“ENTER.”
Joshua pushed the door open, the battle of whether to stay or run still wreaking havoc on his body. Each step was laborious. Nash was leaning a shoulder against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. Joshua was definitely attracted to him, but it was the intense dark gaze and the stern expression on his face that had Joshua going to the center of the room. He’d stay for now. He could always change his mind later.
“What are you looking for?”
Pain. Thankfully, Joshua had the good sense not to blurt it out even if it was true. Nash claimed he wanted complete honesty, but did he really? If Joshua gave Nash what he was asking for, could he handle it? Would he simply send Joshua and his fucked-up self away?
What are you looking for?
Joshua gritted his teeth. He hated that fucking question. He never knew how to answer it in a way that would satisfy the man asking it. They all were seeking a different answer. Joshua considered what he knew so far about Nash, choosing his words carefully. “I’m looking for a master. I’m looking for someone who can control me. I’m looking for you, Sir.”
Nash’s stern expression didn’t change, but he gave a curt nod. “On your knees.”
Joshua didn’t hesitate. If he was going to stay, going to give Nash another chance, then he’d play his role perfectly. For now.
Nash pushed off the wall and came to stand before Joshua. He planted his feet slightly apart, hands on his hips. “Service me.”
Something had changed in Nash after Joshua had left his bedroom earlier. This was a test. The snap in Nash’s voice, his hard expression, and his demanding demeanor sent a thrill racing down Joshua’s spine.
Maybe he’d read him wrong. Maybe he wasn’t soft, weak.
THERE WAS no hesitation. Nash gave nothing away, determined in his new resolve, his veneer of control as his cock was freed from his pants. Joshua took the head of Nash’s cock into his mouth, lips pulled back to protect Nash’s flesh from teeth.
Nash moaned his approval, giving Joshua something for his easy acceptance of Nash’s cock. Knowing this wasn’t what Joshua was hoping for when he entered the room, Nash didn’t care. Joshua would have to learn to accept Nash’s will. Nash was in control at this moment. Nothing else mattered except his own pleasure and that Joshua bend to his will.
Nash pushed deeper, wanted to make him sweat, make him unbalanced and force him to focus on Nash, work for his approval. Nash took Joshua’s head in his hands, held him so he couldn’t move his face back. Nash didn’t thrust, had no intentions of fucking Joshua’s mouth hard. Cool. Calm. Controlled. Nash slowly pushed his cock all the way into Joshua’s throat, hesitated for a moment, cutting off Joshua’s breath, pushing him, then just as slowly pulled it back to where only the tip rested on Joshua’s lips.
Joshua breathed heavily through his nose, the only indication the deep penetration of his throat had affected him. Other than that, he held perfectly still, allowing Nash to set the pace, to take what he wanted.
Nash rolled his hips, found a slow, steady rhythm, enjoying the sensation of his growing arousal at a pace that wouldn’t take him to the edge too quickly. He liked having Joshua on his knees before him. The sight of the man, the warm wet mouth, the power Nash held over him was intoxicating.
Nash didn’t praise, didn’t say a word, concentrating on chasing his orgasm, one slow stroke at a time. He took the opportunity to reestablish his power over the man, to solidify his resolve and think about nothing but his own pleasure, his will, his need.
Joshua was a talented little cocksucker. While he remained still, didn’t try to hamper Nash’s movements, he used his teeth and tongue, demanding Nash’s orgasm. Nash tried to hold back, held out as long as he could to deny that demand, but far too soon Nash was emptying into Joshua’s throat.
Joshua didn’t miss a drop. He swallowed, throat contracting around Nash’s dick, prolonging Nash’s pleasure until he was spent and limp.
Nash eased his grip on Joshua’s head, and he slid his hand down to cup Joshua’s jaw, cock slipping from his mouth. “Well done, boy. Now we’ll see if you take my crop as easily as you take my dick.”
Nash didn’t miss the way Joshua shuddered or the excitement in his tone when he said, “Yes, Sir.”
Nash made him wait. He knew this was the reward Joshua was hoping for, but Nash wasn’t going to make it easy. He held Joshua’s jaw and waited, staring into those expressive green eyes, not saying a word.
