Taking a page from his Master’s book, Bryan forced domination into his tone. The same ‘you will obey or there will be hell to pay’ intonation that always had him dropping to his knees and begging for his master’s forgiveness. “Sit your ass down, now.”
“Fine.” Easton plopped back into the chair.
“I’ve already had a very trying day. Not only did Diachi move his former lover into my home, but I got a flat tire on the way here, then my god-blessed uncle accused me of showing favoritism. The last thing I need from you at this moment is a damned temper tantrum. You’re supposed to be the head of my new project line, not some punk kid in high school who’s out to do prove he’s better than his rival.”
Easton’s shoulders slumped. “Fuck.” He looked up at Bryan. “I’m sorry. When you inferred it was incompetence on my part, I lost it.” Easton rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m so damned tired of having to prove myself.”
Bryan leaned back in his chair, his sympathetic side coming to the forefront. Suffering from P.T.S.D., his best friend since the second grade hadn’t been able to handle working around the large machinery in the warehouse. The loud sounds had brought flashbacks from Easton’s time in the Middle East and Afghanistan. With no formal training, Easton had worked his way from the mailroom up to his current position. It hadn’t taken Bryan long to realize Easton’s natural talent for coordinating and eye for advertising were being wasted. “I know. You’ve come a long way since the mail room.”
“And I can’t thank you enough for giving a broken down vet a chance.”
Bryan held up a hand. “I don’t want to hear you say that again. You’re not a broken down anything. You’re a valued member of my management team. Which is exactly why you’re going to be my mole. I want you to keep tabs on the investigator I hired.”
“Keep tabs?” A perplexed expression crossed Easton’s face. “You think he might be on someone else’s payroll?”
“There’s a chance.” Bryan squeezed the bridge of his nose in an attempt to hold off the migraine. “I find it hard to believe the guy has found nothing.” Especially after I found the wires inside the cooler had been cut.
“Of course. I’m not as good as some of the cloak and dagger guys I worked with, but I can run surveillance without getting caught most of the time.”
“Good.” Bryan reached for the folders Easton had tossed on his desk. “I’ll take a look at these and get back to you later.”
Easton rose and headed toward the door, but paused. “Bryan?”
Looking up from the report he’d already been reading, he glanced at his friend. “Yeah?”
“Earlier you said something about Diachi moving in his old lover. Is everything okay?”
He sighed and dropped the file. “Fuck if I know.”
Shutting the door, Easton walked back over to Bryan’s desk and propped his hip on the corner of it. “Want to talk about it? Sometimes it helps to talk to someone not involved. Friend to friend.”
“I…Christ.” He rubbed his palm over his face. “I don’t know where the hell to start.” Bryan slipped from the role of Easton’s boss into the familiar one as his friend. “Before this weekend, I’d have said everything was great. Then we went to the club. Everything was going great. We had a wonderful scene. Master fucked my brains out, but Sunday over brunch he sprung the possibility of his former submissive moving in with us, just temporarily, while his condo was being renovated.”
“Damn.” Easton shifted his weight. “And I take it he arrived today?”
Bryan nodded. “Yeah. This morning and Master wanted me to show him around our home.” Bryan’s shoulders slumped. “I know jealousy isn’t supposed to have a place in my relationship with Diachi, but I can’t help but be nervous.”
Easton cocked his head. “Why? Is he so attractive you think Diachi will stray?”
“It isn’t a matter of straying. Diachi always honors his promises.” He traced the edge of the collar hidden under his shirt and tie. “No, it’s me I’m worried about.”
“Why?”
Because given half a chance and with Master’s permission, I’d show Hark what he’s been missing by denying himself the lifestyle. But he wasn’t ready to admit that to his friend. “Let’s just leave it at the fact the man is so damned hot, I’d throw myself at him if I wasn’t taken.”
“That hot, huh? But honestly, I don’t think it’ll be an issue in the long run. If he was Diachi’s former submissive, and by your own admission, you can’t get it up unless the man dominates you…”
“He’s a switch.”
