Chapter 23
PIERCE
The familiar scents and sounds of the operating room seep into my very bones as I’m gowned and gloved, ready to reclaim my career with an understanding and reverence I’d long since forgotten over the years. My heart blooms with a contentment that extends outside the walls of this room.
“Annette, could you put on my playlist, please?”
“With pleasure, Dr. Harrison, and can I say on behalf of everyone here that we are thrilled to have you back.”
“The feeling is mutual. I appreciate all the support in my absence. Dr. Perrington passed on your well-wishes and encouragement. They meant so much to me during a difficult time. Now, let’s get down to the business of saving lives.”
“Sounds good to me.” Freya smiles as she steps up to my side.
“Good morning, Dr. Perrington. So glad you could join us.”
“It’s nighttime for me, Dr. Harrison. Some of us still work the night shift.” Masked for surgery, my little one can’t hide that feisty spark in her eyes.
“Rest assured, I paid my dues. Isn’t that right, Annette?”
“Yes, Doctor. Your fiancée is also mainlining coffee at an incredible rate. She reminds me of a young you. ”
“That’s quite the compliment,” I jibe.
“Indeed it is, Dr. Harrison.” My girl’s voice is like velvet.
“Keep talking to me in that tone, and I’ll drag you right down to the hospital chapel and make you my wife tonight.”
“I don’t think our patient would welcome having their surgery pushed back.” Even with a mask covering the bottom half of her face, I know she’s biting that delicious bottom lip of hers.
“Very well. I guess it’ll have to wait.”
“I’d say so. We’ve just sent out the save-the-date announcements.”
“Stationery is king. Who am I to meddle?”
“Exactly, Dr. Harrison.”
“With that agreed upon, future Mrs. Harrison, let’s save this man’s life.”
The second we’re ready to begin, Freya and I fall into step with each other. Our relationship outside of the operating room has gone from strength to strength, and it translates in here. I can already see how much she’s developed under Dr. Milligan’s tutelage these past few months, and it thrills me. She’s going to be an incredible surgeon—she is an incredible surgeon.
Six hours of painstakingly intricate surgery, and I’m in awe of my future wife. She’s like a sponge—anything I tell her, she applies immediately. The thought has my mind going to other places as our patient is wheeled out to the ICU.
Freya is the most responsive submissive I’ve ever trained. I say that not because I’m madly in love with her but because it’s true—the way her body responds to every touch, kiss, and lash of a flogger.
It’s all I can do not to march her out of this hospital and straight to the club, but tonight, I have the biggest hurdle to jump in my quest to marry the love of my life. I’m meeting Freya’s mother. Ms. Perrington is the only parent between the two of us who is alive or present, so I feel the pressure of the evening more than most. Freya heads home after her shift, hoping to get a few hours of sleep before I get back.
The rest of my shift drags on even though I spend the entire day in and out of the operating room. I’d hate to admit it to my little one, but I’m afraid for the first time in my adult life.
I spent so many years wishing for a family to love and who’d love me back. To be a son again. By the time I reached fifteen, I gave up hope and hardened myself to the world and to the prospect of being important to anyone. I’ve never had to impress a woman’s family and win over a mother. What if she hates me? It could change how Freya sees me.
If I ever had a daughter, I wouldn’t want her shackling herself to some fucked-up guy with a Daddy Dom kink who’s never had to consider anyone other than himself. I know I’m a selfish man. I had to be. It was the only way to survive growing up in the system. I gave myself focus. I made a decision to pursue an elite career that required my undivided attention. That way, I didn’t have to admit to myself that I was alone. I convinced myself it was by choice and gave myself over to a higher calling.
In truth, there was no sacrifice. That would require family and friends. The only thing I had to give up was the past, yet it clung to me in the darkest recesses of my soul, the longing for more—the long-forgotten desire to have a family of my own and a partner who could love me.
By the time I make it back to our apartment, Freya is sound asleep, sprawled across the bed in nothing but a damp towel. She must have passed out after she showered. I could stare at her for hours, committing every inch of her body to memory.
