“Sir…”
“The only thing I expect is you to wash, dry, fold and put away your items in your room. That’s the only expectation. Ifyou wish to argue about it, I can add another chore for you to do tomorrow.”
I quickly shook my head, feeling as if I shouldn’t want chores.
Chapter 28
Evander
Oh, this little Omega.
He reminded me so much of the eight-year-old he used to be. Watching him sort through the things I’d bought was almost painfully sweet. I might’ve gone overboard with how much I got him but seeing him like this made it impossible to regret a single thing.
He deserved every bit of it.
He started out hesitantly, almost afraid to touch anything. But as the bags dwindled and each new item proved harmless, his confidence settled into his shoulders. Not much, just a flicker. Enough to see a shift; enough to see him breathe a little easier.
He touched each item, like it might vanish if he handled it wrong. His hands stopped trembling as he got halfway through, finding the huge, oversized sweater. I could see him in that one the most, knowing he enjoyed soft things over fancy stuff.
I was going to spoil this Omega.
Kasey removed the tags. At first, he paused, like he wasn’t sure he was allowed to remove them, as if the clothes weren’t truly his until someone told him they were. But then he reached for the first shirt, pulling the tag off without much force.
He sat the tag inside a box with some of the bags. The clothing item was placed on the coffee table, and then he moved onto the next item. He repeated the process with each piece of clothing.
I watched him work through the pile. He didn’t rush, didn’t fumble. He treated each piece like it mattered. And withevery tag he removed, that flicker of confidence I’d seen earlier grew just a little brighter.
He didn’t look at me, but he didn’t shrink away either. That alone was progress. That alone made something warm settle in my chest.
He was trying so hard. Trying to believe these things were his. Trying to believe he was allowed to have them.
And I was going to make sure he never had to doubt that again.
“Did you enjoy your bath?” I asked, shifting in my chair. I desperately wanted to help him start a load of laundry. But Kaseyneededsomething to do. A way to serve me. And giving him chores as a means to do that worked, then I’d deal with it.
“Yes, Sir.” I was graced with a small glance over his shoulder. “It was nice.”
“I’m glad. Maybe a weekly bath should be put down on the rule list?” Or daily, if he wanted it.
“If…. I think I’d like that.”
Progress. Small, yes. But I still progress all the same. I’d take every bit he gave me.
“Once you start the first load,” I said, keeping my tone easy. “I’ll put cream on your back.”
He nodded, quick and obedient, then began to gather the tags and scraps of packaging, tucking them neatly into a couple of empty boxes.
As he worked, I pushed to my feet and headed into the bathroom. The cream I needed was in the cabinet. It was antibacterial, soothing, and reliable. Exactly what his back would need.
I grabbed the tube and set it on the counter before glancing in the mirror above the sink.
The last few days had taken their toll, and it showed. Shadows under my eyes and a heaviness in my shoulders Ihadn’t bothered to hide. But I wasn’t about to complain. Not when Kasey looked ten times more worn down than I did. And he had every reason to be.
I pulled myself out of the thoughts the moment I heard the washer start up. The soft hum was enough to move me again. I left the bathroom and headed back towards the living room, ready to check on him.
“Come on,” I tilted my head towards the bedroom. “Let’s get that cream on your back.”
Without a word, Kasey went that way. His head was bowed, like he halfway expected to be punished for something he didn’t do. His steps were small and careful.
