Page 44 of Boy Issues

“Um, yes. That’s true.” Donovan’s gut clenched, knowing he’d have to give Silver the whole story. “But there was more to it than that. I need to tell you something, but I don’t want to do it over the phone.”

“You’re welcome to come over here any time, Donovan. I know it’ll take a minute for you to completely embrace our roles, but I’m your Papi. I’m here for you no matter what, mijo.”

Donovan hated himself in that moment. “I don’t deserve that, Silver. You’re wasting your time on me and my stupid problems.” He laughed with no mirth. “Poor little rich boy, right? I should just quit bothering you.”

“Knock that shit off, boy. I mean it,” Silver growled. “Where are you now? I’m coming to get you.”

“W-what?” Donovan shook his head. “No. You said you were hanging out with your friends today because you had the day off. I don’t want to interfere with your entire life because just because I’m such a mess.”

“To help ease your mind, I was at a barbeque earlier, but I’m home now. We can argue about the rest of your concerns later. Where are you?”

“Jesus, Silver. You don’t give up.” Donovan swallowed hard, his heart aching to accept Silver’s offer, while simultaneously hoping to hold on to his dignity.

Silver’s voice softened. “That’s what I need you to understand, mijo. I won’t give up on you. But you have to do your part as well and not give up on yourself.”

“Um, okay.” Donovan checked his surroundings again. God forbid Charlotte or his brother witnessed him fighting against coming unglued. “But…” He rolled his eyes. He fucking hated this private club. “You won’t be allowed on the grounds.”

“How much have you had to drink?”

“More than you’d approve of.” Donovan didn’t see the point in hemming and hawing. If Silver was going balls to the wall with them, then he needed to do his part. “But I wasn’t planning on driving home. I took a limo. I already knew I’d need a lot of liquor to make it through the evening.”

“Sounds like that plan didn’t work out so well.”

Donovan sighed. “No, it didn’t. I doubt there’s enough alcohol in that room to tackle the madness I just went through.”

“All right, baby. This is what you’re going to do. Have the limo take you back home, then I’ll pick you up there.”

“You don’t have to pick me up—”

“What did I tell you? No arguing.”

“No, I meant… Well, if it wouldn’t interfere with anything you’ve got going on, can you stay over?” Donovan quickly added, “It’s not your apartment, that’s not why I’m asking. I want to show you that I see you differently, that you’re not a hook-up. You see, I never bring any guys to my condo—it’s a strict rule with me. That’s my private space and I don’t share it with anyone. I either take them to a hotel, or go to my beach house, since I rarely stay there.” Donovan sucked in a breath. “But what we’re doing isn’t the same. I want you to know I’m taking this seriously, taking you seriously.”

“Then I’d love to stay over, mijo. Just tell me where to go.”

Donovan let out a long exhale. Everything would be okay. His Papi would see to it.

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