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"She does," I agreed, dropping the pasta into the boiling water. "And she'd like to see you."
Matty nodded, then returned to his conversation with Patches, explaining in careful detail why the pepper grinder was better than the salt shaker because "it makes the little bits all by itself."
By the time Jono and Daisy arrived, I had managed to serve Matty a bowl of mac and cheese that he was happily eating, making little appreciative sounds with each bite. When the knock came at the door, I checked through the peephole before unlocking it, hyper-vigilant after the day's events.
"Hey," Daisy said softly as they entered, her eyes immediately finding Matty at the counter. Her expression softened with understanding as she took in his childlike posture and the stuffed dog propped beside his bowl.
Jono's face was grim, his eyes sweeping the room, automatically checking for threats before settling on me with a silent question. I gave him a slight nod—we'd talk, but not in front of Matty.
"Hello, sweetie," Daisy approached Matty with a warm smile. "That looks delicious."
Matty looked up, suddenly shy. "Daddy made it," he said, his voice small but proud. "With the good cheese."
I saw Jono's eyebrows rise at the "Daddy," but he kept his expression neutral.
"Lucky you," Daisy replied without missing a beat. "Is that your friend?" She nodded toward Patches.
Matty nodded solemnly. "This is Patches. He's keeping me safe."
"Well, it's very nice to meet you, Patches," Daisy said, treating the introduction with perfect seriousness. "Would you and Matty like to watch a movie while Daddy and Uncle Jono talk about boring grown-up stuff?"
Matty looked at me, seeking permission or reassurance. Something in my chest tightened at the trust in his eyes.
"That sounds like a good idea," I said gently. "What would you like to watch?"
He bit his lip, thinking. "Something... happy? With animals maybe?"
"I think we can find something like that," Daisy assured him, offering her hand. "Shall we go look?"
After a moment's hesitation, Matty took her hand, bringing Patches along with his other arm. I watched as Daisy led him to the living room, her manner gentle but matter-of-fact, treating him with the perfect balance of care and dignity.
Once they were settled on the couch, Daisy expertly navigating streaming options, Jono jerked his head toward the back door. I grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and we stepped outside onto the small deck, closing the door behind us but positioning ourselves where I could still see Matty through the glass door.
"How's he doing?" Jono asked, his voice low.
"Physically, he's okay. Mentally..." I shook my head. "Doc says it's a coping mechanism."
Jono nodded slowly. "The 'Daddy' thing—is that new?"
"Yes and no," I replied, keeping my eyes on the window where I could see Matty curled up next to Daisy, engrossed in what looked like a Disney film. "It was in the contract. Specifically for someone who could act like a Daddy."
"But you're talking Daddy Dom, right?" Jono clarified.
I nodded. "I was expecting someone who wanted a bit of play, a caretaker. He's been around a few clubs, so he already had this mindset."
"Okay," Jono said. "I'm gonna ask you this once."
I eyed my prez warily.
"If this is real in his head, what's going to happen when the job is finished? I know he had a bad few days, but if he needs moreon a permanent basis, what will you do then? Just drop him and his millions off at the nearest BDSM munch?"
I stiffened, balking at the very thought. "I don't know," I admitted, "but fuck you for thinking I would."
Jono slapped me on the back. "Look, Daisy's a little in love with him already. Got all up in my face mama-bear like and demanded to know what was going on. I know the other old ladies feel the same." He paused. "Have you spoken to Bolt?"
I shook my head. "I had the idea but haven't had the chance."
He nodded. "He's coming to the barbecue this weekend. I trust him. With your okay, I'd like to give him a heads up. He might be able to come earlier."