Welkom bij Amsterdam ~ Part 2
Title: Welkom bij Amsterdam - Part 2
Verse: Addi Baba
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: AU: After accepting Addi’s (Adam’s) request to travel the world with him, Kris jumps headfirst in a whole new world. There first stop … a world conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. Entirely a figment of my imagination. Not intended to offend any group.
Amsterdam Part 1 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/87448.html
Original Story in NYC - http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/86596.html
~*~*~*~
They left Schiphol Airport and drove into the city in two limos - Addi, Raja, Kris and Amir in one, and Kazim and their luggage in the other. Amir sat up front with the driver, and while Addi and Raja went over the itinerary … yet again … Kris took the opportunity to sightsee.
Amsterdam was breathtaking. He’d watched some videos online and had seen it on TV before but being here was surreal, like stepping back in time. The old buildings were a multitude of rich colors with their white trimmed windows gleaming in the summer sunlight. On nearly every street they passed, the buildings were pressed together like books on a shelf. Each individual building was narrow and tall, and had its own unique features and colors that distinguished if from those on either side. Kris had read that hundred’s of years ago, real estate was at a premium so when a family or business wanted to expand, the only way they could was to go up. Most were three or four stories and had a wooden plank and pulley at the top to cinch items up from the outside.
As they drove down the main streets, he looked to the side and saw other streets branching off, some only wide enough for one car and others only wide enough for people. His feet itched to go exploring. When they did come across modern buildings their futuristic architecture oddly fit in with the old city.
Canals seemed as plentiful as streets - the city consisting of 90 islands and 400 bridges. Houseboats lined many of the larger ones and all of the waterways, no matter their size, had water craft of every imaginable style moving up and down. Trees lined the canals and bikes were parked everywhere. In fact, there seemed to be more bikes than cars. Kris wondered if they’d have time to rent one or if Addi rode bikes at all.
“Come Kristopher, we’re here,” Addi declared. Raja and Amir were already standing outside and Addi had a hand extended.
“Where’s here?”
“The Amstel Hotel.”
Kris checked his one and only suit, wishing he’d packed it better so it wouldn’t have wrinkled. Still, it was better than being seen wearing his jeans and a t-shirt beside the vision Addi was in a designer charcoal gray suit.
“You look wonderful Habibi.”
“Habibi?”
Addi leaned over and kissed his softly, “It means ‘beloved’.”
Kris floated out of the limo.
The Amstel, built in 1867, was a magnificent hotel. It was small compared to more modern hotels, being only four stories, but grander than anything Kris had ever experienced. It wasn’t ostentatious, the exterior classic and clean with rich tan walls and white trim, and pillars flanking the main entrance. The two men stepped out and came face to face with a receiving line of staff, headed up by the manager.
“Ahlan wa sahlan, Geode Morgen and welcome Sheikh Baba,” the woman stated, extending her hand.
Addi shook her hand and thanked her warmly for the kind reception.
“Goede Morgen and thank you,” he replied, then introducing Raja and Kris.
She greeted them and informed him his entourage had arrived and were checked into their rooms.
“The Royal Suite and your companions’ rooms are ready. I will escort you while our bellboys bring up your luggage.”
She led the way and as they followed, Kris tugged on Addi’s arm. When he got his attention, whispered, “The ROYAL suite?!”
The Sheikh just raised a perfectly formed eyebrow, smiled and shrugged.
The lobby looked like a palace. Light brown and gold tones with rich accents seemed to be the running color scheme and they ascended the grand staircase while Raja headed to the registration desk to check them in. The man’s legs were so long he managed to catch up before the elevator doors closed.
If the lobby looked like a palace, the Royal Suite was Nirvana. The bodyguards went in first to check security (the manager didn’t seem phased by this) and when they signaled the all clear, the others moved in. Kris stopped dead in the entrance, his eyeballs ready to pop out of his head. Even the polite throat-clearing of the bellboys trapped behind him couldn’t grab his attention. Amir took Kris gently by the arm and shifted him out of the way, letting them pass.
“You will soon become accustomed Mr. Allen; Sheikh Addi has discerning tastes.”
The expansive living room was furnished with antiques and the floors were highly polished light wood. A private dining room table, large enough to seat six, occupied one corner, raised on a platform and crowned by a chandelier. The windows went from floor to ceiling, each one flanked by heavy golden curtains framing the views of the city and the Amstel River.
