Thursday, November 28th
Colin
I woke up to a firm hand slowly stroking my cock to life. It didn’t take much time at all to make me feel like my cock was a brick with skin pulled tightly over it. The hand stopped moving and then was replaced with a warm mouth. I didn’t want to open my eyes in fear that I was dreaming this up. I risked it though and took a peek. Sydney’s light brown hair and forehead moving up and down my shaft filled my vision. Every now and then, over her head I could see Anthony’s head down between her legs. He couldn’t keep his hands off her and the fact excited me even more because I knew that he was into her. Anthony is going to be so good for her.
Anthony has never been at this stage and I never thought he ever would be either. I never thought the girl that would turn him inside out would ever come along and if she did, it’d be Sydney. Not only was Anthony my best friend but he was also the best Dom I knew. Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew Sydney would always be cared for and loved by him. Which is what I set out to be the goal with Sydney. I wanted her to find a Dom that would push her and would meet her needs while being able to do it in a loving, nurturing way. She hadn’t been touched with caring hands before Anthony and I, so I knew she needed an affectionate Dom as well. With Sydney as his submissive, Anthony would receive a special kind of love that Matt gets daily.
Sydney’s quiet moans brought me back to the present and I reached down to pinch her nipples. That drives her crazy and soon enough, she was coming. I thought she came too quietly, but she at least was having her release. Hearing her come sent me over the edge and soon enough I had emptied in her mouth. Like a dream, she swallowed it and then started to clean me up with her tongue. I pulled her up into my arms and hugged her as I gave her a deep kiss. I hope she knew what she had just done to me was special. Anthony and I always make sure we vocalized our pleasure with her. She has heard so much negativity surrounding oral sex in her past and I don’t think it was warranted.
“Eyes, baby.” She raised her head up to look at me and smiled. “Thank you, Sydney. That was a wonderful way to wake up.” Her cheeks blushed pink and she looked away shyly. I laughed and looked over at Anthony. He was on his side, propped up on one arm and smiling at her. I could see that he was in need of relief.
“Baby,” I said and her eyes followed the direction of where I was looking. When she saw his erection, she smiled and moved into a position where she could take Anthony in her mouth.
I moved behind her and tapped her hips letting her know I wanted her butt up in the air. I gently parted those ass cheeks and went to work on her tight little hole with my tongue. Pure heaven. She squealed and giggled lightly as I worked on her. I had to remind myself that my time in the clouds with Sydney and Anthony was limited. Today was probably it.
After Anthony was empty and my tongue satisfied, he cradled Sydney in his arms as they shared a quiet moment, just like the one I shared with her a few moments before. He whispered to her that he was proud of her and while he held her, I went to go start the shower. Just as I was getting ready to go get them, Anthony walked into the bathroom with her in his arms. He set her down on the bath mat and looked up at me.
“Our fragile kitten has spaghetti legs.”
Feeling the need to touch her again, I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her forehead. “Is that so?”
“Yeah, turns out two Doms made her come pretty hard just with their tongues.”
We took Sydney into the shower where Anthony and I took our time with washing her and playing lightly with her. Neither of us could keep our hands off the little kitten. She responds so well to our hands and it brings me great pleasure to see her enjoying and open to receiving our touch. I stood with her leaning against me while Anthony knelt and licked her pussy until she came again. When I felt that she was close, I tweaked her nipples and took her mouth with mine. She writhed and whimpered as she quietly released a gasp into my mouth and then sagged in my arms. That was sexy. She got a chill, and snuggled against me.
I was a mess. I needed to not allow myself to get into these sexual situations with her. But I knew the end was coming. It could quite possibly be today. When we got out of the shower, I went upstairs to finish getting ready. All I could think about while I shaved was Sydney and Anthony. Anthony deserved happiness. Both of them did. I knew she’d be safe with him, cared for and cherished. That’s priority one. That’s what I had planned on. What I hadn’t planned on was falling in love with her.
And fuck, I was very much in love with her.
I pulled on jeans and a navy knit shirt. That would do for now and I’d change before dinner tonight. When I got downstairs, I could hear the hairdryer in their room and went to the kitchen for some coffee. Anthony was sitting at the breakfast bar with a mug already. He was just sitting there and I could tell he was deep in thought. Oh fuck, this was it. His good-bye speech was being prepared. I didn’t want him to worry about making me angry or hurting my feelings. He was still my best friend and no one would ever come between him and I.
“Good to be home, huh, Col?”
“Yes. I knew you’d take good care of her.”
I poured a cup of coffee and sat down beside him. He looked down and then rubbed over his chest. Chest pain, that’s right. I decided to tackle that conversation first.
“What’s up with the chest pain? How long has it been going on?”
He laughed and flattened his hand over his chest. I was annoyed that he found humor in that.
“I had been having weird chest pains that were sometimes followed by stomach pains. It felt like a dull aching pain in the chest and my stomach felt like I was in a free fall. It had been sporadic for a few weeks and then last week it started getting much worse. I was just going to let it go. Then you and Matt talked to me last Saturday about Sydney and I. I decided I needed to make sure I was healthy and wasn’t going to up and die when she needed me to be there for her. The pain was getting more frequent Sunday, and then that shit with Paul happened. I left work early Monday to go see Matt.” He paused and sipped on his coffee while I hung onto every word.
“He checked me over and did an EKG. He wrote my diagnosis down and handed it to me. Col, I was scared to fucking death. I figured that if he couldn’t even talk to me and tell me what it was, that I was fucked. I got in my car and read the paper.”
Anthony stood up and pulled a piece of paper from his wallet and handed it to me. Whatever was wrong with Anthony was written on a prescription pad in Matt’s handwriting. My eyes read the paper once and then again. He had been in love and didn’t know it. All the air left my lungs. I was losing Sydney. Not that I ever had her, but she had become very important to me and I was hopelessly in love with her.
“Anth, you’re in love.”
“I had no fucking clue love could do those things to you.”
I knew exactly what he was feeling. I told Anthony that I was happy for him, and I truly was. While my heart was filled with happiness for him, it was also breaking. I now knew my time was very limited with Sydney. She obviously was head over heels for him. I felt him looking at me but I didn’t look up.
