Chapter 10: Chapter Ten

The place was about to close. Ford rolled the ball up the ramp, playing the game for what seemed like the millionth time to get the last hundred tickets they needed to get his son the drone. He finally got the ball in the hole for the high score.

Jaxon let out an excited ‘YES!’ and bounced in place as Ford pressed the button to print the tickets.

They exchanged the massive pile that took all three of them to carry and Jaxon claimed his prize, eyes glowing with pride. “This is the coolest thing ever!”

As soon as they were in the car, pulling out of the parking lot, Jaxon fell asleep, clutching the big box to his chest.

Kyle drove Ford home, speaking quietly. “I was afraid he wouldn’t warm up to you, but today was good for him. He got to see you’re willing to do anything for him and he needed that.”

“I won’t always be able to play hooky from work, but this was so worth it.” Ford glanced back at his son. The kid was tough, but he’d let down his guard a bit today. Gotten a chance to relax. He seemed to need it. “It’ll take a while to make up for the time we missed, but this was a good start.”

“It really was.” Kyle went quiet. “So when did you figure out you’re gay?”

Ford blinked. “I’m not.”

“You mentioned a boyfriend.”

Ford’s neck heated. He wasn’t used to calling Cort that, but it had come out automatically when Jaxon asked him about his life. He’d told his son about his house, about Cort and Akira. About how excited he was for Jaxon to meet them. He wasn’t trying to keep Cort a secret, but the way their relationship had evolved was none of Kyle’s business.

He cleared his throat. “I’m bisexual. I guess I’d never met anyone who made me consider I wasn’t straight before.”

“You said the guy was Cort. Didn’t you know him back when you were with my sister?”

“Yeah, but…I was a kid. Cort didn’t look at me that way and things were…they were different.”

“He’s the same age Trista would be now, isn’t he?”

“What are you getting at?”

“Not sure what the difference is. You were a horny teen. I would have fucked you myself if you hadn’t been determined to prove you were into girls. Now you’re all confused?”

“Confused?” Ford frowned as Kyle pulled up in front of his house. “How am I confused?”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Kyle laughed, getting out of the car. He stepped in front of Ford. “Things could be easier, you know. Your father is trying to limit your time with your son to what suits him, but I could change that.”

Ford’s jaw hardened. He moved to step around Kyle, hissing through his teeth when Kyle grabbed his arm and pinned him against the side of the car. “Let me go, Kyle.”

“Make me. And see how easy it will be to get a day with your son next time.” Kyle pressed against him, his erection rubbing Ford’s hip. “I’ve seen the way you look at me. You never showed interest when you were younger, but your father would have killed you. He’s gone and your new one doesn’t give a fuck, so long as you’re useful.”

Throat tightening at the mention of Kingsley, Ford turned his head as Kyle’s lips brushed along his throat. “I’m with someone, Kyle. Back off.”

“No. I want you to consider what I can give you. What you had today.” Kyle chuckled as Ford went still. “I was so jealous of my sister. You were fucking hot and wild and she got to play with you. But you were just doing what boys were supposed to. Fucking the hot chick. Proving to your father you were a ‘real’ man. We’re both free of that shit now. Think about it.” He rubbed his hand over Ford’s dick. When Ford grabbed Kyle’s wrist, the man laughed. “You sure you want to do that?”

“My son is in the car. Your nephew. Don’t do this, Kyle.” His stomach turned as Kyle gave him an amused smile. “Don’t.”

“He’s sleeping. And I need to know I’m not wasting my time.” Kyle stared at him, his gaze hardening until Ford released his wrist. “Better. I don’t expect anything now, Ford. But I need to know you’ll consider what I could give you.”

“Which is what?” Ford choked out the words as Kyle touched him again. The bastard had trapped him and he fucking knew it. Without a lawyer, he’d never see his son unless Kyle allowed it. Anthony had made sure of that.

Kyle slid his hand around to Ford’s ass and squeezed. “We’ll talk more tomorrow. I think you get an idea of how things will be. Your father is working on getting Jaxon in school. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could bring him on his first day? I can make that happen.”

“Let. Me. Go.”

“All right.” Kyle stepped back. “Just think about it. You’re nervous and I get it. Whoever you’re with isn’t giving you what you need. But I will. And I’ll make it worth your while.”

