Rhys narrowed his eyes. “What code?”
“No telling on fellow boys to their Daddy's code.” I walked past him and grabbed my coat.
“There is no such code, and this is different. You need your daddy to tell you to pull your head out of your arse.” Rhys said bluntly. I rolled my eyes but knew he was probably right.
“We've got no more patients today. Why don't you head home to Simon. I'm going to take a walk and clear my head.” I pulled Rhys into a brief hug. “Sorry I've been a pillock today.”
Rhys smiled and shook his head. “You're not a pillock, I just worry about you. Bad moods like this generally mean your arsehole parents are involved.”
“You're a perceptive man, and you're also correct. I have to attend a dinner tonight, and I'd rather not. Anne was going to be my wingman along with Perry, but Benji has caught chicken pox so she's staying home with him, which honestly, I don't blame her.”
Rhys followed me through to the waiting room where he shut down his computer and grabbed his jacket.
“I'll walk with you down the hill. I might go out to the Lighthouse to think.” I held the door open for Rhys, then locked it behind us.
“Why are you going?” Rhys blurted out giving me a quizzical look.
“To my parents’?” I answered.
“Yeah, you don't owe them your loyalty. They've treated you like a pariah and Anne and Benji the same, you don't owe them jack shit. Just tell them no and be done with it.” Rhys said firmly.
I shook my head. “It's not that easy,” I answered
Rhys shrugged, looking at me quizzically “Why?”
“I just have to.” I answered.
Rhys patted my arm, then looped his arm with mine. “You really don't, Cullen, but that’s for you to work out,” Rhys said.
We walked in companionable silence until Viking Ink came into view. Simon was sitting outside on the bench soaking up the late afternoon sun, and he threw a wave in our direction when he saw us walking towards him.
“Weren't expecting you to be finished yet.” Simon walked up and picked Rhys up in a bear hug not caring about the looks from passersby.
“Daddy, you're mussing up my clothes.” Rhys patted Simon's chest until he put him down.
“We were actually quiet today so Cullen said we could knock off early. Besides, grumpy pants is in need of a break.” Rhys shot me a playful grin.
“Once again, you're right on the mark. I'm going to leave you to it and head out to the Lighthouse.”
“Hey Doc, are you okay?” Simon cocked his head to one side giving me a concerned frown.
“I'm fine. Rhys can fill you in. But I think a walk out to the point will be what I need,” I answered.
Simon nodded out towards the point and the old Lighthouse. “Don't be out too long, the weather is supposed to be coming in nasty.” I could see dark clouds on the horizon already building up.
I nodded and started off at a light jog, my Converse slapping on the pavement as I jogged along the road towards the gated off path to the point. The road was gated off but there was a path leading off to one side for ramblers only. The local council and the local surf rescue club used the road leading to the point.
The gravel path was uneven and ran along the cliff top, long grass whipped back and forth in the brisk sea breeze. Luckily, I'd grabbed my lined jacket, and it kept me from freezing as I walked further out on the point. The Lighthouse sat out on the point only accessible by a narrow foot bridge, the access gate was padlocked but a council member who I'd attended boardingschool with had happily made me a key knowing that the place held special memories for me.
I followed the walkway over to where the Lighthouse and its cottage sat. The cottage had long since fallen into disrepair, but the lighthouse was still in good nick the light automated now a custodian no longer needed. I shove my hands into my jacket pockets and head to the railing looking out at the crashing surf beyond.
This had been our spot, mine and Ethan's, and it was still the place I came when I needed my brain to quiet. Rhys was right. Why was I going to my bloody parents’ house tonight? Why was I willingly putting myself through their scornful looks and thinly veiled digs? They didn't deserve my loyalty regardless of the fact they were my parents.
A familiar scent tickled my nose. Perry's aftershave. Before I can turn, strong arms wrap around my waist and warm lips kiss my temple.
“You walk too bloody fast.” Perry said breathlessly. “I tried catching up to you when you left Rhys and Simon.”
I turned in his arms and could see he was rosy cheeked from running. “I'm sorry, Daddy. I was kind of off in my own head.” I reached out to push strands of Daddy's hair out of his face. It still amazed me that I had this now. I had a man who cared for me as his boyfriend, boy, and submissive. Each day we were learning about each other and some days I sassed, and Daddy got to spank my arse. Some days I came home from the clinic and wanted nothing more than to sink into my slave headspace, to serve Daddy’s every need. I loved this turn my life had taken.
