Page 22 of Healing Daddy

JJ chuckled as he sat across the desk from Beau.

Beau stared at Kylo with one eyebrow raised. “You know damn well you don’t have to trick me into spending every second with you.”

Kylo winked.

Beau visibly melted. To JJ’s surprise, Beau’s expression didn’t return to his usual cold demeanor when he focused on JJ.

He motioned JJ forward. “Let’s see this thing. I hear the latest bionic models are amazing.”

JJ smiled and pulled his chair closer to the desk. He reached across the desk with his arm outstretched, and as close as he could get it to Beau.

Beau turned his hand from side to side, inspecting it.

Kylo moved to sit on Beau’s lap so he could see too. “Whoa. That’s really cool. I didn’t realize you’d look like you’re part cyborg now.”

JJ chuckled at Kylo’s words. “Yeah. They make extremely realistic-looking skins, but the extra weight makes it harder to control. He tapped his fingers on the desk to prove he could. “My current goal is to be able to flick a cigarette lighter. Between the child lock, the perfectly timed wheel spin, and button press, a lighter is one of the more complicated fine motor skills.” He sat back. “I can’t say this entire thing hasn’t been frustrating as hell, but it’s worth every second of aggravation.” He held Beau’s stare. “Thank you for this.”

Beau snorted. “You shouldn’t thank me. I’m responsible for the order that led to your injury. That means I’m responsible for correcting the situation as much as I can. The mark of a man is accepting responsibility for every decision made.”

JJ dipped his chin. Beau was a lot of things, but he was also solid in all the ways that counted. That was one of the biggest reasons JJ hadn’t hesitated to sign on with him.

Beau shifted in his seat and pulled Kylo into a more comfortable position. “My youngest son called me last night and pointed out some things I hadn’t thought about. It’s my understanding you’d like to move to first shift.”

JJ had no fucking clue how anyone knew that. This was his opening, though. He would never get a better chance. “Yes, sir.”

Beau nodded. His expression turned calculating. “I assume you’re aware that your boyfriend’s father is a congressional representative.”

A groan rang through JJ’s head. “Yes, sir.”

Beau kept nodding. “Congressman Justice is someone I’ve kept under my thumb for years. I’d like to get a tighter grip on him. Let’s make a bargain.”

Fuck his life. If he had to do anything to Leary’s dad, Leary would never see him the same way again. Unfortunately, there was no saying no to Beau. “Okay.”

Beau flashed him a kind smile. “Don’t worry. Your man doesn’t even need to know.”

JJ dipped his chin. “Okay.” All the curse words rang through his mind.

Beau reached inside his desk and pulled out an envelope. “I’ve arranged for the congressman to invite Leary and you to dinner tonight. While you’re there, I want you to place these listening devices around his home. Any place you suspect he might say anything incriminating. He thinks you’ll be there to deliver a message. I’ve written instructions on what to say.” Beau held the envelope out but pulled it back when JJ reached for it. “Don’t you want to know what you’ll get in return?”

“Of course.”

Beau smiled. “In exchange, I’m prepared to move you to first shift when you return to work, and with certain provisions, I’ll also allow you to live with Leary.”

Holy shit. This couldn’t be for real. Leary would die when JJ told him the news. This time, when Beau held out the envelope, JJ didn’t take it. “What are the provisions?”

A huge grin split Beau’s face. “You’re learning. Good. Never agree to anything unless you know all the traps. Henry has put together a team to move you and your belongings today. While they’re there, they’ll install real-time monitored cameras inside, leaving you your privacy, of course. However, I can’t risk you being taken again.” His gaze hardened. “I won’t let you be taken again. You’ll need to stay under my protection, or the deal is off.”

He already lived like that. JJ could do it somewhere else. Especially if that somewhere else was with Leary. “I’m cool with that.”

Beau passed JJ the envelope.

Kylo smiled. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.”

The laughter that burst from Beau caught him off guard and surprised a laugh from him.

JJ couldn’t stop himself from playing along. “I hope this leads to a bright and prosperous future for us.”

Kylo laughed and clapped.