The woman had to be crazy.
A noise sounded behind him, he turned to see Robert standing in the doorway, fully clothed.
“Robert! Where have you been? I was worried about you.”
Robert’s face lost all of its colour and he backed away until he hit the wall. The woman, Betsy, forced her way into his home. He stood between her and Robert; no way would he let her get close to his lover.
“So, you’re the famous Mom. I suggest you stay right where you are. You’re not welcome in my home.”
“I’m not sure what—”
“Stop it right there. I know what you did and you won’t get away with it.” He wouldn’t put up with her bullshit.
“I didn’t do anything,” she started.
“But Mom—”
His lover turned into a little boy before his eyes. The woman had that much power over Robert. It had to be stopped.
“You shut up, boy. I’ll deal with you in a minute.”
“I don’t think so, Betsy. Your days of control are over.” He turned to the man who could mean so much to him. “Robert, why don’t you go to the kitchen and have some breakfast. Me and your mom have some talking we need to do.”
He waited until Robert left the room before he turned back to his lover’s tormentor. Anger radiated from the woman.
“Who are you to order my son around? I won’t stand for it. We’re leaving.”
“Someone is leaving and it won’t be Robert. You are going to forget you ever had a son or I’m going to the authorities. Attempted theft ring any bells?”
Fear flashed in the woman’s eyes, but disappeared before he could blink. Hatred shone through now.
“You have nothing on me. I came to collect my son. That’s it.”
“I won’t let you take him out of here. You don’t deserve him.”
“This is none of your concern. Robert!”
“This is my concern. You sent Robert out to steal something, maybe even hurt someone. It isn’t my fault you sent him to the wrong house. How could you do that to him?” He gave a harsh laugh. “He loves you, you know. I have no idea how he could love a monster who has done nothing but beat him down his whole life. He deserves better.”
“Oh, and you’re going to give it to him? Who do you think you are?”
“I’m the person who has family in the police department and I’m not afraid to use them. One call from me and you could be in lockup before you can blink. I’m willing to let it go as long as you leave now. If Robert wants to contact you, he will. If you don’t, I’ll make that call. I’ll give you a couple seconds, but no more.”
“You-you can’t do that.” For the first time she sounded unsure.
“What, not used to someone standing up for themselves with you? You can’t intimidate me. You aren’t my mom and I didn’t spend years under your thumb. Now are you leaving or do I need to make a call?”
“This isn’t the end of—”
“Yes, it is the end. I suggest you lose my address and head home.”
“He’s a worthless piece of shit. He’ll never amount to anything, I don’t see why you’re wasting your time with him.”
“Then you have nothing to lose, do you? Leave.” He pointed to the open door.
“He won’t stay with you. He’ll come running back.”
“You just keep telling yourself that. Maybe you’ll eventually understand when you’re all alone.”
He slammed the door in the woman’s face as she turned around to say something else.
Michael turned to see Robert peeking out of the doorway.
“I’m sorry you had to hear that, Robert.”
“She’s right, you know?”
“Right about what?” He walked over and pulled Robert into his arms. Michael snuggled Robert into him, it felt so good.
“I’m useless and not good for anything. I’m still not sure why you’re helping me. I should go with her. It isn’t too late.”
He squeezed Robert closer. “If you really want to go, I won’t stop you. I would never try to control you, but I think you and I both know you really don’t want to go back. We could have a good thing here.”
“How can you tell after only one night?”
He soothed Robert, sliding his hand up and down the man’s back. “I can’t, not really. But I want to give us time to get to know each other.”
“How? I have a crappy job and nowhere to live. I have no real education. It’s almost like I don’t exist.”
“We’ll start out slow. I think you might need someone to talk to about your mom and what happened to you. There are agencies out there who can help. Tomorrow, we’ll talk to one of my brothers. He’s a lawyer. We’ll figure it out. We have time. It’s all about what you want. What do you want, Robert?”
“I—no one has ever asked me that before. I don’t know.”
“You can think about it. Do you want me to stop your mom? Do you want to go back to her?”
Robert looked up at him, “No.” he said softly. “No.” he said again with more conviction. “You’ve shown me there is more out there and I want that. I want it so bad I can taste it. What did I do to deserve you?”
“I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere. You tell me what you want to do and we’ll see about making it happen.”
“Right now? Right now I think I just want you.”
“Done.”
Michael took Robert’s lips in a kiss filled with hope.
Two Years later…
“Are you sure about this? We don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Michael sounded hesitant as he peered at himself in the mirror, adjusting his tie.
Usually his lover was the strong one in the relationship. It felt nice to be the one sure of himself.
“Of course we’re going. It’s your brother’s wedding. I’ll be fine.”
Robert’s therapy had come a long way. Thanks in part to Michael. He could always count on him. He really didn’t know what he’d done to deserve him, but he was thankful every day.
“I know you’re still not comfortable in crowds, so does Paul.”