It took him a moment to notice the others had disappeared. Voices wafted towards him from a doorway and he followed, ending up in a more intimate sitting room. Addi was thanking the hotel’s manager once more before Raja saw her out and tipped the bellboys. When he got back, the sheikh and Kris were seated, catching their breaths, while Amir and Kazim stood nearby.
“I’m famished,” Addi declared, “should we dine downstairs in The Rive or have something brought up to our rooms?”
“I will leave that up to you gentlemen,” Raja replied, “I plan on taking advantage of my one free evening to get reacquainted with some friends.”
“Yes! Toby and Calvin live here, don’t they?”
“I’ve already texted them. We’re meeting for dinner then we’ll dance the night away at Bump - sexy, fun and free of attitude. Would you two care to join us?”
Kris had never been to a gay nightclub before. All of his friends in New York were straight and he’d never had the courage to suggest they try one whenever they wanted a place to hang out. The fact he was a lousy dancer had something to do with that too.
“Aren’t you tired from the flight?” Kris asked.
“It may be nearly 18:00 here (6pm) but my groove is still on New York time and back there, it isn’t even lunch time yet.”
“Thank you Raja for the invitation but I believe Kristopher and I will spend a quiet evening in. As you said, this is our one free evening and,” he gazed and Kris and took his hand, “we’d like some time alone.”
Kris squeezed the other’s fingers in anticipation.
“Of course. Well then, I’ll unpack in my suite, change into something fabulous, and be off. Be ready by 10:00am tomorrow morning, the conference’s Welcome Brunch starts at 11:30.”
“We’ll be ready. Tosbeho Raja.”
“Tosbeho. Tosbeho Kristopher.”
Kris used common sense to figure out what they were saying and replied with crossed fingers, “Good night Raja.”
With a nod and a smile, Raja departed.
Addi slid closer to Kris and gathered him in his arms, nibbling along his jaw.
“Shall we … take a look … at the bedroom?” he slowly suggested.
Kris lifted his chin, encouraging those freckled lips to travel lower.
“Uh- huh.”
“Mmmm, Habibi ….”
A cough broke the mood. Kris fell back against the seat and a low rumble emanated from his man’s throat.
“Apologies sir, but your lawyer is here. He has the paperwork you requested.”
“Paper…? Oh yes! Kristopher, come!”
Addi was immediately on his feet with his companion in tow. A suit Kris recognized from before was at the desk in the living room, his briefcase open and holding out a seat.
“Mr. Allen, your employment contract is ready. Please read it over and sign. If you need anything changed, we’ll make it so.”
Kris looked at the small, crammed print and fished out his glasses. He’d never read a contract before so took his time, taking in all the perks it spelled out. His job title was ‘Consultant: North American projects’, he got a yearly salary that surpassed how much he’d made his entire working life, and he got an expense account to boot, complete with a credit card ready to go. Not quite sure if everything was okay, he asked Addi to read over it too. Once his lover - and boss - signed off on it, Kris did as well. Handing the contract back, the lawyer said he would forward it to the head office and he’d have an advance from his salary in his bank account by the morning. Kris shared the embarrassing fact he didn’t have a personal credit card and before he knew what was happening, an application was before him, already filled out. All he had to do was sign to become an exclusive member of American Express.
Addi and Kris thanked him for his quick work and walked him out.
“Finally, we are left to ourselves. Now, about the bedroom …..”
“Addi?”
“Hmmm?”
Kris was looking at his expense card and at his rumpled suit and held his breath, not able to believe what he was about to say.
“I need to go shopping.”
“Now?”
“I’m working for a big corporation now and all I have is one suit. I need a new wardrobe worthy of it. I’m not talking a lot right now, just enough to get me through our business here.”
Addi didn’t say anything. Kris waited impatiently for a reply; after all he was doing this to make a good impression for Addi’s charity work, not for himself. Kris had never been a ‘shopper’ in the sense that he bought clothes and such because he saw it in the window and couldn’t live without it. He bought clothes when something didn’t fit any more or got ripped or something. The idea of having someone else pay for it made the adventure a little less painful but he’d still have to do the looking and the trying-on.
Suddenly Addi was on the phone.
“Hello … yes, I need to know the finest tailor in the city … we need, let me see, we’ll need five suits, a tuxedo, some casual wear, shoes. And where can we find briefcases, suitcases, laptops,” Addi paused, grinning evilly at Kris, “and a haircut.” There was another pause where Kris mouthed an ‘I hate you’ and got a smirk back. “Yes … please make the calls and have a list of addresses at the Concierge desk. We’ll be down momentarily.” The Sheikh hung up then hit another button, ordering their car to be readied.
