Page 67 of Perfect Night

“You punched him?”

“He was hurting you.”

It was said so matter-of-factly. Charlie could see Sebastian’s eyes watering. He’d never seen him get emotional. He was always the strong one.

Bex arrived with Martin and some security guards. She looked at Brandon on the floor.

“Fuck, little bro. I always knew you had it in you.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes and pulled Charlie towards him protectively.

“I’d like to get Charlie home. You guys can take it from here.”

“Will Mr Davidson be pressing charges?”

Sebastian looked at him. There was no expectation on his face. It was completely Charlie’s decision. And he loved that about him. He looked over at Hunter. The guy was broken. It was a no-brainer.

“Yes, I’ll be pressing charges.”

“Then you need to wait for the police.”

Oh, bollocks. He hadn’t thought of that. Sebastian was already a step ahead.

“Can someone arrange a room for us to wait in?”

One of the security guards signalled for them to follow him. Charlie took hold of Hunter’s arm.

“You’re coming with us.”

He nodded. Bex followed them as well, leaving the others with security. Thankfully, they were taken out the back way. The security guard left them in a lounge area and said he’d get someone to arrange some drinks. Charlie didn’t need alcohol right now. The adrenaline had worn off and all he felt was pain. He wondered if some of his ribs were broken. Charlie eased down onto a chair. Sebastian was sitting on the arm, not leaving his side. Bex was pacing, and Hunter was sitting opposite, looking like his world had just ended. All they could do was wait.

CHAPTER 18

SEBASTIAN

The night had been a disaster. He’d been stressing about Henry, and instead Brandon had appeared back in his life. Sebastian should have known something would happen and not let Charlie be left alone. Everyone had been focused on him, and Charlie had gotten hurt. If he hadn’t arrived when he did, how far would Brandon have gone? He didn’t want to think about it.

Once they were done with the police and Charlie had put his foot down about not going to hospital, they were back home. Sebastian double-locked the front door, so it felt safer. Neither of them had any appetite, even though they hadn’t eaten all night. They were in the bedroom and Sebastian was terrified to touch Charlie in case he hurt him again.

“Would you like a bath?” he asked.

“That sounds amazing, but do you even have one?”

“Yeah, it’s on the other side of the apartment, next to my office.”

“You have three bathrooms in this place. Isn’t it a pain in the arse to clean them all?”

“I have a cleaner.”

Charlie chuckled. “Of course you do. Well, a bath sounds wonderful. Are you going to join me?”

There was a hopeful look in his eye, but Sebastian was hesitant. Something was holding him back. He felt responsible for what had happened.

“It might not be big enough for both of us, but I can wash you. How does that sound?”

“I’m not going to break, you know.”

“I know. Just... let’s get you in the bath and all relaxed.”

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