Page 102 of Unfettered

When Master walks into Cristian’s room, my shoulders drop further. I feel lost…unmoored. Maybe even forgotten, though I know that’s fucked up.

Still, I remind myself that I get to help out with Atticus. Fury is fun. I didn’t even know bunnies could be sassy, but her personality is almost as big as Atticus’s.

I walk quietly the rest of the way to Atticus’s office. At least, I hope that’s where he’ll be. Otherwise, I’ll need to backtrack to where the empire’s rooms are. Thankfully, when I knock on the door, he calls for me to enter.

I slip in, my smile strained as I say, “Javi mentioned you needed help, Sir?”

“I mainly wanted to talk to you a bit, and I wanted to see if you’d like to brush Fury again. She needs it done, and really enjoyed your attention last time.”

I nod somewhat frantically before immediately sitting on the floor. It doesn’t take long for Fury to situate herself, like a queen, and prepare for being pampered. I focus on my task so intently, I don’t even realize Atticus has moved closer.

“You seemed bothered when you came in.”

It’s a simple statement, and it's certainly the truth, but…it irritates me. I’d rather just sit and brush Fury quietly. Still, I know these are Javi’s therapists, and I respect Anderson too much to be impolite to one of his co-workers.

Shrugging one shoulder, I reply, “We were having a…meeting, I guess? It didn’t go well.”

“What was it about?” Atticus’s curiosity as he sits down instead of looming over me at least lets me breathe easier.

“We had a meeting to do an update on policies, etc. However, it came up that Master is also Daddy’s Boy.” Scrunching my nose, I wonder if Atticus is familiar with all the dynamics in the household, so I clarify, “Um, so, Allesandro is Tennant’s Boy. Anyway, after the meeting broke up, the original Martelli Family gathered—minus Keegan, because Doms aren’t always fun with gossip, and Luca because he’s not here.”

“And it didn’t go well?”

I scowl, frustration filling me, before shaking my head. “No. The other Boys—my Brothers—destroyed Master. It wasn’t about him being a Boy, really. But the fact he goes by Sandro. They can’t accept him anymore. It’s like they want him to be his old self, which is so stupid! I mean, all of them were angry at him before, and now they’ve processed that, they feel like he should just be able to, what? Snap his fingers and be fixed?”

Disgust fills me, and sorrow. For both Master and myself. The Boys were cruel. It’s not what I imagined from this family.

Master has done so much for us. Not just before, when he helped us find our place, but afterward, when he made amends. Now, he finally has a chance to be free, and they what? Cast him aside?

It’s what makes me question whether they even value me. If they can throw him out… Well, maybe it’s just a shock. I can hope, at least. I focus on Fury, trying to use Anderson’s instructions to calm my mind, to redirect the negative self-talk that became my go-to.

Atticus makes a noise, drawing my attention away from my chaotic thoughts. It’s like a humming sound, though non-committal. It’s comforting somehow, which is weird.

“And you? Do you struggle having someone who is a ‘Papa Bear’ and also a Boy?”

I smile gently, loving that he already knows my name for Master when he goes into his Daddy routine. I laugh quietly, trying not to disturb Fury, who, now that the brushing is done, has decided my lap is her rightful place in this world.

I look directly at Atticus, not ashamed or worried, as I retort, “Why would it? When Master found out I was interested in a Daddy/Boy relationship, he spent hours researching it. Even going so far as to build me a nursery, though I hadn’t planned on age play being part of it.

“How does the fact he finds comfort in being Tennant’s Boy affect me in any way except to make him a better Dom? Kinks change, you realize that, right? If not, Ian would be good to talk to. Not to mention, there’s a whole world of switches and others I’m not overly familiar with. That’s the great thing about kink. It’s not one size fits all. It’s…personal.

“And Daddy is a Super Daddy. A feels whisperer. My Master deserves that, the same way I’m beginning to understand I do as well.”

“I agree wholeheartedly. I just find it is easier to ask others their thoughts first.” Atticus’s words put me at ease, which is good. I didn’t want to have to hurt Fury’s Daddy. He hesitates for a moment before asking, “And the part about his name? Since the Boys seem to be struggling with that? How do you feel?”

Sighing, I focus the turbulence of my mind, trying to find words that will make sense—somehow. “It’s what Master is comfortable with, and I think it’s rude to not call someone by what they ask. It’s respect—and love. I thought we had that from the Martelli family. After all, that’s where I learned respect and love the first time.

“I know I’m lucky. I still get to call him Master. I can’t imagine not having that. I tried and…it didn’t go well. I can’t say I believe that there’s only one person out there who can be your soulmate, because I am lucky to have many who help fill that role for me. But…Master gives me something the others can’t. I wouldn’t be able to breathe without him, much like if I lost any of the other men in my life.”

I stare at the scars on my wrists. They're less pronounced now, but still a sign of the battle that still ravages inside me some days. However, like Anderson points out to me… It’s also a sign of what I’ve fought and won. Because I could have lost, and fuck if that wouldn’t have been a travesty.

I shake my head, frustrated with the way my mind keeps wandering. I think it’s part of Javi’s empire’s sorcery, though. They are all too good at drawing emotions to the forefront, even when it means my mind gets as jumbled as what’s inside me.

“Sorry, my mind is so scattered. I guess…maybe they don’t know what he’s been through? I know it sounds like I’m making excuses, but that’s the only thing I can think of to explain why they’re being so selfish. I only know some, and it’s because Master has helped me with my own issues, and he’s talked a bit about his past within that context. Healing takes time, like Javi says. He’s super smart, and the Boys just…don’t get it.

“This is Master’s chance to be free. If I have kids, I’m not going to force them to follow in my footsteps with the Council. I think that sets a bad precedent. Roman is great, but he had supportive dads. Master’s parents… If they were still alive, I’d kill them myself for what they put him through. All to, what? Make him Il Padrone? To fit into the legacy they feel he should be? Ridiculous.

“Right now, he’s learning about himself. And if that means he takes a step back, that’s what he needs. Because I know he’s still Il Padrone…still Allesandro. But he needs time to get that back. And not be rushed.