Page 11 of Imperfect Skin

“Did he now? He seems to have settled in well at yours.” Doc’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

“He has. And get your thoughts out of your pants, you dirty brat. We’re mates.”

Doc shrugged, smiling. “I never said you weren’t, but you seemed to be quite close over Christmas.”

“We were no different than we normally are. I’m letting him stay at the house, that’s all. He’s a good man despite his prickly nature, and it works well.” I may have answered a little more gruffly than I intended, but with Doc you had to draw a firm line. The man was relentless when an idea got stuck in his head. He needed a boyfriend, or at least a firm Dom to keep him occupied.

“Yes, I’m sure you’re right. It’s just, I’m not sure if you realise how he looks at you.” Doc was serious now, all teasing gone.

“He looks at me like I’m the annoying bastard he works for and shares a house with,” I answered, reaching for another beer but stopping myself.

Doc ran his hand down his beard thoughtfully. “Yes, there is that, but I think he’s looking for something. Something I don’t even think he is aware of.”

I shook my head, not wanting to get into this conversation. “Just because Rhys and Simon found each other doesn’t mean you have to start matchmaking the town, Cullen. Besides, if we’re going to start pointing Cupid’s arrow around willy-nilly, what about you and Peregrin?”

“If you want to keep your balls where they are, you will never utter such slander again. That man is the devil in blue eyeliner.”

I let out a loud laugh at Doc’s indignation. He was blind. With the unusual dynamic that was building between him and Perry, I personally thought the strong-willed, handsome hairdresser was a perfect foil for Doc. He didn’t seem easily cowed by Doc’s growl—but that wasn’t my barrel of monkeys to deal with.

“Fine,” he said. “I take the hint. I will keep my opinions on your lack of love life to myself, though you really do need to find a nice little sub and beat their arse. I’d offer, but we both know I’m a bit of a delicate flower compared to the submissive you need, Sir.” Then the shit stirrer batted his long lashes at me. Whoever was lucky enough to finally tie that man down was going to be in for a hell of a ride.

“I’m going to go terrorise our newly engaged friends. Care to join me?”

Doc stuck his arm out and I linked mine through his.

“Sounds like a good plan. Let’s see how red we can get Rhys to blush,” Doc replied as he snagged another drink off the table. “Oh, and don’t forget you promised Rhys a song.” He smirked at my groan.

“A man should not be held accountable to what he said under the influence of scrumpy.” I shook my head, wishing I hadn’t promised Rhys I’d sing. I’d do it, though. Otherwise, the lad would give Simon the puppy eyes and then Simon would look all hangdog and I’d give in anyway, so there really was no point in trying to get out of it.

Goddamn it, why had I decided to be the sober one tonight?

Three

MOUSE

The bench I was sitting on dug into my arse. The old wooden slats were long overdue to be replaced. Staring at my phone, I tried to work out why I felt uneasy about agreeing to meet up with Ziggy tonight. Earlier today the idea had sounded perfect, just what I needed. A no-strings hookup and getting my arse beaten. What more could a guy want? But now I wasn’t so sure.

From my spot, I could see over the shingled roofs of Tewsbury and out into the bay. Normally looking out at the sea would calm me down at least a little bit, but it wasn’t doing the trick tonight.

I heard the thud of the hall door closing but didn’t bother turning around. It was probably someone looking for some fresh air or sneaking a smoke. Then Simon settled on the bench alongside me. The old seat gave a groan that had me worried that it would collapse.

“Thought you might have disappeared out here,” Simon said conversationally as he pulled his leather jacket around himself a bit tighter. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts, I hadn’t even noticed the temperature drop.

“Just needed a bit of space.”

“You okay?” He pulled out a hair tie and fumbled with his hair, pulling it up in its usual messy bun.

I shrugged noncommittally. “You know me and crowds. Just gets a bit much.” I looked over at him and saw his gaze was drawn out to the bay too.

“I’m glad you’re here. It means a lot to Rhys and me.” Simon kept his gaze on the dark bay. I could see by the slight twitch in his cheek he was worried about something.

“Course I came! A chance to get pissed and celebrate my big brother getting engaged to the love of his life?” Maybe that came out a bit harsher than I meant, given the frown Simon shot me.

“No seriously, I’m stoked for you two. It’s just a bit crowded inside.” I reached out and clumsily patted his shoulder. Simon was always the more demonstrative of us when it came to affection.

Simon leaned sideways, bumping his head against mine. “We’re both glad you’re here, too.” As if sensing my pensive mood, he slung his arm over my shoulders. “Dad is pretty much in his cups. Poor Joe seems to be keeping him from trouble, but I wonder how long until Dad manages to insult one of the Tewsbury Circle.” I let out a loud chuckle. The Tewsbury Circle were a group of older ladies who all did craft and cooking projects and had adopted Rhys into their circle. They even helped him find the best recipe for scones, which was a hotly debated topic within the group.

“I give him another hour before he tells one of them a dirty joke or argues about the best way to make a pineapple upside-down cake,” I answered.

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