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***Alexei's POV***

"What are your plans for today?" I ask my love as he packs his bag.

"I wanted to go hang out with Tatyana. She has a few days off from work and a holiday at school." Gavin explains as he gathers up his laptop and debit card.

"Does she want to come over here? I do not mind picking her up?" I offer.

"I asked. She didn't feel like getting dressed. I'm just going to have you drop me off over at her place." Gavin walks up to me, giving me a kiss before wrapping his hand around my own.

"Whatever you want. I love you." I pick his chin up to kiss him once again. I do not feel as though I ever get my fill of his love. Knowing he will be away from me today, I am feeling extra greedy.

"I love you too, Alexei." Gavin pulls me toward the door as he urges me to leave.

"Is everything going well with the baby?" I ask while we drive down the road towards Tatyana's place.

"Yes. Perfectly. Taty is really handling the pregnancy well. The doctor said she is right on track." Gavin seems to glow as he gives me the progress update on our friend.

"How is she doing?" I ask with interest. I know that she is pregnant. I also know the child comes first but, she is also a human who has a whole other life outside of the one growing inside of her.

"I think she is ready to be done with this chapter honestly. Her relationship with her parents has gotten a little better since we found a viable candidate. However, she is struggling to see past her current situation. I keep telling her that she will be back on track soon. It is really hard to see the silver lining when you are in the midst of the storm though." Gavin just chats away, filling me in while I relish in his attention. I love our conversations. I don't care if he tells me about his friends or even a show he watched, I will listen intently each time.

"How long do you need?" I ask as we pull up in front of Tatyana's apartment complex.

"A couple of hours. I can text when I am ready. Is that okay?" Gavin starts unbuckling as I get out of the car. I rush to his side of the car to open his door.

"That is fine. If you need anything, let me know. I am just running a few errands." I kiss Gavin on the forehead and squeeze him to my chest before letting him go. Gavin rushes off towards the steps as I watch to make sure he gets inside safely.

Once Gavin is waving to me from the balcony, I get back in my car to take care of the things I have planned for the day.

Pulling up to the tailor's I smile when my eyes meet Grey's. He stands beside Mak, Mark and Sebastain as they wait on Mario to arrive. I park the car and grab my stuff before locking up and heading into the excitement.

"Where's Gavin?" Mark asks. His eyes show disappointment.

"He's with Tatyana. She needed a friend, and I needed a distraction." I offer honestly.

"What are we distracting Gavin from?" Mario comes up behind me, throwing his arm around my waist as he huddles close.

"The jeweler called. The ring is ready." I announce. The excitement in their faces matches the fireworks going off in my heart.

"Are we going to get to see it today?" Sebastain asks. He should know better.

"Not a chance." I shake my head adamantly.

"At least give us a hint." Mak urges me.

"Can't you just wait for something to be a surprise?" I ask with no hope.

"You're right." Grey pulls Mak closer, attempting to calm his husband with a kiss.

I laugh out. I know that we like to think our lips are magic. However, our boys are immune when we are up against something they really want.

"We are going to be late." I point towards the door to the shop. "We are actually going to be late if we do not head in now." I accentuate my point while pushing everyone along.

We take turns standing still so the tailor can make the final adjustments to each of our suits. Gavin already has his done. He came last week because his was custom made. I have to admit, pink really is his color. The soft hue he chose accents his eyes, making the green irises illuminate brightly. I love his eyes. They are beautiful portals that let others see a small glimpse into the paradise that is his soul.

The rest of us picked Armani. This is a really special day for Kip and Gavin. We have been playing off each of them, letting them think that the other is the one getting proposed to. It has been harder than I expected. While neither are wise to our plans, it is hard to keep it straight in the heat of the moment.

"You're sure you are okay with both of us getting engaged on the same day?" I ask Mario for the hundredth time.

"I think it's perfect. Kip hates attention. Gavin loves it. So, if we start with us and end with you guys, we all get the best of both worlds." Mario assures me as we turn together to look at the final fitting.

"Gavin won't be mad that he has to share?" Mark asks reluctantly.

"He is going to be so shocked that it is FINALLY happening, I doubt if it registers." Sebastain answers for me.

