Chapter Ten

 

 

 

Roman felt the cool ocean breeze on his skin. He could smell it, too. Alan must have opened the window at some point in the night.

Paradise was certainly a lovely place to wake up.

Warm hands were gently working his back, sliding with the light oil his lover used to massage him. Groaning out his pleasure, he then breathed in another lungful, smelling the promise of breakfast fruits and cheeses. Alan was humming, focusing on him, on his body, his pleasure. He woke like this often—his dear sub caring for him.

He was a very, very lucky man. “Mmm. Love.”

“Yes, Master. My beautiful Roman.”

Those fingers knew just where to touch. Alan did make him feel like a king.

“And how are you this morning?”

“Good, Sir. A little nervous about tonight’s scene, but not like yesterday.”

“What about tonight’s scene is making you nervous?”

“The unknown, is all. I get nervous before our scenes sometimes. I think it’s natural.”

“Do the nerves make it more exciting?” It had been a while since they’d had this discussion.

Alan chuckled. “I have no idea. It’s just what it is.”

He turned his head to smile at his lover. “I might have to make you think about it,” he teased.

“Thinking isn’t my strong suit, Master.”

Oh, that tickled him, and he laughed. Alan chuckled, those fingers digging in deep, tickling him more.

“Alan!” He laughed and wriggled, trying to get away from those evil fingers.

“Yes, beloved Master.” His boy laughed, teasing gently.

He rolled under Alan and grabbed the man around the waist, then continued to roll, putting his lover beneath him.

“Wicked boy!”

“Your wicked boy.” Alan’s smile made his heart flutter a bit.

“Oh, yes.” He leaned in and pressed their lips together, letting Alan feel how this beautiful man made him feel.

Gentle hands wrapped around his shoulders, pulled him close, those sweet lips sliding against his. Moaning softly, he deepened the kiss. His body began to harden. Alan hummed, the sound happy, his lips vibrating with it.

God, he loved this man.

Roman slid his hand along Alan’s arm, fingers dancing. Alan smiled into their kiss, one hand massaging the small of his back. He rocked them together, their cocks bumping and rubbing. Alan smiled at him, easy in that pale, sweet skin. It was going to bruise so beautifully tonight.

Then tomorrow they would experience breath play, then the fourth night he would have Alan over his lap, spread out, and taken again and again and again.

Right now, he just wanted to make love with the most important man in his life. Alan cupped his cheek, this kiss about love and passion and forever, not anything else. He sank into it, into his lover, and took the moment, held it close.

This was it—this was them. Not the games, not the scenes. But this. This quiet happiness.

He kissed and he rocked, and the pleasure moved through him in gentle waves.

“Love you, Sir.” The words were whispered into his lips.

“Me, too.” So very much.

Roman breathed in his lover and came. Alan’s smile was beautiful, transcendent as he watched.

“Your turn,” he murmured.

Alan’s body began to rock faster.

“Mmm, just like that.” He loved watching that body move, undulate, dance beneath his own.

Alan stretched, showing off for him, dancing for him. He bent and breathed in at Alan’s neck, taking in the flavors. He could feel Alan’s heartbeat against his lips. Groaning, he licked that spot.

“Master…” That was a soft, low moan.

“Right here, love. Always.”

Alan nodded. “And I’m thankful every day.”

“Good. Show me. Show me your pleasure.”

“Master. Yes.” Alan moved on him again.

The way was slightly slick from his cum, the movements easy, beautiful. His boy moved on him, rubbing against his cock, sliding on his body, moving up and down.

“That’s it. Love you.”

Alan’s eyes were dazed, happy, unfocused. Groaning, Roman leaned close and kissed Alan hard. Heat spread between them, Alan moaning his pleasure. Beautiful. His Alan was the most beautiful man in the world.

Alan hummed, slowly catching his breath. “Mmm. How will we spend this beautiful day, Master?”

“I believe the beach is calling to us, love.” He could hear those waves as if they were saying his name.

