by K. C. Wells
Vic leaned in and whispered again. “Try the sausage. It might not be as thick as the one you’re used to, but….” He waggled his eyebrows.
Rob rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I can’t believe you said that.” He glanced over at his dad. Doug was regarding them with amusement. Then he cleared his throat.
“So, Rob, tell me what’s been going on in your life. How did you and Vic meet? What’s London like? Just….” He sighed. “I didn’t mean to launch into a round of Twenty Questions, but I really want to know what’s been going on in your life.” He glanced at Vic and smiled. “Apart from the obvious, which I have to say floored me. I know I’ve not been the best of fathers, but I want to try to make it up to you. Can you let me in a little?”
Rob’s gaze shifted to Vic. He nodded, hoping to instill some confidence where right now there was obviously turmoil. Slowly, Rob began to tell the story about the depth of his hurt and guilt, how he’d met Vic, and how Vic was helping him to make changes in his life. Doug listened intently, nodding every now and then, and there were moments when pain was etched across his face. Vic could understand that. Doug was getting a crash course in what made Rob tick.
When Rob had finished, Doug regarded him steadily for a moment. “Forgive me for pointing out what seems really obvious to me, but… if you’re weighed down by all this guilt, why haven’t you reached out to Alex to talk to him about it?”
Rob’s chin dipped. “Why? He thinks I betrayed him. After everything with Leo and the police—”
Doug cocked his head to one side. “Wait a second. I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Alex knows that wasn’t you. He said as much to your mother. The stuff with the police? That was all on her. She did it for… well, whatever messed-up reasons she had. But Alex knows it wasn’t your fault.”
Rob jerked his head up. “He… knows?”
Doug nodded. “I was there when he said it. I’d never seen him in such a state. If Leo hadn’t been there, I don’t know what he would have done.”
Emotions flashed over Rob’s face. Disbelief, shock, followed by surprise that slowly morphed to anger.
Vic gently squeezed Rob’s thigh. “Rob? You okay?”
“I want to go home,” Rob growled.
Doug seemed dazed. “Rob? What’s wrong?”
Rob bounced to his feet and glared at his father. “He knew. He fucking knew. For years I suffered because I thought he blamed me and I let him. I figured it was better for him to blame me than face him and try to explain what happened.”
Vic had had enough. He gripped Rob’s wrist and pulled him back down into his chair. There were a few murmurs from the customers around them, but they weren’t Vic’s concern. Right now, the only thing that deserved his attention was Rob, who seemed to be on the brink of a meltdown.
“Let me out of here,” Rob ground out.
“You’re going to sit there and listen,” Vic insisted.
Rob sneered but he sat, his arms crossed over his chest. His body trembled, whether with rage or hurt, Vic wasn’t certain. Either way, it needed to stop.
“Is this what you were like all those years? Sulking, bratty, blaming everyone else for your problems?”
Rob set his jaw. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I? Let me ask you a question, okay, and forgive me for being blunt. Why in the hell should Alex have reached out to you? What did you do to deserve one iota of forgiveness from him? Go on, think about it. You treated him like he was there for you to torture. Did you even once think of him as something more than your victim?”
Rob blanched. “He’s my brother.”
Vic was having none of it. “You say those words now. When his life was in turmoil and he needed you, what did you say then? Oh, yes, I remember. ‘Buy me a laptop or I’m going to expose you to our parents. I’m going to tell them all the facets of your life that you aren’t even ready to talk about yet.’ Yes, that’s very brotherly of you. I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t come looking for you.”
Rob swallowed and his breathing quickened. He gazed with eyes full of anguish at them. Vic’s heart ached to see the pain there, but this needed dealing with.
“I’m sorry,” Doug said. “I didn’t mean to—”
Vic’s gaze shifted to Doug, who’d paled. “I’m sorry you had to see this, but I think it’s been a long time coming. It’s nothing you did, believe me. This is all on Rob, and I think it’s just now sinking in how much of this is down to him. It was easy when he had his mum to blame, because then he still came out looking okay. Now? He knows the truth. Even after Alex found out that it was her fault, he still didn’t reach out to Rob.”
