Lost

Chapter 2

Duncan scanned the crowd as he was led to his table, oblivious to the lustful and slightly awed looks he received. Duncan was not unaware of his physical attributes, but he wasn’t necessarily a vain man. He was a man who was completely comfortable in his own skin and who radiated a sense of power to those around him. Feeling no other immortals in the area, Duncan relaxed slightly since his katana was in his coat at the coat check. If Methos had been with him he was sure there would have been numerous hidden weapons at their disposal, but he only carried the katana as though the only problems that could possibly come up involved honorable one-on-one battle. Methos had often chided his lack of preparation despite calling him “boy scout” on numerous occasions. In that respect, Methos was much more of a boy scout. Duncan resolved to bring that discussion up next time Methos saw fit to deride him. Unfortunately, thoughts of Methos only made the evening seem that much longer and onerous a chore. Since Methos hadn’t come with him there would be one empty seat which suited Duncan just fine. He wanted this evening over with and really wasn’t in the mood for idle chitchat. Not to mention that it gave him at least a little time to fantasize about the next day.

Unknown to Duncan, there was one set of eyes that evening that held no awe but did hold a substantial amount of lust. Andre Lacasse was very aware of the moment that Duncan MacLeod entered the room, not because of the reaction he caused as he walked in but because he received notification from his men as MacLeod arrived. It was nearly time. He’d been waiting his entire life for this opportunity. Had, in fact, devoted much of his time and fortune to setting up exactly the circumstances he needed in order to fulfill his plans. Tonight was the first step. Seeing the beautiful Mr. MacLeod on numerous occasions at both the museum and at other social events had only whetted his appetite for this intriguing man and now his plans were about to come to fruition. Oh, yes, Andre Lacasse was very aware of the immortal Duncan MacLeod and he wetted his lips in anticipation.

Madame Serault grasped Duncan by the arm and dragged him to yet another required introduction. She had been trying all night to get him to agree to a more active part of the arts council, refusing any comment from him on satisfaction over his current level of involvement. Eventually she’d brought him to the one person Duncan had spotted upon entering. This man was hard to miss. Easily six and half feet tall, the man was huge but the fine cut of his tuxedo showed it wasn’t from easy living. He was pure muscle. Duncan automatically judged the man as he approached. Longer reach, definitely stronger but maybe less agile...

“My darling Duncan, you must meet Monsieur Andre Lacasse. I believe you two should become fast friends for you are very much alike...,”

Madam Serault’s melodic voice carried to Andre. Turning at her approach, he leaned forward to take her hand. “Celine, my dear, what a pleasure! You’re looking lovely as always.” Andre smiled as he bent over her hand.

“Andre, dear, you are a love. I’m so glad you joined us tonight. I’ve brought a friend to meet you,” Celine Serault’s practiced smile accompanied her words to the tall man. “Andre Lacasse, this is Duncan MacLeod. I’m trying desperately to convince Duncan that we need his expertise as a permanent part of the arts council. Won’t you be a dear and try to convince him that it truly won’t hurt him a bit?”

Duncan smiled at Celine as he reached out to shake Andre’s hand. “Good evening.” Amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched her suddenly flit away to greet some other guests. Duncan looked back to Andre, noting the steel blue eyes intent on his own and a wide, sensuous mouth framed with a dark goatee. He found his hand still held in the large warm and calloused hand of the man he just met. Duncan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he gauged what he saw before him and judging if any threat was present. Andre merely smiled at him and gave his hand a slight squeeze before releasing it. Duncan was discomfited by Andre’s behavior. Was he trying to make a pass at him? Duncan could always tell a woman’s interest, but had never really considered himself as the subject of another man’s interest ruefully remembering how long it took him to realize how Methos felt.

Andre enjoyed the slight look of confusion in the large brown eyes before him. Lovely... knowing he’d put the Highlander slightly off balance. “I’ve seen you at the museum on several occasions. What is your expertise, Duncan? May I call you Duncan?” Andre smiled again, amused at his strong desire to hear more of the deep voice.

