The Chimera Affair: Gay Romance Read online

  About The Chimera Affair

  His mission was seduction—not falling in love.

  When young Sebastian Brambani meets a sexy and exciting older man, he’s easily seduced. But for spy Kyle Grant, it’s all business. Sebastian is simply a pawn in Kyle’s mission to acquire a dangerous chemical weapon from Sebastian’s criminal father. Kyle’s life is his work for a shadowy international agency protecting the world from evil, and he can’t worry about what will happen to Sebastian when the job is done.

  Sebastian’s unwitting role in Kyle’s plan is the last straw for his ruthless father, who has been embarrassed by his gay son for the last time. But when Kyle discovers Sebastian could be the key to finding the deadly Chimera, he rescues him from a hired hitman and fights to keep him alive. Can a hardened spy and naïve college student take down a criminal kingpin, stay one step ahead of the killers on their trail—and fight the scorching attraction between them?

  This gay romance from Keira Andrews features an age difference, a sheltered and passionate virgin, action and adventure, and of course a happy ending.

  BONUS STORY INCLUDED: The Argentine Seduction, a sequel for Kyle and Sebastian featuring jealousy, protectiveness, and a dangerous mission in the simmering heat of Buenos Aires…

  The Chimera Affair and The Argentine Seduction were previously published by Loose Id in 2012 and 2013.

  The Chimera Affair

  BY KEIRA ANDREWS

  The Chimera Affair

  Written and published by Keira Andrews

  Cover by Dar Albert

  Copyright © 2012 and 2017 by Keira Andrews

  Kindle Edition

  The Argentine Seduction

  Written and published by Keira Andrews

  Copyright © 2013 and 2017 by Keira Andrews

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  ISBN: 978-1-988260-22-8

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. No persons, living or dead, were harmed by the writing of this book. Any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  About the Book

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Also by Keira Andrews

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Epilogue

  The Argentine Seduction

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  About Valor on the Move

  Also by Keira Andrews

  About the Author

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  Also by Keira Andrews

  Gay Amish Romance Series

  A Forbidden Rumspringa

  A Clean Break

  A Way Home

  A Very English Christmas

  Contemporary

  Road to the Sun

  The Next Competitor

  Arctic Fire

  Reading the Signs

  Beyond the Sea

  If Only in My Dreams

  Valor on the Move

  Cold War

  Holding the Edge

  Where the Lovelight Gleams

  The Chimera Affair

  Eight Nights

  Daybreak

  Love Match

  Synchronicity

  Historical

  Voyageurs (free read!)

  Semper Fi

  The Station

  Paranormal

  Kick at the Darkness

  Fight the Tide

  A Taste of Midnight (free read!)

  Fairy Tales (with Leta Blake)

  Levity

  Rise

  Flight

  Acknowledgements

  My gratitude to Gio for the invaluable assistance with all things Italian. Grazie! And thanks to Amy, Anara, Lisa, and Rachel for their help and support.

  Chapter One

  As his father’s booming laugh echoed off the marble archways, Sebastian took another gulp of champagne. It fizzed pleasantly in his throat, and he beckoned a waiter, plucking his fourth glass from the man’s tray.

  Another server appeared as if out of thin air. “Arancini?”

  Sebastian waved off the offer of deep-fried cheese-and-rice balls and leaned back against a column. He stood on the landing of the large staircase, watching the hundreds of party guests below. The great hall of his father’s mansion was carved in Carrara marble of white and grayish blue, with ornate columns and sculptures throughout.

  By the fountain in the center of the hall, Sebastian’s older brother, Beniamino, stood at their father Arrigo’s side. They spoke animatedly to one of the local politicians, a particular favorite among the many who were regular guests at the mansion. Perched on the shore of Lake Como, surrounded by the Alps soaring to blue skies, the mansion was Arrigo’s pride and joy. Second perhaps to his regard for his firstborn son, but Sebastian felt it was a toss-up.

  The floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to the terrace were closed against the surprisingly robust June heat. Even in late evening with the air-conditioning working overtime, sweat gathered at the nape of Sebastian’s neck, and he tugged on the collar of his tuxedo. Oh, what he’d give to be able to sneak down to the lake for a dip.

  “Why don’t you come down and meet Signor Scali?”

  Sebastian hadn’t noticed his brother’s approach. “I’ll leave it to you, Ben. You know you’re better at all that.”

  Ben hitched a shoulder. “Yes, but I’d much rather be spending time with Signor Scali’s niece, Valentina.” He nodded across the room toward a young woman in a beaded sea-green evening gown. As he caught her eye, she smiled coyly, wrapping one of her long, loose blonde curls around one finger. Ben groaned softly. “I’ve seen her every chance I’ve had this summer. She’s exquisite.”

  “Yes, she’s very pretty.” Left him utterly cold, but Sebastian could at least appreciate the girl’s beauty.

  “Let’s hope her uncle will be kept busy. And perhaps she has a friend for you, Basi.”

