Chapter 22

Beckett's announcement that he was tapped as the department representative for the Almstead Island community fundraiser was a bit of a shocker. He said it was probably because his boss secretly hated him, but I knew that wasn't true. The shock part was that he'd agreed to go.

They held it every year at the country club, with various people and entities buying high-dollar dinners and bidding on items in the silent auction. The items ranged from chef-catered private dinners to full vacations. Quite a few of our programs were funded through grants, but even though it was part of my job, my boss or my coworker, Thuy, had always attended the ceremony instead of me.

Thuy assured me my suit would be appropriate, but I was still nervous. The last thing I wanted was to embarrass Beckett, although I knew he wouldn't give a shit what I wore. Beckett, as designated representative of the department, was going in his dress uniform. I'd caught a glimpse of him trying it on the other day, and sweet gay gods, Beckett was edible.

Sometimes, I pinched myself to remind me Beckett and I really are together. He was everything I wanted in a partner: intelligent, kind when it mattered, and beautifully submissive to me. Being his Daddy was everything I'd never known I wanted and needed until I got it. A thought rolled around in my head that I wanted what I had with him forever. It was the final nail in the lust, like, or love debate.

I loved him. I loved Beckett.

I loved his grumpiness and the secret joy he tried to hide when he nailed a recipe. I loved how he cared about the things I cared about because I did. I loved the sweet way he treated his books and his plants. When he thought I wasn't listening, he crooned to his plants and thanked them for growing just like Penelope had shown him.

He loved his family even if they didn't know how to love him back. I loved the reverence in his voice when he spoke about his grandparents. I loved the way he came completely undone when we fucked. I loved how he took his job so seriously and truly cared about the island he was tasked with protecting. I loved the way he displayed his soul in his home.

I loved Beckett. But did he love me too?

Fuck if I knew, but it didn't make a difference. Not really. My love couldn't be dependent on his because that wasn't love. That was contractual. I also knew I wouldn't willingly leave the man I loved, and I wouldn't ask him to leave the place that he loved and felt safest.

Money wasn't worth it, so I'd call and decline next week. Thuy was originally from Portland, and she'd been making serious noises about wanting to move back. She had just as much knowledge about grants as I did, and I'd happily made a recommendation.

All my deep thoughts needed to be put on the back burner so we could attend this thing. The dinner price was around a thousand per head, and the silent auction prices usually started around the same. Last year's top prize was a dinner cruise in the Sound on someone's mini yacht with a chef-prepared dinner. It sold for close to twenty grand. Rich people were wild, but I appreciated how generous they were to our hospital, so I wasn't going to say anything except to spend more.

I wanted this to be a proper date, which meant I picked up Beckett at his door. I brought him flowers and everything. He thought I hadn't noticed that he always headed to the flower section first when we stopped by the farmers' market.

My boy liked pretty things. The subtle spots of colors in his home decor proved it, and all the ideas he'd put on his plant wish list involved flowers. Add that to the list of things I loved about him—he showed me his soft side, and no one but me got to see it. And if I didn't get my ass in gear, we would be late.

The path up to the country club was adorned with fairy lights that twinkled like stars. The theme, according to the invite, was A Night Under the Stars, and whoever was responsible for the decorations hadn't disappointed. Any harsh lights had been turned off and replaced by candelabras. The crystals hanging from them added to the otherworldly glow of the ballroom. The tables were decorated with all-white china and included a centerpiece of all-white flowers in a silver bowl. The effect was moonlight in the dark.

We arrived with the majority of the other guests. There wasn't anyone I recognized except for a few waiters from restaurants around the island. The hostess found our name and escorted us to a table that was front and center. I'd figured we'd be regulated to the poor people section in the back corner of the converted ballroom. Another couple was already seated, but their backs were to us. I felt Beckett's hand in mine turn clammy.

