by K. C. Wells
Alex breathed more evenly and then let out another contented sigh as Leo stretched out alongside him on the bed, lying on his back. Leo held out his arms, and Alex curled up to him, his head on Leo’s chest, Leo enfolding him in an embrace. Alex snuggled closer, wanting to prolong the connection between them.
Leo chuckled. “Never picked you for a snuggler, boy.”
Alex grinned against his chest. It wasn’t something he’d realized about himself until that moment. But lying there in Leo’s arms… no, in the arms of the man he loved, Alex realized he was still learning things about himself. And that was just fine.
LEO awoke from a light doze. Alex was curled up next to him, fast asleep, his head tucked under Leo’s chin. Leo smiled and, reaching up very slowly so as not to disturb the boy, softly stroked his hair. He lay there for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of having Alex in his arms, and reflected on the scene they’d just shared.
Leo wasn’t sure why he should have been so affected by the scene; he only knew the intensity of it had shaken him. But when was the last time he’d been so connected to a sub during a scene? He already knew the answer: not since Gabe. Leo looked down at the young man nestled in his arms and wondered how Alex would react if he confessed how he felt. Just as quickly, however, he dismissed the idea. Yeah, Leo knew he wanted Alex in his life for a long time to come. But Alex was young. He had years to settle down with someone, maybe someone closer to his own age. Besides, although Leo couldn’t deny the chemistry between them, who was to say his feelings would be reciprocated?
No, Leo mused, somewhat unhappily. Better to say nothing. Better that than get his heart broken by rejection. It was going to happen, sooner or later—Alex would move on, find another Dom. It was the nature of things. But until that time, Leo was going to enjoy every minute he possibly could with the beautiful young submissive. He closed his eyes, drinking in Alex’s sensual scent, an aroma that pulled at his heart and filled his senses.
What are the odds? he thought. The first guy since Gabe’s death to cross his path who actually stirred something inside him, and Leo went and fell in love with him. Somewhere, someone was having a really good laugh at Leo’s expense.
ALEX let himself quietly into the silent house. It was past two in the morning. He could have gone straight to work from Leo’s, but unfortunately, he’d run out of clean uniforms at the restaurant and there was nothing for it but to go home for the night. Alex smiled to himself. Both he and Leo had put off leaving the club until the last minute.
Silently, he made his way up the stairs, his feet barely making a sound on the thickly carpeted treads. Opening his bedroom door, he winced as the hinges creaked and then slipped inside. He was anxious to see something. Well, maybe “anxious” was the wrong word—“eager” was much better. He’d deliberately avoided looking in the mirrors at the club; he wanted privacy to inspect whatever marks had been left by Leo’s handiwork. Quickly, he removed his clothing and stood before the full-length mirror on his wardrobe door. Twisting around, he tried to peer at his ass. Wow… he could see where the tawse had landed—there were definite marks. Alex grinned at his first stripes. He glanced down at his wrists, where the flesh was reddened, though thankfully the skin hadn’t broken. But Alex knew. A warm glow coursed through him as he recalled their scene, and he gingerly reached behind him to touch the tawse’s legacy on his ass. That was so cool!
“What the fuck…?”
Alex whirled around in a panic. Rob was standing in the doorway, eyes wide, mouth agape. Alex made a grab for his robe from the chair by the bed, but the damage had been done. Rob had a nasty gleam in his eyes. “What do you want?” hissed Alex, glancing at the clock. The last thing he wanted was for his parents to be awoken.
Rob regarded him, his expression incredulous. “What the fuck is going on, Alex?” At least Rob was trying to modulate his voice. “Wanna tell me why your ass is all messed up? And what have you had round your wrists?” Suddenly his face darkened. “Did he do this to you?”
For one split second, Alex was touched. His brother seemed to be genuinely concerned.
Rob’s next words, however, sent that hope dashing to the ground. His face cleared, and he grinned. It wasn’t a pleasant grin, and Alex began to get a very bad feeling. “So Jamie was right,” Rob said, still grinning. Alex said nothing, and Rob needed no further encouragement. “Jamie told me he knew all about your Mister Leo Hart.” His eyes narrowed. “Said your Leo was a pervert, into all that BDSM shit, like in that book they’re all reading, Fifty Shades…. Only he does it with guys, obviously.”
