Chapter 8
Dorian had selected the restaurant because it was romantic and intimate, the type of place where a couple could immerse themselves in each other with periodic interruptions for food.
He’d insisted it was the perfect place to talk, and he’d refused to go to Robin’s office because he wanted neutral ground given the topic of conversation.
Robin had agreed, but it had taken several texts and Dorian digging his heels in.
Debi had arranged for the table to be sequestered away, making a big deal about how Dorian and his guest weren’t a couple and they were friends catching up, knowing full well that would be treated as code for they were at it like rabbits, but no one should know. She’d also requested privacy spells.
Robin was waiting when he arrived, another deliberate action to have an element of the upper hand. He had the new batch of dust from Trevir and had sprayed the cologne liberally, expecting to get a reaction. He wasn’t disappointed.
“Dorian,” Robin greeted him, his eyes hooded, and he bit his lip. Then he remembered himself. “I’m not sure this is the best place to have this conversation.”
“I’m not an idiot, Robin,” he said, taking a seat. “I’ve had the privacy spells enabled. No one will hear us, but we’ll both have to behave ourselves. I’m not sure we could guarantee that behind the closed door of your office.”
The meaning was double-edged; he could swear he meant in terms of this descending into a shouting match, but if Robin wanted to take it as going in a different, heated direction, that was also an option.
“We’re adults. We can control ourselves,” Robin said. He’d ordered a bottle of wine, one of Dorian’s favourites. Robin took a sip, and Dorian thought he was using it as a distraction.
“We can both have a temper, and I want this to remain civilised. I’m going to cut to the chase, I’m causing you trouble with your relationship. As much as I don’t want a new manager, I don’t want what we had to devolve into resentment on either side.”
“You’re overreacting. I can handle my husband.”
“Maybe for most of your clients, but we’re a bit different,” Dorian insisted. “I know you’ve fucked a few of your clients over the years, but you told me that I was the only one you ever came back to more than once. That’s going to be a worry for your husband. And I don’t blame him.”
“Simon knows about my past. He’s been told about our dalliances, and he will adapt. We all just need to be a little patient.”
“If he knows you’re not interested in me, why is he so jealous? He’s making demands that, if he trusted you, he wouldn’t have to make.”
Robin shook his head. “You don’t understand. He’s not experienced in these matters. He needs guidance and reassurance. Come on, Dorian, you were young and na?ve once.”
Dorian hadn’t considered this angle. “Just how inexperienced are we talking, Robin?”
Robin pulled a face. “It’s not your concern.”
“It is when it’s impacting me and my career.
That I’m even considering splitting from you as my manager could have huge connotations for my future.
” He knew that if he made good on his threat, his career might be over.
Robin could make life very difficult, but he also couldn’t put the genie back in the bottle.
“We are capable of having a purely professional relationship.”
Robin took a long drink from his wine. Dorian wasn’t sure if there would be an immediate effect.
“You’re an attractive guy, Dorian. We’ve a history that we need to be mindful of, but I swore to Simon I could be trusted.”
“You sound like you’re doubting yourself.”
Robin’s phone beeped several times. That was nothing new; there was always someone wanting Robin’s attention. Robin glanced at the screen, his eyes widened. “I have to make a call.”
Robin didn’t give him the chance to ask what was going on. He was already heading towards the restaurant’s bar, phone to his ear.
This was the perfect opportunity, but he shouldn’t be too obvious.
The dust was in a small case, and he removed it.
Dragons were known for digestive issues; some suffered terribly when they ate too much human food.
He didn’t have an issue, but the case was a perfect cover, and he could have recently developed a new condition.
He refilled their wine glasses, moving Robin’s so it was next to his own.
Then he took a pinch of the dust and added it to the glass; he doubted if anyone saw that they could tell which glass was which.
Dorian replaced his glass to where it was before. The dust appeared to have dissolved without a trace. The conversation was already going in the right direction, and depending on Robin’s mood after his phone call, Dorian would try to steer them back to Robin’s thoughts.
Robin returned; he seemed flustered and took a drink of his wine. Dorian didn’t speak, wanting Robin to go first.
