Caged Sanctuary E-Book

Tempeste O'Riley

• Herausgeber: Dreamspinner Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 330

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Beschreibung

Kaden Thorn, a dental surgeon who lives a quiet life, has no hope of finding the love he craves. A vicious gay bashing cost him the use of his legs and confined him to a wheelchair. He has given up hope of finding a Dom or even a nonkink partner to love him. When his best friend practically forces him to attend a dinner party, the last thing he expects is a strong Dom who can see beyond his wheels. Deacon James is an architect and a demanding Dom, but he has spent the past couple of years without a sub or partner. When an employee invites him to a dinner party to meet his girlfriend, Deacon smells a setup but agrees anyway. He prides himself on being an excellent judge of character, and when he meets the younger dentist, he sees past the chair and finds a sweet submissive man who more than piques his interest. Kade's fears and demons continue to haunt him, challenging Deacon to use everything he's learned as a Dom to earn Kade's trust and submission. Deacon's determined, though, willing to battle all of it to have Kade by his side and at his feet.

Leseprobe

Readers loveTEMPESTEO’RILEY

Temptations of Desire

“I adored both Dal and Alex and loved exploring Alex’s gender fluidity. They’re a great couple together and I liked that Dal was so supportive of Alex. … This series keeps getting better and better and I just can’t wait to see who gets their story next!”

—The Blogger Girls

“The writer did an excellent job with the characters, they are likable and perfect. Not perfect in the way that they have no flaws, but in a way that they grab you and complement each other.”

—Love Bytes Reviews

Desires’ Guardian

“This is my favorite in this series so far. I love seeing how these characters are growing, all of them. As individuals, as couples, as friends and as a family.”

—MM Good Book Reviews

“The sex in this book was pretty damn hot. I have to say that Dominant Chase was really sexy. … This was a fun book and I really enjoyed reading it. I didn’t want it to end, I was so into the story.”

—Love Bytes

Bound by Desire

What captures me about this particular series and characters is the love that they have for one another. … James challenges Seth, a lot, but he knows his place and when to reel it in. And Seth takes care of James, nurtures, adores, and cares for him like no one else ever could.

—MM Good Book Reviews

By TEMPESTE O’RILEY

Caged Sanctuary

Grand Adventures (Dreamspinner Anthology)

DESIRESENTWINED

Designs of Desire

Simple Desires

Bound by Desire

Desires’ Guardian

Temptations of Desire

Truth in Lace

Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

Copyright

Published by

DREAMSPINNER PRESS

5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886  USA

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Caged Sanctuary

© 2014 Tempeste O’Riley.

Cover Art

© 2014 DWS Photography.

[email protected]

Cover Design

© 2014 Paul Richmond

www.paulrichmondstudio.com

Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.

All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-612-8

Digital ISBN: 978-1-63216-613-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014952116

First Edition December 2014

Printed in the United States of America

This paper meets the requirements of

ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (Permanence of Paper).

For all those who search for a lover who can see past a difference of body.

For all those whose hearts desperately hope for love as they are, not for how society says they should be.

A special thank-you to Katy, for without you, Kade would never have been and neither man would have their happily ever after…

with a cane.

One

KADETHORNsat in his office near downtown in Asheville, as he did most evenings since he and Gary had broken up months ago. He worked on getting a few last things done so he could head home at a reasonable hour. His laptop was open on his desk, the recorder activated as he dictated his notes from his last patient. Once that was completed, he saved the file and then turned to look out the large window behind him. The day was lovely, bright azure sky with only the occasional fluffy white clouds dotted about. He missed the carefree days of summer, though he hadn’t had any of those in years. Not since shortly after graduation and gaining his license in dental medicine.

A light knock sounded behind him, pulling him out of his daydreams. Exhaling hard, Kade called, “Enter.”

The door opened as Kade spun his chair around and Katie, his best friend and one of his hygienists, poked her head inside and smiled. “Come on, Kade. It’s the end of the day and the week. Office is closed, and you need to come out with us tonight.”

