An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(42)

“And what about your brother?”

“I don’t want to talk about him,” Rob snarled. Then in a softer voice, he added, “At least not right now. Is that okay?”

Vic gave him a speculative glance. “Sure, that’s fine. When you’re ready, I’ll listen. But your issues with Jamie aside, we still have to discuss what’s going to happen here. You’ve got no job, so I gather you’re probably going to lose your flat. What now?”

Rob had scarcely considered his future. What little he probably had.

What the hell am I going to do?





Chapter Thirteen


VIC WAITED while Rob pondered his questions. The poor kid seemed so lost. He could only guess at how hard it must have been for Rob to admit he’d had feelings for this Jamie person—the bastard—and to come to Vic for help when he got fired. And why wasn’t going to his family an option? Vic knew he could press for answers, but he didn’t want Rob to bolt, and he had a feeling that was exactly what would happen.

“I don’t want to go back to Manchester,” Rob stated firmly. “I like London. No one but you knows me here, and maybe it’s a chance for a fresh start.”

When Rob looked up, he had a hopeful expression on his face. Not to mention the words were exactly what Vic needed to hear. Right now, everything was in Rob’s court. He had to be the one to make the decisions, no matter how much Vic wanted to be the one to do it for him.

“Right. Okay, then, if you’re sure you want to stay here, then you’ve got some decisions to make. I’ve got a spare room, which you’re well aware of. You can use it until you find a place of your own. As for a job, I can check to see if there are any openings where I work. It won’t be anything glamorous, and it’s probably going to be hard work, but at least you’d have some money coming in.”

Rob’s jaw dropped. “Really?”

It was as if Rob had never been shown a kindness in his life. Every time Vic did something for him, Rob seemed to question his fortunes. It caused Vic’s chest to ache, not knowing what had happened to cause Rob’s issues.

He’s like a puppy that’s been kicked his whole life and has no idea how to react when someone pets him. And right then, Vic ached to pet him.

He shoved such thoughts aside. This was time for practicalities.

“Yes, but—”

“There’s always a but…,” Rob muttered.

It didn’t take a genius to realize Rob thought there would be sex as a way of paying him back. And in truth, Vic wanted Rob, probably more than he’d wanted anyone in a long time. But Rob wasn’t a one-off, and Vic didn’t want him to see himself that way. If this was going to work, Rob was going to have to learn a few things. Like how to take care of himself and how to slow down, to find himself. He seemed to have too many preconceived notions of what kind of person he was, and Vic couldn’t have that.

“Yes, there is always a price. It would be foolish to think otherwise.” Vic straightened in his chair. “So, here’s what’s going to happen. First, you’re going to learn to care for yourself.”

“I’ve been doing it for years!”

Vic loved the fire in Rob’s eyes and the belligerent tone in his voice. He wasn’t going to go down without a fight.

“Do you know how to cook?”

Rob opened his mouth, then closed it. After a few moments, he shook his head. “Never had a need. My flat doesn’t have a kitchen, and there’s always McDonald’s around the corner.”

It took a lot of effort for Vic not to groan. He could just imagine Rob with a tray full of a burger, fries, and the shakes he seemed to enjoy for almost every meal. He must have one hell of a metabolism. Vic had to work like mad to keep his physique. He grinned to himself. Maybe I’ll drag Rob off to the gym with me and get him involved in lifting.

Then again, he liked Rob just as he was.

“Okay, we’ll start with that. I’m going to teach you how to amaze yourself with how much you’ll love making things from scratch.”

Rob wrinkled his nose. “I live alone—why do I need to bother?”

Vic laughed, and Rob’s annoyance seemed to deflate quickly. “You’re not cooking for one. You’ll be cooking for me too. We’re going to be sharing the kitchen, working together to create delicious, wholesome meals.”

Rob seemed dubious at best. “Okay. What else?”

Now came the part Vic would enjoy most. “You’re going to learn to meditate.”

Rob’s eyes widened. “What the fuck for?”

“You know something? You swear too much. So that’s going to be another rule. I’m not going to say not to do it, but please try to curb it.”

Rob smirked. “I’ve heard you swear. That was you last night, wasn’t it, telling me to get in the fucking car?”

Vic speared him with a look. “I see your memory is coming back.” He picked up the coffee pot and refilled Rob’s mug. “Have some more. It’s obviously helping. And yes, I know I swear on occasion, but I don’t need to use it constantly.” After refilling his own cup, he sat back. “As for meditation, you’re all out of sorts. You haven’t got a center to build from. Trust me on this. I design things for a living, so I know the vital importance of good foundations. It keeps everything from crumbling, no matter how much stress is put on it.”