Collars 'N' Cuffs

by Wayward Ink

  Robert blushed. As he watched Daniel turn to leave, he stepped forward. “Please, Daniel. I don’t want to be alone. I know you think I’m not ready, and maybe you’re right, but can I sleep with you tonight?”

  I need to show him I mean it.

  Robert went to his knees. “Just to sleep? Can you hold me, please?”

  Daniel turned and his eyes went wide when he saw Robert kneeling. He crouched down, cupping Robert’s cheeks. “Frank has a lot to answer for if you think you need to beg for someone to protect you or comfort you.” Daniel kissed Robert’s forehead. “You’re so beautiful like this—I can’t even tell you—but you shouldn’t kneel like that again. Not to me or to anyone. Unless you truly mean it.”

  Robert’s gaze went to the floor. “Okay.”

  “As for holding you while you sleep… it would be my honor.”

  After helping him to his feet, Daniel led Robert to his bedroom. He went to a drawer and pulled out a T-shirt and a pair of jogging pants. “Here. Put these on.” He indicated a door inside the room. “The bathroom is through there.”

  After changing into his borrowed clothes and looking at himself in the mirror for a few long moments, wondering what Daniel could possibly see in him, Robert returned to the bedroom. Daniel, who’d changed into pajama bottoms and a T-Shirt himself, was lying on the bed, covers thrown back to give Robert easy access. He patted the empty space nearest him.

  Robert slid in beside Daniel, who wrapped Robert in his arms, spooning him.

  This feels wonderful.

  “Thank you for this. I didn’t want to be alone.”

  “Thank you for trusting me.”

  Robert sighed as he melted into Daniel, feeling his warm body against his. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep.

  Chapter Seven

  ROBERT CLENCHED HIS fists as he paced the small yet elegantly furnished inner office of one Dr. Charlotte Hamilton. She’d been assigned to Robert after he, his uncle, and his maybe-boyfriend had gone to the police station after Frank’s escape. Robert had had to agree to see a therapist as a condition of being put under protective custody.

  This was Robert’s second session. The reasons for seeing the psychologist were twofold: one session in the morning was to aid in creating a psychological profile to help catch Frank, and a second session, conducted at the doctor’s private office, was to help Robert overcome his emotional and physical devastation.

  Dr. Hamilton hadn’t wasted any time and cut to the chase. She asked Robert why he blamed himself for what Frank and his followers had done to him.

  “I shouldn’t have trusted him. I should’ve protected myself more, changed the locks faster, or moved. Anything.”

  Dr. Hamilton wrote something on her mobile device. She looked up and frowned. “Perhaps if you had been a better boyfriend, or maybe acted more like he wanted you to act and played the good little submissive he needed, maybe—”

  “What the hell?”

  The psychologist simply shrugged. “Something to think about?”

  Robert fought back the urge to scream.

  Who the hell is this woman? WTF!

  “Did you not read the reports? He cheated on me! Whatever you may think of the relationship between a Dom and a sub, even I know respect is two-sided. He broke his side of the agreement. Even by his own warped rules. I was his boyfriend, not one of his subs. I had every right to call him out in public. He was on a date and not with me.”

  Dr. Hamilton wrote more things on her mobile device. She sighed. To Robert, her expression seemed almost like a sneer. “If you’d been a better boyfriend, perhaps Frank wouldn’t have strayed. If you’d been more pliant and understanding, perhaps you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”

  I’ve had enough of this.

  Robert swiveled and headed toward the door. He remembered that Daniel had said he could try the therapists out. If he didn’t like one, he could try another.

  I definitely don’t like this one.

  He twisted to look back at the doctor. “I’m afraid I’m not comfortable with this type of therapy. Thank you for your time, but I need to go.”

  “This session is mandatory if you want police protection.”

  “I’ll ask for a different therapist. One who actually cares about what happened to me. I’m leaving.”

  Dr. Hamilton stood. She quickly used her mobile device once more. Suddenly, the door flew open and several hooded figures rushed toward Robert. The hoods looked the same as those his tormentors had worn two years ago.