It took Joshua several long moments to calm himself. Obviously his focus was on his own needs rather than Nash’s. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Joshua relinquished his control once again. He relaxed and leaned into Nash’s touch.
“That’s it,” Nash murmured. “So beautiful when you submit. You will be even more so with my marks on your skin, dancing beneath my crop.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“What are your safewords?” Nash asked, not sure Joshua would use them but needing to reiterate their importance to Joshua.
“Yellow and red, Sir.”
Nash used to think that there was no point of living the lifestyle if boundaries weren’t pushed. Now he wondered if he’d been thinking about it all wrong. Maybe right now it wasn’t his job to push boundaries or even to set them. Perhaps his job was to concentrate on his needs being met as well as the needs of his boy. They could press limits—or find them—later, after they were more comfortable with each other.
“Get up. Leave your clothes here and follow me.” Nash had to clamp down on his excitement. It had been a very long time since he’d used his playroom, and the thought of having Joshua there thrilled him.
Joshua followed to heel quietly, but the sharp intake of breath when they entered the playroom and the lights were turned on had Nash fighting back his smile. He was very proud of this room, had spent years adding to his collection. He’d meticulously planned out every aspect of the room to suit his needs. The rubberized black walls and ceiling were designed for both easy cleanup and to add to the other soundproofing measure hidden behind the walls. Joshua could scream as loud as he wanted and it would never escape past the door.
Shackles hung from the ceiling by heavy chains; thick metal O-rings were bolted to the floor in various locations. A leather-bound St. Andrew’s cross and a spanking bench, as well as an exam table, took up the space on one side. But it was the vast collection of crops, whips, paddles, and floggers that caught Joshua’s attention when he went to the center of the room and stood in his display position. His long slender cock was hard and stretching up and away from his body and his head was tilted toward the implements, no doubt trying to see them without turning.
Without a word, Nash went to the armoire and threw open the doors. He studied the contents. He picked up a heavy metal anal plug and considered it for a moment. The weight of it would force Joshua to keep his focus on it while he was being cropped or it would slip from his body. Joshua needed that focus on something other than the pain, but the plug wasn’t quite right. Nash set it back down. He wanted Joshua to need Nash’s cock filling him while Nash beat him.
He grabbed a condom and a small tube of lube and slid them into the front pocket of his pants. He then chose a metal cock ring with a locking spring system. It was smooth and wouldn’t dig into sensitive flesh, but it would cause a lot of pressure around Joshua’s cock, much like a very tight fist.
“Stand beneath the chains,” Nash ordered and pointed to the ones attached to shackles so there would be no confusion.
Joshua moved into position without argument.
Running his fingers over the cool surface of the cock ring, Nash watched him move, the lean muscles of Joshua’s legs flexing with each step and his cock bobbing. Nash took a moment to appreciate Joshua’s impressive body as well as to give himself a chance to clear his mind. He grounded himself in this moment, setting aside the past and the future. Only the here and now.
Joshua’s gaze stayed on Nash’s hands as the shackles were placed around Joshua’s wrists. Nash slid a single finger beneath the steel. Satisfied the bindings weren’t too tight, he adjusted the length of the chain so Joshua had to go up on his toes, body stretched. Nash then set his focus on Joshua’s hard cock. He pumped it a couple of times before securing the cock ring. Joshua sucked in a harsh breath, body going rigid for a few heartbeats, vulnerable balls lifting as he adjusted to the pressure. Nash watched him carefully, ready to remove the ring if it became too much. But then Joshua closed his eyes and blew out a long breath, the tension leaving his body.
God, he’s beautiful. Joshua was strong yet vulnerable, a heady mixture, and Nash’s desire for him increased. He wanted him. All of him. Not just his body, but his mind, his heart, his very soul.
Focus, he reminded himself. Here and now. Nothing else matters.
“You are not to come unless I give you permission. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Sir. I won’t, Sir,” Joshua responded, his voice tight.
Nash went to the wall, which was covered by his collection of implements. Although his back was to Joshua, he could feel his gaze boring into him. Or maybe it was the way Nash brushed his fingers over the soft wood of the cane that intrigued Joshua. Didn’t matter. Let him watch. Nash picked up various items, all for show. Let Joshua wonder and let his excitement grow. Finally, Nash picked up the riding crop with the ring of black leather attached to the end.
