Sentries Box Set

Chapter 7

Todd yawned awake, stretched, and was reaching for his gun in the nightstand next to the bed before he even realized why the shot of adrenaline was coursing through him. Just as his fingertips touched the holster, his brain kicked in and he heard a familiar voice.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Nick slid from the lounge chair to kneel on the floor. “I was having trouble with…” Nick’s hand fluttered near his chest. “Sitting there was easier.”

Todd frowned and rubbed one hand over his face.

“I didn’t know where to get you some breakfast, or have any money…I never had to make food, but I thought—” Nick stopped immediately when Todd raised one hand.

Sitting straighter, scratching through his hair and then pulling his knees up to rest his forearms on, Todd sat staring at Nick, waiting for all his words to sink in.

Nick’s eyes widened, and he bit his lip.

“No one ever taught you to cook?”

Staring down at his own knees, Nick shook his head no.

Todd sighed and swung his legs off the bed, setting his feet firmly on the floor. It seemed Todd would take a step forward in getting Nick to come out of his shell and relax and then be shoved three steps backward. “It’s okay, Nicky. I’ve been making my own meals since before I could reach the counters. You’ll catch on.”

Nick looked up at Todd, and his face revealed a tiny smile.

“And, Nick, you live here. This is your home, remember? You can sit on the furniture.” Waving his fingers in a come here motion, Todd said, “Let me take care of those.”

Grabbing up the supplies he’d set on a table near the chair, Nick’s smile broadened, relief filled his face, and the set of his shoulders relaxed. He sat quietly while Todd made quick work of cleaning the wounds and changing the dressings.

“We only had one meal a day in the village and we ate in the dorms, away from everyone else.”

Todd stood and carried the supplies to their place in the bathroom.

“You don’t live there anymore. Things are going to be different.”

He beelined to the kitchen and grabbed two glasses of juice. Walking past Nick, he dipped his head to one side. Nick scrambled to his feet and followed.

After sliding open the large window that took up a good half of the outer wall, Todd stepped onto a small, private balcony. He settled into one of the two chairs, holding one of the glasses out to Nick. Before Nick could sit on the floor beside him, Todd grabbed the arm of the empty chair and gave it a quick shake.

“Sit in the chair. When we’re here you sit on the furniture.”

Nick eased into the chair, eyes even wider, gazing out at the street below. “What if people see me?”

“Let them look.” Todd sipped his juice. “My apartment, my chairs, my choice.” Warmth spread through Todd’s chest when he reached out and stroked the back of Nick’s head a few times and was offered that wonderful, sweet smile he had come to cherish in the few short days since riding into that village.

“Wait ‘til summer; you’ll love sitting out here.” Todd finished his juice and stood up, placed a hand on Nick’s shoulder and squeezed. “We don’t have any work to do for a few days. So, first we need to go rustle up some food, and then we’re going to get you some more clothes. Bet you’ve never been to an open market?”

Nick looked up at him. “No.”

“This is your lucky day, Nicky. Let’s get ready. I’m hungry.”

Todd stole glances at Nick as he folded the bed back into a couch and sat waiting for Todd. The way Nick’s brown hair dipped across his eyes made him look even more innocent than Todd was coming to realize he was. Nick’s long limbs had a grace Todd knew was only possible from hours of physical exercise and training. His training and education had been dictated by the work he’d do with Todd. The resulting physique Nick carried was magnificent; Todd couldn’t help but watch and admire it every chance he had.

Todd crossed the room to where Nick sat and reached for the wooden box with Nick’s collar.

Nick’s expression turned anxious as Todd opened the box and ran one finger over the braided leather. He’d had it made especially for Nick, saving up for months to afford this, even if his father did call it a needless extravagance. Sitting on the couch beside Nick, Todd slipped the soft, pliable leather around Nick’s neck, after gently brushing his fingers just under Nick’s hair to nudge Nick’s head forward a bit.

As he fastened the buckle, Todd pressed a soft kiss to the knob at the top of Nick’s spine. Keeping his mouth close so his breath ghosted warm and soft over Nick’s skin, he pitched his voice low.

