Collars 'N' Cuffs

by Wayward Ink

  Robert heard a gasp and a squeal coming from behind him.

  Daniel straightened. His voice became a little stern. “Thomas, calm down. Robert hasn’t agreed yet.” His expression softened when he looked back into Robert’s eyes. “I’ll aid in your search for a therapist. I have some contacts. You can shop around. You can also use me as a sounding board if you have any concerns. I want to help you, but I can’t just be your therapist. Please say yes.”

  Robert spent some time looking into Daniel’s eyes, trying to judge his sincerity, his character.

  I’m scared shitless, but what can happen on one little date?

  “All right. I’ll go on a date with you. One.”

  “Sure. One.”

  More squeals issued from behind him. “I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy. Thank you both. You’ve made my day!”

  Robert smiled as his uncle all but jumped up and down, bear-hugging him from behind.

  Glad you’re happy, Uncle Tom. I just hope I don’t regret this.

  Chapter Four

  ROBERT STOOD OUTSIDE the building where Daniel had instructed him to be. He was dressed in a tux, as requested. He couldn’t stop fidgeting. He clenched his fists repeatedly, waiting. He wasn’t, however, as nervous as he thought he’d be. Daniel had started texting him with questions on Monday. It was now Friday evening. Robert was glad he’d let Daniel program his number into Robert’s phone with a distinctive notification ping. Robert had been getting some weird texts in the last months. He suspected they came from Frank, or someone doing Frank’s bidding.

  Robert had just finished his Monday noon yoga class when he received Daniel’s first text. He taught several yoga classes at corporations and government offices in the downtown core. He also did private sessions in people’s homes. He enjoyed teaching, making people feel good about their bodies. He didn’t make much money from it, but he didn’t need to. It was nice to have the freedom to do something he loved without suffering financially.

  The first question had been sensible.

  DANIEL: I’D LIKE A LIST OF YOUR FIVE FAVORITE COLORS, ACTIVITIES, FOODS, AS WELL AS ANYTHING YOU ABSOLUTELY DON’T LIKE OR ARE ALLERGIC TO. BY TOMORROW.

  Robert didn’t like being told what to do, or how to act, or think. He hated losing control; but worse, he despised giving it up. He’d been burned many times, and Frank had all but scorched the hell out of him. It was hard to let Daniel plan the activities. Robert didn’t want to repeat his past.

  I know it’s for my own good this time, but still.

  On the other hand, at least Daniel was letting him have some input. Frank would never have done that. Daniel seemed interested in what Robert liked, which was a good thing. Frank hadn’t cared. Robert had had to fight to do the things he liked. Frank had even wanted him to stop doing yoga, which was one of the ways Robert used to gain some measure of control. Robert enjoyed making others do things that were sometimes a little out of their comfort zone but were designed to help them. Frank had hated it.

  I should have known he was an asshole then and there.

  On Wednesday, Daniel had sent a list of what Robert should wear.

  Robert had balked.

  ROBERT: I DON’T OWN A TUX. I DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE WEARING THEM.

  DANIEL: NORMALLY, I WOULDN’T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THE QUESTIONING, BUT I KNOW YOU’RE TRYING. GO OUT AND GET ONE. I’D OFFER TO PAY FOR IT, BUT I DON’T THINK YOU’D ACCEPT THAT. I’LL GIVE YOU A LITTLE LEEWAY AS TO STYLE.

  The next message from Daniel was to get a haircut. He even sent a picture of the type of haircut he thought would suit Robert.

  DANIEL: BEFORE YOU BALK. HUMOR ME. DON’T THINK OF IT AS TRYING TO PLEASE ME. THINK OF IT AS ME HELPING YOU TO PLEASE YOURSELF. TAKE THE SUGGESTION AND RUN WITH IT. SEE IF I’M RIGHT. IF I’M NOT, YOUR HAIR WILL GROW BACK.

  Robert fidgeted. The light breeze caused his new bangs to dance around his eyes. He was beginning to think Daniel might stand him up—he was five minutes late—when he appeared. Daniel tilted his head, smiled, and approached Robert slowly. Grabbing Robert’s arm, he leaned in and double-kissed Robert on his cheeks.

