Page 88 of Trained Royal
“Sorry to interrupt,” a voice said, “but I’d be interested.”
Patrick glanced to the side, seeing Quinn stepping closer. “I’m sorry to eavesdrop, but in my defence, you weren’t whispering.” Quinn’s crooked smile appeared, and Patrick returned it.
“It’s fine, Quinn. What would you be interested in?”
“Music therapy. Not for myself, but for others. I’m a therapist. Well, part-time, anyway. I firmly believe that music can heal the soul.”
“It truly can.”
“You would be right, though. No one would feel comfortable opening up with you. Sorry.”
Patrick shook his head. “It’s as I thought. I take no offence.”
“Therapists struggle with finding things that work for some people. When we’ve tried all the usual avenues, we need to find other ways to help. Music can be that. Funding, however, is an issue.”
Patrick nodded. “Yes. I’ve heard that from Timothy. Private practices have an easier time obtaining other options, but government-funded practices are not as lucky.”
Quinn sipped his drink, a bright red concoction which vied with his hair for being the brightest thing in the room. “Very true. If we had someone to help…” He curved his lips and raised his eyebrows.
Patrick chuckled and glanced at Kieren. “It’s a good job I don’t mind friends asking for something.” Kieren snorted into his drink. “I would love to help such a worthy cause.”
Quinn pumped his fist in the air with a whispered, “Yes!”
After they’d spoken some more, Quinn wandered off to get the birthday cake ready, and Patrick and Kieren joined his cousins and brother.
“I thought they would be worried about having us around,” Henry said in a hushed voice when there was a lull in the conversation. “Being Monitors and all.” He glanced at Kean, who nodded.
Douglas shook his head. “No, they feel comfortable knowing we’re here. We’re not the only Doms here; other subs have brought their partners with them. And besides, the only one who’s single is Freddie.” Douglas grinned and waggled his eyebrows at his brother.
“Shut it, Douglas,” Freddie griped. “Not everyone has been able to meet their soulmate.”
Patrick happened to glance at Damon as Freddie spoke and witnessed the wince he gave. He was more convinced than ever that they were both on the edge of something that neither of them realised. How could they not see it?
Kieren slid his arm around Patrick’s shoulders and pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his temple. “Don’t get any ideas, Paddy. Leave them be,” he whispered.
Patrick sighed and closed his eyes, resting his head against Kieren’s chest. He refused to dignify Kieren’s words with an answer because he wasn’t the meddling one of the family. That was George. But if Patrick gave George some prodding, who was to know?
“It’s cake time!” Quinn shouted, and everyone stood and gathered around the table, leaving space between themselves and Kendal.
Quinn placed a cake in front of them, candles burning brightly and a big three-zero on top.
“Make a wish!” someone called.
Kendal flushed, their cheeks colouring, and they cleared their throat before taking a deep breath, closing their eyes briefly and blowing out the candles. A cheer resounded through the room along with clapping, and they all sangHappy Birthday. Quinn picked up the cake again and took it into the kitchen area. Several people wandered towards Kendal and hugged them or shook their hands. They gave no worrying side looks, and it eased Patrick’s mind.
“They’re fine,” Kieren said.
“I know, but I like to make sure.”
“You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t.”
Patrick kissed his cheek. “Come on. I thought of a game we could play.” He dragged Kieren back to the corner the royals had commandeered. “Hey, let’s play likes and dislikes.”
Freddie groaned. “How old are you?”
Patrick spread his hands. “Hey! There are a lot of new people in our group now. It would be nice to get to know them a little better, and if that means we have to play a ‘silly’ game, then we should.” He knew he was pouting, but he wanted to get to know his family’s partners as well as he could.
“You’re right,” Freddie said. “I’m sorry. I’m tired, and I shouldn’t be taking it out on you.”