I sit on the edge of the bed before leaning over and kissing the top of her head. She stirs, instinctively reaching for me. “Daddy?” she murmurs, the soft, gravelly tone of her voice so enticing as she straddles the place between wakefulness and slumber.
“Yes, little one.”
“Mmm…” She shifts to get closer to me, her towel slipping, exposing her naked body, and it’s all I can do not to forget about dinner and ravish her all night long.
“Time to get up. We’re meeting your mom in an hour.”
Her eyes peek open. “Can’t we cancel? I’m naked, and you look edible right now. I’ve missed you today. The bed is lonely without you.”
My cock twitches at her request, but I’m resolute. Canceling an hour beforehand would paint me in the worst light, especially if she ever found out why . “As much as I would love to worship your body for the rest of the night, we can’t cancel. I want to make a good first impression. I’ve never met a woman’s parent before.”
Her eyes soften, her expression so endearing as she pulls herself up and crawls into my lap. “Really? Never? Not even in high school?”
“No. Girls weren’t exactly falling over themselves to date the loner, group-home kid.” At this moment, I feel just as vulnerable as I did back then—always so eager to be included and matter to someone— anyone .
Her arms slink around my waist, holding me close. “Well, I’m happy I get to be your first. Don’t worry. My mom is going to love you.”
“You think?” I say as I kiss the top of her head.
“You save lives for a living. I’d say that makes you rather impressive.” She pulls back to look up at me with so much love in her eyes. “You’re a good and honest man. You stand up for those who need it. You love fiercely, and you make me feel so safe and cherished. I love everything about you, and my mom will see that. I promise.”
“I hope so, little one. I’d hate to let you down.”
She leans in, pressing her lips to mine in a soft, heartfelt kiss. “I’m so proud to call you my fiancé. Never doubt that.”
“What did I do to deserve you, little one?”
“Something really, really good,” she says with a cheeky grin.
“I’m sure.” I capture her mouth with mine, unhurried but with a promise of what’s to come when we get home tonight. “Now, let’s get ready for dinner before I lose what little self-control I’m holding onto.”
Dulip is packed tonight. It always is. The hottest restaurant in town and almost impossible to get a reservation unless you know the owner, who frequents Venom. The second I called Ryder and told him about meeting Freya’s mom tonight, he ensured we’d have the best table in the house. I’m sure whoever he bumped from the reservation they had for the last six months will be pissed as hell, but my need is greater than theirs.
My jaw is so tight it starts to tick as we await Ms. Perrington’s arrival. Freya glances toward the entrance every few minutes, her hand resting on my thigh. “Stop holding your breath. It’s going to be fine. I promise.”
I hate that she knows how tense I am. I never want to look weak. As a Dom, it goes against everything I stand for. Since the day I realized I wasn’t going to get my happily-ever-after family, I’ve gone to great lengths to become the stoic man I am today.
From the moment Freya danced into my life, she’s been tapping my harsh armor, slowly chipping away at it. The second she broke through the fa?ade, she’s held my fragile heart in the palm of her hand, and I didn’t realize I’ve been holding my breath, waiting for her to make a fist and obliterate me.
Tonight may not seem like a big step when we’re already engaged and in a Dom/sub relationship, but I can’t help thinking this could make or break our relationship.
“There she is!” Freya jumps from her seat with glee, and my chest swells, knowing she has a parent who inspires such joy and love in her. I hate to admit that my happiness for her is tinged with sadness for the boy I once was. That I still am in moments like this.
They embrace like no one is watching, the woman I love recognizable in the features of the older woman whose eyes find mine. Nerves take flight in the pit of my stomach. I don’t think I’ve been this on edge since the day I sat my MCATS.
When Freya finally relinquishes her tight hold on her mom, she grabs her hand and drags her toward our table. I adjust my suit jacket as I stand to greet her. I swallow past the lump in my throat in an attempt to quell my nerves .
Holding out my hand, I channel my inner Dom. “Ms. Perrington, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Pierce.”
