I snort a laugh, rolling my eyes. “Alright, playboy, calm down.”
“Well, do you?”
“Do I wake up next to someone? Never. I tend to prefer sleeping alone.”
“Yeah, you said as much when you kicked me out the other night.” He sighs. “So why did you tell me I could stay last night?”
I take a moment to think as I chew. WhydidI let him stay? I don’t even normally have my playthings in the same house withme, much less let them sleep in my bed. My liaisons are typically at a club or hotel, with strict time parameters.
“You were a very good boy for me last night, and good boys get rewarded. Don’t get used to it, though. Like I said, I prefer to sleep alone.”
I warn myself, just as much as him. Because as nice as it was to wake up in someone’s arms, feeling, dare I say, cherished, I don’t need to get used to it either. Sex is transactional, nothing more. Developing feelings for my sub is strictly off the table. Allowing myself to care for someone, or even love them, is only a weakness. One I cannotafford.
“That’s fine with me. Last night was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it, so I’ll be here for you in any capacity you’ll have me.”
“That’s good to hear. I enjoyed it as well, and since we both had fun, I think it’s worthwhile to explore more together. Actually, now is a great time to discuss anything youdidn’tlike last night. A huge part of this dynamic is communication and trust. Before and after every scene, I’ll always check in to make sure we’re on the same page. If there’s ever anything you’re uncomfortable with, make sure to let me know. It’s a completely separate conversation from anything we discuss during aftercare, so that neither of us is still affected by the scene.”
Thatcher’s gaze darkens at the mention of last night. “No, Ma’am. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about last night. In fact, I look forward to exploring more.”
“Very good—” Misha’s signature knock on my door interrupts me. “Come in.”
“Morning, moya tsaritsa.” He nods a greeting to Thatcher, then winks at me. “Good night as well then, I see.”
“Whatdo you want?” I hiss, but he doesn’t answer.
Getting the memo that he’s not welcome for this discussion, Thatcher stands and straightens his shirt. “I’ll, um…I’ll just see myself out.”
I don’t miss the loaded look between the two men, and I know they’ll be talking about our night later. Oh well. Misha knows about my proclivities just as I know about his, so the more advice he gives my boy toys, the better off I am.
The door is barely shut before Misha flops down where Thatcher was just sitting. “How was your night?”
“I believe you had somethingyouneeded to tellme?”
“Oh yes. Mr. Zadorov wanted to inform you that his son will be joining him later this month. Apparently, the boy is looking forward to, and I quote, ‘finally laying eyes on his future missus.’”
I gag at the thought of doing anything with that asshole’s son. “Never going to happen. I should kill them both just for the image in my mind. What else did you need?”
“That was it.” He leans back, kicking his feet up on the table. “But I thinkyouhave lots to tell me.”
“I should’ve known you just wanted to gossip. It was…great actually. He exceeded my expectations on all fronts and—”
“And you let him sleep with you? How many times does that make recently?”
“You’re an asshole.Yes,he slept with me. So what? Sue me.”
“I’m just messing with you, and you know it. I think it’s good for you to have someone—”
The insinuation that Thatcher is mysomeoneputs me on the defensive, and I sit up, giving Misha a glare that would bring lesser men to tears. “I donothave someone. It was a very long night, and he was a very good boy. That isall—”
He ignores me, like always, never intimidated by anything I do or say. “As I was saying…I think it’s good for you to have someone right now. You’ve been stressed to the max with thistransition, with no time off or outlet for your frustrations. Trust me, I knowexactlyhow you’re feeling. I hate the sentimental shit as much as you, but if I had a hot little toy living with me right now, I would be a much happier man.”
“I guess you’re right,” I sigh, relaxing back into my chair.
“The timeline works out. He’ll be starting his season around the time your schedule frees up enough for you to get to a club. I think it’s good for both of you.” He pauses and takes my hand. “Plus, he’s Teddy’s best friend, so he’s already a target for our enemies. Your connection with him isn’t putting him in any more danger than he would be in already.”
I didn’t even realize my subconscious was so concerned about Thatcher’s safety, but he’s right. That’s one of the reasons I never have 24/7 arrangements in the first place. The more time someone spends with me, the more of a target they become. If anyone is putting Thatcher at risk, it’s Teddy, not me. So why not take advantage of the perfect boy sleeping in the room next to mine? There’s a built-in deadline for the relationship, and Misha’s right, I could use the stress relief.
“Okay, moya sila. You have a point. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.”
