In Daniel’s apartment, all traces of the accident have been removed. The shattered glass coffee table has been replaced with a wooden one and the floor has been cleaned. It smells like disinfectant, but Liam can smell the misery under it. It’s seeped into the walls and the carpet in just the short amount of time Daniel has been here. Daniel shies away from the scent of his blood, chemicals, and misery, his hand going to his face, breathing in Liam’s shirt instead. He stumbles back into Liam, instinctively needing reassurance.

“It’s okay.” Liam squeezes his biceps, pulling him back into his chest. He bends down and kisses Daniel’s neck.

His submissive breaks out into goose bumps, head tilting in offer, arching a little so his ass goes back in invitation, Liam’s cock slotting in between his cheeks perfectly. His ass is incredible. The fabric separating them is a crime.

“Good boy. That’s right. You’re so clever,” he praises.

Daniel whimpers and steps forward just a little, but Liam holds him tight. “No, honey. The first instinct was right. We’re somewhere bad, in a place that has hurt you, and you know you need to get out. You want your Daddy to help you. Offering yourself is just right,” he says. Daniel shudders in his hold. “I don’t want you in this place. You’re going to pack a bag and we’re going to leave.”

“W-where will you take me?”

“Home. My home.”

“Your…. I don’t want to intrude.” It’s a heartbreaking thing to say. Denying himself the opportunity to be safe and secure in a Dominant’s home, protected and taken care of, knotted whenever he needs it. And instead of relief or confident knowledge that of course a Dominant wants to get him into bed and in their territory, he says no. Because he doesn’t deserve it. He’s a bother.

It’s terrible.

“You’ll be more comfortable there and so will I. I want you there. You’ll get my knot in my bed. I’m feeling a bit feral at the moment. I want you very badly and that’s how I need to give it to you for the first time.”

“Yes, Daddy,” he whispers, unmoving.

“Do you like the idea of that?”

Daniel is so still that it’s unnerving.

“Yes. Please. I would… yes.” He hears the submissive swallow.

Liam can’t stop himself from pressing his nose into Daniel’s neck and scenting him. He gives him an open-mouthed kiss, tongue sliding along the strong column of flesh. He lets his hands roam over his submissive, whispering into his ear roughly, “You say ‘yes, Daddy’ and I swear it’s like you’re begging me to knot you. That’s how it feels, Daniel.” He growls and cups Daniel’s chest in his hands, squeezing him gently.