* * * *
Once Gage had gone, Landry headed straight for the bathroom. Working in an antique store wasn’t exactly manual labor but he still managed to get filthy. He took a shower, resisting the urge to jerk off, then made himself a quick supper of grilled cheese and soup. He felt the need for comfort food, even more so because he was alone. Gage’s absence was strange. They hadn’t been together long but Landry needed his Dom.
Wow. I have a Dom! Landry experienced a brief moment of panic but it was soon replaced by a slow warmth spreading through his body and something inside him settled into place. He wondered if Gage felt the same about their relationship, not that Landry would dare ask him. The more he let that thought play around in his head, the more he needed reassurance. He could use a distraction. Gage hadn’t told him he couldn’t go back to the store and everything was locked up so he’d be safe enough. While it was quiet, he could take the opportunity to give the new oriental stock a good look over.
Landry padded down the stairs, wearing his Cookie Monster slippers. They were oversized, so he had to be careful not to trip, but they kept his feet warm and with the heating off in the store, the stockroom would be cold. He unlocked the door between the hallway and the store then made his way to the back of the shop. In the dim light, the scent of old furniture was even stronger. Landry breathed deeply. He loved the sense of age that came with the smell. There was a pull cord inside the storeroom that lit a bare bulb, which was so bright Landry blinked and his eyes watered. He examined the shelves full of artifacts. Gage had done a good job cleaning and tidying everything—the whole room was much more ordered than before.
“Control freak,” Landry muttered with a smile. “He’s even domming the antiques.”
He decided to follow Gage’s example and replace his usual scattered approach with something more methodical. Starting at the top shelf, he worked his way down, examining each piece in turn. He didn’t really know what he was looking for, but he shook each object with care, listening for a rattle from any possible secret compartment. He ran his hands over the surfaces, seeking fine breaks or cracks that might conceal an opening. To his semi-expert eyes, everything looked as it should. Other than a hairline crack in one vase that he made a mental note of, he didn’t find anything out of place. There was certainly nowhere to hide a key. With a sigh, he turned off the light before walking across the store. He almost jumped out of his skin when Gage appeared in the connecting doorway.
“Holy crap, you scared me.” Landry took a few calming breaths.
“What in the ever-loving hell are you doing down here?” Gage asked. “I should chain your wandering ass to the bed.”
“I missed you. I was thinking too hard. I needed to do something and I guessed it would be safe enough down here. Don’t be mad with me.”
“Tell me you at least had your phone with you.” Gage did not look happy.
“Um…” Landry scuffed the toe of one fuzzy slipper against the floorboards.
“What am I going to do with you?” Gage held his arms open and Landry walked into them.
“Cuddle me? Kiss me some?”
“I should be punishing you. I want you to be safe, that’s all.” Landry tilted his head back, hoping for a kiss. Gage brushed his thumb across Landry’s lips. “Your sense of self-preservation is nonexistent.” Then he kissed him. “Come on, I could use a coffee and I have some news for you.”
Once they were back upstairs and settled on the couch with mugs of coffee, Landry gave Gage an expectant look. “So tell me. You got back much earlier than I expected you to, so you weren’t on another stakeout. I didn’t find anything in the stockroom. Not that I knew what I was looking for, but everything seemed normal.”
“That’s a shame,” Gage said. “Sometimes the obvious solution to a problem is the right one, but not in this case. I’m surprised because it relates to what I’ve got to tell you. Firstly, I’ve had people doing some digging into the background of James Ellery. It seems he is who he says he is, at least on the surface. He’s a self-employed investigator working mainly for insurance companies who handle high-end art, luxury goods, antiques and jewelry. He has a decent find rate for stolen property, though the people we talked to at the company he does most work for admitted that some of his methods could be considered dubious. He’s paid commission on the value of the finds on top of travel expenses. No salary, so his income depends on his results. I still don’t trust him, but he’s not top of my hit list anymore.”
“He was top of your list?”
“He was. You have to admit his behavior has been suspicious and he’s only shown up here when you’ve been alone.”
“Is he dangerous?” Landry asked.
“I’d say he could be,” Gage responded. “I certainly don’t trust him with you.”
“That’s so cute.” Landry preened, basking in Gage’s overprotectiveness.
“Says the man wearing Cookie Monster slippers.”
“They were a present from my mom, okay? She always called me Cookie Monster when I was a kid because whenever she baked I’d hover around the kitchen to get the first ones out of the oven. I’ve always had a sweet tooth.”
Gage gave a low chuckle. “I bet you were a handful.”
“I did act up a bit. Took advantage of being the youngest. My two brothers are four years older than me and they beat up anyone who messed with me at school and my mom spoiled me. She still does.”