Alex suddenly felt cold. There was no way Rob would be able to keep something this big to himself. He’d be bound to tell their parents, and Alex didn’t have a hope of making them understand. There was only one thing for it. Alex had to level with him. “Rob, you don’t understand,” he began softly, but Rob interrupted him.
“Alex, it’s no skin off my nose if you’re into all that kinky shit.” Alex stared at him in disbelief. Really? But then Rob dispelled any illusions Alex might have been under. “But boy, when I tell Mum and Dad, they’re gonna have kittens.”
“Rob, please.” Alex couldn’t believe he was about to say this. “Please, don’t say anything. Leo… Leo is important to me.” He took a deep breath and looked his brother in the eye. “I’m in love with him. Please don’t say anything that would jeopardize our relationship. I want Mum and Dad to be on civil terms with him, ’cause if I get my way, he’s going to be part of my life for a long, long time.” He might want to get out of their house, but they were still his parents, when all was said and done.
Rob gaped at him, his eyes widening. “You… you’re in love with him?” Alex nodded, miserable. Rob had a lot of power in his hands right now, and Alex knew he’d given it to him. Silence ensued. Rob appeared to be deep in thought, frowning, and the longer the silence went on, the more concerned Alex became.
“Promise me, Rob.” Alex knew he was pleading with his brother, but he couldn’t stop himself. This was too important. “Promise me you won’t tell them about us being into BDSM.” He waited anxiously.
Rob’s brow cleared, and he gave Alex a smile that gave Alex chills. “I promise I won’t mention BDSM to them,” Rob said solemnly. Alex’s face must have betrayed his disbelief, because Rob raised his eyebrows. “No, really, I won’t even mention it, I promise.”
Alex gazed at his brother doubtfully. That bad feeling he’d gotten earlier? It had suddenly gotten much, much worse.
“SO, DO you think Rob’ll say anything to your parents?” asked Pietro as he passed Alex, who was coming out of the utility room with fresh napkins and tablecloths.
“To be honest, I haven’t got a clue,” he said, his face glum. He hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. He’d tossed and turned until nearly six in the morning before finally falling asleep for a couple of hours, only to awaken at eight, tired and drawn. It was hard to believe yesterday had been one of the happiest days of his life, and Rob had obliterated it all in one fell swoop.
“Hey, Alex!” Adam called to him across the kitchen. “Your man’s here.”
His tiredness momentarily forgotten, Alex’s face broke into a huge smile. “Really?”
Adam grinned. “God, you really have got it bad, haven’t you? I’ve sat him in your zone, but for God’s sake, wipe that lovesick grin off your face before you go out there.” He winked at Pietro. “You’ll have all the customers throwing up.”
Alex retaliated by flicking him with a nearby tea towel before hurrying out of the kitchen. Leo was here. As he entered the restaurant, he caught sight of Leo and Thomas sitting easily in their seats, perusing the menus and talking quietly. Alex grinned. Leo knew that menu from back to front by now. He walked up to their table, notepad in hand. Both men were engrossed in their conversation.
“Good evening, gentlemen. What can I get for you?” He spoke quietly, but it was hard to keep the joy inside him from bubbling up. Fuck, he was so pleased to see Leo.
Leo looked up, and Alex was gratified to see him break into a beautiful smile. “Good evening, Alex.” Alex kept his eyes low, but he couldn’t resist flicking a quick glance at Leo. “I’d like a bottle of the Pinot Grigio, please.” Alex nodded, knowing it was Leo’s favorite. “And you’re having a glass too, old man.” Leo grinned cheekily at his business partner, and Alex had to bite back his own grin.
Thomas smiled up at Alex. “You see what I have to put up with, Alex?” His eyes were dancing. A phone warbled, and Thomas reached into his pocket, frowning as he saw the display. “We’ve only just left—whatever can Miles want?” He accepted the call, listening intently for a few moments. Suddenly, Thomas’s expression changed entirely. He sat bolt upright. “When did they leave? So they’ll be here any minute now? Yes, thanks, Miles. You did right in calling me.” He finished the call, his eyes on Leo as he placed the phone on the table. Leo was staring at him, puzzled. Thomas spoke urgently in a low voice. “Leo, the police are on their way here to see you.”