  Sebastian’s stomach clenched, and he drained his glass. “Perhaps. But I’m fine on my own. Thank you.”

  Ben’s expression clouded. Square-jawed, with dark, wavy hair and a strong nose, he was the spitting image of their father. Sebastian, on the other hand, favored their fair mother, with green eyes and golden hair. On more than one occasion, usually in the midst of a frightening temper, Arrigo had questioned Sebastian’s paternity.

  “Basi, it’s the best way to move on. You’ve moped around for a month. Father’s patience wears thin. If you still want to go back to Harvard this fall, you’d better show that you’ve learned y
our lesson. You’re twenty now. Time to be a man. You were just”—he waved his hand around—“experimenting. Now it’s out of your system, right?”

  Wrong. “You think he might let me go back?” A glimmer of hope flared. After the embarrassment Sebastian had caused, he didn’t think his father would let him out of arm’s reach again. He’d been waiting for his father to force him into a job at his company. Probably thinks I’m too useless.

  “If you play your cards right and listen to your big brother. Come join me and Valentina after you’ve finished brooding.”

  Something clicked in Sebastian’s mind. “Wait, is that Valentina Bruno?”

  Ben nodded, a goofy grin on his face. “I think she likes me, Basi. Really likes me.”

  “Isn’t her father the…”

  “Businessman from Naples? Yes. But I don’t care what her father does. It’s nothing to do with her. And just look at her.”

  Sebastian chuckled. “I’ve never seen you so head over heels before.”

  “You should try it, Basi. I’ll see if she brought a friend.” With a wink Ben was off, weaving through the crowd before Sebastian could tell him not to bother.

  Taking another glass of champagne, Sebastian wondered how much longer he had to stay before he could slip away to his room and get out of the tuxedo. He didn’t know why his father cared if he was at the party or not—it wasn’t as if Arrigo paid the slightest bit of attention to him.

  Still, he’d insisted Sebastian attend, and with Sebastian’s luck the one time his father actually wanted to introduce him to someone would be tonight. Plucking a smoked salmon delicacy from a passing waiter, he watched his father holding court. As always—in public—Arrigo was garrulous and lively, greeting guests with kisses and hugs.

  His parties were always popular, drawing many neighbors and even guests from several provinces. The food and wine were plentiful and decadent, and as Sebastian took another gulp of champagne, he had to admit his father had excellent taste.

  Down below, Ben was speaking closely with Valentina, and Sebastian groaned to himself. Please let her be utterly friendless. It would certainly be the capper for the night if he had to dance with some girl and pretend to be interested. But maybe if Father saw, it would help. I could kiss her, even. For everyone to see.

  He imagined it for a moment and sighed. It would be a lie, and the mere thought of pretending to be what he wasn’t made his stomach churn. No, he would abide his father and keep his true feelings to himself, at least at home, but he wouldn’t be part of any charade.

  Sebastian desperately hoped he wouldn’t have to stay home for longer than the summer. He wanted to return to Harvard more than anything. Arrigo had allowed him to finish his first year of studies, despite the “incident,” and when Sebastian arrived home, he’d briefly thought perhaps his father wasn’t as upset as he’d expected. The sting of his father’s hand and his purple-faced reprimand had quickly put an end to that notion.

  In the weeks since, Sebastian had done his best to avoid Arrigo. He’d been so excited to get away from home and go to America. Although he and his father had never been close, Arrigo hadn’t hesitated to send him to the school he’d requested. He knew his father saw what Sebastian had done as the ultimate betrayal. Not only of his generosity but of their family name.

  Finishing another flute of champagne, Sebastian wondered if he should attempt to speak to his father. Make a good public showing. Perhaps if he did well tonight, Arrigo would soften toward him enough to allow him to return to school in the fall. Pushing off the wall, Sebastian took a deep breath and straightened his tie.

  “Excuse me? Where’s the bathroom?”

  The question was asked in shaky Italian, and Sebastian turned to answer. However the words lodged firmly in his throat as he peered up into the warm, gold-flecked eyes of a beautiful man. “Huh?”

  About thirty years old, the man was at least six-two, substantially taller than Sebastian’s own five-eight. His tuxedo was sharp and fit snugly across broad shoulders and down over lean hips. He smiled tentatively. “My Italian isn’t great. I’m looking for the—”

  “Bathroom. Right. There are several. Dozens, actually.”

  “Ah, another American! I was beginning to feel lonely here.” The man’s smile bloomed, brightening his face and sending Sebastian’s somersaulting.

  “No, I’m not American. But I’ve been working on my accent since I was a kid. I watch a lot of American TV. I just finished my first year at Harvard.” Please let it not be the last.

  “You’re Italian? Wow, your English is amazing.”

  “Thank you.” Sebastian fought the urge to grin like an idiot at the compliment. “So, the bathroom.” He pointed to the second floor. “If you go up and turn right, you’ll find a bathroom halfway down the hall. Should be quieter than the ones on the main floor.”

