Chapter 18

“Like I said, Charlemagne speaks highly of your talents. All the boys know it, and they all want a piece of you.”

“What?”

“Yeah. If I can give you to them, they’ll vote for me.”

“You’re fucking out of your mind. I’ve got a guy, and I have no intention of—”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard. But I’ll make it worth your while.”

I pushed the chair back and got to my feet, angrier than I could ever remember being. “You couldn’t afford me.”

“There’s more to life than money. I’ll give you a position in my court. A very high position.”

“No.” How could he even think I’d do something like that? “And if I hear you’re promising my favors to anyone, I’ll track you down and beat the shit out of you. And don’t think I can’t.” I thought of the undercover cops at the gym, but I knew better than to mention them. I must have looked grim. To a man, the rent boys’ jaws had all dropped. “Good night.”

And I walked out.

* * * *

I felt…filthy…and even the hottest shower I could stand didn’t help.