"Have you told Bevin about this?"
Finn shook his head."Not to the full extent.He knows I want to be financially stable.Besides, Bevin doesn't like to talk about the future.He pouts like a child when I try to bring up going our separate ways after graduation."
"Don't take it to heart," Prince said."Bevin doesn't like separating from his loved ones.You could say it's a family trait."He poured himself another glass of wine.
"Sounds like an obsession," Finn joked.
"Maybe."Prince looked at him, his gaze suddenly so intense that Finn felt his skin prickle, like sparks dancing across it."Would it really be so bad to be with someone who wants to protect you, whose every thought is about you and what will make you happy?"His eyes darkened slightly."And who will love you with so much passion that it makes your entire soul burn."
"No," Finn answered without thinking."But Bevin and I aren't in a relationship that requires such devotion."
"Why not?"Prince asked."Better question, do you want a romantic relationship with Bevin?"
Finn almost blurted outHe’s not my type, but he caught himself and chose a more diplomatic answer.
“I only see him as a friend.”
Prince chuckled.“Nice way of saying you’re not into him.”
“Sorry,” Finn said softly, glancing down at his fingers.Bevin was gorgeous, no doubt about it, but Finn had always seen him as a friend, almost like a brother.The idea of them becoming lovers had never even crossed his mind.If he were being honest, Bevin’s immaturity could be a bit of a turn-off.
“Nothing to be sorry for.”Prince shrugged.“We all have our preferences.”
Finn looked up at Prince, curiosity getting the better of him.He found himself wondering what the older man liked.
“Do you want a partner?”
“What?”Finn’s eyes widened at the question, thinking he had heard wrong.
What does he mean by partner?Does he mean a sex partner?
Finn had never had sex before, and the thought of giving his virginity to Prince Sullivan scared him just as much as it had the first time he had almost given it away.Finn figured an older, more mature man who knew exactly what he was doing in bed would be overwhelming.Even the thought of it made his body zing in ways he was not prepared to deal with.
“Why do you look so surprised?”Prince asked.“You have a good head on your shoulders.So send me your business plan, and if it sounds as good as you say, I’ll invest as a silent partner and mentor.”
Finn heard Prince, yet his brain was still catching up.He had been seconds away from offering his virginity up on a platter, when all Prince had actually been offering was the business opportunity of a lifetime.Finn felt his face heat with embarrassment.
Oh fuck, I’m an idiot.
"So what do you think?You'd have to move to New York.That might not be in your original plans, but…"
"I… I…" Finn stuttered, cutting Prince off.He could not seem to form a coherent response.His mind was still stuck in the wrong place, and he struggled to focus as his thoughts spiraled out of control.
"Are you alright?"Prince asked, concern clearly showing on his face."Your face is all red."He leaned a little closer, and the clean scent of his expensive cologne hit Finn's nose, making him even more flustered.
"L-let me think about it," Finn managed.
Finn didn’t wait to see if Prince had anything else to say.He abruptly stood from the table, silently praying that Prince had not noticed the problem he was trying to hide, and hurried out of the room.He tried not to make it look like he was running as he reached his bedroom and quickly closed the door behind him.Finn pressed his back against the cool wood, hoping it would calm him down as he slowly slid to the floor and buried his face in his bent knees.
"Fuck, what the hell was I thinking?"
CHAPTER SIX
What the hell just happened?
Prince watched Finn’s hasty exit, completely confused, and wondered if he had hurt the kid’s pride by suggesting they become business partners.The offer had been made in good faith.Besides being attracted to Finn, Prince genuinely wanted to hear more about his business plans.
Am I butting in where I don’t belong?
