Page 16 of Protecting his Heart

Owen was quiet for a moment, thinking back on Evan’s words from earlier. “I can’t stop my job,” he said finally.

Evan manoeuvred Owen to face him again, his hands resting on either side of his head. “I would never ask it. Ever. I know it’s dangerous, and I know you can take care of yourself. But when I’m not there, I have to trust other people to have your back, and it sucks. But I trust you, and I trust them. It’s everyone else I don’t.” He rested their foreheads together. “But I will never, ever ask you to stop doing what you love.”

Owen lifted his head. “Do you want to rest for today or speak to Dominic now?”

Evan chuckled. “You’re far too impatient.”

“No. I want to mend what I broke by sending you away.”

“You broke nothing. You did what you thought was right, and I can’t ask for more. Yes, it hurt. Yes, I needed to leave for a while to figure things out, but you’re my home, Owen. You always have been.”

“I need—”

“I know what you need,” Evan said, and he dragged Owen closer for another kiss, wrapping his hand around his throat and keeping him in place.

There was nothing soft about this one. No need to reaffirm anything. They just needed. Hands grappled to hold on, fingers skimmed skin, lips took and tongues tasted. It was completely new and not new all at the same time. The feeling of being adrift that he’d felt since Evan left disappeared, and Owen found that thread and held on, not willing to let it go ever again.

When they separated, Owen said, “I’m sorry for what I said and did.”

Evan smiled. “And I’m sorry for leaving and not fighting for us.”

Forgiveness was complete, but they would never forget, but that was something each of them would have to deal with, both individually and together. That tiny glimmer of doubt which would probably crop up in random places would need to be monitored, but Owen believed they could do it. He believed they could live happily ever after.

“Let’s visit Dominic. Is he working today?” Evan asked.

“He should be at home.”

“Call him to double-check.”

Owen complied, always happy to do what Evan told him to. Maybe if Evan had ordered Owen not to be so stupid sevenyears ago, they would’ve been together all this time. But it wasn’t Evan’s fault. Not even a little.

“Hey, Dom. Are you up for visitors today?” Owen asked.

“Hey. Hang on, let me check with Randall.” His voice went quieter, words distorted and mumbled, but then he came back. “Yes, sure. We’d love to have you over. Do you want to stay for dinner?”

Owen mouthed to Evan, who nodded. “Yeah, we’d love to.”

“All right. See you whenever you get here.”

Evan stood. “I’m going to get changed before we go. As much as Ilovescrubs, I’d like some jeans instead.”

“Need any help?” Owen asked, smirking.

Evan sent a lopsided grin his way and winked. “Not this time, but maybe later.” He disappeared into his bedroom.

Owen flopped back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. He traced his fingers over his neck, closing his eyes and remembering the feel of Evan holding him. It had been the same that night. Being manhandled and ordered to do things had made Owen so fucking hot. He’d never felt that with anyone else, never even realised it was something he wanted. It was only when Evan had slammed him back against the door, hand around his throat, lips on his, that something clicked inside him. He had no inclination to disobey Evan. Ever.

That might have been something else that had tipped him over the edge all those years ago. He hadn’t wanted that in his daily life, only in the bedroom. Maybe he’d thought he had to change. He didn’t know, but there was no point trying to figure it out now. It was water under the bridge and all that.

Fingers covered his own that were still around his neck, and he opened his eyes to meet Evan’s gaze.

“You really do like that?”

“Yes.” Evan raised an eyebrow, and Owen licked his lips and swallowed. “Yes, Sir.” He couldn’t help but add, “But only in the bedroom.”

Evan’s mouth quirked. “Not in the living room? Or the kitchen? Or the garden?”

Owen’s blood heated, and he shivered. “Maybe,” he whispered.

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