Easton’s mouth fell open. “Okay, I see why it probably didn’t work out between him and Diachi, but that isn’t going to make it any easier on you. Why don’t you tell Diachi he makes you nervous, and you’re not comfortable with him in the house? If he wants to help the guy, why not pay for a hotel room? Diachi could certainly afford it.”
Bryan tipped his head back. “I wish it were that simple.”
“Why? Is there more than just renovations going on?”
Bryan nodded. “Yeah. The man lost his master and sub in some accident. Since then he’s been shying away from the lifestyle and anything related to it.” He leaned forward and met Easton’s gaze. “Christ, I wish you could see his eyes. Dark gray and the pain in them – it’s enough to make me want to wrap my arms around him and tell him everything will get better. Particularly after he told me things about Diachi – things from their shared past - and I could see the longing he’s been hiding. Harkahome Akula is hurting and I want nothing more than to fix him.”
Surprise filled Easton’s face. “Hark Akula? Are you talking about a big Native American? Stands about six foot eight and is over three hundred pounds? Light as hell on his feet and talks softly? That Hark Akula?”
Bryan thought about it for a moment. If he hadn’t been super aware of the man following him around the house, he wouldn’t have heard him. And Hark had never raised his voice. “Yeah. I think so. Why? Do you know him?”
Easton groaned. “How the hell did you end up with the bogeyman of the special ops as your house guest? The last I heard, he’d retired north of the city.”
“I’m not sure.” Fear sizzled at the base of his spine. “All I know is he lives in a condo Olivia owns and it’s undergoing renovations. Should I be worried he’s going to cut my throat in my sleep?”
Easton shook his head. “No – not in a million years. In the service, Akula was known for taking care of those he considered his own… whether it was his own unit or one he was assigned to protect. Only those idiots with a death wish crossed him. So if he’s living at your house? Well let’s just say I pity the fool who tries to break into your home. They’ll end up on the wrong end of that knife he carries in his boot.”
Bryan relaxed. “Over protective, huh? I imagine that’s why he’s struggling with losing his loved ones.”
Easton nodded. “Over protective doesn’t even cover it. Let me tell you a story. It was during my tour in Korea. Me and my buddy, Anderson, had gone downtown and heard a commotion inside this little ‘soju bar.’ Hearing screams, we pushed through the crowd, only to find Akula taking on four drunken ROK soldiers. They’d cornered one of our new female lieutenants. She’d been there drinking after work, and they’d decided they wanted a piece of her. When she refused, they attacked her. Evidently Hark had been at the back of the bar, drinking by himself, when she screamed. By the time it was all said and done, it took three MPs and the lieutenant to pull him off the last poor bastard who’d thought it’d be a good idea to rape an American female officer. He was the guy with his pants around his ankles and he died right there on the dirty floor of that bar. Hark managed to put three of the fool’s buddies in the hospital before passing out due to blood loss from a knife wound they’d given him.”
Bryan whistled. “Damn.”
Easton sighed. “Yeah. Not saying the asshole hadn’t had it coming but Akula was brutal about it, even though the man hadn’t succee
ded in raping her. Later when I asked him in the infirmary why he’d done it, especially when he’d nearly died saving her. He simply told me, no matter what the woman had or hadn’t done, a man who violates a woman that way deserves death. Now if he did that for a woman he barely knew, what do you think he went through when his Master and sub died?”
“Hell,” Bryan whispered as pieces clicked together in his brain. If even half of what Easton had said was true, the situation with Hark was worse than Master had been told.
“Exactly.” Easton stood and gazed down at him. “Hark was dark during the time I knew him and I’m sure he’s even darker now, but if for one second you think there might be a bit of that man left - under all the pain you say you saw, don’t give up on him. The man who nearly gave up his life for a stranger is worth saving.”
