An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(83)

He got up from his chair and walked over to the window that looked out over the back. Vic was kneeling in the Zen garden, ensuring the water filter was working properly. He’d already replanted some camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. When Rob offered to help, Vic thanked him but said this was part of his own meditation ritual.

Rob couldn’t get over how utterly at peace Vic seemed as he worked with his hands, slowly and methodically. Everything he did seemed well orchestrated and done with a minimum of excess movement. It was like Vic was part of the area around him, in harmony with it.

The thought made Rob smile. “Well, duh. Isn’t that what he’s been trying to teach you to do?” He knew he should be doing something, but at the moment he was content to enjoy the view for a bit longer.

After their scene at the club, Rob could no longer deny his attraction to Vic. He’d brought him off in a most spectacular way—even if he was a bastard about it. It’s as if he’s given me a new life.

Then he shook his head. And what will he say when he comes back in here and I still haven’t finished my application?

Rob wandered back to the table, sat, and gave the screen one last look before hitting Send. A few moments later, Rob got the confirmation message, followed by another email welcoming him to Montgomery and Trypp. It was now official. He had a job, a new vehicle, and a new purpose in life. All thanks to Vic.

For the first time, Rob cared about making someone beside himself happy. He wanted to give Vic whatever he needed. In their time together, Vic had never asked Rob for anything more than Rob could give, and he’d gone ahead and put Rob’s needs ahead of his own.

Who does that? In Rob’s experience, everyone was out for themselves, but the answer to his question was now obvious.

A Dom did just that.

Going by his posts on Facebook, Alex had found that with Leo. He’d also found a circle of people in his life who cared for him.

That thought gave Rob a moment of bitterness. What do I have? Then he snorted. Apparently a pity party.

When had that particular party started? With Alex walking out of the house? With Jamie? How did it get so bad? Rob took a good, long, searching look at himself. The old Rob was a jealous, spiteful, petty person whose sole outlook was what was in it for him. In only two months, Vic had shone a spotlight on that Rob, forcing the truth to come out.

Rob hated that person. He never wanted to be him again.

“Aren’t you supposed to be doing something?”

Rob gave a start. He’d been so engrossed in his own thoughts that he hadn’t even noticed Vic coming into the kitchen. He regained his composure. “I am?”

Vic’s frown made his stomach churn. Shit. I’ve disappointed him.

“I believe you were to have started lunch while I was working out in the garden.” He scanned the countertops. “Apparently you forgot.”

Rob glanced at the bottom of the screen. Fuck. He’d been sitting there for almost an hour, lost in his own thoughts.

He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I finished sending off the paperwork and….” Now isn’t the time for excuses. Face up to your mistake. “Time got away from me. I’ll get it started now.”

Vic rubbed the bridge of his nose, leaving a smear of dirt there, and huffed. “By the time it gets done, we’ll be working on dinner.”

Damn, damn, damn.

“Vic, I—”

Vic strode over to his office, Rob close on his heels. Vic leaned over his desk to tap a key on the computer, then sat down. “Go grab a cushion from the couch and bring it here. I think it’s past time for you to have a bit of quiet reflection, since you seem to have a lot on your mind.”

“But—”

Vic turned his head to stare at Rob, his eyes cool, and Rob knew he had best stop while he could. He trudged to the lounge, grabbed the thick cushion, then returned to Vic. He placed it next to Vic’s chair and was lowering himself when Vic stopped him.

“I want you to kneel in the corner, your nose against the wall.”

What the fuck?

It was bad enough he was being punished with quiet time, without being made to stand in the corner like some snotty-nosed little kid. “Wouldn’t it be easier to spank me and get it over with?” Rob ground out, his eyes squeezed shut. “Isn’t that what Doms are supposed to do for punishment?”

Vic’s brows furrowed. “I’m not going to spank you.”

Rob glared at Vic. “Why not? Don’t think I can handle it?” If he was going to be treated like a child….

“That’s not it at all,” Vic assured him. “I have no doubt you can handle it. In fact, I think you want me to do it so you can show you can. You’d let me beat you black and blue before you’d safeword. You’re a determined young man. One who has something to prove, either to himself or someone else. Well, you don’t have to show me you can be spanked, because I have no doubt you can. No, I think the corner is the perfect punishment for you.”

“What?” Rob challenged. He knew he could take anything Vic could dish out.

Vic’s expression didn’t change. “You heard me. I want you in that corner,” he said, pointing to an empty one.

Rob sneered at Vic. “Fine,” he huffed. He went to the corner Vic had indicated and put his nose against the wall. Vic shuffled around behind him, but Rob was determined not to look. If he wants to be an arse, so be it. I can kneel in his stupid corner.