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Nonstop thoughts about Kylo had Beau sitting at The PlayPen more often, hoping his little kung fu master showed. He kept to himself unless he spotted one of his sons. Beau knew they didn’t see it or appreciate it, but he tried his ass off to fix their family. It wasn’t like him to go out of his way for people. His family meant everything to him, whether they realized it or not.

His sons-in-law played nearby with the husband of his youngest son’s bodyguard. He knew Banks thought of his guard, Shane, more like a brother than an employee. That sometimes happened with longtime employees. Henry had been with him since Beau began his business back in Italy. The guy wasn’t allowed to walk away.

His sons, on the other hand, were a hairsbreadth away from never looking back. Today, surprisingly, they sat with him, watching their husbands take turns jumping on a small trampoline. Briefly, he considered using Henry’s upcoming birthday as an excuse to ask them to dinner. He tossed the idea aside. They would probably just take Henry out without him. Plus, his ex had recommended not manipulating them. Kylo had said he caught more flies with honey. He had nothing to lose by taking their advice.

Beau cleared his throat. “The house has been really quiet without your mom. Would you two join me for dinner? Please?” He tacked on the last bit purely to prove Kylo wrong. Honey didn’t work on people like them.

Boone and Banks looked his way.

Banks answered on their behalf. “Sure, Dad.”

He was shocked, but he jumped on the agreement. “Is seven okay?”

Boone looked thoughtful. “Can we do six instead? Jupiter has a dentist appointment in the morning. I’d like to get him to bed early.”

Beau stood before they changed their minds. “Six is great. I should probably head out, though, so I can let Pierre know.”

“I do miss Pierre’s cooking.” Banks made the claim while watching his husband. He sounded distracted, but Beau would take it.

“See you at six.” He headed for the door. There was a bit of pep in his step. He felt like he had found a new superpower. Beau had Mickey stop by their favorite coffeehouse and grab some pastries before heading to Kylo’s place. He had no intention of telling Kylo he had been right. Beau just wanted to see him. He wanted to make sure he was healing okay.

With his bribe in hand, Beau headed Stew’s way. “Good afternoon, Stew. I’m just here to see Kylo.” He acted as if he suddenly recalled the donuts he held. “Oh. I saw these and knew Kylo would want you to have them.”

A bright smile stretched the burly doorman’s face. “Thank you. These are my favorite. Kylo isn’t home, though. He’s never here on Thursdays.”

Beau tried his best to hide his disappointment. It seemed honey wasn’t as potent as Kylo claimed. “That’s too bad. I’ll have to check back another day.”

Stew nodded. “Try back tomorrow. He’s always at home on Fridays.”

Well, he would be damned. He had bribed the guy right into telling Kylo’s schedule.

Beau smiled. “Thanks. I’ll do that. Have a great day.”

“You as well, sir.”

Well, fuck. Now he had the whole day to kill before the boys came for a visit. He ended up sitting on the couch and staring at the crown Kylo gave him. It truly was beautiful. It belonged on Kylo’s head. Not his. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Kylo, saying he had a chance. Beau had panicked a little at the flirtation. Kylo didn’t know him. He didn’t see the monster. If he knew Beau, and—somehow—still accepted him, Beau would eventually have to confess all his sins. Kylo would look at him differently. The sassy smile would turn to disgust. Maybe even hate. It was nice having one person in the world still think he was good.

Boone came through the door with Jupiter on his arm.

Beau set the crown aside and stood. He hadn’t realized how long he had been lost in thought. “Hey. You made it. I don’t think dinner is quite ready yet.” At least Pierre hadn’t said as much.

“It’s fine. I’m a little early. Jupiter wanted to chat with Pierre about a recipe.”

Beau motioned in the direction of the kitchen. “Feel free. I’m sure he’d love to see you.” He had no idea if that was true, but Jupiter had gone to culinary school and apparently loved to cook. Since Boone seemed to encourage him, Beau kept his opinion to himself. As long as Jupiter didn’t actually work, Beau didn’t care about his hobbies.

Jupiter skipped off to the kitchen.

