With A Little Help From My Friends
Title: With A Little Help From My Friends - 11
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: light R, I think.
Summary: The truth comes out, and the consequences unfold.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta, frojane
Special Thanks: To loki_girl for the exquisite banner that she has created, and to tarnishedhalo for loaning me her inspirational manip for the centerpiece. I am so thankful and appreciative of you both, and your generosity.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. This is my imagination at work.
A/N: Warning of angst. Shocking, I know. And just to be safe, here’s another kleenex suggestion. I promise they’ll end soon. I hope.
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Chapter 11
“And then I sold the only thing I had left,” Dom says after a long pause. “Myself.”
There is a sharp intake of shocked breath from Aureen as she stares at Dom in disbelief, tears glistening in her eyes. After a few seconds, Billy dares to glance at Austin, but by the time he does, the older man’s face has hardened to become an expressionless panel.
“I wish I could tell you that it was just that one time,” Dom presses on, before he loses his nerve or falls apart. “But it wasn’t. It was the first of many times. I quit my job at the restaurant when I had bruises I couldn’t explain, and that’s how I made my living for the next three and a half years.”
The room is silent, save for the clock on the wall above them, the tiny hand ticking in a steady rhythm around the circle, a reminder of the time that they have missed, the time that Dom was lost. While Dom appears to be holding together remarkably well, he’s clinging to Billy’s hand like a lifeline, squeezing in time to his unsteady breaths. Automatically, Billy’s small fingers move to the nape of Dom’s slender neck, where he gently strokes the tense muscles there, petting the soft strands of Dom’s hair. When Billy looks across the table, he finds Aureen staring at him so intensely that his breath catches in his throat.
“Yes. To my everlasting shame, yes,” Billy says quietly, holding Aureen’s questioning gaze as he admits his part in it. “I was one of them, who paid.”
“You-”
“It’s not that simple, Bills,” Dom protests, interrupting what he’s sure is condemnation from his mother. “It’s not like you went looking for that. You went to the pub for a drink. I’m the one who came after you.”
“I’m still at least partially responsible for you being out there,” Billy insists. “I found out what you were doing, and I didn’t walk away. I didn’t try to stop it. I-”
“And then you saved my life,” Dom blurts out.
“What are you talking about?” Aureen demands. “What happened?”
Shifting his gaze back to his mother, Dom hesitantly replies, “I was attacked.”
“What?” she gasps. “When?”
“October,” Dom explains. “My flat got broken into, and I came home to find a mess and a lot of money stolen. I was working, to try to make it back, when I made the wrong choice. I had a bad feeling, but I didn’t listen, and I paid the price. He did things that we never agreed on. He hurt me. A lot.”
Dom can’t bring himself to give the brutal details of the cruel whipping he endured, and how he’d been left for dead on his floor, bleeding and unconscious. It’s bad enough that they know he was hurt.
“Where were you?” Aureen demands heatedly, looking to Billy for a response.
“In London, at a convention for the book shop,” Billy replies regretfully. “I didn’t know until I came to see him the night I got back.”
“I would’ve died if he hadn’t found me,” Dom whispers, pressing closer into Billy’s side. “He took care of me, and gave me a place to live, right down the hall from him. As his flatmate, and friend.”
Dubious, Aureen arches an eyebrow “Not as-”
“No,” Billy says firmly. “I couldn’t. Not one more day, not one more minute. I had to do something to stop it.” Pausing, Billy looks deep into Dom’s eyes. “I was falling in love with him, and I couldn’t bear for him to be in that horrible life. I pushed him until he said he’d stay, because I wasn’t about to take no for an answer.”
Leaning in close, Billy presses a kiss to Dom’s temple.
“I wasn’t going to tell you about any of this,” Dom continues, his eyes averted as he speaks. “I thought you’d suffered enough, having to wonder if I was dead, but I can’t move on, because it’s a lie. I love you both so much, and I can’t lie to you. So, I came here to tell you the truth.”
“That’s everything?” Aureen inquires. “There’s nothing else we need to know?”
Silently, Dom shakes his head, and swallows hard. “I’m sorry I lied to you. I just missed you both so much, and I wanted for it to be like it was. I tried, but I couldn’t do it.”
Pleading desperately with his eyes, Dom looks back and forth between his parents, searching for a sign as to what they’re going to say, but as the seconds pass, the silence grows more stifling.
“Mum?” he whispers. “Dad?”
“I need some air,” Austin chokes out stiffly, rising quickly to his feet and striding out of the kitchen. A few moments later, the front door opens and then closes with a sharp click.
Eyes shut tight in an attempt to control the tears welling up in his eyes, Dom’s lower lip trembles, his breath uneven and raspy in the quiet. Squeezing Dom’s hand, Billy looks from Aureen to Dom and back again, not knowing what to say, and feeling utterly helpless.
“Dominic?” Aureen say quietly.
Shaking violently and staring at the floor, Dom can’t make himself meet his mother’s gaze, as fear has stolen his strength. When Aureen stands up, a strangled sob rips from Dom’s throat to fill the air. Dom is about to fall apart completely, and then Aureen is shifting her chair over so they’re sitting side by side, and she’s gathering him in her arms. She tucks Dom’s head under her chin and strokes his trembling back as she rubs her cheek against his hair, murmuring something under her breath that Billy doesn’t understand, but it doesn’t seem to matter, as Dom sinks limply into her embrace.
Sensing Dom’s need, Billy releases his long fingers, moving his hand to Dom’s knee as the younger man clings desperately to his mother. Nearly two minutes pass without words, Billy watching mother and son hold one another, inordinately touched by the devotion and outpouring of love in Aureen’s tearful eyes.
“He needs some time, love,” Aureen soothes, cupping her son’s cheek and kissing his forehead. “It’s quite a shock, as you can imagine.”
Drawing in a ragged breath, Dom hoarsely says, “Maybe I shouldn’t have told-”
“No!” Aureen interrupts firmly, tightening her hold on Dom. “We already lost you once because of secrets. I won’t let that happen again. We just got you back, sweetheart.”
“But Mum-” Looking up as hot tears spill down his cheeks, Dom sniffs and clears his throat. “What if it’s too much? What if he can’t-”
"Dominic, I don't think this is about what you did to survive," Aureen continues, one of her thumbs brushing away a salty tear clinging to Dom's jaw line. "I believe he thinks he failed you. Failed to protect you, and keep you safe."
"But it wasn't his fault!" Dom cries in protest. "I don't blame him. Or you."
"Do you blame yourself?" Aureen asks gently, glancing at Billy for confirmation.
"For a long time, I did," Dom admits in a low voice. "But I'm getting better, thanks to Billy."
"No, Dommie," Billy corrects lovingly. "You've been going to therapy and working hard, dealing with so much. It's because of your dedication that you're so much better."
“Therapy?” Aureen repeats. “That’s what brought this on?”
“Yes,” Dom confirms as he sits up straight again, reaching for Billy’s small hand. “Billy asked me to consider going, so I’d have someone to help me deal with what happened, and how to move on with my life.”
“Your suggestion?” Aureen inquires, looking to Billy.
“Aye.”
“It’s helped a lot, Mum,” Dom tells her. “It’s been hard, but nothing compared to this. Now that Dad-”
“Give him some time, Dominic," Aureen interrupts, smoothing Dom's mussed hair off his forehead and looking deep into his eyes. "Your father loves you, and nothing will change that. I promise."
Slowly, Dom nods, but both Billy and Aureen can tell that he's not convinced.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s only at Aureen and Billy’s insistence that Dom forces himself to eat a slice of toast with strawberry jam and sip some sweet tea before he can finally escape the kitchen. While he curls up in a chair in the lounge by the window, Aureen tucks the large bowl of pancake batter into the fridge, insisting that it’ll keep, and once Austin gets back, they can sit down and have a late breakfast together.
Time moves agonizingly slow, and nearly an hour passes before Billy gently urges Dom to stand up, telling him a nap will help him feel better. Silently Billy hopes that Dom will sleep for a long while, and when he wakes, Austin will have returned to make peace. Reluctantly, Dom agrees, and is tucked into bed with a couple of minutes, Billy curled into his body, petting his hair and stroking his back in slow, tender caresses.
“You don’t have to stay,” Dom says softly, his long fingers smoothing out the creases in Billy’s shirt.
Brow furrowing, Billy replies, “Do you want me to go?”
“No, but-”
“Dommie, I’m here for whatever you need, love.”
“Are you tired?”
“Not really, but I’ll make you a deal,” Billy says, suggesting a compromise so Dom won’t feel like he’s imposing. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep. When you wake up, come find me, unless I’ve gotten lonely and have crawled back into bed with you.”
Dom can’t help but tip his head up and flash a tiny smile. “Deal.”
Although he doesn’t really feel like napping, Dom obeys when Billy requests that he close his eyes, and the soothing rhythm of Billy’s heartbeat against his cheek soon lulls him to sleep.
Only when he’s sure Dom is slumbering deeply does Billy slip off the narrow bed, brushing a feathery kiss across Dom’s slack lips before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. While he has every intention of finding Aureen to explain himself, to endure whatever anger or judgment she has of him, without Dom there to defend him, Billy is unable to do so when he discovers Aureen dozing in the lounge, a childhood picture of Dom resting in her lap. All too aware of the emotional exhaustion that she’s dealing with after what was revealed this morning, Billy doesn’t disturb her. There will be other opportunities for them to talk.
Making his way quietly to the study, Billy selects a book from a case near the door and settles into a chair in the corner by the window. He has no idea how much time has passed when the front door opens and footsteps move through the house, down the hall, towards him. Looking up from his book, Billy inhales sharply and sits up straight when he spots Austin standing in the doorway, gazing at him rather intently.
“Where’s Dom?” the older man asks, looking around the room.
“Upstairs. Resting,” Billy replies, closing the book and putting it down in order to give Austin his full attention. “Both he and Aureen needed to lie down for a while. Dom has had trouble sleeping, the last few nights especially.”
“So it’s just you and me,” Austin says as he crosses the room and takes a seat in a chair facing Billy’s.
“Yes sir.”
“Well then, Billy, or is it actually William?”
“I prefer Billy. My father was William.”
“Was?”
