Page 60 of Echoes of Fear

I only run personal security in four places. The clubhouse, the Cage, Oasis, and the mayor’s house. Of course, I’m the only one who has access to those feeds, but I never look at Oasis or the Cage unless I need to.

Which reminds me that I need to go over hours of feed from the Cage to see if I notice anything weird with any of the workers.

Ghost is missing thousands of dollars, and I will find out why.

“I’m guessing the good type of bear, seeinghow he’s standing behind you.”

“I don’t think I’d classify the man behind me as a bear, Bobby,” I say without looking behind me. I can see his devilishly sexy smirk from my laptop as he leans against the door, drinking coffee. “More like a bossy Dom who doesn’t let me have coffee whenever I want.”

“I wish I had a Daddy like that,” Bobby sighs. Then his eyes grow comically wide, and he starts freaking the heck out.

“Oh, what did I just do? I’m ruined.”

“Hey. He won’t say anything. I promise.”

“Everyone will know I’m a freak, and no one will take me seriously anymore. I’m done. I’m over. Completely and utterly ruined.”

“Bobby,” Taylor says, leaning down behind me so my friend can see his face. “You will stop, little one, and listen to me. You are not a freak. And you’re not ruined. I promise to keep your secret, sweetheart. You have nothing to fear. Nod if you understand.”

Bobby, shocked beyond belief, nods his head.

“He’s perfect, Knox,” Bobby whispers.

“Ugh,” I groan. “I know. Listen, I’m not at the clubhouse anymore.”

“What? You went outside?”

“The tornado that ripped through Harborbrook left the clubhouse in ruin,” I tell him. “I don’t remember much after that apart from Taylor bringing me to his place. Anyway, I say that to let you know that he lives out in the middle of nowhere. You can come over and play if you want. Oh, crap. I mean, if that’s alright with you?” I turn my head and look at Taylor. “I didn’t mean to do that without asking.”

“It’s alright, baby boy,” he kisses the top of my head which makes Bobby swoon. “This is your home for as long as you’ll allow me to hold you hostage. And I agree, Bobby. Anytime you want to come for a Little date, or to visit, you’re more than welcome. I’ll make sure I’m the only other person here. Your secret will be safe here.”

“I could really use that,” he says, unshed tears in his eyes. “I can’t go to clubs or anything like that, and I have to spend so much time being an adult. And, let me tell you guys something,I hate being Mayor. Re-elections are coming up in six months, and I already have a speech prepared to let everyone know that I won’t be running.”

“He only took the job because of his father,” I tell Taylor. “He’s a jerk.”

“Very much so,” Bobby says. “Alright. Enough chit-chatting. We have an actual meeting to attend in ten minutes. Fix your hair, Knox, while I get things ready. Call me before joining the conference.”

“Talk soon.”

Hanging up, I jump up and head to the bathroom.

“Holy cow,” I yell. “I really do look like I was attacked by a bear.”

I spritz my hair with water and tame the beast until it looks presentable. I don’t know how Taylor keeps his long hair looking so dang sexy. It’s unfair.

“I don’t care if you’re in the room with me during this meeting,” I tell Taylor as I plug my laptop in at the kitchen table. “But, they can’t know you are. There’s one man in particular who would be livid. Best not to anger that monster.”

“Monster?” Taylor raises his brows in question. “Has he ever done something to hurt or upset you?”

“Why? Would you kill him for me if he had?” I ask jokingly as I pull up the code to enter the conference.

“In a fuckin’ heartbeat,” he growls.

“Sexy,” I whisper. “Don’t let them hear you.”

With his nod, he sits on the opposite side of the table and watches me. I’m sure that would make most people uneasy to be watched the way he’s watching me. But I bask in it.

I need more.

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