Page 100 of Back Room Host

“Someone drugged him. We’re taking him with us.”

As Noé took my arm over his shoulder and lifted me up, searing pains shot through my back, making it almost impossible for me to stand on my own. I couldn’t even hold ontoNoé, though I desperately wanted to. At least I had the chance to rest my head on his neck. I was bleeding all over Stoney, but it wasn’t the first time.

“It’s alright, Rock. I got you.”

“To the hospital?” Alex asked.

“No. Home.”

“If they gave him roofies, it would still be detectable by now. He has rights.”

“No chance.”

Thanks, Stoney.Still, I couldn't manage to say a word.

33

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Juri

I sat on the shower floor while Noé washed my entire body. I wanted to disappear into thin air. As the drug wore off, the shame took up more space.

“This is so humiliating,” I muttered, head hanging low.

“No, bro.” Noé rinsed the soap off with the showerhead, meeting my gaze. “Everything’s okay.”

“You don’t have to do this. I can wait until I can do it myself …”

“For you always, Rock.”

I sighed, knowing I would’ve done the same for him. Like a pitiful mess, I sat with my legs drawn up against the wall, still feeling that numbness on my skin as Noé gently wiped it with a soft cloth. The bright light blinded me, so I avoided looking at Noé. When he tilted my head back and applied shampoo, I closed my eyes. It wasn’t until he washed my face that I opened them again, blinking. His expression was gentle and compassionate. Thankfully, my vision was still slightly blurred. Seeing him too clearly would’ve been overwhelming.

Eventually, Noé turned off the water, wrapped me in a large white towel, and rubbed my hair. “Can you stand?”

I grasped onto him, using his help to rise. He sat me on the toilet lid and dried me off. Despite feeling weak, I was regaining feeling in my body. As Noé draped his arm around my torso and guided me back to the bedroom, I gasped from the pressure on my ribs.

“I don’t like what you guys are doing,” Alex said, concerned. “He clearly belongs in the hospital.”

As I struggled to lie down, Noé led Alex out into the hallway, where I could still hear their conversation.

“I know, but …”

“Please, Noé. Your friend has rights. He should file a report.”

“His clients are wealthy guys with good lawyers. He wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Clients?”

“He’s a callboy.”

Alex didn’t say anything more. When I turned my head toward them, my vision was still too blurred to see his expression.

“He was probably paid, which makes things even more difficult.”

“That sounds like it’s not the first time.”

It was sweet of Alex to stand up for me like that. Noé seemed to think so too and kissed him.

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