“I lost both of my parents when I was young,” Billy explains. “My grandmother raised my sister, Maggie, and myself.”
“I’m sorry,” Austin says sincerely. “That must have been difficult for you.”
“Thank you.”
“So, Billy,” Austin continues as he leans back in his chair, his eyes focused on the younger man. “Forgive me for sounding old fashioned here, but there are some things I think we should talk about. Questions I have. Concerns. Things that I wasn’t aware of when we spoke last.”
“I’ll do my best to answer them,” Billy says tightly, swallowing the nervous lump in his throat. “Sir.”
“Do you love my son?” Austin asks bluntly.
“With all of my heart,” Billy replies, his eyes softening at the thought of his sweet, young lover.
“What are your intentions?”
Surprised at the question, Billy’s eyebrows lift. “Pardon me?”
“Is this short term, until Dom’s back on track, or is this more?” Austin explains his gaze deadly serious. “I think we can both agree that Dominic has been through enough in the last few years. If you’re planning on moving on, when Dom no longer needs rescuing, I’d like to be prepared.”
Aureen’s words to Dom earlier, how Austin likely felt that he failed to protect his son, echo in Billy’s memory, and he swallows again before answering.
“Well sir,” Billy begins. “I was thinking that after some time passes, and Dom is further along in the healing process, feeling stronger, I would like to come back here, to Manchester.”
“Here?” Austin says in confusion. “Why?”
“So that I could ask you for your blessing in asking Dom to marry me,” Billy finishes. “I can only imagine your suspicion of me now, knowing what you know. I have no excuses for my participation in keeping Dom in that life, and all I can do is apologize and hope that you can forgive my faults.”
Eyes widening, Austin takes a long moment in silence, his gaze never wavering from Billy’s.
“Oh?”
“I love Dom, very much, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but I know that right now, he’s not ready,” Billy explains. “I want him to realize that he has the ability to make his way through the world on his own, but that he doesn’t have to. I’m hoping that he’ll make the choice to be with me. As a partner. For life.”
“I see.”
“But I don’t want to rush him,” Billy adds quickly. “Coming here was a huge step, and there is lots of work to be done before I’ll be asking-”
“No,” Austin interrupts, lacing his fingers together in his lap.
“But sir!”
Panic rises like a tidal wave inside Billy, stealing his breath and twisting his belly into tight, painful knots. Lifting a hand, Austin gestures for Billy to be quiet, and biting down on his lower lip, Billy complies with the silent request.
“I went for a walk, and I thought about everything you said, today, and when we met,” Austin says, after pursing his lips briefly. “I replayed our conversations in my head. Then I thought about what Dom was going through back then, and how he was when I saw the two of you together, downstairs in your office. You came with him to Manchester, knowing that we were going to find out some things about you that I know you’re not proud of, but you still came.”
“Yes sir.”
“You’re human, and you’ve made mistakes,” Austin continues. “I can’t say that I approve of the way you met, but I can’t deny the fact that I’ve never seen Dom more content and cared for. As much as I want to protect him, the truth is, he’s not a boy anymore. He’s a grown man, and he’s made his choice.”
Hope springs new life, and Billy draws in an unsteady breath as Austin watches him closely. Perhaps this can work out, Billy realizes, and Dom will get what he dreamed of. A relationship with his parents and the man he loves.
“You may come back to Manchester if you choose, in fact, I’m sure Aureen would love it if you would, as she adores you, but there’s no need for a special trip with regards to you asking for my blessing,” Austin says, his tone calm and serious. “And that’s because you have it now, Billy.”
Cherubic mouth dropping open in shock, Billy struggles to form words.
“Sir-”
“Please, call me Austin, and perhaps when you feel comfortable, you could call me Dad,” Austin adds with a warm smile. “Welcome to the family.”
“I haven’t asked him yet,” Billy protests softly.
“If Dom loves you half as much as you love him,” the older man says as he rises from his chair, “I can’t imagine him saying anything but yes.”
“Thank you,” Billy says, his voice wavering with emotion. “Austin.”
“I need to thank you, actually,” Austin corrects. “For loving my son, and giving me peace of mind.” Smiling, he then nods. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go find him now.”
Without another word, Austin leaves the room, and Billy is left alone once again. Hearing some noise down near the kitchen, Billy silently makes his way over to the door and peeks down the hall.
Nervous and unsure, hair tousled from sleep, Dom waits by the kitchen table as his father approaches, a tiny cry of surprise pushing past his lips when Austin pulls him close. Before he knows what’s happening, Dom is enveloped in Austin’s embrace and a moment later, a sob of relief is being muffled against Austin’s shoulder as he gently cradles his youngest son.
The sight before Billy is so beautiful, he wishes he had a camera to capture it, especially for Dom. Such a moment that will be treasured for years to come.
Eyes fluttering open, Dom’s gaze finds Billy’s across the distance, and he mouths ‘Thank you’ to Billy as he hugs his father. Smiling as his eyes glisten with happy tears, Billy mouths back ‘Love you.’ Nodding, Dom then buries his face in Austin’s neck and squeezes tighter.
Wanting to give father and son some privacy, Billy slips back into the study, taking a seat on the couch and settling back into his reading. Just a few minutes have passed when Dom sinks down beside Billy and lays his head on Billy’s shoulder.
“Hey,” Billy says, closing his book as he turns his head and kisses Dom’s hair. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Much better, actually,” Dom replies with a sigh.
“Good.”
Shifting closer, Dom smiles when Billy sets his book down and wraps his arms around the younger man to cuddle him close. Automatically tilting his face up, Dom sighs ever so softly when Billy brushes a tender kiss across his lips.
“Glad we came here?” Billy asks gently, his fingers sliding through Dom’s hair, almost petting him.
“Yeah.”
“I’m so proud of you, Dommie,” Billy murmurs gently. “It was very brave, what you did this morning.”
“I didn’t feel very brave,” Dom comments ruefully. “There’s no way I could’ve done this without you.”
“Dommie, the definition of brave is being afraid of something, and then doing it anyways,” Billy says, stroking Dom’s slender back. “I should know. I sell books for a living, you know. Including dictionaries.”
Chuckling softly, Dom snuggles into Billy further, until he’s practically in Billy’s lap. Not minding in the least and welcoming the opportunity to be close to his lover, Billy cradles Dom to his chest, relieved beyond words that the truth is finally out, and that Dom’s parents are still supportive of their son. Billy’s been afraid that the trip would damage his sweet Dommie beyond repair, but thankfully, his nightmares didn’t come true.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Aureen says as she steps inside the study and stops short at the sight of the couple and their position. “ I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“It’s fine, Mum. Really,” Dom replies with a warm smile. “C’mon in.”
“Actually, your father is looking for you, and I thought perhaps Billy could keep me company in the kitchen while I make breakfast. Your brother will be here tonight, so I’ve got some planning to do.”
“Of course,” Billy replies before Dom can say anything, realizing that this could be his opportunity to speak to Aureen one on one. “I’d love to.”
Untangling themselves, Dom gives Billy a quick kiss on the cheek and then Billy is following Aureen down the hall. Immediately, he is put to work, washing and then preparing vegetables while Aureen pulls the pancake batter and bacon out of the fridge. Nearly five minutes pass before Billy works up the nerve to speak.
“I owe you an apol-”
“You owe me nothing, Billy,” Aureen interrupts firmly. “When we met, I couldn’t figure out why you spoke as though you were undeserving of my gratitude. Now I understand.”
“I have no excuses for what I did,” Billy says in a low voice, his gaze fixed on the half-peeled carrot in his hand. “I take full responsibility-”
“For what?” Aureen asks, cutting him off. “Dom had been in that life for years before he met you. Years. The difference between you and all the others is that you cared about him.”
“From the beginning,” Billy interjects, finally meeting Aureen’s intense gaze. “I knew there was something special about him that first night. It was never just about-”
Stopping abruptly, Billy swallows hard, watching closely as Aureen nods her understanding. It was never just about the sex.
“I see how Dom looks at you,” Aureen says, eyes locked with Billy’s. “I see the way you touch him, and how he lights up when you enter the room. It’s clear to me that you love each other, and I can see that Dom isn’t holding onto the circumstances of how you met. He doesn’t consider you responsible for what happened to him, because it wasn’t your fault. He made some bad choices, and it wasn’t until he had nothing left that he agreed to let you help him.”
“I had to,” Billy whispers, his eyes bright. “I couldn’t stand by and let him suffer. I already loved him.”
“I know,” Aureen says gently. “So please, forgive yourself for a moment of weakness and making a mistake, because that decision ultimately saved my son’s life. I don’t expect you to be perfect, Billy. You’ve proven yourself to me, by giving Dom a second chance at a future, one filled with hope, happiness, and most of all, love. You encouraged him to go back to school, reconnect with us, and supported him every step of the way.”
Wrapping her arms around Billy’s shoulders, Aureen draws his close for a gentle, comforting hug. “And I still say you’re an angel, because you brought my child home, when I was afraid that he’d been lost forever.”
“For as long as I live, I’ll love him,” Billy vows as their eyes meet. “Protect him.”
“I already knew that,” Aureen replies with a smile. “And so does Dom.”
Nodding unsteadily, Billy blinks rapidly and clears his throat in an attempt to pull himself together.
“Now we better get to work,” Aureen announces. “I’m going to have all three of my sons at the dinner table tonight, and something tells me that they’re going to be hungry.”
“Three?” Billy repeats in confusion, as Dom has never mentioned another brother.
Smiling fondly, Aureen cups Billy’s cheek and looks deep into his eyes.
“You wouldn’t mind too much if I adopted you, would you?” she asks softly. “Loved you like one of my sons?”
Realization dawning, Billy’s eyes widen for a moment, and then he smiles.
“I would be honored,” he replies solemnly.
“Good. Now lets make some breakfast, shall we?” Aureen suggests. “Dominic loves my pancakes.”
“I know. It was the first thing I learned about you, when Dom was starting to open up about his life before,” Billy shares, inordinately pleased when Aureen is evidently touched by the revelation. “He has many fond memories of the time you’ve spent in the kitchen together.”
