Page 28 of Perfect Night

“Oh, hi Candice.”What the hell does she want?

“Look, I’ll get straight to the point, Charlie. You impressed me today, I mean really impressed me, and that doesn’t happen often at my age,” she laughed.

He laughed along to be polite, not sure where she was going with this.

“I was wondering if we could meet so I could discuss a job opportunity with my team.”

What the fuck?

“And before you ask, this hasn’t come from Sebastian, although of course he’s aware. He has no say in this hiring decision. I really think your talents are wasted at Sumptua. It’s just an informal chat at this stage to tell you about the role so you can think about it. I’d rather do this in person. Perhaps we can grab a coffee tomorrow before work?”

He was too stunned to speak.

“You still there?”

“Yeah, sorry. Coffee sounds great. I need to be at work at half-eight though.”

“How does seven thirty sound? I’d suggest somewhere near your work, but better not to risk it given we haven’t communicated our decision on the contract yet. Where do you live?”

“Soho. Brewer Street.”

“Nice, Okay, I know a place on Old Compton Street. I’ll send you the details. Thanks, Charlie.”

He said goodbye and hung up. Where had that come from? Once the initial shock wore off, he got irritated. Was this Sebastian’s doing? She’d said he had nothing to do with it, but Sebastian knew what he was earning and had seemed angry. Was this just a pity offer? There was no way he could take something because the guy he’d slept with wanted to help him out. If he wouldn’t take things from his friends, he would not do it with someone he’d spent one night with. He’d meet Candice tomorrow to be polite, but he’d need to have a word with Sebastian about overstepping. His phone buzzed in his pocket.

Sebastian:What’s your favourite food?

Charlie wanted to call him out for Candice’s phone call, but he knew Sebastian would call him and he wasn’t ready for that conversation yet. He’d reply later. For now, he had to get ready for a night with Jeremy.

Jeremy was an investment banker who was probably richer than the royal family. He lived in a penthouse apartment on the River Thames. He could be considered handsome, and was in shape for his age, which Charlie would guess was early fifties, but his shitty personality made him deeply unattractive.

He liked to play power games. Even if he was the bottom in the bedroom, he was the one in complete control all the time. He also liked to be verbal during sex, and he somehow knew your weaknesses and would poke at them. You’d leave after seeing Jeremy and want to run to a therapist.

“Come in, boy.”

Jeremy had opened the door swirling a glass of red, wearing a silk robe which covered nothing. Did he answer the door like that to everyone? Most people did one night with Jeremy andnever went back, but he’d taken a shine to Charlie. He wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or not. He’d ask himself that question again in the morning.

“Can I get you a drink?”

“A bottle of water, thanks.”

Charlie followed him as Jeremy went to the fridge. His kitchen was the size of most people’s whole flat. He took out the water and gestured towards the glasses. Charlie shook his head and took the bottle. It was something Lucinda had taught him when he’d first started. Always ask for a sealed bottle when offered a drink by a client.

“Shall we have a seat before we get started? I’d like to put a proposition to you.”

Charlie did his best not to roll his eyes. He guessed what was coming, but he’d humour Jeremy. He was here all night, after all. They walked into the opulent lounge, which just screamed ostentatious money. Antique furniture, immaculate decoration. It was a modern penthouse decorated like a stately home. The guy even had his own coat of arms with some Latin writing under it, which probably translated as ‘I have billions of pounds, so fuck you!’

Jeremy took a seat on the sofa, his robe falling open. He was already aroused. Charlie took it as a compliment, and put on his best smile.

“If I remember rightly, you don’t bottom for clients?”

“That’s correct.”

“But you’re not an exclusive top when you’reoff-duty.”

“It’s more of a boyfriend thing.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

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