An American in Budapest Ch 06

An American in Budapest Ch 06

Major Decisions Made

Last in this series. There is obviously a lot of back story to this adventure. I'll try to make this reasonably stand-alone for those who don't read series, but reading earlier chapters will give some further character development. All characters engaged in sexual activity are over 18. © 2024 Brunosden. All rights reserved.

In early November, lightning struck. It was a potential game changer--or at least it opened up some new possibilities for the future of Peter and Milos. A giant US-based hedge fund was rumored to be in negotiations to acquire JB (the parent of the bank of which Milos Haffenburger was managing director). Within days, it was clear that the rumors were true. The Appleton Group, through acquisition and merger, was trying to convert itself into an international financial giant--with three components: an international private bank, a hedge fund and a private equity firm. Only one of the three would be remain in the US. It was a bold move, but, if successful, it would significantly reduce US regulatory oversight and taxes on the Group.

In fact, what was proposed was an "upside-down" merger where the smaller private bank (JB) headquartered in Switzerland, but with its largest and most profitable branch in Budapest, would "survive" the merger. The fish (in this case, really just plankton) would swallow the whale--metaphorically of course. Appleton, for tax and securities law reasons, was relocating outside the US--and after the merger, JB would be the parent--with lots of new management, of course, including many Appleton faces.

JB, at Milos' insistence, hired Peter Jefferson, the managing partner of B&B-Budapest to represent them in the merger negotiations. B&B was one of the largest international corporate firms in the world. The concept was complex and confusing, but Peter understood the objective and the details of how to achieve them almost instantly. He had advised on similar deals before. There were hoops to jump through, but the basic idea had been tested. Over the next month, he led JB through the difficult process--while simultaneously preparing bids for the last three properties being privatized by the Hungarian Government that his other clients coveted. He was working night and day, exhausted all the time. But, he was incredibly pumped to be working with Milos-- all the time. The Appleton deal was slated to be one of the biggest in the history of M&A.

The excitement of the deal lit them both up. And it once again raised the temperature in their bed. It was like the first days. Peter would come home, change, grab a glass of scotch and gaze into the fire. Milos would approach from the rear, curl his arms around Peter and stimulate his nipples and caress his shaft simultaneously until Peter groaned in sensuality and relinquished his fatigue. Or he'd stretch out onto Peter's lap and suck Peter to hardness. He was hot and ready. Milos pulled out all his magic tricks and consistently caused Peter to forget everything, including his ingrained need to control and sometimes even his own name.

Then, Milos would lead him to their bed and take Peter to heaven. Milos, the consummate lover, had learned to read Peter's eye color--so he consistently edged Peter to the max. And Peter typically jumped into the abyss. Neither had ever had better sex in their lives. They were now lovers, no-holds-barred, passionate lovers, not friends with benefits.

Peter had to skip Thanksgiving with his sons, but the last minute change had another totally unexpected consequence. Sheila had planned to introduce Chris (Peer's ex-wife) to her extended family over Thanksgiving--and her family lived in North Carolina. (Most of the conservative Christian members of her family had boycotted the same sex wedding in Chatham, Massachusetts, the previous summer.) The week-long trip was going to be impossible for the boys--they had school, and according to Sheila would be a "needless complication" to her plans. So Chris had arranged that Peter would come to New York for a few days, then visit his folks in Boston with JR and Paul while she and Chris went south. When he canceled at the last minute, Chris exploded and lost her cool totally. Sheila had been bugging her for months. She wanted Peter to take more responsibility for the boys, leaving them more time to develop their own sexual life. Sheila apparently couldn't handle marriage, difficult graduate work and the care of the two boys. The canceled Thanksgiving trip was the last straw. Sheila had issued an ultimatum: the boys or me. And Chris had chosen Sheila.

She called Peter, only a few days before the holiday and informed him that she was finished bearing the burden of raising two rambunctious, athletic boys. They needed a Dad. Peter was going to be take full custody by Christmas--or...... Chris didn't finish the statement. Peter had hung up, thoroughly smashed by the news and the vicious threats of the woman he had been handling with kid gloves since the divorce. He was afraid that his immediate reaction would cause real problems.

