Seven

Christopher and AJ were pacing in front of JC's apartment when he returned. “Well?” Christopher almost screamed.

“Chris, people are sleeping!” JC hissed. He unlocked his door.

“Well?” Christopher demanded in a quieter tone.

“He tried to seduce me,” JC said softly, going to his tiny refrigerator and pouring himself a glass of water.

AJ grinned. “Typical.”

“He thought I was Lance Bass,” JC said. Christopher stared at him.

“Lance Bass?”

“Apparently Mr. Bass has offered the theater a great deal of money for one dinner with Justin. Imagine what he'll give if Justin fucks him,” JC said. AJ stared at him but said nothing.

“What about our play?” Christopher persisted.

“I sang him one of the songs and he seemed to like it,” JC replied. “I have an appointment to talk to Justin after he's back from his date.”

“Joseph let Bass take him out of the theater?” AJ asked. “Justin usually entertains in his suite.”

JC shrugged. “I don't know…that's just what's happening.”

“Excellent job, JC,” Christopher said.

“If you don't mind…it's kinda late,” JC said. “I wanna catch a quick nap before Justin comes back.”

“Okay,” Christopher said. “I'll talk to you tomorrow.” Christopher left the apartment. AJ looked at JC.

“Don't fall in love with Justin Timberlake, JC,” AJ said kindly. “He's unable to love anyone. Many have tried…he can't. He can't fall in love and manage to stay alive.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” JC asked.

AJ smiled. “You've already assumed correctly…that Justin entertains wealthy men in exchange for money. He doesn't get any of it; it goes to the theater or to Joseph. Justin's built a shell around himself. He has to. Justin's a nice guy. It's not his fault he's beautiful and talented.” AJ gave JC's shoulder a squeeze. “I like you, JC. I don't want you getting hurt.”

“Thanks, AJ. I'll see you later.” AJ nodded and left the apartment.

JC groaned and fell onto a chair, burying his face in his hands. He usually had no problem going undercover. He built a shell around himself just like the one AJ had talked about regarding Justin. But this was like nothing he had ever known. He liked AJ, Nick and Christopher, and hated that he had to deceive them. But it was his job. He was here to bust the prostitution ring that was operating out of the theater.

But Justin Timberlake. JC didn't know what to think about him. He seemed like an incredibly lonely boy, who had been raised to learn how to do two things: perform in the theater and seduce wealthy men. It really wasn't right. But the look in Justin's eye, the way he had purred his way onto JC's lap…it was almost frightening. And JC had been reeled in hook, line and sinker.

JC reached for the phone. He looked at it before dialing it. “I hope someone at the other end of this phone knows how late it is!” A man's voice barked.

“I knew it's the only time I could catch you at home,” JC replied. “Hello, Dad.”

“Hello, Joshua,” the man said coldly.

“I got your message. I just wanted you to know I won't make it. I'm undercover right now, and it won't fit into my schedule.”

“I'll make sure to pass that along to your mother,” Roy Chasez said.

“No, you won't. You'll tell her I never responded, or some other lie to make me look like an unfeeling son. Thanks anyway, Dad. Bye.” JC hung up and frowned. He got up and went to his bed. He set his alarm for thirty minutes later, and laid down. 

“I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Bass,” Justin said, opening the door to Joseph's office. Lance stood.

“You're definitely worth the wait,” Lance said, his eyes running over Justin's dark pants and purple shirt. “You look very nice.”

“Thank you.” Justin waited by the door.

“Stay out as long as you like, Justin,” Joseph said. “You don't have to perform tomorrow night.”

Lance led the way out of the theater. Justin couldn't help but be impressed by the sleek black Rolls Royce that idled in front of the building. “What a nice car,” Justin said, sliding into the back seat.

“It's like riding in a waterbed,” Lance told him. “You feel the roll of the road under you feet, but it's a soothing ride.” Lance looked at him and smiled. “Joseph sounds like your father.”

“He's only four years older than me, but he's raised me pretty much,” Justin replied.

“Anyplace special you'd like to go for dinner?” Lance asked.

“I don't go out much, so anything you could recommend would be fine,” Justin said. Lance leaned forward and gave an address to the driver.

“So…your performance tonight. Truly amazing,” Lance said, settling back.

“Thank you. I love performing.”

“And you're good at it,” Lance told him. “But I believe you deserve something better.”

Justin turned on the blush but said nothing. 

Justin enjoyed his dinner with Lance, against his better judgment. He had learned long ago to remain indifferent, no matter who the man and what their status. But Lance knew about everything. He knew about food and wine, and he was able to keep the conversation at a level that would not embarrass Justin for his lack of education.

“I had a nice time,” Justin said as they returned to the Rolls Royce. “Thank you very much, Mr. Bass.”

“I told you, Justin,” Lance said, picking up Justin's hand. “My name is Lance.”

“Lance,” Justin whispered, smiling at him.

“I'd like to see you again, Justin,” Lance said, sliding across the seat. One hand went to Justin's thigh as the other arm went around Justin's shoulder to lightly rest across the back of the seat. “You're intoxicating.”

“I wouldn't say that,” Justin said coyly. He felt Lance's lips brush against his neck, and he could almost hear the money falling into Joseph's eager hands.

“You don't need to flirt with me, Justin,” Lance said, pulling back. “I've already paid my fee.”

Justin was surprised by the sting of hurt. “What do you expect for your money?”

“Tonight? I expect a kiss,” Lance said. “I think that's fair enough.”

Justin leaned forward obediently. Lance grabbed the back of Justin's head, fisting his hand in the curls. Lance's tongue probed into Justin's mouth, and Justin was almost shocked by the intensity of the kiss. Justin had kissed many men, but Lance's kiss was as powerful as he was. He knew what he wanted, and he took it without question. Justin put a hand on Lance's chest, and he felt Lance growl slightly into his mouth. Lance pulled back and smiled. “Oh, my,” Justin said weakly, making sure that he seemed properly impressed.

“There's a lot more where that came from,” Lance murmured. He lightly bit at Justin's ear. “You taste as sweet as you look, Justin. I can't wait to see you again.”

“That would be nice,” Justin said politely.

The car pulled up in front of the theater. “Shall I see you upstairs?” Lance asked, and Justin saw the carefully hidden hope in his green eyes.

“No, thank you, Lance. I'm tired…and I'm looking forward to my nice day off tomorrow.”

“I'll be at the next performance,” Lance promised. “Could we eat in your suite?”

“If that's what you'd like,” Justin said. Lance gave him a knowing smile and Justin almost shivered. “Good night, Lance. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Justin. Sweet dreams.” Lance picked up Justin's hand and kissed the palm. Justin got out of the car and hurried back into the theater.

Eight