Page 44 of Need Him
Gareth continued murmuring, but Ben let his mind float, losing himself in the security of those arms. He felt himself being guided through the house, and Gareth lowered them to the sofa—Ben could tell by the length of it when Gareth stretched them out and threaded their legs together. Ben sank into him, grateful for the quiet. He just needed to breathe, to recalibrate now he’d decided, with all certainty, that he wouldn’t be doing his parents’ bidding any longer. He wondered if he would be able to fetch any of his stuff or if it was all lost to him now. He didn’t have much in the way of personal items. They bought most of it for him and was stuff he could easily replace, but there were a few items he would’ve liked to keep.
He didn’t know how long they had laid there when he finally lifted his head and peered at Gareth. “Thank you.”
Gareth smiled. “You don’t need to thank me every time.”
“Yes, I do. You deserve every thank you I give.”
Gareth pecked his lips. “Is everything okay?”
Ben lowered his gaze to the buttons on Gareth’s polo shirt and began playing them between his fingers. “Mother called.” Ben sighed. “She wanted me home tonight for dinner with someone she believes is influential. Again.”
“What did you say?”
“I said, ‘Yes, Mother,’ and she hung up the phone. I switched off the engine and came to you.”
Gareth’s arms tightened, and Ben closed his eyes, inhaling Gareth’s scent. He knew Gareth would not be what his parents wanted for him in a partner, but it was no longer their decision. The moment Gareth’s arms had held him close, he’d made his decision.
“Would you like to stay here until your apartment is ready for you?”
Ben smiled, another weight lifting from his shoulders. “That’d be great if you don’t mind.”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I minded.”
Ben scrunched his nose. “I need to fetch my things. Tonight.”
“Why tonight?”
“Because the moment I don’t show up for dinner, they’ll know something’s changed. I don’t trust them not to go through my stuff.”
Gareth sat them upright, setting Ben to the side but keeping his arms around him. “Let’s go now.”
“No, you can’t come with me.”
Gareth cupped his jaw. “Yes, I can. You’re mine. I’ll protect you from their words while you collect what you need.”
Ben’s eyelids closed, and tears spilled over. Gareth wiped them clear. “Thank—” Gareth stopped his words as he dipped his tongue inside Ben’s mouth. Ben clung onto him, not wanting to part, but eventually, Gareth pulled back, putting their foreheads together.
“You’re mine.”
“Yours.”
“And I’m yours.”
Tears threatened again, but Ben kept hold of them this time. “Mine,” he whispered.
“Let’s go. I’ll drive.”
The journey went by quickly, and Ben became tenser the closer they got. He had no idea how his parents would react, but he expected fireworks and harsh words. Ben directed Gareth to park on the driveway, and Gareth manoeuvred the car so it was ready to drive straight out once they had what they needed.
“Quick exit.” Gareth winked, easing Ben a little. “Come on. The quicker it’s done, the faster you can relax.”
Ben swallowed and exited the car, heading up the steps to the house. Before he reached the door, Gareth threaded his fingers through his. Ben almost pulled back, but Gareth squeezed his hand, and Ben found he couldn’t. He needed that connection. Inhaling, he let them in and headed straight for the stairs. His mother called his name, but he ignored her, hoping he could get to his room before she cornered them.
They did get there, and Ben pulled his hand free, grabbing a bag from the top of his wardrobe. He left it open on his bed and started with his bedside table. There was a small wooden box, a couple of books and some toiletries—he coughed and slanted a look at Gareth when he threw them in. Gareth grinned, and Ben bit his lip. He grabbed a few items of clothing from his wardrobe and his chest of drawers, grateful Gareth hadn’t offered to help, probably understanding Ben needed to do this himself. He nipped to the bathroom, grabbed a few things and raced back into the bedroom when he heard voices.
“Who are you?” his mother said.
Ben stepped into the room and paused. His mother had her hands on her hips and glared at Gareth, who stood in the same position he had been in the entire time they’d been there—relaxed and without a care in the world. Ben wished he was the same.
