let your father...give you away? How could you agree to letting him use your virginity as part of a business deal?"

"I don't see it that way. I still think you and I having a baby together is a great idea. Beautiful people make beautiful babies. Together we would make a beautiful child, and I love children. I can't wait to be a mother."

"But don't you want to meet someone, fall in love, get married and have children of your own?"

"Our child would be my own. Yours and mine."

"You know what I mean. Don't you want to have children with a husband one day?"

Samantha didn't answer. Instead, she studied her silverware. When she finally looked up, her eyes were sad.

"I don't want to get married."

"Why not?"

"I guess my parent's marriage and divorce really screwed me up. I hate my mother. Daddy loved her so much. He really, really did. He worked so hard to balance building the practice with being a good husband and father. But all she wanted to do was screw. I would come home from school and strange men would be leaving as I walked in the door; my mother standing there in a damn negligee. Daddy forgave her over and over until he finally couldn't take it anymore. She smashed his heart, threw the pieces at him and laughed her ass off. And you know what he did for the divorce settlement? He gave her whatever she wanted. Right up until the very end he let her take advantage of him. Of his love for her. He could have left her high and dry, but no. He gave the bitch everything she asked for...except for me. He demanded custody of me. And you know what, Blaine? She barely fought him on it. She didn't want me. I was an inconvenience. So to answer your question, no. I don't want to get married. Ever. I've seen what marriage looks like. How it can break your heart. I never want to go through that. Watching daddy go through it was bad enough."

"But it doesn't have to be that way. My parent's marriage turned into a disaster and they finally divorced, but I can't wait to marry Kurt. I wish we were already married. You can't let your parent's crap, ruin your chance at falling in love and marrying someone. Trust me Samantha, there is a guy out there who will worship the ground you walk on. You just have to find him."

Samantha gave him a small smile. "Maybe. I guess I have no choice now that you've turned me down."

"Admit it Samantha. The entire baby thing is weird. Creepy and weird. I don't understand what Mike was thinking."

Samantha shook her head. "I still disagree. Let's face it. If you and Kurt decide you want a family one day, you will have to use a surrogate. Just because you work for my father and he suggested it, doesn't make it weird or creepy. Maybe a little...out of the ordinary. But, not weird."

Blaine stared at her. Did she really believe that?

"I don't work for your father."

Samantha smiled. "Not yet. You will."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Come on, Blaine. We both know daddy is offering you the world on a silver platter. You would be crazy to turn him down."

"His offer comes with strings attached. I don't like the idea of being tied up."

Samantha stared into his eyes for a full minute before responding.

"Let me tell you something, Blaine. My father really, really likes you. And he really, really wants you to become a partner. The partner. Your name on the door with his. He has already started quietly suggesting that it is time for Frank VanSant to retire. Richard Wellington will be next. He is ready to force them out to make room for you. The only reason their names are on the door is money. Early on, when daddy was ready to expand, he needed a major influx of cash. He agreed to bring on Wellington and VanSant if they put up the money, which they did. But they are partners in name only. Daddy repaid them their investment years ago, plus interest. The firm belongs to daddy and he wants a partner. A real partner. Someone to pass the firm to one day. I'm not interested. I hate law. So he needs someone to take over. Someone he likes and trusts. Daddy worked hard to build the firm. He wants to make sure it's in good hands and will continue to grow. He wishes he had a son to pass it on to."

A son.

A firm.

An entire fucking law firm.

Wow.

But wait...

"That all sounds great Samantha, but if your father wants me so bad, why is he trying to get me to agree to things I don't want."

Samantha smiled. "You really don't get it do you? Blaine...you hold all the cards. Don't you see how he spoils me? I'm his daughter. Daddy gives me whatever I want. If you agree to be his partner/son, daddy will give you whatever you want. He will spoil you. You got a taste of that this summer. The corner office, the salary, the gym membership, the lunches. Daddy likes to spoil his children. He's playing hardball with you because he feels like he has to at least try and get you to agree with him. But at the end of the day Blaine, if working in criminal is the deal breaker for you coming on board, daddy will let it go. He wants you. Bad. You are endgame."

Blaine sat back in his chair and stared at Samantha.

Was she bullshitting him?

Did Mike put her up to this?