“Thank you,” Aureen murmurs gently, and turns her attention to the frying pan, a happy smile turning up the corners of her mouth.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Looking out the window into the back garden and watching Dom and his brother joke and laugh with their father, Aureen turns and focuses her attention on Billy, who is hard at work cutting up romaine lettuce for a salad, as per her instructions.
“Would you tell me what happened to him?” At Billy’s confused frown, she adds, “I mean when he was attacked.”
“Oh,” Billy replies on a quiet sigh. “That.”
“It must’ve been terrible, since Dom didn’t give any details.”
“He was beaten,” Billy says quietly, his eyes growing misty at the memory of Dom’s violated skin. “Whipped actually.”
“Oh my God,” Aureen gasps, setting aside the tray of chicken she’s just covered in an herb sauce to marinate.
“They were in his flat when it happened, and he woke up on the floor the morning after. I got back from London that night, and he was working, in the pouring rain,” Billy continues sadly, a shiver traveling up his spine and along his limbs, causing him to shudder. “He tried to hide it from me, but I saw he was in pain. It was bad enough that he had a dangerous case of shock as well. I stayed with him that night, and cleaned him up as best I could. There were dozens of cuts, all over his back. I lost count of how many there were. He was still wearing his jeans when it happened, and I think that's what saved some of his skin.”
“Why not take him to a hospital?”
“I tried, but he refused,” Billy explains gently. “He knew he’d have to explain how it happened, and he was afraid of being arrested, because of his profession.”
Understanding, Aureen slowly nods. “Oh. Right.”
“He came by the shop that afternoon, after I told him to stay in bed, and that was the night he agreed to move in,” Billy continues. “The next morning I took him to a doctor friend of mine, Viggo, who runs a private clinic. I knew he'd be safe there.”
“He’s been-” Aureen stops short and takes a deep breath before trying again. “He’s been tested?”
“Yes,” Billy confirms. “He’s clean. He's all right.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Aureen presses a hand to her heart and glances out the window in time to see her husband slide an arm around Dom’s slender shoulders for a brief hug. “Thank God.”
“He’s doing really well, I promise," Billy vows, wanting to offer some comfort and hope. "He’s got a few scars left, but they’re fading. A little bit more every single day.”
“About the attack,” Aureen says, shifting from one foot to the other and pressing her lips together in a tight line. “Was it- I mean, not that the whipping wasn’t horrible, but-”
“What?”
“Was he raped, too?” Aureen whispers, eyes glistening as she waits for Billy’s reply.
“No,” Billy says, sliding his arm around her shoulders. “I wondered about that myself, so I asked him that first night, after I gave him a few pills to help him sleep. He explained that it wasn’t about sex, it was about inflicting pain. He lost consciousness, and that was enough to satisfy the sick bastard who hurt him.”
"But he was before, wasn't he?" Aureen whispers, her eyes unbearably sad. "He has been raped."
A hard lump catches in Billy’s throat, and he tries desperately to keep his face neutral. He and Dom haven’t talked about whether or not he was going to share that part of his history with his parents.
“Dom doesn’t give many details about former customers,” Billy replies evasively, hoping to deflect Aureen’s question. “I couldn’t tell you.”
“I didn’t mean while he was working on the street,” Aureen corrects, staring intently. “I’m realistic enough to know that more than likely he was mistreated, on more than one occasion, by men who didn’t care like you. I was referring to before. When he lived here.”
“I, uh, I- Don’t you think it would be better if you discussed it directly with Dom?” Billy says hesitantly. “I wasn’t around back then, so-”
“That means yes,” Aureen interjects, the sound of her heart breaking nearly audible, and then she lowers her head as her eyes fill with hot, salty tears.
“Aureen-”
“The day after his birthday party, I could see that there was something terribly wrong,” Aureen whispers unsteadily. “I wasn’t expecting him to be back from the party that early. I heard the shower running, and I was going to talk to him, but then the doorbell rang. His boyfriend was there, and he wanted to talk to Dom. When Dom came out of the shower his eyes were strange. Flat. Distant. And then I saw the bruises on his wrists. How stiffly he walked.”
Sadness spreads through Billy as he watches Aureen recall the painful memories.
“I asked him what had happened, but he wouldn’t answer me,” Aureen says softly. “He brushed it off like it was nothing, said it was nothing. I knew he was lying. I knew something terrible had happened.”
Swallowing hard and blinking to clear his vision, Billy quietly responds, “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want Dom to have to relive that in order to tell me,” Aureen continues tearfully. “But I need to know. Where did I go wrong? I need to know how I failed him.”
“You didn’t fail him,” Billy says gently, cautiously reaching out to take Aureen’s shaking hands in his. “It wasn’t your fault. He was manipulated and seduced by someone who knew just the right things to say. Dom wanted to be loved, and unfortunately, he trusted the wrong person, because he was blinded by what he wanted to believe.”
“There must’ve been something I could’ve said or done-”
“I don’t think there was,” Billy interrupts. “And I know he doesn’t blame you or Austin. It would break his heart if he knew you thought it was your fault, because you did all you could. Dom has told me that. He was drawn in by a master manipulator, and he was horribly used.” Shaking his head sadly, Billy takes a slow, deep breath. “He knows that you did everything you could, and part of the guilt that he’s dealing with now is that he didn’t cherish his parents the way he should’ve. The good news is, now he has the chance to fix that.”
“I can see why my son loves you so much,” Aureen comments as she sniffs and brushes at her damp eyes. She looks to Billy for confirmation that there is no evidence of her tears, and Billy nods.
“I love him, too,” Billy says quietly. “I’m crazy about him.”
“Well then. We’d better get back to work, or there will be some very hungry people wondering what we’ve been doing instead of cooking,” Aureen decides, needing to change the subject, an idea that Billy welcomes.
Nodding in agreement, Billy begins slicing mushrooms, pausing occasionally to glance out the window and observe Dom, relaxed and happy, smiling when Dom realizes he’s being watched and meets Billy’s warm gaze. In a matter of moments, Dom is closing the distance between them, crossing the kitchen floor and wrapping one arm around his mother’s waist, the other stretching out so his fingers rest lightly on Billy’s shoulder. Wordlessly, Aureen’s arms wrap around Dom’s lithe body and she holds him tight, Billy’s recent revelations causing her eyes to glisten.
Suddenly feeling like he’s intruding, Billy lays down his knife and starts to withdraw, but he’s halted when Dom’s fingers grip a handful of his shirt, freezing him in place. While Dom may not speak, the message is crystal clear. Stay.
Allowing himself to be tugged forward, Billy curls into the line of Dom’s body, and then Aureen is moving her arm so Billy is enveloped in her embrace as well.
“I am so glad you found each other,” Aureen whispers, kissing both of their cheeks.
Turning their heads so their eyes meet, Billy and Dom share a long, tender look, then close their eyes as they lean into one another, showing Aureen that they feel exactly the same way.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Later that night, the house has fallen quiet, and the lovers are tucked into Dom’s small bed, Billy’s small fingers sliding along the shallow groove of Dom’s slender back while Dom’s head rests on his chest.
“What are you thinking about?” Billy asks softly as he watches Dom’s hand slide back and forth across his t-shirt clad torso.
“How lucky I am,” Dom replies, then pushes himself up on one elbow so their eyes can meet. “Thank you for being here, Bills. You helped a lot. Just knowing that you were there, whenever I needed you-”
“You’re welcome,” Billy replies gently. “I’m glad it worked out as well as it did.”
Rocking forward on his elbow, Dom brings their lips together for a long, tender kiss, their tongues touching briefly as Billy’s fingers card through Dom’s tousled hair. Sighing with contentment, Dom relaxes into Billy’s touch, shifting until he’s stretched out on the mattress, and Billy has wrapped his arms around him. Gently seeking permission to deepen the intimate contact, Billy traces the seam of Dom’s lips with the tip of his pointy tongue and quietly moans when Dom invites him in further. Delving into the honeyed sweetness of Dom’s lush mouth, seeking more of his intoxicating flavor, Billy kisses, nibbles, licks and sucks until Dom is limp and pliant beneath him, hot breath caressing his cheek.
Once Dom’s lips are rosy and swollen from their passionate kisses, Billy moves south, lapping at Dom’s erratic pulse, murmuring his pleasure at the taste of his lover. Dom’s breath catches when Billy’s fingers slip under the hem of his t-shirt and begin stroking his flat stomach and teasing at the sensitive circle of his belly button.
“Bills,” Dom gasps. “Wait.”
Lifting his head, his eyes dark with passion and cheeks flushed, Billy immediately withdraws his hand and looks deep into Dom’s expressive eyes.
“What, Dommie?” he inquires.
“I’m not- I mean, it’s just been a tough day, and I-” Breaking off, Dom bites down on his lower lip for a moment. “Do you mind if we don’t-”
“Dommie, I wasn’t expecting us to have sex tonight,” Billy soothes, smiling gently and petting Dom’s chest. “I just wanted to cuddle with you a little, and show you how much I love being with you, touching you, loving you.”
“Really?” Dom asks in a quiet voice, a blush staining his cheeks.
“I didn’t bring anything with me, either,” Billy reveals. “I didn’t think you’d be in the mood, and with your parents right down the hall-”
“Good point.”
“Are you ready to go to turn in, love?” Billy murmurs. “I know you didn’t sleep very well last night, and with everything that happened today, I know I’m exhausted.”
“Yeah, I am rather knackered,” Dom admits. “Not that I don’t love kissing you.”
Shifting on the small mattress until he’s on his side and Dom is curled into his warmth, Billy guides Dom’s blonde head closer to rest against his chest and wraps his arms around the younger man.
“Close your eyes, my Dommie,” Billy instructs.
“G’night, Bills,” Dom replies, already being lulled off by the steady, comforting rhythm of Billy’s heartbeat. “Love you.”
“Love you, too,” Billy murmurs as he rubs Dom’s back in slow, tender caresses. “Sweet dreams.”
“Of you.”
In the darkness, Billy smiles, and closes his eyes.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s mid-afternoon on Sunday before Dom and Billy reluctantly pack their suitcases into the boot of the car, say goodbye to Aureen and Austin, and begin the journey home. Although Dom offers to take the wheel, since Billy had driven them to Manchester a couple of days ago, Billy gently refuses, ushering Dom into the passenger seat and requesting that he buckle his seat belt.
