Page 48 of Make Believe

Until then, I’ve got Daddying to do.

It’s immensely satisfying to be the one who’s completely responsible for my boy’s well-being. Those other men might have fucked him, but only because I wanted them to.

He’s mine to protect now.

I chuckle when he grumbles as I gently extract myself and switch our positions so he’s the one sitting in the armchair now. Within seconds I clean myself up and tuck everything away. It would feel undignified to me to walk around naked like a lot of these other men are doing. To each their own, but I’m aware of what makes me feel good, and that’s when I’m in charge and have all the power.

Kadence curls up, and I carefully wipe him down. He mumbles sleepily, cuddling a throw pillow, and my heart fucking melts.

Where did this perfect young man come from? It’s like someone created him especially for me when I didn’t even know what I wanted, what Ineeded.He excites me in ways I never could have imagined, but he also pushes me to challenge myself. Thanks to him, I’m thinking outside the box in so many areas of my life, not just my sexuality.

He makes me understand the possibilities are endless.

I hate to wake him, but there’s no way I can carry him when he’s out cold, no matter how much I might want to. I need a little help—and if that doesn’t feel like a metaphor for my whole life, I’m not sure what will. However, I do take his heeled shoes off so he’s steadier on his feet, and wrap my arm securely wrapped around his waist.

“Come on, good boy,” I tell him as we start walking toward the front door. “You can do it for Daddy. We’re going home now.”

He smiles at me like he’s punch drunk. Now he’s taken his shoes off, he’s the same height as me again. He taps my nose,looking at me through thick eyelashes on heavy lids. “Home,” he repeats.

I know it’s not reallyhishome. But I can’t deny that the place feels more alive to me with him living there than it has in years.

Luckily, the driveway is paved rather than stoned, so he can walk to the car I’ve recalled without having to put his shoes on. Once I’ve bundled him into the back seat and got his belt on, I tell the driver to head home and immediately put up the partition window. I’ve barely got my own belt on before Kadence snuggles up to me and falls back asleep.

I cling to him the entire way home.

When we arrive, he wakes with a little more clarity, and I’m able to get him inside the house on his own two feet. I walk him to his room, my heart fluttering in my chest as we reach the threshold.

“I have to take my make-up off,” he groans, rolling his eyes. “I’m going to pass out again the second my head hits the pillow.” He pauses before reaching out to touch my chest, his fingertips blazing hot through the thin material of my shirt. “Thank you for tonight, Daddy. It was perfect.”

“You’re perfect,” I automatically respond, wrapping my hand around his and holding it close. “My perfect Kiki doll. Thankyou.”

We stare at each other for a moment that stretches into two. Then three. I open my mouth, not sure what I’m going to say.

Kadence slips his hand free with a sweet smile. “Good night, Rafferty,” he says warmly.

It’s not a rejection. It’s a boundary. One we both need. I nod and give him just as warm a smile, full of my appreciation. He really was spectacular for me this evening. And he did himself proud by articulating what he desperately wanted.

Something I suspect he hasn’t always received in the past.

Care.

“Good night, Kadence,” I tell him. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

I step away rather than waiting to watch him close the door in my face. I glance over my shoulder just as it clicks shut.

My bed feels emptier than ever that night. Part of me winces with guilt at the thought as technically this is Charleen’s bed as well. Buttechnically,she’s living in another world in California and doesn’t really have any say in who keeps me warm.

I think she loves that guy. Why won’t she just admit it, file for divorce, and gobe happy?She could go build a life with him on the West Coast. It’s not as if Logan needs us around much anymore. He hasn’t for quite some time now. She already does her job remotely, so what’s the big deal?

The court of public opinion, I guess.

She doesn’t want the stigma of separating our two families, and truly believes it will negatively impact our business. I’m sure the company would be just fine. But am I sure enough to gamble it and pull the plug on this farce?

There would be no going back from that.

Of course this hasn’t really been an issue up until this point. I was content not to rock the boat and simply carry on with the arrangement as it was. But now…

Now.

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