Healing Him

by Laura N Andrews

  “No. Not yet.”

  Drawing back, I just look at him. “Well, we need to celebrate.”

  Ryan bites his lip. “Can we please celebrate later, Sir?”

  My fingers grasp the hair at his nape. “You want to play first, baby?”

  “Yes please, Sir.”

  Who can resist that smile and those words? After pressing a kiss to his forehead, nose, and lips, I stand back. “I’ll be in the bedroom in ten minutes. I want you in your display position, ready for me.”

  A relieved sigh is followed by a cheeky smile. “Yes, Sir.” Ryan leaves the room and I make a few calls. The last one is for Travis.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?”

  “Hey. Listen, you doing anything tonight?”

  “Well, Dakota’s still here. He wants to move in soon. We were thinking of grabbing a beer. Hey, aren’t you with Ryan tonight?”

  “Yeah,” I start. “Thing is, I’ve found out Ryan’s received some exciting news, and I’m trying to organise a celebratory dinner. You guys keen for some food and drinks?”

  “Of course. Can I ask what the good news is?”

  “The publishing house replied and they want to publish his book.”

  “Oh, that’s awesome! Okay, well, we’ll be there. Where are you thinking?”

  “Tony’s in Fremantle. Seven o’clock.”

  “Nice. And it’s cool to bring Dakota?”

  I shrug. “Why not? We’re all going to be living together. Might as well start bonding.” Travis laughs. I hang up soon after, wanting to take care of my man.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Now will you tell me where we’re going?” Ryan’s eyes won’t leave me as I drive us to dinner. Along with Ryan’s parents and sister, whom I haven’t yet met, I’ve invited my brothers and our parents. I hope I’ve done the right thing by asking David to invite Ryan’s family. But I figure this is such a big deal. Everyone close to him should be involved in something as special as this.

  I reply to him with a smirk, “Dinner.”

  “Ha ha. I guessed that much.”

  I rest my hand on his thigh. “Okay, dinner and some drinks.” He shakes his head with a chuckle. Making a turn, I tell him, “We’re here. I’ll just be a second.” Quickly paying for a ticket, I place it on the dashboard before opening his door and reaching for Ryan’s hand. I lead the way through Tony’s entrance, stepping up to the front desk. “Hi, I made a reservation for Bromley.”

  The pretty brunette girl glances down at our entwined hands and smiles. “Let me see which table we’ve put you at.” We wait patiently, until she says, “Ah, here we go. Some have already arrived. Just this way.”

  My boy makes a face and is about to ask me what she means, when something catches his eye. “What the…?”

  “Surprise, baby,” I whisper into his ear. Trey and David, Travis and Dakota, my parents and Ryan’s, and his sister Matilda all stand when we make our way over.

  “Surprise!”

  “Congratulations!”

  “Oh my God,” Ryan murmurs. He faces me. “You… you did this?”

  I kiss his cheek. “I did. I had David invite your parents and your sister.”

  “I… I don’t….” He clears his throat, before whispering. “Thank you, Sir.”

  “You’re very welcome. Now,” I say, raising my voice to a normal level, “Let’s celebrate, because someone is about to be a published author.”

  Hollers and cheers are the crowd’s response. Hugs and slaps on the back are shared around until Ryan grasps my hand. “Henry, I’d like you to meet my mum and dad. Lily and Kevin Scott.”

  We shake hands. “It’s nice to meet you,” I say. “Glad you could make it tonight.”

  Lily, clearly Ryan’s mother from their resemblance, gives me a nice smile. “Thank you for organising tonight. Ryan’s not one to make a fuss of himself, and he never would’ve planned a night of celebrations.” She turns to her son. “Which you deserve! I’m so proud of you. I remember when you were eight years old writing stories.”

  “Really?” I ask, cocking my eyebrow at him.

  “Yeah, yeah,” my man replies with a chuckle. “And this is my sister.”

  She steps forward for a hug. After the surprise wears off, I welcome the embrace. “It’s nice to finally meet you. You can call me Maddie.”

  I smile as she pulls back. “It’s nice to meet you too, Maddie.” When all the introductions are done, we all sit and eat.