“Oh, yes. That sounds amazing. I love the waves.”

“I’ll have to rub in lots of sunscreen, though. I don’t want you picking up any color. The flogger shows better on your ass when it’s pale.”

Alan’s cheeks went a sweet pink.

“Mmm, that’s a nice color, too.”

“Master!” Sweet, laughing boy.

He slid over to lie next to Alan and pressed a kiss against Alan’s cheek. “Love it when you say my name like that.”

“I love you.” Alan smiled, settled close. “Let’s go play.”

“Absolutely.” Roman squeezed Alan and couldn’t help but feel that any moment together with his lover was a gift.

 

* * * *

 

The water in the shower was lukewarm—perfect for rinsing off and centering himself. Getting ready for the night ahead. Alan knew Roman needed to be able to see, to watch without having to focus on control, on anything but Alan’s submission.

This was almost easy for him. Roman had Masters that he trusted to work on Alan—perhaps not as amazing as the Master brought in here, but incredible—who flogged him, made him fly.

He washed his hair, humming softly, his muscles loose and relaxed. He knew his Master was also getting ready, preparing to watch his skin mottle and bruise. He didn’t dawdle—he just got clean, dry, brushed his hair, his teeth.

Roman was dressed in his leathers, looking handsome and studly.

“You look lovely, Master.”

“Thank you, Alan. You look good yourself. You’re going to shine.”

“I hope so.” He slipped on soft pants and a loose T-shirt, sandals. He wouldn’t be dressed for very long, so his outfit was more about comfort than style.

“I know so.” Roman held out his arms, beckoning him close.

Alan couldn’t have stopped his smile for anything, and he went into those loving arms eagerly. “Thank you for today, Sir. It was amazing.” They hadn’t had so much fun in years.

“It was, wasn’t it?” Roman chuckled softly and hugged him tight.

His cheek fit perfectly on Roman’s shoulder. Roman danced him gently to the soft music which was piping through the cottage. Alan melted, humming softly as they moved together.

“This was such a good idea. My sweet love.”

Alan was soaring, flying. “Master.”

Roman continued to dance with him for a while before asking, “Are you ready for our next scene?”

He nodded. “Although I could stay here with you like this for days.”

“We’d starve.” Roman kissed the top of his head. “Come, love. It’s time.”

He had eaten a light meal earlier, and he knew that Roman would bring him back here, pamper him and feed him after.

Hand in hand, they made their way back to the cottage where all their scenes were to take place. There was a stunning sunset over the ocean, painting everything with beautiful colors as they walked.

“This place is…magical.” Alan squeezed Roman’s fingers in thanks.

“It is, isn’t it? Even better than advertised.” Roman pressed their lips together, the kiss soft and full of everything that was between them.

It was easy to cuddle in, settle and open up. Roman took his time with the kiss, then ended it, taking his hand again and leading him into the cottage. The cottage was warm with the last of the day’s sun, inviting. The table he’d been on earlier was still there, covered now in a white sheet.

“Do you want me on the table, Master?”

“I think we’ll wait for the flogging Master to arrive and see how he’d like you arranged.”

“Yes, Sir.” He leaned into his lover’s arms, relaxing, breathing, focusing on their heartbeats.

The door opened and closed. A man with an amazing upper body walked in, grinning. “Good evening, boys.”

One of Roman’s eyebrows went up.

The man chuckled and amended, “Boy and Master.”

Roman nodded. “Good evening.”

Alan found the man a smile. “Good evening, Sir.”

The flogger Master’s muscles were fascinating, lovely.

“I’m Master Luke, and I’ll be your flogger for the evening.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Luke.”

“I’ll leave Alan in your capable hands.” Roman’s fingers slid against his ass for a moment, then his Master disappeared into the chair in the corner. He could still feel Roman’s gaze, though.

He stood, waiting for instructions.

“Safe word?”

“Battery, sir.”

