by Piper Scott
The screen dimmed. Before it could go out, Sir pushed the browser. It launched, and when it loaded, it presented Gabriel with a search engine.
“Type in his name.” Sir tapped the search field and brought up the touch keyboard. “Let’s see what we get.”
Garrison Baylor, Gabriel typed.
He pressed enter, but his heart had already pressed escape.
19
Cedric
Garrison Baylor.
Gabriel’s boyfriend. The name was familiar, but Cedric had a hard time placing it—likely someone from their school, he figured. A forgotten face from a lower grade that Cedric had never concerned himself with. Whoever this Garrison was, the news was hard to swallow, but Cedric was glad he’d found it out now before his heart got any more entangled than it was. Gabriel as a client wasn’t enough to keep him from imagining what could be, but to know Gabriel was in a relationship? Cedric wasn’t a home-wrecker. If Gabriel was with someone else, it gave him all the more incentive to stay away.
No matter how much it hurt, and no matter how much Cedric wished otherwise, Gabriel would never be his.
If only he could convince his heart of the same.
Gabriel’s thumb hovered over the search button, as if he were having second thoughts. He glanced at Cedric, his lips tight and near the point of trembling, like he was on the verge of tears, but whatever was causing him pain didn’t last long. He pressed the button and began the search.
Soon enough, Cedric would know the man who held the heart of the damaged omega at his side.
Over three hundred thousand results generated.
Cedric’s jaw dropped.
Sex Offender Sentenced to Life in Jail
Leader of The White Lotus Sex Ring Found Guilty
Life in Prison for Baylor, Court Rules
Gabriel scrolled through the articles as if nothing was wrong. The tiny frown he wore didn’t match the magnitude of the news on the screen. It was like he didn’t care.
“Gabriel?” Cedric asked. He resisted the urge to take the phone directly from Gabriel’s hand and turn off the screen. “Are you sure you have the right name?”
“Yes.” Gabriel kept scrolling. All the articles were recently dated. “All I need to know is where to find him. He’s waiting for his appeal to go through and for his lawyers to clear his name, and I want to be with him while he waits.”
Either Gabriel wasn’t reading the snippets beneath the articles, or he was willfully ignorant of them. Ignorant or not, the further he went, the more frantic his scrolling became.
Criminal Defense Attorney Marcus Hayes Takes on Role as Prosecutor in Jaw-Dropping Appeal
Sentence Maintained—No Freedom for Baylor
You’ll Never Believe What This Lawyer Did to Keep a Sex Offender off the Streets…
What was Cedric supposed to say? Resorting to something tactful like, I don’t think it’s a good idea I return you to a sex offender, wasn’t going to fly. The worry on Gabriel’s face, and the growing concern in his eyes, proved that he didn’t care about Garrison’s crimes. Siding with something more blunt like, Hell no, I’m not going to give you over to an imprisoned criminal, felt just as weak and unsatisfactory. Cedric watched the feed scroll onward, loading story after story about Garrison’s recently overturned appeal, until he could take no more. He pressed his finger against the screen, blocking Gabriel’s panicked scrolling, then spoke the only words he could think to say. “I’m sorry.”
Three syllables were all it took. The phone dropped from Gabriel’s hand, and he let loose with a choked sob so twisted that it almost sounded alien. Almost, because Cedric did recognize it—it was a sound that had once rattled free from his lungs and constricted his throat, too.
Grief.
The phone was unimportant. It toppled between Gabriel’s thighs and met the bed, then slid off and landed on the floor. The impact was lessened by the silicone phone case cushioning the sides, but Cedric was unconcerned with the state of his device. In that moment, it didn’t matter if his phone was broken or not—not when Gabriel was falling to pieces.
“I j-just want to go to him,” Gabriel sobbed, his voice pitched so high that it was almost unintelligible. “I w-want to be with him. I don’t c-care where he is.”