“Woah, Addi …,” Kris blurted out, not expecting this much … especially the hair cut. “We don’t need all that right now, just maybe two suits ….”
A wave of the bejeweled hand cut him off, “I don’t do things half way Kristopher, if we are to spend our one free night shopping, we’re going to make it worth our time.”
~*~*~*~
Kris fell into the back seat of the limo. His feet were killing him and his body ached from fstanding like a statue while the tailor took his measurements and then trying on suit after suit after suit. Once he’d charged five suits in various dark shades and a tuxedo to his new expense account, Addi dragged him around to various stores for luggage, a briefcase, a new laptop, a new cell phone and even more clothes.
At least at their last stop he had a chance to relax as a stylist tackled his obstinate hair and he endured a mani-pedi with Addi. He couldn’t escape shopping completely and left with a bag full of products he had no clue how to use.
It was now nearing 9:00pm and he was starving, having last eaten nearly 12 hours ago. Thankfully, all his purchases were being sent directly to the hotel and the suits and the tailor were coming in the morning for a final fitting before they left for brunch.
Addi got in and Kris collapsed against him, snuggling as a strong arm held him dear.
“If I had known shopping would wear you out so, I would have postponed it until AFTER we celebrated your new position,” the older man whispered against this temple, his other hand warm on Kris’ upper thigh.
“I hate shopping but we all have to do things we hate. Anyway, I had no choice really, not if I want you to be proud of me …,” Kris faded away, suddenly feeling unworthy of such responsibility.
A gentle hand lifted his chin and warm lips brushed his.
“You have nothing to prove to me.”
“Well then, let’s say I want to prove it to myself.” His stomach rumbled and he groaned, “Sorry ‘bout that.”
“Your stomach is just saying what mine is thinking.” Addi held up a slip of paper and passed it to the driver before turning back to Kris. “Before we left the hotel, I asked the concierge to recommend a fine restaurant with traditional Dutch cuisine. He suggested a small restaurant in the old city centre.”
~*~*~*~
The bustle of the main streets were left behind as the limo pulled up on a quiet avenue and the couple got out. The driver pulled away, awaiting the sheikh’s call when they’d finished.
De Silveren Spiegel, or The Silver Mirror, was a very old, kinda crooked looking structure of stone and wood. Stepping inside, they were embraced by the charm and historic ambiance under exposed wooden beams and surrounded by tapestries and bit of history. The tables had leather chairs and white linen with candlelight and Delft china. The men were given a seat in a private corner and gazed over the menu.
“Anything interest you?”
“All of it,” Kris replied, rubbing his neck. There wasn’t a vast selection but everything that was offered sounded so delicious. “You decide.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, you have more experience with fancy food than I do. I’m sure whatever you pick will be delicious.”
Just then, a waiter arrived and Addi ordered a bottle of wine - expensive Kris was sure - and their dinner. They were having two starters: a cold plate of smoked Volendammer eel with crème of cauliflower, sweet & sour cauliflower, lettuce and hazelnut; and the warm starter was chicory crème soup with smoked ox sausage and sourdough crouton. That was to be followed by dinner for two of saddle of lamb marinated with green herbs and garlic, potato pie, asparagus and tarragon sabayon. To finish the night, Kris was thrilled Addi chose rhubarb crumble pie (his mama made one to die for) with farmer’s yoghurt ice cream and warm white chocolate.
As the evening passed, the men learned a little of the Spiegel’s history. The building had been around since 1614 but the most fascinating tidbit they learned was that during WWII the owner at the time, Weis Hoffman, hid the De Hond family, Dutch Jews, for four years under her 17th century rafters. De Hond worked in demolition and constructed ingenious hiding spots to keep him, his wife and son safe, in turn protecting the kind hearted woman who bravely gave them shelter. Over time, more Jews took shelter until the roof hid sixteen people while German soldiers dined and drank downstairs.
Dinner was nearly as incredible as his companion. Relaxed, they shared about their families and how it was growing up. Kris had what he considered a normal childhood growing up in Arkansas with his parents and brother, playing sports, taking music lessons and loving his life. After high school, he went to college and worked part time within the family business. He was happy at first but starting yearning for more out of life and decided to move to New York. He finished college there but quickly learned he was a small fish in a giant ocean and just didn’t have the killer instinct needed to make it in the business scene and ended up at the hotel.
