Chapter Six
Phil’s hands trembled as he lifted the braided leather collar from the black satin box. The leathersmith had wrapped the custom-designed piece in the velvet lined package the way Phil had requested, and the presentation was almost as lovely as the item itself. Gerard had recommended the talented artisan and his craftsmanship was exquisite—the collar was done exactly how Phil had envisioned. He’d had to pay an exorbitant rate to get it completed in time for Gerard’s Christmas Eve party, but the result had been worth it. He couldn’t imagine a better gift for his boy.
After making his way from the living room to the kitchen where the light was better, Phil examined the item more closely. He’d always had a style in mind in the hopes that Terry would someday agree to be collared by him. However, when they’d finalized their contract, Phil had grilled Terry over what he wanted. Not just aesthetically, but in the same way they’d resolved how they should deal with their public personas, they’d come to a decision regarding when Terry would wear the symbol of their Master/sub commitment. Phil had been pleased to discover Terry wished to wear it at home all the time and whenever they went to Gerard’s or any other lifestyle related club or gathering.
‘I wish I never had to take it off.’
Emotions had never been something Phil overly indulged in. Not that he didn’t have feelings, or that those feelings didn’t run deep, it was more a case of him not ever finding anyone worthy of so much intensity. Until Terry. The man he’d fallen irretrievably in love with had filled his heart even as he’d replenished his soul. Phil never wanted him to take it off either.
Phil smiled at how masterfully the thin strands of a rich, mahogany-hued leather had been tooled with an intricate pattern of vines, then had been twined together without them appearing too clunky. Terry’s long neck and leaner frame didn’t lend itself to a heavy or overwhelming piece. The silver buckle that would rest at the hollow of Terry’s throat was also perfect. A simple rectangular shape, small, not too heavy, and the metal remained plain so as not to take away from the design of the collar itself.
“Hey, Master! I’m home.”
Shit. Phil shoved the collar behind him and pressed his back against the tiled counter. He’d meant to gift Terry the symbol of their relationship in the fancy box, not just thrust it at him in the kitchen. He glanced up at the time on the coffeemaker. He’s early. Phil couldn’t believe he was irritated at his sub for being home sooner than he’d promised.
“There you are.”
Terry breezed into the kitchen, a canvas bag filled with the delicacies he’d run to the specialty market to pick up as part of what they’d be bringing to Gerard’s, as well as some last-minute items Terry wanted them to have for their own Christmas morning. Phil smiled to himself. First of many.
Terry set the bag on their kitchen table then eyed him cautiously. “What’s up? I’m not late, am I? I was careful to be back in time so we could get ready for the party.”
“You’re ahead of schedule, baby. Come here and give me a kiss.”
There wouldn’t be a way to pretend that nothing unusual was going on. The minute Phil didn’t wrap both arms around Terry, his boy would figure out something was up. Terry’s expression lightened and he rushed to do Phil’s bidding. Sure enough, the moment it became clear he wasn’t going to be gathered in Phil’s embrace, Terry frowned. He paused before Phil’s lips reached his.
“Did I…did I do something wrong?”
Terry’s plaintive question clutched at Phil’s heart. “No wrong, remember? Only learning and challenges.”
Terry nodded, but the wrinkle in his brow remained. “Right. So, did I fail a challenge?”
Phil sighed. “No failure either and there isn’t anything you have or haven’t done that we need to address. But I’d like you to indulge me for a moment. First this.” Phil leaned in and took the kiss he’d asked for. “Now, could you close your eyes and count to twenty then wait until I call you into the living room?”
Terry’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to give me my present now? But I haven’t even wrapped yours yet, that’s not fair.”
He stuck out his bottom lip, so Phil gave it a quick bite.
“Ow!” Terry’s complaint was greatly diminished by his coy smile.
“This present needs to be seen before we go to Gerard’s, and anyway, there’s still your stocking for tomorrow morning.”
“That’s true. All right, should I close them now?”
“Turn around first.”
Terry gasped. “You don’t trust me not to look?”
