Collars & Cuffs Vol. 1 E-Book

K.C. Wells

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

Seitenzahl: 1727

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

When Leo Hart and Thomas Williams opened a BDSM club in Manchester back in 2002, they had no idea what they were creating. Because Collars & Cuffs has grown into more than a club—it's become a family.  Most men who join do so hoping to find a connection, though even those who aren't looking are surprised when the connection finds them. Collars & Cuffs men come from all walks of life: from a Dom who thought he would never find love again, to men whose past hurts still linger, to a young man who desperately needs someone to understand him. But there is one thing that will always be true: together they are stronger, and some bonds cannot be broken.

Leseprobe

Collars & Cuffs Vol. 1

By K.C. Wells and Parker Williams

When Leo Hart and Thomas Williams opened a BDSM club in Manchester back in 2002, they had no idea what they were creating. Because Collars & Cuffs has grown into more than a club—it’s become a family.

Most men who join do so hoping to find a connection, though even those who aren’t looking are surprised when the connection finds them. Collars & Cuffs men come from all walks of life: from a Dom who thought he would never find love again, to men whose past hurts still linger, to a young man who desperately needs someone to understand him. But there is one thing that will always be true: together they are stronger, and some bonds cannot be broken.

Table of Contents

Blurb

Collars & Cuffs Vol. 1 includes

An Unlocked Heart

Trusting Thomas

Someone to Keep Me

A Dance with Domination

About the Authors

Visit Dreamspinner Press

Copyright Page

Collars & Cuffs Vol. 1 includes

Collars and Cuffs: Book 1

Since the death of his submissive lover two years ago, Leo hasn’t been living—merely existing. He focuses on making Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club in Manchester’s gay village, successful. That changes the night he and his business partner have their weekly meeting at Severinos. Leo can’t keep his eyes off the new server. The shy man seems determined to avoid Leo’s gaze, but that’s like a red rag to a bull. Leo loves a challenge.

Alex Daniels works at Severinos to scrape together the money to move out on his own. He struggles with coming out, but he’s drawn to Leo, the gorgeous guy with the icy-blue eyes who’s been eating in his area nearly every night.

Leo won’t let Alex’s hesitance get in the way. He even keeps him away from the club so as not to scare him. And as for telling Alex that Leo is a Dom? Not a good idea. One date becomes two, but date two leads to Leo’s bedroom… and Alex discovers things about himself he never realized—and never wanted anyone to see.

Collars and Cuffs: Book 2

Christmas is a time for goodwill to all, but Collars and Cuffs co-owner Thomas Williams receives an unexpected gift that chills him to the bone. A Dom from another Manchester club asks Thomas for his help rescuing an abused submissive, Peter Nicholson. Thomas takes in the young man as a favor to a friend, offering space and time to heal, but he makes it clear he’s never had a sub and doesn’t want one.

Peter finds Thomas’s home calm and peaceful, but his past has left him unwilling to trust another Dom. When Thomas doesn’t behave as Peter expects, Peter’s nightmares begin to fade, and he decides he’d like to learn more about D/s life. A well-known trainer of submissives, Thomas begins to teach Peter, but as the new submissive opens up to him, Thomas finds he cares more for Peter than he should. Just as he decides it’s time to find a permanent Dom for Peter, they discover Peter’s tormentor is still very much a threat. With their lives in danger, Thomas can’t deny his feelings for Peter any longer. The question now becomes, can Peter make it out of the lions’ den alive, so that Thomas can tell his boy that he loves him?

Collars and Cuffs: Book 3

Eighteen-year-old Scott Keating knows a whole world exists beyond his parents’ strict control, but until he gains access to the World Wide Web, he really has no idea what’s out there. In a chat room, Scott meets “JeffUK.” Jeff loves and understands him, and when he offers to bring Scott to the UK, Scott seizes his chance to escape his humdrum life and see the world. But when his plane touches down and Jeff isn’t there, panic sets in.

Collars & Cuffs favorite barman and Dom-in-training, Ben Winters, drops his sister off at the airport and finds a lost, anxious Scott. Hearing Scott’s story sets off alarm bells, along with his protective instincts. Taking pity on the naïve boy, Ben offers him a place to crash and invites him to Collars & Cuffs, hoping his bosses will know how to help. Scott dreams of belonging to someone, heart and soul. Ben longs for a sub of his own. And neither man sees what’s right under his nose.

Collars and Cuffs: Book 4

Recently returned to the UK after living in the States since he was eleven, Andrew Barrett is determined to keep busy and make a new life for himself. He works full time as a copywriter and strips at a club on Canal Street on weekends. But it still leaves him too much time to think. Then he finds the BDSM club, Collars & Cuffs, where at twenty-nine, he is their youngest Dom. Young doesn’t mean inexperienced, however. All this activity keeps him focused with no time to dwell on the past. But the past has a way of intruding on the present.

It’s been four long years since Gareth Michaels last set foot inside Collars & Cuffs. But when he finally summons his courage and steps back into his former world, he finds the man who drove him away is still a member, and what’s more, he wants Gareth back. Two men in pain need the freedom they find in each other, but it takes another man’s horrific plans to make them see it.

For Daniel

Total submissive and adorable evil genius.

Thank you for helping me bring Alex to life.

This one is for you.

But I have to mention two very important people:

Karen Candido, for being a fantastic beta

who always spotted my mistakes….

Just going to say one word—“condom.”

And Will Parkinson,

who fell in love with Leo and Alex.

Thank you for your wonderful support, my friend.

You will never know just how much it was appreciated.

One

“I HAVE to admit, this is definitely one of your better ideas, Leo,” Thomas Williams said with a sigh, leaning back into the comfortable leather armchair and surveying his surroundings.

The bar area was set slightly apart from the main floor of the restaurant, and similar chairs were found grouped in twos and threes around small tables, tiny candles flickering in red flowers sculpted from Venetian glass on each table.

“Hmm?” Leo Hart brought his attention back to his business partner, aware he’d missed something. “Did you say something?”

Thomas stared at him, his expression one of slight amusement. “What planet are you on tonight, Leo? You’ve been miles away ever since we got here. I was merely commenting you’d chosen a really nice spot to hold our weekly meeting, that’s all.”

