Chapter 28

Jesus.

He couldn’t do this, couldn’t go through with it. He was a fucking wimp.What would Vic think of him now? ::I’m so sorry—::

Vic’s soothing presence filled his mind. ::Calm down, Matty.::

The water stung his face like ice. Rivulets ran down his neck, dampening his T-shirt. Slowly the urgent need to vomit passed, leaving him weak and dizzy. Calm, yes, he was calm. Alone in the cramped bathroom, he felt his lover’s arms around him, heard tender words nuzzled into his head. ::Calm.::Vic’s soft whispers overpowered the needles’ piercing buzz, and when Matt closed his eyes, it was his lover’s face he saw, not the swell of blood on Vic’s fresh tattoo. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he let Vic’s powerful psyche quell the turmoil that raged within him. Maybe it wouldn’t be toobad. If Vic could do it...

A heavy hand knocked on the door to the bathroom. Before Matt could answer, he heard his lover’s gruff voice against the wood. “You in there, Matty?”