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Vince cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
Scotty glanced away, red creeping into his cheeks and throat. “You two don’t really belong here, right? You have to leave eventually. I’m assuming Zander does, too, now that-that his uncle is gone. So I’m just…” He shrugged again. “What happens next?”
His knees began to ache from kneeling, but Vince ignored it, taking Scotty’s hand and bringing his knuckles to his lips. Kissing them. Scotty’s lips parted and his tongue—a very talented tongue—poked out. “I don’t have all the answers,” Vince told him honestly. “But we’ll figure it out. I promise you, we’ll figure it out together.” He released Scotty reluctantly and got to his feet. “Now eat.” He returned to his food and did the same.
They had to talk with Zander to figure out what came next, to give Scotty the answers and the peace of mind he clearly needed. Vince already knew what he wanted to happen, but he had to wait until the three of them were together so they could all discuss it.
Just as they finished eating, one of the guards entered the kitchen. “Zander wants to see you.”
Vince frowned. “Me?”
“The both of you.” The guy gestured. “Let’s go.”
Vince exchanged a look with Scotty before grabbing the younger man’s hand, linking their fingers as they followed the guard out of the room. Both of the guards led them down a hallway and then down several flights of stairs before they arrived at a door that Vince would have definitely missed if he hadn’t been paying close attention.
One of their escorts opened the door, then stood back and motioned for Vince and Scotty to enter.
Vince didn’t budge, holding on tight to Scotty. “How do I know Zander’s in there?” All he saw was darkness. He didn’t know what the fuck was waiting on the other side. What if it was a trap? What if Derri was behind it? Vince couldn’t trust any of those guys, not when they knew exactly who he was and what he did. “Where is?—”
“Hey.” Zander appeared through the darkness like some kind of fucking apparition. “Come on.” He held out a hand, and while Vince gaped at him, Scotty took it, following him.
Vince did the same, nose wrinkling as a dank odor hit him. “What is this place?”
Zander didn’t answer. He just kept leading them on until they entered a second room. This one appeared to be a basement, cold and well lit.
Vince stopped in his tracks.
There was a man tied to a chair, and he was beaten and bloodied.
“What the fuck?” Vince raced to the man, whose head was hanging low, chin to chest. “Zander, what is this?” On his knees, he reached out a hand, intending on checking the person’s pulse, but Zander barked at him.
“Don’t touch him.” Turning to Scotty, Zander asked, “You recognize him?”
Scotty was pale, paler than Vince had ever seen, shaking with his hands fisted at his sides. His throat worked for a while before he nodded. Before he said, “It’s my uncle. Don.”
What? Vince glanced from Scotty to the unconscious man. He couldn’t see his face, couldn’t make out his features, but obviously, Scotty knew his uncle. Why did Zander have him in this place, tied up and bloodied? “Isn’t he the mayor?” The fucking mayor? He got to his feet and went to Zander, who had a deadly glint in his eyes.
Ignoring Vince’s question, Zander took Scotty’s face in his hands. “Look at me,” he commanded softly. “Eyes on me.”
It appeared to take effort but Scotty tore his gaze away from his uncle and gave it to Zander.
“Good.” Zander kissed his forehead. “I’m so proud of you, you know that?” he whispered. “You survived him because you’re strong.” He kissed Scotty’s nose. “But he won’t survive me.”
Scotty choked on a sob and collapsed against Zander’s chest.
“This will be the last time you see him,” Zander said, just soft enough for the three of them to hear. “He can’t hurt you ever again. He can’t do shit to you.” He leaned back, cupping Scotty’s cheek. “Listen to me. I want you to listen.” He paused when Scotty sobbed harder. “Are you listening?”
Scotty nodded, tears dripping down his face. “Y-yes.” He sniffed loudly.
“He can never hurt you again. I will make sure of it.” Zander held him close, cupping the back of his head and kissing his temple. “I will always protect you.”
Vince’s chest hurt, listening to Scotty’s sobs. He recalled all the stories the younger man had shared of what he’d endured under his uncle, what the man who was supposed to be his family had done to him.
Zander was slaying Scotty’s demons. Making sure Scotty had proof, that he knew he no longer had to worry.
If Vince didn’t know before, he knew now…
He fucking loved those two men.