“Oh, right.” Leo drank from his glass of iced tea. “I used to come here regularly, as a matter of fact. Severino’s is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Manchester. The food’s always great and the service is superb.” He glanced around the restaurant. Every table was occupied, and the air hummed with the buzz of voices speaking in low tones while soft jazz played unobtrusively in the background. The atmosphere was intimate, romantic. “They’re not usually this full, though. Normally, I can walk in and get a table right away.”

Leo hardly saw the restaurant. His attention was claimed by the tall, slim young man in black who emerged now and again from the kitchen, collecting dirty plates and disappearing with them behind the swing doors. Nothing unusual about him, certainly nothing that would draw attention, but for some inexplicable reason, Leo followed the young waiter with his eyes, unable to look away. There was an air about him, something that spoke of vulnerability. The young man flitted from table to table, moving efficiently, rarely making eye contact with the customers.

“Leo!”

With a start, Leo snapped back into the moment. Thomas was staring at him again, smirking. Leo gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I zoned out there for a moment. You were saying something?”

Thomas chuckled. “It is customary during a meeting to have an actual discussion, isn’t it?”

Leo laughed, his attention now fully on his partner. “I’m sorry, Thomas, you’re quite right.” He sipped his drink. “But I thought I’d wait until we were seated, if you don’t mind.”

Thomas nodded in agreement.

“Leo!”

Leo glanced up to see Sev bounding across the restaurant to greet him. He smiled to himself. The restaurant owner was a bundle of nervous energy, always moving. Leo stood as Sev approached, only to be clasped in an enthusiastic hug that almost crushed his ribs. Sev was a large man who had never been aware of his own strength.

“Leo, my friend. It’s been far too long.”

Leo gave his friend a warm smile. Too long indeed. The truth was, it still pained him to come here. He had simply to gaze around the restaurant to be assaulted by memories of Gabe. He was just there, at the bar, their table…. Leo shrugged off the grief that had never entirely left him to greet his old friend.

“It’s good to see you too, Sev,” he admitted. Sev’s gaze met his, and the sympathy in those expressive brown eyes was all too easy to read. For a second, Leo tensed, bracing himself for the awkward words he felt sure would come, but to his relief, Sev said nothing and merely tightened his arms around Leo. Finally Sev released him, and Leo indicated Thomas with a brief nod. “Sev, this is Thomas Williams, my business partner. I don’t think you two have actually met.”

Sev gave Thomas a nod and a smile, before glancing around his restaurant. “You picked a bad night, my friend. It seems the world and his wife want to eat here tonight!”

Leo laughed. “That’s exactly what Vittorio said when he directed us to the bar.”

Sev beamed. “Glad to see my head waiter and I are on the same wavelength, as usual.” Quickly, he scanned the tables. “There are a couple of tables that will free up shortly, by the look of things. Do you gentlemen have any seating preference?”

Leo placed his hand on Sev’s arm. “We’re planning on discussing business,” he said in a hushed tone.

Sev nodded briskly, understanding immediately. “How about over there?” he said, indicating the corner with a flick of his hand.

Leo followed his gesture, and his chest tightened. Of all the tables….

Unfortunately, Sev caught his reaction and paled. “Oh God, Leo, I’m sorry. I… I’ll find you another….”

Leo shook his head, angry with himself. For God’s sake, he was a grown man of thirty-seven, not some angst-ridden adolescent. Grow a pair, he told himself angrily. “That’s fine, Sev. In fact it’s perfect. We can talk there without everyone overhearing.” He gave Sev a half-assed grin. “Don’t want to scare the straights, do we?”

Sev grinned back, and in that moment, Leo felt the world start to right itself again. He could do this.

As Sev walked away in the direction of the kitchen, Leo sat down to take a long draft of his iced tea. Fuck it—he was going to order wine with dinner, business meeting be damned. He put down his empty glass and suddenly realized Thomas had gone quiet. He looked up to find his partner watching him intently.

“I was wondering why you’ve never brought me here until now,” Thomas began, an intuitive expression on his face that caused Leo’s chest to constrict, knowing just where this was leading. “And then I realized, you used to come here with….” Thomas broke off, and Leo wasn’t surprised to see the pain in those green eyes. His partner had always been a sensitive man beneath the brash, gruff exterior the world saw.

“It’s okay, Thomas, you can say his name, you know. After all, it’s been two years now.” Thomas’s eyes widened, and Leo tried to give him a reassuring smile. “You’re right. This was the restaurant where Gabe and I used to eat frequently. In fact, we’ll be sitting at our usual table.”

Thomas appeared horrified. “Do you want us to…?”

“It’s all right,” Leo hastened to reassure him. “Honestly. And maybe it’s time you stopped pussyfooting around the subject, anyway. Gabe died. End of story.” But the words felt like a lie even as they slipped from his lips. Okay, so maybe it hadn’t ended quite yet. God knew it was about time it did, though. Life had moved on, but Leo was still struggling to catch up.

ALEX DANIELS pushed through the double doors into the kitchen and deposited his dirty plates at the sink with Freddo before going over to Pietro’s workstation to collect the next course. Fuck, he was tired tonight, but he knew it was only because he’d worked the whole week instead of his customary three or four nights. Now that the summer term had finished, Sev had agreed to give him more hours, which was a godsend because he surely needed the money. Every penny that didn’t go to his mother went straight into his savings account. Alex had no idea how long it would take him to save up enough for the deposit and initial month’s rent on a flat at this rate, but right now he didn’t care. He only knew he couldn’t stay much longer in his parents’ house. Not without going insane.

“Alex! Get over to table six and set it up, will you?” Sev called across the kitchen.

Alex nodded, grabbed fresh table linens, and exited the kitchen. The table had just been vacated, and Alex could see two men at the bar who were obviously its next occupants. Swiftly and efficiently, he set about clearing and re-dressing the table, leaving it pristine once more, before scurrying back into the kitchen.

“It’s ready, Sev,” he said just loud enough for his boss to hear. Sev nodded, beaming.

“Good lad.” Sev peered through the window in the door. “Okay, I want you to show those two gentlemen at the bar to their table.”

Alex paled. “Me?” The words came out almost as a squeak. “But I’m on clearing duty tonight!” Okay, so it was an excuse… anything to avoid having to deal with the general public.

