Page 9 of Daddy's Lost Rebel

“And so you won’t.” Another kiss to his head has him releasing a shaky breath.

I leave him in the small basement, hiding the door as I reach the surface level, and locking the hidden room behind me. The cars are just coming to a stop as I reach my porch.

Mentally, I track that there are four SUVs, six men, and one woman. It may seem daunting to be outnumbered. But it’s not quite so intimidating. Not when I know my house and the surrounding land as well as I do. There’s only one of me, but one of me is a lot more prepared than the seven of them.

It’s easy to stand tall, facing the potential threat. These people don’t know me, or what I’m really capable of. No one actually does until they’re faced with it. For their sake, they should pray they don’t cross a line that forces my hand.

“Ah, Mr. Rhodes, we meet again!” the same pinched-nose woman greets with a sickly-sweet tune and a fake American accent that didn’t sound so fake until I knew to look for it.

I don’t miss the fact that she knows my name now too.Did a little digging, did you? Am I supposed to be intimated?Laughable.

“Did something about our last interaction lead you to believe you were welcome to pop in again?”

She bristles. “Mr. Rhodes, we are searching for a missing boy. Surely you aren’t so heartless that you would deny—”

“Been known for my heartless nature, actually.”

Her shoulders straighten. “We are only here to see if you have seen or heard anything new since we last spoke.”

“And why exactly do you think you can welcome yourself onto private property again? Asking questions, missing person or not, isn’t permission to waltz onto my land or into my home like you own it.”

“We could getpermission,” she snaps, hands landing on her hips. “Is that what you would prefer? Having the authorities become involved?”

“By all means,” I drawl, not giving an inch. “You’re welcome to try. Actually, that’s all you’re welcome to do. In fact, if you trespass another timewithoutthe authorities, I’ll need to contact them myself. I’m a busy man, and I don’t have time to keep entertaining you lot.”

“This is averyserious matter,” she argues with exasperation. “If you’re found to be withholding information about this—”

Nothing will happen.Nothing.

“Leave, now.”

She has the good sense to listen, scoffing and glaring while she does it, but listening all the same. I watch the entire time, paying close attention to make sure that every person gets into a car and every car leaves. I count the seconds it takes for a car driving at regular speed to get past the property line and back onto the public road, adding another sixty seconds for good measure. Then, and only then, do I go back inside.

I make my way to the basement as fast as I can, checking that the perimeter cameras are clear before going down. I’m not even entirely off the last step of the stairs before he’s thrown himself against me. Hard.

“They’re gone?” he croaks, hugging me tight and breathing heavily.

“They’re gone,” I whisper hoarsely. “You’re okay, Beck. I’m here, and you’re safe.”

“They’ll come back,” he sniffles helplessly.

“It’s okay,” I soothe, rubbing his back gently. “I have some friends who can help. I’m going to call them tonight, alright?”

Our embrace loosens and he leans back to look up at me. “Why would you do that? I don’t deserve your help, I don’t—”

“If you’re incapable of properly respecting yourself and your worth, then I’ll decide what you deserve.”Fuck. That’s too fast, too strong. I shouldn’t have…shit.

Beck’s pupils dilate, and he blinks owlishly at me.

“Rebel, I didn’t mean to snap at you,” I say carefully. “But you need to know that I don’t do anything that I don’t want to do. Iwantto take care of you, so I’m going to.”

His lashes flutter with more blinks, and then his lips are on mine. Burning hot and desperate, he kisses me and fists the front of my flannel, holding me close. One of my hands surrounds the back of his neck while the other splays across his lower back, cradling him like a precious gift.

He melts under my hands, forcing me to lean further down to keep our connection. He’s so soft and dreamy, it’s ridiculous. Like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I kiss him back, just as passionately as he kisses me. Maybe more so.

Our tongues tangle and breaths mingle, his minty taste becoming an instant addiction. I want more of it, and I haven’t even stopped tasting it yet. I want more ofhim.

Switching my hold on him, I reach for the back of his thighs, lifting him up by them and coaxing a needy moan from his lips.

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