“So was Ted Bundy!”
“Yeah, I know, it’s pretty fucked up, but it’s not like it’ll be anything serious.”
“Are you seriously thinking of fucking him?”
“He’s taking me out for dinner. You can’t say no after someone buys you dinner. It’s rude.”
Hassan gave him a sympathetic smile and pulled him into a hug. He kissed Kieran’s temple and rubbed his back. Hassan was taller than him and had a solid physique. Kieran always felt safe in his arms.
“I’ll keep saying this until you listen, Kieran,” he said, not letting go. “You don’t owe anyone anything, and you’re worth more than one night. Some guy is going to be lucky to have you one day.”
Kieran wanted to believe what his best friend was saying. It was something he’d wanted for so long, but his track record spoke for itself. He came with a lot of baggage, which was an understatement– he was basically an airport carousel. It was just easier to be a slag. He couldn’t help but snort.
“What?” asked Hassan with a chuckle. He knew Kieran too well.
“Intrusive thoughts.”
“Not about Grant Kincaid, I hope.”
“Of course not.”
“Or your stepdad.”
Kieran involuntarily tensed, causing Hassan to break the hug and look at him in that intense way he sometimes did. It was as if he was reading his mind.
“Only you could takedaddy issuesto the next level.”
“Get fucked,” he said, laughing and shoving Hassan’s shoulder.
“Isn’t that what you want from Papa Bear?”
“No.”
“Sure! So, where is Grant taking you?”
“Way to kill the mood, bestie.”
“Maybe you should go somewhere public that’s really busy. I can hide in the background.”
“I think I’m good. It’s just dinner and a fuck, and probably a good one. I have a feeling that guy knows what he’s doing. I need to get back out there after what happened anyway.”
“Yeah, but pick up a big-dicked nerdy guy in the city, not a fucking gangster.”
“Clean-cut guys are more your thing.”
Hassan looked wistful for a second.
“Who is he?”
“Nobody.”
Kieran wanted to probe, but the look from his friend made him back off. He needed to learn that look so he could get Hassan to stay out of his business, though there was little chance of that ever happening. And although it could be annoying, knowing someone cared about him so much meant everything to Keiran.
Grant said he was sending a car to collect Kieran from his flat, which made him feel special. He’d never had a guy collecthim for a date, but then, he rarely had dates, mostly just the occasional pickup in a bar or from the apps. That always made things easier. Arranging a fuck over an app was like a contract negotiation, and most of the time, they stuck to the terms. He shuddered, thinking about Domtop69.Thankfully, it looked like the guy had gotten the hint.
Walking out the door and onto the street, he was surprised to see Grant waiting for him. The guy always wore a suit, so to see him looking more casual was a surprise. He still had a shirt and trousers on. The shirt was tailored, so it was fitted to his muscular physique. Kieran would enjoy exploring that later. It was happening, so he might as well get on board.
“Good evening, Kieran,” said Grant, taking his hand and kissing him on the cheek.