Boone moved to where Beau had been brooding all day. “Holy shit, Dad. Why is this just sitting on your couch instead of being in a display case or a fucking museum? How in the hell did you even get it?”

Beau blinked at Boone’s over-the-top reaction. “What do you mean?”

Boone held the crown with reverence as he met Beau’s stare. “This is the famous three-million-dollar crown Alexander the Mighty, King of Argetta, made for his affair son. It caused an uproar since Argetta is such a poor country, its people struggling, while he threw money at things like this for a kid who would never even be king.” Boone turned it from side to side and eyed the crown. “Damn. The history books did not do it justice. It really is gorgeous.”

Beau didn’t know what to say or how to react. “Maybe it’s a reproduction.”

Boone flashed a smile his way. “One thing I know is craftsmanship. These are real jewels and this was made by a master.”

Damn. Kylo hadn’t known him at all when he had simply given Beau the crown. Beau swallowed. “I didn’t know. It was given to me by a friend.”

“That’s a hell of a friend.” Boone set the piece on the table. “You might want to at least put that in the safe.”

“I have a spot for it.” And an excuse to see Kylo. Things were looking up.

*

Unknown number: As amazing as your security is, it makes visiting you irritating as hell.

Kylo: Do I know you?

Unknown number: It’s Beau. I’m downstairs.

Kylo: Go to the farthest elevator. I’ll send it down for you.

Kylo chewed his bottom lip and tried to decide how to stand while waiting for Beau. Maybe he should sit. It was possible standing looked desperate. He rushed to sit on the couch. Kylo winced as his stitches pulled. He was so dumb sometimes. The lift dinged, and Beau stepped out. Kylo nearly sighed. He was dressed casually tonight. Soft-looking black shirt and jeans. His gray hair was perfect—like he had a stylist at home. He was a lot older than Kylo. That was exactly what Kylo wanted.

“Hey. How did you get my number?”

Beau’s smile was completely unrepentant. “It’s probably best not to ask me how I find anything. I have my ways.” He held an open box. Beau crossed the room and passed it Kylo’s way. “You should probably have this back. I can’t imagine why you’d give it to me in the first place.” He claimed the spot on the couch next to Kylo while Kylo stared at the crown with his heart in his throat.

Kylo didn’t touch it. He held the box out to Beau. “I crowned you king.”

Beau didn’t take it. “I won’t take a priceless piece of history from you.”

A wry smile tugged at Kylo’s lips. He dropped the box on his lap. “I wouldn’t say it’s priceless. It obviously had a price tag, and it’s also not that historical. Only about a hundred and fifty years, actually. As far as history goes, that’s pretty recent.”

“So it is real.”

It wasn’t a question. That gave Kylo the freedom to ignore the statement.

“If you have a safe, you should lock that up.”

A smile snapped to Kylo’s lips. “I couldn’t even give it away. Now you’re worried it’ll get stolen.”

Beau’s serious expression never wavered. “No. I’m worried someone might hurt you to get it.”

Someone had already murdered his soul to give it to him. “That’s fair.” Kylo stood and made his way to the bedroom.

Beau followed on his heels. He leaned his shoulder against the doorframe and watched as Kylo opened the safe and shoved it inside. “Are you really moving around as well as you appear, or are you faking it?” The way you always do . Kylo swore those unspoken words hung in the air.

“I’ve been taking the meds the doctor left for me. He told me what to look for, as far as infection, when he came to check on me early this morning. There’s nothing to do but keep doing my thing. Life doesn’t give a shit if you’re hurting.”

Beau nodded. “Yeah. Sounds about right.” He straightened. “Anyhow. I just wanted to give that back to you.”

A hint of panic soared through Kylo. It was obvious Beau intended to leave. Kylo wasn’t ready to return to the silence. “Tell me what you did today.”

Beau’s mouth lifted in one corner. He was just so beautiful. Kylo wished he were beautiful. “Only if you tell me about your day. I came to see you earlier, and Stew said you’re never home on Thursdays.”

“Yet you came back. What made you think I’d be here the second time?”

He didn’t answer right away. Kylo wondered if he was about to hear a lie. “It was more hope than anything.”