It turns out that Billy was quite wise in the decision to drive, because a short while later Dom falls asleep with one of his hands resting on Billy’s thigh, the emotional upheaval of the past few months taking their toll, his body needing the rest to recuperate. Billy smiles fondly at Dom as he slumbers, and tenderly draws Dom’s silky hair off his face before returning his attention to the road.
Fortunately, traffic is light, and just as darkness is beginning to fall, Billy guides the car into the parking space behind the book shop and pulls to a stop. When he cuts the engine, Dom shifts and mutters something unintelligible under his breath, causing Billy to smile. After releasing his seat belt, Billy leans over and brushes a feathery kiss over Dom’s cheek.
“We’re home, love,” he whispers.
Sliding a hand along Dom’s outer thigh from knee to hip, Billy watches as Dom’s eyes slowly flutter open.
“I fell asleep,” Dom realizes. “I’m sorry, Bills. I was going to keep you company while you drove.”
“It’s all right, Dommie,” Billy soothes. “You’ve been through a lot, and you’re listening to your body, giving it what it needs. Like rest.”
Reaching up, Dom’s fingers tighten around the lapel of Billy’s jacket, and he tugs insistently until their lips meet in a soft, lingering kiss.
“C’mon, love,” Billy says gently when they part. “Lets go inside.”
“M’kay.”
Dom scrubs a hand over his face to wake himself up and swallows a yawn while Billy opens the boot of the car and pulls out their suitcases. Smiling as Dom takes one of them before following him over to the back door of the book shop, Billy quickly opens the locks and holds the door open for Dom to enter ahead of him. Billy is right behind Dom when he stops short and their bodies collide, Billy’s hand clutching at Dom’s hip to keep his balance.
“Whoa,” Dom says in surprise.
“What?” Billy asks before leaning to one side to see what has caught Dom’s attention.
Eyes widening with surprise, Billy can only stare at the rather impressive pile of boxes stacked up in front of the storage room. His brow furrows in confusion, and after setting down his suitcase, Billy walks over to the boxes and picks up an envelope sitting on top. Withdrawing the contents, Billy’s jaw drops open in surprise as he scans the invoices for the summer order he was expecting, and was resigned to having to pay extra fees for. At the bottom of the last page, Billy recognizes a familiar signature.
“Oh, Mark,” he says softly.
“What?” Dom asks, laying his chin on Billy’s shoulder.
“A good friend did me a favor,” Billy replies. “A big favor.”
“I’m confused,” Dom says. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Mark had plans to go see Emily this weekend, and I closed the shop so we could go to Manchester,” Billy reveals. “I knew this order was going to arrive and that nobody would be here to sign for it. You needed me and that was more important, so I was going to pay the refusal fees for the books.”
“Billy!”
“It would seem that Mark changed his plans and came in on Saturday,” Billy finishes as he lays the envelope back down. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Dom demands, tugging on Billy’s arm until they’re face to face. “If I had known-”
“You were in so much pain, Dommie,” Billy interrupts. “And going to Manchester was what you needed. I don’t regret it, and I would do it again.”
Curling into Billy, Dom wraps his arms around him and hugs him tightly, pressing his nose into Billy’s neck.
“Please don’t do that again,” Dom requests quietly.
“What? Take care of you when you need it?”
Looking up, Dom gazes deep into Billy’s eyes. “Lie to me because you think it’s better to protect me.”
“Dommie-”
“No, I mean it. You want me to lean on you when I need help, then I need to know that you’ll lean on me,” Dom says firmly. “So promise me.”
Seeing the determination in Dom’s eyes and the truth of his words, Billy slowly nods. “You’re right. We need to lean on each other.”
“Because that’s what couples do,” Dom adds, and then presses his lips to Billy’s cherubic mouth for a tender kiss. “Right?”
“Aye,” Billy replies softly. “Thank you.”
After ensuring that the back door is locked and the shop secure for the night, Billy and Dom head upstairs with their suitcases in tow. In the foyer, Dom pauses to peel off his jacket and then reaches for Billy’s hand, tugging him towards the bedroom.
“Lets unpack tomorrow,” he says. “Come with me to bed?”
Smiling tenderly, Billy draws the fingers of his free hand through Dom’s silky hair. “Tired, love?”
An unmistakably sensual smile turns up the corners of Dom’s crooked mouth as his heated gaze slides over Billy’s face and body.
“Not yet.”
“Oh,” Billy says softly as realization dawns, and then their mouths are meeting in a long, warm, passionate kiss, arms winding around one another, seeking closer contact.
“Do you want to?” Dom asks when they part for breath, the faintest hint of uncertainty in his tone. “I know it’s been a while, since we-”
“Dommie, I love making love with you,” Billy interjects, stringing kisses across Dom’s cheek. “I just didn’t want to pressure you, if you weren’t in the mood.”
“Well, I am now, if you are,” Dom says with a sigh, tipping his head back and offering his throat to Billy’s hungry mouth.
Amid long kisses and eager caresses, Dom’s t-shirt is tugged up his lithe torso, their lips parting just long enough for the cotton to be removed, and Dom’s bare flesh exposed. At Dom’s moan of pleasure, Billy starts to shrug out of his jacket, their intimate laughter mingling when Dom’s hands rush to help and then peel away Billy’s shirt beneath. Naked skin rubs together wantonly, Dom’s mewling pleas urging Billy on, until Dom is pressed against the wall, Billy’s hips rocking in an intoxicating rhythm.
As Dom buries his face in Billy’s damp neck, sucking and nibbling at the taught tendon he finds there, Billy’s fingers move down Dom’s heaving belly and fumble with the button and fly of his blue jeans. Billy steps back just enough so the denim can slide over his lover’s narrow hips, and then his small fingers are wrapping around Dom’s throbbing erection. The gentle touch to his sensitized flesh causes Dom to throw back his head and cry out lustily, his hips canting forward, searching for more of Billy’s sensuous caress.
“I love your body,” Billy whispers between hot, moist kisses. “I love the sounds you make when I touch you.”
“Don’t stop,” Dom begs and arches his back, fingers clutching at Billy’s biceps.
Sliding one hand behind Dom’s left knee, Billy tugs gently until the long leg is wrapped around his hip, and he repeats the action before supporting Dom’s weight by cupping the sweet curve of his arse in his small hands. The change in position causes Dom’s erection to be pressed firmly against Billy’s stomach, and Dom writhes in ecstasy, panting and moaning when Billy’s pointy tongue laps at the hollow of his throat.
“Oh I’ve missed this,” Dom gasps, whimpering as his lover rocks his hips in a tantalizing circle.
“Are you ready for bed, love?” Billy inquires, nuzzling their noses together.
Eyes drowsy with desire and body shaking with need, Dom nods. “Make love to me, Bills,” he whispers. “Touch me.”
With Dom’s slender body wrapped around him and cradled tenderly in his embrace, Billy turns and slowly walks down the hall to their bedroom, and closes the room behind them.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s sunrise that starts to pull Dom from the comfort of sleep, and he shifts on the mattress in an attempt to avoid it, rolling over and burrowing into the warm, furry body next to him, smiling at the gently possessive arm wrapped around his waist. Dom tucks his head under Billy’s chin and slides a long leg around Billy’s hip, and when Billy’s knee presses between his thighs, Dom sighs with contentment. Since they made love, slowly and achingly tender, well into the night, Dom happily slips back into dreamland with Billy’s arms around him, to ensure that he feels safe and very loved. The last thing Dom remembers before sleep takes him is the sensation of small fingers lazily stroking the nape of his neck.
The next time Dom opens his eyes, Billy is grumbling unintelligibly in a thick, Scottish brogue as he slaps at the clock on the night stand, finally connecting with the Snooze button and silencing the irritating, insistent beeping. Letting out a satisfied grunt, Billy focuses his attention on the armful of naked skin curled against him.
“Morning,” Dom says with a sleepy smile.
“Good morning, love,” Billy replies in a low rasp. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a baby.”
“Good.”
Pushing himself up onto one elbow, Dom leans in for a playful, nibbling kiss, sighing with pleasure when Billy’s hand slides along his thigh and then cups a naked cheek, squeezing gently. Moaning his enjoyment, Billy rolls onto his back, taking Dom with him so his lover is sprawled over him, mouths opening so tongues can touch and explore. For several minutes their lips meet and part in long, lazy kisses, one of Billy’s hands moving higher to card through Dom’s sensually tousled hair, the other resting at the small of Dom’s slender back.
“Lets stay in bed all day,” Dom murmurs between kisses. “Make love.”
“I’d love to, Dommie,” Billy replies regretfully, his cherubic mouth moving to the scruffy jaw line of his lover’s face, where his tongue darts out to taste his skin. “But I have to open the shop, and you really need to get back to school. ”
Knowing full well that Billy is right, considering he’s already missed several days of his A-level classes, Dom can’t hide the disappointment in his expression.
“Yeah,” he says softly.
“Are you worried about being behind?” Billy asks as Dom shifts to lay his cheek against the gingery hair covering Billy’s chest.
“No, I should be okay, because you called the school to get the work I missed,” Dom replies. “Did I say thank you for that?”
“You did,” Billy assures him. “Several times.”
For long, comfortable moments, there is no talking, and Billy’s hands move in slow, gentle caresses over Dom’s bare skin.
“Bills?”
“Aye?”
“Would you take a shower with me?” Dom inquires, looking up to meet Billy’s gaze.
“I’d love to,” Billy replies huskily.
Sliding his hands under Dom’s arms to secure a hold, Billy nearly effortlessly slides Dom body higher so their mouths can meet in deep, wet, passionate kisses, tongues thrusting and parrying sensuously. They remain wrapped up together, even as they climb out of bed and stumble into the loo to take a shower, intimate laughter bubbling up between them. When the alarm clock begins to beep once again, the lovers don’t hear it, the lusty, wanton cries of shared pleasure echoing in the small room as the steady rhythm of warm water flows over their entwined bodies.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Please note: For personal reasons, I've had to move up the posting schedule. The good news is that you, the readers, will benefit from this. Until further notice, updates of five chapters each will occur on Thursdays & Sundays. Enjoy.
