Page 101 of Unfettered

“Our Boys seem to have missed the lesson on bullying—it hasn’t even been an hour since the family meeting, either,” I say with a tsk. “I’d rather not hash it all out. I’m sure your Boys will do a better job of telling their side of the story.” Holding my hand out, I say, “Come on, Topolino, we’re going to have a private chat.”

He lets out a little squeak and hurries to my side, slipping his hand into mine. I turn to go, but, as if it’s an afterthought, I look to Antonio and say, “Don’t ever call Emilio a snitch again. He was doing what he’s been taught—using his Daddy when he needs me. You can take lessons from that.”

Grabbing Benjamin’s hand firmly in mine, I lead him out, leaving Keegan, Jude, and Jayden to sort out the mess left behind.

“Tennant, I’m⁠—”

“Quiet,” I order as I pull Benjamin along the hall and up the stairs, heading straight to his bedroom. When we get to the door, I turn to him and lift his chin with two fingers, forcing his gaze to mine. “I’m not mad, Baby Mouse. I’m disappointed in you.”

His bottom lip wobbles. “I just… I hate seeing him like that.”

“You think I don’t?” I ask a little too harshly, finding it hard to control myself now that we don’t have an audience.

He flinches. “I’m sorry.”

“You will be. Inside.”

I usher him into his bedroom. Once the door is shut behind us, I order him to strip.

“I’m going to spank you, Benjamin. And this time, it’s not going to be nice. After, you will write Sandro a letter of apology—which you will read out loud to him when he’s ready to hear it. I will read your letter when you’re done, and if I feel you’re not sincere, we’ll start the process all over again until you are. Understood?”

His breath hitches and tears roll down his face. “Yes, Daddy.”

“Good.” I caress his face. “I promise, I’ll take care of you, Benji. You don’t have to be scared.”

“I trust you.”

“Over the bed, then.”

I don’t give him time to overthink as I help him into position and then remove my belt. It’s a quick and hard punishment. Every lash makes his skin color beautifully.

I count for him as he tries to stifle his cries, though his attempt is futile. I hear every gasp and whimper as I count out twenty hard lashes of the belt on his ass.

He’s red, and I grip his hot ass once I’m finished, letting him feel the pain blossoming through him, as I lean over and whisper in his ear. “Shhh. Good Boy, that part’s over now. You did so good, Benji.”

“Th—thank you, Daddy… For helping me.”

I squeeze his swollen ass and kiss the side of his tear-streaked face. “Always, Amore Mio. Always.”

I let him rest for a few moments while I get him a drink of water, letting him cool down before I go to the small writing table in the corner of the room and pull out the chair.

“Time for the next part, Benji.”

He sniffles but brings his water with him, gingerly sitting down. “Will you stay close, Daddy?” He looks up at me with heartbreaking green eyes.

I run my fingers through his sweaty hair. “Of course, Benji. I’ll always be here when you need me.”

He nods and grabs a notebook out of the drawer, along with a pen, and I’m glad I didn’t have to tell him not to use the computer. It’s much more impactful to handwrite this apology letter.

It takes him ages to actually start writing, but I simply stroke his hair and the back of his neck while I wait, knowing it means he’s actually thinking his words through.

This is not at all how I thought the day was going to go, but I shouldn’t be surprised. No one in this house does what you think they should or will. As maddening as it is, it’s what makes them who they are, and I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Even if it’d make my life a little less irritating.

Istruggle not to let the pain show as I follow in Master’s wake. Snitch. Antonio’s insult digs into my head. These are my Brothers… The ones I’ve relied on. The ones who were there for me when everything fell apart.

Yet, do they really care about me? I thought they loved Master, and now I see they don’t. They may have followed us when we had to break away, but was it merely convenient for them? A way to get ahead? Are they like my biological brother, Cliff, and I was merely a tool to be used?

I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. If my own brother can toss me to a mafia Boss to clear a debt, those I bonded with could turn on me as well. I just thought we were all in this together. Strong. But maybe I misjudged them…or myself and my worthiness to others.