by K. C. Wells
Rob’s head jerked up off the bed. “What the hell—”
“Who’s in charge, Rob?”
Rob sank back onto the bed, pouting. “You are.” His tone was petulant.
“Good. Now, do you want me to continue playing with your dick?”
“Fuck yes!”
Vic cleared his throat. “What happened to me being in charge?”
Rob scowled. “I said it, but do you seriously think my dick is listening to me now?”
Vic had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “I’m going to take the blindfold off,” he told Rob. “Keep your eyes closed.”
“I hate you. I hope you know this.”
“That’s okay, Mama said there’d be days like that.” Vic slowly slid the mask off, being careful not to catch any hair in the elastic. “Okay, open your eyes.”
Rob did so, and cast a scorching scowl at Vic.
“Do you have something to say… boy?”
He tensed, waiting to see how Rob would react to the word. Again, he was surprised when Rob’s sullen expression morphed into a goofy grin.
“No, nothing. Sir.”
Vic pulled Rob up off the bed and slammed their mouths together. He’d heard the honorific so many times in the past, but not one of them had been as sweet as the one Rob uttered. He pressed his tongue into Rob’s mouth, claiming it as his own. God, how he wanted to tell Rob about his feelings, but Vic knew he had to be patient. He couldn’t allow his enthusiasm to overwhelm his common sense.
As they kissed, Vic reached down and slipped a hand into Rob’s pants to clutch his still-hard-as-hell cock. The little noises Rob made as Vic tugged were music to his ears. And when Rob came, his cry muffled by Vic’s mouth, warm semen spilling over Vic’s hand, Vic vowed to himself that he would do whatever it took to keep Rob in his life.
ROB STOOD in the kitchen, chopping vegetables to go with the pasta for dinner. He was doing his best to focus, but memories of what happened at the club continued to pervade his mind. Several key points stood out. First, his outburst, which he was ashamed of, as he knew how it reflected on Vic. Then Jarod’s kindness, something Rob had not expected, and then that oh-my-fucking-God scene with Vic. He’d barely touched Rob, and yet the orgasm had ripped through him.
They’d returned home, Rob in the passenger seat, his head against the cool window. In that room, with Vic, in the space of less than an hour, his whole outlook on life had shifted. He no longer felt alone against the world. The hatred of Jamie that Rob had held on to for far too long began to dissipate. Rob refused to allow him that power anymore. The only one who should hold that kind of power over him was….
That one clear moment when he realized it was Vic was the beginning of a new mindset. Even the ache that had simmered in Rob’s gut for the loss of Alex had lessened, because there was finally hope.
Perhaps Jarod was right. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about laying all those ghosts to rest.
“Thank you for working on dinner,” Vic said, stepping up behind Rob and kissing him on the neck.
Rob shivered. There’s only ever been Vic that does this to me. Rob likened it to the warmth that pooled in his belly at the very thought of him.
“It’s going to be pasta,” Rob replied, then let out a weary sigh. “It’s not as if I know how to make much else.”
Vic laughed, and Rob glowed with pride that he could make Vic happy.
“You’re right, of course. We haven’t really had much time to work together in the kitchen. I’ll tell you what. I know I said part of your punishment was making dinner, but I think we could find something new to satisfy us both. What do you say?”
Rob knew he’d be a fool to say no. His entire body grew warm at the thought of the two of them making something together. He wasn’t about to let his emotions show, however. “Sure. Sounds good to me.”
“Keep those vegetables. We’ll have something light tonight.” Vic began to rummage through the cabinets, pulling out seasonings and a small white ceramic jar that simply said “base” on it. “I prefer to toss vegetables and stuff into the slow cooker to make a broth, but in a pinch, I can use the powdered stuff. Later in the week, we’ll work on making homemade soup. Tonight, a nice, hot bowl with some rolls should satisfy us for dinner. Unless you’d rather order a pizza.”
Rob scowled. No way would he give up this time with Vic for a pizza. “No, soup and rolls sound good.”