Keep reading here ---> Chapter 12
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: light R, I think.
Summary: The truth comes out, and the consequences unfold.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta, frojane
Special Thanks: To loki_girl for the exquisite banner that she has created, and to tarnishedhalo for loaning me her inspirational manip for the centerpiece. I am so thankful and appreciative of you both, and your generosity.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. This is my imagination at work.
A/N: Warning of angst. Shocking, I know. And just to be safe, here’s another kleenex suggestion. I promise they’ll end soon. I hope.
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Chapter 11
“And then I sold the only thing I had left,” Dom says after a long pause. “Myself.”
There is a sharp intake of shocked breath from Aureen as she stares at Dom in disbelief, tears glistening in her eyes. After a few seconds, Billy dares to glance at Austin, but by the time he does, the older man’s face has hardened to become an expressionless panel.
“I wish I could tell you that it was just that one time,” Dom presses on, before he loses his nerve or falls apart. “But it wasn’t. It was the first of many times. I quit my job at the restaurant when I had bruises I couldn’t explain, and that’s how I made my living for the next three and a half years.”
The room is silent, save for the clock on the wall above them, the tiny hand ticking in a steady rhythm around the circle, a reminder of the time that they have missed, the time that Dom was lost. While Dom appears to be holding together remarkably well, he’s clinging to Billy’s hand like a lifeline, squeezing in time to his unsteady breaths. Automatically, Billy’s small fingers move to the nape of Dom’s slender neck, where he gently strokes the tense muscles there, petting the soft strands of Dom’s hair. When Billy looks across the table, he finds Aureen staring at him so intensely that his breath catches in his throat.
“Yes. To my everlasting shame, yes,” Billy says quietly, holding Aureen’s questioning gaze as he admits his part in it. “I was one of them, who paid.”
“You-”
“It’s not that simple, Bills,” Dom protests, interrupting what he’s sure is condemnation from his mother. “It’s not like you went looking for that. You went to the pub for a drink. I’m the one who came after you.”
“I’m still at least partially responsible for you being out there,” Billy insists. “I found out what you were doing, and I didn’t walk away. I didn’t try to stop it. I-”
“And then you saved my life,” Dom blurts out.
“What are you talking about?” Aureen demands. “What happened?”
Shifting his gaze back to his mother, Dom hesitantly replies, “I was attacked.”
“What?” she gasps. “When?”
“October,” Dom explains. “My flat got broken into, and I came home to find a mess and a lot of money stolen. I was working, to try to make it back, when I made the wrong choice. I had a bad feeling, but I didn’t listen, and I paid the price. He did things that we never agreed on. He hurt me. A lot.”
Dom can’t bring himself to give the brutal details of the cruel whipping he endured, and how he’d been left for dead on his floor, bleeding and unconscious. It’s bad enough that they know he was hurt.
“Where were you?” Aureen demands heatedly, looking to Billy for a response.
“In London, at a convention for the book shop,” Billy replies regretfully. “I didn’t know until I came to see him the night I got back.”
“I would’ve died if he hadn’t found me,” Dom whispers, pressing closer into Billy’s side. “He took care of me, and gave me a place to live, right down the hall from him. As his flatmate, and friend.”
Dubious, Aureen arches an eyebrow “Not as-”
“No,” Billy says firmly. “I couldn’t. Not one more day, not one more minute. I had to do something to stop it.” Pausing, Billy looks deep into Dom’s eyes. “I was falling in love with him, and I couldn’t bear for him to be in that horrible life. I pushed him until he said he’d stay, because I wasn’t about to take no for an answer.”
Leaning in close, Billy presses a kiss to Dom’s temple.
“I wasn’t going to tell you about any of this,” Dom continues, his eyes averted as he speaks. “I thought you’d suffered enough, having to wonder if I was dead, but I can’t move on, because it’s a lie. I love you both so much, and I can’t lie to you. So, I came here to tell you the truth.”
“That’s everything?” Aureen inquires. “There’s nothing else we need to know?”
Silently, Dom shakes his head, and swallows hard. “I’m sorry I lied to you. I just missed you both so much, and I wanted for it to be like it was. I tried, but I couldn’t do it.”
Pleading desperately with his eyes, Dom looks back and forth between his parents, searching for a sign as to what they’re going to say, but as the seconds pass, the silence grows more stifling.
“Mum?” he whispers. “Dad?”
“I need some air,” Austin chokes out stiffly, rising quickly to his feet and striding out of the kitchen. A few moments later, the front door opens and then closes with a sharp click.
Eyes shut tight in an attempt to control the tears welling up in his eyes, Dom’s lower lip trembles, his breath uneven and raspy in the quiet. Squeezing Dom’s hand, Billy looks from Aureen to Dom and back again, not knowing what to say, and feeling utterly helpless.
“Dominic?” Aureen say quietly.
Shaking violently and staring at the floor, Dom can’t make himself meet his mother’s gaze, as fear has stolen his strength. When Aureen stands up, a strangled sob rips from Dom’s throat to fill the air. Dom is about to fall apart completely, and then Aureen is shifting her chair over so they’re sitting side by side, and she’s gathering him in her arms. She tucks Dom’s head under her chin and strokes his trembling back as she rubs her cheek against his hair, murmuring something under her breath that Billy doesn’t understand, but it doesn’t seem to matter, as Dom sinks limply into her embrace.
Sensing Dom’s need, Billy releases his long fingers, moving his hand to Dom’s knee as the younger man clings desperately to his mother. Nearly two minutes pass without words, Billy watching mother and son hold one another, inordinately touched by the devotion and outpouring of love in Aureen’s tearful eyes.
“He needs some time, love,” Aureen soothes, cupping her son’s cheek and kissing his forehead. “It’s quite a shock, as you can imagine.”
Drawing in a ragged breath, Dom hoarsely says, “Maybe I shouldn’t have told-”
“No!” Aureen interrupts firmly, tightening her hold on Dom. “We already lost you once because of secrets. I won’t let that happen again. We just got you back, sweetheart.”
“But Mum-” Looking up as hot tears spill down his cheeks, Dom sniffs and clears his throat. “What if it’s too much? What if he can’t-”
"Dominic, I don't think this is about what you did to survive," Aureen continues, one of her thumbs brushing away a salty tear clinging to Dom's jaw line. "I believe he thinks he failed you. Failed to protect you, and keep you safe."
"But it wasn't his fault!" Dom cries in protest. "I don't blame him. Or you."
"Do you blame yourself?" Aureen asks gently, glancing at Billy for confirmation.
"For a long time, I did," Dom admits in a low voice. "But I'm getting better, thanks to Billy."
"No, Dommie," Billy corrects lovingly. "You've been going to therapy and working hard, dealing with so much. It's because of your dedication that you're so much better."
“Therapy?” Aureen repeats. “That’s what brought this on?”
“Yes,” Dom confirms as he sits up straight again, reaching for Billy’s small hand. “Billy asked me to consider going, so I’d have someone to help me deal with what happened, and how to move on with my life.”
“Your suggestion?” Aureen inquires, looking to Billy.
“Aye.”
“It’s helped a lot, Mum,” Dom tells her. “It’s been hard, but nothing compared to this. Now that Dad-”
“Give him some time, Dominic," Aureen interrupts, smoothing Dom's mussed hair off his forehead and looking deep into his eyes. "Your father loves you, and nothing will change that. I promise."
Slowly, Dom nods, but both Billy and Aureen can tell that he's not convinced.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s only at Aureen and Billy’s insistence that Dom forces himself to eat a slice of toast with strawberry jam and sip some sweet tea before he can finally escape the kitchen. While he curls up in a chair in the lounge by the window, Aureen tucks the large bowl of pancake batter into the fridge, insisting that it’ll keep, and once Austin gets back, they can sit down and have a late breakfast together.
Time moves agonizingly slow, and nearly an hour passes before Billy gently urges Dom to stand up, telling him a nap will help him feel better. Silently Billy hopes that Dom will sleep for a long while, and when he wakes, Austin will have returned to make peace. Reluctantly, Dom agrees, and is tucked into bed with a couple of minutes, Billy curled into his body, petting his hair and stroking his back in slow, tender caresses.
“You don’t have to stay,” Dom says softly, his long fingers smoothing out the creases in Billy’s shirt.
Brow furrowing, Billy replies, “Do you want me to go?”
“No, but-”
“Dommie, I’m here for whatever you need, love.”
“Are you tired?”
“Not really, but I’ll make you a deal,” Billy says, suggesting a compromise so Dom won’t feel like he’s imposing. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep. When you wake up, come find me, unless I’ve gotten lonely and have crawled back into bed with you.”
Dom can’t help but tip his head up and flash a tiny smile. “Deal.”
Although he doesn’t really feel like napping, Dom obeys when Billy requests that he close his eyes, and the soothing rhythm of Billy’s heartbeat against his cheek soon lulls him to sleep.
Only when he’s sure Dom is slumbering deeply does Billy slip off the narrow bed, brushing a feathery kiss across Dom’s slack lips before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. While he has every intention of finding Aureen to explain himself, to endure whatever anger or judgment she has of him, without Dom there to defend him, Billy is unable to do so when he discovers Aureen dozing in the lounge, a childhood picture of Dom resting in her lap. All too aware of the emotional exhaustion that she’s dealing with after what was revealed this morning, Billy doesn’t disturb her. There will be other opportunities for them to talk.
Making his way quietly to the study, Billy selects a book from a case near the door and settles into a chair in the corner by the window. He has no idea how much time has passed when the front door opens and footsteps move through the house, down the hall, towards him. Looking up from his book, Billy inhales sharply and sits up straight when he spots Austin standing in the doorway, gazing at him rather intently.
“Where’s Dom?” the older man asks, looking around the room.
“Upstairs. Resting,” Billy replies, closing the book and putting it down in order to give Austin his full attention. “Both he and Aureen needed to lie down for a while. Dom has had trouble sleeping, the last few nights especially.”
“So it’s just you and me,” Austin says as he crosses the room and takes a seat in a chair facing Billy’s.
“Yes sir.”
“Well then, Billy, or is it actually William?”
“I prefer Billy. My father was William.”
“Was?”
