AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Caleb’s parents arrived around ten in the morning, dead tired from a night of driving. Wander had texted Roman about their arrival, and Roman waited for them outside the ICU. Caleb clearly took after his mom, who had the same eyes and bone structure.
“Roman Dwyer,” Roman introduced himself. “I’m your son’s…boyfriend.”
Had Caleb even told his parents about him? He wasn’t sure, but he knew they were fully supportive of him and his sexuality, so he hoped for the best.
“Theo Lingle. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Theo’s handshake was firm.
Much to Roman’s surprise, Caleb’s mom hugged him. “I’m Rose. I’m so pleased to meet you, even if it’s under these circumstances.”
“Thank you. I have to warn you about his appearance. He looks rough.”
Rose winced. “But he’ll be okay?”
“The surgeon said he’s expected to make a full recovery, but it will take time. He lost his spleen and a kidney, and he has several fractures.”
“Do you know who did this to him?” Theo asked.
“Yes, sir, and once Caleb is awake, we’ll cooperate fully with law enforcement.”
“Good. And please call me Theo. I don’t think we’re that far apart in age.”
No, probably not. “I hope that’s not a problem for you?”
Rose smiled at him. “Caleb has always been honest about his preferences, Roman. I assume you’re his Dom as well?”
Oh, damn. The kid really had been open with his parents. “I’m training to be one, yes.”
“Good. He needs that.”
Shit, what was the appropriate reaction here? Funny how he had no trouble commanding a courtroom but was now tongue-tied and awkward as a teenager. “I’ll do my best to be the man and Dom he needs.”
Rose nodded, her smile widening. “That’s all we can ask for. Now, can we see our son?”
Her smile faded when she entered Caleb’s room, and a cry of distress flew from her lips. “Oh God, my poor boy…”
They sat by his bedside for hours, waiting for him to stir. Finally, Theo and Rose decided to head to a hotel to catch a few hours of sleep. Roman promised to call them if anything changed.
Caleb took his sweet time, but around three that afternoon, he opened his eyes. “Roman?”
It came out soft as a whisper, but to Roman, it was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. “I’m here, precious.”
“Precious?” Caleb attempted a smile.
“I’ve decided on that as a pet name for you. You’re my precious, Caleb. My everything.”
“I like it.” He winced. “Everything hurts.”
“I know. You had surgery, but you’re expected to make a full recovery.”
A tear formed in Caleb’s left eye. “I didn’t talk.”
Roman caressed his left cheek, the one that was mostly unscathed. “You were so, so brave. Even under torture, you never told them anything.”
“I didn’t want to betray you or Wander.”
“And you didn’t. I don’t think anyone else could have held out under those circumstances.”
“I’m tired.”