  The intruders surrounded Robert and grabbed him. He tried to fight back, but he couldn’t manage to free himself. Someone threw something over his head, and everything went dark as they tied his hands behind his back. Memories of the last time this happened flooded his consciousness. He tried not to panic, but failed. He screamed loudly and was awarded several swift punches for his trouble.

  Robert heard an annoyed female voice through his panic. The doctor wasn’t at all happy with him.

  “Robert MacMillan, shut the fuck up. Your uncle and that fake Dom are depending on you. If you’re good, they’ll live. If you continue like this, they die. Pull yourself together.”

  Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.

  Robert breathed in. He clenched his fists harder than he’d ever done before, calming himself.

  “You will be put in a garbage container. You will remain quiet.”

  He let them. He remained silent.

  The police will realize I’m gone. They’ll look for me. They have to. I have to believe they will.

  Once the container was moving, Robert tried to concentrate on the vibrations around him, the squeaky wheels travelling across the floor, and the sensation of being lifted several times.

  Robert heard what he thought was a door opening and an engine starting. He felt a weird vibration, followed by the sensation of swaying backward and forward, side to side. He was in some kind of vehicle. Going God only knows where. He started to panic again. His breathing became more labored. He thrashed about.

  Someone pounded the container and yelled, “Stop that or they die.”

  I can’t let them die. Not for me. Calm down. Calm down, you little switch.

  Robert tried to relax as he waited. His muscles were starting to cramp. After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only about twenty minutes of stops, starts, and changes of direction, the vehicle finally came to a halt. He felt the container being lifted. People were shuffling about. He heard what he surmised was the lid to the container opening. It tilted, and Robert tumbled out. He struggled to his feet, the blindfold and rope around his wrists making it difficult.

  Several hands grabbed at Robert’s back and shoulders, pulling him up. It took a while for Robert to find his balance, but he did. He squeezed his eyes shut and blinked when they tore his mask away. When his eyes adjusted to the light, his jaw dropped.

  Jesus H. Christ.

  Standing at the far end of the dimly lit room were Thomas and Daniel. Both had their arms outstretched, their wrists shackled with metal chains that reached to the ceiling. Their legs were also stretched apart. Chains, secured to the floor, were attached to them via ankle-cuffs.

  Robert’s instinct was to rush over and try to free them both, but he was jerked to a stop by the people holding him. It didn’t prevent him from yelling out their names.

  Both men squirmed. No sound came from their lips, as if they’d been gagged.

  “What have you done to them? I’m here now. Let them go. It’s me you want, Frank!”

  Frank’s loud, authoritative voice echoed through the room. “Your uncle and your new boyfriend are being punished. I’d made it known that I didn’t want anyone helping you. You aren’t the only one to receive messages from me. Like you, they chose to disregard my warnings. They are paying the price, just as you will.”

  Robert clenched his fists. His heartbeat increased. He could feel a tightening around the base of his skull. “What do you want, Frank?”

 
“I want revenge for your insubordination, but I’ll settle for your submission, total and utter.”

  There came a pressure on Robert’s shoulders as his captors attempted to force him to his knees. He winced.

  “Forcing me to kneel isn’t submission! Do you want me to submit or not?”

  What did Daniel say? Only kneel to someone if I truly mean it?

  Frank snarled, “Let him go.”

  Robert was released, copping a few punches from his captors as they moved away. He straightened and started walking toward his uncle and Daniel. As he did so, Robert unbuttoned his shirt. He threw the shed garment over his shoulders and to the ground as fluidly as he could. About halfway to his goal, after unzipping his pants, he stopped. In only a few swift yet graceful moves, he took off his trousers. Within a few steps, off went his socks. The only thing he had on was his underwear. He was naked. Well, more than half naked.

  I feel liberated.

  He heard a familiar whistle from close by. He turned his head. Frank was there in all his leathered glory. “So, little Robert is finally submitting. Are you ready to kneel? Will you do anything I ask of you?”

