Chapter One

The noise inside the restaurant pounded on Boone’s brain. Layers of varied voices, clinking silverware, and the smell of food assailed his senses. He couldn’t focus. Thankfully, his younger brother had his dad’s attention, keeping him distracted. There was nothing Beau Bosi hated more than being ignored. It wasn’t Boone’s fault. He wasn’t trying to be an asshole. A migraine was coming. He felt the tension building inside him, waiting to take over his life, incapacitating him. Boone wanted to stand up and scream he wanted to go home. As the biggest weapons dealer on the west coast, Boone’s father wasn’t disobeyed. Boone had been ordered to present himself for dinner at his father’s favorite restaurant. Here he was, dying.

“May I get you something to drink?”

The sweet and familiar voice snatched Boone from the edge. His head turned so fast, he nearly pulled a muscle. His clothes were the same as every server’s and his blond hair had been tamed. But those unearthly blue eyes were the same. He looked so out of place.

“Just bring us a bottle of Chateau Pétrus.”

At his father’s demand, Jupiter dipped his chin. For a second, his gaze returned to holding Boone’s stare before he walked away. Boone couldn’t tear his eyes away. Jupiter Wilcox was a tiny guy with the most perfect ass Boone had ever seen. His smile definitely lit the room, but Boone hadn’t seen it often and only at a club they frequented: The PlayPen. It was a fetish club for daddy and Little types to mingle. Boone had only ever seen Jupiter wear fuzzy animal pjs. He had never pictured what the guy looked like or did outside the club. Jupiter looked so out of place. So unhappy.

A loud snap broke Boone’s focus. “You can chase ass later. This is family time.”

Boone forced himself to pay attention to his father. Beau looked unusually irritated. It was pretty much the norm for him to be pissed at Boone, but that was usually reserved for Beau’s home. When it was just the three of them, out on the town, his dad tried to keep up a fatherly appearance. Hell, maybe he really thought of himself as the perfect father. At one time, Boone had believed it too. Unfortunately, the years had proven that just wasn’t true.

“Sorry. I zoned out. The migraines are back.”

Beau’s expression shifted. For a moment, he looked like a true parent. “I thought that new doctor had shit figured out.”

Boone winced. “I did too.”

Banks jumped in. “Just smoke some of the good good and you’ll be… good,” he said with a laugh.

His dad rolled his eyes.

Boone tried for a smile. His baby brother was the only person Boone loved. No matter his vices. “I’ll be fine. Is there any news on the new border patrol bullshit?”

Beau smiled. “Don’t worry about that. This is a father-son dinner. No need to talk business.”

The wine arrived.

Boone tried not to look at Jupiter again. His father was already suspicious. Boone looked down, hiding a smirk as Jupiter subtly shifted his body toward Boone, as if that was where he felt safest. He barely heard anyone’s order. Boone didn’t meet Jupiter’s stare until it was his turn.

Goddamn. Those eyes were just… fuck. They matched his name. Out of this world. Even dressed as an adult, Jupiter looked way too innocent and like he needed protection. “What do you suggest?”

“The salmon is fresh tonight.”

He sounded exactly like he read from a script. Boone dipped his chin. “That’s what I’ll have, then.”

Jupiter gathered their menus and scurried away again. This time, Boone kept his gaze carefully averted. He played the dutiful son the rest of the night. When the check came, Boone grabbed it.

“This one is on me.”

Beau nodded his approval, as if he had raised his eldest well.

Banks was in his own world. No one expected he would pay, and he was likely too high to think straight anyhow. Boone passed along his black card and waited. Jupiter quickly returned with his card, receipt and an ink pen in a server book. He filled out the receipt, leaving Jupiter a seven-hundred-dollar tip. He also stole the chance to scribble a quick note for Jupiter at the bottom of the receipt before anyone saw. There was still a slight chance his head might explode into crippling pain, but he was intrigued. He wanted to know Jupiter outside of The PlayPen. As he handed the book to Jupiter, he made sure their fingers brushed where no one could see. Their gazes collided. He swore an entire conversation passed between them. Jupiter was one of only two Littles at The PlayPen that had the balls to speak to him and the other one was engaged to Boone’s lawyer. Boone couldn’t let this opportunity pass. Jupiter had his attention. Likely, that wasn’t a good thing.

Boone Bosi. Holy shit. Jupiter had seen his family at the restaurant before, but this was the first time they had been seated in his section. Everyone knew they were dangerous, and it was best to speak as little as possible while catering to their every need. It was also understood not to dawdle. No one wanted to accidentally overhear their business and end up dead. But Jupiter hadn’t expected Boone. They had never seen each other outside of the fetish club they both frequented.

