Page 87 of Hold On

James dragged his fingers through his hair but that hadn’t hidden his wince. “You’re not, but it adds in someone else for us to worry about. On the other hand, I’d want to be with a friend too, so I’ll make sure Ludo sends Ren’s picture to those who need to see it. Theo took a few at the beach. I’m having more motion detector lights fitted in the courtyard. Might as well make it as tricky as possible for anyone to approach unseen. I doubt they’ll be expecting to find any opposition.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve brought with me.”

James nodded. “Just carry on as normal and we’ll see if anything kicks off. Ludo called his contact and he’s meeting Kilic about some deal on Monday so until then, you’re fine.”

“Okay.”

Dominic walked up the stairs to the accommodation. Should he be thinking about how to defend himself? How to defend Ren? If anyone came, would it be more likely to happen at night or would they simply pretend to be visiting Asquith and mix with the crowds of visitors?

He unpacked again, hung up his stuff in the wardrobe—ignoring the box at the base—and walked around the whole of Theo’s accommodation. Maybe he should set up an exit point. The windows all had locks. A tool to open them had been left on top of each wooden surround, but the drop from every window was the same, so one way out was as good as another. He lowered all the blinds, but left lights on in some rooms, then showered, shaved and dressed in clean clothes.

The fridge had plenty of food and Dominic googled recipes with halloumi, courgettes, bacon and broad beans. Halloumi had been a revelation. Cheese that squeaked. Fritters looked easy enough, just mix everything together. All that was missing from the recipe were radishes. There was already a bowl of salad in there. Col and Theo had left a note telling him to use whatever he wanted. Dominic washed his hands, took what he needed from the fridge and cupboard, and set to work.

As he was chopping the vegetables, he thought about putting a weapon under the mattress. Was that a good idea or not? Despite having killed three people with a knife, Dominic wasn’t sure he could do it again. But then, he hadn’t thought he could do it in the first place until he’d had to. If Ren was under threat… He pulled a knife from the block and took it to the bedroom.

Now stop thinking about it.

The ride in the plane had been exciting. Ren finally wanting Dominic’s mouth on him had also been exciting. Why had Ren needed it to happen in the air? Maybe it was because he had to keep part of his mind on what the plane was doing, which stopped him thinking about what Levan had done. Maybe. Dominic didn’t know. But he’d loved the feel of Ren’s cock in his mouth, loved the way Ren had lost control even if just for a moment. If there’d been an issue, he hoped it was over, but he’d be careful. He, of all people, knew he shouldn’t push.

By the time Ren called to tell him he was outside, dinner had been made and all Dominic needed to do was reheat the fritters. He hurried down the stairs to let Ren in, along with his…bag. Though he was glad to see he’d brought his stuff.

“That’s big for a toothbrush,” Dominic said.

“I had to bring Teddy, my ducks and a few other things.”

Once Ren was inside, Dominic locked and bolted the door. Though even as he did, he wondered if that was going to stop anyone. “Pity there’s no spy hole.”

“Haven’t you seen that film where someone goes to look through his and gets shot in the face?”

Dominic winced. “No.” He set off up the stairs, Ren on his heels.

“Something smells good.”

“I’m learning how to cook. I hope it tastes okay.”

“Where shall I put Teddy?”

“My room is second on the left. But if…”

“Of course I want to share your bed. I’m your personal protection officer. At your service at all times—unless I’m otherwise occupied. Do I have time for a shower?”

Dominic smiled. “Yes.”

By the time Ren emerged, Dominic had put out the food.

“I unpacked. Told Teddy not to worry because he’s in a strange place and that he can sleep between us, and you’ll cuddle him if he gets scared.”

Dominic raised his eyebrows.

“No, I don’t have a Teddy, Dominic.”

“Not needed one since you met me?”

“Ha ha.”

They’d just started to eat when Ren said, “I found your knife.”

The food dropped off Dominic’s fork. “What were you doing feeling under the mattress?”

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