Page 3 of For the Love of a Boy

With an expression of determination, Seth sunk his spoon into the oats and scooped up a bite that included all the ingredients. He frowned as he chewed. After swallowing, he took another bite of the same. Malcolm ate his own breakfast, careful to keep his staring as subtle as possible.

After Seth reached the bottom of his jar and scraped up the last bits, he regarded Malcolm.

“I didn’t love it.”

Malcolm wiped his lips with his napkin. “But you ate it anyway, even though you didn’t like it. I’m very proud of you for giving it a chance.”

“Oh, I liked it. I just didn’t love it.” Seth offered him a lopsided smile.

Malcolm chuckled. “Does that mean you’ll try more recipes with nuts in them?”

“Yes, Daddy. But I’d rather have them in candy.”

At that moment, a dirty thought about other kinds of nuts Seth might like ran through his mind, but he still hadn’t sussed out Seth’s humor when it came to racier subjects. There’d been sparks of the imp in him, but they were still in the early days.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Malcolm grinned as he rose, taking his empty jar and spoon with him. “Shall we clean up?”

They both gathered their glasses and mugs, then brought them to the sink. Malcolm rinsed everything while Seth wiped off the table. Once their day was complete, they’d wash all the dishes at once.

“What do you say we take a walk instead of working out today? It’s nice and sunny and the rains will be hitting us with a vengeance tomorrow and for the rest of the week.”

Seth brought the cloth back to the sink and washed it out before draping it across the faucet. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

Malcolm didn’t detect much enthusiasm in Seth’s slow response. He’d been certain he’d jump at the chance to go outdoors, since hiking and walking were one of the big things they shared in common.

“Are you sure? I only suggested it because the weather going forward will be hit and miss.”

Seth looked up. “You’re right, it’s the perfect day to go out. But…”

A light flush crept up Seth’s cheeks.

Malcolm arched his eyebrows. “But? Answer me, boy.”

“Can I…? Will I still get my spanking before we leave?”

Malcolm stole a coffee-flavored kiss then drew away. “Of course. There’s no reason why you can’t have it first.”

“Thank you, Daddy. I’ll go get ready.”

Seth scurried from the kitchen and down the hall to where the guest room was located. Only a few weeks ago, it had been Seth’s room. But now that they were Daddy and boy, it was where Malcolm administered morning discipline, put on Seth’s cock cage and, he hoped eventually, where he might encourage Seth to wear one of the butt plugs he’d purchased for him.

Malcolm had already determined he’d never punish Seth, or even use that terminology. Not after Seth’s whole existence had been nothing but one long, terrible punishment. When he’d discussed the Daddy/boy dynamic with Seth for the first time, he’d made it clear he would only reward him. Seth wasn’t that type of boy and Malcolm didn’t expect he ever would be.

Spanking, however, was another matter. The accidental discovery during love play that Seth found it exciting had inspired Malcolm to also add it to their morning routine. The harsh touch would be a daily reminder that Daddy was there to guide him. The small sting it would provide would remain with Seth all day, would allow Seth to feel his touch and have Daddy with him—even when Malcolm wasn’t with him.

Malcolm checked the wall clock and determined there had been enough time for Seth to strip and be waiting for him on the bed. While passing the thermostat on the way to the guest room, he raised the temperature a few degrees.

“Excellent. Your shoulders are nice and straight.”

Teaching Seth better posture had been a challenge. After so many years of hunching in on himself, of trying to make himself invisible, it’d become a terrible habit.

“Oh, good. Sometimes I can’t tell.”

Malcolm cupped Seth’s cheek. “I know. It’s difficult when our bodies are used to being in a certain position for so many years. But right now, you look like a confident boy who won’t find himself dealing with posture-related issues later in life.”

Seth leaned into Malcolm’s touch as he peered up at him. “I want to be the best I can for you.”

“Sweetheart…” Malcolm whispered, rubbing his thumb over Seth’s skin. “Be the best you can be for yourself. That’s what every Daddy wants for his boy. It’s why I give you all my love and attention.”

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