* * * *
Pulling into the drive, Diachi hit the door opener for the garage. It was just before six and the traffic on the Edens hadn't been horrible but neither had it been great. He found himself uncharacteristically off balance on the drive through and it was all because of the phone call that he'd received from Bryan while in his meeting. His submissive had left a message stating he'd settled Hark in the guest bedroom and was on his way to meet with his uncle. After promising to be home in time for supper, he'd hung up without saying he loved him. Honestly the facts hadn’t bothered Diachi as much as the tone of the message. He could hear the heavy tension in Bryan's voice. Had Hark done something, or said something that had upset his lover? If that was the case, he'd be having a stern talk with the man. With all the stress in Bryan's life outside the house, there was no way he was going to let Hark disturb the peaceful oasis of their home.
Inside the garage, he clicked the remote again and waited for it to close. Once it was shut, he used the interior door to enter the kitchen. As he crossed the threshold, he set his leather attaché case down on the counter. The kitchen wasn’t completely dark but the living room was. He sighed and hung his car keys on the small metal key rack by the door. Hark should've heard the garage door open, but the house remained eerily silent… as if it were empty. Kicking off his loafers, he placed them on the rack next to the back door and relished the feel of the polished wooden floor against his toes. He hated wearing shoes.
Ignoring the closed door to the basement for a moment, he decided he wanted out of his suit before he confronted his former submissive. Slipping into his room, it didn't take long for Diachi to neatly hang up his business clothing and slip into a pair of drawstring pants and a tank top. Feeling a bit more normal, he wandered out into the main area of the house. He cocked his head. Still nothing. Had the man left? Olivia had confessed her concern about Hark bailing to avoid the reality of his loss. She warned him he'd probably have his hands full trying to get through to Hark that life could still be good and worth living. So he had a choice: putt around the house like there was nothing unusual about today, or take the bull by the horns, as Bryan would say, and confront Hark.
"Well, standing here isn't going to solve the issue, Diachi.” He rubbed the back of his neck, torn on which action to take. He knew what he wanted to do, but he’d promised Olivia he’d try to drag his former submissive back into the world.
"I see you’re still talking to yourself. The question is, however, if you do so to find a solution, or do you just talk to hear your own voice?” The deep masculine voice came from behind him.
Looking over his shoulder at the living area, he could barely make out the form of a large seated man. The relaxed feeling he'd had since returning home vanished as his body tingled with instant awareness. He took a deep breath and slowly turned to face his past.
"Harkahome." The name came out huskier than he'd intended, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
Hark leaned forward, but his face was still in the shadows. "You and Mom.” Hark seemed to study him for a bit before sitting back. “You didn't answer my question. Is it to find a solution or because you love the sound of your own voice?"
"I’ll answer when you finally abandon the shadows and step into the light.”
A low growl seemed to emanate from the couch, but Diachi stood his ground. Unfortunately there had to be some ground rules laid, and he was going to have to be the badass. “Don’t growl at me. I’m not the person who’s sitting in the dark when all you have to do is reach out for the light.” He wondered if Hark realized he was speaking not just about turning on the lamp next to him, but also the fact Hark needed to come out of the shadow of his family’s deaths.
"Perhaps I remain in the shadows because it’s safer, Diachi.” Hark didn’t move to turn on the light. “For both of us. Besides, if I remember correctly, you used to enjoy my…darkness.”
"Whether I did or not, I’m not the same man anymore. The Dom I am now will not tolerate you using the dark to hide.” Diachi braced himself for coming face to face with his first submissive, and clicked on the light. Hark blinked slowly, his eyes just as deep and fathomless as Diachi remembered. The silky hair Hark had worn as young man was even longer now, with just a smattering of silver at his temples. But it was the fit body sprawled negligently across his leather couch that made his mouth go dry. Despite the haggard air about Hark, he found his cock responding to the pure temptation Hark represented. He mentally scolded his unruly dick and was tempted to smack the head of it. His former submissive was hurting and lust was the last thing Hark needed.
He took a deep breath. "I understand your need for darkness but if you're planning on staying here I’ll not allow you to hide any longer. What Bryan and I have doesn’t lurk in the shadows. It thrives in the light. I won’t allow you to taint it. So you need to decide now if you can handle the light. Or leave because no matter what occurred between us in the past, Bryan Sterling is my future."