Nash turned around and tested the crop against his thigh. The snap caused Joshua’s eyes to flash for a second, a single heartbeat, and then he lowered his eyes and licked his lips.
Evidence of Joshua’s excitement was written all over his body, the way he swayed, the slight increase in the rise and fall of his chest, and the light sheen of perspiration glistening on his brow. Joshua was so fucking beautiful it hurt. And he would hurt too.
Nash had no silly notions that he would break Joshua with a single cropping. But there was a part of him that still clung to the hope that the others were wrong. That Joshua wasn’t as far gone as Kirk claimed he was. Nash was a realist, though. There would be no disappointment if the boy didn’t break; it would only further cement Nash’s conviction that eventually he would. Joshua needed to know that he couldn’t manipulate Nash. That if Joshua put his trust in him, he could push him over that edge, allow him to soar and be there to catch him. Nash would not fail him as others had.
The tension in the room built to a palpable thing that took on a life of its own. It swirled around them, cocooning them with their expectations, excitement, hope. It caused the air to become heavy, a bitter scent of need infusing it.
“You’re to stay still and not make a sound until you can no longer hold it back. Is that understood?” Nash needed to know, needed a mark of Joshua’s tolerance.
“I understand, Sir.”
“Good. We begin.” Nash came to stand behind Joshua and drew his arm back. In the second before he let his arm fall, Nash had the distinct feeling that the events about to take place were of the utmost importance. Possibly the most important thing he’d ever done. He could not fail Joshua. I won’t. He let the crop fly.
The skin on Joshua’s left shoulder went white and then, a heartbeat later, turned a lovely shade of red. Nash’s strike was placed with the perfect amount of weight, the mark undeniable.
He laid another one down on the opposite shoulder.
It took six or seven strokes before Joshua showed any outward sign of feeling the blows. But then there was a low, barely audible rumbling sound and it was like music to Nash’s ears.
Joshua was strong. Nash had never met anyone who could take that many blows without so much as a grunt. But it thrilled Nash that Joshua did, in fact, have limits. Seven blows before he made a sound was a limit, a small one, but still a limit nonetheless. If he could find one that easily, then he was sure he’d find others. Kirk was an idiot. Focus.
Nash’s next strokes were laid against the juncture of thigh and ass. Joshua’s head was tipped back and turned just enough that Nash was able to see his eyes flutter closed, but that was the only response to the strikes.
Nash adjusted his swing, but not the weight behind it, letting the next one land across Joshua’s ass. Nash smiled when the muscles of Joshua’s backside tightened and he went up even farther on his toes for a split second. He’d felt it and couldn’t not respond to it, no matter how subtle. Nash saw it and took joy in the fact that Joshua wasn’t made of stone. That he wouldn’t just stand there with no response and allow Nash to beat him to death. Nash only had to watch for the small responses, keep a critical eye on Joshua’s flesh as not to do any permanent damage, and back off at just the right moment that would give Joshua the pleasure he sought in pain while not letting him fall into the abyss.
Nash took his focus off Joshua for a moment while he processed everything, so the period before the next stroke landed was longer. Again only the smallest of response, a small gasp, but Nash would take it. It became a battle between them. A fight to see who actually had control. Would Nash’s arm give out before Joshua gave him something more? Would his strength strip Nash of his control?
No. Nash refused to give up even the tiniest amount. This was his realm, his show, his outcome to decide. Nash knew even with holding back on the power of his strikes, that enough strikes could cause Joshua’s skin to tear. He refused to spill a single drop of Joshua’s blood, at least not tonight. Perhaps one day, but only when Nash was 100 percent certain that he could read Joshua’s body and know that he wasn’t going to take it too far.
It took nearly twenty blows before Nash was rewarded with his first true response. The leather tip connecting with Joshua’s balls caused him to cry out and his head fell forward. His breathing sped, he was panting, and a barely audible word was whispered. Nash didn’t know what the boy had said, but it was enough that he’d let out a sound. Nash smiled again.
Another limit.
That deserved a reward. Nash lowered his arm and moved up close. He dragged his tongue along the base of Joshua’s neck, tasting the salty sweat on his skin. A soft, needy sound escaped Joshua that caused a fine crack in Nash’s control. Had anyone ever showed this man kindness or had they only taken, taken, and taken? Nash’s gut roiled, the urge to wrap his arms around the man and hold him overwhelming, but he pushed it down.
