Page 17 of Dangerous Daddy

As if Adan saw his game for what it was, Adan cupped his face, forcing him to be still and hold his stare. “I always mean everything I say to you. You’re the love of my life.” Adan licked his lips, turning visibly nervous. “I know I’m not that great of a catch or anything. Like I have literally nothing to offer.”

Axton kissed him, cutting off that bullshit. He pressed his forehead against Adan’s, trying to absorb more of the love he had been starved of his entire life. “You’re everything I need.” Even Axton heard the way his voice broke. He swallowed. “If you’d seriously marry me and let me keep… all this, I’d give you the world. You’d never want for anything or shed a single tear. I swear I’d make you happy.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I’m the one who asked.”

Despite the humor in Adan’s voice, Axton still thought he might cry. There was no way Adan understood what his offer meant to Axton. No one had ever made him feel this wanted, especially in any sort of healthy way. They were solid and good. He genuinely believed they only wanted the best for each other in life. Axton had never had this.

Axton swallowed past the lump in his throat. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

“Yay.” Adan’s whispered cheer sounded how Axton felt—like emotions were too high for his throat to work. He heard Adan swallow, as if it hurt. “Your family and friends will be disappointed in you. I’m not who they’d choose for you.”

“If anyone can’t accept you, then they’re not my family or friends. But I think you’re wrong. People see you clearer than you realize.”

Adan’s body shook with silent laughter. “That’s probably worse.”

A smile exploded across Axton’s face. He recognized it came from his soul. The night he had rescued Adan from the front steps of Beau’s house was the best decision he had ever made. Too many times to count, he wished he had brought Adan home with him that night rather than leaving him at The PlayPen. They might have reached this place sooner. None of that mattered now, though. Axton planned to give Adan the brightest of futures. It would always be them against the world. That sounded like the greatest of fates to him.

Chapter Eight

With his heart inhis throat, Adan twisted his fingers as he waited for his knock to be answered. As he shifted from foot to foot, Axton squeezed his shoulders. Axton knew him. That was more comforting than the squeeze. Adan didn’t have to explain himself. They were a team. The door swung wide, and Shane smiled at the sight of them.

“Hey, guys. You haven’t been around in a while.”

Adan twisted his fingers again.

Axton sounded happy behind him. “Us? Every time we stop by, you guys are traveling.”

Shane brightened even more. “That’s true. Come in.”

Adan stayed quiet, but followed Shane. He had only been inside Banks’ place once. Adan had a feeling he had only been accepted that day because he had been with Soren and they had wanted Soren to have some time alone with Shane. As they stepped inside, Adan spotted Soren. He gave a tiny wave, unsure of his welcome. They hadn’t seen each other in months. As Axton had said, Banks’ bunch were always traveling.

Soren popped from the couch. “Adan!” He skipped across the room and hugged him, warming Adan’s chest. Soren held him away and eyed his outfit. “You look so cute. You’re like a biker kitty.”

Adan flashed Axton a smile. They shared a moment. Axton kept buying him things that met him halfway. It was Little-esque in his leather kitty suit, but he also matched Axton’s style. Adan had to admit they looked good together, and Adan felt adorable.

“You look like you belong on the back of Axton’s bike,” Kyson said, drawing Adan’s attention toward the couch where Kyson sat with Banks.

“That’s because that is where he belongs.”

Banks looked thoughtful as he looked between them at Axton’s comment.

Thankfully, Axton didn’t force Adan to start the conversation. “So we kind of need to talk to you guys about something.” Axton looked Soren’s way. “I think Adan wants to ask you something first.”

Adan worked up a grateful smile, even though he was nervous as hell. Soren looked curious, and Adan forced his throat to work. “Other than Axton, you’re the only person I have. I know you’ve only been nice to me out of pity, and I’m probably not someone you consider a friend.”

“That’s not true, Adan.” Soren sounded genuinely hurt by the claim.

Adan made a dismissive motion. “It’s okay. I understand. It’s my fault.”

“It’s not,” Banks said, cutting off Adan’s speech again. There was no mistaking the outrage in Banks’ voice. It was beyond obvious Beau was the only person Banks blamed. Still, Adan knew better. He didn’t deserve Banks’ support.

Unfortunately, their interruptions were undermining Adan’s confidence. He didn’t know if he could finish his question.

Adan’s gaze shot Axton’s way. He was ready to cry. Adan shifted from foot to foot. He didn’t want to ask for help, but he wasn’t sure he had made the right decision. “Maybe I shouldn’t.”

Soren, being the kind soul he always was, took Adan’s hands, pulling Adan’s gaze back to him. His eyes were kind. “It’s okay, Adan. I know I’ve been traveling a lot and I haven’t kept in touch like I should. That’s my fault. I got caught up in being a newlywed, but you are my friend and I’m sorry I made you feel otherwise. It won’t happen again.”

Adan took a shaky breath. He had been right to come here. They were friends. “Will you walk down the aisle with me?”

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