by K. C. Wells
Doug shrugged. “She’s doing okay, I suppose. She denies we need to talk to someone, but she’s still willing to go. I take that as a good sign. Maybe one day we’ll be able to sit down to dinner together, the six of us.” His expression was less hopeful, however.
“That would be good,” Alex said. “At least if she’s genuinely interested in getting to know her kids.” He set his jaw. “I’m not going to let her put Leo down again.”
Leo rubbed a hand over Alex’s back. “I’m a big boy, Alex. I can deal with it. What’s important is you.”
Alex glared at Leo. “I’m not going to excuse her behavior if she pulls that crap again. If she can’t treat you—or Vic—with courtesy, then we won’t be getting together.”
Doug sighed again. “We’ve not reached that point yet, Alex, so don’t get worked up over it. I won’t get you all together if she won’t promise to be good to you all.”
“Is it awful of me that I’m not missing her all that much?” Rob asked quietly.
“Not really.” His dad gave him an understanding glance. “You have a new life now, and she doesn’t want any part of it.”
“I know, I know. But she’s our mum. Regardless of how she acts, nothing can change that.”
“I wish she was interested in us being happy,” Alex admitted.
“I still think she’ll come around,” Vic said. “She has a great family, and only a fool would let that slip away.”
Rob leaned closer and put his head on Vic’s shoulder. “You don’t have to butter me up, you know. I’m a sure thing.”
Alex spluttered as he took a sip of water. He put his glass down and wiped his mouth before giving everyone an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I’m just not used to this new-and-improved Rob.”
Rob whacked him on the arm. “Sod.”
Alex merely chuckled.
It was becoming a pleasant habit for Vic and Rob to travel to Manchester to meet up with Doug, Leo, and Alex. They’d done it a few times so far, and although the initial meeting had been awkward, subsequent ones had become more relaxed. Alex and Rob laughed together when Leo told a story, Rob listened with rapt attention as Alex told them about Scott and Ben’s twins, and when asked if he wanted to meet them and his best friend, Peter, at some point, Rob had quickly said yes.
Vic had to admit, this last dinner had been the best one yet. It warmed his heart to see Rob and Alex hug when they got into the restaurant, and the pair of them sat next to each other, whispering and chuckling while they cast glances in Leo and Vic’s direction. He smiled to himself. It was a good thing that dinner was almost over, because if the giggling and the bratty behavior continued for much longer, it was a foregone conclusion that Rob would be spending some time in the corner when they got home.
Doug yawned. “I should get going. Work tomorrow.”
Leo checked his watch. “Yeah, us too. Peter’s working in the massage parlor at the club, so I’ll be working the late shift.”
Vic stared. “Collars & Cuffs has a massage parlor?”
Leo grinned. “It does. Thomas set it up for him in one of the private rooms, as a gift.”
“Peter’s delighted by its success,” Alex said. “He can’t believe how many people are willing to put themselves into his hands. He’s even talking about teaching some of the subs how to give massages to their Doms.”
“You can sign Rob up for that,” Vic said promptly. “I can always use a good rubdown.”
Rob rolled his eyes. “Yes, because your poor muscles get so tense sitting behind that big desk all day. Meanwhile, I’m out toiling in the sun until every part of my body hurts.”
“I rub you in a lot of places,” Vic said, doing his best to keep his features straight. When Rob’s jaw dropped and Alex began to snicker, Rob laughed too.
“Are you sure you don’t want to spend the night?” Doug asked. “There’s a guest bedroom in my flat.”
“Thank you, no. Leo and Alex offered too. Rob and I have work tomorrow, so we’ll be heading home shortly. Next time maybe you can come see us. Rob’s been planting some bulbs in the front of the house, and when they come up, they’ll be beautiful. He’s got a good eye for matching colors.”
“I guess I know which of us inherited the gay gene,” Alex teased. “I didn’t even realize my socks didn’t match until we got out of the car.”
