He was standing a few feet away, watching me with open curiosity. The lilac-colored bow-neck sweater I’d bought him hugged his shoulders just right, the fabric plush and inviting, the little tie resting against his collarbone. His white shorts were soft and temptingly short, leaving his smooth, pale thighs bare. The little blonde hairs on his legs were so light that they were almost invisible, unless they caught the light, which made it appear as if his skin were shimmering.
Anyone would notice.
The thought hit me hard and sharp. Anyone would see those legs first, the gentle curve of his hips, the way his body seemed made to be held. They’d think him pretty in that quiet, approachable way—the kind of beauty that made people feel like they were allowed to want him.
They weren’t.
“Come here,” I said.
He didn’t hesitate, crossing the space between us. I caught him easily, hands firm on his hips as I pulled him down onto my lap. He made a small sound of surprise, then immediately relaxed, arms sliding around my shoulders as he hugged me. His weight settled against my chest like it belonged there, like it had always been meant to.
I wrapped one arm around him, pressing him close, the other coming up to cradle the back of his head. He smelled faintly sweet—soap and sugar and something that wasjust him.
He sighed, melting into me, completely unaware of the storm he’d interrupted. His cheek rested against my shoulder, his fingers absently bunching the fabric of my shirt like a habit he didn’t even think about anymore.
“I was just wondering,” he said softly, content and warm, “if you wanted to go out… or maybe stay in. I’m okay with whatever you want.”
Of course he was.
I tightened my hold just a fraction, gaze drifting over him again, cataloging every little detail like I needed to memorize it.Mine, my mind supplied insistently.
“We’ll stay in today,” I decided, pressing a kiss into his hair. “Just us.”
He smiled against my neck, blissfully ignorant of the reason why, and nodded.
I let my hands move before my thoughts could catch up to them.
My palm slid up his back, fingers spreading over the soft knit of his sweater, tracing the line of his spine. He made a small, pleased sound at the touch, barely more than a breath, and it sent a low heat through my chest.
“My sweet boy,” I murmured, my thumb brushing lazy circles just beneath his shoulder blade. “So perfect for your Daddy.”
He nuzzled his face against my neck. His legs shifted, thighs pressing more firmly against my own.
My hand drifted lower, over the curve of his waist, lingering at his hip. I felt him relax even more, his body responding without hesitation, like he knew this touch meant safety. Comfort. Belonging.
My voice dropped without me meaning it to. “You feel sogood like this,” I said. “Right where you’re supposed to be.”
He hummed, arms tightening around me in a brief squeeze. “I like being with you,” he said, simple and sincere.
I tipped my head down, brushing my lips against his temple, then his hair, breathing his sweet smell in. My hand slid over his thigh, warm skin under my palm, my fingers tracing the soft inside of it.
“You don’t need anything else,” I told him. My words were steady, but there was an edge creeping in, rougher than I intended. “Do you, baby? You don’t need anyone or anything besides me and what I give you. Tell me, El.”
“I just need you, Daddy. I promise.” He didn’t pull back. He just nestled closer.
“I take care of you,” I continued, my grip tightening just a little at his hip. “I keep you safe. I give you what you need.”
His breath stuttered, but he nodded. “You take care of me just like you promised you would.”
“You want Daddy to take care of you forever, don’t you?”
“Yes, please.”
A dark, satisfied warmth spread through me at that. I held him tighter, my mouth near his ear now. “Good,” I said. “Because I’m never letting you go.”
I slid my hand under his sweater, gathering the bottom into my grip and yanking it up to expose his abdomen. “Open your mouth, cherub.” Once his lips parted, I pushed the bunched-up fabric into his mouth, startling him. “Bite down. Don’t let it drop.”
Elior’s cheeks turned red, but he did as I said, his teeth clamping down on his sweater.
