Page 4 of Point Proven
My palm settled against the soap dispenser as I pumped a generous amount into my hand, slipping into a state of dissociation I knew was dangerous. With the realization, I attempted to focus on the simple task of scrubbing my skin. Ineeded to rid myself of the grime that tainted my essence, not from the bathroom, but from my past.
The door opened, and I flinched instinctively, footsteps echoing on tile as that familiar, deepened timbre rang through. “Liam… Are you okay?”
“Huh?” I questioned, blinking a handful of times as I brought myself back from wherever my mind wandered. “Oh. Uh, yeah. I’m good. I’m just finishing up.”
Hand pressing against my lower back, he rubbed it in circular motions. “Hey, whatever it is, I’m here for you.”
“I know. I think I just got a bit overstimulated, is all.” Offering him a half-hearted smile, I turned the sink off before snatching a paper towel from the dispenser. “We probably shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
Bringing his palm up my back to my neck, he massaged the tender flesh. “They’ll be okay. Iknowthat look, Liam.”
“I’m fine, Simon. Truly.”
Narrowing his eyes, he shifted to position himself in front of me. “We can talk about it later then.” Brushing his fingers across my arm the way I liked it, he dipped his chin. “And if it gets too much, we can leave. We don’t have to stay, okay?”
“Okay, but I’m fine. I promise.”
“Mmm, mhm,” he muttered, but that hesitancy remained locked in his irises. “Come on. Let’s go back.”
My fingers slipped between his, and I followed him out of the bathroom, attempting to keep my attention fixated on him instead of wandering to the abysmal depths I’d kept hidden for decades. He navigated the passing patrons and servers, making their way to their tables with ease, positioning me behind him so I didn’t have to take the brunt of the interactions. It was something I appreciated more than he realized, considering my social anxiety and likely slew of other undiagnosedissues.
Coming to the table, he guided me around his frame, and my eyes met Thorne’s. His honeyed gaze wavered slightly, the corner of his lip twitching with something I immediately recognized—an apology. His subtle, unspoken offering eased some of the weight I carried, but it would never rid me of it. It was something I feared I’d live with for the rest of my life.
“Welcome back.”
“Yeah, welcome back, Liam.” Oren smiled, attempting to brighten my mood, but even sunshine couldn’t reach the darkest of shadows.
Slipping back into the booth, I offered both of them a mirrored expression of acknowledgment. “Hopefully, I didn’t miss much?”
“Nope! Nothing but Thorne discussing his man purse, and howdelightedhe would be to carry it out of this diner for me.”
“Pushing it, dove.Pushing it.”
“It’s just a satchel,” he mumbled, glancing out the window to the bustling life of Staten Island beyond.
“Look, can we continue without the images?” Simon closed the manila folder and slid it across the table to Thorne. “I… think the general idea ismorethan clear.”
Exhaling, Thorne snatched the file Simon had referenced without question, grabbing two others. Shoving them back into the bag, only one remained on the table. Various colored tabs were visible, poking out just enough for us to see, and hinting at our prior commander’s meticulous nature.
“What I was speaking to yourlovelyother half about while you were gone encompasses an idea that Oren and I came up with. To help others.”
“Brilliant idea, and I think it’ll do a lot of good,” Oren added. “At least to me, it’s a purpose to fall into. A… A means to correct what my father did, what his influencecontinuesto do.”
“It gives a cause to fight for. Not only to bring light to all of Valens’ corruption and how much it has polluted the ranks, but to rescue those kids, Liam.”
Thorne’s statement was pointed in a way that wouldn’t cue in the others, but also held an underlying intention that I’d never be able to thank him enough for. He was starting an organization to help free children from the situations I once faced. It was a push to give back, but in the most influential way, a way heknewwould mean the world to me, without outing my past and the trauma I experienced.
“Okay,” I whispered before clearing my throat. Nodding once, I looked between them. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
“You sure?”
Simon brushed his fingers across my thigh, the touch so feathery I almost missed it. Resting his chin on his closed fist, there was resistance in those hazel irises before he answered Thorne’s proposition. He was always observing my non-verbal communications, aware of the slightest shift, which made it difficult to hide even a subtle emotion. Attuned to my character, he wielded it as ultimate power.
“Yes,” I replied. “I’m sure. We were imprisoned by Valens for too long, and I think it’s time we did something bigger than him.”
“Then I’m down to fuck up some loose ass pussies,” Simon responded, leaning into my side. “What’s the first thing you need from us specifically?”
“We are still figuring out the company structure.” Thorne drummed his knuckles against the table. “I have an in with a potential Mafia organization that’s been working to dismantle underground operations that run these rings, as well as other black market-based activities.”