He had these dark eyes that bored into people. They hid his thoughts while making everyone want to know his secrets. Those eyes also scared the shit out of people. He looked like the killer he was. The Bosi men always wore high-dollar suits, looking the part of high society. They fit in where Jupiter worked. The restaurant was a five-star experience that catered to the upper crust. There were no prices on the menu. Jupiter honestly loved his job. He had always been a good actor. He easily played whatever role got him the best tip.

Jupiter’s eyes bugged at the seven hundred dollars Boone left. Honestly, he had gotten bigger, but not for such a small party. Their ticket had been miniscule compared to most of his tables. But the real shocker was the note scribbled at the bottom of the receipt. His gaze shot toward the table. The Bosi men had vanished. Jupiter’s gaze returned to the words waiting for him.

Text me what time you get off at 555-8370. I’ll pick you up.

It wasn’t a request. Boone had given him an order. Jupiter didn’t even think about if he would obey. He quickly slipped into one of his favorite hiding spots and pulled out his phone. Jupiter kept an eye out for his boss while he quickly saved Boone’s number to his phone and texted him.

Jupiter: I get off at ten.

Boone: I’ll be waiting.

The reply came so fast, it was obvious Boone had watched for his text. Jupiter spotted his boss and quickly tucked his phone away.

“Do you need a ride home?”

Jupiter smiled. His boss, Ross, had always been kind to him. “Not tonight. A friend is picking me up.”

Ross’ green gaze eyed Jupiter for a moment. “Okay. I just wanted to check. We can’t have you out here walking.”

Jupiter laughed. “What? Do you think I can’t make it fifteen miles?”

A bright smile lit Ross’ face. “I don’t put it past you to try.”

He squeezed Ross’ arm. “You’re amazing for offering. Thank you.”

With a nod, Ross walked away. Jupiter got back to work, trying not to watch the clock. Nervousness tried setting in a few times, but quickly dissipated. The idea of taking a friendship outside the club was exactly what he had been searching for since he started going to The PlayPen five years ago. The Littles were usually too ashamed of their fetish to see anyone elsewhere. The daddies he had met there were a bit overbearing for him. But Boone had always been nice and not too pushy. He had made no attempt to be anything other than friends. Secretly, he was also the only one Jupiter wanted. Maybe he had a thing for bad boys. He didn’t think that was the case. Jupiter saw something in Boone.

A sigh rang out inside Jupiter’s head. He wasn’t stupid. Boone was dangerous. Jupiter knew he could get hurt or worse, but wow. Boone was so pretty. He was big and scruffy, with a wild beard. His wide shoulders and capable-looking hands made Jupiter dream. He also smelled delicious. In all the time they had been going to their club, Jupiter hadn’t seen Boone interact with anyone other than his family, Luca and Luca’s daddy. Luca was another Little and Jupiter’s friend. His daddy was Boone’s lawyer. Everyone else was too scared to approach Boone, and Boone didn’t seem interested in meeting anyone. Only Jupiter’s friendship with Luca had put him in Boone’s tight circle. He had thought—hoped and dreamed, maybe—that Boone showed him more attention than necessary. Sometimes their gazes met and something passed between them. It had happened tonight too. Boone’s demand tonight fanned the flames of Jupiter’s fantasies. Even if Boone only gave him one night to lean into his fetish, Jupiter desperately wanted that. No one knew how he ached. It was lonely as hell, wanting the things he craved. He had to stay quiet to stay safe. It was gut-wrenching.

By the time ten rolled around, he was ready to run out the door. Jupiter forced himself to walk at a normal pace. As he neared the door, people called their goodbyes. Jupiter felt sick. What if Boone didn’t show? He had spent his entire night overthinking this entire situation. Jupiter didn’t think he could endure having this chance ripped from him. Then he pushed open the door and spotted Boone leaned against a small burnt orange sports car. Jupiter wasn’t a car guy, so he didn’t know what it was, but he knew he had seen similar cars in movies. They were always expensive, belonging to the rich bad guys. Jupiter swallowed a laugh. The irony wasn’t lost on him.

The sexy suit was gone. Instead, Boone wore a black t-shirt and dark jeans. Somehow, he still managed to look rich. It was just him. Boone was born into wealth and there was no hiding the polish. Fuck. He was downright lickable.

Jupiter gave a small wave as he headed Boone’s way. He couldn’t reel in his smile. “Hi.”

A sexy smile slowly stretched Boone’s lips, making Jupiter want to smile harder. “Hey.” He straightened and opened the door, motioning inside. “Your chariot awaits.”

