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Just like every day, the postman, Ruskin went through all the letters before he delivered them. If one of them was suspicious - for example, written to a woman by a man who was known to have a wife - he brought it home with himself and opened the envelope above the steam to take a look inside without leaving a trace. If the letter inside was innocent, he delivered it to the address. But if his assumption was right and it contained something scandalous, he gave it to the man he secretly worked for.
The media mogul Charles Augustus Milverton.
Mr. Milverton never told him what he used those letters for, but Ruskin had a guess. He was sure that the businessman was, in fact, in dirty businesses even if he showed the opposite to the public. Ruskin didn't doubt that he used those letters for blackmail - it proved that certain information Ruskin read in the letters came to the light after he gave them to Mr. Milverton. Not like Ruskin cared about the man's intentions. For him, only the reward mattered he got for his services.
Ruskin was already excited about it. It was one of those evenings when he was invited over to Mr. Milverton to bring him the letters he deemed worthy of his attention. Mr. Milverton trusted the decisions Ruskin made. And this made Ruskin feel happy on top of that. It was not a secret in front of the other man that he admired Mr. Milverton. Not just admired, he was mesmerized by him. Mr. Milverton could see this well, that's how he turned Ruskin into his secret servant. But Ruskin didn't mind it, not even a bit.
He was content with what he got. His pride didn't matter.
After he delivered all the letters he wanted to deliver, Ruskin headed towards Mr. Milverton's residence with growing excitement inside him. He only needed to tell his name at the gate of the manor to be able to step in. He knew that Mr. Milverton was waiting for his arrival impatiently. This made Ruskin be aware of his own importance and as he got closer and closer to the study of the businessman, his heart started to beat faster. Just like Mr Milverton who could barely wait to get his newest material he could use for blackmail, Ruskin couldn't wait to feel that sensation again. The sweet taste of his reward caressing his lips. He put his hand on the knob and walked into the room. He immediately noticed his idol - he was standing at the window and watched the sunset above the district. Hearing Ruskin's steps, he turned around and a smile appeared on his face.
"Good evening, Mr. Ruskin. Nice to see you again." He said in a soft voice which was reserved for Ruskin only. "Did you bring me something interesting?" He asked and tilted his head.
Ruskin smiled back while he took the letters out of his coat. He handed them over to the other man.
"I hope so, sir." He replied. Mr. Milverton took away the letters and curiously browsed them through. Ruskin just watched him without a word - he was so beautiful in the light of the setting sun, his curly, silver hair got painted in a shade of scarlet. His golden eyes were glowing like the sun's last beams were shining through it. The sight took away Ruskin's breath. He wished to watch it for the rest of his life.
But the scene came to an end. Mr. Milverton nodded with satisfaction and put the letters away into his safe. Then he walked to Ruskin and stopped in front of him.
"I can see that you didn't let me down this time either." He said, almost purring. He put his hands onto Ruskin's face, covering his cheeks with his palms. "You deserve your reward." He made the verdict and in the next moment, his lips touched Ruskin's mouth. Ruskin, who was already blushing for the touch only, felt as the warmth spread inside him while he kissed the other man back. The one he loved even if he had no reason to do so. He didn't work for Mr. Milverton for money, he only needed his affection. It was like a drug for him - and he kept coming back hoping for something more.