Peter hated to do it, but called his folks to explain the impossibility of the situation. They were delighted to go to New York, stay with the boys for the holiday, and return to Boston when Chris returned. Thanksgiving in New York with their grandchildren would be a treat. Peter promised o explain more later--but his mother knew. "I know it's more than business, Peter. I can hear it in your voice. We'll do you a favor this time, but you need to make up your mind and assume responsibilities for your sons--now."

Peter conveyed all of this to Milos late that night. It was clear that he couldn't leave Budapest before the holidays--the Appleton Group/JB merger and the privatization closings were vital to his future. But, he was bummed about the boys. That's when Milos finally made his proposal. "Peter, I want us to be together--forever. I love the boys and I would love having them live with us. Whether its Budapest, New York or Zurich doesn't matter to me. We can be happy anywhere, so long as we are together. It's your call. That is, if you want me. I'm in, all in."

Peter was speechless. Of course he loved Milos and wanted them to stay together. And he'd love to have his sons living with them. But, he didn't know how it was going to happen. He assumed that he was returning to New York. And he assumed that Milos would stay in Budapest or move to Zurich. "Let's see how the next few weeks play out Milos. I want us together. But, I'm not sure I can ask you to make all the sacrifices for that to happen. Somehow, I think that would ultimately destroy our relationship. Maybe we can make this work for both of us. But, it will be both of us. And, as to the boys, they must come first, Milos."

Peter decided that he needed to demonstrate how serious and grateful he was. So he replayed something that had really pleased Milos a week ago. He pushed Milos onto his side, and using a long leg eased his top leg forward. Then he moved in close and spooned Milos, slipping his rock hard long pole into the vee. Taking a page from Milos' book, one hand began to tease the nipples while the other stroked. Milos knew immediately what was happening, shivered and reveled in the taking. His legs went farther apart, and Milos turned toward the mattress. He felt Peter's lips on his rim immediately and the tongue probing deeply inside. He loved when Peter ate him. It was a dream. He squirmed as Peter's lubed fingers opened him. Then he felt the head pushing through the constricted opening. Even though it was November, he was hot, boiling hot.

Peter rocked a few times and plunged as Milos groaned loudly in approval. Peter held Milos close, one hand stroking his shaft, using Milos' precum for lube. He slipped in and out several times, stretching the chute and stimulating the prostate. Milos was melting with passion, whispering German endearments. Then his arms moved around Milos chest and he rolled back--pulling Milos into a spider over him. This always produced the deepest penetration. One of Peter's hands dropped and he fisted the shaft and drove still deeper, breaking through the inner ring, feeling the new-lube flood into the chute. Peter speeded and lengthened his strokes, pounding Milos to ecstasy. Milos gasped, his cock lengthened and darkened, the head swelled and leaked. Then he started to spasm. His anal contractions brought Peter to a powerful orgasm. He planted his spunk and his seed deeply inside, filling Milos with his love. Milos strained, tightened his anal ring, lengthened his cock and shot ropes of cum. It was copious and hot. Peter caught much of it in a fist and brought his palm to his lips. His tongue reached out and he licked; then offered it to Milos. Neither guy ever tired of their powerful couplings.

"I never dreamed that any man would own me the way you do Peter. I'm serious. I'd follow you anywhere. Just don't let me go. Hold me tight and let your spunk breed me. I love you Peter. I've never had a dick in me like yours. Now I know who really has the magic wand!" Then he waggled his butt and tightened to hold Peter deeply inside.

Peter guessed he had the answer to his question.

******

In any merger negotiation, it's never the money--or almost never the money--that drives the train. It's power. And as Fortune Magazine had editorialized years ago--where the major players wanted to live and work determined almost everything. Appleton was the gorilla. But, securities and tax regulations were going to play an important part. If Appleton wanted to be mostly free of US tax and securities laws, the headquarters and operations had to be more than token, fully staffed, including a majority of the managing partners, and outside the US.

This had been done before--and Peter knew how to do it. The holding company would be in an offshore tax haven--presumably somewhere in the Caribbean where there would only be a few functionaries. Then there would be three operating companies--all headquartered outside the US. The boards of each could be populated by a majority of Americans--presumably the existing senior management of Appleton--but the officers, with real authority over operations, needed to be outside the US--or at least mostly so.

