Page 16 of Compulsion

I hadn’t assumed that Seve would be here again. If he were really this big shot from Head Office, I supposed he had to spend time at the club, checking things were going okay. But he must have staff to do that, as well. Was he here for business or… what else? I didn’t know what free time they gave big shots. I couldn’t imagine it was much. Was he one of those career men who lived in—and above—the shop?

Essentially I didn’t know anything about him except his name, some basic info about his job, the fact he thought I talked too much—and the feel of his cock inside me. Kind of a strange reference, eh? My mouth was dry again, despite the drink Jack had just handed me and I’d taken a swig of. My legs felt weak and I felt dizzy. I was beginning to realize that being fucked by Seve was maybe more than just his hands on my skin and his dick up my arse.

He turned so his back was against the bar, and then he looked over. I was ridiculously excited when his gaze fixed on me, like he’d been waiting only for that. We stared at each other for a moment, neither of us changing position or making any other move. He was in the ubiquitous black jeans, but matched tonight by a short-sleeved T-shirt in some kind of dark-blue satin. A black leather jacket was slung over his shoulder. Had he just arrived? Or was he ready to leave already?

The evening was becoming surreal. And to be honest, it hurt to stand there, with Seve only feet away. I wanted to go to him. I wanted to touch him again. If he lifted that glass as he’d done the first time, with its subtle invitation, I’d be there in a second.

“You okay?” Jack was a blur at the periphery of my sight.

“Yeah, of course I am.”

“You’ve been distracted all night. All week, actually, like something’s nagging away at you. And the way you dashed off….”

“I’m fine. Honestly.”

“Was it Louis mentioning London? I’m really sorry about that.”

“No.” I shook my head to reassure him. “There’s no problem, Jack.”

Jack didn’t answer. He followed my line of sight to Seve at the other end of the counter, then looked back at me. “You and him?”

I knew not to insult Jack’s intelligence by denying it. “We just met. Nothing special going on.”

Jack obviously chose not to insult my intelligence in return by telling me I was talking bollocks. “Is that the Medina bloke Bob was talking about?”

“I don’t know. Haven’t had time to find out for certain.”

Jack’s voice was low. “And you’re not bothered about taking it. The time, that is.”

I bit my lip. I still didn’t turn to face him, but I could feel his gaze on me. “It’s not like that, Jack. I’m not like that, not anymore. I’m taking things a step at a time.”

Jack sounded angry but not necessarily with me. “I know I’ve been pushing you to get out more….”

“Jack? I’ve got it all under control.”

“You know we don’t judge—”

“Of course I know—”

“We just want you to be okay,” Jack finished over my protest.

“I said I’m fine.” He meant well, I knew. But he would’ve had to be blind and stupid to miss how I gazed at Seve, how my whole body leaned toward him. However, I was surprised to see that Seve seemed to be the same. He continued to gaze at me, that slow smirk teasing at the corner of his mouth. I saw his gaze flicker to Jack, then back to me. A lifting of his lids; a lazy droop back to cover the flashing eyes. It was all the encouragement I needed, and I pushed away from the bar.

“Max.” Jack sighed as if he didn’t know what else to say.

To my shame, my mind wasn’t on my friend anymore. It wasn’t really there at all. It was reaching out for Seve—reaching for his sharp, rare words, for his fingers inside me. For his goddamn arrogance. For the careless pleasure he’d given me.

“Is this really what you want?” Jack’s voice was soft, barely heard over the music ringing in our ears.

I glanced back at him. “What? It’s just a bit of fun.”

Jack shook his head. “I know you, Max. The way you act around him… it’s like you’ve dived straight in the deep end, and to hell with the lifeguards.”

“What are you talking about?” But I realized how well Jack did know me. He knew what I was thinking and where I was going. Probably what I was going to do. But I wasn’t ready to share my feelings with anyone yet, not even my closest friends. Hell, I wasn’t quite sure what highlights I could censor for him, anyway. “Get off home, Jack. Louis will be waiting for you. Thanks for following me, I appreciate it. But we both know I’m a grown-up now.”

Jack smiled, though it looked strained. “What I know is that you deserve the best, Max, whatever you think of yourself. Be careful.”

I grinned. “What are you, my mother? One more time—I’m fine.”