Legendary Daddy by Mia Monroe (each kindness read aloud txt) 📕

“I’ve noticed.”

“I was thinking you and I could mentor him. Maybe even invest in him.”

“In what way?”

“He’s all over the place. He thinks he wants to own a restaurant, but he’s also enjoying the website work he’s doing. The couple of times he’s helped out at the studio, he’s shown a knack for visually appealing poses. I think we could help him focus his talents.”

I nod. “Got it. Yeah, that sounds cool. Any attraction growing there?”

“Between me and Ramos? Nah, man. He’s not my type at all.”

“I know, but sometimes attraction is weird.”

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,