Addi grew up surrounded by luxury and went to boarding schools in the UK and Switzerland. When he graduated, his father made him an intern to learn the family business and when Addi turned 21 years old, his father handed over a billion dollar subsidiary of their oil empire and told him it was up to him to continue as an success or become a failure. Of course Addi made it a success, so much so that he set up a charity to share the wealth.
As they savored their after dinner drinks, Addi made two calls - one to their driver and another to the hotel. Speaking in fluent Dutch, he impressed Kris and made him more than curious.
If Addi kept this up, Kris was going to have to take Berlitz language courses to keep up.
They got back to the hotel around 10:30pm. Kris reached for his bag of hair products and spotted another bag on the floor. Extending his hand, he almost had the handle when his fingers were slapped away.
“Hey!”
“Sorry Kristopher but it is top secret.”
Kris smiled crookedly, “Top secret eh? Like ‘international intrigue’ top secret or ‘my lover’s not supposed to see this until we reach the bedroom’ top secret?”
Addi said nothing, getting out of the limo is one smooth move and heading up the stairs into the hotel, bag swinging in his hand. Kris grabbed his own parcel and hurried after him.
Upstairs, the suite was quiet. Some of their shopping had arrived, sitting neatly beside the cabinet just inside the door. They moved into the smaller sitting room and Kris stopped when he spotted the champagne chilling beside a dozen red roses.
“Addiiiiiiii,” Kris exclaimed, his heart in his throat.
“We need to finish celebrating your new job.” He removed a box from his shopping bag and handed it to Kris. “A little something special for tonight. Off with you Habibi,” he gently steered the shocked man towards the bathroom, “I’ll change here.”
The door clicked softly behind him and Kris opened the box with shaky hands. Inside was a pair of black silk sleep pants and a matching robe. He’d never felt anything so soft against his skin except maybe Addi’s sun-kissed skin. It didn’t take him long to change so he fussed with his hair without touching it, giving his lover a few more minutes to get ready.
“Kristopher? Are you ready?”
The soft request came through the door and Kris went back into the bedroom. The lights were low and soft music was playing. The bed had been turned down and Addi waited by the table, flutes of bubbly champagne in his hands, in a matching set of sleepwear. An expanse of chest invited Kris’ touch and lips. Kris joined him and they toasted to their future. A sip was all they managed before their mutual need for each other took over. Addi held his love’s hand and drew him to the bed. The men kissed slowly and deeply, robes cascading to the floor. They laid down and explored each other. Out of nowhere, Addi had a rose in his hand and was drawing it butterfly light over Kris’ jaw, neck and chest. The petals were smooth and cool against his heated skin. He closed his eyes, sighing at the fragrant torture.
“You are a wonder Kristopher,” Addi whispered, his lips worshiping taunt nipples. “I’m honored you want to be with me.”
Kris wanted to say something just as elegant but on the word ‘me’, Addi’s hand was inside his pants and stroking him. All he could manage to utter was, “Ugh … mmmm.”
The remaining clothes disappeared and Addi entered him, petals being crushed between their sliding bodies. Kris wrapped his legs around his lover’s waist and held him tight, pushing his man deeper inside. Addi uttered words Kris didn’t understand though the meaning was clear. The romantic music could no longer drown out the sounds of the men drowning in each other and they came, clinging to each other and collapsing as one.
~*~*~*~
Pic of Amsterdam - http://www.amsterdam.info/img/amsterdam.jpg
Amstel Hotel by river - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxDzZ73RZX0/Tbajk6U1D-I/AAAAAAAAACs/Bfs5xCzdnRQ/s1600/Amstel1.jpg
Hotel entrance - http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/83/6f/69/filename-p3304465-jpg.jpg
Lobby - http://0.tqn.com/d/hotels/1/0/w/6/3/lobby_staircase.jpg
Bedroom - http://0.tqn.com/d/hotels/1/0/0/7/3/royal_suite.jpg
Suite Dining Room - http://0.tqn.com/d/hotels/1/0/1/7/3/royal_suite_dining_room.jpg
Bathroom ~ http://amsterdam.intercontinental.com/wp-content/gallery/main/amstel_royal_suite_bathroom.jpg
Sitting Room - http://cdn1.agoda.net/hotelimages/450/45068/45068_120831115725387_STD.jpg
The Silver Mirror Restaurant exterior - http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/amsterdam/files/2010/10/silveren-spiegel.jpg
Restaurant interior - http://media.toptable.com/images/full-size/39871.jpg
Verse: Addi Baba
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: AU: After accepting Addi’s (Adam’s) request to travel the world with him, Kris jumps headfirst in a whole new world. There first stop … a world conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. Entirely a figment of my imagination. Not intended to offend any group.
