Page 27 of Secrets at Dawn
That lump formed again. Toby tried to swallow it down, but it grew a bit more stubborn the second time around. Toby averted his gaze. His grip tightened on the steering wheel, and he rested his forehead against it. “I’m sorry I got you into this.”
“You didn’t. I told you I was already in the middle.” Griffin touched his shoulder, rubbing down his arm. “Even if I weren’t, you did nothing wrong. Right?”
Toby wanted to tell him about the dickwads paying him to eliminate Kinnison Ransome, but if he did that, then he’d have to tell Griffin about his abilities. He couldn’t stomach Griffin rejecting him. “I didn’t hurt anyone, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Griffin sighed. “I’m asking what the hell is going on, Toby. I’m asking you to fucking trust me, but I can tell you won’t.” Griffin met his gaze. A crease formed on his forehead. “What happened to you that you find it hard to trust people? I’m your mate, baby.”
Toby didn’t want to hold his gaze. He didn’t want to stare at the hurt in Griffin’s eyes anymore. But he couldn’t look away.There was something in Griffin’s gaze that drew him in and wouldn’t allow him to let go.
He wasn’t sure why, but he took off his seatbelt, although he didn’t scoot closer. Not right away. Toby was unsure of his welcome.
It wasn’t until Griffin reached for Toby’s hand and whispered, “Spend the night with me? Please.”
Toby nodded before scooting closer. He undid Griffin’s seatbelt before straddling his lap.
Griffin’s arms came around him, pulling him closer.
Toby relaxed for the first time all day. He laid his head on Griffin’s shoulder and shut his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“I know.” Resignation laced through Griffin’s two-word response.
Trust didn’t come easily. Toby had learned the hard way what could happen if people knew about his abilities. He couldn’t take a chance with Griffin. What if it turned out bad? “Will you give me time?”
Griffin rubbed Toby’s back. “Do I have a choice?”
Toby shook his head. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize again. Just promise you’ll give me a chance to earn your trust.”
“I will. But it’s not that easy. I do trust you.”
“Just not with your secrets. Right?”
Toby moved away just enough to meet Griffin’s gaze.
Griffin raised his eyebrows as if he were challenging Toby to take a chance and tell him anyway. As if it were that easy.
“Some secrets need to stay hidden.”
“Well, someone found out about yours. And they’re using it against you. Did I get it right?”
Toby bit his lip and nodded. He didn’t elaborate, and Griffin didn’t ask again. Griffin opened the door and let him out first. They went up to the house together.
Griffin unlocked the door to a pretty little yellow and white house with a nice front porch and manicured landscaping. Even in the dark, Toby could see how well-kept the lawn was. He could even make out pretty yellow flowers in the dark.
When Griffin had the door unlocked, he guided Toby inside, flicking on a light as they entered the house.
The door opened to a living room with a comfortable-looking sectional and a television. But Griffin didn’t stop there. Instead, he guided Toby into the kitchen and told him to sit. “Sandwich?”
Toby nodded. He normally wouldn’t eat this late at night, but he could tell Griffin needed to change the subject.
Griffin was about ready to fall over. Toby could see the fatigue etched on his face.
Toby walked around the kitchen counter. “How about you sit and I’ll make you something.”
“If I sit, I’ll fall asleep.” Griffin leaned against the counter next to him.
“Okay, well, just stand there and look pretty then.” Toby went to the refrigerator.