“Anth, I knew you loved her.” I looked towards her room and then back down at the kitchen floor. We couldn’t prolong this much more. “Anth, you and I need to talk.”
I looked up at him and saw him nodding. He knew something had shifted with the three of us. This morning’s play session had been fun and intimate. It was incredible. And just like a rainbow in the sky, it was gone.
“I know. I’ve been thinking…”
“Wait, let’s talk later,” I said to him. He and I would talk this afternoon. We had to.
I knew it would be a difficult conversation. Bottom line though, Sydney would be taken care of. I hoped our talk wouldn’t mess up our Thanksgiving dinner at Matt’s. I knew they were looking forward to having us, especially Sydney. Sydney’s family had run into money problems while she was in her teens and because of that, her parents ended up working the Thanksgiving holiday for extra pay. She hadn’t had a nice sit down Thanksgiving dinner in a long time and Matt and Gina wanted to make this special for her. For that, I was truly thankful.
Moments later Sydney came in and was ready to go. We went to a smaller, local casino that was close to my place and had breakfast. While we were out, I paid extra close attention to their interactions. I watched how careful he was with her when he touched her hands or her back. He was gentle and yet I knew that he’d fiercely protect her. I smiled at this. He was perfect for her. Because of his past pain, he’d take her fears seriously and work with her to help her heal from them, nurture her and never take her for granted. Anthony was aware of every wound and scar she had and he paid excellent attention to her without smothering her. He was playful and flirty with her and he makes her smile. They just clicked.
By the time we got home, I felt as though my heart had been ripped from my chest and was hanging by a few veins on the outside of my body. I now had a stomachache and I wasn’t looking forward to our talk. I was pretty sure he was going to say he didn’t need any help training her. And he didn’t. Anthony has been here with her and I for about a month now. He knew what he needed to know and didn’t need me. They didn’t need me. I just wasn’t ready to let go of her.
When we got home, Sydney wanted to go outside and write in her notebook for a while and I told her to sit in the sun. It was November and cool outside. Anthony positioned himself at the kitchen table so he would be able to see her. Time to talk. No need to insult either of us and pretend that we didn’t know things had changed and he was accepting that he loved her. I sat down at the head of the table so I could watch her too.
“What did Chris want her to make a list of?”
“Fucked up shit, Col.” I hadn’t expected him to say that and glanced over at him. He was looking down at the floor rubbing his hands together. I regretted not being around for that appointment. I knew from talking to Matt it was a rough appointment and that Anthony seemed to come out of it worse than Sydney. “He wanted her to make a list of stuff that Howard would use on her. Shit that he used to hurt her. Unconventional things. Stuff aside from the whips or crops. Fucked up shit.”
We both stared out onto the patio and watched her for a few moments. I opened my mouth to start to say something but Anthony beat me to it.
“Col, it’s important for you to know that you’re helping her so much. When I took her to dinner, I learned a lot about her. We talked about movies and hobbies, things like that. One of Sydney’s hobbies is writing.” Anthony looked over at me before continuing. “She didn’t have anyone to help her with shit from Howard, her outlet was writing. You giving her that notebook to write in really helped her. I wanted to make sure you knew that.”
Oh fuck. Why was my chest aching so badly now? My heart was breaking more. Sydney’s outlet was to write. I helped give her some familiarity by giving her the notebook.
He looked up at me and then outside at Sydney. The way he watches her, it’s unmistakable what he feels for her. Sydney had pulled her legs up on the chair and continued to write. She had pulled one of her sleeves down over her hand so that her hand was no longer visible. It was just a sweatshirt-covered hand with a pen. A sweatshirt that Anthony picked out for her so she’d have something comfortable when she was released from the hospital. Her balled up hand hiding beneath the sleeve reminded me of how long I had seen Sydney roam around Everett Gaming for the past nine or ten months with sleeve covered hands. She was in pain then and hid it so well. She was used to hiding. Fragile kitten. Anthony’s dark words brought me out of my own thoughts.
“She’s been hurt so bad, Col. I don’t think there’s an inch that hasn’t been tormented.”
He needed to talk about this stuff. I wanted him to, as painful as it may be. I looked over at him again and saw a horrible, sick look on his face. “Do you know why she favors sleeping on her stomach?” I shook my head encouraging him to continue. He looked outside at Sydney again before facing me. “She’d do it to protect herself. She does it out of habit now, but before us it was to protect herself from Howard. She’d go to sleep on her stomach with her arm underneath her with her hand covering her pussy. She said by sleeping that way, she’d feel him if he tried to hurt her in the night and it would give her a few seconds to become more alert and prepare for it.”
Prepare for it.
The thought of her waking up scared of what was going to happen, and some asshole grabbing at her, disgusted me. I was riddled with guilt over knowing something was wrong, especially once I saw her wrists. I should have taken her aside back then and found out what was going on. I exhaled a shaky breath and looked over at Anthony. The look of disgust was on his face and I’m sure my face showed my disgust. Anthony has heard these kinds of stories and admissions. Stuff that I pushed him into hearing and being the shoulder for her.
“Did she fight him off?” I forced myself to stop and slow down because I realized how my voice shook. “When Howard would go to get her in the night, would she fight him or try to keep him from hurting her?”
“She said she tried once in the beginning but he made sure she didn’t do it again. I’m still working on the info of exactly what he did to her to keep her from ever attempting it again.”
My heart was now hanging by a single thread. I wanted and needed to help. I wanted to hear these things to lessen the burden and to be strong for her. Anthony needed an ear and I wanted to be there for him. I wanted to be part of her healing still. I cleared my throat and looked back at him. His eyes were glued to her and were watching for any sign of discomfort or unease.
“Anth, I still want to go with you guys to her appointments to see Chris. I still want to have a part in helping with her.”
He didn’t look at me but nodded. I was hot all of a sudden and pushed up the sleeves of my shirt.
“Where do we go from here, Anth?”
