by Xenia Melzer
He was truly grateful for Julio’s presence. The man was a solid rock in this time of prolonged crisis, although Richard could have done without his attempts at trying to get him to accept Emily. She was cute in a very pink sort of way, but Richard had no idea what to do with her and no intention of learning. He admitted readily, at least to himself, that he was jealous of her and also angry at her for having ruined his until then peaceful life. Now that it was over, Richard had learned to appreciate just how lucky he had been. Having sex pretty much whenever he wanted with the man of his dreams, going on trips when the mood struck them, spending nights at the club, exploring Dean’s limits—all those things seemed like a dream now.
Richard sighed as he pulled into the driveway of his father’s house. Aaron Miller, the retired Marine general, had refused to let Richard buy him a grander building in a better part of the city but decided to stay in the house he and his wife had bought before Richard was born. And even though Richard would never admit it openly, he was glad about it. He loved the small house that held so many sweet memories of a very happy childhood. His mother had been the warmest, most caring person in the world, and when she died of cancer, Richard and his father had been devastated. On the day after her funeral, a man from the animal shelter had come to them and handed his father a basket with two adorable little puppies and an envelope. It hadn’t said much, just two lines that showed how well Delilah Miller knew her husband. Keep on living. I love you. D.
The puppies had successfully pried Aaron from his grief and allowed Richard to breathe a little easier where his father was concerned.
Richard looked up. The adorable little puppies had grown into ferocious-looking mongrels whose coat and facial structure suggested rottweiler and German shepherd in their genetic makeup. They were sitting on the front porch, tails wagging furiously at the sight of him. He smiled and opened his arms. “Come here, boys!” That was all it took, and two bodies, each about a hundred and twenty pounds, slammed into Richard, bringing him down, where he was licked and sniffed, accompanied by the happy yelping of the two dogs. Then the front door opened, and a deep voice boomed across the small lawn. “Thor! Donar! Would you stop it?”
The dogs retreated to Aaron Miller’s side and sat down obediently. Richard got to his feet and looked at the man who had raised him. His father’s gaze turned from inquisitive to worried before he turned around and went back into the house. “You better come in, son.”
Chapter 15
INSIDE THE house, Richard followed his father through the living room into the kitchen, where the general was already busy preparing tea and setting out a plate with chocolate chip cookies. Richard took one, realized that they were homemade, not bought, and shot his father a questioning look. The general chuckled. “Don’t worry, son, I haven’t made them myself. Nancy, my neighbor, baked them for me as a thank-you for helping her out with the kids a few days ago.”
Reassured, Richard bit into the cookie. His father was even more inept in the kitchen than he. After he had eaten three of the delicious bits, the tea was done steeping and so was his father waiting. “Are you going to tell me what’s wrong, or do I have to wrestle it from you?”
Richard grinned, but only briefly. Despite his MMA training and the black belts he called his own, he wasn’t entirely sure if he stood a chance against his father. The man was a Marine, after all. “No, Dad, no need. I had a busy month, and I doubt it’ll get better any time soon.” He paused, patted Thor, who had snuck up next to his chair, and then kept on speaking. “Dean’s sister died about four weeks ago.”
“Richard!” His father was clearly upset by this news. Even though he hadn’t known Tricia personally, he adored Dean. “Why are you telling me this only now? I could have been there for you two!”
Richard averted his eyes. Despite having a very close relationship with his father, they didn’t talk on the phone or meet in person on a regular basis. Neither of them was the type to be clingy, and they both led fulfilling lives. In times of crisis, though, they did rely on each other. Not going immediately to his father when his life had taken such a drastic turn for the worse was close to being an offense.
The only reason Richard hadn’t done it was because he had been too distracted by what was happening. Since his father was the only man who could intimidate him, he tried to placate him. “I’m sorry, Dad, but a lot has happened. Tricia had a little girl, Emily, and she appointed Dean as her guardian. Between getting used to a baby in the house, our normal work, and sorting out all the details of Tricia’s will, we were barely able to breathe.”