Well, if it was a lie, it made him happy anyhow.

Beau closed the distance between them. He snagged the hem of Kylo’s shirt. Kylo’s heart sped. He just knew Beau had all the experience. Beau would probably do anything and do it well. He held Kylo’s stare while he lifted Kylo’s shirt.

“Have you been checking your wound for infection?”

Disappointment washed over him. He didn’t reply. Kylo couldn’t look away from his dark eyes. He had the appearance of a man who knew his worth. Kylo’s throat swelled. Just like everyone, he didn’t want Kylo.

“You’re not wearing a tutu today.”

“That can change, if you want?”

Beau didn’t smile. His expression never shifted or gave a single thought away. “I want you to be uniquely you. It’s refreshing.”

“I’m in too much pain to dance today.”

At his confession, Beau inspected his wound again. Kylo studied his face. Even the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes were sexy. “This is a little red.”

“Would you like a drink?” Kylo didn’t like being seen as weak in any way.

“I don’t drink anymore.” Beau’s voice had turned strangely hard.

“Good. There isn’t a drop of alcohol in this house.” A nervous chuckle left his lips. “It just seemed like something a real adult would say.”

Beau’s features softened. “What would you say instead? I’d prefer that.”

“Do you like being called Boo?”

“Not anymore.” He didn’t sound sad.

Kylo took that as a win. “I know you go to The PlayPen to visit your son, but do you like to be called daddy?”

Something dark and breathtaking sparked in Beau’s eyes. “Very much.” He paused and cocked his head to one side, studying Kylo. “What do you like to be called?”

Kylo smiled. He genuinely liked Beau. He opened his mouth to respond, and the phone rang. “Excuse me. That’s the security line.” Kylo headed for the phone with his heart in his throat. No one good could be waiting to see him. “Hello?”

“Mr. Reggie is here to see you.”

Kylo’s heart sped. His pulse beat in his ears. “He doesn’t have my permission to come up.”

A moment of silence met his words. Finally, the guard cleared his throat. “He’s pretty insistent.”

Kylo squeezed the phone, trying not to panic. “I don’t give a damn what he is. He doesn’t have my permission.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kylo dropped the phone back into place. He stared into space and strained to hear any sounds of the elevator moving. He paid a lot of money to live here for the best security. Kylo needed it to hold.

Hands squeezed his shoulders.

Kylo jumped and tried to hide his reaction with a smile.

Beau didn’t call him on it. “I should let you get some rest.”

Kylo wanted to beg him to stay for just a few more minutes. He couldn’t do that. His fear couldn’t be completely ignored. He still tried to play it cool. “Hey, I haven’t thought to say this, but anytime you’re on your way up, please don’t allow anyone on the elevator with you. Most people don’t even think about it. It’s second nature to hold the door and let people share the ride. But obviously, this elevator opens to my home, so...”

Thankfully, Beau didn’t look curious, or as if he felt chastised. He simply flashed a sexy smile. “Of course. You have my number now. Text me if you need anything.”

“Thank you. I—” The phone rang again, cutting him off. “Sorry. Hold on.” He fought the urge to snatch up the phone and scream. “Hello?”

“Dr. Fowler is here to see you.”

Relief had a huge smile exploding across his face. “Send him up.” Kylo sounded much happier than he should have. He simply couldn’t handle any more of life’s bullshit tonight.

“Yes, sir.”

Kylo hung up the phone.

Beau studied him. For a moment, Kylo expected him to ask about the call. He went a different way. “I didn’t know anyone had landlines anymore, especially someone your age.”

Kylo laughed. “First off, it’s not a regular landline. It’s a security line. You can’t make or receive calls or anything. Only talk to the front desk. Secondly, how young do you think I am?”

Beau shrugged. “Much younger than me. Otherwise, I don’t have a guess. Everyone younger than me looks like they’re twenty to me.”

Kylo shook his head. “I’ll walk you to the elevator. Dr. Fowler is on his way up.”

A strange look passed over Beau’s features before he hid it. “Good. He needs to look at your wound.” They headed toward the lift. Beau chuckled. “So you’re not even going to tell me your age after all that?”

