Page 35 of My Boyfriend's Boxer Daddy

Porter rounds on him, and I've never seen his expression so furious. "Watch your fucking mouth, Ian." Once he's sure I can stand on my own, he stalks towards his son with fury in his every movement. "I told you not to come back here until you're a better man, and you show up on my doorstep a worse one than before? A stalker?" He points his finger until it's inches from his face, and Ian flinches back. "She came to me to learn to fight because you scared her so fucking bad."

Ian's jaw tightens. "So what, she's yours now? You're going to mark your territory? Fuck, Dad. She's half your age!"

"She is not a piece of property, and if you're going to act like this, get the fuck out." Porter gestures at the door. "Go home. Figure yourself the fuck out. Get a real job. Don't come crawling back to me again unless you can get your shit together."

For a moment, I'm terrified Ian is going to lash out, but instead, he turns his gaze on me. "Are you happy now? All you had to do was give me another chance. And instead, you decided to destroy my family, you fucking bitch."

Porter's hand shoots out, and his knuckles slam into his son's cheek, throwing him down to the ground. Ian stays where he is, breathing hard. "Get the fuck out. Don't ever come back."

Ian scrambles to his feet and disappears, the sound of the front door slamming echoing through the house. I'm still frozen in place, completely in shock. Porter is Ian's father. It's insane. The only thing keeping me grounded is the fact that he's here, his eyes locked onto mine.

"Bailey…" Porter strides back to my side. "Fuck, Bailey, I am so sorry. I had no idea. If I knew you were his ex, I wouldn't have let him in." He looks down at his hand, his knuckles red and bruised already from Ian's face. "If I'd known he was the one stalking you, I would have..."

"No." I put out a hand and press it to his chest, my fingers gripping the soft fabric of his white v-neck shirt. "Porter, you didn't know. Ian, he's...I didn't even know he had a dad until tonight. He's always kept things about his personal life pretty private, and I didn't really care to know because I broke up with him. You didn't know."

Porter's muscles under my palm tense, his eyes bright. Angry. Hurt. So many things all at once. He cups the back of my head and presses his forehead to mine. "I'm going to make this right. I swear, Bailey, I'm going to keep you safe."

My heart feels like it's being squeezed like a sponge. Porter is the best man in the entire world. But it’s impossible to tell myself that this doesn’t change things. "Porter, I know. I know you will."

"How do I fix this?" There’s misery in his voice, and it's more painful than hearing Ian call me a bitch. "How do we fix this, Bailey?"

Tears leak from my eyes, and as much as one part of me wants to sway into him and let him take me into his arms, another part of me screams, begging for some space. "I don't know. I-I'm going to sleep in the guest room tonight. I just need some time."

"Bailey…"

"Please, Porter. Just for tonight."

Porter's jaw works, and for a second, I think he's going to deny me. Maybe throw me over his shoulder and carry me to bed. But he takes a deep breath and finally utters, "Fine. That's fine, but listen to me." He takes my chin in his hand and makes sure I'm giving him my full attention. "This is in no way me conceding. I am not giving you up. You are mine, Bailey. Mine. I'll give you your space for tonight, but tomorrow, you are back in my bed where you belong. Ian be damned."

His intensity makes my knees weak. The commanding tone in his voice makes heat coil low in my stomach. Porter's eyes search mine, and when I finally nod, he's satisfied. He leans forward and kisses my forehead. "Good girl. Good night."

He goes into his bedroom and shuts the door, and I watch him go, taking a slow, shuddering breath. The emotions and adrenaline drain away, and all that's left is exhaustion. I trudge into the guest bedroom and close the door behind me. It feels weird being here alone. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was sleeping here, trying desperately to put Porter's image out of my head.

But now, I'm with him. We're together. I'm in love.

Except his son is a stalker who tried to destroy my life, and the same man who has given me everything also happens to be related to the bastard.

I strip out of my robe and slip into one of Porter's old t-shirts that I stole, pulling the blankets up around me. I try to find sleep, but instead, all I find are tears.

9

BAILEY

I wake before dawn, having barely slept. My heart is still racing, as if the confrontation happened minutes ago and not hours. I toss and turn, full of restless energy, wishing I could just bolt and run until I’m in my right mind again.

The thought gives me an idea. I know Porter will be pissed, but just down the hall isn't enough space for me to really think. I need peace. Quiet. I need to gather myself and decide my next move.

I move as silently as I can, changing into athletic wear and tying my running shoes before heading back to the kitchen. Half of the dinner stuff is still out, the handcuffs and blindfold on the table, and it makes me feel like my heart is breaking. Everything was so perfect until...Ian.

I ignore the urge to clean it all up, grabbing my keys and slipping out the door. Porter bought me a new Subaru with all the bells and whistles. I pray that the engine starting up is quiet enough to not wake him.

From Porter's place, the drive to Starving Rock is about 40 minutes. I listen to the radio absentmindedly. Once I pull into the parking lot, I make sure to send Porter a quick text to tell him I'm just out to get some air so he doesn't worry.

The sun is just starting to rise as I hit the hiking trail, and it's exactly the kind of beauty I need to clear my head. The scenery is beautiful, and the walk itself is relaxing, letting my body move while my mind wanders.

Porter cares for me. He's said it, and I know it, and there's no doubt in my mind that it's true. He wouldn't have sent his son away, kicked him out of his life for me if he didn't feel something. He's a good man. The best even.

It's so stunning out here. The sunrise coming through the trees, the happy chirps of the birds first waking up—it's all so perfect.

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