When Vic smiled, Rob got that feeling. Again. He couldn’t identify it just yet, but it didn’t matter, because it had to be the best thing ever. It made him feel energized, ready to take on the world as long as Vic was by his side.
Is this what it feels like to be in love?
The thought shocked him. He’d never been in love. Lust? Sure, but that was always sated as soon as he got off. This thing with Vic? Rob never wanted it to end. It was more than sex. It was simple things, like making soup, or the thought of coming home after a day at work and just talking to each other. To see him when he woke up, all bleary-eyed. Hell, to watch him brush his teeth or shave his head.
There were so many things Rob wanted with Vic.
He turned his attention back, listening as Vic explained the proper water-to-base ratio. He spoke of how important it was to get it right, so the soup would be flavorful. Rob wasn’t really listening. He stepped up from behind Vic, wrapped his arms around that broad waist, and pressed his face against the strong back. The aroma of Vic and the T-shirt he wore were part of what made up Vic. When Rob closed his eyes, Vic was his base, the one who brought everything together and made it work.
“What’s going on?” Vic asked, obviously amused.
“I….”
Tell him. Say the words. You know you want to.
It was on the tip of Rob’s tongue. I love you. Was it too fast? He had no idea how long people had to be together before they confessed their feelings. He’d watched enough television to know that some things seemed like ridiculous instant attraction, while others went on way too long.
In the end, he went with a partial truth. “I just felt like hugging you. That’s okay, right? Or are you not the hugging type?”
Internally Rob sighed. He’d defaulted to his snarky attitude when he wanted to say something else entirely.
Vic turned and engulfed Rob in his powerful arms. “I am so the hugging type,” he said, planting a kiss on Rob’s head. “You don’t need an excuse to hug me. Happy? Hug me. Sad? Hug me. Having a shit day? Hug me. Horny? Blow me.”
It took a moment for Rob’s mind to catch up to what Vic had said, and he broke out in a fit of laughter.
Yeah, I think this is love.
TWO DAYS later, Rob went online to fill out the documentation Vic’s company required. With every question they asked, Rob felt a bit bolder. He was starting a new life, he’d gotten out from under the debt that had been crushing him—even though he still owed Vic—and for the first time in years, it seemed he finally had a future to look forward to.
He got up from his chair and walked over to the window that looked out over the back. Vic was kneeling in the Zen garden, ensuring the water filter was working properly. He’d already replanted some camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. When Rob offered to help, Vic thanked him but said this was part of his own meditation ritual.
Rob couldn’t get over how utterly at peace Vic seemed as he worked with his hands, slowly and methodically. Everything he did seemed well orchestrated and done with a minimum of excess movement. It was like Vic was part of the area around him, in harmony with it.
The thought made Rob smile. “Well, duh. Isn’t that what he’s been trying to teach you to do?” He knew he should be doing something, but at the moment he was content to enjoy the view for a bit longer.
After their scene at the club, Rob could no longer deny his attraction to Vic. He’d brought him off in a most spectacular way—even if he was a bastard about it. It’s as if he’s given me a new life.
Then he shook
his head. And what will he say when he comes back in here and I still haven’t finished my application?
Rob wandered back to the table, sat, and gave the screen one last look before hitting Send. A few moments later, Rob got the confirmation message, followed by another email welcoming him to Montgomery and Trypp. It was now official. He had a job, a new vehicle, and a new purpose in life. All thanks to Vic.
For the first time, Rob cared about making someone beside himself happy. He wanted to give Vic whatever he needed. In their time together, Vic had never asked Rob for anything more than Rob could give, and he’d gone ahead and put Rob’s needs ahead of his own.
Who does that? In Rob’s experience, everyone was out for themselves, but the answer to his question was now obvious.
A Dom did just that.
Going by his posts on Facebook, Alex had found that with Leo. He’d also found a circle of people in his life who cared for him.
That thought gave Rob a moment of bitterness. What do I have? Then he snorted. Apparently a pity party.
