“Yeah, I mean, you’re a neutral third party.” I could hear the smirk in Nick’s voice, but I knew his proposition was serious. “Just think about it, alright?”
“Okay,” I said. Nick was impossible to say no to.
“Thanks, bud,” he said. “Alright, I’m gonna head on out and stop bugging you. Later, Liam!”
“Bye, Nick.”
After I hung up, I stared at the wall for a long time. My mind reeled at the revelation that Victor wasn’t the big straight guy I thought he was.
Suddenly everything clicked into place.That’swhy he was uncomfortable in the dressing room, I realized. I groaned and held my head in my hands. How could I have been so stupid? No wonder he was upset.
I slumped back on the couch and mulled over my apology.“Sorry I made you take off my pants.”No, that didn’t sound sincere.“Sorry I forced you into a weird half-naked situation.”That didn’t sound good either. I groaned, muffled, into the couch. This would have been a lot easier if Victor could read minds.
The rush of water in the bathroom stopped and I half-rolled and half-fell off the couch. Jumping to my feet, I realized I had no fucking idea what to do. I couldn’t just wait outside the bathroom like a weirdo and jump him with an apology. With a sigh, I sat back down, and waited for Victor to come to me.
Five minutes passed and a wet-haired Victor stepped into the hall wearing a fresh pair of clothes. His eyes flickered to mine, dark and smoldering, making my breath hitch in my throat. His shirt was tight across his chest, showing off his muscles. I had to stop myself from staring.
His gaze broke away from mine and he turned to leave, but I interrupted him.
“Victor, wait,” I began. He paused and looked back at me.
“What is it?” he grunted.
“I – I wanted to apologize,” I said. “For what happened in the dressing room.”
Victor’s brow raised. “What are you talking about?”
I rubbed my arm. “I know it was weird of me to ask, and probably embarrassing for you,” I mumbled. “I’m sorry, I just – I wasn’t thinking.”
Victor strode over to me. The cool fresh scent of body wash wafted off his body. The mist from the shower almost seemed to still surround him. “Liam,” he said. “You have to stop doing that.”
I blinked up at him. “Doing what?”What did I do this time?
Victor suddenly chuckled. “You have to stop apologizing when there’s nothing to apologize for.”
I stared. “Huh?”
With a sigh, Victor ruffled my hair. I tried not to blush at the contact. “Don’t apologize, especially for things that aren’t your fault.”
“But it was my fault,” I squeaked. “I didn’t know you were gay, and I made you – ”
Victor interrupted me, quirking his brow. “Who told you I was gay?”
Oh, god, Liam, stop talking.“Nick. He called. He asked me to tell you about the arsonist.”
The corner of Victor’s lips turned into a frown. “What happened to him?”
“Nick said he confessed to the police, and to tell you that you were right,” I said.
Victor grunted. “Of course I’m right. I know a rat when I smell one.” He sighed and leaned back. “Well, at least he’s in custody now. I don’t have to worry about him trying to hurt you anymore.”
I tried to ignore the way my chest fluttered. “You were worried about me?” I asked quietly.
His brows furrowed. “Of course.” Victor growled. “He should be glad he’s under the police’s control now, otherwise I was this close to tearing him limb from limb.”
My eyes widened. “Really?”
Victor nodded. “If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s someone who hurts others. Especially for things they can’t control.”
