Page 79 of Doc

He nods. “Yeah. Part of the reason I have such a hard time waking up is because the nightmares always felt as if they were holding me under. Over time, those have lessened, but the feelings still linger. It’s why James usually sleeps with me, to help remind me I’m here and I’m safe, and I’m not alone.

“The not being able to fall asleep issues, yeah, we haven’t quite managed to work that out yet.”

“Have you considered taking something? Even if it doesn’t keep you asleep, it’ll help make going to bed easier.”

He makes a face and shakes his head. “Can’t, meds made the nightmares worse. We tried again after they stopped, but it didn’t help. Plus, I don’t like how they make me feel. And if shit hits the fan, I need to be on my A-game should the Family need me.”

“Makes sense.”

Doc laughs a little. “It’s okay if it doesn’t. I’m not all that sure it makes sense tome, but I’ve lived this way for longer than Ican remember. I’ve learned to adapt. I wasn’t always a reader, but Cristian had some books in his office, and one night, I kept him company because I couldn’t sleep. He was working day and night trying to get the Family in order, because his uncle had just died, and he had a baby due imminently. Anyway, I picked up a random book about some historic crime Families and actually enjoyed it.

“I ended up reading his entire small collection in about a week, and so he started buying me books. Nonfiction and fiction.” He holds up the book in his hands. “Turns out I like fiction the best, especially queer romance.”

I smile and get more comfortable on the bed. James shifts, pressing further against me with a sigh.

Doc rolls his eyes. “You can push him over if you want.”

Wrapping an arm around the bodyguard, I press a little closer to him. “We’re fine. Tell me about your book.”

Doc huffs but obliges. “It’s set in a Deaf cafe, boss/employee, a bit of enemies to lovers…” He rambles on, telling me about the plot and the characters, and how the author’s words slay him in the best of ways, and I close my eyes, letting his voice drift me back to sleep.

SOREN

Get something that I can use to restrain you and meet me in your office. 5 mins.

Our dayoff shouldn’t start with a punishment, but my boy has a mouth that doesn’t know when to quit, so needs must.

Six minutes after I sent the text, the door to Doc’s office opens and he walks in.

“You’re late,” I say sternly once the door is shut and locked.

“Sorry, Daddy. I couldn’t decide what to bring.”

“You’ll get spanked for that. Over the desk, and quickly.”

He lets out a gasp but crosses the room, drops a roll of bondage tape and a pair of scissors on the desk before undressing. When he goes to drop his clothes to the floor, I clear my throat.

Doc flushes and haphazardly begins folding his clothes. As I push the chair away from the desk, his blush deepens and he slows down.

“Take your time and do it righ,” I tell him, rounding the desk. “If you make one more mistake, I’ll put you in the corner, understand?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’m sorry.”

“Take a breath, baby, and show me how sorry you are.”

Doc breathes in and out slowly, and he finally remembers his place as he neatly folds his clothes and hands them to me.

“Good boy.” Setting the clothes on the desk beside me, I reach for him. “There’s no reason to get so worked up, baby. Yes, you’re going to be punished, but once it’s over, all is forgotten.”

Doc easily slides between my legs as I lean against the desk. He shudders as I hold him close, and for a long moment, he desperately clings to me.

“I’m sorry I’m such a mess,” he says.

“Shh, you’re fine.” Pressing a kiss to his temple, I let my lips linger. “I happen to like messy.”

He snorts. “I got nervous,” he admits. “Once my mouth starts running, most people don’t stick around. And it’s not like I can turn that part of my personality off for long. Sure, some of it is a defense mechanism, and how I deal with stress, but the rest is…just me.”

“Hey.” Easing him back, I stare into beautiful yet terrified amber eyes. “I happen to like…” I stop and shake my head. “No,” I say, reaching up and cupping his cheeks, forcing him to keep his gaze on mine. “I happen tolove‘just you’.”

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