Boy Issues - Morticia Knight Page 0,49

a tentative smile. “This will be a new one.”

Silver leaned up to give Donovan a kiss. “The first of many new things I hope to share with you.”

Silver let go of Donovan’s hand so he could get settled on the smaller of the two sofas then clasped Donovan’s wrist, encouraging him down. Donovan let out an uneasy laugh as Silver arranged him so his legs were draped to the side over Silver’s thighs and his arms were wrapped around Donovan’s waist. At first, Donovan seemed at a loss as to what to do with own arms After letting out a sigh, he finally wrapped them around Silver’s neck.

“Like this?” Donovan appeared so lost.

“However you’re comfortable is fine.” Silver ran his palm up and down Donovan’s back in reassurance.

Donovan bit his lower lip. “I’m comfortable.” He regarded Silver. “Still working through all this, still accepting the fact that your age and my age has nothing to do with who should be in control.” He chuckled. “Especially since there’s no doubt that of the two of us, you’re the one who has his shit together.”

“Stop.” Silver jostled him. “This isn’t about that. It’s you having the freedom to let go and let me carry your burdens, assume your care.”

Donovan gave him a lopsided smile. “I know. Still getting used to everything, of looking at things differently.”

Silver examined his boy, really looked at him. The cut on his forehead was almost healed. The bandage was gone, and all that remained was a small scar that would probably never fade entirely. He’d noted when he’d kissed Donovan’s hand that the wound there was practically non-existent. Neither of his injuries needed a bandage any longer.

But the wounds and scars on Donovan’s psyche would still need more time to heal.

“I’m proud of you, mijo. It’s a brave step to take to go from being in such a position of power, to allowing someone else to assume that role—at least when it comes to your non-business life.”

Donovan touched foreheads with him. “That’s the only part that matters to me anymore. But…I feel trapped. I need your help, Papi.”

“Talk to me, baby. Tell me what happened.”

Donovan didn’t move, kept his forehead pressed to Silver’s. “My father gave me an ultimatum last week. I have to marry within a year, or he’s cutting me out.”

Silver already knew much of Donovan’s story with his family, they’d had plenty of time to talk their one afternoon together, and on the phone since. But this was a new level to Donovan’s situation he hadn’t been aware of.

“So, he’s now gone beyond looking the other way as long as you don’t bring a guy around, to wanting to push you deeper into the closet. What do you think caused this sudden change of heart?”

Donovan laid his head on Silver’s shoulder, allowing his arms to remain loosely around Silver’s neck. “He said he wants grandchildren. I suppose, he wants me to have a son to carry on the Fonterra name.” Donovan sighed. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s worried about me being too obvious, especially after what happened tonight. Maybe it’s a combination of both.”

Silver tensed. Trusting that Donovan wouldn’t be with other men was vital to their relationship’s success. Actually, Silver had already made it clear that if Donovan strayed, they were done. He’d been surprised, yet gratified, when Donovan hadn’t pushed back over Silver’s demand. But now he had to wonder.

“Okay, I want to revisit what it is that happened tonight, but I’d like clarification on one other thing first. Why can’t your brother provide the grandchildren your father wants you to have?”

“Who knows. He probably figures Lawrence will never stop fucking half the women of Los Angeles, while waiting for the other half to become available.”

“Well, I suppose we can never truly know the motives of those who insist on hiding.”

Donovan let out a loud snort. “No joke. God, my family. What a group of miscreants.”

Silver let a moment pass while he hugged his boy, but they needed to get to the main issue.

“Tell me what happened.” Silver adjusted Donovan so he could look in his eyes, letting his wishes be known by grasping his chin. “I’m here for you, but you need to be honest.”

“Yeah. I know.” Donovan sucked in a deep breath. “I left out the fact that my father arranged for me to have a date at the event. A woman.” Donovan cringed. “The one he wants me to marry.”

Silver rolled his eyes. “Rich people.” He sighed. “Does she