Chapter Six

Jupiter bustled from table to table, trying his best to keep up. The restaurant was twice as busy as usual, but that wasn’t uncommon for this time of year. Living in a beach town during the summer was always crazy. Jupiter kept a smile plastered on his face. As he headed for the kitchen to grab some refills, Ross stepped into his path.

“Beau Bosi is here.”

Jupiter blinked. “Okay.” Ross looked pissed off and Jupiter couldn’t decide how that was his fault.

“He’s demanding to be seated in your section.” Oh no. “I told him your section is full, but he’s unbending.”

“Okay.” Jupiter didn’t know what else to say.

“I’ve put him in Monica’s section, but I’ve let her know he’s your table.”

An irritated sigh rang through Jupiter’s head. His expression must have given him away.

Ross’ features softened. “Just do the best you can. I know it’s brutal out there.”

Jupiter worked up a faint smile. “Thanks, Ross. I’m sorry about this. I don’t know why he’s demanding me, but I’ll make sure Monica gets the tip.”

“No. You’re doing the work. I just hate—” Ross shook his head. “Never mind. I’m holding you up.” He walked away, leaving Jupiter confused.

Jupiter didn’t have time to worry about Ross. He had drinks to refill and Beau fucking Bosi waiting. Jupiter was a wreck. How had he found out about him? Why was he here? Horror overcame Jupiter. Maybe he wanted to warn Jupiter off—like he thought Jupiter wasn’t good enough. With that terrible thought weighing him down, Jupiter delivered his refills and headed Beau’s way. His anxiety needed him to deal with this now.

Beau sat alone, looking unconcerned by life, yet still hard. His dark eyes and hair looked so much like his sons’, except without the something they possessed that made them human. His gaze latched onto Jupiter and didn’t move as Jupiter crossed the room.

Jupiter smiled, trying to look happy to see him. “Good evening, Mr. Bosi. I hear you were pretty adamant about seeing me.”

Beau’s gaze raked down Jupiter’s body in an uncomfortable way. “I see what my son sees in you, and it’s Beau.”

Jupiter dipped his chin. “Thank you, Beau.”

“Boone has been keeping you from me.”

Jupiter had no idea how to respond.

Luckily, Beau didn’t seem to need him. “The two of you will come to dinner Saturday night.”

“I work Saturday nights.”

Beau didn’t look bothered. “You’ll be at my house Saturday night.”

Shit. This family would get him fired. “I’ll let Boone know.”

“Tell him it’s nonnegotiable.”

“No problem.” Jupiter couldn’t recall the last time he was so uncomfortable. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”

“That’s another thing. I’ll talk to Boone about your working. That’s not a good look for our family. You’re too accessible. It’s a weakness. Plus, it makes it seem like we can’t afford to take care of our own. I won’t have that.”

Damn. It got worse by the second. Jupiter just kept smiling and nodding. He didn’t know what else to do. “Chateau Pétrus, right?”

“Yeah. Just bring the bottle. Don’t forget what I’ve said.”

“Saturday night. Shouldn’t be working. Bring the bottle.”

Beau gave him a sharp nod. “Good boy.”

Jupiter walked away, still holding on to his fake smile. He had no clue what to do. Was he really supposed to quit his job? How did Beau think Jupiter would pay his bills? He didn’t live with Boone. They hadn’t even discussed it. He couldn’t afford to just sit at home. His family wasn’t wealthy and funding his life. He was just some guy. His mind raced, and so did his heart. Jupiter wondered if he would hyperventilate.

Ross obviously caught sight of his panic. He intercepted him again. “Is everything okay? Do you need to sit down?”

The words burst from him in the middle of his inner meltdown. “It seems I’m supposed to quit my job because this is a bad look for his family. I can’t afford to quit.”

Ross nodded. He looked serious. “I was afraid of this. Men like the Bosis don’t see people as human.”

That ruffled Jupiter’s feathers. He didn’t get a chance to defend them.

Ross’ expression turned determined. “If you need out, I’ll help. You can stay with me. We can switch your position so you’re not seen, or I could transfer you to another location. You can get out.”

