Page 17 of Spoil Me, Daddy
Before Zaire stepped in, Aaron bit out, “Stop!” in a firm order. Zaire immediately halted, his back facing Aaron. “Turn around.” Zaire did, gaze on the ground. “Eyes up.” Zaire hesitated but obeyed. Aaron could see pain and strength in the eyes staring at him. “Communication is non-negotiable,” he reminded Zaire. “I said something to upset you. I would like an explanation.”
He hated he’d inadvertently hurt Zaire, but he couldn’t address it until he knew the reason for it. Aaron certainly didn’t have any issues with an unruly boy; in fact, he loved being the one to help the boy learn the rules.
As he waited for Zaire to answer, he studied his boy. Zaire’s short black hair was perfectly styled; his usually flawless skin was hidden behind a layer of makeup, which made him ready for the catwalk; and his jewellery accentuated his bone structure. In short, he was fucking gorgeous.
“I…” Zaire huffed. “I’ve been told on more than one occasion I’m a handful and too disobedient for rules. It was why previous Daddies have left me.” The last part was said in a whisper.
Aaron could have beat those other Daddies for doing this to Zaire. They were supposed to take care of their boy, not knock him down until he believed all the crap they fed him. He stepped forward, cupping Zaire’s face in his hands again and staring into his eyes.
“They were wrong. Not only were they wrong about you, but they were wrongforyou. If they couldn’t handle you, you were not the right boy for them. I, on the other hand, can’t wait to help you remember the rules. I can’t wait to help you believe in yourself, to love yourself—to lovebothsides of yourself. When I said I was going to have my hands full, I said it with joy. I cannot wait.”
He punctuated his words with a gentle kiss and wrapped his arms around Zaire, holding him tight and allowing his words to sink in as he rubbed a hand up and down his back. Aaron knew when the words seemed to hit home because Zaire’s muscles loosened, and he gripped the back of Aaron’s shirt, tucking his face into Aaron’s neck.
When Zaire appeared boneless and almost unable to stand by himself, Aaron pulled back, ensuring Zaire was steady. “Get some sleep. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
It had seemed an automatic reaction.
Aaron watched as Zaire entered the house and locked the door before leaving. There was a lot to learn about the boy hiding behind those pain-filled eyes.
****
Aaron left the phone call until around eleven the next morning, not wanting to wake Zaire too early. It wasn’t easy. He’d been up since seven and had already completed his home workout routine, cleaned the house, done the laundry and made a salad ready for lunch. He was restraining himself as much as possible, but he wanted nothing more than to call Zaire and make sure he was okay. Aaron didn’t want Zaire to think too much because he was sure Zaire would talk himself out of their relationship. Aaron would back off if he did, but Aaron believed Zaire needed this as much as Aaron did.
When the clock finally ticked onto the eleven, Aaron already had his phone in hand and ringing.
“Hello?” Zaire’s voice was quiet, reserved, so unlike his usual perky, charming self.
“Hey. How are you this morning?”
Zaire’s sigh drifted through the phone, and Aaron’s heart fell. “I’m a bit tired. I didn’t sleep brilliantly.”
“Why not, sweetheart?”
“Just…everything. So much to think through, so many decisions to make.”
“I understand. Tell you what…get yourself dressed in something comfortable that you can move in easily. I’m going to take you bowling.”
“Bowling?” Zaire’s tone explained exactly what Zaire thought.
“You don’t like bowling?”
“Hmm. It’s not usually my thing, but alright.”
“Good. I’ll be there in an hour. We can have lunch before we go.”
“I haven’t—”
“I’m bringing it with me. It’s already prepared, although do you have any allergies I need to know about?”
“No, I’m fine with anything.”
“Okay. Just get yourself ready. Leave everything else to me.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Good boy. See you shortly.”