Samantha smiled at him. "Just say yes, Blaine. You won't regret it. Besides, daddy always wins."

While Blaine was away, Kurt spent the afternoon updating his facebook page, chatting with friends, and thinking about sex.

It had been three weeks.

They did not have sex in Biarritz. At the time, Kurt didn't mind. After all they had been through, it was nice to just relax and lay together. Kurt figured Blaine was waiting until they returned home to all their toys. He had been looking forward to being punished for days over the Daveed nightmare. But so far, nothing.

Kurt didn't want to say anything because he was sure a brutal fuckfest was coming. Blaine would start law school in two weeks and would want to feel strong. He was sure Blaine was going to fuck him senseless. But Kurt was starting to really miss sex. He wanted Blaine to make love to him and then tie him up and sexually torture him. Kurt's face grew flush. Where had these strange sexual desires come from? Kurt chastised himself. After all this time, he should not feel embarrassed for enjoying hot, kinky, rough sex with his future husband.

Kurt smiled as he heard the key in the lock. His master was home.

Blaine walked in looking dark and deep in thought. Kurt stood up from the desk and kneeled on the floor. Blaine stopped in the middle of the room and watched Kurt slowly crawl towards him. Shit. Kurt was the sexiest man alive.

Kurt's voice was low and seductive. He nuzzled his face against Blaine's crotch and then looked up at him.

"Hello master. Your slave missed you."

Blaine breathed deeply and looked down at him. Damn his lips looked so soft.

"Hello slave. I missed you too."

Kurt stood up and kissed Blaine deeply, pressing his body against his. Kurt was aroused and needy. He needed Blaine's cock.

He whispered in Blaine's ear. "Your slave misses your cock. Please take me. Remind me that you are my master."

Blaine's eyes turned black. He had been starving them on purpose. He wanted Kurt wet, hot and dying for cock. Blaine planned to wreck his ass for three days straight, leading up to the first day of class. He wanted Kurt so hot, horny and in need of dick, that he wouldn't just let Blaine do any and everything to his body, he would beg for it.

But damn. Kurt looked so alluring and gorgeous, and the meeting with Samantha had left him feeling dark and tense. He needed to release some stress.

Blaine started kissing Kurt feverishly. He unzipped Kurt's pants and started gently and slowly stroking him. Kurt whimpered and moaned, pressing himself harder into Blaine's hand. Blaine refused to speed up or stroke harder. He just increased the force of his kiss. Kurt pulled away from Blaine's mouth.

"Please fuck me. Take me Blaine. Fuck your slave. Fuck me hard."

Shit.

Blaine struggled to resist.

"No. Get on your knees and suck. You may not swallow."

Kurt couldn't get on his knees fast enough. He swallowed Blaine's cock so fast and hard, Blaine almost fell and came at the same time. Blaine forcefully pulled Kurt's head back, pushing his cock further down his throat. Blaine loved the delicious, deep, choking sounds Kurt made as he adjusted.

"Take it beautiful. Choke on my cock like a good boy. Like a good slave. Because this is all you get, beautiful. No cock in your ass. I'm making you wait. So suck it and keep every drop of cum in your mouth. No swallowing."

Kurt moaned and dug his nails into Blaine's hips, trying to pull him even closer. He was addicted to Blaine's dick and his cum was delicious. He wanted all of it.

Blaine came with a yell, holding Kurt's head steady as his cum flowed into Kurt's eager mouth. Kurt dug his nails deeply into Blaine's skin, struggling not to swallow. Blaine quickly pulled out, causing Kurt to almost gulp it all down.

"Don't swallow, Kurt. You swallow and I will tear your ass apart."

Kurt's body shuddered. Ohhh, how he wanted his ass torn apart. Maybe he would swallow on purpose.

Blaine read his mind. "You do and I won't touch you for two months."

Kurt knew that wasn't true. Blaine wouldn't last a month, but he didn't swallow.

Blaine pulled Kurt to his feet and looked into his eyes. He ran his finger over Kurt's lips.

"I wonder how long you can hold it without swallowing."

Kurt's eyes grew wide. Oh no.

Blaine slid his hand into Kurt's pants and started stroking again.

"How long can you hold it, Kurt? Do you know?"

Kurt shook his head.

"Would you like to find out?"

