Page 24 of Perfect Night

“Come over here.”

He gestured to the sofa in his expansive office, not letting go of Charlie’s hand the whole time.

“First, you’re taking my number again, and I’m taking yours. Second, we have a lot more in common than you think, and I don’t mean the amazing sex.”

Charlie blushed and looked down, but didn’t move his hands.

“The way you spoke in there with such passion. That’s me with my work. I was so proud of you.”

Sebastian noticed his eyes water. He wiped them with his thumb.

“What’s wrong?”

“No one’s ever told me they were proud of me before.”

“Nobody?”

“Apart from my mum and brothers, but family doesn’t count, does it? They have to say things like that.”

“No, they don’t. You are amazing, but – and I say this from a good place– what the fuck are you doing working for that cunt?”

Charlie burst out laughing, but quickly glanced at the door and sobered. They didn’t have long until Charlie’s boss would wonder where he was.

“I mean, how much are you earning there? Thirty-five, forty?”

Charlie mumbled something, looking embarrassed.

“Tell me, Charlie.”

“Twenty-five.”

Sebastian felt a surge of rage. What the actual fuck? That was barely above the living wage in London, and he should be earning double that at least. It took all his willpower not to walk outside and punch Nathaniel in the face. How many of his other staff was he underpaying?

“Maybe if we get this job, he’ll see how much I helped and give me that promotion.”

“They aren’t getting the contract, Charlie.”

“What? But you said I impressed you.”

“And you did, but we don’t do business with companies who treat their staff like shit.”

“But you wouldn’t have known that if I didn’t tell you what my boss was like.”

“You didn’t need to tell me. I saw it with my own eyes today. Candice did as well.”

Charlie stood up, looking terrified and like he was going to burst into tears.

“What’s wrong, Charlie?”

“He’ll blame me when they don’t get the contract. He’ll say it was my fault because they never take me on pitches and the first time they do, they lose because of me. You don’t know what he’s like. I can’t lose this job.”

“Trust me. You can do a lot better.”

“No, I can’t. You don’t understand.”

Sebastian needed to calm him down. He was highly distressed, but what could he do? There was no way they would sign the contract. Charlie could do so much better anyway. His skills were phenomenal. Candice could put the word out for him.

“Charlie, I’ve got some contacts. Let me get you some interviews. You should have a job which pays you what you’re worth.”

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