lot of the story Donovan had to share. He’d stopped hiding.
After a quick introduction of Donovan to Erika, Silver’s friends took off. Of course, that was once they’d made Donovan promise he’d stop by Erika’s house the next time there was a barbecue.
Silver locked the door behind Nico and Erika, then turned to face Donovan. “Let me grab some waters, then we’ll head upstairs.” As he moved past Donovan to the fridge, he said, “And no holding back. I want to know everything.”
Donovan grabbed Silver’s arm, stopping him. “I’m never holding back again. I love you, you’re my Papi, I’m your boy, end of story.”
Silver arched his eyebrows, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time.” He cupped Donovan’s head, bringing their mouths together for quick, demanding kiss. He locked gazes with him when he was done, still holding onto his boy. “And I love you too, mijo.”
Donovan responded with a toothy smile. “Well. I’m feeling better already.”
As Silver handed Donovan one of the cool water bottles, he noted his red and swollen knuckles. He regarded Donovan with a frown.
“What happened to your hand?”
Donovan looked down then chuckled. He lifted his gaze. “Let’s just say, I don’t think me and my brother are on speaking terms anymore.”
Epilogue
“I need you, Papi. Need you forever.”
Donovan leaned his head against Silver’s as they rode the elevator up to their hotel room, their fingers entwined the way they’d been as they’d strolled down State Street together. Ever since he’d decided he was never going to hide from his true self again, he’d been grabbing every PDA moment possible with Silver.
“I need you too, mijo. Don’t ever worry about that.”
Donovan supposed he’d been a bit on the paranoid side in the wake of his dramatic exit from Fonterra and Associates. He’d had time to reflect on his inner asshole and been terrified Silver would decide it wasn’t worth the aggravation to have Donovan in his life for good. And because Silver was as amazing a Papi as he was—he’d been able to sense what was causing Donovan’s lingering anxiety.
Their week-long getaway to Santa Barbara was drawing to a close, and it was time to make some final decisions before heading back their Los Angeles reality. They reached their suite, that Donovan had insisted on booking instead of a regular room, because he wanted to celebrate their newfound togetherness in style. And also because he anticipated having to dial the luxuries way back for a while, if not permanently.
He was probably overreacting. It wasn’t as if he was destitute. But the superficial security his trust fund, corporate salary and inheritance had always provided him held more of a grip on his psyche than even he’d anticipated.
“That was an amazing dinner.” Donovan tossed his jacket on one of the side chairs in the main room. “I hope we can go back some time.”
Silver came up behind him then wrapped his arms around Donovan’s waist. “There’s no reason we can’t.”
Donovan turned in Silver’s embrace. “It was a tad pricey.”
Silver gazed up at him with the same intense stare that had entranced Donovan from the start. After a beat, he slid his hand down to gather up Donovan’s.
“Come on, mijo. Let’s sit and talk before bed. Tomorrow we go back, and there’ll be a lot to deal with when we get there.”
Donovan allowed himself to be led to the plush, velvet sofa, then curled up the best he could on Silver’s lap. He hadn’t bothered asking if he could. That’s the way it had been whenever they’d sit together and talk after he’d bared all to Silver almost three weeks before.
Up until their respite from life in Santa Barbara, they’d either stayed at the garage or the condo. Truthfully, Donovan hadn’t cared which, as long as he was with Silver the whole time. He’d also gotten pretty good at Need for Speed on the Xbox.
Donovan’s legs were long enough that they partially extended past Silver’s thighs and onto the cushion. He also had to bend his torso a bit to get it so he could tuck his head under Silver’s chin. However, it was all worth it and he’d gotten used to the position just fine.
“Are you sure we can’t sail past the talking and go straight to bed where you’re doing deliciously filthy things to my body?”
Silver smacked Donovan’s behind. “That’s enough, boy.” He pressed a kiss to Donovan’s head. “I know you’re scared, but I promise