“I lost both of my parents when I was young,” Billy explains. “My grandmother raised my sister, Maggie, and myself.”
“I’m sorry,” Austin says sincerely. “That must have been difficult for you.”
“Thank you.”
“So, Billy,” Austin continues as he leans back in his chair, his eyes focused on the younger man. “Forgive me for sounding old fashioned here, but there are some things I think we should talk about. Questions I have. Concerns. Things that I wasn’t aware of when we spoke last.”
“I’ll do my best to answer them,” Billy says tightly, swallowing the nervous lump in his throat. “Sir.”
“Do you love my son?” Austin asks bluntly.
“With all of my heart,” Billy replies, his eyes softening at the thought of his sweet, young lover.
“What are your intentions?”
Surprised at the question, Billy’s eyebrows lift. “Pardon me?”
“Is this short term, until Dom’s back on track, or is this more?” Austin explains his gaze deadly serious. “I think we can both agree that Dominic has been through enough in the last few years. If you’re planning on moving on, when Dom no longer needs rescuing, I’d like to be prepared.”
Aureen’s words to Dom earlier, how Austin likely felt that he failed to protect his son, echo in Billy’s memory, and he swallows again before answering.
“Well sir,” Billy begins. “I was thinking that after some time passes, and Dom is further along in the healing process, feeling stronger, I would like to come back here, to Manchester.”
“Here?” Austin says in confusion. “Why?”
“So that I could ask you for your blessing in asking Dom to marry me,” Billy finishes. “I can only imagine your suspicion of me now, knowing what you know. I have no excuses for my participation in keeping Dom in that life, and all I can do is apologize and hope that you can forgive my faults.”
Eyes widening, Austin takes a long moment in silence, his gaze never wavering from Billy’s.
“Oh?”
“I love Dom, very much, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but I know that right now, he’s not ready,” Billy explains. “I want him to realize that he has the ability to make his way through the world on his own, but that he doesn’t have to. I’m hoping that he’ll make the choice to be with me. As a partner. For life.”
“I see.”
“But I don’t want to rush him,” Billy adds quickly. “Coming here was a huge step, and there is lots of work to be done before I’ll be asking-”
“No,” Austin interrupts, lacing his fingers together in his lap.
“But sir!”
Panic rises like a tidal wave inside Billy, stealing his breath and twisting his belly into tight, painful knots. Lifting a hand, Austin gestures for Billy to be quiet, and biting down on his lower lip, Billy complies with the silent request.
“I went for a walk, and I thought about everything you said, today, and when we met,” Austin says, after pursing his lips briefly. “I replayed our conversations in my head. Then I thought about what Dom was going through back then, and how he was when I saw the two of you together, downstairs in your office. You came with him to Manchester, knowing that we were going to find out some things about you that I know you’re not proud of, but you still came.”
“Yes sir.”
“You’re human, and you’ve made mistakes,” Austin continues. “I can’t say that I approve of the way you met, but I can’t deny the fact that I’ve never seen Dom more content and cared for. As much as I want to protect him, the truth is, he’s not a boy anymore. He’s a grown man, and he’s made his choice.”
Hope springs new life, and Billy draws in an unsteady breath as Austin watches him closely. Perhaps this can work out, Billy realizes, and Dom will get what he dreamed of. A relationship with his parents and the man he loves.
“You may come back to Manchester if you choose, in fact, I’m sure Aureen would love it if you would, as she adores you, but there’s no need for a special trip with regards to you asking for my blessing,” Austin says, his tone calm and serious. “And that’s because you have it now, Billy.”
Cherubic mouth dropping open in shock, Billy struggles to form words.
“Sir-”
“Please, call me Austin, and perhaps when you feel comfortable, you could call me Dad,” Austin adds with a warm smile. “Welcome to the family.”
“I haven’t asked him yet,” Billy protests softly.
“If Dom loves you half as much as you love him,” the older man says as he rises from his chair, “I can’t imagine him saying anything but yes.”
“Thank you,” Billy says, his voice wavering with emotion. “Austin.”
“I need to thank you, actually,” Austin corrects. “For loving my son, and giving me peace of mind.” Smiling, he then nods. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go find him now.”
Without another word, Austin leaves the room, and Billy is left alone once again. Hearing some noise down near the kitchen, Billy silently makes his way over to the door and peeks down the hall.
Nervous and unsure, hair tousled from sleep, Dom waits by the kitchen table as his father approaches, a tiny cry of surprise pushing past his lips when Austin pulls him close. Before he knows what’s happening, Dom is enveloped in Austin’s embrace and a moment later, a sob of relief is being muffled against Austin’s shoulder as he gently cradles his youngest son.
The sight before Billy is so beautiful, he wishes he had a camera to capture it, especially for Dom. Such a moment that will be treasured for years to come.
Eyes fluttering open, Dom’s gaze finds Billy’s across the distance, and he mouths ‘Thank you’ to Billy as he hugs his father. Smiling as his eyes glisten with happy tears, Billy mouths back ‘Love you.’ Nodding, Dom then buries his face in Austin’s neck and squeezes tighter.
Wanting to give father and son some privacy, Billy slips back into the study, taking a seat on the couch and settling back into his reading. Just a few minutes have passed when Dom sinks down beside Billy and lays his head on Billy’s shoulder.
“Hey,” Billy says, closing his book as he turns his head and kisses Dom’s hair. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Much better, actually,” Dom replies with a sigh.
“Good.”
Shifting closer, Dom smiles when Billy sets his book down and wraps his arms around the younger man to cuddle him close. Automatically tilting his face up, Dom sighs ever so softly when Billy brushes a tender kiss across his lips.
“Glad we came here?” Billy asks gently, his fingers sliding through Dom’s hair, almost petting him.
“Yeah.”
“I’m so proud of you, Dommie,” Billy murmurs gently. “It was very brave, what you did this morning.”
“I didn’t feel very brave,” Dom comments ruefully. “There’s no way I could’ve done this without you.”
“Dommie, the definition of brave is being afraid of something, and then doing it anyways,” Billy says, stroking Dom’s slender back. “I should know. I sell books for a living, you know. Including dictionaries.”
Chuckling softly, Dom snuggles into Billy further, until he’s practically in Billy’s lap. Not minding in the least and welcoming the opportunity to be close to his lover, Billy cradles Dom to his chest, relieved beyond words that the truth is finally out, and that Dom’s parents are still supportive of their son. Billy’s been afraid that the trip would damage his sweet Dommie beyond repair, but thankfully, his nightmares didn’t come true.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Aureen says as she steps inside the study and stops short at the sight of the couple and their position. “ I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“It’s fine, Mum. Really,” Dom replies with a warm smile. “C’mon in.”
“Actually, your father is looking for you, and I thought perhaps Billy could keep me company in the kitchen while I make breakfast. Your brother will be here tonight, so I’ve got some planning to do.”
“Of course,” Billy replies before Dom can say anything, realizing that this could be his opportunity to speak to Aureen one on one. “I’d love to.”
Untangling themselves, Dom gives Billy a quick kiss on the cheek and then Billy is following Aureen down the hall. Immediately, he is put to work, washing and then preparing vegetables while Aureen pulls the pancake batter and bacon out of the fridge. Nearly five minutes pass before Billy works up the nerve to speak.
“I owe you an apol-”
“You owe me nothing, Billy,” Aureen interrupts firmly. “When we met, I couldn’t figure out why you spoke as though you were undeserving of my gratitude. Now I understand.”
“I have no excuses for what I did,” Billy says in a low voice, his gaze fixed on the half-peeled carrot in his hand. “I take full responsibility-”
“For what?” Aureen asks, cutting him off. “Dom had been in that life for years before he met you. Years. The difference between you and all the others is that you cared about him.”
“From the beginning,” Billy interjects, finally meeting Aureen’s intense gaze. “I knew there was something special about him that first night. It was never just about-”
Stopping abruptly, Billy swallows hard, watching closely as Aureen nods her understanding. It was never just about the sex.
“I see how Dom looks at you,” Aureen says, eyes locked with Billy’s. “I see the way you touch him, and how he lights up when you enter the room. It’s clear to me that you love each other, and I can see that Dom isn’t holding onto the circumstances of how you met. He doesn’t consider you responsible for what happened to him, because it wasn’t your fault. He made some bad choices, and it wasn’t until he had nothing left that he agreed to let you help him.”
“I had to,” Billy whispers, his eyes bright. “I couldn’t stand by and let him suffer. I already loved him.”
“I know,” Aureen says gently. “So please, forgive yourself for a moment of weakness and making a mistake, because that decision ultimately saved my son’s life. I don’t expect you to be perfect, Billy. You’ve proven yourself to me, by giving Dom a second chance at a future, one filled with hope, happiness, and most of all, love. You encouraged him to go back to school, reconnect with us, and supported him every step of the way.”
Wrapping her arms around Billy’s shoulders, Aureen draws his close for a gentle, comforting hug. “And I still say you’re an angel, because you brought my child home, when I was afraid that he’d been lost forever.”
“For as long as I live, I’ll love him,” Billy vows as their eyes meet. “Protect him.”
“I already knew that,” Aureen replies with a smile. “And so does Dom.”
Nodding unsteadily, Billy blinks rapidly and clears his throat in an attempt to pull himself together.
“Now we better get to work,” Aureen announces. “I’m going to have all three of my sons at the dinner table tonight, and something tells me that they’re going to be hungry.”
“Three?” Billy repeats in confusion, as Dom has never mentioned another brother.
Smiling fondly, Aureen cups Billy’s cheek and looks deep into his eyes.
“You wouldn’t mind too much if I adopted you, would you?” she asks softly. “Loved you like one of my sons?”
Realization dawning, Billy’s eyes widen for a moment, and then he smiles.
“I would be honored,” he replies solemnly.
“Good. Now lets make some breakfast, shall we?” Aureen suggests. “Dominic loves my pancakes.”
“I know. It was the first thing I learned about you, when Dom was starting to open up about his life before,” Billy shares, inordinately pleased when Aureen is evidently touched by the revelation. “He has many fond memories of the time you’ve spent in the kitchen together.”
