Read Online Young At Heart by Kay Ellis - Free Book Online

going to take your word over Antonio’s, you know that. If you vouch for Young, I’ll willingly give him work. But you need to tell me the truth. I should know what I’m letting myself in for.”
    â€œSaturday night Antonio phoned, telling me to go and get Jesse from his place. When I got there, Jesse was so drunk he could barely stand. Yet Antonio still found it necessary to beat him into submission. Yes, I think Antonio had sex with Jesse. I’m just not sure it was consensual.”
    â€œWhat? You think Antonio forced him?” Kenny sounded shocked.
    â€œJesse hasn’t actually said so, but... I’m pretty sure that’s what happened.”
    â€œWell, that settles it. I’m not having some sick pervert tell me who I can and can’t employ. Tell Jesse to come and see me this afternoon. We’ll have a trial session and see if he’s any good.”
    â€œThank you.” Devon’s gratitude was heartfelt. There had never been any love lost between Kenny and Antonio, but Devon appreciated Kenny’s willingness to believe him. “Just one more thing. Jesse’s fragile right now. Don’t make him promises you can’t keep.”
    â€œI won’t, I swear,” Kenny said. “Does two o’clock suit? I take it you’re coming with him?”
    â€œWe’ll be there. Thanks.”
    Devon ended the call and went to tell Jesse the news.

Chapter Ten
    THINGS happened fast in the weeks that followed, despite the fact the meeting with Kenny started off so badly. Jesse walked into the room like a frightened little boy, clinging onto the sleeve of Devon’s jacket, afraid to let go in case Devon left him on his own. To his credit, Kenny had done his utmost to put the boy at ease. He left his office door open, something Devon knew he never did during meetings, and a photograph of his family had moved from its usual home on the bookcase to a prominent position on Kenny’s desk.
    For the first half-hour, Jesse was defensive and monosyllabic, his eyes firmly fixed on the floor. Devon resisted the urge to slap some sense into him and looked at Kenny with an apologetic shrug, annoyed with Jesse for throwing away his big chance with a petulant sulk.
    Kenny waved a dismissive hand. He shot Jesse an appraising look and abruptly changed the subject, ignoring the boy altogether and chatting with Devon. He spoke about his wife’s desire for another baby, his eldest son excelling at school while the younger seemed to be struggling, and how the business was doing so well he was thinking of moving to bigger offices. Gradually, Jesse relaxed enough to release his grip on Devon’s sleeve and start paying attention to Kenny. A short while later, the older man related the tale of an embarrassing incident in the supermarket with one of his sons, and Jesse laughed. Devon stared at him in surprise and Kenny grinned. He stood up from behind the desk and held out his hand to Jesse.
    â€œWell, you took your time, but finally you showed up. Hello, Jesse, I’m Kenny.”
    Jesse hesitated, and then shook Kenny’s hand with a rueful smile. “Sorry.”
    â€œIt’s okay. So long as I have your attention now. You’re a good-looking boy, Jesse, even with the bruises. There’s no question I can find you work. But I need to know how you photograph. I’m going to send you off for a trial session with Billie and we’ll take it from there.”
    â€œBillie?” Jesse echoed faintly, instantly on edge again. “Can Devon come?”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Kenny assured him. “Billie is a professional. You’ll be in good hands.”
    As if on cue, a petite redhead bounded into the room and threw her arms around Devon. Eighteen months earlier she had done a series of publicity shots for Alexander Industries and Devon had liked her instantly. With her bubbly nature and vibrant energy, she was the perfect choice to