Page 76 of Pretty ’n Peak

14

Mateo

They made it up to Mateo’s room, the large box tucked under Austin’s arm.

Austin set it on his desk, then rested his cane beside it. He turned to Mateo, holding his gaze behind those thick lenses.

“I just want to make sure that you know this isn’t something you have to do. This is a gift, but you don’t have to accept it, and it doesn’t place you under any obligation. We can leave the box there and go outside. You can open it and never put it on. You can take it home with you, or we can return it to the store. It’s all up to you.”

Mateo didn’t know if he would wear it, but he was never, ever returning it. “Can I at least see it?”

Austin’s eyes crinkled behind the broad magnification of his glasses. It was funny how Austin’s eyes had seemed so bulbous and exposed when they first met, but now Mateo felt like the thick lenses were endearing, even attractive. He could see every emotion on Austin’s face, and right now Austin was happy. “Of course, baby boy. Bring it over here.”

Austin crossed to the little couch, taking one cushion and leaving the other for Mateo.

With trepidation, Mateo picked up the wide, flat package. It was plain cardboard. Addressed to Austin, care of the Meadowlark Lodge.

He couldn’t believe he was really touching it.

He looked back at Austin, who was watching him with a little wrinkle of worry in his brow. Not like he was upset but… like he truly wanted to make sure Mateo was alright.

That was enough to decide him.

He felt safe with Austin. Safer than he had with anyone else.

He carried the box over, watching Austin’s worry lift with the sound of his footsteps.

Some little part of him kept whispering, wondering what it would be like to always have a Daddy who was so focused on him and his happiness.

Austin might not be able to see with his eyes, but he always somehow knew what Mateo needed.

Mateo squeezed in beside Austin on the other cushion. He tried not to get too close, like he was taking something that hadn’t been offered, but Austin’s arm immediately went around his shoulder.

So much better.

“Do you need scissors or something to get it open?”

Mateo exhaled. That was a good place to start. “No, I think I can just pull up the tape.”

“Whenever you’re ready. No rush.”

He picked at the tape, then pulled it up with a satisfying yank.

Inside were a pile of elegant boxes in grays and pinks, some in striking black and white stripes.

He’d seen his mother and sisters order bras online before, and they usually came in gray shipping bags, or clear plastic that they pulled out of brown boxes.

This was luxurious.

“Was this expensive?” he asked, suddenly worried.

Austin squeezed his shoulder, an amused smile on his face. “Yes. I gave Jamie my credit card. But I don’t regret a penny of it.”

Mateo shook his head. This was something he’d read about, but hadn’t paid much attention to before. Daddies liked to buy presents for their boys, right? It was part of the kink?

He should probably object or try to return some of it, but he didn’t want to at all. He wanted to feel decadent and spoiled.

A real Dom was buying him naughty gifts.