Amsterdam Part 1 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/87448.html
Original Story in NYC - http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/86596.html
~*~*~*~
They left Schiphol Airport and drove into the city in two limos - Addi, Raja, Kris and Amir in one, and Kazim and their luggage in the other. Amir sat up front with the driver, and while Addi and Raja went over the itinerary … yet again … Kris took the opportunity to sightsee.
Amsterdam was breathtaking. He’d watched some videos online and had seen it on TV before but being here was surreal, like stepping back in time. The old buildings were a multitude of rich colors with their white trimmed windows gleaming in the summer sunlight. On nearly every street they passed, the buildings were pressed together like books on a shelf. Each individual building was narrow and tall, and had its own unique features and colors that distinguished if from those on either side. Kris had read that hundred’s of years ago, real estate was at a premium so when a family or business wanted to expand, the only way they could was to go up. Most were three or four stories and had a wooden plank and pulley at the top to cinch items up from the outside.
As they drove down the main streets, he looked to the side and saw other streets branching off, some only wide enough for one car and others only wide enough for people. His feet itched to go exploring. When they did come across modern buildings their futuristic architecture oddly fit in with the old city.
Canals seemed as plentiful as streets - the city consisting of 90 islands and 400 bridges. Houseboats lined many of the larger ones and all of the waterways, no matter their size, had water craft of every imaginable style moving up and down. Trees lined the canals and bikes were parked everywhere. In fact, there seemed to be more bikes than cars. Kris wondered if they’d have time to rent one or if Addi rode bikes at all.
“Come Kristopher, we’re here,” Addi declared. Raja and Amir were already standing outside and Addi had a hand extended.
“Where’s here?”
“The Amstel Hotel.”
Kris checked his one and only suit, wishing he’d packed it better so it wouldn’t have wrinkled. Still, it was better than being seen wearing his jeans and a t-shirt beside the vision Addi was in a designer charcoal gray suit.
“You look wonderful Habibi.”
“Habibi?”
Addi leaned over and kissed his softly, “It means ‘beloved’.”
Kris floated out of the limo.
The Amstel, built in 1867, was a magnificent hotel. It was small compared to more modern hotels, being only four stories, but grander than anything Kris had ever experienced. It wasn’t ostentatious, the exterior classic and clean with rich tan walls and white trim, and pillars flanking the main entrance. The two men stepped out and came face to face with a receiving line of staff, headed up by the manager.
“Ahlan wa sahlan, Geode Morgen and welcome Sheikh Baba,” the woman stated, extending her hand.
Addi shook her hand and thanked her warmly for the kind reception.
“Goede Morgen and thank you,” he replied, then introducing Raja and Kris.
She greeted them and informed him his entourage had arrived and were checked into their rooms.
“The Royal Suite and your companions’ rooms are ready. I will escort you while our bellboys bring up your luggage.”
She led the way and as they followed, Kris tugged on Addi’s arm. When he got his attention, whispered, “The ROYAL suite?!”
The Sheikh just raised a perfectly formed eyebrow, smiled and shrugged.
The lobby looked like a palace. Light brown and gold tones with rich accents seemed to be the running color scheme and they ascended the grand staircase while Raja headed to the registration desk to check them in. The man’s legs were so long he managed to catch up before the elevator doors closed.
If the lobby looked like a palace, the Royal Suite was Nirvana. The bodyguards went in first to check security (the manager didn’t seem phased by this) and when they signaled the all clear, the others moved in. Kris stopped dead in the entrance, his eyeballs ready to pop out of his head. Even the polite throat-clearing of the bellboys trapped behind him couldn’t grab his attention. Amir took Kris gently by the arm and shifted him out of the way, letting them pass.
“You will soon become accustomed Mr. Allen; Sheikh Addi has discerning tastes.”
The expansive living room was furnished with antiques and the floors were highly polished light wood. A private dining room table, large enough to seat six, occupied one corner, raised on a platform and crowned by a chandelier. The windows went from floor to ceiling, each one flanked by heavy golden curtains framing the views of the city and the Amstel River.
