Chapter Three
Being bold was paying off. Hank’s heart fluttered as he tried very hard not to fidget and instead concentrate on sounding coherent and intelligent. Considering the excitement threatening to make him twitch all over, and the erection that was still pressing against his tight thong, he was having more difficulty articulating his hopes and needs than he’d have liked.
However,it sounded like Master Thomas was maybe open to more than just a scene. If that was all Master Thomas wanted, one scene, he wouldn’t bother to do more than find out Hank’s limits.
Hank gave Master Thomas his best smile. Master Thomas looked like he was feeling better now. His broad shoulders were up and back, and Hank couldn’t help but think he’d had something to do with that. Believing so gaveHank the courage to bare his soul, or at least part of it.
He forced himself to remain still when his nerves would have had him wringing his hands. “Master Thomas, I…”Come on, words. Don’t lodge in my throat!“Before, when I first sat down, the truth nearly slipped out. I was too afraid to admit it, but I’m willing to take a chance with you and tell you what I almost said before.”
Master Thomasseemed pleased with that. It wasn’t so much a change in his expression as it was a feeling Hank had, as if he were becoming attuned to Master Thomas and could already read small tells about his moods. Like the dimple in his left cheek that was barely discernible now but hadn’t showed at all earlier, or the way his eyelids lowered just a bit, as if he were relaxing.
“Go on,” Master Thomas said,and Hank realized he’d been staring.
“Oh. I’m sorry. You’re just, you know. Everything.”Well, that wasn’t sensible at all.
“Everything?” Master Thomas arched one pitch-black eyebrow.
Hank sighed. “It’s a little silly for me to be so tongue-tied. I’m not anything close to being a blushing virgin, despite what Larry says.”
“But youdoblush,” Master Thomas pointed out. “I bet your skin marksbeautifully.”
Hank had to work not to preen. “I’ve been told it colors quite nicely, but I don’t know about beautifully.”
Master Thomas held up one hand. “May I?”
“Anything,” Hank answered, the truth in that one word making his voice raspy.
“Not anything. You have hard limits. This”—Master Thomas pinched Hank’s right nipple—“isn’t one of them?”
“Oh no, no not at all. I love ni—” Hank’s entirebody went hot with need as Master Thomas began to twist his nipple. Hank pressed his lips together and fought back a plea for more.
“I prefer to hear you,” Master Thomas said. “Every sound you want to make, give it to me.”
Hank stopped trying to repress the moan and let it out. His eyes rolled back in his head as he struggled to keep them open.
Master Thomas rewarded him with a sharper pinch.“That’s what I want, Hank. An honest reaction. Truth. No deceit, no playing at submission. I don’t play at being a Dom. Iama Dom.”
Hank bobbed his head. Speaking was difficult when hot waves of lust kept washing over him. Somehow, Hank found the strength to acknowledge Master Thomas’ words.
“Yes, Master Thomas. You are. Oh. Oh!” That extra twist was going to make Hank start begging for more.
But Master Thomas released his nipple. “You were saying?”
“Saying?” Hank gasped. He blinked and shook his head. His nipple throbbed in a most pleasurable manner. He was tempted to touch it but knew better than to do such a thing without permission. “Oh, right. Right. I’m sorry, Master Thomas.” Hank was going to reach out with both hands—figuratively—and hope he wasn’t slapped down. “I would likemore than just a scene. I mean, I want that, too.” Hank took a breath and released it as he tried to get his brain in gear. “I’d like to do a scene with you tonight, see if this chemistry between us is just about the power exchange, although I know I’m sexually attracted to you also. If you’re amenable to it, then maybe we could have sex. I don’t always, with a Dom who isn’t my Master. If we stillfeel, er, attracted…” Hank’s face was burning with the heat of embarrassment, but he wanted Master Thomas, and not being up front about that would be a mistake. “We could see about having more than a single scene and one round of sex?”
“That must have been very difficult for you to share with me,” Master Thomas said in a low voice. “I admire your bravery.”
Hank ducked his head. “Thank you. I’vefound being open is the best way to avoid issues.”
“And you want me,” Master Thomas said. “Possibly for more than a one-time encounter. Some BDSM first, and sex if we both agree. Perhaps something more if we’re compatible.”
“I want you,” Hank agreed. “And yes, not to overstep, but I want a stable relationship eventually. If that can’t be with you, if it’s not something you see happening foryou yet or ever, maybe we should just stop here.”
“Hank, look at me. I want to see your eyes, your expression, not the crown of your head.”
Hank jerked his head up immediately and forced himself to level his gaze on Master Thomas’.
Master Thomas studied him for what must have been a solid minute, then said, “I’m agreeable to leaving things open after our scene if it goes as well as I thinkit will. In fact, I believe we’ll be very well suited, and I already know I’d like to fuck you after I flog you. I want hard, and fast, and I want rough. Bruised ass, bruised hips, bruised arms where I’ve held on to you. I want every sound, every flinch, every thought—I want it all. If you’re agreeable, let’s have your safe words.”