“I’ve provided appraisals for several of the pieces being auctioned tonight. Your name is quite familiar. Are you a member of the council?” Duncan attempted to continue polite conversation but secretly hoped dinner would be started soon. He wasn’t sure what it was about Andre Lacasse, but the man’s intense scrutiny was making him uncomfortable. Something he didn’t like.

“Yes, I’m a member but my support is purely financial. You may have heard my name in connection with some of the companies I own,” Andre responded smoothly. Of course, Duncan made the mental connection he’d been seeking. This man was a powerhouse in the business world, had made his first billion when he was very young although he appeared to be only a few years older than Duncan’s apparent age. Still, Duncan couldn’t fathom his interest and it was obvious the man was most definitely interested. After a few more moments Duncan was relieved to hear the call for dinner. He spent the rest of the evening studiously avoiding Andre Lacasse.

Unfortunately, Celine again sought him out for a group photo of several members of the council for the local newspaper. And despite all his attempts, the lady simply wouldn’t take no for an answer. Celine dragged him along to the chosen spot for the photo and Duncan quickly slipped her grip so that he could slide to the rear of the group. Regrettably, this put him next to Andre who’d been placed to the rear due simply to his large physical size. They murmured bits of small talk while the photographer set up his shot.

For some reason, the photographer felt it would make a good shot to have everyone toasting with a glass of champagne. Drinks were quickly procured and passed around. Duncan and everyone on his side of the group lifted their left hands in toast as the other side of the group raised their right. Duncan could feel Andre next to him, could practically feel the heat emanating from his body as the huge man stood closely by him. Everyone broke apart as soon as the final photo was taken. Duncan found himself jostled from the rear as he turned to leave. Although he hadn’t really lost his balance, he suddenly found a strong arm around his waist holding him snugly. It shouldn’t have been a surprise to find Andre looking down at him, an amused glint in his eye, but the strength of the grasp and the sheer size of the man was suddenly intensely obvious.

Andre saw the most delightful blush creep up the neck of the man he still held in his arm. Smiling down at him he released his hold slowly, pretending to ensure Duncan was steady on his feet. “A bit too much champagne tonight, Duncan?”

“No, I’m fine...thank you, Andre.” Embarrassment and a bit of annoyance were obvious on the dark skin. Andre let it go for now.

“Goodnight, Duncan.” Nodding down at his soon-to-be pet, Andre turned and left.

Everything associated with the dinner and auction was finally over and, from Celine’s enthusiastic comments, seemed quite successful. Nevertheless, Duncan was more than happy to bid her goodnight and make his way home. Halfway there, though, the thought of Methos and Joe listening to good music, talking, laughing sent his thoughts spiraling into Methos sprawling in his chair, legs spread wide in invitation, gold/green eyes lighting in amusement, cynical smile slightly twisting unbelievably kissable lips...it was enough to make Duncan head straight to Joe’s despite the fact that he was a bit overdressed for the atmosphere of his favorite bar. To hell with it, he thought. Being with Methos easily overrode any strange looks he’d get. And some strange looks were received as he strolled in to Joe’s a bit later. Joe was just finishing up his last set of the evening and Methos was sitting in exactly the position Mac had envisioned, except his smile was directed at the door having obviously identified Duncan’s immortal presence just as Duncan had identified his. That smile of welcome...it was enough to make Mac’s heart do a little flip.

“Ah, decided to join the working class, hmmm?” Gold/green eyes sparkled as he gave Mac a thorough once over, yet again entranced by the stunning figure he cut in a tuxedo.

“Actually, I was in the mood for breakfast. Thought I’d see if there were any takers...” Mac wiggled his eyebrows hopefully as Methos threw his head back in a laugh.

“Maybe if you play your cards right, you can get breakfast for both Joe and I,” Methos grinned mischievously as he reached for his beer.