It took him a moment to notice the others had disappeared. Voices wafted towards him from a doorway and he followed, ending up in a more intimate sitting room. Addi was thanking the hotel’s manager once more before Raja saw her out and tipped the bellboys. When he got back, the sheikh and Kris were seated, catching their breaths, while Amir and Kazim stood nearby.
“I’m famished,” Addi declared, “should we dine downstairs in The Rive or have something brought up to our rooms?”
“I will leave that up to you gentlemen,” Raja replied, “I plan on taking advantage of my one free evening to get reacquainted with some friends.”
“Yes! Toby and Calvin live here, don’t they?”
“I’ve already texted them. We’re meeting for dinner then we’ll dance the night away at Bump - sexy, fun and free of attitude. Would you two care to join us?”
Kris had never been to a gay nightclub before. All of his friends in New York were straight and he’d never had the courage to suggest they try one whenever they wanted a place to hang out. The fact he was a lousy dancer had something to do with that too.
“Aren’t you tired from the flight?” Kris asked.
“It may be nearly 18:00 here (6pm) but my groove is still on New York time and back there, it isn’t even lunch time yet.”
“Thank you Raja for the invitation but I believe Kristopher and I will spend a quiet evening in. As you said, this is our one free evening and,” he gazed and Kris and took his hand, “we’d like some time alone.”
Kris squeezed the other’s fingers in anticipation.
“Of course. Well then, I’ll unpack in my suite, change into something fabulous, and be off. Be ready by 10:00am tomorrow morning, the conference’s Welcome Brunch starts at 11:30.”
“We’ll be ready. Tosbeho Raja.”
“Tosbeho. Tosbeho Kristopher.”
Kris used common sense to figure out what they were saying and replied with crossed fingers, “Good night Raja.”
With a nod and a smile, Raja departed.
Addi slid closer to Kris and gathered him in his arms, nibbling along his jaw.
“Shall we … take a look … at the bedroom?” he slowly suggested.
Kris lifted his chin, encouraging those freckled lips to travel lower.
“Uh- huh.”
“Mmmm, Habibi ….”
A cough broke the mood. Kris fell back against the seat and a low rumble emanated from his man’s throat.
“Apologies sir, but your lawyer is here. He has the paperwork you requested.”
“Paper…? Oh yes! Kristopher, come!”
Addi was immediately on his feet with his companion in tow. A suit Kris recognized from before was at the desk in the living room, his briefcase open and holding out a seat.
“Mr. Allen, your employment contract is ready. Please read it over and sign. If you need anything changed, we’ll make it so.”
Kris looked at the small, crammed print and fished out his glasses. He’d never read a contract before so took his time, taking in all the perks it spelled out. His job title was ‘Consultant: North American projects’, he got a yearly salary that surpassed how much he’d made his entire working life, and he got an expense account to boot, complete with a credit card ready to go. Not quite sure if everything was okay, he asked Addi to read over it too. Once his lover - and boss - signed off on it, Kris did as well. Handing the contract back, the lawyer said he would forward it to the head office and he’d have an advance from his salary in his bank account by the morning. Kris shared the embarrassing fact he didn’t have a personal credit card and before he knew what was happening, an application was before him, already filled out. All he had to do was sign to become an exclusive member of American Express.
Addi and Kris thanked him for his quick work and walked him out.
“Finally, we are left to ourselves. Now, about the bedroom …..”
“Addi?”
“Hmmm?”
Kris was looking at his expense card and at his rumpled suit and held his breath, not able to believe what he was about to say.
“I need to go shopping.”
“Now?”
“I’m working for a big corporation now and all I have is one suit. I need a new wardrobe worthy of it. I’m not talking a lot right now, just enough to get me through our business here.”
Addi didn’t say anything. Kris waited impatiently for a reply; after all he was doing this to make a good impression for Addi’s charity work, not for himself. Kris had never been a ‘shopper’ in the sense that he bought clothes and such because he saw it in the window and couldn’t live without it. He bought clothes when something didn’t fit any more or got ripped or something. The idea of having someone else pay for it made the adventure a little less painful but he’d still have to do the looking and the trying-on.
Suddenly Addi was on the phone.
“Hello … yes, I need to know the finest tailor in the city … we need, let me see, we’ll need five suits, a tuxedo, some casual wear, shoes. And where can we find briefcases, suitcases, laptops,” Addi paused, grinning evilly at Kris, “and a haircut.” There was another pause where Kris mouthed an ‘I hate you’ and got a smirk back. “Yes … please make the calls and have a list of addresses at the Concierge desk. We’ll be down momentarily.” The Sheikh hung up then hit another button, ordering their car to be readied.
