Page 31 of My Daddies Are Mobsters

He doesn’t want to speak about his incarceration yet—that’s okay. Nothing wrong with it.

What matters at this moment is that we support him. Prove to him that he matters more than life itself.

Marcello runs his right palm down Jericho’s back. "Our brave boy."

"The bravest," I echo in agreement.

A band of sunlight breezes through the window. It doodles a line on Jericho’s ribs, then disappears when I press the button by the bed to close the electronic blinds.

"Watch this, boy." My voice contains a healthy touch of magic.

Lifting a different remote, I press a secret button.

In a flash, a lullaby mobile descends from the ceiling. Happy pastel pink light floods the room, painting unicorns and dinosaurs and cuddly lions on the walls.

A shelf pops out of the wall above our heads that brims with stuffies and storybooks. Reaching up, I select one, then bring it to my lap.

Jericho’s jaw drops as he looks around. "What is this place?"

"This is Lazaro’s secret snuggle room," Marcello explains, his tone soft and comforting for a Little one like Jericho.

Santino nods. "He decked it out with secret compartments and shelves jam-packed with everything a sweet boy needs."

Jericho’s eyes well with tears. "I feel so safe in here. Protected and warm."

I tighten my grip on Jericho as I flip open the storybook. "This story is calledThe Prince and the Golden Carbonara."

Jericho squirms as he rests his head on my chest. "I’ve never heard of this one."

"It’s an Italian classic," Santino explains. "Every child reads it growing up in this wonderful country."

I read the storybook to Jericho in a deep, low voice. He hears about a prince in Northern Italy who learns how to make carbonara with gold from his father’s castle—but then, everything he touches turns to gold.

Jericho jabs his index finger into my pillow. "Turn gold."

My brothers and I smile. "Do you want to be the prince in the story?"

"Yes." Jericho nods eagerly. "I powerful. Magic. Can make anything gold."

My heart brims with warmth. My—my.This is exactly what I’ve wanted.

A sexy, beautiful boy with a Little side he’s not afraid to access. One I can cherish. Let into my life and give my heart to.

I take Jericho’s hand and bring it to my heart. "Makethisgold, beautiful boy."

Jericho blushes as he pokes my chest. "Now, Daddy is like the characters in the story."

I crush my lips to Jericho’s. The passion, sweetness, and warmth that bubbles out of me is too goddamn powerful, too intense for me to hold back.

He—is perfect.No doubt about it.

Santino tousles Jericho's hair. "Aren’t you cute."

Marcello nods. "I don't think I’ve played with a boy this precious in a long time."

This causes Jericho to inch back. He bites his lower lip, then turns to Marcello. "Play with?"

Marcello grits his teeth. "I meant—been around.Notplay with.You’re so much more than a play partner. Daddy misspoke, precious one."

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