  “Yes… sir.”

  Frank gestured two of his cronies forward. “Release the other two. I may let them go when the traitor kneels, or perhaps I will make them kneel as well. Maybe uncle and nephew will do unspeakable things to each other.” Frank laughed. It was forced and cruel.

  The others laughed as well, the sound just as forced but much more timid.

  Both Thomas and Daniel grunted in pain as they were released from their chains. Their gags were removed. Robert could sense that Daniel wanted to say or do something to take Frank’s attention away from Robert. He couldn’t let that happen.

  He turned to Frank. “Can I please say something to my uncle and Daniel before they do something rash? Please?”

  Frank stayed where he was. He grunted.

  Robert turned to the two men. He addressed his uncle first. “I don’t blame you for any of this. Don’t blame yourself. Stay quiet no matter what happens, please.” He shifted his attention to Daniel. “Thank you for teaching me that I can be submissive and strong at the same time. I don’t know how long I have left. I need you to know I’m doing this willingly. I’m doing this for you.”

  Robert heard an angry grunt. “Enough of this shit. Kneel already!”

  He gazed into Daniel’s pleading eyes.

  “Jesus, Robbie, kneel. Please. Do it or he’ll hurt you.”

  This is what I’m waiting for. A command from Daniel.

  His back straight, Robert slowly lowered his knees on the floor, his backside on his heels and his hands on his thighs, palms up. He kept his gaze fixed on Daniel. The implication was clear. Robert was kneeling for Daniel and not Frank.

  Robert heard gasps from all around him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his uncle’s shocked expression. Daniel’s gaze remained calm, although his jaw had slackened a little. Frank screamed a growl-like cry from behind.

  Daniel mouthed four words: “Punch his balls. Now.”

  Robert swiveled, remaining in a kneeling position. Frank was coming at him in a rage. Robert lifted an elbow and thrust it forward and upward, right into Frank’s groin. His would-be assailant let out a grunt of pain and bent double. Robert grabbed one of the leather straps around Frank’s chest and pulled. Frank landed beside him with a thunk.

  Robert grasped Frank’s throat and pushed him onto his back, all the while maintaining his submissive position. He returned his gaze back to Daniel, and Daniel stared back, his mouth hanging open. Suddenly, a wide smile broke out over Daniel’s face.

  I love that smile so much.

  The door behind Robert burst open. “Police! No one move.”

  Several men in uniform ran into the room. They restrained Frank’s cronies, struggles breaking out between a few of them.

  Robert remained perfectly still. He kept a constant pressure on Frank’s throat until an officer came and whisked Frank away. He felt a hand on his shoulder and brushed it aside. Someone ordered him to get up. Robert waited.

  His Dom addressed the officer in a calm voice. “It’s all right, officer. I’ll take care of Robert. We’ll be a moment. I’ll lead him and his uncle to the paramedics.” Daniel crouched in front of Robert. He cupped Robert’s chin and placed a sturdy hand on his elbow. “It’s okay, Robbie. Stand up now.”

  Robert stood, keeping his eyes fixed on Daniel’s. Nothing else mattered.

  “Jesus, Robbie, that was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. You were amazing. The walk toward me was mesmerizing. You’re a natural, and when you took control by submitting to me instead of Frank, that was very brave. You’re beautiful. You’re mine, my lovely little switch.”

  I’m yours, and you are mine.

  Daniel gently pressed downward on Robert’s chin, opening his mouth. He leaned forward. His lips landed on Robert’s. All Robert could think about was making Daniel want him. Their tongues danced.

  Nothing else mattered.

  Chapter Eight

  ROBERT STRODE CONFIDENTLY across the DP’s first floor. He tossed his overcoat to one of the young men in tight leather pants who waited on him. He was dressed in a faux naval captain’s outfit. It had been three months since he’d been kidnapped. In that time, he’d been seeing a therapist whom Daniel had recommended, twice a week. He’d also continued to see Daniel.