Kurt had no idea how to answer. Blaine sped up his stroking and watched the sexual distress grow in Kurt's eyes.

"You may not come."

Blaine kept stroking, pushing Kurt to the brink. Kurt's body was trembling. He was going to explode. Blaine stopped stroking and tucked Kurt's hard dick back into his pants.

"Swallow slave."

Kurt swallowed and breathed deeply. Blaine smiled at him.

"Maybe one day we will find out. But not today."

Kurt groaned. He was in hell.

"When do you plan to fuck me again?"

"Classes start in 10 days on a Tuesday. I will start fucking you Saturday morning and not stop until Monday night."

Kurt almost passed out from the thought. Blaine smiled evilly. "Be careful what you wish for, Kurt."

Kurt wished it was Saturday morning.

That evening, Blaine stretched out on the couch with Kurt sitting between his legs, his head resting on Blaine's chest. Blaine wanted to tell Kurt about his lunch with Samantha. Especially about Mike's plans to give Blaine the firm one day. Kurt could hear and feel Blaine's excitement. The worry in his chest grew.

"Think of it Kurt. An entire law firm. Can you imagine?"

"When exactly would you inherit this fabulous firm?"

"Well, Mike's not that old. He still has years ahead of him. It wouldn't be right away, but it makes sense that he would want to start grooming someone now."

"And how do you know he really intends to do this?"

"Samantha has no reason to lie."

Kurt sat up and turned to look at Blaine. How could he be so blinded by his ambition? Dark ambition.

"Samantha has no reason to lie? Blaine...she loves her father. She wants him happy. She has every reason to lie. Did you think to trap her and find out if she was telling the truth?"

"Oh. I didn't think of that."

"I bet you didn't. Blaine...honey, please. Stop thinking about money and power. It's clouding your judgment."

Blaine sighed. Kurt stewed. They sat in silence until Kurt had a thought.

"I don't have to agree with you. You could just go ahead and do this. Why are you trying to convince me? You don't need my permission."

Blaine kissed the top of Kurt's head. "Because you are my husband. Soon anyway, and this decision will determine our future. I would never make such a major decision without at least talking to you. However, you are correct. I don't need your permission. I can do what I want. But I want your support."

Kurt stood up, turned around and sat back down, straddling Blaine.

"I will support you no matter what. I love you, Blaine. I may not want you to do this, but if you decide to do it, I will support you. I'll always support you."

Blaine reached up and caressed Kurt's cheek.

"Thank you beautiful."

Friday morning, Kurt and Blaine were awakened by Blaine's ringing cell phone. Blaine looked at the screen and groaned.

Mike Huntel.

Blaine was 99% sure his answer was yes, but he wanted to clear up a few things. He had planned to call Mike on Monday and suggest they meet.

"Hello Mike."

"Hi Blaine. How are you?"

"I'm good. And you?"

"Fine. Things are fine. So, are you back in New York?"

"Yes. We got back a few days ago."

"Great. Did you have a good time?"

Well, I found out Kurt had a fucking toyboy in Paris and I almost killed him. I also spent four days in hell. Biarritz was wonderful.

"Yes. It was great. We had a great time."

"Good. You deserved a great vacation. You worked hard this summer and you are about to work harder than you ever have in your life. Law school is tough."

"So I've heard."

"You will do fine. I have full confidence in your abilities. Listen, the reason for my call is that I'd like your permission to do something."

Mike wanted his permission?

"What?"

"I'd like to invite Kurt to lunch. Just the two of us."

Blaine glanced down at Kurt who was curiously looking up at him.

"Why?"

"It's something I always do when hiring attorneys. After someone completes the full interview process, if I think I'm going to hire them, I ask to meet their spouse or partner. The spouse is almost as important as the attorney. Legal work can be challenging, difficult and time consuming. Long hours. It's important for an attorney's spouse to understand this and be supportive."

"I can assure you that Kurt will be supportive. Whatever my decision."

"I'm sure he will. I just didn't want to treat him differently from any other spouse or partner."

Blaine wasn't sure what he thought of this. Considering what Samantha had told him about Mike's marriage, it kind of made sense that Mike would want to check out the spouses and partners of those he hired. A bit intrusive, but understandable. After all, they did do full and extensive background checks on everyone they hired. Blaine just wasn't sure he liked the idea of Mike talking to Kurt without him present.