She ignores my hand and pulls me into a hug. “I’ve heard such good things about you, Pierce. Call me Daphne.” I wrap my arms around her, lost for words as realization dawns—Freya is the only person who has hugged me since my mother died. I fight back tears, quickly trying to regain composure.
When she pulls back, I take in her features—a warm smile, eyes that resemble my soon-to-be wife, and the same raven black hair, but with a little gray woven through. She’s elegant like Freya. But what gets me most is the way she looks at her daughter. There is awe and adoration in her gaze.
I wait until both Perrington women are seated before taking mine. “Can I order you a drink, Daphne?”
“A glass of red wine would be lovely. Thank you.”
“Of course.”
I signal for the waiter and order a bottle of Chateaux Lafite, then I think better of it. I want to make sure she likes it, but I’m going to seem like a pretentious asshole for ordering the best bottle in the restaurant.
“So, Pierce, my daughter says you’re the best neurosurgeon in the country. How do you find dating your student?”
“I…” Shit. I can remove a complex tumor from a patient’s brain, and yet my own is failing me at this moment. Freya squeezes my thigh under the table, centering me before I make a complete fool of myself. “It’s not without its challenges. I’ve broken every rule when it comes to your daughter.”
“Really?” Her eyes soften, giving me a degree of comfort.
“I never date co-workers, especially not my residents. Your daughter and I came across each other at a masquerade ball.” Freya’s grip tightens, and it makes me chuckle. Does she really think I would divulge all the details of how we met?
“How fun.”
“It was. Freya was a vision in lilac. At first, I didn’t realize who she was, and by the time I did, she had already enthralled me. I’ve been a goner ever since. ”
“Love at first sight,” Freya says wistfully as my eyes meet hers.
“Yes, it was.”
“Oh, I like him already, Freya. The way to a woman’s heart is through loving her daughter the way she deserves to be loved.”
“As I’ve told Freya, I will spend every day of the rest of my life trying to be worthy of her… with your blessing?” It’s a question rather than a statement.
“I’m sure you know I raised Freya as a single mother. I always wanted her to know that you shouldn’t settle for anything less than true love. I was the mom and the dad.”
“You were everything I ever needed, Mom,” Freya interjects. “I never felt like I lost out on anything. My father didn’t care to know me, and I have never wanted to know him.”
“Your daughter is a credit to your hard work, Ms. Perrington.”
“Please, call me Daphne.”
“Sorry, Daphne . You raised a remarkable woman… self-assured, skilled, and fiercely intelligent. Your parenting has a big part to play in that.”
“And what of your family? Will I get a chance to meet them before the wedding?” Freya stiffens at my side, but I take her hand in mine, assuring her I’m okay.
“Freya is the only family I have. Both of my parents died when I was young, a few years apart. I grew up in the foster system.”
“Then your success is even more impressive. I’ve watched my daughter give everything she has to becoming a surgeon. The fact that you achieved such success in the face of adversity speaks to your character.”
Pride blooms in my chest. “Thank you.”
“I do have to correct you, though. Freya is not your only family. You are going to be part of my family. I always wanted a son. If you’re comfortable with it, maybe one day you’ll call me Mom.”
I don’t know what to say, overwhelmed by her generosity of spirit. I planned to be the picture of strength and dependability this evening, yet I find myself completely disarmed in the presence of a true, maternal figure. It conjures a whisper of the woman I believed my mother to be before she had my father’s blood on her hands .
I clear my throat, swallowing past the lump that forms.
“I can’t wait for you to see the apartment, Mom.” Freya steps in to give me a moment to compose myself. My little one is observant, always looking out for me.
“Yes, I would love for you to see it, Daphne. The place had been lacking since I moved in, but Freya has turned a once cold, functional apartment into our home .”
“It wasn’t cold.” She grimaces. “Not totally.”
Her mother lets out a little laugh as she considers us. “Home isn’t the place, it’s the person.”
