Page 5 of Deadly Daddy

A smile exploded across Kyson’s face. “I would’ve very much love to have a day date with you.”

“Cool.” Banks stood and smashed out his cigar in the sink. “Let me get a shower. Think about what you want to do.”

“Okay.”

The happiness in Kyson’s voice had Banks moving his way.

He bent and kissed Kyson’s cheek. He could be a better person. Banks would try. He also might kill Shane later. Banks hadn’t decided yet. How dare Shane scold Kyson? Banks’ shoulders fell. Then again, how could he stay silent? No one besides his family had known him longer than Shane. If anyone knew he wasn’t worth loving, it was Shane.

His legs hurt. Banks had burst from his shower wearing a shit-eating grin and with a secret plan. Kyson hadn’t been forced to choose an activity. Banks had planned their entire day. Apparently, a hot shower had inspired him. They went to Disneyland.

Kyson had eaten so much, his stomach hurt. His legs ached from all the walking. He was sunburned and tired. Kyson was also happier than he had ever been in his life.

Several times, Banks held his hand. Kyson couldn’t stop thinking about that. He also couldn’t stop musing over Banks’ confession. Everyone left him. Kyson wouldn’t. He wouldn’t abandon his friend. Except maybe they were also more than friends, and Kyson couldn’t stop obsessing over the idea. He loved Banks. Likely, he had for a long time. His feelings were out of his control, so Kyson didn’t try to control them. The way that Banks had overtaken his life and cared for him in ways no one ever had, Kyson hadn’t stood a chance. There was no fighting it.

“Do you think Soren is cute?”

A nervous-sounding laugh rumbled from Banks. He didn’t look away from the road as he drove. “Is this a trick question?”

Kyson smiled. Turned sideways in his seat, he couldn’t take his eyes off Banks. He looked so relaxed and sober today. God. Kyson wanted everything from him, especially his thoughts. “No. I’m going somewhere with this. Objectively speaking, do you think he’s cute?”

Banks stared straight ahead, looking thoughtful, as if he had never considered it before. “In his own way, yes. He’s very angelic-looking and has pretty eyes. Why do you ask? Please tell me you’re not trying to set me up.”

The jealous rage that sideswiped him nearly stole Kyson’s sight. He had to take a breath before he answered. “No. I think he maybe has a crush on Shane. I don’t want him to get his feelings hurt. Shane is nice to him, but it’s his job to be nice.”

“No. It’s not. It’s his job to keep you safe. That means possibly being very, very not nice.” Banks blew out a sigh. “Well, fuck. I suppose I can’t kill him now. Your friend will be upset, which will make you upset. Back to square one, I guess.”

Confusion crowded Kyson’s brain. “What are you talking about? Why would you kill Shane?”

“He made you feel bad. I’m not okay with that.” Banks said the words with so much passion, everything inside Kyson lit like a candle.

“You can’t kill everyone who makes me feel bad.”

Banks glanced over, looking deadly. “I can and will.”

Kyson’s heart sang. “You’re very beautiful.” He had no idea where the words came from, but he was absolutely horrified. He refused to take them back, but he had to quickly move on. “Thank you for today. This was amazing.”

Banks grabbed his hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing it. “You deserve more of this. I wish I had thought of it sooner.”

“And you say you’re not a good daddy.”

Banks cocked his head to one side. He looked confused.

Kyson’s heart sank. “You don’t remember saying that.” It wasn’t a question. It was more than obvious by Banks’ expression he had no clue what Kyson talked about.

Banks cast another quick glance his way. “It doesn’t matter. If you say I said it, then I did, and it’s true. I’m not a good daddy.”

“What are you, then?”

Banks smiled and tossed a wink his way. “A deadly one.”

“Maybe that’s exactly what I need.” Fuck. Why did he keep talking? He had already decided he shouldn’t get himself into this dynamic again.

Before Kyson had time to panic, Banks pulled to the side of the road. He took full advantage of Kyson’s confusion and was across the car before Kyson questioned a thing. His mouth covered Kyson’s. It wasn’t overwhelming or scary. In fact, it was the sweetest kiss Kyson had ever experienced. He was gentle. The way Banks cupped his face, holding him like he was made of glass, was earth-shattering. His breath hitched.

Banks pulled away and kissed Kyson’s forehead.

“You’re saving me. You don’t see it, but you’re saving me.”

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