Chapter 17

Gabriel nearly groaned out loud as Rowan's lips moved hesitantly under his, opening immediately, obediently. This gorgeous boy was the stuff a dominant's dreams were made of. Gabriel drew away, but to show his reluctance, he cupped Rowan's cheek. "I want nothing more, baby boy, but I want to be a hundred percent sure of your consent."

Rowan burrowed in harder, and Gabriel was just happy to have him in his arms. It was like he had turned into a different person. Or had he turned into the person he was supposed to be?

Or had that version of him been in there all the time?

Caring for Rowan felt as natural as breathing. Rowan made him feel centered. Like he was his purpose, and all the career considerations took an immediate backseat. They had calls to make, but Gabriel had to make sure Rowan was safe and calm first. There was zero chance he was letting him go home, and he didn't care how bossy that made him sound.

He was a Dom. Dominating was his bread and butter, but so was caring, so was responsibility, so was putting other people before himself. Those people he cared about.

When they'd woken that morning, Gabriel decided the hardest thing would be convincing himself Rowan was offering what Gabriel genuinely wanted. And even making a million percent sure he didn't ignore, forget, or accidentally miss any of Rowan's wants or needs, he knew long-term that meant he had his own to take care of as well. His biggest gamble was meshing the two and bearing in mind that Rowan was likely to agree to anything, so he had to be observant.

Which was a huge responsibility, but at the end of the day wasn't that what being a Dom—at its heart—was all about?

Gabriel rocked Rowan gently as he held him. "This is what we're going to do. First thing is, we're going to call your dad and have a three-way conversation. I think he'll allow it since he did yesterday, but as of this morning, we're going to be proactive. Which means I need to know what measures everyone has in place for your protection."

Rowan's eyes grew bigger, if that was at all possible. "My protection?"

Gabriel hated saying this. "I think we need a lawyer and a restraining order." Rowan stared at him for what seemed to be a long time.

"You mean if I don't want to go back to live with her, I never have to?" Rowan's voice was tiny, trembling. Gabriel didn't say he'd already told him that, or that his dad had either. Rowan clearly didn't believe them. Was it because he was used to people breaking their promises? Gabe's heart hurt, and he pressed a light kiss on Rowan's lips.

"I promise, baby boy. No matter what happens, no matter how you feel about me. Whether you're my boy or if we're just friends, I will always be in your corner. Always be your safe space." Gabriel hugged him close and let his words sink in, then drew back. "Let's call your dad."

In the end, Philip Wilson suggested meeting them for coffee. Hilary was at work, and he'd had some errands to run in town, so with Rowan's agreement, Gabriel agreed. He actually preferred that. He didn't want Rowan to have to hide his little side in their home. Gabe almost smiled at the word home, deciding to unpack that later. But he didn't want Rowan to hide himself when he was here at all, especially when Gabriel was doing his best to make home a safe space, and the last thing Rowan needed was Philip Wilson's disapproval.

In public, in a different environment, it might be easier for Rowan to keep it together.

Gabriel—with the help of a generous tip—managed to snag a table usually reserved for staff a decent distance from the others so they could talk without being overheard. He knew Rowan was anxious. Some people talked incessantly when they were nervous. Rowan just clammed up.

But he'd had an idea about that, and online ordering, as always, had come to his aid. He passed the small teddy bear across the table into Rowan's palm. It was the size of something that would fit on a keychain. "He's small enough to fit in your pocket so you can hold him and no one can see. I know you have Bear, and he could be Baby Bear if you like."

If Gabriel had any doubts, the sight of Rowan's face lighting up like a Christmas tree would have quashed them instantly. He leaned forward. "Baby Bear has super-secret powers," he whispered.

Rowan looked up and his adorable, pouty lips parted. Gabriel nearly had to adjust himself. "He's a worry bear."

"A worry bear?" Rowan repeated in awe.

Gabriel nodded solemnly. "You know, as your daddy I share your worries, so you never have to deal with them alone?"

Rowan's shy smile was perfect.

"Well. Just in case I'm not there or you can't hold my hand, Baby Bear will protect you. Just give him your worries to hold until I can take them from you both."

Rowan gazed at him in awe. "But what about you? Who helps with your worries, Daddy?"