"Hey," I whispered to him, "I'm right next to you." He flashed me a grateful grimace as we reached the table. The smaller of the two men who sat at our assigned table saw our approach and whispered something in the ear of the other. The larger man stood at our arrival and immediately offered his hand to Beckett, who clasped it in return.

"Officer Hagen, thank you so much for accepting my invitation." The man's wry smile said he knew full well Beckett wasn't thrilled to be here. He was in his mid-to-late-thirties, so a few years older than us.

There was no doubt he had money, and lots of it. His dark hair was shorter on the sides, longer on top, and clearly benefited from an expert cut. There was just something about him that oozed old-money confidence. The suit looked custom, and his cuff links had the bright shine of real gold. I'd bet that it cost more than my annual salary. His expression was stern and his eyes were shrewd but not completely cold.

"Mr. Rutledge," Beckett acknowledged with a nod. "Chief told me it was a command, but I'm always happy to support the community."

Oh, maybe too much honesty there, sweetheart.

"Fair enough, but I'm grateful just the same. You remember Micah?" Rutledge gestured to the man who still sat at the table. His hand rested on Micah's shoulder, and he gave him an almost imperceptible squeeze.

For all of Rutledge's stern coldness, Micah was the complete opposite. The younger man fiddled with his cuff links like he wasn't used to wearing them. In fact, every fidget he couldn't quite control said he wasn't used to this type of get-together. He was also dark-haired, but his hair was a halo of wild curls a smidge too long. Micah's face was guarded, and his solemn expression looked worried when he glanced up at Beckett.

"Of course I do," Beckett said with a genuine smile. "It's nice to see you. How've you been?"

Micah broke into a beaming smile in return, and his reserved facade dropped immediately. "I'm good, thanks to you. I don't know how to thank you for helping me. You didn't have to, but you did."

"I didn't do anything," Beckett said before he drew me closer to his side. "This is my boyfriend, Will." Micah turned his bright smile to me, and I couldn't help but smile back. He had the sort of face that showed every emotion, and right now, his happiness shone through.

"Hi, Micah. It's a pleasure to meet you." I didn't want to ask how they knew each other. Given his initial hesitation, I wondered if it wasn't somehow connected to Beckett's job. Micah and Beckett fell into a deep conversation about their favorite books. Rutledge occupied himself by asking me numerous questions about how the grant process worked. Honestly, I was a little surprised at his in-depth questioning, but I was always willing to discuss our work at the hospital.

After dinner finished, it was time for the auction and speeches. Micah kept eyes on Rutledge at all times, but Rutledge was up and down from the table. When someone new approached, he never failed to introduce Micah to them. It was hard to tell if they were dating or if Micah was some sort of assistant, but regardless, they stayed in each other's pockets.

Beckett and I didn't bother to try to win anything in the auction because even the starting bids were over our budgets, but we were happy enough to celebrate along with the other guests. Even Beckett joined in the celebration when the winners turned around and donated the item back to the event or to another charity for them to auction off.

When the last speeches were given and the final items auctioned, it was finally time for us to go home. Beckett and Micah had been happily chatting all night. It was strange to see him so taken with someone that he forgot to be shy. I wasn't jealous, not even a little bit, but I was curious about what drew them together.

At first glance, and even at second, they had very little in common. From what I'd gathered from their conversation, Micah's encounter with Beckett was when he also met Rutledge. I was pretty sure he was the man who was living rough Beckett had talked to me about, but I didn't want to break any confidences or embarrass anyone. At the end of the day, it didn't matter. Rutledge kept a close eye on Micah but never interrupted their conversation.

"We, um, are going to head out, but would you like to get together for that silent book club next week?" Beckett asked Micah in a cautious tone like he was talking to a skittish colt. I was so proud of him putting himself out there.

"Yes, I'd really like that. Let me give you my number, and we can schedule around your shifts," Micah answered with a shy smile.

"What's a silent book club?" I asked Beckett.