Rob laughed loudly. A few months ago, the comment would probably have sent him into a near meltdown. Now? Vic was so proud of the way he shrugged it off and saw the humor in Alex’s comments. He was freer with his affections too. In short, Rob was the complete opposite of the person Vic had met at Secrets all those months ago. And he wasn’t surprised to find himself deeper in love with his boy every day.
Rob turned to Alex, and Vic caught the glint of the chain he wore around his neck. It was a sign of their bond, which Rob did his best to honor every day.
When they’d finished talking, Vic reached out, cupped Rob’s chin, and leaned in for a kiss. “I love you.”
Rob didn’t hesitate. “I love you too.”
“Okay, now that’s sweet,” Alex said, fluttering his lashes. “Truthfully, Rob? Love is a good look on you.” He raised his glass. “To Rob and Vic.”
Everyone took a drink of their wine. Then Rob lifted his glass. “To family and reconnecting.”
Vic gazed around the table at his newly expanded family. I’m a lucky man.
When it was time to leave the restaurant, Rob and Alex clung to each other as they stood beside Vic’s car.
“See you soon,” Alex murmured.
“Looking forward to it,” Rob answered, a sheen in his eyes. Vic knew Rob would swear they weren’t tears.
After all the goodbyes were over and they were alone, Rob leaned closer to Vic. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
Rob hesitated a moment. “Giving me my life back, for starters?”
Vic put his arm around him. “You did that on your own. You just leaned on me along the way. And I’m always going to be there for you.”
Rob regarded him earnestly. “I’ll be there for you too. You know that, right?”
Vic grinned. “If you try to leave, I’ll have to bring out the restraints and tie you to the bed.”
Rob groaned and shifted uncomfortably. “Why did you have to go and say a thing like that? It’ll be ages until we’re home, and now I’m going to be hard the entire way there.”
Vic beamed. “See, you just answered your own question. I fully expect to see you writhing in your seat the whole trip.”
Rob grinned and reached out to grab Vic’s crotch. “At least I won’t be the only one.”
Vic’s cock stiffened, and he reached down to adjust it. His boy was in so much trouble when they got home.
ROB QUIVERED with excitement when Vic’s key clicked in the lock. He checked the dining table again to ensure that everything was perfect. He’d found some fancy plates—with gold and blue trimming—in one of the cabinets, and decided to use them for tonight. Everything was ready.
“Rob?”
“Hold on!” He hurried to the door where Vic stood, taking off his jacket.
Vic sniffed the air. “Something smells delicious.”
Heat rushed through Rob. “I wish I could take credit, but I picked it up on my way home. One of the guys at work told me about this restaurant he said had really good food. I was a bit dubious when he told me the name, but he swears the food is fantastic.”
Vic’s brow scrunched up. “Which restaurant? Do I dare ask?”
“Well….” Rob grinned. “It’s called… are you ready for this? To Thai For.”
Vic blinked and then groaned. “Okay, that’s bad.” He cocked his head. “What’s the occasion? I know it’s not your birthday, and it’s definitely not mine.”
Rob reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. He opened it, counted out the money he’d been saving, and handed it to Vic. “I know this isn’t all of it, but it’s a start. Thank you for what you
did for me.”
At first Vic stared at Rob, but then his gaze shifted to the money. “I’m going to take this. You didn’t need to do it, but I know it’s important to you that you pay your own way. We’re going to put this into a bank account for you.”
“But—”
Vic raised a hand. “One day you might decide you want to take some classes, to learn new things about landscaping. Or you may want to do something completely different. This will give you something to build your future on.”
Rob folded his arms across his chest. “Are you done now? Can I get a word in?”
Vic smirked. “Go ahead, cheeky brat.”
“I love my job. When we finish a project, I can step back and take pride in what I’ve done. But you have to understand, that’s a rare feeling for me. I used to be jealous of Alex and his success. Hell, I was even jealous of you for a while. The thing is, though? I’ve come to realize—with your help—that I need to stand on my own two feet, not as Alex’s brother or as Vic’s sub or lover, but in my own right.” He smiled. “So your offer is very much appreciated. I was thinking maybe one day I might like to start a little shop of my own, or go back to college and see about moving up in the company.” He gave Vic a wry grin. “Of course, you might not like that idea. If I spend more time studying, that’s less time to take care of you.”
