Running Blind

Title: Running Blind
Author: Midnighteyes
Pairing: Vin/Orlando. Orlando/?
Rating: R for strong language

Disclaimer: The characters that are in this story are fictional.. I'm not making any profite off this story. For entertainment only.

Summary: My life was never my own, for you see I was bought and paid for. I never had any choice in what he did to me, I was his slave.

Special thanks to: my beta, Brittney, she is such a sweetheart for putting up with me.
Special thanks to: Ylith for the banner it is awesome….


Chapter 28

Vin turned with his arm wrapped possessively around Orlando. “Sweetheart, I want you to meet Mr. Pitt. He will be your new personal bodyguard.”

Brad stared down at the young boy, his shocked eyes covered by the sunglasses Sean had insisted he put on and thank God he did. The boy’s big brown eyes stared up at him and it seemed he drifted in and out of time until a jab to the side brought him back.

Sean stared at Brad as he jabbed his elbow into the man’s side. When Brad didn’t say anything, Sean turned and saw the man’s slack mouth open. He hoped what kept the bodyguard quiet was the shock of seeing a boy instead of a man and not Orlando himself. He quickly looked at Vin and saw his eyes narrowed.

“Say something,” Sean whispered harshly.

Clearing his throat, Brad said, “Hello, Orlan…ah, Mr. Bloom. It’s nice to meet you. I want you to know that your good hands. I will protect you with my life.”

Orlando stared up into the blond giant. The man’s voice was compassionate and caring. He wished he could the man’s eyes that lay behind the dark sunglasses.

“I hope that won’t be necessary, Mr. Pitt,” Orlando whispered softly as he stared up at the strong angular face. Orlando’s eyes slid to the man’s full mouth. With a shiver, Orlando’s eyes fell to the ground.

“Enough,” Vin said, his voice strained. “You, young man, need to go upstairs and change. We have important guest arriving, some came a long way just to see you.”

Brad aw the muscular young man stiffen behind Vin and could sense hatred radiating from him. Then those familiar browns eyes settled on him. Brad concluded that they had to be brothers; the similarities were too much. The muscular brother was staring a hole through him, which caused him to shift. Brad had the distinct feeling if the man could get a hold of him, he would try and kill him.

“Sean, go with Brad and show him the ropes and come back.” Vin’s voice broke no argument as he stared at the top of brown curls.

Pulling away, Orlando turned back to Eric. “I will be back soon.”

Eric gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. “I will be here, waiting.”

Silence followed as Vin and Eric watched Orlando and the two huge men follow the boy into house. Light music played in the background, people mulled about, talking, drinking Champaign, but neither man noticed.

Then a screech snapped both men out of their own thoughts. Both men eyes widen as a middle age woman came running out the house.

Vin groaned and headed off in the opposite direction, muttering all the way.

“Oh, Eric, you’re here,” Sonia’s slurred voiced blew across his face.

“Yes, Mom, I am here,” Eric whispered as he pulled her into a hug. “I miss you, Mom.” And he did, even with her in this state.

“How long are you going to stay, honey?” Sonia asked, pulling back and taking a good look at her eldest son. A critical eyes surveying every inch, making sure her son was taking care of himself.

“For at least a week,” Eric said as he gazed into clouded blue eyes, so different from him and his brother. “How are you doing?”

“Oh fine, same o’ same o’,” Sonia said, waving off the question.

Eric wasn’t fooled one bit. From the last time he saw his mother, she seemed to age ten years. His hatred for Vin doubled as he gaze at her loving face.

Sonia could see that look burning in Eric’s eyes and needed to distract him. “Have you seen Orlando yet?”

Before Eric could answer, a man walking out of the house distracted him. “Jake,” Eric said, waving for his friend to come over.

“Jake?” Sonia questioned, she turned and saw a young, dark haired man approach. Turning back, her eyebrows rose as she watched the look in her son’s eyes. ‘No!’ her mind screamed, ‘not my son.’

“Mom, I want you to meet Jake. He’s my roommate,” Eric said smiling. “Jake, this is the best mom in the world, Sonia.”

Jake smiled and held out his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you, Mrs. Bloom.”

Sonia tried to smile but it was hard. Her words came out slightly slurred. “Nice to meet you,” Sonia said, ignoring Jake’s hand, her voice was slurred but clipped.

Jake looked at Eric, who just shrugged his shoulders.

As a waiter passed by, Sonia reached out and grabbed another glass of Champagne. Taking a sip, Sonia eyed Jake. “I can’t believe Vin let you stay.”

“Yeah?” Eric looked at Jake, confused. “I can’t see the bastard…”

“Eric!” Sonia’s angry voice interrupted Eric’s words. “I will not have you talking bad about Vin!”

“How can you defend him, Mother?” Eric’s voice rose with each word.

“Eric…” Sonia’s words were cut off when Jake interrupted her.

“I think he was distracted by something else,” Jake said in a hurry. He could see that an argument was about to start between Eric and his mother.

Sonia downed the drink in a single swallow. Without another word, she turned and went back inside the house.

“Sorry, Jake. She isn’t always like this,” Eric explained, his eyes glued to the door his mother just exited through.

“It’s okay, man. No worries,” Jake said, putting a hand on Eric’s shoulder and squeezing it.

“Fucking Bastard,” Eric muttered. Turning to Jake, Eric’s voice strained as he continued, “I can’t believe she still defends him after everything he’s done to this family.”

Grabbed a hold of Eric’s shoulders, Jake gave him a gentle shake. “Don’t lose it, Eric. You have to stay focused. You’re here for Orlando. Of what you’ve told me and what I’ve seen, Vin would do anything to kick you out of here.”

Eric took a deep breath, his pounding heart slamming in his chest. Jake was right, he needed to calm down. “You’re right, Jake. Thanks for being there,” Eric said, pulling Jake into a hug.

Several people standing close by started whispering, their eyes filled with curiosity about the two dark haired men.

Jake looked around, his eyes going from one person to another. “So,” Jake said as he pulled away, “where is the birthday boy?”

Eric’s jaw tensed, his voice becoming harsh. “Vin wanted him to go up and change.”

Jake stared into Eric’s stormy eyes. To him, it didn’t sound bad but he realized things weren’t what they always seemed.

Eric could see Jake’s confused look and sighed. “He wants to show him off like some trophy.”

“Oh.”

“Do me one favor,” Eric asked as his attention was drawn to new people entering the backyard.

“Anything,” Jake said, his gaze following Eric’s.

“Watch what you say and please don’t trust anyone.”

Jake’s head jerked around, his eyes glued to Eric’s face. Could this place be so bad that you had to watch everything you said or did? How could anyone live like that?

Eric’s head turned back to Jake. He stared deep into dark eyes so much like his own. He knew Jake was confused with this situation that he called home.

“Come on, Jake, let’s get something to drink.” Eric laughed, patting Jake on the back.

“It’s about time.” Jake smiled. He needed to lighten the mood and getting drunk sounded like the best course to take.

TBC

Please review and let me know what you think. I need to know if i am headed in the right direction. I also want to thank everyone that has reviewed.. I really do appericate it... It means alot to me!!!