“Sorry about that.” He stared at Dorian for a moment and blinked several times. “Where were we?”
“Robin, are you sure you’re okay? You seem a little rattled.”
“Nothing that can’t be fixed. I—”
A waiter appeared, and Dorian cursed his timing. Robin was rattled, and Dorian wanted to know who the phone call was from, as Robin wasn’t usually so easy to read. They ordered, and the waiter left.
“Look, Robin, we go back a long way. You’re the reason why I’m the star I am today, and, as well as the occasional fun time, I’d like to think of us as friends. I don’t want a new manager, but I also don’t want to be the reason you’re having issues with your marriage.”
He leant over and squeezed Robin’s hand, half expecting him to pull away. He saw the confusion on Robin’s face as he internally fought his attraction for Dorian and the control Simon had in place.
“I can handle Simon. I don’t want to lose you.” Robin snatched his hand away. “I mean as a friend, as a client.”
Dorian sat back in the chair and smiled. Trevir was a frigging genius; the dust and charm were working. “I’ll always be here for you, Robin. Perhaps we can try to be seen more widely as friends. Show your husband there really is nothing for him to worry about.”
The more time he could spend with Robin, the better.
“Maybe if you were to meet him. He could see for himself.”
Dorian hadn’t expected the suggestion. He didn’t want to agree without talking to Trevir because he didn’t know if Simon would be able to tell what he’d been up to. “Do you think that’s wise? We have met. He threatened to turn me into a pair of boots and wear them at your wedding.”
They’d been at Atlas a few days before the wedding ceremony, and Dorian had tried to tempt Robin into some fun before Dorian had even known he was engaged to be married. Simon had taken issue with him touching his fiancé.
“But you hadn’t realised the significance of my relationship with Simon at the time. You are capable of respecting a boundary. If we want to get to a position where Simon would be happy with us having a relationship, even as friends, I don’t see another option.”
Dorian hoped he wouldn’t regret his answer. “Then sure, I’m game. But in a setting that’s not just the three of us. Better we have someone else there if you’re concerned about his reaction.”
“I’ve the perfect opportunity. You might have heard that Ben has proposed to his partner, Ashley. They’re having a bash at Crofton Hall and asked for a few names to be added to the guest list.”
Dorian had played with Ben and Robin together, and he wasn’t sure Ben’s partner would be happy with his inclusion. “Given I’ve also fucked Ben, would that be okay with Ashley?”
Robin laughed. “Ashley’s over four hundred years old; he’s beyond that level of petty. Besides, one of his old boyfriends is staying at the hall, and so if Ben has no issue with that, Ashley shouldn’t have an issue with you being a guest either.”
“I guess with age comes wisdom.” He didn’t see a way out of accepting. “Let me know the date, and if I can, I’ll be there, as long as there’s no concern from anyone involved.”
Robin smiled. He was a beautiful man, and Dorian willed his erection away.
“No more talk of leaving me.” Robin raised his glass in a toast and then downed the rest of the contents.
Dorian was pleased with how the meal went.
Robin had been friendlier than he’d been in a while, though not as flirty as he thought he might get given a couple of his reactions, but it was a step in the right direction.
He had a car pick him up to take him home.
Robin had arranged for a fae to collect him.
He thought he’d better let Trevir know the developments. The easiest way was to message him as he’d never picked up when he’d tried to call.
Dorian: Meeting with R went well. But R is insisting that the way to get S to trust him is for S to spend some time with me. There’s a party in a couple of weeks… I said yes, but I could back out if this is a bad idea.
Dorian gnawed his bottom lip as he waited for a reply.
Trevir: I think this will be perfect. You might be able to cut the enchantment at the source. I have just the thing. We will also need to put in some precautions so S doesn’t pick up on something. His kind are dangerous. You should be careful.
Dorian: What sort of precautions?
Trevir: Let me research a couple of muting and deflection charms. I don’t think it will be a problem. You’re doing great. I can’t believe how well this is going.
He’d let Robin know he was free to attend once he had the exact date. Even if he was supposed to be doing something else, he needed to prioritise saving Robin.