An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(80)

Here we go.

“Please strip down to your underwear.” When Rob blushed to the roots of his hair, Vic gave him a speculative glance. “Is there a problem?”

“A small one,” Rob replied. “I’m not wearing any.”

Vic’s cock filled at the thought. He wanted to be buried in Rob again, surrounded by that amazing heat. He shook his head to clear the thoughts away. “That’s fine. Strip, please.”

Rob hesitated a moment. “There aren’t cameras in here, are there?”

“There are,” Vic told him, pointing toward the corner. “They’re for the safety of all parties involved, but they don’t record. I imagine someone monitors them, however. Eli and Jarod have to protect their investments, as well as the people who come here.” He stepped closer and put a hand on Rob’s shoulder. “Would you rather not?”

“No, it’s just that….” Rob sucked in a breath, then blew it out slowly. “No, I can do it.”

His fingers seemed thick and clumsy as he began to strip down, his nervousness apparent.

“Stop. Strip down to your jeans instead.”

“But—”

“Rob, if you’re uncomfortable, you’ve got to talk to me. Like everything else in our lives, you need to tell me when something is wrong. I’ll ask Father Christmas for mind-reading powers, but until he delivers, we need to communicate.” He couldn’t resist a little teasing.

“Okay.”

“Now, is there something you’d like to tell me?”

Rob’s breaths were shallow and rapid. “I don’t like being naked in front of people.”

“Doesn’t that make it difficult to have sex?”

“It’s okay then. But the thought of people looking at me? To be honest, it freaks me out.”

“But there’s no one—ah, the cameras.”

Rob nodded. “I’m sorry. If you want—”

“I want you to be comfortable. So, if you’re okay with it, strip down to your jeans.”

Rob breathed out and his posture relaxed. He began to take off his shirt, shoes, and socks. While he did so, Vic went back to the cabinet and opened the doors. He reached in and pulled out what he wanted. When he turned back, Rob stood wearing only his jeans. Vic realized that even with a small amount of clothing, Rob was stunning.

“I’d like you to lie down on the bed, on your back.”

Rob complied, and Vic’s heart began to beat a little faster at the thought of what they were about to do. He approached the bed slowly, wanting to heighten Rob’s anticipation. He held out his hand to show Rob the mask from the cabinet.

“Part of what we’re doing is working on trust,” Vic explained.

“But I trust you,” Rob replied, his tone full of zeal.

“I can see the way your breathing hitches. I understand that you are nervous about being naked, and that’s fine. One day, if we succeed in building trust, maybe you’ll be confident enough that nudity won’t be an issue. It wouldn’t matter to you if there were hundreds of people in the room because you would be doing it for me.” When Rob opened his mouth, Vic continued. “Trust is earned. I’m glad you’re able to put some trust in me, and I hope one day it will be enough for you to do as I ask. But if it’s not, that’s fine too. I will always respect—but continue to push—your limits. For now, we will continue to work on it.” He proffered the blindfold. “Now, take this from me and feel it. I want you to know exactly what I’m using.”

Even though Vic was certain Rob was trying to prove his trust, the hand he held out still trembled.

“This is going to be our first scene together,” Vic said, his voice hopefully soothing. “It’s going to be nothing more than me putting the mask over your eyes and talking to you. I won’t touch you unless you ask, and you’ve got your safeword if you need it. Do you want to do this?”

Rob closed his eyes. “Yes. I do.”

“Then let’s begin.”





Chapter Twenty-Three


VIC SLID the mask over Rob’s eyes, gently easing the elastic strip over his head.

“Very nicely done,” he said softly. “I’m going to turn off all but one light, but I’m not leaving the room.”

He noticed the tremor in Rob’s voice when he replied, “Okay.”

Vic flicked off two of the three switches, leaving the room bathed in muted light. He returned to the bed and sat down beside Rob. “I’m back.”

“No, really?”

Rob’s snarky tone made Vic smile. He knew there was tension in Rob’s body. He could see it in the way Rob’s mouth tightened and his hands clenched into fists.

“Relax. Nothing is going to hurt you, I promise. It’s just like meditating. We’re going to find your core spot. Focus on that.”

“Will you….”

“Yes?”

Rob opened his hand. “Could you hold my hand?” He snorted. “It probably sounds stupid. I don’t know why I’m nervous.”

Vic joined their hands and gave a light squeeze. “Would you believe me if I told you I am too?”

“You?” Vic could hear the obvious incredulity.