Sev gave him a patient look. “But I’m asking you to do this,” he said purposefully. “Treat them as if they’re royalty, please. One of them is a personal friend of mine, and a very good customer.” His eyes met Alex’s, and Alex immediately lowered his gaze. “Alex, I know you’ve only been here a few months, but sooner or later, you’ve got to get used to dealing with the customers.”

Alex sighed unhappily. It had taken him long enough to cope with interacting with the staff, and there were still only a handful of people with whom he felt sufficiently comfortable to be able to carry on a conversation. But the customers? Alex knew he had a tendency to fumble and become awkward around strangers, which was bloody inconvenient when he happened to be handling dishes or, God forbid, the delicate wineglasses the restaurant used. So far, there hadn’t been any accidents, and he meant to keep it that way. Lord knew his paycheck wasn’t huge; he couldn’t afford to pay for breakages.

“Alex… today, please?”

Alex jumped as Sev’s request broke through his musings. Sev’s face bore an expression of patience and amusement. Alex gave his boss a sheepish glance and walked hurriedly to the kitchen door, pausing for a second to check that his uniform was presentable.

“You look great. Now get in there,” Sev hissed, giving him a playful shove.

Reluctantly, Alex slipped through the double doors and went toward Sev’s friend and guest, picking up two menus and the wine list as he passed by. The two men were seated in the armchairs nearest the bar, and Alex saw the younger of them look up as he approached. Alex got a momentary glimpse of blue eyes and a strong jawline before he hastily looked down.

“Gentlemen,” he began in a low voice, “if you would care to follow me to your table?” He waited, absolutely motionless, as they unfolded themselves from their seats. Christ, the younger bloke was tall! Alex was six feet, and this guy was at least three inches taller. He cast a surreptitious glance in their direction as he led the way across the floor of the restaurant to the corner booth. The older man looked to be in his fifties, with gray hair and green eyes, and there was a confident, self-assured air about him that reminded Alex strongly of the headmaster at his high school.

The younger man, he could see now, wasn’t much older than himself—maybe in his early thirties. Beneath the casual brown leather jacket and silk shirt in warm brown tones, Alex could see he was well built, with a muscular chest and well-defined torso. His dark brown hair was short and neat, swept back at the temples where the merest glint of silver gleamed.

Suddenly those blue eyes were on him, and Alex caught his breath. He dropped his gaze immediately, his heart hammering wildly. He stood back, almost stumbling in the process, to let the two men gain access to the corner table, and then waited until they had seated themselves comfortably. Placing the menus in their hands, Alex gave a tight, polite smile before attempting to flee to the relative safety of the kitchen. This guy unnerved him, and he didn’t have a fucking clue why.

The man extended a slim hand as if to touch him, and Alex pulled away, although he halted in his tracks. “I’d like to order a bottle of wine, please.”

The voice was firm, confident, and deep. Alex nodded, looking at the wine list, watching a slim finger move slowly down the page.

“A bottle of the Pinot Grigio, thank you.” Those blue eyes, almost glacial in mood, were on him once more, and Alex felt the weight of that careful scrutiny. He flashed the same tight smile before escaping to the kitchen. Once inside, he leaned for a moment, his back to the door. What the fuck? He couldn’t account for his reaction to the man, but he knew one thing for sure: someone else could take them their order. No way was he going out there again, not while those blue eyes were waiting for him. Alex had never felt so naked in another human being’s presence, and he didn’t like it. Not one bit.

LEO SIPPED his coffee, relishing the aroma as he closed the folder and placed it on the table next to him. “These look like a good batch,” he said, tapping the folder with his index finger. “Have you seen references for all of them?”

Thomas nodded. “Though it’s been a slow process. It seems we’re getting quite the reputation.” He grinned at Leo. “Didn’t I tell you?”

Leo laughed. “Okay, okay, so you were right. Happy now?” Leo certainly was. It didn’t seem like ten years had passed since the two of them had made the decision to open their own BDSM club, but it was a decision Leo had never regretted. Nowadays there was a constant stream of applications from Doms and subs wanting to swell their ranks, and all were vetted by Thomas, who made it his mission to make sure every man who walked through their doors had passed his rigorous admissions procedure with flying colors.

Leo leaned back into his seat, his eyes alighting once more on the young man who’d brought them to their table as he circulated through the restaurant, picking up dishes, clearing away glasses, and all without so much as a glance in their direction. If anything, the young man seemed to be making a concerted effort not to look over at them. Interesting. Leo’s gaze took in the lean frame, the brown hair with its thin streaks of blond spiked on top of his head. Catching sight of those clear blue eyes framed with thick dark lashes had been a hard task, since their owner seemed bound and determined not to reveal them, but Leo had always been tenacious, and he loved a challenge.

“Well, fuck me!”

The unexpected expletive, delivered in a low, drawn-out breath, had Leo looking up in surprise. Thomas was staring at him, his lips parted in an expression of shock.

“What?” Leo demanded, genuinely puzzled by his friend’s demeanor.

Thomas’s apparent shock gave way to a smile that spread with ease across his face.

“I’d given up all hope, I really had,” exclaimed Thomas, and it suddenly occurred to Leo that his partner seemed almost… joyful.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Leo didn’t mean to sound so exasperated, but he didn’t have a clue what was going on in Thomas’s mind.

Thomas smiled, a gentle, caring smile that transformed his entire face. “Do you have any idea when the last time was that you looked at a man the way you’re looking at that waiter?” Leo’s brow knitted. “Oh, come on, Leo. You haven’t taken your eyes off him!”

Leo opened his mouth to deny the allegation, but the retort died on his tongue. Thomas was right. He sat very still, his mind whirling. Had he been so long without desire he’d grown accustomed to its absence, hadn’t even noticed as it slipped quietly back into his life? And of course it was true. He’d hardly been able to keep his gaze from the young waiter all night, although Leo was at a loss to explain why. Those clear blue eyes, briefly glimpsed, maybe? Leo was surprised by his reaction to the nervous young man. What surprised him most, however, was the lack of self-recrimination. It didn’t feel as if he was betraying Gabe’s memory. His heart beat a little faster. Was it finally time to let Gabe go?

Two

ALEX LET himself into the house as silently as he could, given it was past midnight. It had been a busy night, and he could do with a really long, hot shower, but the chance of there being any hot water left was slim. He crept past the door to the lounge, heading for the kitchen, and stiffened as he heard the door open.

“Thought I heard you come in.”

