Lying the plaque on his desk, Max leaned back in his chair. The man had been right. Denying himself wasn’t the same as acceptance. He was nowhere near accepting the things he couldn’t change in his life. And he was quite sure he would go to his grave still unaccepting that life had fucked him over.
He closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of the leather desk chair. Lately, he felt like a recluse, shutting himself up in his office, barely showing his face around the club. Horatio’s recent visits had done a number on him that he was beginning to think he may never recover from. And then him walking out, telling Max he wouldn’t be coming around anymore…that had been the final rip through his heart. He knew why Horatio had said it, and why he would keep his word.
He loves you enough to not want to be the source of your pain and torment.
“But you always will be, baby.” Max opened his eyes and warm tears drained out. “No matter how far you fly away from me.”
Chapter Twelve
Heaven Here and Now
Dane spotted the boy as soon he entered the club–and saw right away that something was wrong. There was a desperation that tightened his face as he looked around the club, seeming to scope out the customers. His eyes came to rest on Dane and he walked towards him with purpose, causing Dane’s pulse to quicken and glitch.
Determination mingled with desperation when Angel told him, “Teach me the private dancing.” There was a forcefulness behind his words that was unaccustomed to the boy and sent a shot of blood straight to Dane’s cock. “This penny-ante shit isn’t doing it. I need some real customers.”
“Okay.” Dane frowned and held up his hands. “Slow down.”
Angel swallowed hard and some of the force left his voice. “Please?” A slight sheen of tears glossed his eyes. “I’ll…give you part of my earnings if you help me. I just…I really need this.”
“No compensation is necessary.” Dane assured him. “I’ll help you.”
Shifting anxiously, his eyes suddenly evasive, Angel murmured, “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to sound so…demanding. I mean, you don’t owe me—”
“I said I’d do it.” Dane smiled, and when Angel looked up at him with a rush of gratitude–what little grip he’d had on his heart broke loose and he fell, right then and there.
“Thank you.” Angel whispered, a slight shudder to his voice.
Dane looked at him uncertainly. “Are you okay?”
The boy stared back at him as if contemplating the question. His gaze wavered and shimmered, then he glanced away. “Yeah.” He murmured thickly. “I’m fine.”
You’re lying, baby. “Okay.” Dane offered doubtfully.
Angel cleared his throat and asked quietly, “How soon could we start?”
“Well…” Dane’s attention was pulled to the club entrance as Oliver walked in, paused and looked around then smiled when he spotted Dane. “What about right now?” he shifted his gaze from Oliver to Angel. “Best way to learn is to just jump right in.”
“You mean…with a customer?” Angel looked uncertain.
Dane nodded. “That way, you get the lesson as well as the payout.” He smiled. “Kind of like getting paid to learn.” He watched Oliver make his way across the club towards them. “And I have the perfect customer for the job.”
Turning and following his stare to Oliver, Angel’s eyes widened a bit. “Him?” he breathed, almost fearfully.
Laughing softly, Dane nodded. “Trust me–he’s a gentle giant.”
***
The man had muscles that Angel hadn’t even known existed on the human body, accentuated by his tight, yet classy attire. He was pretty sure the guy could snap him in half with the slightest effort. Dane shook his hand and flashed a charming smile. “It’s good to see you again, Oliver.”
“Likewise.” The man spoke low. He had a nice voice.
It occurred to Angel that this was the same man he’d seen come out of the private booth with Dane before. Apparently he had truly been satisfied–for he was back for more.
“So,” Oliver caressed Dane’s body with his eyes. “A little one on one?”
“Actually,” Dane slid his arm across Angel’s shoulder. “I was thinking maybe a little…two on one.” He smiled. “This is Angel. One of our new boys. He’s new to this and needs some lessons. Perhaps you could…help us out? Two for the price of one?”
Oliver chuckled and looked at Angel. “Now how can I pass up such an offer?” He held out his hand. “It’s real nice to meet you, Angel.”