  Afterward, he stepped back and let his gaze roam over Robert, who felt heat rise from his chest all the way to his hair-filled scalp.

  Having someone that good-looking checking me out is arousing.

  True to Daniel’s instructions, Robert’s tux was form-fitting. It seemed to hug all the right places, such as his hips, torso, and chest, while flowing past his stomach, barely touching it. It felt as if it accentuated the right curves and angles, while maintaining an air of posh elegance. His hair was styled in a layered buzz-cut, shaved on the sides and back. On top, it was longer, his bangs long and wavy. The look suited him, and it contrasted nicely with the tux.

  “Wow. You look amazing. You kept to the outline of what I wanted, but put in your own flair. Well done.”

  “Thank you, Daniel. You look good, too.”

  Daniel’s suit also hugged his body, but the effect was different. He looked imposing. Robert gazed into Daniel’s eyes. He enjoyed the lightness he saw in them.

  Maybe this isn’t going to be so bad.

  “Daniel, can I now ask where we’re going?”

  They were downtown, in the By Ward Market Courtyard area, standing in front of an unnumbered Victorian building.

  Daniel motioned to the unobtrusive, gray wooden door behind them. “We’re here.”

  He walked to the door and knocked. After a few seconds, it creaked open. A man dressed in Victorian costume greeted the couple and ushered them in. The doorman addressed Daniel. “Mr. Vaillancourt, welcome back to Three Seventeen. Your private room is ready. Please follow me.”

  Daniel coughed. “Mr. Franklin, I would like to introduce Robert MacMillan, nephew of Thomas MacNeil.”

  The doorman turned to Robert. “Mr. MacMillan. It is a pleasure. We’ve been anticipating your arrival for quite some time. Your uncle’s membership passed to you, but because of protocol, his place was ceded temporarily to another member. You will have membership soon enough, sir.”

  Robert looked at Daniel with a raised eyebrow. Not wanting to embarrass anyone, he lowered his voice so that Daniel was the only one who could hear. “What is he talking about?”

  “Three Seventeen is part of a conglomerate of private clubs situated in different cities. Thomas wanted to keep the membership a secret until it became valid, but I persuaded him to let me show you a little early.”

  I’m sure. You’re way too good at persuasion, Daniel.

  Daniel leaned in a little closer. “The truth is, I’m the member who took your place because you hadn’t turned twenty-one yet. I’ve wanted to invite you as my guest for a while.”

  The doorman led Daniel and Robert to a cozy room decorated with tasteful furniture. There was a table set with elegant cutlery and place settings. The door attendant excused himself and stated that someone would be along to take their orders.

  Robert started for one of the chairs, but a hand on his elbow stopped him. Daniel stepped up to the chair facing the window and pushed it back. He gestured for Robert to come forward. Robert turned to sit, but stopped when he felt pressure on his elbow. He waited. The pressure pulled down. He sat.

  Daniel’s voice was husky. “Well done.”

  Daniel sat himself down and Robert waited. Daniel stared. Robert wasn’t sure what was expected of him. He wanted to say something, but didn’t. He squirmed in his seat, though he fought to still himself. He stopped tapping his heel. It was a habit that died hard.

  After a few minutes of silent staring, Robert’s cheeks started to heat and redden. A waiter entered the room. The waiter went to Daniel, who ordered for himself and Robert by pointing at the menu.

  When the waiter left, Robert opened his mouth to ask what he was having. Daniel tilted his head and scrunched up his brows. Robert took that as an indication he wasn’t to say anything. He shut his mouth, pursed his lips, and started working his fingers on his lap to
distract himself.

  Daniel chuckled. “You’re doing so well. Some people can’t handle silence, let alone the feeling of not being in control. You seem to be coping well with it; although, I know you’re dying to say something. I’ll help you out. How was your week?”

  Robert smiled. He felt a calm wash over him. The heat in his throat and cheeks cooled. “It was great, Daniel. Thanks for asking. I had a few new clients this week. I started them off gently. One client in particular seems genuinely interested in the history of yoga. I think I’ll have fun teaching her.”

  Robert talked a bit more, keeping certain personal information to himself. When he was done, he stopped, learned forward, and put his hands on the table, tapping it with his fingers. “How was your week, if I may ask?”

