Baby Bear

by Brina Brady

  “Are you okay, Abel?” Darius asked.

  “My hip hurts. I don’t even know what happened. So many men were around me.”

  Darius helped Abel stand. “Can you walk?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Benson ran up to them. “Abel, are you okay?”

  “My hip hurts.”

  “Take him to the hospital and send me the bill. He doesn’t come back until he has a doctor’s note,” Benson said to Darius. “Abel, you’ll be okay with Darius taking care of you. Don’t worry about your job while you’re healing.”

  “Thank you,” Abel said.

  Keon had collected all the money from the stage.

  “Thanks,” Abel said and handed the bills to Darius.

  Another dancer gave Abel his clothes and shoes. “Is he going to be okay?”

  “Yes, we’re going to get him checked out now. Thanks for your help,” Darius said as he helped him pull on his hoodie. “Carry your shoes.” Darius led Abel out to his truck, then put him in the passenger seat and climbed into the driver’s seat.

  “Are you in a lot of pain?” Darius asked.

  “It’s not bad enough to see a doctor. I’m okay.”

  “You’re going to see a doctor whether you like it or not.”

  “I just got scared because I thought they’d all step on me.”

  “I wouldn’t let that happen.”

  Abel smiled.

  “Abel, you did a damn good job dancing tonight. It was one of your best performances.”

  “Really? You think I’m good?” Abel asked, his mood showing signs of improvement.

  “You’re the best. When you’re feeling better, you can give me a private lap dance.”

  “Anytime. I hope Mr. Benson doesn’t fire me over this.”

  “He said he won’t. I guess you didn’t hear him tell you don’t need to worry about losing your job while you’re healing.”

  “No, I didn’t hear him, but it’s a huge relief, knowing I still have a job.”

  They stopped at the local ER and had Abel checked out. He had no broken bones, just a small bruise on his hip. The doctor wrote a note for him to return to work in two days. Abel wanted to go back the next day, but the doctor said he needed more rest.

  As soon as they were home, Darius helped Abel to the room, stripped him, and put him in bed.

  “My sweet boy, I want you to rest up. Tomorrow, there’ll be no painting.”

  “I’m okay. I’ve never taken a day off work. It doesn’t feel right.”

  “Are you worried about money?” Darius asked.

  “I’m always worried about money.”

  Darius left the room for a minute and returned with a huge glass jar in which he put all Abel’s money.

  “You can keep your tips in this jar. I don’t want you to spend any of it. I’d like you to save it for school or a new car.”

  “School? I don’t want to go to school.”

  “Aside from dancing, what other type of job would you like?”

  “I always wanted to teach dancing.”

  “Then save it to learn more about dancing. Would you trust me to take care of you if I became your Papa Bear?”

  “I hope so. On the average, tell me how secure a Baby Bear is?”

  “Interesting question. Right now, we have twenty couples. I lost my Baby Bear to another Papa Bear. In the last ten years, not one Papa Bear has left their Baby Bear. Either the Baby Bear wanted to leave, or it was a mutual decision. So you’d be pretty safe with me.”

  “Did you have another Baby Bear before Lucas?”

  “Yes. I had Lucas for four years and another one four years before that.”

  “What happened to that one?”

  “He wanted to leave Minnesota and move back to the UK, so we had to split.”

  “Were you upset?”

  “Yes, but he’d told me when we met that he was going to return to the UK at some point. I was prepared for it. Then within a couple of months, I found Lucas.”

  “Are you upset with the Papa Bear who has Lucas now?”

  “It was a long time ago. I’m not upset anymore but still don’t like him, even though he’s still a member.”

  “Can you come to bed and just hug me?” Abel asked.

  The look in his eyes told Darius the boy was hurting. He wanted to trust him, but he had so many reasons not to. Darius had to change that for Abel.

  Darius removed his clothes and slipped under the covers. He put his arms around a shaking Abel. “Abel, why are you shaking?”

  “I’m afraid.”

  “I’m here, and I won’t let you go. You’re safe with me.” Darius ran his hand along his back.

  “Thank you, Daddy Darius.” Abel rested his head on Darius and dozed off.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Abel

  Daddy Darius packed their clothes for the long weekend with the Bearded Papa Bears. Abel hadn’t made up with Sammy yet, but Daddy Darius had assured him he’d have time to talk to him alone over the weekend.

  “You know, I forgot to mention something to you,” Daddy Darius said.

  “What?” Something dropped in the pit of Abel’s stomach. What now?

  “Noah’s cabin and mine are right beside each other. When they built the cabins, they put two cabins beside each other for protection. Anyway, when we get there, you could go over and talk to Sammy.”

  “Sure.” Abel didn’t know if he wanted to smooth things out with Sammy. Sammy had been honest, but that didn’t mean Abel had liked it. He wanted a friend who made him a priority, not one who took sides against him like he’d done with Daddy Darius. Part of him knew he’d been wrong, but another part was still angry with Sammy. Daddy Darius had told him if he wanted to succeed in life, he had to make sure his side of the street was clean.

  “Are you going to tell me why you two aren’t talking?”

