Page 58 of Trained Royal
“Is it PTSD?”
“Possibly. It could also just be because this is fresh, and you haven’t had the chance to settle down and rest properly.”
Kieren held his side as he chuckled. “I’ve done nothing but rest since I’ve been here.”
“Ah.” Timothy held up a finger. “Healing is the least restful thing you can go through, despite lying in bed all day. I believe it’s because your brain makes up for the inactivity by going ten times as fast.”
Kieren rolled his eyes. “It truly does.” He sighed. “Thank you.”
Timothy smiled. “You’re welcome. Would you like to keep these sessions going?”
Kieren tapped his fingertips against his thumb. Did he want to keep talking about all the things that were running through his head? Not really. But did he think it was a good idea? Yes.
“Yeah.”
“You’ll hate me some days, and other days, you’ll worship me. I promise.” Timothy laughed. “And I will promise you one more thing. Nothing you say to me will ever be spoken to anyone else. I might have stepped into an interfering family who only wants the best for everyone, but I take my oath seriously.”
“Thank you.”
Kieren checked his phone again, realising he wasn’t as stressed as he had been, but the message from Patrick relieved his tension further.
PATRICK: On my way back. x
Kieren closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He could do this. They could do this.
“Everything okay?” Timothy asked.
Kieren smiled. “Patrick’s on his way back.”
He and Timothy talked more until a knock sounded, and Patrick popped his head around the door.
“Is it okay to come in?”
“Of course!” Kieren said. His heart rate increased a little at the sight of the man he’d fallen in love with, but not enough to set the monitors screaming.
Timothy stood and shook hands with Patrick. “I’ll leave you to it.” He glanced at Kieren. “I’ll call you.”
Kieren nodded. “Thanks.”
Timothy clapped Patrick on the shoulder and left, closing the door behind him. Patrick clasped Kieren’s hand, leaning forward to join their mouths. The tension left Kieren the moment they touched, and tears escaped down his temples.
“Shh, shh. I’m sorry. I won’t leave you again,” Patrick said, brushing his hand through Kieren’s hair.
Kieren smiled through his tears. “I’m okay. It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re fine.”
Patrick returned his smile. “I’m glad you are, too.”
Kieren carefully manoeuvred himself further to the side and patted the bed. “Climb on.”
“I can’t. You’re injured.”
“I need to hold you, Paddy.”
The corner of Patrick’s mouth curved up, and he scratched his head. But he climbed on. “This isn’t a good idea.”
He moved around until Kieren had his arm around Patrick’s shoulders, and Patrick was curled into his body. He inhaled the scent of his man.
“That’s the second time you’ve called me Paddy,” Patrick said, resting his hand over Kieren’s chest.
