Page 7 of In Daddy's Care

Once he had Soren settled, Shane headed to the living room, closing the bedroom door behind him. A million thoughts flitted through his head as he cleaned up Soren’s crayons and markers before they got destroyed. Something became a little clearer the more time he spent with Soren. Soren knew Shane wasn’t one of them. He was just Banks’ personal guard. If he was at The PlayPen, it was because he had to be. Soren was a Little. He just knew Shane wasn’t a daddy and chose to close that side away to be with him. Shane didn’t want that. He had met Soren at The PlayPen. Shane had craved him and pursued even knowing his preferences. If anyone should bend, it should be him. Plus, the more glimpses he caught of what it would be like to be Soren’s daddy, the more the idea intrigued him. He wasn’t as turned off as he would like to think he would be.

He sat on the couch and stared at nothing for a moment. Shane didn’t understand his thoughts. In fact, he needed to steer clear of that path. He wasn’t free to be with Soren. To an extent, they could be together, but Shane couldn’t give him a home and life. It would always be Soren living on Bosi terms. Soren was the only one who wouldn’t gain a damn thing, but a guy too old, rough, and mean for him. He didn’t know where to go from here. Shane loved supervising Soren’s living room camp-outs with Kyson. He adored the games, movies, and snacks. The laughter. He shouldn’t have started this. This could only end with Soren hating him.

Shane pushed to his feet and headed for the door. He double and triple checked the locks before leaving Soren behind. The drive home was a silent heartache. A reality check. At some point, Soren would realize Shane was barely more than an indenturedservant. Maybe he got paid well, but he had still contracted away his entire existence. How could he ask Soren to do the same?

Unfortunately, the house wasn’t silent when Shane got home. He heard the laughter before he came through the door. Axton was passed out on the couch and Banks had Kyson thrown over his shoulder. Kyson seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the ride.

“Whee!”

Banks snorted. He looked Shane’s way. “The Littles had a wine and cheese night.”

Kyson tried pushing himself upward to look at Shane. “Shane is home?” He gave up when his arms gave out. “Hi, Shane. Is Soren with you?”

“I took him home. He has to work tomorrow.”

“That’s cool. You missed the fun. We had wine and games and cheese and more wine. And then, Axton bought us even more wine.” He giggled, making Shane smile. “Is Soren with you?”

Shane’s smile grew. “No.”

“Oh, yeah. You said that.” Kyson spoke every word upside down and face pressed against Banks’ back. It was obvious Banks was ready to put him to bed. “Did you two have fun? Is Soren still a virgin?”

Shane’s stomach dropped.

Kyson’s arm shot out, making a wild motion. “Don’t answer that. I want to be genuinely surprised when he tells me. Right now, I think I just might throw up.”

Banks was headed down the hall before the words died on Kyson’s lips, leaving Shane staring at nothing but remembering everything. Soren had been all blushes. Shane had been so fucking rough. He thought he might be sick. It never occurred to him. Soren was twenty-five. Shane had lost his virginity at like twelve. That didn’t make it right, and he had always been big and looked older. But fuck, damn near every guy he knew had been with a dozen people by eighteen. He should have known. He absolutely should have fucking known. Of course, Soren wouldn’t say anything or complain. He just let Shane hurt him. Shane felt sick. Soren was asleep. He couldn’t call and confront him. Then again, did he deserve to say anything? This was on him. He was older and more experienced. What a fucking mess. Every time he turned around, there was another reason Soren should stay far, far away from him. What the fuck was he supposed to do now?

Chapter Six

It was like themagic of the weekend followed him into Monday. That was something that never happened, but Soren had the best day. He got an unexpected bonus and a raise. Every customer had been super friendly. One woman had even given him a chocolate chip cookie recipe after mentioning she was baking them. Everything had just gone his way. He had texted Kyson he was on his way to The PlayPen, but he hadn’t heard back yet. On the way out, Wrecker handed him a box full of free donuts. Soren practically skipped to the car. He couldn’t wait to share his treats and giggle with Kyson as he told him all about the weekend. His face heated at the idea, but he was too happy. Soren couldn’t keep this to himself. He hadn’t heard from Shane, but that didn’t surprise him. Not only did Shane know Soren had to work, but they had never really texted each other like that. He wasn’t sure sex would change anything. In fact, he was more than a little nervous about seeing Shane again. He didn’t knowif he could stop himself from jumping on him like a jungle gym. Happiness just completely owned him.

Soren parked and carried his donuts inside, smiling brightly at each guard he passed. His bunny ears bounced as he skipped inside. First, he would snack and then do Legos. He wanted to squeal at the top of his lungs when he spotted Shane the second he passed the check-in station. Leaned against the wall, half inside the hallway leading to Banks’ place, Soren could only see half his face. His expression was hard, but it always was when he wasn’t engaged. Shane didn’t see him.

Soren chuckled as he skipped toward him. “Hi. I have so much to tell you.” He turned the corner and froze. Beau Bosi’s cold gaze moved his way. Soren immediately took a step back. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

A smile that sent chills down Soren’s spine stretched Beau’s lips. They had never interacted in any way. The guy was scary as fuck. “Is this your little one?”

Shane never looked his way. His hard expression never wavered. He was colder than Soren had ever seen. “No. He’s Kyson’s best friend.”

The pain that slapped Soren nearly knocked him to the floor.

Shane’s empty gaze finally turned his way. “Kyson isn’t accepting visitors tonight. He’s sick and sleeping it off.”

Soren took another step back. He couldn’t think. Soren definitely didn’t know how to react. Only years of being bullied saved him. Soren managed a smile. “Oh. Okay. Sorry to bother you.” He turned away, clutching the donuts to his chest like they were the only thing keeping him from flying apart. Pride was the only thing stopping him from running for the door. Instead, he headed to an empty spot on the floor where he could reach the Legos. None of his friends were there. With it being Monday and everyone getting married, he hadn’t expected to see them. He was glad for it. Hot tears pressed at the backs of his eyes. If anyone forced him to speak, he would fall apart. He was hurt and angry. So fucking angry. At himself mostly. Why was he so dumb? He had known they were nothing. It wasn’t Shane’s fault he wasn’t as worldly as him. He just needed to harden his heart. Sex didn’t matter to men. Soren beat down the urge to cry. He had felt so wanted. He had wanted this so much.

Soren’s gaze locked on a nearby lone figure. In a cat onesie, Adan played with a car set. His head was bowed. He looked even more defeated than Soren. Soren didn’t want to feel bad for him, but he was in his feelings harder than ever before. A guy with dark eyes and an evil smile hovered over Adan.

“There’s no sense in continuing to ignore me. You know I can take care of you.” He stroked Adan’s hair.

“Please don’t.” Adan’s voice shook.

“Come on, baby boy. Don’t be like that. Just let me show you what I can do for you. I’d give you all the pretty things.”

“No, thank you.”

The guy didn’t stop.

Rage boiled inside Soren. These men. They just took and took. There was no regard here. No respect. Soren had spent years thinking he was in a safe place. It wasn’t safe here. This was the devil’s den. Soren watched the guy’s lips move, and the fury burned inside his chest. Then he saw it. A tear dropped from Adan’s chin and landed on his toy car.

---