  “It was over you. Sammy took your side over something, and that pissed me off. He was mad because he thought I was going to hurt you like Lucas did.”

  “Why were you two discussing Lucas?” Daddy Darius’s irritated tone scared Abel.

  “I’d have to go into some parts of our conversation I’d rather not discuss.”

  “I see. So, you’re still keeping secrets from me. When will you trust me?”

  “I do trust you with everything except my job.”

  “Did I force you to quit?”

  “No, but you watch me every time I work as if you don’t trust me.”

  “Why are you holding on to grudges and not discussing them with me? We can’t move forward until we both trust each other.” Darius rested his hand on Abel’s thigh.

  “I love being with you, but I think you know that.”

  “That could be lust and nothing more. Tell me what you were fighting about.”

  “I told him a secret, and right now, I don’t feel comfortable talking about it with you. Everything went to hell when I told Sammy.”

  “So, you don’t feel safe telling me?”

  “Only this one thing.”

  “Maybe someday you’ll tell me everything so I can better take care of you.”

  “Maybe, but I wish we were in bed right now.”

  “In bed? Doing what?”

  “You know. I want to taste your cock and suck it dry.”

  “Damn, Abel. I’m trying to drive here. Stop teasing me.”

  “You could always stop the truck and spank me.”

  “Oh, you’re going to get a spanking soon enough.”

  “Is it true that you can’t spank me for something I did wrong, because I’m not your Baby Bear yet?”

  “Oh, you’re talking about a discipline spanking, which is different than a play spanking. I’d say it most certainly is true that I won’t discipline you until you’re my Baby Bear.”

  “So, if I did something wrong, what would you do, then?”

  “It depends on what we’re talking about. That’s why it’s important to become my Baby Bear an
d have our ceremony. Let’s talk more about this inside.”

  Daddy Darius parked the truck at the back of the cabin, which was much smaller than Daddy Darius’s. Abel didn’t see Daddy Noah’s dark green SUV, so he knew he’d have time to think about what he’d say to Sammy. They carried their suitcases inside and walked right into the living room, which had an old plaid, padded couch and a tiny fireplace with logs stacked in front of it. He followed Daddy Darius to the bedroom. The bed was a double size, not a queen-sized one. Abel didn’t mind sleeping close to Daddy Darius.

  “So, what do you think?”

  “I think we’re going to be wrapped against each other in bed, and that’s fine with me.”

  “Let’s get something to drink and talk.”

  Abel followed Daddy Darius to the tiny kitchen and sat down.

  Daddy Darius pulled two bottles of water from the refrigerator and set them on the table, then took the seat opposite Abel.

  “I haven’t been in this cabin for two years. I returned with you, which should tell you I’m serious about making you my Baby Bear. I’m asking you to trust I’ll always be at your side to help you through the good times and the bad ones. I didn’t think I’d ever find another Baby Bear for me. I want you, Abel.”

  “If I tell you something really bad that I did before we were together, will you still want me?” Abel figured he had to get it out, but he wanted to know the price he might have to pay before he revealed his mistake.

  “Are you talking about a time when we didn’t know each other?” Daddy Darius looked confused.

  “No, I’m talking about the time I left the cabin when I found out you got me fired and I thought we were no longer together for good.”

  “You believed we were broken up, so whatever it is you managed to do, even if it’s something I wouldn’t like, shouldn’t matter.”

  “I need you to know this because I don’t want to start a relationship with you under the shadow of a lie, and you should hear it from me, not anyone else, but I’m afraid.”

  “What are you afraid of?”

  “I’m afraid it’ll end us, that you’ll tell me to leave or quit my job, and I don’t want to do either.”

  “I want you to trust me, Abel. Whatever you tell me won’t change the fact that I want you. I promised I wouldn’t make you quit your job. Let’s make this the first test of trust between us. What did you do?”

  “You’re not going to like what I’m going to tell you, but I’ll be honest.”

  Daddy Darius reached for Abel’s hand and held it. “Tell me.”

  “When I thought I was done with you because you’d had me fired, I asked Mr. Benson for my job back, and he told me I could get it back but that I also had to work the back room. All the dancers worked back there. I begged him not to make me do the back room. He agreed under the condition that I give him a blow job whenever he asks. So I gave him one that time because that was part of the deal. That’s why I lied about the meeting. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “I suppose if you thought you were done with me, it’s technically not cheating, but you planned to go to that meeting without me, knowing what Benson wanted. What would you have done if he’d asked you?”

  “I don’t know.” Abel felt sick to his stomach, and tears ran down his cheeks. “I need the job, and that’s the part you don’t understand. I know something has to change. Mr. Benson can’t demand anything from me if I become your Baby Bear. How will that happen?”

  “I already talked to him about it. He won’t touch you if he wants to have his club up and running. Before I ask you if you want to be my Baby Bear, you’ll have to promise me you won’t do anything sexually for Benson. As much as I hate you working there, I won’t make you quit your job, because I promised you I wouldn’t.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course, you can.”

  “You don’t seem angry with me. Actually, you seem like you already knew this before I said anything. Did Sammy tell you about this?”

