An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(100)

Jarod turned around, and a full-wattage smile greeted Rob. “How are you? Is everything okay? Have you heard from your brother?”

“Good, yes, and no, I haven’t.”

Jarod frowned. “Oh.”

“But I’m going to talk to him. Vic and I are going to Manchester to see him. I’m not sure how it’s going to go, because I found out a few things I didn’t know. Regardless, it’s time I took my medicine.”

Jarod reached out and patted Rob on the shoulder. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see. Alex is…. Well, to be honest, he’s one of the best men I know. He might be hurt, but I can’t see that standing in the way of him forgiving you.”

“From your lips and all that.”

“So, do you need something? A drink? Or does Vic need anything?”

Rob outlined his plan about how he wanted to hold a gathering once a week. Where he and Ellis, as well as any other sub, could get together and talk or play games without their Doms present. The thing of it was, it had to be somewhere the Doms would know and agree was safe.

“I think that’s a brilliant idea!” Jarod exclaimed. “There’s plenty of room on the third floor that you can use.”

“Use for what, pet?” Eli walked up behind Jarod.

Jarod turned to receive Eli’s kiss. “Rob was just asking me about a meeting space for him and some of the submissives from the club, where they could get together to talk or whatever. A safe space.”

Eli turned to Rob and nodded. “He’s right. It’s a great idea.” He put a hand on Jarod’s shoulder. “In fact, why not go up there now? You and Rob—”

“And Ellis,” Rob chimed in.

“Okay, and Ellis, could go sit and talk for a while.”

Jarod rolled his eyes. “Is this your way of telling me to take a break?”

“Yes, pet. That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”

Jarod huffed. “Fine, I know when I’m not wanted.”

Eli pulled Jarod back into his embrace. “You know better, but if I need to remind you, tonight we’ll find out how good that soundproofing is. Let’s see if I can make you scream so loud, your mother will hear us.”

Jarod scowled. “You do know that’s like anti-Viagra, right? With that thought in mind, I don’t know that I’ll be able to get it up.”

“That’s fine. All that matters is I can.”

He leaned in and kissed Jarod, and Rob’s heart melted. The two of them were so beautiful together. He hoped he and Vic could be as happy.

“Go on, now. Get upstairs. Take them to our place for now. We’ll see what we can do about setting up something on the third floor later in the week, okay?”

“Yes, Sir,” Jarod replied, his gaze now lingering on Eli.

Rob knew that look. He coughed. “You want me to leave you two alone?”

Jarod cast a longing glance at Eli. “No, Rob. If we were going to, we wouldn’t care who was watching. That’s the thing about being owned. There’s only one person whose opinion truly matters to you.”

Rob thought on the words. He filed them away for later when he could give them more consideration.

After clearing it with Vic, he collected Ellis, and the two of them followed Jarod up to their apartment. Rob sat on the couch with a sigh. He loved how Eli and Jarod had decorated the place. It was so comfortable and reflected well on both men.

“So, tell me more about this idea, Rob.” Jarod stood in the kitchen, making tea and pulling biscuits from the cabinet. He put several on a plate and placed them on the table.

Rob leaned over and grabbed one, which he handed to Ellis.

“Oh, God, don’t tell Wayne I had this,” Ellis murmured as he stuffed his treat into his mouth. “He’s making me watch my diet, and he works me like a dog when we go to the gym. He’s in league with my therapist, I just know it.”

“How’s the therapy going?” Jarod asked, taking the seat across from where Rob and Ellis sat.

Ellis sighed. “Slow. Painful. Doesn’t seem like it’s doing much. The leg still hurts if I move it wrong or if I put too much weight on it. The doctor said this might be my new normal and that I should probably get used to it. To tell the truth, I’m glad Rob suggested this. Maybe without Wayne watching me like a hawk, I’ll be able to relax a little bit.”

“I get it,” Jarod replied as he nibbled a biscuit. “Eli is always on at me to take a break. ‘You’re looking peaked, pet. Get some rest, pet.’ I love the man, but dammit, I’m not fragile.”

“They do it because they love you,” Rob blurted out. When both men turned to him, his stomach tightened a little. “Sorry, I guess I shouldn’t say anything.”

“Why not?” Jarod asked, leaning over to pick up his tea. “You were talking. Isn’t that why we’re getting together? Now, what were you saying?”

Rob took a breath. “They worry because they love you. And it’s kind of in their job description, if you think about it.”

Jarod grinned. “Yes, that’s it exactly. And Ellis and I both know it, but you were right too. We need a little space from one another from time to time. This is a good idea. If nothing else, it gives them time to think of more ways to torture… I mean ‘love’ us. Anyway, they may not admit to it, but I think some time to themselves has to be good too.”