For the Love of a Boy (Father Series Book 2) Read online

  For the Love of a Boy (Father Series 2)

  Copyright ©2019 Morticia Knight

  First Edition

  Proofread by Barham Editorial

  Cover design by Two of Hearts Design

  Photography by Wander Aguiar

  Models: Joey H. & Luccas Schaeffer

  Published by Knight Ever After Publishing

  All Rights Reserved

  This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer-to-peer program, for free or for a fee. Such action is illegal and in violation of Copyright Law.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. Models are for representational purposes only and not related to the content herein.

  All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  Author’s Note

  The origins of my desire to tell this story dates back to a time when I was a teen, and was immersed in a deeply conservative Christian church and school. Both the hypocrisy and bigotry I witnessed left a huge mark on my life, and sadly, the lives of others who I was close to. While Seth’s story is a fictional one, I’ve drawn on my personal experiences as well as documentaries of religious cults, and what is referred to as Christian Behavioral Modification programs for youths and adults. While some states have begun to outlaw gay conversion therapy, these barbaric programs are still in operation all over the world today.

  Dedication

  To Tom (Tomba) my bestest friend ever. Man, we kept them on their toes!

  Love always, Chiggywomps

  Many thanks to my beta, Sharita. I appreciate all your support!

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  Table of Contents

  Book Description

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  More BDSM/Kink by Morticia Knight

  About the Author/Social Media

  I was living in darkness. Cold and alone, I was gripped by the agony of loss and grieving for an existence I no longer believed I could have. Then he appeared in my life and I thought that maybe, just maybe, I’d been gifted with another chance at happiness. That I might be allowed the privilege of loving and caring for another man.

  That I could have my very own boy…

  A new beginning is more than Malcolm ever dared wish for.

  Now that Malcolm has claimed Seth as his boy, he’s determined to be the perfect Daddy for the man he adores. Whatever his boy needs, he’ll make sure he gets it. But more than that, he’s sworn in his heart to protect him with his life. Seth’s bastard of a father and the twisted church that abused his boy had better stay away from them—or else.

  Seth has discovered comfort and safety in his Daddy’s arms.

  Finally, Seth accepts that a life filled with joy is possible. He believes that love is what matters more than anything and that he has nothing to be ashamed of. However, the demons of his past still taunt him, lurking in the shadows of his mind where they try and snatch away his happiness. Sometimes it seems as if his lingering fears will never be vanquished.

  And sometimes, being afraid is a warning that should be heeded…

  Note: For the Love of a Boy is the continuation of Malcolm and Seth's journey of love, redemption and healing in the Father series trilogy. The first book, In the Name of the Father, should be read prior to this one. However, you can be assured that none of the books in the Father series end on a cliffhanger and that this age gap, Daddy/boy series with lots of hurt/comfort contains a sweet forever after.

  Chapter One

  Malcolm gazed down at Seth as he lay sleeping. He resisted the urge to brush away a stray lock of hair that had drifted over Seth’s brow, to risk waking him. His relaxed features seemed to indicate he was at peace. Malcolm could only hope that was the case.

  Peace.

  What did that word mean for a man who had lived under the specter of hatred and abuse for most of his life? Malcolm’s chest tightened and he swallowed hard. He couldn’t imagine what Seth’s suffering must have been like. A helpless child who had become a battered man as the long years dragged on without love, without regard to the fact that Seth lived in fear every single fucking day. Malcolm sniffed as his eyes burned with unshed tears.

  That was over. He’d see to it. No one would ever lay a finger on his boy again.

  Seth stirred in his sleep, his legs moving restlessly before he flopped onto his back, a slight crease marring his forehead as a small whimper escaped his lips. Malcolm placed his palm on Seth’s exposed belly, a careful touch so as not to startle him. A more anguished whimper echoed the previous one and Malcolm caressed Seth’s skin, gently encouraging him awake and away from whatever agony must be taunting him in his dreams.

  Seth’s eyes flew open and he flailed for a moment, his nightmare seemingly still trapping him in its powerful grip. “Malcolm!”

  Malcolm gathered Seth in an embrace and his boy buried his face in the crook of Malcolm’s neck, clutching at him as his frantic breathing gradually slowed.

  Their dynamic as Daddy and boy was still fresh enough that Seth would occasionally slip and call him by his name. Malcolm had once suggested they slow down, that Seth didn’t have to refer to him that way, or perhaps only say it when they made love. But his boy had become so agitated that Malcolm had let the subject drop. He held fast to the belief that Seth needed to direct certain aspects of their emotional relationship, so he hadn’t insisted. As it turned out, Malcolm had been allowing Seth to set the pace in almost all things—something he’d never imagined he’d do with a boy.

  However, Seth’s acceptance of his own power was key to his healing. Malcolm would never stand in the way of that.

  Malcolm had continued to soothe Seth with touch, rubbing more soft circles on his back and hoping the dark thoughts that had frightened him would drift away.

  “Another nightmare?”

  Seth nodded against Malcolm’s chest. “Don’t let go of me, Daddy. Not yet.”

