Page 98 of Hold On

Ren had never been one for routine, another reason why being a pilot had bored him, but he’d underestimated the pleasure of falling into a routine when he had someone he wanted to share it with. Breakfast in bed. Toast with marmalade for Dominic, toast with Marmite for him. A walk, rain or shine. They hiked around Asquith, along the beach—where they managed to lose their shadows and find a secluded spot in the dunes to have fun, ditto in the countryside. Ren liked to watch movies more than read. Dominic preferred to read but when Ren asked him to watch with him, Dominic gave up his book for the night and they ended up pressed together, which led to the removal of clothes and more pressing.

They took turns to cook. Dominic turned out to be better than him at following instructions. Ren tended to go off piste. Dominic was a rule follower. Ren liked breaking them. Sex on the beach had been fun—apart from the sand—and so had freaking out when they’d nearly been caught. Ren wouldn’t have let that happen.

They didn’t go back to the dig. Ren was too pissed off with Will. Instead they worked together clearing ivy from trees for James. They cleaned Col’s studio of dust and stone chips. They kept the guys’ accommodation looking perfect and listened to music as they worked. So many songs Dominic didn’t know… So many artists he’d never heard of… There were reminders every day of what Dominic’s life had been like for almost sixteen years.

Bed was Ren’s favourite place. But they found ways to put their hands on each other in other places too, some riskier than others. Dominic was always nervous of discovery outdoors but urgency made him bossy and Ren liked it when he took charge. There was nothing hard or cruel about the guy and Ren thought that was a miracle after what he’d endured. He never lost his temper, never shouted.

Plus, Dominic had a scent of his own, some addictive pheromone that sent all Ren’s senses reeling. It made Ren want to devour him. And Dominic let him. Often. Deliciously. Outrageously—when they were alone. Silently when they weren’t. Ren hadn’t yet let Dominic into his body but he felt it was possible he could say yes eventually, and that was enough.

One more day until his father’s birthday party. Then two more days until news of Dominic’s whereabouts was leaked to Miran Kilic. Plenty of time to make Dominic see they were meant to be together and that there was to be no more sneaking off.

No one called to warn them of danger.

No one used the name Dom to speak to Dominic.

Neither of them had had to sayCessna.

It could be easy to forget that danger might still be lurking.

But they didn’t forget.

When the day of his father’s birthday arrived, Ren could tell Dominic was nervous about the party. Ren didn’t tell him that he’d never taken anyone home before, that Dominic was the first, that he wanted him to be the only one he’d ever take to meet his parents and his grandpa. That was too much pressure, though he wanted Dominic to understand how special he was.

Ren convinced their watchers that there was no need to follow them that day, though he did persuade them to give them a lift to the station.

“We could drive you all the way there,” Dean offered.

Ren thought he was the friendlier of the two. “Thanks, but no need.”

Once they were on the train, Ren fiddled with his phone. “Turning off the tracker.” They’d had them on since Col and Theo had left.

“Why?”

“They know we’re going to Cambridge and I’ve given them the address, but if anyone else is taking note of our movements, I’d prefer we didn’t lead them to my parents.”

Dominic turned off the tracking app. He put his phone on top of the book he’d wrapped for Ren’s father.

“We’ll be back before it’s dark. We can get an Uber to Asquith from the station.”

“Okay.”

“You look smart.” Ren smiled at him.

Dominic was wearing grey chinos and a new blue button-down shirt, creases from the packaging still in place. Ren thought it was cute and didn’t tell him. They’d not bothered with sweaters because the forecast was for a hot, sunny day.

“What are you going to say about me?” Dominic asked.

Ren suspected that had been bothering him for a while but it was the first time Dominic had voiced his concern.

“What would you likemeto say?” Dominic pressed. “I’m going to be asked what I do.”

“Tell them you’re my sex slave.”

Dominic laughed.

“Well, you are,” Ren said. “A very good one.”

“I’m not sure how your mother will feel about that.” He sighed. “I’ve been through so many options. I don’t like lying.”

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