Page 6 of Forever Ink

Rhys rubbed his hand against his cheeks and pouted. “It never grows properly, it’s all patchy, not like yours.”

“You might end up like Mouse. He’s never been able to grow a good full beard, but he can get a mean goatee going.”

Rhys smiled and stroked my cheek. “Think I’ll leave the beards to you. I kind of like having a smooth face.”

“Honestly, me too. I like that I can see your adorable dimples.” I took his hand and led him out of the playroom towards the bathroom, stopping along the way at our bedroom to grab him a fresh change of clothes and socks. “How about after the bath we cuddle up and watch a movie?” I said, leading him into the bathroom.

Rhys sat on the closed toilet lid and looked up confused. “But Magnus is expecting us?”

“Baby, he won’t mind. We were going to head up on the weekend originally. We only changed plans because I didn’t have many clients this week. Besides, it gives him a chance to get the surprise ready.”

“Surprise?” Rhys’s eyes went wide.

“Yup. Now let’s get the water running so I can get you into the bath.”

“Kay.”

I helped Rhys get out of his clothes, throwing them into the hamper, and while we waited for the tub to fill I got out my shaving gear. Rhys had now gotten used to me using a straight razor on him, and he said he enjoyed the feeling and liked the closeness of having me shave him.

I could feel Rhys’s body relax under my hands as I lathered on the shaving soap, and I even got a quiet laugh as I dabbed a dollop of soap on his nose. He hummed happily when I brought the blade smoothly down his cheek, tipping his head back to let me get the few errant hairs there. By the time I’d wiped his face down with a warm washcloth, the bath was full.

“All right, baby, the bath looks ready to go.” I couldn’t help but feel proud looking at my boy standing naked next to me. The healthy meals and regular walks had him filling out, and the boxing lessons he’d been having with Mouse had started to tone his upper body and legs in a way that I really liked. Of course, Rhys was always perfect in my eyes.

Rhys got into the tub and sank down into the bubbles till only the top of his head showed. I could already see him relaxing deeper.

“Want Daddy to wash you, baby bear?” I asked as I emptied the mesh bag with his boats into the tub with a soft splash.

“Yes please. Hair wash too?” Rhys asked hopefully.

“You bet. You just relax, and I’ll grab the shampoo.” Washing each other’s hair had become one of those things we both loved. It was a way of reconnecting and enjoying closeness. I’d become addicted to the head massages Rhys gave, but I was no slouch myself, and I hoped it would help relax him.

No matter how much I wanted to know what had upset him, I wasn’t going to push. Having someone safe that he could air his worries and share his concerns with was still very new to Rhys, but he was slowly learning to talk about what was bothering him. And not just with me, but others in our small circle. But I’d learned through the months with him that it was best to let Rhys open up himself, and not push him to talk. And if washing his hair and spending some relaxing time together was what he needed, then I was more than happy to oblige.

“Tip your head back, baby.” I grabbed the shower attachment and ran it till the water was warm, then started to wet Rhys’s hair. Once it was wet, I massaged the shampoo into his hair, and the happy groan Rhys made was almost pornographic.

I took my time massaging his scalp and finger brushing his curls, rinsing, then conditioning. If we didn’t use the conditioner Rhys ended up with a fluffy golden halo, which I adored but Rhys was not a fan of.

“Let me take care of you,” I murmured, feeling Rhys relax further under my hands.

Chapter 4

RHYS

I didn’t know how long I lay in the bath, but I knew under Daddy’s soft touches I felt better. I opened my eyes and looked up at him. It still amazed me that this wonderful caring guy was my man, my Daddy. He was my safe space. It didn’t matter where we were. As long as I had him close, I felt like I could take on the world. Even on a bad day at work, when Doc was being super grouchy and the patients grumpy, a quick text from Daddy and I knew I could go on with my day. I worried that I was a bit needy if you looked at it too closely, but when I voiced that concern to Declan, he assured me that what Simon and I had was perfectly healthy, especially given the nature of our relationship. Dec had been more than understanding when I had admitted to being a little. He was even encouraging, saying that what worked for Simon and me was nobody’s business.

“Water’s getting cold. Should get you moved in front of the heater.” Simon leaned forward to pull the plug as I stood. He held out a large bath sheet and wrapped me in it as I stepped out of the bath. I snuggled into the soft warmth of the towel.

I let Simon wrap my hair in a smaller towel and then dry me off. I wasn’t deeply in my little space anymore, but I still enjoyed it when Simon was in Daddy mode. It reaffirmed our relationship, our dynamic, and I knew it not only settled me, but helped Simon.

I happily let Simon dress me in a warm sweatshirt and track pants and my favourite pair of purple polka dot socks. Warm and clean, I felt so much better as I walked into our small living room. The gas heater was filling the room with a soft orange glow and taking the chill off the air. I headed straight for the sofa, pulling the crochet throw around me.

Here in my safe space, I could almost forget the news that Donald had brought. Simon sat down behind me, drawing me back into his arms. I let myself enjoy being pampered while Simon attempted to dry my hair.

“Looks like something has got you deep in thought, baby boy. I also get the feeling you’re not little anymore.”

I opened my eyes again, not having realised I’d shut them while he had dried my hair. “Donald came over.”

Simon hummed in acknowledgement behind me. “Thought so. I saw his cup in the sink.”

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