Page 86 of The Masquerade: Room 2

It’s then that it dawns on me—the tightening in my chest—this neighborhood is all too familiar.

“Are you ready to go, little one? I’ll have the rest of your stuff packed and sent to my place tomorrow.”

“It’ll only take me a few hours to do it. You don’t have to go to any trouble.”

“I don’t want you coming back here. Grab your bag, and let’s get out of here.” My tone is more abrasive than I intended. Actually, it was harsh, and it’s exactly what I intended. My skin is crawling, and I hate that Freya’s present is bleeding into my past.

“You’re being unreasonable. This is my home. It’s not much, but it’s all I’ve got right now.” She pouts.

“Your home is with me. Get used to it. You’ve got a twenty-four-seven Daddy now, and I’m always going to act in your best interests, even if it pisses you off. Enough with the petulant hands on your hips. Get the bag and come home with me.”

I can tell by the switch in her demeanor that she’s annoyed, and I know why.

“I was born in this neighborhood, little one. Two blocks over. My memories aren’t homemade cookies and fun with my family. Can that be enough information for you, for now?” I know she wants more, but I don’t have it to give. This is more than I’ve ever told anyone in my life.

She drops her bag and rushes into my arms, wrapping them tight around my waist. “I’m sorry, Daddy. Thank you for telling me. I’m ready to go. The only thing I truly need is you.”

My heart aches, bursting with joy. An emotion that has been sorely lacking in my life until Freya bulldozed her way into my fucking heart and soul. I close my eyes, shutting out everything but the woman in my arms. There’s so much I want to say to her, but I’m terrified she’ll run if she understands the real me.

“I love you, little one.”

“I love you, too, Daddy.”

I pick up her bag and take her hand. She hesitates at the threshold. I’m sure she has some nice memories here. She made the apartment homey, but I can’t see past its location. Giving her a moment, I wait in the hallway, hearing her neighbors arguing so loud I now have intimate knowledge of the poor guy’s shortcomings in the bedroom. Pencil dick isn’t exactly a nickname you want getting out to the neighbors.

“I’m ready.” Freya slips her hand into mine, interlacing our fingers as we head for the elevator. This is really happening, and as I gaze down at her smiling face, I know I’m ready too.

“Daddy, no. Please.” Daddy grabs my favorite toy and throws it at the wall, making a dent. “I’ll be a good boy.”

“I told your mother to have an abortion. She should’ve listened.” I don’t know what that word means, but Daddy is so mad at me. I just wanted him to play cars with me. He doesn’t like to be with me. He gets mad when Mommy goes to work, and he has to stay home.

“I’ll be quiet, Daddy.”

“Stay out of my fucking sight.” He hits me hard, and my tummy hurts, knocking me to the floor.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” He hits me again. “I’ll be good.”

A woman’s voice reaches me in the depths of my despair, offering this broken little boy a lifeline. “Wake up, Pierce. It’s me, your little one. I’m here, Daddy.”

I gasp a huge lungful of air as her touch anchors me to the present. “Fuck.” My breaths are labored as I grab her face and bring her lips to mine.

“Are you okay?”

“No.” I swallow her moaning reply, desperate to shut out my demons if only for tonight.

“Pierce.”

“Let me make love to you, little one.”

“You’re not okay.”

“No, I’m not, but I’ll still be broken tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that. Right now, I need you.” When I pull her in for another kiss, she softens, letting me roll her onto her back, her legs spreading as she whimpers against my lips.

“Yes…” She’s giving herself to me in such a gentle expression of submission, and I’ve never seen her look more beautiful than she is right now.

Chapter 18

FREYA

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