He submitted to the indignities of the outfit without complaint. He even suggested that Andrew tousle his hair so it looked like last time, and he painted on the eyeliner himself, making it as smoky and over the top as before. He was happy to participate in his own humiliation, because it was meaningless compared to Solange’s death. If it proved to Tyler that he was no threat, then he’d do it gladly.
An AV was waiting outside Vertex Tower to pick him up at 7p.m., with Harris accompanying him. It was the first time he’d been outside since his return, and it was a sweet relief to feel the wind on his face again. Ghost Eye City was alive with bustle and activity, teeming with people visiting the mall and various restaurants and nightclubs. People were shopping for Christmas and meeting for dinner, just like in Pre-R times. Of course, this life was available only to the wealthy few, and not to the likesof him. Indies bustled along the streets, too, carrying shopping, running errands, and driving their houders around. There were none of the ghostly sable addicts who lurked on the streets of less wealthy areas, staring listlessly into space, or the clusters of crying croc-heads, smiling happily through their tears. This gleaming new city wasn’t for them.
The AV drove slowly through the blustery autumn weather. It was a pleasure to see the city – he’d never had the opportunity before. His heart skipped a beat as they drove towards the bright silver Inquisitus sign. Were they going there? Would he see Joe again? That seemed unlikely, so he wasn’t surprised when they drove past it. He looked out of the window, keeping his face blank even as his mind raced. Joe was so nearly in reach; he might be working at a desk in that impressive office building. So close, and yet so far away.
The journey took less than fifteen minutes – they didn’t even leave the city – before they pulled up outside an imposing building that Alex remembered from his previous life. Tyler had brought him here for dinner once, back when he’d been free.
He stepped out of the duck, and people immediately stopped and stared. He didn’t blame them. Once, he’d have blushed and lashed out to be seen in public in this humiliating outfit, but now he didn’t care. Harris escorted him into the restaurant, which was as classy as he remembered it. He looked desperately out of place, a common hooker in an exclusive establishment. The maître d’ looked him up and down, his mouth settling into a thin line of disapproval.
“This way, please,sir,” he intoned snootily.
Alex had been practising walking in heels all afternoon and was reasonably confident he wouldn’t fall over, but it was impossible not to sashay, his arse bobbing pertly with every step. As he followed the maître d’ into the dining area, he was acutely aware of his smooth body, and the obscenity of the pouchmaking his cock press against his tiny leather shorts, clearly displaying its outline for all to see. The place was packed and every pair of eyes in the restaurant turned on him as he passed. Conversations paused and people whispered and sniggered, but Alex kept his composure. He was humming his song furiously in his head, reminding himself that he didn’t care, that none of this was in his control. Acceptance settled over him like a comforting cloak.
There was someone sitting alone at a table in a corner of the room. Someone who stood up as he approached. Someone very familiar. His stomach lurched. This was it. This was what he’d been both dreading and anticipating for months.
George Tyler was wearing a pair of black chinos and a black shirt, with a thin red tie. He looked younger than when Alex had last seen him in the house at Lewes a year ago. He was tanned and relaxed, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, and lean and toned, as if he’d been working out. He grinned as Alex came towards him and then started to clap, which made everyone in the crowded restaurant turn and stare even more.
“Look at you,” he exclaimed. “My sexy boy. Don’t you look the business?”
Alex beamed at him. “I hope so. I wanted to please you.”
“And you have. You really have.” Tyler gave an approving whistle. “Not just now, but these past few months. I’ve been impressed, Alexander. Really impressed.”
He held out his hand in greeting, but Alex ignored it. Instead, he slipped his arms around Tyler and held him tight. He could feel Tyler’s hard chest, hear the beating of his heart, and a second later, he felt Tyler’s arms close around him and return the embrace. It was all kinds of screwed up, and yet, in a way, there was something more honest about it than anything he’d done for months. He hated this man, but they were connected, linked forever by the fucked-up narrative they shared.
He wasn’t sure why he initiated the hug, but a part of him was almost happy to see Tyler. He was relieved that the waiting was now over and the next part of his challenge could begin. Last time he’d seen him, Tyler had said he wanted him to go to his bed willingly, without any trace of hesitation, reluctance, or resentment. If tonight was the night, then he was as ready for that challenge as he’d ever be.
He drew back, still smiling. There was a bemused and yet affectionate expression on Tyler’s face, as if he also felt the strange bond they shared. He cleared his throat and held out his arm. “Please, be seated,” he said, gesturing to the chair opposite. Then, weirdly, he moved to hold out the chair for Alex, as if he was an honoured guest and not his personal whore.
Alex took his seat, keeping his face composed and humming his song repeatedly in his head. This was it. This was his moment. Everything he’d worked so hard for depended on how he behaved tonight. He had to bring his A game to this encounter.
Tyler handed him a menu. “Choose whatever you like. You deserve it.”
“Is it a special occasion?” Alex asked, smiling.
“Of course it is. It’s your birthday.”
“Is it?” Alex was genuinely surprised. He’d paid the date no attention, but he realised that was a mistake; Tyler loved symbolism.
“Yup – and I thought you were due a night out to celebrate after all your recent hard work.”
“Thank you, sir.” Alex glanced at the menu without much interest, settling on something light. Tyler poured him a glass of wine. “I’m not sure I should, sir,” he demurred. “I assume I’m working tonight?” He glanced around. There were only two places set at the table. “I wouldn’t want to be unprofessional.”
“You’ve been the embodiment of professionalism for months.” Tyler tilted his head to one side and regarded him with a quizzical expression. “I must say, it’s been quite a change.”
“I was a fool before. A selfish, self-absorbed idiot.”
“Yes, you were. I’m surprised to hear you say it, though.”
“I’ve grown up a lot. You did the right thing sending me to Belvedere.”
“It has excellent reviews. I don’t know anyone who’s been disappointed by it. Still, you weren’t exactly an easy nut to crack or, I’d imagine, the usual kind of IS they deal with.”
“It was the best thing to happen to me,” Alex confided. “They didn’t let me get away with any of my crap. They showed me the error of my ways.”
“Music to my ears.” Tyler grinned, and beckoned to a nearby waiter. They ordered food, and then Tyler sat back. “So, tell me all about it,” he requested.
Alex glanced around the restaurant. He could stand up, make a scene and yell that Tyler was a murderer, but that was a fool’s choice, and he only had one shot at this. If he did that, Tyler would no doubt bundle him straight into a duck, and that would be the end of his mission. People were unlikely to pay any attention to the rantings of someone who looked like he did right now.
