Page 8 of Hold On

“Want me to ask if there’s a garage up at the hall where you can leave your beloved?”

“Yeah. Please. That would be great. And ask if they have a nice room with an ensuite I can stay in as well.”

Will muttered under his breath. Well, it had been worth a try.

“If you leave the grounds, remember the codes for the two gates.”

Yes, Dad.

“Don’t forget to take your medication. You did bring it, didn’t you?”

Yes, Mum.Ren rolled his eyes. His blood thinners and antibiotics were in his wallet.

“Come on. Once you’re set up, you can meet the rest of the team. They know you’re not to do too much… So don’t fuckingdotoo much. Don’t glare! I only said you’d been ill.”

Ren knew Will’s anger came from a fear of losing him, and having had that fear almost come true, Will was still in protective older brother mode. Will picked up a camp bed and bulging Ikea bag, and Ren followed him down to a small encampment where tents of all colours and sizes had been set up. A miniature Glastonbury without the pleasure of good music, a choice of food and…other stuff. There were folding chairs and tables outside several tents, one of which had skimpy thongs hanging from a guy rope.Jesus!

“Someone flirting with you?” Ren asked.

“That would be Katrina. She’ll make a play for you too.”

“Camp tramp?”

“She can be persuasive.”

Ren shot his brother a look.

“I have more sense,” Will hissed.

“Is that why you were so keen for me to come? I’m your chaperone?”

“If only. She’ll just see two of us as a challenge. Look out for Brett too, though he values his position too much to annoy me by flirting with you. I hope.”

“Can’t I have any fun?” Ren grinned, though sex was the last thing he was interested in.

“No,” Will said.

He probably meant it.

“That large tent is the kitchen.” Will pointed. “Over there is the shower and toilet block. Unisex, so watch yourself and no one else. And this tent is ours.”

Will unzipped the opening and Ren glanced inside. “No TV?”

“It’ll be fun,” Will said at his back.

Ren very much doubted it. He took the camp bed from his brother, shoved it inside, then opened it out and set it up on the opposite side of the tent to Will’s. He unrolled the sleeping bag on top, moved his helmet and gloves off the floor onto the bed, and dropped his rucksack at the base.

“Not going to unpack?” his brother asked.

“Did I miss the wardrobe and bedside cabinet? Please tell me there’s a turndown service and chocolates on the pillow every night or I can’t possibly stay.”

“What pillow?”

“Shit. Well, that’s it. I’m not sleeping here.”

Will rolled his eyes. “Use a sweater. You might as well take off your leathers. You don’t want to wreck those.”

Ren removed them.

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