“Okay. Let’s get these clothes off you.”

He nodded and stepped out of his shoes, before placing them to the side.

“No. I didn’t tell you to undress.”

Alan blinked. “Oh. Oh, I’m sorry, Sir. I misunderstood.” Damn it. He’d screwed up already.

“It’s okay, boy. I need you to listen to my words carefully, and ask if you aren’t sure about something.”

“Yes, Sir.” He looked for Roman, suddenly needing his center, reassurance. He wasn’t used to making mistakes.

“Eyes forward, boy.”

He almost whimpered, off balance. This was supposed to be the easy one. “Yes, Sir.”

“It’s never easy with a new Master, but you’re doing fine, boy.” Master Luke began working the buttons of his shirt open. “I like to undress a new boy slowly, see what I’ve got to work with a bit at a time. It heightens the anticipation for me and for you.”

This was more sensual than he had anticipated, the air already thick.

“Yes, Sir.” He swallowed when Master Luke’s fingers touched his throat.

“Look at this lovely skin. If the rest of you is as nice, you’re going to mark beautifully.” The man’s dark eyes met his. “That’s what you want, isn’t it? For your Master to watch as I draw up the blood from beneath your skin.”

“Yes, Sir. I want to arouse him, to make him proud.” To let Roman see how much Alan loved his Master.

“I’m sure you do make him very proud.”

Buttons undone, Luke slid Alan’s shirt from his shoulders, the man’s thick fingers sliding on his skin. The hot tub and day in the outdoors had done their job, and only the faintest of marks here and there from the cutting marked his skin.

“Mmm. I know what you were doing yesterday, boy. Did you come?”

“When my Master granted me permission, yes.”

“Good boy.” Those fingers stroked over his skin, pressing in here and there, the man watching the way the color left then rushed back to his skin.

He breathed in, eyes on the curtain, on the window, on the flowers outside.

“I’m going to flog you long and hard. You aren’t doing anything tomorrow that will be hindered by that, are you?”

“No. No, sir.” Tomorrow was breath play.

“Very good. Then I can have a free hand.”

He didn’t answer—he focused on breathing, on his center.

Master Luke continued to undress him, sliding the pants from his legs. His cock was half-hard, the air cool as it brushed over him.

“You’re not bound.” Master Luke sounded…surprised.

“No, Sir.”

Roman trusted him, his control.

“Impressive.” Master Luke took him in hand and jacked his cock a few times.

Alan’s eyes went wide, searching for Roman immediately. Roman was exactly where he was supposed to be, watching every movement they both made.

Master Luke let him go. “Just testing everything out, boy. I won’t make you come.”

He wasn’t used to another man handling his cock so readily. He’d felt at ease with Master David, relaxed after he’d been so nervous. This time he’d been confident rather than nervous and now he was…unsettled.

“I hope the flogging will make it hard for you to wait for your Master’s order to come.”

“Yes, Sir. I will try not to disappoint.”

“I’m sure you won’t.” Master Luke’s voice was a low, deep seduction.

Alan’s cheeks heated and he let his chin dip. He wouldn’t disappoint Roman. He was good at this. He made his Master proud.

“Chin up, boy.” Master Luke’s fingers slid along his spine.

He shivered, lifted his chin.

“There you go.”

Master Luke grabbed a thick, heavy flogger from a chair, then showed him the implement, made of dark leather.

Alan’s hands tightened into fists, then he forced them to relax.

“You’ve been flogged before.”

“Yes, Sir. Many times, for my Master’s eyes.”

“Well, I’m the best there is, so tonight you’re going to really be flogged.”

“Yes, Sir.” He met Roman’s eyes, needing encouragement, support.

His Master was there for him, eyes on him, full of pride and love. That relaxed him again, let him take a deep breath, let him focus.

Master Luke’s breath ghosted over his neck as he whispered in his ear, “I’m going to start now.”

“Should I just stand here, Sir?”

