13. Chapter 13

RAPHAEL

Atlas curls into the seat on the way home, passing out moments into the drive. He’s been under a lot of stress; I’m not sure what I thought would happen at an event like that. I sigh, loving how comfortable he is with me, though. My mother clocked him from across the room the first time my attention was snagged by my lover. I thought she might be disappointed but she was rather intrigued by him.

“Son, who’s that? Oh, don’t bullshit me. I haven’t seen you smile like that in a long while.”

I fidget, tearing my gaze from Atlas who seems a bit uncomfortable. Given the circumstances, I’m not surprised. “My boyfriend.” No use in lying to the woman. Karla and Heather are in the same book club as my mother, not to mention they share way more information than is necessary about me, the building, the business, and everything else.

“Who’s wearing your suit. Again, I know things, Raphael. I’m your mother.” She places a soft hand on my arm as she leans closer. “I want to meet him. Anyone who puts a smile like that on your face is someone I want to meet.”

“Don’t scare him.”

“I have no intention of doing that.”

My mother is a wonderful woman and she’s only ever wanted the best for me since I took over the business. She’s wanted to see me married and settled down—whatever that looked like for me—for a while. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to find the balance I need. With Atlas, I want that. I want a forever, even if it’s too soon to plan for it.

I pull into the driveway, nudging Atlas with a gentle touch. “Little One, we’re here.” The adorable yawn that causes his lips to part has me chuckling, Atlas turning his head to face me with a small smile on his face. He mumbles something as he settles into the chair again and as much as I want to watch him sleep, he needs sustenance to fight the hangover that’s inevitable tomorrow. “Let’s go inside and I promise you can sleep.”

More mumbling and shuffling erupt in the little space as Atlas undoes his seatbelt and leaves the car to head inside. I’m two steps behind him, narrowly saving him from running into my front door. By the time I have him seated at my kitchen island, his head is on the counter, his cute cheeks squished by the porcelain. “Everyone saw that, didn’t they?” He whines.

I let out a deep sigh as I pull leftovers from breakfast out. Greasy food is the best when drunk. “It’s a party. Everyone indulges a little more than they should, little one.” Coffee. Microwave. Tylenol. It’s been a while since I’ve had to take care of anyone that wasn’t myself. Correction, it’s been a while since I’ve wanted to take care of anyone else. “How are you feeling?”

Atlas sits up a little as I slide a plate of food toward him and a cup of coffee a little later. I’ve never seen him drink coffee and I didn’t think to ask what he wanted in it. Watching him stare at the mug, grab it, and then chug half of it surprises me. The sweet, beautiful man in front of me isn’t someone I’d think to take their coffee black. “Fine, I guess. Just embarrassed. I didn’t mean to drink that much but…”

“Not your scene. I get that.”

Atlas starts stuffing his face, avoiding eye contact but all I see is a gorgeous chipmunk perched in my kitchen. It’s a sight I didn’t think I’d ever love and yet I want more. Having him here the last two days has shown me how much I’m missing, how empty this place is. Just his presence brightens the rooms.

I’m content to watch him eat as I sit beside him, running my fingers through his curls. He leans toward my touch, the comfortable silence in the room, everything I need.

Half an hour later, Atlas’ bright-eyed expression is plastered back on his face as he sits cross-legged on my bed, flipping through a myriad of stations. I offered the living room but I’m not sure the last time I used it for private entertainment. I’ve hosted a few after-work parties with some of the board but never spent time here willingly. Why? With no one at my side, most of my time is spent at work or anywhere other than here. Seeing Atlas in my room, though, does things to me.

I will my cock to stay put, knowing that this isn’t the time or place to start something. Atlas needs to rest—we both do. “Atlas, maybe we should sleep-” I hold my hand out for the remote and Atlas giggles as he rolls out of reach. He flops to the floor, inciting more giggles that have my cock rock hard. He’s definitely still out of it. “Atlas.”

“Make me.”

My entire body locks up at his words because I’m not sure he knows what he’s starting. Once again, this is a door we haven’t yet opened but I can see the interest lingering in his eyes. “Atlas,” I say again, softening my tone before we get too deep. “I don’t want to start something you’re not ready for. It’s late and-” My words die on my tongue as Atlas stands up, the remote clattering to the floor as he pulls off his jacket. Rooted to my spot, I watch as Atlas fumbles the buttons of his shirt and his pants, growling when he can’t seem to get them undone. “What are you doing?”

“You said to sleep.” He says it so matter of factly that I know he has something up his sleeve.

I stalk over to him, a playful squeak tearing from his throat when I back him up against the wall. I press myself against him, biting back a groan when I feel his cock throbbing against my leg. He likes this. We’ve never had the room or time for moments like these. “Tell me what you want, little one,” I say, breathing out a sigh as I lean my forehead against the wall beside him. My eyes fall closed as I try to calm my desires.

“Spank me,” he whispers. His fingers dig into my jacket, pulling it apart as he fumbles with my bottoms. Seconds later I feel his lips on my bare chest. “Please, sir.”

A growl tears from my throat as I pull him toward the bed, flipping him over my lap before I even know what I’m doing. My hand caresses the rounded ass now staring up at me, Atlas groaning and folding himself further across my lap with my touch. “Atlas, before we do this, I need you to know that the moment you want out, you just have to say so.”

Atlas slips off my lap, kneeling in front of me. His pupils are dilated, his lips slightly parted, his skin flushed with excitement. “Raphael, you won’t hurt me.”

I just don’t understand what has changed. “Do you think you deserve spankings?” He shrugs and that worries me even more. I’m unsure of starting something he may not be into, regardless of his enthusiasm. This isn’t really a conversation to have right now even if my cock is rock hard and Atlas is nearly panting for it.

“I’ve been spanked before.”

Silence meets his words as I stare down at my gorgeous lover, both innocent and apparently not so innocent. Why am I surprised, though? Atlas has let me thoroughly take him apart in my office. I pull Atlas back onto my lap, helping him out of his pants so that I have full access to his ass. I don’t bother with his partially opened shirt, loving the fact that he’s not fully naked. God, it’s so perfect. “You say ‘red’ if you need me to stop or if you can’t talk, tap my leg.” A low moan falls from his lips as his hips grind down on my legs. Greedy. “Little One, I won’t give you the release you need if you don’t answer me.”

“Red, taps. Got it. Spank me,” he pushes out breathily.

The first slap against his ass nearly has me exploding in my pants at the way it jiggles. Atlas yelps and claws into my thigh before wiggling on my lap to curb the sting. I rub the reddening handprint, a little too proud of my work. He relaxes when I spread his cheeks and rim his hole, moaning again beneath my touch.

Deciding to play into this new need of his, I set a rule. “Three more for being a brat at work and arguing with me at the venue. And then I’m going to fuck this pretty little hole until you’re screaming for me to stop.”

“Promise?”

I’m not sure how much more perfect this man can be.