Rentboy

of fresh fruit juices.
    “Let’s not stay here to eat. It’s too warm inside,” Fox said. But it wasn’t the heat that bothered
    him. Too many of his classmates went there. If he was approached by other students from Wimbledon
    College in the University of the Arts London, Eddie would know he was a liar as well as a thief.
    “Whatever you want.” Eddie smiled down at him. His agreeable tone together with his gentle
    eyes made Fox’s heart lurch knowing how he had used him. With their falafels and mango juice in
    hand they wandered out again onto the busy street.
    It was time he knocked this relationship on the head. Stopping on the street, his falafel stuffed in
    his mouth, ready to take a bite, he stared at Eddie. Relationship? It wasn’t a fucking relationship! It
    was a business transaction that had got out of hand.
    “It’s excellent,” Eddie said, seeming to think Fox was interested in his opinion of the food. “I
    might even become a vegan myself. Not till after the weekend, though, because Mum always makes a
    big roast of some sort when we’re all home. She complains she has no one to cook for the rest of the
    time, except Dad, and he’ll eat anything.”
    “Yeah, they’re the best falafels in London.” What the hell was he thinking? He shouldn’t be
    seeing Eddie anymore. Whatever relationship they had was based on a lie and on prostitution. The
    briefcase full of cash kept popping into his head, forcing him to question again what Eddie knew that
    was worth so much.
    The evening was very humid, and it was dark by the time they walked past Bedford Square on
    the way back to Bloomsbury. “Eddie, what do you do for a living?” Fox finished his juice, and they
    found a bin to dump their rubbish.
    “I’m a scientist. I teach and do research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical
    Medicine.”
    “Wow.” Fox was really impressed. “What do you research?”
    Looking very animated as he talked about his work, Eddie said, “I’ve developed a pesticide for
    tropical climates. In many African countries the people have a hard time growing crops because of
    insect infestations. Irrigation is also still a problem in many places, but with the help of a number of
    nongovernmental organizations that situation has improved. But crops can still be ruined by locusts
    and stem borers. The goal is to kill off the insects while not harming the crops or the local
    population.”
    “That must make you feel really good. Like you’re doing something worthwhile.”
    “It does! I’ve always wanted to help people,” Eddie said passionately. “I love science. There’s
    so much good can come from it.”
    “Aside from during sex, that’s the most excited I’ve seen you, mate.” Fox grinned. Just as they
    reached the Senate House Library, a sleek black car cruised slowly past. “I’m sure I’ve seen that car
    before,” Fox said.
    Eddie glanced at the vehicle. “Looks like any other expensive black car that politicians and
    visiting dignitaries are chauffeured around in.”
    The windows were tinted, but it would be hard to see inside anyway aided only by the light of
    street lamps. It couldn’t be Mr. Maputwa, could it? Why would he be following them? The car picked
    up speed and turned right on Montague Street, disappearing from sight. “Yeah, you’re probably right.
    Some politician looking for an arse to rent.”
    Fox grabbed Eddie’s hand as they crossed the road and entered Russell Square. The park was
    nearly empty with just a few people sitting on the benches around the fountain, catching a little of the
    cool spray.
    Eddie squeezed his hand. “I wish you wouldn’t do it, Fox.”
    “What?” Fox led Eddie to a bench where they sat down. Light from the nearest lamppost shone
    on the water, making it appear to dance.
    “Prostitution. You’re a very bright young man. You could have a great future. You need to go
    back to school.”
    “Yeah, I’ll think about it.” He really didn’t want to get into it and tell any more lies. He hated
    lying, but with parents like his he had become good at it, always thinking of excuses why he couldn’t
    take anyone home. “Gimme a kiss.”
    “Not here!” The panic in Eddie’s voice was also conveyed in his widening eyes.
    “It’s the twenty-first fucking century, mate,” Fox said. “And it’s dark out.” He moved in close to
    Eddie’s side, but Eddie turned his face away, and all Fox could reach still sitting down was his
    cheek. He