Hmm. How to put this. “This isn’t about anything right now other than the man who loves you really needing the moment to be a surprise. I’m not testing or challenging you, I want it to be as close to perfect as I can get. Does that make sense?”
Terry regarded him. “I guess until the TPE becomes more natural, me learning a new lesson is always where my mind is going to go. Okay, I’ll turn around.”
Phil pressed his lips to Terry’s temple, using the hand not hiding the collar behind him to hold Terry in place. “That’s my good baby. Thank you for that.” He let his boy go. “Now, face the wall, close your eyes and slowly count to twenty.”
Terry chuckled. “Yes, Master.”
The second Terry obeyed him, Phil scurried from the room so he could have enough time to place the collar back in the elegant box and get himself situated. He considered himself lucky that Terry hadn’t noticed the open package sitting on the coffee table of their living room, that he must’ve hurried right past it. Hurried to me. Phil let out a contented sigh as he sat on the couch, then carefully set the beautiful item back in its container. He arranged the tissue around it artfully before closing the lid.
Terry called out from the kitchen. “Twenty!”
Phil put the box down by his feet where the table would be covering it from view when Terry entered the room.
“I’m ready for you, baby.”
As soon as Terry trotted into the open area, excitement dancing across his features, Phil’s heart swelled. He indicated the spot next to him on the sofa, opposite of where he’d put the box. Terry took a seat and stared at him, grinning and almost bouncing like a kid.
Phil reached down to pick up the package. He handed it to him without a word, choosing instead to focus on committing Terry’s first reaction to memory. Terry held the item in his lap, gazing down at it while chewing his lip. He lifted his eyes.
“Can I open it now?”
“Yes, angel. You may.”
Terry’s eyes rounded at the never-before-uttered endearment. He seemed to be momentarily distracted from opening his gift as he continued to stare at Phil.
Phil smiled at him with fondness. “Wouldn’t you like to see what’s inside?” He dipped his chin at the box.
“Huh?” Terry glanced down at the present then back up at Phil. He quirked the corner of his mouth. “Right. Silly me.”
After taking a deep breath, Terry lifted the lid then peered inside, digging through the paper until he let out a sharp gasp. He plucked the collar from the box so swiftly the package tumbled off his lap, his jaw hanging open as he turned the piece around in his hands, gazing at it with reverence.
“Oh my God, oh wow.” Terry regarded Phil with tear-filled eyes. “Thank you, oh my God, it’s so beautiful, so perfect. And please, for the love of all that is holy, can I please hug you?”
Phil burst out laughing, his joy at Terry’s reaction impossible to contain. He opened his arms in invitation. “Of course you can.”
Terry launched himself at Phil and he caught his boy, holding him close as Terry squeezed him tighter and tighter.
“Thank you, Master.” Terry spoke next to his ear, his voice rasping. “This means so much to me and I absolutely love it.” Terry gasped again then straightened within Phil’s embrace. “That’s why you needed to give this to me now. So I can wear it to the party. Will you put it on me?”
“This first.”
Phil didn’t hesitate as he took Terry’s mouth, plunging past his lips, using his tongue to taste him thoroughly, delving deeper with each swipe. When he could barely catch his breath anymore, he stopped, but not without one last joining of their lips.
“There.” Phil gazed at his sub and realized something about himself, about what he needed and what Terry needed too. He held to his original decision, it had been a good one at the time, but like every relationship, things evolved. “I’m tossing out the no touching rule except when we’re on high protocol.”
Terry pounced on him, taking control of the renewed kiss. Phil let him have his way for a few seconds, then took it back, pushing Terry down on the couch then laying his body over him, pressing him to the cushions. Phil grabbed one of Terry’s wrists, prying him away from where he’d grabbed onto Phil’s shoulder. He lifted it above Terry’s head as he continued to fill Terry’s mouth with fierce kisses.
Once he had one arm secured, he shifted his weight so he could capture Terry’s other hand. He smiled against Terry’s lips at the discovery of the collar he still clutched between his fingers. Even though they’d discussed the design, it was wonderful—as well as a relief—that Terry was so pleased with the outcome.
