Yield

by Ashling, Mickie B.

  “Don’t be silly. It’s refreshing to witness young love.”

  Ethan snorted. “I’m older than you.”

  “But you guys are in a new relationship. Watching you interact gives me good feels.”

  “I’ve loved him for a long time,” Ethan said. “One of these days, we’ll tell you our story.”

  “I can hardly wait.”

  Ethan slid the closet door open after Robin walked out of the room. He scanned the variety of outfits tailored specifically for scenes in the lifestyle. Fabric choices ranged from black spandex to buttery soft leather, with an assortment of natural and synthetic fibers too. Some were geared toward bondage and others to show off a well-honed body. It was an impressive selection, and imagining Rino on display gave him a boner. In the end, he pulled out a pair of boy briefs in red leather. It would go nicely with the black collar he’d chosen, and he threw in a red harness as an afterthought.

  Rino walked jauntily into the room and stopped when his eyes fell on the easily recognizable equipment. Goggle-eyed, he turned to Ethan. “What’s going on?”

  “It’s time to pay your dues.”

  “In front of an audience?” Rino squeaked. “You can’t be serious.”

  Moving slowly, Ethan extended his hand and drew Rino closer. “You’ve been asking me how to wipe the slate clean, and now I have an answer. It would please me if you changed into this outfit and followed me downstairs.”

  Rino looked at the items. “There’s nothing there but pants and a harness.”

  “And this,” Ethan added, shoving the collar and leash at Rino. “Put it on.”

  “This is your idea of punishment?” Rino asked, tears glittering behind the outrage. “To humiliate me in front of my coworkers?”

  “How do you think I felt when you admitted you lied to me in a room full of people?”

  “I didn’t lie!”

  Ethan’s temper, already on simmer whenever he thought of the deception, bubbled up unexpectedly and he lashed out. “We’ve already had this conversation. I seem to recall you asking me how you could make things right. You don’t get to decide the time, location, or method I choose to exact your punishment. A little humble pie will go a long way to making me happy.”

  “And if I safeword?”

  “Always an option,” Ethan said tersely.

  “Let me get this straight,” Rino hedged. “You want to use some form of puppy play to get your revenge?”

  “Don’t you dare call this revenge,” Ethan ordered.

  “It sure sounds like it to me.”

  “It’s not! To put it in terms you can understand, this is penance to obtain my forgiveness.”

  “A few stations of the cross would be preferable.”

  “Think again. Under different circumstances, I’d use a whip or flogger, but you don’t like physical pain and I respect your hard limits. We can take this scene to Heaven’s Gate if you can’t bear the humiliation in front of friends, but to be honest, the people downstairs are more understanding than you realize. We’ve all crossed the line at some point and have had to pay in one way or another.”

  “Scott will never let me forget.”

  “You’re wrong,” Ethan said. “He’s been a submissive for years and knows what it takes to keep the peace. I can promise you this won’t become an issue.”

  Rino sucked in a huge breath and let it out shakily. “Will I have to follow you on all fours and bark?”

  He looked pitiful, but Ethan knew he’d won this round and decided to temper the punishment with a little tenderness. “No, sugar. Just heel.”

  “Heel? What do you mean?”

  “Follow closely behind. Stop when I do. Go when I tug on your leash. Kneel by my side during dinner. Don’t eat anything unless I feed you. Do not speak unless I ask you a question.”

  “Like a damn pet.”

  Ethan grinned maniacally. “My sweet pup.”

  Muttering under his breath, Rino removed his clothes without another word, watching Ethan’s reaction the whole time. His gaze drifted to the obvious bulge between Ethan’s legs, and he slowed down, milking the moment for all it’s worth.

  “That-a-boy,” Ethan said, nodding his approval.

  Rino pulled the leather briefs up his long legs and asked for help with the harness, having never used one before. Once the collar was fastened, Ethan stepped back to observe his boy. Burnished bronze skin glowed under the soft track lighting used precisely to enhance rather than detract. The tiny briefs left little to the imagination, and Ethan was excited to present Rino to the group in all his glory. This might be a humbling experience for him, but Ethan had never been prouder.

