Page 27 of Judging Duke

They did this every time. Robbie would drip with sweat, and he’d fume, hating every moment, blaming Carlos for every aching muscle.

Carlos would watch him closely, laughing at his childish tantrums. Despite this, they were great friends, and when the punishment, as Robbie called it, was done, they’d play X-box with Robbie beating Carlos every time.

“Robbie,” I shouted and made my way into the gym I’d had built for him.

He sat on the lat machine, facing inwards. Carlos stood behind him, supporting him in case he fell.

“Get rid of him, Simon. He’s trying to kill me,” he whined.

“Alright, Carlos?” I asked.

He nodded at me, smiling. “Everything is fine, Mr Fletcher,” he said in his heavily accented voice. Originally from Spain, Carlos had moved here ten years ago with his parents when he was about fourteen. He wasn’t bad looking with long black hair tied into a ponytail at his neck, tanned skin and dark eyes.

“Robbie here is acting like a baby that has lost his toy.”

I watched with amusement as Robbie cursed through the remaining sets. His upper body was powerful, but his legs were weak and lifeless.

“Are you almost done?” I wanted to talk to him.

“We’d better be,” Robbie said. “I want a new physio. Carlos takes far too much enjoyment from my pain.”

Carlos turned and winked. “That’s what sadists do, Robbie. You know you love it.”

I didn’t miss Carlos’s hand as it stroked down Robbie’s side, and I wondered if there was more to their relationship.

“I’ll be in the conservatory. Come find me when you’re done.”

I went to the kitchen and poured myself a drink. It was always good to be here. We’d moved when money had allowed, and the house my parents and Robbie now lived in satoverlooking farmland. At first, I’d been reluctant to buy it, but it ticked all the boxes, including sufficient room for a wet room, downstairs bedroom and home gym.

For all my parents’ displeasure at my career choice, they loved the perks it brought.

I opened the conservatory doors and let in some fresh air. I breathed deeply. The air was warm but clean, much better than in the city where I had my place.

I’d come here when time allowed and rest, taking in the country air.

The sounds of the country soothed me, a tractor, the sound of cows in the distance, and I closed my eyes, taking it all in.

Wind rustled through the trees, and once again, I was at peace.

Robbie entered a while later, fresh from the shower, his hair still wet. Carlos followed, carrying two glasses of water, and sat opposite me.

“I thought you were working?” Robbie asked, bringing his electric wheelchair to a halt by the open door.

“I was supposed to be resting. Dexter booked me into a spa for a week of relaxation.” I took a sip of the cool water, and my mind wandered to the previous day and Duke’s kiss.

“Why aren’t you still there?”

“I had a run-in with one of the staff.”

“Did you fuck them?” Robbie laughed. “You usually fuck them.”

“Jesus, Robbie. It’s not all about sex.”

“You’re a porn star, of course it is.”

“Well, I didn’t fuck this one. I was more inclined to kill him.”

“I’m intrigued. Tell me more.” Robbie rubbed his hands together. “I do love me some gossip.”

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