Page 59 of Protecting his Heart

Evan licked his lips, eyeing Owen’s bruised mouth, but stepped back, palms held up. “Okay.”

“Will you wait in the bedroom while I get it ready?”

Evan nodded, smiled and retreated to the bedroom. Settling with his back to the headboard, he scrolled on his phone, checking in with people and returning emails he’d received. When Owen finally called him, he’d been in there for over half an hour. But when he left the room, his eyes widened.

The living room had been transformed. The sofas had been pushed back to the walls and the coffee table had been set aside, and in their place was a large blanket with pillows and cushions spread around it and a mountain of food on one side.

“You did all this?”

Owen nodded. “I had a little help to obtain some things, but yeah.”

Evan pulled him in for a kiss, wishing there was more he could put into words, but he could only repeat what he’d said before. “I love you.”

Owen beamed. “And I love you.” He tugged on Evan’s hand. “Come on.” He led him over to the blanket. “There are actuallya few blankets under this big one, but if it’s not comfortable, let me know.”

“It’s perfect.”

They settled opposite each other. “I chose a lot of finger foods so we could pick and choose during the afternoon and evening. None of it will spoil if it’s left out. Hopefully.”

He picked up a strawberry and held it to Evan’s mouth. Evan bit into it, the sweetness bursting over his tongue. “Delicious.” Owen dipped the strawberry into a bowl of chocolate and held it out again. Evan took the last bite, making sure to lick Owen’s fingers as he did.

Evan studied the food, choosing a grape and placing it between his teeth. He crooked his finger, and Owen leaned closer, lips closing over the grape, and Evan pushed it into his mouth with his tongue. He kissed him, leaning closer to deepen it when the doorbell rang.

Glaring at where the offending sound came from, Owen patted his cheek and rose. “I’ll get it.”

Evan rested back, adjusting his dick. He was going to be sore if they kept going at it as much as they had that day. Owen closed the door, and Evan said, “Who was it?” Owen didn’t reply but came into the room with a box. Evan stood. “Is that what I think it is?”

“I think so. It’s addressed to me.”

He wandered over to the table and put the box down. When he got it open, inside was a box, similar to the original one he received. Taking an audible breath, he lifted the lid. It was another scarf.

“They’ve already sent one. Why do I need another?”

“What does the note say?”

This may be an OLD memory, but any memory is good, right?

Owen put the note down and studied the scarf. “Old memory?” He checked the label. “This is an old scarf. It’s not new.” Evan watched as he checked the label and froze. “This ismyold scarf. From school. I haven’t seen this in years. Look, you can see my faded name.”

“Who the hell is sending you something of your own?”

“The last time I remember seeing it was at Mum’s house. She must’ve donated it or something.”

Evan wasn’t so sure, but before he could answer, the doorbell rang again. “What the hell is going on?”

This time, he went to the door, and when he opened it, he wished he hadn’t. He stared at the two people on the other side, his mind blanking on what to do or say.

“Evan? Is it another parcel?” Owen stopped behind him and cursed. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“You’ll remember your manners, boy—” Evan’s father started.

“I’ll do no such thing,” Owen retorted, pushing Evan behind him. “What do you want?”

“To talk,” Evan’s mother said. “Please.”

Owen glanced at Evan, who finally shifted his gaze from his parents to Owen. He didn’t have an answer to his unasked question. Owen nodded, though, and threaded his fingers through Evan’s before turning back.

“You can come in, but the moment you say anything nasty, you’re out. Understand?” Owen said.

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