An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(96)

Rob didn’t speak as he stood. He nodded at his father, who returned his nod, his expression full of concern. Rob trailed behind Vic in silence as he left the pub.

He can be as quiet as he wants. If Vic had had a corner right then, Rob would have been standing in it. As it was, he could only imagine the mess inside Rob’s head. The boy had a lot to figure out.

The train ride home was quiet. Rob sat staring out the window of the train, and Vic left him to his thoughts. When they got home, he pointed to the corner and Rob went there without protest. He grabbed his cushion from the couch and knelt where Vic had indicated, his head bowed and eyes closed.

“I’m going to be in the kitchen. If you need me, you have permission to come find me. Beyond that, you’ll stay there until I come for you. Understood?”

Rob gave a sharp nod but made no other move.

Vic had had enough. He went into the kitchen and took out his phone. He did a quick search of the web and found what he was looking for. He glanced toward the lounge to check on Rob, not surprised to find him still there. He dialed the number he wanted and waited until someone answered.

“Collars & Cuffs, this is Thomas Williams. How can I help you?”

“Hello. My name is Vic Prentiss, and I’d like to speak with Leo Hart, please.”





Chapter Twenty-Seven


ROB SAT on his bed, laptop open. Four weeks had passed since he and Vic had gone to see Rob’s parents, and that trip still felt surreal. The part where his dad had stepped up, though? That had been great. Rob had yet to hear back from his mother, but that was okay. The familiar sense of shame crept over him as he thought back on how he’d acted toward her while he was growing up, but he closed his eyes and found his safe spot.

Vic.

He reflected on how vehemently he’d told his parents how much Vic had helped him. How important he was. The problem? Rob had never really said those words to Vic, the unspoken ones that still lingered in the air each time they were together.

“Then do something about it, why don’t you?” he muttered to himself, as he scrubbed a hand over his head.

Not scared, are you?

Stupid question. Of course he was, but at least he knew now that Vic wouldn’t put him out. Vic had never lied to him, and Rob wholeheartedly believed he wouldn’t.

So maybe now it’s my turn to finally step up and tell him what’s in my heart.

The thing was, he didn’t just want to say what he was feeling. He had to make Vic see.

When the idea came to him, he had to smile. Perfect. Now all he had to do was find it. Because it had to be right.

One hour, six phone calls, and his entire first paycheck later, Rob had set everything in motion. His pulse quickened. God, I hope I haven’t just made the worst mistake of my life. He figured he’d find out in two days. Because whatever happens, on that day I know my life will change forever.

For the first time, he was certain it would be for the better.




VIC KNEW something was up the minute he got home. Rob was buzzing with barely concealed excitement. Vic wasn’t about to say anything, but he couldn’t wait to see what was coming at him.

When dinner had come and gone and still nothing, he began to think he’d got it all wrong—until Rob disappeared upstairs for a moment. Finally. Vic was dying to know what was going on.

Rob returned, came over to the couch, and held out a hand.

Vic peered at the box with interest. “And what’s this?”

Rob did an eye roll. “It’s a box. You know, you put things in it, then close it, wrap it, and give it to someone. Or has no one ever given you something before?” Rob sat on the couch beside him.

Vic couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of him. God, he loved this man, especially the ways he found to inject humor into their day with his cheeky attitude.

He took the box and opened it carefully. Inside was a sterling silver chain, comprised of thick links, but what intrigued him was the bauble at the end. It was two jagged lines, about an inch across. Vic looked up to find Rob regarding him, biting his lip, his hands twisting together in his lap. Vic hated it when Rob was filled with uncertainty. Keeping his voice even, he indicated the chain with a flick of his head. “Okay, what’s this?”

“It’s a collar,” Rob explained softly. Then he raised his chin, and a bit of defiance crept into his voice. “For you to give to me.”

This boy is incredible.

Vic bit back his chuckle. “This is where I point out that usually it’s the Dom who chooses the collar, Rob.”

Rob snorted. “And if I had to wait for you, I’d be an old man before you got around to doing anything about it.”

This time Vic couldn’t help but laugh. “I take it this is your way of telling me you want to be my submissive?”

Rob’s voice grew soft again as he reached behind him to pull out a manila envelope, which he slid across the coffee table. “Yes, Sir.”

Vic glanced at the envelope, then brought his gaze back to the box. “And what is this at the end of the chain? I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Rob lowered his gaze to the table. “It’s two heartbeats, Sir,” he said, his voice almost too low to hear. “Mine and yours. You know, beating as one.”

Vic suddenly found it hard to breathe. His chest felt as though someone had dropped a weight on it. He wants to be mine.