by David, Luna
“I’m fluent in French. In my experience, Europeans place more importance on being multilingual than Americans do.”
“Yeah, I think that’s true. I don’t know why I seem to forget you’ve lived in the UK almost longer than you’ve lived here. Your accent is sexy as hell, but I often forget about its origin because it’s just so…you. I guess I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish. Maybe I’ll take a class someday. Who knows? Do you know the bands playing this evening?”
Ronan shook his head, rubbing his thumb over the back of Jamie’s hand. “Not really, no. I’ve never been to a bad concert here before though, so I’m open to whatever. What I’m most excited about is seeing Gina, Melissa, and their little guy. I can’t wait to get my hands on him. The pictures aren’t enough.”
Jamie, looking surprised, said, “You don’t strike me as someone who goes gaga over kids.”
Ronan smiled and bumped shoulders with him. “Well, I wouldn’t say gaga, but Gina is like family. I saw her progress the whole pregnancy, so I’ve kinda named myself his unofficial uncle. Do you ever see yourself having kids?”
Jamie got over his surprise quickly and cleared his throat, shaking his head. “No. I don’t. It’s not something I’ve ever wanted, really. There’s so much I want to do like travel all over the world, take off at a moment’s notice for a weekend, take baking and cake decorating classes, and maybe give you a run for your money in the kitchen when I take a cooking class. I like kids well enough, but I don’t want any of my own. What about you?”
Ronan grinned and brought Jamie’s hand up, pressing his lips against the back of Jamie’s hand. “It’s not something I see for myself. Never has been. I’ll be happy to watch Spencer whenever the ladies need a date night, but then I’ll be happy to give him back.” He chuckled and gazed at Jamie. “I suppose I’m a lot like you. I want too many other things in my life, and the type of life I lead isn’t really conducive to kids.”
Ronan slowed as Jamie tugged on his hand. Stopping between the vines of grapes, he gazed down at Jamie and his stomach fluttered at the look of happiness he saw there. “What’s put that gorgeous smile on your face?”
“You did.” Jamie stepped closer and stood on his tiptoes, kissing Ronan sweetly and drawing away.
Ronan, happy he could bring out that reaction from him, just shrugged, not wanting to push Jamie for specifics. He felt too good, too light and carefree just from that smile alone to delve any further. “You know, if you ever need someone to take classes with you, I’m a good study partner. And I love traveling, so we can plan as many trips as you’d like.”
Jamie smiled up at him. “I’d like that.”
“Me too, boy.”
They continued to walk all over the vineyard, their wine long gone. They held hands, laughing and joking with one another, talking as if they’d known each other for years. Ronan loved that they never seemed to run out of things to say, and when they stopped talking, their silences were peaceful. He couldn’t remember having a better date in his life.
Later, as Ronan leaned back against the Garry oak tree on the edge of the amphitheater’s vast lawn, Jamie lying between his legs and held gently in his arms, he felt like life couldn’t get better than it was right at that moment. Their friends were beside them, talking and rocking little Spencer in his car seat, and he had the man of his dreams in his arms.
Ronan admitted, if only to himself, he was a goner over Jamie. If he was honest, he’d probably lost his heart to Jamie weeks prior, but it sat uneasily on his shoulders until he decided to embrace it rather than fight it. That had been a pivotal moment for him.
They hadn’t talked too much about the future besides the random offhand comments they’d occasionally let slip out. He still had to wonder if he was jumping too far ahead of Jamie in terms of where he thought their relationship was going. He was seeing their future mapped out before him. Self-doubt had him worried Jamie was so new to Ronan’s lifestyle, and his own new kink, that it was more a passing phase for Jamie, rather than something he’d want to do forever.
Ronan knew that Jamie may end up saying he was done with the BDSM aspect of their relationship. He just hoped he’d be able to hold on to the boy if that happened, but he feared if Jamie decided he didn’t want that, he wouldn’t want Ronan either. He knew he’d just have to wait and see how things progressed.
JAMIE
Jamie was leaning against the doorway of Ronan’s bedroom as Ronan worked around the kitchen preparing for the house party—more like kink party—that he was having that night.