  * * *

  Dinner is a huge success. The food was delicious, the drinks were good, and everyone seemed to have a great time. With the workweek commencing tomorrow, everyone wants to leave at a reasonable hour. It’s as we’re leaving when I overhear Ryan and Dakota chatting.

  “Sorry,” Ryan begins, “how do you know Travis again? Are you guys…?”

  “No, no. It’s a funny story. I met both Henry and Travis face-to-face recently, but I was their real estate agent searching for their gym.”

  “Oh! Cool.”

  “Yeah. So that’s how we met, but it turns out I’m going to be moving in with them. I saw Henry’s ad online for a room for rent and went over today to check it out. All going well, I’ll be moving in this week.”

  “Wow,” he says. Ryan’s deep in thought with a small frown before he smirks. “Small world, huh?”

  “It is.”

  “So, and don’t take this the wrong way, but, being an agent, can I ask—”

  “Yeah,” Dakota interrupts with a smile. “It’s like I told the brothers. I just need some time to figure things out before I buy. Plus, I like the idea of living with other guys for a little while.” He glances at me as I join them. “Couple of friendly roommates will be a nice change.”

  I wrap an arm around Ryan’s shoulders. “It’ll definitely be a change for us too, but I’m sure we’ll all get on just fine.”

  In the car on the way to Ryan’s place, he’s quiet. When we’re almost there, he thanks me again for a great night. “You’re welcome.”

  “Hey, so Dakota. Is he…?”

  “What?”

  “Is he gay?”

  I glance at him before returning my eyes to the road. “He’s bi.”

  “Oh. Okay, cool.”

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m good,” he replies. When I park the car, he removes his belt and faces me. “It was really cool of you to get my folks and sister to come. I can’t believe you hadn’t met them until now.”

  I take his hand and kiss the back of it. “Well, tonight was the perfect opportunity to meet them. I’m really proud of you, Ryan.”

  “Thanks.”

  Once we’re both ready for bed, it’s just past eleven. Lying on our sides facing each other, I’m wondering what has Ryan a little withdrawn. There’s something going on; I’m sure of it. I don’t think it has to do with dinner, but perhaps something happened during it that caused his mood to change?

  “Are you okay?”

  Ryan smiles and holds my hand, which is resting on his cheek. “Yes. I had a great time tonight. I know I keep thanking you, but I really mean it. It was nice to see everyone, and I never would’ve organised it. You make me even more excited about being an author,” he says. “It’s like your excitement increases mine.” Whatever it is, it doesn’t seem like he needs to discuss it now, and I don’t want to end the night on a sour note. Ryan’s happiness is paramount to me.

  “I guess that’s what happens when you love someone,” I reply.

  “Yeah.”

  “Turn over. I want to hold you.”

  Ryan smirks, kisses my lips, and shifts until his back pushes into my chest. “Goodnight, Sir. Love you.”

  “Love you too, pup.”

  * * *

  Ryan’s in the kitchen, heating up some leftovers for dinner, when I walk in. I’d messaged him to say I was on my way, so he must’ve unlocked it for me. Today’s been a long day for me, and I can’t wait to sit down and eat with my man. Since Ryan’s celebratory d
inner just over a week ago, his mood has been up and down. Leaning against the wall, I watch him. From where I am, I can clearly see his tense shoulders and careful movements.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He spins around, brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean, Sir?”

  “I mean,” I say, striding over to him, “something’s wrong. Please tell me.”

  Ryan huffs. “It’s nothing.”

  I frown and cross my arms. “No. It’s not nothing, pup. Don’t make me ask you again.”

  With everything that’s been going on, there’re multiple reasons for Ryan’s behaviour. Many factors could potentially be causing him stress. There’s the fact he bumped into his rapist. There are the charges that have been made against Luke. Ryan’s case could possibly mean an imminent criminal trial, which means it’ll bring up his past with Luke and the abuse once again. Work at the gym is still underway, and our deadline is in a week’s time. The inspection is set for a week before opening day. Dakota has moved in, and he’s fitting in with us seamlessly.

