Page 97 of Hold On

Est idem.”

Dominic smiled. “When you wake up in the morning what’s the first thing you say to yourself? asks Piglet. What’s for breakfast, says Pooh. What do you say? And Piglet answers, I wonder what exciting thing is going to happen today. Pooh saysit’s the same thing.”

“Smart arse.”

“I like Latin.”

“Of course you do.”

“Want a beer?” Dominic asked.

“Sure.”

The call from Will came right on time.

“Why?” Ren said into his phone. “Okay, okay. Fine. I’ll come now.” Ren pushed to his feet. “I have to go and see Will. Want to come?”

“I’ll stay and start dinner.”

The moment Ren had left, Dominic packed. Within minutes he was outside and hoping that it looked to anyone who was watching, that he was following Ren. He did his best to avoid being seen, used the hedges in the gardens to hide his change of direction, and finally reached the entrance not used by paying visitors. He probably should have called an Uber but instead, he set off down the road and put his thumb out.

Several vehicles passed him but none stopped. Then a mud-splattered Land Rover pulled up just ahead. He ran up to the passenger door and groaned at who was inside. Will was driving and Ren was next to him.

“Get in the car, Dominic,” Ren snapped.

Dominic climbed in.

Will found a place to turn, then drove back.

No one said a word. Ren swivelled in his seat to look at him.

Dominic opened his mouth and when Ren glared, he shut it.

Will dropped them back at the stable block and drove away.

Ren didn’t speak until they were both upstairs. “What the fuck?”

“Will was thinking about you.”

“No, he bloody wasn’t.” Ren paced in front of him.

“Iwas thinking about you.”

“I am so pissed off with both of you. But I blame Will the most. He plays a good guilt card, my brother, but why does no one listen to me?” Ren gave an exasperated sigh. “You know what? If you want to go, then go. I’m not going to stop you.”

“You just have,” Dominic said quietly.

“Yeah well, if you’re going to go, I want you to leave because it’s whatyouwant, not because it’s what my brother wants.”

Dominic leaned forward and put his head in his hands. Ren settled next to him, then rested his head on Dominic’s shoulder. “Please don’t go,” he whispered. “I need you to stay. I need you to want me to be with you. Give this a chance. I’m not trying to guilt-trip you but the marquess has gone to a lot of trouble to sort this out. He wants his son and Col to be safe. You leaving doesn’t ensure that. If Kilic finds out where you are on Monday, this could all be over soon. Then we can make plans. You and me. But…if that’s not what you want…”

“I can’t let myself want it,” Dominic blurted. “I’m not good enough for you. I’m not good enough for anyone.”

“Yes, you fucking are. Don’t ever say that again. Come to bed and let me show you that you are. And if you’re really good, I’ll order pizza.”

Dominic chuckled.

Chapter Fourteen

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