Page 11 of Deadly Daddy

Nothing could have gotten Soren back in his pajamas faster. Kyson had stood up for him in a way no one ever had. He was Soren’s best friend. Soren wouldn’t let him face the music alone.

Boone and Banks kept exchanging glances. Banks knew Boone had his back if their dad exploded. Still, Banks was too sober for this. He had cut back to only smoking his laced cigars. There weren’t nearly enough drugs in those to deal with taking on his father today. No way in hell would he let his dad harm his baby. There were lines even his father wasn’t allowed to cross.

Beau puffed on his cigar and eyed Banks.

Banks kept his face blank. He knew better than to show an ounce of weakness. Plus, Banks recognized his power too. He was the one his dad turned to when he needed someone to disappear. Banks imagined they were on equal footing.

“Well, you’ve definitely got a scrapper there, boy. Looks like he’ll fit right in with our bunch.”

Adan huffed from his chair next to Beau. He still held an ice pack against his eye. “Daddy, he hit me.”

Beau shot him an annoyed look. “I saw. I also saw you start it. Never pick a fight you can’t finish.”

Adan went back to pouting.

Boone stood. “My husband and I have dinner reservations.” He nodded at everyone and left Banks with the drama. Banks couldn’t blame him. Adan had been engaged to Boone before Boone caught him cheating with their dad. He couldn’t imagine how Boone felt every time he saw the two together. It had nothing to do with Adan. He loved his husband more than life. But Boone shouldn’t have to endure a betrayal like that from family.

Banks decided to pretend as if nothing happened. “What brought you by tonight?”

“Your mother said she wanted the house to herself for a few hours. We had some time to kill before dinner. I thought I’d see my boys.”

Banks nodded. At least his dad had respected his mom’s wishes on something. They owned a huge estate, but it seemed as if his dad always purposely tracked her down with Adan in tow. He never gave her a moment’s peace from his open affair. The saddest part was, if his mom ever so much as looked at another man, that guy would be dead on the spot. Yet his father spent every day tormenting her. Banks needed a drink.

He motioned for a server.

The guy didn’t hesitate to bring Banks a Jack and Coke. He put the glass to his lips and immediately set it back down without drinking. The smell turned his stomach, and Kyson needed him clearheaded.

Beau checked his watch. “We should probably head out for dinner as well, so I can grab something for your mom too while we’re out. Otherwise, she’ll choose not to eat if we stay out too late.”

Banks’ gaze slid Adan’s way. It was out of his control. More times than he could count, Banks had wondered how Adan truly felt about this arrangement. The guy was pushing thirty. He had lived as Beau’s whore for ten years. Surely, he harbored some sort of resentment or anything at all. The dude obviously had no shame or pride. Not to mention his lack of care for others, but goddamn. Did he feel nothing? Adan’s gaze was locked on his lap, stealing Banks’ chance to get a read on him.

“It was good seeing you, Dad.”

Beau stood and squeezed his shoulder before heading toward the door with Adan in tow.

Banks counted to ten and then went in search of Kyson. He didn’t want to look too eager. His dad might reappear any second, and Beau Bosi excelled at destroying things. Before he made it to the hallway that led to his personal space, the door to the club opened and Axton stepped inside. Banks froze. He had given Axton free passes to check out the place, but the guy had never taken him up on the offer.

His eerie light gaze slid across the room before landing on Banks. A smile touched his lips. He closed the distance between them. “Hey.”

Banks couldn’t help but smile. He genuinely liked Axton. “Hey. I honestly never expected to see you here.”

Axton looked around again. “Yeah. It’s not really my scene, but I get bored sometimes.” He focused on Banks again. “I hadn’t heard from you in a while. As fucked up as you were the last time I saw you, I worried you were dead somewhere.”

Banks chuckled. “Nah. I’ve just been busy.” He motioned for Axton to follow. “Come on.” Banks made his way down the hallway until he reached his door. He half expected to find Kyson in tears. Axton’s visit was inconvenient timing, but he could hardly boot the guy from the building when he’d come to check on Banks. He opened the door to chaos. The living room furniture had been pushed against the walls and the tent was back. Pillows surrounded a tiny indoor s’mores maker. Shane,Kyson, and Soren were all in their pajamas, taking turns toasting marshmallows.

A smile exploded across Banks’ face. “What’s going on here? Are you having a camp-out without me?”

Kyson beamed at him. He patted a pillow beside him. “I saved you a seat. Go put your pjs on.”

Banks stepped farther into the room, revealing Axton behind him. “This is my friend, Axton. Axton, you know Shane, of course.”

Shane gave him a nod, greeting him.

Banks motioned toward Soren. “This is Soren, and,” he moved to Kyson’s side and sat, “this is my baby, Kyson.”

“Take your shoes off. You’ll get the pillows dirty.”

“Oops.” Banks pulled off his shoes and tossed them aside at Kyson’s reminder. He stole a kiss before focusing on Axton again.

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