  Malcolm hugged him tighter. “For as long as you need, baby.”

  Halloween had passed without acknowledgement as the chill in the Oregon air had built. The conditioning from Seth’s father and the church regarding the supposed satanic ritual had crippled Seth’s attempt to participate. Even the suggestion Malcolm had made of decorating the front porch and giving out candy had been met with agitation. The concept that trick or treating would be an issue had never occurred to Malcolm.

  However, Seth had fallen into a panic attack. His reaction had quashed that idea—not to mention Nate and Tina’s Halloween party gathering. To guard against the possible fallout of continuous knocking and doorbell ringing, Malcolm had shut off the outdoor lights and set a bowl of candy on a chair in front of the locked gates. Then he’d changed course and set up a quiet evening for them with pizza, a non-Halloween comedy and a shared bath by candlelight.

  But now Thanksgiving was a few days away, an
d he’d been relieved to learn that Seth was excited for its arrival. He’d even wanted to know if they could invite Nate and Tina over. When he’d discovered they already had other plans, Seth’s disappointment had been genuine. Malcolm wasn’t ready to take Seth to visit his parents, and he knew for damn sure Seth wasn’t ready either, so he’d opted for them to stay in. He’d reassured Seth they could still make all the fixings and that it would be perfect because then they could save on cooking time by having plenty of leftovers.

  Malcolm kissed the top of Seth’s head. At least his trembling had subsided, so Malcolm thought he might be ready to talk.

  “Can you tell me about your nightmare, sweetheart? It’s okay if you don’t want to.”

  A few moments passed before Seth spoke. “Not right now. Sorry.”

  Malcolm gave him a squeeze. “No apology needed—you know that.”

  “Okay, Daddy. Thanks.”

  They remained in silence and Malcolm’s thoughts wandered to the discussion they’d had several times regarding a therapist for Seth. So far, Seth had resisted the idea. Malcolm understood his hesitation, despite knowing how vital it was for Seth’s recovery. Seth didn’t offer his trust easily and Malcolm didn’t want to force him if he wasn’t ready. Feeling safe was more important for Seth in Malcolm’s opinion. When it was the right time, Malcolm would use one of the recommendations Pastor Callum had passed on to him.

  “I wish I could stay here in your arms like this forever, Daddy.”

  Malcolm smiled against Seth’s head and pressed another kiss to his ruffled hair. “I wish too. Except we’d probably get hungry.”

  Seth snorted. “And have to pee.”

  Malcolm let out a long, slow breath. The menace of Seth’s nightmare seemed to have faded. “Is that a hint?”

  “Yeah, I guess it is.” Seth chuckled. “Both of those things.”

  “Then let’s get our day started.”

  As Seth rose from the bed, Malcolm leaned over to give him a smack on one naked butt cheek.

  “Hey!” Seth glanced over his shoulder as he made his way to the bathroom. “I thought that was for after breakfast.”

  “Can’t blame me for wanting to get my hands on that muscular behind, can you?”

  Seth grinned, then entered their master bath, not bothering to shut the door behind him. In some respects, Seth had accepted their Daddy/boy dynamic quicker than Malcolm had expected. Sure, there were plenty of activities and other kinky pursuits that he would likely struggle with for a while, but overall, Malcolm was more confident than ever that Seth was made to be a boy.

  Once both he and Seth were done in the bathroom, they donned their robes and slippers and padded their way to the kitchen. Malcolm had prepared a new recipe of morning oats the night before and hoped Seth would enjoy them. He wanted Seth to have everything he loved—within reason. As his Daddy, it would be his job to verify that whatever Seth desired was also good for him. If Seth’s wish went against what was best, then Malcolm would step in and offer guidance to keep him moving in the right direction.

  Seth set the table while Malcolm squeezed some fresh orange juice. The fruit had been a bit on the sour side lately, so Malcolm planned to switch over to cranberry once they finished up the citrus they already had. Perfect for the season and one of Seth’s favorites. He smiled as he washed the stickiness from his hands, recalling their first dinner out together and how Seth had opted for cranberry juice instead of milk.

  Later, after they’d confessed their feelings to each other, Malcolm had thought back on several small moments between them, how those seemingly innocuous interactions had been a foreshadowing. Seth might need someone to care for him, but he didn’t want Malcolm to view him as a child.

  “Here you go, baby. Something new.”

  Malcolm set the Mason jar of oatmeal in front of Seth. He regarded the mixture Malcolm had given him with a furrowed brow.

  “Are those pecans?” Seth wrinkled his nose just enough that Malcolm noticed.

  Malcolm pressed his lips together to keep from smiling as he took a seat with his own oats. “Yes. Are you allergic? If you are, it’s important to let me know. That can be serious, but you already told me you don’t have any allergies.”

  Malcolm took a sip from his mug of coffee, the very first thing he’d prepared when they’d entered the kitchen. He was certain Seth wasn’t allergic but was curious how he would respond.

  “Um, no. I was telling the truth when I said I’m not allergic to anything that I know of.” He bit his bottom lip as he regarded his breakfast with suspicion. He lifted his eyes. “But what if I am now, and I don’t know it yet?”

