12. Sebastian

CHAPTER 12

SEBASTIAN

This isn't going to work. Don't call me again. Sorry x.

Sebastian had woken up happy. He'd stretched out and imagined tomorrow morning with Charlie next to him. He'd spent the rest of Friday replaying what Bex had told him. The self-doubt she'd put in his head had been debilitating. After Brandon and Henry, he couldn't be burnt again. In the end he'd called Patrick, who was his usual logical self. He hadn't dismissed what Bex was suggesting, as she'd raised some good points, but ultimately he'd asked Sebastian what his gut was telling him.

Sebastian knew Charlie had his reasons for doing what he did. He wanted to look after his mum, which was admirable. Sebastian could just offer to pay for things, but Charlie would never accept it. He had to help him help himself. That was the way he'd approach this, and the first thing was getting him a better-paid job. He'd spoken with Candice and asked if she had any contacts who would want Charlie. She was adamant about trying to get him to change his mind about her job offer, but she'd relented and agreed to help. He'd bring it up tonight, or so he thought.

The text from Charlie had caused Sebastian to panic, which he never did. He'd immediately called but couldn't get through. It was only when he replied to the text that he realised Charlie had blocked him. That should have been a sign for him to give up, but he wasn't letting go of him so easily. Something had to have got in his head, or someone. Bex better not have overstepped. He called her.

"Where are you?"

"Good morning to you too, brother."

"What did you say to Charlie?"

"I've never met the guy."

"So, why has he sent me a message ending things and then blocked me?"

"Interesting."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, I think this proves my point."

"Stop being vague and spit it out."

"I contacted Sumptua and told them we wouldn't be proceeding with them."

"You did what?"

"But you weren't proceeding with them, so I passed on the news and then look, your little hustler blocks you."

"Jesus Christ, Bex. Charlie already knew we weren't going to use them."

"What?"

"I told him the day of the pitch. He said he'd be fired because they'd want to blame him, so we were waiting until next week to give him time to find something else. He's probably lost his job and now it looks like I lied to him."

"Does it really matter?"

"Of course it matters. I told you to keep out of it."

"Look, you're not thinking sensibly about this one. I'm still at the airport. I can bump myself to a later flight. Why don't you just –"

Sebastian hung up on her before he said something he'd regret. He silenced his phone and tossed it on the bed. He loved his sister, but she was out of line this time. Things might not work out with him and Charlie, but she wasn't even giving it a chance. She'd written him off without hearing his side of the story. If he could just get Charlie in front of him and talk to him, he was sure they could work things out. He knew where he lived, but if he did that, he'd have an audience and he'd have to explain how he knew the address. It had to be the two of them, one-on-one and somewhere private.

An idea popped into his head. At first he dismissed it, but then decided he needed another opinion. He grabbed his phone and saw that he had a dozen missed calls and texts from his sister. God, she was persistent. He ignored the messages and called Patrick.

"To what do I owe this early morning pleasure?"

"I want to ask your opinion on something, but I need you to just listen until I've finished. Can you do that?"

"Of course."

He talked through his plan with Patrick and didn't take a breath, so there was no chance for him to interrupt. He had to get it all out before he lost his nerve. When he'd finished, there was silence at the other end.

"Are you still there?"

"Give me a second."

Okay, he could do that. Patrick liked to process things. He wasn't as impulsive as Sebastian.

"Okay, I'm here. Are you insane?"

"That was a ringing endorsement."

"You don't think this is going to backfire on you spectacularly?"

"I need to speak to him privately. At least this way, I know he'll come."

"He might just need some time, especially if he just lost his job."

"I can't wait. I need to see him and explain that it wasn't me and tell him I don't care about his other job."

"Can you really be in an open relationship?"

"That's not what this would be. It's just a job. I can separate the two. I at least want to try."

"Look, I think this idea is bonkers, but I know you well enough to realise that you're going to do it anyway. So let's go through a few things, so you at least have a smidgen of hope this will work."

