Chapter Four

Once again, Jarek made his way through the longest day on earth. Except this time, Jarek had started his day at the godforsaken hour of two a.m. so he could get Luca to work on time. He had no idea how the guy lived like that. No doubt he made a minuscule salary for what had to be the worst job. Jarek only had to get up that early once, and he felt like he had been tortured. He was glad it was the last day for Luca too. It was no wonder the poor guy had fallen asleep in Jarek's arms. Admittedly, Jarek had spent an uncomfortable amount of time staring at him after he passed out. The guy was just irresistibly adorable.

Also, once again, Jarek had spent the day researching. Luca had admitted to wanting a daddy. Jarek had that covered. What he didn't know how to achieve was how to find more people like Luca. He didn't want Luca feeling alone or like there was something wrong with him. There wasn't. As Luca had said, he had been an adult as long as he could recall. Of course, he was exhausted with that role. No child should be forced into a caretaker position. Jarek had money and he could make time. His interest was piqued. In a lot of ways, he still wasn't sure what he sought from Luca. The guy was sweet and beautiful. He made Jarek smile. Maybe Jarek simply needed something new to pull him from the tedium of life. Whatever the reason, he couldn't stop thinking about Luca.

"Mr. Chamberlain. You have a guest."

Jarek glanced toward the phone on his desk at the interruption. He had no fucking clue who it could be. Rather than ask, Jarek stood and headed for the door. When he opened it, a smile exploded across his face. He felt it happen. Jarek also felt his receptionist's shock. He rarely smiled anymore. Luca sat in the lobby with a tiny rolling suitcase at his feet. It was covered in rainbows. There was a paper bag on his lap and a backpack on his back. Even while sitting, Jarek could see the backpack was fuzzy and had bear ears. Otherwise, he looked like a normal guy in a t-shirt and jeans, eyeing the office.

"Hey."

Luca's head turned his way at the greeting. "Hi."

Jarek waved him into his office. "How did you get here?"

Luca gathered his things and rolled his suitcase into Jarek's private office. "A lady I work with lives nearby. She offered to drive me. We got off early today since we've been there the longest. I made you lunch."

Jarek accepted the brown bag. "That's incredibly thoughtful of you."

Luca spun his suitcase. "I know it's early, but I wanted to see you, and I hoped this would save you a trip after work. If you need me to leave so you can work, I can walk around the neighborhood or something."

"No. I'm the boss. You're free to stay." He glanced around at his bland office. "You might get bored, though."

Luca's smile never dimmed. He took off his backpack. "Since I figured you had work to do, I brought stuff for me to do. I can hang out in the corner." Luca leaned closer, looking mischievous. He lowered his voice. "I can be very quiet when I try. Like a mouse."

Before he could stop himself, Jarek pulled Luca into a tight hug. The guy was just a breath of fresh air in an otherwise ugly life. Until they met, Jarek hadn't realized how many shitty people he dealt with each day. "Unless I'm on a call, you're good to make noise. I'm happy for the company."

Luca beamed. "Good. That's a relief. I worried you might be annoyed by me just showing up like this. But it hit me today. I don't even have your number, so I didn't know how to ask permission. I called the office, but they wouldn't let me talk to you because I'm not on a list or something like that."

Damn. "Hold that thought." Jarek reopened the door he had just closed and stuck his head out. "Gemma, add Luca Phillips to my list of approved callers."

"Yes, sir." She grabbed a Post-it and scribbled. "Luca Phillips. Got it."

With a nod, he closed the door. He turned and found Luca right where he left him, standing completely still, as if afraid to move. Jarek shook his head. "I can't believe we forgot to exchange numbers." That wasn't exactly true. He had a bad feeling Luca couldn't afford a phone and hadn't wanted to force him to admit it.

Luca unzipped his backpack. He pulled out a small, cheap-looking phone. "I never have very many minutes on mine, but it's okay for quick calls and emergencies."

Jarek headed for his desk. "Put it away, then. Come here." He grabbed his chair and sat before opening the bottom drawer of his desk. There was a row of company wireless phones, sitting on charge. They were meant for paralegals, so he could reach them at any time. He always kept extras since they had any number of employees at any given time throughout the year. Jarek grabbed one. He checked the phone number on the device and jotted it down before holding it out to Luca. "Take this one. It's a company phone with unlimited everything. This way, it's never an issue for us to get ahold of each other."

