I knew he was asleep, dead to the world. He really did sleep soundlessly, at least so far. The nap Ihad him take hadn’t given him the rest I thought he needed. I knew he didn’t sleep, but he still needed the rest either way.
This was the reason I got into undercover work to begin with. I wanted to save kids from the fate that Dakota had been put into. None of it was his fault. He was just a kid born to a set of crappy parents, and the system ended up failing him.
The file that Collin had left showed that social services had been called to his house a handful of times, and each time, not a damn thing was done about it. Of course, there was nothing I could do about that fact. But now, I was determined to do what I had to save others.
Believe it or not, Dakota wasn’t the first person I had helped, so to speak. But this boy was different. He was so lost in the world and abused in ways that no human ever should be.
I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t fear me like he should. I wondered if maybe he was just use to the abuse he suffered, that he expected me to be the same and accepted it as what it was. Was hejust going with the flow, only halfway knowing what would come his way?
I couldn’t believe that it’s been less than a week, and this boy was stealing my heart. I felt this need in me to be everything to him. I knew I couldn’t, though. Eventually, I’d have to let him go. To let him live the life he deserved.
I made a mental promise to myself. I would let him stay until the bruises healed. Then, I’d send him off with my boss to a place he could get the help he truly needed.
I bolted my heart up with chains, because I wasn’t allowed to fall for the people I saved. No matter how adorable or sweet or broken they were.
***
Through closed eyes, I could see the sun shining brightly into the room. It was well past the time I was usually awake and had started the day. But it wasn’t the light that woke me up. No. It was the featherlight touch of a finger that traced my face that aroused me.
I kept my breathing even, letting Dakota keep believing I was asleep for a few more minutes. The touch was almost ticklish as it ran along my hairline, then swiped down across my nose.
On another pass, the finger traced where there was gray hair. It was just a reminder that I was too old to have any feelings for this boy. Yet, my cock didn’t agree.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, coming face to face with Dakota. When he saw I was awake, his eyes widened before he removed his hand from exploring my face like I was on fire.
Dakota wasn’t used to someone like me. He hadn’t been treated with the care that he desperately needed in life.
“Morning, sunshine.” My voice was rough with sleep as I turned and got out of bed. I didn’t expect a reply, but as I moved about, so did the boy.
I used the bathroom first, then helped Dakota do the same. Just like the first time, he was as stiff as a board as I pressed up against his backside, but as I tucked my chin into his neck, his body relaxed, and he was able to pee.
I wasn’t sure why he had issues going, and I added that to the mental list of questions I had for him. Or Collin. Surely that was a logical reason for these types of things.
I didn’t speak again until we were in the kitchen, a plate of toast in front of us. Dakota didn’t lift his gaze toward me at all. A single look at the clock reminded me that
I hadn’t had a chance to call my cook, and part-time maid, to see if she was up to teaching my guest to cook. I didn’t think it’d be an issue, though.
“Did you sleep well?”
I got a nod. I don’t think he hardly moved during the night, unlike me. I couldn’t stay asleep for anything, fearing that the boy may need me and I wouldn’t wake up. It was always like that when I had someone here. Part of my brain was always on the defense, ready to save them from the world or a spider.
“My cook is going to be here soon.”
Another nod. Then, he yawned. He almost slumped down in his seat before quickly straightening back up.
Little things like that reminded me of his age. Not even legal drinking age, yet he’d been dealt with one hell of a life.
As he moved, some of the strands of his brown hair fell across his eyes as he pushed pieces of toast around on his plate. At least he ate a little over half, although I wish he’d eat more.
I was almost tempted to offer the chance of hiding in my office with me while someone cooked a week’s worth of meals. But that wouldn’t help either of us. I had to start to put some distance between us. Instead, I told Dakota to clean up the dishes right as the doorbell rang.
“Morning, Alex.” The woman who stood on the other side of the door was on the shorter side, and one scary gal if you got on her wrong side. Today, her hair was pulled back into some sort of clip thingy, and she entered my house as though she lived here full time.
“Morning, suga’.” Her southern accent was thick, like always. It had taken me years to remove my accent, even though it came out here and there.
“I have a guest staying.”
“Again?”