Sebastian listened to his best friend's advice. It was sensible. Patrick had always been the mature one between them. Also taking Patrick's advice, he called Bex and cleared the air. He said he'd be home as planned on Sunday, and would see her in the office on Monday. He didn't bring her in on his plans, as he knew what she would think and she'd be straight over to stop him. All he told her was that he was going to speak to Charlie and hear his side of the story. With that all done, he packed up his case. He needed to get settled in his new place. Then he had a phone call to make.

It was just before seven o'clock, and Sebastian was pacing with nerves. He'd had to change his shirt into something more casual, as he was sweating so much. He kept going back and forth on whether this was the worst idea he'd ever had. Sebastian needed a drink, but he wanted to be sober for this.

On the dot of seven, there was a knock on his hotel door: the new one he'd moved to. They didn't have any suites, but it was their largest room and it was suitable for what he needed. He looked through the spyhole and there was Charlie, looking handsome, even through the distorted glass. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Charlie's jaw dropped in shock. They just stood looking at each other for a few seconds. Charlie's expression then changed to one of anger, and he looked ready to bolt, so Sebastian grabbed him and pulled him inside, closing the door and pinning him to the it.

"I just want to talk."

"I need to go."

"Just hear me out, please."

Charlie looked distressed, and Sebastian was conscious he still had him pinned against the door, but he knew if he moved away, he'd run.

"Please, just sit down."

He gestured to the bed. There was no lounge here. He could have gone for somewhere more upmarket, but he hadn't wanted to give his real name to Charlie, and that would have caused issues with getting him past hotel security. That had been one of Patrick's suggestions.

"How long have you known?" asked Charlie.

"Only since yesterday."

"How?"

"My sister. She's a bit protective."

"Does she know you hired me tonight?"

"Please, Charlie, just have a seat. I only want to talk."

He sighed but nodded, pushed himself away from the door and sat on the bed. Sebastian locked the door and put the chain on. He didn't want Charlie to feel trapped, but he didn't want him to run. He grabbed an envelope from under the pillow and passed it to Charlie.

"What's this?"

"I didn't want you to lose out, because it was me."

He opened the envelope which contained five grand in cash. Sebastian had spoken to Lucinda. Charlie's usual overnight rate was two grand, but at first Sebastian had been told he wasn't available and was offered some others. He'd upped the money to three grand, but it appeared Charlie wasn't interested. Maybe he didn't need the money as much as Sebastian thought. He'd upped his offer to five grand, plus another grand for Lucinda's fee, and here they were.

"I don't want your money, Sebastian. I've never wanted it, despite what your sister might think."

"How did you . . ."

"Lucky guess, but good to know where I stand."

"Look, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"She told Nathaniel the deal was off. She didn't know the impact it would have on you. Did you get fired?"

"Let's just say I was forced to resign."

"What do you mean?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll be fine. You were right, I'm better than that place. Now, is that all you wanted to say? I need to go."

"Go where? You thought you were going to be here all night."

Charlie picked up the envelope of money and tapped it against his palm. He shook his head, exasperated. Charlie stood up, pushed the envelope into Sebastian's hand and went to walk around him. Sebastian grabbed his arm.

"Let go of me. I had enough of being manhandled yesterday."

"Has someone hurt you?"

Charlie yanked his arm away. "Why do you even care?"

He didn't like this side of Charlie. It was cold, not the kind and warm man he'd spent that perfect night with or seen speak so passionately about his work. He wanted that Charlie, not this cold, detached person he didn't recognise. Was this how he was with all his clients, so he could deal with it?

Instinct took over, and he spun Charlie around and tossed him on the bed before pinning him down. Sebastian looked into his eyes, searching for any hesitation. There was none, so he kissed him passionately. Charlie flipped them over so he was on top. How he'd done it when there was at least fifty pounds between them was a mystery, but Sebastian was here for it.

He felt Charlie's monster cock grind against his leg. He was achingly hard himself and desperate for friction. Their kisses were frantic as they ripped each other's clothes off. There was no hesitation as hands went everywhere. Charlie licked his palm and gripped Sebastian's cock, making him buck upwards and groan with pleasure. That devilish look in Charlie's eyes was wonderful to see again. Charlie's grip was tight as he pumped Sebastian's cock roughly. This was going to be over too quickly, and he didn't want that. Using his strength, Sebastian flipped them over again, and took Charlie's hand off his cock. He moved down the bed and took Charlie down his throat. Well, he tried. The guy was fucking huge, and deep-throating wasn't something Sebastian had ever mastered. He gagged.

