“Papa? I’m home!” Harper called.
“Good timing,” Max whispered, laughing.
“I’ll be there in a minute!” Trent called back.
“Take your time! This is the second time I’ve been back! But I’m starving so I’m not staying away any longer!” Harper’s laughter echoed through the apartment along with Trent and Max’s groans and curses.
****
The following day after having contacted the bank, Trent sat in the bank manager’s office staring at him in shock. “You’re offering me how much?”
The manager cleared his throat. “In light of all the problems and the fact it was an employee at fault, we are offering to replace the money that was in the account before the withdrawals began, and also provide you with compensation of the same amount for the troubles you have had.” Trent looked at Max in shock, seeing a similar expression on his face, then turned back to the bank manager when he continued, “That would mean we would transfer eighty-seven thousand pounds into the account of your choice.”
Trent shook his head, unable to believe it. Maybe he would be able to get Max to update his apartment now. He looked at Max again, smiling.
****
Eleven weeks later
Max
“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Max said to Frederick, who had called him to come help with a new sub he had.
“You don’t have to touch him or be a part of it, except to help me see what he needs,” Frederick replied.
Max was torn. Frederick had never asked for his help before, and he was reluctant to refuse, but he had also told Trent he would never go to a club again. “I need to speak with Trent. Can I call you back in a minute?”
“Sure, make it quick.”
Max rang off and called Trent.
“Hey, you.”
“Hey.”
“Everything okay? You sound upset.”
“Frederick has been on the phone asking if I could help him with his new sub. I know I told you I would never go to a club again, but Frederick has never asked for my help before. I don’t—”
“Max. I trust you. The past few weeks, you have told me when you needed something, and we’ve worked around it together. If you want to go and help Frederick, go.”
“I promise I won’t take part in it, only as an advisor.”
“Max. Stop worrying. It’s fine. Do what you need to.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes! Go. Help Frederick break his sub in or whatever. I’ll see you later.”
“Thank you. Love you.”
“Love you back.”
Max called Frederick back straight away, confirming he’d be there and checking the name of the club. He grabbed a few bits he might need and dressed in his leather pants. He wanted to make sure he gave the air of a Dom tonight, so no one tried to mess with him.
He called a taxi as his car was in the garage overnight, and within half an hour he was at Sinned. He gained entry with his thumbprint as always and headed to the bar; they would know where Frederick was. The bartender pointed him to room three, and he made his way to the back of the club. He saw Frederick standing outside the room with the door very slightly ajar.
“Hey, glad you’re here.”