Master (MxB) novel Chapter 8

Corey's POV

It's been almost a week since Hayden brought me to his house and I was slowly recovering from my injuries, but I was still battling with the nightmares. I was barely getting any sleep at night and even during the day, I just couldn't bring myself to take a nap. I was too scared of having more nightmares.

I looked over into the corner of the ceiling and waved at the barely visible device there. Hayden had told me that he had cameras throughout the house, in every room, for security purposes. He also told me that they were monitored at all times, so I had to be careful where I decided to get dressed or undressed. I remember blushing quite badly when he told me about it, causing him to chuckle at me.

It's been great staying here, but in the back of my mind, the niggling doubts had set in. Why would Hayden even help me to this extent? What was he getting out of this? I mean, at the end of the day, if there was one very valuable lesson Father had taught me, it was that nothing ever came for free.

I truly believed that Hayden was a good person and in a lot of instances, I felt safe with him. But then again, I used to believe Father was a good person too. Father used to make me feel safe too. So what was going to stop Hayden from turning into another version of Father?

My mind was screaming at me to keep a distance, not to let him close to me, but my heart wanted this man with a passion that I have never experienced before and I didn't know which one to follow.

I sighed out my frustration, running my one hand through my messy hair. I needed to make up my damn mind, because the indecision was killing me.

As I lay there, trying to sort through the mess that was my thoughts, I decided that today was the day I was going to get up and try to move around by myself for a change. Hayden has been like a mother hen, always making sure I'm comfortable and fed, making sure I'm happy, but it was time for me to do some things for myself and I was going to start by having a shower.

I slowly lifted myself up and swung my legs over the side of the bed, hissing at the pain that shot through my body. Moving slower, I moved to the edge of the bed, where I waited for a bit, before slowly, and very carefully getting up. It was so damn painful, but I was determined to do this myself, so I bit down and made my way across the room. First I went to my wardrobe and got some sweatpants and a soft t-shirt. Then I went to the dresser and took out a pair of black boxer briefs, before slowly walking to the bathroom.

Once inside, I closed the door and locked it behind me. I made my way to the shower and turned it on, setting the temperature to how I liked it, before removing my clothing and dropping it in the hamper.

I got in the shower and groaned in pleasure at the warm water pouring down over my pained body. I stood under the spray for a few minutes before reaching for the shampoo and lathering it into my hair. It smelled like vanilla and I absolutely loved it.

Hayden had gone all out, buying me toiletries and clothing, but that doubt still sat in the back of my mind. Why would he do all of this for me? I have no way of paying him back for any of it, and he knew it too. So, why?

I let go of the maddening thoughts for now and finally finished my shower, feeling a lot better after the gentle massage of the shower spray. I got out, dried my hair and body and got dressed in the clothing I had brought with me.

As I walked out of my room, I looked at my bed, but the thought of getting back into it, had me frustrated, so I decided to go find Hayden.

I opened my door and looked down the hallway, but didn't see anyone or any open doors, so I went downstairs, taking the steps one at a time and resting after every few. I didn't realize how weak I had become, but I was determined to see this through. I had come this far already, so might as well go the rest of the way.

After some time, I finally managed to get to the bottom of the stairs and my nose was instantly assaulted with the delicious smell of pancakes. When was the last time I actually had those? I couldn't remember, but the smell had my mouth watering and before I could stop myself, my feet had started making their way to the inviting smell.

Just outside the door to the kitchen, I stopped. I had heard voices coming from inside and I wasn't sure what to do, so I stood there like an idiot, listening. One voice was obviously Hayden, but I didn't recognize the other one.

"Come on Hayden, when are you coming back to the club? We haven't seen you in more than a week and you barely even answer our messages or calls. What the fuck is going on man?" I heard the man ask Hayden and I wondered what club they were talking about. Another question that was burning through me, was who this guy was and what his relationship was to my Hayden.

I gasped and put my hand over my chest when I realized what I had just called Hayden. He wasn't mine and he never will be. He deserved someone his own age, someone more mature and definitely someone less broken. I couldn't even bring myself to trust him, for fuck sake.

"I know Leo, but I've been busy. There is no reason for you or Dean to worry about me, okay? I've just got some things to sort out." Hayden replied and that made me feel guilty, I was the reason he was busy, I was the reason he wasn't with his friends.

I stood there contemplating on whether I should go back upstairs or go into the kitchen. Eventually my curiosity won and I pushed the door open, catching the attention of the two men in the room.

Hayden was standing behind the stove, flipping pancakes in nothing but a pair of jeans, I swear he was trying to kill me. The other man was seated on the opposite side of the counter, holding a cup of coffee.

As soon as he saw me, he stood up to his full height and I had to gulp at how intimidating he was. He was beautiful with his bronzed skin, dark hair and visibly sculpted body, but his eyes were so hard as he stared at me blankly for a few seconds, before he turned back to Hayden.

"What the fuck are you doing Hayden? He's a fucking kid." He spat out, looking very angry.

Hayden scoffed at his remarks, but gave me a soft smile. "Good morning Corey, how are you feeling today? And please forgive my ass hat of a friend. His name is Leo, and Leo, this is Corey. I am helping him with a situation he was in and he is staying here. He only came out of hospital a few days ago. As you can see Leo, this is why I've been busy lately, Corey needs me." He told his friend and I almost giggled at the look on Leo's face at being called an ass hat.