Page 9 of In Daddy's Care

Finally, Banks made his way out, looking like the devil. His expression was hard, and his eyes were terrifying. He climbed behind the wheel.

His murderous gaze turned Shane’s way. “Don’t you ever let that man come into my space and take you away. Do you understand?”

Shane swallowed. “I can’t disobey Beau.”

“You don’t work for Dad. You work for me, and I promise you don’t want to disobey me. His wrath is nothing compared to mine.”

Shane knew that. Even Beau never crossed Banks. “Yeah, okay.”

Banks didn’t immediately drive away. He spent a moment visibly fuming, as if trying to calm himself.

“I didn’t want to come here.” Shane didn’t know why he couldn’t be quiet. He just needed Banks to know this hadn’t been his decision.

Banks looked his way. His face softened. “I know. This was my dad’s way of forcing me to speak to him.” Banks looked away and put the car into gear. “We spoke,” he said as he steered from the driveway. Blood ran from Banks’ knuckles. A laugh that sent chills down Shane’s spine filled the car. “He won’t make that mistake again.”

Shane swallowed and stared straight ahead. Yeah. He wouldn’t leave with Beau again. Shane had way more to fear from Banks. Still. “Thank you for coming to get me.”

Banks squeezed his knee. “You’re part of my family. Not his, and I don’t care if that doesn’t make sense because I know you get it. Plus, Kyson was crushed to learn you were gone. That’s not happening on my watch.”

Shane’s shoulders eased. Banks was scary, but he was on Shane’s side. They were like brothers. Sometimes he forgot that. But at the end of the day, he knew Banks always had his back.

Chapter Seven

It was strange tosneak around his own apartment, playing quiet mouse. Adan slept peacefully on the couch. Soren didn’t want to disturb him. They had spent every night this week staying up talking until neither of them could keep their eyes open any longer. Those conversations had been beyond eye opening for Soren. There had been so much no one had understood or seen about Adan’s relationship with Beau. There was equally a lot about Beau’s inner circle he hadn’t understood. Mostly, Soren had gone away with two things. Adan needed him, and he was wasting his time with Shane. His heart hurt. Soren could freely admit the past year or so with Shane had stolen his heart. They had spent too many nights talking. He had let himself fall in love like an idiot. Soren also thought—maybe—he was done with The PlayPen. No man wanted him for him. It was time to move past the toys and pajamas. What had it gotten Adan and him? Nothing but broken hearts. That was why he had to put on his shoes, go downstairs, and be the adultthe world expected him to be. Maybe he could be—healthily—wanted there.

With a final breath for courage, Soren did just that. He made his way around the building and inside The Back Porch. It was Saturday morning, so the place was slammed. Finally, Soren spotted a man waving. He pasted on a smile and headed for the booth near the counter. Soren’s stomach growled as he passed the glass case, showcasing the day’s pastries. Unfortunately, Soren was too nervous to eat. He slid into the booth across from Bronx. The guy was every bit as handsome as Soren recalled. He was also all smiles.

“Hey.”

Soren tried his best not to sound as breathless as he felt. “Hey. It’s so good to see you again.”

“You too.” Bronx’s smile looked like he meant it.

“I was surprised to hear from you. When I gave you my number, I immediately forgot you’re stationed here.”

Bronx shrugged. “I don’t know why you were surprised. I had a really great time with you at the wedding.”

Soren fought a blush. He hated to keep pushing the subject, but Bronx was very military-esque. “Truthfully, I guess I meant I was surprised you wanted to meet here.” He emphasized here, hoping Bronx understood they were very much in the gayborhood.

A huge smile snapped to Bronx’s lips, forcing Soren to fight back a sigh. Damn. He really was pretty. “Why? For fuck’s sake, I spent the entire weekend flirting with you.”

“Oh.” Soren felt the heat climbing his face.

Bronx laughed. “You really didn’t know I was flirting?”

Soren’s face got hotter by the second. “I guess I’m not really very savvy. I’m happy, though,” he rushed to add. Soren didn’t want to insult him. “It was a fun weekend.”

Bronx’s gaze pulled a subtle sweep, dropping to Soren’s mouth before returning to hold his stare. Even with his usual obliviousness, Soren wasn’t that blind. He didn’t miss the heat in Bronx’s eyes. “We could have fun here too.”

Well, goddamn. Soren finally had sex with one guy, and they all come out of the woodwork. Thankfully, Wrecker appeared to take their order. That surprised Soren a little. Wrecker didn’t work that often since he married. Soren couldn’t hide his curiosity. “Hey. Why are you taking orders today?”

His odd gold eyes flashed with good humor. Wrecker was beyond nice. All the time. No matter what. He had been Soren’s saving grace more times than he cared to admit. “You know how it is around here. Everyone thinks they want to work here, since their friends are always here. Then they realize it’s actual work and they bail on me.”

An idea hit. “I know someone who desperately needs a job. In fact, he’s currently sleeping on my couch. I could send him your way.”

Relief filled Wrecker’s features. “That would be amazing. Thank you.”

Soren shrugged. “It’s no problem.”

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