"It hasn't been THAT long." I argue. It really hasn't; although, I could have married him after the first week in my heart's opinion. I have known he was it for me. I wanted to give us time though. I don't see a point in rushing everything. Besides, it really hasn't been that long. Less than a year is crazy for some people. This group likes to be on the fast track to forever though.

I guess when you know, you know.

"It has been THAT long in Gavin's world. He feels like he has waited forever for you. He dreamed you up since he was able to remember dreaming. In his mind, you are late to the party." Mak clarifies.

"Excuse me for getting the memo a little later than normal." I chuckle. I don't believe either of us would have been ready for the other had it happened on any other terms. Fate has a way of playing her hand with perfect finesse. Who am I to fuck with Cupid?

"Honestly, Alexei wasn't ready for Gavin. Take it from me, had this been five years ago, Gavin would have been a six-month fling, tops." Sebastain states matter-of-factly.

"Do you really think so?" Grey asks with serious intrigue. His face shows no sign of cynicism.

"I don't know. I was somebody else then. Life was different." I shrug while thinking through the realizations that are filtering through with my memories.

"I think that meeting Gavin at any time would have created the same outcome." Grey interjects. He seems to be firm on the boy's effect on me.

"I have never met anyone outside of Gavin that Alex ever put on a pedestal. Yeah, he treated his pets with a level of respect but, it's not the same." Seb argues with one of us but, I am unsure which side he is taking.

"I didn't have pets." I complain. I wasn't into BDSM, so the term doesn't fit.

"You don't have to be a master to have a pet. You were definitely the dominant and you one hundred percent liked to be submitted to. You treated them as disposable. You gave them attention when you felt like it, they came running when you beckoned. No relationships were established. I would consider them pets when you played with them when you felt like it, ignored them the majority of the time and they still worshiped the ground YOU walked on." Seb paints me to be a fucking monster, and I hate every word of it.

"I thought that was the definition of a fuck buddy." I justify. I feel deplorable with the idea of me being so damned horrible to anyone who treated me with such reverence. I guess I was just a douche.

"How did we get here?" Mario asks causing me to question the same thing. Weren't we just on the road to a beautiful set of engagements.

"Shhh. This is the part where Alexei realizes how Gavin helped to develop his character. This is how the plot changes. The captor figures out that he has been captured. He figures out that he has released his heart to the captive." Mak practically swoons while he whispers the tale out of his perfect lips.

"Joke's on you." I point to Mak. "I realized that the day before I ordered the ring." I smirk smugly.

"When was that?" Sebastain asks. I feel like he is fishing. The cock of his brow gives me indication that he has cast a baited hook in my direction.

"The day after I told you guys about our language barrier." I admit with no regret.

I knew. I could feel it so deeply within my bones. The way he was able to unfold me, remove every layer. He simply unglued me. One minute I felt like I was completely in control. The next, I had no control over anything, and I loved it. I loved him. I loved the feeling of trusting him with me. I trust him with my body, my heart, my soul, my life and my love. There is nothing left to do but claim someone who so thoroughly destroys you while simultaneously strengthening you in the most pure and beautiful ways.

"Why isn't Mario getting asked all these questions?" I ask while staring accusingly.

"He won't divulge." Mark shrugs with finality.

I look to Mario who smiles knowingly. I imagine he would if asked properly. However, I will save that for another day. If I must be the sacrificial lamb for today's soirée I will take the arrow for my dear friend. He looks like he is about to sweat through the suit either way.

We take the expensive fabric off, handing it back to the assistant to be pressed. We walk over to the bagel shop next door to wait on the suits to be ready for pick up. I order my coffee while eyeing the barista. A chuckle escapes my lips when I notice Nik is my server.

"Hey!" Nik greets me as he rings up my coffee.

"Hello." I politely return his gesture.

"Didn't I see you at our other location a few weeks ago?" Nik asks over his shoulder as he turns to start on my coffee.

"I did." I confirm with a contingent smile. I hadn't realized they were the same chain until Nik mentioned it. I may have stayed away had I known.

"Did your friend get home okay?" Nik asks as he turns to grab the cream from the refrigerator. His tone gives concern but, it is concerning to me who he is concerned for.