“This fits you perfectly. It looks nice…I like it. How’s it feel?” Every few words he accentuated with another kiss brushed over Nick’s long neck. When he felt Nick shiver under his touch, Todd sat back and looked at him, pleased. “Were you ever out of that village?”

Nick actually laughed. “Oh, hell no. We were kept away from proper people.”

“Nicky.” Todd took the young man’s shoulders and turned Nick to face him. “You’re a person. Most of the places we’ll go folks will treat you fairly. We’ll just be the plain old Rugers, the two of us.” Saying his name that way, as a we, felt good on Todd’s tongue. “There are some other times and places we’re going to have to play by society’s rules. I can tell the difference, and it’ll probably be pretty obvious to you, too. I’m sorry for that, and I don’t like it or agree with it, but it’s something we’re going to have to live with from time to time.”

Nick offered him a smile and solemn eyes. “I know. It’s okay.”

Something thorny unclenched in Todd’s chest, and he realized he’d been dreading this conversation with Nick. Being unsure of what the kid did and did not know or understand was starting to wear on him. He was finding the things he thought Nick would be totally clueless about or upset by were met with calmness and eyes full of trust.

“Did you ever get to do anything fun, just be a kid?” Todd brushed a hand over Nick’s hair.

Nick shrugged. “Not unless you count learning to use guns and knives. Why did I have to learn all that?”

Todd stood and crossed the room. After checking the load in his gun clip, he strapped on his shoulder holster and shrugged into his leather jacket.

“C’mon, Nicky. I’m hungry. You hungry?” Todd stopped by the door and watched Nick push off the couch and pull on the thick overshirt Todd had given him over his thinner, short-sleeved T-shirt. Todd reached out and fingered the tether hanging next to the door. Three feet in length with a snap hook that fit into the ring on Nick’s collar, it was the same soft, braided leather as the collar. He took it down, threaded it through his belt loops, hooked it to itself, and stuffed the excess into his back pocket. “We’ll take this. Normally we won’t go anywhere we’ll need it, but guess I’d better have it in case. Don’t want trouble.”

“I don’t mind.” Nick was now standing placidly beside him.

“I guess it’s a good thing it’s not up to you, then.” Todd was silent as they walked down the stairs to the street. He paused before pushing through the door and outside. “I don’t have to tell you to stick close, do I?”

Nick shook his head no, but he was already gawking at the street beyond the door. Todd turned away, smiling as he led the way outside and down the street, wondering who was going to enjoy this more.

Walking at a more leisurely pace than he normally did, Todd ignored how his stomach growled as he headed toward their first stop for the day. He’d lived in this city his entire life and had been all over the protectorate many times. Yet, watching Nick trying to look everywhere at once was like seeing it for the first time. Todd decided he’d probably smiled more in the past few days than he had in the past few years.

It was a few blocks to the café where Todd liked to eat. The food was simple and good and the people who owned it and worked there were just as good. It was one of the rare places Todd could take Nick and have the young man sit across the table from him so they could enjoy a meal together.

Along the way, they began working out a code between them so Nick would know when he was expected to behave strictly as a slave or when he and Todd were free to behave like any other couple. Already Nick sensed Todd’s emotions so well, they almost didn’t need codes or gestures.

It was warmer than the previous days and sunny. Todd was pleased to see the outdoor patio was open. He made his way through the maze of small tables, tapped on the back of a chair, and then sat in the other chair.

Nick picked up the menu in front of him, eyes widening. “There’s so much.”

Todd laughed softly. “Tell ya what. How about you let me handle this one?”

Biting his lip, Nick nodded. He scrutinized the menu for a few more minutes before he set it down and turned his gaze to the café and surrounding area. Todd was thoroughly amused watching Nick watch the people, taking in every detail of the city.

“Todd Ruger, it’s about time.”

A cup of hot coffee was set in front of him. Todd smiled up at the woman, meeting her warm, dark eyes. Nick’s gaze bounced for a few seconds between them. Then he focused on the tabletop.

“I thought you were never going to bring him here to meet me.”

