Landon cracked up, as Daddy had intended. And just like that, he wasn’t worried any more. Because Daddy knew what he was doing and how to take care of him.
He reached for Daddy’s hand on his shoulder and laced their fingers together. I trust you, he signed with his other hand.
Thank you, Daddy replied sincerely. That means a lot to me.
And then they walked into the store holding hands. Which was kind of magical all by itself.
Inside the store, Daddy seemed to know right where he was going. Landon honestly couldn’t think of anything they’d need here, but he was willing to be surprised.
When they stopped in front of a tall rack of succulents, he actually squealed. He hoped it wasn’t too loud. Because Daddy wanted to get him plants.
Daddy wrapped his arms around him from behind and moved him over just a little, around the corner, to the display of hanging terrariums.
Air plants! He fucking loved air plants. The way that they could live for years on just a few drops of water and some filtered sunlight, hundreds of feet above the rainforest floor, was fascinating.
And these ones were so beautifully presented, too. The bubbles of glass sparkled even in the flat, industrial lighting and the bottom of each terrarium was filled with colorful rocks.
He’d always wanted one, but they were expensive, maybe five or ten times the cost of the little succulents around the corner in their plastic pots. He would never have gotten one for himself.
You may have one large one or two small ones, Daddy said indulgently.
There were just so many, though. Landon went through all of his favorites. He told Daddy about the things he liked, and some facts about the genus Tillandsia, and wondered when the different varieties would flower and what color the flowers would be.
He thought Daddy would go somewhere, or maybe get annoyed with him, but he just stood there, asking the occasional question or offering an opinion when Landon asked.
It was just difficult because each one had unique things that he liked about it. Different Tillandsia species, different rocks, flowers that were already blooming, colors he liked the most...
He felt his stomach rumble, since he really hadn’t eaten much today, but he decided to ignore it.
Daddy had apparently heard it, though.
Three more minutes and then it’s time for lunch.
How am I supposed to decide?
Do you want me to decide?
No… They were still his presents!
Daddy stepped up to the rack, carefully moved a few of the hanging bubbles to different hooks, and then guided Landon over with a hand on his shoulder. You may choose between these two large ones or these three small ones.
Ooh! Those are the best ones!
Daddy laughed. I know. You’ve been telling me about them for almost an hour. Three minutes. Make a choice.
Now that he had to, and he could see all of the best options right there, it was easier. Alright, I want this one because it has three different varieties and one has a flower.
Good choice, Danger. And we’ll get this one too because it has the purple rocks.
I get a big one and a little one? Landon wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. And it was over such a silly thing, a pair of glass bubbles that he could have easily bought himself.
But it was Daddy buying them, Daddy knowing exactly what he wanted and getting it for him… It was a little bit overwhelming. He gave Daddy a big, sloppy kiss on the cheek, not even caring who saw them.
Daddy smiled affectionately. Yes. A big one and a little one, Danger. Because I love you. Daddy was already turning away as he said it, but then he seemed to realize his words and turned back.
He looked a little nervous and Landon hoped he wouldn’t freak out over what he’d said. He needed everything that Daddy had for him, and he wasn’t sure he could handle it if Daddy pulled back now.
Daddy pushed Landon’s hair behind his ear, watching him carefully and looking a bit wistful. I didn’t mean to say it like that. Or to say it right now. But I’ve been in love with you for a long time. It’s OK if you don’t feel the same way, but I wanted you to know.
Everything Landon was feeling seemed to expand until it was too large for his body. All of his joys and worries and hopes and needs were just too big for him. Because Daddy loved him.
If they could be together like this more often, with his ass still sore from his whipping last night and his cock aching with repressed need, and Daddy buying him terrariums at the hardware store while he wore his bondage cuffs out in the light of day… It was maybe everything that he’d ever needed even if he didn’t know he wanted it.
Maybe this was the end of his curse. And he could let himself imagine having this forever.
Daddy’s arms came around him, caressing soothingly down his back. He wasn’t sure how he’d reacted, but Daddy had figured it out and given him what he needed.
You don’t have to say it back, Daddy reminded him. Especially without some time to think about it first.
Landon nuzzled into Daddy’s shoulder, where he felt safe and… loved. That was what it felt like to be loved.
I think I need to think about it some more, he finally responded with some trepidation.
That’s fine. I can wait as long as I need to for my Danger.
He really loved that moniker. One fist striking upward along the other, like flint striking a rock to start a fire. Will you tell me again?
Daddy’s eyes crinkled. I love you.
Chapter 21
Dustin
Dustin passed around the three goblets of champagne and handed Ash a matching glass with sparkling cider. He held up his glass and everyone followed suit. To Lena, my dangerous girl.
He debated adding more to the toast, but everyone had already heard the story, rehashed several times. Lena had contacted the local newspaper, done an interview, and given the reporter the contact info of a few angry parents. The reporter had contacted the superintendent’s office for an interview, and that was apparently that threat of bad publicity was all it took for him to cave.