Luca looked uncomfortable. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. Isn't that what daddies do?"

A blush exploded across Luca's face. Even his ears turned bright red. Jarek couldn't stop smiling. Fuck, the guy was sexy as hell. That craving from the park was back. He wanted him. Luca accepted the phone. "Okay. I'll make sure to take really good care of it and get it back to you before I leave for Nevada."

The reminder Luca planned to move was like having cold water tossed in his face. This was temporary. Jarek had to take a breath to counteract the sudden sickening feeling in his gut. They had just met. He didn't want to go back to feeling alone. Maybe it was for the best this was short-lived. Jarek still wasn't a hundred percent sure he totally wanted this strange new dynamic he found himself in. While he found Luca sexually appealing and sweet, maybe he wouldn't be able to move beyond friendship with the guy. Maybe this childishness would become tiresome. Everything was too new for him to tell.

His phone rang. Jarek flashed Luca an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I have to take this. It's a scheduled phone meeting."

Luca turned into an adult before his eyes, transforming from sweet to professional in an instant. "No problem. I'll hang out over here out of the way."

Jarek watched him walk to the back corner of the room and sit as Jarek answered his call. "Chamberlain."

"Hey, Jarek. It's Kerry. Did you have time to go over that plea agreement?"

Luca pulled coloring books and markers from his bag. He settled on his stomach and picked a page to color. With his feet in the air, his legs kicked back and forth before crossing at the ankles. He looked completely content. Jarek wished he found happiness in such a simple thing.

"Yes. It's not what we agreed upon."

He listened to Kerry try to sell him bullshit on the people wanting more justice than his client had initially agreed to for a guilty plea. His gaze never left Luca.

"This sounds a lot like you'd rather face me at trial." Even Jarek heard the hard edge to his voice.

Luca glanced up, looking concerned—like he was worried about Jarek. Jarek flashed him a reassuring smile, and he went back to coloring. After a minute, he dragged out what looked like an old CD player. He put his headphones on and went back to his markers and books. Jarek was grateful he couldn't hear the anger in his voice. He didn't enjoy exposing Luca to this side of himself.

Kerry immediately backtracked and agreed to send him a revised plea agreement. Jarek barely listened. For once, there was no tension in his shoulders. None of this really mattered to him today. He just worked by rote. After a few more times back and forth, Jarek ended his call. Before he had time to focus his attention on Luca, his office door opened, and Boone Bosi strolled inside. He was Luca's biggest client. As the eldest son of the west coast's biggest crime family, he didn't knock or ask permission, and he kept Jarek on speed dial.

Jarek came to his feet. He forgot about Luca as he shook the other man's hand. "Boone. It's been a while. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Boone gave his usual too brief handshake. "Meh. I was nearby." He claimed the seat across from Jarek. Jarek sat. He knew better than to think this was a casual visit. Rather than say as much, he waited for Boone to get to the point. "Those fucking CIA or FBI or whoever they fuck they claim to be are watching my fucking house again."

Jarek sighed. "I'll take care of it. We're supposed to have an agreement."

Boone nodded. His dark gaze slid past Jarek. Jarek's spine stiffened. He saw the moment Boone noticed Luca. Boone stared a moment too long. His gaze moved between the back corner and Jarek before making the rounds again. "Excuse my earlier language. I didn't know we had company. Is that your little one?"

While Jarek didn't truly know how to answer that, he didn't like the way Boone watched Luca. "I suppose that depends on what you mean by my little one."

Boone met and held his stare. "I don't mean by blood."

A wave of possessiveness rose in Jarek. Boone was used to getting what he wanted. He couldn't have this. Jarek never broke eye contact. "Yes. Mine." The hard edge to his voice was out of his control.

A smile exploded across Boone's face. Even though a thick beard covered his chin, it did nothing to hide his surprise. "I never took you for a daddy. You surprise me." His gaze slid back Luca's way. "I've never seen him at The PlayPen."

"I don't know what that is."

Boone's eyebrows rose as his gaze shot back to Jarek. "It's a local kink club."

A ridiculous realization washed over Jarek. It was only dumb because Jarek had been too stupid to fully realize it. This was a lifestyle-type dynamic. It was more than one person being the caretaker while the other provided a personal comfort. This was a dominant and submissive type of sexual relationship. He felt incredibly dense not to have considered that point.

Jarek forced himself to rally without looking as if his brain had scrambled. "Never been there."