“It’s your family. I promise, I’ll be okay.”
He stepped up close to his lover and smoothed the suit over his broad shoulders. They hadn’t heard from his mom in a long time. That helped, knowing she wasn’t as powerful as he thought.
“Good. I want to dance with you.”
Michael turned around and Robert went into his arms. The place he felt the safest.
“Sounds good to me. You know I love being in your arms.”
“Move in with me.”
Robert leant back. “What? Where did that come from?”
“I know we said we’d wait, but I miss you on the nights you stay in your apartment. I want to wake up with you every day.”
Robert smiled. He loved Michael more and more. He pulled his mouth to his. Robert’s tongue traced his lover’s lips, asking for entrance. Michael didn’t make him wait long. He loved the way his lover tasted, he could kiss him for days.
He pulled back before things became too heated. “We can’t. We have to leave.”
“You started it. Is that a yes?”
“I’m ready, if you’re sure. I still have a lot of baggage.”
“I’m sure. Maybe we should skip the wedding and start packing?”
Robert laughed. “Are you trying to get out of this wedding? I thought you wanted to dance with me.”
“A horizontal dance might be better.” Michael wiggled his eyebrows.
“Michael! We’re going to the wedding.” Robert chuckled.
“I like hearing you laugh.”
“And I like laughing.” Robert smiled.
“Okay, let’s go.”
“Don’t sound so excited. Weren’t you the one who said we always have time?”
“Me and my big mouth.”
Robert’s gazed landed on Michael’s mouth and he bit his lip. He wanted nothing more than to crawl into his lover.
“Stop looking at me like that or both our suits will be bunched on the floor.”
Robert’s heartbeat sped up but he shook his head. “Stop trying to distract me. You ready?”
“You sure I can’t convince you?”Michael’s hands went to his zipper, slowly lowering it and pulling his cock from his slacks. “You know how much I love your lips. Just a little taste?”
Michael smiled and Robert’s heart stuttered. He licked his lips and Robert had to sink to his knees on the floor in front of him. Robert’s lips wrapped gently around Michael’s cock. He’d never get tired of his lover’s taste.
A couple of strokes up and down and Robert knew Michael wouldn’t last. Robert’s hum let Michael know he could fuck Robert’s mouth, his own cock so hard he was ready to cum without a touch.
“Shit, Robert, I’m not going to last.”
When Robert gripped Michael’s hips to control the blow job, he knew he’d leave bruises, but he didn’t think Michael would care. A couple more passes of Michael’s dick into his mouth and he shot his load. This was the taste Robert had waited for, his lover tasted sweet and Robert swallowed every drop.
He let Michael’s cock slip from his lips and wasn’t surprised when his lover dropped in front of him for a kiss.
“We need to get going if we aren’t going to be late. I need to brush my teeth.” Robert gave Michael another kiss and hurried to clean up. Before he got to the door, Michael spoke.
“Wait, what about you? You needing?”
“I’m good. You can take care of me after the wedding.” Robert winked and went to get himself under control. He finished in no time and headed back to the living room to the waiting Michael.
“Ready now?”
Michael gave him a smirk and a wink.“When you are. Let’s go.”
Robert shook his head and followed Michael out the door.
They walked out to the car. Michael threw Robert the keys, “You drive.”
“Really?” He let excitement creep into his voice.
He’d gotten his licence last year, but didn’t have much time to actually drive. His mom had always had control and usually drove him places or made him take a bus or cab. The ability to take himself places felt good. He loved being behind the wheel. It gave him a sense of freedom he only felt when he was with Michael.
“Get us there in one piece.”
“Hey!”
They both laughed and got into the vehicle. Michael grabbed for his hand and he entwined their fingers once they were on the road. When they were together, they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other.
“Did you remember the present?” Robert inquired.
“Mom and Dad came by earlier and took it out to the hall so we wouldn’t have to worry about it.”
“I’m sorry I missed them.” Robert had come to love Michael’s parents almost as much as he loved Michael. He loved going to family functions because it was so normal. If someone had told him two years ago that he would be part of a wonderful family who loved him just for being himself, he wouldn’t have believed it. It was like a wonderful dream come true.
“They said to tell you hi and they couldn’t wait to see you. It’s been a few weeks. We should plan a dinner at the house after you move in.”
He smiled and squeezed Michael’s hand.
“I’d like that.”
It didn’t take long for them to reach the church. Robert was a little disappointed that he couldn’t drive more. Next week he planned to talk Michael into helping him pick out his own car. He’d finally saved up enough money for something of his own. It helped that Michael let him use the apartment above the bar and had given him a job bartending. He liked it. It forced him to get comfortable with strangers. He still had problems sometimes, but his therapist and Michael helped him on those days.
The ceremony didn’t last too long and they were off to party. Robert couldn’t wait for his dance with Michael. It was all a blur until he danced in his man’s arms. The soft music drifted around them. He laid his cheek on Michael’s chest so he could hear his lover’s heartbeat. He wanted to capture this moment for his memories.
