“Yes, Sir. We gon’ be fine as frog hair.”
Isaac thought Alain had been crying, perhaps.
He stood again and put his hands on Alain’s shoulders, massaging gently. Alain was a physical creature, so he knew touch was important. “Do you want to take a break? Go get some water and maybe find a snack?”
“Are you hungry? I can find us something. Even a Coke and a Snickers.” Alain chuckled softly. “RC Cola and a Moon Pie.”
“Not really, but we probably should eat something, hm?”
“I’ll run to the cafeteria. It ought to be open. If it’s not, I’ll figure something out, I promise. You don’t think he’ll want anything—something to drink even?”
“I don’t think he’d be able to keep anything down yet even if he wanted something. Maybe tomorrow.” Maybe. Maybe not for a couple of days.
“Oh. Okay. I’ll grab a Sprite if I see one, just in case.”
God, had anything ever seemed so sweet?
“You’re a good boy, Alain.” He watched as Alain left and waited for the door to close, then took Neil’s hand.
“You, though.” He squeezed Neil’s fingers gently. “You are a naughty boy. But you’re my naughty boy, and I love you.”
Neil’s fingers twitched in his, and Neil’s eyelids fluttered, his boy fighting to get to him.
“You’re safe, and they gave you the good drugs, baby. Just rest. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I gotta say though, you look like hell. I hope you fucked up the other guy.” This was how he and Neil had communicated for years. They talked over and under and around things. They made stupid jokes when it got heavy. And they had intense scenes and made love like it was the last time, almost every time.
Neil’s fingers tightened, clutching his so hard it almost hurt, and one leg kicked out like he was running.
He squeezed back, the placed a hand on Neil’s chest pressing down lightly. He could feel Neil’s heart pounding under his touch. “You are safe, boy. Safe with me.”
“Safe. Don’t let them get you. Don’t let anyone in.”
The rush of emotions made his cheeks heat and his heart pound in his chest. Neil was talking, clearly, and that was good. That was so good. But what he was saying…it hadn’t even occurred to him that Neil—and he and Alain by extension—might still be in danger.
“I hear you, boy. No one I don’t know.”
Why didn’t they have security outside Neil’s room? He pulled out his phone and texted Brandon.
I’m not sure we’re safe here.
He wasn’t sure what Brandon could do about that, but he needed to ask for help.
Now he needed Alain to come back to the room.
About three minutes later, Brandon replied.Cyrus is on his way with Les. Fifteen minutes.
TY.That text was to Brandon. His next text was to Alain.Come on back, boy. He’s talking.
Okay. That was a good start. He’d talk to the guys when they arrived and figure it out what to do next.
“It’s going to be okay, Neil. We’re safe. I promise.”
OMW. Waiting on our sandwiches.
“Be careful. Be careful, Master. I love you.”
“I understand, Neil. I hear you. I love you too.” Jesus, he wished Neil were more coherent, but he also wanted the boy to rest.
“Love. Tell Kitten I want corn bread.”