Page 55 of Waiting for a Prince
He also remembered what had caused the pain in the first place, and the memory made him wince.
What must he think of me?
He was half-inclined to get out of there before Mark woke up and Sam had an answer to that question.
“Hey.” Mark’s soft voice crept across the living room. “Would you like some tea?”
Too late.
“Please.” At least speaking didn’t make his aching head worse.
“Does it still hurt?” Before Sam could reply, Mark peered at his phone. “You took painkillers about five hours ago, so you can have a couple more now.”
“What time is it?”
“Almost seven.” Mark got out of the armchair and went into the kitchen, taking Sam’s glass with him. He returned with it refilled and handed Sam more paracetamols. “They’ll take the edge off it.”
Sam swallowed them, then rested his head once more. “Did you say something about tea?”
Mark smiled. “Coming right up.” Sam caught his breath when Mark leaned over and kissed his forehead, a fleeting, whisper-soft kiss, the gentle press of warm lips on his brow. He retreated to the kitchen area, and Sam shoved a cushion behind his head.
“You want answers, but I’m not sure where to start.”
“How about telling me what happened last night?” Mark suggested. “But only if you’re up to it. And if it makes it easier to talk without looking at me, I’ll keep out of sight over here.”
Sam managed a smile. “Don’t be silly. I want to be able to see you.”
And if this conversation goes the way I want it to, I’ll need to see your face.
Sam had something very important to tell him.
Mark came back to the couch, carrying a tray laden with a teapot, two cups, and a milk jug. He poured for them, then went to sit in the armchair.
“No,” Sam protested. “Next to me, please.”
Mark joined him, and Sam held out his hand. Mark’s expression of delight told Sam his instincts were sound. They sat beside one another, their fingers laced, the air filled with the fragrant scent of the tea.
Sam took a deep breath. “You know I said Rebecca was out with her girlfriends last night?” Mark nodded. “Well, she was across the road from the East beach, at the Ryde Castle hotel, with four or five friends, and…” He swallowed hard. “She saw us kissing. Not that I saw her. I only discovered that when I got back to my flat and found her there—waiting for me.” Sam winced. “She kept saying how humiliated she felt, because her friends recognized me. I think that was worse than seeing us kiss. At least she already knew I was gay.”
Mark blinked. “Whoa. Back up there. Did you just turn five pages all at once? Because I seem to be missing bits of this conversation. And are you saying that’s her reason for attacking you? Because she felthumiliated?” Mark’s face fell. “Oh God, I’ve just realized. This is all my fault, isn’t it? Sam, I’m so, so sorry.”
Sam’s heart sank. “No, it isn’t. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” He inhaled deeply. “I’ll get to that in a minute. She told me I wasn’t to see you again. And that if I ignored her, there would be… consequences.”
Mark’s mouth fell open. “What did you say to her?”
Sam gave him a weak smile. “I told her that she and I were through. I… I stood up to her.” He shivered as he gestured toward his face. “You can see how wellthatwent down.” Sam swallowed. “She… she hit me with a wine bottle first. Then shereallylost it and threw a wineglass at my head. But when I wouldn’t back down, she went at me with her nails—fuck, they’re more like talons—and scratched me all to hell.”
Mark stared at him incredulously. “And you justlether?” Sam’s cheeks burned. Mark narrowed his gaze. “This wasn’t the first time she’d done this, was it?” Sam shook his head slowly. “The black eye?” Another nod. “And before that?” Sam closed his eyes and Mark groaned. “Oh, please tell me why you’d stay with someone who did that to you.”
“That’s a long story.” Sam whispered.
Mark squeezed Sam’s hand. “We have as long as it takes. I’m not going anywhere.” Then he leaned forward and kissed the tip of Sam’s nose.
That simple gesture was enough to bring tears to the corners of Sam’s eyes: His emotions were already way too close to the surface.
“Thank you.” He stroked Mark’s cheek softly before lacing his fingers once more through Mark’s. He took another breath. “Youalready know Rebecca’s dad, Jack, is well off. Well, he and my dad were at school together. They were inseparable, apparently. Both are now very successful businessmen.” Mark nodded. “About six months ago, Dad came over to the island for a week or so and the two of them got together. Dad and I were invited to a big party at Jack’s place in Seaview. It was there that they introduced me to Rebecca.” He shivered and Mark tightened his grip. “Dad made some joke about how it would be nice if she and I went out together, sort of keeping it in the family.” He laughed bitterly. “There was nothing I could say. He’d already mentioned quite a few times to me on the phone that it was strange I hadn’t had a girlfriend yet. The last thing I wanted was Dad becoming suspicious.”
“You’re sure he’d react badly if you came out. Maybe it would be okay. Maybe?—”