Then again...

Maybe Mike could make Kurt feel better about Blaine accepting the partnership.

"I'll ask him if he wants to meet with you, but I am not going to force him."

"That's fine. Let me know."

Blaine hung up and turned to Kurt.

"Mike wants to take you to lunch."

"Why?"

"Apparently he takes the spouses or partners of all prospective attorneys to lunch. It's a part of the interview process."

Kurt narrowed his eyes. "Do you believe that?"

"I don't know, but it couldn't hurt for you to talk to him one-on-one."

"Can I be honest?"

"Yes."

"He probably won't like what I have to say."

"I know, but maybe you will feel better after talking to him."

Kurt narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Blaine seemed awfully calm about this.

"What if I don't want to go?"

"Then you don't go. I'm not going to force you. But, I'd like you to go."

Blaine took Kurt's hand and kissed it. "I really want this, Kurt. I've thought about it and it just makes sense. I'll never get an offer like this again. I know you don't trust him and frankly, neither do I. But I know I can protect myself. I can learn a lot from Mike and if things don't work out, I'll leave. I don't have to stay forever."

Kurt sat up. "Then why not wait until you've finished school? Why do you have to agree today to do something three years from now? If he wants you so badly then he should be willing to wait. Don't say yes now. Tell him you will let him know during your final year of law school. If this firm is so fantastic it's not going anywhere. Tell him to call you in three years after you've had a chance to work other places and learn what else is out there. Who knows what you will want in three years."

Blaine fell back on the bed and looked at the ceiling. Shit. Kurt had a good point. He didn't have to lock everything down right now.

But he wanted to.

He was tired of all the uncertainty of the past four years. He was ready for things to settle. Marry Kurt. Finish law school. Work for a great firm. Make money. Wake up to Kurt everyday and go to sleep with him every night. That was all Blaine wanted. That would never change.

Kurt looked down at Blaine. He could see the struggle in his eyes. He kissed him softly.

"I'll go to lunch with Mike and then we will make a decision. Okay?"

"Okay."

On Monday at 11:30 am, Mike settled in his seat to wait for Kurt. Mike was ticked with himself. He couldn't believe he had handled everything so poorly. Especially Kurt. First, he had woefully underestimated their relationship. Blaine was the master, but he listened to and apparently respected Kurt's opinion. It was more of a partnership. Mike needed to bring Kurt on board in order to get Blaine. He also regretted bringing up the whole baby thing. It was far too soon. He should have waited until Blaine was out of school and working at the firm. And again, he had underestimated Kurt's role. It never dawned on him that Kurt wouldn't want children or would even have a say in the matter. Kurt was the slave, but he wasn't weak. He obviously wielded power over Blaine. Mike laughed to himself. In the end, slaves always seem to end up controlling their masters.

He watched Kurt enter the restaurant and approach the table. For the life of him Mike would never understand being gay. Kurt was a nice looking kid, but Mike didn't want to sleep with him. He didn't get the attraction.

"Hello Kurt. Thanks for joining me today."

"Hello and you're welcome."

Kurt sat down and stared at Mike, his eyes full of suspicion and distrust. Kurt was prepared to do battle.

"Please feel free to order anything you want from the menu. The food here is quite excellent."

"Actually, I didn't come to eat. I came to talk about Blaine."

Mike closed his menu and laid it aside. He looked at Kurt. Damn. If looks could kill.

"All right. Let's talk."

"Can I be completely honest?"

"Of course."

"I don't like you. I don't like you and I don't like your daughter. And above all, I don't trust you. Either of you. You may have blinded Blaine with promises of money and partnerships, but I don't buy it for one minute. Your only interest in Blaine is what you can get from him. What you can use him for. Neither of you care about Blaine. All you want is his power and his sperm."

Mike sat back, impressed.

"I appreciate your honesty and you are correct. I want Blaine's power and...well yes, I would love for him to father my grandchild. But you are wrong when you say I don't care about him. I do. I really do, Kurt. I think Blaine is amazing, and not just because of his power. He's smart, he has an excellent legal mind. He's engaging and interesting. Attractive and talented. He's the type of man I wish I had for a son. I mean that. His power is just an added bonus."