When had that particular party started? With Alex walking out of the house? With Jamie? How did it get so bad? Rob took a good, long, searching look at himself. The old Rob was a jealous, spiteful, petty person whose sole outlook was what was in it for him. In only two months, Vic had shone a spotlight on that Rob, forcing the truth to come out.
Rob hated that person. He never wanted to be him again.
“Aren’t you supposed to be doing something?”
Rob gave a start. He’d been so engrossed in his own thoughts that he hadn’t even noticed Vic coming into the kitchen. He regained his composure. “I am?”
Vic’s frown made his stomach churn. Shit. I’ve disappointed him.
“I believe you were to have started lunch while I was working out in the garden.” He scanned the countertops. “Apparently you forgot.”
Rob glanced at the bottom of the screen. Fuck. He’d been sitting there for almost an hour, lost in his own thoughts.
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I finished sending off the paperwork and….” Now isn’t the time for excuses. Face up to your mistake. “Time got away from me. I’ll get it started now.”
Vic rubbed the bridge of his nose, leaving a smear of dirt there, and huffed. “By the time it gets done, we’ll be working on dinner.”
Damn, damn, damn.
“Vic, I—”
Vic strode over to his office, Rob close on his heels. Vic leaned over his desk to tap a key on the computer, then sat down. “Go grab a cushion from the couch and bring it here. I think it’s past time for you to have a bit of quiet reflection, since you seem to have a lot on your mind.”
“But—”
Vic turned his head to stare at Rob, his eyes cool, and Rob knew he had best stop while he could. He trudged to the lounge, grabbed the thick cushion, then returned to Vic. He placed it next to Vic’s chair and was lowering himself when Vic stopped him.
“I want you to kneel in the corner, your nose against the wall.”
What the fuck?
It was bad enough he was being punished with quiet time, without being made to stand in the corner like some snotty-nosed little kid. “Wouldn’t it be easier to spank me and get it over with?” Rob ground out, his eyes squeezed shut. “Isn’t that what Doms are supposed to do for punishment?”
Vic’s brows furrowed. “I’m not going to spank you.”
Rob glared at Vic. “Why not? Don’t think I can handle it?” If he was going to be treated like a child….
“That’s not it at all,” Vic assured him. “I have no doubt you can handle it. In fact, I think you want me to do it so you can show you can. You’d let me beat you black and blue before you’d safeword. You’re a determined young man. One who has something to prove, either to himself or someone else. Well, you don’t have to show me you can be spanked, because I have no doubt you can. No, I think the corner is the perfect punishment for you.”
“What?” Rob challenged. He knew he could take anything Vic could dish out.
Vic’s expression didn’t change. “You heard me. I want you in that corner,” he said, pointing to an empty one.
Rob sneered at Vic. “Fine,” he huffed. He went to the corner Vic had indicated and put his nose against the wall. Vic shuffled around behind him, but Rob was determined not to look. If he wants to be an arse, so be it. I can kneel in his stupid corner.
Mere minutes later, Rob started fidgeting. He could still hear Vic behind him, and not knowing what was going on bothered him more than it should.
“Vic?”
“No talking. Keep your nose to the corner.”
Rob sucked in a breath. His agitation grew. Vic was doing something behind him. What’s he working on? Does it have to do with me? Vic said he wasn’t going to put him out without having another place for Rob to live. Maybe I’ve finally fucked up enough that Vic realizes this isn’t going to work out. Rob’s heart thundered in his chest. He had just started to live again and now he was going to lose it all. It wasn’t fair. He’d tried so bloody hard.
It was all going to hell.
“Peacock!” Rob cried out. He was gasping for breath, unable to pull enough into his lungs, and his body was rebelling.
In a heartbeat Vic was there, clutching him to his chest, stroking his back. “It’s okay, Rob. Breathe. Slow and steady. I’ve got you. Everything is going to be all right.”
