Lustful Gaze (London Loves #6) (8 page)

A bond of jovial fun connected Paul and Edward as they continued their photo shoot in the living room. They selected some upbeat music to enhance the mood, and Paul enjoyed capturing Edward’s cheeky smile as he posed like a pro. He was incredibly photogenic, and they both relished the almost-orgasmic relief of laughing hard and being silly.

Afterwards, Paul made them some lunch and they flicked through the photos on the laptop. Paul selected the one he thought was the best, where Edward was leaning his chin pensively on his hand and gazing off to the side. The black-and-white wash and the dark shading disguised the remnants of Edward’s bruises, and he could’ve easily passed as a movie star. Paul enlarged the photo on the screen so Edward could see himself looking so lovely. Edward seemed captivated by the photo, so Paul printed it off and told Edward to stick it on his wall to remind him of how handsome he was.

“I will, as soon as I get my own wall!”

“You can stick in the spare room for now,” Paul said. “Come on, you’d better get changed into your suit and shirt and we’ll drive to the office. Sam’ll kill me if I’m late.”

Paul adored his convertible BMW, and he could tell that Edward was proud to be with him, as they cruised through the streets of London with the top down. The journey from Hampstead to Putney was smooth, and they soon arrived at the serviced offices where he and Sam ran their business.

Edward gasped as Paul led him into the plush reception area. It sparkled with wealth – the chrome features and marble floor still impressed Paul every time he came in here. Sunshine streamed into the foyer through the glass ceiling, and the air-conditioning counteracted the summer heat, making it feel cool and fresh. The spiral staircase looked like it was directly out of a 1950s Hollywood movie, and the young lady behind the huge reception desk was well-groomed and eager to please.

“This place is awesome!” Edward said, agog.

Paul chuckled. He called over to the receptionist that Edward was with him, and they made their way – in the lavish elevator – up to the office suite.

It was equally as impressive in here as it was down in the foyer. No expense had been spared, which was good considering how expressive the rent and service charges
were
. Paul led Edward across the neat blue floor tiles and past the modern art that hung from the cream walls, making it feel elegant and professional. This space was probably a tad too large for just the two of them, but they’d always imagined the business would expand employee-wise, rather than just outsourcing everything offsite. But Paul knew the Japanese clients would be impressed later. He glanced into the glass meeting room as he and Edward walked past, and he saw that Sam had already kitted it out with a projector screen, flip chart, and notebooks.

At the moment, Sam was sitting at her sturdy modern desk, typing at her computer – probably adding the finishing touches to her presentation.

Without looking up, she said, “Paul, so nice of you to join me – I was beginning to wonder whether you–”

Sam spotted Edward nervously loitering beside Paul. She pushed back her swivel chair and smiled into his eyes as she stood to greet him.

“Edward, it’s lovely to see you again. I hardly recognised you. You look so different with…”

Sam trailed off. “Without your Minnie Mouse ears,” she said, grinning.

He chuckled. “Thanks. I didn’t think they were appropriate office attire.”

She giggled. “Well, maybe on a Friday we can have a dress-like-Disney day!”

They both laughed and shared a moment of tender eye contact. Then Sam transferred her smile to Paul. “Did Scott get you on the mobile? He called me just now in a bit of flap.”

Paul frowned and checked his phone. “Oh yeah – a missed call from cupcake. What did he want?”

“He was asking if you’d printed his brochures for Kate’s new paintings? He was getting in a pickle about it – said he’d completely forgotten and he was praying you’d remembered.”

Spikes of worry pierced Paul’s brain. “Shit, the printer at the gallery’s broken and he asked me to do it on Monday. I can’t believe I totally forgot.”

Sam winced. “Well, apparently he needs them for his buyers this afternoon...” She gripped Paul in her gaze – non-verbally saying, ‘but don’t even think about leaving me here with the Japanese clients.’

Paul sighed. “I can’t get there in time, can I? I hate to let him down.”

Sam smirked. “If the Japanese people weren’t coming here in ten minutes I’d take the brochures myself – anything for the chance to drool over the handsome Harry again! He’s seriously hot, Paul – have you seen him yet?”

“Sam – he’s half your age! And gay.”