Alex stifled a groan as his mother emerged from the warmly lit room, carrying empty mugs. He forced a smile, anticipating the interrogation to come. Just for once, he would’ve liked to come home to find his mother had already gone to bed.

“How was work today?”

Alex pulled a face. “We were run off our feet all night. It never stopped.” He yawned, hoping she’d take the hint. No such luck.

“Were you going into the kitchen? I’m just tidying up the lounge before I go up. Your dad’s already in bed.”

Alex went into the kitchen, his mother right behind him. He filled the kettle and switched it on, reached into the cupboard for the box of green tea with vanilla and dropped the bag into a mug.

“Beats me how you can drink that stuff.” His mother shuddered. “Mind you, I don’t know how you can eat most of the things you do.”

Alex said nothing, refusing to enter once again into the familiar arguments about his eating habits. Just because he didn’t want to live on a diet of chips, pizza, and ready meals….

“Cat got your tongue?” his mother asked. “I swear, I can hardly get more than a sentence or two out of you since you got back from university.”

Alex sighed. “I’m just tired, Mum, that’s all.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “And it is rather late.” She nodded grudgingly, and internally he heaved a sigh of relief. Thank fuck.

“I’ll let you get off to bed, then, but don’t be on your laptop all night, keeping your brother awake. He has to get up early in the morning.” She paused. “Rob wanted to use your laptop earlier,” she added, “but he said he couldn’t get it to work. Something about a password.”

Alex seethed. That fucking little…. “What was he doing in my room anyway, Mum?” he said through gritted teeth.

“I dunno,” she exclaimed. “He just mentioned he couldn’t get it to work, that’s all.” She stared at him. “And what have you got in that room of yours that’s so blasted important? I tried to put clean washing into your wardrobe, only I couldn’t, could I? You’ve put a padlock on the handles.” His mother glared at him. “It’s a wardrobe, not a safe.”

“Muuuum!” Alex was barely able to keep his anger in check. “We’ve talked about this. I’ve told you, I’ll keep my room clean and tidy, I’ll take care of my own washing. After all, I’ve been doing it for four years at uni, so you don’t need to run around after me, putting my stuff away. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting a little privacy.”

It was the longest conversation he’d had with his mother in months. In the weeks since he’d finished his degree and returned home, it was as if he didn’t know his family anymore. They certainly didn’t know him, and he hated the constant need to hide things from them, unable to be himself. It was little wonder Alex was desperate to move out, as he felt himself crushed by the intense feelings of suffocation that assaulted him each time he stepped across the threshold. Thank God for Sev and his offer to make Alex virtually full time. The more time he spent away from the house, the better.

“I’m off to bed,” he muttered, giving his mother a perfunctory peck on the cheek. He stepped out of the kitchen and quietly climbed the stairs, carrying his mug of green tea. He sighed as he closed his bedroom door softly behind him. Sanctuary. Alex took off the faded denim jacket and hung it on the hook on the door before easing out of his shoes, groaning as he flexed his feet, which had been cramped in work shoes for the last twelve hours. Swiftly, he removed his black shirt, trousers, and socks and dropped them into the clothes hamper standing at the foot of his bed.

The door opened abruptly as Alex was removing his briefs, and he straightened, hurriedly reaching for his robe as his brother entered without knocking. Again. “Rob, what the fuck?” Alex pulled the robe tightly around him, glaring. Unfortunately, Rob wasn’t the most observant of souls, and the glare bounced off him with no effect whatsoever.

“You haven’t got anything I haven’t seen, bro,” Rob said with a smirk before he scanned the room, obviously looking for something.

“What do you want?” Alex gritted out, trying valiantly to keep his temper in check.

His eighteen-year-old brother grinned at him. “What’re you hiding in here anyway? You got a stash of girly mags you don’t want Mum to see, is that it?” He leered at Alex. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

Alex let out a sound of sheer exasperation. “Rob, it’s late, and I want a shower before going to bed. If there’s nothing you want, then please get out.”

Rob gave a noncommittal shrug. “Look, it’s no skin off my nose if you want to jack off with your mags, porn, whatever. I just wanted to borrow your laptop.”

Alex gave him a tight smile. “Sorry, but I’ve got e-mails to answer.”

Rob scowled. “You and your bloody e-mails, Facebook…. And why can’t I find you on Facebook, anyway?”

It was Alex’s turn to shrug, his eyes wide with innocence.

Rob gave a low whistle. “Oh, I get it now. You’ve got a secret identity or something, don’t you?”

Alex said nothing, but walked to the door and held it open. “Good night, Rob.”

Reluctantly, Rob shuffled out of the room, muttering under his breath something about stuck-up older brothers. Like Alex gave a shit. He closed the door firmly after him. For a moment, he thought about that shower, but there was no way he was leaving the bedroom right now, just in case he ran into Rob again. He pulled the robe around him and dropped down onto the bed, reaching for the laptop on his desk. It didn’t take long before he was connected, searching through the friends who were online. Thank God, Emily was there. He grabbed his mug of tea and sniffed appreciatively as he connected with Emily.

MaybeGay: You there?

EmmyBabe: Alex! How was work?

MaybeGay: Bloody long day. There was this one bloke, though….

EmmyBabe: Ooo! Tell me more!

MaybeGay: Not like that!

EmmyBabe: You mean, you didn’t have the hots for him?

That gave Alex pause. He couldn’t begin to list all the emotions the client with those icy blue eyes had stirred in him. He’d felt disturbed, aroused, threatened, all of the above….

EmmyBabe: You still there, Alex?

MaybeGay: Yeah, still here. Just thinking about him….

EmmyBabe: You okay, sweetie?

Alex smiled at the endearment. Emily was his closest friend from high school, and he had been overjoyed to discover her on Facebook after so long. Though his FB name had taken a bit of explaining. Although Alex had been in his late teens when he’d finally accepted he was gay, it was something he’d kept to himself. It wasn’t until only recently he’d started to be open about it. Emily had been the first person he’d come out to, and that had been made easier because it hadn’t been a face-to-face conversation. But prior to that first admittance to another soul, Alex had gone through a hefty period of denial. He’d never really wanted to be different. God knows, he’d felt like an outsider in his own family most of his life.

