Page 71 of Perfect Night

“And yet here you are, attacking my client with allegations. You’ve clearly spent the last three hours trying to pull something together whilst you left us waiting. Mr Steele has admitted he assaulted Mr Fletcher and he has provided a justification. I’m positive the district attorney wouldn’t even entertain taking it to trial. So, why don’t we stop this fishing expedition and either charge my client or let him go?”

Sebastian wasn’t sure what to say, although he suspected he wasn’t supposed to say anything. This was Max’s domain.

“Mr Brady, can we have a word outside?”

Max nodded, and the interview ended. Sebastian was told to stay put whilst the others went off to talk. If anyone could get the DA to have the whole thing thrown out, it would beMax. If Sebastian was charged, it was bound to be in the press. Would it hurt business? He wasn’t sure, but he wouldn’t change a thing. Sebastian had done what anyone else would have for someone they love. He had no regrets, and he admired Charlie for pressing charges. He knew he was doing it to protect Hunter, rather than making it about himself, which was pure Charlie. Max came back into the room.

“Right, I’ve got a deal for you. Brandon will drop the charges if Charlie does the same.”

“That fucker.”

“I know, but this is the cleanest and quickest way to put the thing to bed.”

“And what if Hunter presses charges?”

“That’s not a condition. I got the impression Brandon is pretty confident that won’t happen.”

“Of course he is. I can’t ask Charlie to do that. If he wants to press charges, I have to support him. No question.”

“And I get that. But Simmons is pretty confident the DA will charge you and it’ll go to trial. Your entire history with Brandon will be in the press. Is it really worth it?”

Sebastian didn’t care about any of that – well, he did, but it was nothing compared to his love for Charlie. He knew that if he asked Charlie to drop the charges, he’d do it in a heartbeat, but Sebastian would never put him in that position.

CHAPTER 19

CHARLIE

Charlie was still aching all over when he woke up. It was time for more painkillers, which were by the bed with a bottle of water. Sebastian had been so attentive and it would be sweet if he wasn’t treating Charlie like a china doll. What had happened to his big, strong gladiator?

He was feeling hungry, so thought he would get something from the kitchen. Once Sebastian saw him, he’d jump up and start fussing. Hopefully, he’d be in his office. Charlie padded into the kitchen and squealed in surprise at the strange man in the kitchen, before realising it was Deacon.

“Fucking hell,” said Deacon, looking up and down Charlie’s body.

He immediately covered his crotch.

“Relax, Charlie, I was referring to your bruises. I’d end up with my own if I went anywhere near you.”

“Where’s Sebastian?”

“He had to go out for something. Asked me to keep an eye on you.”

“For fuck’s sake, I’m not a child.”

“Why don’t you get dressed? I’ll make you a grilled cheese. Then we can talk.”

Charlie growled in irritation, but a grilled cheese sounded utterly amazing right now. If there was one thing he loved about being in New York, besides Sebastian, it was the belief that there was no such thing as too much cheese.

He went back into the bedroom and pulled on some sweats and a loose T-shirt. He needed a shower, but that could wait until later. Maybe Sebastian would run him a bath again. Scrap that, he could run his own bath. There were already smells of melting cheese as he walked back into the kitchen. Deacon had put on an apron, which was adorable and bizarre at the same time. Charlie was going to sit at the breakfast bar, but it was painful to get up on the stool, so he opted for the dining table.

A few minutes later, he was tucking into the best grilled cheese he’d ever had. Deacon started cleaning up.

“Leave that. Sit down. I have questions.”

Deacon smiled, clearly humouring him. He took a seat.

“Where has Sebastian gone?”

“Police station. They needed his statement.”

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