Leo’s face blanched. “What?”
Thomas nodded. “Apparently, they wish to take you down to the police station to answer some questions. Miles says they’re not here to arrest you, not at this stage, anyway.” Thomas’s brow creased.
“Questions about what?” Leo asked in exasperation.
Alex spoke quietly. “You can ask them yourself, Sir. They’re here.” He nodded his head in the direction of the restaurant’s main door. Two men were standing in quiet conversation with Sev, who nodded, his expression serious, before leading them to their table. One of the detectives hung back while the elder one approached Leo.
“Mr. Hart?” Leo nodded briskly. “I’m Detective Inspector Mark Saunders. I’d like you to accompany me to the station, sir. We have to ask you some questions about a complaint that’s been made against you.” He spoke in a hushed tone, trying to draw as little attention to them as possible.
“Can I ask what this is about, DI Saunders?” Leo asked, equally quiet.
DI Saunders shifted from one foot to the other. “We’ve received a call from a Mr. and Mrs. Daniels”—Alex’s eyes widened—“who are claiming you’ve assaulted their young son, Alexander Daniels.”
Alex opened his mouth to speak and felt Thomas’s hand squeeze his arm in warning. Thomas flashed him a look. Alex wasn’t about to go against Thomas, but he was deeply troubled.
Leo nodded, appearing quite composed. He stood up, turning to Thomas. “Can I get you to make the call, Thomas?” Thomas nodded. “Very well, DI Saunders. Shall we go?” He motioned toward the door. Sev was hovering close by, Leo’s long greatcoat held out for him. Leo gave him a grateful smile as he slipped his arms into the coat, finally catching Alex’s eye. He smiled, no trace of nerves about him at all, and then he was following the detectives out of the restaurant, calmly and easily.
As soon as they left, Thomas picked up his phone and dialed. Alex couldn’t move. He desperately wanted to go after Leo, but Thomas shook his head, as though he could read Alex’s thoughts. “Just hang on, pup,” Thomas said, holding up his hand. His attention was focused on his phone. “Peter! Sorry about the lateness of the hour. Do you have a moment?” He listened. “We have need of your services again. Yes, the usual. It’s Leo this time. Yes, he’s on his way to the police station. But I happen to know for certain the police are barking up the wrong tree.” He winked at Alex. “I’m bringing our secret weapon with me.” He listened once more. “Thank you, Peter. We’ll meet you there.” He hung up.
“Thomas, what’s going on?” Alex couldn’t keep the anxiety from his voice.
Thomas’s face wore a patient expression. “Alex, I’ve lost count of the number of times in ten years that someone has claimed a Dom has assaulted them. And usually it’s the morning after their first scene, when they’ve reacted badly or when someone else has seen the results of a scene and panicked. We have a lawyer permanently on the payroll—Peter Willoughby—and he’s a ball-buster. He’s worth every penny he charges us, believe me.”
Thomas got to his feet as Sev approached, carrying his coat and, surprisingly, Alex’s jacket. Alex stared and Sev winked. “Well, you can’t stay here, can you, lad? You need to go help your man.”
Alex gave Sev a grateful smile and hurriedly put on his jacket.
“Come on, pup,” said Thomas, guiding Alex to the door. “Let’s go show the police what asses they’re being.” He gave Alex another wink.
Alex was amazed Thomas could be so calm. But if this was a common occurrence, then he supposed Thomas was used to it. Alex smiled weakly, doing his best to appear equally calm. Inside, however, he was anything but. What the fuck were his parents playing at? There could only be one explanation: Rob. But what on earth had Rob said to them to warrant such a reaction?
Following Thomas out of the restaurant, Alex realized it didn’t matter. What was important now was to clear up this mess, and then clear out of that house.