In the end, although a sizable staff would remain in New York to maintain the profitable US financial business, major offices in Zurich and Budapest would be created. Milos was going to be the Managing Director of the Budapest office. And a young, up and coming Appleton exec, Michael Hearst, would relocate to Zurich. He was young, without family, and, Milos suspected, gay or bi. Certainly he hadn't been disturbed at the occasional signs that Milos and Peter were living together. Existing executives of Appleton and JB would be sprinkled around the various boards of directors. Once the personnel decisions had been ironed out, it was clear the deal was going to be done. Everyone was happy.

Peter and Milos hosted a fabulous dinner at Gundel, taking over the little-known room with wall of Art Nouveau stained glass and then went home to a real celebration--and dessert. Both were hot and demanding--and the festivities continued on to morning. Peter and Milos flipped over and over--until they were dripping in cum, hypnotized by their musky aromas, exhausted and sore from the efforts.

The Appleton-JB closing occurred on schedule. And two of Peter's clients were successful with bids to buy the Hungarian companies they had sought with closings scheduled in the new year.

It was time for Peter to go to New York to take his boys for the holiday. And to finalize the arrangements with Chris. He wanted to celebrate the holiday in New York with Milos, and so had invited him to join him for the holiday. Peter was going to meet with B&B--but this time he had a proposal to make and an ace up his sleeve.

When Peter had invited Milos to go with him to New York, he realized, perhaps that Peter was a changed person. Throughout the last year, he had been focused on "softening" Peter up, making him more sensual, giving him the opportunity to express his deepest sexuality. To open up to the sensuality that Milos wanted and needed. Peter had morphed big time. He radiated as much raw sexuality as Milos--all the time. His business alpha now was housed in a homo-erotic hot body.

But it was clear that Milos too had changed. The most obvious, of course, was that he was no longer prowling for conquests. He was no longer the predator at all. He no longer cared what his acquaintances thought of his latest paramour. (That was an easy one: Peter was turning out to be an incredibly attractive and hot American model--almost a porn star when they appeared in public.) And, perhaps most of all, he had come to realize that, in focusing on opening Peter and meeting Peter's sons, he had submerged his own selfishness. He wasn't out to prevail; he was out to give his love the best possible sexual experience possible, and he wanted to help the boys to become real, contented adults.

It was clear. Milos had been selfish and egotistical, a Euro-trash playboy. And now he was a lover, ready to sacrifice, to compromise, to deliver himself to another. And he adored the boys.

Peter had grown. But so had Milos.

Peter and Milos arrived on the day after Christmas and took a suite at the Peninsula--in the middle of all the New York festivities. It had an extra room--because Peter intended to have JR and Paul with him for most of the week--and he didn't want to be in the basement of the brownstone.

The conversations with Chris were much more difficult this time. Peter disclosed that he and Milos were living together--and that Milos had agreed with him that they would take over the custody of the boys. She was shocked, but given her own recent decisions, there really wasn't much she could say about it. Chris assumed it would be in New York, of course.

They hadn't worked out all the details, but Peter and Milos intended to marry--and Milos was going to adopt the boys. She'd get reasonable custody and visitation of course, but given Sheila's new-found attitude toward children, he wondered how often she would exercise her rights. Then, he dropped the bomb: They would live in Budapest. JR and Paul had already been enrolled in the American International School starting in mid-January.

And JR might someday be Count Peter, assuming Paul didn't turn him in first as a vampire!

Chris was stunned, but realized she had created the situation. There was really nothing she could do--unless she gave up Sheila, which was out of the question. She consoled herself that she'd have the boys in New York for summers--assuming Sheila agreed.

Then he went on. If Peter was taking the boys, he no longer wanted the brownstone. He wanted it sold immediately--unless Chris wanted to buy him out. The neighborhood had "taken off"--and similar properties were selling for millions. Chris decided she couldn't afford the buy-out. So she agreed to move when the property sold. Sheila wanted to live in the Village anyway, nearer to NYU.

