Page 53 of Just a Little in Love

“Good cop,” Mason said, which was clearly a compliment.

Daddy thanked them and saw them both out, then turned and hurried back to Rowan. Rowan was just standing there in utter shock, tears welling but not falling. “Is it over?” he whispered.

Daddy drew him into his arms and kissed him very thoroughly to show him it was.

Gabriel drew back from a very dazed Rowan, knowing he had some questions he needed answers to first. Rowan had to learn to trust him, and that meant Rowan had to believe Gabriel meant every word he said. Rowan had been manipulated all his life by that crazy bitch, and that stopped now.

Ordinarily, and going forward, Rowan would be punished for breaking a promise, but he had gone through hell in the last few weeks. Weeks? Make that years. But their lives were starting today, and honesty and understanding were key. He also wanted to get this out of the way tonight before Rowan had a chance to think about it, and maybe worry some more.

He led him to their bedroom and sat down, pulling a still standing Rowan up to him, trapping him between his legs. “Why did you try to let go of my hand and then sit away from me when we were talking to the detectives? Were you ashamed of me?”

Rowan’s eyes grew huge. “No, Daddy.”

Gabriel nodded. He didn’t think he was. “Then was it because you were embarrassed, or afraid of their reaction in case they were homophobic?” He didn’t think that was the reason, either.

Rowan opened his mouth, but no words came out. He pressed his lips together and shook his head.

“Words, baby boy,” Gabriel prompted.

“No, Daddy,” Rowan whispered.

“I see. So, if you weren’t ashamed, embarrassed, or scared, was it just that you’ve decided you don’t like Daddy touching you?”

A tear trickled down Rowan’s face, and Gabriel ached to brush it away, to pull his boy into his arms and kiss him better, but Rowan absolutely had to learn. Rowan started to shake his head, but then, catching sight of Gabriel’s expression, he choked out another “No, Daddy.”

“Then why did you do that?”

Rowan squirmed, misery written all over him. “Because I thought I was too much trouble. That you would get sick of me.”

Gabriel gazed at the huge eyes brimming with tears. “So, you broke your promise?” Rowan looked aghast, but then his face crumpled.

“Yes, Daddy. Yes I did.” And Gabriel drew him into his arms, held him tight, and let Rowan cry his heart out.

When Rowan lay sprawled in Gabriel’s arms, Gabriel kissed all the tears from his face and rocked him gently. “I know trust takes time to develop. Sometimes Doms make the mistake of thinking they’re entitled to it because of what they are.” He huffed, “We’re a conceited lot.” A small smile curved the corners of Rowan’s lips. “So, I’m going to start every day with the same words, in the same way, and promise you that you will always be my baby boy because I love you very much.”

Rowan’s eyes grew even bigger. “Daddy?”

Gabriel chuckled. “You’re supposed to say you love me and I will always be your Daddy. Oof.” The air rushed out of Gabriel’s lungs because Rowan practically launched himself at him, peppering him with kisses and crying promises and squirming in a most delightful manner. That was a good sign because Gabriel had every intention of spoiling the heck out of Rowan all evening. He kissed Rowan back, hugged him, then smiled. “Now, do you think you can run the bath baby boy while I call for pizza?”

Rowan nodded quickly and scrambled up and went to the bathroom. Gabriel groaned, adjusted himself, then went to get his phone, but it started ringing just as he reached it. He’d expected the call. “Sir?”

“I think you can call me Philip,” Rowan’s dad said dryly. “The detectives just left. How’s Rowan?”

“Relieved. In shock.” Gabriel paused. “I imagine you feel the same.”

Philip sighed. “I don’t know where to begin in making up for this mess with Rowan.”

“Rowan doesn’t blame you,” Gabriel said honestly. “I can put him on the phone, or how about you come out with us on Saturday? I’m taking Rowan out to look for a dog we want to adopt.”

“Really?” Philip said with interest. “That’s a coincidence because I was honestly wondering about the same thing. Now that I’ve cut back on work, I need some exercise. Hilary has a house-cat, and apparently she’s okay with her son’s dogs.”

They arranged to meet for brunch tomorrow and Gabriel put in the order for pizza, then grabbed some water and returned to the bathroom, stripping as he went. Rowan eeped as Gabriel touched his shoulder with the cold bottle and sat forward in the bath so Gabriel could climb in behind him. “Thank you, Daddy,” Rowan said and unscrewed the cap and obediently drank some. Gabriel took the bottle off him, drank some himself, then reached down and put it on the floor, before grabbing Rowan and pulling him back into his body.

Rowan squirmed a little to get comfy and Gabriel smiled to himself because he knew what his naughty boy was doing, especially when he reached around and found Rowan’s cock plumping up nicely. Gabriel gave it some attention and Rowan groaned in response. “You know, when we eventually build a house, I’ve always wanted a hot tub outside.”

Rowan gasped because just at that moment, Gabriel grazed his nail over the slit in Rowan’s tip. “What do you think about that idea?” Gabriel teased.

“Yes, Daddy.” But the words ended on a breathless squeak. Gabriel’s own cock was also very interested in getting a little friction as Rowan squirmed again, but he was enjoying all the noises Rowan was making too much at the moment to care.

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