Page 112 of Naughty Dreams
Madison would say what needed to be said, no matter what, but his patient manner, with no trace of annoyance, helped her get it out the way it needed to be said.
“The things he and I discussed work for exploring a healthy BDSM relationship. But if he’s dealing with trauma, some of it might take him down the wrong road. If you’re the one who’s exploring it with him, you already know. But if you aren’t…I just want him to be safe.”
At his sharp look, she lifted a shoulder. “It was pretty obvious between you two.”
“I’ll take care of him,” Roy said. “That’s my job.”
Neither confirming nor denying, to protect DJ. Which confirmed Logan’s opinion of the man and reassured her.
“Thank you. If either of you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.” She brightened. “We have a 20% jewelry sale next month. Nipple clamps, cock rings, piercings. And collars.”
Appreciative warmth appeared in his gray eyes. “I’ll mention it. Thank you, Madison. You gave him a few good moments. Right now, he needs all of those he can get.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
DJ was quiet for a while in the car, but when he finally spoke, he proved he’d been paying attention to Logan and Roy’s conversation.
“So that monthly dungeon you and Logan were talking about. It’s only a few days away. We could go to that. Logan did say the invite included a plus-one.”
“Maybe I already have someone in mind for it. I’m a popular guy with a big social life.”
“Does binge-watchingIce Truckerswith your tropical fish count as a social life?”
“Leave my fake fish out of this. Smart ass.”
A faint smile appeared on DJ’s serious lips. “You knew them. Madison and Logan. That’s why you didn’t worry about stopping there.”
“I didn’t know Logan’s wife ranNaughty Bits, but once I found that out, it did help, yeah.”
“Roy, I need to stop for gas,” Mike called out from the front. “Does the truck stop coming up work?”
“Yeah.” Naughty Bits was in Matthews, a small town that bordered Charlotte, so as they headed away from it, they were on a rural four-lane highway. The station had a produce standwith a bunch of wooden carvings for sale grouped around it, everything from welcome signs to cheerful ducks, to gnomes with large noses.
“I need a restroom break,” Roy said. “DJ, you?”
“No, but Mike probably needs peanut M&Ms and a Coke. I’d like a Cheerwine and a moon pie.” DJ peeled off a twenty to offer to Roy, but Roy shook his head.
“I’ll expense the quarter hour rate to you.”
“Fifteen minutes of your time is the cost of Gucci loafers, not a pack of M&Ms.”
Roy flashed him a grin, but then gave him a different kind of look. “I’m buying your soda and moon pie, Dory.”
DJ’s expression heated as Roy ran his knuckles over the inside of one knee and gave the leg of his jeans a little tug. But then DJ’s gaze became more pensive.
“You know…I probably will give Marjorie’s number to Gilda.”
“Another way to let Marjorie know how you’re doing?” Roy kept his tone neutral.
DJ pressed his lips together. “I should go see her soon. But not today. Okay?”
He’d asked permission on purpose. Roy suspected if he felt DJ should see Marjorie today, DJ would follow his lead.
It wasn’t the first time he’d deferred to Roy for his grieving process.Make sure I don’t stay in bed too long.The kid knew what he needed and, even when he lacked the will to do it himself, he’d reach for the tool he needed to make it happen.
Which was Roy.
“I think that’s okay. For today. I don’t need to tell you to stay in the car, right?”