Without waiting for a reply, Kyle returned to the driver’s side, climbed in, and drove off.

Ford stood there, staring after the car long after it was out of sight. He swallowed hard when he looked back at the house, seeing Cort’s bike in the driveway. If Cort had seen anything, he’d have come out and snapped Kyle’s neck, no questions asked. There was no way he’d have missed that Ford hadn’t wanted the fucker to touch him.

Cort hadn’t seen. And he couldn’t save Ford. Not this time.

Skin crawling, Ford tried to figure out how he could keep Kyle happy without giving him what he wanted. The same way he’d given his father just enough to satisfy him without going too far. What he’d done already was pretty damn low, but they still had power over his son. And would until he took it away. He could get a lawyer involved, but he didn’t much like those bastards. What if they made things harder for Jaxon? The kid had already been through enough.

He stepped into the house, pressing the door shut behind him. He wanted to take a shower. Wash the feel of Kyle touching him away and forget it had ever happened. Kyle hadn’t done much, but it still felt so fucking wrong. And not because he was a man.

Other men had touched him in the past. While Cort watched. Pisch had taken a firm grip on his neck, showing him how to suck Cort’s dick, then his and Pearce’s. He’d been so fucking turned on his brain hadn’t registered what was happening until Pisch touched his ass.

Then he’d gotten nervous and tried to force himself to let it happen. Pisch had been able to tell, somehow, and him and Cort had talked about some guys just not being into…that.

Which had led to the last month being no more than him and Cort kissing a bit. Jerking each other off. Him sucking Cort’s dick a few times. Nothing more because him freaking out that one time meant he couldn’t go there.

He didn’t know how to explain that one time had been different because his brain had been getting in his way. All he’d been taught about what was right and wrong had tripped him up. Now Cort was afraid to hurt him and wouldn’t push. But Ford wanted him to push. Wanted him to take everything.

Only, he didn’t know how to say it then.

But he did now. Kyle implying his man couldn’t give him what he needed had him wanting to prove the bastard wrong. To replace the hands he hadn’t wanted touching him with the ones he did. A shower wouldn’t be enough. Not unless it was hot enough to burn away the feeling of Kyle. Or the knowledge that Ford would do whatever the man wanted because Jaxon was the only one who mattered and he would do anything for his son.

Even let Kyle use him.

No. There has to be another way. Tell Cort. He’s gotten you through worse.

Cort would kill Kyle. Then he’d go to jail and Ford would lose him. Again.

Ford would figure this out. On his own. Without putting Cort back in the cell he’d been in too long for protecting him.

Stepping into the living room, Ford set his eyes on Cort. Crossed the room in three long strides, climbing onto the sofa and straddling Cort’s lap before Cort could sit up.

Covering Cort’s lips with his, he pressed his eyes shut as Cort’s took a firm hold on his hips. Dug his fingers into Ford’s flesh, groaning into his mouth. A big hand slid up to the back of Ford’s neck as Cort took control of the kiss. He slipped the fingers of his other hand into the waist of Ford’s jeans, stroking the base of his spine even as he eased Ford back and met his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Cort’s eyes narrowed when Ford shook his head. “Don’t give me that. You smell like…like some cheap cologne. What did you do?”

“I wouldn’t… Cort, I wouldn’t fucking cheat on you.”

“I didn’t think you would. We’ve discussed our limits.”

“Unless… Never mind.”

“Oh hell no. What the fuck does that mean, Ford?” Cort took a firm hold on the back of Ford’s neck. “Talk to me.”

“I can’t. Cort… I don’t care what Pisch said. He doesn’t know me. You do.” Ford pressed his forehead against Cort’s shoulder as Cort rubbed his back. “Don’t let me think. Don’t wait. I need…I need you.”

“Jesus, you’re freaking me out, kid. What happened?” Cort gave him a hard shake. “Ford. I will make you talk.”

“Don’t. Cort, just…” Ford groaned and pressed harder against Cort. “Just do it.”

“No.” Cort stood, lifting Ford and setting him on his feet. “Kneel. Now.”

Ford dropped to his knees, a switch flipping in his brain. That tone was good. Cort would take the control he’d lost. His whole body shook as Cort stepped around him, brushing a hand over his hair and letting out a heavy sigh.

“I love you, but I can’t do this alone. I’d have Akira help, but she’s with Jami. I won’t make her choose between you.”