Beckett and Micah shared a glance, and both had heated cheeks. "We're going to meet up and read, but no need to speak to each other unless we both want to talk," Beckett finally answered.

"That sounds genius, baby," I said with a grin.

Rutledge looked over with an approving nod when Micah glanced at him, clearly seeking his approval. Hmm, that didn't seem like a typical boss-and-employee interaction. I wondered if maybe Micah and Beckett had more than just shyness and a love of books in common. After the exchange, we said our good nights and headed for the exits. Beckett kept my hand firmly in his grasp and tugged me along behind him.

"Are you staying with me tonight?" Beckett asked after the valet brought his car around and we were headed toward home.

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?"

"Daddy, that's a dumb fucking question."

"Then why did you ask yours?" I reached over and cupped the bulge in his pants. At my touch, he immediately began to harden. "I think my boy needs a little reminder of who he belongs to." Beckett made an inarticulate sound when I kept my hand on his junk. I stroked him through his pants, and he pushed a little harder on the gas. When we pulled into his driveway, he was fully hard and straining the threads of his pants.

We managed to make it inside his door before my mouth was on his. I snaked my tongue between his lips so I could plunge into his mouth. I stroked mine against his in a tangled, wet dance. My own cock was begging for attention, but tonight I wanted to reward my boy for being so brave in reaching out to Micah.

Sure, he'd gotten a little grumpy in the car, but that was only because he was feeling vulnerable. We kissed like we had all night to do it. Beckett's mouth was beautiful. His soft lips were pillow soft, and just the touch of his tongue was enough to make me lose my mind. I moaned deep into his mouth, and he responded with a groan.

"Baby, what do you want tonight? I'm so proud of you," I gasped. "You did so good tonight. Anything you want, you get."

"Daddy, oh fuck, I want… I want…" Beckett's voice trailed off.

"You have to say it. I'll give you whatever you want, but you have to say it." My mouth had migrated over to his neck. I nibbled my way along his jawline and traced his Adam's apple with my tongue. I felt his body shiver with every touch, and I wanted this sensation to last all night. "What do you want, sweetheart?"

Beckett blew out a frustrated breath. "I want to come."

"I definitely want to come too."

"Daddy, I want to be on my knees, and I want you to come all over me. And feed me."

"Oh, fuck yes, baby." I took a step back from Beckett. I gestured to his clothes. "You need to strip. Now."

Beckett's hands immediately flew to the buttons on his uniform, and he shed his clothing quicker than I thought humanly possible. He stood in front of me with firm muscles and a hard-as-steel cock. His ink blended with the shadows, giving him an otherworldly air. Electricity crackled between us. My fingers itched to get a hold of him, but tonight, he wanted to feel my ownership, and nothing would stop me from giving my boy what he wanted. "Follow me."

I turned on my heel and strode into his living room from the hallway like I owned the place. Once there, I settled myself into his overstuffed chair. He'd followed me like the wonderfully obedient boy he was, and I loved him for it. I nodded to the space I'd made between my spread legs. "Get on your knees, boy."

Beckett immediately dropped and waited for instructions. My fingers carded through his hair and lightly scratched his scalp. He nuzzled against my hand like a cat seeking strokes from its owner. I wanted to own every inch of him. I wanted to imprint his brain so he'd never want anyone but me.

"Boy, unbutton my shirt." Beckett rose on his knees and slipped each button through their slit until all were undone and the shirt hung open on either side of my chest. "Now my pants."

Beckett unbuckled my belt, undid the button, and carefully slid the zipper down over my hard cock. Before pulling my pants down, he stopped and waited for instructions. "You're such a good boy. My good boy." His eyes shone with pride at my words, and I saw his spine straighten. "I'm going to love wrecking you."

I lightly traced over the ridge of his brow and down his jawline. "I'm going to let you suck your Daddy's cock, and when I'm ready to blow, I'm going to come all over your face." Beckett's eyes were black holes and his needy whine was all I needed to hear.

