Marlon droned on about the shelter while Aaron took another sip of his drink, and then he set about putting the spark out in Jett’s eyes before it could start a fire.
“You’re building?” Aaron interrupted.
“What?”
“You said you’re building it. I really underestimated you, Marlon, I didn’t realize you were getting your hands dirty—”
“No, I’m having it built.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I hope you’re paying your workers well.”
“It’s more about the dogs.”
“You’ve got to pay your workers well though. They’re the ones doing it all for no credit.”
“I’m not after credit.”
“Never said you were.”
“I give lots of my earnings to good causes. The less fortunate need it more than me.”
Another aww from the crowd, another spark of adoration in Jett’s eyes, and another sip of drink before Aaron said something else to unsettle Marlon and ruin his moment.
“I think anonymous donations are more honorable.”
“What?”
“It means more when your name’s not splashed around the papers, I’m not saying you’re one of those famous types that highlights the good they do for attention, but some of them do. Again, I’m not saying you’re one of them, but some are like that.”
“I’m not like that.”
“Good, good, because this one guy, he conveniently got papped at a hospital, comforting sick children. I mean, if that wasn’t a publicity stunt, then what is? But exploiting ill children, nothing’s lower, right? Come to think of it, it was an actor, too. You might know him…”
Aaron detected the exact moment Marlon had realized he was talking about him. His obviously staged photo at the hospital, he’d looked too perfect for it to be some random visit. Marlon shuddered, and then his eyes sought the exits.
“Can’t remember his name,” Aaron finished.
“What the papers choose to print is nothing to do with me,” Marlon said.
“I know, the paps are awful. Come to think of it, how did the plans for the dog shelter get in the news?”
Color appeared in Marlon’s cheeks, and he cleared his throat. “I have no idea.”
“Maybe one of your inner circle leaked it. You better watch your back.”
Marlon turned, no longer facing Jett, but squaring up to Aaron. “You give to charity, do you?”
“No, no, no,” Aaron laughed softly.
Marlon puffed up. “Well then—”
“I don’t have the money,” Aaron sighed.
“Don’t have the money, don’t give me that, your suit, that watch on your wrist…”
Aaron looked at his watch, hundreds of thousands of dollars sparkling at him. “It was my dad’s, passed on after he died.”
A complete lie, all his dad left him was debt.
“Okay, fine, but what about the suit?”
“Jesus, Marlon,” Jett said.
“I’m just saying, that’s thousands of pounds worth of suit right there, and he’s saying he can’t afford to give to charity.”
“The suit’s faulty.”
“What? How?”
Double shit.
“The inside pockets are sewed together. I got it cheaper, discounted price from the shop owner. We go way back, and I used to protect him from bullies in the playground. He’s a good guy, but sensitive. Bad people seem to swarm around him.”
Aaron was certain he was going to hell.
“So what, you feel like he owed you?”
“No, he offered the suit at a discount. It was that or throw it away, and the work that went into the suit … well, throwing it away would’ve been a waste.”
“Well it looks very good on you, doesn’t it, Jett?” Mary-Sue said, and Jett nodded beside her. A blush on his cheeks. His eyes darted, and he laughed softly.
“So sadly, Marlon, I don’t have money to spare like some.”
Well that was a lie…
“But I think what I do instead, does more good for the dogs.”
Jett tilted his head, eyeing Aaron. “What do you do?”
“I don’t want to go on about it. That’s not what it’s about, not why I do it.”
Marlon jutted his chin out. “No, come on, let’s hear it.”
Aaron raised his hand. “I’m not one to brag—”
“Tell me.”
Marlon’s cool composure had cracked completely. He still wore his easy smile, but Aaron was close enough to see the anger swirling in his eyes. Someone was out-“gooding” him, and he couldn’t stand it.
“It’s no big deal, but sometimes I go to the shelters. I play with the dogs, take them for walks, show them some love, that kinda thing.”
