Twenty
ALEX was sitting up in bed, laptop beside him and the contract in his hand. What the fuck…? He had to admit, some of the things on the list made his heart beat faster. It started out with pretty basic stuff, asking him to circle which sexual acts were acceptable: fellatio, anilingus, anal fisting…. That one got his heart racing, especially after the scene he’d witnessed that day. Anal intercourse, sex toys… and then it got interesting.
Bondage. Alex knew straightaway that bondage was going to feature pretty high up on his list of favorites. But what floored him were how many types were named: hands in front, hands behind back, hog-tie, spreader bars—that one caused him to break out in a sweat, conjuring up mental images that made him so fucking hot—tied to bed, tied to chair, blindfolds, gags, rope, hood, tape, handcuffs.
When he reached the section headed “Pain,” Alex forgot to breathe.
He read on. What was his general attitude about receiving pain? Quantity of pain? And then on to which types of pain were acceptable: spanking, paddling, whipping, caning, face slaps, biting, nipple clamps, genital clamps, hot wax. Alex shivered. What exactly was he getting into here?
“Erotic humiliation” caught his eye, and when he read down the list and saw the word “enemas” followed by “water sports,” he had to look that one up, and then spent a good few minutes staring in disbelief at guys pissing on each other, into one another’s mouths, even into their holes, for fuck’s sake. He looked up “scat” and quickly deleted the search in horror when he saw the definition. Fucking hell, no way!
The final section was about safewords, and he read about having a word that meant everything stopped, another for slowing things down a little, and nonverbal safewords for when he wasn’t in a position to speak. That actually made a lot of sense, and Alex started to give some serious thought as to what his safewords might be.
He got out a pen and started to circle things on the list, ticking off those items he was absolutely positive about and putting question marks next to ones he was more dubious of. “CBT” got a thumbs-down, as did “cage.” And as for wearing a cage on his cock….
He spent a bit of time considering what to choose from the “Bondage” section, and then realized all of it was acceptable. “Oxygen deprivation” and “knives” set his heart racing, so he put question marks next to them.
By the time he’d finished, Alex realized there was very little he’d deleted. And then wondered what exactly that said about him.
He jumped as his bedroom door opened and Rob came in. Why couldn’t his brother knock, like any normal person? Hurriedly, Alex tried to cover up the contract, not wanting Rob anywhere near it. He slammed down the screen on his laptop as Rob approached the bed, trying to peer around to see what he’d been looking at. “Rob! What do you want?” Alex was seething.
Rob sneered. “What are you hiding, bro? Gay porn, perhaps?” His lip curled in obvious disgust. “Don’t bother. I don’t want to see guys getting fucked in the ass.” His eyes alighted on the contract, and he made a move to snatch it from Alex’s hand. Alex reacted fast and moved it out of his reach. “Oh yes? Something you don’t want me to see?” Rob’s eyes glittered menacingly.
Alex had had enough. “Get out of my room,” he gritted out. “Right now.”
Rob snorted. “Don’t worry, I’m going. I just wanted to see if you and the boyfriend had gotten over your little lover’s tiff, or whatever the hell it was.” But his eyes were still on the contract.
“I don’t believe that for a second,” Alex stated flatly. “As if you care if Leo and I have sorted things out. Now, get the fuck out of my room.” He tried to put as much menace into his voice as he could, but it clearly had little effect. He tried another tack. “Or do I need to ask Leo to come round and ‘talk’ to you?”
Now he got a reaction.
“Getting your boyfriend to do your dirty work for you?” Rob blustered, but he paled. Yeah, Alex had him pegged right—Rob was definitely scared of Leo.
It was Alex’s turn to smirk. “Get out.”
At last Rob seemed to give up and turned to go out the door, giving the contract one final longing glance as he left. Alex let out a sigh of relief. From now on, anything important would be kept at Leo’s apartment. Home wasn’t safe anymore.
After stowing the contract in his laptop bag, Alex got into bed and turned out the light. Rob’s intrusion had completely ruined his mood, and it was a long while before he was able to relax enough to get to sleep.
THURSDAY morning, and it looked likely to be a busy day, seeing as Manchester’s main shopping center, the Arndale, had started up its late-night hours in the run-up to Christmas, which usually meant more customers wanting to eat out after spending an evening shopping for presents. Alex shook his head. It was still only late October, after all.
Alex and Adam were busy in the restaurant, getting the tables ready for the lunchtime trade. It was still early, however, and the two young men were being meticulous—especially as Sev was in the bar area checking on the alcohol stocks. The radio was on in the kitchen, and the sound of seventies rock filtered through. Alex smiled. Luca loved his rock music, bless him.
“So, you found out yet what your guy does for a living?”
Alex looked up from his task to see Vittorio leaning against the doorframe, a cup of coffee in his hand. Vittorio was smirking. Alex had known at some point, someone was going to start up this particular conversation. And if he’d been a betting man, he could’ve laid money on that someone being Vittorio. “Yes,” he replied shortly. Maybe if he ignored Vittorio long enough, he’d take the hint. Yeah, right….