“She shouldn’t have to. I’m fine.” I’m not. I’m really not. Stop talking and do what you do to make the world disappear.

“She would if I asked, but I don’t think that would help. Not now.” Cort stroked his hair again. “I want you to stay here, just like this. Don’t move.”

“I won’t.” Ford closed his eyes as Cort shifted away from him. His man went to the kitchen and spoke quietly to someone. Then he returned, sitting on the sofa and pulling Ford between his thighs.

He bent down, resting his forehead on Ford’s hair. “I mean it, Ford. I will make you tell me everything.”

Ford blinked fast, his lashes wet. “You’ll try. That’s okay.”

Whatever Cort did, Ford had a feeling it wouldn’t be fun. But he didn’t fucking care. He needed someone else to take charge.

And there was only one person who could.

He only hoped Cort wouldn’t hate him if he got the truth he was pushing for.

The truth Ford should be able to give him.

But he couldn’t, because no matter how he looked at it, he could’ve stopped it. He could have said no. But he hadn’t.

And he might not next time.

He wasn’t sure how much time passed as Cort sat there, lightly stroking his hair and speaking softly. A knock at the door and Ford stiffened, staring at Cort, wondering who he’d been waiting for.

Cort moved away from him, answering the door before returning with Shawn Pischlar, who was carrying his toy bag and observing Ford with detached interest.

“Bring him to the bedroom. We want him physically and mentally comfortable to start.”

“Cort?” Ford wet his lips with his tongue as Cort hauled him to his feet. “What’s going on?”

Giving him a stiff smile, Cort gripped the back of his neck and walked him to the bedroom. Their king-sized bed was made, usually welcoming because it was where Ford got to shove the world away and just be with the two people he loved. A heavy black comforter which suited Cort, and a dozen red cushions with embroidered trees that Akira had found. There was something that fit each of them in here, a small touch to make this their space, more so than anywhere else in the house.

When his day was done, but Cort and Akira were still at their respective jobs, he sometimes came in here to chill, reading one of Akira’s books while propping up his head on the biker bear he’d gotten Cort as a joke for Valentine’s Day.

The bear was on the dresser now, next to Akira’s jewelry box and little perfume bottles. A deep breath and he caught the light, floral aroma, still lingering from when she’d been here this morning. He pressed his eyes shut, smiling a little as the scent of motor oil and leather that always clung to Cort mixed with the sweeter ones. Pisch had been right about this room. Ford felt grounded, as though none of the shit he was mixed up in could touch him here.

He turned and met Cort’s level gaze.

Then swallowed. Fuck, he didn’t much like the look in Cort’s eyes. He was hot, all scary like this, but there was something more. A grim determination, the darkness that had once filled his eyes before he was about to hurt someone.

“Strip and get on the bed, Ford.” Cort folded his arms over his chest at Ford’s frown. “You have three options. Tell me everything now, use your safe word, or do as your told. Decide quickly or I’ll do it for you.”

Arousal and fear fused together in Ford’s veins and his pulse quickened. He glanced over at Pisch, whose expression was unreadable.

“Eyes on me, boy.” Cort reached out, his big, calloused hand framing Ford’s jaw. “What’s it going to be?”

Lips parted, Ford tried to get the words out, but they wouldn’t come. He ground his teeth and jerkily undid the buttons of his shirt, shoving it off with his jacket. After kicking off his shoes, he undid his belt.

Standing there naked in front of both men had his brain going foggy. He’d once considered himself a Dom, but over time identified more as a switch. He’d tolerated submitting while he was learning the different aspects of BDSM, but when Cort began taking charge, gaining the skills to satisfy Ford’s masochistic side, he found himself craving the restraint, the steady command Cort exuded so effortlessly.

He needed the escape sometimes, and surrendering to Cort had ended up being a natural progression in their relationship. He might have been a mouthy punk once, but the man had always found a way to get through to him. Had always exerted some kind of discipline when needed.

His methods were just a lot more effective now.

And Ford needed them more than ever before.

“Get on the bed.” Cort strode past him, opening the small door at the base of the nightstand to the right of the bed and pulling out the small basket where he kept the restraints. Akira’s favorite, furry purple ones were at the top. Cort nudged them aside and grabbed the thick leather wrist and ankle cuffs he used on Ford. As soon as Ford reclined on the bed, he took a firm hold of Ford’s wrist, strapping first one, then reaching over to put on the other.