His father nodded. He still wasn’t happy, but he understood. “So how is Dean doing?”
“He’s tired most of the time. Having a baby in the house is terribly exhausting. He’s trying his best, though, and we have a live-in nanny to help. He’s so focused on Emily, he doesn’t have time to grieve for Tricia, although I’m not entirely sure if that’s a good thing or not.”
“There’s more, though, I guess?” It wasn’t a question, not really. His father just knew him too well.
“I never wanted children. Hell, I didn’t even consider having one. I’m not the type. My life was perfect, and then Emily was dropped in our laps, and now nothing is as it was before. Dean is tired all the time, and just when I think I have him for myself, Emily starts crying or he remembers something he still needs to do for her, and then he’s gone again. I have lost my sub and lover and got a wailing, stinking little menace instead.”
Richard had talked himself into a rage, not realizing how much the whole situation was dragging him down until he spoke the words aloud. His father’s reaction didn’t help one bit. The general stared at him for a moment wide-eyed, then he shook his head in disappointment. “You are aware that you sound like a whiny little three-year-old, aren’t you? So your life isn’t going the way you had planned at the moment. Boo-fucking-hoo and a few tears to spare. You’re an adult, a successful businessman, and you have the most perfect partner anybody could wish for, and yet you sit here complaining to me when you should be at home learning everything you can about taking care of a child, not to mention helping Dean with this situation. I can’t imagine he’s doing so well without his Dom guiding him.”
Richard snapped back without thinking. “He’s doing just fine. Turns out he doesn’t need a Dom when he can have a baby.”
His father narrowed his eyes. “I see. You’re jealous of Emily. And that makes you blind. As far as I know Dean, he needs you now more than ever, but you are just too busy having a pity party to realize it.”
Richard opened his mouth for another sharp reply and closed it again when he caught the look in his father’s eyes. His dad was right and he knew it. He had been less than supportive toward Dean, using his work as an excuse to stay away from home so he didn’t have to deal with Emily and the changes that had come over his perfect world. Richard was many things, but not a coward. He could own up to his mistakes.
“I behaved like a complete idiot.”
“Yes, you did.” His father sounded almost cheerful. “But now you see reason again and can go back to your man and make it all right.”
“Thanks, Dad. I really needed that.”
The general patted the back of Richard’s hand. “Always, son. And when you’ve settled things with your boy, I expect you to introduce me to my granddaughter.”
Richard’s head reared up. For the first time in six weeks, he saw Emily as more than just an intruder. “Has it bothered you? That I never wanted kids?”
His father smiled a bit sadly. “I’d be lying if I said no, but I always knew you weren’t the type, as you have put it yourself.” He brightened up. “So Emily is a nice and unexpected surprise as far as I’m concerned. Now go home and make things right with Dean. I expect to hear from you soon.”
Richard got up. “Tomorrow, Dad. I’ll call you tomorrow, and then you can meet your grandchild.”
When he left his father’s house, Richard felt a lot better. He
knew he had to thank the heavens above for the most understanding and accepting parents in the world. Delilah and Aaron Miller hadn’t batted an eyelash when their son had come out to them; if anything, his mother had been a bit too supportive at times, even trying to hook him up with “nice young men,” as she always called them.
His only regret was that he had met Dean only after she passed on. When his relationship with Dean had become serious, his father had found out that Richard needed his men to be submissive and that he preferred his sex with a bit of pain. Again, his father had been more than understanding. He had sat down and researched everything about BDSM he could find. A very embarrassing conversation later, one no child should ever have with their parent, the general had known how Richard’s relationship with Dean worked and, to Richard’s never-ending surprise, it had strengthened not only his bond with his father, but also the bond between Dean and Aaron.
He truly was blessed in more than one way, and it was high time he reminded his boy just how much he meant to him.
