Chapter Nine

Jasha

J asha glanced over at Frankie as they stepped into the living room. Frankie, with his long dark hair streaked with vibrant turquoise, stood out in any crowd. His brown eyes twinkled with a mix of curiosity and excitement, always seeming to catch the light just right. He had a warm, olive complexion that complemented his ever-present smile. Frankie was the kind of person who could light up a room with his grin.

As they took in the festive decorations, Jasha couldn’t help but feel grateful for Frankie’s cheerful presence. It was hard not to feel uplifted when Frankie was around, especially in a place as magical as Kaleb’s living room during the Christmas season.

The large room was a remarkable sight, especially with its festive Christmas decorations. The lofty ceilings were adorned with twinkling lights, and a grand chandelier hung in the center, casting a warm glow over the space. A massive Christmas tree stood in one corner, its branches heavy with ornaments, tinsel, and a sparkling star at the top. The fireplace crackled with a cozy fire, and stockings were hung along the mantel. From a distance, Jasha read the names on the red stockings. Kaleb, Arlo, Frankie, and Jasha had one beside Kaleb’s. Even the servants had one, like they were family. Mr. Bronson showed so much love to everyone around him, except for Jasha’s father.

The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the room, and soft Christmas music played in the background. Plush sofas and armchairs were arranged around the fireplace. A large window offered another breathtaking magical view of the snow-covered landscape outside.

Frankie looked around in awe. “Wow, this place looks amazing! Daddy Arlo and I love coming here for the holidays.”

“It feels like we’re in a Christmas movie,” Jasha said.

“It does!”

Jasha smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort. “Yeah, Mr. Bronson really knows how to create a festive vibe. It’s perfect.” He hadn’t been in this living room before. There were tons of rooms to check out while he was here. Mr. Bronson had only given him a short version of the tour and he had missed this room.

They stood, taking a moment to soak in the room’s beauty and feeling the holiday spirit envelop them. Under the tree, a colorful assortment of presents formed a circle around the trunk.

Jasha found a comfortable chair facing Frankie and after they sat, Daisy hopped on Jasha’s lap and curled up.

“Where did that cat come from?” Frankie asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

“That’s Daisy. She’s my cat from New York.”

“Kaleb let you bring your cat here?”

Jasha laughed. “I know. You wouldn’t think so, but he did.”

“Are you Kaleb’s new boy?”

“No.” Jasha was uncertain about the rules or expectations for disclosing his unique predicament to Frankie or any other visitors in regards to Mr. Bronson. Mr. Bronson didn’t spell it out like he had with his rules and expectations.

“Is he trying you out first?” Frankie teased, his mischievous laughter echoing through the room.

“No. It’s nothing like that. He’s been good to me since we got here. How long have you been with Arlo?”

“Two years. He’s my Daddy Arlo.” Frankie’s dark eyes sparkled as he spoke.

“Here’s where we’re at. I’m still calling him Mr. Bronson. He didn’t tell me to address him as Kaleb, so until then he’s Mr. Bronson. But I have had a daddy before.”

“So, are you looking for a new one?”

“I was until…things changed for me.”

“Why are you living with Kaleb if you don’t want him?”

“I didn’t say I don’t want him as a daddy. Let’s just say I’m not here for that. I’m not sure what’s going on with us. He certainly is a nicer person here than he was in New York.” Jasha hesitated, contemplating whether to break his rule and reach out to Mr. Bronson and call him Daddy Kaleb. Things hadn’t changed in New York with his father, but he’d made such a complete turnaround it baffled Jasha. The man was hot and turned him on sexually but trusting him was another matter.

“Jasha, you do know Daddy Arlo and Kaleb are gangster cousins? They’re not mafia, but they’re loan sharks to Russian immigrants and invest in high end real estate.”

“I was a Russian immigrant, but I’m a citizen now.”

“I see. Do you owe Kaleb money?”

“No. I don’t. I’m not sure I’m supposed to discuss my personal situation with Mr. Bronson. That might go against his rules of disloyalty. Don’t talk shit about him.”

Frankie burst into laughter, filling the air with his infectious giggles. “I like you.”

“I like you too.”

“I’m going to tell you something that might help you here with Kaleb. I heard Daddy Arlo talking to Kaleb when we were in the city. He told him that there was this boy he wanted, and he lived in Brighton and attends NYU. I do too. I bet it was you. Do you live in Brighton?”

Jasha nodded. “He was stalking me at the gay clubs.”

“See, he’s interested in you from way back. Give him a chance. He’s tough in business, but he’s a good daddy who will love you and keep you safe.”

“I keep hearing I’m under his protection like I need protection from enemies . All of that sounds mafia to me.”

“I hear you. I kind of thought that too when I met Daddy Arlo. He told me I was under his protection. He explained to me he and his cousin work with some unsavory people and there are enemies fighting over territory. You know, the loan sharking they do. So, if we’re with them, then we can become targets and require protection. Daddy Arlo hired security to follow me to NYU so no one could hurt me. No one has. It’s different, but I love Daddy Arlo.”

“You look familiar to me. What do you major in?”

“Engineering.”

“Maybe I’ve seen you at the clubs. Have you ever been to the Cubbyhole?”

“Yes, that’s our favorite nightclub, but we also go to private parties for Daddies and boys only. They have fun activities for littles.”

“I never went to a private Daddy boy party. What goes on there?”

“We have theme parties. Sometimes, we have puppy play races. We also have skits. I mean, each couple performs a scene in front of everyone. You do it makeshift style. We play with toys and do art projects.”

“That sounds fun.”

“By the way, what’s your major?”

“Law. I don’t know if I’ll be going back though.”

Just as they were talking about school, Mr. Bronson and Daddy Arlo walked in with carrying presents in bags.

“Why wouldn’t you be going back to NYC?” Mr. Bronson asked as both he and Arlo placed the presents under the tree.

“I didn’t know if I could.”

“We’ll be back before school begins. You’re going to finish your law degree. One day I might need a lawyer.” He winked at Jasha.

Jasha felt relieved when Mr. Bronson said he would attend school. He wondered if Mr. Bronson would hire security for him like Daddy Arlo had for Frankie.

“I see Daisy found you,” Mr. Bronson said. “She’s a recent addition to our home,” he told Daddy Arlo as he picked up Daisy and held her.

Once they found a seat, Frankie eagerly climbed onto Daddy Arlo’s lap, ready for a cozy snuggle.

Miss Nadia brought a tray of snacks before dinner.

“Would you two like a drink?” she asked Jasha and Frankie.

“Can you make me that Christmas punch?” Frankie asked.

“Sure, I can.”

“Sounds good. I’ll have that too.” Jasha got up from the chair and sat beside Mr. Bronson on the couch. He didn’t know why he had, but here he was. It had nothing to do with him holding Daisy, but it was a good reason to move. Mr. Bronson looked lonely. Something in his eyes made Jasha think he was sad about being alone and needed a hug. He wouldn’t go that far, but he didn’t have to sit alone on that big couch while his cousin had his boy on his lap.