  “You look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Ethan picked up the leash and tugged. “Ready, pup?”

  “Whenever you are.”

  Chapter 19

  Pleasing Ethan had been uppermost on Rino’s mind when he’d consented to this unprecedented challenge. As he followed on his Master’s heels, Rino braced for the snide remarks, but he and Ethan were met with absolute silence. He wasn’t sure if Robin had prepped the group or they were immune to the sight of a Dom disciplining his sub, but Rino kept his eyes downcast to avoid engaging. If he lost his composure and stepped out of his role, it would be a disaster. Concentrating on one step at a time, Rino sank to his knees after Ethan joined the others at the round table. Robin placed a frozen margarita by Ethan’s hand and conversation resumed as normal. No one mentioned the half-naked puppy by Ethan’s side; nonetheless, Rino would have welcomed an earthquake to redirect everyone’s attention.

  Rino recognized the internal struggle of a fragile ego and vowed to rise above the shame. Blocking out the conversation, Rino focused inwardly, counting his blessings instead of dwelling on his current state of unease. Knowing he needed tethering, Ethan gently massaged the tight knots behind Rino’s neck without breaking his conversational stride.

  Rino’s heart rate slowed, and he zoned out, finding a meditative state to get through the next few hours or however long Ethan chose to keep him on display. This humbling experience was meant to remind him he wasn’t infallible. Good intentions aside, he’d kept Ethan out of the loop, and it had been a costly mistake, both physically and mentally. The worst part was he had known he was crossing a line as it was happening. Thankfully, Ethan had shown remarkable restraint and dialed back his anger. A younger Dom might not have been so forgiving.

  He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but he felt grounded enough to lift his head and observe the small group. The only person who caught the slight shift in his movement was Ro Celdran. Before Rino had appeared on the scene, Ro, short for Roque, was the newest member of this select group. He’d fallen into Lance’s dental chair after an altercation at a BDSM club, where he’d moonlighted as a paid submissive.

  He and Ro had much in common, according to Robin, and this gathering would have been a good time to pick Ro’s brain, but Rino was currently at a disadvantage. He didn’t feel he had the right to ask for anything tonight, much less a backstory on Lance and Ro’s romance. He took heart when Ro winked and gave him a thumbs-up. His gaze veered off to Susie and Adrian. The Dominatrix was his office manager, and Rino only knew her in that context. Seeing her interact with her full-time submissive, a man in a position of power, was enlightening. At work, Susie was a professional, maintaining the delicate balance between efficient bossiness and the laws governing employee/employer relations. In this relaxed setting, she was unabashedly commanding with Adrian who soaked up her orders with an adoring smile. Scott and Robin were a dynamic Rino was familiar with, having worked with the couple on a daily basis for quite some time.

  Everyone at the table was different but the same. No two Doms were alike in style or personality, but the unwavering need to control was a common thread, and the men who loved them were passionate about submitting. For the first time since he’d stepped off the landing in his ridiculous outfit, Rino let down his guard.


  Ethan sensed the change immediately and gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re doing great, sugar.”

  Rino beamed.

  “Are you thirsty?”

  He could have used something refreshing, but it might necessitate a trip to the restroom shortly after, and he didn’t know how long he would remain on his knees. “No, sir.”

  “I saw you hesitate.”

  Shit. This was supposed to be a learning experience, and he was omitting the truth to avoid a possible conflict.

  “I’m sorry,” he replied softly. “If I have a drink, I’ll need the restroom.”

  “What’s the problem?” Ethan asked sympathetically. “You can get up if you have to go.”

  “I wasn’t sure you’d allow it.”

  “Just ask.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Ethan brushed a kiss against his cheek and reached for the pitcher of iced tea in the middle of the table. He poured Rino a glass and put it to his lips.

  “Drink up.”