A deep line appeared between Boone's eyebrows. "You just found a Little out in the wild?"

A laugh burst from Jarek without his permission. "Actually, that's exactly what happened."

Boone didn't smile. His gaze moved back to where Luca still played in the corner. "So you don't allow him playtime with other people like him?"

The disapproval in Boone's tone might have been funny under any other circumstances. Boone was in no position to judge anyone else about anything else. In this case, he hit Jarek's guilt button. It seemed Boone actually knew something about this. Jarek wasn't above consulting an expert.

"Honestly? I've been trying to research it online. He needs to know he's not alone, but—like I said—we met organically, so I haven't known how to help."

Boone's shoulders visibly relaxed, making Jarek realize how enraged he had actually been on Luca's behalf. "Yeah. You won't find anything helpful online." He opened his suit jacket and pulled his wallet from the inside pocket. Boone pulled a black card from his wallet and passed it Jarek's way. "Here's a guest pass. The address is on the back. When you're ready, bring…"

"Luca," Jarek supplied.

Boone smiled. It was honestly the realest version of Boone he had ever seen. "Bring Luca by to play. It's a very isolating kink for Littles. I'm sure you reassure him, but—from what I've seen—it's a lot better for him to see firsthand he's not alone."

The more times Boone used the word "kink," the more the idea grew on him. A kink made logical sense. The term made him realize this wasn't some creepy new attraction he had discovered. It was immersion play. Jarek was an intellectual person. He had needed this rational explanation for how he felt. Personally, Jarek had always found people referring to their partners as daddy as strange and a bit of an ick. Then Luca had confessed to wanting one. Jarek had suddenly wanted nothing else but to be that guy.

Jarek eyed the card. "I appreciate this. Truly." He met Boone's stare. "I'll run the idea by him, but I feel confident you'll see us there. We just had the conversation last night about him feeling isolated."

Boone nodded. His serious expression made the awkward conversation feel normal. He looked Luca's way again. A small smile touched his lips. "I'm sure it helps that you openly allow him to be himself like this. An unfortunate number of people wouldn't bring him to work without making him hide."

The idea of Luca being anything other than his sweet self immediately filled Jarek with rage. "He's perfect the way he is. If anyone has a problem with that, then they know where the door is. I sign the paychecks around here."

A soft chuckle fell from Boone's lips at Jarek's rage-filled outburst. "Good. Now, take care of my law enforcement problem. I don't do prison, but I will take out some kneecaps if they don't stay off my lawn."

"Daddy, can I have your juice box?"

God, it was like getting punched in the chest. The way Jarek immediately responded to the endearment shook him. A possessive hunger roared to life inside him. His entire body immediately turned Luca's way. "I don't have a juice box, but there's soda in the mini fridge."

Luca moved to his knees. "I packed you one in your lunch."

Jarek's focus turned to the paper bag. He unrolled the top and peeked inside. Sure enough, there was a juice box. He dug it out and held it up. "Ah ha."

Luca moved to the desk.

Jarek pushed his chair back enough for Luca to sit on his knee. He helped Luca poke the straw into the juice box while making introductions. "This is my friend, Boone. Boone, this is Luca."

Boone stood and shook Luca's hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Luca."

Luca nodded. "You, as well." He sounded so proper, Jarek couldn't stop smiling. "I like your tie."

Boone glanced down.

Jarek did too. Boone's jacket had been buttoned when he came through the door. He hadn't noticed the end of the black tie became a flamingo's head.

Boone lifted the tie so Luca could get a better look. "Someone very special gave it to me."

"It suits you."

Boone's smile grew at Luca's observation. "That's what he said when he gave it to me." Boone didn't reclaim his seat. "Again, it was very nice to meet you. I need to get home." His gaze moved Jarek's way. "Hopefully, I'll see you two soon."

Jarek dipped his chin. After their discussion, he felt like things were headed in the right direction. He breathed easier, and a weight was gone from his shoulders. Jarek knew exactly what he wanted now. It was time to shift gears.

Luca liked sitting on Jarek's lap. When he had called Jarek daddy earlier, the title had just popped out. The way Jarek immediately responded shifted something in the air. There was something happening between them. Beyond kissing his cheek and giving him forehead kisses, Jarek hadn't acted as if he wanted more than friendship. Luca wanted more, but he would take as much of Jarek as he could get. He had made Jarek lunch and shown up with his heart in his throat. Luca had more than expected Jarek to reject him publicly. He had been braced for Jarek to have him tossed in the street. Instead, Jarek had been thrilled to see him and even introduced him to one of his friends. Luca was on top of the world.