  Malcolm sighed for dramatic effect. “That would be too bad. You were so looking forward to my pecan pie I told you I was making for Thanksgiving.”

  Seth’s shoulders dropped and he frowned. “Oh yeah. I forgot.”

  Malcolm scooped up a hearty spoonful of his own oats, eating them with gusto. “Mmm. The blueberries are so fresh and sweet. Perfect.”

  All berries, but especially blueberries, were a favorite of Seth’s. Malcolm had hoped to entice him to try something different than the plain oatmeal his father had forced Seth and his siblings to eat. He’d already had great luck with basic ingredients such as apples and peaches. But more ‘exotic’ ingredients such as nuts, seeds or almond milk were ones he’d decided to introduce more slowly.

  The same had been true of all foods, not just breakfast. Malcolm wanted Seth to be as healthy as possible—which wouldn’t be as likely to happen if all he ever ate was meatloaf and potatoes, the way he’d been raised. Now and then was fine, but not every meal. In addition, broadening Seth’s experiences mattered too. Whenever Seth discovered he loved something he’d never tried before, it made Malcolm’s heart swell. The joy in Seth’s eyes, his happy and easy smiles, were precious to Malcolm.

  Seth tentatively reached for his spoon, then started picking at the oats, careful to scoop around the nuts and only take the bites that contained blueberries.

  “Sweetheart?”

  Malcolm raised his eyebrows as he regarded Seth. Once again, he had to control his mirth at the worried expression Seth radiated back at him.

  “Yes, Daddy?”

  “You know what I’m about to say, don’t you?”

  Seth lowered his gaze, his shoulders dropping once again. “Yes, Daddy.”

  “It’s good for you, baby boy. I wouldn’t insist otherwise or have gone to the trouble of making the new recipe. But more than that, it’s very tasty when the flavors are all mixed together. Not only are the pecans very healthy, but they add some crunch. You liked the granola, remember?”

  “Well…yeah.” Seth lifted his eyes and tilted his head. “But why would anyone put nuts in regular food instead of only pie and cookies?”

  Malcolm was barely able to hold in a snort. “Didn’t you once wonder why anyone would put Gorgonzola cream sauce on a steak? And how did that turn out?”

  Seth averted his gaze. “I loved it.”

  “Exactly. Now eat up. I’d like to get our day started. If you finish every bite, we can go out to a movie later.”

  Seth narrowed his eyes. “Can I get some candy? I’ll pick one with nuts.”

  Malcolm barked out a laugh. “Deal.”

  With an expression of determination, Seth sunk his spoon into the oats and scooped up a bite that included all the ingredients. He frowned as he chewed. After swallowing, he took another bite of the same. Malcolm ate his own breakfast, careful to keep his staring as subtle as possible.

  After Seth reached the bottom of his jar and scraped up the last bits, he regarded Malcolm.

  “I didn’t love it.”

  Malcolm wiped his lips with his napkin. “But you ate it anyway, even though you didn’t like it. I’m very proud of you for giving it a chance.”

  “Oh, I liked it. I just didn’t love it.” Seth offered him a lopsided smile.

  Malcolm chuckled. “Does that mean you’ll try more recipes wit
h nuts in them?”

  “Yes, Daddy. But I’d rather have them in candy.”

  At that moment, a dirty thought about other kinds of nuts Seth might like ran through his mind, but he still hadn’t sussed out Seth’s humor when it came to racier subjects. There’d been sparks of the imp in him, but they were still in the early days.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Malcolm grinned as he rose, taking his empty jar and spoon with him. “Shall we clean up?”

  They both gathered their glasses and mugs, then brought them to the sink. Malcolm rinsed everything while Seth wiped off the table. Once their day was complete, they’d wash all the dishes at once.

  “What do you say we take a walk instead of working out today? It’s nice and sunny and the rains will be hitting us with a vengeance tomorrow and for the rest of the week.”

  Seth brought the cloth back to the sink and washed it out before draping it across the faucet. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

  Malcolm didn’t detect much enthusiasm in Seth’s slow response. He’d been certain he’d jump at the chance to go outdoors, since hiking and walking were one of the big things they shared in common.

  “Are you sure? I only suggested it because the weather going forward will be hit and miss.”

  Seth looked up. “You’re right, it’s the perfect day to go out. But…”

  A light flush crept up Seth’s cheeks.

  Malcolm arched his eyebrows. “But? Answer me, boy.”

  “Can I…? Will I still get my spanking before we leave?”

  Malcolm stole a coffee-flavored kiss then drew away. “Of course. There’s no reason why you can’t have it first.”

  “Thank you, Daddy. I’ll go get ready.”

  Seth scurried from the kitchen and down the hall to where the guest room was located. Only a few weeks ago, it had been Seth’s room. But now that they were Daddy and boy, it was where Malcolm administered morning discipline, put on Seth’s cock cage and, he hoped eventually, where he might encourage Seth to wear one of the butt plugs he’d purchased for him.