“Woah, Addi …,” Kris blurted out, not expecting this much … especially the hair cut. “We don’t need all that right now, just maybe two suits ….”
A wave of the bejeweled hand cut him off, “I don’t do things half way Kristopher, if we are to spend our one free night shopping, we’re going to make it worth our time.”
~*~*~*~
Kris fell into the back seat of the limo. His feet were killing him and his body ached from fstanding like a statue while the tailor took his measurements and then trying on suit after suit after suit. Once he’d charged five suits in various dark shades and a tuxedo to his new expense account, Addi dragged him around to various stores for luggage, a briefcase, a new laptop, a new cell phone and even more clothes.
At least at their last stop he had a chance to relax as a stylist tackled his obstinate hair and he endured a mani-pedi with Addi. He couldn’t escape shopping completely and left with a bag full of products he had no clue how to use.
It was now nearing 9:00pm and he was starving, having last eaten nearly 12 hours ago. Thankfully, all his purchases were being sent directly to the hotel and the suits and the tailor were coming in the morning for a final fitting before they left for brunch.
Addi got in and Kris collapsed against him, snuggling as a strong arm held him dear.
“If I had known shopping would wear you out so, I would have postponed it until AFTER we celebrated your new position,” the older man whispered against this temple, his other hand warm on Kris’ upper thigh.
“I hate shopping but we all have to do things we hate. Anyway, I had no choice really, not if I want you to be proud of me …,” Kris faded away, suddenly feeling unworthy of such responsibility.
A gentle hand lifted his chin and warm lips brushed his.
“You have nothing to prove to me.”
“Well then, let’s say I want to prove it to myself.” His stomach rumbled and he groaned, “Sorry ‘bout that.”
“Your stomach is just saying what mine is thinking.” Addi held up a slip of paper and passed it to the driver before turning back to Kris. “Before we left the hotel, I asked the concierge to recommend a fine restaurant with traditional Dutch cuisine. He suggested a small restaurant in the old city centre.”
~*~*~*~
The bustle of the main streets were left behind as the limo pulled up on a quiet avenue and the couple got out. The driver pulled away, awaiting the sheikh’s call when they’d finished.
De Silveren Spiegel, or The Silver Mirror, was a very old, kinda crooked looking structure of stone and wood. Stepping inside, they were embraced by the charm and historic ambiance under exposed wooden beams and surrounded by tapestries and bit of history. The tables had leather chairs and white linen with candlelight and Delft china. The men were given a seat in a private corner and gazed over the menu.
“Anything interest you?”
“All of it,” Kris replied, rubbing his neck. There wasn’t a vast selection but everything that was offered sounded so delicious. “You decide.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, you have more experience with fancy food than I do. I’m sure whatever you pick will be delicious.”
Just then, a waiter arrived and Addi ordered a bottle of wine - expensive Kris was sure - and their dinner. They were having two starters: a cold plate of smoked Volendammer eel with crème of cauliflower, sweet & sour cauliflower, lettuce and hazelnut; and the warm starter was chicory crème soup with smoked ox sausage and sourdough crouton. That was to be followed by dinner for two of saddle of lamb marinated with green herbs and garlic, potato pie, asparagus and tarragon sabayon. To finish the night, Kris was thrilled Addi chose rhubarb crumble pie (his mama made one to die for) with farmer’s yoghurt ice cream and warm white chocolate.
As the evening passed, the men learned a little of the Spiegel’s history. The building had been around since 1614 but the most fascinating tidbit they learned was that during WWII the owner at the time, Weis Hoffman, hid the De Hond family, Dutch Jews, for four years under her 17th century rafters. De Hond worked in demolition and constructed ingenious hiding spots to keep him, his wife and son safe, in turn protecting the kind hearted woman who bravely gave them shelter. Over time, more Jews took shelter until the roof hid sixteen people while German soldiers dined and drank downstairs.
Dinner was nearly as incredible as his companion. Relaxed, they shared about their families and how it was growing up. Kris had what he considered a normal childhood growing up in Arkansas with his parents and brother, playing sports, taking music lessons and loving his life. After high school, he went to college and worked part time within the family business. He was happy at first but starting yearning for more out of life and decided to move to New York. He finished college there but quickly learned he was a small fish in a giant ocean and just didn’t have the killer instinct needed to make it in the business scene and ended up at the hotel.