The sigh that slipped out couldn’t be missed, and by the sudden frown on Katie’s pretty little face, she’d heard it. “I’m going to just go on home. I’ll see you Monday.”

“Uh-uh. Nope. You are not going to stay cooped up in your house all weekend. Again. You need to get out and meet people.” Kade opened his mouth to argue, but she cut him off, as usual. “Not clients, Kade. People. Men, specifically. You can’t live the rest of your life like a monk, sweetie.”

Katie had been bugging him for months… well, off and on for years really, but it had gotten worse when she started seeing her “forever boyfriend,” Dane. “Just because you’re blissfully joined with your guy doesn’t mean I need to go out with you two tonight.”

She had never liked Gary, claimed he never looked her in the eye when he spoke to her.

“Kade….”

“No, it’s pointless, Katie. It’s not like I’m going to find the kind of guy I’d want anywhere you could take me, and you know it. I appreciate you wanting to help, but….” He trailed off, gesturing to his wheelchair.

“You know, not all guys are going to be like Gary. There are plenty of people in wheelchairs like you that have partners,” she countered.

He knew others had partners while chair-bound, but she didn’t understand. It was more than just trying to find a guy he could care for and build a life with while stuck with wheels; it was also finding someone he could trust, someone who could handle his needs and issues in the bedroom too. No Dom wanted a sub who couldn’t kneel, couldn’t serve, couldn’t move his lower half without help. Since he’d lost use of his legs, the Doms he had played off and on with before the attack didn’t even seem to see him. One was a patient, but the man had not shown so much as a flicker of recognition that Kade had once been one of the boys he’d played with at Club Fierce.

“Not tonight, Katie. I’m really not up for it. Okay?” Please, listen for once!

Katie sighed and rolled her eyes before narrowing her gaze on him again, a slow smile crossing her lips. “Fine, sweetie. I’ll see you at six tomorrow, then.”

Six? “Um, why?” What’s at six?

“Dinner at my place, of course. You promised you’d come to my next get-together, and that just so happens to be tomorrow night.” She smiled sweetly, but he knew there was more mischief than goodness in that grin.

Tilting his head back to glare at the ceiling, he groaned. He had promised, dammit. “You don’t really have a party planned for tomorrow night, do you?”

“Yep.”

He counted to ten in his head before grinding out, “And you’re just now telling me?”

“Figured you’d try to find a way out if I gave you too much warning,” she explained.

She knew him too well. He wouldn’t renege on a promise, a fact he hated himself for right then. “Fine.”

Kade collected his wallet, keys, and the backpack he used to carry things on the back of his chair, before wheeling himself toward the door. Katie moved when he reached her, the grin still firmly in place, then walked beside him, flipping off lights and locking up as they exited the dental practice. Harold, his dental partner, left early most Fridays, and the other hygienists and office personnel were already gone.

“Don’t be late,” Katie called as she waved and walked to her car.

Kade quickly maneuvered to his own car, and after getting himself into the front, he popped the wheels off of his shiny black ultralight Quickie GT chair and slid it into the space behind him, like always. When Katie stopped her car beside his, he looked over and gave her a weak smile. He pushed the button to roll down his window. “I will be there. I even promise to smile and talk. That’s the best I can promise, though.”

“Humph! One day you’re going to learn to see yourself for who you really are, not just for what you use to move around. Any guy that can’t see past your wheels isn’t worth your time.”

He was so tired of her attempts at encouragement, he could gladly scream, but he couldn’t get upset. She was one of the few friends who had stood by him when he’d been thrown out of his family and then lost his mobility a few years later.

“It’ll be good for you to get out. Anyways, I’ll catch you tomorrow night. Love ya!”

He watched her pull away, frowning as he thought about the last time she’d conned him into one of these things. He’d spent most of the night uncomfortable, being forced to talk to people he couldn’t connect with on any level.

“Maybe this time will be different,” he mumbled as he started his little hybrid and then pulled out into traffic, heading for the safety and comfort of his house across town.

