An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(109)

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.