Page 23 of Hold On

“Enough!” Will snapped. “I’ve—oh. Bloody hell.”

Will crouched down, ran his hand over the stone head and sighed.

“Can I stop doing this now?” Ren asked. “Have I found you enough?”

“You must be joking. I want you working in a different area tomorrow. You’re like a treasure magnet. Hmm, I wonder if I could dangle you from a helicopter and fly you over the area.”

Ren laughed. “Definitely Roman?”

“Yes. It’s practically intact. God, Ren. This is a fantastic find. Museum worthy.”

“Enough to give you a—”

“Fuck off.” But Will was smiling as he said it.

“It’s in two pieces.”

“A clean break, and the ears and nose are intact. How often does that happen? Hardly ever.” Will stood up. “Everyone over here!”

“I’ve done now for the day,” Ren said.

Will probably wouldn’t even notice that he’d walked away.

After Ren had showered, he made his way to the stable block. He couldn’t take Dominic out on the bike until he had Will’s helmet, but maybe Dominic could take him for a drink. Though as he walked over to the hall, he rethought that.I shouldn’t chase. Idon’tchase.But what else was he going to do tonight other than eat a lacklustre communal meal and listen to a load of archaeologists waxing lyrical about thermoluminescence? And if someone produced a guitar, he’d be driven to have a very early night.Did I pack earplugs?

So…keep walking or turn back? He kept walking but when he reached the door, he hesitated. Ring the bell. Don’t ring the bell. It was like pulling the petals off a daisy.

He was pretty sure Dominic was gay.Maybe more than pretty sure.

The guy had come to the dig site to talk to him.Hadn’t he?

He’d agreed to a bike ride.Sort of.

He’d said he’d come back tomorrow.Well, he’d nodded.

But he had a secret.Big fat cross to counteract all the ticks.

And I really don’t chase.

Apart from all the otherreasonswhy not,Ren still wasn’t well. He might be gradually getting better physically, but his head wasn’t in the right place. He didn’t need complications in his life. He was supposed to be recuperating, regenerating, recalibrating. Though most of the time, he wanted to curl up and pretend he was anywhere else. Apart from Georgia. Or anywhere in Eastern Europe. Or Western Europe come to that. Somewhere hot and sunny and stress free.Costa Rica?Except there’d be snakes.

He rang the bell.

It was opened by Theo, who gave him a bright smile after a momentary hesitation. “We don’t need any double glazing, thanks. Do people actually still sell that door-to-door? Ooh, does God love me and want to do something special with me? I might be up for that. Not in a… Ignore me.”

“Is Dominic around?”

“I’ll ask him.” Theo closed the door and Ren gave a short laugh.

A few moments later, Dominic appeared.

“Like to come and pet my horse?” Ren asked.

Dominic’s mouth twitched.

“I’ve asked my brother to bring his helmet for you to borrow. Until I get it, I can’t take you out. Like to take me out instead?” Ren smiled.

“I don’t have a car.”

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