A nervous laugh escaped Jupiter. He felt trapped in every direction. “That’s not necessary. I’ll talk to Boone after work. Surely, he can talk some sense into his dad. He knows I can’t afford to be unemployed and that I love it here. Everything will be okay.”

Ross’ features closed again, shutting him out. “I’m sure you’re right.” Once again, he just walked away. Jupiter had no idea what was wrong with the universe. It was like he had wronged everyone in some way he didn’t understand.

He didn’t have time to think about it. Jupiter had customers and a dad to deal with. He grabbed Beau’s bottle of wine and a glass. As he passed his section, he quickly checked on his tables, taking mental notes of everything everyone needed. Then he returned to Beau and set the glass on the table. He poured.

“Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”

“Just the wine. I’m expected home for dinner.” He handed Jupiter a wad full of cash. “This should cover the wine.” Jupiter tucked the money into his apron without looking. He knew Beau wouldn’t short him. “I’ll take care of it and get your change.”

Irritation flashed in Beau’s eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t do change.” He opened his jacket and pulled out a slip of paper and a black card. “Take this too. Everything is already set up for you. Don’t come back here after tonight.”

In Jupiter’s shock, he took what Beau handed him. He didn’t know what to say or how to react.

Beau tossed back the glass of wine and stood. He kissed Jupiter’s cheek. “I’ll see you Saturday night at seven. Keep the wine. Pretty boys deserve nice things.”

Jupiter stood frozen in place as Beau headed for the door. His gaze dropped to the items in his hand. The black card was blank. It was a card Jupiter had seen hundreds of times working in a restaurant for the elite. It was a limitless credit card reserved for the ultrarich. The slip of paper was a check with more zeros than he had ever seen in his life. He supposed that answered how Beau expected him to survive. Now he just had to wonder how long he would live when Boone decided he was done.

Ross rushed to his side. “Are you okay? You look ready to pass out.”

Jupiter looked his way. For a moment, he wondered if he would faint. “It seems I quit.”

Ross swiped a hand over his eyes.

Jupiter rallied a bit. “Don’t worry. I’ll finish out the night. I just…” He didn’t know how to finish. Beau had spoken and Jupiter didn’t know if it could be fixed.

Thankfully, Ross didn’t flip out. He set his hand on Jupiter’s shoulder. “It’s okay. I know. You’ll always have a place here after you figure this out.”

Jupiter flashed him a grateful smile. “Thank you. You’ve always been amazing.”

Ross squeezed his shoulder and left Jupiter to finish out his shift, which Jupiter somehow did. He smiled and chatted, moving around the building on autopilot. At the end of the night, he said goodbye to his co-workers, trying not to tear up over the thought that it might be for the last time. When he saw Boone waiting, his knees nearly buckled in relief. Jupiter didn’t know what Boone would do, but he felt better knowing he could freely speak to someone who understood.

Jupiter climbed into the passenger seat and immediately fell into Boone’s arms. He accepted Boone’s sweet kiss. Then he didn’t move away.

Boone squeezed him. “What’s wrong, baby? You’re shaking.”

“Your dad came in tonight.”

“Oh.” Boone’s chest expanded as he drew a deep breath. It was like he tried calling his temper under control. “What happened?”

Jupiter pulled away and fished the card and check from his pocket. He passed them Boone’s way. “It seems tonight is my last night. My working isn’t a good look for the family.” He used air quotes as he repeated Beau’s words.

Boone stared down at the check and card. He didn’t immediately speak. When he did, he sounded dead. “I’m sorry. I know you loved it here.”

Loved. Past tense. There was nothing Boone could do. His eyes fell closed. He had suspected as much.

Boone handed the card and check back to Jupiter. “I tried to warn you about him. If you want to walk away from me now, I’ll understand.”

Jupiter stuffed the items back in his apron and squared his shoulders. The few hours left on the clock after Beau left had given him time to think. “You’re right. You warned me. It’s also true that I love this job. But you know what? I love you more. Your dad can keep his money. I can find a work from home job so no one sees me working and I can still afford my house. It’ll be okay. I still have you.”

Boone looked as if he had stopped breathing. “You love me?”