Vic stroked his beard. “Will you still have time to blow me on occasion?”
Rob chuckled. “I think I can make time for that.” He took a step closer and lowered his voice into a seductive whisper. “In fact, I might even find some time for riding lessons.”
Vic’s eyes widened slightly. He slid a hand over Rob’s cheek, and Rob leaned into the touch. He would never get tired of the possessive nature Vic demonstrated on a daily basis.
Vic cleared his throat. “Okay, back to your idea. I think it’s great. And if you ever need me, you know I’ll be there. I’m so proud of you. But….”
Months ago, Rob would have freaked out when Vic said but. Now he stood tall, his chin up, waiting. “But?”
Vic ran a hand over his stomach. “Can we talk about this after dinner? I’m starving.”
“Oh, well, I guess. I mean, I had dessert all planned out, but if you’d rather talk….” He waggled his eyebrows.
Vic pulled him close and claimed his mouth. When he stepped back, Vic’s eyes were wide. “On second thought, we have a microwave and I might not be that hungry.”
Rob laughed. “Let’s eat first. I’ve got it plated and everything, so we should enjoy it while it’s hot.”
“Fine.” Vic sighed. He strode to the table and sat down, leaning over the plated dish to inhale its aromas. “Okay, this is good. We’ll have to order this again.” Before Rob could serve him, Vic helped himself to several spoonfuls. He paused and glanced innocently at Rob. “Oh. Did you want some too?” Vic gave him a sheepish grin. “I did warn you I was hungry.” He peered at the dish. “Is this everything?”
Rob let out an exaggerated sigh. “It’s a good thing we both have jobs. It’s expensive to feed you.” He got up from the table, went into the kitchen and retrieved the remaining two dishes. He came back and placed them in front of Vic. “Here you go.”
Vic stared. “There is more. I was only teasing. Eat your dinner.”
Rob helped himself to some food while there still was some. “It’s okay. I know how you are on Friday nights. I got extra of everything.”
Vic gazed at him. “I love that you know me so well.”
Rob had never imagined he could be this in love. Vic, however, was something special. He could see now why Alex fell so hard for Leo. To find that one person who accepted you with all your insecurities? Except Vic didn’t simply accept Rob. He guided him, gave him strength, believed in him when Rob wasn’t able to believe in himself. Before meeting Vic, Rob had been scared to death of being alone, or worse, trapped in a marriage like his parents. Vic had dragged him out of the shadows, shone a light on everything Rob was terrified of becoming, and showed him that none of it was real. That he was capable not only of receiving love, but of giving it too.
“Tomorrow we’re going to the club,” Vic announced.
“Okay. Any particular reason?”
“There is, but that’s going to be a surprise.”
Rob huffed a sigh. “Back in the tank?”
Vic smiled. “No, not this time.”
They’d bought the suit Vic told Rob about, and they’d already used it several times. After each scene, Rob clung to Vic, sometimes so overwhelmed with emotion that he’d sob while Vic stroked his back. Other times he’d emerged in a heightened state of excitement, begging Vic to fuck him.
Vic was always there for whatever Rob needed.
“Give me a hint?” Rob pleaded.
“Does it bother you that I know and won’t tell you?”
“Uh, yeah.”
Vic grinned. “Then, no, not telling.”
“Bastard.”
“That’s Sir Bastard to you.”
Rob laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
SATURDAY NIGHT Vic strode through the door, Rob at his heel. When they stepped onto the main floor, he breathed in the scents he loved most about Secrets. Leather. Sweat. Sex. Men. That last one made Vic smile. They came from all walks of life, but they all shared a common bond—the desire to live their lives by rules of their own choosing.
He turned and glanced at Rob, who kept his gaze trained on the floor. Vic was so fucking proud of him.
He led Rob to the lift, where they went up to the lockers, and Rob wordlessly stripped out of his clothes. The trust Rob showed was remarkable. Vic knew what he was about to do would shock him, but that was half the fun.