Nick’s gaze skipped to Todd before he stared down at his hands looking self-conscious.

“Julia, this is Nick.” He poked at Nick’s leg with his toe, letting Nick know he could look up. “Nicky, meet Julia.”

“Hello, ma’am.” Nick looked up at her, a light blush coloring his cheeks.

Julia smiled and snorted. “He’s far too polite for the likes of you.” She pushed against Todd’s shoulder. “Do you like coffee, Nick?”

“I’ve never had any before.”

“Well, I think we need to remedy that situation.” She set a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of Nick. “You try this. It’s got a touch of chocolate and cinnamon in it and between you and me, it’s Todd’s favorite, though he tries to tell everyone it’s ‘girly’ and he drinks his plain.”

“Traitor,” Todd grumbled good-naturedly. Nick grinned, his eyes dancing.

Nick wrapped both hands around the cup and sipped the hot liquid. His eyes widened for a second, and then he smiled, full of dimples and delight.

Todd chuckled. “I think we have a winner.” He leaned back in his chair, enjoying this more than he thought he could enjoy anything. “Can I get a few pounds wrapped up to go?”

“On the house, this once. You want your regular breakfast?”

Todd nodded, holding up two fingers.

Julia refilled both their cups and promised to return with their food.

“Did you ever get to be just a kid?” Nick asked quietly.

Drawing in a deep breath, Todd studied him. “Once, my dad took me fishing.” He shrugged. A memory of how they’d ended up hunting the ghost of a very angry woman who’d been dead for a century filtered to the forefront of his mind. “It didn’t work out so well.”

“How come?”

“Eh, my dad’s not so into fishing. He’s actually not into a—” Todd stuttered to a stop when hands clapped over his eyes and a weight slithered onto his lap. He barely deflected the kiss he knew was aimed at his mouth before shoving the weight away. In that instant he got a look at Nick’s face. It lasted barely a second before being covered up, but Todd was sure he saw jealousy and hurt on Nick’s face, in his eyes.

“Todd, God, I missed you.”

“Clarice, don’t ever do that.” Hands firmly around the woman’s waist, Todd moved her away.

“Since you’re here and it’s been so long, how about breakfast?” Clarice, small, with long blonde hair and barely covered body, bent down and literally purred at him, giving him a good view of her ample—and, Todd was sure, enhanced—cleavage.

“I’m having breakfast with someone.”

Clarice barely spared Nick a snotty glance before snorting. “Him?”

“Yes, Nick and I have already ordered. We planned on eating alone.”

Her glare should have drilled him six feet under, he was sure. Todd returned the favor. Huffing, Clarice flounced away.

“Do you want me to return to your apartment?” Nick’s eyes were lowered, his tone neutral. Todd had already come to learn Nick would revert to his training as a slave almost immediately if he didn’t know what to do or how to act.

“It’s our apartment, Nicky. And no, I do not want you going back there.”

Nick’s eyes were bright and liquid. “Don’t you want to spend your day with the lady?”

Todd laughed. “Lady? Nicky, you’re funny. She is about as far from a lady as I can think of. No, I do not want to spend time with her.” Todd scooted closer to Nick, took his hand, and gently stroked his thumb over Nick’s knuckles. “Yes, I slept—had s*x—with her. I was lonely and incredibly drunk. It was a few years ago, and I’ve regretted it ever since. I’m not sure I even remember most of it, and I’m very sure I didn’t enjoy it very much.”

Todd’s stomach unclenched when Nick’s lips started twitching to a smile. “Yes, I’ve been with others, men and women, and it was mostly because I was lonely at the time. And maybe had a few drinks in me. The day I brought this”—Todd reached out with his free hand and ran one finger over Nick’s collar, satisfied with the shiver and deepening smile—”to your village, that ended. When I said it’s just you and me now, I meant it.”

“You brought it yourself? I thought it came by courier.”

“Yeah, the courier was me. You think I’d trust that to some guy I don’t know who works for the highest bidder?”