“I won’t… Spoil you. I mean.”
“No, really? Color me shocked.”
“Brat.”
Landry wiggled. Gage’s rough tone had the inevitable effect of plumping his cock. “What else did you have to tell me?”
“If you stop squirming, I’d be able to concentrate on what I’m saying.”
“Sorry?”
“Remember what you told me about the crate of stuff that came in on consignment?”
“The stuff I was looking through? Sure. Mr. Lao did some valuations for the family of his nephew’s neighbor. Once things with the estate were settled, the lady’s grandson dropped the box off at Eddie’s place. He delivered it when he had the chance.”
“You’ll be glad to know that Eddie is in the clear but the grandson is a different matter. We tracked him down and got a name. Tadanobu Tsukamoto has a juvenile record and is known as a runner for the Yakuza. Low-level stuff, but definitely connected.”
“Oh, wow.” Landry wasn’t sure what to say. “Have you got him in custody?”
“He’s done a disappearing act. We’ll find him eventually, but that’s not the point. It could explain why you are a target. There may have been nothing in that box but it seems our criminal friends don’t know that. They think you’re in possession of this key and Sancha and I believe that the key leads to the missing jewelry from the robbery in Japan.”
“Which also explains why James Ellery is so interested. But wait, how would he know that this Tsukamoto guy is involved?”
“I’d guess a man in his position has plenty of underworld contacts. Interestingly, I also found out this evening that the tip-off we got for the raid the other night was phoned in by a man with a British accent.”
“Wouldn’t he have disguised his voice?”
“Why would he bother? The tip was anonymous, the call was too short to be traceable and likely came from a burner phone anyway. I think it was him. I also think he knew we wouldn’t find the jewelry, but that we might get a lead from the guys we arrested.”
“And you did. The note about finding the key.”
“The pieces are starting to come together.”
“So why do you look so worried?”
“There are dangerous players in this game, Landry. If I’m getting closer to finding the jewelry, they are likely to up their efforts to get to it first.”
“You think they’ll be back?” Landry drew up his knees and hugged them.
“They’ll try to get to you somehow. Try not to worry. I’m not gonna leave you alone.”
/>
“Pinky swear?”
“Promise.”
Chapter Thirteen
Gage was glad he had taken the time to go home and pack a few extras in his overnight bag. Landry needed to be taken away from his worries and Gage was happy to make sure Landry had nothing on his mind but sensation.
“You are stunning.”
Landry couldn’t answer with more than a mumble, the bit gag made sure of that, but his eyes sparkled in the lamplight. Gage stroked the back of his hand along the inside of Landry’s thigh, enjoying the twitch of muscles beneath his touch. Landry was stretched taut, arms and legs extended in a star shape. Gage had used supple leather cuffs on Landry’s wrists and ankles, their baby-blue color perfect against Landry’s skin. A wide spreader bar kept his legs apart while his wrists were chained to the headboard. His cock was firmly secured in an acrylic chastity device—the key on a chain around Gage’s neck.
“I do enjoy touching you.” Gage had been indulging himself for the past half hour, exploring Landry’s body, teasing his nipples but, so far, avoiding his groin. Gage had stripped to his underwear, his boxer briefs tented and straining to contain his erection. He wanted inside Landry’s sweet body. He also wanted to hear Landry’s whimpers and squeals. He removed the gag, wiping traces of saliva from Landry’s face.
“Watching me drool not one of your fetishes?” Landry asked.
“No, but seeing your frustration while I fuck you in chastity is.” It was hard for Gage to keep a straight face as he watched Landry’s expression of disbelief. “You didn’t think I was going to let you out, did you?” Landry pouted. His glistening lips were too hard to resist so Gage leaned in for a kiss. “Tomorrow, if you’re obedient, I might be persuaded to release you.”
“Tomorrow! That’s so long…I wanna come!” Landry whined.
“Complaining will just add hours to the time you’re locked up.”
“I…yes, Sir.”
“That’s better. Good submissives listen to their Doms.” Gage stripped off his underwear and Landry gasped, his eyes comically wide.
“Am I your submissive? I mean…I was thinking earlier that I have a Dom, but then I worried that maybe you didn’t feel the same. I don’t even know if you want your own sub.”
After a pang of guilt that he hadn’t been clearer, Gage cleared his throat. “You’re mine, Landry. Don’t forget it. My submissive. Mine to direct, to pleasure, to punish.”
Landry’s smile lit his entire face and inside, Gage glowed. He’d made his submissive happy and that was as good a rush as any narcotic could ever manage. If Landry’s contented sigh was anything to go by, he was just as happy. Gage fondled Landry’s balls. “Hot.”