“Thank you,” Aureen murmurs gently, and turns her attention to the frying pan, a happy smile turning up the corners of her mouth.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Looking out the window into the back garden and watching Dom and his brother joke and laugh with their father, Aureen turns and focuses her attention on Billy, who is hard at work cutting up romaine lettuce for a salad, as per her instructions.
“Would you tell me what happened to him?” At Billy’s confused frown, she adds, “I mean when he was attacked.”
“Oh,” Billy replies on a quiet sigh. “That.”
“It must’ve been terrible, since Dom didn’t give any details.”
“He was beaten,” Billy says quietly, his eyes growing misty at the memory of Dom’s violated skin. “Whipped actually.”
“Oh my God,” Aureen gasps, setting aside the tray of chicken she’s just covered in an herb sauce to marinate.
“They were in his flat when it happened, and he woke up on the floor the morning after. I got back from London that night, and he was working, in the pouring rain,” Billy continues sadly, a shiver traveling up his spine and along his limbs, causing him to shudder. “He tried to hide it from me, but I saw he was in pain. It was bad enough that he had a dangerous case of shock as well. I stayed with him that night, and cleaned him up as best I could. There were dozens of cuts, all over his back. I lost count of how many there were. He was still wearing his jeans when it happened, and I think that's what saved some of his skin.”
“Why not take him to a hospital?”
“I tried, but he refused,” Billy explains gently. “He knew he’d have to explain how it happened, and he was afraid of being arrested, because of his profession.”
Understanding, Aureen slowly nods. “Oh. Right.”
“He came by the shop that afternoon, after I told him to stay in bed, and that was the night he agreed to move in,” Billy continues. “The next morning I took him to a doctor friend of mine, Viggo, who runs a private clinic. I knew he'd be safe there.”
“He’s been-” Aureen stops short and takes a deep breath before trying again. “He’s been tested?”
“Yes,” Billy confirms. “He’s clean. He's all right.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Aureen presses a hand to her heart and glances out the window in time to see her husband slide an arm around Dom’s slender shoulders for a brief hug. “Thank God.”
“He’s doing really well, I promise," Billy vows, wanting to offer some comfort and hope. "He’s got a few scars left, but they’re fading. A little bit more every single day.”
“About the attack,” Aureen says, shifting from one foot to the other and pressing her lips together in a tight line. “Was it- I mean, not that the whipping wasn’t horrible, but-”
“What?”
“Was he raped, too?” Aureen whispers, eyes glistening as she waits for Billy’s reply.
“No,” Billy says, sliding his arm around her shoulders. “I wondered about that myself, so I asked him that first night, after I gave him a few pills to help him sleep. He explained that it wasn’t about sex, it was about inflicting pain. He lost consciousness, and that was enough to satisfy the sick bastard who hurt him.”
"But he was before, wasn't he?" Aureen whispers, her eyes unbearably sad. "He has been raped."
A hard lump catches in Billy’s throat, and he tries desperately to keep his face neutral. He and Dom haven’t talked about whether or not he was going to share that part of his history with his parents.
“Dom doesn’t give many details about former customers,” Billy replies evasively, hoping to deflect Aureen’s question. “I couldn’t tell you.”
“I didn’t mean while he was working on the street,” Aureen corrects, staring intently. “I’m realistic enough to know that more than likely he was mistreated, on more than one occasion, by men who didn’t care like you. I was referring to before. When he lived here.”
“I, uh, I- Don’t you think it would be better if you discussed it directly with Dom?” Billy says hesitantly. “I wasn’t around back then, so-”
“That means yes,” Aureen interjects, the sound of her heart breaking nearly audible, and then she lowers her head as her eyes fill with hot, salty tears.
“Aureen-”
“The day after his birthday party, I could see that there was something terribly wrong,” Aureen whispers unsteadily. “I wasn’t expecting him to be back from the party that early. I heard the shower running, and I was going to talk to him, but then the doorbell rang. His boyfriend was there, and he wanted to talk to Dom. When Dom came out of the shower his eyes were strange. Flat. Distant. And then I saw the bruises on his wrists. How stiffly he walked.”
Sadness spreads through Billy as he watches Aureen recall the painful memories.
“I asked him what had happened, but he wouldn’t answer me,” Aureen says softly. “He brushed it off like it was nothing, said it was nothing. I knew he was lying. I knew something terrible had happened.”
Swallowing hard and blinking to clear his vision, Billy quietly responds, “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want Dom to have to relive that in order to tell me,” Aureen continues tearfully. “But I need to know. Where did I go wrong? I need to know how I failed him.”
“You didn’t fail him,” Billy says gently, cautiously reaching out to take Aureen’s shaking hands in his. “It wasn’t your fault. He was manipulated and seduced by someone who knew just the right things to say. Dom wanted to be loved, and unfortunately, he trusted the wrong person, because he was blinded by what he wanted to believe.”
“There must’ve been something I could’ve said or done-”
“I don’t think there was,” Billy interrupts. “And I know he doesn’t blame you or Austin. It would break his heart if he knew you thought it was your fault, because you did all you could. Dom has told me that. He was drawn in by a master manipulator, and he was horribly used.” Shaking his head sadly, Billy takes a slow, deep breath. “He knows that you did everything you could, and part of the guilt that he’s dealing with now is that he didn’t cherish his parents the way he should’ve. The good news is, now he has the chance to fix that.”
“I can see why my son loves you so much,” Aureen comments as she sniffs and brushes at her damp eyes. She looks to Billy for confirmation that there is no evidence of her tears, and Billy nods.
“I love him, too,” Billy says quietly. “I’m crazy about him.”
“Well then. We’d better get back to work, or there will be some very hungry people wondering what we’ve been doing instead of cooking,” Aureen decides, needing to change the subject, an idea that Billy welcomes.
Nodding in agreement, Billy begins slicing mushrooms, pausing occasionally to glance out the window and observe Dom, relaxed and happy, smiling when Dom realizes he’s being watched and meets Billy’s warm gaze. In a matter of moments, Dom is closing the distance between them, crossing the kitchen floor and wrapping one arm around his mother’s waist, the other stretching out so his fingers rest lightly on Billy’s shoulder. Wordlessly, Aureen’s arms wrap around Dom’s lithe body and she holds him tight, Billy’s recent revelations causing her eyes to glisten.
Suddenly feeling like he’s intruding, Billy lays down his knife and starts to withdraw, but he’s halted when Dom’s fingers grip a handful of his shirt, freezing him in place. While Dom may not speak, the message is crystal clear. Stay.
Allowing himself to be tugged forward, Billy curls into the line of Dom’s body, and then Aureen is moving her arm so Billy is enveloped in her embrace as well.
“I am so glad you found each other,” Aureen whispers, kissing both of their cheeks.
Turning their heads so their eyes meet, Billy and Dom share a long, tender look, then close their eyes as they lean into one another, showing Aureen that they feel exactly the same way.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Later that night, the house has fallen quiet, and the lovers are tucked into Dom’s small bed, Billy’s small fingers sliding along the shallow groove of Dom’s slender back while Dom’s head rests on his chest.
“What are you thinking about?” Billy asks softly as he watches Dom’s hand slide back and forth across his t-shirt clad torso.
“How lucky I am,” Dom replies, then pushes himself up on one elbow so their eyes can meet. “Thank you for being here, Bills. You helped a lot. Just knowing that you were there, whenever I needed you-”
“You’re welcome,” Billy replies gently. “I’m glad it worked out as well as it did.”
Rocking forward on his elbow, Dom brings their lips together for a long, tender kiss, their tongues touching briefly as Billy’s fingers card through Dom’s tousled hair. Sighing with contentment, Dom relaxes into Billy’s touch, shifting until he’s stretched out on the mattress, and Billy has wrapped his arms around him. Gently seeking permission to deepen the intimate contact, Billy traces the seam of Dom’s lips with the tip of his pointy tongue and quietly moans when Dom invites him in further. Delving into the honeyed sweetness of Dom’s lush mouth, seeking more of his intoxicating flavor, Billy kisses, nibbles, licks and sucks until Dom is limp and pliant beneath him, hot breath caressing his cheek.
Once Dom’s lips are rosy and swollen from their passionate kisses, Billy moves south, lapping at Dom’s erratic pulse, murmuring his pleasure at the taste of his lover. Dom’s breath catches when Billy’s fingers slip under the hem of his t-shirt and begin stroking his flat stomach and teasing at the sensitive circle of his belly button.
“Bills,” Dom gasps. “Wait.”
Lifting his head, his eyes dark with passion and cheeks flushed, Billy immediately withdraws his hand and looks deep into Dom’s expressive eyes.
“What, Dommie?” he inquires.
“I’m not- I mean, it’s just been a tough day, and I-” Breaking off, Dom bites down on his lower lip for a moment. “Do you mind if we don’t-”
“Dommie, I wasn’t expecting us to have sex tonight,” Billy soothes, smiling gently and petting Dom’s chest. “I just wanted to cuddle with you a little, and show you how much I love being with you, touching you, loving you.”
“Really?” Dom asks in a quiet voice, a blush staining his cheeks.
“I didn’t bring anything with me, either,” Billy reveals. “I didn’t think you’d be in the mood, and with your parents right down the hall-”
“Good point.”
“Are you ready to go to turn in, love?” Billy murmurs. “I know you didn’t sleep very well last night, and with everything that happened today, I know I’m exhausted.”
“Yeah, I am rather knackered,” Dom admits. “Not that I don’t love kissing you.”
Shifting on the small mattress until he’s on his side and Dom is curled into his warmth, Billy guides Dom’s blonde head closer to rest against his chest and wraps his arms around the younger man.
“Close your eyes, my Dommie,” Billy instructs.
“G’night, Bills,” Dom replies, already being lulled off by the steady, comforting rhythm of Billy’s heartbeat. “Love you.”
“Love you, too,” Billy murmurs as he rubs Dom’s back in slow, tender caresses. “Sweet dreams.”
“Of you.”
In the darkness, Billy smiles, and closes his eyes.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s mid-afternoon on Sunday before Dom and Billy reluctantly pack their suitcases into the boot of the car, say goodbye to Aureen and Austin, and begin the journey home. Although Dom offers to take the wheel, since Billy had driven them to Manchester a couple of days ago, Billy gently refuses, ushering Dom into the passenger seat and requesting that he buckle his seat belt.