Addi grew up surrounded by luxury and went to boarding schools in the UK and Switzerland. When he graduated, his father made him an intern to learn the family business and when Addi turned 21 years old, his father handed over a billion dollar subsidiary of their oil empire and told him it was up to him to continue as an success or become a failure. Of course Addi made it a success, so much so that he set up a charity to share the wealth.
As they savored their after dinner drinks, Addi made two calls - one to their driver and another to the hotel. Speaking in fluent Dutch, he impressed Kris and made him more than curious.
If Addi kept this up, Kris was going to have to take Berlitz language courses to keep up.
They got back to the hotel around 10:30pm. Kris reached for his bag of hair products and spotted another bag on the floor. Extending his hand, he almost had the handle when his fingers were slapped away.
“Hey!”
“Sorry Kristopher but it is top secret.”
Kris smiled crookedly, “Top secret eh? Like ‘international intrigue’ top secret or ‘my lover’s not supposed to see this until we reach the bedroom’ top secret?”
Addi said nothing, getting out of the limo is one smooth move and heading up the stairs into the hotel, bag swinging in his hand. Kris grabbed his own parcel and hurried after him.
Upstairs, the suite was quiet. Some of their shopping had arrived, sitting neatly beside the cabinet just inside the door. They moved into the smaller sitting room and Kris stopped when he spotted the champagne chilling beside a dozen red roses.
“Addiiiiiiii,” Kris exclaimed, his heart in his throat.
“We need to finish celebrating your new job.” He removed a box from his shopping bag and handed it to Kris. “A little something special for tonight. Off with you Habibi,” he gently steered the shocked man towards the bathroom, “I’ll change here.”
The door clicked softly behind him and Kris opened the box with shaky hands. Inside was a pair of black silk sleep pants and a matching robe. He’d never felt anything so soft against his skin except maybe Addi’s sun-kissed skin. It didn’t take him long to change so he fussed with his hair without touching it, giving his lover a few more minutes to get ready.
“Kristopher? Are you ready?”
The soft request came through the door and Kris went back into the bedroom. The lights were low and soft music was playing. The bed had been turned down and Addi waited by the table, flutes of bubbly champagne in his hands, in a matching set of sleepwear. An expanse of chest invited Kris’ touch and lips. Kris joined him and they toasted to their future. A sip was all they managed before their mutual need for each other took over. Addi held his love’s hand and drew him to the bed. The men kissed slowly and deeply, robes cascading to the floor. They laid down and explored each other. Out of nowhere, Addi had a rose in his hand and was drawing it butterfly light over Kris’ jaw, neck and chest. The petals were smooth and cool against his heated skin. He closed his eyes, sighing at the fragrant torture.
“You are a wonder Kristopher,” Addi whispered, his lips worshiping taunt nipples. “I’m honored you want to be with me.”
Kris wanted to say something just as elegant but on the word ‘me’, Addi’s hand was inside his pants and stroking him. All he could manage to utter was, “Ugh … mmmm.”
The remaining clothes disappeared and Addi entered him, petals being crushed between their sliding bodies. Kris wrapped his legs around his lover’s waist and held him tight, pushing his man deeper inside. Addi uttered words Kris didn’t understand though the meaning was clear. The romantic music could no longer drown out the sounds of the men drowning in each other and they came, clinging to each other and collapsing as one.
~*~*~*~
Pic of Amsterdam - http://www.amsterdam.info/img/amsterdam.jpg
Amstel Hotel by river - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxDzZ73RZX0/Tbajk6U1D-I/AAAAAAAAACs/Bfs5xCzdnRQ/s1600/Amstel1.jpg
Hotel entrance - http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/83/6f/69/filename-p3304465-jpg.jpg
Lobby - http://0.tqn.com/d/hotels/1/0/w/6/3/lobby_staircase.jpg
Bedroom - http://0.tqn.com/d/hotels/1/0/0/7/3/royal_suite.jpg
Suite Dining Room - http://0.tqn.com/d/hotels/1/0/1/7/3/royal_suite_dining_room.jpg
Bathroom ~ http://amsterdam.intercontinental.com/wp-content/gallery/main/amstel_royal_suite_bathroom.jpg
Sitting Room - http://cdn1.agoda.net/hotelimages/450/45068/45068_120831115725387_STD.jpg
The Silver Mirror Restaurant exterior - http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/amsterdam/files/2010/10/silveren-spiegel.jpg
Restaurant interior - http://media.toptable.com/images/full-size/39871.jpg