THENEXT evening, Kade pulled up outside Katie’s small home, noticing the additional cars parked in front. There was one place left open next to her car on the driveway, as there always was when she expected him over. He parked and shifted around to set up his chair, pausing long enough to grab the bouquet of flowers he’d picked up on the way. Once settled in his wheelchair, he placed his backpack on the back and the flowers in his lap before rolling up the short ramp—installed by her for his convenience—to her front door. It was little details like that that melted his heart and made her frustrating matchmaking and going out nonsense worth putting up with.

He knocked on the door and waited, hoping she didn’t take too long. He could hear music and voices, some he didn’t recognize.

“Can you get that for me?” he heard Katie call inside.

A moment later, the door opened to reveal a man he had never seen before, one that a few years ago, he would have worked hard to attract. He was tall, probably a little over six feet tall, with short blond hair, dark hazel eyes that held an edge of steel, firm but slightly plump lips, and a smile that made Kade want to squirm.

“Hello,” the beautiful man said, his voice washing over Kade like a caress.

“Hi. Um, I’m Kade, Kaden Thorn. Katie’s expecting me.”

“Hello, Kade, I’m Deacon James,” the man replied as he stepped back and to the side, allowing Kade to roll inside before he closed the door. “Katie just went into the kitchen and Dane’s out back fighting with the grill, I believe.”

“That sounds about right,” Kade said with a stiff nod. He took his light coat off, careful not to dump the flowers off his lap, and wheeled over to her coatrack. He worked hard to regulate his breathing and reminded himself Deacon wasn’t an option for him as he hung up his coat.

Spinning around, he opened his mouth to thank the man but was cut off when Katie hurried into the front room where he waited. “Oh, good! You made it.”

“I said I would, Katie girl,” he teased, more comfortable now that he wasn’t alone with the hottie in a suit. He held out the bouquet, though he knew his smile was brittle.

She smiled wide and took the flowers, a sly grin on her face. “Thank you, Kade.” Her eyes flicked back and forth between him and Deacon. “You two meet already?”

“Yep. You need any help?” He had a bad feeling this was a setup, even though she’d promised not to do this to him again.

“No,” Katie replied, “I’m just finishing up a couple of things. I’ll be out to sit and visit in a minute. You want some wine?”

Kade squinted at her but nodded, knowing when he’d been beaten. Playing nice was the only right response, after all. “Sure.”

“Great. What about you, Deacon?”

At his thanks, she hurried back toward the kitchen, his gift cradled in her arms. “Jenn? Could you bring out two glasses of the wine I have open already?”

He wasn’t sure who Jenn was, but felt a brief stab of disappointment when he realized she was probably with the delicious Mr. James. A moment or two later, a leggy redheaded woman Kade assumed was Jenn sauntered through the kitchen doorway, a glass of red wine in each hand.

“Here you go,” she said, handing Kade a glass before smiling at Deacon and handing him one as well. “Play nice, okay?” she added, not taking her eyes off Deacon. “I’m going to go bug the Neanderthal outside and see if I can get him to hurry up some.”

A moment later, Kade and Deacon were again alone in Katie’s small but comfortable living room.

“Want to join me, since no one wants our assistance?” Deacon gestured to the couch before taking the few steps needed to reach it and sit. Kade knew this was a setup but decided to be nice, and wheeled over and parked his chair next to the coffee table before looking up, not quite meeting Deacon’s dark hazel eyes.

“Dane tells me you’re a dentist,” Deacon said as he draped one long hand over his knee and rested the other casually on the arm of the couch.

“I am. I specialize in dental surgery and cosmetic corrections. Harold, my partner, does more of the general dentistry than I do.” Kade beamed. Work was a safe subject and one that kept his mind off the sexy man before him. Well, at least helped to distract him some, until Deacon smiled, revealing even, white teeth, again scrambling his brain. “What, um, what do you do?”

“I’m an architect with Dixon, James, and Sullivan. Dane is one of my drafters.”

“Oh! Is this a work party? I’m sorry,” Kade murmured as he set his wine glass down, then unlocking the wheel before starting to move away. Why hadn’t Katie told him this was a work thing? He shouldn’t be crashing like this.

