Page 7

While Axton hadn’t known what his meeting with Beau would bring, he never thought Beau would simply bow out. Considering Axton had left Adan in the playroom and that was where Beau had appeared from after a considerable wait, Axton knew Adan had to be the reason Beau chose to quit. He waited until Beau left before heading back to the playroom. His eyes automatically landed on the table where he had left Adan. For a moment, his heart stopped. Had Beau harmed Adan? Was that why he looked so calm about leaving? Axton’s gaze frantically bounced around the room. He spotted his brother first. Jarek rested on his side on the floor next to Luca. Axton nearly dropped in relief when he saw Adan with them. He was all smiles. A wave of love washed over Axton. Not just for Adan, but also for his brother, who had obviously kept Axton’s heart safe in his absence. As quickly as the love hit, the shame set in. Jarek always watched his back, even when Axton didn’t ask for it or notice. Maybe even more so in those times. He wasn’t like the people who raised them. Jarek loved him.

Axton crossed the room.

Jarek’s gaze met his as he approached.

“Thank you.” Axton silently mouthed the words.

Jarek dipped his chin.

Axton reached Adan’s side just in time to catch Adan showing Luca the fish game. He passed Luca a kitty paw. “Go ahead. I know Daddy won’t mind.”

Axton’s throat swelled. His feet froze.

Adan startled as he noticed Axton. A bright red blush exploded across his face. “Sorry.” He winced. “It’s a habit.”

A huge realization struck Axton. He didn’t care. Axton joined him on the floor and stole a quick kiss. “It’s fine, baby. I fell in love with all of you. Don’t change.”

Adan’s bright smile was everything. While Axton wasn’t totally sure what he had just agreed to do, he had faith in them. He had known Adan’s personality since day one. He genuinely wouldn’t change anything about him.

With a deep breath for courage, Axton focused on Jarek. “How have you been?”

Jarek smiled. He looked hopeful. “I’ve been good. How about you?”

Axton fought the urge to look Adan’s way. “I’ve been really good.” He cleared his throat. “So, I’ve been thinking—”

“Luca showed me a picture of all these amazing Lego sets they’ve put together. They have a Lego room and everything. He says I can come help, if I want. Can we go?”

Even though Adan looked hopeful, Axton fully recognized Adan had interrupted him to save him. He had kept Axton from swallowing his pride to rebuild the relationship with his brother.

He met Jarek’s stare. “I’d love that.”

Jarek’s expression made Axton’s throat swell. He realized—hopefully, not too late—that he had a family. Jarek looked hopeful, yet scared of getting crushed. Until that moment, Axton hadn’t noticed what he put Jarek through with his rejections and life decisions. While Axton had a lot of regrets, every move he made through life had led him to Adan. He wouldn’t know this current happiness without his past fuck-ups. That didn’t mean he couldn’t start fresh. The problem was that would never happen if they didn’t confront the past. This wasn’t the place or time, but Axton was afraid he might lose his nerve.

“Your dad wasn’t my dad.”

Jarek stayed completely expressionless, despite the sudden confession.

Adan shuffled closer.

Axton pulled him into his lap and continued. He needed to hold Adan for strength. “That’s what they were fighting about the night they died and that’s why I just wasn’t loved the way you were.”

Jarek’s chest expanded as he took a deep breath. He slowly released it. “I know and I’m sorry I didn’t realize it back when it mattered. We were given all the same things, and I had my head buried in my goals. You deserved better from everyone, especially me. You’re my brother. Not a half sibling or unwanted responsibility. You’re my brother. I love you. Nothing else matters.”

Axton couldn’t speak. His throat was too swollen. He nodded and cleared his throat. “I love you too.”

Adan squeezed his hand.

Axton automatically kissed his ear. The truth sank in. It was Adan’s love that set him free and opened his eyes. He had let go of so much when he chose to make room for Adan. If Adan and he could see the best in each other when everyone else only saw the worst—and there was a lot of worst to see—then Axton could look past his childhood trauma to reach for his brother. Nothing that happened to Axton over the years was because of Jarek. While Jarek might have been oblivious to a lot of things, he wasn’t cruel, and he loved Axton.

