Page 15 of Judging Duke

“Nope, just happy to help a friend.”

“Okaaay!” He peered over my shoulder. “What were you doing?”

“Nothing, just scrolling on my phone before my appointment.”

“Not looking at Mr Stroker?” He laughed. “I wouldn’t have blamed you, and you’ve cracked your screen.”

“Yeah, I know. Butterfingers. And he’s not my type. More Fabian’s, I think. He’s a little old for me.”

Craig’s brow wrinkled. “Really? I’ve seen you with older guys, and women come to that.”

“A guy can change his mind, can’t he?” I was trying not to sound rude, but the train of this conversation needed to change.

“You can, but he doesn’t look that much older than you.”

He was two years older. Not that much at all.

“Shall we go?” I gestured to the door. I was done with this conversation.

My luck held out for the rest of the day, and I didn’t see Simon at all. I’d spotted him in the dining room just after lunch but turned around at the last minute. He’d been sitting in one of the small alcoves, usually reserved for our more exclusive guests.

From all accounts, he was just that. An important VIP.

To me, he would always be Simon. My best friend’s brother, the object of my obsession for years. We’d had fun until that night. He’d let us sit with him as he played his video games when we were younger. I’d watch him more than the screen. His rough looks attracting me like no other boy I knew.

Now, he looked tired, polished even. Nothing like the person I used to know.

Safe at home, I finally relaxed. I’d been on edge all day, not knowing if he was lingering around the next corner.

I’d checked with Holly and knew he’d be staying for a week. If I could hold out until then, it’d be a fucking miracle. The place wasn’t huge.

An old manor house, set in acres of grounds, we were an escape for many actors wanting to get away. All employees signed a non-disclosure agreement upon starting and got their backgrounds checked. It had been a nervous time for me when I joined them, but I’d been out of the game for a while and had got some good references from previous places I’d worked.

I’d avoided arrest, unlike some of my previous acquaintances, always able to talk my way out of it.

Skipping lunch hadn’t been ideal, and I was starving by the time I arrived home. I threw together a quick stir fry: chicken, noodles and some veggies.

Not a gourmet chef, although I’d dated one way back in the day. He’d taught me a few things…but the less said about that, the better. I shook my head, remembering some of the things he’d asked me to do to him. Some were weird even to me, and I’d never looked at a marrow in quite the same way again.

I cleared up quickly and settled on the sofa. My own muscles were sore, and a long soak in a bath would be just what I needed.

First, though, I needed to call Isla.

“Hey, sis.”

“Duke. Good to hear from you. How are things?”

“I’m tired but otherwise good.” I hesitated. “How are Mum and Dad?”

“You could come visit and find out for yourself.”

“Maybe.” But we both knew that was a lie.

“Why is it so hard for you to come home? I get you were young when you left, but they miss you. Sometimes you’re a selfish bastard, Duke.”

She wasn’t wrong. I had visited but kept any contact to a minimum. The questions they’d ask me about what I did and where I’d been? I still wasn’t ready to answer them even after fifteen years.

“Look, I’m sorry. I…”

---