Peter was surprised this time that Chris had been so pliable. He wondered how much Sheila had taken over her life. But, then he realized that he no longer cared.

Then it was time to meet with the managing partner of B&B. Josh Steiner was currently in that slot, a litigator, not someone that Peter had worked with or knew much about. But he had the rep of a shark with no heart. Josh greeted Peter. They chatted for a few minutes--only a few, time was money. Then Josh set out the conditions--and compensation--for Peter's return to the firm's New York office. He would join one of three M&A teams, and he was expected to take a cut, quite a large one, until he was able to "re-establish his value" to the firm--presumably with Herculean hours. Josh announced Peter's bonus for the past year--a paltry few hundred thousand, given the size of the Appleton mater. It was a tough deal, but Josh assumed Peter had no choice. The move to Budapest, while successful for the firm had stripped Peter of much of his bargaining power. In a law firm, the past is rarely valued; it's always, what are you going to do for us next year?

Josh stood, indicating that the meeting was over. Peter remained seated, "I don't think that is how it's going to go down, Josh."

Josh reddened--he was known for his instant anger and assumed the automatic obedience of younger partners. He was ready to throw Peter to the wolves.

"The Appleton Group/JB merger is done. Both sides are very happy with the results and think I'm a genius. The Budapest office has billed an eight figure fee which is being paid this week. My bonus on that should be at least a million, based on past B&B practice."

"That's unprecedented for someone your age. And, very presumptuous, if I might add. It's out of the question."

"I haven't finished yet, Josh. The merger has created three major companies in Zurich (JB Private Bank and JB Appleton Hedge) and Budapest (JB Private Equity). They are all now my clients--and they're portable. I want to emphasize, MY clients. I'm guessing fees in the mid eight figures for the next few years." Peter paused to let it sink in.

"So this is what we are going to do: My bonus for last year will be one million Euros. B&B is going give me the resources to staff up Budapest and create a new firm in Zurich. I'll be the managing partner of each. And my compensation will be a percentage of the profitability of those two firms--a large percentage. And I want a seat on the B&B Executive Committee."

Peter paused again to allow his demands to sink in, "--and if you don't agree, I'm prepared to talk with another firm that will do so. Appleton's former law firm has been calling me every day. They are losing their best client--because of me. So this is non-negotiable, Josh. If you want me, a Budapest office and Appleton, that's the deal."

"I'll give you 48 hours to decide. Bill Nelson, the CEO of Appleton, will confirm everything I've just said. Here's his cell number if you wish to call him. I'm returning to Budapest at the end of the week. The ball is in your court, Josh. I've got two sons and a fiancé to enjoy New York with. Happy Holidays."

He rose and left, not giving Josh another second to speak.

Ultimately Josh accepted everything. He really had no choice. He did of course call Nelson who confirmed everything Peter had reported. But, Peter had made an enemy. He knew that, but frankly, he really didn't give a damn. Big law is all about clients, big clients who pay big fees and who controls the business--not friendships among partners.

Peter returned to the suite, a conquering hero. He and Milos had one more night before Chris delivered his sons to their care. He got rid of the suit and pulled on a tee and shorts, his long beautiful feet bare on the plush carpeting. Then he grabbed his lucky Harvard hoodie.

Peter poured a large Glenfiddich in a Baccarat glass and was standing at the huge window, sipping and looking out at the incredible bustle of holiday New York. Light snow was falling, and the city was magical. He was exhausted, but elated. For once, he had put himself, his sons and his lover before anything else. He didn't yet know if his demands would be met, but he had all the cards--and he was willing to play them if necessary.

Milos arrived about an hour later--he had taken the boys to the Natural History Museum and delivered them back to the brownstone for their last night with Chris. (They had searched in several departments for evidence of the existence of vampires--but had come up empty. It seems that "vampires"--except bats--are not a "natural" phenomenon.)

He removed his coat and stepped behind Peter. The next moves were practiced and, Milos knew, appreciated. His arms curled around. His right hand went under the tee shirt and directly to the nipple. He cupped the pec and his fingers began to tease. Peter groaned as the nipple engorged and long sharp waves of pleasure shot to his cock.