Page 14 of Imperfect Skin

Simon looked up, his expression sad. “I’ve tried. Dad’s tried.”

“I know, but it’s deeper than that. He needs someone like I needed you,” Rhys said pointedly to Simon.

“Are you saying you think Mouse needs a Daddy?” I asked, leaning forward. “I’m not sure where I factor into this.”

Rhys chewed on his lip. Simon raised a ginger brow, and Rhys stopped. “He does—well, I’m pretty sure he does. He might not recognise it in himself, but I see the signs. That’s something he needs to discover for himself, but he’s been looking for something else and this is the only reason I’m blabbing. I’m afraid he’s going to get himself hurt, and the plain fact is you two idiots won’t pull your heads out of your arses long enough to realise you like each other.”

“We’re not in high school, Rhys.” I smirked.

Rhys huffed out an unimpressed breath. “Fine. The two of you want to fuck, is that plain enough for you? But it’s more than that. Mouse is actually happy when he’s around you, and you’re the same. You’re less—well, growly and scary.”

I held my hand up. “Okay, so apart from that, which I’m not going to comment on, what’s got your knickers in a twist? We all know Mouse is acting out and a damn sight crankier than his norm, but none of it’s been what I’d call dangerous.”

“He’s getting people to hurt him!” Rhys yelled. “And he’s going to do something stupid tonight, I know it.”

“Hang on, lad. What do you mean he’s getting people to hurt him?” I moved forwards on the bench, and Simon did the same.

“They use whips and shit on him, beat him up and stuff. I’ve seen the marks and bruises.” Rhys said, more quietly. “I saw them when we were getting changed for swim class. I asked him about them, and he said that he wanted them to do that to him.”

Okay, so Mouse had masochistic tendencies. “You know that some people like that. I’m sure Simon’s told you about S/M. About how some people like to hurt or to give the hurt?”

Rhys rolled his eyes. “Duh. I didn’t come down in the last shower. Of course I know, and I know all about consent and shit, oh wise one.”

“Boy,” I warned, even though Rhys wasn’t my boy. I still had ingrained responses to cheeky subs and Littles.

“You’re not my Daddy. And if you were Mouse’s, then this whole mess wouldn’t be happening.”

Simon stepped in then. Standing, he pulled Rhys against him. “I know you’re worried about Mouse, but we can’t help if you don’t explain properly, and with a little less sass.” Simon looked over at me. “We’ve been to the Crimson playrooms a few times and Rhys got to watch a flogging display and a wax play demonstration. Let’s just say he’s not a fan, but understands why some people are.”

I looked to Rhys and softened my expression. “Did your Daddy explain to you that I am a fan of those particular things? That I like to give my boys pleasure in a different way to your Daddy?”

Rhys blew a long, frustrated breath out and nodded. “Look, Mouse has gone off with Ziggy tonight. They’re going to a club, The Pit, and it’s not a good place. I’ve seen the aftermath on Mouse when he’s been there, and it’s not what any good Dom or Daddy would do.”

Fuck.

“Why the hell is he in contact with that twat again?” Simon said what I was thinking.

Rhys shrugged. “He’s been lonely and down since Christmas. He hides it well, but I saw it, and I think he sees Ziggy as a plaster of sorts. Something familiar.”

“Where is he?” I said as I pushed myself up from the bench. I needed to find Mouse and sort this shit out.

“He already left. I saw him leave while we were still on stage,” Rhys answered quickly.

I knew the place Mouse had gone to visit. It had been a few years since I’d gone there myself, and at the time it had been run by a reputable Master named Marcus. The Pit had always been a club that catered to the S/M community, but if Mouse was getting hurt like Rhys said, I’d be having a few choice words with Marcus.

I addressed Simon who was still cuddling Rhys. The lad had to feel like shit giving up Mouse’s secret, but he did it for the right reasons.

“Did you see if my mum was here yet?”

“Yeah, she was having a chinwag with Dad and Joe,” Simon said. “What are you planning?”

“I know The Pit, and the Master who runs it. I’m going to give him a call then head over there and convince young Mitchell to come home with me, and he and I are going to have a talk. Not one I want Alice privy to,” I said, moving towards the door.

Mum was with Joe and Magnus like Simon had said. I let her know I was leaving earlier than planned, and I still wanted her to take Alice. She didn’t hassle me for an explanation. I think she could tell by the look on my face that I had something important to do.

I found Alice with Benji, working on a couple of large colouring books that someone had given them.

“Hey, petal. Are you having fun?” I knelt by her chair, pulling her in for a hug.

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