“For now. I’ll guide you as I want you to move.”

This wasn’t what he’d expected, not at all. He nodded, tensing, toes curling as if to hold him onto the floor. The flogger landed on his right calf, wrapping around it. He didn’t move, didn’t make a sound, he simply focused.

“Very good.”

The next hit landed on his other calf. The burn was shocking, but he refused to acknowledge it. This was for his Roman. The next two hits worked their way up his left thigh. His balls drew up tight, hiding from the blows.

“Great skin,” murmured Master Luke, working his other leg.

“Th…thank you, sir,” he whispered. He dug his teeth in his bottom lip, focusing on the sting.

“Hold your arms out to either side, boy.”

He lifted his arms, the blood seeping over his teeth from where he’d bitten his lip. He held himself so tight, barely breathing.

The flogger thudded hard across his arm. His fingers curled and he wanted to pull away, jerk away.

“We’re only just getting started, boy.”

“Yes, Sir.” His eyes landed on Roman’s feet, the familiar rope sandals.

The flogger thudded against his side, wrapping around his ribs. Warmth flooded his chest, his skin aching a little. The flogger hit again, in almost exactly the same spot. Alan took a deep breath, gulping in air.

Master Luke grunted, the sound satisfied, and the flogger dug into the same piece of flesh once more.

This time he had to meet Roman’s eyes, to know his Master was pleased. He could see, faintly in the shadows of the corner, that his master was smiling, that Roman’s eyes shone with pride. It gave him the balance to stay where he was, stay silent and still.

The flogger continued to beat him, legs, arms, torso. Master Luke kept things moving, each hit solid and sure. There was a rhythm to it, something he could latch onto, understand. It was strange, though, not one of the hits landed on his ass. Doms could be so…peculiar.

“Ready for more?” The words were growled out, another thud landing across his shoulders.

He swallowed, his words caught in his throat.

“Answer me, boy.” The next thud hit across his shoulders again, only harder, insistent.

He swallowed again, stumbling forward a step.

Master Luke came around in front of him and grabbed his chin, tilted it up. “Boy?”

His tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth and he fought to loosen it. “Sorry. Sorry, Sir.”

One of Master Luke’s eyebrows went up, the man examining his face. “Are you sure you’re ready for more?”

The care made him shiver. “I…I’m sorry, Sir. I’m trying very hard to please.”

“Give me your honest reactions, that’ll please me.” Master Luke grinned. “And I think what’s coming will be easier. At least part of it.” The man nodded to the padded bench near the window. “Over that, ass up.”

“Yes, Sir.” He moved to the bench, trying to figure out where his head was, where his heart was, right then.

He was unnerved, off balance, and it made no sense. None. He could feel Roman’s eyes on him, his Master’s stare as sure as any touch. He could also feel Master Luke’s touch as the man squeezed one ass cheek then the other, as if testing them.

The urge to just stand up, walk off, surprised him, worried him. Shamed him.

“You’ve marked beautifully, but this will be the pièce de résistance.” Master Luke squeezed his ass again.

His ass muscles went tight then relaxed.

“Mmm, yes.” Master Luke’s hand disappeared, and he knew it was about to start.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hear his heart, to know his Master’s will. He wasn’t prepared at all when the flogger landed on his ass. It was years of practice that kept him still, kept him from jumping. Several more hard thuds landed on his ass—he could feel the bruising deep in his tissues.

He needed to see Roman, hear him, something. He couldn’t see his Master from this angle, couldn’t hear anything but the blows. They continued, each one landing after the other. Master Luke had quite the arm.

He wasn’t in a space for it, though. He wasn’t settling, wasn’t easing into the endorphins. If it had been Roman, he would have noticed.

His safe word suddenly sounded, Roman stepping out of the shadows. “I’m sorry, Master Luke, but I believe we’re done for the evening.”

He looked at his Master, eyes rolling, heart slamming in his chest. Oh God. Oh God. Roman had never, ever safe worded for him before.