“I’m sorry.” Cedric hoped Gabriel knew his words were sincere. The situation bothered him more than he cared to admit, but that didn’t mean Gabriel’s pain went unacknowledged. Once, a handful of years ago, Cedric had been in the exact same place when he’d lost Brittany. The agony of losing a loved one was the same, whether that loved one was a criminal or not. “I know that it’s not easy.”
“N-no you d-don’t.” Gabriel squeezed his eyes shut, but tears streamed from their corners and traced glossy trails down his cheek. “I left him. I l-let myself be t-taken. If I’d been st-stronger, I would have been with him. We could have been together.” Gabriel’s sobbing reached a new, warbling peak, and he choked the last word out through clenched teeth. A few racking sobs shook his whole body before he pulled himself together enough to speak again. “W-we were going to get m-married. He was g-going to give me a family.”
There was no ring on Gabriel’s finger, and Cedric didn’t think he was old enough to be thinking about marriage and babies. What was going on in Gabriel’s head? What vile things had been done to him during his time with Garrison to shape his view of the world this way? Cedric thought he knew, but the truth was too ugly to reflect on for long. He let it go, and with it, he let go of every notion he had about the omega at his side to cling to fact, and fact alone.
Gabriel was kind, even if he was skittish. He was gentle, even when the world was against him. He was bold, because he had to be, and even when he was scared, he pushed past his fear to do what he felt had to be done. Cedric hadn’t known Gabriel for long, but he already knew those things as truth, and he held them close to his heart. No negativity would affect his perception of the young man at his side. No dark history would shade Gabriel in his eyes. The past was the past—Cedric had reminded himself of that time and time again, and it was about time he started listening to himself.
He would not let past events influence his understanding of Gabriel as a person, just like he wouldn’t let past events influence his understanding of himself. They were not tethered to history. History shaped them, but the present and the future were theirs to mold as they wished. Until he was proven wrong, Cedric would think of Gabriel the same as he always had—as the scared little rabbit who’d strayed too far from his burrow. What he’d learned changed nothing except his understanding of Gabriel’s needs.
The reason why Sterling had wanted Gabriel cared for was obvious to him now—Gabriel didn’t know how to take care of himself.
Always seeking guidance, even if that guidance was from strangers, timid to a fault, and so low in self-esteem that he was paralyzed when he took action into his own hands, Gabriel needed someone not just to dominate him, but someone who would be his advocate. He needed a partner whose stern touch would not only see him safely through the day, but whose interest in his wellbeing would ensure that he made steps toward being the best version of himself that he could be. A regular Dom wouldn’t do. Gabriel’s case required not just sensitivity, but the attention of a man who valued him as an equal, even as that man made Gabriel submit. What Sterling had proposed wasn’t an attempt to sabotage Cedric’s position at The Shepherd—Sterling saw in him a man able to chip away at the years of abuse done to an individual already so vulnerable within society. He believed that Cedric could do right by Gabriel.
A flood of emotion struck Cedric, and for a moment, as Gabriel sobbed inconsolably at his side, he allowed himself to let go of every fear that was holding him back.
There were no games being played. The task he’d been given was monumental, and it required unwavering trust on the part of Sterling and Adrian. There was no one conspiring to strip him of his opportunity to land the job at The Shepherd—in fact, it was the opposite. In Ga
briel, he’d been given a chance at a future.
Now Cedric had to decide what direction he wanted that future to go in.
In Gabriel, Cedric saw himself as he’d once been—lost, confused, and hurt that life could be so cruel. No one had been there to help Cedric through those times, and the months he’d spent in mourning were cold and lonely things that he tried to push from his mind.
Not anymore.
The pain he’d suffered and the isolation he’d weathered gave him the experience he needed to help Gabriel through the worst time of his life. Sterling knew it, and he’d used it to make the best decision he could for his brother-in-law.
United in grief, they could rise together. Gabriel wouldn’t have to feel so alone, and Cedric…
Cedric wouldn’t have to feel so alone anymore, either.
There would be no more soft-spoken words, and no more walking on eggshells. Cedric understood what Gabriel needed, because for so long, his soul had needed exactly the same thing. He reached out and tangled his fingers through Gabriel’s hair, directing his head upward until Gabriel opened his eyes and met Cedric’s gaze. The distance between them was scant, and Cedric’s heart jumped into his throat as Gabriel’s blue eyes, puffy from crying, looked up at him.
