16. Sebastian

CHAPTER 16

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian didn't know why Bex had called him in for this meeting. Deacon was all over it and surprised to see him, although luckily he wasn't fazed like others would be if their boss rocked up unannounced. Bex was nowhere to be seen and ignoring his calls.

The meeting ended at ten o'clock. Sebastian intended to head straight back to Charlie, but people wanted his opinion on a deal, or an idea they had. It was the downside of being an accessible CEO, although a small price to pay for the positive culture they'd created.

By the time he could extricate himself, it was already midday. He shot a text to Charlie, apologising for being late. He was about to leave when he saw Bex in her office. The door was open, so he just walked in.

"Where have you been?"

He'd startled her, so he smiled. Her eyes narrowed. They were still like kids sometimes.

"I had some business to take care of."

"Why did you insist I come in for that meeting? I didn't need to be here."

"It's an important client, and I didn't want Deacon handling it on his own."

"It's lucky Deacon wasn't put out. The last thing I want to do is piss him off right now. He needs to know I trust him."

"What are you talking about?"

Sebastian closed the door before sitting down in front of Bex's desk.

"How would you feel about making Deacon the GM of the New York office?"

"We don't need a GM. You're here."

"I know, but I'm thinking of heading up the London office instead."

"What? I knew he was going to do this. You've only known him two minutes and you're going to upend your life and move thousands of miles for some bit of trade."

Sebastian was taken aback by her rant. He mulled over her words for a second. He knew she wasn't keen on Charlie, but he hadn't heard her speak about him with this much vitriol. There was no way he was introducing them if she was going to act like this.

"First, this has nothing to do with Charlie. I've been bored for a while and need a new challenge. We're having no luck with a GM for London, and with me over there, the European expansion would happen a lot quicker. Yes or no?"

"Yes, but –"

"Still talking. The US operation runs itself. LA, Miami, Chicago, and Seattle are all doing well."

"But New York is our HQ. Clients expect to see the CEO here."

"Look, it's just an idea at the moment. I want to discuss it with Charlie first."

"See, I knew it was about him."

"No. I was thinking about this before I even met him, but we've only just started dating properly. I don't want to overwhelm him."

"Oh, that one can hold his own, no problem. Put me in my place without blinking."

"What?"

Bex looked shaken by her slip-up.

"Bex . . . what have you done?"

She didn't respond.

"That's why you wanted me in the office, isn't it? So you could ambush him. I'm going home and he better be there."

"Of course he'll be there. He's not gonna give up on his sugar daddy."

"Is that what you said to him?"

"I only said what was true."

"For fuck's sake, Bex. I love the man. Why can't you be happy for me?"

"What? You love him?"

"Yes. I haven't felt this way about anyone, since, well, since ever. I never even felt this way about Brandon."

Bex looked shocked.

"You better not have fucked this up for me."

And with that, he rushed out to get home, praying Charlie would still be there.

Charlie wasn't answering his calls or texts as Sebastian raced home from the office. He wasn't sure what he'd do if Charlie had run again. It would be understandable after what Bex said, but Charlie had to know how much Sebastian loved him. Why did he keep having doubts? Once the car pulled up at his apartment, he was out of the door and sprinting for the elevator. He might be fit, but twenty flights of stairs were not on his to-do list for today.

It seemed to take ages to get to his floor, and once he was there, he ran down to the end of the corridor. Being out of the way had seemed like a good idea when he bought the place, but not when he was in a hurry. He dropped his keys, trying to get them in the lock. When he was finally inside, the place was eerily quiet.

"Charlie?" he shouted. "Charlie?"

He headed for the spare bedroom. Charlie's suitcases were still there, which was a relief. He went to their bedroom – after one night here together, he already saw it that way. No sign of him, but he could hear the shower running. Thank God. He tapped on the door.

"Charlie, I'm home."

No answer. He tried the door. It was open, so Sebastian went inside. The sight shattered his heart.

Charlie was sitting on the floor of the shower, his knees tucked up and gripped by his arms, his head leaning against the wall, his eyes red and swollen from crying. The man he loved was broken.