The flogger was still, Master Luke moving to meet Roman. “Are you sure? Your boy’s skin is marking so beautifully.”

“I’m sure. And I thank you very much.”

He stood there, silent, feeling about two inches tall.

“Thank you for the opportunity.” Master Luke gave them each a nod then took his leave.

Roman turned to him. “Stand, Alan.”

“Yes, Sir.” He straightened up, eyes on the floor.

Roman’s hands went to his shoulders. “Are you hurt?”

“No, Sir. It just… There was something wrong. I’m so sorry. I tried.” He had failed, had let his lover down, and Roman had spent so much money, wanted this so badly.

Roman pulled him in close. “We’ll figure out what went wrong, hmm?”

“Master.” He held on, suddenly shaken, shaking.

“Alan! I have you.”

“I’m so sorry, Roman. I tried my best.”

“Come on. We need to go back to our cottage.” Roman grabbed his clothes and wrapped him in his shirt.

He nodded, head down, the island seeming almost threatening in the growing darkness. Roman put an arm around him and led him out of the play cottage and back to their personal space. They didn’t meet anyone along the way.

Part of him wanted to drop to his knees, beg forgiveness. Part of him wanted to run. Most of him was glad that Roman had noticed, that Roman knew. Saw.

They got to the cabin, which was lit up inside by candles. The bed was turned down and there was a pot on a warmer, no doubt full of healing oils. The place was set for a post-scene seduction.

He didn’t deserve it. He’d screwed up, big time.

Roman drew the shirt from around his shoulders and left it and the rest of his clothes near the door. “Go lie down, love.”

“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry.” He moved slowly, fighting his tears with each step.

“Stop apologizing.”

“I… Yes, Master.”

“Good.” Roman grunted and followed him. His Master removed his clothes and slipped on the silk robe he preferred after heavy sessions and pointed to the bed. “Get on. You know the routine. We’ll talk when you’ve had a chance to relax.”

He held back his sob, crawled onto the bed, hid his face in the pillows.

“Shh. Love. Don’t.” Roman’s hands were slick as they moved over his back, rubbing gently, working the oil into his abused flesh.

The touch was familiar and real, and Alan shook as his muscles tried to relax.

“I’m not mad at you, love. Please relax.” Roman’s words were so softly spoken, meant to ease him.

“I tried so hard. I swear.”

“Of course you did. You would never give me anything but your best.”

He swallowed hard, nodded, and some of the tension left him. It was true.

“There’s a good reason this didn’t work out tonight. We’ll figure it out once you’ve been taken care of.”

“Yes, Master.” He told himself that it was time to trust in Roman, in the man who loved him.

“Mmm. I do love the way that sounds.” Roman’s fingers worked on his muscles, warm and soothing, leaving him boneless and relaxed.

His breath matched Roman’s, in and out, in and out, easing him totally.

“That’s better, love. Much better.” Roman continued to slowly work his muscles.

He moaned his response, his body warm and melted. Roman lay down next to him, sliding his hair from his face.

“I love you.” That was better than another apology.

“Good.” Roman stared into his eyes for a few moments and smiled. “So what happened?”

“I couldn’t center—it felt wrong.”

“Wrong how?”

“Like there was no rhythm, no pattern. I couldn’t find what he needed.”

“Maybe he didn’t need anything from you other than for you to take the flogging.”

“Maybe.” He met Roman’s eyes. “It just felt like…empty heat. Unbalanced.”

“You weren’t taking any pleasure from it at all? You usually enjoy your floggings very much.” There was no censure or disappointment in Roman’s eyes, only confusion and curiosity, a little worry.

“I know!” He nodded, upset with himself. “I do. I do, Master, but this was… Everything was odd and I felt lost, like I couldn’t relax. This one was supposed to be easy!”

Roman chuckled, hand sliding along his back. “Maybe that’s what the problem was.”

“What? Master, I don’t know what I did wrong.”