“I’ve been thinking about that a lot since Saturday after you and Matt made me think clearly. I’m very particular, you know that. I like kinky sex. Co-topping. Col, I don’t want her going back to that shitty apartment. You and I don’t need to worry about her there. Or with another Dom.”
With those few sentences, it felt like my heart had detached from the thread it had been hanging by and hit my kitchen floor. This was it. The end. He was admitting his feelings for her and soon would take her. While I was happy for the two of them, I was surprised by the overwhelming ache in my chest. I couldn’t be selfish though. This was actually the best thing that could happen for Sydney, which is what I wanted. I wanted her to find a good Dom and be safe. She had the best Dom and my best friend. I knew she’d be fine with him. She’d be happy. They’d be happy. That I was certain of. What I wasn’t certain of was how I was going to move on once they moved on.
“Say something, Col.”
I tried to pull myself together and swallow past the dryness in my throat. I nodded and looked up at him.
“Anth, I’m happy that you are going to proceed with her. I know you are the best man in the world for her. She loves you, you know.”
He smiled and looked back outside at her. All I could do was rattle on about her. Maybe I was comforting myself.
“When I first laid eyes on her, I knew she was special and different. I knew there was a spark about her, but I also knew she was very protective of her privacy. Once we found out she was into the lifestyle, I just wanted the opportunity to help guide her. She seemed so lost and I knew I could help. I wanted to help give her some self-confidence and introduce her to some good Doms. I knew she took the responsibility on her shoulders and thought that she was a bad sub and deserved what she got. It made me more determined to help her. I knew there’d be ups and downs and I anticipated a lot.” I swallowed hard and debated on continuing. I owed it to myself to be honest. “What I hadn’t anticipated though, was her grabbing onto my heart as each day went by. I knew the only way I’d feel comfortable would be if she went with you. And maybe partially because, I knew that I’d still see her and know she was okay. Matt and I waited for you to figure out that you were good for her. And now that you have, I feel like everything is going to be okay for her. And you.”
Anthony leaned back in his chair more and was staring at me. It was his poker face. I hoped he wouldn’t sense my unhappiness for my selfish reasons. But it was hard to hide. Sydney has consumed me.
“It’s a strange feeling, isn’t it, Col? Love, that is. That vice-like feeling in your chest you get when you look at her. Or the deepest part of your soul getting rocked when she looks at you and knows that you understand her and won’t judge her. Or the jolt of electrical current you get when you touch her. The ache you get in your balls when you see her pupils dilate as she responds to your instructions. Or the strange sense of calm that washes over you when she’s in your arms at night.” He glanced over at me. “You know what I mean.”
He hadn’t worded it as a question. I knew every single one of those feelings. It was love and I had it running through my system with no chance of a cure for it. He knew I loved her too. I nodded and leaned over resting my arms on my knees and stared at an invisible spot on the kitchen floor.
“She loves your yard.”
I looked up to see Sydney standing up from picking dandelions from the grass and setting them on the table. I smiled but it quickly faded when I thought about what it would be like without her laughter to fill my house.
“Monday, I took her to Cisco’s and to my place. I made love to her there. I’ve never made love to a woman. I’ve fucked women before, but never made love. That night, I was awake thinking about us. Me, Sydney…and you.”
Me?
Wait, he actually said that. I wasn’t imagining things. Though it most certainly was what I wanted to hear. I looked up at him.
“I thought about all the things I could give her. And thought of all the things you could give her. There are things that you can give her, or do for her, that I can’t. You keep saying that I have a connection with her that no one else does. You have one with her too. You’re solid, confident and can work your way inside that pretty head of hers. She’s been through so much, Col. You’ll hear it for yourself Monday. She has a lot of heavy shit in her past and four shoulders would be better than two.”
I had to stop him. I couldn’t risk letting myself get excited over what he was getting at unless he was dead serious. Hope surged though my veins. My mind was going a hundred miles an hour. I had to be sure what he was saying before I got my hopes up anymore.
“Anth,”
“When I took her to my condo, she lit that place up like a hot firecracker going off in the dark. Everywhere she walked, it was like a halo of light followed her. It was amazing to have her in my bed. But it’s not where she’s comfortable. She loves it here. This has been a haven for her. It’s been a huge part of her healing. And I’ve got news for you, she loves you too.”
“Anth, what are you proposing?”
He turned and looked me in the eye. My world stopped along with my heart. Everything hung in the air. I held hope in my hands and prayed he wouldn’t crush it.
“What I’m proposing is a V.” A V. I took a deep breath as I felt my heart start to come back to life. “Colin, she loves being co-topped by us. You and I have been co-topping for years. I am happy with the way things are going, but I want it on a more official and exclusive level.”
“Jesus, Anth.” I sat back in my chair and ran my hands through my hair. “I was preparing for you to tell me that you two are going off on your own and that you don’t need my help. You’re more than capable to help and care for her. But I will tell you that you just made me the happiest fucking man on earth.”
“That makes two of us. She’s happy here. I’m happy. You’re happy. She’s getting better with both of us. There have been so many times that I can tell she wants to say something or tell me more about whatever it is we’re talking about, but I struggle with pulling things out of her. I know you can get her to talk and you say the right things to her. Plus, you and I can tap into that playful little submissive that is lurking below the surface. You and I can give her anything her heart desires sexually. But we can also give her what she needs. You and I have been sharing a bed and dungeon cell with women for years. The difference now is that we’re both one hundred percent committed in caring and loving the woman outside of the bedroom. She already trusts us and gives herself to us. Think of how she will be when she realizes that she’s ours.”
“Anthony, think about it before you commit to something like this. Yes, we’ve done co-topping scenes, but this is very different. Remember, she’d belong to both of us. I’d be on the other end. You could roll over in the middle of the night wanting her mouth on you and you might find her mouth on me. Can you move in here and live in a twenty-four seven V?”
“Yes, I can. And remember, I’m also on the other end. I know what’s involved. I want to be wherever she is. I’ve never been in love, Col. This is new to me. But I know that you and I can give her the world and at the same time fulfill our own desires.”
“V’s are a lot of work, Anth.”
“I didn’t say it’d be easy. But in case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been living like this already for the past month.”