Jupiter chuckled. He couldn’t help it. Happiness overflowed inside him. He practically skipped to the car. It never crossed his mind to fear where Boone might take him. He watched Boone circle the car. Jupiter fought a sigh. He loved the way Boone’s hips moved. Boone climbed behind the wheel. Immediately, Boone leaned his way and helped Jupiter put on his seatbelt. His throat swelled so fast and hard, it almost choked him. Boone was a daddy. Jupiter didn’t have to make a single admission or ask for what he needed. They had fallen from the same kink tree.

“I was surprised to see you tonight. It’s never occurred to me to ask where you work. How long have you worked here?”

Jupiter answered while Boone started the car and steered his way out of the parking lot. “Three years. My grandmother knows the owner. She got me the job. Otherwise, it’s nearly impossible to get hired here.”

Boone glanced his way. “Three years? I come here all the time with my dad and brother. How have I never seen you?”

Jupiter shrugged, even though Boone no longer looked his way. “I’m invisible. No one sees me.” Jupiter wanted to slap himself as soon as the words left his lips. He had no idea why he had confessed such a thing, especially to someone like Boone.

Boone kept his gaze locked on the road. “It was a genuine question. I have no idea how I haven’t seen you there because I always see you.”

Holy shit. The butterflies nearly took Jupiter out. “You never really talk to me unless Luca is around.”

They came to a red light, and Boone met his stare. “Am I someone you’d want to be seen with?”

“I’m with you now.” Jupiter didn’t look away. He spent nearly every night chatting with strangers at work. Shyness wasn’t in his nature. That wasn’t the issue with his inability to meet someone. His kinks were. The dynamic he needed meant he couldn’t be the one to initiate anything. If he had to be in control, Jupiter didn’t want it.

The light turned green, breaking the spell. Jupiter fought a wave of disappointment. Then Boone turned into the parking lot of a playground. For obvious reasons, Jupiter never got to come here. During the day, he looked like a weirdo playing with kids. At night, the place was plagued with homeless people on drugs. With Boone, he had nothing to fear.

Boone unbuckled Jupiter’s seatbelt. “What do you want to do first?”

Jupiter eyed his choices. “The big slide.”

With a nod, Boone jumped from the car and circled to Jupiter’s side. He opened the door. Jupiter left his apron filled with tips on the seat. Boone set the alarm before taking his hand. His hand was engulfed by Boone’s, and so warm. Jupiter savored every moment, filing the new memory away to keep him sane. Boone led him to the slide. Jupiter gingerly climbed the ladder to the top. It was much higher than it had looked from a distance. A laugh escaped him as he zipped down to the bottom. He had to go again. After a few goes, he skipped to the swings. They had tall ones that would go super high. Sometimes Boone pushed him on the swings at The PlayPen, but they were indoors and didn’t go very high. Still, that was how he knew Boone wouldn’t hold back. He was right. Boone sent him flying. Loud laughter burst from Jupiter as he reached the peak and dropped backward into another push. He felt free. After a few minutes, guilt set in. He didn’t want to exhaust Boone.

Jupiter dragged his toes through the dirt, stopping the swing. His heart raced from the ride. Boone’s body crowded his back. His hands rested above Jupiter’s on the chains. The air changed. Jupiter’s pulse sounded in his ears. Boone’s hands slipped lower, covering his. Jupiter fought to breathe properly. He had never wanted anything as badly in his life. Boone’s hands slid from Jupiter’s hands, following his arms in a caress that left goosebumps in its wake. He didn’t stop until one hand rested on Jupiter’s shoulder and the other cupped his throat. It never occurred to Jupiter to be scared, even though he knew those hands had killed people.

Boone’s fingers took Jupiter’s jaw, forcing his head back. The heat he saw staring down at him had a ragged breath escaping him. “What’s my name?”

Jupiter was too far gone to think clearly. The answer slipped from him with zero thought. His heart and body knew. “Daddy.” Even to his ears, Jupiter sounded needy.

“Good boy.” Boone bent and captured Jupiter’s lips. His teeth sank into Jupiter’s bottom lip, tugging. When he licked, the awkward angle mattered not at all. Jupiter nearly came from the praise alone.

“It’s past your bedtime.”

Jupiter whimpered. It was out of his control. He didn’t want to go to bed. He wanted to get fucked.

“Don’t worry. I’ll tuck you in.”

God, he hoped that was a euphemism. Jupiter burned so badly, he thought he might spontaneously combust. If someone didn’t put him out of his misery soon, he might do anything.