Page 68 of Perfect Night

Charlie sighed, but nodded. Sebastian manoeuvred Charlie onto the bed, so he was sitting, and told him to wait whilst he got things ready. He really wanted to kiss Charlie, but again something was holding him back, so he went to the other bathroom and started running the water. Sebastian had a gazillion different bubble baths, bombs, salts and all manner of things. Bex had stocked this place up when she’d once stayed over and he’d offered her shower gel as bubble bath. The next day she’d marched him out to a department store, and he’d come back a few thousand dollars lighter. He wouldn’t mind, but he never had a bath. It was always showers. He’d only had this bathroom fitted out like this, so he had the option if he wanted it.

The bath filled up quickly, with bubbles doubling the height. With a few adjustments, he had the water perfect. He turned to get Charlie and was startled to see he was in the doorway watching him.

“How long have you been there?”

“A while. It was cute watching you fuss over the water temperature.”

He blushed, but smiled. He wanted Charlie to be comfortable.

“Come on, get undressed and get in.”

“I . . . err . . . need some help.”

Sebastian’s stomach lurched. That bastard had done this to his sweet Charlie. He nodded, as he wasn’t sure he could get anywords out without getting choked up. Charlie needed him to be strong.

He started by unbuttoning his shirt gently. When he pulled it open, he wanted to be sick. The bruising on Charlie’s body gave Sebastian an immediate flashback to seeing his own the same way. The difference was that Sebastian could have fought back if he wanted to; he just chose not to. Charlie was innocent and if it wasn’t for his connection to Sebastian, this never would have happened.

“Hey. You know this isn’t your fault, don’t you?”

Sebastian nodded, not making eye contact. He didn’t want Charlie to see him upset, but his man would not be fobbed off.

“Look at me, Sebastian.”

He did, his eyes watering. Charlie’s face softened.

“I stayed in the bathroom to help Hunter. And I very much was the one who kneed Brandon in the bollocks.”

“You didn’t?”

“That’s probably what tipped him over the edge. So, stop blaming yourself and help me get these clothes off. After you kiss me.”

Sebastian smiled and obliged. It wasn’t one of their usual kisses, but it wasn’t PG, either. They broke the kiss, and he chuckled.

“What?” asked Charlie.

“I can’t believe you kneed him in the balls.”

Charlie laughed and then winced in pain. Sebastian went back to undressing Charlie. Once the shirt was off, he told Charlie to lean on his shoulders as he removed the shoes and socks. He pulled the trousers and boxers down in one motion and was slapped in the face by Charlie’s hard dick.

“Sorry, he just sees you down there and gets all excited.”

“I’ll take care of him later when you’re all relaxed.”

He guided Charlie into the bath and supported him as he gently lowered himself. There was a groan of pleasure as he sank into the water. Sebastian quickly went to his office and brought back a chair, so he could sit by the bath as Charlie relaxed. Even with the water, the bruising was prominent. Every time Sebastian saw it, he was hit with a multitude of emotions. The worst was fear that this amazing thing they were building together had now been irreparably damaged.

Sebastian had barely slept. After the bath, he’d offered to sleep in the spare room so he didn’t accidentally roll over on Charlie in the night, which had resulted in some harsh words from his boyfriend. They’d cuddled up like they always did, but Sebastian was terrified to squeeze too tightly. He was a big guy and could easily hurt Charlie by accident.

During breakfast, Charlie was wincing in pain and Sebastian had to put his foot down and insisted they see a doctor. Then there was another disagreement about Charlie using his travel insurance to pay for it. He was being infuriating as he wouldn’t let Sebastian just take charge and look after him. His stubbornness, which had been admirable and endearing before, was driving Sebastian crazy. He hated feeling helpless.

The doctor had taken an X-ray and thankfully, his ribs were just bruised and nothing was broken. They ran some other tests to check everything else was okay. They prescribed some powerful painkillers which were anti-inflammatory. When they were leaving, Charlie overheard the three-grand bill and glared at Sebastian, but said nothing. They drove back in silence. Charlie went to lie down, and was asleep when Sebastian checked on him.

Bex had called to check up, as had Deacon. Sebastian had reassured them they were both fine, but he wouldn’t be in theoffice for the foreseeable. He wasn’t leaving Charlie on his own right now. His phone rang with an unknown local number. He went to his office before answering it.

“Sebastian Steele.”

“Mr Steele. This is Lieutenant Simmons from NYPD. We need you to come in to the station to answer a few questions regarding last night’s incident.”

“Sure. When would you like to see me?”

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