Thorne had wandered off to schmooze a lucrative client, and Dash was taking the opportunity to circle the room and enjoy the art. He was studying Sea at Sunrise when someone stepped up beside him, much too close to be polite.

When he saw who it was, nausea closed his throat, and a sick sweat broke out on his neck. This man was a former client. One he’d turned down for a second appointment because he’d been too rough, rushing things that didn’t need to be rushed and making sure to tell Dash how little he was worth. In all the time he’d spent worrying that Thorne’s colleagues would realize he was more than Thorne’s friend, or that he’d have nothing to say when one of them asked him how he’d met Thorne, he’d never considered the likelihood of running into one of his own clients. He should have known better. These were exactly the kind of men who patronized Sheila’s service.

“How did you end up here?” The man’s tone made it clear that someone as lowly as Dash had no business in an art museum.

“I like art.”

The asshole snorted. “At the price of these tickets you must have liked it enough to give a blowjob or two.”

Anger rushed through Dash, and he clenched his fists. He would not make a scene.

“I suppose you’re here with someone. Who’s the lucky man who bid high enough for you?”

“I hope you have a lovely evening. I’m going to look at some of the other paintings.” Dash turned to go.

The man seized his arm. “How much to do me in the bathroom while your client waits?”

“I would never treat a client with such disrespect.”

“Ha! You fuck people for money. What do you care how many? Maybe I could convince him that we should tag-team you.”

“I don’t know how to make this any more clear,” Dash said. “I am not interested in being with you, personally or professionally.”

“What is your fucking problem? You think I—” The man paused, looking over Dash’s shoulder. Then he smiled. “Oh, is this the one? I didn’t even know he was gay.”

“Let go of him.” Thorne’s voice had an edge to it that made even Dash wary.

“Are you going to make me?”

“I’m going to have you thrown out on your ass, barred from the museum, and possibly charged with assault if you don’t walk away right now.”

The man stepped back, but he gestured toward Dash. “You know what he is, don’t you?”

“Yes, he’s my friend, and he asked you to leave him alone.”

“He’s a fucking whore.”