Rob balled his hands into fists, digging his nails into his palms. He’d failed not only Vic, but himself. He’d been asked to do one fucking thing, and he’d messed that up royally. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
Vic guided him to the sofa and sat next to him. “Care to tell me what that was about?”
“I don’t like it in the corner. I’d rather you spank me.” Little by little he found it easier to breathe.
“Yes, I got that. But look at it from my point of view. If I give you what you want, then it’s not a punishment for you.”
Rob wasn’t above pleading, not if it got him out of that bloody corner. “Please, don’t make me kneel there. I hate it.”
Vic regarded him with amusement. “You’re not supposed to enjoy it. If you did, it wouldn’t be punishment, now would it?”
“What were you doing while I was there?”
Vic looked perplexed for a moment. “Nothing much. Straightening up my desk. Checking my mail. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Oh.” Now Rob felt… embarrassed. What must he think of me?
Vic continued rubbing Rob’s back, his hand moving in circles, slow and steady. “Why did you use your safeword?”
“I thought you… I didn’t want to….” No matter how Rob tried to phrase it, he still ended up looking like an idiot.
“I told you I wouldn’t put you out.” Vic cocked his head to one side. “Is that what you were worried about?”
Rob wouldn’t lie to Vic, not anymore. He nodded, his eyes focused on the rug.
“Will you tell me why?”
He pushed out a shaky breath and then raised his gaze to meet Vic’s. “This is the first time in my life that I have something I truly want to hold on to. I know I’m going to mess up a lot, but I hope you won’t stop wanting me to be here.”
Vic leaned over and kissed Rob’s head. “Get it out of your mind. Unless you’ve decided something has changed, you’re welcome here.”
Rob knew that. Deep down, he knew it. Vic had said it, and Vic wouldn’t lie to him. He wanted to snap, to rail against Vic’s choice of punishment, but he knew it would do him no good. Instead he went with honesty. “I hate being in the corner. Being away from you is like… like torture. I can’t see you, touch you, and… and you can’t touch me.”
Vic gave a slight smile. “This is why it’s the best punishment for you. I could spank you, or put you in chastity, or do something else, and you’d come back even more determined to prove you can take whatever I dish out. But in the corner, you’re alone with your thoughts and i
t’s terrible for you. No outside stimulus, no distractions. Just you, focused on your life and the choices you’ve made.”
And that was exactly why Rob hated it. Standing in the corner, his mind was flooded with thoughts about all the shit he’d done, and he didn’t want to think about that person anymore. He wanted to be….
“Hell.”
Vic cupped Rob’s chin and looked him in the eye. “Problem?”
“I don’t want to go into the corner. Please?”
“Tell me why.”
Rob fidgeted. Fuck, this is hard. He took a deep breath. “Because I don’t like the person I was. I think I like me better now, but I still remember me then.”
Vic smiled. “Never forget who you were, boy. It’s the only way you can keep from going back to being that person.”
Rob never wanted to be the old him again.
“Okay. Thank you.” He bent over and picked up his cushion. Arguing and pleading were pointless, a waste of breath and energy. Better to go to the corner and say nothing.
“Rob?”
“Yes?”
Vic went back to his desk and took a seat. He pointed to the floor beside him. “Here will be fine.”
Robs heart leaped. He rushed back to where Vic sat, dropped the cushion, and knelt beside Vic’s chair. He bowed his head, closed his eyes, and did his best to remain quiet. When Vic slid his fingers through Rob’s hair and pulled him closer, allowing Rob to rest his head on Vic’s knee, Rob sighed in contentment.
I’m such a stupid person.
How many times did Vic have to say that this was Rob’s home before it finally got through to him? How often would that panic tear Rob’s heart out, leaving him to doubt himself again and again?
The truth of the words surged through Rob’s mind. He’d told Vic he trusted him, but hadn’t proved that one bit. If he was going to prove to himself—and, more importantly, Vic—that he wasn’t the old Rob anymore, then it had to be a show of faith on his part. Proof that he trusted Vic.
