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away injuries or why he had to stop at the clinic to get patched up before coming back home. Then, there was the one nightmarish time Jacen had had to call Liam to come pick him up because he couldn’t even stand, let alone drive a car. Never have they talked about a good, successful exchange. It’s uncharted territory for them. But Liam decides he’s too boggled by his night to want to keep it to himself.
    “It was weird. It started out like I thought it would. He acted as if I was just a girl. But, I
knew
him. He’s watched me, as Will, with Adam a bunch of times. So that threw me. Didn’t waste any time, though. While he was... um... going at it, he kept hold of my tits, like he needed to feel like I was a woman to go through with it. So I was a little surprised when he finished off by blowing me.”
    “What?!” Jacen exclaims before he can self-censor. “He
blew
you? Then what was the point of pretending you were a chick?”
    “He was really nervous during that part. But he enjoyed it. Never seen a guy enjoy giving a hummer that much. I think he had to psych himself up for it.”
    “So you were completely made-up as Leah and he’s sucking your dick.” Jacen says with awe. “That’s....”
Hot.
    “And I had to shower, but it was part of the agreement that I come and go as Leah, so I had to get re-made-up after the shower, and I told him not to bother waiting ’cause it takes me so long. When I came out, not only was he still there, but he had this big spread set up. He had me stay for dinner, demanded it actually. Like, caviar and champagne and lobster. Waiters to serve us and everything. And he kissed my hand when we said goodbye.”
    Jacen can only stand there, mouth open, gaping, sputtering.
    “I’m seeing him again on the twelfth. He was really sweet. He seemed grateful.”
    Bitter, seething jealousy comes out of nowhere and strangles Jacen.
No. You have to say no, Lee. I won’t let him have you. I won’t let him have Leah.
It’s the happy smile on Liam’s face at the memory of it all that hurts the most.
This is what Liam wants
, Jacen realizes.
He wants a client that appreciates him, pampers him, and enjoys him as his creation, and as Leah. He doesn’t want me; he wants the fantasy just as much as his Johns do.
    “That’s awesome,” Jacen lies. “I’ll, uh, let you get cleaned up. You need anything from the kitchen? I’m gonna grab a snack and go to bed since I’ve got an early call.”
    “Nah, I’m good. Thanks, Jace,” Liam smiles with painted-peach lips and dark, smudged make-up ringed around his bright green eyes.
    “I am really glad he was nice to you. You deserve that. If it was me, I’d bring you champagne and caviar every day, for breakfast and everything.”
    With that, he’s gone, slipping back into the hall and out of sight. Liam is left blinking, reeling slightly at the comment. He stares at the doorway for a good five minutes, part of him wanting to call Jacen back to explain, part of him hating Jacen a little for saying something so sweet but inappropriate.
How dare you, Jacen? How dare you just fucking say that to me?
Liam resents the hell out of his friend telling him what he deserves and throwing out a comment so laden with sincere romantic innuendo that it makes Liam queasy. It paralyzes him and rips away his happiness over how the evening turned out. The fantasy is shattered. All that’s left are Jacen’s heartbroken words like knives slicing into Liam’s heart.

Chapter 5
The Hard Way
     
    Liam doesn’t sleep well that night. His life has always been neatly compartmentalized. A big facet of it is his work, which includes everything sexual about himself. It’s his emotional outlet, his chance to express himself and be whatever he wants or needs to be. The rest of his life is about simpler pleasures, like being able to buy nice things, to have a nice home and all of the comforts that come with it. The two compartments never mix. Liam doesn’t date or have