“Really?” Jett said.
No.
“Oh yeah, they’re so grateful to have some company, some fuss, you could build them the biggest pens, the nicest yards, but all they really want is some company, some companionship.”
“I would do that if I had more time—”
“I make time. If it’s one walk a week, then I know I’ve done good for that dog. There’s this one dog, little Parry, one leg, his tail wags so fast when he sees me, he loses balance, falls over.”
Aaron got an aww; he actually got an aww. He was definitely going to hell for this alone, let alone the other stuff he’d done.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Sweet little Parry.”
“If you like him so much, why not adopt him?” Marlon mumbled.
“I’m not at home often. It wouldn’t be fair on him, and besides, there’s so many dogs. If I take one home, I’ll end up taking them all.”
Another aww, Aaron was on a roll, but when he looked at Jett, all his confidence vanished. Jett saw through his bullshit as easily as he’d seen through Marlon’s.
Jett wasn’t smiling, and his eyes weren’t round and awed. They’d narrowed, and a dimple appeared at the top of his nose, still adorable, but annoyed.
“Anyway, part of the reason I can visit the shelters is because of Jett running my bar. I don’t have to worry; I know he’s got everything covered.”
Jett’s lips popped open, and Aaron continued.
“He’s the best barman in the country, I’d say the world, but then again, I’m biased. I trust him completely, know whatever he tries will be a success, and I’m so lucky to have him.”
“Hear, hear,” Mary-Sue said, raising a glass. Aaron did the same, then everyone of Marlon’s entourage, before finally Marlon himself, lifted his.
“To Jett,” Aaron said. “I’d be lost without him.”
Aaron didn’t break eye contact with Jett as he downed the rest of the cocktail. Jett’s eyes were bigger than Aaron had ever seen them, glassier, and Aaron swore he was standing taller. Aaron was pretty sure Jett was so affected by his words, he’d stopped breathing, but then he slumped, and broke eye contact. The reaction wasn’t good, and Aaron glanced at Mary-Sue for help.
She shrugged, eyeing Jett with a worried expression on her face.
Marlon turned his back to Aaron, and he preferred the sight of it to his face. It meant he’d won whatever game they’d been playing, but even so, the prize wasn’t his.
“What?” he mouthed at Jett.
Jett sighed, and craned his neck over the bar. It was difficult to have a private conversation surrounded by so many, but Jett rested his lips on Aaron’s ear as he spoke.
“Don’t tease me like that.”
He leaned back, a sad expression crumpling his face. Aaron gawped, and shook his head.
“I’m not.”
Jett went to turn away, but Aaron reached for his hand, and stopped him. “I swear I’m not. You’re amazing, what you’ve done, all you do, is amazing. This place is incredible because of you.”
Jett peeked a look at him. “You mean it?”
His uncertainty cut deep, and Aaron squeezed his hand tight, not to crush bones like with Marlon, but in pulses for reassurance.
The smile came back, cautious at first, then full and bright, and Aaron hated himself for never complimenting Jett before. He’d denied himself that level of adoration for years. Jett radiated pure unfiltered happiness, and Aaron just wanted to bottle it up. The look made his insides turn to jelly, and his heart skip a giddy tune. He was a hardened criminal, but Jett could make him feel like a lovestruck teenager. He liked and hated the feeling in equal measures.
Mary-Sue patted the box. “So?”
Jett looked down at it, then laughed. “What awful outfit did you get me then?”
Before Aaron could speak, Marlon was there again. “What’s this?”
“I had a deal with Aaron. He’s fulfilled his side, and now it’s my turn. I’ve got to wear whatever’s in this box.”
Marlon lifted his eyebrow. “Oh really?”
“I’m hoping it’s not awful.”
“You could never look awful.”
Aaron beat back his temper and grinned at Marlon, a grin that was all fake, and told him to back the hell off.
