An Unlocked Mind

by K. C. Wells

  Rob began to cry out with each thrust, begging Vic not to stop, to go deeper, faster, telling him how fucking good Vic felt inside him. Vic let go of Rob’s hips and anchored himself to Rob’s shoulders, his body slamming into Rob’s arse, sending shock waves through his flesh as he pushed himself closer to his climax.

  “Can you feel my PA grazing your gland? Can you? Does it feel good when I nail it?”

  “Fuck, yes,” Rob moaned. “Keep going. Don’t stop.”

  Lightning zapped down his spine, shot along his cock and sent tingles deep into his balls. He roared as he came, his fingers digging into Rob’s shoulder muscles, so hard that he figured Rob might have bruises the following day.

  Rob collapsed onto the bed and Vic went with him, hips still rocking as he emptied his balls into the latex. Rob was shaking, his breath leaving him in short, staccato bursts. Vic pinned him to the bed, his dick still buried to the hilt inside Rob’s warmth.

  Rob inclined his head, and Vic went for that mouth, kissing him fervently. When they parted, Vic grinned. “Okay. I like this new Rob. You can stay.”

  Rob arched his eyebrows. “That’s a good thing, because believe me, if you want me gone, you’d have to carry me out of here. I think you just melted me.”

  Vic understood that feeling all too well.

  VIC HAD no idea what had awoken him. It was dark outside, and the only sound in the bedroom was Rob’s rhythmic breathing as he slept deeply beside Vic.

  I could get to like this.

  Maybe it was time to share his bed on a permanent basis. Thus far, Rob had spent a few nights each week in Vic’s bed, but those always followed sex.

  Speaking of which….

  He reached out to stroke a gentle finger over Rob’s arse beneath the sheets. That night had shown him a side to Rob that he’d only glimpsed. Hearing Rob give voice to his needs, hearing him demand to be fucked, had been more of a turn-on than Vic had imagined.

  “Whassup?” Rob stirred and rolled over to face him.

  “Nothing’s wrong.” Vic leaned over and kissed Rob lightly on the lips. “I’m just contemplating moving you into this room permanently.”

  “Thass nice,” Rob murmured, before rolling back into his previous position. It wasn’t long before his breathing changed, and Vic knew he was fast asleep.

  Vic chuckled to himself. That’s what I get for sharing vital information in the middle of the night.

  He couldn’t wait to see Rob’s face in the morning when he reminded him of the conversation.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “ROB?”

  He gave a start as Vic pulled him back into the present, which was fine by Rob. Where he’d been inside his head was a whole lot less pleasant. Rob blinked. “Sorry. I was miles away.”

  Vic chuckled. “So I gathered. But you’re missing all this.” He gestured toward the window of the train. Beyond it, the landscape flashed by, field upon field, trees, streams, and lots of green. Another chuckle. “Don’t worry, you’re not missing much. We’re going through Staffordshire. The pretty part, I might add.”

  Rob said nothing, but settled back in his seat. They’d managed to get seats with a table, and the remains of coffee and snacks covered it. Mentally he did some calculations. “We’re nearly there.” He shivered.

  Vic’s hand was on his arm in an instant. “Hey. What’s going on inside that head of yours?”

  “Not much. I was just remembering stuff, that’s all.”

  Vic gazed at him keenly. “I’m guessing not good stuff.” He picked up the bag of chocolates and held it out to him. “Have some.”

  Rob gave him an amused glance. “Chocolate?”

  Vic shrugged. “I’d give you a really good hug….” He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But there’s a guy sitting about four rows away who looks like he might find that distasteful.”

  Rob didn’t have to look. He knew exactly to whom Vic was referring. When they’d first sat down and Vic had squeezed his hand, Rob had caught the discontented huff from the guy.

  “What’s this? Big bad Dom Vic cares what a stranger on a train thinks?”

  Vic smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “No, Vic wants an easy life. There are some battles we’ll never win.” He speared Rob with an intense look. “Now, tell me what you were thinking about.”

