Moonlit Man (bxb)

Chapter 16 - Nights like this

After a long eight-hour flight filled with casual chatter, top-tier catering, and intermittent naps, they made finally made it to London. They had arrived two days before the masquerade ball at The National Gallery. After making their way out of the airport and into the taxi rank, Sebastian hailed down an SUV as they headed in. Mathew and Sam sat at the back while Sebastian was at the passenger's, instructing the driver where to go.

"Welcome to London, Sam," Mathew said as he gestured out the window which revealed the city lights scattered across Canary Wharf, creating a warm glow under the deep black sky.

"I can't believe I'm actually here. This is so cool."

"Wait till you see the full skyline," Mathew responded while looking out his side of the window.

Sam was feeling a mixture of excitement and dread as he thought about Kate and how she wasn't there with him. Suddenly a buzz pulsated from his pocket. He took out his phone to see a message from Kate:

Hey Sammy, I hope you made it safely to London. I'm sorry I couldn't go with you – something came up. I have booked a room for you at the Four Seasons for however long you want. I know we have a lot to talk about, so we'll catch up later.

He seemed to read the message over and over again before thinking of a reply. He did not know how she could still be so generous and kind after he broke her heart.

Thanks, Katie, see you soon. <3

He hit send and slipped the phone in his pocket as a quiet warmth grew inside him. He was happy to know there was still hope for their friendship.

"Judging by the smile on your face, you just got some good news, huh?" Mathew said casually as looked out the windscreen while the corner of his lip raised.

"Yeah. It looks like you were right. She's ready to talk."

"Sir, would you like to settle into the usual penthouse at The Ritz?" Sebastian asked with an unusually perked-up tone.

"Yes, please book a room for Sam too."

"Oh, it's okay Mathew. Katie has booked me into the Four Seasons." Sam said as he glanced at Mathew.

"Perfect. Take us to the Four Seasons, Sebastian." Mathew said casually as he reclined further back into the leather seat.

"Right away sir," Sebastian confirmed dutifully.

Sam couldn't stop his gaze from moving towards the man next to him. He noticed Mathew's long eyelashes which seemed to intermittently raise and lower, a sign he was craving sleep. His luscious blonde hair which was usually combed to the side was slightly ruffled due to traveling and his strong jaw and Adam's apple were prominent as his head lay back on the headrest. He looked snug as his arms seemed to fold across his chest, ready to enter deep sleep.

Sam, on the other hand, was not ready to sleep. It was now two a.m. in London but there was far too much stimulation to sleep – a new country, the bustling streets of London; traveling with Mathew on a private jet after only knowing him for a few weeks, and being shadowed by the grey-haired man who made up his entourage. After admiring the man next to him, he noticed how his eyelids grew heavy, as the urge to sleep deepened. He rubbed his eyes but forced himself to stay awake.

"You should get some rest too sir." The older man said from the front seat, making Sam awkwardly clear his throat as he realized he was being watched from the rear-view mirror.

"Please, call me Sam. I guess I'll sleep once I've showered and had a change of clothes." Sam said as his nerves seemed to calm down.

"As you wish, Sam."