Page 27 of Matthias’s Protective Embrace (Cardinal Falls #3)

He grumbled a little, saying that nights cuddled up on the couch are all he wants.

Right until I told him my idea. Apparently, promises of music and dancing are the only things it takes to get him out of the house.

And in the most delectable outfit. I told him anything was fine, but he insisted on going all out.

The club doesn’t have a dress code. These Daddy-boy nights tend to attract a range of individuals in everything from casual clothes to more standard clubwear.

To stand out, I think someone would have to show up in a full dinosaur costume.

Even then, I suspect they would only garner a few shrugs.

My Firecracker is undoubtedly going to turn some heads tonight.

His painted-on dark jeans and mesh tank top show off every inch of muscle in his body.

Those long hours spent doing landscaping and construction jobs have formed his shoulders and biceps into a work of art.

Normally, I only get to see them when he’s stripped down in my bed.

Tonight, they’re on full display. I’m fully prepared to fight people off as needed.

“It’s been so long since I’ve been to a club.”

I smile softly, thinking about all the things he’s missed out on over the last few years.

I never went through a club phase. The only reason I started going was because I saw these events advertised online during a time when I was trying to figure out what exactly I liked.

I knew I was drawn to the lifestyle based on some interactions in online chat rooms, but I had no idea how to get into it.

A theme night at a bar seemed like a gentle introduction.

“I know, Firecracker. I want you to have a good time tonight. Focus on having fun and let me worry about everything else.” Since I didn’t intend to let him out of my sight, that should be easy.

“I can do that.”

“Good boy.” Ah, and there’s that blush I adore.

I climb out of the car and go around to get Frank’s door for him. He still seems a bit confused by the gesture, but he’s stopped trying to get out on his own, so I’m calling it a win.

At the front door, the bouncer checks both our IDs and stamps our hands with a big purple star. Inside, the music is deafening with deep bass thumping through the room. It’s still relatively early, but the dance floor is packed with patrons.

Instead of screaming over the noise, I grab Frank’s hand and pull him through the crowd to a table near the edge of the room. It’s a bit out of the way but has the benefit of being far enough from the speakers to give my ears a little reprieve.

“Do you want a drink?” I ask. Frank considers the question for far too long. “Do you want me to pick?”

“Yes, please.” Gladly.

“Do you want something with or without alcohol?”

“With?”

I nod and leave him at the table, probably against my better judgment, to snake my way to the bar.

I get him gin and tonic, something I’ve heard him mention a few times, and a Coke for myself.

I’m driving tonight and not risking his safety.

Plus, I want to be sharp and make sure I can keep an eye on him.

This place is relaxed and safe, but it’s his first time, and I want to be able to pick up on any cues that he might be uncomfortable.

Drinks in hand, I return to find an older man leaning over the table, chatting with Frank.

“Come on. One dance?” I hear him say.

“No, thank you,” Frank replies. I appreciate his politeness, but this is a time when I’d be happy to hear him tell someone to fuck off instead.

“You okay, baby?” I pick my words carefully as I push past the other man, sliding in next to Frank and putting my arm around him. Is it a bit much? Probably, but I want to be clear that Frank is mine.

“Yeah. This guy was just leaving.”

I turn and look at the man, cocking my head to one side. The guy grumbles something about Frank being a tease, but he leaves before I have to continue the discussion. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. He’s pushy, but I handled it.”

“Good job,” I say, leaning in and capturing him in a heated kiss.

I don’t mean for it to be anything more than a quick peck, but I can’t help making sure everyone in the club knows that Frank’s mine.

Before we separate, I want to leave no doubt that he’s taken and not to be messed with.

By the time I pull away, we’re both panting.

“Can we go home now?” Frank asks as he adjusts himself.

“Let’s stay a little longer,” I say with a laugh. I’m ready to take him to bed, but I promised him a fun night out.

It’s easy to remember why I don’t love clubbing. The music is loud, the drinks are expensive, and the space is crowded. Tonight, with Frank tucked under my arm, leaning into me, and smiling, I can imagine doing this far more often. Even if I’m counting down the minutes until we’re alone.