Very true to an extent.
“Yes, but I think it’s safe to say that you and I haven’t been her Doms for a month. You and I have been very controlled and somewhat restrained. You, especially.” I reminded him. Anthony is a very intense Dom. Sydney hasn’t seen that side of Anthony and I in full swing yet. Our lives were about to drastically change but I knew it’d be for the better.
“We know about what to avoid with her, Col. We can take her to heights she never knew existed.”
I nodded and thought quickly. How could I not want to be a part of this? I knew I loved her and I knew that he loved her.
“She’s our missing piece, Anth. Everything you and I need is in Sydney. Our need to dominate, our ability to give and heal. She will fulfill everything you and I need. And her heart is big enough for both of us.”
“Now we can knock off this negotiating scenes shit for her. Fucking tore me in two watching Evan with her.”
“I know, Anth. I didn’t care for it either.”
We just needed to figure out a few details and then talk to Sydney. We already knew that Sydney cared for both of us, so it was a matter of her feeling okay and comfortable with both of us. I’d do my damnedest to make sure she was comfortable without a shadow of a doubt.
“How long have you known that I loved her?” I asked him cautiously only to get a hard, short laugh.
“Before you knew. That day in the courtyard at work when she dropped her Kink magazine. I knew then. And I think it’s growing by the day.”
The patio door opened and Sydney came in with her journal. She had red eyes and looked upset. I stood and she walked right into my arms and wrapped her arms tightly around me.
“Hit a rough spot, baby?”
“Yes, Sir. I don’t want to write anymore today.”
“Okay, baby. No more today. Let’s enjoy the day. It’s Thanksgiving.”
I glanced over at Anthony. He was sitting on the edge of his seat leaning forward rubbing on her lower back with one hand while the other held rested on her chapped side. I had so much to be thankful for. I knew Anthony and I hadn’t worked through all of the details yet and fifteen minutes ago, I thought I’d be facing an empty house soon. But I wanted to talk to her about the V.
“Anth,” I started to say and he looked up at me and nodded. He knew I was trying to get a feeling for if he wanted to have this conversation now. “Baby, Anthony and I want to talk to you about something important.”
Her face fell even more than it already was. She looked afraid of the upcoming talk but she nodded and followed up with a “yes, Sir.”
When she said that, I realized that she’d still be calling me “Sir.” Elation ran through my body and I led her by her hand to the great room with Anthony following. We sat down on the couch with Sydney between us. Anthony and I each took hold of her hands. I frowned though when I felt her quivering.
“Baby, why are you shaking?” I asked her but didn’t get an answer right away so I tried a little more force. “Eyes.” It worked like a charm. And just like Anthony was talking about a short time ago, I felt my insides shift when I saw her pupils dilate. I couldn’t help but smile. “Why are you shaking, baby?”
“I know what’s coming.”
I looked over at Anthony and noticed he was frowning. What on earth did she think was coming?
“Tell us what you think we want to talk to you about, baby.” I brushed some hair behind her ear.
“That my time is up and it’s time for me to go back to my own place. That you’re tired of working with me and putting your lives on hold. I’m not worth the trouble.” Tears were now running down her face and Anthony and I caught them. “I just don’t want to go yet. I’ll miss you guys.” She tried wiping her tears away quickly but Anthony and I wouldn’t let go of her hands. I leaned my forehead against hers and looked into her blue eyes. Oh, Sydney. This girl is something else. She wanted to stay.
“Do you remember what you said to me that afternoon in the hospital about wanting me to work with you?”
“To help me be better so I could find a good Dom.”
“Anthony and I worked with you quite a bit. And during that time, you caught the attention and hearts of a few Doms. You’re probably not even aware of it, but I think we found you two very good candidates.”
The crease reappeared on her forehead and her eyes were moving back and forth like she was trying to think of who they might be. We introduced her to a handful from Irons. We decided to let her suffer a tad.
“You both like them? Do you think I can make either of them happy?”
“Oh yeah, they’re good guys and I know you’ll make them happy,” I told her.
“Is there one you’re leaning on more than the other?” Sydney asked and Anthony jumped in.
“No. They’re both perfect for you. What do you think though about twenty-four, seven with both of them?” He asked her. Her eyes dilated and she drug her bottom lip into her mouth.
“Is it Evan and Will?”
“No, it’s not Evan and Will. Baby, Will is a sadist,” I told her and kissed her forehead while she tried to guess who the guys were. All the color drained from her face and she looked up at me with a worried expression.
“Do they know about my marks? And that I don’t sleep very well? Or that I flinch when giving oral sex and am not very good at it? Or…” Anthony cut her off before she got carried away.
“They know about it all, sunshine. They’re going to take good care of you.”
“How…” Sydney looked back and forth between us as she was trying to piece it together. “How do they know about it all? Did you tell them?” She asked us.
“They know.” I looked deep into her blue eyes and was going to let her off the hook. “One of them held you in his arms on the way to the hospital last month,” I told her and saw it all start to make sense. Her blue eyes started to clear up and a smile appeared.
“The other one has wanted nothing but happiness for you ever since he found out you were submissive,” Anthony added which made me smile uncontrollably.
The smile on her face was indescribable and the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. Her eyes twinkled with happiness and my heart felt like it was going to explode. She was happy.
“I wanted it to be you guys so badly.” She let the tears fall from her eyes and Anthony and I kissed them away. “How does this work?”
In the BDSM lifestyle, there are so many non-vanilla or unconventional types of relationships and in Sydney’s limited experience she had little idea of how some worked. V relationships weren’t so out of the norm to Anthony and I. We had seen our share of them over the years with friends from Irons and the community. Sydney just needed it explained. We had been living somewhat like a V already, but Anthony and I were just Doms helping her rather than being her Doms. Two totally different roles.
“In our lifestyle, a relationship like the one Anthony and I want to have with you is called a V, like the letter. Anthony and I are the “legs,” of the V while you are the “hinge,” or the point where the legs connect. You are what holds us together. We will continue to play and be together as we have been but it’ll be a more intense, loving and exclusive relationship.”
