31. Emilio #2
Roman hesitates, but at my nod, he waves us off. We don’t leave the room, he just guides me to the corner. I narrow my eyes in suspicion, because this had better not be about fucking tea.
“I want to touch base with you,” he says quietly. “Introducing Tennant as a Voice is a good idea, but since you’re in a Daddy/Boy relationship that appears to be full-time… I want to make sure you’re alright.”
As much as I want to give a swift denial to his concerns, I take a deep breath and think about it.
He has reason to be concerned. Master did things a certain way, and as Boys, while we could offer an opinion, his word was law.
It broke us in the end. Although he’s made amends, and we’re developing a healthy relationship now—well, healthy for us—he’s always going to be my sadistic monster.
Thank fuck. Tennant… I don’t believe we’ll have that issue.
He doesn’t enforce his will like that on me.
Searching my heart, I offer the only reassurance I can, even though the words leave a bitter taste in my mouth. “Did you know that I left Hollis?”
He rocks back on his heels, visibly shaken. “No, I did not. I just assumed, since he was getting treatment…”
I shake my head sadly, hating myself still.
“I told him that I choose myself. He wasn’t listening to me.
He may have been my Owner—and if I’m lucky, he will be again—but I refuse to bend for anyone who will not listen and respect me.
My submission is a gift. Master had always made me feel that way about it, until that very end. ”
Keegan’s shoulders droop as he opens his arms for me to step in for a hug. It’s the best big brother hug in the world, and I appreciate it. Even if I’m slightly embarrassed.
“You did good, kid. You left your Master when he crossed a line, and I know that was hard. You did the same with your Owner. I am constantly amazed by your strength. Not only in putting yourself and those you care about first, but in your ability to forgive. You are worthy of being followed.”
Those whispered words hit me hard, and I almost cry at the relief they bring. Still, this isn’t the place for it. Although I tuck it into my heart for later, to discuss with Anderson if nothing else. Because I have all the doubts, all the time.
Stepping back, I give him a lopsided smile, hoping it covers the emotions whirling around in me. “Thanks.”
“Is everything alright?” Tennant cuts in, his hard stare trained on Keegan. I startle, as I didn’t hear him approach, but Keegan merely smirks.
“Of course. I have the Boss.” With that, he brushes Tennant off, heading toward Jude. I almost groan in frustration.
“Little One?” I shiver from the Daddy voice, almost unable to say anything. At his cocked eyebrow, I gather the courage to speak.
“Yes, Daddy,” I whisper, shyly. “We just needed a moment to go over something.”
“Hmm.” The non-committal noise doesn’t fool me, but I gesture for him to follow me over to the table.
Carter strolls in, followed by the maids and plates of food. Most importantly, a refill for the vat of coffee. Thank fuck. I may actually survive the rest of this day.
“Ah, Tennant. Thank you for joining us. If you wouldn’t mind taking a seat. There’s lunch here for you as well.”
Tennant takes a seat next to Jude after grabbing his lunch. He seems more amused than anything, and I wonder if he already knows what’s coming. Still, one of the reasons he excels as a Daddy is his ability to use silence to his advantage. And he’s using that patience now.
Breaking the silence, Carter directs his attention toward Tennant. “We called you in here because we’d like to offer you a position as a Voice. You’re knowledgeable and we need the extra help. That being said, it does come with caveats.”
Carter’s gaze flicks to me, and I have to suppress a groan, because he must think I have the best chance of reasoning with Tennant on this. Well, since Roman is lucky enough to deal with Leandro, I guess I can take this one.
“We’ve found that the work is simply too much.
That’s why every Voice, and the technology department, will all be given PAs.
We want the support staff to provide assistance so nobody is overrun.
That way, mistakes aren’t made again.” I struggle not to let my voice harden, or look at Jude, but the anger inside me still swirls at the fact he knew Cristian and Master were facing bullying and he did nothing.
“Interesting. I’ll let you take that up with the rest of the Boys…”
I wince, suddenly realizing I’m screwed. Tennant just won that match, because I’m positive Benjamin, Master, and I are all going to be difficult to please when it comes to selecting a PA for our Daddy. Fuck.
I send an apologetic look toward Carter, who merely sighs and shakes his head, scratching something onto the sheet. Wincing, I have a feeling I’m in for a lecture. Well. Shit. Roman appears to be struggling not to laugh, and I scowl at my love. Like he’d be any better…
Carter tries to put us back on track by asking, “Does that mean you’ll accept the position?”
“Sounds like…fun. I’m in.” The shark-like grin should probably worry me, but all it does is make me shift uncomfortably, my pants becoming slightly too tight. Roman snickers as he looks at me, and I blush immediately.
This time, Carter actually groans, and I grab my cup of coffee. Sanity is needed. At least, the meeting won’t be boring anymore.
“I believe all that’s left is the update with the doctors?” Roman asks, and Carter nods gratefully.
“I’ll call them in. They should be about ready to present to us.”
My heart hammers, as I know there will be an update on Hollis.
Roman touches my shoulder in concern, but I give him a shaky smile.
Trying to reassure him, even if nothing inside me feels alright.
Still, when I meet Daddy’s concerned stare, the band around my chest that seems to be restricting my breathing eases.
Feelings are fucking exhausting, but at least I have people in my corner.
Carter types out a message, and then we all wait. I take the extra time to devour my lunch and pour myself another coffee, despite how much Roman is side-eyeing me. This is my emotional support cup.
We also fill Tennant in on offering a job to Master, with the cheerful statement that he’s been nominated to handle it. Considering his response was merely a snort, I’d say we chose well for our third Voice. Carter gets to take point on Cristian, which, uh, no, thank you.
At the knock on the door, Keegan gets up and lets the doctors in. While I’m sad to see that Sarah’s not with them, I understand that they’re all working too hard, and someone needs to stay with the patients.
Still, I’m alarmed at Javi’s state. He’s…disheveled. And wearing all black. Jude studies him with concern, and I mentally agree. This is not right at all. Doc’s distressed look at his friend does nothing to ease my worry.
“Thank you for being here. I know you have several updates to give,” Carter states, his eyes wide as he takes in our resident serial killer.
Yeah, psychopath serial killer that is a ticking bomb… This meeting just got longer. Fuck. How the hell do you solve that?