Page 29 of Judging Duke

I stalked into the house and to the room I still kept here. Gone were the gaming posters, replaced by framed photographsI’d taken over the years. I’d considered selling them, opening a gallery where I could follow my passion.

Some said that I had the dream job, fucking all day and night, but it was a chore. One I’d be happy to give up now. Retirement looked more and more appealing every day.

I turned the shower to hot in the en suite and shed my clothes. At thirty-four, I was in my prime. I’d always been into sports: running, rugby and swimming.

I checked out my reflection in the mirror, noting the bags under my eyes. Dexter had been right. I did need to rest. I made the decision to spend the rest of the week here, then return to the US. I’d a few scenes to shoot I couldn’t get out of, a couple of other projects I’d made promises on, then that would be it.

Essentially, I was my own boss. I could please myself.

Dexter would make the necessary arrangements, and I would bow out gracefully.

The internet would survive with the films I’d already made, and I’d make a few bucks here and there. All in all, I’d be fine. Not only did I have that income, but I’d been careful with my money. Paying for Robbie’s treatment hadn’t been easy, but I’d invested wisely.

If I could spend the rest of my days taking pictures for a living, I’d be happy.

Robbie walking would be the icing on the cake.

I stepped under the hot water and closed my eyes, dropping my chin to my chest.

A steady stream of water eased the taut muscles in my shoulders, and I rolled them, feeling the tension slip away.

I never did get that massage.

My thoughts returned to Duke; his gentle manner with his lady client yesterday showed a caring side I’d never imagined.

In my mind’s eye, he was a thug, probably living a life of crime and debauchery.

After seeing him, though, he didn’t seem like that at all.

Earlier today, before I’d left, I’d watched him chatting with a few people. He’d smiled and laughed, took care with some of the older guests. Both his looks and demeanour were different to the boy I’d seen running from the scene fifteen years ago.

He was fit as fuck now; there was no denying it, and a fantasy I’d not thought of in a long time sprung to mind.

He’d be lying on the bed, his dark locs spread across the pillow, a rock-hard dick in his hand. My own dick pulsed, demanding attention. I reached my hand down and felt it harden beneath my touch.

The view changed, and present-day Duke replaced him.

Sexier with a few more years on him, the youthful look of the past had slipped away, revealing a more mature man. The little I’d seen of him the past few days had shown a body full of promise, one I’d be more than happy to see naked.

My fascination with him had never left me despite what he’d done, and the anger I had for him began to melt away.

CHAPTER SEVEN

DUKE

The move to Liverpool had gone well, better than expected. The buzz of a city suited me far more than country life ever would.

Although rural settings had their perks. A major one was not being hit on every time I went out for a quiet drink.

“Can I get you another drink, gorgeous?” The guy who’d been trying to get my attention for most of the night let his lips linger near my ear, bringing me back to the present. Lately, my thoughts constantly wandered to Simon and the kiss we’d shared.

Two months had passed, but despite that, I couldn’t forget it.

I returned my attention to the guy currently trying to suck the blood out of my neck. What was up with him? Was he a vampire?

I wrinkled my nose and attempted to step away from him.

“I’m good, thanks. As I said before, I’m with friends.”

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