When the song ended, they walked back to their table hand and hand.
“I don’t want this moment to end,” Robert whispered.
“Why not?” Michael whispered back.
“It’s perfect.”
“There will be other perfect moments.”
“I know, but I can’t help thinking, what if. What if I didn’t go to your house that night? What if I had gone back with my mom? I want to treasure every normal moment I can to help erase all the years with her.”
Michael brought their joined hands to his lips and brushed his mouth over it. “No more what ifs. They don’t matter. Only now does.” Michael leant over and kissed him.
All was right in his world. He was ready for their future.
* * * *
Michael thanked all that was holy that the wedding was over. He wanted to get Robert alone. They were finally at a point where things could start to be normal for both of them. The first year, they’d both worried Robert’s mom would show up. His family had been wonderful, accepting Robert as one of their own. He loved their giving nature.
“Bye, Paul. Welcome to the family, Beth.” Michael gave Beth a kiss on the cheek, Paul a hug, and waved goodbye, tugging Robert out the door.
“What’s your hurry?” Robert laughed at him. The sound warmed his heart.
“I need you alone. Dancing wasn’t enough.”
“You’re acting like we haven’t seen each other in months. I spent the night last night and I’m staying tonight. Heck, I stay most nights with you.”
“Yes, but you just agreed to move in with me so we need to celebrate.”
Robert shook his head and gazed out the window giving Michael a minute to take in his angel. He let Robert drive home, he knew how much Robert loved to drive. Every day was like a new adventure with Robert. There was so much to show him. He wondered if he could convince the man to go on a trip with him.
They drove up to the house to see someone standing on the stairs of his house.
“Michael, do you know who that is?”
“No. Why don’t you stay in the car and I’ll go find out?”
“I’m coming with you.”
He didn’t argue. They parked the car and walked to the door. Michael kept Robert behind him.
“Good evening. Are you Robert Mitchell?”
“I’m not. Who are you?”
Michael didn’t give Robert a chance to speak. Not until they found out who the guy was.
“I’m Detective Daniels. I need to speak to Mr. Mitchell.”
Robert came out from behind him, “I’m Robert. What can I do for you?”
“Sir, I’m here to inform you that your mom, Betsy Mitchell, was found dead earlier this evening. When she didn’t show up for work for over a week, her boss called the police. We went to her home and found a few disturbing things that led us to believe you could have been involved in a robbery attempt a few years ago.”
Robert clutched for his hand, “She—she’s dead?”
“Yes, she is.”
“I don’t know why you’re here. Robert hasn’t seen her in two years.”
“She had a journal talking about a plan to steal a painting and that it went wrong, causing her to lose her son. We just want to tie up some loose ends so we can close this case.”
Robert looked at him with fear in his eyes. Something he never wanted to see again. All because of his deranged mom.
“I—I don’t—” Robert stuttered.
“How much do you know about Robert’s mom?” Michael inquired.
“Only what we found in her home. Not many people knew her.”
“Let’s go inside.” Michael let them into the house. “Detective, please have a seat, Robert and I will be right with you.”
They went into the kitchen and he sat Robert on a stool.
“What did she do, Michael
?”
“I don’t know, but you need to decide what you want to tell the detective.” He would support Robert in whatever he chose.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you want to tell him what she did to you?”
“Does it matter now?” Hurt coloured Robert’s words.
“Not to me, that is why you need to think about what you want to say.”
“Okay, let’s go talk to him so we can put her behind us for good.”
Michael nodded and the two of them went to the living room.
He sat down, but Robert paced the room. The detective started to talk but Michael put his hand up to stop the officer. He wanted to give his lover time to sort out what he wanted to say.
“Um, I.” He stopped and Michael reached for him as he passed the couch to squeeze his hand. Robert stared at him and Michael was able to see the confidence come back into his man’s gaze. “My mom abused me for years.” It started as a whisper. “She convinced me to steal an item from an author she’d read about in a magazine, but she gave me the wrong address. This address. That night changed my life.”
Robert came to his side and settled next to him and took his hand.
The detective’s orbs darted between the two. “So you haven’t had any contact with her recently?”
“No, sir.” Michael spoke for them both.
The detective rose from the chair. “That’s all I really need for my report. I might have some follow up for the two of you.”
“Before you go, may I ask how she died?” Robert asked hesitantly.
“It appears to be natural causes. We’ll let you know after the autopsy what the official findings are.” The detective nodded to the two of them and turned to leave.
Michael walked the detective to the door and closed it. He looked to Robert, holding his arms open. Robert rushed into them.
“Thank you,” Robert mumbled.
“For what, babe?”
“For saving me. Helping me become the man I should have always been.”
“You saved yourself, I just came along for the ride.”
Stealing My Heart Page 26