  Daniel’s eyebrow rose. He smiled. “You won’t be punished, ever. Unless we both agree to some roleplay. Then, it would be strictly what was agreed. I like you, Robbie. I want you strong, not meek, feeble, and broken.”

  Robert’s jaw dropped. He tried to stammer out something but couldn’t.

  Daniel sighed. “There is such a thing as a strong submissive. There are some submissives who are docile and prefer to give complete control over to their Dom, twenty-four-seven. I don’t think you’d be able to do that even under the best circumstances, and, to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t want that either. I want to see if I can share a life with you someday. For now, I’m content to fix what that asshole Frank broke. You’re not completely broken, or you wouldn’t have had the strength to enter the DP. Frank may have won a few battles; I want to help you win the war.”

  Is this guy for real? How can I trust him?

  “You say you want to share a life with me. It takes at least two to share. I don’t know you. How can I trust you?”

  Daniel leaned in and grabbed one of Robert’s hands. “Trust your uncle. He’s been itching to set us up. He came to me for help. Trust his judgment. At least for now. Allow yourself to get to know me.”

  “I do trust my uncle. How could I not? He loves me.”

  Robert felt a tear run down his face. He hadn’t known he was crying until then. ”I would love to win the war against Frank. Even his ghost haunts me. He’s a very powerful man, with more influence than most people know. Please, help me?”

  A waiter entered the room carrying a tray of drinks. He placed them on the table and left. Robert stared at his glass. He wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but it looked like whiskey… neat. He wasn’t too fond of whiskey. It burned his throat. Robert preferred wine.

  Daniel laughed, and when Robert fixed him with a glare, he smirked. “Sorry. I find it hilarious that you’re trying to hide your emotions. I’m afraid you’re an open book.” Daniel picked up his glass and took a sip. “Try sipping it. You don’t have to finish it. Just give it a chance.”

  Reluctantly, Robert took a sip. It was good. It stung a little, but it was smooth, without the harsh aftertaste he remembered. He said as much to Daniel, who nodded. “I should hope so—this is thirty-year-old Glenfiddich. I wanted you to have a good scotch.”

  Robert thanked Daniel for the experience. Daniel reciprocated with his own thanks for Robert’s open-mindedness. They settled into an intimate conversation where, one after the other, they divulged a little bit about themselves, via pointed, personal questions.

  They discussed everything from what each other’s favorite color was to philosophy and politics. When the first course arrived, Robert wanted to gag.

  “Avocado salad? I hate avocadoes. Why are you making me eat them?”

  Daniel rolled his eyes. “Humor me.”

  Robert did, and, actually, the salad was delicious. The avocados blended with the greens, the cucumber, and the red onion. Robert was about to say something, but his phone buzzed. It was an unknown number. He glanced at the text and put his phone back in his pocket.

  Daniel was as observant as ever. “Hand me your phone.”

  Fuck.

  Robert squirmed in his seat. The message seemed as if it had come from Frank.

  UNKNOWN: SIT TIGHT, SWEETHEART. I’LL BE COMING FOR YOU SOON. I’LL FINISH WHAT I STARTED. I’LL JUST DO IT MORE SLOWLY, WITH MUCH MORE PAIN. NO ONE MAKES A FOOL OF ME. LEAST OF ALL AN INSIGNIFICANT PIECE OF TRASH LIKE YOU.

  He started to hand the phone over to Daniel, but hesitated. “It’s personal. You don’t need to see everything.”

  Daniel leaned in and grabbed the phone. “You looked scared, Robbie. That’s the only reason I want to see it. You aren’t the type to react over nothing.”

  Robbie handed him the phone, his hand shaking.

  Daniel looked at the message. His jaw tightened. “How many messages like this have you received. Did you show them to anyone else?”

  Robert shook his head. “They’re all just nuisances—”

  “They’re threats, Robbie. They should be taken as such. I know about Frank. He has influence. Look what he did to you and how many people were involved. Frank may simply be trying to get under your skin, but I don’t like this.”

  Robert raised an eyebrow.

  I want to trust Daniel, but I’ve been burned before.

