Page 162 of An Unholy Affair
‘Was that Eveline’s first guess?’ Henry asked.
Jack nodded, then turned to Finn. ‘And killing people is not cool.’
‘What about Simon?’ Finn replied.
Jack hesitated, the knuckles on his right hand tingling, as if itching to connect with Simon’s face again.
‘See?’ Finn said. ‘Suddenly, being an assassin makes perfect sense.’
‘I’ve never killed anyone.’
‘So, not a serial killer then?’
Jack raised his hands in frustration. ‘No!’
Finn grinned. ‘Was that Eveline’s second guess?’
He nodded.
His friend laughed. ‘Epic. Great minds and all that. Jewel thief? Like the Pink Panther?’
Jack let out an exasperated sigh. This was almost as bad as when he’d told Eveline.
‘Austin Powers? Doctor Evil? Drug lord? Mafia—’
‘Finn,’ Connor interrupted. ‘Not helping.’ He turned to Jack. ‘This is obviously difficult for you, but we’re not going to judge.’
‘But—’ Finn began.
‘Mate,’ Henry said. ‘Shut it.’
‘Sorry, Jack,’ Finn said. ‘I’m a bit pissed. Crack on.’
Jack rubbed the back of his neck.Come on, just rip the plaster off. ‘For the last ten years I’ve…’ He took a big breath and held his friends’ gazes. ‘I’ve been sleeping with women for money. I’m—Iwasan escort.’
Silence. Henry and Connor looked shocked, but a shit-eating grin spread across Finn’s face.
‘Mate, you’ve outdone yourself. That trumps builder, nurse and—what are you now, Henry? Estate Manager?’
‘Finn…’ Connor began.
Finn waved his hand as if brushing off Connor’s warning. ‘That’s fucking cool, Jack. You werepaidto get women off.’ He leaned back, shaking his head. ‘Jesus, you must have—how many womenhaveyou slept with?’
‘Finn—’ Connor warned.
‘I haven’t kept count,’ Jack replied.
‘Bloody hell.’ Finn whistled. ‘And you’re giving it all up for a vicar…’
Yes, he was. But even if Eveline didn’t want him, he was done with being an escort. He wanted a different life, and hedidwant a relationship. However, the only woman he wanted one with might not take him back.
Henry cleared his throat. ‘Well, er… That is anunusualline of work. But if our parents have taught us anything, it’s to be open-minded when it comes to, er,sexualmatters.’
Finn snorted. ‘Mate, you crack me up.’
‘Have you looked after your mental and physical health?’ Connor asked.
‘Physical, yes,’ Jack replied. ‘I’ve always used condoms and have never caught an STD. My mental health, however…’