“So, do I take it you’re gonna be naked, wearing a dog collar, and leashed to his coffee table on all fours while he props up his booted feet on your back while watching TV—or maybe jacking off all over you?” Vittorio was grinning. His voice must have carried, because Pietro suddenly appeared in the doorway behind him, eyes wide. Sev was flashing Vittorio warning looks from across the bar, but he didn’t leap in to stop the conversation.
Alex took a deep breath. If he didn’t do something now, Vittorio would think he had a license to mouth off about this whenever he felt like it. He straightened, eyes meeting Vittorio’s. He couldn’t believe he was about to do this…. “What are you going to be doing on your next night off, Vittorio?” Alex asked innocently. His clear voice rang out in the empty restaurant, steady and true.
Vittorio shrugged. “Dunno, maybe going to the cinema with some mates, grabbing a few beers. Why? Did you and your Dom wanna join us? Not really sure it’s his kind of thing, y’know?” He winked at the others, enjoying having an audience, as usual.
Alex smiled sweetly. Vittorio seemed to have forgotten his last disastrous attempt to have a laugh at Alex’s expense. Oh well… seemed like he needed another lesson. Here we go…. “Well, on my night off, I’m going to be servicing my hot-as-fuck boyfriend with a kick-ass blow job before he takes me to bed, ties me up, and fucks me all night long with his gorgeous, seven-inch long thick cock, making me come several times, if I’m lucky. Then we’ll probably end up in the shower, where he’ll fuck me again.” He smiled once more, ignoring the loud gasps from Pietro, Adam, and Sev. “Don’t know ’bout you, but I think I got the better deal.” He waited, heart beating fast.
Suddenly the sound of hands clapping rang out. Pietro was applauding him, a broad smile on his face, and then Adam joined in, grinning. Vittorio was red-faced and openmouthed, staring at Alex in disbelief. Eventually he gave Alex a short nod before turning and disappearing back into the kitchen, pushing past Pietro, who was doubled up with laughter by now.
Alex let out his pent-up breath in one long, shuddering exhale.
Adam came around to where he was standing and clapped him on the back, still grinning. “Dude, your mouth really needs a censor. That was ace!” Adam shook his head. “Man, I’m beginning to think I’m playing for the wrong team. Don’t get me wrong—I’m straight—but, fuck, that sounded hot, even to me.” He winked at Alex. “Think your mate could wrangle me an invite to that club too?”
Pietro stopped laughing. “Actually,” he said, addressing Adam, “you’ve just reminded me of something. What did this mate look like? The one who dropped off the invitation?”
Alex listened as Adam gave Pietro his previous description. Pietro’s eyes narrowed, and there was noticeable tension in his jaw. Alex was puzzled. He opened his mouth to ask if Pietro had recognized the description, but unfortunately, Sev chose that particular moment to intervene.
“Back to work, people!” He glared at the three of them, but no one was fooled. Sev was a pussycat. Pietro mumbled under his breath and made his way back to the kitchen while Alex and Adam continued their task of making the restaurant look perfect.
Sev came to stand beside Alex, his eyes dancing with amusement. “You did well, Alex, standing up to Vittorio like that. Leo would be proud of you.” Sev shook his head, chuckling. “That man is certainly blessed.”
Alex frowned. “What do you mean, Sev—blessed?”
Sev fixed his gaze on Alex. “Most people are lucky in this life if they find one person who is everything they need. I was blessed with my Sofia, God rest her soul. But Leo? Fate has been very kind to that man. He’s been blessed with not one, but two beautiful men in his life. His Gabe was a lovely soul, and I wept the day he died. I never thought to see him find another. And then he walks into my restaurant and finds you.” Sev surprised Alex by giving him a brief but fierce hug. “You were just what he needed.” He pulled Alex’s head down—Alex was a good few inches taller than his boss—and kissed the top of his head. “God bless you, boy.” He picked up his clipboard and walked into the kitchen, whistling happily.
Alex stared after him in amazement. Sev made it sound as if he and Leo were somehow fated to be together. And yet why wasn’t that thought scaring the shit out of him? In fact, if anything, it gave him a warm feeling inside. Leo… his fate? Alex smiled to himself. He could live with that.
“WHAT on earth has tickled you two so much? I can hear you laughing clear across the club!”
Leo wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes and regarded his business partner, who was standing in the door staring at him and Miles with an amused expression. Miles was still laughing quietly to himself. “Come in, Thomas,” Leo said, still chuckling. “Miles was just telling me what Alex has been up to this morning.” He retold the conversation Miles had just shared with him after receiving a phone call from Pietro.
Thomas’s face creased with laughter. “Well! I never would’ve thought Alex had it in him.” He grinned. “Looks like you’ve picked a good one there, Leo. Will I be seeing a membership application from him crossing my desk any time soon?”
