Robbie's brain was trying to pound its way out of his skull.

He woke up experiencing the hangover from hell. His eardrums were throbbing, his eyeballs felt like they were exploding. Even his hair hurt. And his mouth tasted like he'd been sucking off the devil.

Robbie lay in Harry's bed hugging the pillow close and praying for instant death. He couldn't remember much of last night. He must have been really messed up to be drinking that much. He vaguely recalled Harry helping him to the couch and cleaning him up. Thank God Harry allowed him to stay and suffer at his place. He wasn't up to being at his own flat, which for some reason could use a good cleaning.

Then the sun started messing with him, nagging at him with its bright glare. Shit! Stupid sun! Now he was going to have to get up, walk all the way over to the window and close the fucking curtains. Great.

As he did so, Robbie noticed that he was wearing Harry's pajama bottoms and a maroon University of Chicago T shirt. Harry must have changed him into these. He wondered what happened to his own clothes. Then he wondered if anything else happened, like maybe Harry undressed him and had his way with him. Cool. Too bad Robbie missed that.

Robbie curled up in Harry's bed, pulling the covers over him. He was aware of Harry's scent. It wasn't cologne, but a natural aroma he gave out that was sexy and comforting at the same time. He felt safe being in Harry's bed. It was as if Harry himself was surrounding him.

Harry and his coworkers had a long meeting with Mr. Kay in the company conference room. They were discussing future projects. Harry took notes and tried to listen but his mind wandered. Robbie really got wasted last night. He wondered if it had anything to do with what happened that morning.

No, that couldn't have been it. Harry had been drinking as well, but the incident that almost happened wasn't enough to get hammered over. There had to be something more to it. What was Robbie's story. . .

When the meeting was over and everyone was leaving, the boss asked Harry to stay. "So how are things with Robbie? Is he doing okay out here?" He was packing up his briefcase.

For a moment Harry actually thought he was asking abut their adventure in Robbie's room. He froze. "Uhh, okay."

"He's been telling me that you two have been getting on well."

More llike getting it on, Harry thought. "Yeah, we've been hanging out and. . .stuff. He's a cool guy." He hoped that sounded casual.

"Glad to hear it. I trust you. He's our only son, so I tend to be over protective." Mr. Kay was looking Harry in the eye. "I know you won't do him any harm. He really needs this holiday out here. He's had a rough time back in London."

Harry remembered what Zayn had told him. "If you don't mind my asking, what happened in London?"

It looked to him like Mr. Kay bristled for a moment. "I don't think you need to be concerned about that." he said in a tone that translated into: None of your business.

As Mr. Kay headed for the door he said "As long as Robbie is in your hands, I have nothing to worry about. I hope."

"No, sir,"

"I tell you what," Mr. Kay paused at the door. "Why don't you join Robbie and me for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow?" Already Harry could feel himself going into full panic mode.

"At my home,"

No, no, no. Robbie and him under the same roof as the boss? "I really can't. I'd love to but I have exams coming up and my project--"

"So you'll take a break," Mr. Kay said. "I think it'll be nice for the three of us to spend an evening together."

No it wouldn't, Harry thought while squirming and thinking up a good excuse.

"Robbie's very fond of you, you know."

I bet he is, Harry thought. Dammit, he couldn't think of any.

"I'm glad he's found a friend in America."

"Mr. Kay, I really can't--"

"I insist." the boss man said firmly. "There's plenty of time for your studying." Again Mr. Kay looked him in the eye. "I expect you there at seven.'

Harry looked down. "Yes, sir. Seven it is." Well, now he knew where Robbie got his determination from. What was it about the Kay men that made them so demanding? He had a bad feeling that no good was going to come from this.

At the end of the day Harry went home. In his bedroom he found Robbie in his bed, curled up in a ball among his blankets. He was unconscious, snoring away.

Harry studied him for a moment. Robbie had the face of an angel. Why was he so devious? What was his deal? Did the Kay men have a thing for destroying innocent men? Whatever it was, Harry was going to make damn sure nothing was going to happen to him and his future.

He was going to be ready for them.