Phil encircled both of Terry’s wrists, holding them securely above his head and against the couch arm. He used his free hand to reach in-between them, lifting his body just enough to get at Terry’s belt. After undoing the buckle, he popped the top button then yanked the zipper down, reaching into Terry’s briefs to grasp his heated erection. Terry moaned into Phil’s mouth as he writhed beneath him.
Phil came up for air. “Be still. I’m in charge of this. This cock belongs to me, all of you belongs to me.”
“Yes, Sir. All of me.”
Phil chuckled from the lust-addled expression Terry radiated back at him. “That’s my sweet baby.” Phil lazily stroked Terry from root to tip, using the already generous amount of precum leaking from his slit to smooth the way. “I’m going to do this fast and hard and you’re going to come when I tell you.”
“Y-yes.” A whimper fell from Terry’s lips as Phil picked up the pace of jacking him. “Oh God, yes.”
Terry trembled and moaned under Phil as his fingers flew over Terry’s prick. “That’s it baby, so close, so very close.” Terry’s eyes rolled back, his thighs tensing, and Phil doubted his boy could hold on any longer. “Give it to me!”
Without breaking rhythm on Terry’s rigid length, Phil clamped down on his neck, biting him hard. Terry shouted out his release as his cock erupted over Phil’s hand. Phil slowed his movements, but continued to milk him, coaxing every drop from his sub. My boy.
Terry struggled in his grasp. “Too much, Master.”
He stilled his hand, but didn’t let go. Someday he might force orgasms from Terry, but that wasn’t his goal at the moment—only their connection and commitment. Nothing else mattered.
****
“Merry Christmas!” Gerard offered Phil a big smile as he opened the door to his large, modern home in the Hollywood Hills. He glanced at Terry then broke into a wide grin as he returned his attention to Phil. “A very Merry Christmas, indeed.”
Phil grinned in response. “Yes, it is. I apologize for us being late.”
“Well, if there ever was a reason not to be on time, collaring your boy would be one of the best I can think of.”
Gerard stepped to the side of the threshold then gestured for them to come inside. Terry relinquished the gold foil gift bag to Marco’s care. The package contained a bottle of a rare Cabernet and a holiday assortment of gourmet chocolates. Marco set it on the console table in the foyer, so he could also help both him and Terry with their leather jackets. Phil smiled, noting how the shy Marco’s expression had brightened when Terry handed him the gift.
Phil glanced in the direction of the living room. Symphonic renditions of classic Christmas carols played in the background and as he surveyed the room, it appeared that him and Terry really had been the last to arrive. Phil noted that Marty stood off to the side of the spacious area and was doing a terrible job of pretending he wasn’t staring at a delectable sub whom Phil didn’t recognize. Another sub who was also a stranger to him sat next to Marty’s target and next to him was the person he’d been itching to see all day. He’d been hoping that his trainer and mentor, Eric, would be true to his word and make it back to the states in time for the last of the holidays. Eric and Gerard had a long history, and he’d been the one who had vouched for him and Terry when they’d first sought a safe place to play.
Eric shot to his feet and strode toward him. Phil reached behind himself to search for Terry’s hand. He gave it a quick squeeze then let go to meet Eric halfway. Even if Terry knew that he and Eric had never been intimate, Phil understood all about being possessive. He doubted he’d be very thrilled if another man who had once played with Terry were to show up at Gerard’s—shared intimacy or not. Even if Terry had never been with anyone as a sub before, Phil could easily imagine what his own reaction would be to such a thing.
They grabbed each other in a hearty embrace, Eric patting him on the back before letting him go. Eric eyed him up and down, shaking his head. “As handsome as always. You look fantastic.”
“Hmmph.”
Although Terry wasn’t standing right behind him Phil knew it had come from his sub. He tried not to roll his eyes, just mouthed a ‘sorry’ to Eric who regarded him with an amused expression.
