Page 37 of His to Break

Mia had made Caleb promise to keep Eli away from the mafia, not wanting him to be drawn into his father's cruel life.

Technically, Caleb had failed. Zane and Rowan had tracked him down and brought them back, putting an end to Caleb and Eli's life on the run.

But he'd done what he could. Eli's father was out of the picture for now, and Zane wasn't exactly the type to want to raise a small child himself. He just wanted Eli to be safe, somewhere where he could protect him.

After long discussions, they'd all agreed on this. Zane could run all the security that he wanted behind the scenes, but Eli was to be in the direct care of Caleb -- with Ryker by his side.

Caleb was going to give Eli a nice, boring, normal life, no matter what.

"Speaking of which," Rowan continued, smiling, "I thought Zane and I might take Eli out to the zoo today."

Zane wasn't exactly the type to want to raise a small child himself… but he still wanted to keep tabs on his nephew. As far as Eli was concerned, Zane was in banking. That had rapidly made him lose interest in pestering his uncle about his job.

Eli's eyes lit up at the mention of the zoo. "I want to see lions!" he exclaimed with delight.

"Go on, little buddy," Caleb encouraged, ruffling Eli's curly hair affectionately. "Finish your breakfast, and then you can go have a great time with Uncle Rowan and Uncle Zane."

Eventually, Rowan, Zane, and Eli left the house with cheerful goodbyes, leaving Caleb and Ryker alone. The quiet that settled over the house was both soothing and electrifying, as if charged with a current of anticipation.

"Finally, some alone time," Ryker murmured, wrapping his arms around Caleb's waist from behind and pressing a kiss to the side of his neck. "It feels like it's been weeks."

Caleb leaned into the embrace, relishing the solid warmth of Ryker's body against his. He couldn't help but marvel at the life they'd built together, despite the odds stacked against them. A life filled with love, laughter, and moments of peace that he'd never dared to dream of before.

"Think of all the trouble we can get into now," Caleb teased, feeling playful and adventurous.

"Trouble, huh?" Ryker raised an eyebrow, his eyes dancing with amusement. "What are you in the mood for, angel?"

"Who said I'm an angel?" Caleb shot back, a sassy grin playing on his lips. He loved this banter with Ryker, the way they could challenge each other and spar with words, all the while knowing that beneath the surface lay a deep well of hard-won trust and affection.

"Maybe not an angel," Ryker conceded, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down Caleb's spine. "But I know one thing: you're mine."

"Damn right, I am," Caleb agreed, wrapping his arms around Ryker's neck and pulling him in for a searing kiss. Eventually, with a groan, he pulled back. "Careful there, old man," Caleb called out playfully. "You wouldn't want to strain something."

Ryker shot him a mock glare, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Oh, you think you're so funny, don't you? Just remember, I know you've got a thing for older men."

"Guilty," Caleb admitted without shame, letting his gaze roam over Ryker's body appreciatively. The mere sight of him stirred the familiar heat of desire deep within Caleb's core.

"Is that so?" Ryker drawled, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Well then, maybe it's time for this 'old man' to put you in your place. You could use a strong hand to keep you in line."

Caleb felt his pulse quicken at Ryker's words, the implication behind them making him shiver with anticipation. He fought to maintain his composure, feigning indignation as he responded. "Oh, really? You think you can handle me?"

"Of course," Ryker replied, his voice low and husky, dripping with authority. "Why don't you push your luck and find out?"

Caleb's heart pounded in his chest. He decided to push the boundaries a little further, adopting a bratty tone. "And what are you going to do? Spank me?"

Ryker's eyes flashed with dominance, and Caleb knew he'd struck a nerve. "Don't tempt me, Caleb. I just might."

Caleb grinned, trying to sound nonchalant even as his body yearned for Ryker's touch. "You know it'll take more than a spanking to make me behave."

"Is that a challenge?" Ryker asked, his voice laced with predatory intent.

Caleb shivered, unable to resist the allure of Ryker's dominance. "Maybe it is."

Caleb's breath hitched as Ryker slowly took off his belt, the leather sliding through the loops with a seductive hiss. His heart raced, equal parts anxious and excited at what was to come. The light in Ryker's eyes was feral, predatory, as he looped the belt around Caleb's wrists, binding them securely behind his back.

"Down on your knees," Ryker commanded gruffly, his voice dripping with authority.

Caleb complied, feeling the plush carpet beneath him as he sank down. He couldn't help but moan softly, desperate for Ryker's touch even after all these months together. The desire between them had never dwindled; instead, it burned brighter than ever.

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