Emily had accepted his declaration with surprising ease. And that, in turn, had made it easier to tell David, another student in his business group, who had simply sat there, not looking the least bit surprised, and had then given Alex a hug, astonishing the hell out of him. But that didn’t mean he was about to tell his family any time soon. No fucking way. They didn’t need any more ammunition.

EmmyBabe: Where have you gone, sweetie?

MaybeGay: Sorry. Zoned out for a sec.

EmmyBabe: Sooooo—this guy?

MaybeGay: Customer in the restaurant. He freaked me out, actually.

EmmyBabe: What happened?

MaybeGay: Fuck if I know! He hardly said a word to me, but he had these blue eyes, so blue, and he kept watching me all night. Every time I looked across, he was looking at me.

EmmyBabe: Hot?

Alex closed his eyes for a moment, pulling the image of the man into the forefront of his mind. So tall, lean, toned, muscular… those arms had looked thick and strong, and just for a second or two, Alex allowed himself to fantasize about how they’d feel wrapped around him, pulling him close against that hot-as-fuck body. Just as quickly, though, he dismissed the delicious thoughts. There was no way a guy like that would be interested in him, a skinny, scared virgin who couldn’t even look him in the eye. A guy like that had experience written all over him.

MaybeGay: Em, can we carry this on later?

EmmyBabe: Sure, sweetie, no prob. You know how to reach me.

Alex smiled as he signed out of Facebook. Emily was a good friend. He glanced at the clock. It was nearly 1:00 a.m. Thank goodness it was his half day tomorrow. He didn’t have to be into work until five. And that meant…. He pulled up his e-mail account, just in case Rob barged back into his room and Alex needed some cover—it had happened plenty of times already—and minimized it, and then he typed in the address for the website he’d discovered last week. He glanced nervously toward the door. The last thing he wanted right now was for his mother or brother to appear. Yet another thing Alex had to hide from his family. The thought of Rob using his laptop and seeing his Internet history filled him with horror. Thank fuck he’d password-protected it.

Alex listened for any sign there was still someone up and about, but the house was silent. He figured he was safe enough. He clicked on a folder containing hardcore videos and glanced at the images. Although he’d only got into gay porn during the last few months, he’d soon worked out that watching smooth eighteen-year-old twinks didn’t interest him. His attention had been claimed immediately by the videos showing mature men fucking. He chose a video, clicked on it, set the laptop beside him on the bed, and hastily plugged in his headphones before it started. He opened his robe and ran his hands over his body, tweaking at nipples and shivering as the sensations connected directly with his cock, which was already stiffening.

He couldn’t take his eyes off the huge erections these guys were sporting. Apprehension filled him as he thought of taking something so big into his body. Christ, there was no way something that size would fit, was there? Alex palmed his half-hard cock, his breathing speeding up as he watched a muscled Adonis fucking his smaller partner. As the camera did a close-up of a cock penetrating him, Alex couldn’t hold back his shudders. Watching guys having sex was one thing. The thought of someone fucking him was more than he could bear to consider. Logic told him it was going to hurt, but at the same time, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the look of rapture on the bottom’s face. Christ, but it fascinated him.

He tightened his hand around his now fully erect prick and tugged, starting to build speed, moving in time to the thrusts of the top. Oh God, the sounds the bottom was making! Low moans that built to a crescendo of ecstatic cries as the smaller man lay there and took it all, held down by the powerful top who was fucking him with long, almost savage thrusts. Alex had to bite back low moans as his orgasm built in intensity. What turned him on most, however, was the dirty talk that flowed almost constantly from the top’s lips, along with words of praise for the bottom, telling him how tight his hole was, how good it felt, how much the top was enjoying fucking him. As the video came to its inevitable conclusion, Alex closed his eyes and concentrated on the sensations flowing through him, on his balls tightening and that tingle at the base of his spine. As he finally started to come, those beautiful blue eyes swam into view, the strong jawline, and that was it. Alex was pumping come into his hand, back arched, a hand jammed into his mouth to keep back the scream threatening to escape at any moment and give him away.

Alex lay there panting, come coating his hand, struggling to regain control of his body. Where had that come from? The logical part of his brain may have already determined fantasizing about his mystery client was a nonstarter, but that hadn’t stopped the image of him from invading his thoughts. Alex reached for the tissues next to the bed and cleaned himself up, then put them into a little plastic bag, which was then tied. Christ, the lengths he went to. But there was no way he would ever give them the satisfaction of finding evidence he even jacked off. Life around here was bad enough without adding more fuel to the fire.

Finally, he found enough energy to rise from the bed and drag himself into the bathroom for a long-anticipated shower, late hour or not. As Alex leaned back against the tiles, the barely warm water cascading down over him as he soaped away the day, his thoughts returned to his mystery client, and he found himself hoping, despite his initial reaction to the man, he’d see him again.

Three

“YOU STILL here?”

Leo put down his pen and looked up at Thomas, standing in the open doorway of the office, smiling. “I was just writing some notes, in case I missed you,” he said, leaning back and stretching. He’d spent most of the day sorting out the mess from the previous night and making sure the club was ready for its influx of members that evening. Although there were members who used the facilities during the day, the vast majority frequented the club during their evening hours. From 6:00 p.m. on, there would be a steady stream of members, and most would stay until the club closed at 2:00 a.m.

Thomas sat in the comfortably worn leather armchair facing him. “Yeah, it was pretty bad last night in the group room,” Thomas acknowledged with a grimace. “I was so tired, though, I couldn’t face the cleanup.”

Leo grinned. “I sort of gathered that when I went in this morning.” He shook his head. “Whoever writes romanticized accounts of BDSM clubs has obviously never been inside one. In the books, they’re always really clean. They’d have a fit if they saw what it’s like in here sometimes. I had to put Carl and Elliott on cleaning duty today.”

Thomas raised his eyebrows. “Wait, go back a moment—you read fiction about BDSM?” He smirked. “Why, Leo, I would never have guessed!”

Leo gave a sheepish grin. “I may have read the odd bit of gay erotic fiction,” he admitted, looking up at Thomas through his eyelashes.

Thomas laughed. “How long have we known each other? And yet you still manage to surprise me.” He glanced toward the coffee machine in the corner. “Oh, good man. You’ve made fresh coffee.” He got up to pour himself a mug, and then settled back into his chair, inhaling the rich aroma. “So, tell me more about these books you’re reading. You’ve piqued my interest now.”

