Page 78 of Dual Surrender

“I’m sorry Ronan.” He licked the blood with the tip of his tongue.

Another.

Another.

“I’m sorry, Ronan. I’m sorry, Ronan.” More blood, streaking down his chin now, the hint of a bruise blooming on Foster’s cheek. He looked up and sought me out, eyes imploring me to believe the truth of his words.

Another.

Then Sage raised his left hand, striking Foster on the other cheek twice.

Three more apologies, and tears slipped out the corner of Foster’s eyes.

“It’s enough,” I muttered.

Sage hesitated, his hand raised in the air and ready to strike.

“Is that your safeword?” he asked.

“No,” I said.

Another.

Another.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Ronan. I’m so…”

Another.

Another.

And another.

Foster squeezed his eyes closed, face colored with tears and blood, his hands still beneath his thighs. His cheek was purple and green and he pulled his lower lip into his mouth, biting it to stop himself from crying harder. It was a look I’d seen, a look I’d put on his face more than once. But all of that felt like lifetimes ago.

“May I?” I directed the question toward Sage, who stepped aside, leaving Foster and I alone in the living room.

“Look at me,” I whispered, crouching down between his legs.

Foster forced his eyes open, the regret and concern and utter misery painted clear as day across his entire face. With steady fingers, I swiped the wetness from his skin, and as I touched him tenderly, his face crumpled like he didn’t deserve the kindness. I let him cry, wiping the tears that fell while I fought back my own. The bruising on Foster’s face was bad, but it would heal.

Just like Foster and I would.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kevin

“There is an issue with the walls in the office,” Carmen Savino-Sharp’s voice was shrill in my ear.

“The designs are good and approved by the building department,” I assured her.

“Well, something has gone wrong. You know they just haven’t gotten it together since Ben disappeared.”

I sighed, not pleased that Ben had vanished and also not pleased that Carmen was calling me about it while I was out of town. Jared should have been able to take care of anything she needed.

“Have you spoken with Jared?”

“He’s useless. When can you meet me down here?”