“Come on,” Mary-Sue said. “I’ll help you get ready.”
Jett snorted. “Ready?”
“Yep.”
She pushed him lightly to get him to move along the bar, and he went like a stroppy child, dragging his heels.
“Can’t wait to see it,” Marlon shouted.
Aaron glared, then grabbed the box off the bar before following after Jett. They pushed through the doors to the corridor, then started up the steps to the office.
“Wait,” Mary-Sue said. “I need to get something.”
“Right now?” Jett asked.
“Yep, my makeup bag, I’ll be a minute.”
“Wait, makeup?”
She ran back down the steps before Jett or Aaron could say anything else. They watched her go, shared a confused look, then both laughed.
The stairs were dark, and the music from the club couldn’t be heard, more a murmur that vibrated the walls. Aaron looked at Jett, and he looked back.
“It really does look amazing down there. A real treat for the senses.”
“I’m glad you like it—like, really glad.” Jett breathed, Aaron couldn’t see his blushing cheeks, but he could tell he was from the way he bowed forward, and shuffled.
“I thought I’d never be able to impress you.”
“You do,” Aaron said softly. “The club’s amazing, and you run it so well. I really am lucky to have you.”
Jett forced his gaze up, looking at Aaron for a second before looking away again. That should’ve been the moment, the moment Aaron leaned in and kissed Jett, but he bottled it.
“So you swing by dog shelters to walk them, do you?”
Aaron snorted. “I may have exaggerated slightly.”
“How slightly?”
“Completely.”
Jett laughed, shaking his head. “You two were ridiculous down there.”
“I couldn’t have him outdoing me in my own nightclub.”
“You lied.”
“And he’s not the shining knight everyone thinks he is.”
“I was half tempted to order you to the dance floor.”
“What?”
“Remember what I said about dancing is mock fighting? You two could’ve had a dance off and been done with it.”
“I told you, I can’t dance.”
“Then you would’ve lost out.”
Aaron narrowed his eyes. “No chance. I wasn’t gonna be outdone by him.”
“I thought at one point you were gonna get your cocks out to compare sizes.”
“Mine would’ve poked your eye out behind the bar.”
Jett tipped his head back laughing. It made Aaron smile so much his face ached.
“Then I would’ve used mine as a lance and knocked Marlon off his stool.”
Jett hugged his arms around his stomach, laughing harder. “Stop it, stop it.”
“I told you, I’m a bad person.”
“You’re a good boss.”
Aaron pursed his lips. He had to agree with that. He always gave the people that worked for him a fair chance, a good cut of the profits, but then he thought of Jett. Three years and he’d never told him he’d done a good job.
“Most of the time.”
“You’ve always been good to me.”
“Well that’s not true.”
Jett frowned, searching Aaron’s eyes for an explanation.
“I overlooked you and what you do for this club, what you do for me. You are amazing, Jett, and I’m so happy to have you here, have you running my club, have you in my life.”
“You’ve said it now, and that’s all that matters.” Jett smiled.
“You are too nice, you know that. Have you ever done anything bad?”
Jett licked his lips. “Yeah.”
“What?”
Aaron’s gaze dropped to Jett’s lips. He couldn’t help himself. His heart was satisfied after Jett’s smiles, but his cock wasn’t. The lust was bubbling to the surface again, especially when he thought of Jett being bad.
“I kept a library book once.”
Aaron burst out laughing.
“What?” Jett said, laughing, too. “It was a big deal for me. I forgot I had it, felt really guilty about it.”
“You’re cute, so bloody cute. That’s it, that’s the worst thing you’ve done?”
“I may’ve drunk a bottle from behind the bar.”
Aaron opened his mouth in mock shock. “Seriously?”
“I wasn’t sure whether I’d paid for it, so I put double in the till for it the next day.”
“Come on … that all you got?”
Jett looked up, tracked the ceiling with his eyes, then turned his attention back to Aaron.
