Page 89 of Daddy Down Under

When he finally let go of my mouth, he gathered me close, strong arms wrapping around me as I curled into him, my head finding its place in the crook of his neck.

“You did so well for me, baby boy. Took me so perfectly. I’m so proud of you.”

I preened under his praise, a soft, contented sigh escaping my lips. Nothing compared to pleasing him, to being his good boy.

“I think it’s time for bed, baby boy. Let Daddy take care of you.”

“We’re not gonna…” I vaguely gestured at his cock, still hard and pressed against my ass.

“That’s not what you need right now.”

I nodded against his neck but made no move to get up. He chuckled softly. “Come on, sweetheart. Daddy’s got you.”

The endearment sent warmth through my chest. With gentle hands, he helped me to my feet, steadying me when I swayed. My limbs felt loose and languid, my mind pleasantly fuzzy.

He led me to the bathroom, where he helped me brush my teeth, his presence behind me in the mirror grounding and protective.

“Strip for me,” he said softly when we reached the bedroom. There was nothing sexual in the command—just pure care and intimacy. I obeyed, letting my robe pool at my feet. Ocean’s eyes traced over me with tender possession before he pulled back the covers. “In you go, baby boy.”

I slid between the sheets, watching as he undressed and joined me. He immediately pulled me close, arranging us so my head rested on his chest.

He leaned down to kiss me, soft and sweet, before settling behind me. “Sleep now, beautiful boy. I’ve got you.”

And I believed him. For the first time in my life, I let myself be held, loved, taken care of.

Sleep crept up on me slowly, Ocean’s steady heartbeat under my ear a lullaby. The last thing I felt before drifting off was his lips pressing against my temple as he whispered, “Sweet dreams, baby boy.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

In which I introduce Ocean to my parents and things come full circle.

Snow-laden branches stretchedover the winding road like frozen archways. The early morning sun filtered through the evergreens, casting long shadows across the untouched drifts that blanketed the landscape like nature’s down comforter. The Catskills were gorgeous in all four seasons, but I loved them most in the winter when they had this aura of wild beauty, of rugged wilderness. Houses were few and far between in this part of New York, and my parents loved the quiet solitude after living in the busy, noisy city for so many years.

I’d had a long conversation with my friend Marcus about what we were trying to do, and he’d immediately agreed. He and I both knew his company was basically worthless at this point. If we could convince Preston to buy it, Marcus would at least get some money out of it and would be able to walk away with his head held high.

So Marcus was fully on board, and so was the FBI, after I gave Agent Thompson the details. Oliver had set everything in motion, so the trap was set. Now, we had to wait for Markowitz to inform Preston.

I could’ve easily filled my day with work, but I hadn’t been in the mood, so I’d suggested we drive upstate to see my parents.

Ocean sat beside me in the back of the car, his hand resting casually on my thigh as he gazed out the window. “You know what’s funny?” he asked, turning those stunning eyes my way. “Every time someone mentions ‘upstate New York,’ they mean something different. I still have no idea where upstate starts and ends.”

I chuckled, covering his hand with mine. “That’s because to anyone from the City, everything north of New York City is considered upstate. But ask anyone from other parts of the state, and they’ll tell you something different. Some think anything past Westchester is upstate. Others say Buffalo, though technically, that’s western New York. And the locals don’t consider it upstate until you’re practically in Canada.” I squeezed his fingers. “The Catskills, where my parents live, could be called ‘midstate’ since there’s still plenty of New York above them.”

“That doesn’t really clarify much,” he said dryly before turning his attention back to the winter wonderland outside. “It is gorgeous here.” His voice carried that sense of wonder that never ceased to amaze me.

“It’s even better in summer when everything’s green and alive. Though there’s something magical about it in winter too.”

Ocean pressed his face closer to the window, his breath fogging the glass. “Look at those icicles! They’re like nature’s chandelier.” His eyes sparkled with childlike enthusiasm that made my chest tight. “How much farther?”

“About ten minutes.” I squeezed his hand, noting the slight tremor in his fingers. “Nervous?”

“Me? Nah, I’m cool as a frozen lake.” He flashed that crooked grin that never failed to make my heart skip a beat, but I caught the uncertainty swimming in his eyes. “Though I gotta admit, meeting the parents is kind of a big deal. And it’s not like I have a lot of experience with parents.”

The sad truth of that statement hit me hard. It made me extra grateful I’d called my mom the day before when Ocean had been out shopping and had given her a quick rundown of what to expect. I’d wanted to avoid her asking any questions that could be hurtful to him.

“They’re going to love you,” I assured him, though my stomach was doing somersaults. I’d never brought anyone home before, so Ocean was right. This was a big deal for both of us. “Just be yourself.”

“That’s all I know how to be, baby.” He turned to face me, his expression softening. “Thanks for bringing me here. For sharing this part of your life with me.”

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