“Of course.” Jupiter thought that should be obvious by now.

Boone took his hand and brought it to his lips. He smiled against Jupiter’s skin as he kissed his hand. “I love you too.”

A wave of happiness overtook Jupiter, washing away the darkness Beau had created. “Good. That’s all I need.”

“Move in with me.”

Jupiter’s mouth opened and closed, but no words came. He felt like a fish out of water, fighting to breathe.

“Please?”

Fuck. There was no resisting that. No way had anyone else heard Boone beg. “Okay. Yeah. I haven’t been home in ages anyhow.”

Boone’s bright smile made everything worthwhile. He hated to ruin the mood. “I forgot. We’ve also been ordered to dinner Saturday night at your parents’ place.”

Boone’s features immediately snapped closed. The wild shift stole the oxygen from the car.

Jupiter started rambling. “I know. He said it was nonnegotiable, and I didn’t know how to respond. But it’s just one night and then maybe we’ll be free for a while. Maybe he’ll never expect to see me again.”

Boone kissed Jupiter’s hand again. “It’s okay. You said you love me. I have to hope you’ll feel the same afterward.”

Fuck. He hurt Jupiter’s chest. Being Beau’s son was killing Boone. He was such a good person, trapped in an ugly life. Jupiter couldn’t fix that, but he could make every other aspect of Boone’s life beautiful. He would. That was a promise.

Boone stared at the bathroom door and chewed the side of his thumbnail. Jupiter would sleep in his bed from now on. He had told Boone he loved him. Boone could survive one Saturday night. Who was he kidding? It wasn’t him surviving he worried about. Jupiter hadn’t seen them in action under his dad’s roof where the world belonged to him. Boone’s eyes fell closed. Jupiter was his. He didn’t want a war. Jupiter was different. He would never fall for his dad’s bullshit. Boone could protect him. Jupiter was right. It was just one night. With Jupiter no longer working, and now living with him, he would be out of his father’s reach. Beau never dared come here. They always only met on neutral ground. This dinner would be the first time in ten years Boone stepped foot in that house. He didn’t know if he could do this.

The bathroom door opened, and Jupiter padded out. He was dressed in two-piece, skintight pajamas with a cow printed on his chest. A smile exploded across Boone’s face. He was so damn in love with Jupiter. The past couldn’t touch him here.

“A cuddly cow. I like it. Does my baby boy need snuggles or a bedtime story?”

Jupiter crawled onto the mattress and kept coming until he straddled Boone. He chewed his bottom lip, looking nervous. “I had a hard night, Daddy. Can I have my pacie?”

“You can have whatever you want.”

Jupiter bounced in his excitement. “Can we have cartoons too?”

“Of course.”

Boone grabbed the remote and found Jupiter’s favorite animated movie. Jupiter settled sideways across the bed and used Boone’s stomach as a pillow. After rearranging some pillows, Boone settled in to be tortured. Jupiter’s hand slipped inside Boone’s underwear. Boone’s cock stirred as Jupiter popped it free. He closed his lips around Boone’s dick and suckled like it was his personal pacifier. It was. Boone would never let anyone else touch him like this.

Jupiter never moved beyond a soothing motion. It was heaven and hell. Boone had his back teeth locked. The light suction was just enough to make him half insane. A few minutes in, he was sweating. Then Jupiter slipped his hand inside his pajama pants—like he tried to secretly play with himself. Boone’s eyes burned from his inability to stop watching it all.

Jupiter knew how to make him hotter than anyone ever had. He wasn’t the type of Little who bopped around, using a baby voice and acting spoiled. Jupiter saved these moments for them. It wasn’t an act. The suction got a little harder as the hand inside Jupiter’s pants moved a little more purposefully. Boone fought the urge to lift his hips. He wanted to fuck that perfect mouth, but he wouldn’t. This wasn’t about him. Jupiter needed to soothe himself after Boone’s father had taken his independence. Boone knew what Jupiter didn’t. His father had meant the move as a gift for Boone. A peace offering. That was exactly why Jupiter wouldn’t be allowed to say no. Secretly, Boone was thrilled he would have Jupiter to himself from now on. He would never say that, though. Boone wasn’t stupid.

