The train ride only took a few hours. Heath didn’t get the opportunity to speak with Kane since the car they were in was full. It would have to wait until they got to their hotel.
“How does it feel being back in London?” Kane asked as they arrived at their destination.
For propriety, they had separate rooms, but they were next to each other.
“It doesn’t feel much different. The place is just as noisy and smelly as I recall.”
Kane chuckled. “Some things don’t change.”
They were scheduled to meet with Billy Watts the following morning.
“Shall we go out for dinner or do you want to stay in?”
“Why don’t we go out? Any suggestions?” Heath turned to Kane. “You know the city better than I do.”
“I might know a place or two,” he said with a mischievous grin.
They had just enough time to unpack their belongings, bath, and dress before they left. Heath was excited to see where Kane would take them.
A short while later, they ended up in a questionable part of town, in Heath’s opinion. When they got out of the carriage, Heath wasn’t sure they were in the right place.
“Are you sure you gave the correct address?”
“Don’t worry. Trust me.”
Kane led him down an alley to a door. He knocked twice and presented a card, upon which the door was opened. The inside differed greatly from the exterior. The walls were decorated with wallpaper in dark shades, accented with pictures. Heath studied the pictures and noticed all of them had only men in the scenes, and some were engaged in rather lewd activities.
Heath turned to Kane but said nothing. Kane had a knowing look on his face. The hallway they walked down opened to a dining room which was brimming with people. Waiters in impeccable black suits and white aprons navigated around the tables and chairs with ease. Two large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while candlelight illuminated each table. The chair cushions were made of plush velvet and thick carpeting padded their feet.
Smoke filled the air, along with the mixture of colognes from the occupants. Heath saw most of the guests were men, but there was a scattering of women present.
“What is this place?”
“It is a place where we can be ourselves.” And with that, Kane leaned over and planted a kiss on Heath’s lips.
He gasped, glancing around to see if anyone would do anything. No one even blinked. As they made their way to their table, Heath noticed couples dancing, men with men. Some were holding hands or caressing their partners lovingly, and everyone acted like it was normal.
“There are places like this scattered around London, but they are a secret. Known only to those who have a special card, like the one I presented at the door. So relax and enjoy yourself.”
The tension eased from Heath’s shoulders as they sat down. The menu was impressive. Before they ordered, Kane asked for a bottle of champagne. The food was superb, and the company was even better. Throughout the meal, Kane would caress his hand or arm. At first Heath felt odd being so obvious in their affections, but gradually he returned the tender gestures.
“Would you like to dance while we wait for our food?” Kane asked.
Heath hesitated.
“Come on. I want to hold you in my arms.”
That was all it took. Heath took Kane’s hand, and they went to the small open space in the corner to dance. A pianist was in the corner, his fingers gliding over the keys. Kane put his arms around Heath’s waist while Heath put his around Kane’s neck.
“See, no one is saying anything because we are all here for the same reason: to escape.” Kane nuzzled his neck. His breath made the hairs stand on Heath’s neck.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
“You’re welcome. I know you are nervous about us, so I wanted you to have a safe space where we could be together without fear.”
“It’s wonderful.” Growing bold, Heath leaned in, taking Kane’s lips. Lord, he could drink from those lips forever.
They danced to one more song before returning to their table. A short time later, their food arrived, and they sat down to one of the best meals Heath had ever had. They laughed and talked about many subjects. Kane told him more stories about his time growing up in London. It was one of the best nights of Heath’s life.