Chapter One #2
Opening my eyes, I squinted around and realised Kai and the twinky attendant, Reese, were cuddled up on either side of me, both deep in a blissed-out sleep.
I couldn’t remember how many times we’d fucked in the past few hours, but it had to have been at least three…
maybe four. Everything was slightly hazy.
Sitting up slowly, I saw the reason for that littered on the floor alongside various articles of clothing: three empty magnums of champagne.
Evidently, I hadn’t left the second one behind, and I’d gotten Reese to bring us a third too.
The vague memory of that swam back into my head, and I winced.
It had been after Kai and I had come out of the club’s plush bathroom.
Reese had seen us and asked if we needed anything, and I hadn’t been able to resist getting another bottle for the road.
I knew I’d been showing off, but it was part and parcel of who I was.
What was the point of having money if I couldn’t do anything with it?
Even if it technically wasn’t my money.
But it wasn’t like my father was going to cut me off.
He’d just keep paying the bills and feeding my trust fund if it meant he and my mother didn’t actually have to spend time with me more than a few times a year.
They weren’t exactly bad parents—they’d always made sure my life was a dream come true—but they weren’t exactly what you’d call emotionally available.
I licked my lips and swallowed, suddenly realising how dry my mouth was. I desperately needed a drink—one that wasn’t alcoholic.
It took me a minute to extract myself from the tangle of limbs wrapped around me.
Both Kai and Reese seemed completely dead to the world, and neither stirred as I climbed over them, landing on the deep carpet under my bed.
Grabbing my boxers off the floor, I pulled them on and slipped out onto the landing.
My flat was split over two floors, taking up the penthouse suite of a luxury high-rise overlooking the Thames. I’d debated between this or a house, but I hadn’t needed an entire house to myself, and the flat had seemed so much more convenient.
Low-level lighting activated along the floor as I quietly padded down the stairs into the open-plan living space.
The curtains that usually covered the floor-to-ceiling windows making up one wall were open, and I saw predawn light starting to set the city on fire.
It was a beautiful sight, but one I was too tired to fully appreciate.
I turned and headed towards the beautiful kitchen tucked into one side of the space. I barely ever used it, preferring instead to eat the meals made for me by my private chef, Michael, who came in four days a week.
Michael would often prep me meals for other days when I requested them, but I enjoyed fine dining, so I didn’t often need them.
It was easy to eat well in London, and I never got bored.
There were always new places to try and old favourites to revisit.
The world’s cuisine was my oyster, and I was happy to make the most of it.
All in all, I only ever used my kitchen for drinks, to fetch and reheat meals from Michael, and to make the occasional piece of toast.
“Siri,” I said quietly, watching the small ball in the corner light up as I grabbed a glass out of the cupboard headed for the fridge. “What’s the time?”
“The time in London is 7:37 a.m.,” the soft voice replied.
“Fuck.” I shook my head and poured myself some water from the fridge dispenser. I’d had even less sleep than I’d thought. We’d come back from the club around two-ish and had stayed awake for a long time after that.
I didn’t even know why I was awake except for the fact the gnawing feeling in my chest was back. I wanted to put it down to a hangover, but I’d had enough of them in my life to know it wasn’t one.
Taking my glass of water, I walked into my living room and settled on one of the sofas to watch the sun rise over the city.
This life should have given me everything I wanted, but it was starting to feel hollow.
I didn’t know why, only that it was. The parties had lost their glittering sheen, the bars their inviting lustre, and the restaurants their decadent allure.
Even the endless carousel of beautiful men in my bed was starting to feel unappealing.
The problem was, I had no idea what would make me feel better.
Ever since I’d left university, my life had been an endless stream of hedonism and debauchery that would make even Dionysus blush. And now… even if I wanted to change, I had no idea where to start.
I supposed I could get a job, but my lack of experience would mean I’d need help acquiring something suitable. And for once, that idea felt wrong.
Sipping my water, I traced the London skyline with my eyes, lost in thought.
Maybe the problem was staying here. It was hard to sit at home and think when I knew my friends expected me to be out most nights.
Maybe I needed some time away, somewhere secluded where none of my friends would decide to come with me and turn it into some shitty wellness retreat or winter party spot.
For once, I needed some time by myself, away from the maddening crowd. Maybe then I’d be able to work out what was actually bothering me.
Draining the last of my water, I grabbed my iPad off the coffee table and flicked the cover open.
It was time to find somewhere to escape to before I changed my mind.