Leo smiled. “He’s looking through the contract and drawing up his limits as we speak.” Thomas nodded approvingly. “We’re meeting tomorrow night to finalize details.” At least Leo hoped that was what they’d be doing. Hopefully Alex hadn’t developed cold feet in the intervening time.
Miles sobered. “Actually, now you’re both here, there’s something I need to tell you.” Leo stared at him, caught immediately by his serious tone of voice. “Pietro didn’t ring me to tell me about Alex. That was just an added bonus. He rang to tell me about the person who sent Alex the pass for the club.”
Miles had Leo’s full attention. “Who was it?” he asked quietly.
“Dorian,” he replied, his expression clearly unhappy.
Leo let out a long, drawn-out sigh. Now that made sense. “Is he here today?” Dorian was a spoiled little rich kid who came from money. He spent most of his days at the club, with no need to work. Miles nodded. “Ask him to step in here, would you, please?” Miles got to his feet and left the office.
Thomas was eyeing Leo carefully. “You’re not going to do anything rash, are you?”
Leo gave him a tight smile. “What do you suggest I do with him?” Leo’s mind was in a whirl. That little shit. He could so easily have ruined everything, and all because he wanted Leo for himself. “This infatuation has got to stop… now.”
Thomas smiled. “Why don’t you leave all the talking to Miles and me?” he suggested. “Just stand there, don’t smile, and leave everything to us.”
Leo took a calming breath. Actually, that sounded like a good idea. Because if he were honest, right now he didn’t trust himself to speak to Dorian without succumbing to the desire to beat the crap out of him.
Miles poked his head around the door. “I’ve got him out here.”
Thomas waved him in. “Leave him out there to stew in his own juices for a minute.” Miles nodded and entered the office, closing the door behind him. “You and I are going to deal with this.”
Miles looked intrigued. “Any ideas of a suitable punishment?”
Thomas grinned. “Yeah, actually I’ve got the perfect punishment for our little pain slut out there.”
Leo glared at both of them. “You’re letting him stay a member?”
Thomas gazed at him with affection. “Leo, I love you like a son, but you’re not exactly thinking clearly right now. Dorian did what he did because he wanted to be your sub, and this was his way of getting rid of the competition. It would’ve worked too. He had no way of knowing how deeply you already felt about Alex.” Leo caught his breath, and Thomas smiled, a knowing smile that lit up his face. “Yes, lad, it’s that obvious—well, to those who’ve known you for as long as I have.”
Leo couldn’t deny it: Alex had gotten under his skin, into his head, and definitely into his heart.
Thomas gave Leo a warning glance. “Remember, say nothing.”
Leo nodded, his jaw set. He walked to the window and leaned against the frame, facing into the room.
Thomas gestured toward the door, and Miles opened it. “Come in, please, Dorian.”
The slim young man made his way cautiously into the office, his eyes growing wide when he spied Leo.
“Dorian.” Thomas gestured toward the empty chair facing him. Dorian sat down, clearly nervous as Miles came around the desk to stand next to Leo, his arms folded. “We’d like to talk to you about the invitation you delivered to Alex Daniels.”
Dorian froze and then opened his mouth to speak, but Thomas interrupted him. “Please do us all the courtesy of not denying it, all right?” His glance was glacial.
Dorian swallowed, his eyes flicking constantly to Leo. He gave a faltering nod.
“Good, thank you for that. Now, as to the matter of your punishment….”
“P-punishment, Sir?” Dorian’s eyes were huge. “But… but….”
“Don’t push it, boy.” Miles’s face was hard. “Your action nearly resulted in the breakup of Master Leo and his submissive.”
Dorian’s eyes couldn’t get any larger. Leo’s face was impassive as he watched the sub start to tremble. “Su-submissive?”
Thomas nodded slowly. “Alex will shortly become a member of this club. Is that going to be a problem for you, Dorian? Because if it is, you’d better say so now, and we’ll terminate your membership forthwith.”
“It… it won’t be a problem, Sir.” Dorian looked in Leo’s direction, eyes downcast. “I’m sorry, Master Leo. I didn’t realize… that is….”
“And that’s another thing,” said Thomas. “There will be no further requests from you concerning Master Leo. Is that completely understood?” His voice hardened. Leo admired his partner so much. He was the only man Leo knew who could make Doms quake in their boots.
Dorian nodded, his head bobbing energetically. “About… about my punishment, Sir,” he began timidly.
Thomas nodded. “You are banned from the group room for a period of one month.”
Talk about hitting Dorian where it would hurt. The sub virtually lived in the group room, often getting fucked by three or four Doms at a time. Leo bit back a smile. The man was a genius.
Dorian caught his breath, but clearly had the sense to say nothing. He lowered his head.
“That will be all, Dorian. You may go now.” Thomas waved his hand dismissively, and Dorian got up and went to the door, where he paused to glance back at Leo. There was an expression in his eyes that told Leo the boy was regretting his actions. Maybe there’d be no further episodes after all, and Leo could concentrate his attention on giving Alex what he needed—as long as Alex could meet the need growing steadily in him, the need to share his life with the boy on a more permanent basis.