Page 13 of The Royal in Room 3

“Technically, it’s not, although there are rooms on the first floor if you want to indulge with a partner. We turn a blind eye to Tony because he’s lived here for years and this is the first time he’s chosen a Daddy, but his Daddy’s a pilot, so they don’t get to see each other as often as they want.”

“I see.”

Jorge removed his thumb from his mouth. “You’re going to love it here,” he said. “Phoenix is the best.”

“And what does he get out of it?”

A knock sounded on the door before they could answer.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened for the second time that morning, and the subject of my thoughts entered the room, looking radiant in a pair of loose white linen trousers and a matching shirt with long, billowy sleeves and the first few buttons undone, which left his chest bare. He moved gracefully, his clothes flowing with his movements as if they were one.

“Soren,” he said with a smile. “I see you’ve met friends. I hope they didn’t disturb you. The plan was to introduce you to everyone over breakfast.”

“No, they’ve been great,” I said quickly, not wanting to get them into trouble.

“That’s awesome, but I’d like to talk to you alone for a bit. Dean? Jorge? Do you mind leaving us for a few?”

“Sure thing, Phoenix.”

The two guys left the room, promising they would see me downstairs shortly. Left alone with Phoenix, I clutched my hands in my lap. He seemed so poised and perfect. With his platinum-blond hair, he looked very much like the guardian angel Aaron had said he was.

“How did you sleep last night?” Phoenix walked over to the bay window and sat.

“Surprisingly very well,” I said. “I guess I was a lot more tired than I’d thought.”

“I’m glad. I didn’t want to overwhelm you with too much last night, but there are some things you should know about Halo House. I want you to understand what we do here and how you fit in with us.”

“Okay.”

“Though I’m sure Dean must have said a lot, so why don’t you start by letting me know what Dean has said so far?”

I repeated what I’d been told, and Phoenix nodded. “Yup. That’s pretty much it. We’re able to run Halo House as a nonprofit for vulnerable LGBTQ plus people with the support of our sponsors and also our Halo nightclub. Some of our sponsors just want to help, while others are seeking subs they can care for.”

“That part I don’t understand much,” I said honestly. “If I’m going to stay at Halo House, do I have to be involved with one of your sponsors?”

“Definitely not. There are other ways to contribute to Halo House, such as by working at the club or even being a part of the charity events we host or participate in. If I do believe you could do well with guidance from one of our caregivers then I’ll be frank about it, but the decision is up to you whether you accept that help and from whom. Makes sense?”

“I guess.”

“Last night Aaron mentioned you didn’t have anywhere to stay and you had your things stolen,” he said. “So I anticipate you’d want to stay with us for a little while at least?”

I thought back to my palace, to the fact that my father would send me the money I needed if I asked. But although he wouldn’t say no, he would definitely be disappointed that I was still struggling to survive after three months on my own. I wanted to prove that I wasn’t a screwup, but how could I do that if I kept asking him for things?

“If it’s not a problem and I don’t have to do anything weird, I’d like that.”

Phoenix chuckled. “Nothing weird, I promise. But let me ask you, have you ever had a caregiver before?”

The question burned a hole in my gut as I remembered the man who’d lied to me, proposed to me, then deceived me. The man responsible for me losing my crown.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Oh my. That sounds ominous. Does that mean you wouldn’t be open to finding a Daddy who can help you get on your feet?”

In theory it all sounded so good, but fresh from a heartbreak, I couldn’t think of trusting another Daddy like that again.

“I-I don’t know.”