“I’ve never stopped loving him.”
“He’s a package deal. You get me by default, and I refuse to be a third-wheel.”
“I know, Sir. I’m fine with that.” He blushes and chews on his lower lip. “I told him I thought you were hot.”
A suspicion tickles my brain. “Have you been keeping track of him the way he used to keep track of you?”
His blush deepens. “Yes, Sir.”
“So…you alreadyknewwho I was before you met me that day?”
“I did.”
I take another deep breath to steady myself. “How jealous were you when you found out he married me?”
He takes a moment to answer. “Very. But not like I could complain, could I? I’m glad he met you. I wanted him to meet someone who would love him and be perfect for you. I’m glad you healed him.”
I brush away the satisfaction his comments trigger in me. Going easy on him isn’t an option right now. “I didn’t heal him enough, apparently.” I realize I’ll need to get Ward a day collar, too. Something Liam will see and, hopefully, respect.
A visual reminder to both of them of what’s going on. Because if they can’t responsibly adult outside my presence, we’re all fucked. I have to operate in good faith, and so do they.
“Do you want to know why I can take this approach instead of just kicking him out and divorcing him?” I ask.
He tentatively nods.
“Because I spent all day today reading the e-mails he sent you over the years. I never knew about that account until today. I can see how much he loves you, present-tense. It allowed me a peek into his psyche. You already know what it’s like to love what he loves and hate what he hates.”
That earns me another nod.
“He loves you. Like I told him, I always thought it was an indicator of what a good soul he has that he’s always held space for you. Hence the hall-pass fuck exception. Which I was totally serious about, even though I never realized…” I gesture at everything.
Ward nods.
“If things were different, and you and I were both single, even though you’re subby like me, I’d still think you’re hot and be attracted to you. So, you have that going for you. He loves you—which is the biggest point.”
I take a deep breath. “I also know what it is like to have a shitty father. Not, apparently, to the extent or in the ways yours is. But my ‘daddy issues’ also played a huge role in forming who I am. I get it. But even more, it allowed me to see what not having closure can do to a person. I couldn’t help my mom find closure with my dad, but I can save my husband from that Hell. Where we go from this point is up to the two of you.”
I hold up my left hand and point to my wedding band. “Think of him as being collared tome. In a manner of speaking.” I hold up my right, showing him the bracelet I wear there. “He proposed tome. He’smyhusband. He’smyMaster. If youreallywant to be a part of what we have, I am willing to make that space for you, too. But you need to earn my trust first.”
“I will.”
“Don’t make me promises. Because I gotta tell you, your current track record fucking sucks. Justdoit. Work your ass off and show me you are a man of your word and not that terrified law school grad who broke my man’s soul.”
He nods.
“Come on.”
I turn and head up the stairs, no longer feeling controlled by the absolute rage consuming me earlier. My mind already wants to jump ahead to the planning stages and free Ward from the anchors in his life.
Because I want my husband to be happy.
Ward Callahan is the key to Liam’s happiness. Meaning I’ll do whatever’s required. Move mountains, if necessary.
Whoever stands in the way of that goal…
It won’t end well for them.
Because it never has in the past.