  Rino drank gratefully, aware of multiple eyes shifting in his direction. Embarrassed, he lost his focus for a second, and some of the liquid dribbled down his chin. He forced the audience out of his head and finished the drink.

  Ethan wiped him clean with a paper napkin, patted him on the head, and whispered, “Good boy.”

  His mood shifted upon hearing words normally used on a pet, and he fought the instinctive need to snap back. This was temporary, he told himself. A momentary blip in what was an otherwise ideal relationship. Acting out would embarrass Ethan and only postpone the punishment. Next time, he might not get off so easy. Taking several calming breaths, Rino lowered his head and resumed his submissive stance.

  Finally, dinner was over, and Ethan motioned for him to stand. After being on his knees for such a long time, he was a little unsteady getting up. He wobbled slightly, but Ethan caught him and led him back inside the house and up the stairs to the playroom.

  Behind locked doors, Ethan cradled Rino’s face and kissed him long and hard. When they separated, he added, “Thank you, sugar. You were perfect.”

  “I almost slipped up.”

  “Yes, but you powered through,” Ethan assured him. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Am I forgiven?”

  “One hundred percent.”

  “No hard feelings whatsoever?”

  “None.”

  “Help me take off this outfit?”

  “You bet.” Ethan unbuckled the harness and it dropped to the floor with a soft clink of metal parts. He unfastened the dog collar next and let it slip from his fingers. He couldn’t take his eyes off Rino, though.

  “Do you want to fuck me, sir?”

  “God yes.”

  Ethan let out a low growl and peeled off the red leather pants. He licked his lips as Rino’s dewy cock sprang forward, ready to join the celebration. Scooping him up effortlessly, Ethan walked over to the bed on the other side of the room and laid his boy down. He opened his trousers, reached for the lube in the basket close to the bed, and handed it to Rino.

  “Get me ready.”

  Rino looked up at Ethan, loving the fire in his eyes and the ownership in his voice. He was an accomplished man in his prime, and knowing he was desired was a huge turn-on. It grounded Rino, but more importantly, loving Ethan and being loved in return gave him purpose.

  Without saying anything else, Ethan positioned his cock at Rino’s entrance and took what he wanted. Rino opened up for him and, as Ethan pushed in deeper, let out a cry that might have been heard downstairs, but he didn’t care. Let them know he’d pleased his Master and was getting his just reward.

  Ethan fucked Rino forcefully, holding onto his hips and picking up speed as the pressure built. Rino’s back arched, and he begged to come, but Ethan shook his head.

  “Not until I’m ready.”

  Rino closed his eyes and waited as Ethan continued in long, steady strokes. His body was shaking, the urgency to come unbearable, but he wouldn’t let himself fail this final test.

  Thankfully, Ethan reached his limit and came in a rush, shooting pulses of heat deep into Rino’s body.

  “Come for me,” he ordered, and Rino’s orgasm rocked his entire body. His cries were a mix of gratitude and relief, and they held each other until both stopped shuddering.

  In the aftermath, more words of love and reassurance flowed freely between them, and Ethan reiterated how much he appreciated Rino’s submission under public scrutiny.

  “I’ve seen more-experienced subs embarrass themselves and their Masters, but you were magnificent.”

  “Much of it had to do with the surprise factor. There was no time to dwell on what was about to happen.”

  “Nonetheless, your fortitude—and I know this was hard for you—in the face of such a personal challenge was admirable. You continue to impress me, sugar.”

  Rino purred with satisfaction. “It means a lot to hear your praise, but I hope to never endure this kind of humiliation again.”

  “Mistakes will happen the longer we’re together. It’s the nature of the beast, but so long as we can agree on the solutions, we should weather any storm.”

  “What if you do something to upset me next time?” Rino asked curiously. “Does a sub get to punish his Dom?”

  Ethan snorted. “You’ll figure something out.”

  Rino made a mental note to bring this up again. It didn’t escape his notice that Ethan didn’t answer his question. Maybe a more experienced sub like Scott or Adrian would provide a solution in case something came up in the future.