“Baby? Come here and meet Master Eric, my trainer. I know how important it is to you to make a good impression on him, to make me proud. To prove to him that all his hard work hasn’t been for nothing.”
Although Terry’s eyes were already cast down as per usual when they were at Gerard’s, he’d lowered his head as well, his shoulders almost sagging as though Phil’s words had weighed them down. He seemed to remember himself before approaching and straightened his posture. Terry inhaled deeply, then strolled with grace to Phil’s side. He dropped to his knees before resting on his heels, his hands folded in his lap with his back ramrod straight.
From one extreme to the next. At the same time, he appreciated that Terry had realized how inappropriate his behavior had been—in particular because of who Eric was—and had made the effort to compensate for it. Eric smiled as he observed Terry. He didn’t have to say a word. Phil could already tell that Eric approved. The tiny glimmer of sub in him preened at his former trainer’s response.
“I’m glad to finally meet you, Terry. You’ve made Phil a very happy man.”
Terry’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you, Master Eric. I’m glad to meet you too.”
Nice. For a moment, Phil had been sure Terry was going to continue, but he’d stopped himself before blurting anything else out. Phil rested his palm on Terry’s head to let him know he’d done an excellent job and all was forgiven.
Gerard cleared his throat. “I think Marco could use some help in the kitchen. Would it be all right if Terry went with him?”
“Of course. Baby, would you go with Marco, please?”
“Yes, Master.”
Terry rose to his feet with polish, and once again pride filled him at how well Terry was doing. Before he could get too far away, Phil grabbed his arm and tugged him close. He kissed his cheek then whispered, “Great job. Now go to Marco. I think he actually needs you more than he needs help.”
Terry gave a quick nod, but Phil still sensed some tension in him. It was Christmas, a party. He didn’t want his boy to be uncomfortable. Phil glanced at Gerard and Eric. They were bantering back and forth about something, so Phil decided to find out what was up.
He kept his lips next to Terry’s ear as he spoke, “If anything’s bothering you, I’d rather help you with it now than have it interfere with your enjoyment tonight.”
Terry angled his head so he could keep the conversation between them as well. “That doesn’t bother you? About Marco, I mean?”
Phil snaked an arm around Terry’s bare waist. Resisting the urge to let his hand drift down to his boy’s shapely ass encased in butter-soft red leather was a true struggle. But it was a time for celebration and socializing as opposed to erotic pursuits.
“Not at all. Gerard made it clear that Marco is off-limits, and Gerard knows you’re off-limits too. I think Marco’s connection to you is about being lonely, or too shy or something along those lines. All I have is the same info that you do about Gerard saying Marco doesn’t usually trust people. I think it’s sweet that he trusts you.” Phil planted a kiss on his cheek as he squeezed him tight. “He can obviously sense what a good person you are.”
Terry blushed so hard he was almost scarlet. “Well, I’m glad it’s okay.”
“Baby, you never have to worry about anything like that. Ever. That’s a big part of why being in this type of relationship works so well. I would simply tell you—and Gerard would tell Marco for that matter—if I had any issues with it. Give all your worries to me, remember?”
Terry pushed into Phil’s side and he held him tighter. “It’s still so amazing to me that you would do that. Sorry, I guess I’m still holding on to some of my own insecurities.”
Phil jostled him. “Hey. I think we’ve come to realize this past week how we both have issues relating to insecurity. But we’re here for each other and I’ll never leave you guessing.” Phil chuckled. “Unless I have you blindfolded and you don’t know whether I’m about to spank or flog you.”
Terry chuckled. “It’s a deal. But thanks, I’m fine now.”
“That’s my good baby.” Phil swatted him on the ass. “Get going. Someone seems a bit anxious over there.”
Phil watched as Terry made his way to the kitchen where Marco stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on the floor while he fidgeted with his hands. The moment Marco took notice of Terry, the corners of his mouth turned up in a soft smile. I’ll have to find a non-intrusive way to learn more about him from Gerard. It wasn’t so much about coming across as nosy, as much as it was concern over whether anything he or Terry might do or say potentially upsetting the sensitive young man. It was easy to see why Gerard was so protective of him.