  Impatient with his silence, I cock an eyebrow.

  Ryan’s hands fly up and he growls. “For fuck’s sake, Henry!” Before I can react, he drops his head and shrugs, struggling to explain. “Honestly, it’s nothing. And everything. Nothing in particular… but everything combined.”

  “I’m not surprised,” I murmur. Standing inches away from him, I meet his gaze. “A lot has been going on for you. From the low of bumping into Luke, to the high of becoming a published author, you’ve had to deal with a lot of conflicting emotions. And I understand it might be causing you to feel extremely stressed. But it doesn’t permit you to misbehave and disrespect your Dom. Does it?”

  It takes him a few moments before he sighs. “No, Sir.” From his body language, he doesn’t feel guilty, only angry and embarrassed.

  “I’m disappointed.” Because, despite everything, he’s been doing so well lately. The perfect submissive. My words seem to affect him now.

  Tears pool in his chocolate eyes and his guilt is plain as day. It brings me pain to see him disappointed and upset with himself. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

  “Me too.” I’m sorry the night has to start with a punishment. Ryan’s been physically hurt enough in the past, and he’s having to relive it with the high possibility of his case going to trial. Every second he has to talk about it, it hurts him. Using a different method of punishment, I know it’ll be as, if not, more effective. Taking a few steps backwards towards the door, I clear my throat. “Finish with dinner. I’m taking a shower.” Ryan’s lips part, but he hesitates. “Something you want to say?”

  He glances up. “I really am sorry, Sir. And… amongst everything else… there’s something that has been bothering me.”

  Finally.

  “Yes?”

  He’s quiet and motionless, until he blurts out, “I don’t want you living with Dakota.”

  My eyebrows shoot up. “I see.” My feet move until I’m in front of him again. “Why?”

  Ryan licks his lips. “Because he’s… because….”

  “Who are you to me?”

  “Your submissive, Sir.”

  “That’s right. You’re mine. And who is Dakota to me?”

  “Your roommate. Your tenant, Sir.”

  “Correct again. So, tell me, why should I not live in the same house as Dakota and my brother?”

  “If I mean more to you than Dakota, Sir, then why does he get to live with you and I don’t?”

  Oh.

  Oh. Ryan wants us to live together. And to think, I’ve been waiting for him to be ready for the next step, only for him to be giving me a kick up the arse. I should’ve realised this sooner. “I see,” I repeat. “Well. Maybe you should move in as well.”

  His jaw drops. “Excuse me, Sir?”

  “Why not? If we’re both ready to live together, which I have been for a while, why don’t you move in with me?” Considering it seriously, I place my hands on my hips. “It’s not ideal at this stage to organise a place of our very own for a while. I’m committed to the house with Travis and paying it off together. We’d—”

  He shakes his head. “I’d love to move in with you, Sir,” he says.

  I tilt my head. “Okay. We’ll slowly start moving your things out. Give the owner your notice.” The idea of having Ryan live with me makes me happy. Even if we choose to have another tenant, we can. The place is definitely big enough for five, if two of us are sharing a room. Shaking my head, I consider the important benefits of Ryan’s moving in. Us living together. Coming home to him like this every night. Sleeping with him. Waking up beside him every morning, if he’s been a good pup . Come to think of it, he’s been practically living at mine the last couple weeks anyway.

  I nod slowly. “You’ll live with me. Soon. What you say is true. You mean the world to me. I love you and I want you living me.” I cradle his face in my hands. “To wake up beside you, to come home to you. I’d love that.” Pressing a light kiss to his lips, I pull away. I’m not looking forward to punishing him. “For now, finish dinner, pup.”

  He nods slowly before doing as I ask. By his hesitation, it’s clear he knows punishment is yet to come, but he doesn’t ask what it is. “Yes, Sir.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Showered, dry, and wearing sweatpants and a shirt, I join Ryan in the kitchen just as he’s serving up our plates. Once he’s done, I pour myself a glass of red and take my dinner. “I’ll be eating on the sofa. You can eat at the table and think about your behaviour. No speaking for an hour.”

