by Tatum Throne
Phoenix went to Hunter’s office, surprised to find the door closed. He tried the handle and was relieved when he found it unlocked. He opened the door and stopped when he saw Hunter moving his hand down over his crotch to adjust his cock. Their eyes locked and something snapped within him which he didn’t know how to control. He closed the door behind him and leaned back against it.
“Stop that now.” A warm blush lifted up over Hunter’s neck and cheeks. He opened his mouth to speak but Phoenix silenced him with a hard stare. “I didn’t give you permission to do that.”
Something within Hunter’s eye melted Phoenix’s heart. Never had a submissive seemed so delicate and innocent to him before. Phoenix hated himself for being so rough with his submissive the night before. He needed to set the boundaries of their relationship. He did not want this thing to mess up their careers—not when he was so close to getting everything he ever imagined and wanted in life.
For the first time, he was certain that he might have a real chance at love with this submissive, and he did not want to let him go yet. He has known Hunter for several years but it was as though his love for him had only been awakened a few days ago. It was all too strange and new for him.
“You made yourself very clear last night. We’re not at your house. We’re here at work. I can do anything I want.”
“That’s not how it works. When you’re in my presence I have complete control over you. Always.”
A shiver raced through Hunter’s body when he had spoken. Phoenix loved how he had that effect on his sub. He circled around Hunter’s desk and grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled him in close. He kissed him possessively, slipping his tongue deep into his mouth and threading his fingers into his hair. He purposely tilted his head back, moving in closely until he could do nothing but submit to him. He loved owning his sub.
When he was finished thoroughly kissing his submissive, Phoenix broke his mouth away but kept his fingers locked within Hunter’s hair. Passion and lust was within Hunter’s beautiful gaze. Phoenix knew he was going to fuck this thing up if he pushed him further here at work. Hunter had secrets that he needed to give up before they took this thing further. Phoenix was certain he needed to talk to Chief Rask about what was going on with him. The two men had a special connection. Hunter was clearly comfortable with the chief.
As he looked within Hunter’s secretive eyes, he decided he would have to ask Rask today about what was going on. He had to know everything about his submissive. “If I catch you touching yourself again at work, you’ll be in trouble.”
“Will I?”
“Yes, you will.”
Hunter’s eyes closed off. “Yes, Sir.”
The words were said with a sarcastic edge. It put Phoenix on notice. He tightened his hands within Hunter’s hair again for emphasis. “You make me want to take you here and now, but that’s not going to happen.”
Phoenix turned abruptly away, and left Hunter’s office. He’d come there to apologize, but he clearly had done more damage than good. Behind him, he heard Hunter’s office door lock. The tips of his lips turned up in a small smile. He was half-way down the hall when his cell phone chimed. He pulled it out, seeing a text from Hunter. What was his submissive up to now?
He smoothed his thumb over the message and it pulled up. All the air left him and his shoulder fell against the wall. Hunter’s hard dick was in full view. Phoenix’s mouth watered. This picture was just taken. He recognized Hunter’s tactical pants and saw his officer chairs in the background. God, help him. He wanted to kick in Hunter’s office door and spank his sub for being so disobedient. There were other things he needed to do first.
He went downstairs and headed straight for Chief Rask’s office. Relief moved through his shoulders when he realized that the chief was in and they could talk. He tapped on the door with his knuckles and waited for the chief to look out.
“Come in.”
Phoenix opened the door and went inside. He closed it quietly behind him. “I need to ask you a few questions about Hunter before training gets underway.”
The chief sighed, dropping his pen and leaning back in his desk chair. “I had a feeling you were going to come to me about this.”
“Oh yeah?”
“I had a feeling you might want to know what’s going on with him.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Hold on. Let me get his file for you to read.”
Phoenix paced impatiently around the chief’s office as he waited for him to come back. He handed over his file and Phoenix sat down, reading through it. Shock vibrated through him. He could not believe what he was reading. Surprise was completely replaced with concern and empathy for the submissive he was treating so roughly. My God. What had he gone through and how had he survived? He looked up at Rask. He thought for just the briefest of seconds he saw tears within the chief’s eyes. After he lost his brother, his father blamed him and abused him physically and verbally for years.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“Hunter doesn’t want anyone to know…anything.”
* * * *
Hunter was still shaking inside from his encounter with Phoenix. When the man struck, he hit hard, turning his insides to liquid heat. His hands were trembling. He couldn’t believe he sent his Dom a picture of his fully aroused dick—on a fucking work phone. He tossed his cell phone onto his desk, muscling his prick back into his tactical pants.
He was feeling emotionally strung out from his time with Phoenix. This thing needed to stop at work. They couldn’t be caught like this together kissing and doing things in his office. If anyone found out, they would both be fired. He couldn’t risk Phoenix’s reputation or his job.
Hunter got to work and the day flew by quickly. It was in the afternoon when Phoenix called his office. His hand shook as he reached for the phone. “This is Hunter.”
“I need to see you in my office.”
A shiver of anticipation raced through his body. Phoenix wanted to see him now. The thought of going to his office made him want to jump up and run, but he couldn’t. His feet and ass were firmly planted. “Now is not a good time.”