Leo laughed. “I’ve only read a few.”

“Have you read that Fifty Shades….?”

Leo groaned. “Don’t even go there!” he growled.

Thomas grinned. “Okay, so it’s not gay BDSM fiction, I know, but I was curious to know about it. After all, everyone’s talking about it.” He met Leo’s gaze. “What’s wrong with it?” he asked innocently.

“What’s right with it, is more the question! It’s a fucking insult to any self-respecting Dom, that’s what it is!”

Thomas was laughing now. “She doesn’t exactly paint an accurate picture of the D/s lifestyle, then?” he said.

Leo shook his head, scowling. “Do me a favor. Don’t mention her again. As far as you’re concerned, that author is Voldemort.” Thomas knitted his brows, puzzled. Leo grinned. “She who must not be named.” Thomas burst into laughter. “Especially seeing as there are much better writers of BDSM out there. There are a lot of authors who pretty much get it right, but some of them! We’re talking really unrealistic situations, like a Dom walking into a bar, spotting someone for the first time, and knowing immediately that this guy is a natural submissive.”

Thomas chuckled. “I see what you mean.” He sipped his coffee. “Speaking of submissives….”

Leo let out a sound of sheer exasperation. “Why do I suddenly have the feeling I know exactly what you’re about to say?”

Thomas’s expression became more serious. “He’s been asking again—”

“No, Thomas,” he said, shaking his head. “I don’t want a sub. Please tell Dorian to stop asking.” He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. It didn’t help. He could still feel Thomas’s eyes on him. He glanced at his partner. Thomas gazed at him with eyes that betrayed his concern. “I’m sorry,” Leo said softly. “But I won’t take on another sub. I’ll still do the demonstrations, I’ll take my turn as Dungeon Master, but please….”

Thomas sighed. “Leo, you’re a good Dom, the best I ever trained, if I’m honest.” Leo’s cheeks warmed at this uncharacteristic praise. “You can’t blame them if the subs around here want to be yours. Hell, you only have to walk through the club and they’re lining up, trying to catch your eye.” Leo let out a chuckle. That was a fairly accurate description. “All I’m saying is… consider it?” When Leo shook his head, Thomas let out a sound of sheer exasperation, which made Leo look up in surprise.

“Damn it, man, you need to start living again!”

Leo gaped, shocked by the sudden outburst.

Thomas’s expression softened immediately. “I’m sorry, Leo, but… we’ve all sat by for the last two years watching you going through the motions. You haven’t been living, you’ve been… existing. It’s as if part of you just… switched off inside.” Leo became very still, his gaze directed toward the wide expanse of desk between himself and Thomas. Thomas’s voice was gentle. “Let him go, Leo. Let him go, and come back to us.”

Leo lifted his head. “I loved him, Thomas.” Thomas’s eyes grew bright, and Leo’s heart constricted in his chest. He knew Thomas had cared deeply for Gabe too. Hell, more than three-quarters of the club’s members had attended his funeral. “He was my sub. I trained him, I collared him… and then I fell in love with him.” Angrily, Leo wiped at the tears that pricked his eyes. “And he goes and fucking dies on me!”

And then it happened.

For the first time since Gabe’s death, Leo felt a rush of anger as he dwelled on his sub’s sudden demise. It bubbled up from some place deep inside him, so deep he hadn’t known it was there. And that anger was directed in part toward his dead lover, who couldn’t speak for himself. But that was no matter. Leo couldn’t stop the molten lava of his fury from erupting any longer.

“Why the fuck did he have to go and die? Six years, we were together. Six fucking years, and it’s all wiped out in minutes by a drunk driver. He was only twenty-nine,” Leo exclaimed bitterly, banging his hand flat on the desk, causing Thomas to jump. Thomas’s startled reaction brought him to his senses, and he shook, struggling to control himself with deep, calming breaths.

Thomas gaped at him in astonishment, mouth slightly open. “All this time,” he said softly, “and this is the first occasion I’ve seen you angry about his death. You’ve kept everything bottled in tight, haven’t you, lad?”

Leo sat back, his cheeks damp, his breathing more even. A half smile twisted his lips. “Lad?”

Thomas smiled. “There’s a part of my mind where you’ll always be that scared twenty-two-year-old who came to the club desperately looking for something—and finding it. And let’s not forget, once upon a time you were my sub.”

Leo smiled, the memories as sharp as if they’d been made yesterday. “Not for long, old man.”

Thomas leveled a hard stare at him, but Leo merely grinned back, recovered from his momentary lapse of self-control. Thomas reached across the desk and took Leo’s hand, surprising him—usually Thomas wasn’t given to displays of affection. “Leo, what you’re going through right now is normal. What’s more, it’s healthy.” Leo tilted his head. “Seriously! I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear you talk like this.” He tightened his grip around Leo’s hand and gazed at Leo intently. “I understand you don’t want another sub. But there are subs here who used to hang on your every word. Praise from you was praise indeed, and they miss it.” The intensity of his expression waned a little, and he released Leo’s hand as he sat back in his chair. “They want Master Leo back. Hell, I want Master Leo back!”

Leo reflected on Thomas’s words. He couldn’t deny a single thing. He marveled at the cathartic power of that brief moment. That hot rush of anger had cleansed him in some way, burning away the impurities, refining him, leaving him drained and shaken… and something else.

Free. Finally free.

Thomas sat watching him, a knowing smile on his face. “Feeling better?” he asked.

Leo nodded. He really did.

“Then I think you should call it a night, leave me to get on with it, and grab a bite to eat.” Thomas’s eyes twinkled. “Maybe go to that nice Italian restaurant you took me to last week.”

Leo was nonplussed for a moment, and then he started to laugh. “Oh, very subtle!”

Thomas shrugged nonchalantly. “Why not? Better than going back to an empty apartment.” He looked out the window. “It’s a lovely summer’s evening. You could take a leisurely stroll to Severino’s and have a really nice dinner, and watch the floor show at the same time.”

About as subtle as a hammer, Leo thought. “That’s assuming, of course, he’s working tonight,” he said.

Thomas’s grin was far too smug. “Ah, so you do remember him.”

Leo shook his head, unable to prevent his smile. “You’re unbelievable, do you know that?”

