“Hmm.Maybe Puck’s issue is simply Kamal and Kamal’s brand of control.”
“Maybe.”
I started disassembling my tripod.When I was all packed up, I bid Adrian goodbye and headed out to find Kamal and Puck.I didn’t want to waste any time, since Kamal had specifically put Puck into that fancy gear for me and my camera.
Lorraine was training Justin, whose inky skin already glistened with sweat, in the corral.I gave her a wave before walking over to lean on the fence of the paddock and watch Kamal and Puck.I was so overcome by all that had occurred today, I needed to get a grip on myself before I got any closer.
I watched them together, and I could already tell Puck was giving Kamal attitude.He didn’t like wearing the tail.Or, hedidlike it, but hated how much he liked it.
When Kamal noticed me, he waved.He gave Puck a slap on the rear to propel him on another circle of the paddock.
“Oliver,” Kamal said as he neared.
“Kamal.”
Kamal flourished an arm at where Puck trotted with some attempt at speed and grace along the edge of the enclosure.“So?What do you think?He looks pretty good kitted out like that, hmm?”
I raised my eyebrows.“Pretty good is an understatement.”
Kamal shrugged.“I see you appreciate the aesthetic.”
“Ah, fuck,” I swore.“I’m already gone for him.What the fuck am I gonna do, Kamal?”
Kamal gazed at me with affection and skepticism.“That didn’t take long.I hope you know what you’re getting into.”
“Probably not.But I can’t seem to help myself.”
Kamal watched his recalcitrant ponyboy, now slowing as he neared us and not putting as much effort into his form.
“Fair enough.Do you want me to set up any particular shots for you this afternoon?He may be itching to show off.”
Puck returned to Kamal, scowling as much as he could with a ball gag in his mouth, and stopped in front of us, breathing hard and drooling.His hair was already damp with sweat, and the sheen on his skin glistened in the afternoon sun.I was pretty sure Puck had heard Kamal’s last remark.
I shook my head.“I’d rather just take candids today, I think.”
“Don’t forget, the first pony show is on Saturday.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Will you do me a favour?”
“Sure.”
“I want to impress upon young Puck here, that he is a paddock pony and, thus, not possessed of a free spirit—a pretty pet and nothing more.”Kamal grinned.“If you would come in here and examine him—” My eyes widened and I started to decline but Kamal kept speaking.“—a cursory examination, Oliver.You won’t need gloves.”
Still, I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea.But Kamal was the boss in this paddock.I bowed to his authority as a secret part of me thrilled to the prospect of getting my hands on the beautiful, captive man.
“Sure.”
“Get in here, then,” Kamal said, whipping a leather lead from his pocket and attaching it to the ring on the chin strap of Puck’s rope halter.
I slipped through the fence and stood beside them.“What do you want me to—”
“Stand,” Kamal said to Puck, who widened his stance and lifted his chin, gaze moving off me to some object in the distance as he quivered with emotion.“Steady.”
Kamal reached out and took my hand, laying it on Puck’s shoulder.“Just touch him.However you like, but stay away from intimate areas, if you don’t mind.Baby steps.He needs to learn to tolerate others.Not just me.”
“Okay,” I said, my heart pounding and sweat gathering on my nape.