“Maybe you were expecting it to be easy, so it was more intense than you were prepared for.”

“So it was my fault.” Damn it.

“I’m not trying to assign blame here, Alan. I’m just trying to figure out what happened.”

“I couldn’t settle into it. There’s a peace in flogging.” It was something he loved.

“Why couldn’t you settle into it this time? Why was there no peace there today?”

“I don’t know. He was…” Exciting. He couldn’t say the word out loud.

Roman didn’t say anything, just continued to look at him, clearly waiting for an answer.

“I found him aggravating. Almost irritating.”

Surprise colored Roman’s eyes for a moment. “Really? How come?”

“I don’t know. I don’t react to people like that, you know that.” Frustration and worry built up in him.

“I know, love. I know.” Roman’s hand danced along his spine again.

“He just put me off balance. I couldn’t read him.”

Roman patted his shoulder. “I admit I’m surprised to hear that. I thought he exuded sexuality, intensity.”

“He did.” And that had surprised him.

“But you just said you couldn’t read him.” Roman looked honestly confused, puzzled.

He sighed—he was just all wrong. Completely wrong.

Roman shook his head. “And now you’re tightening up again. Come on, love. Let’s let it just go for now.”

“I fucked up, Roman. I fucked up, and I don’t understand why. The other master didn’t do that to me.”

“I don’t know why, either, love, but beating yourself up over it or going around and around with it isn’t going to solve anything.”

“I wanted to be perfect for you. This, I mean. I wanted this trip to be perfect for you.”

“No, I think you said what you meant the first time, but you can’t be perfect, Alan. And we’re together—that’s what will make the trip be exactly what I wanted it to be.”

“You deserve the best, Master.” The perfect sub.

“I want you. You think perfection would be fun? Would be interesting? Do you think I’d love perfection when I could love you?”

“I…” He teared up, panicking a little.

“Alan!” Roman pulled him in close. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m caught up inside, tangled.”

Roman held him close, touched and stroked him. “Why?”

“I don’t know. Things were so different tonight. The flogging Master made me excited, Master. They never excite me.”

“The man himself, rather than the flogging.”

He ducked his head, ashamed. “Yes, Master.”

“Hmm.”

Alan drew into himself, imagining himself getting smaller.

“Stop that—no closing yourself off from me.”

His eyes flew up, met his Master’s.

“Better. Have you never been attracted to anyone else but me, love?”

“Not since I met you. I have been aroused by the submission, by your eyes, by the actions, but not the men.”

“What about outside of a scene? There’s never been anyone you’ve seen who’s made your heart race, just a little?”

He shook his head. His mind, his heart, his life—they were very focused on his Master. They weren’t dabblers, he and Roman. They were lifestyle.

“Then why this man?”

“I don’t know! He was unnerving.”

“I’m just trying to get to the bottom of this, why you were attracted, why it bothered you so much. I mean, it’s not like you were planning to jump him or anything, were you?”

“No!” He looked at Roman, shocked. “I just… Master, I want this to be about you.”

“Relax, Alan. I know that, but I think you needed to be reminded.”

“I don’t know what to do, Roman. How to make it right.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything wrong. We’ve learned something new—that you have a hard time finding your center when you’re attracted to a Master who’s not me.”

He thought about that. It made sense, really. He’d spent so much energy fighting his attraction that he hadn’t been able to breathe.

Roman kissed his nose. “I’ll just have to make sure that all the other men you sub for are ugly as sin.”

Alan blinked, then cracked up, laughing hard.

Chuckling, Roman hugged him tight. “That’s a beautiful sound, love.”

“I love you.” He wrapped around Roman, held on. “More than life.”

“I know that. And I know that even when you find yourself excited by someone else. I know you don’t love them, I know it doesn’t mean you love me less.” Roman stroked his back. “There’s very little in this life you can be a hundred percent sure of, but I am a hundred percent sure of you.”

