Love is Always Write Anthology Bonus Volume

of the sheet and wiped Daren's face. "You're starting to sleep a little less than twenty hours a day. We can add in a little physical therapy. Keep your strength up."
    "And what happens when I'm back on my feet?"
    "We'll work that out later. Baby steps first. I think you've done enough damage to yourself today though. We'll start physio tomorrow."
    "I'm sure Raymundo would disapprove."
    "Who's Raymundo?"
    "My personal trainer. He's the jealous type."
    Sebastian cracked up with Daren right behind. "I think he'll forgive us."
    Daren grimaced as he continued to giggle. "Oh, God, this hurts."
    "I know."
    Daren took a few deep breaths, bringing himself under control. "So. I guess it's time for my least favorite part of the day."
    "I'm sorry."
    "I know." He slowly swung his legs around until his feet were touching the floor. "Let's get this over with."
    ****
    Sebastian rubbed circles on Daren's chest, feeling guiltier than ever before. When Daren was just an odd person who had stumbled into his life, he could detach from it all. But now that he knew who Daren was and who had hurt him in such a disgusting way, it was harder to think as a medical professional and not a feeling person.
    Daren did seem to be healing up reasonably well. Physically, at least. "That should be the last time I need to do that."
    Daren took a long stuttering breath and nodded. He looked like he might actually throw up. Sebastian changed his gloves and grabbed the shower gel and wash cloth. It was still tricky washing around the only half-healed wounds, but Daren did seem to relax into it. That is at least until some suds rolled down his spine. His body jerked as they slid past his mid-back, and Sebastian moved quickly to wash them away, without comment.
    On his list of long-term goals, after getting Daren back on his feet and somewhere safe and very far away from his family, possibly with a new identity, was to find him a good Trauma Counselor.
    "I'm sorry," Daren said softly.
    "It's okay."
    "As soon as I can walk, I'll get out of your life."
    Sebastian was glad Daren couldn't see the shock on his face. Daren had fully admitted he had a bull's-eye on his back, and Sebastian just knew this sheltered rich kid had no idea how to function in the normal world.
    "And go where? And do what?"
    "I'm… I'm sure I'll think of something."
    "Sure you will." Sebastian rinsed off the last of the suds and turned off the water. "Well, until you do, maybe it's best if you stick around."
    "I'm sorry. I don't want you to be in danger. You've been too nice to me."
    "You are in a cruddy brick duplex, shared with an eighty-nine-year-old lady, in a suburb that was built as housing for low-paid factory workers until the factories shut down. No one on earth is looking for Gerald Delaware here."
    "Is that why I keep hearing The Price is Right through the bedroom wall?"
    "Yeah, Mrs. Laramie is pretty damn deaf." Daren stared at his feet while Sebastian dried him down. "Look at it. You're going to be out of action for another few weeks at least. Worry about the future then. For now, let's just get you back to bed and tuck you in with an ice pack for your knee."
    "That actually sounds really nice."
    "I thought it might."
    ****
    Sebastian poured some lunch for Daren and made himself a sandwich. Daren had crashed out hard after his shower, leaving Sebastian plenty of time to contemplate all the new information. He hadn't been half wrong when he thought that Daren might be running from organized crime. Again he contemplated calling Agent Kim, but there was no way of knowing if he had also been bought out; the odds were good. That did leave him with the same question Daren must be asking: Who to trust? Sebastian's phone chirped at him while he cut the crust off his sandwich— a special indulgence for when no one was looking.
    He glanced at the text.
    Jimmy says you've got a boyfriend? — Rachael
    Sebastian contemplated not answering.
    Jimmy's got a big mouth. And that's not a yes
    Sebastian texted back then grabbed his lunch, leaving his phone on the kitchen counter. By the time he got back, there were three messages waiting.
    It's not a no — Rachael
    U got a BF! WTF? — Ty
    Sebastian hated text speak.
    I'm young, good looking, and gay. Why wouldn't I? That's not a yes
    Mate, we could be on an epic trip. What R U hiding? — Jimmy
    Sebastian ignored Jimmy, put the dishes in the sink, and went to query the internet on an Agent Kim.
    By the next day, Sebastian had found a few