Nick blushed, an honest-to-goodness blush. Todd gave Nick’s hand a squeeze and moved his chair back when he saw Julia heading toward them with their food. She winked at Todd, refilled their coffee cups, and set a small brown bag filled with coffee beans at his elbow before leaving them to finish their meal.

“I don’t want that kind of life, Nick. I never did.”

“I heard you say your father wanted you to do this, take me.” Nick put a forkful of pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup on them into his mouth, and his eyes widened and lit up.

Todd sighed. He’d been waiting for this, knowing Nick had overheard that conversation. A part of him hoped Nick might have forgotten it. “You know, when you’re eleven and your dad says this is what you’re going to do someday, you don’t question it. When you’re eighteen and you know you have this responsibility, you sort of start to see you can’t ditch it, but you don’t have to do it how your dad would have. When you’re twenty-eight, you figure out you can tell the world to go screw itself and yeah, gotta do this thing, have this person depending on you, but can do it your way.” He poked at Nick’s plate. “Am I making sense? Eat your sausage.”

Nick obediently took a bite of sausage, gasped, and burst into a huge grin. “This is good!”

Todd dug into his own breakfast.

“I get it, I think.”

“Good.”

“We were bonded, no one asked what you wanted, they certainly never asked me. You had to take me, decided you really wanted to and it might not be bad?”

Todd smiled and nodded. “Yeah, that’s exactly it.”

“Do you eat this food all the time?”

It took Todd a moment to decipher Nick’s question, asked through a mouthful of pancakes, sausage, and eggs.

“Yep, and you do, too.”

“I’m going to get fat.”

That made Todd laugh. “You’ll work it off. Don’t worry.” Nick’s eyes dropped to his plate, and Todd braced for another tentative question.

“You asked me which I liked better, men or women, but you didn’t tell me which you liked better.” Nick’s voice was soft. His gaze bounced to Todd’s face and then back to his plate.

Todd decided this might be something he never broke Nick of, no matter how hard he tried and no matter how often he told Nick to look at him when they spoke.

“Honestly? I’m not sure I care either way. Both do it for me; both have good and bad points. I didn’t care if you were male or female, Nick. I care about you.” Motioning between Nick and himself, Todd grinned, relieved when Nick’s shoulders relaxed, his face softening, and he looked pleased with Todd’s words. “It’s you and me. No one else. The rest doesn’t matter. We’re in this together. Okay?”

Nick nodded enthusiastically, too busy chewing to speak. Todd appreciated the wide smile and dimpled cheeks. When their meal was done, Todd tucked the bag of coffee beans into a pocket inside his jacket and headed off to the main market, Nick in tow. Todd had to keep one hand on Nick’s elbow to get Nick to walk beside him, not trail a step or two behind. If he was behind Todd, it was certainly going to make him harder to keep an eye on, and it made it almost impossible to carry on a conversation. Todd made a mental note he needed to break Nick of that habit, too. It wasn’t always going to be necessary, and in some cases it might be dangerous if they couldn’t watch each other’s movements.

The open-air booths of the market had anything and everything anyone could want. Many of the more traditional shops didn’t allow slaves, other than in designated areas, and didn’t sell clothes and supplies if they thought they were being purchased for a slave. The open market was easier. Todd could pick out clothes, boots, and other supplies for Nick and have them sent to his apartment. No one asked or cared if it was for him or Nick. They were close enough in size that it wasn’t going to be immediately obvious who Todd was making his purchases for.

Hanging back a few steps, he let Nick wander from booth to booth, making note of what Nick hovered over, looked at more closely. The kid was terminally polite, never touching and never making eye contact with anyone. The farther they walked, the more Nick became engrossed in taking in every bit of his surroundings. Wonder and curiosity filled his face and eyes. Todd could see everything amazed and delighted him. As Todd watched Nick move farther and farther away from him, though Todd never let Nick out of his sight, he simply hung back and let Nick drink in everything, experience what he wanted how he wanted.