  “Sammy? No, he didn’t speak to me about anything other than what you saw. Why did you think I wanted you to quit your job in the first place?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I know Benson, and he’s told me what he does with the boys. I figured you were one of his boys, so that might be a possibility. I didn’t want you to be pressured when I knew you needed and wanted that job.”

  “Are you disappointed in me?”

  “I’m angry with Benson for putting you through that. I don’t like that agreement. I’ll have another talk with him. I can guarantee he won’t be asking you for anything after that nor will he fire you.”

  “You’d do that for me, even though you don’t want me working there?”

  “Abel, what’s important to me is that you’ll be happy with me. I can offer you tons of jobs, but you want to dance. Until you ask me to help you find another job, I’ll support you at Boka Boys and make sure you’re safe.”

  Abel got up from his chair and made his way to Daddy Darius. “Can I sit on your lap?”

  Daddy Darius moved his chair so there was room for Abel between him and the table.

  “Thanks for supporting me at my job. No one has ever cared about what I wanted. No one.”

  “I care about you, Abel. Soon, I want you to be my Baby Bear.”

  “How soon?”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Abel

  Daddy Darius rested his lips on Abel’s at the same time as three loud knocks sounded on the door. Abel didn’t want to see anyone when things were heating up between them. He expected Daddy Darius to ask him to become his Baby Bear, but there was a possibility he’d wait until after the weekend. What if the other Papa Bears didn’t approve of him and all the other Baby Bears hated him? He couldn’t count on Sammy putting in a good word for him.

  “Looks like we have company,” Daddy Darius said, pulling away from Abel. “Let’s see who’s visiting us.”

  Abel followed him to the door. Daddy Noah stood there with Sammy in tow.

  “Come in,” Daddy Darius said.

  “I need to talk to you outside, and I thought Sammy could keep Abel company.”

  “Sure.” Daddy Darius turned to Abel and kissed him. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.” He walked out, and a grumpy Sammy came in. He wasn’t smiling at all. It was obvious that the visit hadn’t been his idea.

  “Want something to drink?” Abel asked.

  “What do you have?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll check. Follow me.”

  They made their way to the kitchen, and Abel opened the tiny refrigerator. “We have bottled water, Diet Coke, and beer.”

  “Beer would be good.”

  Abel was surprised by Sammy’s choice, considering it was only eleven o’clock in the morning, but what the hell. Daddy Darius hadn’t mentioned he could only drink at a certain hour. He handed Sammy a beer and got one for himself.

  They moved to the living room and sat on the couch.

  “I had a talk with Daddy Darius about my job and Mr. Benson.”

  “You did?” Sammy’s brows drew together.

  “I told him everything.”

  “That’s good. I was hoping you would. Did he make you quit your job?”

  “No. He’s going to talk to Mr. Benson again. We talked about my fears of him forcing me to quit. He knows about the agreement I’d made with Mr. Benson.”

  “And you’re still here with him? Amazing. I thought he’d boot your ass out for good.”

  “No. He’s talking about making me his Baby Bear.”

  “Did you mention what you did for Mr. Benson so you could be rehired?” Sammy smirked.

  “Yes, he knows. I told him the complete truth, just like you suggested. Do you have a problem with that?” Abel took a swig of his beer.

  “No. I just don’t want you to hurt Daddy Darius. I guess if you told him everything, then things should be good as long as you don’t fuck around with your boss.”


  “You have no idea what kind of relationship I have with Mr. Benson. It really doesn’t matter anymore because I’m with Daddy Darius, and if Mr. Benson tries to make me do something I don’t want to do, he’ll have to deal with Daddy Darius. He promised me he’d make sure that never happened and that I wouldn’t be fired.”

  “I’m sorry I got mad at you, but if you’d been around when Daddy Darius lost Lucas, you would understand. You wouldn’t want some stranger showing up and repeating it either. I’m happy you told him the truth. Things will work out, then. Daddy Darius needs a Baby Bear.”

  “Well, as I said, he’s talking about making me his Baby Bear soon enough.”

  Sammy smiled. “So, are we friends again?”

  “I guess so. Want another beer?” Without realizing it, Abel had emptied his beer can.

  Sammy nodded and followed Abel back to the kitchen. Abel grabbed another beer for Sammy and one for himself. Then they sat at the kitchen table.

  “I’m nervous,” Abel said, staring at the bright red tablecloth.

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m worried Lucas might try to take Daddy Darius away from me.”

  “Wait until you see him. He’s skinny, too white with fire engine red hair. You have nothing to worry about. Daddy Darius wants you, even with your job.”

  “I hope so. What if the other Papa Bears tell Daddy Darius I’m not good enough?”

  “Papa Bears don’t judge each other about their choices.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  Daddy Darius and Daddy Noah entered the kitchen.

  “You guys are drinking beer in the morning?” Daddy Darius frowned.

  “What’s wrong with that?” Abel asked.

  “It’s too early to drink alcohol. But since we haven’t discussed house rules yet, consider this a warning. Don’t drink alcohol unless I give you permission.”

  “Okay.” Abel was excited that Daddy Darius had given him his first rule. This had to be a sign that he could soon become his Baby Bear. Boyfriends didn’t give rules to each other, but Papa Bears did.