Page 42 of Saul

“What happened?” I asked in shock.

“Chris just got a knife and cut me free in four seconds flat. He had me on his lap and sent someone to get my inhaler from my locker within moments. Then he took me to his home and smacked me so hard I couldn’t sit for a week.”

“He punished you?” I was appalled.

“For lying,” Ricky said ruefully. “I didn’t put asthma anywhere on my medical history, and we’d been drinking before we went to the club, which was another crash and burn. Boy was I in trouble.” Ricky smirked like the punishment wasn’t as horrific as I’d been imagining. “We’ve been together ever since.”

I sat back in my seat completely stunned, the noise of the Little area going on around me.

“I always knew you were a Little,” Ricky said softly. “We both recognized it in each other, but while I had a safe space to act out, you had to hide yours.” I met his shimmering gaze.

“Not your fault.” It had been mine. I’d been so desperate not to be alone that I’d tried to be someone else, then I’d tried to push away Daddy, the one person who wanted me to be me. And Daddy had bought me My Little Pony jammies and a dragon tee and all those coloring books. He saw me. He saw the real me, even though I was trying to keep it hidden. Why didn’t I trust him?

I knew I didn’t deserve him. Daddy had laid everything on the line. He was honest, and I was still hiding. He needed honesty. No, he needed someone better than me. He needed a boy who would give him everything, and I was too messed up.

“Cal?” Ricky whispered, and I wondered why his face was all blurry when I looked up. Then I blinked and realized I was crying. It was all so much because I was so stupid and why on earth would Daddy want to keep me?

No one else ever had. My mom, my dad, even my first proper boyfriend. Maybe Ricky was only still my friend because we didn’t see each other enough for him to get sick of me?

“Baby?” Somehow, I knew he’d be there, and I held my arms up automatically as Daddy bent down and he simply wrapped me in his strong arms. I buried my head in his shoulder as he lifted me. I vaguely heard Ricky assure Chris I was okay, and I was aware of them helping Daddy get me outside and into his truck, wrapped in a blanket, and Daddy took my hand and held it in his lap all the way home.

“One of the first things I’m gonna do is empty the garage and get a remote door opener,” he grumbled as he parked in the driveway. “I don’t like you having to walk so far to the door. "

And it was such a random Daddy thing to say I giggled, then sniffed, then giggled again. “I’m sorry.”

He huffed. “Not your fault I haven’t got a palace ready for you.”

And there he went again. “I’m no prince,” I whispered.

He lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. “You are to me.” Then he turned off the engine and climbed out. I was still trying to unwrap the blanket when he opened my door.

“So, rule one. I always open your car door, and you always wait to let me.”

I blinked. “We’re doing rules?” My heart did a crazy-ass flutter. Rules meant long-term.

“Definitely,” and he picked me up and strolled to the door like I didn’t weigh anything. “You know from the interview form, I’m good at lists.” He let me down, then unlocked the door.

“Rule two is that you have to always tell me where you are or want to be. I’m not trying to keep you from your friends, but I need to make sure you can get there and back safely, preferably accompanied by me, but that might not always be possible.” He frowned. “I need to get a proper security system.” I had to swallow down a really tight throat. “Do you need the bathroom?” I shook my head.

“Okay, well, we’re gonna talk all this out, then I’m going to run us a bath.” He paused and set me down, then bent to take off my shoes. I rested my hands on his shoulders. I didn’t even remember someone putting my shoes back on.

“What’s three?”

He stood up and took me to the love seat, sat down, and drew me into his arms. I sighed and got comfy. “Three is the most important one, so I’m moving it up to one,” he said very solemnly, and I stilled. Then I felt a thumb under my chin, giving me no choice but to look up.

“Rule three is that you never put my most precious possession in danger.”

“Possession?” I could barely breathe.

He nodded. “You belong to me, and I’m never going to compromise on your safety. Ever. That’s non-negotiable.” My heart was doing flip-flops or swoopy things. It sounded bossy and domineering and utterly perfect. “And in return, I will treat you like a prince.” He wiggled a hand like he was unsure. “Maybe a princess.”

I didn’t care what the rest of the rules were as I launched myself at him. He grinned and managed to avoid my mouth for a second. “Is that a yes? I have your consent?”

“Yes, a million percent,” I said, and then Daddy’s mouth descended on mine. I didn’t remember getting undressed, but Daddy’s sure hands were all over me, making my skin tingle and my body come alive, yet still being careful of my shoulder. I pressed myself close, happy I could barely move, glorying in the whispered words and the way he called me baby and his boy. I wanted it so much I couldn’t breathe. My cock was rock hard for once and aching for release, something Steven had never managed.

Then I ouched as I felt the smack on my ass. Daddy broke off, and I opened my eyes. “I lost you.” Shame burned my skin. He was right. I had no business thinking of other people while he was making me feel this good.

I hummed as the smack turned into a tingle, which seemed to make my cock throb even harder. “Daddy,” I whispered, trying to grind my hips and failing miserably because of how I was trapped. He hummed his appreciation, and I jerked as he used his strong fingers to cup my balls, reaching under them and scraping his nail. “Daddy,” I gasped, knowing I was so close, and wasn’t sure whether I was offering a plea or a warning.

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