It struck Todd hard that he was responsible for this change in Nick by simply giving him a small amount of freedom to explore the market booths. The shy, quiet boy of a few hours ago was transformed and replaced by a young man full of curiosity, wanting to know everything, see everything. Todd made his purchases lagged behind Nick, all the while keeping one keen eye on his boy. Nick became so absorbed he never noticed he’d moved so far from Todd, long legs easily sidestepping shoppers, non-slaves and slaves alike, even though his eyes were glued to the goods in the booths.

Todd had brought Nick here and given him a life. He knew that was a gift to himself as much as it was a gift to Nick.

Nick stopped at one booth, intently focused on the goods being offered. Hands clasped behind him, Nick leaned over to see items that were placed near the back. The proprietor watched him, stepping forward, a short whip in one hand. Todd leveled a gaze on the man that made him back off a fewpaces . A girl about Nick’s age, carrying boxes that were probably heavier than she was, came from the rear of the booth. The girl tripped and dropped some of the boxes. The man turned on her, shouting angrily, and slapped her in the face. The girl and the boxes were sent tumbling to the ground.

Nick dodged around the end of the booth and reached forward, arms extending to stop the girl’s fall. The man whirled around, whip slicing through the air.

Todd darted forward, snapping a harsh, “Hey!”

Nick’s arms jerked back to his sides. He turned a horrified, pale face to Todd. Fingers wrapping around Nick’s arm, Todd yanked Nick away just as the whip would have cracked over his hands. Pushing Nick back a few steps, Todd shoved himself between Nick and the man. “He’s mine. You don’t hit him.”

“Keep his filth off my merchandise,” the man ground out. Then he turned to the girl and demanded, “Get that mess cleared up.”

“Come on, Nicky. I’ll spend money somewhere else.” Gripping Nick’s arm hard, Todd hustled him away from the booth. Todd kept his voice low but spoke with authority. “It sucks. It’s wrong. I don’t agree. But we can’t interfere, Nick.”

“I…I’m sorry. I didn’t think, I just—”

Softening his grip and his voice, Todd interrupted. “I know, but you have to remember that. I can’t protect you very well if a citizen accuses you of something I can’t prove you didn’t do or didn’t have a good reason to do.”

Nick nodded. “Yes, Master…uh, Todd.”

Todd smiled. “You’re a good person, Nicky.”

They walked farther into the market. Todd had a specific destination he’d kept a secret. After the incident at the booth, Nick kept close, twice hooking one finger through the tether wrapped through Todd’s belt loops.

Idiot merchants and past encounters were forgotten when Todd rounded the corner onto another street. He grinned when the place he’d been waiting for came into view. Nick was going to love this. He hoped.

* * * *

Todd guided them into a large, nondescript building, gave Nick’s arm a squeeze, and let go after they were through the door. Nick felt the loss of Todd’s fingers against his elbow, replaced by warm, moist air. He got a wink before Todd stepped to a short counter running the length of the inner room. Nick saw that beyond was a hallway, but what it led to or what was there he couldn’t see.

Nick stood to one side while Todd spoke to a woman at the counter. She eyed them both up and down like they were tasty morsels and she was starving. Then Todd handed her money and when he away, a key jangled from two fingers. Nick saw the telltale smirk and a bit of an eye roll. He focused intently on the ground and coughed, covering his mouth with one hand to hide his own smile.

He followed Todd along the hallway. After unlocking the door to one of the rooms, Todd stepped to one side and motioned Nick inside. Stepping in and closing the door, Nick heard the soft click of the lock being turned. There were several large, thickly padded chairs that were long enough that Nick could completely stretch out on them if he wanted to. A cabinet took up one wall, and the floor was covered in thick, plush carpet. There was the gentle sound of water lapping against a stone surface. The room was warm and moist, making his clothes uncomfortable. The air was thick and rich with a heady, earthy scent.

Todd stepped up behind Nick and laid both hands lightly on Nick’s shoulders for a moment before his fingers brushed along Nick’s neck and unhooked Nick’s collar. “We don’t want this getting wet.” He pressed a soft kiss to Nick’s neck where seconds before the collar buckle had been, making Nick shiver. “This will make you feel better. I promise.” Todd gave a playful swat to Nick’s butt. Nick jumped and Todd chuckled, the sound sending a spark through Nick. “Get your clothes off. You can put them in there.” Todd pointed to the cabinet.

