An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(10)
The two men acknowledged his words and then went back to their conversation. Vic felt slightly put out as they really hadn’t talked much with him.
“What the hell has ruffled my feathers tonight?” he grumbled to himself as he picked up his coat. It wasn’t like him to feel slighted, and he tried to pinpoint the root of it. “It was that kid. The little shit ruined my night, and now I’m going home without having some fun first. Could the night get any worse?”
He knew there was more to his irritation than that. Maybe it was that spark he’d spotted in Ellis, because Vic could see where that could lead. Maybe Wayne’s found himself someone permanent. Not that Vic had any experience with such a thing. His previous relationships had all been of the short-term variety—hot and heavy for a while, before dwindling away to… nothing.
What would I give to find something worthwhile, something that lasts?
Such introspection was not helping.
He opened the door to the street and stared in surprise at the heavy rain bouncing off the pavements. The thick walls and lack of windows hadn’t even let him know there was a storm lashing the city.
“Of course. Yeah, that’d be right.” He turned his gaze skyward. “You just love taking the piss out of me, don’t you?” he muttered. When a rumble of thunder rolled out, loud and heavy, Vic shook his head. “What, you don’t have a sense of humor?”
He drew his coat over his shoulders and made a dash for the car. Lightning arced across the sky, followed by rumbles of thunder that shook Vic to his bones. Normally he wouldn’t mind a storm. One of his favorite things to do was curl up on the sofa with the curtains thrown open so he could watch the rain beating down on the street, making everything fresh and new again. Now, though, the rain was more an extension of his mood, dark and dreary.
By the time he made it to his Toyota Highlander, he was soaked to the bone, which further darkened his mood. He started the car, turned on the wipers, and pulled out of the parking space. He’d gotten maybe a few streets from the club when he saw a figure ahead of him. From the hunched shoulders, the brown hair, and the fact that the kid had no jacket on, Vic worried it might be the boy from the club.
“Doesn’t matter,” he grumbled aloud. That didn’t stop him from slowing down as he approached. The kid had his arms wrapped around himself, and as he passed beneath a street lamp, Vic could see him shivering. Yep, it was him.
“Stupid kid, should have dressed for the weather.” Since when was March ever not full of showers?
He drove on, trying not to stare at the rearview mirror. Except the kid was like a magnet, pulling his gaze from the road. Vic kept the car moving at a slow pace. Still the young man trudged on, though each step seemed to be slower than the last. Vic wasn’t certain why he cared. The little shit had been obnoxious, and Vic didn’t have time to play nursemaid. But he couldn’t shake the kid’s expression from his mind. He’d seemed so lost, defeated and alone, and it called to the Dom in Vic. He’d been in the lifestyle long enough to know sadness when he saw it. Too many times he’d seen the same look on guys’ faces when a relationship ended, or when their life choices didn’t work out the way they thought they should.
He had to admit, though, the kid seemed determined. Despite the chill in the air and the rain pelting down, he didn’t give up. He trudged forward, step by step, even though the rain was virtually horizontal and hitting him straight in the face. It spoke volumes as far as Vic was concerned. The young man didn’t seem to be one to back down from a challenge, even if it was one he couldn’t possibly win.
When Vic had driven on a bit farther, he was no longer able to see the young man in the mirror.
That’s it. He’s gone now. Stop thinking about him. Just keep going.
His conscience, however, demanded to know why he’d left the kid out there in the dark and stormy conditions without a coat. When another clap of thunder shook the car, Vic pulled over.
Fuck it. He’d never be able to sleep, worrying about the kid. He’d see that expression in his dreams. I am such a soft touch. He decided to park on a side street and wait. Unless the kid huddled in a door, he’d have to pass right by where Vic sat. If he did decide to try to wait out the storm, Vic knew he’d go back to look for him. No way could he live with himself if he left the kid to his own devices.
Then it struck him. I keep thinking of him as a kid, but I have no idea how old he is. He could have been in his midtwenties for all Vic knew. But there was something about him, a vulnerability that was evident despite the layers of animosity and anger.
Or am I seeing more than really exists? At that point, Vic was unsure.
He waited for fifteen minutes, more than enough time for the boy to have made it to where Vic sat. When he didn’t materialize, Vic turned around and headed back down the darkened street. When he saw the young man, he breathed a sigh of relief. He was still walking, struggling against the elements. Damn, that boy has a strong will. Vic had to admit, he liked that. It made a boy all the more gorgeous when they finally gave their submission. But this wasn’t the time or place to think about that. Right now the young man needed a ride, and Vic was determined he’d help the little monster, even if it went against his better judgment.
Chapter Four
ROB TRUDGED through the streets, scanning ahead for a taxi to the station. Every one that passed him was already occupied. He knew he’d end up sleeping on a bench when he got there, because the first train wouldn’t be departing until after six in the morning. Since he’d left the club, one question kept repeating over and over inside his head: Why the fuck did I bother to come to London at all? He hadn’t found anything here, and he probably never would.