“Sorry, I think I only have enough for two,” Mac leaned in slightly closer. “Do I need to ask Joe?” Mac’s eyes blazed as he found himself focusing on those mobile lips, reddened by the cold beer. Duncan had to tear his eyes away to look up into eyes that flashed in the dim lighting of the bar.

“No, Highlander. I have it on good authority that he is not much of a breakfast person.” Methos’ eyes were hooded, his expression unreadable. He sat back in his chair, the customary sprawl radiating complete relaxation to everyone...except Duncan. Duncan could see the slight tension in the shoulders and the intent look despite the lack of expression. He reminded Duncan of a large cat reclining in the shade of a tree eyeing the terrain before him, seemingly relaxed. Danger lurked just beneath that calm exterior and that thought sent a thrill through Duncan. Yes, Methos was a very dangerous man...no hint of the shy grad student here. What move could I make, he wondered, that would make you pounce...

And Methos was indeed indulging in some very predatory thoughts as he eyed Duncan...so very cool and smooth in his tuxedo, hair pulled back severely from his face. What he saw was Duncan lost in the throes of passion, his head thrown back, hair loose and wild about his face, sweat dripping down his bare chest, lips parted and still swollen from Methos’ kisses... Methos’ stomach did a little flip and then his lips curled in sardonic amusement...he’d just placed Duncan as the heroine on the cover of every romance novel there ever was. But gods above, he’d be lovely with some lace at his throat, stark white against his dark skin and hair...

“Duncan...you didn’t have to dress up for little ol’ me,” Joe laughed at the slight start Duncan gave as he spoke. “Although from the way you two are eyeballin’ each other, I guess you didn’t do it for me.” This time he was rewarded by a slight blush on the Highlander’s face. Well, well, lookee here...

Methos, on the other hand, just gave his usual cynical laugh, “Ha, ha...very funny, Joe,” as he got up to get three more beers. He returned and handed one each to his friends as Duncan told Joe about the dinner. The three men chatted until closing time. While helping Joe clean up Duncan did invite him over for breakfast.

“Naw, you guys go on...I need to get some beauty sleep...although I wouldn’t keep him out too late,” gesturing over his shoulder at Methos who was putting chairs up on the tables. “Lord knows he could use some beauty sleep.” The rest of the chores were finished quickly and amicably, several shared jokes and jibes thrown across the room as the tasks were completed. Locking up, the two men watched their mortal friend climb slowly into his car. A quick wave and he drove off as Duncan and Methos walked to Duncan’s car.

“Mac, how about I meet you at the barge,” Methos started. He’d brought his own car, not expecting to see Duncan so early in the evening. “I’ll swing by my place and grab a couple of things...is that alright?”

Duncan found that he was feeling slightly giddy from the anticipation of finally being with Methos, who was also planning to stay a bit if he read him right. “Of course...come over when you’re ready...” he answered casually. “But make it quick,” he jokingly added with a growl.

Still constrained by standing out in the open, Methos just laughed and nodded. He stepped back a couple of paces, turned and walked briskly to his car, his own thoughts whirling in anticipation.

In the shadows another set of eyes watched the two men say goodnight and separate. He followed his quarry back to the boat and, assuming he was done for the night, departed for his own home. He wanted to get at least a few hours of sleep before the next task scheduled for tomorrow at dawn when MacLeod would go running for the last time.

Methos briskly walked into his flat, his mind on the unexpected turn of events. But, as it turned out he was already prepared...just another contingency in his many plans. He had only to shower, shave and change and pick up the bag he’d packed earlier in the evening before heading back to the barge. Maybe he’d tell Mac about this particular contingency...maybe not. Letting the Highlander think it was his idea to start their breakfast date early couldn’t hurt. Fact was, he’d never intended to wait until morning to go to Mac...he was going to clean up, grab his bag and wait at the barge for him. Pathetic? Maybe. But the thought of waking up with Duncan in his arms was too much to resist. Feeling happier than he had in a long time, Methos was practically whistling as he left his flat.