Rob’s lip trembled and his eyes shone, but he sat ramrod straight. Vic stood and turned to Doug. “It was good to meet you. I hope we have a chance to do this again sometime. Well, without the drama, of course.” He glanced at the now-pale Rob. “We’re going home.”
Rob didn’t speak as he stood. He nodded at his father, who returned his nod, his expression full of concern. Rob trailed behind Vic in silence as he left the pub.
He can be as quiet as he wants. If Vic had had a corner right then, Rob would have been standing in it. As it was, he could only imagine the mess inside Rob’s head. The boy had a lot to figure out.
The train ride home was quiet. Rob sat staring out the window of the train, and Vic left him to his thoughts. When they got home, he pointed to the corner and Rob went there without protest. He grabbed his cushion from the couch and knelt where Vic had indicated, his head bowed and eyes closed.
“I’m going to be in the kitchen. If you need me, you have permission to come find me. Beyond that, you’ll stay there until I come for you. Understood?”
Rob gave a sharp nod but made no other move.
Vic had had enough. He went into the kitchen and took out his phone. He did a quick search of the web and found what he was looking for. He glanced toward the lounge to check on Rob, not surprised to find him still there. He dialed the number he wanted and waited until someone answered.
“Collars & Cuffs, this is Thomas Williams. How can I help you?”
“Hello. My name is Vic Prentiss, and I’d like to speak with Leo Hart, please.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
ROB SAT on his bed, laptop open. Four weeks had passed since he and Vic had gone to see Rob’s parents, and that trip still felt surreal. The part where his dad had stepped up, though? That had been great. Rob had yet to hear back from his mother, but that was okay. The familiar sense of shame crept over him as he thought back on how he’d acted toward her while he was growing up, but he closed his eyes and found his safe spot.
Vic.
He reflected on how vehemently he’d told his parents how much Vic had helped him. How important he was. The problem? Rob had never really said those words to Vic, the unspoken ones that still lingered in the air each time they were together.
“Then do something about it, why don’t you?” he muttered to himself, as he scrubbed a hand over his head.
Not scared, are you?
Stupid question. Of course he was, but at least he knew now that Vic wouldn’t put him out. Vic had never lied to him, and Rob wholeheartedly believed he wouldn’t.
So maybe now it’s my turn to finally step up and tell him what’s in my heart.
The thing was, he didn’t just want to say what he was feeling. He had to make Vic see.
When the idea came to him, he had to smile. Perfect. Now all he had to do was find it. Because it had to be right.
One hour, six phone calls, and his entire first paycheck later, Rob had set everything in motion. His pulse quickened. God, I hope I haven’t just made the worst mistake of my life. He figured he’d find out in two days. Because whatever happens, on that day I know my life will change forever.
For the first time, he was certain it would be for the better.
VIC KNEW something was up the minute he got home. Rob was buzzing with barely conceal
ed excitement. Vic wasn’t about to say anything, but he couldn’t wait to see what was coming at him.
When dinner had come and gone and still nothing, he began to think he’d got it all wrong—until Rob disappeared upstairs for a moment. Finally. Vic was dying to know what was going on.
Rob returned, came over to the couch, and held out a hand.
Vic peered at the box with interest. “And what’s this?”
Rob did an eye roll. “It’s a box. You know, you put things in it, then close it, wrap it, and give it to someone. Or has no one ever given you something before?” Rob sat on the couch beside him.
Vic couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of him. God, he loved this man, especially the ways he found to inject humor into their day with his cheeky attitude.
He took the box and opened it carefully. Inside was a sterling silver chain, comprised of thick links, but what intrigued him was the bauble at the end. It was two jagged lines, about an inch across. Vic looked up to find Rob regarding him, biting his lip, his hands twisting together in his lap. Vic hated it when Rob was filled with uncertainty. Keeping his voice even, he indicated the chain with a flick of his head. “Okay, what’s this?”
“It’s a collar,” Rob explained softly. Then he raised his chin, and a bit of defiance crept into his voice. “For you to give to me.”