Dustin had argued that it was also the informational letters and presentations that Lena had put together, but honestly, the superintendent was such a douche that they probably hadn’t done anything.
He was proud of Lena for fighting for what she wanted, and Lena was happy because the article hadn’t even needed to go to print. Dustin privately wouldn’t have minded if it did. At least Lena didn’t have to deal with that asshole as a parent next year, since he was keeping his daughter in another school.
Dustin clinked his glass against the others and then everybody drank.
He set his glass down and pulled Lena down into his lap. Over the past few months he and Lena had formed a weekly game night with Zhong and Ash. They alternated houses, but they always ate in the living room where there was space to snuggle on couches and the floor, even if they used the board games as an excuse.
His prickly, defiant girl melted into his arms on game nights, and nobody batted an eye when he chose to feed her or maybe let his hands drift up a little higher than he would in other company.
Which was probably because Ash and Zhong seemed to be getting along pretty well as… something like a couple. Or at least they functioned like one during game nights. He and Lena both got slightly confused updates from their respective friends and it was fun to compare notes.
Right now, Ash was sitting on the floor between Zhong’s feet wearing a shapeless, tube-like garment reminiscent of Martha Graham. They were adorable together, and he felt a flush of warmth in his own chest watching his best friend absently stroke Ash’s hair as they chatted.
He honestly wasn’t sure if it could work out for the two of them, but he really hoped it did. Zhong was the person he loved most in the world after Lena, or maybe even as much as Lena in a different way, and it meant a lot to see him so content and pleased.
Tonight they were playing one of those god-awful deck-building g
ames that had a lot of rules and took forever. He didn’t mind them too much once he knew the rules but learning them was probably some sort of torture in a minor hell. He certainly didn’t understand why anyone would want to learn more than one of them.
But the joy that Ash, Zhong, and Lena took from them was more than enough to keep him at least slightly engaged while he built a haphazard deck.
He was having more fun teasing Lena, though. And watching Zhong feed Ash the dark chocolate that they loved. It was almost pornographic, really, the way that Ash suckled Zhong’s fingers and decadently swallowed. He was pretty sure they were putting on a show for their audience, and he was happy to be the audience for the evening. The sparkle in Lena’s eyes didn’t escape his notice, either.
So he was having an enjoyable evening, but he was still a bit eager for his friends to leave so that he could get Lena alone.
If ever there was a night where she earned a reward, it was this one.
And he made sure to let her know when they were taking plates to the kitchen just before saying goodnight to their guests. It was fun watching her squirm and try to act like nothing had happened when she hugged them at the door.
And then they were finally alone.
Come here, Danger.
Why? She put her hands on her hips.
God, he loved her. He couldn’t have been happier these last few months. And from the way she looked at him, she was, too.
Because you’re beautiful. Because I love you. She never said it back, but he was patient. Because you’re fierce and strong and you make me happy.
He’d meant to give her a command. Something to rebel against. But he found himself spilling out his feelings instead.
Because I’m so proud of you for finding a way to handle this difficult situation that supported your students without going against your principles.
She rolled her eyes. Whatever.
He still couldn’t explain it, but these were the moments when he felt closest to her. She’d been a charming adult all evening and they’d had enjoyable discussions with their friends. In most parts of their lives, he depended on her intelligence, confidence, and maturity just as much as she depended on him.
But he felt tingles down his spine when she gave him the vulnerability and trust of her disobedience, too.
He crowded into her space until she was standing with her back against the door. He wasn’t touching her, but he was so close that he could feel her rapid breaths on his cheek. Are you talking back to me?
He watched the longing and indecision as she decided how to answer. However she replied would give him his cues for the rest of the evening.
No, Daddy, she said sweetly. She gave him her signature seductive look which had become a bit of a code between them. She wanted to be naughty but mostly good tonight. She would probably be compliant and needy and a bit adoring.
That’s good, because I have a special reward for you.
She jumped on her toes, her sleek black dress rippling with her movements. What is it?
I think you’ll have to come with me to find out.
She raced ahead of him into the bedroom, bouncing onto his bed. She looked disarrayed and radiant, her dress twisted and her hair fanning out around her.
No shoes on the bed!
She kicked her thin, black slippers onto the floor without otherwise moving. One almost hit his arm as it went flying past.
Be careful, Danger. You’ll be picking those up later.
She giggled.
It’s a good thing I’m more interested in giving you your reward right now.
Please, Daddy!
He pulled a large, almost rectangular, wrapped package out of his closet. She quickly sat up on the bed, legs inelegantly crossed with her knees out, to accept it.
This is a real present! For me?
She went to shake it and he grabbed it quickly. Don’t shake it. And it’s all yours, but I think we’ll both enjoy it.
Thank you, Daddy. She leaned forward to give him a swift kiss.
Don’t you want to open it first?
