Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 103033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Lucian and I clearly had the same idea; we wanted to beat the brats to the cafeteria line, so we left the stage—and the buzzing brats—behind and headed for the exit. I didn’t dare haul Gael away from his friends right now. He should be having fun with them.
“Have you tried Archie’s mac and cheese before?” Lucian asked. “It’s divine. Cam got the recipe the other day, and I foresee a new staple at home.”
“I haven’t. I am looking forward to the pie, though,” I replied. Then I slowed down when I noticed traces of distress in Lucian’s expression. He was pale too. “Are you all right, Lucian?”
“Yes, I—” He waved it off and released a heavy breath. “It’s been a long week. I just need to rest for a bit.”
I frowned, wondering if a “bit” of rest was all he needed. He had high blood pressure, if I remembered correctly. Gael had mentioned it after the cooking class when he’d made plans with Cameron.
I decided to speak with KC later. In the meantime, I’d keep an eye on Lucian.
We successfully beat the cafeteria rush, and I brought a tray filled with snacks and beverages to the patio—and I was satisfied to see Lucian do the same, with help from Cam and KC. Along with Noa, they sat down at one of the tables outside, and Cam angled one of the heaters closer to them before turning his full attention to his Master. Lucian looked relieved to be sitting down and having his boy close, so I felt I could relax a bit more.
Joshua and I sat down with Gael between us at another table, where Colt, Ty, and Lane soon joined us.
“Do you need a blanket, baby?” Joshua rubbed Gael’s arms. We were seated fairly close to the edge of the awning, and it was raining a few feet away.
“No, Sir, I’m good,” Gael replied happily. The boy was distracted, seemingly intent on keeping track of where everyone sat down. “Kit! Over here!”
Kit and Lucas trailed over with their own trays.
“Can you believe it? An Easter egg hunt!” Kit was definitely excited about the next event, and so was my peach.
“I can’t wait!” Gael replied.
Colt was quick to dig in, whereas Ty and Lane had disappeared into an invisible bubble where only they existed. I existed for my two—and the food. And before Joshua could utter a word, I nodded and gave him a pointed look. Yes, I’d taken my insulin.
An ounce of sheepishness seeped into his expression, and he leaned behind Gael, so I did the same.
“I’m sorry. I’ll dial it back,” he said quietly.
I shook my head and kissed him. “Don’t.”
I was getting used to having someone fuss over me. It wasn’t a bad feeling.
“Goddamn, this mac and cheese is somethin’ else,” Colt said with his mouth full.
I gave Joshua one more kiss, and then I had to put food first. I was practically starving. Joshua dove into Daddy mode and fixed Gael a plate from the tray, and I went straight for the pie. The brats were busy chatting—suddenly, so were Joshua and Lucas—so I could indulge. The pie was incredible, rich in flavor, both sweet and tart, with a perfectly crumbly crust. Two bites, I allowed myself. Then I switched to the actual food, because otherwise, I’d have Gael pointing out that he, too, wanted to eat dessert before his meal, and Joshua would give a spiel.
Lucian had been right. Archie’s mac and cheese was amazing, and—
“Ohhh, but you said after, Dominus!”
One brat’s whining rose above the post-event din of kinksters talking about the classes, and I glanced up as Greer came outside with a Corey thrown over his shoulder.
Wonderful. Mealtime entertainment.
“Should we do something?” Kit whispered.
Colt barked out a laugh. “The fuck you should, li’l darlin’. Eat your supper and enjoy the show.”
“Daddy, save me!” Corey called out.
“Sorry, sweetheart, you made your bed,” Sloan replied with a sympathetic smile.
Greer didn’t care it was raining. He stepped off the deck and away from the heaters’ reach, and he lowered Corey to the ground just in front of the covered pool. “Stay.”
Corey huffed and scowled up at him. “I’m not a dog!”
“Clearly not, ’cause they obey,” Greer retorted.
“I can’t watch this.” Kit covered his face with his hands, and Gael’s approach wasn’t entirely different. I noticed he was hiding his face behind me.
Meanwhile, most others were enjoying themselves, including many brats. Lane was smirking at his cousin, Shay was filming on his phone, and Noa went, “Take it like a champ, Corey!”
“But crying is encouraged.” Reese threw that out there. “We like it when y’all write checks your asses can’t cash.”
I chuckled and bit into a sandwich.
“Oh, this is brand-new information,” Corey snarked. He huffed again and wiped raindrops from his face. “Ugh, let’s get this over with. It’s cold out here—and the rain is freezing!”