An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(99)

Rob swallowed. “Could I go to Manchester? Maybe next week? I think I need to see him. I’m tired of the guilt, the hurt, and the memories. You’re right. I need to put them to rest one way or another. Even if Alex won’t forgive me, at least I’ll know and can try to move on with my life.”

“Now that’s the Rob I know and love.”

Vic’s words meant more to Rob than he would probably ever know.




THE CLUB was packed. There were people stacked on top of one another. Or maybe they were just having an orgy. Either way, there wasn’t much room. Except for one spot on the couch, next to a very large man, who had his leg propped up on a table.

“That’s him, isn’t it?” Rob whispered.

“Yes, that’s Ellis.” Vic squinted at Rob. “Why?”

“I was going to go say hello. Is that okay?”

“Sure, that would be fine. Stay within my line of sight the whole time. I don’t want you to do anything without asking me first.”

Outwardly, Rob sighed. Inside? He was thrilled that Vic was so possessive of him.

“Fine,” he huffed out. He crossed the room and flopped down on the couch next to Ellis, who shifted away a bit. For a moment there was an awkward silence.

“So, you’re the hero, huh?” Rob asked, unsure of how to begin.

“Not a hero,” Ellis ground out, staring at his leg.

Rob blinked. “You saved a kid’s life. Pretty sure that qualifies you as a hero.” Then he lowered his voice. “At least it does in my book.” He held out a hand. “I’m Rob.”

“I know. You’re here with Vic.”

Rob grinned. “Yep, at my lord and master’s beck and call.” When Ellis didn’t respond, Rob pushed ahead. “I hear you used to be a copper.”

“Yup.”

The effort to draw Ellis into conversation was seemingly futile, but Rob wasn’t about to give up so easily. “Don’t talk much, do you?”

“Only when I have something to say.” Ellis gave him a glance. “Which I don’t.” He went back to watching the main floor of the club.

“Is it that you don’t like me or what?”

Ellis frowned and turned his gaze toward Rob. “What?”

“Well, you seem to be working pretty hard to not talk with me. So, is it me, or just people in general?”

Ellis growled. “It’s nothing to do with you.” Then he sighed. “I’m sorry. It really is nothing to do with you. I overdid it tonight and this fucking leg aches like a bastard.” He extended a hand. “Pleased to meet you, Rob. And what brings you to Secrets?”

Rob looked to the bar where Vic sat talking with Wayne. His heart beat a little faster. “That man standing right over there. When I first came here, I thought I was broken, but he’s showed me I’m not. Where I thought I wasn’t capable of loving anyone, he proved me wrong.”

Ellis stared at him. “I know the feeling. Wayne did the same thing for me.”

“So we’ve got something in common?”

Ellis smiled. “I guess we do.”

“Great. So, here’s what I was thinking. You see them over there, having their little knitting circle? Why can’t we have the same thing?”

Ellis snorted. “Knitting circle. I like that.” Then he frowned. “I’m not sure I follow.”

“I told Vic about an idea I had. We could get together once a week. Play cards, talk about things, just… I don’t know. Let our hair down.” He reached out and rubbed a hand over Ellis’s stubble, then his own. “Not that we’ve got much to let down in the first place.”

Ellis sighed. “Pass.”

“Oh, come on. You’re already working here with Wayne, and then you go home with him. Wouldn’t it be nice get out of the house, and for one night a week, not have him hovering over you? Wouldn’t it be nice to see someone other than him all day, every day?”

Ellis seemed to be mulling it over. “Who would be there?”

“Well, for now, it would just be me and you. But I could talk to some of the subs, see if they’re interested. I just need….” Rob sighed. If this was going to work, he needed to tell the truth. “Okay, I’ll be honest. I need some friends. Ones who I hope will accept me for the person I’m becoming.”

Ellis smiled. “Do you know how to play darts?” When Rob shook his head, Ellis’s smile widened. “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.”

Rob laughed, and the ache in his chest eased. If things didn’t work out with Alex, at least Rob would have some people he could lean on.

“What do you say we go find a room and play some cards now?” Ellis asked. “If I tell Wayne I’m tired, he’ll want to go home. You were right. I need to be out of the house in the worst way, but the way he follows after me, I can’t do that. If I tell him I’ll be with you, maybe he’ll let me out of his sight for a change.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Rob saw Jarod through the throng of people. “And I see just the person we need to ask. I’ll be right back.”

He got up and hurried to Vic.

“I need to speak to Jarod. That’s okay, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he leaned over and kissed Vic’s cheek. “Thank you,” he called as he rushed back to where Jarod stood. “Jarod?”