Page 63 of The Himbo and the Lord

“Did you catch that?” I ask Ru.

“I did.” I can’t know what he’s thinking from those two words, so I stand and walk a few feet away from the table.

“I can come alone. I’m sure they’re already taking great care of your dad,” I whisper.

“No,” he says resolutely. “It’s fine, bring them. I just need you here as soon as you can get here.”

“Okay, I’ll see you soon,” I assure him.

“Thank you,” he whispers and the line goes dead.

When I get back to the table, Dad’s already paying the bill and Chase is whining about paying and being dismissed.

“Shut up and call your doctor friend.”

“I texted like a normal person,” Chase points out. “It is Saturday night and not everyone’s a workaholic, you know?”

“We need to go,” I tell them, feeling the urgency deep inside me.

“Yes, and Dr. Brotherton told me he’s in there already.”

As promised, we’re walking into the hospital only five minutes after walking out of the restaurant, and Ru’s right there, looking disheveled and more tired than I’ve ever seen him. His eyes open wide when he sees me come in, and they shift to the men at my side.

I hesitate then.

Yes, he told me it was fine to bring them along, but now...

He closes the distance between us in five long strides and throws his arms around me. I hug him back when he buries his face against my neck. I feel him let out a shuddering breath and strengthen my hold on his back.

“I’m here,” I murmur. “I’m right here—Ru.”

I was just about to call him my lord, but considering the circumstances I thought better of it. I hope he didn’t hear it, though, because that’s the last thing he needs right now.

“I’ll go up to see Dr. Brotherton,” I hear Chase say from behind me.

Ru doesn’t react in any way, so I don’t either, but he doesn’t let himself be comforted for much longer.

His eyes look sad and worried and I fucking hate that.

“Ru,” I murmur, and cup his cheek, but he shakes his head and composes himself before looking to my left.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, sir,” he says, so fucking politely I wanna smack him over the head.

Dad frowns at him.

“No need to apologize. This is more important. We’re here to support you.”

“There’s a quieter waiting room upstairs. We should go there.” His eyes shift nervously around the entrance of the hospital, and that’s the only reason why I don’t take his hand when we walk to the elevator and don’t say a word until we’re in the little room. Dad hangs back by the door.

“I’m going to go get us all coffees. Be back soon.” He offers us a small smile and then closes the door behind him.

“What can I do?” I ask immediately, and lead Ru to a two-seater sofa that’s less uncomfortable than it looks.

“I don’t know,” he whispers and looks down at his hands. “He collapsed because I finally admitted I’m gay and not bi, and because I told him I wouldn’t marry a woman because I have you. He told me he wouldn’t have a gay man as head of the family and... Well, I was walking away when he—when it happened.”

He reaches blindly for my hand while my heart stutters and stops for a full beat. Between his beats and starts I get the full picture.

“Ru.” It’s all I can say for a long moment. “You’re so fucking brave.” He scoffs and shakes his head. “You are?—”

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