Page 35 of Unfettered

“So, I was called Daddy.”

He frowns, shrugging a shoulder. “Is that a problem? You’re the one who indicated Antonio needed that. I assumed you had some experience.”

“No experience, aside from being an observer. You and I are both more comfortable in that role. But hell, I’ve only been a run-of-the-mill Dom,” I say with a note of humor. “Nothing extreme like you see with the rest.”

“And yet you knew what Antonio needed…” he murmurs, taking a sip of his drink.

Tapping my fingers against my beer, I slouch down on his couch, trying to get comfortable. I glance at him sideways. “It’s not like we don’t have enough Daddies and Boys running around here to make educated guesses. And I’m calling it now. Atticus is a Daddy Dom. I’d put Connor more as a Daddy, not necessarily the strict Dom, more caretaker Daddy from his vibe. And anyone who didn’t see Il Padrone as a Daddy wasn’t watching.”

“You really can’t defend Allesandro, can you?” Jude’s incredulous voice shocks me. “As a Dom… I can’t imagine it.”

I sit up straighter, turning toward Jude. “I think neither of us are the most impartial observers, but you’ve really only interacted with the Il Padrone in the throes of PTSD, and this newer Sandro.

“But think things through. Without him, neither one of us would have our loves. I’m not going to say what he did was right, but given the options available to him? Considering how he was raised? I’d say he’s more lenient than you give him credit for…”

Jude’s face screws up as he immediately shakes his head. “No, fuck that. Antonio has enough trauma from that asshole.”

I can’t stifle the sharp bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? Antonio was Il Padrone’s favorite. Granted, he was pretty lenient with all the Boys overall. Compared to Cristian, who would have killed most of them. But even when he crumbled under PTSD, it was Benjamin he punished—along with Ignacio and Lio, although mainly to wield his power against Benjamin. Antonio? Nothing. He didn’t face any repercussions for falling for you.”

Jude shifts uncomfortably, switching topics on me. “Well, if the Daddy aspect concerns you, we pay a sex therapist a ridiculous amount of money each month. He specializes in kink, and is a Daddy, so I’m not sure why you came to me when you could go to him.”

Growling, I set my half-empty beer down, leveraging myself up so that I can pace. I need to do something with my energy, and fuck if sitting here is going to do anything for me. I’m an active thinker—that or when I’m behind the wheel.

I wave his words away. “It’s not that. It’s…fuck. When Carter called me Daddy, it’s like everything got put into place. Like coming home after a long day… Fuck. I don’t have words for it. All I know is that I want to spoil him. I’m used to giving Marcus what he needs, putting him on his knees, reveling in his submission to me. But Carter? With one word, he rendered me absolutely powerless, and yet…”

“And yet, it’s the most powerful feeling there is,” Jude murmurs, finishing my sentence perfectly.

Whirling to a stop, I snap my fingers, pointing at him. “That. That right there. But I don’t know how to handle it. I don’t want to fuck it up. I’ve fucked up with Marcus before, and as a Dom? That shit is hard. But as a Daddy? The mere thought of my Boy hurting? It makes me want to go ape shit.

“And fuck, I have all these thoughts going through my head. Everything from how can I make things easier for him? What type of Boy is he? He certainly doesn’t give off brat vibes. And…how can I give him what he needs? Hell, at this point, I’m resigned to knowing I have to be nice to Cristian. Not just because he saved my life, but because Carter still cares for him.”

“I agree that I don’t see a brat in Carter, but it’s impossible to tell sometimes. You never know what happens when a Boy finally finds their place,” Jude warns me. “Really, from what I’ve learned, the most important part of being a Daddy is giving our Boys a soft place to land, a reminder they can be vulnerable with us. Since I am more Daddy Dom, I still get to have fun letting my inner sadist out.”

“So, basically I’m freaking out for no reason. Take it one step at a time.” I scrub at my face, exhausted.

Jude finishes his drink and I hear the clink of his glass on the table. “I think you’ve had something thrown at you. But, speaking as an observer, if anyone can do this, you can. And if you have questions… Go see Ian or Connor.”

Laughing, I give up. “Right. If I have questions, I’ll ask my best friend instead, since you make good points. Except for needing to let go of your hatred toward Allesandro.”

Grumbling, he stands and comes over to stand in front of me. “Is this friendship thing optional?”

“Nope. I learned from the Martellis. Kidnapping works.”

“Oh joy…” He sighs before heading toward his desk, but I stop him before he can pass me.

He cocks his head, his face blank. “I believe I need to get back to work, and you need to go spend time with your new Boy.”

“See, there’s a benefit of friendship. It means you need to get some rest so you can be there for your Boy and Stars. I’ll finish up whatever needs to be done. You go take care of yourself and your loved ones.”

He hesitates and I roll my eyes, starting to drag him out of his office instead. Fuck being patient with the asshole. As long as it’s not the budget, I can muddle through. And if it’s the budget, it doesn’t need to be done right now.

“Fine, I’ll go.” He pushes me away before narrowing his eyes at me. “I’m not sure if I like this development.”

“Eh, you’ll get used to it, bestie,” I retort with a wink. If he thinks Antonio can be a brat, try fucking with another Dom. “Now, get some rest. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Muttering words I pretend not to hear, I wait for him to leave before I head over to his desk. Glancing at the paperwork, I curse, because sure enough, it’s the fucking budget. Rolling up my sleeves and sitting down, I decide to give it a try anyway.

I study his methodology for a moment, snorting at the line items named “The Zoo”, and concerningly, “Javi Problems”. Eh, I can’t fuck it up too much, I’m sure. It’s the thought that counts, right?