Luca passed Adan back his paw and Axton’s phone. He crawled Jarek’s way. “I’m hungry, Daddy. Can we get pizza?”

Jarek sat up and pulled Luca into his arms. “Of course, baby.” He looked Axton’s way. “How about it, guys? Would you like to get some pizza? We can eat while we check out the Lego room.”

Adan looked his way with hope bleeding from his eyes.

Axton squeezed him and stood with a giggling Adan tucked under one arm. “Sounds great. We’ll follow you.”

Luca covered his mouth and stifled a laugh over Adan’s predicament.

Jarek stood and tossed Luca over his shoulder. “After you.”

They exchanged smiles, and it was as if the clouds parted. He was happy. Truly content deep in his heart. Beau had backed down, and he had his brother back. Adan had called him Daddy. Life was going places.

With his heart and stomach full, and Axton’s giant nude body curled around him, Adan had never been more content. Axton’s bed was ridiculously cozy. Adan wished he could sleep like this—in Axton’s arms—every night. He wouldn’t start that hope, only to be crushed. Life never took mercy on him for long.

“What happened with Beau?” Axton massaged Adan’s hip as he asked the question, as if worried he might send Adan running or ruin the moment.

Adan smiled into the dark. He found peace in these intimate moments where they calmly spoke like a real couple. No yelling or fighting. No judgment. “He tried to give me flowers.”

Axton snorted. “You don’t even like flowers. You’re allergic.”

Adan’s smile grew. “Just more proof he never loved me. This entire stalking thing has been about pride or loneliness. Both. I don’t know, but it had nothing to do with me. Still, I don’t really know what happened. He set those roses on the table, and I looked into his eyes. Everything went sort of calm inside me and I just kind of started talking. I didn’t make it about me or about rejection. Instead, I made it about him and reclaiming what was left of his family. Then Luca saved me from the conversation, and I don’t know. Next I looked, he was gone. What about you? What happened on your end?”

He felt Axton shrug. “He said it was over.” Adan’s eyes fell closed. A weight lifted from his chest. When he spoke with Beau, things felt different. Calmer. For once, he thought Beau listened, but hearing Axton confirm his thoughts felt amazing and also a little sad. A chapter closed in his life. It was a long chapter too. He had been part of the Bosi family for longer than he had been an adult. Now he was officially an orphan.

Axton ran his fingers through Adan’s hair. “Are you okay, baby?”

Adan chewed his bottom lip. His eyes stung. It was so stupid. He wanted to be free of Beau. Adan definitely didn’t want Axton to think Adan wanted anyone else. “I’m alone in the world.” The words fell in a whisper that came from his soul. Adan hadn’t meant to speak. It was Axton. Adan could never stop himself from telling him everything. “I guess I have been for a long time.” But it felt very real tonight. Axton had reconnected with his brother. Adan wasn’t stupid. He knew the only reason anyone had been nice to him lately was because of Axton and maybe a little for Soren’s sake. Adan was still the most hated boy in town. He felt very weak and exposed tonight for seemingly no reason at all. Sometimes, reality hit from nowhere and the bed he had made was swallowing his sanity whole.

“So, am I only your daddy sometimes? I’m confused. I’m new to this.”

A sad smile tugged at Adan’s lips. He loved Axton so much. No one tried as hard as him. “It’s okay. I know that’s not a role you want. This is just a bad moment for me. Sometimes reality just smacks me in the face. I’ll be fine. I love us the way we are.”

Axton gently urged Adan on to his back. With his weight braced on one elbow, Axton stared down at him. “Call me Daddy.”

He sounded so serious and a little angry. “Okay. Like, right now?”

“Yes.”

Adan was confused as fuck, but he did as told. “Okay, Daddy.”

A small growl vibrated from the back of Axton’s throat. His hand swept down Adan’s body before diving beneath him and roughly squeezing Adan’s ass. “Mean it.”

