“I know. But it’s hard to believe that.”
“I’ll just have to tell you until you believe me.”
“That could take a while, and you’ll—” I can’t finish. It’s bad enough that he knows I’m scared of my own shadow. Why would a man like him ever want a boy like me?
“Tell me what you were thinking just now.”
“It was nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me, boy. I’m an expert lie detector.” I huff a laugh. “Rory. Look at me, please.” I lift my head and see the seriouslook in his ice-blue eyes. “I can’t take care of you if I don’t know what you need.”
“You’ll get tired of taking care of me and having to hold my hand all the damn time.” I rush the words out.
A light swat to my ass has me gasping.
“My good boy doesn’t swear.” His stern Daddy voice has me thinking all kinds of naughty things.
“Sorry, Daddy.” I pout and not in the innocent way.
“Puppy-dog eyes have nothing on you, rabbit. But it’s okay this time. You didn’t know the rules.”
“I like rules.”
“Good because I’ll have a lot of rules.”
“Like what?”
“Well, rule number one is no bad talk about my boy.”
“And if I do?”
“Spankings.”
I shiver, but then I remember being hit. “Gentle spankings?”
“Absolutely. I never want to hurt you.”
Tears well in my eyes. How is he so sweet?
“I can try not to speak bad of myself, but you can’t spank half the country. I’m still a human-interest story.” I sigh. I’m so sick of the cameras and the yelling.
“As much as that pisses me off, you’re right. I can’t stop them from talking about you.”
“They have been talking more about the rapists getting a taste of their own medicine than me.”
He grins but admits nothing. “Serves them right. Rule number two. No swearing. Good boys don’t swear.”
“But I’m a grown-up,” I whine. “Sometimes you need naughty words.”
“Good boys don’t swear,” he repeats with more force.
“Okay, and the punishment?”
“Writing ‘I will not swear’ fifty times.”
“Fifty! That’s impossible.”
“Then don’t swear.” He winks at me, and I roll my eyes. “Rule number three. No rolling your eyes at Daddy… or more lines.”