“Okay, I’ve got one.”
“Let’s hear it.”
Jett bit his lip. “I pretend I’m into this movie star, all to get him to come to the club. I’ve even said I’ll go home with him tonight, just so he’d come along, give us more publicity. I’m gonna sleep with him, not for money, but to get a good review from the nicest guy in Hollywood.”
Aaron pressed himself back into the wall. In a war of words, it was Jett that had floored him, Jett that had taken his breath and shocked him to silence.
Jett slumped. “Exactly.”
“Jett,” Aaron breathed.
He heard the clomp of Mary-Sue’s boots, and then she was next to him, slipping the box he was holding out from under his arm.
“Right,” Mary-Sue said to Jett. “Let’s get you sorted.”
Jett carried on up the stairs, then unlocked the office door.
Mary-Sue pointed to the step she was standing on. “Stay here.”
“I don’t take orders from you,” Aaron said.
“Trust me, you’ll want to follow this one.”
She winked, then went after Jett into the office.
Chapter Four
Aaron flared his nostrils. They were taking too long, especially when he was still reeling from Jett’s confession. He was planning on sleeping with Marlon, not because he wanted to, but for the sake of the club, to secure its reputation. Aaron wouldn’t allow it.
Mary-Sue opened the office door with a coy smile, but it vanished when she looked at Aaron.
“What the hell’s happened?”
“Nothing, can I go in there yet and talk to Jett?”
“I don’t think you’ll be talking once you see him.”
Aaron shook his head, marching up the last few steps.
“I’ll cover Jett’s end of the bar, distract Marlon best I can.”
He didn’t reply, just pushed through the door to the office. It was the second time in thirty minutes he’d been floored, the first time by words, the second by the sight in front of him.
Fuck.
He’d wanted to have a serious conversation with Jett, but the second he saw him in the outfit he�
�d handpicked, his blood rushed south and his heart started drumming a desperate beat. Jett practically naked was too much to handle. Aaron hurried to close the door so he couldn’t fall down the stairs.
Jett looked down at himself, laughing. “Yep, I look ridiculous.”
He didn’t. He really didn’t. Aaron could barely breathe.
He couldn’t decide between angel or devil, and instead had rushed around the city, picking pieces he’d thought Jett would look good in. There were only three items, and two of them weren’t clothing.
“Are you gonna explain it to me?” Jett said, still looking down at himself, and not at Aaron.
He’d picked out black feathered wings, a black leather choker, and black leather shorts. Minimal, he wanted to see as much of Jett as he could, and the outfit didn’t disappoint. He was staring at Jett’s six-pack, his shoulders, his pectorals, his crotch. He was narrower than Aaron, shorter too. There was no dusting of hair on his chest, but smooth taut skin Aaron longed to run his tongue along.
“You’re a fallen angel,” Aaron said, rubbing his throat. It felt tight. Everything felt tight, and far too hot. It was torture, self-inflicted torture, and he didn’t know why he’d done it. He should’ve dressed Jett in a garbage bag, although he still would’ve wanted to bend him over a desk and make a hole in front of Jett’s ass.
“That explains the wings I guess, but the choker?”
“The devil likes to keep his angel chained up, doesn’t want him to come to his senses and fly away.”
“And the skimpy shorts?”
“The devil’s a massive pervert, everyone knows that.”
Jett laughed again, finally lifting his head to look at Aaron. He’d supplied the basics, but it was Mary-Sue that had really brought the look to life. She’d painted Jett’s chest and neck a shimmering silver, ruffled his brown hair, and penciled eyeliner around his lashes.
Aaron staggered. His crotch felt heavy, like a lead weight, and his head like a helium balloon. Jett looked fucking gorgeous, and he was struggling to handle the lust overwhelming him. His fingers twitched, needing to touch, and his cock was attempting to bust open his zipper. His body was running on sexual instinct while his brain was flagging behind.
Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition Page 16