Focus.
Nash brushed his lips along Joshua’s shoulder, then stepped back. He raised his arm, let the crop fly again, let it kiss the spot where his lips were seconds ago. The dam broke. Joshua was no longer able to hold still and low sounds poured from his throat.
Nash’s pulse raced, entire body tingling from arousal and pride. His arm was heavy with the effort of wielding the crop. His concentration narrowed down to nothing but Joshua and landing the stripes where he wanted them, where they would produce the greatest effect.
Another strike, another lovely cry. They worked together like perfectly synced music, the slaps complementing the pleasure-filled song. The skin of Joshua’s back was a fiery red color, welts standing out above the white scars. Any more and his flesh would break. Nash refused to lay another strike to the swollen and bruised flesh. He moved around to stand in front of Joshua.
Nash’s breath hitched at the sight before him. Joshua’s face was slack in pleasure, his eyes glazed. Tracks of tears glistened on his cheeks, cock still hard. He was fully immersed in his subspace. He was flying and beyond beautiful.
Nash shortened the grip on the crop, giving him more control, then flicked the leather flap against Joshua’s right nipple.
Joshua’s eyes fluttered closed again, and his head fell back. The strike to his nipple caused the nub to tighten immediately, and Joshua’s sharp cry echoed around the room.
Nash hit the other nipple, getting another lovely cry for his effort.
Knowing that in this moment, there would be no trace of sadness, only pleasure, Nash said, “Open your eyes.”
Joshua gasped, his body bowstring tight, scarcely breathing, and shook his head.
“I said open your eyes,” Nash demanded, tone hard and sharp like the crop, which he let fly again, hitting Joshua’s pec slightly above his right nipple.
“Oh fuck!” Joshua cried out, glassy green eyes flying open.
Nash held his gaze for a moment, but he wasn’t sure Joshua was really seeing him. No matter, he’d followed Nash’s command, had stayed focused on his Dom while absorbing, processing the pain. Without looking away from those beautiful eyes, Nash leaned forward and slowly teased one of the abused nubs with the tip of his tongue, easing the sting and burn with soft, delicate flicks.
Joshua’s eyes cleared and filled with pure need. Nash was overjoyed at the progress of their play. Joshua didn’t fight him, didn’t demand more; he took what Nash dished out, took it into himself and turned it into bright and shining pleasure. It was really quite breathtaking to witness.
As Nash continued to move his mouth back and forth across Joshua’s chest, the man began to vibrate, as if he were having a harder time dealing with the soft touches than he had with the stinging slaps of the crop.
Joshua’s lips parted as he panted. His hard cock was mere inches from Nash’s mouth. The temptation was too much and he bent farther still to tease his tongue over the flared head. He reached out with his free hand, grabbed Joshua’s balls, tugging, twisting them, not enough to cause real pain but to mimic the heavy pressure the cock ring produced.
Joshua stretched, tried to pull away, but his bindings kept him right there. He was at Nash’s mercy. “There is nowhere to go,” Nash murmured. Another flick of the tongue, a heavier tug to those delicate balls before Nash stood up and took a step back.
“Nowhere I’d rather be, Sir.” Joshua pulled at his chains, making them rattle, adding to their shared music.
Joshua was on the edge; Nash could practically see him teetering on it. A few more strikes, a couple of hard pulls on his pulsing cock, and the boy, his boy would be coming. They stood there in that perfect moment, eyes locked. It was Nash’s choice; his will determined which direction they would take or even if he’d allow Joshua to come. The power over such an amazing creature was heady, and he wavered on what he wanted to do next.
After a long, drawn-out moment, Nash raised the crop and placed a short stroke across Joshua’s belly and then quickly followed it with another one, crossing the first one.
“Ah, god.” Joshua arched for a second and then dropped his head, pressed his chin to his chest, panting harshly, his long hair covering his face. But Nash didn’t need to see it to know the strikes had caused Joshua immense pleasure. The wild twitching of his cock, the flush of skin, were all the proof Nash needed.