Sebastian turned off the water and grabbed a large towel. Charlie didn't protest as Sebastian scooped him up in his arms and carried him into the bedroom. He gently dried Charlie, who seemed to be out of it. It was like he wasn't there. Once he was dry, Sebastian took a fluffy robe and put it round him, before he carried him to the bed and put him under the covers. Sebastian discarded his suit quickly and stripped down to his boxers. He pulled on a T-shirt and got into the bed, pulling Charlie against him, so his head was resting on his chest.

"I love you," he said, kissing him on the head.

Charlie broke down in tears, and all Sebastian could do was hold him whilst he cried. He couldn't believe his sister had done this to him. He hoped she'd feel awful once she knew what she'd caused. But right now, he only wanted to think about Charlie. He held him tight until he was cried out and fell asleep. Sebastian wasn't letting him go, but after a while he couldn't stop himself from drifting off as well.

He woke up to the sound of voices and reached out for Charlie, who wasn't there. Panicked, he shot out of bed and headed toward the voices. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Charlie and Bex chatting together. Was he dreaming?

"What's going on?"

"I came over to apologise," said Bex. "I only got here five minutes ago. Charlie said you were asleep."

"Look, I appreciate it, Bex, but we haven't talked properly yet. You should come back later."

"Sebastian, it's fine. She's your sister. She was only looking out for you."

"I wish it was just that. Seb, you better sit down."

She only called him Seb when she was going to say something which would upset him. Their mum did the same. It was a name he associated with bad things, which was why everyone in his life called him Sebastian. He took a seat at the breakfast bar with both of them.

"Look. I have a thing about prostitution."

Sebastian winced. Charlie didn't react.

"Mum did it."

"I know."

"You knew? How?"

"She told me. How did you know?"

"I found her working one night when I was supposed to be at a sleepover."

Charlie was smiling.

"What's amusing?" asked Sebastian.

"Nothing, just good to know even rich people have fucked up family issues as well."

Bex burst out laughing, which set Sebastian off. When they calmed down, he got back to what they were talking about.

"Why didn't you ever tell me? How old were you when that happened?"

"Sixteen."

"Jesus. She told me after high school graduation. It was the only way she could give us a good life, but she hated doing it."

"I get that," said Charlie. "I wanted my mum to have a nice place to live after everything she'd done to raise me on her own. I had no other way to get the money, so I thought I may as well use what God gave me."

"What do you mean?" asked Bex.

"He's got a massive dick," said Sebastian, which caused Charlie to almost choke on his coffee.

"Okay. I don't need images of what my baby brother gets up to. I just can't believe Mum told you, and you said nothing."

"She asked me not to. Did she say the same to you?"

Bex nodded. They were quiet for a moment before Bex spoke again.

"Look, I know storming over here and offering to pay for Charlie's flight so he'd leave was crossing a line."

"You did what?"

"Oh, he didn't tell you I said that?"

"No. He was upset when I got home, so we didn't talk about it. But he would have told me, wouldn't you, Charlie?"

Charlie looked sheepish and took a sip of his coffee.

"Charlie?"

"I don't want to come between the two of you. I'm going to get a shower, anyway, as I still feel groggy. And I need to email Candice and apologise for missing our call. Don't forget, we have that appointment at your tailor later, which I am more than happy to cancel. I can buy off-the-rack."

Sebastian glared at his sister, knowing she was the reason Charlie hadn't spoken to Candice. The tuxedo was on Charlie's inability to let Sebastian spoil him.

"There'll be no off-the-rack. Get freshened up. I want to speak to Bex."

Charlie jumped down off the stool, kissed Sebastian on the cheek, smiled at Bex and left them. She watched him leave before turning back to Sebastian.

"I like him."

"You changed your tune quickly. I've never known you to do a U-turn in your life. You should become a politician."

"And you should do stand-up comedy."

Sebastian suppressed a smile. Even when she was in the wrong, she still bit back so easily.

"It was when you told me you loved him. I could see it in your eyes. You were telling the truth."

"Of course it's true. I want to be with him, and if that means moving to London, that's what I'll do."

"Couldn't he move here?"

"I'd never ask him to leave his mum."

"Shit, yes, you're right. Of course, you're the one who has to move. I'm just being selfish, but I'd miss seeing you every day."