There were chains tucked away behind the bed which Cort attached to the cuffs, the evil smile he usually wore when they were about to play absent. The one he wore now was like he was about to do a job he wouldn’t enjoy.

“You don’t have to do this, Cort.” Ford tugged at his wrist, the restraints settling something inside him. Part of him wanted this, whatever this would be, but not if it was gonna hurt Cort. “Everything will be fine. I just…I can’t talk about it now.”

“You can and you will. Hey…” Cort leaned over Ford, raking his fingers into Ford’s hair. “Don’t worry about me. It’s fucking me up more that I don’t know how to help you. If hurting you tears down those fucking walls you’ve put up again, it’ll be my goddamn pleasure.”

Yeah, because that’s not scary as fuck.

At least Cort was smiling now. Only the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

He moved to the base of the bed to restrain Ford’s ankles.

Pisch stepped up to Cort’s side, holding out a pair of gloves. “I have a few of these. The leather ones may look nicer, but they’re harder to clean. If you’re planning to draw blood these are better.”

Wait. What? Ford stared at Cort as he pulled on the black gloves, catching the glint of steel on the palm and along the fingers. “Why are we planning to draw blood?”

Lips slanted, Pisch glanced over at him. “Effectiveness.”

“Shitshitshit.” Ford tugged at the restraints as Cort reached for him. Sure, he enjoyed pain, but he didn’t much like the sight of his own blood. “I’m not sure about this.”

“If you want me to stop, you know what to say, Ford.” Cort rested a knee on the edge of the bed by Ford’s hip. “Otherwise, relax. You know I won’t leave any lasting damage.”

Ford let out a nervous laugh. “When you used the cane, I had a hard time sitting for a week.”

Cort inclined his head. “Good thing I didn’t do it as hard as you begged me too. Fucking tempting though. You’ve never come that hard before.”

“Damn, I would pay to see that.” Pisch took a seat on Ford’s other side, adjusting his own gloves. There was a wicked glint in his eyes as he looked over Ford’s naked body, his lips curving as his gaze settled on Ford’s erection. “Don’t you love it when they protest while they’re fucking turned on? Ian does the same thing. It’s adorable.”

“Fuck off, Pisch.” Ford’s cheeks heated as his dick throbbed, his balls tightening as he tugged on the restraints again. He wouldn’t deny this whole scenario pressed all his buttons. He didn’t even mind Pisch being there, the man had some serious skills, but he couldn’t help mouthing off when he was this overpowered. “You told Cort he needed to learn to manage me on his own. Why the fuck are you here?”

“Because he’s not managing you and I’m better with interrogations than Sloan is.” Pisch shrugged at Ford’s scowl. “A sadist could probably get you talking, but Cort prefers you in one piece. As do I. This could take a bit longer, but that’s entirely up to you.”

“I can’t talk. I’ve got nothing to say.”

“Mmhmm.” Pisch looked over at Cort. “Start slow, on less sensitive parts of the body. Go lightly at first, like this.”

Bringing his hand to Ford’s thigh, Pisch stroked up his leg. The steel spikes on the glove scratched his flesh, stinging slightly. Not too bad. Ford could handle this.

A hand on Ford’s chest, Cort copied Pisch’s motion, eyeing the pink marks he left behind with a satisfied smile. “This will leave him very sensitive.”

“Very.” Pischlar dragged his hand down Ford’s other thigh with a bit more pressure.

This time, Ford hissed, his body jerking against the mattress. The sting was intense, leaving his skin feeling raw, his whole body tingling as though every inch of him was prepared for more of the same.

“Slightly increasing the pressure still won’t draw blood, but he won’t be able to ignore it.” Pisch turned his hand, going over the scratches with the soft side of the glove. Ford winced. “We’ll focus on those areas if he continues to be difficult.”

“Sounds good.” Cort used the back of his hand to nudge Ford’s chin, forcing Ford to look at him. “How you holding in there, kid?”

“Don’t fucking call me that, you son of a bitch.” Ford ground his teeth as Cort’s hand swept down his chest in a smooth motion, leaving a stinging trail behind. He wasn’t mad at Cort for doing this, he wanted him to, but the part of himself he’d tried to shut down wanted to lash out. “You’re fucking loving this.”

