Chapter Six - First Night Together

The sound of Noah's phone beeping alerted him. He stretched his hand to the bedside drawer, throwing down a few items as he blindly searched for the phone.

Noah stared at the screen longer than necessary. It was a payment notification from Elliott just as they had agreed.

What this meant for him was that rent was no longer a threat, tuition could be cleared, and working hours at Black Halo would no longer extend into midnights.

Noah knew his life was about to become easier and he should have felt some relief but he didn't. Instead, he felt like something had shifted under his skin.

His phone beeped again. This time it was a message from Elliott.

Car will arrive at 7:30 p.m. Wear something simple.

There was no greeting, no unnecessary words, just instruction. Elliott was clearly trying to show control.

Noah read it twice then locked his phone.

***

By 7:00pm, Noah was dressed in a striped shirt over denim trousers and timberlands. That was the best outfit he could combine. Elliott had asked him to wear something simple but even his best was too simple. He barely even had enough clothes in his wardrobe to portray an acquired fashion taste so he settled for what he had.

His phone rang. Damien was calling.

Noah picked up.

“You were supposed to be here 30 minutes ago.” Damien said over the phone, skipping pleasantries.

“I won't be able to come in today.”

“Are you cancelling at peak hours?” he sounded displeased.

“I gave notice,” Noah replied.

“You know you are one of our strongest, Noah.”

“Not anymore. I'm slipping, remember?”

A pause. Suspicion crept in.

“You took the offer.”

It wasn’t a question and Noah didn’t bother confirming it.

“That never ends well,” he warned.

“Nothing here does.”

Silence.

“I will still be available for the dance but no more private bookings or outcall services.” Noah broke the ice.

“Be careful. Try not to go missing.” With that, Damien ended the call

Those words lingered in Noah's head for a moment then he shook it off.

Just then, his phone beeped. A message notification popped on the locked screen.

That was his cue. He locked his apartment and stepped outside.

***

A black car was stationed outside the building.

As Noah stepped out into the cold night, he looked at his watch and it confirmed the time. 7:30.

The driver’s windshield came down. “Mr. Ola.”

It was more of a confirmation than a question.

Noah nodded. “Yes.”

***

The ride was quiet. City lights blurred past the window. Familiar streets giving way to wider lanes.

When the car stopped, Noah stepped out slowly.

He adjusted the collar of his shirt in the reflection of the window before turning to the building.

It was one of those high-rise luxury towers only the wealthy could afford to live in. Buildings like this were modern and discreet with no signage.

Noah remembered ever being in one of such buildings once. It was a party he had attended as an escort for one of the dignitaries. He still remembered the smell of the vintage wine laced with stale tobacco that filled the room that night and wondered what Elliott’s place would look or smell like.

In the lobby, the doorman opened the elevator. “Where to?”

“Elliott Vance.”

Noah bit his tongue a little. Saying the name like that sounded off and he wondered if he would ever get used to calling him that outside of school.

“Top floor,” the doorman replied then pushed the button.

The elevator ride felt longer than it was.

When the doors opened, Elliott was already waiting.

He wasn't wearing his usual suit he was known for at the University. Instead, he had a dark sweater on with sleeves pushed slightly up and pant trousers.

“You’re punctual,” Elliott said.

“You said 7:30.”

He made a faint acknowledgement. Approval, maybe.

“Come in.”

The apartment was spacious without being ostentatious. Everything was in its place.

Noah stepped inside.

The door closed behind him with a soft click. The sound echoed louder than it should have.

“You got the money,” Elliott said, not asking.

“Yes.”

“And?”

Noah met his gaze. “We have an agreement.”

Elliott nodded. “Good.”

“You understand,” Elliott continued, voice calm, “this arrangement... I value discretion.”

“So do I.”

“No last-minute cancellations.”

“I won’t.”

Elliott’s eyes held his gaze a fraction longer.

“And the exclusivity clause.”

Noah’s jaw tightened. “I haven’t taken other bookings.”

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

The subtle shift in tone landed.

Noah straightened. “Exclusively yours.”

Elliott stepped closer then.

“You know, you can still leave,” Elliott said quietly. “Right now.”

The offer wasn’t theatrical. It was real and Noah knew it.

He knew he could refund the money, walk away and return to Black Halo where he would spend every night dancing and sucking on old men’s cock for a miserly 20 pounds.

He held Elliott’s gaze. “I’m here.”

Satisfaction flickered in Elliott’s expression.

“Good.”

***

They moved into the living space.

Noah's eye scanned the room, taking note of even the tiniest details. The artwork that sat on the wall were from top artists in London. The room’s design was minimalist and intentional. A bookshelf to the corner held a vast number of books and many of Elliott's award plaques and certificates in frames.

Elliott was a man known to brag about his accomplishments but seeing them now with his own eyes, Noah understood why. Only a few people get this number of honours and Elliott was one of them.

Elliott offered Noah a glass of wine.

Noah didn’t drink it immediately. He still observed and waited for instructions. He was used to getting them whenever he was on an outcall with a client.They’d tell him what they want and he’d give it to them.

“You don’t have to perform tonight,” Elliott said, watching him carefully.

“What do you want for tonight?” Noah asked.

Elliott considered him. “Access.”

Noah felt the weight of the word.

“Access to what?” He pressed on.

“To your time. Your attention.” A pause. “Your focus.”

Elliott stepped closer. This time, close enough for Noah to feel the warmth of him but didn't touch him.

“You’re tense,” Elliott observed.

“You paid for exclusivity,” Noah replied. “Not comfort.”

A faint smile formed on Elliott’s mouth.

“True…”

His hand lifted slightly, then stopped short of contact, seeking permission.

Noah noticed.

That small pause shifted something between them.

Noah closed the remaining distance himself.

Elliott’s hand settled at his waist firmly, not possessive.

“But how can I enjoy having you to myself when you are tense?” Elliott said quietly,

Noah’s breath hitched slightly despite his effort to control it.

“I need you to relax.” Elliott gently pulled his waist closer.

Their proximity tightened.

And for the first time since the transfer hit his account, Noah felt the full gravity of what exclusivity meant.

Elliott’s hand shifted slightly at his waist.

“Stay tonight,” he said quietly.

It didn't sound like a command and it wasn't a request either.

Noah hesitated only a second.

“Fine.”

Outside, the city continued as usual. Inside, the arrangement had officially begun.