Sam reached out and smoothed down Paul’s jacket in a highly flirtatious way. “Well,
you’re
gay but it doesn’t stop women throwing themselves at you, does it?”

Paul laughed and opened his mouth to tell her to stop sexually harassing him in the workplace, but Edward intercepted. “I can take the brochures to Scott.”

Sam and Paul turned their attention to him.

“Oh, that’s kind of you, Edward,” Sam said. “There you go, Paul – Edward can do it. I’ve gotta prepare the meeting room. Be ready in ten minutes please.”

She strutted off towards the meeting room and Paul watched her. He wasn’t sure exactly when Sam had become a confident high-powered businesswoman. But he loved her all the more for it.

Paul turned to face Edward. “It would be a lifesaver if you could do that, thank you.”

“No problemo. Can I drive your car?”

Paul burst into laughter. “Absolutely!”

“Really?”

“No, of course not! I might never see it again.”

Edward chuckled. “Okay, fair enough. I’ll get the Tube.”

“Thanks. Come on, let’s get you logged in and we can print off the brochures.”

“Okay.”

Paul switched on his computer at his paperwork-covered desk and pulled up a spare office chair for Edward. They sat together and Paul created a new login for him, then he sent the PDF of Scott’s brochure to the printer in the corner of the room.

“Ten copies should be enough for now,” Paul said.

Edward stood and strode over to the huge printer, which was already churning out the shiny brochures into its waiting tray.

Paul remained seated. He was impressed by Edward’s desire to use his initiative and take control. He hoped things would work out today. But it was already nearly two in the afternoon, so really, what could go wrong?

“D’you like it here?” Paul asked.

“Better than my last place of work,” Edward said with a smirk. “Warmer and drier.”

Paul cringed. “Well, I really hope today works out, so me and Sam can offer you a temporary apprenticeship.”

“Thanks, Paul. I do appreciate you basically creating a role for me. I’m not stupid.”

“I know – that’s why I want you here.”

Edward picked up the printouts and started to fold them into brochures. “If I can just work for you for six weeks, imagine how good that could look on my resume. At the moment my resume basically says ‘rent boy’. Shame success at interviews isn’t based on how many cocks you’ve sucked – I’d be a winner at that!”

Paul chuckled coyly. “If that was the basis for merit at interview, I’d be unemployable.”

Edward gasped. “A good-looking fella like you? You must’ve had tons of guys.”

“Nope. Me and Scott met at school.”

“But…? You’re not saying you’ve only… with each other?”

Paul nodded sheepishly.

Edward beamed. “That is seriously romantic, Paul. Hard to believe, though.”

“Well, I can only speak for myself. But I trust Scott and he promises he’s never strayed.”

“Aw, that’s awesome you trust him.”

“Yeah.” Paul turned away and opened up his internet browser so he could quickly check his emails while Edward was doing the brochures. His brain suddenly caught up with what Edward had just said. “Hang on, are you saying I
shouldn’t
believe him?”

“No, course not! He’s a great guy. Sounds like
you’re
sus if you’re asking the likes of moi such questions!”

Paul gazed at Edward as he continued to fold the shiny paper. “I know Scott looks at other guys – hell, I look at other guys, too – I’m a human being for god’s sake. But… it’s
me
who insists we’re exclusive.”

“Oh? And you think he might be sneaking off for a quick fuck behind your back to let off steam, huh?”

“No! Do
you
think he might?”

Edward chuckled kindly, suddenly seeming wise and mature. “I think
you
might think that. Is there someone you’re particularly worried about? Someone he’s interested in?”

Paul’s mind churned up thoughts of Harry. “The guy who Sam was just talking about. He’s working with Scott for a few weeks at his art gallery – and Sam’s not the only one who thinks he’s gorgeous. Scott was elated when he was telling me about him last night. I’m sure Scott would never… And besides, Harry’s about to go to university in Brighton, so he won’t be around much longer. Look, let’s just forget it, okay? It’s my own insecurity and I need to deal with it.”

Edward strode back over to Paul’s desk. “I can find out for you if you like? When I go to the gallery. I’m pretty good at sensing chemistry between people.”

Paul shot to his feet. “Edward, please – don’t do that! Scott’ll think I don’t trust him, and it’ll turn into a big fight. Let’s just drop it, okay. Please?”