"C'mon, boy. Suck me off." Beckett fell on my cock like a starving man. His tongue traced the vein along the underside, and when I thought I might explode embarrassingly fast, he drew back and retraced the path with his fingers. He alternated fingers and tongue until I was ready to beg him to take me into his mouth.

When I finally felt the wet heat of his mouth around the head of my dick, I was ready to fuck his face. He swallowed me down until his nose was nestled next to the sparse nest of hair at the base of my cock. He rolled my balls in this hand while one finger stroked my taint. Beckett did not come to play tonight. He was a man on a mission.

"Baby, you look so good with my cock in your mouth." Beckett looked up at me when I spoke. His eyes were hooded with lust, and it struck me that I wanted to end every day just like this. "Take all of it, sweetheart."

Beckett swallowed my cock down his throat, and it wrung a groan from deep in my chest. Beckett sucked me in earnest now, and I felt my balls draw up tight to my body. Each pull of Beckett's mouth brought me closer to the edge. When I was just about to fall over, I pushed him off my cock and ropes of cum spurted from my slit.

Beckett closed his eyes in bliss as white jizz struck his cheeks and lips and chin. He darted out his tongue to taste what landed there. I scooped up some with my finger and fed it to him. The look of pure peace was beautiful.

"You are my perfect little cum slut, aren't you? You just want every drop of your Daddy, you filthy boy. You're a slut for my cock, aren't you?" Beckett whined and moaned and thrust into the air at my words. I swiped up the last bit of cum from his cheek and stuck my finger into his mouth so he could lick it clean. His tongue swirled around the digit like it was a cock. Despite his blissed-out expression, Beckett's cock was an angry red and leaking a steady stream of precum onto the hardwood floor where he kneeled.

"We need to do something about that pretty cock of yours. My sweet boy needs to come." Beckett had long lost the ability to speak and whined instead. His keening noise was music to my ears. My favorite version of Beckett was needy Beckett. It was so fucking hot. "Stand and put your hands behind your back. No matter what, you don't move them. Understand?"

"Yes, Daddy. Yes, Sir."

Beckett locked himself into position and his weeping shaft lined up with my mouth for me to swallow him. He followed the instruction to keep his hands behind him and the strain caused his muscles to tighten and quiver. His hips bucked forward, seeking some relief for a cock I knew had to be aching to the point of pain. I sucked him fast and hard. Drool dribbled down my chin as my mouth stretched around him as I tried to take every inch of his cock. I couldn't deepthroat him, but I gave it my best shot.

With a shout of warning, Beckett's orgasm exploded into my mouth. I popped off his dick but kept the cum on my tongue, pulled him down to me, and smashed my mouth onto his. My tongue thrust into his mouth in an obscene dance while I shared his cum back with him.

When we finally came up for air, our ragged breaths were a rhythm of give and take. Beckett collapsed back to his knees. His mouth found my softened cock again and he slipped into his mouth. He didn't suck but kept it warm in the chill of the living room. My hands dropped to his head and held him in place while we both struggled to even our breathing. I stroked my fingers over his face while Beckett continued to warm my cock.

My body had no more bones, so I couldn't move even if I'd wanted to, and I damn sure didn't want to move a muscle. Seeing Beckett on his knees for me while we just sat in the stillness of the room bathed in moonlight settled a sense of rightness in my chest. His eyes were closed, and his breathing had evened out. His contentment was evident on his face. I wanted this moment to last forever.

"Sweetheart, look at me." Beckett raised his eyes. "You are beautiful and strong and the best fucking thing that ever happened to me."

The sigh from Beckett was a satisfied one. The words I love you were what I'd really wanted to say, but I didn't want to put pressure on him when he was cum-drunk and peopled out. I wasn't sure how long we stayed in the dark of the living room, but I was worried about Beckett getting uncomfortable on the floor. It was time to take my baby to bed and tuck him in with me.

I needed to figure out how to convince him to let me do it forever.