Kylo thought about teasing him and refusing. But he wanted to know everything about Beau, so tit for tat. “I’m thirty-two.”

Beau literally stopped mid step to turn his way. “You’re joking. I seriously thought you were twenty. I just didn’t want to say that.”

A laugh burbled in Kylo’s throat. “Thank you... I think.” He couldn’t stop smiling at Beau’s genuine shock.

The elevator dinged, and the door slid open.

Austen looked a bit surprised to see Beau, but his smile seemed genuine. “Hey. On your way out?” he asked, holding the door.

Since they were standing right outside the elevator, it was a fair assumption. Still, Beau seemed a bit annoyed. The laughter in his eyes died. “It seems so.” His gaze swung Kylo’s way. “Remember what I said. Text if you need anything.”

Kylo nodded. “I will. Thank you.”

With a final nod at them both, Beau disappeared behind the closing door.

Kylo focused on Austen. “Hey. Twice in one day. I feel special.”

A bright smile met his words. The good doctor was a sexy guy. He was probably in his mid-forties. Even though he was the typical blond hair and blue-eyed Californian hottie, the same could be said of Kylo. They would look good together. It was an odd thought. Kylo’s head was always all over the place.

Austen motioned toward the elevator as they headed for the couch. “Some guy tried to jump in the elevator with me on my way up. I refused. Did I do the right thing? It seemed odd.”

Affection washed over Kylo. Austen had protected him, even without knowing if he should. “Thank you so much. My mom is famous, and even though I don’t know why that brings crazies to me, it does.”

Austen nodded, looking serious, as if Kylo’s words mattered. It warmed his chest. “I’ll be vigilant from now on.” He sounded like he planned to come back. “Anyhow, I stopped by because I thought about you all day.” He paused as if rethinking his words. He laughed. “I thought about your injury all day. Last night, I pushed some antibiotics through your IV, but I’m not sure that’s doing enough.”

Kylo nodded along. “The wound is a little red.”

Austen seemed to go on alert. “May I see it?”

“Sure.” Kylo lifted his shirt.

Austen moved in close to inspect it. Kylo watched him. He looked smart and capable. Kylo wondered if he was someone’s father. If so, were they proud? They should be.

“Do you have kids?” Kylo was a bit horrified by the question, but he didn’t take it back. Austen was a stranger in his home, inspecting his stomach.

A sad-looking smile touched Austen’s lips. His blue gaze flipped upward and held his stare. “No. I’ve chased a lot of relationships over the years. They were always faster,” he added with a chuckle.

Kylo laughed too, but the words made him sad. Laughter always masked the pain of loneliness. It hurt to want people more than they wanted you. It made him sad to think of Austen wanting someone who treated him the way everyone treated Kylo.

“This doesn’t look horrible, but I also don’t like how it looks. Have you been trying to do too much?” Austen shook his head. “Don’t answer that. You look exactly like someone who does too much.”

A bark of laughter burst from Kylo. “What is that supposed to mean? I know how to follow doctor’s orders... I just don’t.”

Austen roared with laughter. The sound made Kylo smile. Austen swiped at his eyes. “That’s what I thought. Let me put some antibiotic ointment on this and then I’d like to give you a shot. I’ve also got some pills I’d like to leave you. We know nothing about the knife he used, and I’m sure it wasn’t clean.” Austen paused for a moment. “Actually, I should probably draw some blood too and run some tests. Just to be safe,” he added, as if he didn’t want Kylo to worry.

Kylo shrugged. “Whatever you feel is necessary. You’re the doctor.”

The laughter returned to Austen’s eyes. “I’m the doctor you don’t listen to.”

Kylo’s hands rose and fell. “To be fair, I don’t listen to anyone.”

Austen’s laughter lightened the black mood that had threatened to swallow him since Reggie tried again to visit.

“Would you like to stay for dinner?”

Austen’s smile never faltered. The happy light in his eyes never dimmed. “Sounds great.”

Kylo took a breath. He would be okay. He would find his way. Kylo always did somehow.