Gulping down his fear, Nick nodded. He’d never been naked with another person before. It wasn’t that he feared Todd. He’d learned in the past few days Todd was not someone to be afraid of. But this was new and he had no idea what to expect. He was Todd’s, and it was only a matter of time before Todd took what was his, despite what he’d told Nick earlier. They weren’t at home, so Nick reasoned Todd’s words didn’t count now.

He obediently removed his boots and clothing, carefully folded them, and placed them in the cabinet on the shelf under Todd’s. Nick felt Todd’s gaze on him. It made him feel vulnerable, exposed, afraid, and excited all at once. Todd hadn’t done a thing to hurt him—in fact, the opposite—so there was no reason for Nick to think otherwise now.

“C’mon,” Todd said softly. His hand rested on Nick’s shoulder for a few seconds, then slid the length of his arm and took his hand.

Feeling the heat rise between his legs, Nick kept his eyes glued to the floor as Todd led him through the room. Carpet changed to tile as they passed through the archway and into an area mostly comprised of a bath large enough for two people to fit into comfortably.

Nick followed Todd down a few short steps to a shelf running around the inside of the bath. The water was pleasantly hot, and air jets moved the water against him, immediately easing the sore muscles. Nick was glad to sit on the shelf; at least his hardening c**k was under the water. He was sure Todd noticed, but he hadn’t said anything.

The water moved around his body, slowly relaxing him. Aching muscles loosened. Leaning his head back, Nick spread his arms across the bath’s upper edge to keep the freshly branded wounds dry. He was able to submerge most of his body in the hot water without getting the brand on his chest wet.

“Nice, huh?” Todd’s toe nudged against Nick’s leg, making him start. Todd let out another soft chuckle.

“Yeah, it is.”

Taking a few deep breaths, Nick relaxed. Todd stretched out his arm, resting it at the back of Nick’s head so he was cushioning Nick from the hard edge of the bath. Fingers moving lazily through Nick’s hair eased his tension further. Shifting closer, Nick turned his head to look at Todd. The muscles of his shoulders and arms glistened from the water and humidity. The tattoo of continuous knots covering Todd’s shoulder moved and shifted with every ripple of Todd’s muscle. Todd’s head was tipped back, and his eyes were closed. Nick followed the line of Todd’s jaw and over the length of his neck, appreciating how the muscles under his collarbone moved with Todd’s breathing.

Self-consciousness forgotten, Nick sat straighter, twisting to face Todd fully. “Todd?”

“Hmm.” Todd’s voice was thick, low and gravelly, and sent a ribbon of excitement through Nick.

When Nick reached out and touched Todd’s chest with a tentative finger, Todd opened one eye and watched him. The rhythm of Todd’s fingers through his hair never changed. Nick’s finger traced a design in Todd’s skin, just under his left collarbone, the same position as Nick’s brand. “It’s the same.” He exhaled.

“Yes, it is. Mine is a tattoo. It’s a symbol for protection.”

“From what?”

Todd’s fingers in Nick’s hair tightened, and Todd slid closer, pulling Nick in for a kiss. “We’ll talk about it later.” Todd’s tongue slipped between Nick’s lips and circled his tongue. Todd’s legs moved over Nick’s, tucking around them and pulling Nick against Todd’s hip. The hand in Nick’s hair caressed so tenderly, Nick couldn’t help moving into the touch. The heat from the water and the closer heat of Todd’s body combined to ramp Nick’s senses into overdrive. He was achingly hard with no way to hide. When Todd rolled into him more, Nick felt the solid spear of Todd’s c**k.

He wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and it excited and terrified him all at once.

Maybe sensing Nick’s disquiet or feeling how he tensed up, Todd broke off the kiss, nuzzled Nick’s cheek, and placed soft, gentle kisses under Nick’s jaw. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

The soft rumble of Todd’s voice reverberated from his chest through Nick’s. It was reassuring. This was all so new and totally foreign to Nick, and Todd seemed to understand that.

