Page 58 of Unwrap Him

The second we’re outside, I spin fast. Jesse comes crashing into me, and I grab him by the shoulders, straightening him so I can glare at his face.

“You see?” I hiss. “I told you…”

“You told me what??” He huffs, brows zipping together in confusion.

“This is what happens when you’re nice to strangers,” I bark. Jesse gapes at me for a moment before letting a giggle slip out. “I’m sorry… Is this funny to you??”

“James,” he breathes, shaking his head. “You can’t just assume every stranger is going to want to fuck you.” He laughs. “Unfortunately, you have to give them the opportunity to hit on you so you can decline.”

“I don’t fucking care, Jesse,” I seethe. “I could’ve called it from a mile away. Those dudes aren’t looking for friends. They’re looking for a sexy young toy to spit-roast on their Christmas vacation. They’d settle for me being there, but trust me, they wanted you. And they can’t have you.” I inch up to his face. “They will never have you.”

His breathing shallows, lips parted and trembling a little as his wide golden eyes sparkle up at me.

“You’re really mad…?” he whispers.

“Yes… I’m really fucking mad, Jesse.” The scorch in my gaze holds his. “I’m gonna need you to not be so trusting. That those fuck-heads would even think they had a chance of getting near you makes me feel murderous.”

And now he’s blinking at me, cheeks flushing again, but in a different way.

There’s guilt and remorse in his eyes, and it stabs at my gut just a little. I shouldn’t be scolding him for being nice. Plus, it’s not like he would have gone anywhere with those guys alone.

At least I hope not…

But still, I’m worked the hell up right now. Strangers hit on my kid. My… partner.

“I told you, I was just trying to be nice, baby…” he whines quietly, with a pout on his soft lips that’s driving me insane. “I promise. I would never have agreed to that…”

“I know, Jess,” I hum, closing my eyes for a moment while I remember to breathe, pinching the bridge of my nose. “But you were letting them ply you with booze…”

“Only because you were with me!” He gasps. “I swear to God, James, I would never…” His voice trails as he stares up at me, visibly upset now, worrying his lower lip between his teeth. “I trust you with my life. You’re my guardian…” He clears his throat. “My protector. You always have been. Since I was a little kid, I never had to worry about feeling unsafe.” He eases himself in closer to me, toying with the hem of my shirt. “As long as you’re around, nothing will ever hurt me.”

My heart warms at what he’s saying. Of course, it’s true. I would sooner die than allow someone to harm him, or take him from me.

Reaching forward, I fold him up in my arms, crushing him to my chest while he collapses into me, burying his face in the crook of my neck. My fingers glide up his back, treasuring the feel of him as they make their way into his hair, combing through the silken locks of platinum.

“Okay, baby,” I murmur. “I know. It’s okay… You’re right, sweet thing. I’m sorry I was upset.”

He shakes his head against me. “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Sometimes I just… I don’t know, I get carried away wanting people to like me. Or wanting to impress them? I have no idea, but I’m sorry I scared you. I love you so much, baby.”

“Please stop apologizing.” I shush him, kissing his hair. “This is just me being crazy.” I pull his face back with my hands, forcing him to lock eyes with mine. “And you don’t need to impress anyone, or worry about them not liking you. You’re fantastic, my love. Everyone who meets you loves you. Clearly…”

I grin, squinting at him while he chuckles. I watch his Adam’s apple bob while he gazes at me.

“Did you really mean what you said before?” he asks. My head tilts while I touch his jaw and his neck and his shoulders. “That I can do anything… even run my own restaurant?”

I’m trying hard to stifle my knowing smirk as I nod slowly, sliding my thumb over his bottom lip.

“Sweet boy… the possibilities for someone as magnificent as you are truly endless.”

His breathing picks up as he melds himself to me, grasping for my face to pull me to his mouth. In a blink, we’re kissing ourselves dizzy, rough and wet and warm, spinning and spinning, standing out on the boardwalk, with people walking by… and not giving a single fuck.

Because when it comes to us, nothing else matters.

“Take me home,” he whines. “Please. Now.” His hand slides between us to cup my groin while I hum. “I need it more than I need to breathe.”

A hungry snarl leaves my lips, sneaking between his. And he eats it up like his favorite treat.

“My baby’s aching for Daddy?” I grip his ass hard and he squeaks, nodding fast.

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