Page 8 of Step Daddy

Chapter Three

Gareth tried not to stare, or insert any Daddy Dom opinions, as Kit stuffed himself with bite after bite of pizza. He wanted to pry into every aspect of Kit’s life, learn all about him. He needed to unearth what his brother had gone through. Not only to help Kit with his current dilemma, but to understand what damage Ted might’ve inflicted on him, and if he was being honest with himself, to make up to Kit for having left him with barely a backward glance.

They were watching the latest Godzilla flick, which Gareth thought was the perfect choice. Nothing about the film was remotely like real life, and Kit deserved a break from reality for a couple hours.

Gareth tore his gaze away from his brother. Damn, but Kit was gorgeous. He’d been a pretty, almost feminine pre-teen, but now that he was an adult and had bulked up, had grown into his features, he was model handsome. However, his demeanor telegraphed how nervous and reticent he was. Gareth idly wondered if the hard work he must have put into building his muscles was more about self-preservation than looks.

But now, here Kit was, and Gareth faced a true quandary. Sure, he was attracted to Kit, but he had enough self-control to not cross forbidden lines. He could handle himself there, no problem. The more immediate concern was that Ted would know Kit had headed to Vegas. As it was, Gareth was surprised the authorities weren’t already banging on his door.

While they’d been waiting for their pizza, Kit explained how he’d rifled through his mom’s dresser and found her planner that also held her Christmas card list. How Kit had managed to find him had been one of Gareth’s first questions. Which also had him back to being pissed off about the lack of security in his building.

So that meant Ted would either do the same thing or threaten her into handing over Gareth’s address. Gareth wiped his mouth then tossed the crumpled napkin onto the empty paper plate. He’d keep things chill for the evening, let Kit enjoy a moment of peace. Then they could get down to business first thing in the morning. If nothing else, they could start with his attorney and get some advice.

The film credits started to roll, and Gareth immediately picked up on Kit’s nervousness. He glanced around furtively, almost as if Ted might pop up from behind the furniture. Kit’s gaze landed on him.

“Uh, let me help you clean up then I guess I should get going.”

Gareth’s eyebrows shot up. He hadn’t expected that. “Go? Where?”

“I need to find a place to stay for the night. Do you know of any cheap ones?” He sighed. “Despite the riches I supposedly have from stealing all that money, I’m on a pretty tight budget.”

Fantasies of throat-punching Ted returned to Gareth’s thoughts, but he shook them off. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re family. I’ve got an extra bedroom you can use.”

“Are you sure?”

Kit scraped his teeth along his bottom lip and Gareth wanted to scream at him to quit being such a tease. However, he didn’t doubt for a second that Kit had no idea the effect he was having on him.

“A hundred percent. Can you do me a big favor?”

Kit nodded vigorously. “Anything you want. All you have to do is ask.”

Gareth held in a groan as he rubbed his eyes. I doubt you’d agree to what I really want to ask you. “Let me take care of things, okay? I assure you I’m not being put out by your presence. As a matter of fact, you’re giving me the chance to fix my mistake of abandoning you while simultaneously bringing down Ted. Win-win.”

“You didn’t abandon me.”

Gareth held up his hand, palm out. “We’ve been over that. I was young, I screwed up. But I’m here for you now, all right?”

Kit’s lips curved up in a small smile. Small, but way too fucking adorable.

“Thanks, Gareth. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t here for me.” His expression darkened. “I wasn’t sure if the address was still good, but I didn’t have time to worry about it. I just had to leave.”

Gareth’s heart ached for his brother. It had since Kit told him the awful truth. But the more he sat with the story, the more he longed to protect Kit. To show him he wasn’t alone, that someone cared enough to stand up for him and make things right.

“It’ll be okay, kid. I promise.”

Perhaps his promise was a bit out of line, but he knew he’d fight with all he had to save his brother from taking the rap for something Ted did. In addition to being exciting as fuck, his career paid well. He could afford a top criminal attorney.

Kit smiled again. “I know there aren’t any guarantees with something like this, but it means a lot that you want to help.”

Gareth cleared his throat. “Well then. Let me get you set up in your new room, show you where all the towels are and…” He frowned. “Wait. You don’t have a bag or anything? Did you leave it in a locker at the bus station?”

Kit’s cheeks reddened. “Like I said, there wasn’t time to pack. I was totally freaking out. Once I got your address, I left. I…” Kit groaned. “My ex-girlfriend gave me a ride to the station. It’s not that I couldn’t have driven myself, but I got paranoid that he’d already given the cops my license plate.”

“Oh. I see.”

Gareth pressed his lips together. He couldn’t imagine why hearing about Kit having a girlfriend should bother him so much. Of course, Kit would have a girlfriend—or had once had one anyway. He was a handsome man, had a great body combined with the sweetest personality ever. Women were probably falling over him.

“Your ex-girlfriend, huh?” Gareth ran a hand over the top of his head. He should probably shut up. However, he couldn’t seem to stop his mouth from continuing to ramble. “You don’t have a current one that could’ve helped you out?”

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