“No, no, Kade. It’s nothing like that.” The deep chuckle behind him sent a shiver up Kade’s spine and back down, settling low in his gut. Even something as simple as a laugh had him wanting to beg the gorgeous man to give him a chance. He knew it was stupid, but that knowledge didn’t change what he wanted or felt. “Come back.”

Kade returned to where he’d been moments before without a second thought. He simply obeyed.

“Good. I’d really like to get to know you a little better, but that requires you to stay here.”

“Sorry. I’m really no good at these kinds of things.” He racked his brain hard, trying to think of something to say, but drew a blank. Between Deacon’s body, face, and take-charge manner, Kade was fried.

“Why don’t you take a sip or two of your drink and relax. Being so tense can’t be good for you.” Kade had the weirdest feeling Deacon actually meant what he said, that he might want to get to know him. There seemed to be a touch of concern but none of the usual pity or humor at his expense he was accustomed to from other men. Kade gave Deacon a small smile and finally tasted his wine.

“Hey, this is actually pretty good. The last time I was over, the wine wasn’t nearly this nice.”

“Agreed, it is quite lovely.”

Kade watched Deacon take another sip before managing to tear his gaze away. Being caught staring wasn’t something he wanted to deal with. He’d had enough trouble meeting Deacon’s beautiful hazel eyes since that first command.

Katie returned just then, as did Dane. “Hey, glad you could make it, Kade,” Dane said.

“Thanks for the invite.”

“Yeah, right. What did Katie have to do to get you here?” Dane asked, the smirk both irritating and frustrating.

“Be nice, D.” Katie swatted Dane’s arm playfully. “I told him when and he came. Now, where’s your sister gone? Dinner’s ready.”

Dane set a platter of steaks and foil-wrapped oblong objects Kade assumed were potatoes on the table in the dining room, then went back outside muttering something about cancer sticks under his breath.

“Why don’t you two go to the table while I bring out the rest of the food?” Katie didn’t wait for a response before she continued bringing food out.

Kade nodded and grinned back at her, though it was lost on her as she’d already stepped away. When he turned his chair around and started toward the dining room, he was startled to feel a large, warm hand settle on his left shoulder. Kade tensed, expecting Deacon to try to take over his chair’s movements but that never happened. Deacon simply walked beside him, never taking his hand off Kade’s shoulder. The warmth seeped through his dress shirt, thrilling him while making him ache for something he’d given up finding years ago. Shaking off the depressing thought, Kade slid his chair into the open spot at the table.

Only when he’d settled at his place did he realize Deacon hadn’t taken his hand off him yet. Deacon bent down slightly, his wine-tinted breath ghosting over Kade’s cheek. “Do you mind if I sit with you?” he asked and gestured to the empty chair beside Kade.

“N-no. Please.” Kade was so jittery, he feared he’d spill his wine on the man beside him. Hoping to forgo that event, he folded his hands in his lap.

“Thank you.”

Before Kade could become too uncomfortable, Katie, Dane, and Jenn returned, and food was passed as everyone talked at once. Kade waited patiently as the different dishes were shared, thrilled when Deacon’s fingers lightly brushed his when he accepted the breadbasket. He had just taken a bite of his steak—medium well, his favorite—when Jenn asked, “So, Kade, what’s it like being Katie’s boss?”

Kade chewed quickly, taking a sip of wine to clear his throat. “It’s a lot of fun actually. She’s a hard worker. Even makes the screaming kids smile, so I feel very lucky to have her working for me. The other hygienists are good too, but I love working with my best friend,” he added, grinning at Katie. He knew he was blessed to have her both at the office and as his friend. They had known each other since middle school, and he couldn’t imagine his life without her.

Katie beamed back at him. “I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”

“But don’t you get tired of having to compensate for him?” Jenn asked, staring at Katie.

“Compensate? I don’t understand,” Kade interjected, though he had a feeling he knew exactly what she meant.

