Is there a part of you that enjoys being watched?
I tap my fingers on my chin and sit up, stretching my hands together above me.
This is so weird. Not only the questions, but my reaction that I’m having to them as well. Is it the subject, or due to the fact that Arnie will read my responses?
I squeeze the base of my cock to calm it. Hooking up hasn’t happened in a while; that’s got to be why I’m attracted to a beast of a man that’s rude to me. It’s kinda hard to do, though, when your knee-deep in failing your classes and working most nights while everyone my age is out hooking up and partying.
Even if I had time for that, I would just talk myself out of going, anyway.
I’ve kind of not been interested in anyone and as I do a quick calculation in my head, I realise it’s been a year and a half. Maybe hooking up would get me out of this funk, and then I won’t need this weirdo tutor who asks the most inappropriate self-assessment questions.
Even my own lies don’t sound right anymore, and it all goes out the window the further I read on.
The questions after that ask about time management, adaptability and seem closer to academic questions; the final one has me gasping.
My restraint gives in, and I look at the clock on my phone, noticing I have about an hour before work. Rolling over, I grab the small bottle I keep in my drawer. Pouring some onto my hand, it’s as though something that was asleep inside me has now come alive and wants to break free. I shove past the math symbols of my pants, and I re-read the question again. A shiver runs up my spine as I lay back, close my eyes and indulge in fantasies of the person I haven’t stopped thinking about in three days.
Have you ever enjoyed being corrected or punished for a mistake?
Chapter 4
Arnie
I make it to the club in 30 minutes, which means I probably broke about 5 traffic laws to get here. Mags is in need though; however, he is the most over-dramatic person I know. Doesn’t mean I don’t help when he calls, though.
The street and club are quiet since its hours before opening. Mags works and co-owns Corricks, a gay bar in the city. One of the most popular ones, too. Hidden down a little cobbled lane with private parking around the back, it’s a hidden gem and a haven for anyone and everyone. Even huge, tattooed goth guys. We still need to let off steam now and again, too.
Mags is standing at the back entrance when I meet him there, eyes red rimmed and wet with fresh tears.
“What happened? Are you okay? Do I need to break someone’s face?”
I look around, but there’s no one here but us. He shakes his head, but when I don’t speak, he finally breaks his silence.
“I’m going to be out of a job! The bar across from us has been bought over, and it’s now a male dancing club. I can’t believe it, Arnie. We will be out of business, and I’ll have to go back to bartending!” He threw his manicured hands in the air in exasperation.
Okay, so it was an over-dramatic Mags today.
“It’s fine Mags, isn’t there like two already in the city? Just go over and say hi to them. I’m sure the new owners are decentpeople. They wouldn’t be trying to put a gay bar out of business, not when their business relies on us going there and throwing money at the hot dancers.”
I threw a smile at him and nudged him with my elbow. When he finally cracks a smile, I tug at his tiny frame until he turns for a bear hug and stays there for a beat until he’s calm.
“You’re right. Why am I so dramatic? Will you come with me? They don’t open for a while, so are you okay to stay and hang out? I’m not dragging you away from anything or anyone, am I?”
He batters his lashes at me, but I know he’s fishing for information. Mags, now happy with the guy of his dreams, has decided that everyone needs to find their person. It must be my turn for his mother hen routine.
“Just tutoring a new guy,” I say, but it doesn’t matter how casually I deliver it, Mags is already clasping his hands and jumping.
“Yes, yes, yes. Can I meet him? Is he your usual type? Details, please. In fact, let’s go to the office, and I’ll get us drinks so you can give me the long version.”
I roll my eyes but laugh and follow Mags inside where we go up the stairs to the office.
Mags was born in Hong Kong but ended up here in the foster system at the same time as me. We’ve always had each other’s backs, even living together before he met Gerry. Then they fell in love before opening Corrick’s together.
As we settle with our cold beers that Mags grabbed us, he immediately asks who Jamie is. It’s not that I don’t want to tell him who he is, but it’s too soon to know if Jamie’s interested in what I will be offering.
Although I know I am, I’m dying to see where correction leads with him. Until he sends back the questionnaire, I won’t know if he is interested or capable of coping with my methods. He will come willingly, though he just might not be aware of it yet.
“His name is Jamie. He’s just a little shorter than me, dirty blond curls, looks like a hot mess in giant’s clothing.”
