Aaron rang the doorbell and concentrated on repeating the mantra, but it flew out of his head as soon as the door opened.
The Jay from Friday night had been exquisite, the neatly polished look of his suit giving him an air of authority and haughtiness.
The Jay greeting him at the door was the complete opposite. A white tank top clung to his torso, sweat darkening the fabric across his chest and showing off dark chest hair. He wore gray shorts, their lightweight fabric rumpled from a workout. Every inch of his delicious bare skin was glistening with sweat, and Aaron yearned to lick it off. He could almost taste the salty flavor on his tongue.
This was not a polished man. This Jay was rugged, almost primal in his masculinity. Strength and virility radiated from him, and Aaron was both excited and terrified of what was to come.
He couldn’t wait to get started.
“Am I early?” Aaron asked, walking into the house. Jay must have just gotten home from the gym and hadn’t had time to get ready. Not that Aaron minded the delectable display.
“Nope, you’re good.” Jay smirked and steered him to the living room. “This is the space we’ll be in. Feel free to move around and check it out. I want you to be comfortable.”
Aaron glanced around, quickly realizing that even without wall art or plants, it was nothing like the bachelor pad Jay had led him to expect. A large brown leather sofa dominated the room, and a glass-top coffee table that lived in front of it, judging by the indents in the carpet, was pushed against the wall, creating an open space. Tastefully arranged bookshelves and a large entertainment system lined the walls.
“Your home is lovely,” Aaron said, hiding a smile. “I’ll get you a fern for Christmas to finish the look.”
Jay’s eyes crinkled in the corners, and he gestured for Aaron to follow him into the kitchen. “Let’s talk for a bit first.”
“Of course.” Aaron plopped down on a stool by the counter, mesmerized by the unusual light fixture. Dozens of tiny glowing spheres descended from the ceiling, casting a soft light on the dark wood finish of the cabinets. It gave the room a cozy feel. “Your kitchen is awesome.”
“It came with the house,” Jay deadpanned and paused, a flash of nervousness coming across his face. “I have something for you.”
He pushed a white linen bag toward Aaron—exactly like the one he’d walked out of Suede Dreams with, only smaller. Aaron reached in and pulled out two gorgeous leather cuffs, embossed with floral patterns and adorned with metal clasps. After running his fingertips across the raised surface, he turned to Jay for an explanation, confused by what appeared to be an extremely generous gift.
“I know you prefer a very clear separation between the scene and real life,” Jay said softly. “We both agree that my dominance starts and ends within the scene, but I figured you might like to have a visual cue. Since you don’t strike me as someone who’d wear a collar, I think this is a good substitute.” He gently took the cuffs from Aaron. “When you put these on, the scene starts, and I’m in control. As soon as they come off, the control is all yours.”
“That’s really thoughtful,” Aaron whispered, trying to keep his emotions at bay. Jay understood him, really understood him, and the gooey tenderness he’d been trying to contain spread across his chest.
“Oh! And there’s this neat thing.” Jay connected the clasps and tugged. “They can double as restraints.”
“Damn, Jay. They’re beautiful. And fucking expensive. I’ll pay you back.”
“Aaron, it’s a gift.”
“And it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received, but I also remember how much these cost at the store.”
“Aaron.” Jay’s voice became low and stern. “It’s a gift.”
Aaron swayed as desire surged through him from the command in Jay’s Dom voice. He nodded wordlessly.
“Good. Now, would you like some water? Do you want to hang out for a bit before we start?”
“I’m ready.” Aaron’s voice was hoarse with anticipation.
“In that case, put them on and join me in the living room in two minutes.” He gave Aaron a lingering look and disappeared behind the door.
Aaron’s fingers quivered as he undid the clasps and slid the cuffs on. The soft leather hugged his wrists, and as soon as they snapped shut, he felt different. Free.
This newfound freedom was intoxicating. He was no longer in control, but it wasn’t scary, because Jay would never take advantage of him, would never hurt him. They’d only met a month ago, but Aaron already trusted Jay down to his bones. Enough to share pieces of himself no one else knew about. Enough to show up at his house and make himself the most vulnerable he’d ever been.
He glanced at the clock on the microwave, took a deep breath, and stepped through the doorway.
Jay was reclined on the couch, arms draped along the backrest, looking completely at ease.
“Stand here.” Jay gestured to the open space in front of him, and Aaron shivered before obeying.
“Take off your clothes.” Jay’s low voice was aloof, almost bored, and tendrils of want slithered through Aaron’s groin as he followed the command. He tossed his clothes to the side as they came off, quickly stripping down to his underwear. His erection was obvious, bulging the thin fabric, straining to be free.
