Page 4 of In Daddy's Hands

Boone nodded. Their longtime attorney, Jarek, had a brother in prison serving time for manslaughter. “I think he was part of some biker gang.”

Beau looked thoughtful for a minute. “Didn’t I hear he just got some time tacked on?”

That was true too. Jarek’s brother, Axton, had been set for release before getting into a violent fight that got him four more years. “That’s what I heard.”

His dad’s eyes lit in a way no man would want to see. Boone knew that look. “I wonder if he’d be willing to do us a little favor for the right price and an early release?”

Banks leaned forward and grabbed a laced cigar. He lit it while speaking around it. “I can set that up.”

Beau gave a sharp nod. “Do it.”

A weight lifted from Boone’s chest. He didn’t like having a shadow hanging over him. A low-level dealer had recently been arrested. He had immediately agreed to give evidence against Boone’s family for a deal. They couldn’t have that. Boone had met Axton briefly years ago before his prison sentence. He had a mean streak and a no fuck’s attitude. He would definitely take a bribe for a quick shanking in the courtyard. Nobody liked a snitch.

Boone took a draw from his cigar. He needed the high for this conversation. “I’ll keep Jarek out of the loop. He might be down for keeping our asses out of prison, but that loyalty probably stops at getting his brother involved.”

“Fair.” Beau stood. “We have a plan. Get things rolling.”

Banks immediately grabbed his phone and started texting. No doubt he knew exactly who to contact to put their plan intoaction. Banks was an addict who acted dumb, but he could be scary as fuck. In fact, even Boone wouldn’t want to come across him in a dark alley. He had connections no one should want. Boone knew this would be handled by the end of the night.

With his dad gone, Boone finally looked around. He spotted Jupiter playing alone. The PlayPen was a little busier today than usual. It surprised Boone to see Jupiter by himself. Littles usually flocked to him. Boone always suspected it was his welcoming smile and obvious confidence. He wasn’t ashamed of what he wanted. They wanted to be like him. Jupiter glanced up and caught him staring. He twisted his fingers, as if unsure of his place.

Boone motioned with his head for Jupiter to join him. Jupiter’s gaze moved toward Banks, but he stood and headed Boone’s way. Boone got it. Jupiter hadn’t been comfortable with Boone for that long. The idea of being around his family was probably terrifying. Banks gave no fucks about anything at all. They were good.

The moment Jupiter was within reach, Boone scooped him into his lap. Happiness filled his chest when Jupiter immediately settled into his arms, as if he had come home.

“Hi.”

Boone kissed his nose. “Hey. What have you been doing today?”

Jupiter shrugged.

Boone’s eyebrows rose. “What’s wrong?”

Jupiter chewed his lip for a second before responding. “I was playing with Kyson, but he got upset and kicked over our game. He said I was cheating.”

“Were you cheating?”

Jupiter shook his head. His beautiful eyes looked sad. He lowered his voice. “But then his daddy spanked him in front of everyone. Now he’s in the corner crying.”

Boone’s eyebrows snapped together.

Banks’ head lifted, obviously listening in. His expression matched how Boone felt. That wasn’t done. Not here.

As if manifesting him, Kyson appeared at their side. He indeed looked as if he had been crying. His green eyes were bloodshot, and the tip of his nose was red. A guy with dark hair and a set mouth stood at his back with his arms crossed. They hadn’t met, but Boone didn’t try to make friends.

Kyson twisted his fingers. “I’m really sorry.”

Boone couldn’t look away from the guy’s so-called daddy. He didn’t like the guy’s face.

Jupiter climbed from Boone’s lap and hugged Kyson. “It’s okay. You’re allowed to have a bad day.” He cupped his hand and whispered something in Kyson’s ear before pulling away.

Kyson didn’t get to say anything else before his daddy had his hand, pulling him toward the door. He shot a sad look over his shoulder as he went. Boone was more bothered than he could explain. He hadn’t known Kyson had a daddy, but he absolutely recalled the boy always smiling. That wasn’t happening now.

Jupiter looked ready to cry as he reclaimed his seat on Boone’s lap. He kept chewing his bottom lip and watching the door. It was obvious Banks couldn’t look away either.

Boone couldn’t take it anymore. “Talk to me.”

Jupiter shook his head, as if shaking off a spell. “I just can’t stop thinking about it. He spanked Kyson really hard. If he did that where everyone could see, what does he do behind closed doors? Kyson is so pretty. He used to be so happy. Something isn’t right.”

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