When Rob stood before him, naked apart from his collar and boots, Vic regarded him with a smile. “Ready?” Rob nodded. “Good. Then let’s go.” He stroked Rob’s head. “Thank you for this.”
Rob gave him a glance. “I’d still feel better if I knew what ‘this’ was, but I trust you.” As they descended in the lift, Vic curled his hand around Rob’s.
When the doors slid open, Eli called out to them. “Vic, good to see you!”
“Same here. Is everything ready?”
“It is. I have to say, we’re excited.”
Rob cleared his throat but didn’t say anything. Vic was enjoying teasing him too much to let him off the hook now.
“Jarod is waiting in the back. If you’ll follow me.”
As they entered the group room, Vic saw many familiar faces. Sam and Aaron were there, and both men raised hands in greeting. When he turned his gaze in the other direction, he saw the people he’d been looking for. He got a nod of recognition, satisfied that everything was ready.
“Rob, I want you to go to the center of the room and kneel, please.” He leaned forward and whispered into Rob’s ear, “You and I are the only ones here that matter.” He knew it might be a little off-putting to find himself in the middle of a group of twenty or thirty men, all gathered in a circle, clearly waiting for them.
To his credit, Rob moved to the middle of the room without complaint or comment, and did as Vic instructed. Vic followed and stood behind him before addressing the crowd.
“Gentlemen, thank you for coming,” Vic called out. “A while back, my cheeky boy here did something that’s probably unheard of. He gave me a collar to give to him.” Amused chuckles greeted his words, and Vic grinned. “Yeah, I know. Not something we generally see, right? As you can see, he’s wearing it now. The thing is, he bought and paid for it with his own money. Now, while that is admirable, it does give me pause, because he needs to wear something of mine.”
He wasn’t surprised to hear the murmurs of agreement.
“So tonight I’m going to give that to him, in front of our friends.” He knelt behind Rob, and with deft fingers, removed the chain. Rob’s breathing hitched, and Vic leaned in to reassure him. “It’s okay, I promise. You’ll get it back shortly.” He glanced across the room and no
dded, his heartbeat racing as he anticipated Rob’s reaction. Vic rose and came to stand at Rob’s side, gazing down at his boy. “Rob? Look up. There’s someone here to see you.”
Rob glanced up at him, and then his eyes widened when he saw the figure walking toward him. “Alex? What are you doing here?”
Alex knelt down and hugged Rob. “I couldn’t let this moment pass without being here. I’m so very proud of you.” He smiled over Rob’s shoulder. “And I brought friends.”
Rob followed his gaze, his brow creased into a frown as Alex stood, pointing. “That’s Peter, Thomas, Scott, and Ben. They’re my family too. I wanted them to be here to share in this, because this is definitely an occasion for family.”
Rob turned back to Vic, his confusion obvious. “Permission to speak?”
Vic nodded.
“Okay, why is Alex proud of me, and exactly what occasion are we talking about?”
Vic held out the chain to show Rob what he’d added, a thin platinum heart that fit perfectly around the twin beats Rob had initially bought. Vic had gone online to find the company Rob had used and specially ordered the new part.
“As you said, our hearts beat as one, but this also signifies that you own my heart.”
Rob’s lower lip quivered and he swallowed hard. Alex put a hand on his back and rubbed gently.
“I don’t know what to say,” Rob whispered.
“In front of our friends and family, will you state that you’ll be mine?”
Rob’s eyes were huge. “Are you kidding?” He leaped to his feet and threw his arms around Vic. “Yes, yes, yes, Sir. I will.”
Vic wondered if it was possible for his heart to burst from pride. He fastened the chain around Rob’s neck, and instantly Rob touched the heart, his manner reverent. Alex beckoned to the group of people he’d brought with him, who all surged toward Rob. As Alex introduced them, and said that this was Rob, his brother, Rob’s cheeks pinked.
Vic could see how overwhelmed Rob was, and he kept a constant hand somewhere on Rob to remind him he was there, which proved difficult when he was on the receiving end of a good many hugs. When the congratulations had finished, Rob’s gaze met Vic’s, and the love Vic saw in Rob’s eyes humbled him.