“Well, it’s not like you can do all the things a normal man in your job can.” Jenn flicked her gaze at Kade but then returned to Katie. “Right?”

The silence at the table was deafening, and Kade was torn between wanting to yell at Dane’s idiot sister or hiding. He had had more than enough of that attitude in the years since the attack that left his legs broken and useless, but he hadn’t expected it here. Kade swallowed hard and placed his fork on the edge of his plate. “I can’t walk like most men, you’re right about that.” He didn’t raise his voice, but he did glare at the woman sitting across from him. “But what can’t I do in my job? My legs aren’t needed to hold a scalpel or suture a palate. They aren’t needed to pull a tooth or graph bone before a new implant. I lost the use of my legs, not my brain or hands. So, tell me exactly what is it I can’t do in my job that you would ask Katie such a question?”

Jenn had the decency to blush and look away before speaking. “I didn’t mean… I mean, I just don’t see how you can get around a dental office all stuck in a chair. You can’t—”

“Jenn,” Katie snapped, the ice in her voice chilling Kade’s ire a bit, “Kade is one of the best dental surgeons in the state—probably farther actually—and he learned to work around his mobility issues to become someone whose schedule is booked months in advance. Now,” she continued, turning to face the others, “eat up and enjoy. I have apple cobbler and vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.”

Kade looked around quickly and noticed Dane and Deacon scowling at Jenn. After a moment the sounds of forks on plates and soft conversation starting again, surrounded him. He wasn’t in the mood for chatting, though, so Kade focused on his meal and attempted to forget Jenn’s words. Not the easiest thing considering how many times he’d heard sentiments like that before, especially from potential partners, but ruining Katie’s evening by sulking wasn’t an option as far as he was concerned.

Two

DESSERTDONE, Dane tugged Jenn out of the room. Deacon had had a hard time not putting her in her place after the way she’d spoken to Kade. He’d wanted to speak up, but had waited to see what Kade and Katie would do first. And while he had enjoyed watching the fire in Kade’s eyes as he stood up for himself, Deacon did not enjoy watching anyone degrade another for something they couldn’t help.

Before Kade could get away from him, Deacon leaned in, inhaling the light earthy scent of the man beside him, and asked, “Would you like to join me in the living room?”

Kade’s breath caught, thrilling Deacon, though he kept tight control over his face, not wishing to reveal his pleasure at the simple sound. “I, uh, okay. Just for a little bit.”

“Wonderful.”

Deacon followed Kade into the other room, keeping one hand on his shoulder the entire way. He waited as Kade settled next to the couch this time, taking a moment to drink in Kade’s sweetness. Deacon wanted to run his hands through Kade’s light brown hair. It had a slight curl to it, cut in such a way that it flopped into his eyes as he shifted in his chair. His eyes were an enchanting light jade color in a high-cheekboned face dotted faintly with freckles across the bridge of his nose. Once Kade was settled, Deacon positioned himself so they were next to one another.

“Do you have to put up with ignorance like that often?” Deacon asked.

“More often than I’d like.” Kade shrugged, not meeting Deacon’s eyes. “I’ve not actually met her before as she doesn’t visit often, but it’s okay, really.”

“No, Kaden, it’s not. She was completely out of line and rude to both you and Katie.”

“Would you two like some coffee?” Katie interrupted. “I’m just going to clean up some before I join you.” Katie fidgeted as she waited, but Deacon couldn’t figure out if it was due to the stupidity during dinner or over how he and Kade were getting along. He knew Dane had invited him over specifically to meet Kade—that was obvious—but he also knew Dane would never admit his manipulation. Deacon didn’t mind, though, as the shy man beside him intrigued him more than anyone had in a long time.

“I would love some.” He flashed a smile at Katie before refocusing on Kade.

“Sure.”

“How do you take it, Deacon?”

“Black, please. Thank you.”

“I know, Kade. Two sugars and as blond as Deacon.” She smiled again, then reentered the kitchen, letting the door close behind her.

