Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138844 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 694(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138844 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 694(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
KC was in his wheelchair, and he’d soon caught up to Cam.
“Daddy and Cam are here, sweetheart,” I murmured against Noa’s cheek.
He sniffled and nodded, tightening his hold on me. In other words, I was carrying him over to KC. And in KC’s expression, I saw every question, every frustration, and every ounce of anger directed at Christine. Possibly a little bit at me as well. We’d see.
“Noa?” KC urged.
“Daddy,” Noa whimpered. We were mere feet apart, so he climbed down from me and fused himself to KC in his chair. “She blames me for everything—for your marriage falling apart.”
“Ah fuck,” KC sighed. He tightened his hold on our boy. “She’s so wrong, baby. And dammit—you shouldn’t have done this without me.” He shot me a look at that, but it was just as much a question as an accusation. He wasn’t sure how things had gone down.
“Maybe,” he cried. “Good thing Lucian caught me sneaking out, then. He forced me to let him tag along.”
KC’s gaze instantly softened with remorse, and I shook my head. We’d talk later. He should focus on Noa for now.
“Come on—tell me everything.” KC turned his chair around and wheeled them back toward the cabins.
Cam snuck close to me, and I kissed the top of his head.
“He’ll be okay, right?”
I nodded. “In time—of course he will. And until then, we’ll spoil him rotten.”
Cam nodded quickly, and I knew he wanted something to do. He became restless if he felt helpless.
“Do you know if Ty and Lane are still here?” I asked.
“Um, I think so. I saw Macklin carrying a takeout bag earlier, so it’s possible they’re having breakfast in their cabin.”
I nodded. Perfect.
Cam peered up at me with a faint smile. “Time to reveal the ace up your sleeve?”
I chuckled and hugged him to me, in desperate need of his sweet energy. We’d joked about this before the holidays, how we’d postponed the day Noa got a lizard. He’d wanted one for so long, and the rest of us…well, we weren’t the biggest fans of the idea. But we’d read up on it a little, and when he’d been pet-sitter to Ty’s lizard, we’d seen how devoted Noa was.
Yes, it was time.
“Indeed. And I will need your help.” Wanting a bigger Cam dose, I picked him up much like I’d picked up Noa, and Cam yelped in surprise before he exhaled a laugh and threw his arms around me. “There we go. My little pet in my arms, where he belongs.”
He chuckled softly and peppered my cheeks with kisses. “I think I need to spoil you too, Master. What can I make you for breakfast?”
I smiled a little and gazed at him, and I locked his feet around my hips. My boy deserved the truth, and I’d been a fool for thinking I could hide my smoking, no matter how infrequently I did it.
“Eggs and turkey bacon will be just fine,” I said. “I’m afraid I’ve already had my cheat meal of the week.”
He quirked a brow, curious.
I made a face. “Noa informed me that you know I smoke occasionally, and that’s what I had for breakfast.”
His mirth took on a cocky edge—and a bit of dryness too, which I took credit for. He’d totally gotten that from me.
“I see.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Definitely turkey bacon for you, Sir. Unless… Unless I punish you with oatmeal for leaving the house in these clothes.”
Oh, very funny.
“You want to punish your Owner, huh?” I brushed my fingers along the back of his knee where I knew he was ticklish. “How do you think that’s going to work out for you in the end?”
He bit his lip, presumably to contain his grin. “Swimmingly?”
I mirrored his narrowed-eyed look. “Try me.”
“Yikes,” he whispered. “Okay, maybe not. How about I make you delicious turkey bacon, eggs, and toast, and we’ll forget all about this. Maybe I even rub your feet?”
“Mmm, now we’re talking.” I brushed my lips to his. “I love you.”
“I love you too. So much.” He kissed me back in sweet little pecks, and for a brief moment, the world was a wonderful place. We had our journey ahead of us, Cam and I, but I thought we were making strides. We’d find our way back to TPE soon, one command at a time.
“May I fuss over Noa first?” he murmured. “I’m worried about him.”
“Absolutely,” I was quick to say. “I would’ve insisted anyway.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek before I let him down. “I suggest you run ahead and get started on breakfast.” I nodded over to Greer, Tenley, and Penelope. “I’m just going to have a word with Mistress Penelope.”
“Yes, Sir. Healthy goodies for you, unhealthy goodies for Noa.”
“That lucky duck…is something I would’ve said if I hadn’t just encountered his loving mother.”