Edward shrugged. “It’s okay. I’ll be ultra-subtle. Scott will never know we had this convo. But
I’ll
be able to tell if there’s something going on between him and… what did you say the kid’s name was? Harry?”

Paul grabbed Edward’s upper-arms feeling his panic rising. “Please don’t!”

Sam popped her head around the meeting room. “That was reception on the phone, Paul! Our guests have arrived!”

Edward struggled out of Paul’s grip. “You see to your clients. I’ll be back before you know it with the answers you need.”

“Edward, no!”

Sam strode over and pulled Paul’s arm. “Come on, what are you doing? Let’s go and greet them! What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” Edward said. He threw Sam a charming smirk, then – with his arms full of brochures – he jogged off towards the door and left.

Paul stood there watching as helplessness swarmed over him. But what could he do? Catch up with Edward in the foyer and cause a scene in front of their Japanese – and probably very straight-laced – visitors?

He gazed into Sam’s worried eyes. “Okay, it’s fine. I’m sure all will be fine.”

“Course it will,” Sam said. She rubbed him affectionately on the chin. “Don’t worry, okay. What could possibly go wrong?”

Paul buried his face in his hands. He didn’t even want to think about that.

It was so good to finally feel worthy of walking around in Chelsea. Scott’s clothes were expensive and well-cut, and Edward glanced at himself in a boutique window as he strolled past, to check he really looked as presentable as he felt. Maybe he shouldn’t have left Paul like that, but he’d been so kind, and Edward was keen to help in any way he could. And what better way of helping than confirming that Scott wasn’t having an affair with this Harry person?

Edward was sure Scott was trustworthy, but he planned to subtly interrogate Harry. He’d easily know whether Harry was shagging Scott – it was all in the eyes and body demeanour; in the chemistry between them and how they spoke to each other. And Edward intended to be very discreet. Discretion was something he was used to.

Edward’s body sparkled with a flash of excitement. Maybe if this all worked out, he could become a private detective – tailing suspect spouses and exposing infidelity everywhere.

It was eerily silent down the side-street where the art gallery was located – a world away from the bustle of Soho. Edward could smell the money seeping off the sidewalk. The gallery was located on a quaint little row of shops, surrounded by a designer-clothing boutique, an expensive beauty parlour, and an antiques dealer. Nothing anyone actually needed, but things that people with money would want. Edward shivered. He hated all this pretentiousness. It was like the fashion industry – people with too much cash spending their wealth on crap that simply ended up cluttering their attics. Scott and Paul seemed different – they’d worked hard to get where they were. But the people who inherited their wealth,
those
were the ones who Edward begrudged. Lazy rich people, never giving anything back to society, and having anxiety attacks about wearing the wrong brand this season.

He arrived at the gallery door and realised that even the entrance was a work of art – it was made of stained glass and decorative metal. From out here, it looked bright and airy, and the massive windows gave it a welcoming feel. Edward inhaled and tried to relax. He smoothed down the stiff collar of Scott’s shirt, swept his hair out of his eyes, then pushed open the door.

It was charming inside. The calm ambience hit Edward as he stepped over the threshold and let the door swing shut. He could see Scott down the other end of the space, typing something into an ipad in front of the paintings. But it was the young man standing behind the marble counter that captured Edward’s attention. This must be Harry – and he
was
incredible. He had the most perfect cheekbones Edward had ever seen, big eyes, and impeccable hair – which he’d styled into a quiff. He was immaculately dressed in expensive clothes – a white shirt and black vest. Edward was compelled to stare.

Harry was currently engrossed in sketching on a piece of cardboard with a pencil, and he hadn’t looked up when the bell had tinkled. Maybe the chilled sound of the classical music had obscured the bell, but it was more likely that this rich young thing was too arrogant to bother greeting anyone below him – such as Edward.

Edward cleared his throat. Harry glanced up and threw him a perfect smile.

“Oh, good afternoon, I didn’t see you there. Can I help you, sir?”

Edward wanted to hate him. But he was pleasant and handsome – and those weren’t
really
good enough reasons to dislike someone. Edward steeled himself against the young man’s charms, remembering that he was probably only being nice because he thought Edward might be one of his own, thanks to
his
smart clothes today.

