I carried Mase into the living room so our parents could see he was okay. Rachel said he looked hungry, and rushed off to make him something to eat. When she came back, she had several plates filled with lasagna. She gave one to each of my parents, one to Donald, then one to each of us. Iwasgoing to tell her I wasn’t hungry, but my stomach would have made a liar out of me. I’d never finished the turkey sandwich John had them give me at the hospital, and my stomach was threatening to revolt if I didn’t provide it with some love.
“Don’t,” Rachel warned.
“Huh?” I feigned ignorance.
“I know you’re going to tell me you’re not hungry or some crap like that. We both know it’s a lie, so don’t even bother. Eat, and then you both go to bed.” She smirked. “And no sex tonight.”
My face burned. This woman always could make me blush.
I had to admit, I was beyond hungry. I couldn’t recall the last thing I’d eaten beyond the bite of that sandwich. In fact, I might not have had anything since Mase was attacked. I needed to keep my strength up, so I grabbed a plate and dug in. Mase nibbled at his, which had me wanting to tell him to eat, but my parents didn’t knowabout our status, and I wasn’t ready to share. Then Rachel said something, and Mase shoveled a whole plate full of the pasta dish into his mouth before leaning back and patting his tummy.
“Always delicious, Mom.”
I finished mine quickly—Mason was right, it was awesome—and then announced it was time for us to go to sleep.
“But I have to clear the dishes,” Mase protested.
Mase didn’t have a choice about sleeping, not with both me and our parents on his case. I slid an arm under his legs, lifted him, and carried him to the bedroom, with him protesting all the way. I put him in bed, pulled the covers up, then got in with him, being careful to stay on my side.
Mason managed a sleepy frown. “What are you doing?”
I chuckled. “Um, going to sleep. Why?”
He breathed out that frustrated sigh I’d heard many times in our lives. “Why are you so far away?”
I rolled my eyes. “Gee, someone tried to bash your brains in. Apparently we were lucky there was such a small target. I’m doing my best to ensure I don’t hurt you.”
“Oh, geez,” he groused, then rolled and slid an arm over my stomach, putting his head on my chest. “I’ll sleep better like this,” he promised.
I knew he probably would. Having him tucked into my side always seemed to help him fall into a deeper sleep.
I have to admit, it did the same for me.
We didn’t talk and I knew by the sound of his breathing that he was starting to drift off. Suddenly, though, he jerked awake.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, my senses on alert.
“Nothing.”
I gave a mock growl. “Just because I won’t spank younowfor lying doesn’t mean I won’t remember to do it later.”
He burrowed his face into my armpit, which I foundstrangely erotic. “I thought I heard something.” I could hear the fear in his voice.
“No one will get you,” I vowed. “I’m here, our parents are in the living room. We’re safe.” I wasn’t sure I believed it, but I needed to calm him.
He breathed deeply. “I was so scared. I felt so helpless when their weight was on my back, holding me down. Then they grabbed something, and the next thing I knew, I was being beaten to death. And all I could think of was you.”
I rolled a bit and wrapped him in my arms. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
He blinked. “What? No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“But it’s whatI’msaying,” I remonstrated. “Do you have any idea how precious you are to me?”
“Really?”
“Yes, really, brat.” I kissed his forehead. “I never realized I could have deeper feelings than friendship with… well, anyone. But one kiss from you and my entire outlook changed.”
“So you’re saying I made you gay?” He snickered. “I must be awesome if I can turn a straight man.” I made to push him back, but he gripped my arms hard. “Please don’t let go.”
