Chapter 3
Chapter three
Sebastian
Iturn just in time to catch Daddy checking out my ass. A huge smile spreads over my lips as soon as I see Daddy Ezrah.
He's more handsome than I remember. His frame is broader, his clothes straining over muscles I'm certain weren't there before. He's been training, I can tell. His dark curls, the same ones I've always wanted to sink my fingers into, are styled now, but just as captivating as ever.
And Gods, his blue eyes… I want to lose myself in them.
That strong jaw. Those full lips. The cheekbones. Damn it, everything about this man does it for me.
No one and nothing could wipe the grin off my face.
I giggle and shout, "Daddy!"
Running straight to him, I launch myself into his arms, and even with his jaw practically on the floor, he catches me.
His arms wrap tight around me, and I just know… this is where I belong. I've missed him so much.
"Sebastian?" His voice is breathless.
"I'm so happy to see you! I can't believe you're the manager at my new workplace."
I can.
Since I made it happen.
But Daddy doesn't need to know that.
"What? How? What are you doing here?" His body shivers, and I notice he hasn't let go of me yet. "I thought you were in England."
Hell no.
I'm always where my Daddy is.
"I came back," I say.
For you.
"Now, now." A voice interrupts from behind us. "I see you've met the newest addition to our gang."
Daddy Ezrah drops me like I'm coil, and I've burned him.
I whirl around to glare at Ethan, my boss, the one whose ass I'll be kicking one of these days.
"Yes, he's met me, and he's very, very happy with what he sees," I snap.
Ethan chuckles while Daddy chokes.
"It's not what it looks like," Daddy hurries to say.
I pout up at him, playful, but when I see panic flashing in his eyes, I decide to ease off. For now.
"We go way, way back," I tell Ethan.
"He's my ex's brother," Daddy says quickly.
I press my lips together before I scream that I'm not his ex's brother. I'm his boy. To be fair, he still doesn't know it.
Ethan gives me a pointed look, and I glare right back. I dare him to say something. My sweet, sweet outfit would be ruined if I had to slice his throat or cut out his tongue. Luckily, Ethan is smart.
"It's not my business," Ethan says. "I just want my employees to feel at home here, and this workplace to be safe."
"Oh, this will be the safest place in the whole world now that I'm working here," I grin.
Daddy Ezrah gives me a questioning look, but I just smile. I still can't believe I'm standing this close to him after all this time. Maybe I should tone it down a bit, but my excitement is too strong. I can't help myself.
"Actually," Ethan adds, "it's Ezrah's job as the manager to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable."
"Of course," Daddy says.
"Oh, you can show me around, since you know, it's your job," I say innocently.
Daddy looks up at his boss, who nods.
"Come into my office once you're done with the tour," Ethan says.
When Ethan and Conrad finally leave us alone, I turn to my Daddy. He towers over me, and I have to look up at him, but I don't mind. I like being at his chest level. It means I'll get the best cuddles.
He's staring at me like I'm a ghost from his past. In a way, I am. But I don't want him to see me as someone from his past. I want him to see me as his future.
"Should we start?" I ask.
"Yes. Yes, of course."
He glances around, as if only now realizing where he is. I like this unnerved version of him. Only because I'm the one making him feel like this.
The first floor has changed since I last saw it three years ago. Black tiles trimmed in gold, crimson couches, handcrafted wooden tables, and light that glitter like stars. The bar is a work of art, glossy black streaked with veins of gold. I can't wait to work there.
"So," Daddy clears his throat, "this is the main floor. It's where most of our members come for a drink or a dance."
"I like the colors. Dark, mysterious, and passionate."
"Yes. They're nice. Follow me. We'll go to… um, the next place."
Oh, how I'll enjoy this.
The BDSM paradise of the Vicious Vines.
I wonder if Daddy has ever used anything here. He'd better not. I'll have to ask Ethan later.
Daddy leads me down a dim corridor that I know leads to the second floor. But he stops halfway and turns to me.
I don't like the pained look in his eyes. Not one bit.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
He ruffles his perfectly styled hair and sighs. "I just… I can't believe you're here."
"I hope that means you're happy to see me." My voice stays calm, but inside, my heart is racing.
I never imagined my Daddy wouldn't be happy to see me.
My face falls, and I look down.
"Hey, I'm happy to see you." He touches my arm, and I look up. "It's just a shock. You left so suddenly, and now suddenly you're back."
I press my lips tight before they start trembling. I didn't want to leave him, but I had no choice. What matters is that now I'm here, and nothing and no one will take me away again.
"I'm sorry I left when you needed me the most," I whisper.
He shakes his head. "No. It wasn't your job to be there for me. I understand."
"I wanted to be there. I just couldn't."
Daddy looks at me like he's searching for the truth in my silence.
"You were there," he says softly. "You kept me sane and supported me. If it wasn't for you… I don't know where I would've ended up."
I smile at him softly, but it's pained. Both of us know what that one month looked like. I hated seeing him so broken. I fucking hated it.
"Anyway," he says, clearing his throat, "let's continue our tour. I need to go see our boss after that."
"Of course."
We move toward the black double doors. Daddy swipes his card, and the lock clicks open.
The room beyond looks like a relaxed lounge with couches, low lighting, and the pretense of normalcy. But I know what lies behind the other doors down those corridors.
"Um, did Ethan tell you about this floor?" Daddy asks.
I spare him the embarrassment. "Yes. It's the BDSM floor," I grin. "Can we check the rooms? I'm so curious!"
Daddy's eyes widen, but he quickly masks it. "Yes."
For the next half hour, he shows me everything. The Vicious Vines caters to every kind of kink, the rooms are luxurious and fully equipped.
When we reach the Little room, my heart skips. Toys, building blocks, books, and even a slide. I want to run around, to play with my Daddy here, but I hold back. Just standing beside him is enough. For now.
"Sebastian?"
"Yes, Daddy?"
"This is our workplace. I'd like to keep things professional."
Does he mean… no cuddles at work? It would be hard, but I can handle it if that's what he wants.
"You don't want cuddles?" I ask, just to be sure.
He gives me a strange look, then shakes his head. "No. What I meant was… can you not call me Daddy?"
My nose twitches. It's my nervous habit. Those words are my worst nightmare, but it's okay. He only means at work. I can handle that.
"Okay, Ezrah. Whatever you want."
And I mean it.
Whatever he wants will be his.