Waiting to see how Hark would react to his words seemed like the longest two minutes in his life, but finally Hark sighed. “I should’ve known there’d be a catch. And this is non-negotiable, correct?”
Diachi held his ground. “Yes. I won’t risk Bryan. You know the trust a submissive must give to his Dom to make a relationship work. I won’t abuse that.”
Hark slowly rose to his full height. “Of course not. It’s as it should be. Submission and domination can only work if there’s trust.” A bitter smile crossed Hark’s face. “Balanced. Neither of you need the darkness in me.” He stooped down and that’s when Diachi noticed the bags at Hark’s feet. He swung one bag over his shoulder while he gripped the other in one hand.
He hasn’t even unpacked.
Slowly approaching Diachi, Hark came to a stop inches from him. Lifting his hand, Hark brushed fingers over Diachi’s face. “You may have once been mine, but not even for you, Diachi, will I abandon the shadows that have kept me safe for so long.”
“Then I guess we’ll be joining you there, until you’re ready to step into the light.” Bryan’s voice, coming from behind them, sent shards of fear down Diachi’s spine. This was the last thing he wanted his little hana to see.
“Excuse me?” Hark’s tone was glacial as Bryan stomped into the living room, stopping inches from them. He gazed back and forth between Hark and Diachi, taking in the familiarity of Hark’s touch.
“You heard me. Even if we have to come into the shadows with you, we’re not giving up on you.” Bryan placed his hands on his slim hips, his suit jacket open and his tie loosened, exposing the collar at his throat. His blond hair was rumpled as if he’d run his hands through it several times. Facing off with Hark, he’d never looked better, even if in the process his little sub had just landed his own ass in hot water for sticking his cute little nose into something that Diachi should have the final say on.
Chapter Seven
Genuine surprise flowed through Hark. He hadn’t expected Bryan to take such a stance. The other man didn’t know him. Nor did he realize the dark things Hark had done to not only survive, but to protect his country and those who he loved. The determination in Bryan’s eye
s rocked Hark to his core. It should have thrown him more off balance, but it warmed a part of him that hadn’t felt light since the day he’d buried his family. The idea he could still feel should’ve been a joyous occasion, but instead fear and anger filled him, making his tone harsher than normal.
His hand dropped away from Diachi. “Don’t waste your time on a lost cause.” He moved to step around the men, when Bryan caught his arm even as Diachi caught ahold of the strap of his bag. Caught between the two men, Hark’s gaze finally settled on the hand wrapped around his biceps, before returning to Bryan’s face.
“You’re not a lost cause.” Bryan’s blue eyes narrowed warningly when Hark opened his mouth to protest. “Weren’t you the man who chewed me out on the porch this morning because I was wearing just my robe? Then you tended my cut with a patience that’d make my mother jealous, even after I threw a fit about the antiseptic you used.”
A low hissing noise came from Hark’s left. His shoulders stiffened. He had tried not to cross the line with Bryan, but it had been hard. There was something about Bryan that called to the dominant side of his personality. He has a Dom. He doesn’t need me.
“What the hell happened while I was gone?” Diachi’s voice was rough.
A quick glance at his former master assured Hark, in no uncertain terms, the man was pissed.
Bryan was quick to reassure his master. “Nothing happened - other than your former submissive trying to keep me safe, despite having no vested interest in my well-being.” Bryan tightened his hand around his arm, even as he looked at Diachi. “Not only did he keep me safe, but he was respectful of our playroom. He refused to enter until I assured him you were more than comfortable with him being there.”
“Of course I am.” Diachi turned his dark eyes toward Hark.
“Exactly, Master. So excuse me for being so forward, but as far as I’m concerned, a man who could do those things for someone he just met could never be a lost cause – and I refuse to let him leave just because he’s more comfortable in the shadows. If he won’t come to us, we’ll go to him. We’ll eventually coax him out. He’s worth it.”
Healing Hark (Doms of Chicago) Page 6