Anthony laughed and caused Sydney to smile and blush.
“Did Colin’s technical jargon lose you, sunshine?”
“No, I think I followed it. It sounds wonderful.”
“Colin and I will take care of you and see to it that all of your needs are met. All of your needs, Sydney. You are our priority.”
“Baby, Anthony and I don’t have it all figured out yet but we will. Once he and I discuss how we want things to go, we’ll sit down with you and the three of us will talk and negotiate. Just understand that Anthony and I are both equally your Doms.”
“What do you think, sunshine?”
“We can actually live like that?” Anthony and I both nodded while she smiled. I could tell she had lots of questions and I wanted to encourage her to ask.
“Baby, Anthony and I will go slow. You’re not done healing physically and you’re not used to him and I as your Doms. Yet. We don’t want to overwhelm you and we want you to ask us anything. Use your notebook if you’re too shy or embarrassed to ask and we’ll go over things at night. The three of us will sit and talk, just like you and Anthony did each night.”
“There is one thing, Sydney, that Colin and I can’t bend on. We are both Dominants. Aside from being the air that we breathe, you will also be our submissive. You’ve already been with us in a submissive role, so there won’t be many surprises for you. Just like the night I brought you to the party, I’m still me and Colin is still Colin.”
“Anthony and I will change up any training we feel fit. But instead of generalities, we’ll work with you on our own desires and expectations. You’ll be cared for and will never go without. But above all, you will be loved.”
“Say something, sunshine.”
“I don’t even know what to say. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d find a Dom. A real one or a good one. And now I’ve got you two? Two Irons Masters. This is unbelievable. I won’t make you angry, I promise.”
Anthony and I looked at each other. It still boils my blood that she thinks she was the one at fault with that fucking asshole Howard. But Anthony and I will get to the bottom of that soon enough. She was eager to get info on our requirements and expectations, but we told her that we were going to go slow and not rush anything. A real, consensual D/s relationship was going to be enough of a change from what she had with Howard. All we had been doing was some general things. We were now embarking down the road of a twenty-four seven, V, Dom/sub/Dom relationship with Anthony and my tweaking. That will be quite a change as well; but it will be good. Anthony and I were going to make sure of it.
We sat quietly for a few minutes and let it sink in some more. She was smiling and nodding her head. Anthony and I both hugged her and kissed her. We spoke more about the living situation. We were going to help her move anything she wanted from her apartment this weekend. I wanted that fucked up part of her life over with and behind her.
The three of us spent the afternoon together on the couch watching some football. I pulled my phone out and sent Matt a text. I was bursting at the seams to tell him.
CE: How’s the turkey coming?
MR: Just fine. Mom and Gina kicked me out of the kitchen.
CE: I’ve got some good news. Sydney, Anthony and I are going to go down the V route.
I was so happy when I sent the text that I couldn’t help but smile. It was an amazing feeling and my mind was racing with things I wanted to talk about with Anthony regarding the finer details. I sat on the couch and watched Anthony stroking Sydney’s abdomen when the house phone rang. I knew it would be Matt.
“Congrats, Col!”
“Thanks, man.” I got up from the couch and walked down the hall to my office while I listened to Matt go on about how he was hoping for the best between the three of us but that he really didn’t know how it’d end up.
“I’m really happy for you guys. You two are perfect for her and will bring happiness to her life. And you’ll feed that kinky bone in her carefully. You two know what you’re doing and what to watch out for with her. And you and Anthony deserve to be happy. She’ll make you both happy. It’ll be fine, Col.”
“I know it will. There’s a lot that still needs to be worked out but Anthony and I will take care of it.”
“Hey, while I have you on the phone, I wanted to let you know that I talked to my parents this morning about Sydney. I kept it as brief as possible but they still had questions. I told them she was staying with you for a while but that Anthony was helping out.”
“Okay, thank you. What about your brothers?”
“They’re playing golf. I’ll talk to them before tonight also. Don’t worry, Col. It’ll be okay.”
I hung up with Matt and checked my watch. We still had a few hours before we were expected at Matt’s. I sat back in my chair and thought about how my life has changed so much just in twenty-four hours. I still need to talk to them about Paul and Irons. I just didn’t want to bring anyone down today. If we go to Irons tomorrow, maybe I’ll see if Blake will let me watch the security footage.
I pulled my desk drawer open and took out a picture of my brother, Matt and I in our baseball uniforms when we were eight. The following fall, Jeff was gone. Sometimes I think about what he might have done with his life. If he’d be married with kids or whatever. I try not to dwell on it though. It does no one any good. I put the picture in my wallet because I was going to show it to Matt and his mom tonight.
The three of us began getting ready for dinner around 5:30 since we had to be to Matt’s at 6:00. I just finished changing into my black sweater and came downstairs to see if they were ready. I headed into the bathroom where their voices were coming from.
Anthony was dressed in jeans and a blue button shirt; but Sydney was in jeans and a bra and was whimpering. Anthony was trying to calm her while he looked at a spot on her back. They both looked over at me when I asked if everything was okay. Anthony motioned me over and pointed to a set of cuts that had been healing and were dried out.
“While you were in Macau, a few of these caught on the sheets and pulled the scab off. While she took a nap with me on the couch this afternoon, it pulled a few more off.”
Anthony looked like it was actually causing him pain. And then I understood. She hurts; he and I hurt. It reminded me of Matt and Gina. Anthony was relieved that I was there to help. And I would.
I went over to the drawer where we had been keeping some medical supplies for Sydney and pulled out a medicated pad and a few bandages. I took another look at her back and saw how a few cuts had the scab still partially on. Anthony was afraid to hurt her. I got a washcloth damp with lukewarm water and handed it to him. I moved in front of Sydney, sat on the counter and took hold of her hands.
“Eyes, baby.” My balls ached when her eyes shot up to mine. “Baby, be still so Anthony can clean up your back and get a few bandages on. No big deal, honey. I know it stings some, but you’re healing. Things like this will happen.” I kissed her forehead and kept looking in her eyes while Anthony took care of her back.
“There, sunshine. All better.”