This boy is incredible.
Vic bit back his chuckle. “This is where I point out that usually it’s the Dom who chooses the collar, Rob.”
Rob snorted. “And if I had to wait for you, I’d be an old man before you got around to doing anything about it.”
This time Vic couldn’t help but laugh. “I take it this is your way of telling me you want to be my submissive?”
Rob’s voice grew soft again as he reached behind him to pull out a manila envelope, which he slid across the coffee table. “Yes, Sir.”
Vic glanced at the envelope, then brought his gaze back to the box. “And what is this at the end of the chain? I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Rob lowered his gaze to the table. “It’s two heartbeats, Sir,” he said, his voice almost too low to hear. “Mine and yours. You know, beating as one.”
Vic suddenly found it hard to breathe. His chest felt as though someone had dropped a weight on it. He wants to be mine.
His fingers trembling, he opened the envelope and slid out a stack of papers that seemed very familiar. “A contract?” Vic asked, cocking his head. “This is a contract. Where did you get it?”
Rob gave a casual shrug that didn’t fool Vic for an instant. “I went online and downloaded it. I marked down all the things I’m willing to do. The ones I’m not sure about, I put a question mark there.” He wrinkled his nose. “And just so you know? I crossed out the things that will never happen.”
Vic scanned the papers, arching his eyebrows when he saw some of the things Rob had indicated he’d be willing to try. It appeared Rob was a lot bolder than he’d thought. “Golden showers? Really?”
Rob’s cheeks flushed. “I don’t see the thrill in it myself, but I’d give it a try with you. I mean, if you’re into that kind of thing.”
No way could Vic stop the warm feelings that flowed through him. Rob was willing to try. Hell, he was more than willing. He demanded it.
“I’m not into that kind of play. A few of the things you’ve marked down I haven’t tried.”
Rob’s eyes went wide.
“Oh, stop it. I never had the right person to try them with, but if you’re willing, I could be persuaded. After we go through the contract, if we both agree, we’ll sign it and give a copy to Eli. He’ll file it for us.”
Vic still had a hard time wrapping his head around the fact Rob had bought himself a collar and presented Vic with a contract. But in order for it to be real, to know that it was what Rob wanted, Vic needed to hear the words from his own lips.
Vic placed the papers onto the table, trying to maintain his composure. Then he reconsidered. Fuck it. This is no time to be composed. He held out his arm in invitation. “Come here.” Rob didn’t hesitate for a second. He shifted across the couch and leaned against Vic, his head on Vic’s shoulder. Vic swore he could feel Rob’s heart as it beat against his chest. “So what are we saying here?”
Rob sighed. “A little slow, aren’t you?”
“Brat. Okay, let’s pretend for the moment that I am. What does this mean?”
Rob appeared rattled but quickly regained his calm. “It means I want to belong to you. Sir. My body is yours, but so is my heart. I’ve never given it to anyone before. I… I love you.”
Vic sucked in a deep breath before gripping Rob by the back of the neck and mashing their mouths together. Rob moaned and pulled Vic to him, the kiss just the right side of painful.
When they parted, Vic locked gazes with him. “Say it again,” he demanded.
Rob stared back at him, unblinking. “I love you.”
Vic took a moment to savor the words he’d never heard from another man’s lips, and then gave up any idea of reining in his emotions. He tugged Rob until he was seated astride Vic’s lap, and then he dove in, clamping his lips on Rob’s neck. The moan that followed sounded as if it had been dragged from Rob’s depths. Vic sucked hard, drawing the skin into his mouth. He knew he was marking Rob, and that was exactly what he wanted. Rob had to know he was owned. And loved. But, in order to do that, Vic knew he had to tell Rob what was in his heart as well.
He sat back and gazed at Rob, whose eyes had glazed over. “Okay, I’m going to tell you a story. You listening?”
Rob’s dreamy expression was adorable. “Hmm?”