He lifted his chin and brought their lips together, the kiss as much a promise now as it had been when they’d had their first one.

Roman grabbed his ass, squeezing, making the marks burn. Alan moaned into the kiss, his hips rolling instinctively into the touch, into the ache. The squeezes continued, one hand, then the other spreading the ache inside him.

“Master…” His need began to build, unsatisfied from before.

“Wanton boy. I like that you’re hard for me.”

“I am. I need you, Master.”

“Good. As long as that doesn’t change, nothing else matters.”

“Never. I swear.”

Roman’s answer was to roll over him, pushing him into the mattress. He arched into Roman’s body, the move immediate, instinctive.

“Yes. Yes.” Roman spread his legs, settling between them.

His body responded immediately, his need bigger than it had been in years.

“Lube.” Roman’s voice was short, curt, needy.

“Yes, Sir.” He reached for the tube, ready to take whatever Roman needed to give.

“Slick up my fingers. I’m gonna take you with my hand tonight. Give you something no one else can.”

His eyes rolled in his head. Fuck. Fuck. “Yes, Sir.”

Roman held out his hand, watching his every move. Alan trembled as he carefully slicked up those beloved fingers.

“Mmm. Nice, love. Such a good touch.”

He smiled, pleased, his touch dragging over Roman’s palm now. That made Roman’s fingers curl, tugging at his for a moment.

“Love you, Master.” His touch slipped over the thick, strong wrist.

“And I love you, Alan. More than I could ever say. I would never do this with anyone else. I never have. It is yours alone, just as you are mine.”

“Yes, Master. I want nothing more than to please you.”

“You always do.”

His eyes actually filled with tears, his heart was so full. Roman kissed his nose, and his lips, his cheeks, then his eyelids. His eyes closed, and he gave himself over, let himself be open and melted and ready.

Two of his master’s fingers pushed against his hole, then right in. His thighs spread, one knee bending to give Roman more room.

“We start with the familiar, with the comfortable and necessary. The beginning.”

The beginning. “Where I became yours.”

“Yes.” Roman’s fingers slipped away, then three returned, filling him.

Alan hummed, images of their early relationship flooding his mind—dances and wooing, his Master teaching him each and every one of Roman’s specific needs.

“Look at you.” Roman was, gaze on his face, before glancing along his body and back up again. “I swear you become more lovely every day.”

He blushed, the praise filling him. “Master.”

Chuckling, Roman rubbed their noses together. The fingers inside him wriggled and stretched and played over his sweet spot. Gasping softly, Alan rode the pleasure, the touch.

“More now.” Roman’s fingers slid away, Roman applying extra to them.

“Your touch is magic. The first time you touched me, I couldn’t breathe.”

“Yes? And this?” Roman’s hand returned to his hole, four fingers pushing in, making him stretch to take their girth.

“Full. So much.” So very much.

“Not quite as full as you’re going to be.” Roman tapped against the soft skin inside him.

“No. No, not quite.” His breath threatened to catch in his chest.

Roman pulled out and added lube. Alan’s hips kept moving, even with Roman’s touch gone.

“Mmm. Yes.” Roman’s soft murmurs slid over his ears, warmed him inside.

He moved closer, curling into Roman’s warmth, the muscled protection. Roman eased him and protected him. Roman was his and he was Roman’s, and that was the one true constant in their lives.

“Ready for this, Alan?” Roman teased at his hole.

“Yes, Master. Roman.”

“Mine.” Roman curled his fingers together and spread him open.

“I swear. Forever.” His body tightened, but only for a second, a heartbeat.

As soon as he loosened, Roman pushed in a little farther. “Yes. Forever.”

“F…for. Forev… Oh, Sir.” So full.

“I have you.” Roman smiled at him, fist pushing and pushing.

All Alan could do was nod, gasping as his lips parted.

“I have you in the palm of my hand.” And Roman did, entire hand inside his body now.

This sound left him—deep and rough and raw.