“So, how long has Dane worked with you?” Kade’s voice was soft, but it didn’t have that slightly defeated air to it he’d had when speaking about Jenn’s hurtful questions.

Deacon thought about it a moment before answering. “Close to two years, I believe. He’s one of our best drafters, though I personally believe he should go back and finish his degree and work as an architect, not a drafting tech.”

Kade nodded, visibly relaxing. “I’ve seen some of his designs, ones he’s designed himself from start to finish, but he won’t listen to me either. I’m planning to have my kitchen completely redone and am hoping to hire him.”

“Your kitchen? What for?” He was pleased to see Kade willing to open up a bit if they kept the topic not directly on him, though Kade probably didn’t realize how much he was revealing about himself as he spoke.

“It’s not as chair-friendly as I’d like, plus it’s too dark. All black appliances are fine, but not when the walls and floor are also dark. It’s a bit depressing, honestly. It’s the one room in the house I don’t really like. Well, that and I still need to have the back patio edges leveled so there’s no dip to deal with coming or going.”

Deacon knew some people had to buy and then fix up, but a dentist would make enough to buy what he wanted up front, wouldn’t he? Kade seemed young, though; maybe he hadn’t made it to that level of income and success yet? “You’re still retrofitting the house? Are you having trouble deciding how you want things done?”

“Eh, yes and no,” Kade explained, rocking one hand back and forth. “It’s more that I don’t agree with the last owner on which things are most important, and on layout. That, and the color choices.” Kade’s lips turned up into a slight smirk. “My car is set for me, and my office is tailored to my mobility and height issues, from the dental chairs to our surgery area. It’s just my house that’s still in progress.”

“Mmm, I think I would have been worried about things in the opposite order,” Deacon said, then chuckled. His home met his exact desires and requirements, everything from the lighting to the woodwork and the fixtures to his bed- and play rooms.

“Can’t really do surgery if I can’t reach or see,” Kade countered. “But in time I’ll have things as I want them. It’s just me, so I don’t have anyone to fight about the height or placement of things.”

As they continued to talk, Deacon worked to pull more information out of Kade about his hobby—photography—and work. Every time he tried to direct the discussion into more personal areas, Kade clammed up. Katie brought out their coffee, but then disappeared again, much to Deacon’s amusement.

Sometime later, he paused when Kade yawned twice, back to back. “Tired?”

“Yeah, a bit. It’s—” Kade paused to check his watch. “Oh wow, it’s after ten already. I really should be going.”

“I’ll take our things into the kitchen and then walk you out.” He wasn’t going to ask, not after noticing how Kade responded when ordered. Every time the sweet man obeyed, Deacon wanted him a little more. Pleased when Kade agreed, he collected their coffee mugs and dropped them off at the sink.

“You two seem to be getting along well,” Katie commented when he turned to exit the room. Dane stood nearby, Jenn hovering behind him, looking sullen—Good. “He never stays this long or talks this much to anyone he doesn’t know.”

“Kade seems like an adorably shy and thoughtful man,” Deacon replied. “Thank you for inviting me to meet him.”

“I didn’t invite you for that reason,” Katie countered.

“No, but Dane did.” He smirked when Dane flushed bright red, his shoes becoming increasingly interesting. “I don’t mind, this time.”

Deacon chuckled as he left the two standing in the middle of the kitchen, neither willing to meet his gaze. Normally he would have objected, but as Kade had so captured his interest, he would forgive Dane.

When he stepped back into the living room, he frowned when he didn’t see Kade anywhere. A moment later, though, Kade wheeled himself back into the room. “Ah, ready to go?”

“You don’t have to walk me out.” Kade wasn’t meeting his eyes again. He wondered if it was his submissiveness coming through or some form of misguided embarrassment. Either way, he didn’t like it. Not in the casual situation they were in, at least.

“Kade.” He waited until Kade brought his gaze up to meet his before speaking again. “I know I do not have to; I wish to, unless there is a valid reason you don’t want me to.”

“I, no, uh….” Kade took a deep breath and squared his broad shoulders. “I would like that very much. Thanks.”

