HALF an hour later, when Devon stepped out of the lift, the night security guard was waiting for him in the foyer. Larry Barker had worked for Alexander Industries for a little over fifteen years and tended to be overprotective. Although Devon’s apartment was only a ten-minute walk from the office, Larry never allowed him to walk home after working late, especially during the winter months when it was dark and cold. Devon always came down to find a taxi waiting for him at the front of the building.
“Young has been waiting outside for about two hours now,” Larry said gravely as Devon approached. “I’ve taken the liberty of sending your taxi to the rear of the building.”
“Thank you, but really, there’s no need. I can handle Jesse.”
“I’m not so sure, Mr. Alexander. It’s raining, close to freezing, and the boy’s dressed in a T-shirt. He’s just stood across the street staring at the building. He’s crazy, Mr. Alexander, and if you ask me, that makes him dangerous.”
“He’s not dangerous, Larry. Please have the taxi come round the front.” Much as he appreciated the older man’s concern, Devon was certain Jesse posed no threat. He was upset, angry even, at being rejected again, but he was just a kid. “Besides, I have something I need to say to Mr. Young.”
Larry nodded disapprovingly and set off to talk to the taxi driver. Walking to the revolving door, Devon peered through the rain-streaked glass into the dark street. On the other side of the road Jesse spotted him and crossed over, waiting for him to step outside. As Larry had said, he wore a T-shirt and jeans. He was soaked to the skin and shivering, but his dark eyes were hopeful as Devon approached him.
Without warning, Devon smacked him hard across the face, more of a slap than a punch, but enough to send Jesse reeling. God knew it wasn’t the right way to handle the situation, especially with everything Devon now knew about Jesse and the abuse he had suffered, but he was so damn hurt and angry. Not that lashing out made him feel any better. Jesse raised a hand to his reddening cheek and blinked in confusion.
“What the fuck?”
“You lied to me.”
“What about this time?” Jesse muttered sullenly, rubbing his face.
“Eighteen, Jesse!” Devon hissed furiously. “You’re eighteen.”
Jesse gave him a guarded look. “I didn’t lie. You thought I was twenty. I just didn’t tell you I wasn’t.”
“That’s lying by omission, you idiot! God, twenty was bad enough. If I’d known how old you really were, I would never have come anywhere near you.”
“I know. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
“For fuck’s sake, Jesse, I feel like a child molester.”
“I’m not a child.”
“Yes, you are!” Devon was shouting at him now, unable to keep his anger in check a moment longer. Jesse took a hasty step back in case he got hit again. “When I think of all the things we did together it makes me feel sick in the pit of my stomach.”
Jesse recoiled at the harsh words, looking more hurt than if Devon had slapped him again. “I thought you liked sex with me,” he said quietly.
“It’s disgusting,” Devon snapped, hating himself for being so cruel, but unable to stop the words spilling from his mouth. “And I promise you, it won’t happen again. Stay away from me, Jesse. Go and sort your life out. I never want to see you again.”
With perfect timing, the taxi pulled into the kerb and Devon slipped into the back seat, leaving Jesse standing in the rain, staring after the car.
“You okay, mate?” the driver asked, pulling out into the early-evening traffic.
“Fine, thank you. Please, just take me home.”
“No problem.” The man met Devon’s gaze in the rear-view mirror and smiled sympathetically. “Kids, eh? I’ve got a son about the same age. They drive you crazy, but you love them anyway.”
“He’s not my son,” Devon replied. He twisted in the seat, looking out the back window for one last glimpse of Jesse, standing lost and forlorn on the wet pavement. “But you’re right, I love him anyway.”