An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(102)

“But what about… us?” Rob whispered. Alex’s manner implied a willingness to hear Rob out, which heartened him. He didn’t think he could stand it if Alex rejected him.

“Like I said, it hurt a lot. It just took me a while to realize you hadn’t done anything. I had a long talk with Leo, and he reminded me that Mum was the one who said those things, not you.”

Rob swallowed. “I told her I’d seen the bruises. But I swear, I only wanted to make sure you weren’t being hurt. As much of an arse as I was, you were still my brother, and the thought that you might be in trouble meant I had to do something. The mistake I made was in going to her.”

“I know, and I truly appreciate your concern. I just wish you’d come and said something to me about it.”

Rob shrugged. “To what end? You were already angry and hurt. Would you have believed me if I’d showed I was concerned? Because I know I wouldn’t. Let’s be honest here, all right? I never did one thing to make you even consider giving me a chance.”

Alex expelled a long breath. “You want honesty? Okay, that’s true, I wouldn’t have believed you. I blamed a lot of things on you. But looking back? There was one thing I never did but should have done.”

“And what was that?” Rob’s heartbeat sped up.

“I never thanked you.”

For a moment his words didn’t register. When they finally sank in, Rob stared at Alex in disbelief. “Me? What the fuck could you possibly have had to thank me for?”

Alex grinned and arched his eyebrows. “At least that’s one thing that hasn’t changed about you. Hasn’t Vic cured you of that foul mouth?”

Rob snorted. “He tries, bless him, and what’s really sweet is that he thinks it’s going to work.”

Alex bit his lip. “In the words of Tweety Pie, he not know you vewy well.” Both of them laughed. Alex leaned back in his chair, appearing more relaxed. “You may not believe this, but you being an arse, as you said, forced me to step out of my comfort zone. I tried to push Leo away, thinking that if I did, you would back off. Of course, Leo being Leo, he wouldn’t let me. I came out of that mess a lot stronger, thanks to you.”

Rob sighed. “I truly am sorry for everything I did when we were younger. I was a shit, and you have every right not to forgive me.”

Alex reached across the table and cuffed Rob on the arm. “For someone who’s bright, you do say some stupid things. Would I have come all this way if I hadn’t forgiven you? By the way, you have Leo to thank for that too. He knew how much I was still hurting over losing some of my family. He insisted that I needed to listen and do my best to keep an open mind. He… may have spanked me once or twice before I agreed.” His cheeks flushed.

“Vic made me kneel in the corner,” Rob groaned. “For two hours.”

When Alex laughed, the ice surrounding Rob’s heart began to thaw. It was a sweet, genuine chuckle, and it made Rob feel better. Now that he had a moment, he looked Alex up and down. Time had been good to him. He had the healthy glow of someone who was genuinely happy. His eyes were bright and his smile came easily. And for the first time, Rob felt not one twinge of envy. He was happy for Alex.

“I still can’t believe you’re here,” Alex told him. “And living with a Dom.”

“Mate, that makes two of us. But I have to admit, he’s helped to make me a better person, too. I… love him.” Rob pulled the collar of his shirt down to display the necklace.

Alex’s eyes widened. “You’re collared? Holy shit, I didn’t see that coming at all.”

“Well, I may have bought it and given it to him to put on me.”

Alex snickered. “Now that sounds like you.”

“I couldn’t let him get away, could I? I haven’t felt this alive in years.”

Alex’s smile lit up his eyes. “They’re kind of wonderful that way, aren’t they?”

“Much as I agree with you, Vic never needs to know how right you are. Because if I tell him how wonderful he is, it will go straight to his head.”

“Oh, God no. If I told Leo, he’d never stop reminding me that I’d said it. No, it’s best to keep them in the dark about stuff like that.”

“Amen to that, brother.” Rob couldn’t resist. “You and Leo, though. You’re amazing together.”

Alex stilled. “Excuse me?”

Rob’s cheeks grew heated. “Secret’s opening night? I… was here.”

Alex’s jaw dropped. “Well, fuck.”

Rob snickered. “No, I left before you two got that far.” He grinned. “Does Leo know about that mouth of yours?”

He had to admit, laughing with Alex felt wonderful too.




VIC SAT at the bar, talking with Leo Hart, one of the two owners of Collars & Cuffs. It was as if they were old friends, despite the circumstances under which they were meeting.

“Do you think they’ve killed each other yet?” Leo teased.

“No. I think Rob is so scared that Alex is going to walk out on him that he’s on his best behavior.”

Leo cleared his throat. “If I’m honest, Alex wasn’t going to come when I first broached the idea. He was very adamant he wouldn’t see Rob. He took some convincing.”