“They’ll be fine in there.”
Phil was torn from his musings by Gerard’s voice. He let out an easy laugh, not wanting Gerard to get the wrong idea.
“Oh, I know that. It was just Terry making sure I didn’t want him by my side.”
Eric nodded. “You’ve done a great job with him. He obviously adores you and may I also offer you a big congrats on the collaring, you sly dog. The last time we spoke, you insisted you weren’t going to broach the subject of 24/7 with him for at least another six months.”
Phil grinned. He really was quite proud of Terry. “I didn’t. He did.”
Both Gerard and Eric had almost identical expressions of shock. He knew how they felt. They stepped forward to clap him on the back and offer him hugs. It was always a special moment when a sub offered up his full submission.
Gerard looped an arm through his. “Come on, we should probably get in there before Sebastian and Forrest eat Marty alive.”
Eric coughed into his fist. “Not sure Marty would have a problem with that.”
Phil wrinkled his brow as he regarded the two subs sitting close to each other on one of the long couches, whispering and laughing intermittently. He then flicked his gaze to Marty on the opposite end of the living room. Marty would give the boys a quick glance, then peer around the room while sipping from a beer bottle. Phil had seen him repeat the move several times since they’d arrived. But he couldn’t reconcile what it was Gerard was referring to.
“He doesn’t seem to be in any immediate danger.”
Eric barked out a laugh. “Oh, trust me. I know those two very well. They’re scheming on how they can get him to take them both on before the night is through.”
“Did they arrive with him?”
Phil couldn’t figure the scenario out since it was such a small group Gerard had brought together for the holiday party. It wasn’t as if they would be strangers.
Eric covered his mouth in a fruitless attempt to keep more laughter contained. “Not at all. They’re my dates.”
Gerard snorted out a laugh of his own. Phil didn’t see what was so damn funny. Here he was, going out of his way to be respectful of Dom/sub boundaries, and Gerard and Eric were treating it like a joke.
“I’m sorry, Phil. I need to explain.” Eric grasped his shoulder. “It’s not what you’re thinking. I’ve played with them both quite a bit whenever I’ve made it into town, but they’re not mine. Gerard was telling me that he’s finished up his training with Marty and is ready to set him loose on the sub population of L.A. I suggested those boys because they’re both spunky, but loving. Gerard thought they’d all be good for each other.”
Phil shook his head, still confused by what seemed to be an unnecessarily elaborate scheme. “Why not just introduce them without all the intrigue?”
His friends both wrinkled their noses as they regarded each other while shaking their heads. Gerard turned to him.
“Nah. It’s much more fun this way. We’ve been having a blast watching Marty try to contain himself around them.”
Eric grinned. “As soon as he was introduced, he yanked his hand away, grabbed a beer and has been lurking in the corner ever since. He’s trying to be cool and not poach from me. Love it.” Eric winked at Phil. “You two catch up for a bit. I’m gonna speak with poor Marty and reassure him they aren’t off-limits.”
Phil smirked. “You two are a couple of conniving little devils.”
Gerard elbowed Phil. “You should’ve seen us back in our university days. We’ve got stories.”
Eric grunted. “I think I’d need a couple glasses of wine before I felt brave enough to go down that memory lane. Our rep as respectable men will be ruined forever.”
“Oh my.” Phil glanced between them. “I’ll bring an extra bottle next time then.”
Gerard chuckled. “Off with you, Eric. Go save Marty while I have a chat with Phil. Then our boys should be back with the cheese and cold seafood platter. Marco is turning it into a work of art, I believe. And Terry’s artistry will certainly be an asset to his cause.”
Eric laughed again then sauntered into the living room toward Marty. Gerard let go of Phil’s arm then turned to face him.
“I’ve had to be out of town on business quite a bit lately, otherwise I would’ve brought this up sooner. I remember you mentioning briefly that you’re a producer, which of course Eric also explained when he originally vouched for you, but you’d also said in passing that some deal had recently fallen through and that you were between projects? Did I get that right?”
