Page 70 of Sacred

But…

Mostly because I don’t want him to hurt Ward.

Ward’s been hurt enough throughout the years by his own goddamned father. I need time to come up with a plan. Hall-pass fuck or not, I need to figure out a way to approach Daniel about this and ensure Ward’s safety.

Protecting My boy—my default response with Ward.

What the fuck is wrong withmethat I’m so easily falling into this mode with him after all I went through?

I check the time and realize we need to get moving. When I start to disengage from him, he grabs me and kisses me and I…

I melt.

This is My boy.

He’salwaysbeen my boy.

I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do. “I’m not letting you go again.” It’s impossible perhaps, but it’s true, and I’ll die trying to make it happen.

His throat works as he swallows. “I don’t want you to.”

“What’s your schedule like today?”

“I’m supposed to head home around eight.”

“And then?”

He shakes his head. “That’s it.”

“Meet me here at 8:30. Tell your wife you have a late meeting that got added to your calendar.”

He nods. “Yes, Master.”

Fuck. I pull him into my arms again, holding him tightly, my face buried in his hair. “Good boy.” I cup the back of his head, massaging it the way I used to. “My very good boy.” I deeply inhale his scent. “My sweet, beautiful, perfect boy.”

His voice chokes again. “I’ve missed you so much, Master. Every fucking day.”

“I missed you, too, baby.” I nuzzle my face in his hair. “Missed you like fucking crazy.”