“Is that Sam?” Frank goes stiff in my arms. I follow his gaze across the dance floor to where Sam is standing.

“Firecracker.” I pull him in close and drop my head so I’m right next to his ear.

“I should’ve prepared you for this, so I’m sorry.

Sam is a Daddy and comes here sometimes.

” In my excitement over bringing Frank, I didn’t stop to think about the awkwardness that might come from running into his boss.

“I knew that,” Frank says, though there’s still a bit of wobble in his voice. “From when I heard you two talking.”

“He won’t say a word about seeing you here to anyone, so you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Um, but he maybe doesn’t know that we’re… together?”

At least that’s one worry I can put to bed. “I told Sam soon after we got together.”

Frank opens his mouth to say something to me, but Sam’s arrival at our table cuts him off. “Fancy seeing you two here tonight.”

“Good to see you, Sam. You here with anyone?” I stand briefly to give him a quick hug before returning to my spot and pulling Frank close.

I’m sure it’s weird seeing his boss in this context.

It took me a while to get used to seeing Sam here.

The first time, I turned so white that Sam thought I might pass out.

“Nope, thought I’d come see what the scene is like tonight.” He looks over at Frank and gives him a quick nod. “Good to see you, Frank.”

I swear Frank practically squeaks as he says hello, then curls farther into my side.

“Want to join us?” I offer the seat on the other side of the table, hoping Frank won’t mind.

While coming to these nights isn’t essential, it’s a nice chance to get out of the house and be among like-minded individuals.

I’m hoping he’ll be willing to come back again another time—which likely means seeing Sam again.

“You sure you don’t mind?” Sam glances in Frank’s direction. The move isn’t subtle enough for me to miss the implication.

“You should join us,” Frank says, his voice only just above a whisper. I’m not sure if Sam heard him over the music, but the slightly forced smile on Frank’s face says a lot. “Really.”

I give his thigh a quick squeeze and motion for Sam to sit.

Frank takes a few sips through his straw and moves in closer to me.

At this point, he’s practically on my lap, which I wouldn’t mind.

One step at a time. I’m hoping the exposure to more people will go a long way toward making him more comfortable.

“It’s been a while,” Sam says to me. “Thought maybe you wouldn’t be coming down here anymore.”

“Been busy. You know winter tends to be hectic.” I slide my hand up Frank’s thigh until he sucks in breath. Distractions are always nice.

“Yeah, I guess it’s the opposite of ours. At least this year, we’re booked. As soon as we finish your yard, we’re moving on to a home remodel.”

I nod. Frank’s mentioned the next job a few times.

I’ll be sad to not have him around as often, but I know it’ll be nice to work indoors again.

Plus, it’s not like I really see him when he’s working.

When he moves to a different site, we’ll have to work out a new system to make sure he’s getting plenty of food and water.

“Frank’s really stepped up his game lately. You’d be proud of him.”

“I’m very proud of him,” I say quickly. My Firecracker doesn’t hear those words enough.

“He even showed up with water for once. I thought for sure he’d eventually collapse from dehydration.

” Those words make me see red. It’s not Sam’s job to take care of his employees, but I don’t like the idea of him putting Frank—or anyone—at risk.

“Woah. Frank, tell your Daddy how I bring drinks to the worksite.”

I freeze. While we’ve skirted around the issue, this is the first time since our initial chat that he’s heard me referred to as his Daddy.

I told him that names aren’t important to me, which is true, but hearing it in reference to our relationship sends a thrill through me. It does something to my cock, too.

“Sam’s always good to us. He brings lots of water. Gatorade, too, if it’s hot.” He sits up straighter and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Don’t worry.” I can practically hear the Daddy at the end of his sentence. It’s not there yet, but there’s an unspoken promise.

“You two are disgustingly sweet. I’m going to take a lap.” Sam gets up and gives me an approving nod before he disappears into the crowd on the dance floor.

“Frank, you want to dance?” I ask. We’re here so that seems like the right thing to do.

“No.” I’m briefly disappointed. Having him grinding against me is half the point of coming tonight. “Take me home.”

And, just like that, the disappointment is gone.