Edward approached the counter and glanced at the picture Harry was working on. It was an almost faultless rendition of an eye. Edward refused to compliment him in case his head swelled bigger than it already was.

He opened his mouth to start the interrogation, but Scott appeared at his side.

“Edward, great to see you here! Nice threads – you don’t scrub up too bad, do you!”

“Hi, Scott. Thanks.”

“You’ve got my brochures! Great – thank you!”

“No problem.”

Edward handed the pile of brochures to Scott, then he gazed at the floor, feeling awkward in the presence of the beautiful Harry. But he was determined to find out if there was anything going on between them. And how could there
not
be? Scott was only made of flesh and blood – who could resist a demigod like this? A flash of envy pulsed through Edward at the thought of them together. He glanced at Harry, then back at Scott, hoping for an introduction.

“Oh,” Scott said. “Edward, this is Harry. Harry, this is Edward – the young man who’s staying with us at the moment.”

Harry stepped out from behind the counter and offered his hand. “Nice to meet you, Edward.”

Harry gazed kindly into Edward’s eyes, making him feel like a stupid child. This guy was seriously hot. Edward pushed away his desire and forced himself to act cool.

“I… um… Nice to meet you, too. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Brighton University. You’re about to go there, right?”

“Yes, I definitely am.”

Edward opened his mouth to ask if they could step outside and have a private chat, but Scott’s attention was seized by the well-dressed man and woman who swanned into the gallery, looking so rich that they’d probably sprinkled gold-dust on their breakfast cereals this morning. The woman had bright-red hair and a multitude of facial piercings. The man was dressed sombrely, like an undertaker…

Scott gasped camply and greeted them with overbearing enthusiasm. “Trinnie! Simon! How wonderful to see you again!”

Edward watched as the three of them air-kissed. What an ostentatious display of wealth! It was pathetic.

Scott ushered his clients towards the display and furnished them with one of the brochures Edward had delivered, just in the nick of time. Scott seemed to enjoy himself as he showed off the paintings, sounding like a wine-taster on crack. “The intricate brushstrokes from the artist here remind me of spring blossoms spiralling into an epitaph of lust, leaving the onlooker whirling madly, like the last throes of summer. It’s representative of how humanity strives for self-improvement. Don’t you think?”

All that from brushstrokes? The art buyers nodded wisely, as if they understood the bollocks that Scott was spouting. Edward was certain he was mocking them.

He turned back to Harry, who was watching Scott in action with an impressed smile on his perfect lips. “So?” Edward said.

Harry dragged his gaze away from the art buyers. “Yes, sorry. You wanted to talk about Brighton?”

“Well, I wondered why you actually wanted to go there specifically.”

“To study.”

“But why Brighton?”

Harry’s beautiful brow wrinkled. “What do you mean?”

“You
know
it’s the gay capital of England, right?”

“Yes. And?”

“Well, are you prepared for what you’re gonna get?”

Harry folded his arms across his chest. “I’m sorry, I don’t follow your point.”

“I’m just wondering how much experience you’ve had with men. Is there anyone you’re sleeping with at the moment?”

Harry’s expression sunk to despair. “That’s none of your business.”

Edward raised an eyebrow. “Oh come on, admit it.”

“What?”

“Why did you wanna work with Scott?” Edward lowered his voice and leaned in. “It was so you could get sex tips from an older guy, wasn’t it?”

Harry’s jaw dropped. “What are you talking about – of course not! I’m not some little slut like you!”

Edward’s brain reeled at this verbal slap. “What did you call me?”

Harry scoffed. “Scott told me what you’ve been up to.”

“Oh really? And that means you can speak to me however you want, does it? Because you’ve got wealthy parents and I haven’t? Well, you pretentious motherfucker, I’ve got news for you!”

Harry scrutinised Edward. “Is
that
what this is all about? You’re jealous because I have money. Well, let me tell you something, I know poverty – India’s full of it, and I’d do anything to stop it there and everywhere!”

“Bullshit!” Edward shouted. “If you’re so worried about the poverty in India, what the fuck are you doing standing around in some stupid art gallery doodling pictures and peddling crap?”