Cort’s jaw ticked. “Giving you what you need? You’re damn right I am. Stop fighting it, Ford.” He ran his hand over Ford’s chest again. The same spot. Slowly this time. “Do you feel that?”

“Yes!” He hissed through his teeth, trembling as Pisch continued to stroke his thighs. The stinging brought a low heat spilling over his flesh, triggering a deep pleasure he couldn’t hold back anymore. His eyes teared and he gasped as the hum of ecstasy pulsed into his dick. “Shit… Stop. I’m gonna come.”

“Not yet.” Cort removed his gloves and reached into the drawer by the bed. He grinned when Ford shook his head as the leather cock ring came into view. “You don’t have a choice. And you don’t want one.”

Damn it, the man knew him too well. Ford panted as Cort took hold of his dick. Just his touch was almost enough to set Ford off, but the firm pressure closing around the base of his cock held release at bay. He shivered as the men continued working him over with the gloves. His mind was going fuzzy.

Pisch dragged his hand along Ford’s inner thighs. Cort made his way down Ford’s stomach, bracing his forearm on Ford’s hip when he tried to twist away.

Cort’s fingers brushed over Ford’s dick again, this time with the spikes.

The touch was light, but Ford cried out as the sting combined with the ache in his swollen cock. He wanted to come. He wanted them to keep going. To stop. To do more. His mind was all over and he couldn’t think straight anymore.

The weight near his legs shifted.

“Let’s get started.”

Brow furrowed, Ford tried to figure out what Pisch meant. He heard the snap of a bottle open. Cool liquid spilled over his thigh and the scent of mint filled the air.

Flames licked his flesh and his back bowed. Another spill over his chest, so cold it burned. He opened his mouth, but not a sound came out. Everything inside him went still.

All the pain vanished. He stopped shaking, his pulse slowing as he turned his head, blinking at Cort who looked too far away. He tried to reach for him, but his hands wouldn’t move.

“Cort?”

Suddenly, Cort was closer, cupping his cheek, a gentle smile on his rugged face. “Right here, my man. Are you ready to talk to me?”

“Mmm. Yeah… I can talk.” His words sounded slurred, but Cort nodded. He could hear him. “Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, Ford. I’m worried.” Cort’s lips brushed over his. He eased back a little, but not too much. “What happened today?”

“Kyle…” No. He didn’t want to talk about Kyle. The haze in his mind began to retreat. “I can’t. I—”

Intense heat. Cold.

He pressed his eyes shut, forgetting why he’d tried to keep anything from Cort. All he could see was the man he loved. Right there. Waiting.

But Ford had forgotten the question as well. His brain wasn’t working right.

“Kyle did something?” Cort’s voice was calm. Reassuring. “Tell me. I need to know everything.”

“He wants to fuck me. He touched me…didn’t want him to. He said…he said he could make things easier. Or harder…” Both. Ford was sure he’d said both. “He’s not here. I didn’t want you to see. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t, but try to focus.” Cort used the back of his hand to smooth Ford’s hair away from where it was sticking to his face. “What will he make harder?”

“Seeing my son. I have to do what he wants or I won’t see my son. But when he touched me…” Ford shuddered, but the trembling of his body felt like it belonged to someone else. He was away from the memory of that touch. Safe. With Cort. “Jaxon is starting school. I want to be there for his first day. I missed so many firsts. Too many. But today…I helped him win the toy he wanted. He was so happy.”

Cort yanked off the gloves, then pressed his hands to either side of Ford’s face. “You are going to be an amazing dad, Ford. And I will be with you every fucking step of the way. Kyle won’t keep him from you. We’ll figure this out together.”

Tears blinded Ford. He blinked fast, needing to see Cort again, to hear his words over and over, telling him everything would be all right. “I’m too fuzzy to talk anymore, Cort. You know what I have to do. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. But I want you first. I’d be okay now. You could do anything to me. I’m not afraid.”

“I love you, so fucking much. It’s not happening while you’re worse than drunk. But it will happen.” Cort leaned down, kissing Ford in a way that made the rejection okay. He wasn’t saying no forever. He understood how much Ford needed him. Resting his forehead on Ford’s, Cort let out a soft laugh. “You’re damn tempting. Your dick is so swollen, and every mark on your skin is making me hard. If I didn’t know better, I’d think there was something wrong with me. I love seeing you like this, all mine to mark up and toy with.”