The dungeon Ronan had built downstairs was imposing and sent a flutter of panic through Jamie. It was another step, another foot deeper into the world Ronan had lived in for so long. Jamie had worry and panic, lust and excitement bouncing around his head for days. Although it was easier after weeks of learning and acting on his kink, the kind of party Ronan was throwing was unlike any Jamie had ever been to. And it wasn’t one, in reality, someone could prepare for.
Like every scene Ronan and he had ever been in together, boundaries were set. Hard limits and soft limits discussed. Ronan had talked to him about each person’s limits, and they knew his and Ronan’s.
Ronan was graceful as he moved around his kitchen, plating food that was finished, stirring whatever was making that delicious smell in a large pot on the stove, and checking the few items still in the oven. Jamie loved watching him. He moved with such confidence whether it was at the office with his patients, in the kitchen with the food he loved to cook, or in a scene when he commanded the sub he was working over and Jamie at the same time.
Just as the timers on the oven went off, Ronan turned. His smile at seeing Jamie staring at him was downright dirty. “None of that look, Dr. Kincaid. You have guests coming.” Jamie laughed.
“Oh, but my guests wouldn’t think twice about finding you bent over the couch with my cock buried in that tight hole of yours.” Only Ronan could say something like that as casually as most would speak about doing laundry.
“Yeah, well…” Jamie swallowed…hard…trying to get his thoughts away from Ronan doing just that and get his pulse back under control. Ronan laughed when he noted how quickly his words had turned Jamie on. Jamie stuck his tongue out at him. Such a brat.
“Okay, our guests will arrive shortly. Let’s get all this food and drink downstairs.” Ronan slapped Jamie’s ass, the surprise of it making him squeak.
They each carried as much as they could, making a couple of trips up and down the stairs to the dungeon. Ronan had a bar set up with sodas on tap, ice in the chest freezer under the counter, and food spread out on small tables he’d placed around the area.
When Jamie had made his final trip, he took the time to study the space, hoping that it might calm his nerves a bit if he could look at it objectively. Most of the walls were covered in a textured-sandstone paint except the large wall that ran the width of the room, which was covered in a rustic, dark stone. The bar fit the décor nicely, matching the dark wood that was spread in various places throughout the room, including the hardwood floors.
Even after all the times he’d been down there, it still wasn’t what Jamie would’ve thought a “dungeon” would look like. He’d always pictured castle style walls with lots of black and reds and every scary, imposing BDSM piece of furniture that could fit. Maybe even a few metal hooks to tie people up.
He shook himself from those thoughts—or tried to, at least—as he turned back to watch Ronan put the finishing touches on the room. He’d already turned the lights on low in the main room and each of the three private rooms and closed the curtains to block the waning light from outside. Now he was going from place to place lighting candles. Each time he bent to light one—the curse of being so damn tall—Jamie got a view of his tight ass. He was tempted to go grope it but nerves got the better of him.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Jamie?” Ronan spoke without turning away from his task, but the amusement was clear in his voice.
“I am. Very much. You’re gorgeous.” Jamie walked toward Ronan, needing to be close to him.
“You’re flirting with me,” Ronan replied, chuckling.
“You’re easy to flirt with.” Jamie carefully wrapped his arms around Ronan, resting his cheek against his warm back. He heard the sound of the lighter hitting the table, then Ronan was turning.
Letting go, Jamie stepped back. Ronan faced him with a look of affectionate amusement. “Feeling a little needy, boy? Maybe because you’re nervous?”
“Maybe a little, even though I hate to admit it. This room, as gorgeous as it is, is rather…intimidating.”
“There’s nothing wrong with feeling nervous. You’re being put in a situation you’ve never been in before. It’s understandable.”
“And I know that logically, but my nerves aren’t getting the signal, unfortunately.” Jamie let out a nervous laugh.