  Rob sighed. “I was just remembering that night when Alex turned up with Leo.” His stomach churned. “I was the reason why they chose to do that. I’d threatened to tell Mum about him kissing Leo. The last thing I expected was for the two of them to show up.”

  “What happened?” Vic’s voice was soft.

  “Leo told them he and Alex were together.” The memory of Rob’s part in the proceedings made his heart sink. The Rob he’d been before would have let it go there, but not now. He knew he had to be honest with Vic. “Mum accused Leo of being some kind of pervert. A pedophile preying on her son.”

  “And how did you feel?”

  Rob swallowed. “I was angry. It had seemed like a foolproof way of getting what I wanted, and then it all fell apart.” His chest tightened at the ugly thoughts.

  Vic saw way too much, apparently. “And what did you do?”

  “I lashed out at Alex, told him our parents were ashamed of having a faggot for a son.” He’d been delighted when Alex’s slumped shoulders and his pleading voice showed that Rob had won. Rob shuddered.

  “Okay, potential homophobe be damned. Come here.” Before Rob could say a word, Vic pushed up the arm rest between them and pulled Rob closer, his arm going around Rob’s shoulder. Rob leaned into Vic, grateful for his warmth and strength. “I’ve got you. Keep talking.” Rob caught an indignant snuffle from down the aisle, but Vic merely huffed. “He does that again and I’m going to say something. Back to you.”

  “I was just thinking that at the time, I thought I’d won. But at what cost? Things went downhill quickly from there. Alex moved out with Leo, and I was left alone with our parents.”

  “I’m guessing that wasn’t a good thing.”

  Rob considered the ways things had been. “I know you’re supposed to love your parents, but I was never that close to mine. Dad always seemed aloof, like he was amused by what was going on around him. Most of the time he had his face buried in a newspaper, like he was blocking out the rest of the world.”

  “And your mum?”

  Rob sighed. “I think I saw her as convenient when I wanted something, but beyond that, our paths didn’t much cross. Only, with Alex out of the house, I began to see what she was really like. She’d make pointed comments about Alex, toss hateful barbs about Leo, and all the while beamed with pride about me. She went on about how I was a son she could be proud of.”

  “How did that make you feel?”

  “At first I lapped it up. I loved being the center of attention.” He paused as a wave of regret washed over him. Vic tightened his arm around him.

  “It wasn’t real,” Rob said at last. “None of it was. My mother is about as fake as one could be.”

  And here he was, on his way back to step once more into the lion’s den.

  This time will be different. This time he had his anchor, his rock.

  This time he had his Vic.

  ROB STOOD at the familiar blue-and-white door, hand poised to knock. He could have walked in, just like he’d done every day for eighteen years, but now it seemed it would be wrong. This wasn’t his home. That was in London, with Vic.

  No, that wasn’t right either.

  Vic was home.

  “We don’t have to do this, you know.”

  Vic’s voice in Rob’s ear was a welcome salve to the doubts that had crept in since they’d stepped off the train. Everything that had once been familiar now seemed to be a distant memory that Rob wanted to let go. They’d caught a taxi, and when they’d driven by places that he and Jamie had used to frequent, there was no nostalgia or regret. Yes, they’d had some good times, but more often than not, the fun a
lways had a price tag on it. Rob had money; Jamie liked things. Rob never thought it weird when Jamie asked for him to lend him a few pounds, even though he knew he’d never get it back. It made his friend happy, and Rob never questioned it. Now, with the gift of hindsight, Rob could see the truth clearly.

  Shit. He was using me, even back then.

  “No, we don’t have to do this, but I do,” Rob said, his voice surprisingly solid. He rapped on the door.

  When it opened, his mother’s voice rang out. “Is that Rob?”

  Dad glanced back over his shoulder. “It will be if you give me a chance to let him in.” He smiled at Rob, appearing genuinely happy to see him. “Hey, stranger.”

  “Hello.” Rob shifted on the balls of his feet, momentarily ill at ease and conscious of Vic at his side. How the hell do I introduce Vic? Everything had seemed a lot more clear-cut back in London.

