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Do you like to be called daddy? The question burned into Beau’s brain, making his skin itch with a dark impatience. That, mixed with the way Austen had made Kylo smile, drove him insane. And who had tried coming up that elevator before the doctor? Kylo was just such a mystery to him. He didn’t know if he shouldn’t simply walk away. Kylo didn’t belong in his world. He couldn’t stop thinking about the panic in Kylo’s voice over that unexpected visitor. Beau had left, hoping to catch the guy. He hadn’t seen anyone who seemed desperate or out of place. Beau hadn’t stopped worrying all night. It was ridiculous. He had to do something.

“Rico.”

Rico snapped to attention. “Yes, sir.”

“Shadow Kylo. See if you spot anyone else doing the same. Something is nagging at me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Rico headed for the door.

“Oh, and Rico, if you catch him, bring him to me.”

“Yes, sir.”

There. Beau had done his last good deed for Kylo. He could stop thinking about the guy. Beau needed to leave Kylo to the Austens of the world.

“You need to see this, Beau.”

Beau sat up from his overly relaxed pose on the couch. Henry was the only guard allowed to call him by his first name. He didn’t hear Henry excited often.

“What’s up?”

“An armored truck with several guards special delivered a box.” He handed a package to Beau. “All the dogs sniffed it. It’s not a bomb or drugs.”

Beau’s brow furrowed. Only one thing was written on the outside: Beau Bosi. Beau pulled out his pocketknife and sliced open the box. In his business, it could be anything. He held his breath. A smile exploded across his face as he pulled back the flaps. It was the crown. Beau shook his head as he unfolded the note inside.

I dub thee King Daddy.

A bark of laughter burst from Beau. He pulled the crown from the box and eyed it. Damn. It was beautiful. The piece should definitely be on Kylo’s head. Why did he keep giving it to Beau?

“This guy makes you smile in a way I haven’t seen in decades.”

If anyone other than Henry had said that he would’ve razed the place. Henry knew him.

Beau kept his gaze locked on the crown. “Why does a guy like Kylo continue to give me a priceless crown?”

Henry scratched the graying hair on his chin. “Maybe he wants you to bring it back? Like a way to keep seeing you.”

That made as much sense as anything did. “I guess you’d better bring the SUV around, then.”

The smile Henry wore told him everything he needed to know. Henry thought he’d made the right decision. Beau repacked the crown and gathered his things. As he stuffed his phone in his back pocket, he wondered if he should call first. He immediately dismissed the thought. Kylo might deny him. Beau just managed to lift his mood. He couldn’t handle another drop right now. Beau had been on the edge of something ugly for a while now. He scared himself on a good day. There was no telling what he could do.

Two guards fell into step behind him as he headed out. Henry pulled up in the SUV. Impatience poured through his veins on the way to Kylo’s. Ugly thoughts tried pushing their way in. What if the doctor had stayed the night? He couldn’t think like that. Beau had chosen to leave last night. He could have stayed. Beau wasn’t sure Kylo deserved that.

By the time he reached Kylo’s place, he second-guessed his every move. Still, he headed Stew’s way, wishing he had brought a bribe.

Stew smiled and dipped his chin in greeting. “Good afternoon.” He opened the door for Beau and then followed him inside. “Mr. Jinko asked me to send you up anytime you stopped by.” He used his keys to call for Kylo’s elevator.

“Thank you. I appreciate your help.” There. Kylo would be proud.

“Good day, Mr. Bosi.”

He stepped into the elevator. The door slid closed, and it hit him. Kylo had written his full name on the box. His gaze dropped to it. His name stared back at him. How long had Kylo known him? Had he recognized him from the beginning? Discomfort crawled up his spine. He didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, he didn’t have to hide or lie. On the other, someone as sweet as Kylo pretended to be could never want someone like him in their life. Another voice whispered in the back of his mind. His sons had found the sweetest of men. What were the odds he would be as lucky? Not high.

