Page 71 of Caged Hunger

He had no idea what Ace was doing, but he was thankful that the guy was willing to help them out.

When dealing with online personas, one never really knew who they were dealing with. So this hunt might be a little difficult.

It was just after noon when Cameron’s cell phone rang.

It was Marcus.

He wanted to meet him at the local coffee shop so they could have a quick word together without the other guys around.

Cameron agreed and found Marcus waiting at an outdoor table, with two coffees and chocolate croissants set out for them when he arrived.

“Wow, what is this?” Cameron asked, slipping into the seat across from Marcus. “Am I employee of the month or something?” He knew he shouldn’t make jokes, considering everything that was going on around them.

Marcus looked up at him, his eyes serious with concern.

“I know your mother is in a home, and I’m guessing that’s the reason you’re making adult films. To help make extra cash?”

Cameron’s breath caught in his chest. He wasn’t sure how his boss had found out. He had just barely finished telling Ace and Lucas about his mom. But, however he found out, it was out in the open now.

“I want you to know that we consider you family. You’re not just an employee—you're our brother and part of this family. And family helps out one another.”

Marcus slid an envelope across the table.

“What’s this?” Cameron asked, picking up the envelope and pulling out a white piece of paper that had been securely stuffed inside.

“I paid for your mother’s care at the facility for the next three years for you. We can figure out afterward whether you want to extend her stay or move her to another facility when the time comes.”

“What?” Cameron asked, looking confused and shocked as hell. “Why would you do that?”

“I don’t want you to struggle or feel like you are forced to sell your body just because you need extra money. Hey, don’t get me wrong—I’m a big fan of porn, and I feel that people should share it with whomever they like. But I want you to do it because you want to, not because you have to.”

“But… Marcus, you shouldn’t have.” Cameron didn’t know what to say. The gesture was so sweet and generous and totally unexpected. “I… I…” He didn’t have the words.

“There’s nothing to say. You’re family, and I will always take care of my family. I just hope this helps take some of the weight off your shoulders. I know how tough things can get when people are worried about money.”

Cameron got to his feet and made his way around the table to Marcus’s side. Wrapping his arms around his boss, he hugged him tightly and murmured a heartfelt “Thank you.”

No one had ever been so kind and generous to him.

He really appreciated the assistance.

Cameron stayed another hour, drinking and chatting with Marcus before deciding to run home for a bit of a break. He was working later that night, so he thought he might take a quick nap before he had to head in to work at six.

As Cameron charged up the stairs to his third-floor walk-up, a smile began to spread across his face when he spotted the nicely wrapped box sitting on the floor in front of his apartment door.

Jesus, could Basher be any sweeter?

He picked up the box and admired the silver bow tied around the black wrapping. The whole thing looked so… classy.

A little too classy for someone like Basher to pull off.

For some reason, he pictured heavily crumpled paper with way too much tape plastered to the sides, topped with a bow that didn’t quite sit right, more in line with Basher’s level of wrapping skills.

Perhaps he got someone at the store to wrap the gift for him?

Either way, it was the thought that counted.

He tucked the box under his arm, then proceeded to unlock his front door and enter his home.