"As a matter of fact, he did. Thank you for helping him." I appreciate falsely between my teeth.

"I haven't been able to stop thinking about him." Nik confesses. All the while, his back is turned to me so he cannot see the way my fingernails are biting into my palms. I wouldn't mind making his cheeks plum with my hands around his nosey little neck.

Grey slides up beside me to rest his hand on the small of my back. That is probably a good idea right about now. I do not trust myself.

"Easy." Grey whispers. He moves his hand firmly in circles while pinning me in place with his foot against my own.

"He left his number for my kitten." I grit out quietly. That is good enough reason to make him beg forgiveness.

"He didn't know." Seb assures me as he slides to my other flank. I notice immediately how Sebastain wraps both hands around my bicep. I may have to put up a fight to take this kid's breath from his body.

"Not of consequence." I barely manage to spit out through my grimace.

Nik continues to work studiously, humming gently while making my coffee. My aggression boils beneath my flesh, begging to be released. Nik seems to be unphased by the fact that I have planned his murder, created an alibi and secured bond all while trying to temper myself.

"He had the most beautiful green eyes. Though they were sad. And those lips." Nik makes a sound that resembles a kiss as he turns around. I pull away from Grey. Mario rushes in front of me to snatch my coffee from the younger barista.

"That is HIS fiancé." Mario snaps harshly. I watch in adoration as Mario's nostrils flare in response to Nik's appraisal of the love of my life. Mario's eyes scream warnings while Nik's emanate a truly rational fear. A real smile finds its way to my lips.

"I'm sorry." Nik all but stutters out. I enjoy the way his eyes drink me in, sizing me up and down as they trail from shoulder to shoulder then from head to toe. He drags his gaze over me, then Grey and back to Mario before a shudder runs through his wiry form.

"I can tell him you said hi." I lie before taking my coffee from Mario's large hand.

The server shakes his head without another word. The rest of the guys grab their coffee as I take myself outside for a breath of much needed air. I quickly fill my lungs with oxygen as I try to calm my irrational jealousy down.

Gavin loves me more than anyone has ever loved anyone.

"I saw that." Mak comes to stand beside me. He looks up at me, reminding me of my angel as the sun beams off of his brown hair and his hazel eyes shine olive in the morning rays.

"I have no doubt most of the shop did." I chuckle out. I am not particularly proud but I am not disappointed either. I have never had that sort of reaction before. It was a first for me to experience true jealousy. Gavin is mine and will always be mine after tonight. For that, I am most thankful.

"If Gavin were here, he would be on his knees showing that barista who you belonged to." Mak states making my eyes roll playfully.

Mak is exactly right. Gavin would see it as a challenge on his hold over me and not as my place in his life that was being questioned. My kitten would claim me proudly. That thought warms me straight to the zipper of my pants.

"You're a blessing Mak Parker." I laugh out. "An absolute treasure."

"Why is that?" Mak asks dully as though he doubts the truth in my proclamation.

"Having you is like a secret window into Gavin's mind. I have front row seats to the way he thinks. I couldn't think of a better gift." I promise without pause.

"I feel the same way about you and Grey." Mak winks at me, momentarily fluttering his lashes. The look he gives me makes a large burst of laughter come from my lips. He is definitely the exact amount of trouble as my kitten.

"Mak!" Grey growls out as Mak turns to stare at his husband innocently.

"Now you have done it." I shake my head and laugh again.

"I know. Thanks for the help!" Mak jumps on his toes, placing a kiss on my cheek before bouncing over to Grey where his husband pulls him close to smother him in aggressive kisses.

"They're both trouble." Mario laughs as he comes to stand beside me once again.

"We like it though." I admit.

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Mario agrees with a large grin.

"Thank you for that." I offer my gratitude for Mario's interference earlier.

"You would do the same for me." Mario fist bumps my shoulder casually as if we had been a part of the same circle for all my life. I can't help but feel as if I have been inducted into this secret society of unconditional love and friendship.

"Every day of the week." I confirm honestly.

"Are we missing a bonding moment?" Mark yells as he hustles to break in on our moment of brotherhood.

"No, asshole." Mario rolls his eyes playfully.

