Page 9

Ryker

I’m gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles are white. My jaw aches from clenching it, but I can’t stop the rage bubbling inside me. I hit the button on my steering wheel to call Blaze. It rings once before he answers.

“Yo, Ryker,” Blaze greets.

“Did you know?” I bark, my voice sharp enough to cut steel.

“Know what?” he asks, his tone shifting to cautious.

“About Ollie’s piece-of-shit father,” I spit, barely keeping my temper in check. “Did you know that bastard’s been bullying him into sending every damn cent he has? That he isn’t eating enough because he can’t afford to buy groceries? That the only thing he’s eaten in seven days is crackers with ketchup and half a fucking burger?”

“Whoa, whoa,” Blaze stammers. “No, man. I didn’t know any of that.”

“Put Steel on,” I demand. I want them both to feel my fucking rage. The rational part of me knows that it’s not their fault. Ollie isn’t their responsibility. But the irrational part of me doesn’t fucking care.

“Ryker, calm down,” Blaze tries, but I’m not having it.

“Now, Blaze,” I growl, leaving no room for argument.

There’s a shuffle before Steel’s voice comes on. “What’s going on?”

“I’ll tell you what’s going on,” I snap. “Ollie is starving, Steel. He’s been giving every last dollar he earns to his drunk-ass father. Now, he’s been scared into sending the last of his money again and he’s sitting in that tiny apartment of his, crying and hungry.” My voice breaks, but I cover it with more anger. “And you’re telling me neither of you knew a damn thing about it? You guys even mentioned how he was losing weight. Did you ever once think it was because he was fucking starving?”

“Ryker,” Steel says, his tone level but serious. “We didn’t know. Ollie keeps shit like that to himself. We’ve tried to talk to him. He won’t let us in. He doesn’t even talk to Knox about his personal life.”

I let out a frustrated growl, my foot pressing harder on the gas. “Yeah, well, that ends now. You hear me? I don’t care what he tells you or doesn’t tell you. He’s mine now, and I’m not letting this happen again.”

There’s silence on the other end for a moment before Steel sighs. “Understood. What do you need from us?”

“For starters, I’m getting him out of that apartment and into my home,” I say. “I want his father dealt with. Or just find me his fucking address, and I’ll deal with him myself. No one hurts my Baby.”

“We’ll handle it,” Blaze says, his voice unusually serious.

“Good,” I grunt, ending the call without another word.

I pull up to Ollie’s apartment complex, barely registering the rundown building as I park. My chest tightens as I think about him inside, probably curled up in that little ball he retreats to when life gets too heavy.

I take the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding in sync with my anger. When I reach his door, I knock firmly.

No answer.

“Ollie,” I call, trying to keep my voice soft but firm. “It’s me, baby. Open up.”

The lock clicks, and the door opens a crack. When Ollie’s face comes into view, my heart shatters. His eyes are red and puffy, his cheeks streaked with dried tears. He looks so damn small, so fragile.

“Oh, my baby,” I whisper, stepping inside and pulling him into my arms.

The door shuts behind us, and I hold him tightly, my hand cradling the back of his head. “I’ve got you, Ollie. I’ve got you now.”

He doesn’t say anything, just melts into me, and I swear right then and there that no one, not his father or anyone else, will ever hurt him again.

“Let’s pack you a bag, baby boy,” I say.

“Why?” he sniffles.

“Because we’re going home, baby,” I tell him. “I’m taking you home.”

Ollie pulls back just enough to look up at me, his eyes wide and glassy. “I can’t just leave,” he says softly, his voice trembling. “This is my home.”

I cup his face, brushing a thumb over his damp cheek. “No, sweetheart. This isn’t a home. This is a prison. A place where you’re trapped, where you’re hurt. Home is where you’re safe. Where you’re cared for.” I kiss his forehead, lingering there. “That’s with me.”

He bites his bottom lip, his eyes dropping to the floor. “I can’t lose this place. I don’t have anywhere else to go.”

“You do now,” I say firmly. “I’m not giving you a choice, Ollie. Pack your bag, or I’ll pack it for you. But you’re coming with me. Actually, you just stay close to me, and I’ll pack everything you need.”

His hesitation is palpable, but after a moment, he nods. “Okay,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

“Good boy,” I praise, my voice softening as I press another kiss to his temple. “If you’re too scared, I know that Blaze and Steel would let you live with them for as long as you need. I just don’t want you being here by yourself.”

“I want to be with you,” he says shyly.

Sighing in relief, I boop his cute nose. “Show me where your things are.”

He leads me to his tiny bedroom, and the sight of it makes my blood boil all over again. It’s bare. Nothing more than a bed, a dresser, and a few scattered items. No photos, no signs of a life lived. Just survival.

I find a bag in the corner of the room and start tossing in clothes. Ollie stands frozen by the door, watching me like he doesn’t know what to do.

“Do you have a toothbrush? Shampoo? Anything like that?” I ask, trying to keep my tone even.

“In the bathroom,” he says quietly, pointing.

I nod and move past him, grabbing what he needs and adding it to the bag. When I return, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at his hands.

I kneel in front of him, taking his hands in mine. “This isn’t forever if you don’t want it to be, Ollie. Just until you’re back on your feet or you agree to be mine. Whichever comes first. I’m hoping you agree to be mine, though. But I’m not letting you starve or cry yourself to sleep anymore. Do you understand me?”

He nods again, still not meeting my eyes.

“Look at me, baby,” I coax, tilting his chin up. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” he whispers, his voice cracking.

“Good.” I glance around the room. “Where’s your Baby stuff?”

That finally gets him to look at me, his cheeks turning pink. “I… I don’t have much.”

“Show me what you do have,” I say gently.

He hesitates, then gets up and opens a drawer. From inside, he pulls out a worn-looking pacifier, a single bottle, a small stuffed cheetah with matted fur, and two diapers.

My chest tightens as I take in the sight. “Is this everything?”

He nods, embarrassed. “I haven’t been able to get more. It’s… expensive.”

I hand him the cheetah and place the rest in the bag. Then I turn to him, placing both hands on his shoulders. “You’ll never go without again. I promise. Even if you don’t agree to be my man. My Baby. I’ll never let you go without again.”

“But I do want to be yours,” he says softly. “I’m always so sad and scared. Even when other Doms try to soothe me. But, when I was with you, I felt safe. I haven’t dropped that far in Baby Space for years. I’m just scared I’ll be too much. Too needy.”

His lower lip trembles, and I pull him into my arms again. “Never, Ollie. You’re mine now, baby boy,” I murmur. “I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

Once the bag is packed, I zip it up and sling it over my shoulder. “Let’s go.”

As we head for the door, I notice him hesitate again. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

“What if my dad comes by?” he mumbles.

I step closer, towering over him. “If he comes by, he won’t find you. And if he tries to bother you again, he’ll deal with me. Got it?”

Ollie nods quickly, his eyes wide, and I soften immediately. “I’m sorry, baby,” I say, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just want you to know I’ll protect you. Always.”

He leans into me, and I guide him out of the apartment, locking the door behind us. As we walk to my truck, I keep a hand on him, grounding him, reminding him he’s not alone anymore.

Lifting him into the truck, I reach across his body to snap the belt in place. Before I can pull back, Ollie cuddles into my neck.

“Such a good Baby,” I soothe.

I hold him for a few moments before reluctantly pulling back with a kiss to his temple. I shut the door and race to the driver's side.

Once we’re on the road, I glance over and notice his head resting against the window, his stuffed cheetah clutched in his hands.

“You’re safe now, Ollie,” I murmur, more to myself than to him. “You’re safe.”