He was beautiful.
Even in sorrow, even when he was uncertain of himself, there was underlying beauty in Gabriel that couldn’t be denied. It was in the delicate angles of his face, and the way his slender form lent itself more to art than it did real life. It was in the soul behind his eyes, and the timid way he conducted himself. Like a piece of pottery broken and fitted back together with gold, the fragmented parts of who he was made him unique—they did not lessen him in any way. Cedric noticed because so often, he, too, felt like he’d been shattered. For so long, he hadn’t been sure if he could piece himself back together. With Gabriel, he knew otherwise. He saw Gabriel’s strength, even if Gabriel wasn’t ready to embrace it yet. He noticed the pieces large and small, even the tiniest fragments that threatened to be lost. They were both works in process—finished pieces of art that had been subjected to undesirable conditions, but that could still be brought back to life. There was still growth to come. Gabriel would find himself, just like Cedric had once found himself. He’d pick up the pieces and he’d slot them back together, and he’d do it because there was no other way to move forward. No one else would do it for him—but Cedric could at least hold those pieces while Gabriel fought to give them order.
He would be there. He would be the pillar of strength Gabriel needed. And maybe together, as they worked toward restoring Gabriel’s fragmented soul, the cracks in their foundations would be filled, and the pain they both harbored deep inside would be expressed.
Maybe together, they could heal.
“You will get through this, Gabriel.” Cedric didn’t try to offer condolence. Gabriel wasn’t ready to hear it. In a state of shock, stripped of his future, his whole life was in free fall. Until he came close to hitting the ground, Cedric couldn’t catch him, and he wouldn’t try. The plunge was needed. Mourning was part of the process. Cedric would not take that from him. “You won’t feel this way forever.”
“Y-y-you don’t know that.” Gabriel’s eyes were squeezed shut again, and he crossed his arms over his chest so tightly that Cedric was concerned he might pull a muscle. “You a-aren’t me. You d-don’t know.”
“Then let me prove it to you.” Cedric pulled Gabriel to his chest. In return, Gabriel uncrossed his arms to latch on to Cedric. His fingers curled so tightly in Cedric’s shirt that the cotton collar bit into the back of his neck. “Be mine. You don’t have to forget about where you came from, and you don’t have to let go of your pain, but what I tell you, and the things I ask you to do? Listen to them. Obey them. Give yourself to me, and let me prove that it doesn’t have to feel this way forever.”
Gabriel’s fingers tightened. Hot tears soaked into Cedric’s shirt, wetting his skin. He paid them no attention. “Y-you promise?”
“I promise.” Cedric let a hand wander along the back of Gabriel’s head, hoping the touch might help soothe Gabriel’s heartache. “You’re not alone. You don’t have to face this pain by yourself. I want to help you, and I will help you, if only you trust me enough to let me in.”
The breath Gabriel drew was shuddering, but it didn’t end in a sob like Cedric was expecting. Instead, he pushed himself closer against Cedric’s chest and nodded in the smallest way. “Okay.”
“Then it begins now, Rabbit.” Cedric closed his eyes and rested his chin on top of Gabriel’s head. The moment was still and silent, the sound of their breathing the only noise that marred it. “Every command, every reward, and every punishment will be shaped with you in mind. You might not always understand why I do the things I do, but I need you to believe that I know what’s best, and that I would never do anything to hurt you.”
“I do.” Gabriel sniffled, but his fingers relaxed. The shirt bit less harshly against the back of Cedric’s neck. “I believe.”
It was all Cedric needed to hear. He directed Gabriel back from his chest so he could look into his eyes. Gabriel’s were pink and puffy from crying, but beyond his misery, Cedric saw honesty. He’d meant what he said. “Then do as I say, Rabbit,” Cedric murmured as his fingers worked slow, comforting circles on Gabriel’s nape. “Take a hot shower, loosen your muscles, and then come back to bed and cry if you need to. It won’t be long until I come to find you again.”