Anthony bent and kissed her back and we helped her into her shirt. She wore a light blue sweater and nervously asked if we were sure it was okay. I knew there was a self-confidence issue that Anthony and I were going to have to work on with her.
“Baby, you look lovely. Your sweater is soft and hugs your beautiful body. Why would you worry about it?” I stood behind her with my arms wrapped around her waist and I followed her eyes down to her collarbones that were slightly visible. They were still bruised but getting better. My heart broke for her. She didn’t want anyone to see them. Anthony leaned against the bathroom counter and tilted her chin so she’d look up at him.
“They don’t dictate your life anymore. You are among friends and family now, Sydney. You’re beautiful. Now, let’s go enjoy our evening.” He winked at her and bent to kiss her. She of course blushed and then I claimed my kiss.
I helped Sydney into her light jacket and swore to myself. “We need to go shopping, baby. You need some things.”
“I’m okay, Sir. I have plenty.”
This girl, I swear. She barely had anything warm and if it weren’t for Anthony, she’d still have old and worn out clothes. The only good clothes she had were the ones Anthony picked up for her, yet she thought she was fine. She needed a winter coat. Granted it’s Las Vegas, but I don’t want her cold and I’ll be dammed if our fragile kitten goes without anything. Ever.
Even though Matt’s home was maybe 150 yards away, we still took my BMW. It was cold out and probably would be late by the time we left. I was looking forward to seeing Matt’s parents and introducing Sydney to them. On our short drive, we told Sydney that Matt’s parents are not aware of the lifestyle that Matt, Anthony and I lead. She caught on right away and said she wouldn’t call us “Sir” while at Matt’s tonight. On our way up to the door, I reached down and put her hand in Anthony’s. It was a statement that I wanted both of them to understand. Around Matt’s family, Anthony is her man. I didn’t want her to be without some physical contact tonight.
Matt opened the door and began taking our jackets once we got inside. He clasped Anthony and I on our shoulders and congratulated us both quietly. He went over to Sydney and wrapped an arm around her lightly and gave her a squeeze.
“Sydney, they’re going to take such good care of you. I’m so happy for you, sweetheart.”
“Thank you, Sir…er, Matt…er, Mr. Reid, I mean, Dr. Reid. Um, thanks.”
Sydney looked down as Matt, Anthony and I shared a quiet laugh. Anthony pulled her into his arms and he kissed the top of her head.
“Matt works just fine, Sydney. Come on, my mom is dying to see you guys.”
We followed Matt to the kitchen and he announced our arrival. His mom quickly set a pan down and scurried over while Gina hollered out her greeting.
“Hi Gloria!” I said and opened my arms for her hug. She was my mom when I lost my family. Matt’s family was welcoming and I knew they’d adore Sydney.
“Oh, Colin. You look good. Really good, dear.” She wrapped me in a hug and then went to Anthony. I wondered if my body language was giving away how excited and thrilled I was about Sydney. I couldn’t let that on.
“Anthony, let me look at you.” She held him at an arm’s length and I knew she could tell something was different with him. He was happy and in love. Matt’s mom loved Anthony to pieces. She knew he didn’t have any family and as she welcomed me, she always welcomed him. She often referred to him as her “lost boy.” Many times, Matt and I had conversations about Anthony and his fucked up childhood when Matt’s parents were around. Of course, that was before we really knew exactly how fucked up his childhood was. Matt’s dad would have a field day with the information Matt and I discovered this past weekend. Arthur and Gloria are good-hearted people and welcomed Anthony and I into their family unconditionally. They had done so with Gina and they would with Sydney.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Gloria,” Anthony said as he got his hug and visual inspection from Gloria.
“Ah, you boys look so good. I’ve missed you guys.”
She stood back and directed her attention to Sydney as Matt began introducing them. Gloria wrapped Sydney up in a gentle hug. I knew Matt had told them some about her recent situation. I could tell her heart went out to Sydney and that she already had welcomed Sydney. Gloria was the world’s mother and had a soft spot for the less fortunate. I don’t know exactly what Matt told his parents or brothers but I knew he said something to them so they’d be aware of her nervousness around new people and groups. I could tell that Gloria was extra gentle and calm when she hugged Sydney.
“It’s nice to meet you, Gloria.”
“Welcome, Sydney. Welcome.” Anthony stood very close to Sydney as Gloria greeted her warmly. I knew Anthony was going to be what keep Sydney calm tonight and try to keep her from getting too jumpy. Sydney gets wary and nervous when there are a lot of people around but she calms dramatically just with Anthony standing near her.
“Matthew, go get your father. Honestly, where are his manners?” Gloria chastised while Matt rolled his eyes behind her but turned to go get his dad and brothers from the patio. I followed Matt but I knew Anthony was staying firmly right where he was next to Sydney.
“Arthur!” I exclaimed and met him half way with a hug. While I had a great relationship with Gloria, I had a stronger bond with Matt’s dad. I was nine when my own dad died and coming up on puberty, which was a frightening time all on its own. It was Arthur who fielded all those questions from me. He taught me to drive and shave. Being a psychologist and close friend of my dad, Arthur was there for me when I needed a father’s guidance. He got me talking again and worked to get me through my grief.
“Good to see you Colin!”
“Come here Arthur, I want you to meet someone.”
I drug him over to where Sydney stood close to Anthony but Matt took over with the introductions as I stood proudly to the side. I hugged and shook hands with Mark and John, Matt’s brothers and hugged John's wife, Colleen.
“Dad, this is Sydney.”
Arthur took hold of her hand and covered it with his other hand.
“Welcome, Sydney. We’re glad you’re here.”
“Thank you. I’m glad to be here.”
Once Arthur released her hand, Sydney took a step back to stand next to Anthony. He winked at her causing her to blush and smile.
“Yeah, hello Matt, we’re still standing here.” Mark joked with Matt.
Matt introduced Sydney to his brothers and Colleen, while Arthur shook Anthony’s hand and talked to him some.
I sat down on a barstool at Matt’s breakfast bar while Anthony and Sydney went to the living room with Mark and John. I knew Sydney would be fine. Arthur sat next to me and we started to catch up.
