“Thanks, but no, I’m not constipated. But I do have something to tell you.”
Pops puts a cup of tea and a slice of what looks like his amazing lemon cake in front of me. “Are you ill? Has something happened?”
“No, I’m not ill, but something has happened. Memphis is back. I saw him last night.”
“Is he okay? Does he look all right?” Pops asks, concern written all over his face. “Where did you see him? Did you speak to him?”
“Robin, slow down. Let the boy speak.” Dad puts his arm around Pops’ shoulders.
I roll my eyes. “I’m thirty-two, Dad. I’m not a boy anymore. I saw him in Bound last night. And yes, he looks well. I didn’t talk to him much.”
“What was he doing there?” he asks.
I give him a pointed look, an eyebrow cocked. “Really, Dad, you’re asking that question? What do you think he was doing there? And why aren’t you angry with him? I am.”
It’s my other father who answers me. “Why should we be angry with him? He left without any animosity between us. I was disappointed when he never contacted us again, but he was eighteen, legally an adult. It didn’t stop me worrying, but what could I do?”
“Why are you angry with him?” Dad asks.
“Because he walked away after we gave him everything. Like he didn’t give a shit. Then just shows up at the fucking club as if owns the damn place.” I can’t believe no one is bothered.
“He’s a Dom? I never would have thought that. He always behaved like he was a boy.”
“Jesus, am I the only person that never thought that?” I was already in the lifestyle when I found him, and I didn’t get any vibes off him.
“Because you became his protector. In your head, he was always a scared fifteen-year-old. Maybe you feel so hurt because he didn’t say goodbye to you?” Pops pats the back of my hand. “And maybe now you’ve seen him as an adult and in an environment that you love, your brain is trying to catch up with it all.”
I cover my face with my hands and take a moment. When I lift my head back up, my parents are watching me, both with the same knowing look. “I hate that he’s perfect. That he’s what I’ve been looking for, waiting for.”
“I know. I think he knew it when he was eighteen, and that is why he left. So, he could grow up and be seen by you again. He was in love with you, Royal, and you never knew.”
Fuck my life!
I can’t blame Finn for not wanting to move here after meeting this new guy, but I’m disappointed he kept it secret from me, so I’m feeling a bit lonely. Being in a hotel is getting old; I want something more. I want my own things around me again. I want more space, and however nice the hotel room is, it’s still just one room. I drag my iPad across the bed and open up a property site and enter the town and flats for rent. I don’t want a house; it’s more than I need, with more responsibility. There are a few worth looking at. I call the agent to arrange viewings for them. I also make the decision to find an Airbnb place for now. That’s easy, and after sending my payment over, I pack up and drive across town, berating myself for not doing this first.
I’m quickly bored again and get dressed in something gay bar appropriate and hit the first club on the google list. I haven’t done this alone for a very long time. Simon, of course, hated clubs, so it was only something I did when Finn managed to persuade me to have a night out without him. Something I now recognise as a massive red flag of Simon’s control over me. It’s three deep at the bar, making me squeeze through the wall of hot men to reach the front. The barman finally sees me and saunters over as if he’s a gift from the gods.
“A Peroni, please.” I smile sweetly at him
“You got it, sweetheart. Want my number as well?” He winks as he pulls out the bottle from the fridge.
“Hmm, tempting, but the beer is fine.” I pause, enjoying the opportunity to flirt. “For now.” I hand him a twenty when he puts it in front of me. “Keep the change.”
“Let me know when you change your mind.” His eyes slowly roam over me.
I pick up the tall bottle and squeeze my way out, managing not to bump into anyone and thereby spill the bottle. I look at the broad back of dark-haired man—his navy T-shirt is taut over the muscled skin that leads down to an arse you could bounce a coin off—blocking the only empty high table. As I squeeze past him, the man looks at me. My feet falter as I look into the eyes of a man I know.
“S…Saint,” I say, hating that I hear the stutter.
But instead of another glare full of anger and spite, he looks pleased to see me. I put my drink on the table next to his half-gone pint.
“Memphis, god, look at you. You look great. Royal said you were back. It’s great to see you.” He leans over and hugs me. “You should go and see my dads. I know they’d love to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too. I’m surprised Royal said anything.” My mind is spinning. This is not how I thought he would react to seeing me again. I wonder what Royal said to him and their dads, because I doubt it was good.
“Yeah, well we both know he’s a stubborn wanker when he wants to be. I think you surprised him. You should come down to the gym, say hi to Drake and Knox.”
I nod. “Okay, thanks, I will. I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome, but I’d like to see them.”