"I feel like we are." It is Seb who is prodding now.

"I was just appreciating our circle." I explain in truth.

"Can I tell Gavin you were jealous?" Sebastain asks, breaking me from my revelry.

"Why?" I ask in genuine curiosity.

"I have a feeling HE would appreciate knowing you claimed him so forcefully." Sebastain qualifies with a hint of mischief in his voice.

"I have no issue claiming that man. What the fuck are you going on about?" I ask in annoyed concern.

"Dude, chill." Mark wraps his arm around my shoulder. "Seb is just trying to make sure you get your dick sucked tonight."

"I'm proposing tonight. I don't think that is in question." I roll out my hypothesis with complete confidence.

"Never hurts to stack the deck." Grey offers as he removes his lips from his thoroughly dazed husband's neck.

"I suppose I do not mind." I concede with enthusiasm.

"So, what's the plan?" Mario looks at me with eyes laced in true anxiety.

"I thought we went over this?" Mark gives the most quizzical look as if Mario had actually forgotten our nights outline. In truth, Mario is just reviewing because he is so nervous.

"The plan is, the two of us are solidifying our futures tonight." I grab Mario's hand to show the solidarity I feel with him in our endeavor.

"What if he says no?" Mario worries out loud.

Don't ask why, but I bark out a laugh. It is wholehearted shock that makes the whooping laugh burst from my chest. I do not understand where my confidence stems from, it just explodes boisterously from within, and I cannot contain it.

"No chance." Grey confirms what is surely dancing through everyone else's mind.

"I know. I needed to hear it though." Mario shakes out his shoulders, bouncing on the balls of his feet as though he is preparing for the biggest fight of his life.

"It's a hard pill to swallow that you are this worked up." Mark belts out blatantly causing me to groan into my hand.

Leave it to Mark.

"He could say no." Mak argues. "In theory. It is always a possibility." Mak looks at me with no seriousness in his eyes. "He isn't going to say no though. That man loves you insanely. Congratulations." Mak runs to jump on Mario like the toughest part of the night is already done.

"Thanks, kid." Mario returns Mak hug with a kiss to the top of his head.

We all decide to join in Mak's hug. Mario needs moral support right now. We don't mind giving it.

"Okay. Okay. I can do hard things. Come on." Mario separates from the hug, shaking out the nerves for a second time. "Alexei, go get the rings. Mark and Seb pick up the suits, take them to the right places. Grey and Mak, do you mind making sure the guys are distracted but prompt. We are meeting at the gym later, right." Mario runs through the game plan.

"Got it." Everyone yells in unison.

"I love you guys so fucking much!" Mario waves as he leaves the rest of us to go on our own paths.

I get to my car to head to the jeweler's where I have to get the rings for both Mario and myself. Walking in, I feel nervous. I pray to all the little angels around the Nazarene manger that everything is as expected. It better be.

"Alexei!" Gisele squeals as she comes running towards me. Her heels click loudly against the porcelain tiles.

"Hello, GiGi." I greet her with a kiss to each of her rosy cheeks.

"I have been waiting all morning. Come. Come." GiGi waves at me to follow her as she heads up the stairs.

I follow behind her, focusing on her heels on the steps instead of on the exceptionally short skirt that is threatening her ass cheeks to slip from beneath her dress as she takes each stair with an intentional sashay of her hips. I am not interested in any way; however, I have fucking eyes. If you see a damn target you're going to look. I don't want to see a target.

"Does Rando know you wore that?" I ask my cousin's wife.

"Who do you think bought it?" GiGi giggles as she looks back at me.

"For him, I am sure." I qualify. She is playing with fire. She will be on a shit list by morning if Rando's intentions were not to put his wife's ass on display for all of Manhattan.

"Yes and no. I persuaded him." GiGi explains while moving through the top floor of the store. "I get more sales this way. It is a win win."

"I can see the sales being a win. What is the second part of the equation?" I ask desperately. If I am capable of being jealous, then Rando is a fucking hulk of jealousy. That man would murder without question. I have enough sense to think it through first.

