Page 64 of Off-Limits Daddy
He shifted beside me, leaned on one elbow, and ran a thumb along my cheek. “You think this is just about fucking?”
I hesitated. “I don’t know what to think. I want to believe it’s more, but...” My voice faltered. “I don’t want to be the only one hoping for something.”
Reid didn’t speak right away. Instead, he lay back and pulled me with him, my head resting against his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath my cheek, and the silence wrapped around us—not uncomfortable, but full.
“You’re not just a hookup, Ari,” he said finally. “And you’re not a secret I’m ashamed of.”
My throat tightened. “Then why does it feel like something we’re keeping locked up?”
“Because I didn’t want to fuck it up,” he said, voice low. “You’re Sage’s brother. And you matter to me. Way more than I know how to say. And if I messed this up... I’d lose both of you.”
I exhaled slowly. “You won’t mess this up.”
He was quiet again. Then: “I’ve wanted you for longer than I should probably admit. And I knew if I let myself have this—even a little—I wouldn’t want to stop.” His fingers brushed through my hair. “And now I don’t want to stop.”
I closed my eyes, the weight of the moment settling in my chest.
“But you haven’t said what you want,” he added, voice almost a whisper. “Not really.”
I swallowed hard. The back of my eyes burned. And still, I couldn’t say the thing sitting on my tongue.
I want you for more than tonight.
Daddy, I want you for always.
I looked up at him. “I want this. Us. Whatever it is... whatever it could be.”
His hand stilled for a second.
“I just don’t want to feel like we’re pretending again tomorrow,” I added.
Daddy let out a breath, like something in him had been holding tight.
“I meant what I said—I don’t want to stop.” He kissed my temple, then rested his forehead against mine. “I’m scared of screwing us up, Ari. But I want to be with you, Ari. Even if we take it one day at a time, I’m not going anywhere.”
I want to be with you, Ari.
Those seven words felt bigger than anything I’d let myself imagine.
I didn’t push for more.
Instead, I curled into Daddy, and let the rhythm of his breathing carry me somewhere safe.
And for tonight, that was enough.
TWENTY
REID
The morning light poured through the bedroom window. Ari was still asleep—sprawled on his stomach, cheek pressed to the pillow, lashes dark against his skin. His lips were parted just enough to show the tiniest hint of teeth. One arm was tucked beneath him, the other stretched across the bed like he’d been reaching for something in his sleep.
Or someone.
Me.
I should’ve looked away. Should’ve gotten up, pulled on some boxers, started coffee. Done literally anything besides stare like I was memorizing him.
But I didn’t.
