Love For Hire

Octavius rushed Kinsley down to the foyer. “I do not understand what did I do wrong?” She asked as he talked to someone on his earpiece.

“I will have one of my men drive you home,” Octavius said, not answering her question.

“His scars,” she pried, “he has scars. Are they suicide scars?” She asked. As they reached the door and a tall brunette in a suit was waiting beside the door.

“Take her home,” Octavius ordered the man.

“He is royalty,” Kinsley said, refusing to be ignored. “Why would a Prince want to kill himself?” Octavius ignored her question and walked away. She then looked at the man she had been left with. “Do you know?”

His indifferent stern expression never changed. “Follow me,” he said, opening the door and leading her out to the car. She had a feeling she was not going to get an answer.

Great, her first night on the job, and she got thrown out. It was probably safe to say she was as good as fired… and be homeless.

***

Octavius knocked on the door, and when he did not hear Nicholas bid him enter, he got worried. Though Nicholas was his boss, he was also Octavius’ best friend. He had been concerned for his friend for a long time. For years now, Nicholas had been depressed, and each year he became more and more withdrawn and self-destructive. In the last three years, he had tried to end his life five times, the last attempt just mere months ago.

Octavius tried the doorknob but found it locked. That was a bad sign. He reached into his pocket and took out the ring of keys he carried. He found the key to the door and let himself in. He rushed in and did not see Nicholas, he rushed over to the washroom door and looked inside to see Nicholas standing in front of the mirror, his hands on the counter, and his shoulders slumped.

“If you are not happy with the girl, I can have another here in two hours.”

Nicholas scoffed at the idea. “No. I just want to be alone.”

“You should not be alone right now.”

“You think I am going to kill myself?”

“The thought has crossed my mind,” Nicholas would not look at him, which concerned Octavius. “Why do not I get a bottle of bourbon, and we finish it off together.”

“No. Just leave me alone.”

“Your Majesty, your father charged me with the responsibility of keeping you alive.”

“Why? I have nothing to live for. Why not let me end it on my terms?”

“The King…”

“The King…” He snarled. “Screw my father.”

not just do it for the King!” Octavius snapped back. “Nicholas, you are my best friend, and

know as well as I do what awaits

“There is always hope.”

fate. I

“Nicholas…”

closed his eyes, exasperated by his night. “Look, I promise not off myself tonight. So please,

“Nicholas…”

screamed and picked up the cologne bottle on the counter and hurled it at Octavius, who dodged the projectile. He sighed and left

***

pleaded with her landlord, but he did

are a deadbeat,” he snarled at her. “I am sick of your bullshit. You have until noon tomorrow to get your stuff out. If you are not out, whatever is left becomes mine, and I

nowhere

is not my

her attention. She knew this man. This

right over to them, and completely disregarding the little man next to him, he looked Kinsley dead in the eyes. “Miss. Wells,” he greeted her with a polite bow of his head. How did he know

“Yes,” she acknowledged him.

trust you remember

“Octavius, right?”

wondering if you

me fired was not good enough

do apologize for that. His Majesty can

Majesty?” Her landlord

of your time?” Octavius asked her, completely ignoring her

am busy at the moment trying not to get thrown out into the street. Thanks to your moody boss, I am going to be homeless,” she snapped

man beside

Prissy,” the

what is

“$850.”

then took a wad of bills from

hand with a smile. “That will do,” he said

my rent?” She asked,

said. “Now, if I could

the door. He stood in the middle of the suite looked around like the place was a slum.

the driver that took you home last night,” that made sense.

what can I do for

not it customary to