“He’s hot like this, Cort, but he needs to come down. He’s shivering and sweating and he’s gonna crash hard. I’ll check his restraints, but if he were mine, I’d let him come.” Pisch stepped off the bed, then slid his fingers along one cuff, which seemed so far away. “Then cuddle him for the rest of the night. I’ll stick around if you want, just to make sure you’re good, but first I think the two of you need some time alone.”

“Why wouldn’t I be good?” Cort traced his thumb over Ford’s bottom lip. “He needed this.”

“He did. But you pushed him—and yourself—pretty hard.” Pisch squeezed Cort’s shoulder. “I’ll be in the living room. Let me know where you’re at when you’re done.”

Seconds later the bedroom door opened, then shut softly. Cort let out a heavy sigh, brushing his fingers down Ford’s cheek, his neck, over his chest. His touch filled Ford’s entire existence, as though beyond him there would be nothing. Ford’s body was tethered to him, his mind centered on his every breath. And that was okay.

So long as Cort didn’t leave him.

“Ford, listen to me very carefully. I’m going to release you now.” Cort made a soft hushing sound as Ford shook his head. “Just the cock ring to start with. You’ll come for me, then we’ll lie here together for a bit until you feel like yourself again.”

Ford frowned, chewing at his bottom lip until he tasted blood. “I’m me. I want you, Cort. I don’t want to enjoy this without you.”

“Your body is mine, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” No question. It was all that made sense. He belonged to Cort.

“Good boy.” Cort unclipped the cock ring. Then leaned down and took Ford into his mouth.

For the first time.

His lips around Ford’s dick moved slowly at first, but all it took was a bit of pressure and everything that had built up within burst, erupting from the base of Ford’s spine and slamming into his cock. Wave after wave of pleasure so intense his vision flashed red and white and then went black. His back arched and he cried out, whimpering as Cort pulled back, swallowing and huffing out a breath as he pinned Ford to the mattress to ride out his orgasm.

The last few spurts of cum hit Ford’s stomach, and Cort stroked him until the shudders died down.

Head bowed, Cort moved to unclip the chains attached to Ford’s ankle cuffs. Then he dropped onto the bed and pulled Ford into his arms.

“Next time, warn me.” Cort wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “Hell, I don’t know how you and Akira do it. No offense, but she tastes much better.”

With his dick softening, and the steady throb of pain little more than a memory, Ford eased into reality and burst out laughing, his face pressed into Cort’s shoulder. “It’s a bit of an acquired taste.”

“All hot and slimy on your tongue and salty as fuck. No thanks.” Cort rubbed his mouth again. “You make it look easy.”

Ford’s lips quirked. “You’re usually coming down my throat, not on my tongue. But I got used to it after you had the third guy fuck my mouth. I wasn’t exactly savoring it, I was in the zone.”

“It was hot to watch.” Cort ran his hand down Ford’s back. “Pisch seemed worried you’d be all fucked up, but you’re talking clear. A bit shaky, but you’ve been like this before. It’ll pass. You pissed that I totally mind fucked you?”

“No.” Ford trembled as his body settled into place with his mind. “What Kyle did was messing with me. I wonder if part of it was because of those guys who beat the shit out of me threatened to do worse. I hadn’t even thought of that at the time, but I froze up when Kyle touched me. I didn’t use the opportunity like I should have.” He inhaled roughly. “I will next time.”

Cort pushed up, bracing his hands by Ford’s shoulders and staring down at him. “There’s no ‘next time’.”

“Did you listen to a word I said?” Fuck, he wished he could stop shaking. How could Cort take him seriously if he still looked messed up? “I can get a lawyer, but that will take time. I don’t want to wait for the courts to decide when I can see my son.”

“So I’m supposed to stand back and let that sick bastard fuck you?”

“It doesn’t have to be…maybe I get him to slow down. Suck his dick a few times. It won’t mean anything.” Ford’s stomach flipped. He hated even bringing this up when he just wanted to lie here while Cort held him. Told him everything would be okay. “I don’t know what else to do.”

“You’re going to make sure I’m there. Or Akira is with you. Go straight to your father and make sure Kyle isn’t controlling the visits.” Cort’s eyes went hard. “You said Jaxon had fun with you today. He’ll want more of that. Be there and he’ll ask. Let the boy call the shots.”