The door opened, setting him free inside Kylo’s apartment. It seemed empty. Stew hadn’t said Kylo wasn’t home. Surely, the guy wouldn’t have sent him to Kylo’s unoccupied apartment. He checked all the rooms, saving Kylo’s bedroom for last. There was a possibility he was in the bathroom or resting. The bedroom was empty too. Beau stood in the bedroom doorway, confused as fuck. Then a hint of music caressed his ears. Beau followed the sound. The closet door stood open. Beau stepped inside. It was empty, but there was definitely music coming from inside. He moved deeper into the clothes and shoes. A sliver of light caught his attention. It peeked from beneath where the wall met the floor. He pushed. A hidden door swung inward. Music poured out. Beau stepped inside and froze.

The first time Beau had been to Kylo’s apartment, he had puzzled over a few things. They met at The PlayPen. Kylo had worn pajamas like a Little would. He had presented as a Little in every way. Yet his apartment was devoid of anything the least bit childlike. In fact, it was perfectly decorated, as if put together by a professional. No one visiting him would see him as anything other than an ordinary man. This was different.

The first half of the expansive room was a dance studio—like a professional studio. The walls were mirrors. Bars lined the wall for stretching. A wood floor shone bright with the perfect polish. There was a section for a stuffed animal audience. The bear Beau had given Kylo the night they met was right up front. Beyond the dance floor looked to be a playroom. Beau wasn’t sure. He couldn’t look at anything except Kylo. Dressed like a ballerina, he glided around the room. It wasn’t a child playing dress-up. He was a fucking pro. If Kylo hadn’t performed on a major stage, Beau would throw a hundred grand in the street. He chose a chair up front with his bear and sat.

“Did you come to watch me dance, Daddy?”

Beau’s throat swelled. He was beautiful. “Yes, baby.”

Kylo didn’t miss a step. He took another spin around the room before coming to a stop in front of Beau. His gaze dropped to the box Beau held. He flipped it open and lifted the crown from the box. Kylo gently placed it on Beau’s head. “Dance with me, Daddy.”

Beau had to swallow past the lump in his throat. “I’d make you look bad.”

Kylo moved the box to an empty seat and took Beau’s hands. “I promise you won’t.” He moved across the floor, sweeping Beau along with him. Beau stared at Kylo. He looked content. Almost dreamy. He caught glimpses of their reflection. Beau in his crown. Kylo in his tutu and tights. They looked perfect together. Something unfurled inside of Beau. Something he had put away a long time ago and sealed shut. Definitely something he hadn’t been looking for. The music stopped. They did too. Neither of them pulled away.

“That crown was meant for you.”

“Should you be doing this with your injury?”

He felt Kylo shrug. “I get sad without it.”

Kylo felt so perfect in his arms. He couldn’t let go. Not yet. “Why do you keep giving me this crown?”

Apparently, it was the wrong question. Kylo stepped out of his hold. He didn’t meet Beau’s gaze as he headed for a chair and sat like he was in pain. “Maybe I’m trying to break its curse.”

Beau stood over Kylo and peeled the sleeves of his one-piece outfit down his arms. Blood seeped through the light pink piece. He kept going until he had the top half around Kylo’s waist. Then he dropped to his knees at Kylo’s feet and eyed the leaking wound. It would never get better at this rate.

“What curse?” He checked Kylo’s stitches, hoping he would answer if Beau didn’t meet his stare.

Kylo hissed as Beau pressed around the stitches to check if they had torn. He chuckled afterward. “It’s the gift given in place of love. Everyone who has ever received that crown got it as a present from someone who felt guilty for not loving them. It’s an expensive pacifier.” Beau lifted his chin. Kylo’s eyes were closed, and he breathed as if muscling through a silent suffering. “When I gave it to you that first time, I thought, there. It was a selfless gift given for only the purest of reasons. Maybe it’ll finally be used for good.” He laughed. “Then you gave it back to me. What am I even supposed to make of that?”

Beau had no idea what Kylo was talking about. He was more worried about the way Kylo seemed slightly out of his head. “I’ll keep it safe and treasure the intent.”

A sweet smile played on Kylo’s lips. “Thank you.”

Beau stood and plucked Kylo from the chair. “Now. Time to rest.” He carried Kylo to bed. Kylo didn’t fight him, even as Beau untied and unwound his slippers. Beau kept talking, hoping to keep Kylo from arguing. “You look beautiful. How long have you done ballet?”