A pant escaped Adan at the heat in Axton’s voice. “Daddy.”

“Damn right,” Axton said, sounding gruff. “You’re mine.” He shifted positions, crawling between Adan’s thighs. Adan heard the lube tube open and close above his head. Then Axton’s wet fingers probed his hole. Adan drew his knees higher, giving him free access. “This little asshole is mine.” Before Adan could react, Axton impaled him. Adan hadn’t been prepared for the huge intrusion. Neither did he have time to tense. He gasped for air. Axton took full advantage. He grabbed Adan’s face and his tongue shoved inside Adan’s mouth. Adan couldn’t keep up.

Axton pulled away, but didn’t release his hold. He pumped inside Adan. “All of you belongs to me. How dare you say you have no one? You have me.”

Adan realized too late how he must have sounded to Axton. They were ridiculously co-dependent. For over a year, they had leaned on each other and fell in love. They knew each other like no one else did. If the shoe was on the other foot, and Axton said he had no one, Adan would be brokenhearted. Axton had him.

“I’m sorry, Daddy. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You’re my everything.” He stroked Axton’s face.

Axton’s hold softened. His mouth covered Adan’s. This time, his kiss was loving and melted Adan’s heart. “I love you, kitty,” he whispered between kisses.

Adan’s eyes filled with tears even as his body burned. Axton was so strong. It was easy to forget how much he needed Adan too. “I wish I could make love to you and make you see how crazy in love I am with you. Nobody has ever owned my heart like this.”

Axton froze. He pulled away enough to meet Adan’s stare. “Are you being serious?”

Adan didn’t know how to respond. Even though he had spoken in the heat of the moment, he meant his words. He couldn’t read Axton to see if he should take them back. Ultimately, he wanted them to always be honest with each other. “Yes.” Heat crawled up Adan’s cheeks. “I mean, I’ve never actually done that, and I don’t even know if I’d like it, but you make me feel ways I never have before. It sounds insane, but I want to crawl under your skin to be closer to you. I can’t explain it. I just want you in every way.”

Thankfully, Axton didn’t laugh at him. In fact, he looked downright horny, but they were in the middle of making love, so that was fair. Axton licked his lips. He looked nervous, almost as if he expected to be rejected. “I could walk you through things.”

Adan had only been partially serious, but his dick suddenly wept at the idea. His lust climbed to a new level. “You wouldn’t mind trying that?”

A sexy smirk stretched Axton’s lips. “Baby, I’m vers. I love to get fucked.”

“Oh.” Adan had never thought to ask about Axton’s preferences. He had assumed by Axton’s overwhelming manliness that he wouldn’t be down for that. But it also wasn’t like Adan had seen himself craving such a thing.

Axton’s expression turned serious. “Don’t worry. If you don’t like it, I’m good. This is real love. You’re who I want to be with for the rest of my life. Even if we never had sex again, I’d still choose you over anyone else.”

God. Adan had done nothing to deserve this man. Everyone knew it. The universe knew it. But Adan wouldn’t let Axton get away. He would do whatever it took to make him happy. “I’m not worried about liking it. It’s you. Everything about you turns me on. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Axton pulled out and found the lube again. “Then how about I just use you, baby boy?”

Holy shit. Adan had never wanted to be inside anyone. He did now. Adan was more than a little concerned he wouldn’t last ten seconds. Just the idea of Axton using him had him half insane already. He watched Axton lube them. Adan gripped the sheets beneath him, trying to stay grounded. Then Axton grabbed Adan’s cock, held it in place, and sank onto him.

The moan that vibrated from Axton had Adan losing sight in one eye. The sudden heat surrounding his dick tested his will like nothing ever had before. Then Axton did exactly as he claimed he would. He used Adan. Adan tried to keep up, but everything felt too good. His brain wouldn’t work.

“Mmm. Damn, baby boy, you feel fucking amazing. It’s like you were made just for me.”

Adan couldn’t make a sound. His back teeth were locked to keep him from immediately blowing.

