Page 20 of Forever and Always
I melt into his embrace, love and protection from within him. “I missed you too, beast,” I reply, smiling.
We stand there for a moment, holding each other, and I feel the world around us fade away. It’s just us, lost in our own little bubble of love.
Finally, Darke pulls back, looking at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Ready to grab dinner together?”
“Of course, I’ll follow you with my car?” I ask, starting to head to my car.
He chuckles, “Of course, little prince.”
I grin, feeling a sense of playfulness. “Lead the way, beast,” I say, getting in my car.
Darke chuckles and heads to his car, with me following close behind in mine. We drive through the city, the evening sun casting a warm glow over everything.
After a few minutes, Darke pulls into Rita’s. I park beside him, and we meet at the entrance.
Darke opens the door for me like abeastgentleman that he is.
“Thank you, Darke,” I say, giving him a quick peck on his lips.
Darke looks a me surprised, then this mouth turns into a mischief grin. “You’re welcome, my little prince,” He says as we enter the restaurant.
The restaurant is cozy, with dim lighting and the aroma of freshly cooked pasta filling the air. We’re shown to a quiet table by the window, and Darke takes my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine.
18
DARKE
We’re settled into our seats, the soft murmur of the restaurant providing a gentle backdrop. A question had been brewing within me since we’d started dating, a query I’d been hesitant to voice. I didn’t want to pry, but the curiosity gnawed at me.
Taking a deep breath, I studied the menu, my heart pounding. “Bobby?”
His gaze lifted from the menu, a warm smile curving his lips. “Yes, Beast?”
My voice was steady when I spoke, but my heart raced. “Do you have parents? Who take care of you?”
The smile vanished, replaced by a stillness that spoke volumes. He lowered the menu, his eyes searching mine. His expression turned serious, tinged with vulnerability. “I… uh… no, Darke. I mean, I have a mom, but she’s not really in the picture. Addiction’s been a long battle for her. I’ve been on myown since I was a teenager. Rachel’s been a guardian, a watchful eye. But parents? No, not really.”
A pang of sorrow and regret washed over me. I’d opened a wound I hadn’t meant to. Yet, his expression softened, and he reached for my hand. I squeezed it gently in return.
“It’s okay, Darke. I’ve learned to be self-reliant. But having someone like you looking out for me… it means a lot.”
A surge of protectiveness and love filled me. “I’m here for you, Bobby. Always. You’re not alone.”
The waiter arrived, interrupting the heavy silence. As we place our orders, my mind was elsewhere. I wanted to be his anchor, his safe harbor.
When we were alone again, Bobby’s gaze was distant. “When I came out as gay, my father… he left me. Shamed me for who I was.” His voice was barely a whisper, and his eyes filled with tears.
A wave of anger and protectiveness consumed me. No one deserved such cruelty, least of all someone as kind and loving as Bobby. “I’m so sorry, Bobby. You deserve the world, not to be rejected by your own family. You’re loved, you’re enough, and I’m here for you, always.”
I pulled him into a gentle embrace, his sobs muffled against my chest. I held him tightly, offering silent comfort.
“I got you, little prince,” I whispered, stroking his hair.
In that moment, I made a silent vow. I would be the family Bobby never had, the love he deserved.
* * *
With our appetites satiated, we made our way back to Bobby’s place. As we pulled into the parking lot, a sense of anticipationfilled me. This was a new chapter, a deeper dive into our relationship.