“Yes, Sir,” Gabriel whispered. His lips moved, but the sound of his voice was diminished, and Cedric barely heard it. It sent his pulse racing regardless. “I will, Sir.”
The pieces had finally fallen into place—now all Cedric had to do was make sure they stayed that way.
20
Gabriel
“Good morning, Rabbit.”
Gabriel opened his eyes. Sunlight filled the bedroom. Sir was perched over him, the natural light glossing his hair. It made him look radiant, like he was a king of some faraway land. And this morning, Gabriel was his intended.
“Sir?” Gabriel croaked. Crying had turned his throat raw and cleared his sinuses, but at last, there were no more tears left to cry. Body warm after his shower, curled safe beneath Sir’s blankets, he’d let all the pain and anguish out.
Garrison was gone, and there was no chance he was coming back. To read that his appeal had been denied and that he’d be serving a life sentence had crushed Gabriel’s dreams of their happily ever after. If it had been ten years, or even fifteen, he might have been able to cope. In fifteen years Gabriel would be in his mid-thirties, and he’d still have time to conceive and bear children. But life in prison? There was no chance they would ever have the family Garrison had promised.
The loss of a dream was bitter, and Gabriel had mourned it until his tears were gone, even though he’d begun to suspect that Garrison wasn’t the one he really wanted.
“We need to establish further rules this morning, Rabbit.” Cedric ran his fingers along Gabriel’s cheek, and for a moment, Gabriel wondered if he wasn’t still in a dream. Sir’s touch was electric, and the hurt in his soul lessened substantially from it. He tilted his head into Sir’s hand and let Sir lavish him with affection.
Garrison was gone, but Gabriel’s hope wasn’t. There was still an alpha in his life—one who’d already sworn that he would protect him.
“Will you listen?”
“Yes, Sir.” Gabriel closed his eyes. “I’m listening. I promise.”
“Good.” Sir came closer—so close that Gabriel could feel the heat of his body. His lips brushed Gabriel’s forehead, the small metal balls of his snakebite piercings cool against Gabriel’s skin. “The rules I gave you before are still to be respected. Up no later than nine, in bed no later than eleven. Your access to electronics will be limited if you misbehave, but otherwise, you are welcome to use whatever you find in the house as long as you are respectful of it, and replace it as soon as you are done.”
“
Yes, Sir.” The rules were simple, but even slight structure provided Gabriel with framework. It was a comfort he sorely needed.
“When I ask something, you will listen, and you will do as I say.” Sir’s fingers brushed Gabriel’s hair back from his forehead. “Failure to act will result in punishment. The severity of that punishment will vary depending on how you disobey, but I will never do anything that is detrimental to you. Everything I do, I do for you.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Our arrangement is in effect from the moment you wake up in the morning, to the moment you go to bed.” Sir’s fingers played in Gabriel’s hair, the kittenish touch keeping Gabriel relaxed beneath the sheets. “In essence, you will do your best to please me… and in exchange, I will do my best to please you. I will make sure that your needs are met and your comforts are considered. All I ask is that you be open for me—that you accept that your role in this is just as valuable as mine.”
Gabriel opened his eyes, startled by the statement. “What?”
“If this arrangement between us is going to work, I need to know that I can trust you.” Sir had drawn back, bent over Gabriel, but no longer so close that he could kiss Gabriel’s forehead. “I want you to be able to speak your mind. If something is too much for you, you need to be honest about it. I won’t push you any further than you’re able to go, but you need to draw those lines for me if I misjudge them.”
Equal partners? The concept was laughable, but the look on Sir’s face wasn’t playful. He was serious.
Nervously, Gabriel nodded. “Okay.”
“It’s okay to be afraid.” Sir’s voice dipped low and grew intimate enough that Gabriel’s cheeks started to warm. “I was afraid once, too, but fear isn’t something to want to avoid. Fear means opportunity. Fear means growth. Will you grow for me, Rabbit? Will you let me in and chase you from the safety so that you can start to live again?”