  The man smiled. “Thank you. Up and right, and at the end of the hall.”

  “No, not the end. The middle.”

  “Sorry, I’m terrible at directions. I’ll probably get lost on the stairs knowing me.” He chuckled self-deprecatingly.

  “I can show you if you want.”

  “You wouldn’t mind?”

  “Of course not.” Sebastian left his empty glass on the ledge of the wide railing and led the way up the second flight of stairs and into the east wing. Away from the great hall, the house was much quieter, the sounds of chatter and the strains of the string quartet fading away.

  As he stopped by the bathroom door in the long hallway, he sensed the man standing very close behind him. “Well, here you go.”

  “Thank you.” The man brushed Sebastian’s shoulder and arm as he stepped around him. “I’m Steven, by the way. Steven McBride.” He extended his hand.

  As Sebastian clasped their palms together, he swore sparks actually traveled up his arm and right down his spine. His throat was dry. “Sebastian Brambani. Well, Sebastiano, but only my father calls me that.”

  “Brambani?” Steven still held his hand. “So this is your party?”

  “My father’s.” Sebastian pulled back and shoved his hands into his pockets. “What brings you to Como?”

  “Business.” Steven’s gaze raked down Sebastian’s body and back up again. He stared intently. “And perhaps pleasure.”

  As Sebastian tried to formulate a response, Steven ducked into the bathroom. Sebastian’s mouth opened and closed again, his pulse racing. Did he just…was he…did he want…?

  Peter’s words echoed in Sebastian’s mind. “It’s all in the eyes. That’s how you know. It’s about the stare. The understanding. Trust me; you’ll know it when you see it.”

  At the thought of Peter, the familiar ache stabbed and twisted. Longing, regret, and anger coursed through him, and Sebastian gritted his teeth as he pushed it aside. As he stood there dumbly, trying to get his mind under control, the bathroom door opened and Steven stepped out.

  “Can you show me around the rest of the house? Or do you have to go back to your guests?”

  Sebastian thought of his father and his expectations, and of Ben and pretty young women in glittering gowns. “Sure, I can give you a tour. Too hot down there anyway.”

  Dimples appeared in Steven’s cheeks as he smiled. “Thanks.”

  As they made their way through the upstairs rooms, Steven listened attentively and asked insightful questions about design and art. At the end of the hallway, he paused by a watercolor painting of red stucco roofs. “Is this Florence?”

  “Yes. Have you been?”

  “Not yet, but I’ve always wanted to go. To Rome too, of course. I’d love to see the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo is one of my favorites.” Steven chuckled. “I suppose he’s many people’s favorite.”

  “My father owns a Michelangelo. A sketch.”

  “Really? An original Michelangelo?” Steven’s face lit up.

  Sebastian felt foolishly proud. “Yes.”

  “I’d love to see it.”

  “It’s in m
y father’s private suite of rooms, I’m afraid.” He waved his hand to indicate the locked door beyond them. “I’m not even allowed in there.”

  “There’s no way we could sneak a peek?”

  “I don’t know the security code. Sorry.”

  “Of course, I understand.” Steven shook his head, blushing slightly. “I’m sorry to even ask; I’m letting my passion for Michelangelo get the better of my manners. Thank you for the tour. It’s been a pleasure. We should get back to the party.” He started to walk away.

  “Wait, I can still show you…” Sebastian cast about, trying to think of something—anything—to keep Steven to himself for a few minutes more. But perhaps he’d misread the signals earlier, as Steven hadn’t shown any further interest in anything but art. “Um…never mind. I’m sure you’re right. We’d better get back.”

  As he turned, Steven’s hand closed over Sebastian’s forearm and he stepped in close. “Are you sure there’s nothing else you want to show me?”

  Heart pounding, Sebastian faced him. This close he could smell the musky scent of subtle cologne and maleness. “I…I…” Sebastian stammered.

  Steven leaned down, his breath tickling Sebastian’s ear. He murmured, “I can think of something.” Then his hand closed over Sebastian’s cock, which jumped to life.

  His exhale more of a moan, Sebastian rubbed himself against Steven. It had been four long months since Peter had disappeared from school, and Sebastian had only had his own hand since then, too afraid of being caught to pursue anyone else.

  But now there was another hand on him that was not his own, and he rutted against Steven, yanking his head down for a kiss. As he slid his tongue inside the other man’s mouth, Sebastian thought he heard a sound of surprise, but it was soon swallowed as Steven gripped his head and kissed him.

  His dick was already hard and leaking against his tuxedo trousers, and Sebastian broke their kiss, panting. “Let’s go…”

  Steven squeezed him. “Where?”

  Sebastian’s room was in the west wing, and they’d have to pass the great hall to get there. His raging hard-on would be impossible to hide. “Any of these roo—” His words were strangled by a sharp gasp as Steven’s hand stole into Sebastian’s pants and wrapped around his shaft.