“As long as I can remember.” A soft chuckle escaped him. “I thought if I was the best in the world, then Mom would see me. Remember I exist. I don’t suppose she ever even noticed she paid for the lessons. An accountant was told to keep me happy and in the best of everything.” Kylo went silent for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice was barely a whisper. “Is that love? Is pouring money into someone all there is? Maybe I’m the failure.”

Kylo’s skin was on fire. Beau had a bad feeling infection had set in, and Kylo would be horrified when his fever broke. Despite the reason for their conversation, Beau was intrigued. His kids felt the same. Beau knew they did. He had given them money and pain. That was it. He couldn’t take it back and he didn’t know how to fix any of it. There was no way they could see how young he had become a father, a husband, and a master criminal. Tabitha and he had been sixteen when she became pregnant with Boone. Their parents had immediately seen them married, emancipating them and leaving them to figure out how to survive. His sons would never know what it was like for him to not know what the hell he was doing while he failed at everything but being bad. Beau was a fucking maestro at crime. He had no excuses. There would be no forgiveness from the people he loved the most. He was no better than the people who broke Kylo’s heart. Still, he found himself talking as he undressed Kylo, saying all the things.

“People think parents are handed a baby, and all the world’s knowledge zaps into their heads. That’s not what happens. We do a lot of panicking, second-guessing ourselves, and trying our damnedest not to make the same mistakes our parents did. Meanwhile, we’re just fucking our kids up in whole new ways. I bet, if you asked, you’d learn your mom grew up dirt poor and resenting her parents for all they couldn’t give her. So she went hardcore in the opposite direction with you. I know that’s where I went wrong.” Beau paused and stared at nothing. “They didn’t turn out like you, though. Their hatred looks a lot different.”

“I don’t hate my mom. I’d have to know her to hate her. It’s more of a resentment-filled indifference while sitting in the quietest home in existence.” He chuckled. “I guess that sounds pathetic. Maybe I should stop talking.”

Without thinking, Beau kissed the ankle he unwrapped. “It’s not pathetic. It’s painfully familiar.” He straightened. “I need to call Austen. Just rest, please.”

With his eyes closed, Kylo nodded.

Beau pulled out his phone and headed for the living room. His heart had felt heavy for too long now. He set the crown on the table and listened to the phone ring.

“Dr. Fowler.”

“Hey, Austen. It’s Beau. I came by to check on Kylo and he’s not doing so great. He’s in a lot of pain and running a fever. I made him go to bed, but I don’t know.”

Austen blew out a breath that brushed the phone. “I worried about this. That was likely a nasty as hell knife. I get the feeling he doesn’t rest and let the meds I’ve given him work without keeping his body stressed. Last night, I left two new bottles of meds for him. Make sure he’s been taking those and get some water in him. Give me an hour or so and I’ll have a medical team put together for his full-time care. It seems we’ll have to make him stay in bed and keep a closer watch. The last thing we need is for sepsis to set in.”

Beau nodded along as if Austen could see him. “That sounds good. Send all the bills my way. I’ll make sure you’re properly compensated.”

“It wasn’t even a concern. You’ve always been a good patient.”

Beau laughed. One thing he didn’t fail at was ensuring people were paid their worth. Austen was damn good at what he did while not seeing a thing. Discreet people were worth their weight in gold. “I’ll let the front desk know you’re on your way.”

“Thanks. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

Beau disconnected the call and grabbed the receiver for the security line. They answered on the first ring.

“Security.”

“This is floor fifteen.” Beau didn’t know if that was necessary, but he figured better safe than sorry. “Mr. Jinko is having a health crisis and is expecting a medical team. When they arrive, please send them up.”

A pause met his words. “Okay.” Another pause. “Please let Kylo know. I hope he gets better soon.”

“I will.” Beau had no clue who they were, but whatever. Everyone adored Kylo, it seemed. “Thanks for your help.” He disconnected the call and picked up the crown. Strangers would be prowling through Kylo’s house. He needed to keep it secure. He moved to the safe and easily mimicked Kylo’s movements from last night to unlock it. Beau was way more observant than people realized. He locked up the priceless piece and then moved to sit with Kylo. While Beau had no idea why he cared so much, he did. He wouldn’t leave Kylo’s side. They needed to stick together.