Charlie laughed, but it was playful rather than mocking. He was as turned on as Sebastian was.

Sebastian attempted to slow things down as he slid his tongue under the loose foreskin on Charlie's cock, which made him groan and thrust upwards, but Sebastian was ready for it this time. Charlie was writhing in pleasure, his head thrown back, making delicious moans. He applied pressure to Charlie's taint causing him to let out such a loud groan, the entire hotel must have head them. Sebastian loved that he was taking him apart. He worked his way to Charlie's hole and stroked around his pucker before starting to push inside.

"I don't bottom for clients."

Sebastian knew he was teasing him, but he took the bait. He pulled off Charlie's cock and stuck two fingers into his mouth, getting them nice and wet.

"I'm not a client."

And with those words, he slid both fingers in Charlie's hole and took his cock back in his mouth. He got his fingers deep inside and pushed against his prostate. Charlie thrust into Sebastian's mouth, groaning in pleasure.

"Oh fuck, Sebastian. I can't . . . oh my god . . . oh fuck . . . right there!"

Sebastian thrust further into Charlie's tight warm hole as he jerked him off with the other hand, his mouth sucking hard on the end of Charlie's cock. The salty precome hit his tongue. He tasted amazing. Sebastian could see Charlie's stomach muscles contracting, as well as his legs tensing. He could pull back and make this last all night, but he knew Charlie needed this, and that was what mattered the most.

He doubled down, playing Charlie from both ends, and vaguely heard him shout a warning before his mouth flooded with delicious warm come. He took it all down, not missing a drop as he slowly took his fingers out, noticing a slight wince. Charlie's cock had softened in his mouth but was still an impressive size. He gave it a final lick and then moved up Charlie's body, kissing his stomach and chest with a slight bite on each nipple. He could see the goosebumps all over Charlie's skin and was more turned on by the fact he could cause this amazing guy to become a puddle of goo as he basked in the aftershocks of pleasure. Sebastian was still achingly hard, but his pleasure didn't matter right now.

Their lips found each other, but the hunger for each other from earlier had calmed. The kiss was tender and caring. Sebastian was feeling so many things for Charlie that he wasn't ready to vocalise, but he could show him. As they continued kissing, Charlie reached for Sebastian's cock.

"Don't worry about me. This is all about you."

He meant every word. What he hadn't expected was for Charlie to start crying.

Sebastian said nothing. He just pulled Charlie into his arms and kissed the top of his head. The crying intensified, and soon this wonderful man who'd crashed into his life was sobbing on his shoulder. It was heartbreaking, but Sebastian let Charlie cry himself to sleep.

Sebastian had fallen asleep too and stirred when Charlie moved. He pulled him closer, afraid he was going to bolt.

"I need to pee."

"Okay, but don't run off."

"The toilet is two feet away. Why did you book this hotel? It's a bit bargain basement for you."

"Cheeky fucker."

Charlie raised an eyebrow.

"Fair point. Go to the toilet and I'll see what I can do about food."

"There's a burger place down the road."

"Then that's what we'll do."

Charlie took a shower, but Sebastian didn't. He didn't want Charlie out of his sight for the time being. Not until they'd talked properly. Once they were dressed and about to leave, Charlie picked up the envelope of money and passed it to Sebastian.

"There's no safe in this room, so you'll need to take that with you."

He wanted Charlie to have the money, but now wasn't the time to get into that. He pocketed it and they left. It didn't take them long to get to the fast-food place. Charlie suggested they eat in, or the room would stink of burgers all night. Sebastian was tempted to take them back to his suite. He hadn't officially checked out, but he was enjoying this little bubble they were in, where they looked like a regular couple staying in a hotel and popping out for a burger. Charlie seemed more relaxed as well.