Gabriel was going to melt. Call him a puddle and have done with it. How the hell had he survived without his boy? "Your special kisses," he said and damn near held his breath.

But Rowan didn't have time to ask, or Gabriel time to explain, because Philip Wilson arrived at their table. Gabriel stood respectfully, and they shook hands. The server appeared almost instantly and without hesitation Gabriel ordered Rowan a chocolate milkshake. It was only afterwards that Gabriel cursed himself, but if Philip had thought that odd, he didn't say a word, and both men ordered coffee.

Gabriel told Philip that Rowan's mom had called Rowan this morning and, with a few nods from Rowan to check the exact language, he repeated it all.

Philip sighed. "I spoke to Detective Markell this morning. They told me Janice was being released." He glanced at Rowan. "Son, I really think for the moment you shouldn't answer her calls."

"I think it needs to go further than that," Gabriel said. "I think we need a restraining order."

Philip looked shocked, and they locked gazes. Gabriel wasn't interested in any sort of pissing contest, but Rowan needed protection. After a few seconds, Philip's shoulders sagged and Gabriel understood. Philip had failed to protect his son as a child and having that pointed out would be rough. Not, Gabriel thought, that he deserved it easy, even if he was stepping up now.

"Rowan," Philip said. "Much as I hate to acknowledge everything, I agree with Gabriel. Until this whole mess is behind us, I think your mom needs to keep her distance."

"Mother," Rowan said quietly. "I was never allowed to call her mom."

Philip Wilson winced. Not that Gabriel thought Rowan meant it as a criticism of his dad; he was just repeating a fact.

Gabriel took Rowan's hand, glad he was sitting next to him. He didn't care what Philip saw, and Rowan clutched it like a lifeline. "Have you heard from the detectives?"

Philip looked almost defeated. "They cannot prove an intent to harm, merely negligence."

Gabriel leaned forward and took off his mental gloves. "I cannot do anything about other children. That I have to leave to the cops. I didn't know her, but you can be damn sure going forward I won't let her harm a hair on Rowan's head. And that includes emotional manipulation."

He didn't look at Rowan, just held his hand. Philip met his gaze without backing down and because of that, he earned some of Gabriel's respect. Then Philip grinned ruefully. "I have a feeling my son has someone in his corner that would give my ex-wife a run for her money." He turned to Rowan. "What do you want to happen?"

Rowan paled to have the spotlight on him, but in this Gabriel didn't think he could run interference. Bullying came in many forms, even lovingly.

…lovingly?

His thoughts seemed to shatter into a million pieces with the word he had just used, and it took a moment to focus on Rowan. Gabriel sensed he'd been quiet for a moment. "I don't know," Rowan said at last. "Mother scares me, but I know she's always wanted what's best…" His words trailed off and he looked at Gabriel with such anguish he had to pull him closer.

Rowan had just implied what they all knew. It wasn't love. At its best it was manipulation, and at its worst, she needed to be locked away. There were plenty of other words he could use if necessary as well. Rowan's breath hitched and in another moment, tears were streaming down his face. He cried and Gabriel thanked his lucky stars he had managed to get a table out of the way. It took Philip a second to work out what was happening, but then he angled his body protectively to shield them both.

Gabriel even felt a little sorry for him. Not enough to relinquish his hold on Rowan, but enough to acknowledge his heart may be in the right place…finally.

Rowan got himself together. He seemed to know there was only so much Gabriel could do in such a public place.

Keeping his arms around Rowan, Gabriel asked, "Can I leave you to arrange the restraining order?"

"Absolutely," Philip said, seeming grateful to be able to do something. Gabriel started to pass on Patrick's info to get Rowan's things back, but Philip hardened his jaw. "Not necessary." He leaned forward and patted Rowan's hand. "Leave that to me. You should also be able to access your funds but let me know if the bank decides to be an ass." He glanced at Gabriel. "Please have Rowan call me later. I'll be in touch when I've spoken to the lawyer." He patted Rowan"s hand a second time and Gabriel watched him go.

Gabriel turned to Rowan and pressed a kiss on his head. He had a feeling things were going to get a lot worse before they had a hope of getting better.