Page 4 of King Daddy

The groggy-sounding question startled him, but not horribly. He had doubted they would leave him with an IV in and all their equipment without someone to help.

Kylo felt around until he found the light switch and turned on the kitchen light. It was always the best choice since the wall, doorway, and light fixture were perfectly aligned to only give a soft glow to the living room.

Beau was stretched out on the couch.

Kylo couldn’t help the smile that snapped to his lips at the sight of him, sleep-mussed and looking like the sexy daddy he was. “Hey. You could’ve slept with me or even in one of the guest rooms.”

“I don’t sleep with people when they can’t consent, and I wanted to be here in case you did exactly this.”

Beau sat up. “What do you need?”

“I’m thirsty. Do you want anything?”

With a shake of his head, Beau stood. “Tell me whatyouwant, and I’ll bring it to you.”

Kylo didn’t budge. At tea parties, the host always served. He didn’t know how to act.

“You have a pitcher of water in the fridge. Is that what you usually drink?”

“I don’t like plain water. There are some of those flavor pack things in the cabinet next to the fridge. If you’re interested,” he tacked on because he still wasn’t sure if he should host.

Beau padded his way. His feet were bare. Kylo had no idea why that caught his attention. Both times he had seen Beau before now, he had been so put together. It seemed odd to see him relaxed.

“Come on. Back to bed. You’re not supposed to be up until after the infusions.”

“How much blood have I gotten?”

“A lot.” Beau steered him toward the bedroom. With his arm around Kylo’s waist. Kylo felt warm and safe. Beau talked as they walked. “You know, most people, when they get stabbed, go immediately to the hospital.”

Kylo shrugged. “I had things to do.”

Beau snorted. He turned on the light before he eased Kylo into bed and tucked him in. “When exactly did you plan to get help?”

He was getting a little irritated at the third degree. “As soon as I put up my groceries. That’s why I was so angry over the cart not opening. I’ve been taking care of myself for a while, you know.” The irritation drained from him as quickly as it hit. Considering the way he had passed out not long after getting home, he probably would have died if Beau hadn’t shown up when he did. “Maybe I’m not very good at it, but—so far—I’ve kept myself alive.”

“I know. It’s okay to relax now. You have help.”

The claim nearly cracked Kylo, even though he would never show it. He had spent his life alone. “Thank you. After you get something to drink, you’re welcome to sleep with me.”

“I appreciate it.”

Kylo stared at the ceiling when Beau walked away. He was in a lot of pain. Someone was being nice to him, and he felt vulnerable as hell. He tried to breathe through the discomfort in his chest and gut.

Beau returned with a bright red drink, proving he had put extra drink mix in the water. “Let’s get you sat up for a minute so you can drink this and take some pain meds.”

Kylo tried not to show his relief. Unfortunately, it laced his voice. “Thank you.”

Beau sat on the edge of the bed and watched him take the pain pill. “You’re tough as nails. Most people would be crying right now, and you handled that guy who attacked you like a champ.”

The pain made him weepy, and he said too much. Kylo settled back on the pillows and closed his eyes. “I have a famous mom. That meant I raised myself except for the security and private tutors she hired for me. My favorite guard, Gary, taught me how to defend myself. He knew I would be alone as soon as I got grown. Boy, was he right,” Kylo muttered under his breath.

“It looks like your mom has kept you financially safe.”

Kylo took a slow breath, praying the fire in his gut eased. There was something in Beau’s voice. “Do you have kids?”

“Yes. Two sons.”

Ah. He obviously kept his sons in the high life while barely seeing them. That was the tone he had heard. Another parent who thought parenting meant buying shit. “Do you see them?” Kylo knew he dug and was being nosey. More than anything, he needed something to focus on while waiting for the meds to kick in.

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