Peter nodded.“I can have an associate of mine drive you from here to your apartment and then to Madame Celeste’s, or I can drive you.”
Theo liked the idea of someone else taking him, but he didn’t like the idea of another person finding out what his job was.Such rumors spread, and Theo didn’t want his fellow students and professors looking at him and seeing the sex worker rather than the student.
“You can take me,” he said.
Peter nodded.“It’ll be my pleasure, Theo.”
Theo had hoped to get some rest before heading into work, but with all that had happened, he’d changed into his work clothes while Peter had stood statue still next to the desk.A bag of things Theo would need for a few days at Peter’s place was packed and ready, and really, Theo owned so little that hardly anything was left in his wardrobe.
The drive to Madame Celeste’s was uneventful and quiet, though Theo kept looking over his shoulder, scared Bernard would just be there, coming at him again.
“I’ll chat with Celeste about our arrangement,” Peter said as the two of them walked to the elevators for clients.
“Everything all right here?”said a security person when he saw Peter and Theo together.
Theo didn’t remember the man’s name, but he knew they were supposed to recognize every employee on sight and to make sure they were not approached by clients.
Theo nodded.“Yes, it’s fine.”
“Balzac,” Peter said to the security guard by way of greeting.
“Mr.Collins.I’ll be taking Puck up through the employee entrance.”
“That’s kind of you, thank you.”
Peter nodded to Theo as the guard, Balzac, held out his arm to lead Theo the other way.
He followed the broad man, watching Peter just stand there.
At the employee door, Balzac swiped his keycard, and once they were inside, he gave Theo a once-over.
“Are you okay?”
Theo let out a heavy breath.“Yeah.Just… He ran into me on campus.Helped me with a situation.I’ll talk to Celeste.”
Balzac nodded.“Okay then.Odd cookie, that one.You’re okay to go up alone?”Balzac indicated the stairs.
“Yeah.”
The guard left again, and Theo headed up.
At the top of the stairs, Theo remembered the previous night, and how Peter had asked Theo to sit on his lap.Peter’s tongue had been soft against Theo’s skin, and remembering the feeling made Theo shiver even now.
I can’t be an idiot.I have an arrangement with him.Business, and nothing more.
Straightening, Theo opened the door to start the night’s work.
9
Peter
PeterwaitedwhileTheovanished up the staircase, then took the elevator himself.Celeste was in front of the bar tonight, her hand resting on a glass of water with a thin slice of lime and plenty of ice.
“Peter,” she said when he walked in.She greeted him with the standard kiss to each cheek.“Should we find a quiet place to talk?”
“I’d like that,” Peter purred, and she slapped his shoulder.
“Not that I would say no, but I know who you’re here for.Don’t get my hopes up.”