The pressure in Boone’s shaft had his balls tightening. He tried like hell to keep his breathing steady. Boone squeezed his eyes shut and focused on the suckling. His muscles jerked. Jupiter made a happy sound as cum pumped from Boone—like finally pulling the milk from his bottle. Boone fought for his life. Pleasure pounded him. He swallowed the moans that wanted to pour from him. Jupiter never stopped. Boone sucked air.

When the last wave passed, Jupiter pulled away and shifted to his knees. “I made a mess, Daddy.” The front of his pants were wet with cum.

Boone shook his head. “Have you been touching yourself down there again?”

“It feels good.”

Boone released a loud sigh. “Take off your clothes. Daddy has to do something about this.”

Jupiter scrambled from his clothes. Boone rearranged the pillows again so he could relax against the headboard. He found the lube and patted his lap. “Come here. Face down.” He kept his voice stern.

Jupiter dutifully did as told.

Boone stroked his perfect round bottom for a moment before popping open the lube. He wet his fingers before setting it aside. Boone spread Jupiter’s cheeks to inspect Jupiter’s asshole.

“It looks like you did a good job of getting clean in the shower. It’s too bad you immediately made a mess.” Boone wet Jupiter’s asshole and slipped a finger inside. “Tell me what you were thinking.”

“I can’t. It’s embarrassing.”

Boone slipped a second finger inside and stretched. “Tell me. I don’t want to have to punish you.”

A moment passed before Jupiter spoke. “I thought about when you put your privates in my butt.”

Boone found the spot inside that made Jupiter squirm. He was already horny as hell again. Jupiter made it hard to stay in character. “Did you like it when Daddy did that?”

Jupiter nodded.

“Okay. Do you remember how we did it last time?”

Jupiter nodded again.

Boone removed his fingers. Jupiter was wet enough to play. “All right. Show Daddy how it’s done.”

Jupiter moved to his hands and knees on the bed beside him. He chuckled. “I’m a dog.”

Boone shifted positions until he was on his knees behind him. “I see that, baby. Be very still, okay?”

“Okay.”

Boone led his cock to Jupiter’s asshole. He swiped his crown through the lube before pressing his head inside. “Good boy.” He pressed deeper until he was settled all the way inside. “Is that what you imagined?”

“Sort of. You were moving in my mind.”

Boone pulled out a hair and thrust. “Like that?”

“Yes.” The breathlessness in Jupiter’s voice was his undoing. He couldn’t play this game anymore. Jupiter had teased him too much tonight. He thrust again. This time, it was harder.

Jupiter released a loud moan.

That was all the permission Boone needed. He took him. Boone jack-hammered inside him. He fucked Jupiter fast and hard, making up for the earlier soft suck. Boone easily controlled Jupiter, using him like a toy. The noises Jupiter made let him know how much Jupiter liked the abuse. It seemed like they barely got started when Jupiter cried out and his body convulsed. Boone tightened his grip on Jupiter’s hips and fucked his greedy hole. He no longer cared about anything but his orgasm. It was right there. He just needed Jupiter’s tight body to pull it from him. Sounds came from his throat with every exhale. Sweat rolled down his back. His muscles tightened. Boone pumped faster. Elation consumed him.

Boone babbled his way through his orgasm. “Thank you, baby. Fuck. You’re so perfect for me. I love you so goddamn much. You’re amazing.”

“I love you too.” The muffled words made Boone realize Jupiter had his face buried against the mattress. Boone quickly pulled out and gathered Jupiter in his arms. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You can’t let me get carried away like that.”

Rather than the tear-blotched face he expected, Jupiter wore a huge smile. “Please get carried away. That was amazing.”

Relief poured through Boone. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Jupiter’s expression softened. “Same. Will you hold me now?”

Boone didn’t need to be asked twice. He got them settled in for a long cuddle and restarted Jupiter’s movie. He knew Jupiter would be asleep in no time. Then Boone could stare at him unimpeded for as long as he wanted—like the lovesick fool he was. He couldn’t let Jupiter ever get away. Boone was addicted.