Ronan pulled him in close, wrapping his arms tightly around Jamie, molding their bodies together. Jamie let out a sigh. He was starting to think of this place, surrounded so completely by Ronan, as home. No matter how tough his day was, once he was standing with Ronan’s arms around him and his scent filling his senses, Jamie felt warm and content. Trusting someone so much that it was pure instinct to react that way was very new for Jamie. He didn’t want to give that up. Ever.
“Nothing has to happen, Jamie. And remember, it won’t be wall-to-wall sex. Some of them just come to the house parties because it’s a safe place to be themselves and talk amongst people that get them.” He placed a kiss on the side of Jamie’s head. Jamie felt Ronan’s lips against his skin, the sensation spreading all the way to his toes.
Taking a deep breath, Jamie leaned back without letting go of Ronan. He looked right into his eyes. “Thank you.”
Ronan grinned. Jamie knew Ronan loved taking care of him. He loved making him feel better, safer, and wanted. He loved even more when he achieved those things.
“You never have to thank me.” Ronan leaned down to kiss him. First, just a light peck, a touch of lips and breathing the same heated air. Then his tongue licked along the seam of Jamie’s lips, caressing it, coaxing Jamie to open his mouth. When Jamie did, he was full of Ronan. He was breathless with Ronan’s tongue in his mouth, but he didn’t want to stop the kiss. It made him hard and wanting and, at the same time, made him want to let go, let Ronan take control and hold him steady.
Ronan pulled back and Jamie kept his eyes closed, savoring the moment and how he felt. His nerves were settled, his cock was hard, and his heart was full.
He felt Ronan pull him close once again, lips against his ear. “You’ll be fine, boy. You’re strong and brave. I’m proud of you.” Just as the words left Ronan’s lips, the doorbell upstairs rang loud and clear. Jamie still felt like he was floating from all of Ronan’s attention on him. “Remember, we’re in this together. You and me.” Ronan paused, pressing his forehead to Jamie’s. “I love you.”
Jamie opened his eyes, shocked out of the head space he was in, but Ronan was gone.
Ronan loved him?
Holy fuck, Ronan loved him.
My heart might burst.
He stood, not sure what to do when he heard Ronan call down to him. As he walked up the wooden stairs, he heard a few voices besides Ronan’s. When he reached the top, he paused on the landing and took a deep breath. On the other side of that door was the kitchen and the people who would be participating in the night’s events.
But more importantly, on the other side of that door was the man who just said he loved him.
Jamie opened the door and stepped into the kitchen. Standing in the family room was Ronan and two men Jamie had never met—at least not officially. Ronan noticed Jamie wasn’t moving toward them and waved him over with a smile.
These were just people. He could do it. He could talk and socialize. He was good at it.
Jamie made his way over to the group of men as Ronan laughed at something one of the other men said. As soon as Jamie stepped next to Ronan, he moved to the side, slotting Jamie right in next to him, his arm going around his waist. Jamie instantly knew he needed to find a moment to talk to Ronan.
“Everyone, this is Jamie. Jamie, this is Brad, my best friend.” Ronan motioned toward the man on the opposite side of Jamie. He was tall, nearly as tall as Ronan, with dark brown hair, whiskey-colored eyes, and more muscle than anyone else in the room. He was also stunning.
Jamie smiled and said, “Hello.”
“You haven’t officially met Quinn.”
Quinn reached out, offering his hand to Jamie to shake. “It’s nice to meet you, Quinn.” Jamie didn’t know what else to say. He was still embarrassed that he’d peeped on Quinn during his scene with Ronan, Drew, Morgan, and Harrison. “I’d like to offer you my—”
“There’s no need, Jamie. Forgiven and forgotten. It’s great to meet you.” Quinn’s smile was welcoming, and Jamie read the truth of his words on his face.
Jamie cleared his throat. “We have drinks and food downstairs if you want to make your way down there while we wait for the others to arrive,” Jamie stated.
Brad and Quinn nodded and made their way to the dungeon. But before Jamie could take that time to talk to Ronan the doorbell rang again. Ronan made to turn to go to the door, but Jamie grabbed his arm.
Ronan looked back at him, question clear on his face.
