by Mia Monroe
Matty laughs. “Please. We both know I want that delicious boy inside. Finn makes me crazy.”
“Any movement there? I saw you making eyes at him at breakfast.”
Matty sighs. “I think he’s afraid of me. He shivers when I touch him. Flinches if I get too close.”
“I mean, you are kind of intimidating.”
“What can I do?”
“Keep showing him who you are. He’d be damn lucky to be your boy. You might be big and tough, but your heart is gold.”
“Thanks, man. I think of all the things I could do for him. With him. It’s exciting. Even the fact that he holds back turns me on a little. I’m used to boys throwing themselves at me. It’s nice to work for it a bit.”
“I can see that. You look good together.”
“We do. I guess I gotta dig deep to find the well of patience inside me.”
“Yeah.”
Matty pats my back. “So we’re in with Ramos?”
“Definitely.”
A week later, as I sit on the couch watching TV, a pale Bentley approaches me, holding the laptop in his hand.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
His brow creases, and he looks on the verge of tears, drawing my protective instinct to the surface.
“Did someone hurt you?”
He shakes his head. “I’m so sorry, Legend. I…” His words falter. “I didn’t see this coming.”
“What?”
He turns the computer to me and my eyes focus on an IG post. Arian’s face fills the screen. I press play and listen to Arian talk about the abuse he suffered with me, how I took advantage of his youth, how seeing me perform again brought the trauma back to the surface.
I fill with rage as he spews lie after lie about me and the way I treated him. He manages a few elephant tears, clutching his legs to his chest and blaming me for not being able to perform anymore or find the right man for him. He doesn’t trust anyone anymore because of me.
Someone connected Bentley to the video in the comments and people latched on. It has an ungodly amount of views and the comments range from vilifying to defending me. I close the computer, sitting in stunned silence as Bentley sobs quietly beside me. I want to comfort him, but I’ve gone numb. I stand and walk to the bedroom, closing the door behind me and lying on the bed.
I knew it was a risk. I knew this would happen. I thought I could handle it, but crushing Bentley, dragging his name into this, is more than I can bear. I rub my forehead as my body heats with anger. I want to snap Arian in half for this. Bad enough that he hurt me, but now he hurt Bentley.
This is what I always feared. Ruining Bentley’s name and career by being associated with me is my nightmare, and here it is. My phone starts buzzing with social media notifications. Great. Now I’m being tagged. Here comes the avalanche of hate again.
I’m not sure how much time passes, but it feels like I’m being sucked under by quicksand. Then it hits me. My anchor is Bentley, and I’m letting him suffer without me. My brain snaps into action. I hop up, seeking my boy.
He’s lying on the couch, curled in a ball, his face red from crying. I scoop him into my arms, holding him close as I kiss his neck. He immediately shoves my T-shirt up and latches on, soothing himself.
“I’m sorry, Bentley. I should have protected you from this.”
He pulls back, sniffling. “What do you mean?”
“I shouldn’t have agreed to let you put that video out. I should have known they would figure it out and come for you. I’m so sorry.”
“You’re wrong, Daddy. You’re so wrong. I wanted to do it, and I’m so proud of what we made together. I wanted the world to see it.” He cups my face. “But I’m sad that all this bad stuff happened because of me. You wouldn’t have done it without me pushing you.”
His words settle over me for a few seconds, and then the most unexpected feeling takes over. Peace. Absolute peace.
“Bentley. Baby. Stop crying. It hurts my heart to see you sad.”
“I’m trying, Daddy. I don’t want you to not love me anymore.”
“Not love you? That’s impossible. Sweet boy.” I kiss him softly. “I adore you, and I’m so thankful you came into my life. As we sit here, I realize I’m okay with what happened.”
“What?”
“I’m okay with it. I think it had to happen. The fear of it was holding me back, but the reality of it isn’t that bad. I still have you. My life is still good, no matter what those people who don’t even know me say.”
“You mean it?”
I nod. “I do. I actually feel pretty calm right now. It was a shock, and I’m sorry I walked away from you, but it isn’t true. I know it’s not and, more importantly, you know it’s not.”
“No. You’re the best, sweetest Daddy ever.”
“Thank you.” I kiss him again. “I love you. I won’t stop, and I’m grateful you’re here to weather this storm with me. It’ll pass.”
“It will, Daddy. We’ll make beautiful films, and people will see who you really are. We’ll get the best talent to work with you.”
“I already have the best talent right here on my lap.” I take a deep breath. “I have a choice. Well, we do. I can fade into the background again, or I can double down.”
Bentley’s face lights up. “Does that mean…you and me…”
“Would you like that? Are you ready to jump in the deep end with me?”
“Does the collar around my neck have your name on it?”
“It sure the fuck does, but that’s our private life. Do we want to take this public?”
Bentley searches my eyes. Slowly, a smile pulls at his pretty mouth. “Yes.”
“You’re sure? You’ve thought this through?”
“I haven’t thought of anything else since we filmed it. It’s all the things you said it was. Empowering, liberating, sexy. How lucky am I that I get to do it with you? We can show the world what kind of Daddy you are. What kind of man you are.”