Then they were alone again, and Luca knew he should move back to his corner so Jarek could work. His lap was just so cozy. So Luca sipped his juice and stole a few more seconds of comfort.

Jarek took the box from Luca and set it aside. "Come here for a second." Luca turned on Jarek's knee, giving him his full attention. His heart sped at the expression Jarek wore. Jarek lured him closer. Luca's mouth went dry. He didn't know what would happen next, but he wanted it. Then their lips met. His automatically parted. Jarek nibbled his bottom lip. Luca fought a moan. His soul lit fire. When Jarek's tongue touched his, Luca scooted even closer. He honestly hadn't been kissed very many times. Luca had no real comparison, but wow. Jarek kissed like all the dirty dreams Luca ever had. When the kiss ended, Luca could barely breathe or think.

Jarek still looked damnably calm and collected while Luca's body burned. "What else did you pack for lunch?" Jarek snagged the bag and dragged it closer.

Luca tried to focus. "Um. I made you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Oh. I hope you're not allergic to peanuts."

Jarek flashed him the sexiest of smiles. "I'm not."

Luca's gaze dropped to the way those sexy lips curved when they smiled. He could still taste them. "Good." Luca lost the battle. He reclaimed Jarek's mouth with an enthusiasm that scared him a little.

"Damn. You make me wish I wasn't at work."

Uh oh. Until Jarek made the claim between kisses, he had forgotten where they were. Horror poured through him. If Jarek had kissed him like this at Luca's job, Luca would have immediately been fired. Plus, he just plain couldn't get any work done like this.

He slid from Jarek's lap. "I should definitely let you do that." Luca headed for his coloring books without looking back. His face felt hot as hell. Now that he was no longer touching Jarek, he couldn't believe he had attacked the guy like that. Luca kept his face hidden as he went back to coloring. Jarek got another call, and Luca put his headphones back on. He didn't like it when Jarek's voice got hard and bossy. Luca had never handled anger well. Time passed while Luca listened to his only CD on repeat. It was old rock songs made into kids' music. He enjoyed it. Normally, he would sing at the top of his lungs to lift his mood. Luca didn't want to make Jarek's ears bleed, so he kicked his feet to the beat instead. A shadow fell over his coloring book. A firm hand stroked down his back. He pulled off his headphones and shifted to his knees. A kind smile waited for him.

"Are you ready to go?"

Luca eyed the mess he had made. Markers missing their caps were everywhere. "Almost."

Jarek helped him scoop up his things and pack them in his backpack. With everything ready to go, Jarek grabbed both Luca's bags for him. The office was quiet when they stepped into the lobby. Luca hadn't realized how late it had gotten.

"I apologize if you were bored today."

He was incredibly sweet. Luca was the one who had chosen this. "Anything is better than work. Plus, I'm pretty good at entertaining myself."

Jarek opened his trunk and put Luca's bags inside. "I saw, but no more of that this weekend. We have Legos and a pool. If you'd like, I can pick up some sand toys and we can go to the beach."

Luca barely suppressed a squeal. He bounced in place. "I haven't done that in so long." Everything about Jarek was so amazing. Luca had literally never been this happy. He had a hard time containing it. There was a small voice in the back of mind, telling him things were moving way too fast. Luca couldn't stop. Every second he wasn't with Jarek, he thought about him. When he had left work earlier, he couldn't force himself to wait a moment longer to see him. Even though Jarek had worked all day while Luca colored, he had been content because they were together. Still, he didn't know how to moderate, and he worried Jarek would soon get annoyed by that.

When they got in the car, Luca set his hand on Jarek's arm before he could start the vehicle. He needed Jarek's full attention, so he could see Luca meant every word. When Jarek met his stare, Luca pulled on his big boy pants and chose to be responsible. "If, at any time, you feel like I'm being annoying or too needy, please say so. I get that I'm weird and that can make people tired. It's okay if you just want me to give you space."

Jarek swiped a sweet kiss across his lips. "You're not weird. I think you're amazing." He started the car while Luca stared at him, awed. He didn't understand where this man had suddenly come from, but Luca was floored by him. Jarek was gorgeous and unreal in every way. Luca made a silent vow he would be the bestest of boys for him. Jarek would not regret choosing him.