  Fortunately, Vic stepped in. He gave Dad a bright smile and extended his hand. “Mr. Daniels, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Vic Prentiss, a friend of Rob’s.”

  “The name is Doug, and it’s good to meet you, Vic. Don’t stand on the doorstep. Come in. We’ve got some coffee or tea if you’re interested.”

  “I would love a cup of coffee,” Vic answered, as he ushered Rob through the door. “We got up way too early this morning.”

  Vic’s words made it sound as though they’d spent the night together, which of course they had. It’s my bed too now. What came as a shock to him was that he didn’t mind how it sounded.

  They followed his father to the kitchen. Rob tensed as they entered, but Mum wasn’t there. Dad went over to the coffee machine and poured them each a mug of dark, rich brew. They stood in the middle of the kitchen floor, mugs in hand.

  Vic sighed when he took his first sip. “Ooh, I needed this. Thank you, Doug.” He grimaced. “The coffee on the train was awful.”

  Dad gave him a sympathetic glance. “Oh God, I hear you. Nothing worse than crap coffee.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “The doctor says I’m not supposed to have coffee, but there are some pleasures a man can’t live without.”

  Rob was about to say something when his mother entered the room. She stood there, glaring at Vic, and Rob felt his temper start to rise. Already? He closed his eyes for a moment, focused on his center, then opened them again. “Mum, this is Vic Prentiss. Vic, this is Rebecca Daniels, my Mum.”

  She eyed Vic warily, and a sense of déjà vu overcame Rob. His palms grew clammy and his chest tightened.

  “I can’t do this.”

  “Then don’t.” Vic’s voice exuded calm.

  Rob’s mother’s gaze narrowed. “Rob? Is something wrong?”

  Beside him, Vic said nothing, as if he was waiting for something.

  In that instant Rob knew it was time to finally grow a fucking spine.

  “Vic isn’t a friend. He’s my… shit, boyfriend? Lover? Whatever. The point is, I live with him in London. Have been for the last few months since I got fired from the store for stealing when I was a kid. Me and Jamie used to nick things from there and they found out.”

  “You’re not gay!” his mother yelled.

  Yeah, that was his mum. Ignore the bit about losing his job and stealing, and head straight to the “I have a boyfriend” part.

  Rob met her glare with a calm that surprised him. “No, you’re right. I’m not strictly gay. I like women too. But I… I want to be with Vic.”

  His mother glared at Vic, her eyes like ice. “What have you done to him? Rob isn’t like that.” She took a step toward Rob. “Come home. Let us help you.”

  Rob sucked in a breath as his calm began to fray at the edges. He opened his mouth to respond, but then his heart soared when Vic got in first.

  “Rob doesn’t require help. He’s fine as he is. In fact, he’s probably a lot better than he’s been for a very long time.”

  She sneered at him. “You don’t know my son.”

  Vic wrapped an arm around Rob’s shoulder and pulled him close. “That’s where you’re wrong, Mrs. Daniels. I suspect I know Rob better after three months than you have after a lifetime with him.”

  She stepped back as if Vic had slapped her. “You can’t come in here and say things like that!”

  “Why? It’s probably true,” Dad said.

  Rob blinked. Okay, that was unexpected.

  She turned on him. “What are you saying?”

  Dad sighed, set his mug down, and stepped between Rob and his mother. “For years I stayed quiet. I figured things worked, so why disrupt them? Then all that stuff with Alex happened and I realized things weren’t working at all. We lost a son because neither of us had ever been good parents.”

  She huffed. “I gave them everything.”

  “I’m talking about love and affection. You’re talking about food and shelter, and not much beyond that.” When Mum’s mouth dropped open, he held up his hand. “It wasn’t all on you, though. I was no better. I used to think Rob was the one who avoided affection, but it was you. Just thinking about our sex life should’ve told me something.”

  Mum’s eyes bulged and she gasped. “You can’t talk about private things like that!”

  “Why not? Sex is important. Sex matters. It shouldn’t be a chore, something you grant to a partner to shut them up. At least our sons never learned that from us.”

