“Why do you call me that?” Seven muttered.
“For the same reason you called me Daddy, I guess. It suits you.”
Seven crossed his arms over his chest, giving Enzo a sullen look. “Don’t flatter yourself. I call every hot, older guy Daddy.”
Enzo’s brow went up, a look of warning in those warm brown eyes. “Careful…I’m definitely the jealous type,” he said.
Seven’s insides shivered. “Yeah, well…don’t get too attached. This is a one-time thing.”
“So fierce,” Enzo mocked, but there was a fondness to his tone. Enzo walked back into Seven’s space, then took his hand,threading their fingers together and pulling him towards the couch. “Let’s talk.”
Seven’s heart sank, tears threatening.
Pull it together. He just wants to talk.
Jesus. This was so fucking embarrassing.
“About?” he managed.
Enzo gestured to the couch. “Sit.”
Seven collapsed as if Enzo had kneecapped him. The older man’s lips twitched, but he said nothing. When he sat down beside him, he made sure there was some distance between them. Seven was both grateful and bereft over it.
“Why did you contact me tonight?” Enzo asked softly.
Seven glowered at him. “I should think that would be obvious.”
“You are so combative,” Enzo said, clearly holding back a smile while he studied him. After a moment, his brows drew together, all trace of amusement gone. “Are you okay?”
It was like he’d punched a hole straight through Seven’s defenses. The younger boy choked on a sob, swallowing it down. He was not going to cry in front of a stranger like a loser.
“I’ve just had a rough day,” he muttered, the words thick.
Enzo dipped his head, catching Seven’s gaze. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“If I did, would I be here with you?” he retorted, tone venomous.
“You are something else,” Enzo said, brushing his knuckles across Seven’s cheek.
Seven ducked away from his touch. “Don’t.”
Enzo’s brows shot up. “Don’t what? Don’t touch you?”
Seven felt like his lungs were going to burst from his chest. “Don’t be nice to me.”
“You came here because you wanted me to be mean to you? Is that how you think I play, brat baby?”
“You weren’t exactly nice to me in your office.”
“You weren’t being nice to me either. But that’s okay. I know you were just attention-seeking. And look. It worked. You have my undivided attention now.”
Seven scoffed. “Me and how many others?”
“Areyoujealous?” Enzo countered teasingly. “You just told me this was a one-off. Why do you care how many other boys call me Daddy?”
“I don’t,” Seven spat. “Just stop treating me like I mean anything to you.”
Enzo sighed, studying Seven until he felt like a petulant child. After a moment, he asked, “What did you think I meant when I said ‘let’s play’?”