"Rando can come to the shop and watch all the men checking out his merchandise. When we get home, he makes sure we all know who I belong to." GiGi pulls her hair to the side, showing me deep teeth marks on her collarbone. I laugh when she points to one in between her thighs that is not covered by the skirt. It is not the most professional accoutrement but, it does get the job done.

"I see." I shake my head. I suppose I would follow suit. Gavin would be thoroughly marked if he were to work out in public. Thankfully, my kitten hasn't decided on a job as of yet. I know the day will come. I hope my ring keeps the wolves away from my cub.

"Are you ready?" GiGi pulls three boxes from the vault that she has just opened. I nod my head in confirmation. I have been ready since I placed the order.

When GiGi opens the first box my breath is thoroughly halted. I stare at the stone with revered astonishment. It is exquisite. Each movement of GiGi's hand creates a cascade of rainbows that reflect across the room. The brilliant display of light is captivating as the colors dance in my vision. I am mesmerized as the colors collide with bright white as if a meteor shower were transpiring in front of my eyes.

"What do you think?" GiGi queries, disconcerting my transfixion. I take a moment to collect myself before I am able to form intelligible words.

"великолепный." I breathe the word out as a whispered promise.

"Magnificent? And, in Russian? I think I have excelled!" My head turns at the sound of Rando's voice. He walks in while silently clapping his hands in applause for himself.

"Always humble." I laugh before heading towards him for a hug.

"He must be something special." Rando speaks out before kissing my cheek and pulling me back to grab my face on either side of my head.

"None like him. Gavin is one of a kind." I confirm proudly.

"We are so happy for you, Alexei. You are worthy of such priceless treasures." Rondo inflates my heart with his praise.

"I am not so sure I am worthy. Gavin seems to be appeased." I shake my head with my admission.

It will never fail to amaze me how my gift was bestowed upon me. I merely chalk it up to fate being kind for my faithfulness to Sebastain during his health crisis. Otherwise, I would have no justification for such a blessing being ascertained by the likes of myself.

"Who is humble now?" GiGi swats at my arm playfully while placing the beautiful ring on the table to trade it out for the second box.

"These are the bands you requested." Rando points to the closed box just as GiGi begins to open the leather capsule.

"This is Gavin's choice, correct?" I ask. Gavin had stopped in here, months ago, showing GiGi a ring for me to which I requested that one be made for him as well. We picked mine out together. It was a random Saturday. I played it off as a future endeavor. He was so excited for me that he picked up hundreds of rings before deciding on a thick platinum band with an emerald cut solitaire. His taste is exceptional. I knew in that moment he would need one just like it, but smaller because he is much too delicate to wear such a chunky piece.

"I would not disrespect your love." GiGi insists as she opens the box fully, stealing my attention from her promise.

They sit together as if they were made as a pair by nature. The two rings are scaled identically. The grandeur of the diamonds is emphasized by the platinum setting hugging every line and corner of the stones. The diamonds are flawless, colorless and their depth create a similar radiance to the ring meant only for my love. I am truly taken aback by the pieces that will symbolize our wishes to bind one another together for every day of our forever.

"It's truly too much to absorb." I offer as gratitude for the craftmanship.

"No one else will ever have one like them." Rando exclaims as he picks my ring up to examine his work.

"I do not know if my appreciation is enough." I rationalize while holding Gavin's band up in between my thumb and pointer finger.

"It isn't but, those invitations will suffice." GiGi giggles out before walking over to hand me the empty box.

"That goes without saying." I promise wholeheartedly.

"Will you be taking all of them today? We can keep the bands in the vault." Rando offers while slipping my ring into my hand, he snatches Gavin's band from me to reinspect it.

"I would feel better if they were at home." I gently affirm. I do not want to have to worry about someone breaking in here. I will kill anyone who comes near my kitten. My house is safe.

"I will clean the engagement ring, be right back." GiGi leaves me standing there, holding the symbols of my love for Gavin.

"I initiated the transfer. Thank you again. Look for the invitations." I promise before turning to head downstairs.

"Hey!" Rando calls for me as I make my way down to the bottom floor of the store. "We love you and we are proud of you." Rando smiles serenely at me.

"Thank you!" I reply.

"And congratulations!" Rando waves as I let his words make their way into my heart.