She tore into the paper. Inside was a rather unsexy black plastic box with the look of an industrial toolkit. She opened the latch under the handle and then spread it open on the bed.
He could see her mind working as she tried to make sense of the electrical cord, the wide, black handle, and the assorted glass tubes and metal accessories. She touched the largest glass ball and ran her finger down the thin tube that extended out from it until she reached the metal-tipped end.
Is this… she looked down at the kit again, a violet wand?
He nodded.
She looked back at the various wires and parts, awe on her face, before turning back to him. I’ve never seen one turned off and disassembled. How did you know that I wanted this?
Danger, it’s the only thing on that kink checklist you sent me that was penciled in by hand and had two stars by it. Why did you think I had so many questions about it when we were going over your limits again?
Lena launched into his arms, nearly knocking over both him and the kit. She covered his face with kisses, then sat back down with a plop. I love you, Daddy!
Dustin blinked. Did she mean that? Or was it just something that she was saying to express her gratitude? Did she even realize what she’d said?
She had already turned back to exploring the neon and argon-filled glass tubes, which he knew would speak to her science teacher heart.
He tapped her shoulder. Shall we try it out?
Can I put it together? Such a cute geek.
Well, it seemed that she hadn’t realized what she’d said. He wasn’t sure if that was adorable or maybe a little sad. He thought that she felt strongly for him, maybe not quite as much as he did for her, but getting there. Either way, he would treasure her words.
For now, though, he followed her lead. Sure. Make sure to slide the tube in straight, no twisting. He’d already read the instructions over several times, watched a few online product demos, and tested it out on himself before packaging it back up.
She looked over the attachments, hesitating over one and them moving on to another. The larger tips are less intense because the charge is more spread out.
She nodded. I wonder if it’s an inverse-square thing. She tilted her head the other way. No, probably not.
I have no idea what you’re talking about. But she was excited, that much was clear.
She finally returned to the largest glass ball and slid it into the wand handle. This is the only one that I’ve seen before.
That was the understanding he’d had. She’d been lucky enough to have someone use one on her in a demonstration years ago and it had apparently made a big impression. After that, she’d seen them a few times in other demonstrations, but not from up close. He still wasn’t quite sure whether she was more attracted to the science or the sensations.
That’s one of the gentler ones, so it’s good to start with. Take off your jewelry. He uncoiled the cord, plugged it into the foot pedal, and then plugged that into the wall beside the bed. When he returned, she’d piled her earrings, necklace, and rings on the bedside table.
Lena turned on the device and he turned the lights down so that she could get the full effect of the sparks shooting through the plasma globe. He showed her how to hold it upright, which parts to touch, and how to tap the foot pedal to cut the power supply before switching electrodes. Then, he stepped back to watch.
She was cute experimenting with it, touching it with all five fingers or just one, then pulling away and seeing how close it needed to be for a spark to jump to her fingers.
When it appeared that she’d want to play with it for a while, he just climbed onto the bed with his back against the headboard. He looped his arms around her waist and dragged her toward him and then settled the kit beside her.
She curled up into him but didn’t otherwise divert her attention from her toy. Dustin smiled into her neck as she ran the ball over her arm, watching
her hair stand up, then kept playing with it with her fingers. The smell of rainstorms grew as ozone filled the air.
She pulled up one of his hands and gave him a small shock. It was surprising, not so much painful as tingly and prickly. If she had used a higher intensity, he knew he would have felt his muscles clenching and relaxing involuntarily, which wasn’t a sensation he particularly enjoyed. He imagined Lena would, though.
He kissed the back of her neck and she leaned further into him without taking her eyes off the device.
He almost wondered if they were going to get to use it tonight given her excitement about just exploring the contraption. He was maybe a little disappointed, but he was enjoying her enthusiasm so much that he couldn’t begrudge her. They would have other evenings to play with it in more exciting ways.
He pressed gentle kisses to her shoulder, but mostly stayed out of her way while she tested out each of the attachments. She was being safe, and they weren’t anywhere near the two-hour capacity of the wand.
It was relaxing watching her get absorbed in her interests, especially since their relationship had started out with such an explicitly sexual focus.
Only his danger girl would turn a kinky toy into a scientific exploration. He’d bet that she wanted to show it to her students at school, too.
At last, she seemed to notice that he was behind her or maybe she’d gotten most of her curiosity satisfied. She clicked off the wand and very carefully took out the attachment and placed it back in the foam shell. Then she tossed her legs sideways over his knee to snuggle up in his arms.
Thank you.
He nuzzled her head. Of course. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
I meant it before, she looked up at him shyly.
What did you mean, Danger? He had a guess, but he didn’t let himself hope. He tried to keep his expression calm.
I love you.
He’d been waiting so long to hear it, but he hadn’t expected to be so moved. He dropped feathered kisses onto her forehead, over her closed eyelids, at the tip of her nose.
Love Lessons (Love Language Book 2) Page 27
