An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(23)

Yeah, Vic’s initial hunch had been on the money. “Did you really think I’d put you out?”

“Well, no, but—”

Vic shook his head. “No buts. I wouldn’t do that to you. Or to anyone.”

Rob took a deep breath. “Thank you,” he said softly.

“You’re welcome. Now shut up and eat your pizza.”

Vic chuckled when Rob once again grabbed his slice. Between the two of them, they’d nearly polished off the whole thing. There were only two slices left, which Vic decided he’d pack for Rob to take on the train with him.

Vic stood and stretched. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I’m going to be poor company tonight. It was a long day at work, and I’m shattered. You remember where the room is, yeah?”

“Yes,” Rob said, his voice quiet. “Are you sure this is okay?”

Vic made a last-minute decision and reached out to touch Rob’s shoulder. He wasn’t the least bit surprised when Rob made no move to push him away. Rob turned his gaze toward Vic.

“Rob, if I tell you something, you can take it as my personal guarantee. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. The room is yours. I’ve got to work in the afternoon, but if you’re not in a hurry to get to the train, I could take you to lunch. I know this place near Waterloo that serves some fantastic gourmet burgers, if you like that.”

Rob reared back. “Lunch?”

“Yeah, lunch. You know, the meal we eat in the afternoon? I’m guessing you’ve probably had it before.” Vic couldn’t keep the note of sarcasm from his voice.

“No—I mean, yes. I mean… shit. You’d take me to eat with you?”

The look on Rob’s face could have melted the hardest heart. So full of hope that no decent person would’ve had the desire to dash it. “You’re a guest in my house. And yes, I would take you to eat with me. If you want to, that is.”

Rob nodded enthusiastically. “Sure. That would be great. Only….” His face fell. He pulled out his wallet and looked inside. “I don’t have much money with me.”

“That’s not a problem. It’ll be my treat.”

His expression was worth a free meal. Surprise, disbelief. Oh, Rob. What are you hiding from me? No one I know thinks lunch is such a big deal.

“So what do you say?”

Rob’s grin told him everything. “Do they serve milkshakes?”

Vic cuffed him lightly on the ear. “Yeah, brat, they do.” He covered his mouth when he yawned. “Okay, I need to clear the dishes, then get some sleep. Do you need something to sleep in?”

Rob shook his head. “I’m fine.”

“See you in the morning, then?”

“Okay,” Rob replied, barely stifling his own yawn. “I think I’ll go get some sleep too.”

He got up from the table and shuffled toward the stairs. Though Vic could tell he was exhausted, Rob still carried himself confidently. He wanted to stop Rob and let him know that it was okay to let go for a while, but Vic was determined to let this play out. Maybe it was as simple as Rob said and he’d merely wanted to come apologize.

“I guess we’ll have to see,” Vic whispered, as Rob ascended the stairs.





Chapter Eight


ROB STRIPPED down to his shorts and climbed into bed. Where the mattress in his flat had boulder-like lumps, this one allowed him to nestle in. He pulled the covers around himself and sighed at the luxurious feel of the duvet. Being cradled in its warmth was the next best thing to heaven.

His thoughts drifted to Vic. He was a constant surprise. He seemed genuinely concerned when Rob showed up, and when he said it was okay for Rob to come in? Rob wasn’t sure he would have been as forgiving.

Then why did you make the trip? Why take a chance that he’d tell you to sod off?

Vic didn’t seem like that kind of guy. He’d been nothing but sincere, as far as Rob could tell. True, they didn’t know each other very well, but Rob really felt comfortable with him.

Sometimes those who deserve it the least need it the most.

Rob turned Vic’s words over and over in his mind. He could hear them in that deep, rich tone of Vic’s, especially whenever things were going wrong in his messed-up life. Maybe Vic was right. Maybe Rob did deserve a little bit of happiness.

Then his mind went off on a tangent. He recalled the look on Alex’s face when he’d come back to the house after Leo had been questioned by the police. He’d been so devastated, his entire body shook. Rob had watched how Leo supported him. They and a few other men had moved Alex out of the house that afternoon. Rob had watched him go, knowing it had all been his fault. All because he had—

No, he had to stop thinking about it. He couldn’t turn back time. Alex was out of his life, and deservedly so. Rob had been nothing but a pain to his brother, and now he was reaping what he’d sown.

When did I stop seeing him through eyes glazed by hate?

He closed his eyes, but sleep wouldn’t come. Too many conflicting emotions battled for supremacy within him. For so long Rob had felt like he was in a long, dark tunnel that seemed to stretch on forever. No matter how hard he fought, he could never see the end. Still, he knew it had to be there, so he soldiered on.

And when did you first notice that glimmer of light?