“Guess we’re doing this then.”
“Are you happy, Daddy?”
“The happiest I’ve ever been.”
The next morning, as we lie on the couch together watching TV, Bentley’s phone vibrates across the coffee table. “It’s Finn.”
I watch Bentley’s face as he listens to his friend, who’s been spending time at the library.
“Really?” Bentley questions. “Daddy, pull up Twitter.”
I do, finding my name trending again. When I click it, I read post after post coming to my defense, from the talent I’ve worked with in the past, to the talent we’ve recently filmed with, to a few directors. I smile when I see Bobby’s name, admitting he should have spoken up the first time, but he wasn’t about to sit back and allow the lies to continue. Even men I’ve dated chime in defending my character.
Others post horror stories about working with Arian, portraying him as the manipulative, difficult diva I know him to be. As the day goes on, it becomes clear that this situation has broken the internet. Our website and OnlyFans have had so much traffic to them, they’ve gone down a few times. We’ve been bombarded with texts and emails of support.
“Where were all these people when shit went down the first time?” Bentley asks.
“I think the situation is different now. There was space for Arian to be out on his own and show his true colors without me as a punching bag. I established who I am separate from him, and he did the same.”
“So he made his own bed. Karma is a spiteful bitch.”
“Indeed.”
“Do you feel validated?”
“In some ways. What I’ve learned through all of this is to remember who I am, and if I lose sight, I have you as a compass to pull me back on course.”
“Daddy, that’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful. Inside and out. All I ever wanted was to make art and love someone good. Because of you, I have that. Everything else is gravy.”
Bentley drags his fingers over my beard. “We have the house t
o ourselves.”
“We do. What should we do about it?”
“Fuck on the couch?”
I laugh, nuzzling his neck as I tackle him. “I like that plan.”
* * *
Six months later…
“Don’t be nervous. This is exciting.”
Bentley nods, studying his appearance in the compact mirror. He looks amazing in a white suit with a purple shirt and matching purple sneakers. Finn helped him style his hair and he has a touch of makeup on. He looks delectable.
“This was on my vision board.” He turns toward me, his cheeks flushed. “I always dreamed of this, and here it is.”
“It’s fantastic.” I squeeze his hand as the car stops in front of the venue. Tonight is one of the industry’s biggest award ceremonies. “Ready for the red carpet, Mr. Director?”
“Ready.”
We step out, immediately accosted by an onslaught of flashing cameras and industry media covering the event. We endured two solid weeks of bullshit when Arian cried wolf again six months ago, but then people moved on to the next scandal. Since then, Bentley’s star has been on the rise. Photographers call out our names, and I pull Bentley close, kissing him as I bend him in my arms. When I right him again, he cups my face, stroking my beard and gazing at me with so much love, my heart stutters in my chest. I’m gonna marry this boy. I swear it.
We make our way inside and are led to our seats. I’m surprised by the amount of support we receive as we pass people. Bentley is nominated in the Fresh Face, Best New Director, and Best Kink scene categories. I’m nominated for Best Daddy, and Bentley and I are both nominated for Performer of the Year for the scene we did together. To say I’m surprised is an understatement. The industry I thought had turned on me welcomed me back with open arms.
Hours pass, and soon both of us are holding several awards. It’s time for the Best New Director category and Bentley’s nerves are palpable. When his name is called as the winner, he turns to me with shock in his eyes. I kiss him hard. He stands, pulling my hand for me to join him. I try to resist, but he whispers, “please.”
I follow him, filled only with a desire to make him feel comfortable. I’ve done thousands of these. I can help him through his first director one. I’m positive it won’t be his last. After he accepts the statue, he shifts his eyes to me.
“I did it,” he says softly.
“You did.”
Gripping my hand, he turns to look at the audience. “Thank you for this. I can’t express what it means to me to be recognized by my peers and fans. Just know that I’m forever grateful.” He glances over to where I’m standing slightly behind him. “I want to thank Legend for believing in me and taking a chance, not only by working with me but by loving me. I was this crazy guy with a dream but floating aimlessly until Legend gave me firm ground to stand on.”
He smiles at me then faces the room again.
“For those of you who stood by us, we thank you, and we’re proud to have you in our corner. I’m excited to see what the future brings for me and Legend, and I know for sure it’s gonna be incredible. Keep watching.”
Everyone claps as Bentley walks into my arms. I kiss him as we walk off stage hand in hand.
“I’m so proud of you.”
He beams. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Let’s go do our press, and then we can party.”
“I like that idea.”
As we walk backstage, stopping to be interviewed by numerous outlets, I watch Bentley, unable to take my eyes off of him. He’s so confident and strong in this space. The contrast between this and the sweet, needy boy I get in private is intoxicating. I can’t wait to get him home and tear him apart.
An hour later, we’re sipping cocktails and talking to Mack and Cas when something catches my eye. I turn to see Arian standing right in front of me. He’s thinner than usual, looking a bit gaunt actually, but his face is made up and he’s wearing a sheer shirt with a fur collar, tight white pants, and high-heeled boots. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in person since we broke up, but instead of nostalgia, loss, or regret, his presence gives me a sense of freedom from the past. My relationship with him turned out to be the catalyst that brought me to this moment. I can’t hate that.
