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Constantine lets out a breath. "You took sugar pills. It's not your fault, sweet boy. No one tested these pills to see what they contained. That's the reason you're undernourished. The pills contained sugar and stimulants that suppressed your appetite. When my lawyer sends these pills to the FDA, they'll remove them from the market."
This time, tears well in my eyes. I try to be strong, but there's only so much I can take. My pills… weren't helping me?
I think back to all the times I'd taken them. When I came home from school, I'd pop one in my mouth immediately. I felt lightheaded after taking them, and I freaked out because I thought the omeprazole was hurting me.
But now I realize that wasn't the case. I took sugar pills with stimulants.
How did I let this happen? How did I do this to my body?
I sob as I bury myself in Constantine's arms. "That's why I was so lightheaded, Daddy." Tears flow down my cheeks. "I thought I was taking real medication. I did everything the box said."
Christ Almighty. I can't believe these pills contained harmful substances. It makes me so upset. I want to curl into a ball in my pillow fort and never poke my head out again.
This world is too rough for a boy like me. I don't have the strength for it.
Constantine tilts my chin up. "Hey." His voice is calming. "Gianluca took your bloodwork in his office, angel. He checked your liver and kidneys and ran every test in the books. You have nothing wrong with you. The only health problem you have is your undernourishment because of the stimulants and your acid reflux. Your reflux condition is here to stay, but we'll manage that with medication. You should be able to put on weight easily after quitting your old pills."
I stare into Constantine's eyes. I realize something amazing. For the first time, I don't have to fend for myself. Constantine's in my camp, protecting me, ensuring that he takes care of my health. He'll monitor my new pill situation and make sure that I'm not alone.
I was alone before, but now I have a Daddy. A Daddy who fights for me. A Daddy who protects me.
Constantine wraps his arms around me. "Don't be afraid, sweet one. Daddy will help you with your correct medication. You don't have to worry about your health. I'll make these bastards pay."
My eyes are teary. "What will we do about the fake pills, Daddy?" I rub tears from my eyes. "I'm so mad at the manufacturers. They're hurting poor people."
It's always the underprivileged that get the shaft in this country. Every single fucking time. The FDA takes millions of dollars from corporations to look the other way, and regular people get the short end of the stick.
Constantine trails his thumb across my cheek. "I discovered the name of the manufacturers, boy. It's secret information, so I can't tell you everything right now, but just know that they'll get what they deserve."
A sniffle escapes me. "You promise, Daddy?"
I extend my pinky. I want to make sure that no one goes through what I went through. It's not fair to suffer from a medical condition and take bad pills because you can't afford to see a doctor.
Constantine wraps his pinky around mine. "I promise, sweetheart. My brothers and I are on a mission to bring these bastards to justice. Let's just say they're people we've dealt with for a while. They won't be able to put harmful drugs into the world again."
Time stops as I stare into Constantine's eyes. God in heaven. I made the right decision to be with Constantine. Where other men abandoned me, Constantine fought for me. Every other man left me because of my medical condition. Constantine will fight until the people who sold me dangerous drugs get what they deserve.
As I stare into Constantine's eyes, as I gaze into those two beautiful eyes that have seen so much of this world, so many dark and dangerous things, but are now focused solely on protecting me, I can't help but feel that, if Constantine's so nice to me now, if he helps me so much without my even needing to ask, there's no reason to think he won't do this forever.
And I realize that, for the first time in my adult life, I've met a man who teaches me what love is, true, blinding love, not the love my mother professed when she was strung out on drugs on the couch, but a love packed with so much purity and truth it creates a new entity out of us both. It contains honesty, beauty, and enough fight to sustain us for a lifetime. If Constantine offers to be my forever Daddy, and if he truly wants to do it, why can't I be with this man for the rest of my life?
Constantine leans in and stares into my eyes. "I love you, angel. I'll fight for you always. No matter what."
He crushes his lips to mine. I let out a moan as I kiss him, surrendering to his firm arms. This man will do anything to keep me safe. He'll track down the people who sold me harmful drugs and caused my undernourishment and teach them a lesson.
I choke up as I kiss Constantine. "I love you, too, Daddy. Thank you for being here for me."
Constantine runs his thumb over my fingers. "This little guy would be much happier with a ring, don't you think?" he growls, kissing my ring finger.
It takes a minute to process Constantine's words. I'm still flying from our kiss. But when I do, I melt.
My breath hitches. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Please say yes, Constantine. If you don't, I don't know how I'll go on.
Constantine kisses my hand again. "I think a big, beautiful diamond engagement ring would look lovely on this precious finger. Right, boy?"
"Yes." I thrust my arms around Constantine's neck and kiss him with everything I have. "Yes. So much yes."