“Good.” Deacon walked to the coatrack, extracted his cashmere jacket, and slipped it on before bringing Kade’s lighter wool one over to him. Instead of handing it over as Kade expected, considering he held his hand out, Deacon stepped around him and held it so Kade could slip his arms inside the long sleeves.

Kade glanced up at him through his long bangs with pink-tinged cheeks. “Thank you, sir.”

Deacon gave a short nod, pleased with Kade’s reaction.

Katie came out just then and smiled. “Trying to sneak off without saying good-bye?”

“Of course not,” Kade countered. Reaching up, he hugged her tight. “Thanks for inviting me, Katie girl.” He looked past her to Dane and nodded. “Have a great night.”

Deacon shook both Dane and Katie’s hands, saying his good-byes, then opened the door. He led the way down the low ramp, walking straight to the only car he didn’t recognize in the driveway.

“Kade.” When he didn’t look up or respond, Deacon tried again. “Kaden?”

“Yes?” Kade paused with his keys in one hand, the other already reaching toward the handle.

“I would like to see you again. Soon.”

“Oh.” Kade gulped, tightening his hand on the keys until his knuckles turned white, visible even in the low light surrounding them. “I don’t… I’m not….”

“You’re not interested?” Kade had been attentive and smiled often while they were chatting. Deacon was certain the timid signals he’d noticed told the story of a man wanting the kind of attention he could and would love to give. He hoped he hadn’t misread the man.

“No! I like you. I mean….” Kade held his breath a moment, then spoke again, a gesture Deacon found completely endearing. “I would like that, to see you without the hovering and all, but I”—his gaze fell again, and he fidgeted with his keys—“I’m just not certain that’s the best idea.”

Deacon cocked his head, taking in the odd tone and wording. “I believe it would be a great idea.”

“Can I ask you something?” Kade didn’t meet his eyes and swallowed hard, staring a hole in Deacon’s chest. “Something personal, I mean.”

Torn between amusement and curiosity, Deacon agreed, eager to hear what Kade would ask.

“Are you a Dom? I just thought, the way you talked…. If not, I’m really sorry,” Kade rushed, the last bit sounding a little like one long word.

Chuckling a moment, he straightened to his full height. Deacon looked Kade over slowly. “I am.”

“I can’t do the things a Dom would want anymore.”

The longing in Kade’s voice broke Deacon’s heart, but he didn’t allow the ache to show. Steeling his voice, he stepped closer, deliberately towering over Kade more. “You’re going to tell me what I do and don’t want in a sub?”

“N-no, sir. I didn’t mean it that way, I just, I can’t….”

He hated how broken Kade sounded and was annoyed with himself for causing Kade’s panic. Deacon squatted beside Kade and placed one hand over Kade’s trembling ones. “Take a deep breath. Hold it. Now release. Again.” He waited until Kade’s breathing returned to normal, slowly running his thumb back and forth over Kade’s wrist. “Better. Now, if I didn’t believe we could work things out to where we could both be happy and satisfied, I would not have asked. Plus, I don’t waste my time or energy if I’m not interested in the sub.”

“Yes, Sir. I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just, I can’t be a good sub anymore,” Kade added, his voice so soft Deacon had to lean in to hear him.

“Making things work around your leg issues is my job, not yours. Yours is to decide if you want to try. I can be very demanding, but I fail to see why you being in a chair should block you from being who you are. You didn’t allow it to stop you from being a specialized dentist.”

“Huh?” Kade asked, head snapping up, a deep frown on his beatific face. “But I can’t kneel or stand while bound or… I can’t even get into a proper presentation position anymore.”

“First things first. The word can’t is no longer allowed. I understand that you have certain physical limitations, but out here, chatting in front of your friend and my employee’s home, isn’t the place to discuss limits and limitations. Now, respond to my original statement, Kade. I wish to see you again. Do you want to have dinner at my place this Friday?”

“I—” Kade broke off when his voice cracked, but he quickly recovered. “Yes, I would.”

