Page 54 of Imperfect Skin

“He said you were helping him deal with shit, but also that he was going to start therapy with Declan. He asked that I don’t bug him about it, and he’d talk to me and Dad about stuff when he felt he was ready.” Simon shook his head sadly. “I didn’t know he was still so messed up about Mum’s death. I should’ve done something.”

“You were lost in your own grief, and you know Mouse would’ve shut you out as soon as you tried to help him. He wasn’t ready back then.” I flicked the old kettle on and pulled out our usual mugs. I spooned instant coffee into Simon’s and mine. It tasted like crap, but it was the best we could do. I shoved a few spoons of the hot chocolate powder Mouse was fond of into his mug.

“So, you going to answer my question?” Simon leaned back in the chair, and it groaned under his weight.

“Did Mouse tell you we’re involved?”

Simon nodded, his face blank. “Yeah, he also told me to mind my own fucking business. Are you his Dom now too?”

“That’s not something I’m going to answer, not unless Mouse has already spoken to you about it. You know my past, and I have your brother’s best interests at heart. I care for him, and I don’t plan on hurting him, but I also won’t let you try to bully him for answers.”

Simon let out a loud huff and crossed his arms. “I wouldn’t.”

“You bloody well would if you thought you were protecting him. You and I have been friends long enough for you to know I’m not going into this with him lightly. Your brother is special to me and if I’m honest I’ve had feelings for him for a while now. But as your boy eloquently put it, I had my head stuck up my arse.”

Simon’s face creased into a grin at the mention of Rhys, and he started to shake with laughter. “Don’t worry, he got his arse paddled for that. Well, for being rude, not for stating the truth.”

“Rhys is a good man, and he cares about his friends. I can’t fault him for that. And he did text me an apology—but also pointed out he was still right.”

Simon tipped his head back and barked out another laugh. “Course he bloody did. Look, you’re my best friend and Mouse is my baby brother. I know you’re not going to hurt him, but I feel like I’m supposed to do the whole shovel talk.” Simon tilted his head and looked me up and down, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Well, fuck me, Rhys was right.”

“Rather not. Bears aren’t my type. And what was your boy right about?”

“You’re Mouse’s Daddy. Fuck, I never saw that coming. I knew you two were attracted to each other, I mean anyone with half a brain could see that. Mind you, the two of you were so dense it took you over a year to figure it out.”

“Hey, I resemble that comment.”

“Just speaking the truth. Okay, I’m not going to bug you anymore. I know how I’d feel about it if someone started sticking their nose into mine and Rhys’s business. And I promise not to say anything to Mouse. His choice if he tells me or not.”

“Glad to hear it. And it really is Mouse and mine’s business. You’re like family to me Sy, but Alice and Mouse are my priorities.”

“Understand. I am happy for the two of you. Just, you know, needed to get the bullshit posturing out of the way.”

A soft rap at the door had us looking over. Mouse stood there wearing a worried frown. “I didn’t hear yelling or punches thrown so I figured everything was okay, but I thought I’d better check.”

I held my arm out and Mouse stepped forwards, cuddling into my side. “We’re good. Did you talk to him about the other thing?”

Mouse nodded and Simon grinned back. “Think it’s a damn good idea, as long as it’s not taking all of your savings. You know Mum wanted you to be able to look after yourself.”

Mouse nodded, and I saw the pain in his eyes. “I think I was holding on to the money for so long because of guilt. Cal’s helping me see past that. I’m not there yet, and I’m going to be honest, it’s part of the reason I’m seeing Dec. Other shit too, that I don’t want to get into right now. But buying into Viking Ink is something Mum would be proud of. She was so proud of you guys buying your dad out, Cal, and she kept saying this would bring good things.”

“I think you’re right.” Simon stood, and I didn’t miss the glisten of moisture in his eyes. “You going to give me a hug then? I was so fucking worried about you.”

Mouse smiled. “Come here, you great lump. Just watch the back, yeah?”

Simon wrapped Mouse in a gentle hug, and I had to fight back a grin when Simon said, “You sure I can’t accidentally pummel Ziggy’s face into the ground a couple of times? We could call it my ‘happy you got together with my best mate’ gift, or some shit.”

Now I did laugh, especially at the exasperated look on Mouse’s face.

“No pummelling, accidental or otherwise. That goes for the both of you. Ziggy’s done. He’s out of my life, and from what Cal told me, Marcus is making sure he’s banned from every club in the north, and a few more to boot. It wasn’t about kink for him, so I doubt he’ll try anyway. It was about hurting me. But it backfired, and I don’t want to waste another minute thinking about that sick fuck.”

“Heard and understood,” Simon muttered, stepping back. “I’m going to go get set up. Got another client coming in soon.” With that, he headed back out into the studio.

I sat down at the small table and was pleasantly surprised when Mouse climbed into my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck.

“Need a hug, Daddy.”

“Course, lamb.” I kissed the side of his face and held him. I was never going to get used to how good this felt. “So proud of you, Mouse. You stuck with your tasks, and you handled Simon well.”

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