That made sense, and might work, but Ford wasn’t so sure about showing up with Cort. “Can you really be all chill if you see him?”

Cort’s jaw hardened. “It won’t be easy, but this isn’t about me. Or even you. If it was I’d go hunt that bastard down now. Your son is stuck in the middle and I won’t do anything that will hurt him. Or give your father a reason to think we can’t have Jaxon in our lives. You’re not the only one who needs to prove himself, Ford.”

This…this was exactly what Ford needed to hear. But he needed to make sure Cort was saying what he thought he was. “If he’s gonna be with us… Cort, you’ll be another father to him.”

“He could have been mine, Ford. And he is yours. Which is pretty much the same. I love you and that means I love your son. He’s part of you.” Cort pressed his lips against Ford’s forehead. “Every decision I make from this point on includes him. When we go pick him up so you can get to know him better, I won’t forget that. I’ve had to deal with assholes like Kyle before and they’re still alive. I’ve got this.”

“Okay.” Ford tugged at his ankle and laughed. “Wanna untie me, man?”

“Shit, sorry about that.” Cort shoved off the bed and reached down to release Ford completely. “You’re doing better than I expected. When I use the whip, I keep you tied up for longer because you freak when you don’t feel the restraints. But Pischlar noticed you needed them off before I did.”

“I don’t know what he saw. I was gone, man. Floating. It was cool.” Ford pressed his eyes shut. “But I couldn’t stay there, much as I wanted to. Part of me kept latching on to what I needed to do.”

“Has that changed?”

“Yeah. I’m not the only one Jaxon has to look out for him. And how fucked up would it be if he somehow found out what his uncle is trying to do? And that I gave in?” All this dirty, low, backhanded shit was what he’d grown up with. Blackmail, manipulation and threats. His son deserved better. “I have a good job. So do you and Akira. With the right lawyer, there’s no reason I won’t get custody.”

“That’s right. And we’ll get one. I’ll mortgage the shop if that’s what it takes. It’s worth a lot after all the work I’ve put into it.”

“You don’t gotta do that.”

“I do. Your son—our son—is worth it.”

Ford inclined his head. He loved that Cort was ready to stand by his side to raise Jaxon. He didn’t have to be so fucking scared of doing this alone and fucking up somehow.

But there was still one issue they had to discuss. “Akira might not be ready for all this.”

Cort grunted, tightening his grip around Ford’s shoulders. “Give her time. She’s been dealing with a lot all at once. Her school, Jami, worrying that you’re gonna get yourself in some kind of trouble because the team might be sold.” His brow furrowed. “I should have asked you about that. Fuck.”

Nope. They weren’t going there. Jaxon had to be the focus. The team came second. And Ford didn’t want to know how Cort would react to what he’d already done. If things went as planned, the team would be here for years to come and the pieces he’d moved to buy his family time wouldn’t even register. In the grand scheme of things, it really wasn’t a big deal.

“Silver has some connections. Knows people with money. We’ve talked a bit, but we’re being careful.”

“Uh huh. Not worried at all. I’m sure she’s discussed all this with her men and there’s no reason for concern.”

After what they’d just gone through, Ford couldn’t lie. So he simply muttered against Cort’s shoulder. “No comment.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Cort sighed and pushed off the bed. “Are you feeling okay? I’ll be right back, but I don’t want to leave Pisch waiting. He was right, doing this messed with my head, but I’m good with it knowing you are.”

“Do you think Akira will be home tonight?”

“She wants to be. She stopped by Jami’s place after practice. If the little mommy-to-be is doing okay, she shouldn’t be long.”

“Okay.” Ford’s eyes blurred, his eyelids heavy. “I’m gonna rest a bit. Tell Pisch I said thanks. I don’t think you could’ve done this without him.”

“I couldn’t.”

Cort leaving the bed had Ford shivering again, but he wrapped himself tight in the blankets, settling his head on the pillow and letting himself drift away. Life was so fucked up, but at least he was sharing some of the burden. He’d tried to push Cort away and the man had forced him to face one simple truth that would never change.

When Cort claimed someone, it was forever. Unless they crossed the line of what Cort considered acceptable. The man had his limits. Ford hadn’t reached them.

Yet.