Page 52 of Judging Duke

“There’s not an awful lot to tell. You know what I do for a living. There’s not much more to me than that.”

“Well, I don’t believe that for one moment. I saw you brought a camera bag with you. Is that something you like to do? I’ve promised Duke I’d take him sightseeing. Perhaps you’d like to come as well? There’s so many hidden jewels around here. I know all the best places to visit.”

That actually sounded like a good idea. A few months ago, spending time with Duke would have been unthinkable, but after our conversation last night, I’d felt my hatred for him lessen. I could never forgive him, but perhaps I could be a little more considerate.

He didn’t seem too bad of a person. He’d at least asked after Robbie and had seemed genuinely upset when I’d told him.

“You know, I’d like that. I don’t always get the chance to take many pictures. I brought it with me for just that reason. Let me know when you’re going, and I’ll make sure I’m free.”

“Considering it’s my movie, I think I can arrange for some free time. Now go get your swim before anyone else turns up. I’ll see you later, Simon.”

She continued to sip her coffee, looking out over the sea, her oversized sunglasses hiding most of her face.

There was definitely more to her than met the eye.

I knocked back my coffee and made my way to the pool, dipping my toe in. Fuck but it was cold.

Not caring a jot, I dived in and swam my fifty lengths. I felt alive, invigorated and ready to face the day and whatever it had in store.

I didn’t see Duke at breakfast but shared a table with my co-stars. They were a nice enough couple, and we made small talk. If I was going to wank while they fucked, it was nice not to be strangers.

“So, Simon. How long have you been in the business?”

“Too fucking long.” It was my stock answer because I honestly felt like I’d done it all of my life. I didn’t count the years, just knew that I’d done it for Robbie. “Ten years? Maybe less. I’ve lost count.”

“Wow, that’s a lot of men to fuck. Didn’t I see you in some straight porn?” Finn asked.

“You would have done, yes. I started my career doing straight. But once I had dick…”

“You never looked back.” Troy gazed at his husband. “I can’t imagine ever fucking a woman.”

“Eh, it’s okay. Not done it for years though, now. How long have you guys been doing this?”

I took a bite from a buttery croissant and moaned as it melted on my tongue.

“Five years now. We met on set, were engaged within a few months and married shortly after. We don’t do movies with anyone but each other now.”

“Does that not get boring?”

“Not at all. I think our movies show the love we have for each other. It’s endless…perfect even.”

I mean, I kind of got it. I suppose that’s what it’d be like to be in a relationship with one man and one man only. It just wasn’t something I’d experienced.

Didn’t they say variety was the spice of life? It was for me anyway.

Fortunately for me, Cyril announced that filming would begin shortly and could we make our way to the studio they had set up in an outbuilding not far from the main house.

The building was amazing, not at all like an old barn. Pristine and cool, an air-conditioning unit kept it an even temperature.

The set was dressed as a Victorian-style bedroom, a huge four-poster bed taking centre stage, crisp white sheets covering it.

I’d worked in some dire places before, but this was palatial in comparison to most.

Several cameras were placed at strategic points around the bed, designed to capture the action from every angle.

A large red upholstered chair sat to the side, facing the bed. I gathered this was where I’d be sitting, giving me an unimpeded view of where Troy and Finn would be.

A woman approached me. “I’m here to do your make-up.”

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