Great. He’d told himself he wasn’t going to allow his career failings to intrude on the holidays. It was his and Terry’s first Christmas together, he’d just collared his boy, and he only wanted it to be about enjoying each other and celebrating with their friends.
“Essentially, that’s correct. Although, the word ‘between’ implies that there’s something else in the wings, which there isn’t.”
He wasn’t going to embellish his situation to make himself appear better to the clearly successful man. If Gerard was going to judge him because of it, then they probably should put the brakes on their friendship.
“That’s great.”
Gerard sounded thrilled, and appeared even happier, which only confused Phil more. It had been that kind of night. It wasn’t a state that Phil relished finding himself in.
Phil sighed. “I don’t understand. Why would my lack of employment be great?”
Gerard hooked their arms together again. “Because then you’re available for me to hire. Eric told me you you’ve been in the business for years and only left L.A. at all because the studio of the series you did in Toronto wanted you so badly that they paid top dollar. But even better than that, he also said you didn’t re-up, even with a huge raise, because you were determined to come back here and claim your boy.”
Phil wasn’t sure how he felt about all the sharing of information regarding him that had gone on, or why it had gone on at all. “Wow. I guess my ears should’ve been burning.”
“Don’t blame Eric.” Gerard offered him a warm smile. “After you mentioned that you’re a film producer, I pried. And everything Eric told me was from the standpoint of a recommendation. You see, Eric and I have been good friends for a long time, we have each other’s backs. When he vouched for you, I trusted him and let you and Terry into my home because of his word alone. There are hundreds of producers in Hollywood, all who would be only too happy to have me back a project for them. But I’m new to this aspect of business. I’ve been in the art world for years, understand all the sharks in that tank, but film is a mystery. I need someone I can trust, someone who I believe in to begin this journey with me. I sensed you could be the right one, but I had to know for sure. I had to hear it from Eric.”
This can’t be real. But he wanted it to be. He wanted it so damn much. It wasn’t only a job offer, but a working relationship he could forge with a decent man, someone he already knew and was friends with. The way I’d hoped it would be with me and Ellery.
“That’s…I don’t know what to say, Gerard. I think it would be amazing to work together. Did you have something specific in mind you’d like to back? Are you looking to acquire the rights to anything?”
Gerard grinned. “I think it would be amazing too, and the rest is all details to be worked out later. We’ll meet up in the New Year and make a plan of action then. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the holidays. How does that sound?”
Phil let out a relieved laugh, his spirit lighter than it had been in quite a while. I can take care of Terry the way I’d intended all along.
“Sounds perfect.”
Gerard peered over his shoulder. “Ah, here our boys are now with the drinks and food. Let’s say we get this party started for real.”
Phil didn’t think he’d stop smiling like a loon for the rest of the evening. “Also sounds perfect.”
Gerard led him into the living room on the heels of Marco and Terry who were both pushing elegant carts of refreshments. In addition to the platters that Gerard had spoken of—and which were very much like works of art—colorful frosted cookies in the shapes of stars and bells, along with the chocolates they’d brought, were tastefully displayed. Champagne and sparkling waters rounded everything out and Phil discovered that he was rather hungry.
As Terry and Marco arranged everything, setting out plates and napkins from where they’d been concealed at the bottom of the carts, Phil caught Eric’s eye. He gave a quick dip of his chin then mouthed, ‘thank you’. A smile spread across Eric’s face and he gave him a thumb’s up.
As Phil surveyed the gathering of people around him, all brought together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, he marveled at how blessed he truly was. His boy had gifted him with his complete submission, he had great friends who genuinely cared about his welfare, and he’d be able to begin the New Year knowing he could take care of his boy the way he’d always dreamed of.
Walking away from what he’d thought would be the greatest job he’d ever have had been the best move he’d ever made. It brought me to this moment. Terry glanced up from where he’d been placing the settings and flashed him a bright smile. Phil smiled back, his heart so full he thought it might burst. It was the move that brought me to Terry.