as reassured as Louis expected. “I could have seriously hurt you last night.”
“You thought I was an intruder. It’s understandable.”
“I should have been there for you.”
So it was the dream that was bothering Craig more than anything. Louis held back a smile. Physical force as his bodyguard was one thing. Not being there as his Daddy cut to Craig’s core.
“You two need to talk,” Doug said as he stood and stretched. “I need my bed.”
“Me too,” Padraig agreed.
They departed, leaving behind an awkward silence in the kitchen.
“You can’t stop me having bad dreams,” Louis said as he headed for the coffee pot.
“I can bring you out of them,” Craig grumbled. “I should have been there.” He nodded as Louis raised the coffee pot at him. “I hate the thought of you being alone and scared, night after night.”
“You said that last night. We’re going to sleep together. And when I have a bad dream, you’re going to cuddle me and tell me I’m not alone. But that’s not the issue, is it?”
“What do you mean?” Craig asked warily.
“You think you’re not capable of taking care of me as bodyguard and Daddy.”
Craig huffed and sat back in his seat. “I worry that my need to take of my boy outweighs my ability to do my job as a bodyguard.”
“Why didn’t you tell them that? They already have concerns.”
“Because I don’t want them replacing me. I don’t want another man getting close to you.”
“You’re jealous,” Louis observed.
“Of any man that comes near you, yes.”
That really shouldn’t have made Louis as happy as it did. But the thought that his Daddy had a large touch of caveman made his dick harden in his pants.
“You’re fidgeting,” Craig said.
“You make me horny.”
Craig rolled his eyes, but Louis knew he was pleased.
“What do you have to do today?” Craig asked.
“Rest up for tomorrow night.” Louis grimaced. “Jamie’s banned me from setting foot in the club until the party, as I’ll need all my energy for that.”
“So you’re free today?” Craig eyed him speculatively.
“I am. Why?”
“It’s sunny for once, and Jace is on the team. Why don’t we take the Hogs down to the beach? I need time with my bike. It’s been too long. And you need to get outside during the day. I could make it an order if you want.”
“From my Daddy?”
Craig nodded.
“Done. I can’t remember the last time I took my bike out for a long ride.”
“Do you belong to the LGBT chapter Quinn rides with?”
“I do, but I’m usually working the night before they meet. And they always meet early. Running a club doesn’t mix with daylight hours. I feel like a vampire sometimes.”
“Then let’s take advantage while we can.” Craig took both cups over to the dishwasher. “We could pick up brunch en route?”
“That sounds great.”
And he meant it. For the first time since the assault, Louis was excited at a suggestion to do something, instead of forcing himself to go through the motions.
“Let’s get the leathers on and get out of here,” Craig said.
It was only as they were heading up the stairs to get dressed, it occurred to Louis that they hadn’t really finished their discussion on Craig’s dilemma. He decided that could wait. Getting out into the sunshine would do them both good.
Louis closed his eyes and basked in the afternoon sun on his face. He really needed to do this more often. Okay, the wind was freezing, but he’d enjoy the sunshine until he turned into a Popsicle if necessary. He inhaled the clean air and took another deep breath.
The day had been perfect. Brunch at a diner. They decided to head inland rather than along the coast. CDR were there too, but Craig had asked them to stay at a distance unless they needed help.
“I wish we could take a couple of days on the Hogs,” Louis murmured. “Go up into the mountains.”
“Once your party is over, why don’t we take a short road trip?” Craig said. He was parked next to Louis.
Louis’s usual reaction would have been to say no, he couldn’t leave the club. But now? The team was fine without him. Maybe it was possible.
“That sounds good,” he agreed. “If it’s weather like this it would be perfect.” Craig snorted and Louis turned to look at him. “What?”
“Liam Quick gave me a lecture on compromise.”
Louis furrowed his brow. “I’m confused.”
“Before, you’d have never thought about taking time away from the club.”
“And you’d have never considered that you can’t do everything.”
“I can do everything,”