To his surprise, Thomas got up and walked around to Leo’s side of the desk, holding out his arms. Leo stared at them for a moment, unsure how to react. He was seeing another side to his partner tonight. Thomas waited patiently, arms outstretched, and at last, Leo moved forward. Thomas held him, and the two men stood entwined for a moment, a sense of peace pervading the room.

Finally, Thomas stepped back, his eyes on Leo’s face. “I love you like a son, Leo. And I want you to be happy.” He smiled. “Because it’s about time.” Then he pushed Leo away with a grin. “Now go get some dinner.” He glanced at Leo’s attire with a wry smile. “Although, if I may make a suggestion… a change of clothing?”

“ALEX! THERE’S a customer in your zone that needs seeing to!”

“Thanks, Vittorio.” In the small utility room, Alex stopped folding the clean table linen and went out into the main kitchen area. Tuesday nights were usually quiet, and tonight was no exception. The restaurant had hardly any customers, only a few tables here and there. There was a football match on, and Manchester United’s games always drew a huge crowd. He peered through the window of the kitchen door and froze. Seated at table four was Mr. Hot-as-Fuck from last week. Oh, no way!

Sev passed by on his way to the fridges, and Alex touched him lightly on the shoulder. “Sev, I haven’t finished sorting the tablecloths yet,” he said, hating how feeble the excuse made him sound. Rather that than go out there and have those icy blue eyes on him once more. It may have been a week since he’d seen the guy, but for some reason, time hadn’t diminished the impact their first meeting had had on Alex.

Sev took him aside. “What’s wrong, Alex?”

Damn, his boss could be far too intuitive sometimes. Alex liked that Sev treated all his staff in the same manner: courteously and patiently. There was something about him that commanded absolute respect, and Alex admired him enormously, although he was as yet unable to look him straight in the eye. But then, making eye contact with anyone was a huge obstacle for Alex, and he’d been working hard to overcome it, but it wasn’t easy. Something in him recoiled at the mere thought.

Alex turned to Sev, eyes downcast. “Please don’t ask me why, but is there anyone else who can go out there right now?”

Sev let out a patient sigh. “Alex, you’ve been dealing with customers all week, and you’ve done it really well.” Alex’s cheeks heated at the praise. “So what’s the problem?” Sev glanced through the window, and Alex heard the slow exhale. “Ahhhh, I see.” A small chuckle rolled out. “Mr. Hart won’t bite you—not unless you ask him to, of course.” What? Alex frowned, not understanding the comment, and Sev chuckled again. “Ignore me. Just get out there and take his order. If it’s an incentive for you, he’s a good tipper.” Still chuckling, Sev continued on his way, and there was nothing left for Alex to do but get out there.

He took a deep breath before pushing through the kitchen doors and weaving through the tables to where Mr. Hart was perusing the menu, deep in thought. Alex halted next to him, notepad in hand. “Would you care to order, sir?” The menu was lowered to the table, and Mr. Hart gazed up at him. Blue eyes met his for a fraction of a second before Alex hurriedly looked down at the pad in his hand.

“Good evening.” That firm, deep voice flowed over Alex like a caress. “May I know the name of my waiter this evening?”

Alex could hear the amusement in his tone. “My name is Alex,” he said, and then tried to shift things back onto their proper course. “What would you like to drink?”

“Well, Alex, seeing as I’m going to have the Filete Rossini, I’d like a glass of your house red. That’s always eminently drinkable.” Alex noted the wine and the main course. “I’d like a green salad to start, please.”

Alex bobbed his head, scribbling on his pad. “Is that everything, sir?” he asked, casting a fleeting but longing look toward the kitchen.

“For the moment, Alex.”

Again there was that undercurrent of amusement. Alex couldn’t help but shiver. Hearing his name uttered by that warm, deep voice was having the strangest effect on him. A frisson of electricity skated along his spine, and his cock stiffened. Time to go. He bumped into the table, and Mr. Hart reached out with lightning reflexes to right the wineglass, which tottered precariously.

“Easy there!”

Alex was mortified. “I’m so sorry—”

“No harm done,” he declared easily, handing over the menu. Alex took it with trembling hands. Why did this man affect him so strongly? With his height and long, gangly limbs, Alex was used to feeling ill at ease around others, but his performance this evening took his previous failings and sent them plummeting to new depths. If this went on, he could see Sev banning him from the restaurant altogether.

Carefully edging away from the table, he scurried into the kitchen, sanctuary yet again from the scrutiny of Mr. Hart. Even as he scooted off, he could feel those eyes boring into him, judging him, finding him wanting. Okay, so he’d imagined that last part. But to his way of thinking, Mr. Hart would feel like that. What was there about Alex that would invite the attention of someone like Mr. Hart?

AS ALEX picked his way through the tables, Leo smiled.

“It is so good to see you smile again, my friend.”

Leo twisted in his seat to find Sev standing behind him.

Leo looked in the direction of Alex’s departing figure. “What’s the story, Sev?” he asked, knowing full well there was one.

Sev’s eyes followed Alex, an affectionate expression on his face. He too smiled, before meeting Leo’s gaze, winking at him. “And what makes you think I am going to tell you?” he declared, eyes dancing with amusement. “No, I think not, Mr. Big Bad Dom. This one, you will have to work out all by yourself.”

Leo shook his head, laughing as Sev gave him a triumphant smile before walking toward the kitchen. “Then be prepared to see a lot more of me, my friend,” Leo murmured under his breath. He grinned. God, how he loved a challenge. And this one promised to be most interesting.

Four

“ALEX! YOUR stalker is at table three.”

Alex frowned at Vittorio, genuinely puzzled, and then the penny dropped. “Oh, you mean Mr. Hart.” He chuckled. Stalker, indeed.

“Well, what else would you call him?” demanded Vittorio, smirking widely. “He must have been here at least four times a week for the past month!” He winked at the other staff in the kitchen. “And he always sits in your area.”

Alex blinked nervously. As yet, no one in the restaurant knew he was gay, although he had a sneaking suspicion Sev knew more than he was letting on. The closest he’d come to telling anyone was one afternoon on a break with Pietro. Alex liked the forthright trainee chef, who was always cheerful and took the time to chat with him. But the moment had passed without him saying anything. Alex swallowed. He wasn’t sure how his coming out would be received. They seemed a good bunch, and he’d put out a few feelers, trying to gauge their attitudes. As yet, no one had registered on his internal homophobe-o-meter, so maybe he was worried about nothing.