LEO stared at the plastic cup containing what was possibly the most revolting cup of tea it had ever been his misfortune to taste. He glanced down at his watch; it wouldn’t be long until Peter arrived. Leo knew the drill. He’d said nothing, knowing Peter liked to do all the talking. Instead, he’d spent the time reflecting on Alex’s present predicament. Obviously there was no way the boy could carry on living in that house, not if this was how his parents were going to treat him. Well, maybe not so much the parents. That brother of his was definitely a nasty piece of work.
“Mr. Hart? Your lawyer is here.”
Leo gave a friendly smile to DI Saunders. Unlike some policemen Leo had encountered during his years at the club, this one seemed a fairly decent individual. In fact, he’d go so far as to say the detective had gone out of his way to be courteous. Definitely not your typical straightlaced copper.
Peter Willoughby entered the room. He was a bull of a man, stocky, bald, and immaculately dressed. Leo had always thought he’d make an excellent Dom. Peter gave him a tight smile before sitting in the empty chair next to him, opposite DI Saunders.
“Let’s get this over with, shall we?”
Leo had to smirk. Peter was never one to waste time.
DI Saunders smiled politely, glancing down at the sheaf of papers in front of him. “Mr. Hart, we were contacted this morning by Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, with regards to their young son—”
“Can I interrupt?” Peter flashed his killer smile. “I believe Alexander Daniels is twenty-two years old, yes? This reference to him as their ‘young son’ is somewhat misleading.”
DI Saunders nodded. “Agreed. That was how the complaint was worded, however. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels claim Mr. Hart assaulted Alexander, and that there was physical evidence to back this up.” He sat back, waiting.
Peter said, “Fine. I assume, since you went first to the club, Collars & Cuffs, you are aware of the nature of my client’s business?” DI Saunders nodded. “So you are no doubt aware it is normal for there to be some physical evidence if the individuals concerned are involved in a D/s relationship.” Peter glanced at the DI over the rim of his glasses. “I am furthermore assuming you know what I mean by D/s relationship.”
“I do now,” DI Saunders said with a faint smile. Leo bit back a smirk—he liked this guy.
“Very well,” Peter continued crisply. “There has been no assault. Any physical evidence was arrived at as a direct result of the normal D/s relationship between my client and Alexander Daniels. Furthermore, the boy’s parents could only have gained their knowledge of this evidence from one source—Alexander’s younger brother, Robert Daniels—and this young man was fully aware of the nature of their relationship, which he obviously did not share with his parents.” Peter gave the detective another piercing glance over his glasses. “So perhaps the police should be speaking with the young man in question about his wasting of police time.” Peter flashed that smile again. “Should you seek further corroboration, Alexander Daniels is seated just outside. He is presently giving a state
ment which confirms everything I have just mentioned.” Peter sat back, removing his glasses to clean them with a cloth from his pocket. “Was there anything else?”
DI Saunders straightened the sheaf of papers. “I don’t think so.”
Peter beamed. “Excellent. Then I believe we are done here, and there will be no charges leveled against my client. Is that correct?” Another nod from the detective. “In which case, my client is now free to go.”
Peter got to his feet, and Leo hastily followed suit, trying not to smile. God bless Peter, he thought. To be honest, he’d heard very little once Peter had mentioned Alex was here. They were led from the room by the detective, and once through the door, Leo’s eyes alighted almost instantly on Thomas and Alex, seated on plastic chairs at a desk. Alex was in the process of signing his statement. Thomas gave Leo a reassuring smile and then indicated Alex with a wider smile and a thumbs-up. Leo grinned. His boy had performed well, as far as Thomas was concerned. Alex caught sight of him and got to his feet immediately.
Leo didn’t give a damn that he was in the middle of a police station. He pulled Alex into his arms and held him tightly. Alex’s arms encircled his waist without hesitation, and then Alex tilted his face upward, seeking Leo’s mouth. Leo gave it willingly, brushing lips with his boy, relief flooding through him. He didn’t even know why he felt such relief, he only knew he didn’t want to spend another night apart from his lover. And with that in mind, he had a proposition to put to Alex. He only hoped Alex would accept it.
“THAT was delicious.” Peter sat back with a contented sigh, pushing away his empty plate.
Leo chuckled. “Buying you dinner was the least we could do. Besides, you missed your own dinner to come out to us, so it only seemed fair we feed you.”