“Well, I can honestly say my life was cold before your daughter came into it, shining brighter than the sun. I simply bask in her warmth. A trait I’m sure she gets from you.”
She tilts her head ever so slightly. “You bring it out in her. Freya had a singular mind growing up. She wanted to be a surgeon, and boyfriends weren’t worth her time. I can voice it now…” she says, reaching out to clasp her daughter’s hand, “… that I worried she may not find someone to share her life with.”
“Really?” This is clearly the first Freya is hearing of her mom’s concerns.
“I know what it is to go through life without a partner who understands and can shoulder the burden with you.”
“You made it look so easy.”
“I had you, and that’s all I needed. You made me a better, stronger woman, darling, and I feel so privileged to have watched you grow up into the incredible person you are today. Man, or no man.” She gives me a soft smile. “Though I am thrilled you found a man to love and appreciate your journey so far and yet to come.”
We raise a glass to the future and family, even though the word feels odd on my tongue.
I never imagined that Freya would give me so much more than a submissive to care for. She’s given me love, support, and hope for a future I’d long since given up on. I believed myself too broken to ever be enough for a woman. The fact I found my soulmate just blows my mind.
The rest of dinner is spent in jovial conversation as I probe Daphne for stories of Freya when she was small. I’m promised albums of photographs and happy memories. The things people take for granted—a lifetime of Christmases, birthdays, and other holidays.
When Freya moved in with me, she asked me for pictures to hang on the walls. The look on her face when I told her I don’t have any of me growing up broke my heart. Whatever evidence there was of my dysfunctional family was lost when I got shuffled from place to place. She made it her mission to make new memories worthy of being framed on the walls.
Our friends at Venom now take up space where there was once nothing but vast expanses of cream paint. There is laughter, silliness, candid moments captured, and my favorite—selfies of Freya and me. Fun days in Central Park. A snapshot of victory after saving a patient’s life. She makes the smallest day-to-day moments significant, full of joy and wonder.
By the time the evening comes to an end, I’ve almost convinced myself that I’m good enough for Freya. I’m not too proud to admit she could do better, but a worthier man would have to snatch her from my cold, dead hands. She’s mine, and I’ll ensure it stays that way.
I have my driver take Daphne back to her hotel while Freya and I take a stroll in the cool evening breeze.
“My mom loved you,” she says as she nestles against my side.
“You think?”
“I know . Trust me, she doesn’t hold back if she thinks something, or in this case, someone, is wrong for me. I’d already have been pulled aside and given some sage words of wisdom.”
“Okay,” I breathe out a sigh of relief.
“Were you really that worried?”
“Yes. She’s your mom. If I made a terrible impression on her, I would never ask you to choose between having a relationship with your mom or me. The bond you have is sacred.”
“It is, and I feel truly blessed to have had a happy childhood.” She interlaces her fingers with mine as we leisurely walk back to our place. “But, my mom always taught me that her job was to get me safely to adulthood, and as much as she’s my champion in everything I do, there comes a time when you have to make a choice about who your family is going to be. That if I met someone who sets my world on fire but would also be there in the quiet and sad moments, I would need to put that person above even her.”
“That’s so… selfless.”
“She may not have gotten her happily ever after with my dad, but she has a man in her life now who loves her the way she’s supposed to be loved. I could never fathom anyone even coming close to how much I love her, and then you walked into my life, and everything changed.”
“How so?” I push her for more, eager to understand how she sees me because tonight felt different. Official in some way. Confirmation that this is really happening. This woman has picked me to navigate this life with.
“Because no matter what, I choose you. It’s always going to be you, Daddy.”
“Say it again.” I stop her in her tracks, pulling her into my arms.
“It’s always going to be you, Daddy.” She pushes herself up onto her tiptoes, planting a kiss on my lips. “ You’re mine. ”
I pick her up and throw her over my shoulder. “Change of plans, little one. We’re not going home. I’m taking my fiancée to the club.”
She squeals with delight, and it’s music to my ears. I’ll never tire of the way she makes my heart take flight, and I’ll never stop loving her with everything I have.