Alex caught Pietro’s eye. Pietro was nodding imperceptibly, his eyes gleaming wickedly. Alex recalled their conversation a couple of weeks ago, and all of a sudden he knew exactly what Pietro was begging him to say. Oh, what the hell….

“At least I have a stalker,” Alex said with a grin. “You’re just jealous.”

Vittorio’s eyebrows lifted. “Hey,” he exclaimed indignantly. “I have my share of lady admirers.” He glanced around at his audience, a smug smile on his lips. “What about that really hot woman two weeks ago? She asked specifically for me to serve her! And you all saw her kiss me before she left.” Vittorio preened.

Oh, talk about a gift…. Alex readied for the kill. He winked at Pietro before continuing. “Yeah, but what you neglected to mention was, she’s your aunt.”

There was a moment of silence, and then the kitchen erupted into raucous laughter. Vittorio’s mouth dropped open, and he stared red-faced at Alex as his workmates laughed until tears ran down their cheeks. Vittorio quickly exited. One or two of the others patted Alex on the shoulder, congratulating him. “Nice one, Alex!”

Alex felt the wave of affection flow toward him, and he exhaled. Thank God, that had gone well.

Pietro sidled up to him and high-fived him, grinning hugely. “Ooo, that was good!”

“Yeah, but I owe it all to you,” Alex acknowledged gratefully. “If you hadn’t let me in on that little tidbit….” All of a sudden he realized his customer was waiting for him. “Shit! Mr. Hart!” He reached for his notepad and headed through the kitchen doors.

Mr. Hart was seated with his back to him, and Alex took a moment to contemplate his form. There was no denying he was a really good-looking man: broad shoulders, what seemed to be a thickly muscled back, thick arms…. Alex was glad of the opportunity to observe him unnoticed. Vittorio had been fairly accurate in his estimate of just how many times Mr. Hart had eaten in the restaurant recently. And always in Alex’s zone.

“When you’re ready to take my order, Alex.” That deep voice held amusement.

Alex gave a start. Busted. Did the man have eyes in the back of his head? Flushing, he moved toward the table and opened the notepad, pen poised to write. He was conscious of Mr. Hart’s gaze, knew the man was giving him the once-over as usual, but nothing would’ve induced him to meet that cool stare.

“What can I get for you this evening, Mr. Hart?” Alex was proud his voice betrayed none of the nerves he always suffered when this close to the man. Despite the fact he’d served him every time, they’d barely spoken beyond the odd comment about the weather, or compliments about the food or the wine. Alex was at a loss—why did Mr. Hart insist on coming back to him? It certainly wasn’t because of his scintillating conversation.

“How about something a little different tonight? What would you recommend?”

Alex thought for a moment. He now had a fairly good idea of what the man liked, after all. “You might like the chef’s new pasta dish, sir. It’s tortellini stuffed with sage and ricotta.”

Mr. Hart pursed fine-looking lips, considering his suggestion. Then a smile broke out across his face. “That sounds delicious, Alex,” he said appreciatively. “And a glass of Pinot Grigio Blush sounds perfect to go with it.”

Alex gave a polite nod as he started to leave, but Mr. Hart stretched out a long, slim hand to stop him. Alex tensed, surprised by the physical contact.

“Alex, you’ve been serving me for a month. Surely we’re past the ‘Mr. Hart’ stage by now? I’d like you to call me Leo, if you will.”

Alex stilled. He wasn’t quite sure how he felt about that. Then he reconsidered. He’d grown comfortable around Mr. Ha—Leo, he corrected—in the past month, and although he still avoided eye contact, it was easier being around him. Yeah, he could do that.

“Very well…. Leo,” he said, and the fact that Leo’s smile notched up even more made him absurdly pleased he’d agreed.

“Thank you, Alex. I mean that,” Leo said, and Alex could hear the sincerity in his words.

Alex nodded, blushing, and headed for the kitchen.

LEO SAVORED the last piece of delicate pasta. Excellent choice, the sage and ricotta blended perfectly together. He closed his eyes, humming appreciatively.

“Glad to see you still enjoy good food, Leo.”

He opened his eyes to find Sev regarding him warmly. Perfect timing. “Good evening, Sev.” He put down his fork and pushed the plate away. “Just the man I wanted to see.” He glanced around to make sure Alex was nowhere in sight. “Have you got a minute? I have to pop back to the club after this, but I wanted to speak with you first.”

Sev nodded, pulling back the chair and seating himself next to Leo. “What can I do for you?”

“I need a little information.” Quickly, Leo told him what he was after, and more importantly, why.

Sev’s smile grew wider. “Certainly, my friend.” He clasped Leo’s hand in his. “I would be delighted. Give me a moment, and I shall return with what you require.” He got up, pushed the chair neatly into place, and paused for a moment. “And, Leo? It makes me very happy to hear this from you. Very happy indeed.” The smile became a beam of delight, which proved infectious, and Leo beamed back at him. Sev took his leave, and Leo watched him cross the floor to the kitchen, grinning.

Step one accomplished.

ALEX GLANCED at the clock on the kitchen wall. Only half an hour to go, and his shift would be finished. It had been a long Thursday. He’d started at eleven thirty with the lunch crowd, but his shift didn’t end until nine—not that he was complaining. He kept checking his savings account balance online, along with the rental property sites. Not long now, and he’d be able to afford a place of his own. Sev had promised he could continue working at the restaurant until a marketing job came up, but the job market was looking pretty poor right now. So many graduates on his course had no job at all. Alex counted himself so lucky.

“Alex, when your shift finishes, can you come to my office, please?”

Alex looked up in surprise. Sev’s expression gave nothing away, so he gave him a brief nod of agreement. Then Sev was gone, leaving Alex to rack his brains as to why he wanted to see him.

“What’s that about, I wonder?” Vittorio said, standing in the doorway, jacket slung over his shoulder.

Alex shrugged. “Not a clue.” He glanced warily at Vittorio. “You still speaking to me?”

Vittorio laughed, and Alex let out a sigh of relief. He’d been concerned Vittorio might have taken it badly. “Yeah, sure,” Vittorio said with an affable grin. “To tell the truth, it was funny.” He winked at Alex. “How was your stalker tonight?”