Chapter 16
WHEN RICHARD entered his home, Dean was sitting on the big couch, feet up and a cup of something hot in his hands. His eyes were half-closed, and he appeared to be dozing. Richard approached, and Dean’s eyes snapped open. He wanted to put the cup away and get to his feet, but Richard stopped him with a gesture. “It’s okay, Dean.” Richard leaned in to claim Dean’s lips in a gentle kiss. “Hard day?”
Dean groaned. “I just finished the manuscript for the next Laura Ashbourne book. Julio has taken Emily out so I can work, and now that I have a few quiet minutes, I realize how exhausted I am.”
Richard cursed inwardly. His father had been right. His boy needed him, and he hadn’t been there. Well, that would change now. “It’s fine, boy. Just relax and lean back. I’m going to give you a foot rub, and then we can take a nice hot bath together. What do you think?”
The insecurity and disbelief in Dean’s eyes tore at Richard’s heart. He had done this. He had made his boy unsure of a relationship that had lasted five years and should have been his pillar of support. “I’m sorry, Dean. I behaved like an asshole. I’m not going to make any excuses. You needed me, and I wasn’t there because I was too afraid of the change in our life. Can you forgive me?”
A wide, radiant smile appeared on Dean’s lips and made his face shine the way Richard loved best. “Of course I can. It’s a lot.” He frowned. “The offer about the foot rub is still standing, though, isn’t it?”
Richard chuckled in delight. Dean truly was one of a kind. “Of course, boy. Just don’t get too used to it. I’m not sure how many of those services my fragile Dom ego can put up with.”
Dean snorted. “Fragile, my ass. You can bend horseshoes on that ego of yours. But if it makes you feel better, I can promise you a back massage in return. And if you’re a really good Dom, I might even provide you with a happy ending.”
“Cheeky boy. I like it.” Richard waggled his eyebrows. “That doesn’t mean you’re not going to be punished, though.”
Dean grinned in return. “I like how that sounds.”
Richard scooted a little away from Dean and leaned back against the couch, taking Dean’s feet in his lap. Just when he was about to take Dean’s socks off, Dean’s phone started to ring. Both men groaned in frustration. Dean grabbed his cell from the low table in front of the couch and was just about to hit Accept when he realized that there was no caller ID. He frowned and showed Richard the display.
Richard thought about it for a moment. It could be Elisa, although he doubted it. He had told the woman in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t allowed to call this number. So whoever was calling had probably acquired it illegally. He had to find out who it was, how they had done it, and then he had to get Dean a new phone—again. “Take the call, but put it on speaker.”
Dean nodded and slid the green symbol across the screen. “Dean Connelly speaking.”
The voice at the other end of the line was female, a pleasing alto with a hint of steel in it. “Hello, Dean. It’s me, Faith.”
Dean made a choking sound in the back of his throat and almost dropped the phone. Richard caught it in a swift movement, worried about the ghastly color of Dean’s face. “What do you want, Mother?”
Now it was Richard’s turn to almost drop the phone. All he knew about Dean’s parents was that they were conservative, stuck-up assholes of the highest order. Dean had never told him their names, and the only time they had talked about Dean’s childhood and fallout with his parents, he had become so upset that Richard avoided the topic from then on. Hearing from them now came as a shock. And Faith Connelly wasted no time with pleasantries.
“We were informed about Tricia’s death by that horrible lawyer woman from Connor and Partners. Since her death was almost six weeks ago, I assume her ashes are already with you. Is that right, Dean?”
Dean was obviously still stunned because he just nodded and whispered, “Yes.” Richard winced. Dean’s grief over Tricia’s death was still raw, and he didn’t need the reminder, especially not from somebody as cold and uncaring as Faith Connelly. Oblivious to the hurt in her son’s voice, the woman ranted on. “Your father and I have decided to host a memorial ceremony at our country club to give people a chance to pay their condolences. You know the address, so please send Tricia’s urn there before next week. We will scatter her ashes over the lake afterward. Don’t bother to come yourself. We wouldn’t appreciate it.”