They ordered and didn't have to wait long before they had their food. They needed to get a few things out in the open. Charlie gave Sebastian a rundown of what had happened at work. It took all of Sebastian's strength to not go after Nathaniel Klein now. How fucking dare he treat someone like that? He wouldn't stand for it.

"And get that look out of your eye," said Charlie.

"What look?"

"The ‘I'm going to destroy Nathaniel Klein' look."

"How do you know me so well already?"

"Sebastian, will you please let me handle this?"

"Are you going to sue him, then?"

"You Americans love a lawsuit."

"Hey." He smiled. "Okay, I'll let it go on one condition. Actually, two conditions."

"It depends what they are."

"I know you won't take the job with Candice, which she is not happy about, by the way. But will you at least let her help you find something else? She has the contacts."

"Okay. And it's not that I don't want to work with Candice, but that job was such a huge step up. I want to feel like I earned it if I ever get there. Does that make sense?"

He could argue back that he was worth the opportunity, but he agreed with him. Sebastian was proud of his success because he'd earned it, so he understood where Charlie was coming from, even if it fought every instinct he had to want to help him.

"What's the other condition?"

This is where things could get difficult, but he was adamant it was the right thing to do. He took out the envelope of cash and slid it across the table to Charlie.

"I'm not taking that."

"Why?"

"Let's put aside the whole ‘I don't need to be rescued' mantra. I've told you enough times. This would cross a line between us. I don't want to ever think of you as a client."

Sebastian didn't want that, but he really wanted him to take the money. It would help him and it was nothing to Sebastian.

"How about we make it a loan?"

"I have enough debt."

"Okay, then a consultancy fee."

"For what?"

"For helping Candice with her social media strategy."

"Klein owns the IP on what I created when I worked there, so we can't use that."

"You can come up with something else, I'm sure."

"You won't give up until I take the money, will you?"

"No."

"Fine. We can discuss the details later."

Sebastian smiled and took the victory. There was more they had to talk about, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy his food and Charlie's company.

After an hour of chatting about everything and nothing, they went back to the hotel and were naked on the bed in seconds. They were so desperate for each other, there was limited foreplay before Sebastian slid inside Charlie. He was so tight around his cock. Sebastian didn't want to fuck Charlie hard like their first night. He wanted to hold him and look into his eyes as he repeatedly slid deep inside him, making his body tremble with pleasure.

Sebastian could see the vulnerability in Charlie's eyes. His eyes watered, and he tried to look away.

"Charlie, look at me."

Sebastian gently kissed away his tears, slowing down his thrusts, so he was just grazing Charlie's prostate. He held eye contact, forcing that gorgeous smile out of the man he was falling head over heels for. Was it too fast? Yes. Would it stop him? No. Sebastian felt Charlie clench around him, and he growled in response, which resulted in a devilish grin from the guy who already had his heart. He picked up the pace, thrusting in deeper, making it clear who was in control.

"Fuck, Sebastian, right there. Fuck me harder."

Never one to back down from a challenge, he pulled almost all the way out and plunged back in, causing Charlie to cry out in pleasure. Sebastian continued with long, deep, hard thrusts watching Charlie come apart underneath him. He wanted to be inside him forever.

Sebastian could feel himself getting close, so he took hold of Charlie's cock which was dripping precome, meaning he was nice and slick. Sebastian loved having Charlie's long cock in his hands. It only took a couple more thrusts and Charlie's back arched off the bed as he came an impressive amount, given it was his second orgasm of the night. He clenched around Sebastian, which was enough for him to unload inside Charlie. He held him for a few seconds, kissing him gently before he gently slid out, leaving Charlie a babbling mess. It was a gorgeous sight to see. Sebastian quickly cleaned them up and pulled Charlie into his arms. He knew it was too soon to tell Charlie how he felt, but there was one thing he was certain about – Sebastian wasn't going to let him go.

Sebastian had never felt so content when he fell asleep with Charlie in his arms. He should have been devastated when he woke up alone, but he knew Charlie needed more time to realise how serious Sebastian was. However, he couldn't help but feel a wave of disappointment when he saw he'd left the envelope of money on the bedside table.