He heard the sharp intake of Phoenix’s breath on the other end of the line. “It’s about your training. I need to see you now. Meet me in the Training Center in ten minutes.”
The line went dead. Phoenix wasn’t going to give up on this training thing. That meant Hunter needed to go through the results again. He would pass just enough so that he got to keep his job.
He sighed, closing his eyes. He hung up the phone. He just wasn’t cut out for this. What made him think he could ever become a police officer? It was why he hid himself within technology and data collection. He preferred the work behind the scenes. Knowing that he couldn’t get out of seeing Phoenix, Hunter got up and headed for the Training Center. He ignored all his coworkers as he went.
He was feeling salty about how Phoenix left him. He did not want to have this confrontation with Phoenix—not now, and especially not at work. He was heading toward the Training Center when he heard voices just inside of it. One voice was Phoenix’s, and the other, he couldn’t recognize. Who was in there with Phoenix? He glanced through the long windows while hanging back where he couldn’t be seen.
Another officer stood across from Phoenix, working out heavily without a shirt as he lifted weights. Sweat glistened on the officer’s chest. Hunter recognized him as one of the new recruits. On the mats, there were even more men and women working on ground fighting. Phoenix’s arms were crossed with his biceps bulging, emphasizing his tattoos. He looked impressed by whatever the man across from him was saying. Jealousy ran through him like an out of control train.
What made him think this well-muscled man would ever want him? What made him think this man would ever love him? He wouldn’t.
Phoenix wouldn’t ever love him. He wouldn’t ever look at him the way he was looking at this recruit now. Instead of going into the Training Center, Hun
ter slipped around the corner and turned on his heel and left. He wouldn’t play witness to what was going on between the two men. He’d deal with Phoenix later—on his terms. Not now. He didn’t have to obey his orders at work. He was training him, yes, but he was not his master when they were at work. He was not his Dom at work.
Through the windows, Phoenix caught sight of him and it was over. He couldn’t run. He summoned his courage and opened the door. As he approached the mats, Hunter took off his work boots and set them aside. Phoenix guided him toward an open area on the mats.
“We’re going to brush up on takedowns today,” Phoenix said.
“I’m not going to be that hands on in the field.”
“You never know. Since everyone is paired up, you’ll work with me.”
Hunter’s heart started to beat wildly. “Sure.”
Without warning, Phoenix reached out and grabbed him by the shirt, forcing him to react. Desire welled up inside of him as Phoenix muscled him to the floor.
“Fight me. Don’t wait,” Phoenix said.
As Phoenix came down on top of him, Hunter instinctively wrapped his legs around the man who he so desperately needed to fuck. He twined his arms into Phoenix’s, breaking the hold on his shirt. With his arms free, Phoenix worked his arm under his leg, unlocking his legs and flipping him to the mat where he pinned him from behind. The feel of his solid shaft pressing against his rim was too much. He froze as his cock kick out. He moaned as strong arms came around him.
Phoenix pressed his lips against his ear. “Never give up when you’re down.”
A moan of pleasure vibrated past his lips as Phoenix edged his cock up and down over his rim. Annoyance moved through him and he dug his feet in, pushing against Phoenix but it was no use. He was too strong and too big. Without warning, his Dom let go, rolling off of him. He reached down, helping him up.
“Not too bad.”
“Thanks.”
“Let’s try again.”
He reached out, grabbing him again. This time, Hunter ducked around him, putting his legs behind Phoenix’s as he flipped him to the ground. Shock and surprise moved through Phoenix’s eyes as he looked up at him from the mat. Laughter spilled from his eyes as Hunter offered his hand, helping him up.
“Nice move.”
Hunter smiled. “I have a few.”
“Wait for me.”
Phoenix released the class but several of officers hung around to talk to him.
Instead of waiting, Hunter took the stairs back up to his office. He packed up his shit and punched out for the day. It was close enough to quitting time as it was. He headed out the back entrance and went straight to his car. He started it up and left for the day. Hunter was very aware he was running but he didn’t care.
Five minutes after he left the building, he felt the vibration of his cell phone in his pocket. Before he could stop it, Bluetooth picked up the call. He saw the number flash across the screen and knew instantly it was Phoenix. His hands tightened down on the wheel. He would not answer this call. He should.
Frustration raced through his mind as he saw the call go into voicemail a few seconds later. Then it started ringing again. Phoenix was not giving up on him. But he’d be damned if he was going to follow all his orders blindly at work. He was not a dog to be ordered around. He was a submissive. There was a big fucking difference in his mind. He just hoped Phoenix would understand why he needed to take a breather.
He just couldn’t go there now. He had too much going on in his head—too many thoughts and too many insecurities and too many damn memories of what had happened to his brother. No man deserved that kind of baggage, and neither did Phoenix.
The man had no idea what he was bringing to his doorstep, and he was not about to leave it there for him to see.
Unable to ignore him any longer, Hunter answered the call. “Hello?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m on my way home.”
“I ordered you to wait for me. Come back to the station. That’s an order.”
Hunter’s mouth fell open. He was serious. “Okay. I’m on my way back. Sorry, Sir.”