Dean just sat there, tears streaming down his face as he listened to the cold voice of the woman who should have loved him more than her own life.
Richard had enough. He grabbed the phone, muted the speaker, and put it to his ear. “Hello, Mrs. Connelly. I am Richard Miller, Dean’s partner. I would like to know how you got this phone number. It’s private.”
There was a disgusted huff at the other end of the line. “I really don’t see why that should concern you, but if you must know, I called those lawyers. That Elisa woman refused to give me the number, but one of her secretaries saw reason when I explained matters to her.”
Richard bit back an angry growl. Connor and Partners were in trouble. He forced a calm he didn’t feel into his voice. “I have to ask you not to use this number again”—not that it would be in service for much longer—“and while we’re at it, I also have to tell you that we won’t send Tricia’s ashes to you. She has been very specific in her will, and you not getting her remains was one of her main concerns. If you want to hold that little memorial ceremony, do it, but without involving your children.”
Richard listened to the outraged sputtering for a moment, then disconnected the call. He had a nagging feeling this wouldn’t be the last time he’d have the displeasure of interacting with Dean’s parents. For the time being, though, he couldn’t do much about them, so he concentrated on the things he could influence. To make sure Faith Connelly, or anybody else, for that matter, wouldn’t interrupt their time together again, Richard shut the phone down. Then he turned back to Dean. His arms opened automatically when he saw the shaken look on his boy’s face. With a sob, Dean threw himself into Richard’s embrace, and then the tears started to fall. Richard knew how important this was for Dean, finally realizing that his beloved sister was truly gone and letting all his anguish and sorrow out. They had been together long enough for Richard to tell that this was finally happening. That Dean was facing the truth.
Richard held his boy until the sobs stopped and turned into a gentle snore.
As soon as Richard could be sure Dean was fast asleep, he called Connor and Partners to make his anger about the leak known. Elisa did her best to placate him and promised that the secretary who had given away Dean’s phone number would be fired. Richard didn’t bother telling Elisa that the number would be out of service soon. If she didn’t conclude that, the money she had spent on her degree had been wasted. Satisfied with the outcome of his call, Richard settled back on the couch next to Dean and watched his boy sleep.
ONLY AN hour later, Julio returned with Emily. He glanced briefly at Dean, then gestured to Richard that he would take care of her for the rest of the day, including the night. Richard shot him a grateful look. The man was worth every penny they paid him and had just earned himself a generous tip. Even though Richard still wasn’t entirely on board with the whole Emily situation, he was glad they had contracted Julio, despite the fact that Precious Care knew how to take from the living.
Around midnight, Dean startled from his deep slumber. Blearily, he stared at Richard. “Master?”
Richard gently stroked Dean’s back. “It’s fine, boy. Do you want to take a bath or go sleep in the bed?”
Dean actually thought about that for a moment before he snuggled back into Richard’s embrace. “Let’s go to the bed. Can you fuck me?”
Richard was a little surprised by the request, but not enough not to waste this opportunity. “Of course I can.” He lifted Dean up and carried him to their bedroom. Richard still spent most of his nights in the playroom, due to Emily’s nightly activities, and when he laid Dean down on their king-size bed, he finally realized how much he missed sleeping next to his boy. Richard knew Dean was too tired to do a scene, but he could still spice things up a bit. He undressed quickly and then leaned over Dean, who was watching him with lust-filled eyes. “Time to get you naked, boy.”
Dean shuddered at the predatory tone in Richard’s voice. Obediently he lifted first his arms, so Richard could take off the shirt, and then his hips when Richard tugged at his jeans and boxers. Once he was bare, Richard feasted his eyes on Dean’s lean body, beautifully sculpted muscles, and his hard cock jutting proudly from his groin.