  Ever since Robert had knelt down to Daniel, he had let Daniel manage where the relationship was headed. Robert had been continuously consulted. Daniel had slowly guided Robert into taking more and more control.

  It’s always been in my nature. It’s why Frank had so much trouble with me. I was good at submitting, but I needed to take control. I’m no longer afraid to do so, because of Daniel.

  Robert looked to the bar. Sure enough, he spotted what he was expecting. Daniel sat at Robert’s favorite stool. He wore black leather pants, a black vest, and a black collar. He looked good. After glancing around and seeing the many people with see-through shirts, wearing pants with holes in strategic areas, Robert concluded Daniel’s outfit to be sexy yet more conservative than most other leather outfits present. It was just the way he liked it.

  He was about to make his way to Daniel when someone cleared his throat. Robert turned to find a slim, middle-aged man in a leather thong outfit, which showed just about every curve the man possessed, smiling meekly at him.

  “Sir, I’d like permission to play with your boyfriend.”

  Don’t we all?

  Robert smiled. Very early on, Robert had instituted a policy among the club members that if anyone wished to interact with Daniel, they had to ask Robert’s permission. Robert had been uncomfortable at first. Not only about interacting with others, but also about sharing Daniel… but not anymore.

  “Ask me later, Georgie-boy. Right now, Danny-boy is all mine. Now, go on and play with someone else.”

  Robert waved his hand, his fluttering fingers expressing his slight annoyance. Georgie-boy bowed as he walked away.

  Robert walked the few steps to Daniel’s stool, grabbed Daniel aggressively by the shoulder, and swiveled him around. Daniel looked up wide-eyed. His head suddenly tilted downward.

  Robert grabbed his boyfriend’s chin gently and raised it. “Danny-boy, look at me.” As Daniel’s gaze shifted upward, Robert smiled. “You look just as I pictured you should. Well done and happy birthday.”

  And now for a little trial….

  Robert turned to Marco, who was behind the bar as usual. “Bring the special bottle I got for us.”

  Marco bowed and then winked. “Right away, boss, sir.”

  When Marco returned, he set a bottle and two brandy glasses down. Daniel grimaced and immediately lowered his gaze.

  Robert smiled. “It isn’t just a simple brandy. It’s Armagnac. A special one. Try it. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to drink it all.”

  Daniel grabbed a glass and gingerly took a sip. “This is actua
lly good.”

  Robert chuckled. “You aren’t the only one who does research. I’m beginning to know your tastes. I’m glad you like it.”

  Robert put his arm around Daniel as they drank and talked. Daniel sank into Robert, who started to run his fingers through Daniel’s hair. Daniel sighed. After a few long minutes, Robert gently pulled on one of the rings on Daniel’s collar, lifting Daniel to his feet. “Come on. We’re going dancing.”

  Where I get to touch you more intimately. I can’t wait.

  Robert led Daniel up the stairs to the second floor. There were already others around the dance floor. Daniel strode to the middle, sweeping people away as he went. He raised an arm to indicate he wanted to speak. He also stood with his legs spread and firmly planted.

  “I don’t want any crowding. Daniel will be dancing with no one but me, unless I change my mind.”

  The music turned to a rock and roll classic, just as Robert planned. He grabbed Daniel by the waist and propelled him into the two-step they’d been practicing for the last three months.

  At the end of the series of songs, Robert patted Daniel’s behind. “I think it’s time we played a little on the third floor. Don’t you?”

  I’ve wanted this for a while.

  Daniel nodded vigorously and was led up the stairs, Robert guiding him with a light touch. As they passed the photos hanging on the wall, Robert glanced at them. There were many more blank spaces as a result of the event three months ago.

  Frank was in mandated solitary confinement. His access to funds and to personnel was now severely limited. His trial would start in a few months. This time Robert would fully participate. He’d insisted on it.

  Robert put pressure on Daniel’s back, indicating he should swing away from the bar area.

  Daniel turned abruptly, his expression was stern and his shoulders straight. He was more assertive, harder. “Robert, what are you doing?”