Vic chuckled. “I’ll take that as a maybe, but I’ll tell it anyway. Not long ago, this cheeky little shit showed up on my doorstep. He looked around and wondered if he would be welcomed or sent away. When I saw him standing there, all withdrawn and nervous, I knew there was only one real choice. I invited him in. And then the following week I did it again. You know how they say that love creeps up on some people? With you, it was more like a freight train, slamming into me at full bore. It’s killed me not to say the words to you, because I promised no pressure.” Vic stroked the side of Rob’s face, then leaned in for a kiss. It wasn’t the time for ravishing Rob; that would come later. This time it was to show Rob the depths of the feelings that Vic hadn’t been able to express before. He pressed their lips together gently, and Rob shivered in his arms.
“I love you, Rob. I have for a while now. I…. Fuck. I love you so much.”
Rob shuddered against him. “Sir?” When Vic stilled, Rob looked him in the eye. “Make love to me?”
It was Vic’s turn to show no hesitation as he stripped Rob of his clothing, until he had a lap full of naked man, and then he removed his own. A quick search resulted in a condom and lube, and then it seemed mere seconds before Rob was in his arms, Vic’s cock all the way inside him, and the two of them were moving slowly together. Vic lost himself in Rob’s heat, the feel of his hard dick beating out a rhythm on Vic’s belly, the warmth of his lips against Vic’s.
When Rob came, long shudders coursing through his body, Vic held him close, their lips still locked in kiss after kiss. And when Rob removed the condom and took Vic deep into his mouth, Vic couldn’t hold on a second longer. He shot his load, shivering as Rob drank down every drop, worshiping Vic’s cock with his tongue.
When they were both calm again, hearts beating normally, Vic drew Rob into his lap and held him while they kissed, sharing the taste of his come. Vic brushed his lips over Rob’s ear.
“Next time, no condom. I want nothing between us.”
Rob’s quiet sigh of contentment was the only answer Vic required.
IT WAS Friday night, and all Rob wanted was to curl up on the couch with Vic. The previous weeks had been grueling, and he hadn’t done much beyond coming home dog-tired, showering, eating, and then collapsing on the couch until bedtime. Vic had seemed a little preoccupied too, but Rob got the impression t
hat this was more the fault of his job rather than anything Rob had done.
So he really didn’t get it when Vic announced they were going to Secrets.
“Why are we doing this?” he asked again. “I’m tired, and I just want to rest.”
Vic huffed. “You’ve been doing enough resting, I think. Besides, Wayne is bringing Ellis and I want to see them. It’s the first time out since their collaring, and I’m anxious to find out how he’s doing.”
Rob knew the two men had been police officers, and that both of them had worked within the Specialist Firearms Officers unit. He and Vic had watched in horror back in April when a video on the news had shown Ellis being shot while rescuing a young girl. A shooter had targeted the school and Ellis had shielded her with his body. Vic had been shaken, because he and Ellis’s partner, Wayne, were friends. They’d attended the party when Wayne had given Ellis his collar, but Rob had been in the corner for some infraction he could barely remember.
Wow. Me in the corner. Imagine that. Not that he was complaining. He had to admit, Vic knew what he was doing. The punishment gave Rob time to reflect, and now that he no longer panicked about being put out, he didn’t mind it so much. That wasn’t to say he liked it, but he was coping better each time it happened.
The two weeks since Rob’s declaration and DIY collaring had felt like a honeymoon, as wave upon wave of happiness had carried him along, and Vic had been right there with him. Every moment they’d shared together had been stored in Rob’s memory. Of course, some memories got played over and over again in his head, and there were an awful lot of those.
Which brought him back to this evening. He really didn’t feel like going back to the club, not when they could be at home under the sheets. Still, Vic wanted to go, and Rob hated to disappoint him.
“Then you go.”
Vic grabbed Rob’s wrist and pulled him off the sofa. “We are going. I don’t want to hear anything else about it. Get your jacket and let’s go.”
It wouldn’t do any good to argue, Rob knew. He wouldn’t win. He slipped his coat on and followed Vic out to the car. They’d been driving for about five minutes, Rob silently contemplating the passing suburban scenery, when Vic cleared his throat.