“I can’t wait for you to pump me full of cum. I want to feel your juices leaking from my ass.”

Holy shit. Adan was going to die. Axton’s long hair stuck to his sweaty face as he rode Adan’s body. Adan stared up at him and watched the show. Axton obviously had the angle he needed. His expression was the sexiest porn Adan had ever seen. This overly pierced and tattooed bad boy looked like he would die without Adan’s cock. Adan was mesmerized and more aroused than he had ever been in his entire life. He was taking good care of his daddy. Pride swelled his chest and unshed tears burned his eyes. He thought he had been in love before Axton. Adan wasn’t as sure now. He had never felt like this. Adan could never hurt Axton the way he had others in the past. He’d rather die.

“You’re so beautiful, Daddy. Can I marry you?”

A cry tore from Axton. Cum arced through the air and hit Adan’s chest. The sudden convulsions of Axton’s asshole caught Adan by surprise. He gasped as an unexpected orgasm slammed into him. Adan had tried so hard to hold back that the surprise blow was twice as powerful as he expected. His body jerked and then shook. Sounds came from him without his control. He didn’t try to stop them. Adan’s brain no longer worked. His system was too busy glitching as his dick spit, filling Axton’s ass. They had never really discussed sex without condoms. But Adan knew inmates were regularly tested and Adan had been too. A childhood like his would do that to a person. Right now, though, life was fucking flawless. His body hummed with pleasure. Axton’s mouth covered his and their tongues played. He felt the way Axton shook. Adan had never been so high on life. He didn’t want to come down.

Axton’s mind was all over the place. When he had realized he wanted Adan and was actually in love with the guy, he hadn’t imagined any of this. Honestly, he had secretly thought they would flounder for a while before they figured out a way to navigate Axton’s monstrous desires and Adan’s kinks, which he imagined wouldn’t match in any way, shape, or form. Yet here they were with Axton sitting on Adan’s cock and with Adan’s marriage proposal ringing in Axton’s ears. Surely he hadn’t meant it. Most likely, Adan’s words had been heat of the moment ramblings. But Axton couldn’t stop thinking about it, and he needed to know.

He nipped at Adan’s bottom lip, keeping him slightly distracted while dealing with such a heavy topic. “Did you mean it about marrying me?”

As if Adan saw his game for what it was, Adan cupped his face, forcing him to be still and hold his stare. “I always mean everything I say to you. You’re the love of my life.” Adan licked his lips, turning visibly nervous. “I know I’m not that great of a catch or anything. Like I have literally nothing to offer.”

Axton kissed him, cutting off that bullshit. He pressed his forehead against Adan’s, trying to absorb more of the love he had been starved of his entire life. “You’re everything I need.” Even Axton heard the way his voice broke. He swallowed. “If you’d seriously marry me and let me keep… all this, I’d give you the world. You’d never want for anything or shed a single tear. I swear I’d make you happy.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I’m the one who asked.”

Despite the humor in Adan’s voice, Axton still thought he might cry. There was no way Adan understood what his offer meant to Axton. No one had ever made him feel this wanted, especially in any sort of healthy way. They were solid and good. He genuinely believed they only wanted the best for each other in life. Axton had never had this.

Axton swallowed past the lump in his throat. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

“Yay.” Adan’s whispered cheer sounded how Axton felt—like emotions were too high for his throat to work. He heard Adan swallow, as if it hurt. “Your family and friends will be disappointed in you. I’m not who they’d choose for you.”

“If anyone can’t accept you, then they’re not my family or friends. But I think you’re wrong. People see you clearer than you realize.”

Adan’s body shook with silent laughter. “That’s probably worse.”

A smile exploded across Axton’s face. He recognized it came from his soul. The night he had rescued Adan from the front steps of Beau’s house was the best decision he had ever made. Too many times to count, he wished he had brought Adan home with him that night rather than leaving him at The PlayPen. They might have reached this place sooner. None of that mattered now, though. Axton planned to give Adan the brightest of futures. It would always be them against the world. That sounded like the greatest of fates to him.