Surely Daniel deserves a Dominant who’d die for him? Run away with him, face military discharge and personal ruin to be with him? That’s what a boy like Daniel deserves.

Daniel deserves better than him. Though finding the right Dominant won’t be easy.

He dresses in a suit, wanting to make a good impression on Daniel’s brother and husband. What will Daniel think of him in a suit? Or will he be so distracted and repulsed by Liam’s descent that it won’t make a difference?

Daniel won’t be bonded to him anymore. Liam has to be prepared for the possibility that Daniel will take one look at him and be so angry that Liam didn’t fight for him that he won’t even give him the time of day.

But.

If Daniel is willing to give him a chance, if he is willing to be held by Liam, wouldn’t he prefer something more comfortable?

He has to sit down, the very idea of it overwhelming. What if he gets to hold Daniel in his arms? He can’t let himself think about more than that.

Bringing Daniel home, taking his boy to bed, keeping him safe, making Daniel his—he can’t let himself hope. He won’t survive the loss if he dares to hope Daniel might choose him.

Liam changes. Just in case. A soft, well-worn t-shirt, comfortable black joggers, knot-suppressing underwear that are at the back of his drawer. He isn’t sure what will happen when he meets Daniel again, but his boy deserves a Dominant who can be what he needs. Liam needs to at least try.

He takes his suppressants, the pills he’s on so he can function from day to day, and leaves the house.

18

They meet at an executive airport where Daniel’s family has sent their private jet. The Burrows are incredibly wealthy, all the money coming from the military industrial complex. The family would have vast resources to vet Dominants who wanted Daniel. The idea makes bile rise in Liam’s throat, but he’s determined to do what’s best for Daniel. Even if it means leaving him alone. Or worse, helping him find a Dominant worthy of him.

Daniel and his brother Logan are not identical twins, but they look enough alike that seeing Logan steals his breath. Liam can’t stop looking at him, reminding himself of what his boy looks like. They speak in a similar way but their voices sound different.

It’s overwhelming and he’s welling up with emotion from the moment they meet.

Robert is every inch the protective Dominant, holding on to Logan’s hand, standing a few inches in front of his submissive like he’s a bodyguard ready to give his life for Logan if that’s what’s needed.

Would Robert have run away with Logan to keep him safe? Probably.

The comparison stings.