"Do you really expect me to believe that? To believe that you would still be interested in Blaine if he didn't have powers?"

"Would you still love him if he didn't have powers? If he was...normal."

Mike leaned forward. "Would you still love him if he hadn't enslaved you?"

"Of course. I never wanted Blaine for his power. I don't care about the power. As for the enslavement, it came after the love."

"Then you and I are on the same page. Even without his power I would want Blaine to work for me. His power is just icing on the cake."

"Would you still want him as your son?"

"Yes."

Kurt sat back and looked at Mike, critically.

"I don't believe you."

"That's fine. I understand your suspicions. You're smart to have them. Blaine is lucky to have you."

Kurt looked at Mike for a moment and then picked up his menu. He opened it in front of his face and closed his eyes. He needed to think. Mike did the same.

They sat in silence until the waitress took their order. Kurt took a sip of iced tea. Time for round two.

"Don't you think it's a bit strange to pimp out your daughter as part of a business proposal?"

"I don't see it as pimping her out. I love my daughter. She and I talked about my idea before presenting it to you and Blaine. If she hadn't liked my suggestion, that would have been the end of the conversation. I would never force Samantha into a relationship or situation she didn't want."

"But don't you think it's weird for you to even bring it up? Samantha's a grown woman. She should make her own decisions regarding something like having a child. What about meeting someone and falling in love? Getting married and starting a family? Those should be her decisions, not yours."

"I completely agree with you. Samantha has every right to decide who she wants to spend the rest of her life with and when the times comes, I will respect her decision. I also respect you and Blaine not wanting us involved in your...family planning."

Kurt nodded, picked up his fork and began eating his salad.

Mike carefully continued. There was something he needed to confirm.

"So, are you from Westerville like Blaine?"

Kurt shook his head. "No. Lima."

"What do your parents do?"

"My mother died when I was 8. My father owns a tire and lube shop. I have a step-mother. She's a nurse."

"Are you an only child?"

"Kind of. I have a step-brother, Finn."

Mike nodded. "Was your step-mother nice to you growing up?"

"She didn't actually raise me. They didn't get married until I was like, 17. My dad raised me."

"Are you two close?"

Kurt smiled. "Yes."

"How does he feel about you being gay?"

"He doesn't care. He loves me and has always stood up for me. He's a great dad."

Mike nodded. "That's wonderful. Does he like Blaine?"

"Yes."

"He approves of the two of you getting married?"

"Well, he thinks we're a bit young and he wishes I would have dated more, but he likes Blaine. As long as I'm happy, he's happy for me."

Mike had to suppress a smirk.

A hard working, blue collar, straight guy like Burt Hummel.

Happy about his son's relationship with a dark, controlling and domineering man like Blaine.

Who has enslaved his son.

Sure.

Right.

Mike was 99% sure Burt Hummel did not know the true nature of his son's relationship with Blaine. If he knew, Blaine would be dead.

Mike wanted to be 100% sure. He had to tread carefully.

"Perhaps your father is right. Have you and Blaine been together since high school?"

"Yes."

"I don't know, Kurt. There's a lot of guys out there."

Kurt shook his head. "Not for me. I only want Blaine."

Mike smiled. "You two do seem very much in love. I know Blaine missed you this summer."

Kurt looked regretful. "Yes, the summer was difficult. I'm glad to be home."

Mike nodded and took a bite of his sandwich. He chewed thoughtfully before speaking.

"Well I think it's great. You obviously love Blaine and I think it is wonderful that your father is okay with the nature of your relationship."

Kurt looked up from his salad.

"What?"

Mike paid close attention to Kurt's expression.

"I think it's great that your father has accepted the important role Blaine has in your life and is supportive."

Kurt's face grew flush. He looked slightly ill.

Bingo.

"You know, a lot of fathers struggle with their sons being gay."

Kurt's expression moved from fear, to concern, to relief as he realized Mike was talking about being gay.

Not being a slave.

"Oh. Yes. He's always been supportive."

Mike smiled.

100% sure.

Once they finished eating, Mike leaned forward and looked into Kurt's eyes. He needed to seal this deal.