“I-I know,” Nick stammered. He wondered if he looked as thoroughly spooked as he felt.

When Todd placed both hands against his neck, thumbs rubbing lightly over Nick’s cheeks, Nick decided he must have looked worse.

Todd’s face softened. He kissed Nick’s forehead and mumbled against, “It’s okay, Nicky. Fortunately for us, I’ve had plenty of practice. I’ll teach you.”

Nick couldn’t help the shudder that slowly worked its way through him at the sound of Todd’s voice. Tiny tremors flowed out from every place Todd touched him. Todd’s hands rubbed over his shoulders and down his arms. Pushing back and onto the edge of the bath, Todd lifted himself out of the water. He wrapped his fingers around Nick’s arm, and tugged tenderly. Leaning forward, Todd’s mouth brushed near Nick’s ear. “Come on,” Todd breathed out, the warmth caressing Nick’s skin and making him shiver even more.

After easing out of the water, Nick stood on shaky legs. One of Todd’s arms snaked around his middle and pulled him back against Todd’s chest. His hand pressed firmly to Nick’s belly, fingers spread out. Todd’s other hand took hold of Nick’s, twining their fingers together with enough power, Nick thought the grip was all that held him up.

Todd’s lips ghosted over the skin of Nick’s neck. Soft, reassuring sounds and words rumbled from Todd’s chest, his warm breath caressing Nick’s neck and shoulders, easing the tension out of him.

Slowly, very gently, Todd turned him, let go of his hand, and pulled Nick in close. Todd’s hands started at his shoulders and moved in light, easy strokes down his body, over his ass, fingers massaging the muscles they touched. Nick trembled but leaned into the rock-hard muscle of Todd’s body, arched his back to meet the strong grip of arms around him.

He didn’t know what to do with his hands. He wanted to touch but wasn’t sure how or where, so he rested them against Todd’s round, thick shoulders. One hand working into Nick’s hair, Todd pulled him into another kiss, moaning into Nick’s mouth. His other hand took Nick’s again, this time moving it so Nick’s hand glided down Todd’s back.

Leaning back far enough so his mouth was only inches from Nick’s, Todd smiled. “Not so bad, huh?” After letting go of Nick’s hand, Todd’s resumed its travels up and down Nick’s back, soothing the tension away.

“I like it,” Nick stuttered out. Shivering, he pressed closer to the warmth and strength that was Todd. He felt everything: how Todd’s thighs twitched, how the muscles of his chest and stomach fluttered against Nick’s, how his rigid c**k dug into the soft skin where Nick’s thigh and body met.

Todd began moving away from the bath and toward the chairs, Nick in tow. “That’s my boy. I’m not going to hurt you. We’re just going to relax a bit, ease into things. I meant what I said before, but I didn’t promise to keep my hands off. I want you to like this.”

Turning Nick so his back was against Todd’s chest and his fingers were laced with those of one of Todd’s hands, Todd eased onto one of the chairs. He guided Nick with him and settled Nick in the V of his open legs. Todd arranged Nick’s thighs over his and tucked Nick’s free arm firmly against his side, hand resting on his thigh.

“Keep that hand there,” Todd ordered in a low, gentle voice.

Nick felt the hard line of Todd’s c**k against his back. Todd hooked his feet around Nick’s and pulled them back. Nick was unable to press his feet to the floor; he was completely at Todd’s mercy. Another shiver of fear, excitement, and desire coursed down his spine.

Todd leaned over Nick’s shoulder, moving his mouth over Nick’s neck, nudging until Nick let his head drop back against Todd’s shoulder. Hand once again against Nick’s belly, this time the spread fingers moved in an ever-lowering circle. When Todd’s fingertips brushed his hard c**k, Nick jumped.

“Shh…I’ve got you.” Todd’s voice was low and right next to his ear. “You’ve touched yourself before, right?” Kisses were scattered over his jaw, down the length of his neck, and back up to his ear.

Nick swallowed hard and nodded. “We’re not permitted to do that in the village, but…”

Todd chuckled softly. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s try something a little more intense. If you like it, we’ll do it more. I want you to concentrate on my voice, my breathing, my hands, and don’t come until I say you can.”

