Zane hated the look in Bailey’s eyes.He despised hearing the raspiness of his voice and seeing the way his shoulders caved in.What he hated most, though, was Bailey’s view of himself.The guilt he carried, like he thought it was all his fault, Zane knew that feeling best.He knew how much it hurt and how hard it was to break away from it, hell; he hadn’t managed to himself so he had no clue what made him think he could help Bailey.However, he had to try.
Reaching out, Zane took Bailey’s hand and pulled him into his arms.Feeling the boys’ body shiver made Zane hold tighter.His tears soaked Zane’s hospital gown.
“Do you honestly think Rosie ever saw you as anything less than her hero?”he asked.Bailey whimpered.“I know it’s hypocritical of me to say that you need to forgive yourself, but you really need to.”
“But—”
“Try to argue and I’ll kiss you.”
Bailey looked up.Zane greeted him with a soft smile and the gentle touch of his thumb brushing away Bailey’s tears.Bailey’s heart soared, and it seemed Zane was not done with his affectionate gestures and kind words for the day.No, he was gonna overdose Bailey with them in a moment.
“You’re perfect the way you are.Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise,” he said.
Bailey hadn’t realized how much he needed to hear that.Zane saying it only made it more important.
“You probably think it’s silly.That I’m just overreacting,” Bailey mumbled, twisting Zane’s shirt into his fingers.
“Not at all.”
“Are you lying to make me feel better?”
“Not at all,” Zane repeated, pressing his forehead against Bailey’s.The close proximity brought the color right back to Bailey’s cheeks, although it was under the right circumstances now.At least, in Zane’s mind, that was the case because the only time Bailey was allowed to blush was when it had to do with him.It was a new rule he just put in place.
Bailey had calmed enough that his breathing returned to normal.Although comforting words couldn’t solve his problems, Zane’s support was needed.He smiled, content with Zane knowing the truth.Not only did he need to talk about it but he also needed to share it with someone he cared about.
“Are you going to pull away anytime soon?”he inquired in a teasing tone that meant Zane had to return the favor.
“I don’t think you want me to.”
Bailey pursed his lips, ready to argue until Zane closed the gap between them.The kiss was tender enough to make Bailey want to melt.His toes curled.He felt Zane’s heart racing against his hands.They basked in each other’s warmth, in the comfort of the room, and their lips moving to the song of their hearts.As much as Bailey enjoyed the cuddling and sweet talk, a kiss certainly was the icing on the cake.And when the two pulled apart, they remained close enough to feel each other’s hearts beating against their chests.It was nice to know they both were equally pleased with the kiss, even when they knew what was about to follow.
Zane dreaded it and feared the reaction he would get afterwards.His grip on Bailey tightened just a little more, scared that he wouldn’t feel it again.
CHAPTER 28
Zane’sFlashback
Zane’s entire childhood was spent inside a box that Antoine had created for him.Vixen Manor sat among an evergreen forest in the middle of nowhere.No visitors and no access to the outside world that Antoine did not approve of.Zane was sick and needed to be taken care of, so Antoine claimed.Once a week, Law visited.
“Now this will only hurt for a moment.”
Zane winced when Law pierced his arm with the syringe.A scowl marred his face, but he refused to say a word or make a sound.If he didn’t, Law gave him candy afterwards.Law always asked if Zane felt different.Normally the answer was no, but there had been some changes.
“I’ve been having terrible headaches,” Zane admitted.“It feels like something is ringing inside my head.”
Law scribbled in his notebook.“Anything else?”
“Sometimes I wake up in cold sweats.I can’t remember the dreams, but I’m always too scared to go back to sleep after.”
“Have you been taking your medicine?”
“Yes.Nothing helps.The headaches keep coming and I’m really tired because I can’t sleep.”
“I see.Then why don’t we bump your check ups to once every three days?”Law may have asked, but that wasn’t a question.He was in charge when Antoine wasn’t.Digging in his pocket, he gave Zane the promised candy for good behavior.“Here you go.Make sure to take your medicine tonight and let me know if you have another nightmare.Try to remember it, ok?”
Zane snatched the candy and joined Marceline in the kitchen.Based on the smell, she was making dinner.His stomach growled.
“What did I say about the candy?”Marceline sighed, though she wore a smile.“Dinner is almost done.You should have waited.”