Nash allowed the crop to fall from his fingers and crash to the floor. He placed his palm close to Joshua’s stomach, not quite touching, and felt the heat. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the side. He moved to stand behind Joshua, the same ghost of a touch, the amount of heat radiating off Joshua amazing, satisfying. Nash slid his hands around Joshua’s body, pressed them against the marks on Joshua’s belly and tugged until his back was pressed to Nash’s chest.
Joshua hissed. Nash could tell he wanted to pull away from the initial contact, but he didn’t. He submitted, relaxing once again and allowing Nash to hold him.
“You are so amazing,” Nash whispered against Joshua’s ear. “I’ve never met anyone who could take a strike with as much composure as you do. How long you held in your sounds, kept your body still, was quite remarkable.” He slid his lips down, tasting the salt of Joshua’s skin, nipped at the tender flesh at the juncture of neck and shoulder. “So proud of you, boy.”
Joshua moaned at the stinging bite, then turned his head, lips parted as if begging a kiss.
Nash didn’t deny him. He pressed their mouths together, kissed him until they were both breathless. Nash’s arms trembled from the tight hold, his muscles exhausted, but he couldn’t rest, not yet. He reached up and detached Joshua’s wrists from the shackles, catching him when he slumped.
Joshua tried to steady himself, to find his feet and stand, but Nash wasn’t the only one exhausted because he allowed Nash to hold his weight awhile longer.
“I have you,” Nash assured him. “Just rest for a minute, breathe.”
When the trembling in Joshua’s legs began to quiet, Nash led him out of the room, keeping him close as they made it into the safe room. Nash helped him to sit on the leather ottoman and then went to the cabinet and retrieved the first aid kit.
“Arms at your sides,” Nash instructed him and then sprayed Joshua’s wounds with anesthetic. The medicine was cool on Joshua’s reddened flesh, and he tensed, goose bumps blooming across his skin. Nash inspected each and every strike, making sure the skin wasn’t split. He found no evidence of a seeping wound but they were an angry red, and some had already begun to bruise. Satisfied with his marks, Nash returned the kit to the cabinet, then helped Joshua to the bed.
Lying on his side, Joshua did not let his gaze leave Nash’s. So many emotions shone in his expressive eyes: pleasure, contentment, want, need, question. Nash wasn’t sure which was more prominent. “How do you feel?”
“My body is ready for rest but… my mind…. I need something more,” he admitted, voice hoarse.
“I know what you need. What we need.” Nash took the condom and lube from his pocket before sliding out of his pants. He then joined Joshua on the bed, moving up behind him. Nash rolled on the condom and slicked it up before tossing the tube to the floor. He grabbed Joshua’s leg and pushed it up and over to allow Nash to work his way slowly, oh so fucking slowly, into Joshua’s ass.
Joshua moaned low, seductively when Nash breached him, the sounds growing in strength the deeper Nash pushed, Joshua’s body taking him in with only the slightest hesitation. His ass was tight, gripping Nash’s cock like a glove, squeezing it.
“Sir….” The single word was like a prayer passing Joshua’s parted lips.
“I’m right here. Going to give you what you need.”
Nash set a slow and steady pace and reached around to take Joshua’s hard cock in hand, stroking it in time with the movements of his hips, finding that familiar rhythm they’d achieved during the beating. Their bodies danced perfectly against each other.
There was no rush. It was slow, almost sweet, lovemaking that pushed Nash higher and higher. How long they rocked together, Nash had no clue. He didn’t care, wanting to stay in the moment, enjoy the experience. But it couldn’t last forever. Nash pressed a kiss to Joshua’s ear and whispered, “Come for me.” He released the ring from Joshua’s cock. One more thrust and he tumbled over the edge, not with a shout, but with a contented sigh. Joshua quickly followed, as if he’d needed Nash’s release before he could achieve his own.
Nash rested his head on the pillow next to Joshua’s, holding him tight, still buried deep within him, unwilling to release him. He placed a soft kiss on the back of Joshua’s head, breathing him in.
It was in that moment, in the warm afterglow of their bliss that Nash realized that not only did Joshua belong to him, but he belonged to Joshua. He couldn’t imagine ever touching another man this way. Didn’t want to. A connection so strong bound him to Joshua in a way Nash had never experienced. He’d work hard, be the best he could be, so Joshua wouldn’t ever want another’s touch.