Arian doesn’t say anything as his eyes shift between me and Bentley. Bentley grips my hand, and I can feel the tension pouring off of him.
“What do you want, Arian?” I ask.
He’s nearly glaring at me now, but he remains silent.
“If you’re not going to speak, then you can just go away.”
“I see you found a new boy to abuse.”
I laugh. “Right. You can tell the public those lies, but they don’t work on me. I was there. I never abused you. We both know you were the manipulator. Not me.”
“If that’s true, why didn’t you defend yourself?”
“I don’t have to explain anything to you, but the short answer is I needed a break. From you, from the lies, from people who didn’t give me a chance. It was the best thing to ever happen to me. I met Bentley because of you.”
Bentley puffs out his chest.
“Whatever. He’s not nearly as beautiful as I am.”
“Fuck off,” Bentley hisses.
“Yeah, get fucked,” Cas says on our behalf.
“That’s where you’re dead wrong, Arian. Bentley is one thousand times more beautiful than you or any person I’ve ever known.”
Arian scoffs. “You’ll never be as big with him as we were.”
“Did you and I win awards together? Did I miss that part?”
He narrows his eyes. “I don’t need awards anyway.”
I laugh. “Come on, Arian. All you ever cared about was money and recognition. I’m surprised you can breathe from the jealousy choking you right now.”
He flinches at my words, then a look of desperation I’ve seen a thousand times mars his features. It was the expression he aimed at me as soon as he was about to twist me to do something he wanted. I was powerless then, but I’m far from it now.
“Fine. I’m big enough to admit I made a mistake.”
“What mistake is that?”
He glances at Bentley. “Can we talk alone?”
“No.”
“It’s fine, Daddy,” Bentley says, rising on his toes. “Closure is good.”
I turn and study his eyes.
“I’m not jealous or worried.” He smiles. “I know you love me. Nothing he says will change that.”
I grip his chin and kiss him hard. “You’re sure?”
He touches his collar. “Completely.”
“Five minutes,” I say to Arian, who is still glaring at Bentley.
Arian and I walk to a corner, and I’m aware that several people in the room have noticed.
“I fucked up, Legend,” Arian says. “I should have listened to you.”
“About?”
“What you needed. I pushed too hard.”
I shrug. “Like I said, it worked out.”
“But...I miss you. I realize you’re with someone now, but we could still film together, couldn’t we? It would be such an amazing comeback for us to bury the hatchet and make nice.”
He grips my arm, batting his long lashes at me. I can’t believe there was a time I was so wrapped up in him that he could talk me into anything.
“We could even do a threesome,” Arian continues. “You could have two boys. Fans would love that.”
I nod, searching the room for Bentley. He’s surrounded by people, laughing and having a good time.
“Do you realize how epic that would be?”
“I realize I was a fool for you,” I begin. “There was a time I did anything you asked me to do, even sacrifice my own happiness. I don’t blame you for that. I willingly participated in what we created together.” I move his hand off my arm. “But if you think for one minute I would work with you again after you tried, not once, but twice to portray me as an abuser, to run my name through th
e mud, all for your own benefit, you are dead wrong.”
“I was desperate, Legend. I figured you would understand.”
“You figured I would understand that you lied about me? Not just lied. You could’ve said I was an asshole or bad in bed, but you said I abused you. That’s low, Arian.”
He nods, wringing his hands. “I fucked up.”
“Big time. I’m not working with you again. Ever. I seriously doubt Bentley would work with you, but that’s his decision to make.”
Arian’s face hardens. “He’s not better than me. You’ll never do better than me.”
I chuckle. “Keep telling yourself that. I’m going back to the love of my life now. The one who doesn’t tear me down but lifts me higher than I’ve ever been. I hope you do the work to fix what’s wrong in your soul or find the person who helps you level up. Take care, Arian.”
I walk away and rejoin Bentley. Sliding my arm around his waist, he tilts his head up for a kiss.
“All good?” he asks.
“Everything is perfect.”
Epilogue
Bentley
Two years later…
Legend is lying on the bed, freshly showered.
“Are you ready for this, Daddy?”
“Been waiting all day, sweet boy.”
“This is the best treat ever. I can’t believe how much you spoil me.”
“You’ve earned this treat.”
With shaking hands, I grab the bottle of lube from the nightstand. This treat has been on the table for a long time, but I haven’t had the nerve. Not during our honeymoon a year ago, not on his birthday four months ago, not when we won yet another round of awards. But tonight we’re celebrating my birthday, and I’ve pumped myself up all day to follow through.
I turn around and look at my gorgeous husband as he pulls the towel from his body and tosses it to the floor.
My husband.
My vision board from all those years ago had a lot of things on it, but being married to Legend wasn’t one of them. The universe just hooked me up with that one. Not only is Legend the best Daddy ever, but as a husband, he takes my breath away.
