Page 23 of Connor

“Stop all that cussing, Connor,” I said, immediately correcting him and telling him what he shouldn’t do. “I’ve told you about all the cussing. And this party is intended for potential littles and Daddies—I’m sure the contest rules made that clear. Their Daddies might not like that kind of language being used around them.”

“Oh. Sorry. But I like coffee, and I really wanted one.”

“Do you want me to get you one?”

“Would you? Yes, please, with lots of cream and sugar.”

“How many?”

“Three creams and six—no, seven sugars.”

“I will not bring you seven sugars.”

“But I like them.”

“Sugar is terrible for your teeth. I’ll bring you two, but you need to start using a sugar substitute. And only two creams.”

“Yes, Sir,” he said, his lips sticking out a little in a pout. “Can I get a cupcake then?”

“I’ll bring you a plain croissant. You eat entirely too much sugar. Now sit here and be good. I’ll be right back.”

As I stood up, I saw Michael staring at me with his mouth slightly open and looking shocked. I ignored him and went for Connor’s coffee and croissant. I was standing in line when Michael suddenly sidled up beside me.

“What the fuck was that just now?”

“What are you talking about? I told Connor I’d bring him a coffee.”

“Yes, but I’m talking about the way you are with him…I’ve never seen you like that before.”

“What the fuck are you babbling about?”

“Jared, I’ve seen you with a lot of subs over the years—and don’t get me wrong, you’re very good with them and well respected by every Dom and sub in the club. But I’ve never seen you act that way with a sub before. Not ever.”

“Connor is not a sub. I don’t think he’s a little either, to be honest. He’s only here because he won a contest, but I think he needs some help. And what the hell are you talking about, how I act with him? I don’t act any particular way.”

“Uh huh. It was like watching a Dom at a kid’s tea party. I can imagine it now—you sitting there with that boy on your knee, feeding him that coffee and croissant, while simultaneously lecturing him on his bad table manners and slapping his hands if he reached for the sugar.”

“Bullshit.”

He held up both hands and laughed softly. “I’m just saying. I’ve never seen you like that before. You’re totally into him.”

“I’m not into him. I simply was concerned for his health. I think he’s a troubled boy in some ways, and I was looking out for him.”

“And not letting him use cusswords and saying that none of these guys here today are ‘right’ for him. Come on, Jared, you think you’re the only one right for him.”

“Of course, I like him, but he needs more than I can possibly give him. You haven’t been around him, Michael, but I’m telling you he needs a damn keeper, and that’s not me.”

He shrugged. “Maybe not. But I think you should ask yourself an important question—do you like the idea of somebody else keeping him? Because a boy that cute won’t be around for long. Mark my words.”

With that devastating, parting shot, he wandered away, leaving me staring after him.

Chapter Nine

Connor

I loved my new apartment, though it didn’t feel like mine. Not really. All of Cruz’s things were still in the place, for one thing. Not his personal things, but all the paintings he’d bought and hung on the walls, and all the furniture he’d chosen—down to the throw pillows on the sofas. All of the knick-knacks were his too, and the dishes and glassware in the cabinets. All chosen by him, and I was nowhere to be found in the place. All of it was nice. Don’t get me wrong. But none of it was me and my tastes.

My things had been packed up and put in storage. All of that had been arranged by Richards naturally, who was amazing and efficient and really nice. But I missed Jared. I hadn’t seen him in just over a week, and when I broke down and called him, just to check in, the call had gone straight to voice mail. Was he ghosting me? It was understandable. He was way out of my league, and I had no business even thinking about him. That didn’t stop me though.

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