It turns out that Billy was quite wise in the decision to drive, because a short while later Dom falls asleep with one of his hands resting on Billy’s thigh, the emotional upheaval of the past few months taking their toll, his body needing the rest to recuperate. Billy smiles fondly at Dom as he slumbers, and tenderly draws Dom’s silky hair off his face before returning his attention to the road.
Fortunately, traffic is light, and just as darkness is beginning to fall, Billy guides the car into the parking space behind the book shop and pulls to a stop. When he cuts the engine, Dom shifts and mutters something unintelligible under his breath, causing Billy to smile. After releasing his seat belt, Billy leans over and brushes a feathery kiss over Dom’s cheek.
“We’re home, love,” he whispers.
Sliding a hand along Dom’s outer thigh from knee to hip, Billy watches as Dom’s eyes slowly flutter open.
“I fell asleep,” Dom realizes. “I’m sorry, Bills. I was going to keep you company while you drove.”
“It’s all right, Dommie,” Billy soothes. “You’ve been through a lot, and you’re listening to your body, giving it what it needs. Like rest.”
Reaching up, Dom’s fingers tighten around the lapel of Billy’s jacket, and he tugs insistently until their lips meet in a soft, lingering kiss.
“C’mon, love,” Billy says gently when they part. “Lets go inside.”
“M’kay.”
Dom scrubs a hand over his face to wake himself up and swallows a yawn while Billy opens the boot of the car and pulls out their suitcases. Smiling as Dom takes one of them before following him over to the back door of the book shop, Billy quickly opens the locks and holds the door open for Dom to enter ahead of him. Billy is right behind Dom when he stops short and their bodies collide, Billy’s hand clutching at Dom’s hip to keep his balance.
“Whoa,” Dom says in surprise.
“What?” Billy asks before leaning to one side to see what has caught Dom’s attention.
Eyes widening with surprise, Billy can only stare at the rather impressive pile of boxes stacked up in front of the storage room. His brow furrows in confusion, and after setting down his suitcase, Billy walks over to the boxes and picks up an envelope sitting on top. Withdrawing the contents, Billy’s jaw drops open in surprise as he scans the invoices for the summer order he was expecting, and was resigned to having to pay extra fees for. At the bottom of the last page, Billy recognizes a familiar signature.
“Oh, Mark,” he says softly.
“What?” Dom asks, laying his chin on Billy’s shoulder.
“A good friend did me a favor,” Billy replies. “A big favor.”
“I’m confused,” Dom says. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Mark had plans to go see Emily this weekend, and I closed the shop so we could go to Manchester,” Billy reveals. “I knew this order was going to arrive and that nobody would be here to sign for it. You needed me and that was more important, so I was going to pay the refusal fees for the books.”
“Billy!”
“It would seem that Mark changed his plans and came in on Saturday,” Billy finishes as he lays the envelope back down. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Dom demands, tugging on Billy’s arm until they’re face to face. “If I had known-”
“You were in so much pain, Dommie,” Billy interrupts. “And going to Manchester was what you needed. I don’t regret it, and I would do it again.”
Curling into Billy, Dom wraps his arms around him and hugs him tightly, pressing his nose into Billy’s neck.
“Please don’t do that again,” Dom requests quietly.
“What? Take care of you when you need it?”
Looking up, Dom gazes deep into Billy’s eyes. “Lie to me because you think it’s better to protect me.”
“Dommie-”
“No, I mean it. You want me to lean on you when I need help, then I need to know that you’ll lean on me,” Dom says firmly. “So promise me.”
Seeing the determination in Dom’s eyes and the truth of his words, Billy slowly nods. “You’re right. We need to lean on each other.”
“Because that’s what couples do,” Dom adds, and then presses his lips to Billy’s cherubic mouth for a tender kiss. “Right?”
“Aye,” Billy replies softly. “Thank you.”
After ensuring that the back door is locked and the shop secure for the night, Billy and Dom head upstairs with their suitcases in tow. In the foyer, Dom pauses to peel off his jacket and then reaches for Billy’s hand, tugging him towards the bedroom.
“Lets unpack tomorrow,” he says. “Come with me to bed?”
Smiling tenderly, Billy draws the fingers of his free hand through Dom’s silky hair. “Tired, love?”
An unmistakably sensual smile turns up the corners of Dom’s crooked mouth as his heated gaze slides over Billy’s face and body.
“Not yet.”
“Oh,” Billy says softly as realization dawns, and then their mouths are meeting in a long, warm, passionate kiss, arms winding around one another, seeking closer contact.
“Do you want to?” Dom asks when they part for breath, the faintest hint of uncertainty in his tone. “I know it’s been a while, since we-”
“Dommie, I love making love with you,” Billy interjects, stringing kisses across Dom’s cheek. “I just didn’t want to pressure you, if you weren’t in the mood.”
“Well, I am now, if you are,” Dom says with a sigh, tipping his head back and offering his throat to Billy’s hungry mouth.
Amid long kisses and eager caresses, Dom’s t-shirt is tugged up his lithe torso, their lips parting just long enough for the cotton to be removed, and Dom’s bare flesh exposed. At Dom’s moan of pleasure, Billy starts to shrug out of his jacket, their intimate laughter mingling when Dom’s hands rush to help and then peel away Billy’s shirt beneath. Naked skin rubs together wantonly, Dom’s mewling pleas urging Billy on, until Dom is pressed against the wall, Billy’s hips rocking in an intoxicating rhythm.
As Dom buries his face in Billy’s damp neck, sucking and nibbling at the taught tendon he finds there, Billy’s fingers move down Dom’s heaving belly and fumble with the button and fly of his blue jeans. Billy steps back just enough so the denim can slide over his lover’s narrow hips, and then his small fingers are wrapping around Dom’s throbbing erection. The gentle touch to his sensitized flesh causes Dom to throw back his head and cry out lustily, his hips canting forward, searching for more of Billy’s sensuous caress.
“I love your body,” Billy whispers between hot, moist kisses. “I love the sounds you make when I touch you.”
“Don’t stop,” Dom begs and arches his back, fingers clutching at Billy’s biceps.
Sliding one hand behind Dom’s left knee, Billy tugs gently until the long leg is wrapped around his hip, and he repeats the action before supporting Dom’s weight by cupping the sweet curve of his arse in his small hands. The change in position causes Dom’s erection to be pressed firmly against Billy’s stomach, and Dom writhes in ecstasy, panting and moaning when Billy’s pointy tongue laps at the hollow of his throat.
“Oh I’ve missed this,” Dom gasps, whimpering as his lover rocks his hips in a tantalizing circle.
“Are you ready for bed, love?” Billy inquires, nuzzling their noses together.
Eyes drowsy with desire and body shaking with need, Dom nods. “Make love to me, Bills,” he whispers. “Touch me.”
With Dom’s slender body wrapped around him and cradled tenderly in his embrace, Billy turns and slowly walks down the hall to their bedroom, and closes the room behind them.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s sunrise that starts to pull Dom from the comfort of sleep, and he shifts on the mattress in an attempt to avoid it, rolling over and burrowing into the warm, furry body next to him, smiling at the gently possessive arm wrapped around his waist. Dom tucks his head under Billy’s chin and slides a long leg around Billy’s hip, and when Billy’s knee presses between his thighs, Dom sighs with contentment. Since they made love, slowly and achingly tender, well into the night, Dom happily slips back into dreamland with Billy’s arms around him, to ensure that he feels safe and very loved. The last thing Dom remembers before sleep takes him is the sensation of small fingers lazily stroking the nape of his neck.
The next time Dom opens his eyes, Billy is grumbling unintelligibly in a thick, Scottish brogue as he slaps at the clock on the night stand, finally connecting with the Snooze button and silencing the irritating, insistent beeping. Letting out a satisfied grunt, Billy focuses his attention on the armful of naked skin curled against him.
“Morning,” Dom says with a sleepy smile.
“Good morning, love,” Billy replies in a low rasp. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a baby.”
“Good.”
Pushing himself up onto one elbow, Dom leans in for a playful, nibbling kiss, sighing with pleasure when Billy’s hand slides along his thigh and then cups a naked cheek, squeezing gently. Moaning his enjoyment, Billy rolls onto his back, taking Dom with him so his lover is sprawled over him, mouths opening so tongues can touch and explore. For several minutes their lips meet and part in long, lazy kisses, one of Billy’s hands moving higher to card through Dom’s sensually tousled hair, the other resting at the small of Dom’s slender back.
“Lets stay in bed all day,” Dom murmurs between kisses. “Make love.”
“I’d love to, Dommie,” Billy replies regretfully, his cherubic mouth moving to the scruffy jaw line of his lover’s face, where his tongue darts out to taste his skin. “But I have to open the shop, and you really need to get back to school. ”
Knowing full well that Billy is right, considering he’s already missed several days of his A-level classes, Dom can’t hide the disappointment in his expression.
“Yeah,” he says softly.
“Are you worried about being behind?” Billy asks as Dom shifts to lay his cheek against the gingery hair covering Billy’s chest.
“No, I should be okay, because you called the school to get the work I missed,” Dom replies. “Did I say thank you for that?”
“You did,” Billy assures him. “Several times.”
For long, comfortable moments, there is no talking, and Billy’s hands move in slow, gentle caresses over Dom’s bare skin.
“Bills?”
“Aye?”
“Would you take a shower with me?” Dom inquires, looking up to meet Billy’s gaze.
“I’d love to,” Billy replies huskily.
Sliding his hands under Dom’s arms to secure a hold, Billy nearly effortlessly slides Dom body higher so their mouths can meet in deep, wet, passionate kisses, tongues thrusting and parrying sensuously. They remain wrapped up together, even as they climb out of bed and stumble into the loo to take a shower, intimate laughter bubbling up between them. When the alarm clock begins to beep once again, the lovers don’t hear it, the lusty, wanton cries of shared pleasure echoing in the small room as the steady rhythm of warm water flows over their entwined bodies.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Please note: For personal reasons, I've had to move up the posting schedule. The good news is that you, the readers, will benefit from this. Until further notice, updates of five chapters each will occur on Thursdays & Sundays. Enjoy.
Keep reading here ---> Chapter 12