“Yes, yes, surrender yourself to me, Alan.”

He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. All he could do was let Roman in deep.

Finally the widest part of Roman’s hand was inside him, and the rest came easily. Another of those awful sounds escaped him, tore from him.

“That’s it. Give me everything.”

He offered tears and groans, deep cries and pleas. Everything. He offered over everything. Roman’s hand turned into a fist, moving inside him, pushing every sound and thought out of him.

“Master. Please.”

“I’ll let you come when I’m ready—when you are ready.”

“Yes, Sir.” It was the only possible answer.

Roman’s fist slid and pushed and pulled and made him want to scream, until finally, when he really thought he couldn’t wait a moment longer, Roman murmured, “Come for me, love.”

He sobbed, balls throbbing as he shot, his entire world shorting out.

Roman was still there when he became aware of his surroundings again, his Master’s hand inside him, soft kisses raining on his face.

“Master.” The room was swimming.

“Always and forever, Alan. Always and forever.”

 

* * * *

 

Roman sat back in the world’s comfiest deck chair, watching the waves come in on the beach through the bedroom window. There was a full moon hanging low and heavy over the ocean. It was beautiful, his drink was perfect, and he could still feel the tight grip of Alan’s body around his hand.

His lover was sleeping, he hoped blissfully.

It had been an intense evening. Between the scene going wrong and Alan confessing he’d been excited by the flogging Master, worrying about it. His dear, sweet sub. Roman knew, whatever other men might catch Alan’s eyes, his lover would never betray him, never act on that attraction.

Alan’s love was the single sure thing in a world of uncertainty. The fact that his sub would worry so much about the slight feeling of attraction he had for another strong Master only confirmed that for Roman.

He took a sip of his brandy and a deep breath of the lovely ocean air. Alan stretched under the sheets, his name a soft murmur as his sub slept. It made him smile. There was his sub, focusing on him even in sleep. He knew if he went over there and looked, that tiny hole would be pink, swollen, stretched from his hand.

Thinking about it made him hard. The trust Alan had in him was heady, arousing.

Alan’s eyes opened, peering over at him. “Master?”

“Mmm, yes, my love?”

“Are you okay? Is it late?” Sweet, sleepy boy.

“It’s late. There’s a beautiful night sky.”

Alan rolled up, walking toward him. Roman opened his arms and his lover settled in his lap with a soft sigh.

“Good dreams?”

“Mmmhmm. You and me.”

“Oh, very good dreams.” He offered his glass over to Alan.

Alan sipped, humming softly. “That’s luscious.”

“Almost as luscious as you.”

“Flatterer.” Alan kissed him.

“I don’t need to flatter you.”

“Mmm. I can feel you, all throughout me.”

“Good. You feeling better about everything?”

“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry about earlier. I overreacted.”

“Maybe, but I’d rather you shared everything with me and risked overreacting than holding it in.” It was part of why they worked, their ability to share everything.

Alan kissed Roman’s jaw, rocked softly like he was dancing.

“Are you looking forward to our last three scenes?”

Alan nodded. “Although I have to admit that the time I’ve spent with you has been the best part.”

“It has been wonderful, hasn’t it?” They’d grown closer, even in just a few days.

“Yes. Yes, I love to spend time with you.”

“It’s like a vacation, only far more intense.”

“It’s more private. More like we’re the only people alive.”

“Indeed. With magical elves bringing everything we need.” They hadn’t seen anyone aside from the other Masters at the scenes. Their food and other needs simply appeared.

“Yes!” Alan’s happy laughter made him smile.

Holding his lover close, he let his eyes drift back to the moon and the ocean. It didn’t take long before his boy was asleep again, holding him.

It was perfect. In fact, this whole vacation so far was perfect. Even the unsuccessful scene and the subsequent discussion they’d had was nothing less than exactly what they’d needed.

Good thing, too—it was costing them a fortune. One he’d spend over and over to know his sweet sub was happy.