Todd’s fingers moved away from Nick’s c**k, making him suck in a breath. “But…how?” What Todd suggested excited him.

“Take your mind off your dick.” Todd circled Nick’s belly button for a moment. “And then when you let yourself have your reward, it’s awesome.” Todd’s hand moved back to Nick’s c**k.

Nick nodded, groaned, and pressed back harder against Todd when the man’s fingers wound around his c**k. Todd’s thumb skimmed through the moisture beading in the slit of Nick’s c**k. His entire body was tingling. Todd kept talking. His lips kept moving over the skin of Nick’s neck and shoulders, and the fingers of one hand gripped Nick’s hand and pressed both their fists to Nick’s chest. The fingers of Todd’s other hand continued moving over Nick’s c**k, pulled on his balls, rolled them softly, pressed to the soft skin behind them over and over in a steady rhythm until Nick couldn’t draw enough air into his burning lungs.

He was shot through with electric currents radiating out from his throbbing, leaking c**k. His breath came in shorter and shorter gasps. He couldn’t hold back, but refused to go against Todd’s word, disappoint his master.

“T-to-odd…I can’t…I…”

“Yes, you can.” The words were whispered into his ear.

“I need…”

“I know what you need and when.” Todd’s fingers kept up their maddening movements.

“Please.” The word was a broken sob. Nick gulped in another ragged breath and arched back against Todd.

“So good.” Todd squeezed Nick’s c**k, twisting and tugging harder. “Give it to me, Nicky. Come for me.”

Nick had no control. His body followed Todd’s softly whispered order. One long moan after another rolled from Nick as every bit of him twitched and jerked helplessly under Todd’s touch, his hot c*m spilling out, hitting his chest and splashing over his thighs.

He turned his head and kissed Todd’s cheek. Then, wanting more, he sought out Todd’s mouth. Nick was rewarded with Todd eagerly pulling him in tighter, tongue twisting and slipping over Nick’s. Not even thinking about what to do or how, focusing on Todd’s gently spoken, “Just go with what feels good. Let nature take its course,” Nick turned, uncurling his fingers from Todd’s, and started a slow slide down Todd’s body.

Kissing, licking, exploring the salty skin beneath his mouth, Nick got braver with every touch. He wanted. He wanted the feeling of Todd’s skin against his lips, he wanted to please Todd and feel more of him, his touches, hear his praise. Knees connecting with the carpeted floor, Nick found Todd’s c**k right in front of him. It seemed right, natural, to turn his head just so, open his mouth, and swallow his master down.

The low, harsh moans from Todd caused by every movement Nick made, assured him he was pleasing Todd. Fingers gripping his hair guided his head this way and that. Todd’s c**k pressed harder and faster into his mouth while Nick sucked and licked. Hot, tangy, thick shots of c*m hitting the back of his throat made him start and whimper. It panicked him for a second until Todd eased away. He took Nick’s hand, and they both gripped Todd’s c**k, working him through it.

The musky scent of Todd’s c*m wafted up at him. It covered Nick’s chest, oozing and dripping between his pecs and abs, mingling with his own. Somehow, it made Nick feel surrounded by warmth and comfort.

Breathing hard, he rested his head against Todd’s thigh until they were both breathing normally. Todd’s hand stroked over his hair. Then fingers moved under his chin, lifting upward. Nick gazed up into Todd’s intense, warm green eyes. He smiled down at Nick, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “See? Not so scary, huh? I told you you’d like it.”

Nick felt the flush rise in his cheeks. “Amazing,” he mumbled. “Way better than…”

When Nick’s voice trailed off Todd laughed and his smile broadened. Todd tugged on Nick’s arms until Nick was settled between his legs again. Then Todd wrapped both arms around Nick’s shoulders and kissed him. When Nick tucked his cheek into the crook of Todd’s neck, he felt a gentle kiss on his forehead. An hour and another bath to clean up later, Nick was walking back to their apartment, to his home, with Todd.