“Well, that was unfortunate.”
Felix yanked his arm out of Sam’s grip and walked off down the street. Sam followed him, so he sped up. He didn’t want to run. Felix was the least athletic person he knew, and Sam would easily catch up with him. They were outside Epicure, which was the restaurant owned by Mason Reid, when Sam grabbed him again.
“Where the fuck do you think you’re going, Felix? Stop being a cock tease.”
Felix tried to get out of Sam’s grip, but he held on tight and Felix panicked. He didn’t want to cause a scene, but the last thing he wanted to do was go with Sam.
“What’s going on here?” asked a familiar voice.
It was Ryder Quinn, Mason Reid, and some other guy who looked like a nerdier version of Clark Kent. They were all in suits, looking like a trio of handsome superheroes out of costume. This wasn’t at all embarrassing.
“None of your business,” said Sam. “I’m just talking to my boyfriend.”
“Well, he doesn’t look too happy about it. Oh, wow. It’s you. Hello again, cutie. This guy giving you trouble?”
“You . . . you remember me?”
“Of course I remember you. Not gonna forget a pretty face like yours, am I?”
Felix heard Mason snort a laugh. Ryder was smiling at him, but Sam looked furious.
“Have you been cheating on me with this fucking loser?” he snapped.
“Excuse me?” said Ryder, standing up straight, his full height towering over Sam.
“He’s my boyfriend. Not for you to stick your disease-ridden dick into. Keep your hands off.”
Felix snapped. “You’re the one with a disease-ridden dick, and that was how I found out I was in an open relationship and knew nothing about it.”
“Is that so?” said Ryder. “You cheated on this cutie? Well, more fool you. Now, do you want to let go of him, or would you like me to break your hand?”
There was something about his tone which sent a shiver through Felix’s body. Sam let go of Felix with a scowl and stepped back.
“We’re not done, Felix. I’m not letting your throw away what we’ve got,” said Sam, before walking off.
Felix jumped when Ryder put an arm round his shoulder, but then quickly relaxed.
“Shall we get this young man a drink?” asked Ryder.
Mason nodded, and they all walked towards the entrance of Epicure. Felix stopped.
“What’s wrong?” asked Ryder.
“I’m not really dressed to go in there,” said Felix, looking down at his scruffy jeans and sneakers.
“It’s alright,” said Mason. “I know the owner, and he doesn’t give a fuck.”
Felix couldn’t help but laugh.
“Come on,” said Ryder. “Best to wait a while, so you know he’s gone.”
Felix shrugged, not sure what else to say. Ryder smiled at him. God, how could someone be so fucking hot? It wasn’t fair on the rest of the world, who could only consider themselves as secondary hotness at best. Once they were inside, they veered off from the main restaurant, which seemed to be packed out. They walked down a corridor and re-entered therestaurant next to the bar, where Ryder guided Felix to a stool. Mason and the other guy hadn’t followed them.
“What do you want to drink?”
He knew about this place but had never been in here before. It had a stylish yet contemporary vibe about it. The place was busy, but not with that loud chatter you got in a diner. Felix suspected dinner for two here would be more than a month’s rent. A drink would set him back as well.
“Just some water.”
