Chap. 4

Attn: This story contains discussion of and/or spanking of an adult. Be warned!

Thanks for the reviews. They are wonderful. As for writing about abuse, I am well aware that it is no laughing matter. At times what I write hits way too close to home for me, so I do not need anyone telling me all about it.

I watch him fidget, clearly he's worried about something, something he isn't telling me. I've given him the entire day to tell me what has him so spooked, yet he's kept his concerns to himself. How can I help him or keep him safe if he doesn't talk to me? We've had this discussion several times, Tony and I, and still he keeps hiding things from me. I'll get to the bottom of this one way or another.

"Are you going to tell me what has you so worked up?"

Tony shakes his head no and stares off into the clouds. The sun is setting and the sight is beyond beautiful. I don't want to ruin the moment by grilling him about his father or anything else right now. Instead I scoot closer to him and nudge his shoulder with mine.

"It's nothing, really. I'm just still on edge about my father, I guess. Even after all these years, he still scares the hell out of me."

"I won't let him hurt you again. You're mine now, and he can't get near you. Got it!"

He nods his head as sips the beer I brought out for him. I hope to relax him before he works himself into nightmares later. A little sleep for both of us would be welcome, but if he needs to sit up all night, I'll gladly do that as well.

"I'm going to order a pizza, you want the usual?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

I stand and make my way into the house. I'll give him a pass on this now. I'm almost certain he'll come to me when things get to be too much. He knows all he has to do is say the word and I'm right there with him. Besides, I have eyes all over the city, I'm not letting anything happen to my son. For now though, dinner will have to suffice.

Once we both have full stomachs and we're exhausted beyond all reasoning, I watch as he slips beneath the thick covers that now adorn his bed. I wait until he stills before I make my way into the room. When I've tucked him in to his liking, I meet his eyes.

"Remember that conversation we had the other day? The one about you telling me when something bothers you?"

"Yes."

"What did I tell you would happen if you tried to hide something like that from me again? Do you remember?"

"You said you'd wear me out. I didn't forget, Dad."

"Just wanted to remind you. In case you're thinking of keeping anything from me."

"Dad, I know how dangerous this is. I understand how important talking to you is. I get it."

I kiss his head and grin. I'm still not convinced that he's telling me everything, but I'm willing to take this one step at a time. Besides, Tony has already been warned about what would happen if he kept important information about Anthony Senior from me. I don't like spanking him anymore than he likes getting spanked, but if it makes my point and teaches him a lesson, then I won't hesitate to do it and he is well aware of that fact.

"Night, kiddo. If you need me, I'm just down the hall."

I flick the light off as I leave his room. He's safe for now and that is one thing I can be sure of now.