Page 14 of Dangerous Daddy

So much bitterness, anger, and pain had sat on Beau’s chest for so goddamn long. He hadn’t known how to be human in a long time. While he had money and power, it brought him nothing. It simply funded and protected the addictions that destroyed his family. His rage at life had twisted him until he no longer knew what was real and what emotions he had manufactured to stop himself from killing everyone. He just wanted the pain to end. Beau no longer knew who he blamed or hated the most. All he knew was he couldn’t stop punishing himself and everyone he loved. He needed them to feel his misery.

The bouquet of roses he had brought for Adan was suddenly swept away. An adorable blond boy, around the same age as Adan, clutched the flowers to his chest and spun.

“For me? Thank you. I love them.” His blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

Despite everything, a smile tugged at Beau’s lips. The guy was dressed crazy even for The PlayPen. He wore policeman pajamas with a pink tutu. A crown sat crooked on his head. His chaos was oddly charming.

Beau pulled out the teddy bear he hid beneath the table. He had wanted to surprise Adan. Adan didn’t want him anymore. That was pretty typical of everyone he loved. “It comes with a bear if I can have a name.”

“I thought you had a name. The kitty called you Boo.”

Oh. He was a brat. Beau’s smile grew. He shook the bear at his new friend.

The guy’s gaze dropped to the stuffed animal. He obviously wanted it more than he wanted to be a smart ass. “Kylo.”

With a dip of his chin, Beau handed Kylo the bear. “Just promise you’ll think of me when you look at it.”

Kylo’s fingers closed around the bear’s arm. His gaze never wavered from holding Beau’s stare. He clutched the bear against his chest. “You have to think of me too.” He set the flowers and bear on the table and took off his crown. Kylo moved in close and placed the crown on Beau’s head. Up close, he was flawless. His light blue eyes were like the sky in the summer. With the crownin place, he met Beau’s stare. “There. Now you can think about me every time you rule the kingdom, King Boo.”

Goddamn. Beau was fascinated. There was no way Kylo knew who he was. There wasn’t an ounce of fear in his eyes. Before Beau regained his wits, Kylo grabbed the flowers and bear and danced away. For much longer than necessary, Beau watched him twirl around the room. He caught sight of his guard. With a sigh, Beau stood. They were obviously having trouble with Axton. Maybe he should just hire Axton to take their place. The guy was obviously braver than them.

Beau headed for the foyer. When he turned the corner, he found Axton waiting, looking irritated.

When Axton spotted Beau, his eyes flashed with rage. “Did you have your guards keeping me waiting for you out here so you could harass Adan?”

Beau barely spared him a glance, instead focusing on his guards. The men obviously tried hard not to stare at Beau’s newly acquired crown. Beau owned it. It was a gift from someone who saw him at his lowest and saved him. He nodded toward the door. “Let’s go. This is over.”

Rico looked Axton’s way before meeting Beau’s stare again. He licked his lips nervously. Yeah. Beau should just hire Axton. “What about him?”

“This is over,” Beau repeated. He headed for the door without looking back. His guards scrambled to stay ahead to open thedoor for him. Beau had expected his pride to sting at the idea of bowing out, but he felt nothing. Adan was right. It was time to stop. He didn’t want to lose his boys. That meant he had to find a better way.

Chapter Seven

While Axton hadn’t knownwhat his meeting with Beau would bring, he never thought Beau would simply bow out. Considering Axton had left Adan in the playroom and that was where Beau had appeared from after a considerable wait, Axton knew Adan had to be the reason Beau chose to quit. He waited until Beau left before heading back to the playroom. His eyes automatically landed on the table where he had left Adan. For a moment, his heart stopped. Had Beau harmed Adan? Was that why he looked so calm about leaving? Axton’s gaze frantically bounced around the room. He spotted his brother first. Jarek rested on his side on the floor next to Luca. Axton nearly dropped in relief when he saw Adan with them. He was all smiles. A wave of love washed over Axton. Not just for Adan, but also for his brother, who had obviously kept Axton’s heart safe in his absence. As quickly as the love hit, the shame set in. Jarek always watched his back, even when Axton didn’t ask for it ornotice. Maybe even more so in those times. He wasn’t like the people who raised them. Jarek loved him.

Axton crossed the room.

Jarek’s gaze met his as he approached.

“Thank you.” Axton silently mouthed the words.

Jarek dipped his chin.

Axton reached Adan’s side just in time to catch Adan showing Luca the fish game. He passed Luca a kitty paw. “Go ahead. I know Daddy won’t mind.”

Axton’s throat swelled. His feet froze.

Adan startled as he noticed Axton. A bright red blush exploded across his face. “Sorry.” He winced. “It’s a habit.”

A huge realization struck Axton. He didn’t care. Axton joined him on the floor and stole a quick kiss. “It’s fine, baby. I fell in love with all of you. Don’t change.”

Adan’s bright smile was everything. While Axton wasn’t totally sure what he had just agreed to do, he had faith in them. He had known Adan’s personality since day one. He genuinely wouldn’t change anything about him.

With a deep breath for courage, Axton focused on Jarek. “How have you been?”

Jarek smiled. He looked hopeful. “I’ve been good. How about you?”

Axton fought the urge to look Adan’s way. “I’ve been really good.” He cleared his throat. “So, I’ve been thinking—”

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