Chapter Eight #3
Gerard nodded. “He’s learned to mimic socially acceptable behavior in order to adapt to his surroundings.
When I first began working with him, he wasn’t my lover.
His first request of me as a Dom was written on a piece of paper.
It simply said, ‘please teach me how to be a regular person’.
” Gerard let out a long sigh. “It was a long road, but as our relationship deepened and trust grew, I discovered what a special man he is. Then he revealed his biggest secret.”
“I imagine that secret pertains to whatever it was that happened to him today.”
Gerard’s features twisted in anguish. “That’s correct. Marco’s upbringing is a tragic story. I won’t go into all the details, that’s only part of what we’re dealing with right now. In essence, Marco’s uncle is after him in the hopes he can have him institutionalized.”
Phil gasped. “How can that be possible? He’s an adult man who chooses to live with the man he loves in luxurious surroundings—his uncle doesn’t have a leg to stand on.”
“I’m afraid he could.” Gerard fixed him with an intense stare.
“Because Marco was raised with his uncle after his parents died, he never received the proper care or support he needed as a special needs child. His way of dealing with the loss of his mother and father—on top of not having any previous relationship with an uncle who clearly only cared about Marco’s inheritance—was to lash out with anger and violence.
” Gerard’s eyes filled with tears. “Unfortunately, his uncle was able to have him committed on several occasions.
I believe he hoped that it would become a permanent situation.
That way, he could snatch Marco's inheritance out from under him.”
The entire story made Phil sick to his stomach. His only impression of Marco had always been that he was the sweetest and kindest man he’d ever met. “What a disgusting excuse for a human being. If there’s anything, anything me and Terry can do, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I wish there was, but I appreciate the offer.” A smile tugged at the corner of Gerard’s mouth.
“I sensed we would all become good friends.” He sighed.
“But for now, we have our attorneys giving us advice. You see, when Marco reached eighteen, he was released. Knowing that his uncle would try to get his clutches in him again, Marco convinced the one close friend he’d made on the ward to stay in his room and pretend he was him.
There was a shift change, and Marco checked out with the nurse who was leaving, while his friend hid under the covers and told the nurse coming on shift that he wanted to remain in his room until his uncle arrived to get him.
” Gerard sniffed then let out a chuckle.
“His ruse gave him an almost two-hour start, plenty of time to disappear. Eventually, I obtained legal help so he could receive his inheritance. When we fell in love and I moved him into my home, I assumed he was penniless.”
“Wow.” Phil eased back in his chair, shaking his head. “Sounds like he’s a true survivor.”
“He is. I’m very proud of my boy.” Gerard gritted his teeth.
“We’ve had to move in the past to elude his uncle, but I’m tired of running and so is Marco.
Previously, when we would attend a regular club, we’d always be discovered.
I bought the house we’re in right now under an old corporation that I no longer use.
That’s how we ended up hosting the nights there. It was so much safer for us.”
“Except now it’s not.”
“Exactly. He somehow figured out where we are and Marco’s terrified his uncle might kidnap him and tell the courts either that he’s still dangerous, or that I’m abusing him because of our lifestyle.”
“Jesus. This is insane.”
“Yes. But it’s his uncle who’s the truly insane one, and I refuse to let him intimidate us anymore.”
A thought entered Phil’s mind. “If nothing else, perhaps me and Terry could help by making statements regarding both Marco’s behavior, as well as his living environment.”
Gerard furrowed his brow, nodding. “I might just take you up on that. Thank you.”
Phil offered him a smile. “Anything we can do to help, I mean it.”
Terry appeared in the doorway. “I apologize for interrupting, but Marco really needs Master Gerard right now. I thought, under the circumstances…”
“You thought correctly. Thank you for alerting me, Terry.” Gerard rose from his chair and regarded Phil. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I need to get my boy home. He’s going to need a lot of attention and care tonight.”
“My God, of course. If he’s doing better later this week, and you feel it’s safe to take him out, we’d love it if you would both join us for dinner. “
Terry let out a small snort. “Yeah, and we can have a rematch on that game of fish. He annihilated me.”
Gerard burst out in laughter. “He got you too? He does that to everyone. No one can touch Marco when it comes to games that require a good memory and strategy. I wouldn’t even try, he’ll get you every time.”
As Gerard and Marco made their goodbyes, Phil perceived Marco in a new light.
He found himself not only grateful that Marco had Terry to turn to, but was surprised to discover how protective he’d become over the young sub as well.
Anger welled in him at the thought of what horrors Marco must have endured as a child at the hands of his uncle.
That asshole better stay away from him. Phil mused that Marco’s uncle should hope they never met in a dark alley.