“See you soon.”
Nervous energy pumped through Hunter as he drove back to the station. He found his Dom in the lot waiting for him next to his car. He shut off the engine and got out, crossing the lot. Phoenix got into the front and cranked over the engine. He stared at Hunter through the open look.
“Get in.”
When Hunter scooted inside, the doors locked. Phoenix reached over and handcuffed him with his wrist in front. “I can’t believe you’re treating me this way.”
“When you act like a fool you’re treated like a fool.”
Hunter’s mouth burned with words he wanted to say but knew Phoenix wouldn’t have any of it. “Why?” “Because you disobeyed my direct order. And that’s criminal to me.”
Chapter Seven
Phoenix wasn’t certain how he was going break through to Hunter. He needed him to trust him. Somehow, and in some way, they had gotten off on the wrong foot and he needed to pull him back into trusting him.
They drove through the city to his place. In the passenger seat, Hunter was sulking and staring out the window with the cuffs pinching his wrists. Phoenix inwardly sighed. What was he supposed to do? How was he supposed to tell him that he could be trusted? They needed to get away and head out for a night on the town.
There was something within Hunter that needed to be reset. It was as though he were sinking in the ocean and only Phoenix could save him. It was settled then. Phoenix had some days off. He was going to show him how good it could be between them.
He drove back to his place and parked the car. From the back seat, Phoenix could see surprise moved across Hunter’s face. Phoenix got out and opened the door. He reached inside and unlocked the cuffs pinching his wrists.
“Come with me.”
There were unasked questions within Hunter’s eyes, but he seemed torn between wanting to obey him and the possibility of what could happen between them. When they were alone, Phoenix set his keys on the table just inside the entrance hall.
“Go upstairs and pack a bag.”
“Where are we going?”
“Someplace where you won’t need clothes all weekend.”
Heat moved within Hunter’s gaze as though shocked at what was about to happen. He hesitated only a moment before going upstairs to pack a bag. A few minutes later, he came back down. Phoenix was ready to go, too. Hunter had several bags packed and had changed out of his work uniform. They headed outside and went back to his car.
As he drove out of the city to the country, Phoenix glanced over at his sub. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”
“I’m not.”
Phoenix reached over and slid his hand over his sub’s thigh, feeling the muscles beneath clench. “I make you nervous.”
“You do.”
“Why is that?”
“I don’t understand why you would want someone like me.”
With that comment, Phoenix tightened his hold on his thigh. “You’re fucking sexy as hell and don’t know it.”
Right now, he didn’t want to think about what would happen Monday morning when they had to go back to work and they had to pick up the training they left off with on Friday. Tonight was all about proving to Hunter that he needed to be broken.
Hocking Hills was his favorite location to bring a submissive. They were way off in the middle of nowhere where he could scream and wouldn’t be heard. The sadistic part of Phoenix wanted to push Hunter to his breaking point there. He pulled up outside his cabin he had bought four years ago and turned off the car.
“Nervous?”
“God, yes.”
With his admission, Phoenix leaned across the seat, wrapping his hand around the back of Hunter’s neck. He eased in, smoothing his lips across Hunter’s, feeling his sub melt into the seat. Hunter moaned, opening his mouth to Phoenix’s seductive tongue. He flicked his
tongue deep into Hunter’s mouth, loving the way he submitted to his kiss.
A groan of pleasure sounded low in his gut as his cock flooded with heat. He was hard as he smoothed his hand down over his sub’s fly, adjusting his dick. He was shocked to find that Hunter’s cockhead had popped out of the top of his jeans and was weeping with pre-cum. Knowing when to back off, Phoenix pulled away. He didn’t want his sub to shoot his spunk yet.
There was tension in Hunter’s shoulders as they entered the cabin. Nighttime noises circled around them, giving them the feeling of complete isolation. When he closed the door behind them, Phoenix locked it. He didn’t want any interruptions. He wanted to prove to Hunter that they could be truly alone and be themselves with each other.
With a control he wasn’t feeling inside, Phoenix said, “Undress for me.”
Hunter moved to the center of the room. He looked around nervously. “This is your place?”
“Yes.”
There was a bookshelf, couch, and several other pieces of furniture. It was one room, and in the back there was a bath and a bedroom that was mostly a playroom. He did not want to scare him off by showing him that room yet. It was nothing like the one he had at his house.
“I’ve given you an order, sub.”
Hunter undressed, slowly, seductively.
Phoenix watched the line of his muscles flex and bunch in his backside as he moved deeper into the cabin. Before he realized what was happening, Hunter was heading toward the bedroom.
Unable to control his sub, Phoenix knew he was going to have to do something to keep Hunter in line. He flipped on the low lighting in the back part of the cabin and watched Hunter’s reaction as he entered his playroom. The St. Andrew’s Cross was the main piece of furniture.
“You’re an experienced Dom.”
“I am.”
Phoenix moved behind Hunter, smoothing his hand down over his arms and kissing his way over the back of his neck. A moan of pleasure escaped Hunter’s lips when he flicked his tongue over the sensitive skin at the base of his neck.