Harry opened his mouth to defend himself, but Scott stormed over. “What the hell are you two playing at? Those people are worth thousands to this gallery. Go and have your little cat fight outside!”

The air smothered Edward as he realised how loud he’d just been. “But –”

“I don’t wanna hear it, Edward! Just get out now. Both of you!”

Edward hung his head and swivelled towards the exit. He could feel Harry following, so he pulled the door open and they both plodded out into the sunshine. They loitered together outside, like a couple of naughty school-kids.

Edward kicked a discarded bottle cap. “I didn’t know Scott could get that angry.”

Harry winced. “He looked really mad. I hope you’re happy.”

“Me?”

“Yes, Edward. You.”

“Well, what about what
you
called
me
?”

Harry chewed his lip, making him look adorable. “Yeah, okay, I’m sorry I called you a slut. But you exposed my big insecurity and I lashed out. I’m sorry.”

Edward gazed at him. How could he be angry after such a heartfelt apology? “Okay –it’s okay. And I’m sorry I called you a… you know...”

Harry smirked. “A pretentious motherfucker?”

Edward laughed. “Yeah. Sorry.”

They shared a smile, and Edward’s chest swelled with tranquil contentedness. There was a gracious sparkle in Harry’s eyes; he was captivating; enchanting. Definitely someone Edward could befriend – despite their squabble just now. And of
course
he wasn’t sleeping with Scott. He seemed so sweet and innocent.

“So what’s your big insecurity?” Edward asked. “You’re worried about sleeping with guys in Brighton?”

Harry chewed his thumb-tip, making him look vulnerable. Edward suppressed a sudden desire to kiss him to death.

“You wouldn’t understand,” Harry said. “You’ve had plenty of experience. But… I…”

“Haven’t had much?”

“Something like that.”

“Oh… you haven’t had
any
?”

Harry shook his head forlornly. Bless him. Well, he was in for a shock when he went to Brighton and all the young guys started vying for his attention – and his body.

“Look, I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Edward said. “It’s pretty easy to pick things up as you go along.”

“Thanks.”

Harry gazed deeply into Edward’s eyes, and something in the air between them popped and pinged, binding them together with a connection that was soul-deep. Edward’s body shivered.

He held out his hand. “So we’re friends?”

Harry smiled kindly and took Edward’s hand. His fingers were long and beautiful; he had artist’s hands. They were smooth and soft. Edward saw a sudden flash of those hands exploring his body. Hey, maybe
he
could offer Harry some guidance? But he couldn’t just blurt it out, could he?

Still holding Harry’s hand, he asked, “Would you
ever
ask anyone for sex tips?”

“What? Like who?”

Edward faltered. How was he going to get out of this? “Er, someone close to you, who you trust. Like… I dunno, like Scott…?”

“No, I never would ask him! He’s married. Exclusively, he says.”

“Yeah, that’s what his husband says, too. So, okay, so how about someone nearer your own age?”

Harry gazed silently into Edward’s eyes as if he was trying to decipher this proposition. Edward suddenly realised they were still holding hands, which wasn’t a good thing, because his body was now quivering with lust and intimidation. He decided to abandon his seduction plan before he completely humiliated himself, so he eased his fingers out of Harry’s lovely grip, feeling his heart – and thighs – flutter with a desperate yearning.

He glanced towards the end of the road. “Um, I gotta go. I’ll see you around, okay?”

Harry’s expression didn’t flicker. “Oh, sure.”

Edward turned on legs filled with sunbeams, and started to stagger down the street. Self-consciousness gripped him; he was sure Harry was watching him leave. How did walking go again? One foot in front of the other… Don’t you dare trip over!

“Hey, Edward, wait a minute!”

His muscles tensed with nervous energy, and he turned back, desperate to seem cool. “Yeah?”

“I… er… I wanted to ask you something?”

“You do?”

“Well… You said you wanted to talk to me about Brighton. What was it you wanted to specifically say?”

“Oh. Er…” Edward’s mind scrabbled for a good excuse, eclipsing his disappointment at not being asked on a date. “Er… my friend’s got a room to rent in Brighton and I was wondering whether you wanted to take it, but you’re probably staying in student accommodation, right?”