"Look, we're not there yet. I'm just being honest about where my head's at."

"And I get it. So, what's the tailor appointment for?"

"The charity ball on Saturday. I'm taking Charlie with me."

"Does he know Henry will be there?"

"Henry's irrelevant."

"I know, but you don't want him to be blindsided by that obnoxious fucker. Just give him a heads-up."

Sebastian nodded his agreement, but he wasn't sure. Charlie was freaked out enough about attending the charity ball and having to get all dressed up. He didn't need the pressure of knowing Sebastian's rich and titled ex-boyfriend would be there. It was a big venue. Hopefully, they wouldn't see Henry, anyway.

The next few days were wonderful. They saw so much of the city. Sebastian was in full tour-guide mode as they took in all the sights. Charlie wanted to see everything. Sebastian was enjoying the break from work. He had to take the occasional call, but people were genuinely leaving him alone unless it was urgent, and Bex was the only one speaking to him. She acted as a funnel for all the dross he didn't need to be bothered with.

Bex had been on her best behaviour since her first interaction with Charlie. She'd had them over for dinner, and of course, his nieces adored Charlie. How could they not? Watching him be patient with them, and answering all their questions, Sebastian was even more in love with the guy. He still hadn't mentioned Henry being at the charity event on Saturday night. They were having such an amazing time, and he didn't want to burst their bubble.

Sebastian was also concerned his dick was going to fall off with the amount of sex they were having. They couldn't get enough of each other, and had gotten into a habit of heading back to the apartment for lunch instead of eating out, so they could fuck. Charlie was insatiable, and Sebastian had no issues keeping up with him.

It was Friday afternoon, and they were picking up Charlie's tuxedo. The tailor shop was owned by Hamish Gordon, who'd become a friend over the years. He was a delightful red-headed Scottish guy who always wore a kilt. Sebastian knew he wasn't wearing it traditionally in a work environment, but he had done once on his birthday, giving everyone an eyeful. Hamish had taken a shine to Charlie, but Sebastian knew the flirting was all in good fun.

"Sebastian and the handsome Mr Davidson, right on time. I have your drinks ready."

He ushered them into one of the fitting areas. It was more like a private room where you were given first class service. Which was fair, at these prices, but Charlie didn't need to know those details. They took their seats and were passed a Jack and Coke and a margarita. Charlie beamed with delight. It was adorable.

"I remember how much you said you liked them when you had your fitting. Nothing but the best for my favourite customer," he said with a wink.

"I thought I was your favourite customer," said Sebastian.

"What can I say? A younger model has surpassed you."

Sebastian laughed and took a drink before setting his glass down.

"Now, we have a few things to try on. We'll make any alterations on the tuxedo immediately, and the rest you can pick up next week."

"Rest?"

"Yes. We have the tuxedo, plus a spare, and three business suits. Did I miss something?"

"Sebastian?" Charlie said, glaring at him.

"I thought you'd need a new suit for your interviews when you get home."

Candice had come through and set him up with some interviews through her network. Not for any direct competitors, as that would be too bitter a pill to swallow for her. She still blamed Sebastian because she'd lost Charlie for her own team. The job offer remained on the table.

"I've already got a suit."

"You can't beat having a tailored suit. It's good for your confidence."

"How much are they? I'll pay myself."

Sebastian shook his head at Hamish and gestured for him to give them a few minutes. He pulled Charlie onto his lap.

"Charlie, please let me do this. I want you to have a nice suit for work." He paused. "And, when you come home after a busy day, I can fuck all that tension away while you're still wearing it."

Charlie groaned. Sebastian smiled. He'd poked at his ultimate fantasy. It was fairly tame considering what Charlie used to do as a job, but that was his alter ego.

"Fine, but I only need one suit and no spare tuxedo."

"Two suits, so you always have one when the other is being dry-cleaned, and one tuxedo."

"Deal," he said, holding out his hand.

Sebastian took hold of it and pulled him into a searing kiss. He wondered how long Hamish would be and whether Charlie would be up for getting fucked in the changing room. Before he could suggest it, Hamish reappeared with a glint in his eye. That fucker had been listening. Sebastian would just have to wait until he got Charlie home.