“How’s work going, Colin?”
“Work is going well. I just got back last night.”
Arthur nodded and looked towards the living room. I knew he was either assessing Anthony or Sydney or both of them. Arthur and I carried on a conversation about business and sports, but every few minutes, his eyes went to the living room.
“He looks good. He looks at ease and yet so occupied.”
Ah, Anthony. I nodded and couldn’t help but smile as I listened to him carry on a football conversation with Mark while he stroked Sydney’s arm. I knew that move would not be missed by anyone in the house. Anthony being publicly affectionate with a woman outside of Irons wasn’t a common scene.
“I know. He’s really happy. She gives him purpose. She’s been through hell and Anthony has really been there for her.”
“He looks like he watches over her,” Arthur said as Matt stole some carrot sticks from the platter. It earned him a warning from his mom to leave the food alone.
“Dad, he loves her,” Matt said as he took up the barstool next to me.
“He’s affectionate with her,” Arthur said while he watched Anthony, I’m sure in some form of disbelief. Sydney had nervously pulled her hands together and Anthony reached over to still them. He said nothing and no one was any to the wiser about what a huge effect that small gesture had on her. Arthur and Matt may have been able to tell. Sydney pulled her hands apart and Anthony took hold of one all while still talking football.
“So, Anthony and Sydney…” Arthur made a waving gesture in the air and all I did was smile and nod. He probably would have had a stroke if I had added “and me” to his Anthony and Sydney question. Matt and I shared a glance and he clasped his hand on my shoulder as he got up to gather the guests for dinner.
We soon headed to the dining room to eat and I hugged Gina on the way by and told her it smelled delicious. Everyone had assigned seats which was no doubt due to Matt’s careful planning. He sat at the head of the table with Gina to his left and Anthony to his right. Next to Anthony was Sydney then me, then Gloria. At the other end of the table was Arthur, then John, Colleen, Mark and then Gina. It was wonderful to see everyone again and the table was all decked out and the food smelled great.
Matt and Arthur walked around the table with two different wines and they poured as people selected. I elected to have a glass of the white wine and Matt disappeared into the kitchen after he poured my glass and set the bottle down on the table. He returned with a bottle of Coke and asked Sydney what she wanted. She took the Coke along with Anthony.
“Before we start, I wanted to thank you all for being here tonight. Thanksgiving is a special time and this year it’s extra special as we’ve added one more to our table. It wasn’t much short of a miracle that we were able to add one.” Matt paused and looked over at Sydney and then at Anthony and I.
My emotions grabbed hold of me as I thought back to that horrible evening. If she hadn’t sent me the text, she could easily have died. I knew Matt and Anthony were thinking it too and Matt was stalled now. I’m not sure what Matt told his family exactly, but I’m certain in that moment, they realized Sydney’s prior situation was grave. I took a deep breath and took hold of Sydney’s hand. I glanced down and saw that Anthony had hers in his hand too.
“We all get very busy and absorbed in our lives but everyone here at this table is what matters. Happy Thanksgiving!”
Everyone raised their glasses and clanged them together and began passing around food. Gina, Gloria and Colleen all got praises of how good the food was. Conversations started and Arthur and John chatted to me about Macau. I heard Mark strike up a conversation with Sydney and my heart rate picked up. It wasn’t Mark’s fault. I was just nervous because I really wasn’t sure what Matt told them and I didn’t want anything to upset Sydney.
“Have you lived here all of your life, Sydney?” Mark asked her.
“Yes. Born and raised.”
“So you’re used to the heat.”
I knew he was referring to the weather but I instantly thought of her chained to the heater. Sydney didn’t miss a beat though.
“Yes, I enjoy the weather. Winters aren’t bad. I don’t do well in the cold and prefer the warmer temperatures.”
Fuck, why was I thinking of everything bad? I remembered that on her limit list. She didn’t like the cold because that asshole tied her to a fence and left her overnight. I was distracted with that conversation while trying to carry on one with Arthur and John.
Sydney answered with a smile and asked Colleen how she liked the Bay Area. Colleen and John lived close to where Matt and I grew up. Which reminded me of the picture I brought. I took it from my wallet and gave it to Sydney to pass to Matt.
“Ha, look at this!” Matt had the picture and handed it to Gina. The picture made its way around the table and Gloria dabbed her eyes when she saw it. Sydney smiled at it and quietly asked me if I was older than my brother.
“Only by a few minutes.”
As everyone began clearing out of the dining room while Gina and Gloria began clearing plates, Sydney tugged on my sleeve.
“What is it, baby?”
“May I help Gina and Gloria clear the table?”
I nodded at her. She was so generous and mindful. Anthony hugged her and kissed her cheek and we told her we’d be in the living room. Everyone gathered around in chairs and on the couches talking about old times and catching up on everyone’s lives while we heard Gina and Sydney in the kitchen. Gloria ended up joining us and said that Gina kicked her out of the kitchen so she could come join us. Anthony was quiet as conversations started around him. His eyes were focused on the kitchen where he could see the girls moving about.
Arthur started asking me more probing questions about Sydney. I kept my answers general and didn’t want her to hear nor did I want to air anything out with Matt’s brothers sitting there.
“Matt said she’s dealing with a lot of nightmares,” Arthur said.
I nodded and started to say something but Matt jumped in. “Dad, let it be. She’s enjoying the evening. Let it stay behind her tonight.”
I glanced at Anthony and could tell he didn’t care for the topic of conversation. Arthur started up the sports conversation again and the sound of the girls laughing stopped Anthony, Matt and I in our tracks.
They were plating slices of pie and were spraying some whip cream from the can. Gina had shaken it and it sprayed out further than she anticipated and the two of them were doubled over laughing, clutching their stomachs. I found myself smiling and noticed that Matt and Anthony both were also staring into the kitchen with huge grins on their faces. When I returned my attention back to Arthur I saw the smile on his face as he watched the three of us.
The girls served everyone pie and coffee and then they joined us with their own plates. Gina and Sydney both knelt down on the floor by the coffee table and joined in our conversations. The sight of Sydney kneeling was doing something to my body. There was nothing sexual about it, but for a Dom to watch his sub kneeling anywhere could instantly fill his mind. And that’s what was going on in my head right now.