  In all his years, Rob’s father rarely raised his voice, and disagreements between his parents were rare. Right now, Rob was seeing him in a whole new light, and he had to admit how much he admired his father right then.

  Dad regarded Mum, his face grave. “When you got pregnant, I thought things would change. They didn’t. Looking at Rob and Vic, I can see the truth of it. Rob was starved for attention, and we never gave it to him. So he got it where he could.” His father’s gaze flicked over to Rob. “He fell in with Jamie.” He spat the words and glanced at Rob. “Sorry, but I never did like that boy. Always had a shifty look to him, so what you’re telling me is no great surprise.” He returned his attention to Mum. “And we let it happen. We let him do whatever he wanted so we didn’t have to do our jobs as parents.”

  Rob had never heard his father speak like that. He’d always been quick with a joke to defuse a tense situation, but he’d never spoken from the heart.

  Dad turned to him. “Rob, I’m sorry I was such a disappointment as a father. I’ve done my best to get back into Alex’s life, and I would very much like to be a part of yours, if you’ll have me.”

  Rob stood in shock. He’d envisaged this conversation so many times, always with different scenarios, but never like this.

  Vic nudged him, bringing him back to the conversation. Then his dad’s words finally sank in. “You’ve talked with Alex?”

  He nodded. “We try to get together when we can. He and Leo are good men. Just like I’m sure you and Vic are.”

  “Good men.” His mum’s voice dripped with venom. “You know what I think about that man. Well, you can think and do what you like. I don’t have to stand here, in my own kitchen, and listen while history repeats itself.” She spun on her heel and stormed from the room.

  His father sighed. “I tried to tell Alex to be patient, but I can see now that won’t work. I love your mother but….”

  Rob noted his father’s slumped shoulders and the sad look in his eyes. “But what?”

  Dad met his gaze. “I guess I can tell you now. Your announcement has only solidified my feelings.” He paused for a moment. “I don’t know what’s going to come of it, but I can’t do this anymore.” His voice was weary. “I can’t stay with her if she’s going to drive away my sons. She may not want you in her life, but I certainly do. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, more than I have the right to ask you to forgive. But I really would like it if you could give me a chance.”

  He took a tentative step forward and stopped. Rob knew it was up to him to be the one to make the next move. He wasn’t sure if he should offer a hand or try to hug his father. This was so fa
r outside their norm that Rob felt adrift.

  Vic’s hand was on his back, a comforting weight. “Doug, you have to know that this is all coming as a surprise to Rob. He’s a little overwhelmed right now.”

  That had to be the understatement of the year. Rob felt like a steam roller had run right over him.

  His father nodded and took a step back, uncertainty evident in his posture. “I can understand that.” He went back to the sink and poured out his coffee. “Are you two hungry? There’s a pub near here that serves all-day breakfast. What do you say to getting something to eat?” He glanced in the direction Mum had taken. “I think we could do with getting out of the house for a while.”

  Rob was all for that. Anything to get out of there. His former home held too many memories that he’d much rather forget.

  VIC WAS keeping a close eye on Rob. He’d said little since they’d left the house and walked a few streets to the pub. Vic had chatted with Doug, talking about his job. Doug had appeared genuinely interested, and Vic had warmed to him. He’d let Rob remain silent, because he had to be processing a lot, but if it continued much longer….

  Once they’d arrived at the pub and ordered their food, they picked a table near the rear of the place, where doors opened out onto a beer garden. He noticed how Rob moved his seat a little closer to Vic, and reached under the table to stroke Rob’s leg.

  “You doing okay there?”

  Rob managed a shaky laugh. “Does it show that much?”

  Vic kept up the slow stroking. “Let’s just say you’re looking a little shell-shocked and you’re not saying a whole lot.”

  The waiter approached with their breakfasts, and Doug attacked his with enthusiasm. Rob, on the other hand, barely touched his.

  “Not hungry?” Vic whispered.

  “No, not really.”

  “I’m not either, but we should try to eat something.” Vic pulled a face. “Unless you really want to eat on the train.” Relief filled him when Rob snorted.

  “Okay, good point.” He tried his eggs and smiled. “This is good.”