Page 16 of Deadly Daddy

“Are you okay? I swear I can hear you overthinking,”

Banks’ smile grew bigger at the claim. “Yeah, I’m good. I was just thinking about the day you came to live with me. Before everything happened with—God, I hate saying his name—Jack, you were at that tea party. You wore that cute bat onesie you have. When you told me you were a fruit bat and ate that grape—like an adorable munchkin—that’s the moment I knew you were mine. It’s crazy. I can’t really explain it. Everything happened so fast. One second, I was thinking how fucking adorable you are. The next, I saw your bruises.” Banks paused to swallow his rage at only the memory.

“I genuinely might’ve killed that guy if you hadn’t been watching. The only reason I could stop hitting him was I didn’t want you to look at me like a monster. I mean, I know I am one.”

Kyson rolled so fast, he nearly knocked Banks’ teeth out. “You’re not. You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”

That was sad. “I am a monster.” Banks said the words plainly. Kyson needed to understand they were true. “That’s kind of my point. I don’t know how, but I knew you were mine that day. Thank you for seeing me and loving me anyhow.”

“Don’t thank me for something that’s literally the easiest fucking thing I’ve ever done in my life.” There was no arguing with the power in Kyson’s voice. He meant it and Banks knew it. That was why he was so obsessed.

The door burst open. “Why aren’t you answering your goddamn phone?”

“Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.” Banks grabbed a handful of blankets and quickly covered Kyson. Even though it was just Boone, no one was allowed to look at his man, especially in such a vulnerable position. “Why in the hell are you crashing into my bedroom in the middle of the night?”

Boone’s dark hair was a mess. There were dark circles under his eyes. He looked scared and enraged. Broken. “I’ve been trying to call.”

Banks didn’t bother looking around for his phone. He didn’t know where it was half the time. “What’s happened?” Banks knew in his heart it was bad. Boone would never show up like this otherwise.

“It’s Mom.”

Banks’ heart dropped into his stomach. Boone didn’t have to say the words. “How?” He needed to know if it was time to kill their dad.

“She sent Dad out tonight.”

Banks knew that. They’d had the conversation earlier.

Boone visibly swallowed. “Then she took her own life.”

Everything inside Banks ceased to function. There were no thoughts, or maybe there were too many, and he couldn’t catch them. Either way, he simply shut down. He barely felt Kyson’s arms encircle him.

“I’ll get dressed.” The words sounded like they came from a stranger.

Boone nodded and closed the door, leaving him to his shock.

Banks still didn’t move. Finally, he felt Kyson’s tears on his skin. Banks focused on him. Kyson was the only safe place for his brain. He gathered Kyson into his arms and cuddled him. It was almost second nature to comfort Kyson. He wanted to claim he couldn’t believe it, but his mom had been working on killing herself one way or another for years.

“We should get dressed. Your family needs you.”

Banks stared at Kyson’s tear-streaked face and his open pain. “You’re my family.” The words just automatically fell from his lips. His body was on autopilot, with no one at the helm.

Kyson stroked his chest. He sniffed. “I am, but your brother needs you more right now.” He sat up and rolled from the bed. Kyson took Banks’ hands and urged him to his feet. He steered Banks to the bathroom and went to work cleaning them up before finding Banks some clothes.

Banks stood like a statue and let Kyson handle him like a doll. He had no idea how long it took, but they were both in jeans anda t-shirt by the time Kyson finished. Then they stood staring at each other. Kyson looked as lost as he felt. Yet, he still cared for Banks like a toddler.

“What do I do now?” Banks didn’t know if he meant he didn’t know how to use his legs or if he meant he didn’t know how to handle this. Both, he supposed. The only thing Banks knew was Kyson would take care of him. They were a family. It’s what they did.

Chapter Seven

Shane took Soren homein Banks’ car. Axton took Shane’s keys to the SUV and drove everyone to Beau’s place. It was completely silent in the car. Banks imagined Axton was uncomfortable as fuck, but he didn’t show it. He had to focus on anything at all except reality. Axton pulled into the circular drive. As his headlights swept the porch, Banks spotted Adan. On the front steps, in a pair of bunny pajamas, he sat with his head down and a suitcase at his feet.

They silently piled out of the SUV. Adan’s head didn’t lift until they neared. His eyes and nose were red. He looked a mess.

“Daddy put me out.” He twisted his fingers. “I don’t have anywhere to go. I don’t have anything. Nothing. I don’t even know how to call an Uber and I don’t have any money even if I did.” He sounded so distraught, even Banks didn’t have the heartto kick him. The guy had been a kept pet his entire adult life. He didn’t know how to be anything else.

Boone and Jupiter walked past him like he wasn’t even there. They didn’t even stick around for the entire speech.

Kyson looked at Banks.

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