Page 8 of Deadly Daddy

Then Banks dropped his chin. His expression was crystal clear and lucid. “I love you.” The confession rocked Kyson’s soul as Banks shook cum out onto his skin. Kyson’s mind stayed frozen on those three little words. They bounced around his brain like a bullet on the loose. Nothing mattered but knowing he owned Banks’ heart. Kyson didn’t give a shit about anything else anymore. He was exactly where he was meant to be. Let it destroy him. He no longer cared.

Chapter Four

Unfortunately, they hadn’t beenallowed to sneak away before the house roused for the day. They had been forced to join the family in the garden for brunch, which was really just crepes and mimosas. So many mimosas. From there, Banks had to take care of a few things, leaving Kyson alone with Tabitha. That would have been perfect, except Beau was there… with his live-in whore, Adan.

Adan was beautiful, and he knew it. Kyson hated his stupid face. What kind of man moved in with a married man and flaunted their affair in his wife’s face? A little bitch, that’s who. Kyson always fought the urge to punch him. Instead, he donned himself in shy armor, hoping it kept Adan at arm’s length.

Kyson sat at the table with Tabitha. His chair sat barely an inch from hers. With their shoulders touching, Kyson held her handbeneath the table. Beau drew hopscotch on the nearby tennis court for Adan. Adan smiled and laughed as he hopped through each square.

Tabitha lifted her glass to her lips. “I hate him.”

“Which one?” Kyson was genuinely curious who she blamed for this hell she endured.

“Both of them.”

Since she started the conversation, Kyson dove in with both feet. “Why don’t you leave? You’re so incredibly beautiful. Anyone would be lucky to have you and would treat you like a queen.”

A sad smile passed over her lips. “There’s only one way to leave this family.” Her gaze slid Kyson’s way. “You know that goes for you as well, right?”

Kyson nodded. His eyes were wide open. He no longer cared about the cost. He had paid a higher price for less.

Tabitha patted his hand. “Good. Banks is pretty well split between his father and me. Unfortunately, I think he got the worst of both of us. All my addictions with his father’s terrifying temper.”

“He got love from somewhere too.” Kyson didn’t have to think about it. The words simply fell from his lips. “He has so muchamazingly beautiful love inside him. I think he has more of you than you realize.”

Tabitha’s eyes filled with tears. She turned her head, blinking rapidly while watching her husband give everything to someone else. Kyson had never felt so much rage on someone else’s behalf. He wished with everything he had he could save her. As always, Kyson was completely helpless. He couldn’t make anything better.

Banks appeared at his side, with Kyson’s backpack slung over his shoulder. “Are you ready?”

Kyson looked Tabitha’s way. He would stay if she needed him.

She patted his hand again. “It was good to see you, sweetie. Go enjoy your day.”

He hugged her.

She chuckled, but hugged him back.

Banks kissed her cheek. “Thank you for brunch.” His gaze moved toward where his dad and Adan played. A muscle flexed in his jaw. Kyson knew he bit back all the words. He met Tabitha’s stare again. “Would you like to come home with me? You can hang out with Kyson, and Shane hasn’t seen you in a while.”

A sad smile passed over her lips. “Thank you, but you know I can’t.”

The muscle in Banks’ jaw worked double time.

She squeezed his hand. “Go. Be young.”

Kyson’s throat swelled. She was young too. Tabitha deserved better than this. Kyson had no clue how Banks withstood the rage. The fury inside Kyson was massive, and he had only known Tabitha for six months. How had Banks stood this for years? He forced himself to stand and kiss her cheek. Kyson couldn’t make her leave any more than he could have escaped Jack without Banks. As Tabitha had said, sometimes, there was only one way out.

“Call me if you need me.”

She smiled. “Of course.”

Banks took his hand and led him to the car. Kyson tried not to cry the whole way home. It was obvious how well Banks knew him. He didn’t talk, leaving Kyson to hang on to his dignity. If he opened his mouth, the anger and tears of frustration would flow. He understood Banks better each time they saw his parents. Kyson kind of wanted to get high and stay that way. The alternative was to kill Beau and Adan. Since that was impossible, then what? Nothing. Helplessness. He wanted to smash some shit.

Kyson walked through the club, seeing nothing. Banks let him inside their home. Kyson headed for his bedroom with his backpack squeezed against his chest. He needed to unpack. As he dumped everything on the bed, Shane appeared in thedoorway. Kyson bit back the urge to scream. He couldn’t deal with Shane right now.

“I need to apologize to you.”

Kyson hadn’t expected that. He didn’t know what to say.

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