It was too loud for no reason. Shouting pierced his pounding brain. His throat was dry. His eyelids felt heavy. Something pricked his hand.

“Ow.” The word was barely a whisper. His voice didn’t want to work.

“He doesn’t need a goddamn criminal here, endangering his life. You’re probably how he ended up this way in the first place. Do you owe someone money? Maybe you did this yourself.”

A loud crash had Kylo trying harder to open his eyes. A nurse hovered over him. Another IV hung over his head. “For fuck’s sake. What now?” He didn’t remember getting stabbed again. No one answered him.

“You’ve fucked with the wrong one.” The screaming seemed to get louder.

Reggie? What the hell? Surely, this was only a nightmare.

An evil-sounding chuckle that sent chills skirting across his skin floated through the air. “The way you flatter yourself. You should go while you can still use both legs. My boys have been bored for a while now. Don’t give them a reason to play.”

“This is Kylo’s home. Only he can put me out.”

“Reggie?” Kylo forced the word from his throat, praying no one answered.

His worried face appeared above Kylo, making Kylo’s stomach heave. He automatically crossed his arms over his chest, trying to protect his heart. “Why are you here?” Even through a whisper, Kylo heard the fear in his voice. Had he died and gone to hell?

“I saw a medical team headed up, and I followed to check on you. It’s a good thing I did. Do you know you have a house full of deadly criminals? Is that how you ended up like this?”

“Oh, God. Please let me wake up.”

Reggie grabbed his hand, and everything was suddenly very real. “I’ve got you.”

His heart rate shot through the roof. Machines blared, assaulting his ears. “No!”

Beau appeared like a knight and ripped Reggie away from him. “You’re not wanted here. Rico, take care of this. Kylo needs me.”

Cursing and arguing continued. All Kylo heard was his blood pulsing in his ears. Suddenly, Beau was there. His face was inches away, and the blaring stopped.

“It’s okay. He’s gone. Take a breath.”

Kylo did as told. He was a good boy. Kylo focused on every detail of Beau to find his way through the panic. “You have beautiful eyes.”

A sexy smile met his words. “That’s not a compliment I usually get.”

The admission had Kylo’s head clearing even more. “Why? They’re intense but framed by gorgeous lashes. Beautiful.”

Beau shook his head. “Do you ever think about yourself?”

Constantly. That was why he was fucking miserable. That was why he hadn’t sought help after getting stabbed. Maybe he had just been done, except... this man. There was something about him. Kylo didn’t know him and yet he did. He couldn’t explain the way he felt when Beau was around. Kylo would swear they had met before and were good friends, but he had never seen the guy before The PlayPen six months ago.

The nurse disappeared. Everything quieted. Beau sat on the edge of the bed and stroked his arms. It felt nice. “Reggie isn’t wrong about me. You should throw me out too.”

“Mhmm.” Kylo closed his eyes and savored the sensation of Beau’s hands on his skin. “Well, I have terrible taste, so I think you’re good.”

A sexy laugh caressed his ears. “I don’t know what it is about you. You make me not want to be anywhere else.”

The confession made Kylo smile in spite of how bad he felt. “That’ll change. Wait until I’m back on my feet. I can be really annoying.”

“Maybe that’s my kink.”

Kylo laughed. He immediately regretted it. He grabbed his stomach. “Ugh. This is not how I pictured seducing you.”

Beau’s laughter made his dumb words worthwhile. “I’d pay to hear that story, but this is probably not the time. You used all your energy dancing.”

He heard the smile in Beau’s voice and it was like all was right in the world. The pain didn’t matter. His nausea was all but forgotten. It was just them, enjoying each other’s company. “So... what’s the verdict? Am I dying?”

“Nah. I’d never let that happen. It’s just a bad infection and a stubborn patient. You’ll be dancing again in no time. For now, rest.” He kissed Kylo’s cheek.

Kylo grabbed his shirt. Neediness swelled inside him. “Will you hold me, Daddy?”

Beau kissed his cheek again. This time, he lingered. “Let me talk to your medical team and my men. Then I’ll hold as you long as you need.”

Kylo’s fingers relaxed. Beau would be back. Maybe Beau wasn’t a good person, like he claimed. Maybe a bad guy was exactly what Kylo needed.