Looking right into Ronan’s eyes, Jamie said, “I love you too.” Ronan’s eyes widened in shock, but they still held the warmth they always did. Yet, the questioning look still lingered, and if Jamie wasn’t wrong, a bit of doubt was in his eyes too.
And then the doorbell rang a second time. Ronan turned to look at the door then back at Jamie. With a frustrated growl, he stalked to the door to let their guests in.
Thirty minutes later, Jamie was in another world. He was sure of it. He sat alone on one of the dark leather couches. One of the many that had been placed around the room creating comfortable, spacious seating areas. It was a great couch, soft and pleasant. But what he was looking at was another story.
Thinking back, Jamie could honestly say that being in a private BDSM dungeon, and dating a Dominant and all-around-kinky guy, was not something he’d ever seen himself doing.
But he was.
All of it.
And his all-around-kinky guy was playing host to all the men, making the rounds to make sure everyone knew where everything was, and going over the rules one more time. He was all about safety.
There were going to be eleven other men at the party besides Ronan and himself. Most of whom he’d seen or met before.
There was Geoff and Misha, the first couple Jamie had spied on with Ronan, who loved role playing—any and all kinds for the pure pleasure of the kink.
Then there was Jeremiah, a bearded man who was tall and broad and maybe a little rough around the edges, who showed his pups, Michael and Robbie, so much love and attention. According to Ronan, Robbie was fairly new to the relationship. Jamie could see they both worshiped Jeremiah. But the boys still weren’t as close after months of being together. Jamie could see a hesitancy from Michael to be playful or touch Robbie, and it hurt his heart a little for the happy guy. But there was something about Robbie…he just couldn’t put his finger on what. Maybe it was just that they were all still learning to live as a threesome, especially in their puppy-play time.
Jamie didn’t completely understand the kink, but he thought Michael, with his happy-puppy personality, was completely adorable—even if the tail sticking out of his ass made Jamie feel uncomfortable and turned on at the same time.
Knox and Zach—or rather Callie—had shown up shortly after the trio had. Zach was dressed as Callie, just like he’d been when they’d had their first scene together. Jamie flushed with the memory. Theirs wasn’t a role-playing kink like Geoff and Misha. It was more about how feminization worked to humiliate Zach, and that was his kink. Being humiliated.
He was gorgeous in his little, pink skater
skirt and a white corset wrapped tightly around his torso. Missing was the fake, ample chest he’d had on the last time. Instead, the corset sat low enough his red nipples peeked out above the top. The look was completed with matching ruffled, white ankle socks and white high-heeled Mary Jane platform pumps. Knox had gone all out for his Zach.
The men who hadn’t joined them yet were Drew and Morgan. They were a couple who’d been together a long time. They were perpetually looking for a third, according to Ronan.
Jamie watched as Quinn separated himself, drink in hand, from Ronan and Brad. They’d been talking over by the bar for the last twenty minutes that Jamie had sat observing those around the room.
“Hey, Jamie.” Quinn sat on the chair next to the couch Jamie was on.
“Hey, Quinn.” Jamie smiled.
“You’re being very quiet over here by yourself. Not the social type?”
“Oh, I am, typically, but this,” Jamie waved at the room, “is very new for me. Ronan suggested I just sit back and watch for a bit.”
“Well, that shouldn’t be too hard for you. Watching is your thing, right?” Quinn asked with a wink.
Jamie laughed, knowing Quinn was just teasing him. “That is true. If you don’t mind me saying, you look younger than me. How long have you been active in the community?”
Quinn leaned to the left, pulling his legs up underneath him. “I’d say about two years. Yeah, I’m twenty-two now so that’s about right, give or take a month or three.”
Objectively, Jamie thought Quinn was gorgeous. Not his type but still lean and muscular in a way that no one could deny his appeal. He was dressed in dark skinny jeans and no shirt. Which put his nipple rings on full display. Quinn’s unruly, dark curls were sexy, and Jamie had seen what those curls looked like after numerous men had their hands in them. He’d seen Quinn’s skin flushed and sweaty from being fucked over and over.
Jamie felt his cock twitch and try to rise in the confines of his own tight pants. He really needed to change the direction of his thoughts.