He laughed, and Smith slid out of the booth so I could go to the bathroom. I’d never been more thankful for the private restrooms at Cunningham’s than I was after slamming the door closed and twisting the deadbolt. I didn’t need to relieve myself, at least not by using the restroom. I turned the water on cold and splashed some on my face, desperate to drop the temperature of my cheeks. If I couldn’t get my mind off Silas, dinner was going to be excruciating, not just because of the distraction but because my brothers would see right through my lies. I wasn’t dating anyone, but I was very interested in remedying that as soon as possible.
In the pocket of my slacks, my phone let out a quick buzz, the alert of an incoming text message. If it was Finn teasing me about this imaginary boyfriend of mine, I would sneak out the back and abandon our Friday meals for the rest of time. It wasn’t Finn, though. It was Silas, which was somehow worse. That cloying energy burned at my cheeks again, and I turned to rest my ass on the counter and read what he had to say.
Tapping open my message app, a long, colored bubble filled my screen and then some. Silas apparently had a lot he needed to say.
Silas
Spoke with Landon today and he told me about Barrett’s membership being suspended. He says you didn’t have anything to do with that, but I don’t know if I believe him. It seems like something you would do. I also accepted responsibility for my part of the whole thing. For under-negotiating, for ignoring what I knew were red flags. I’m very lucky you walked in, Marshall. I don’t know if I ever thanked you for helping me, but if I didn’t…thank you.
Anyway, Landon said something that really resonated with me. He said a partner can only hold a safe space for me if I help create it, and I didn’t do that with Barrett, but I’m going to do it with you. I’m going to be safe by being clear. I’m terrified to send this, so I hope this doesn’t blow up in my face, but I do want the things we talked about on Saturday. I want you to restrain me and spank me. I don’t think, no…I know I’m not ready for gags right now, but I am a submissive, Marshall. And I want to submit to you. I’m not asking for anything more than that right now. A little bondage and a good spanking, maybe hopefully some rough sex too. I don’t care that you’re older than me. I don’t care if you know my dad. This isn’t about him. It’s about us.
I read the message no less than five times, my throat growing drier and my cock harder with every pass. Silas’s forwardness in asking for what he wanted was one of the sexiest things about him. I’d seen it last weekend in my living room and again just now with the text message. He wasn’t offering me a blank check with his body. He offered me a very specific list of wants to make up a carefully controlled and well thought out scene. I could do all the things he asked for. I wanted to do all of those things. And I’d told him no before because I didn’t think he was ready for it, but maybe neither of us had been.
There were a few things I wanted to talk to him about, but none of them were suited for text message so my reply to Silas was short and simple
Publicly or privately?
I set my phone on the counter and splashed my face again.The pink was a permanent fixture, it seemed, only getting darker when Silas’s reply came through.
Private.
I’ll give Lincoln your address so he knows where I am and a time limit to hold out without hearing from me before calling the cops.
I huffed out an amused laugh, wondering what that breath would have given away if anyone had heard it.
You have been putting thought into this, haven’t you?
Yes.
Tonight?
What time?
I’m at dinner with my brothers right now. How does nine sound?
Nine is good. I’ll tell Lincoln if he hasn’t heard from me by eleven to send help.
Let’s make it eight, Silas. And give me until twelve.
I want to take my time with you.
eight and twelve then. At your house?
Yes. Unless you would feel safer at a hotel.
There was enough of a delay in response I knew he was actually weighing the pros and cons of my house versus a hotel.
Which would you prefer?
Silas, there will hopefully come a time between us where my preferences guide decision-making, but tonight isn’t that time.
I pushed the heel of my hand down hard between my legs, willing my unruly erection to settle back into line so I could go rejoin my brothers.
Your house is good.
Then I’ll see you at eight.
I glanced at my watch, it was just after six.
