Page 20 of Healing Daddy

Holy shit. JJ slipped right into the role of daddy with zero hesitation. “Do you think we’ll be together forever and ever?” This time, he looked at JJ as he waited for his answer.

“That’s what I want.”

Leary nodded. “Me too.”

JJ’s expression turned sad, and Leary’s mood reflected every emotion JJ showed. “The problem is, I don’t know how to get there. Beau will never let me leave, and that’s my fault. He saved me, but I knew the price. I can’t say I wish I’d made a different choice because I never would’ve met you.” JJ shrugged. “It’s just hard knowing I found my person, but I—” JJ shrugged again, like he didn’t know how to finish his thoughts.

Leary rolled to his knees. He made eye contact with the owner of The PlayPen, Banks, over JJ’s shoulder. It took Leary slightly aback to see Banks sitting so closely behind JJ when he hadn’t been there before. Banks’ Little said something, and the moment was over.

Leary sat sideways on JJ’s lap. He wrapped his arms around JJ’s neck and held his stare. “I love you.”

JJ smiled. “I love you too.”

Leary didn’t look away. “Good. That means everything will be okay. I’m not going anywhere. Hopefully, you don’t plan on going anywhere either. I know this is the second time we’ve had this conversation today, but I realize now I should’ve been telling you every day, several times a day that I love you. You own my heart. We’ll always find a way no matter who you’re working for.”

JJ swiped his lips across Leary’s. “I love you too and I should’ve been saying it too. If I had any choice in the matter, I’d beon your doorstep tomorrow with everything I own. We’d never sleep apart again.”

“I love this dream.”

A sexy grin split JJ’s face. He pulled Leary’s hood back up. “You don’t come here often. You should go play.”

Leary nodded and popped to his feet. He ran for the indoor swing set. A weight was gone from his chest Leary hadn’t realized he had been carrying. They loved each other. Love always conquered all. Their life would be perfect somehow. JJ would see. Leary would keep him happy.

Chapter Eight

AftertakingJulyhome,JJ drove in silence. He marveled at his new ability to hold Leary’s hand while he drove. JJ still couldn’t believe Leary had said he loved him. Over the past six months, he had almost said those three little words too many times to count. Each time, he choked. He never stopped being aware of how Leary deserved someone better than him. JJ was basically a highly paid thug. He was amazed Leary wasn’t ashamed to be seen with him. With that said, he still hadn’t met Leary’s parents. He told himself Leary only waited for JJ to not be his patient any longer. At least not so regularly anyhow. That theory was easier on his mental health than all the alternatives. They were both quieter than usual as they came through the door. Unfortunately, it was his most hated time of the day. He had to put his hand on charge. JJ decided to make a positive out of taking off his hand.

“Bath time.”

Leary giggled and ran for the bathroom inside the bedroom.

JJ moved a little slower. He removed the hand from its socket and put it on charge. Since JJ had the latest version, he could technically submerge his hand in three feet of water for up to thirty minutes. JJ was too paranoid for that. He was hyperaware of the cost of the device and how quickly he had gotten accustomed to having it. His therapist said since it hadn’t been that long since JJ lost his hand, he would likely feel more comfortable with the prosthetic. He wasn’t wrong. Even unable to fully operate his fine motor skills, he felt naked without his hand. JJ imagined the feeling was akin to walking around without glasses when you’re damn near blind without them. He didn’t feel right.

By the time he made it to the bathroom, Leary already had the tub filling with water and bubbles. JJ reached over his shoulder, snagged the back of his shirt, and whipped it over his head. He tossed it into the hamper. Leary practically danced in place while waiting for him to undress.

JJ ate Leary alive with his gaze. He loved everything about Leary’s body, especially the way Leary had gotten more confident in his nudity with JJ.

“So beautiful.”

Leary smiled and didn’t blush. He made JJ so fucking proud. Leary’s gaze swept JJ’s unclothed body. “Yes, you are.”

JJ shook his head and stepped into the tub. The moment he was settled, Leary followed him. He settled between JJ’s thighs and leaned back against his chest.

JJ kissed his shoulder and didn’t move. His lips moved closer to Leary’s neck. He skimmed kisses across Leary’s skin until he reached the spot beneath Leary’s ear. Chill bumps formed beneath his lips. JJ smiled against his skin.

“July talked so much, I never got to ask about your day.”

Leary made a humming noise. “It was okay. Honestly, I’m ready for a vacation. I’m getting kind of burnt out.”

JJ could see that. New wars meant an influx of new patients. “What can I do to help?”

Leary stroked the arms JJ had around him. “You’re doing it. There’s no way you can understand what coming home to you each night does for me. As soon as I come through the door and set eyes on you, everything else disappears. For the longest time, my life was empty. Now, I walk through the door and this beautiful man—inside and out—greets me at the door, and I’ve never been so addicted to anything in my life.”

JJ heard the smile in Leary’s voice. Meanwhile, JJ had a lump in his throat. He tried clearing his throat, but his voice broke the moment he spoke. “I’ve never had anyone happy to see me.”

Leary turned his head and met JJ’s gaze over his shoulder. “You can’t say that anymore.”

JJ kissed Leary’s cheek and then grabbed the body wash. He scrubbed Leary from head to toe, making sure he inappropriately touched Leary as much as possible. Then Leary took over, tormenting JJ just as much. With Leary straddling his lap by the end, JJ took full advantage. He kissed Leary, making sure he got a sneak peek at what JJ had in store for him.