  “Yes, Sir.” His lips fold in and he bites down on them.

  With his punishment commencing, I settle myself down in front of his TV, or what might soon be called our TV. Flicking between a couple of channels, I watch various comedy reruns while I eat and drink. In my head, I wonder about Ryan moving in and where we’ll put certain things. With my phone in hand, I fire off a message to Travis to check which shift he has at Andy’s the next day. When he says a similar one to mine, I suggest grabbing lunch together, as I want to discuss something with him. His response makes me smile.

  Travis: Sounds gd. Shit man, you need 2 help me with D. I wanna know once and for all if he’s interested in me. He’s a locked vault. A sexy vault. Anyways, you have me curious. Talk 2mos

  Me: Okay cool. You could always ask him. Either way, try not to offend our roommate. Cya 2mos

  It was bad enough when we first met Dakota and Travis wanted to ask him out on a date. Now the guy is living with us and Trav has a serious case of blue balls. Before he met Dakota? Travis would ask anyone, anytime, anyplace out on a date without hesitation. The fact the man has my brother all nervous and shy? It’s weird. And sort of cute.

  Tossing back the rest of my wine, I place my glass on the coffee table. I lean back against the sofa. Ryan collects my plate and glass and silently takes them to the kitchen along with his own. Checking the time and realising he’s been quiet for more than eighty minutes, I stand. With his back to me, Ryan fills the sink. Wrapping my arms around him from behind, I move my lips to his ear. “Good pup.”

  He turns in my arms before hugging me tightly. I know how much he dislikes being apart, especially when we’re in the same room together. In my eyes, the punishment fit the crime and it’s over now. Stepping back, I cradle his face and smile. “It’s done. Now we can enjoy our evening. Thank you for dinner, Ryan. It was delicious.”

  “You’re welcome, Sir.”

  I tease my bottom lip with my pointer finger. He obeys my silent request and kisses me. It’s a deliberate, slow, and sensual joining. Before I let myself get carried away, I draw back. “Have a shower and wait for me in bed,” I whisper, giving him a little swat as he passes by. I set to work on the dishes, and once they’re finished, the TV is turned off, and I double-check the lock on the door. As I commanded, Ryan waits for me on the bed. On his back, eyes closed, and completely naked, he’s a sight to behold. I make quick work showing him how much I ap
preciate and love his submission.

  Later, when we’re sated, clean, and back in bed, Ryan rests on his back with me on my side. I have my leg resting over both of his, one hand holding my head up, and the other caressing his chest.

  “Do you know how sexy you are?”

  He gives me a jerky nod. “Yes, Sir. You make me feel sexy. Like right now. The way you’re looking at me.”

  I grin at him. “Yeah?”

  “Yes, Sir. And I hope you know how sexy you are, too.”

  Gazing into his warm eyes, I smirk. “By your expression, I feel like I could win a sexiest-man-alive competition.”

  “You totally could.” He shudders when I touch his nipple.

  Releasing his sensitive bud, I press my lips to his in a soft kiss and flip the light switch. “Rest now, pup.”

  He mumbles words of love before drifting off. Nuzzling my face in his hair, I breathe in his scent, falling asleep to the sound of his quiet snores.

  * * *

  A week later, Ryan strolls into his bedroom, and I can’t help but lift my head from the pages I hold in my hands to glance at him.

  He smirks. “That’s one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen, Sir. You, lying in bed and reading.”

  “Well, you’re your hottest when obeying my orders.”

  “Huh.” He tilts his head. “In that case, feel free to order me to blow you off while you read. I’ll be only too happy to obey you.”

  The laugh bursts right out of my mouth. This guy. I love him so much. He’s finally letting me read what he’s written for the second book in his series, and this is the first time I’ve found a free moment. Of course, if it’s between reading and pleasuring my lover, though? The latter will win every time.

  “Come here.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Just as I’m about to tell him what he can do with that beautiful mouth of his, his phone rings. I love how he meets my eyes, asking for permission first. With my nod, I give him the okay. Checking his screen, Ryan’s eyes snap to mine. “It’s the detective. Ashley.”