  Daniel cleared his throat, seemingly assessing Robert’s mood. “We’ll talk to your uncle about this later. For now, I would like to continue our date. Perhaps what I have in mind later will enable you to trust me more.”

  I hope so, too.

  Chapter Five

  DANIEL AND ROBERT stood in front of the DP together. The rest of the meal had gone well. Robert had eaten rabbit for the first time. Afterward, Daniel had decided to walk all the way from the Market area to DP. It took them about twenty minutes. Daniel spent the time telling Robert of the prospective therapists he’d found. They also discussed the threatening texts in more detail.

  After staring at the DP staircase for a minute or so, Daniel placed himself behind Robert, put pressure on Robert’s elbow and the small of his back, and pushed forward.

  “We can wait here for another eighteen minutes, forever even, or you can let me help you. It’s up to you. Do you trust me?”

  Robert relaxed and leaned into Daniel’s hands. They entered the first floor.

  Daniel applied downward pressure to Robert’s arm. “We’re going to the second floor.”

  What? No way. Robert stiffened, putting the brakes on the descent.

  Daniel whispered against Robert’s ear. “You’ll like the surprise. We won’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with, and if we do, we’ll leave. You will have a safeword of your choosing, or I will choose one for you. Say the word ‘banana’ and we’ll go. Okay?”

  Robert nodded and relaxed.

  Daniel chuckled. “Knock on the door. Three quick ones and one long one.”

  Robert did as he was told. He heard footsteps on the other side, and the door opened. Robert laughed. It was his friend Simon, who was a dance instructor. “Hey guys. You’re just in time. We have an hour before the second floor opens for the night. I have things all set up. Let’s get our dance shoes moving.”

  All three marched up the stairs. When Robert saw the set going up to the third floor, he stopped and shuddered. He felt a squeeze at his elbow and fingers rubbed his back.

  “You have nothing to be afraid of. They’re memories, nothing more. You and I are going to dance. Later, I’ll ask you if you want to head up there. The club is demonstrating something I think you should see. Remember, you can say no or say your safeword and everything stops.”

  Robert sighed and resumed walking to the dance floor. Simon proceeded to explain that Daniel had arranged for formal ballroom dance training. He asked if either one had any prior experience. Daniel stated he did.

  Robert nodded. “Before she died, my mom taught me a little.”

  Simon asked if Daniel and Robert knew the waltz. Both men nodded.

  Robert spoke further. “That was the first dance I learned. My mom always led.”

  At that, there was a definite twinkle in Simon’s eyes. He
asked for a demonstration. Daniel would lead and Robert would follow. They came together in dance position.

  Okay. Breathe. Remember to resist and pay attention to the subtle pressures, just as Mom taught you.

  They started with simple footwork. Daniel increased the difficulty by introducing turns and twirls. Robert breathed in the subtle hints. Suddenly, Daniel let go.

  “All right, my little switch, you lead.”

  They switched positions.

  God, it’s much different leading.

  Robert was less certain about what to do, but he breathed through it and trusted that Daniel would react in time and correctly. He was worried that he would read the signals wrong, but the dancing felt smooth.

  A quick yell came from Simon. “I can’t believe it! You two are amazing. The second pairing needs a little work to be as consistent as the first, but it’s still incredible. We could have spent the whole hour on partnering alone. Now, we can do steps!”

  Simon taught them waltz technique for almost twenty minutes. The trio barely noticed that a crowd had started to gather around them. It mostly consisted of staff, who were getting the place ready for the influx of customers. At the end of the session, Robert and Daniel performed what they had learned in front of the audience.

  Simon clapped enthusiastically. “I can’t believe you two caught on like you did. It’s as if you’ve known each other for a long time. You’re both naturals. Please tell me you want to continue lessons.”

  Daniel put an arm around Robert, hugging him gently. “This was meant as an exercise in partnering. I wanted to show Robert that following was just as important to the natural scheme of things as leading… and maybe show him that neither is easy. I’m game to continue this, though, if he is.”

  Robert leaned into Daniel. “So am I. I enjoyed myself. I think it would be fun.”

  Simon made an appointment with both of them to meet at his studio in a week. The spectators congratulated the couple.