Page 15 of In the Name of the Father

He had no idea what bug had crawled up Nate’s ass. They hadn’t had a conversation about Everett, the club or his social life in ages.

“Sure. Sorry about that.” Nate cleared his throat. “Sort of.”

Malcolm rolled his eyes. “Your guesthouse? Even though I know this wouldn’t be an issue for you, he does want to pay. His pride only lets me get away with so much.”

“Sounds like a great guy. A real find.”

That’s it. I need the coffee now rather than later. He could talk to Nate with the ear buds in and put it on speaker.

“Hold on, Nate. I need to switch over to speaker.” Once he had his phone set up, he ambled into the kitchen to get the liquid fuel he’d need to face the uncertainty of the new day. While he puttered around, he continued with the conversation. “I don’t mean to push the subject, Nate, but I need to figure out where Seth is going to be staying so I can work on the next issue with him. I don’t mind him staying here for a day or two if you need to get the place ready, that’s not a problem.”

The seconds ticked away while Malcolm waited for Nate to respond. After another minute or so, he finally spoke up.

“Well, that’s just it. I haven’t had a reason to mention it, but the plumbing in the guesthouse is no good. It’s one of those things that I’ve been meaning to get to but hadn’t bothered since no one’s using it anymore.”

Damn. The cute, single bedroom home in Nate’s large yard had been for when his mom would visit, but she’d passed the year before.

“Wow, okay.” Malcolm reached into the cupboard to grab two large mugs for him and Seth. He set them down, then leaned against the granite counter. “That changes things.”

“Why can’t he stay with you? I know you don’t need the money, but maybe he could take the spare room until he gets on his feet.”

Malcolm grunted. No, the money wasn’t the issue. Thetemptationwas the issue. He frowned at himself.But why? A few minutes ago, he’d adamantly explained to Nate that he wasn’t interested in a boy anymore and that his insinuations about him being ready or whatever, was a bunch of nonsense. In which case, it wouldn’t matter whether Seth was in his guest room or not. As a Dom and as a Daddy, he’d always been the epitome of self-control. Why should that have changed now?

“Well…I suppose that could work. He did express some reticence last night when I mentioned him staying at your place, you know, since he hasn’t met you.”

“See?” Nate chuckled. “It’s in the stars.”

Malcolm rolled his eyes.This guy. “I don’t know about that, but I’m sure something can be worked out.”

It’ll be fine. I can control myself. Focus on what he needs and that’s it.

Malcolm pinched the bridge of his nose as he recalled his thoughts of the night before. The ones where he sensed that being a boy was something Seth needed. Malcolm groaned.With someone else who isn’t me. He was making himself agitated enough that his own thoughts had stopped making sense.

“I’m sure it can, Malcolm. Your Daddy skills will definitely come in handy in this situation.”

“Dammit, Nate!Stopalready!”

A gasp made Malcolm whip his head around.

Shit. Perfect.

“I’m sorry.” Seth wrung his hands. “I’ll go back to my room.”

Malcolm shook his head as he held up a finger. “No. Wait.” He whispered. Malcolm then returned his attention to Nate, who was in the middle of responding to Malcolm’s outburst.

“…necessary to yell at me like that. I get that you’ve been claiming that you’re done with that life, but I’m your friend and I’ve been very worried about you.”

“You’re right, Nate. I apologize. It’s just that…” He glanced at Seth who hadn’t moved.Who obeyed me without a second thought. Malcolm’s head was fucking killing him.But is that only a result of his programming? Of what was done against his will? “Look, let me take you to dinner this week as a peace offering. I actually have to get going.”

Nate snort-laughed. “Let me guess. Seth walked in? You focus on him right now, buddy. We’re cool. But keep me in the loop on what happens with you two.”

“Nate…” Malcolm gritted his teeth. “There’s no loop.”

“Uh-huh. Be good to each other and bye!”

Before Malcolm had a chance to respond, Nate had ended the call. Malcolm set his phone on the counter then rubbed his eyes with thumb and forefinger. After taking a deep breath,he angled around to face Seth. He still appeared distraught.

“Good morning, Seth. I hope you slept all right?”

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