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

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 the 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.