Page 34 of Carver

Carver took a second to think over Slash’s words.Could it really be that simple?Surely not.

With one final glance at the man beside him, Carver dropped to a seated position at the cage door. He’d propped it open in an attempt to get the boy to come out to eat. Since the only time he ever left the small space was to use the bathroom, it was important to Carver to find more than one way to coax him out. It couldn’t be good for his body to be curled up so much.

“Hey, sweet boy,” he cooed as he scooted closer. “I’ve got some food for you. It would really make me happy if you could eat a few bites.”

Slash remained quiet behind him, though Carver could feel his eyes taking in every second of the encounter. He had no doubt his second would tell him all the things he didn’t catch himself. Then again, there wasn’t much Carver didn’t notice when it came to the boy. He gained the man’s undivided attention anytime they were in the same room.

The boy looked over at him. Shaggy blond hair covered part of his gaze. Not so much that Carver couldn’t see the way he was being watched. It was just enough to give the boy a sense of being hidden.

Carver picked up the spoon from the bowl and lifted it. After a moment of pause, he brought it to his lips. He sipped at the warm soup mixture, making sure to show he was actually drinking it all. Part of him had wondered if the boy thought his food was doctored. He wouldn’t put it past Mordecai to have done something like that.

While he’d previously let the idea go, he decided today would be the time to test out his theory. As soon as he finished the firstspoonful, he went for another. Not because he truly wanted to eat the brothy mix Doc had recommended.

No, it was more about proving this wasn’t some trick. The rough aftertaste would be worth it if he could convince the boy to follow his lead.

Thankfully, it only took one more sip for the boy to take interest. He shuffled closer on all fours, his gaze on his hand where the spoon hovered over the bowl. Once he got close, he opened his mouth. Carver didn’t have to turn to know Slash wore a smug grin. This was definitely a mama bird moment if there ever was one.

Rather than think too much on the irony of it all, Carver slowly eased the spoon to the boy’s mouth. He watched as the sip went down, then the boy repeated the motion of opening his mouth. This went on and on until the bowl was nearly empty.

Only then did Carver pull back. Without turning, he extended the bowl to Slash. “Take this to the kitchen.”

His second did as commanded. Carver listened as the door was opened and closed. The boy remained close through it all, his gaze a brand on Carver’s soul.

“You did so good, sweet boy. I’m proud of you.”

The boy shivered as his eyes went wide. It was an interesting reaction. He wondered if it was because the boy so rarely received any type of praise or if there was some correlation. Carver hoped it was the former since the other would likely enrage him.

As time passed, Carver soaked in what it felt like to have the boy’s undivided attention. The energy between them crackled with something he couldn’t quite name. He longed to take care of this young man in every way. It wasn’t even sexual. More that he needed to know the boy learned he held value.

If Carver wanted to fuck, then he could walk downstairs and fill any hole he wanted. It was his right as prez to do so.

But the hunger that often lurked inside him wasn’t there. It had been replaced by this caregiving mindset. There was a fulfillment that came from knowing the boy was cared for that felt better than any fuck he’d had in years.

“Do you think you’re ready for a bath?” Carver asked after a while.

The boy looked past him to the open bathroom door. It was further proof he understood everyone. It was also frustrating because Carver wanted him to use his words. He longed to hear what the boy sounded like.

Rather than ask again, Carver shifted to the side and held his hand out. It would be enough of a signal to the boy to follow him if that’s what he was inclined to do. While Carver believed he needed to get cleaned up, he couldn’t force the process. A big part of earning and building trust meant giving the boy autonomy of his life.

Much to Carver’s shock, the boy took his hand. As he watched, the boy eased from the cage and sat back on his heels.

Carver grinned at the sight. The boy shuddered, almost as if he were cold. That turned his smile into a frown.

“Let’s get you in a warm bath,” he said as he slowly rose. “Come now, sweet boy. Stand for me.”

As the young man rose, Carver kept a close eye on him. There was a big chance he’d waver with how little he’d been eating lately.

The second he had the thought, the boy’s body began to tilt. Carver swept him into his arms in a quick, fluid movement. He didn’t even stop to think. His reaction had been knee jerk.

But now he had the boy in his arms, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to let him go again.

Carver shook his head at the thought. It was foolish of him to get so caught up. It was wrong of him to be enamored with someone who needed time to heal and learn to navigate theirnew life. He’d be taking advantage of the boy if he let his feelings be known.

Which is why he pushed them all down. There would be a time and a place for emotions later.

Stepping into the bathroom, Carver eased him down on the bathroom counter. Then he went to the tub and began filling it with warm water. When he rose again, the boy was watching him intently as always.

Carver grinned as he stood before the boy. “I’m going to take off the bandages for now. Doc said it was fine for you to bathe so long as I keep an eye on things, ok?”