Arthur was telling Sydney about all the trouble Matt and I used to get into. Lots of old but good stories filtered around the living room and Sydney ate her pie while listening to all of them. I could tell she was starting to feel more comfortable and was relaxing some. I knew she’d fit in and everyone would love her. Everyone was trying to get to know her some and was eager to know the little light that made Anthony fall in love. And it was that obvious to everyone there that he loved her.
While everyone was talking and eating I could see the flirty glances Anthony was exchanging with Sydney and how her face turned pink. As the evening wore on, I noticed that Sydney began to favor her stomach some by holding her hand over it or on her side and her posture changed from relaxed to tense. Anthony picked up on it and he finally motioned her over to him and sat her down between himself and Matt. He wrapped his arm around her and set his hand over her stomach and began rubbing on it with his thumb. Stomach pains are one of the more lasting physical effects of Howard. Matt has checked her over multiple times and thinks she had some internal bruising from Howard. He wanted to give it a little more time before seeking a specialist.
Matt leaned closer to Sydney and Anthony so that few would be able to hear him. I could hear since I was just in the chair next to where Matt was sitting. “Is your stomach bothering you?” Matt asked her but before Sydney could answer, ever so the comedian Mark, had heard and had to throw in his two cents.
“Matt your food was bad. Look, you made her sick.”
“Markus, enough.” Arthur was quick to put Mark in his place while Gina, Gloria and Colleen came down on him, as they were the dinner preparers. He held his hands up in defense as they playfully squabbled. Arthur was watching the interaction with Matt, Anthony and Sydney though. Anthony sat up straighter and gently held her while Matt waited for an answer. Matt reached over and felt Sydney’s forehead and frowned.
“I’m okay, thank you for asking.” Her reply was quiet as to not draw any additional attention.
Anthony brushed her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. “Sunshine, does it hurt?”
“A little.”
Matt stood and motioned for Anthony and Sydney to follow him.
“You’re a little warm, Sydney. Let’s get you some ibuprofen.” Matt led them away into the kitchen and I found it hard not to follow.
I turned back around and looked at Arthur. I could see a hundred and one questions forming in his head. I worked on starting a conversation asking John how his practice was. John had followed in his father’s footsteps and became a psychologist with a practice in San Francisco.
Matt finally walked back into the living room and brought another plate of cookies and sat back down. Anthony and Sydney weren’t with him though. I looked over my shoulder at the quiet kitchen and then raised my eyebrow at Matt.
“Anth thought some fresh air would be good for her.”
People began milling about and Gina and Colleen went into the dining room and began mapping out their shopping destinations tomorrow. Gloria took some plates to the kitchen while I talked with Arthur, Matt and his brothers about how business was going. I glanced at my watch as quite a bit of time had passed since Anthony and Sydney had gone outside. I wanted to make sure she was okay. I went into the kitchen and set my glass down when Gloria looked up at me from the kitchen table. I sat down across from her and smiled. It was good seeing her again.
“You know, I always worry about him.” Gloria let out a small laugh. “Every time I talk to Matt I ask him how you and Anthony are. Matt always says that you’re good and Anthony is Anthony. We’ve known him for years and I can honestly say that I’ve never seen him this settled.”
I glanced out the window and saw him sitting on a patio chaise with one leg bent and propped up, with Sydney sitting close to him, using his bent leg and a backrest. Anthony was just sitting in his undershirt and had taken off his button shirt and draped it around Sydney.
“I can tell he really cares for her,” she said as she gazed out the window at them. “What happened to that sweet girl, Colin? Do you know?”
I exhaled a heavy sigh and had to decide how much I wanted to share.
“What did Matt tell you?”
“Mom, leave it please,” Matt said as he walked into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee.
Gloria rolled her eyes at him and swatted at the air in his direction.
“Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter. It’s good to see Anthony so devoted.”
She got up from the table and squeezed my shoulder as she headed out of the kitchen leaving Matt and I.
“She’s running a small fever, Col. Keep an eye on her tonight.”
I nodded and returned to look out the window at them.
“So, did you have a good day?” Matt asked me with a smirk on his face.
“Are you kidding me? The best day. Look at what I gained.”
“Everything.”
Matt and I shared a quiet laugh and suddenly I was eager to get home so I could touch her. Anthony and Sydney came in shortly after, and we got our jackets on to head home. I turned my car on with the fob while we said our good byes in Matt’s foyer. I wanted the car warm for Sydney. Of course, since she had a fever, she probably could have cared less about it being warm.
“So, we’re still on for golf tomorrow, right?” Arthur asked as I was helping Sydney into her jacket. Anthony and I exchanged glances. It was our day after Thanksgiving tradition. While Gloria, Gina and Colleen would shop, us guys would golf. Arthur looked forward to it and I didn’t want to break tradition but now we had Sydney.
“Sydney can come shopping with us tomorrow, if you guys want to golf,” Gina suggested. I wondered if Arthur was going to think this interaction a tad different. I’m sure he had lots on his mind to ask about.
“Sunshine, would you like to go shopping with the girls tomorrow?”
“Yes, that sounds wonderful. I’ve never been out on the famous Black Friday. It’ll be fun.”
Matt eyed Anthony and I. I couldn’t pick up on whatever he was trying to tell me. I nodded and we set our tee time for 10:00 and would meet at Matt’s for breakfast with his family. Anthony and I would also be able to make sure Sydney ate a good breakfast.
Matt walked out with us and stood in the driveway with me while Anthony took Sydney to the car.
“Keep an eye on the fever, Col.” Matt glanced at his watch. “Check it when you get home. Call me if it’s over one hundred. If it’s not, give her some fluids and she can take some more ibuprofen in a couple hours.”
I would do everything in my power to keep her safe and healthy. I told Matt that if Sydney is still feverish in the morning, that Anthony and I probably wouldn’t be golfing.
Anthony and I spent the rest of our Thanksgiving evening in the bathtub with our fragile kitten.