An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(105)

Vic’s eyes sparkled. “Do you remember when I told you our meditation was working toward something?”

“Yeah….” The look in Vic’s eyes was enough to tell Rob something was coming.

“Well, since we’re here, and you’re in a good mood, what do you say we give it a shot?”

Rob’s heartbeat thumped, and there was suddenly a knot in his belly. “Give what a shot?”

Vic stood and held out his hand. “Come with me,” he said. “And bring your clothes.”

Rob scooped his garments up and trailed behind Vic. A few whistles went up as he walked, and Rob’s cheeks heated. “So you’re telling me that all this time, I could have just stripped off in the club to get the attention of some Doms?”

Vic whirled around, his expression icy. “I allow you a lot of leeway, but you don’t get to say things like that. You belong to me, and I don’t appreciate you making light of it.”

Rob’s stomach clenched. Apparently he didn’t know when to shut up. “Sorry.”

Vic scrubbed a hand over his cheek. “It’s fine. I tend to be a little possessive, you know.”

“You? Really. Wow, I’m shocked.” Rob stepped into Vic’s space. “No one here holds a candle to you, you know. The times I came here? Not one person interested me. You’re it for me, Vic. You’re the only one I want.”

“Make sure it stays that way, boy.”

Rob grinned and gave a mock salute. “Will do, Sir.”

They got on the lift, which took them up to the private rooms. As they made their way along the hall, Vic took Rob’s hand.

“I spoke with Eli and Jarod about what I wanted to try. Unfortunately the equipment I wanted to use was gone. It hadn’t been maintained properly and had to be tossed out. However, when I told them what I wanted, they found a model that was current and had it set up in this room.” He stopped in front of a door.

“You do know that I’m imagining all kinds of stuff right now?” Equipment? What the hell? “What have you got in there, some fiendish torture device?”

Vic rolled his eyes. Then he continued. “So you know, I’ve trained for this extensively. I’ve also used similar devices. I’ve always wanted to do this with someone, but never met anyone who I thought would be able to give me what I want. Until you.”

“And what’s that?” Rob asked, feeling a little lightheaded under Vic’s heated gaze.

Vic put a key into the door and pushed it open. He reached around the corner and flicked on the lights. Inside was a device about the size of a small room. It resembled a white pod, its lid raised, with blue lights on the interior.

Whatever Rob had been expecting, this wasn’t it.

“What’s this? It looks like something out of a science fiction film.” The blue lighting gave the room an eerie glow.

“This is what we need to talk about.” Vic urged Rob to sit in a chair next to the strange chamber. He stood at Rob’s side, hand on his shoulder. “What do you do when you meditate?”

“Find my center,” Rob replied without a bit of hesitation.

“Good. Now, do you remember how we added in a blindfold, gloves, earphones, and the like? Well, this device is a sensory deprivation chamber. It simulates several of those things and leaves you feeling weightless as you float in a small amount of water.”

Rob peered inside the capsule. Sure enough, there was about ten inches of water. “And what’s it supposed to do?”

Vic smiled. “When I tried it, it was a mind-altering experience. I’d never reached that level of relaxation before. My mind was clear, and without outside stimuli, I could focus on my own well-being.”

“I think I’m missing the point here.” It seemed a little extreme, and Rob wasn’t sure he wanted to go through with it.

“I’d like you to get into the tank and simply relax. Before you ask, I’m not going anywhere. I will be right here the whole time. If something goes wrong, you push the button inside or pound on the lid and I’ll open it immediately.”

Rob frowned. His heartbeat raced, but he did his best to remain calm.

Not that his efforts mattered. Vic saw right through him. He cupped Rob’s chin and lifted it to look him in the eye. “You don’t have to do this,” he said gently. “I won’t think less of you if you don’t. Or, if you think you might want to, but not right now, then we can hold off and talk about it another time.”

There was love in Vic’s voice, and that more than anything decided him.

“I trust you.” His voice came out much stronger than he’d anticipated. “I won’t say I’m not nervous, but I know you wouldn’t let anything hurt me.”

“Never,” Vic swore.

Rob stared at the chamber for a moment. Then he took a few deep breaths, turned, and smiled at Vic. “So, what do I need to do?”

When Vic took his hand, Rob relaxed. Vic wouldn’t allow him to be hurt, he was certain. And if Vic himself had tried this….

“You’re already naked, so that’s a start. You’ll need to take a shower, then just step inside. The water is room temperature, so it’s not too cold or hot. I’m going to warn you in advance. Once the top is closed, there are no lights. You’re floating in darkness, with nothing to distract you. It’s scary, I admit. But it’s also very freeing if you can get into the right mindset.”