An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(45)

“At the end of the day, when your friends have all left, when you’re at home by yourself, do you ever long for someone to talk to so the night isn’t so lonely? Or are you good enough company that you truly don’t need anyone else? Do you dazzle yourself with your sparkling wit? What about when you’ve had a shit day and really need a hug? Can you give yourself one?”

“I don’t need a fucking hug,” Rob snapped. “I’m fine just as I am.”

Vic could hear the lie in the words. Though Rob hadn’t said as much, Vic got the distinct impression that he was lonely. It went some way toward explaining why he’d travel all the way to London—on more than one occasion—to see the one person who’d shown him kindness.

Maybe that’s exactly what’s needed here.

Vic opened his arms. “I don’t think you’re fine at all, Rob. In fact, I think maybe you do need a hug. I could be mistaken, of course. Come here and prove me wrong.”

“No,” Rob answered, his voice quivering. “I’m leaving. And I’m not coming back.”

“Okay,” Vic replied, dropping his arms. “Just so you know, though? You haven’t lived until you’ve had a hug from me.”

Rob snorted. “Because you’re an expert.”

Vic shrugged. “I’ve been called that, yes.” He held up his arms once more, his tone becoming coaxing, soothing. “Come on. One hug. See what it’s like. What have you got to lose?”

For one fragile moment, Rob regarded him, standing there so still, swallowing.

Vic remained silent, his arms outstretched, but inside he was yelling. Come on, boy. Let go of your fears and trust me.

Rob moved slowly, like he was being pulled along by an invisible string. Vic could only guess at the conflict within him, the need to prove himself warring with his need to submit.

When he got to where Vic stood, Rob frowned. “One hug. That’s all. Then I’m out of here.”

Except his words were laced with sadness, and just like that, Vic understood. He doesn’t want to go. Rob wanted a place in the world, and he’d come all this way in the hope that Vic could provide it. Maybe he doesn’t realize it, or maybe he just doesn’t want to admit it. Vic held his arms steady, and Rob stepped into them. He laid his head on Vic’s chest as Vic wrapped his arms around him, and the only sound in the room was Rob’s sigh. Vic held him tightly, his chin on top of Rob’s head so that the young man could breathe in his scent. Instead of the struggle Vic had anticipated, Rob sank into his arms.

“You don’t need to be strong with me, Rob,” Vic whispered in his ear. “With me, you can be the man you’re meant to be. You can let go.”

“I don’t know what that means,” Rob said, his voice breaking.

“It means stripping away the layers of hurt, the walls you’ve built up, and finding out who Rob truly is and his place in the world.”

“Do you know?” Rob asked, hope in his voice.

Vic chuckled. “No, but I’d like to be along for the ride to find out.” Vic nuzzled Rob’s hair. “I think you could use some sleep. What do you think?”

Rob lifted his chin and gaped at him. “Sleep? We’re about to have dinner.”

Vic released him and took a step back. “That’s a polite way of saying, ‘Go upstairs and chill for a bit while I sort out dinner.’”

Rob turned his gaze to the floor. “Maybe after I clean up my mess.”

“Good boy,” Vic replied. He reached out to stroke Rob’s hair, not at all surprised when Rob pressed into his palm.

How long has it been since you’ve been touched or shown any affection at all?

If Vic had his way, all that was about to change.





Chapter Fourteen


ROB LAY in bed, staring at the ceiling, all manner of thoughts going through his mind. He’d once again lost his temper with Vic.

Am I purposely trying to drive him away? Does some tiny part of me figure that if Vic pushes me away now, it will hurt less than it would if I were attached to him?

That made him laugh out loud. Fuck, who am I kidding? I’m already attached.

When Vic had hugged him, Rob couldn’t get over how nice it had felt. In the past, when he’d held someone, what had resulted was a purely sexual response. This time, it was just… warmth. He’d actually missed the touch when Vic broke their connection. Vic had told Rob to relax and he’d call him when dinner was done. But….

“Shit. You’re an idiot,” he mumbled to himself. Vic hadn’t asked for much. He wanted to give Rob some cooking lessons, and Rob had blown up over something as insignificant as how long to cook pasta.

I don’t know myself anymore.

There was a time when Rob had been able to laugh off things so easily. When he hadn’t let anything bother him. Now? With all the shit that had been heaped upon him, he’d started to lash out at anyone who tried to get close. While he didn’t care what most people thought, Vic was different. Vic had taken Rob into his home. He’d given him a place to stay, a chance to start life over. And what had Rob done? Turned around and bitten Vic’s head off.

This shit has to stop. And it was up to Rob to do just that.

He climbed off the bed and went downstairs to the kitchen. Vic had turned on some music and was bobbing his head along to it as he stirred something in a saucepan. It smelled a damn sight better than it had when Rob was making it.