Page 96 of Born Daddy

Rogan tightened his embrace. “You already know he was a monster. Whether he was killing innocents or manipulating everyone around him to get what he wanted, he had no interest in the wellbeing of others. It wasn’t about you, or me. We were nothing more to Cam than pieces on the chessboard of his life, objects to be placed how and where he wanted them to best serve him.”

Tate let out a mournful sigh. “You’re right about that. And I have my answer. I don’t want to read anything ugly, that’s not what I need.” He locked gazes with Rogan. “I have what I need right here with you, and having a glimpse into a psycho’s mind won’t bring me any closure. It’ll only remind me how fucked up my life with him was and how all those poor men suffered because of someone I loved.”

“I loved him, too, sweetheart. He had everyone fooled.”

Tate shook his head. “Not Jace. He got away from Cam soon after they got together. He might not be the nicest guy I’ve ever met, but his instincts told him something wasn’t right.”

From the moment he’d discovered Cam was the Kink Killer, Rogan had been plagued by his own lack of insight, his inability to sense the evil within his friend. Yet, now he wondered if he’d been unfair to himself this entire time. If he hadn’t known Cam since they were young, hadn’t already been so close to him, would he have sensed there was something off about Cam?

He’d never truly have the answer. Neither of them would ever know for sure what demons had lived inside Cam.

“What would you like to do? I’ll support whatever decision you make.”

Tate covered his face with both hands and groaned. “Gah. My curiosity is so intense, but in my heart, I know you’re right. Cam didn’t love me, probably didn’t give a shit whether I lived or died. All he cared about was venting his rage over Jace’s rejection, even though his obsession wouldn’t let him kill Jace himself.”

He peered up at Rogan through water-filled eyes. “Jace will have to live with that for the rest of his life. Whether Cam loved me or not is meaningless in the face of Jace’s agony.”

“You’re a smart man.” Rogan smiled. “I’m proud of you. But there’s one part where I think you’re wrong. Cam did care about your wellbeing. Otherwise, why would he have left you all that money? Go to such lengths to make sure you were provided for? The inherent goodness inside you must’ve touched him somehow.”

Tate blinked several times, the tears that had been threatening to fall splashing onto his cheeks. “Wow. That never crossed my mind.” Tate pressed his cheek against Rogan’s chest. “Thank you for saying that, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, sweet boy.”

They sat in silence for a while, with Tate resting against him while Rogan caressed Tate’s arm. The day was humid, but they sat in the shade beneath an enormous cedar and a small breeze would occasionally move the air around a bit. It would’ve been the perfect day for a beach trip. Now that everything was finally over, he planned to treat Tate to many outings and anything else he wanted.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

“Can I ask one last favor?”

Rogan jostled him. “You can ask me for a million favors. You might not get them all granted, but I’ll do my best.”

Tate chuckled. “Fair enough. Um, I was thinking maybe you could ask Detective Sullivan if there’s anything good in that diary? Anything that would make me feel better? I don’t need to read it myself, you’re right about all the cons. But…maybe it’s not all bad?”

Rogan considered Tate’s request for a few moments. “You know, I wouldn’t mind hearing the answer to that myself. I tell you what. Let’s save that for tomorrow. Right now, I’d like to take my precious boy home and pamper the shit outta him.”

Tate barked out a laugh. “That works for me.”

“Good. Because I’m going to bathe you in bubbles then rub the lotion you like so much all over your body, give you a nice massage. After that, we can order whatever you want from DoorDash so we can relax on the couch and watch movies the rest of the night. How does that sound?”

“It sounds amazing, Daddy.” Tate sighed, but this time, it was a sound of peace. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Rogan kissed the top of Tate’s head and gave him a squeeze. “Well, I don’t know what I’d do without you either, so let’s never find out. Deal?”

Tate peered up at him, his features beaming and his smile wide. “Deal.”

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