"I appreciate your concerns, Kurt. I really do. I want to assure you that I have Blaine's best interests at heart. Along with mine. The two are not mutually exclusive. I don't want my attorneys going up against someone like Blaine in a court of law. I want his talent on my side. I also care about him and his future success. I firmly believe I can give Blaine the infrastructure and support he needs to accomplish what he wants. HWV is the best place for him. I can help him and protect him. In turn, he can help me. I'm not getting any younger. I need someone I can trust with my empire. I worked hard to build this firm. I want to see it continue to prosper and grow. I trust Blaine to make that happen. He has the same ambition and talent I had at his age. He reminds me of myself. We're a lot alike. We both know what we want and are willing to work hard to get it. Even if it means we have to sometimes play dirty. I promise you, Kurt. If Blaine agrees to join the firm, I'll take care of him. And I will take care of you. I understand your concerns. Just give me a chance to prove my intentions."

"How?"

"Blaine mentioned that you want to open your own design house. Let me help you."

Kurt's eyes grew wide as his heart leapt in his chest.

"What?"

"Allow me to be your first investor. You're going to need money to get started. You will need a building, equipment, a staff. That all takes money. While Blaine is working his way through law school, let me help you get started on your design house. By the time he graduates, you will be well on your way. You will both be off and running in your careers."

Kurt was stunned.

He thought of all the sketch books on his desk. So many designs. Designs he wanted to bring to life.

Kurt Hummel Designs.

He looked at Mike and then down at the table.

No.

He couldn't accept this. It was too much. Too much Mike Huntel in their lives. The partnership was bad enough. It was dangerous to allow Mike this much control over both their careers. Kurt shook his head.

"Thank you for the offer, but I can't accept. Frankly, I don't want you more entwined in our lives than you already are. If Blaine decides to work for you, I'll support him because I love him. You don't need to bribe me."

"It wasn't a bribe. I'm always looking for good investments. I think you're going to be a huge success one day. I just want to be in on the ground floor."

Kurt shook his head. "No. Thank you for the vote of confidence, but no."

Mike sat back and studied Kurt. Blaine really was smart. He had chosen his partner well. Much better than he had done in choosing Angelica.

"Okay. If you ever change your mind, just let me know. I'm happy to help."

"I bet you are."

Mike laughed. "Are you ever going to trust me?"

Kurt stood up. "Probably not. But that's okay. Just remember Mike." Kurt leaned down and whispered into Mike's ear.

"If you fuck with Blaine, he will think you dead. Literally. And once he's killed you, his faithful slave will help him get rid of the body."

Kurt stood back up and smiled.

"Thanks for a lovely lunch."

Blaine accepted the partnership.

With a few concessions.

He would not work at the firm during the summer. He wanted to work in the city prosecutor's office as well as for other smaller firms. Mike wasn't happy, but he had to agree with Blaine's argument that different experiences would make him a better attorney.

He would not work in criminal. Blaine took Samantha's advice and threatened to walk. "This is a deal breaker, Mike. I don't want to do criminal and I don't want you trying to push me into it four or five years from now."

"I just don't understand your reluctance. Things worked out very well with the Montiel case. We won for the client and you earned a hell of a payday."

"I'm all about making money. Lots of money. But not that way. I'll kick ass for you in corporate, but I don't want to be responsible for getting assholes like Andrew Montiel out of jail."

"You suddenly have a conscience?"

"Kurt is my conscience. If I can't talk to him about the case, I don't want the case."

"You can't break attorney-client privilege. You can't discuss cases with Kurt."

"Don't bullshit with me. You know what I mean."

Mike studied Blaine. Kurt had quite the hold on him. Who was really the master in their relationship?

"What's it gonna be, Mike? Do we have a deal or not?"

Mike thought hard. He could threaten Blaine. Threaten to call Burt Hummel and tell him what Blaine was doing to his son. He was sure Blaine would do anything to keep Burt from finding out. For Kurt's sake.

But...

He didn't want Blaine that way.

He wanted him willing. Agreeable. Safe. Mike thought about Kurt's last words to him. It wouldn't be smart to piss Blaine off. He'd already killed someone. Mike didn't think Blaine would kill him, but he didn't want to find out. Not when they were this close to a deal. Not when he was this close to getting a son. A dark and powerful son.

"Deal."

Blaine smiled his winning smile.

Mike smiled back.

"Welcome home, Blaine."