HEARINGMAVERICK TELL MEabout his time in conversion therapy broke my heart and fueled a rage deep inside me. I couldn’t even classify the people who subjected their kids to that treatment as humans. In addition to the heartbreak and rage, I felt guilt that I contributed to Maverick’s abuse at his parents’ hands. Yes, abuse. What else would anyone call it?
The psychiatrist and the man were waging an internal battle in my brain. Thepsychiatrist knew that no one was responsible for what happened to Maverick except his parents. Themanheard and saw the pain, hurt, and loneliness that Maverick felt as a teenager and regretted any part he played in the punishment. In the end, Maverick helped the man by reminding him how the psychiatrist could help others like him. Why had I not thought about it before? I couldn’t change the past, but I could do more in the future to help my community.
Then it came my turn to confess. I could see exhaustion setting into Maverick’s features and I knew he needed to rest after his long trip and emotional confession. Still, that didn’t mean I had to blurt it out the way I did. I could’ve eased into it, but noooooo. The shift of emotions on Maverick’s face was priceless. He lost his sleepy-eyed look in an instant. His eyes first registered shock and then unbridled lust set in and I was so glad I finally had the truth out in the open. He was turned on by the idea, not repulsed. I saw the promise and acceptance in his eyes before he assured me with his words.
Lying in his arms afterwards, pressed together from head to toe, felt natural and right. I couldn’t imagine going through life without experiencing that connection with another person. We weren’t wrong to love and seek comfort from each other. Nothing had ever felt more right to me. I drifted off into the best sleep I’d had since I returned from Beaufort.
I woke the next morning feeling rejuvenated and we made up for the time we lost the night before – in the bed and then again in the shower. I took him to Spanky’s for a hearty pancake breakfast where we ran into Jack and Liam.
“Hey, lovebirds,” I said as I approached their table. “How’s married life treating you?” I asked after I introduced Maverick as my boyfriend. It rolled off my tongue naturally and I didn’t stop to question it. I could tell by the sappy smiles on Jack and Liam’s faces in response to my question that it was going pretty well.
Then Liam squinted his face into an uncertain expression. “It’s touch and go, Noah. Jack already broke our brand new coffee pot.” He added an eye roll for emphasis. I had admired his spunk since the first day that I met the younger man. At first sight, I was taken in by his attractiveness and stylish flair. Then he threw his arms around my neck and hugged me. I knew it was his way of thanking me for Jack’s recovery, but Jack deserved all of the credit. He put in all the work; I just gave him some guidance and suggestions.
“There’s too many buttons on that damn thing,” Jack replied. “I just wanted a plain cup of coffee and burnt the piss out of myself when I bumped into the lever that released the steam.” He stabbed a piece of pancake forcefully. “Therefore, that fucker is no more.” He smiled wickedly at Liam’s pouting expression. They were opposite in so many ways – looks and personality – but they complimented each other so beautifully.
“Maybe you should call someone about your aggression toward appliances,” Liam said, nodding his head in a not-so-subtle way in my direction. Jack’s narrowed eyes made Liam giggle.
“Please, Ace, you hated that ‘ugly ass thing’ anyway. You only kept it because your aunt bought it for us as a wedding gift.”
“True,” Liam replied with a shrug before he turned to me. “What are you guys up to today?”
“Maverick is visiting this weekend so I thought I’d take him to see some of the monuments and memorials since it’s his first time in the nation’s capital.” Then I wanted him to tie me up and fuck me, but I kept that part to myself. Maverick placed his hand at the small of my back and I wondered if his thoughts and had gone there too.
“Sounds fun,” Jack said. “If you have time tonight you should stop by the bar and try out some food from Liam’s new menu. My guy has mad culinary skills and I can’t wait until he has his own restaurant someday.”
“It’s just new burgers,” Liam said humbly.
“Best burgers in town.” Jack challenged.
“I do love a good burger,” Maverick told me.
“We do carryout now,” Liam told me with a wink. Perhaps he saw my hesitation to share Maverick with a crowd.
“Good to know.” I lightly ruffled Liam’s hair. “I’ll let you get on with your breakfast so we can get to ours before sightseeing.”
Maverick and I had a fun day together. The weather was perfect for walking around and taking in the sights. I treated him to fattening goodies like hot dogs from a street vendor and ice cream cones. Like in Beaufort, Maverick didn’t hesitate to hold my hand or place his arm around me. We got a few looks a time or two, but D.C. was considered to be a “gay friendly” area. I think the diversity is what I loved most about living there.
We ended up getting carryout burgers from Jack’s bar, Bottoms Up. They must’ve been really good too if the noises Maverick made was any indication. As for me, I could only think about my bed and all of the things I wanted Maverick to do to me. I was too excited to eat or think beyond the needs my body demanded.
Maverick finished his burger and sat back in his chair. “Isn’t your burger good? You have to be hungry, Doc. We must’ve walked ten miles today.”
“Trust me, Mav. I’m plenty hungry.” He must’ve seen the need in my eyes, heard it in my deepened voice, and knew that my hunger had nothing to do with food. He stood up and reached for my hand. I rose and took his hand without a word.
He peppered my face with slow kisses as he undressed me. It was an odd feeling standing completely naked in front of him while he was fully dressed. Any uncertainty I felt dissipated the second I felt his warm hands on my bare flesh. I wanted to give myself over to him and let him guide me.
“I have no experience tying people up and I’m not sure what to use or how to do it without hurting you, Noah.” He caressed my face lovingly as he looked into my eyes.
“This has long been a fantasy, but one I’ve never dabbled in, Mav.” I could see how excited he was to be the first and only person to give me what I’d wanted. “I have some silk ties in the closet that we can use to secure my wrists around the wooden slats of my headboard.” Maybe I should’ve felt awkward about discussing it out loud, but I wasn’t. Instead, I was turned on. Standing before me was a man who wanted to please me and give me what I needed.
“Will you trust me to blindfold you too?” My dick twitched in excitement.
“God, yes.”
Maverick smiled wickedly over my eagerness. He went to my closet and pulled out some ties while I positioned myself on the bed. I scooted down far enough so I could raise my arms straight above my head.
I kept my eyes on Maverick’s face while he tied my hands to the wooden slats. His face was serious as he made sure each knot wasn’t so tight that it might cut off my circulation. “Your iron bed at home would be really sexy to tie you to.” God, that sounded so fucking hot. He gave the ties a gentle tug and then looked into my eyes. “Does this feel okay?”
“Feels great.” It did too. I felt the comfortable duvet beneath my body and the silk of my ties wrapped around my wrists. I tested my restraints and they were perfect; tight enough that I couldn’t escape, but not so tight my arms would go numb.
