Page 12 of The Boss

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want your pity.It was my fault.Lust can blind a man to the truth.”

“I don’t care about your money.That’s the truth.I care about you.But I feel like you’re way out of my league.I never thought you’d want an ordinary guy like me, except as a plaything, and I was willing to accept that because I wanted you so much.So, I acted in ways I thought would please you.”

“So you want to learn how to please me?”

“Very much.”

“Then don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.Just be yourself.”

“I will.”

“Good.Come with me.”

Maxwell headed to a door behind his desk.I’d assumed it was a washroom, but it led to a stairwell.I stumbled up the stairs behind him, wondering where we were going.When we got to the top, he charged through another door, flinging it open and revealing a beautifully furnished modern apartment.

* * *

Maxwell

“I have another home, but I rarely use it.My work is so consuming that I find it more convenient to live here.”

“It’s a gorgeous apartment.You can fit my entire flat in this living room.”

“Thanks.Remind me to show you the rooftop terrace.The view is fantastic.”

“I’ll bet.”

“Aaron?”

He turned warily.“Yes, Sir?”

“You’re the first man I’ve brought here.”

Aaron’s eyes went wide.“Really?”

“Yes.When you know me better, you’ll discover I don’t lie.”

“I didn’t mean…”

I smiled at him.“It’s okay.I’m not offended.I just want you to know that I think you’re special.If you were just a play partner, we’d play at the club.”

“I appreciate that.”

“So, Aaron, would you like a drink?”

“I don’t drink when I play, Sir.”

“Neither do I.I guess I didn’t make my intentions clear.I don’t want to do a scene.Tonight is about Aaron and Maxwell.Is that okay?”

“More than okay, Sir.”

“My friends call me Max.”Ah, I finally got a smile from him.

“Max.”Aaron said my name softly, as if he were trying it out.“Gin and tonic if you have it.”

“Tanqueray?”