could maintain. While the store and Thomas were both making enough to hire people to fix some of the stuff, Rory and his mom were of the same mind on that. If they could do it themselves, there was no need to waste the money.
The day might come when Rory would get his own place nearby, like Marcus and Thomas had done, but for now, this arrangement worked. Though she’d never hold her children back by saying so, Elaine liked having someone in the house other than just herself.
“You’re starting to embrace this side of yourself, whether you realize it or not,” Marcus said. “There are theories about this stuff possibly being hereditary.”
Rory’s brow creased. “You lost me.”
“We were with you at dinner a couple weeks ago. Your mom was tired, and it was time to clear the table, wash the dishes. Elaine was doing that thing she does, wanting her sons not to be bothered while she flitted around them. You told her to sit down and drink her coffee while you and Thomas cleared. She sat.”
Rory tried to remember. “I wasn’t disrespectful about it.”
“Not in the least. But you were adamant, and firm. Firm in a way she responded to.”
“Are you saying my mother…”
“I’m saying Thomas told me your father was a very authoritative person. Your mother loved him, fit with him. Thomas said as you’re getting older, you’re acting more like your dad. I’m not going to plant any whips-and-chains images of your parents—”
“Hell, thanks for that. You just did.”
Marcus’s eyes sparkled. “It was likely more subtle for them anyway, disguised by their time period, the father as head of household, things like that. But my point is, your father’s behavior and mannerisms groomed something already within you.”
Thomas came up the steps, picking up the bottle of water left there. He leaned against the porch rail. “Hey. When did you get here? Are you…”
He trailed off at Marcus’s significant glance.
Rory realized he was regarding Marcus in an almost mirror pose. Unblinking, his jaw set, back straight, his overall demeanor reflecting a watchful casualness. It was the posture of someone talking to a peer.
Thomas looked from Marcus to Rory and back. A corner of his mouth twitched, and he shook his head. “Don’t know how I ever missed it,” he muttered.
“He’s your brother,” Marcus replied. “So…”
“Yeah. Right. Eww.” Thomas shuddered, but as he turned to leave, he bumped Rory’s foot with one of his own, nodded to him and headed back down the steps.
“Hunh.” Rory watched his brother move to the wood pile, lean his ass against it and gaze out at the field, taking his break while giving them their privacy. “So he already knows.”
“Soon as I started pointing out the things in you I’d noticed. We’ve talked about it a couple times, when you might come talk to me. If you would.”
“Probably why I waited. Everything I learn from you I might have to visualize for Thomas.” Rory echoed his brother’s mock shudder. “Eww.”
Marcus’s firm lips curved. “Keep that in mind. I have a multitude of ways to traumatize you, because I’ve had your brother in every possible…”
“Nope. Lalalalala…”
Marcus grinned and brought the conversation back to topic. “You love her.”
“Yeah. I do.” Simple, straightforward.
“How much?” Marcus’s face went blank, no cues. Which meant Rory looked for the answer inside the limitless well of feeling the question inspired.
“Like whatever God is,” he said. “More than I understand or know, but want to spend a lifetime finding out.”
At the surprise in Marcus’s face, Rory lifted a shoulder. “My mother’s belief in God looks different from mine or Thomas’s, but she and my dad taught us the important parts. It’s there, if you listen for it. When this happened to me,” he touched the push rim of his chair, “I had to become a way more active listener.”
“Well said.”
“Thanks.” Uncomfortable with the praise, Rory pressed on. “You’re going to give me books, homework. Okay, fine. But tell me the traps and pitfalls. I don’t want to do the wrong thing.”
“You’re going to do the wrong thing, make mistakes.”
“She’s had enough of that in her life. I want to do my damnedest not to add to it. Tell me where it’s likely to happen.”
Marcus pursed his lips. “Fair enough. There’s a fine line between being an alpha asshole and being the Dom a sub needs. So you coming here today, to try and learn, that’s smart. Daralyn is a submissive with a lot of unknowns, in terms of how she’ll