Page 78 of Perfect Night

“Someone dumped me outside. Probably him, so at least he did something right.”

“No. He did nothing right. The only reason he took you to the hospital was to save his own neck. He didn’t want to get done for killing you.”

Sebastian nodded, crying. He knew that, but deep down, he’d always hoped Brandon had cared about him in some way. Sebastian cried on Charlie’s shoulder for what felt like hours. He knew Charlie might still leave, but he wanted him to know he had no expectations.

“I didn’t tell you this to make you stay, you know.”

“I know that. Just let me support you now. We can talk about the future tomorrow.”

The comment made Sebastian uneasy. Was he just being kind tonight, but he’d still get on a plane tomorrow? He didn’t want to think of it. Charlie stood and pulled Sebastian up – well, he attempted to. They both smiled at each other, but Sebastian allowed himself to be led into the bedroom.

Charlie undressed him, but there was nothing sexual about it. He then insisted Sebastian get in the shower and joined him, cleaning Sebastian’s body all over. Once they were both clean, Charlie turned the shower off. He dried Sebastian off, and put him in sleep shorts, and they got into bed.

It was a surprise when Charlie took the position of the big spoon. Was this what it was like to be nurtured and cared for by someone else? Sebastian had always been the caregiver, even when he was young.

He wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring. Would he wake up and find Charlie gone? He hoped not, but he would take one more night in Charlie’s arms, even if that’s all they ever had.

CHAPTER 21

CHARLIE

The plane took to the sky and Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he’d made the right decision, even if it hurt. It was an uneventful flight. The excitement of the last time was gone. He had things to do, and they played on his mind the whole journey, meaning he didn’t sleep. Just as he was drifting off, they announced the descent into Heathrow. It was going to be a long day. He’d pre-booked a cab to take him home. There was no way he was lugging two suitcases on the train and Tube during the morning rush hour, or any hour. He regarded it as a necessity, rather than an indulgence.

His friends didn’t know he was coming home early. It was a conversation which needed to be had in person, especially with Gregory and Langdon, who would swoop into fixer mode. This was something Charlie had to do on his own.

The cab ride home was quick, with minimal traffic, and thankfully a cabbie who wasn’t in a chatty mood and played a chilled radio station the whole way. Charlie considered whether he should get a couple of hours’ sleep, but he needed to get started.

Arriving home, he manoeuvred his cases into the flat and his room. It was mid-morning and everyone was at work – evenLangdon, thankfully. Hopefully, he’d be free this afternoon, but his first stop was Gregory. Charlie had a shower to wake himself up, and changed his clothes. He went for a pair of light brown chinos and a casual shirt. Spring showers were in full force, so a burgundy jumper completed the look. There were rare occasions when he thought he looked good, and today was one of them. It was only a five-minute walk to Gregory’s office, so he grabbed an umbrella and his shoulder bag, ready to tackle the first thing on his list.

Charlie stepped out of the lift into the reception ofLegs Up. The huge brand name on display behind the desk always made Charlie smile. It was one of the rare times Gregory had shown he had a sense of humour, when he’d let Jason name his company. He’d only just rejoined their group and Gregory had wanted an umbrella brand, as he was developing other fitness apps.

“Charlie,” squealed Hannah, the receptionist.

She bounded over and almost squeezed the air out of him. Hannah had been here from the beginning and Gregory had offered to promote her half a dozen times, but she was happy being a receptionist. So Gregory did what he always did to solve a problem. Hannah was probably the best-paid receptionist in the world.

“He’s DND, and it applies to family.”

Gregory did that when he was in his geek zone, especially if he was in the office. Thefamilycomment was probably aimed at Jason, but Charlie wouldn’t put Hannah in a difficult position.

“I’ll wait.”

She offered him a drink, but he declined. He wouldn’t be waiting long.

Charlie:SOS. I’m in reception!

Within thirty seconds, Hannah burst out laughing. He looked up with a smile.

“He said to go through.”

Charlie got up, blew her a kiss, and made his way to Gregory’s office. He didn’t bother knocking. None of the brothers did. Once you got past Hannah, Gregory’s defences were down.

Not one to spoil himself with money, the exception for Gregory was his work environment. His office was like something out of a sci-fi movie. For starters, it was gigantic, probably the size of his entire master suite in the flat. Screens dominated one wall with the latest tech. He had a lounge area, which included an enormous sofa. Gregory slept on it when he pulled an all-nighter. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave a magnificent view of Piccadilly Circus.

Gregory was at his desk, which was monstrous and had three screens, plus his laptop. They were full of complex code Charlie had no interest in deciphering. He was so engrossed in what he was doing, he hadn’t heard Charlie come in, so jumped when he plonked down in a seat in front of his desk.

“What are you doing here?” asked Gregory.

“It’s lovely to see you too, brother.”

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