Page 13 of Deadly Daddy

A laugh burst from Kyson.

Shane pushed to his feet. “I’ll grab the game board.”

Kyson jumped to his feet. “Can I run to the bar and grab the liquor, Daddy?”

Banks’ throat swelled so fast and unexpectedly, it took him a second to recover. It was the first time Kyson had called him Daddy without stopping himself. Kyson sounded so much like the Little he had been before Jack that Banks nearly teared up. It was like he had healed someone. Him. That meant Kyson truly was saving him. “Of course, baby. Get whatever you want for the group. The guys know to give you anything you want.”

Kyson did a cute, happy clap.

Soren stood too. “Can I come? I know it was my idea, but you know I don’t really like the taste of alcohol. Maybe I can find something tolerable.”

Kyson linked his arm through Soren’s and steered toward the door. “Good idea. Maybe they’ll have a suggestion for you.”

They disappeared, chatting, and leaving Banks alone with Axton.

Axton cleared his throat. “So, you’re a daddy. I knew you owned this place, but I still never pictured that about you. Is this why I haven’t seen you in a while?”

Banks didn’t know what to make of Axton’s words or tone. He sounded oddly serious. Banks decided to be fully honest, especially since he always got his most fucked up when they were together. “The last time we went out, I don’t know how I made it home. I scared Kyson. He had to be the one who kept me from choking on my own vomit on the bathroom floor. I don’t know, man. The idea of failing him like that. It doesn’t sit right with me. In his heart, he’s a Little. He should never be the caretaker. There’s something fucked up in me.” Banks knew he wasn’t explaining himself well. They never had meaningful discussions. Banks didn’t like being serious.

“He deserves better. I get it.”

Banks’ shoulders relaxed. “Exactly. If anything were to happen to me, all this would become his. But he’s not equipped for that,and I don’t want to force him to be that person.” The way it was forced on Banks. “I love him. He needs me to be better.”

Axton nodded.

Shane returned with the game board. Banks had a feeling he had been hovering out of sight, letting Banks have his private conversation and waiting for his chance to return without it being awkward. Shane focused on Axton as he reclaimed his pillow on the floor. “Are you up for this?”

Axton shrugged. “Why not? I’ve got nowhere else to be.”

It hit Banks. Axton likely didn’t feel like he had anyone. The guy barely spoke to his brother. The biker gang he had done time for were still around, but ten years in prison was a long time. Things changed. Feelings changed.

Kyson and Soren returned laughing and arms laden with bottles.

Soren shook a glass canister. “They mixed me a whole bottle of something called a Buttery Nipple.”

Shane groaned.

Soren’s face fell. “What? Is it nasty?”

Shane shook his head. “It’s good, but it’s sweet. Don’t make yourself sick.”

The smile returned to Soren’s face. “Oh. I’ll try. But throwing up is still probably less embarrassing than me showing off my sick dance moves.”

Shane chuckled and shook his head.

Banks looked between the two. Kyson was right. Soren did have a crush, and judging by Shane’s smile, it wasn’t one-sided.

After reclaiming their spots, they set their haul on the floor. Kyson tried arranging the bottles where they were easy to reach for everyone. “I didn’t know what everyone liked.” He pushed a bottle of Coke and Jack Banks’ way. “Except you, of course.”

Banks didn’t touch it. “Thanks, baby.”

Kyson beamed.

Axton sat forward and eyed the haul. He reached for Banks’ bottles. “Do you mind? We have similar tastes.”

Banks flashed him a grateful smile. “Go for it. I’ll catch up later.”

Axton winked and filled one of the Solo cups Soren supplied.

---