Page 6 of Captivated

Hope.

Derek expelled a breath. “You know what? I’ll talk to him when I get back. But I meant what I said about him finding it difficult to be around too many people.”

Robert stroked his chin. “How about one person? Could he manage that?” He had enough guys working on the ranch to be able to assign one of them to be Nate’s go-to person. It wouldn’t be Teague, Matt, or Butch—they already had enough on their plates—but that left a handful of others. Providing they were up for it, of course. This would be a strictly volunteer assignment.

Derek’s face glowed. “That sounds amazing.”

Robert smiled. “Then drink your whiskey. Thinking about it is simply a waste of energy. You won’t accomplish anything by it. When you can talk to him,thensomething might come of it. Don’t force his hand, though. This has to be Nate’s decision. And I won’t speak to any of the hands about it until I hear from you.” He grinned. “Let them enjoy the cabin while they can.”

Volunteer operation or not, he did have an idea which hand would be perfect for it.

But let’s wait and see.

“So what do you have planned for this week?”

Derek’s eyes sparkled. “Nothing. I prefer to see who turns up, and then go with the flow. I’d be up for a wax scene, if there was any interest, and youknowhow much I love a good sling session.” He cocked his head. “Still haven’t seen you in the Leather Barn yet.”

Robert smiled. “That’s because allmyscenes happen up here.”

With one beautiful Dom.

Robert took one last look at the ranch before bed. The moonlight gave the barns a ghostly appearance, and all seemed peaceful down there.

He wished his mind was as peaceful.

The irony of the situation hadn’t escaped him. So much for telling Derek not to dwell on whether Nate would welcome a stay at Salvation, not to waste energy. Here he was, his mind racing.

What did he mean by trauma?

Just how damaged is Nate?

Might Sol’s counseling skills be needed too?

Too many thoughts whirling around, too many variables.

Robert knew he was a worrier, and to be honest, he’d gotten so much better at letting go.

Ever since Toby had become a part of his life.

He went indoors, turned off the lamps and headed for the stairs. Toby emerged from the kitchen and joined him.

“Did you have a good evening with Derek?”

Robert nodded. “Something I want to discuss with you. It might not come off, but I want you to be aware of it. Nothing that can’t wait until morning.”

Toby’s hand was on his nape, stroking it, and Robert relaxed under his touch. Toby glanced at him. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. I guarantee I’ll be feeling a whole lot better in about ten minutes.”

He chuckled. “Which is the time it will take for us to grab a shower, then find the lube.” They stopped at their bedroom door, and Toby regarded him with a thoughtful gaze. “You’re thinking too much again.”

Robert’s chuckle echoed his. “You always say that.”

“That’s because it’s always true.”

The weight of Toby’s hand on his nape grounded him, and in that moment Robert knew what he needed.

To let Toby take the lead.

---