"Hey, Construction Boys!" I call out, voice carrying over the noise. "Free lunch on the house. Another thank-you for the good work you're doing here!"
That gets their attention.
Hungry workers swarm like bees to honey, grabbing boxes with grateful nods and "Thanks, chef!" echoing around. Sandwiches disappear fast—roast beef on rye, veggie wraps for the vegans, all paired with those cookies. I spot Xander in the mix, his massive frame easy to pick out. He takes a box, clapping me on the back.
"Olivier, man, you're spoiling us. What's the occasion?" Xander asks, full of gratitude and intrigue.
I flash a tight smile. "Just showing appreciation. Where's Danny? Thought he'd be front and center for this."
Xander pauses mid-bite of his sandwich, glancing around. "Huh. He was here a second ago. Saw your ride pull up and... bolted. Probably over by his forklift on the far side. Shy type. You know."
Shy? Or avoiding?
My jaw tightens.
"Thanks. Enjoy the lunch." I grab the original box—the special one for Danny—and stride across the site, boots crunching on gravel. The crew parts like the Red Sea, curious eyes following…
No one hides from Daddy.
Not in my town.
The far side of the site is quieter, away from the main action. There's the forklift, engine idling, and there he is: Danny,kicking at the dust with his work boot, shoulders hunched, face turned away.
Even from here, I can see the blush creeping up his neck. Sheepish as a caught schoolboy. He won't meet my eyes, staring at the ground like it holds the secrets of the universe.
I stop a few feet away, lunch box in hand, letting the silence stretch.
“Danny." My voice is low, edged with that command he responded to so well last night. "Care to explain why you didn't show up for your lunch?"
The boy shifts, kicking another pebble, mumbling something I can't catch. The blush deepens, spreading to his cheeks.
God, he's adorable when he's flustered— all that muscle, all that height, reduced to a fidgeting boy.
But adorable or not, he's been naughty.
And naughty boys get reminded who's in charge…
"Look at me, boy," I command. And he does, finally, those big eyes wide and guilty.
Perfect.
Time to show him exactly what happens when you forget Daddy's promises…
Chapter 7
Danny
Oh shit.
I’m in trouble.
I know I should be trying to figure a way out, but…
“I… I… I forgot,” I say, knowing that my total bullshit is as clear as the icy blue sky above. “I…”
“Save it,” Olivier replies, placing the lunch box on a stack of timber frames and walking toward me. “No excuses. No lies. All I need right now is your safeword, boy. And after that, a good old fashioned spanking in the freshest of fresh air.”
“My safeword?” I ask, my bottom lip trembling and my legs shaking inside my jeans too. “I… it’s… I…”
