"He's...he's not making any sense.I think he’s sick."The girl stammers.Cole is limply lying on the bed, his head lolling to one side as he groans and mumbles.His eyes are unfocused, glassy and when he sees me, he tries to reach for me.
“Oh, there he is, smexy boss man,” Cole slurs.
“How much did he drink?”I ask.
“2, maybe three glasses of champagne, max,” she says, wrinkling her forehead.There's no way 2 or 3 glasses of champagne would cause this.
"Cole, can you hear me?"I ask, cupping his face gently.His skin is clammy, and his pupils are dilated.
"Mmmm, you're so pretty," he mumbles, reaching for my face but missing, his arm falling heavily to the bed."Everything's spinny."A cold dread settles in my stomach.This isn't just alcohol.
"I think he's been drugged.We need to get him out of here."The girl gasps her hands hovering near her face.
"Oh my God.Should we call an ambulance?"I consider it for a moment, but shake my head.
"No, I don't want to cause a scene.I'll take him to my house and keep an eye on him.Can you help me get him to my car?"
Together, we manage to get Cole on his feet.He stumbles between us, giggling and mumbling incoherently as we guide him out a side door of the ballroom.Thankfully, most guests are still inside, oblivious to our hasty exit.The cool night air hits us as we emerge into the parking lot."My car's just over there," I tell the girl, nodding towards my sedan.Cole's head lulls against my shoulder as we half-carry, half-drag him across the lot.
"You're so strong," Cole slurs, patting my chest clumsily."Like a sexy lumberjack priest."
I try to ignore the way my heart clenches at his words, focusing instead on getting him safely into the car.The girl helps me maneuver Cole into the passenger seat, where he immediately slumps against the window."Thank you for your help," I say."Please let Charlotte know I had to leave early due to an emergency.And...keep this situation discreet, if you can."She nods, her face etched with concern.
"Of course, Father.Please let me know if there's anything else I can do."
The drive to my house is tense, with Cole drifting in and out of lucidity beside me.At times he giggles and reaches for me, other moments he groans and clutches his head.I keep one hand on his arm, both to steady him and to reassure myself that he's still with me.My mind races, trying to figure out how this could have happened.Who would have drugged Cole, and why?
When we arrive at my house, I carefully help Cole out of the car.He leans heavily against me as we make our way inside, his legs wobbly beneath him."Where are we?"He mumbles, looking around with unfocused eyes.
"My place," I tell him gently."You're safe here, Cole.I'm going to take care of you."I guide him to my bedroom, knowing he needs to lie down.
As I ease him onto the bed, Cole grabs my shirt, pulling me close.His breath is hot against my neck as he whispers, “C’mere sexy man, put your dick in my holes.”Tugging me with his lips out in a pucker, waiting for a kiss.
“Not tonight, Angel,” I say, moving his hands off my neck.
“But whyyyyyyy.You're so hot I want your body!”Cole slurps as drool runs from his mouth.
“Baby, I think you were drugged.We need to get you cleaned up and off to bed.You can want my body tomorrow.”I say, trying to soothe him.
“You're no fun!Okay, that's a lie.You're a lot of fun, but right now, you're a real downer, boooo.Oh hey, I figured out your new nickname, Roooooster, because you're my favorite cock.”Cole giggles at his own joke and I can't help but chuckle as I undress him and get him settled under the covers.
I kiss his forehead as he mumbles drowsily "Stay with me?"
My heart aches at the vulnerability in his voice."Of course," I murmur, stroking his hair."I'm not going anywhere."I scoot onto the bed laying his head in my lap as I stroke his hair.I spend the night drifting in and out as I watch over Cole, checking his breathing and making sure he doesn't choke if he gets sick.Every so often, he stirs and mumbles something unintelligible before drifting off again.My mind races with worry and anger.Who would have done this to him?And why?
My eyes flutter open the following morning.Thankfully, I cancelled services for today due to the Ball.I stretch, cracking my neck and rolling my shoulders.Cole is still sleeping soundly in my lap, his chest rises and falls steadily, his face peaceful.
The sight of him there, vulnerable yet safe, stirs something deep within me.I carefully lift his head shifting it to a pillow and slide off the bed.As I stand up my back protests from the hours spent in an awkward position.I use the restroom and glancing at Cole, still sleeping soundly in my bed, I slip out of the room.
Quietly making my way to the kitchen my mind is on coffee.I start the brew and grab the newspaper from the front porch.The early morning air has a frosty bite to it and I shiver.Closing the door I head to the kitchen and pour my coffee and sit at the bar to read while the warm liquid chases the sleep away.
Moments later I hear a groan and put down the paper to find a disheveled Cole in his boxers, his onyx curls sticking up haphazardly, groggily looking around.
“What are you doing here?”he asks me.
“I live here,” I say, chuckling, walking over to him he looks at me, blinking.
“I'm not at my house?”He asks, confusion written on his face.
