Sometimes you can’t see the silver lining for the clouds. Abandoned as a baby and now working as a rent boy, Daniel finds it hard to let people get close to him. But nightclub bouncer Rob has a kind face and he’s helped Daniel out once already, so when he catches Daniel on a bad night, Daniel accepts his offer of money and goes home with him. Even though it breaks his heart. Letting Rob pay him for sex may have wrecked their friendship just when Daniel needs all the friends he can get. But there are more reasons why he hasn’t seen Rob since that night -- and one in particular that makes building a relationship seem almost too much to hope for.

Making It Pay

For the first time Daniel follows the boots as they clatter off down the street, the faint sounds made by his trainers drowned out as they walk in step. Sheltered by Bob’s comforting bulk, Daniel can almost pretend he doesn’t notice the way the night is closing in on him, and he keeps his gaze fixed on the faint glow cast by the streetlamp at the end of the road. Embarrassingly, he forgets about the bin on the corner, catches his knee on it and stumbles, but is caught by firm, muscular arms. “Watch out, mate. People’ll think you’ve been drinkin’.” Daniel can feel the blush spreading over his face, but the smile’s back in Bob’s voice so he doesn’t feel too bad.


“So, you got a name, then?” Daniel asks as they round the corner. The street lighting’s a bit better here but it’s less sheltered, too, and the wind has sharp little teeth that gnaw hungrily at Daniel’s skin. There’s a whiff of coriander and cumin in the air, making it seem warmer as the aroma grows stronger.


Chapter 2