Page 39 of Perfect Night

“I just want to talk.”

“I need to go.”

“Just hear me out, please.”

Charlie looked distressed, and Sebastian was conscious he still had him pinned against the door, but he knew if he moved away, he’d run.

“Please, just sit down.”

He gestured to the bed. There was no lounge here. He could have gone for somewhere more upmarket, but he hadn’t wanted to give his real name to Charlie, and that would have caused issues with getting him past hotel security. That had been one of Patrick’s suggestions.

“How long have you known?” asked Charlie.

“Only since yesterday.”

“How?”

“My sister. She’s a bit protective.”

“Does she know you hired me tonight?”

“Please, Charlie, just have a seat. I only want to talk.”

He sighed but nodded, pushed himself away from the door and sat on the bed. Sebastian locked the door and put the chain on. He didn’t want Charlie to feel trapped, but he didn’t want him to run. He grabbed an envelope from under the pillow and passed it to Charlie.

“What’s this?”

“I didn’t want you to lose out, because it was me.”

He opened the envelope which contained five grand in cash. Sebastian had spoken to Lucinda. Charlie’s usual overnight rate was two grand, but at first Sebastian had been told he wasn’t available and was offered some others. He’d upped the money to three grand, but it appeared Charlie wasn’t interested. Maybe he didn’t need the money as much as Sebastian thought. He’d upped his offer to five grand, plus another grand for Lucinda’s fee, and here they were.

“I don’t want your money, Sebastian. I’ve never wanted it, despite what your sister might think.”

“How did you . . .”

“Lucky guess, but good to know where I stand.”

“Look, I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“She told Nathaniel the deal was off. She didn’t know the impact it would have on you. Did you get fired?”

“Let’s just say I was forced to resign.”

“What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll be fine. You were right, I’m better than that place. Now, is that all you wanted to say? I need to go.”

“Go where? You thought you were going to be here all night.”

Charlie picked up the envelope of money and tapped it against his palm. He shook his head, exasperated. Charlie stood up, pushed the envelope into Sebastian’s hand and went to walk around him. Sebastian grabbed his arm.

“Let go of me. I had enough of being manhandled yesterday.”

“Has someone hurt you?”

Charlie yanked his arm away. “Why do you even care?”

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