  In the en suite bathroom, they washed and dressed to rejoin the party. Before exiting the playroom, they made sure it was in order so Robin had no reason to regret his decision to lend out his equipment.

  Downstairs, they were greeted by congratulatory shouts, and although Rino wanted to sink through the floorboards, a part of him was basking in the praise.

  Scott walked up and handed him a drink. “Good job.”

  Rino nodded his thanks and accepted the drink. Although he and Scott were routinely at odds, he could tell the sub was genuinely pleased he’d done his Master proud.

  With newfound confidence, Rino posed the question uppermost on his mind. “What do we do when our Masters mess up?”

  Scott laughed. “I kick Robin out of bed.”

  Aghast, he asked, “You can withhold sex?”

  “Of course,” Scott said. “I’m not his sex slave.”

  “I didn’t know I had the option.”

  “Never forget you always have the option to say no.”

  Rino’s eyes widened in surprise. “Thanks for the tip.”

  “No problem.”

  Scott wandered off, and Rino was surprised to see Ro approaching with his hand outstretched. “I wanted to offer my congratulations for a job well done.”

  He reached for the hand, which was surprisingly callused, and shook it. “Thanks for the encouragement earlier. It came at a good time.”

  “I don’t know how you managed it,” Ro said admiringly. “I would have used my safeword.”

  “I thought about it, but Ethan convinced me you guys would be more understanding than strangers at Heaven’s Gate.”

  “He’s right. Still,” Ro said, shaking his head. “Some things about the lifestyle bother me.”

  “You wouldn’t be with Lance if you were completely opposed.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot I like, but humiliation is a hard limit I won’t cross.”

  Being a minority himself, Rino understood Ro’s mindset. The former migrant who’d made something of himself through a lot of adversity, according to the rumor mill, was supersensitive to slurs of any kind. Putting himself in a position where he might be pitied or, worse, insulted was unthinkable. It was difficult to let go of one’s past when society hadn’t improved and had actually gone from bad to worse thanks to the current administration.

  “I understand. The sight of a whip or flogger makes me break out
into a cold sweat.”

  Ro laughed. “I guess we’re with the right partners.”

  Rino nodded.

  Throughout the course of the evening, this congratulatory scene was repeated with Susie, Adrian, and Lance. After it stopped being a source of embarrassment, Rino felt a deep connection to this group he’d never felt before. They were not only coworkers, they were family, and he’d been accepted into the inner circle with open arms.

  On the way home, he said as much to Ethan. “I never thought I’d live to say this, but I want to thank you for insisting we do a scene tonight. It was a baptism of fire, to be sure, but I feel like I’m a bona fide member of your BDSM community.”

  Ethan grinned and glanced sidelong. “Good.”

  “This is not to say I’m going to agree to being humiliated each time. The punishment must suit the crime.”

  Ethan chuckled. “I can always count on you for a lengthy debate.”

  “You would lose interest if you lived with a yes man.”

  “I might live longer, though.”

  “No way,” Rino said dismissively. “You’d die of boredom.”

  Chapter 20

  Sami’s second attempt at psychiatry hadn’t gone any better than the first, and once again, he’d walked out disappointed. In desperation, he called Ethan, hoping the doc would know someone in the business who might also understand his kink.

  After receiving the referral via text, he researched Dr. Peter McCauley. The guy had an office in the Haight-Ashbury district, close to the University of San Francisco. His bio pic—a selfie taken on a kayaking trip—wasn’t the usual studio portrait. The fifty-something-year-old in the photo looked like someone who knew how to have a good time. Wearing cutoffs and a tank top, he was surprisingly ripped, and his teeth gleamed white in the sunlight as he laughed into the camera. His hair was slicked back into a loose ponytail, and he wore John Lennon glasses, which could mean he was either an aging hipster or a nonconformist. In any case, he was a world apart from the stodgy professionals at the VA Medical Center on Clement Street. According to his credentials, Peter specialized in hypnosis to address common disorders such as social anxiety, addiction, insomnia, OCD, poor sexual function, and PTSD.