Jasper just shrugged. “How else should I have gotten a table on such short notice? Your name carries weight around here, and I wanted the setting to be special.”
Curtis sighed. He couldn’t even be angry at Jasper for this, because he knew his former lover would never understand how it could be rude to use someone else’s name to get a reservation. The hostess came back with an additional table setting and a waiter who brought them the menus and took their drink orders. They spent the time until they got the drinks and could place their food orders in oppressive silence, only interrupted when Martin asked Curtis if he wanted to share a bottle of wine. Once they could be sure they wouldn’t be interrupted anytime soon, Curtis cleared his throat. Martin was holding back, as they had decided when they’d talked about how to handle the situation.
“What do you want, Jasper?” Though Curtis already knew. Lydia had called him at lunch, confirming that Jasper was as broke as could be. Apparently he had made some bad investment choices over the years. Combined with a lifestyle that always cost more than he could actually afford, his money had evaporated like spittle on a hot stone.
“If you’ve talked to your lawyer, you must already know. I’m not stupid, Curtis. I know you told her to do some digging.” Jasper sounded more hostile than was good for somebody in his position, but Curtis kept that thought to himself.
“I do know. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out you want money from me, especially since you already dropped some none-too-subtle hints about it.” It had been more a case of throwing it directly in Curtis’s face, but who was he to be indignant because of it? “What makes me wonder is why you’re coming to me. Surely there are other people who would be more inclined to acquiesce to your—wishes.” Curtis was deliberately trying to sound condescending and it worked. He wasn’t a vindictive man by nature, but Jasper’s impertinence rubbed him the wrong way, especially after their ugly breakup.
Jasper’s gaze lingered on Martin for a moment before he looked back at Curtis. “None of them wanted to help me. Not even my parents. They said I should learn my lesson.”
The indignant tone had Curtis suppressing a smile. Jasper’s parents were already over seventy and as miserly as the Scots were often portrayed, even though they were Irish. He could imagine how they had reacted to their son losing so much money. They probably went straight to the family lawyer to change their wills.
“Pity. What about your lover? Couldn’t he help you out?”
Jasper’s face darkened. “He didn’t have money of his own, and he dumped me the moment he realized I was broke. Took all his expensive gifts and ran to another Dom.”
Curtis didn’t know what to say. On the one hand, he felt a certain satisfaction that Jasper had experienced firsthand what he had done to Curtis. On the other hand, Curtis knew how much it hurt to be dumped and he didn’t wish that pain on anybody, not even Jasper.
“I’m sorry to hear that” was all he could come up with.
Jasper shrugged. “It’s not like he was the greatest lay I ever had. Anyway, as you can see, I’m in a bit of a pinch and I would appreciate you helping me out.”
The waiter chose this moment to bring them their food, which gave Curtis some time to gather his thoughts and formulate his answer. He was still surprised that Jasper hadn’t protested more firmly against Martin’s presence. Jasper had to be desperate to be so untypically compliant. The man who had once been his Dom would have had no qualms about making a scene in public, knowing Curtis hated nothing more than that. He was either more intimidated by Martin than he let on or even worse off than Curtis had originally assumed. Curtis took a moment to enjoy a few bites of his delicious steak before he spoke again. He glanced at Martin, who seemed completely engrossed in his food. His personal bodyguard and witness for the evening was listening intently, though.
“I’m going to be completely honest, Jasper. I have no idea why you think I would help you. It’s not like I have the amount of money you probably need lying around. Most of it is bound in different investments and real estate. And even if I had it and would feel inclined to give it to you, how do you plan on paying me back? You’ve already proven you can’t handle big sums. Why should things be different the second time around?”
For a moment Jasper glared at him. Then his shoulders slumped. “You could sign over your trust fund to me. I know it’s not tied up in anything, and the steady money coming from it could help me get back on my feet. It’s not like you need it anyway. You have more than enough.”
“As did you. My parents set this trust up to secure me for life, not for an ex who didn’t even have the decency to end our relationship face-to-face. The answer is no, Jasper. I’m not going to lend you money in any form or amount, and I most certainly won’t sign my trust over to you. That idea is beyond ridiculous, which I think you know. I also ask you to never contact me again after tonight.” Curtis hesitated a moment. “As a courtesy to your precarious financial status, I’m going to cover the bill for dinner. That’s it. That’s all the money you’re going to get from me.”
“Curtis.” Jasper had gone deathly pale, a pleading look in his eyes. “You can’t do this. I need you. I need your money.”
Seeing Jasper like this almost swayed Curtis. Even though the man had put him through hell, he was truly over him, and all he could feel for him was pity and a slight resentment because he had dragged him out here when he could have spent the night with his Dom. Curtis shook his head. Giving Jasper money would only bind them once more, something Curtis wanted to avoid at all costs.
“I’m truly sorry, Jasper. I am. But your parents are right. You are in this place because of your own bad choices. Accept the consequences. Go back to your parents. I’m sure what they have in store for you won’t be nice, but they won’t abandon you.”
For a moment Jasper only stared at Curtis. Then his eyes narrowed to angry slits. “You on your damn high horse! The good, obedient son. What do you think your parents are going to say when they find out their son is a pervert who likes to get on his knees for another man?”
The words were spoken with so much venom, Curtis didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t have to.
“And we’re done here.” Martin’s voice was as cold as ice. “You just threatened Curtis, who also happens to be an active member of Whisper. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of the NDAs you signed when you were a member. They are still in effect. Exposing Curtis means exposing the club. If I were you, I would think twice about crossing me and Richard. And since you wouldn’t be able to pay the financial penalties, you’d end up in jail. Don’t think for a second we wouldn’t go so far.”
Jasper gulped at these words. Like everybody else who had anything to do with Richard and Martin, he knew how ruthless these two could be. Curtis was glad they were on his side. He gestured the waiter to come over, asking for the bill and to wrap the rest of his steak. He had lost his appetite for the moment, but that didn’t mean this delicious meat had to go to waste.
Jasper had gotten up. He threw his napkin on the table, his mouth twisted in an angry snarl. “This isn’t over, Curtis. Not by a long shot.”
With that, he left the restaurant in a hurry. Martin watched him retreat before he turned back to Curtis. “Wow. What a piece of work. Good thing I was here.”
“Yes. Thank you. I’m sorry for the drama. I just don’t get why he would think even for a minute he could get money from me. And my trust fund to boot!”
“He’s desperate. Desperate and delusional. Not the best combination.”
The waiter came with the bill and the wrapped food. Martin got his wallet out before Curtis could protest. “No back talk. This is my treat.”
Curtis knew better than to argue. He bowed his head in thanks and waited for Martin to pay. They left the restaurant and went back to the car. As soon as they were seated and Martin started the process of getting out of the parking space, Curtis sent Andrew a text.
It’s done.