“Wonderful. Give me your cell.” Kade did so immediately, unlocking it and then handing it over. Deacon typed in his personal number and e-mail, hit save, and then pushed call, sending Kade’s number to his cell immediately. Once he heard the ring, he hit end and then returned the cell to Kade’s still open hand. “Now, I will send you my address and gate entry code during the week. I will text, call, or e-mail you daily so we can get to know each other a bit more. I also want you to think about your actual limitations and hard limits before we have dinner. And no, things like ‘can’t kneel’ are not good enough. I am neither blind nor stupid. I know you cannot do those things. However, there are other things you can do and ways around much of what you can’t.”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you.” Deacon raised his brow, knowing there was more Kade wanted to say. “For wanting to take a chance on me, I mean.”

“You’re a sexy, sweet man, and I look forward to getting to know you better.” Deacon pushed up on his knees to stand, then leaned down to brush his lips across Kade’s brow. “Go home and be a good boy. I will expect you to be prompt in returning my messages. If you cannot, then I expect the reason, not an excuse, to accompany the eventual reply.”

Kade looked up but kept his gaze even with Deacon’s throat or thereabouts. “I will. I promise.”

“Thank you.” Deacon stepped back as Kade maneuvered himself and his chair into the car, a soft, dreamy mien on his face the entire time. “Be careful, and I’ll contact you tomorrow,” he added before Kade closed the door and started the car. Deacon continued to wait there until he could no longer see Kade’s taillights, pleased to have extracted the man’s agreement to meet with him. Now to consider the logistics and modifications he would need to employ to make things workable for Kade and himself before next Friday.

Delighted with how the dinner turned out, Deacon slipped into his car and turned toward home, his mind racing at the possibilities and his cock hard and aching at the thought of many of his ideas.

ONCEHOME, Kade spent time gathering his sleep pants before maneuvering into the bathroom, loving how it was now designed—the waterproof lip he could wheel over to allow him directly into his shower made cleaning up much easier than the old standard tub he used to use. Once bathed and redressed, he returned to his bedroom and settled under the covers in bed. However, instead of dropping off to sleep quickly as he expected to, his mind raced over the conversation with Deacon and their upcoming dinner. He couldn’t wrap his brain around the idea that such a handsome man, much less a Dom, would want him as he was now. When he’d first been released from the hospital and rehab, Kade had spent many, many hours researching the things he loved to do at the clubs and ways to still serve when his legs no longer worked. The problem was that none of the Doms he knew, or had met since, had given him a moment’s thought. The one attempt at a relationship since then had failed miserably.

He really didn’t want a repeat of Gary! Not that Deacon was anything like his asshole of a former boyfriend. Deacon had been gentle but firm when talking with him about his fears and concerns. Not once had Deacon made him feel broken or a bother. Kade had also thrilled to each touch, heated look, and command, even if they had been simple things. Not once had he felt “less than” with Deacon.

As his mind continued to race, Kade wondered if Deacon would really want to keep him as his sub once they got past the meeting part. A tiny part of him hoped they could form a real relationship outside the playroom but would happily accept even occasional scenes if Deacon turned out to be not only someone he could trust but respect.

Turning his mind to his body’s reactions throughout the evening, he trailed his hand down his chest to his groin, but before he wrapped his fingers around himself, the thought intruded that he was possibly moving into a situation where someone would once again control his pleasure. The concept sent a shiver through him and in deference to Deacon, he pulled his hand away, choosing to wait for his possible new Dom.

Decision made, Kade shifted and turned until he was on his side, punched and flipped his pillow over, and closed his eyes. He focused his mind and his breathing, working to relax and turn off his racing thoughts and hopes. The last thought he managed centered on the goodie bag he still had hidden in the back of his closet. He hoped he would have need of it again.

Three

KADEWOKE to bright sunlight streaking across his room and bed. He shifted to his back, closed his eyes, and stretched as best he could, arching as he reached above his head as far as possible. Eyes open again, he noted the time. The alarm wasn’t set, not for a Sunday, but still, he was surprised to see it was only eight.