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

“Well, I have to put on a disguise first,” Daniel tells him, grinning. “‘Case anyone I know turns up. Nah, I just like that sort of stuff. I mean, loads of people don’t get into art and all that until they’re older, but that’s just a waste, innit? What if you never get the chance later?”


“Fair comment. I wouldn’t know where to bloody start in an art gallery.”


Daniel raises an eyebrow. “Well, there’s always the male nudes.”


Rob grins. “Prefer mine flesh and blood. Though I do see your point. Come to think of it, I’ve got me own collection of male nudes, although I always thought that was porn, not art.”


Daniel laughs. “Sorry, mate, but I reckon you were right the first time.” He mops a bit of sauce up with a spare piece of naan. “Anyway, how about you, then? I mean, you’ve got to spend a fair bit of time down the gym, way you look, but what else are you into?”


Chapter 3