Filled by the Street Gang

“Thank you, sir. This helps a lot.”

“C’mon, Seth. You know you can call me Miles. No need to be so formal.”

“Alright, Miles.” The skinny young man rises from his desk. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I watch while he leaves the office, his baggy suit jacket swaying with each step. Seth is one of our summer interns, and he’s catching on fast. He’s on track to receive a full-time job once the internship is over.

I remember when I was his age…I was so excited to work here. It’s one of the most prestigious investment firms in the country. That might not sound exciting to most people, but I’ve always had an affinity for numbers.

And the pay is good.

Really good.

But there’s more to this place than just a fat paycheck. Something else keeps me working hard…

I walk across the empty office, my eyes darting from side to side. This is my favorite part of the day. Everyone’s gone.

Well, almost everyone.

I stop outside the supply closet and turn the knob, slipping inside.

A lone bulb dangles overhead, casting flickering beams onto piles of cardboard boxes. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust, but I see his silhouette in the corner.

“Long day?” His smooth voice cuts through the air like a knife into butter.

“Not too bad. How about you?”

“It was rough…but nothing I can’t handle.”

The tall, slender man steps forward, light illuminating his pale skin. His large blue eyes glitter alongside golden hair, complementing his sharp, elegant features. He’s like an angel. Pure. Unblemished.

From the moment we first met, I was smitten.

His name is Sawyer, and he’s someone important.

He’s my newest employee.

I’m only a junior manager at the firm, so we’re nearly the same age. I remember when he walked in for an interview…my cheeks turned bright red.

There was an instant connection, and it only deepened with time.

But this is forbidden. A boss and his subordinate in an illicit relationship…it puts our jobs on the line. During the day, we barely chat. Once everyone leaves the office though, our feelings come into bloom.

“Are we still good for this weekend?” he asks.

“Yeah. I made a reservation at the restaurant.”

“You know, you’ve changed since we met. I can tell you’re getting more comfortable being seen together in public.”

“Oh really?”

My eyes dart away. He’s approaching a touchy subject.

I had a rough upbringing. My parents were vehemently against homosexuality, and I had to bury my feelings deep. Even now, they remain a secret from the world. My parents pester me about when I’ll get married. They ask when I’ll give them grandchildren.

If I told the truth, they’d go nuclear. It’s an unwinnable battle. I see no path forward.

And Sawyer…he’s got his own problems. He had a messy breakup recently, and his ex didn’t take it well. He’s got a stalker now, and he’s filed a restraining order.

That’s why we meet after work like this. I walk him to his car. I keep him safe.

Our lives are complicated. Sometimes I wish we could drive off into the sunset and escape it all…

“C’mon. It’s getting late.” Sawyer steps forward, lacing his fingers into mine.

A sense of peace fills the air as we walk hand in hand. Life’s challenges are daunting, but I’m not alone. There’s someone special by my side.

We let go of each other as we step into the elevator bank. Putting on cold expressions, we ride down to the ground floor. Nobody around us would guess that we’re together. Hell, they wouldn’t even think we’re friends.

As we enter the dark, cool parking garage, we part ways. Neither of us speaks a word.

I walk alone, passing rows of cars while my footsteps echo. I hear something strange though…a familiar voice.

Seth? My intern?

He sounds upset.

My pace accelerates. I round a corner and freeze.

Seth is pinned against a concrete wall, a hulking young man holding him by the shirt collar. There’s fear in his eyes…and I understand why.

His assailant is a frightening beast.

Tall, athletic, and sporting buzzed blond hair, he wears a white wifebeater, leaving his arms exposed. A snake tattoo curls up his forearm, tracing onto his pronounced bicep. Down low, a pair of torn jeans sags below his waist, displaying his gray underwear.

And his face…he could be a model. Bushy, masculine eyebrows…a pointed nose and sharp chin with just a hint of stubble…he’s handsome and dangerous. It’s like when you watch the news and a hot mugshot comes up, only for you to realize the guy is a murderer. I feel dirty for finding him attractive.

“P-please! I’ll get the money! I just need more time.” Seth’s entire body trembles.

“That’s what you said last week!” The young man pushes against Seth’s chest. “We had a deal. You use. You sell.”

“Hey!” I step forward, my brows furrowed. “Let him go!”

The young stud turns to me, surprise flashing across his face. Seth seizes the moment and breaks away.

“Miles! You should go. Everything’s fine.” Seth’s face turns red.

“Doesn’t look like it. What’s going on here?!”

“T-this is my friend, Xander.”

“Friend…?”

“He’s using that term loosely.” Xander folds his arms. “This little runt works for me.”

“Wait…what? He works for me too.”

“You’re the day job. I run the nights.”

“I…um…” Seth steps forward. “I sell…things.”

“You mean…?”

“Yeah.” He reaches into his pocket, extracting a tiny bag of white powder.

I back away, my pulse accelerating.

“You interested?” Xander asks. “You finance guys love this shit, right?”

My mind reels. I struggle to process the sight.

My summer intern is dealing…coke? And he’s doing business on company property? What the fuck?!

So much for getting a full-time job offer. This is inexcusable.

“Look, you guys need to leave. I’ll call the cops. And Seth, we’ll discuss this tomorrow. Stop by my office.”

“B-but, sir! You don’t understand.” Seth glances away. “Xander…he does things to me.”

“What do you mean? He’ll hurt you?”

“No…”