“And blue,” Landry muttered.
“You want me to gag you again?”
“I thought you wanted to hear me scream?”
“Good point. Never let it be said that I don’t listen to my sub.” Gage removed the spreader bar, leaving the cuffs around Landry’s ankles. “Pale blue leather suits you. I like black but this makes a nice change.” He massaged Landry’s insteps, admiring his slender, delicate feet. “And these are much improved without the hairy slippers.”
“If you keep insulting my Cookie Monsters, I might have to safe word.”
“Well, we can’t have that. I’ll note it as a hard limit.” Gage fought to hold back his laughter.
“You do that.” Landry dissolved into giggles and Gage followed with a belly laugh that shook his whole frame.
“And on that note, I think it’s time we got to the serious stuff, don’t you?”
“If you say so, Sir.”
Gage gloved his cock then slicked it with an ample quantity of lube. “You want me to go easy?”
“You remember how long I had that plug in for today, don’t you?” Landry rolled his eyes. “I’m more than ready for you.”
“Good. Because I’m about ready to pop. I don’t think I could take this slow if you paid me a million bucks.”
Landry snickered. “You have a nice collection of cock rings—why don’t you use one of them on yourself?”
“Brat.” Gage clambered onto the bed, pushing Landry’s legs apart so that he could kneel between them. He hoisted Landry’s calves onto his shoulders then edged closer, bending Landry back. “Good thing you’re flexible.” He targeted Landry’s hole with his cock then pushed forward in one smooth motion. “Fuck. You are bad for my self-control.” He grabbed Landry’s hips, raising his ass off the bed so that he could slide in deeper. From that point on he had to be selfish. He took what he needed, using Landry’s body without mercy. A few hard thrusts and his orgasm rolled over him in waves. He filled the condom, wishing there were nothing between him and Landry. Shuddering, muscles trembling, he thrust a final time, milking the last few drops of cum from his body. Shattered, he withdrew. He rolled to one side to avoid crushing Landry. “Fuck, that was good.”
Landry rattled his chains. “How about you let me go so I can give you a hug?”
“I was going to leave you like that all night but a hug sounds good.” Gage unfastened the chains, leaving the cuffs in place. “Cuffs and a smile is a good look on you.” Landry rolled into Gage’s arms, sprawling across him. “Give me a minute to get rid of the condom.”
“Don’t be long.” Landry gave him enough room to get out of the bed. Gage made a quick run to the bathroom, wanting nothing more than to get back to the warmth of Landry’s body and the snug bed. Once under the covers, he pulled Landry close. “How do you feel about getting tested?”
“You wanna go there?”
“Yes.” Gage had never been more certain of anything.
“That would be amazing. I never have… I’ve never trusted anyone enough.”
“We can go together. There’s a clinic that opens in the evenings.”
“Don’t you get tested because of your job?” Landry asked.
“Yes, but I think this is something we should do together.”
“That’s…so sweet. There’s a real soft center beneath that tough cop exterior, isn’t there?”
When it comes to you. “Don’t let it get out,” Gage said.
“How about you let me come and I promise not to tell Sancha?”
“How about you don’t tell Sancha and I don’t spank you so hard you can’t sit down?”
“I suppose.”
“And the cuffs stay on tonight.”
Landry kissed Gage’s shoulder then nibbled his way up his neck until he could reach his lips. Landry tasted of coffee and mint. Bittersweet.
“Thank you,” Landry murmured.
“For what?”
“For making me forget.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“It certainly was,” Landry said, his tone wry.
“Go to sleep, Landry. Have happy dreams. That’s an order from your Dom.”
“Yes, Sir.”
* * * *
Landry awoke warm and contented. The weight around his wrists and ankles made him smile, the weight around his cock not so much. Next to him, Gage snuffled. Even in sleep his forehead was creased. Worrying about me, about everything. Landry glanced at his shelf of lucky cats. Grant me some of that luck now! He slipped beneath the covers, burrowing his way toward Gage’s dick. It was stuffy and dark but Landry found his target with the instinct of a homing pigeon. He began with a few gentle licks, grinning as Gage’s cock awoke before the rest of his body, coming to full hardness with little prompting. Someone’s horny this morning. Landry decided against a slow tease and instead plunged his mouth over Gage’s shaft, taking as much as he could in one go. He sucked hard, savoring the salty taste, then repeated the action several times, eliciting some imaginative cursing from Gage. Landry paused. “You’re awake then?” Gage stroked the bits of Landry’s body he could reach in response, coming to rest on his head where Gage tangled his fingers in Landry’s hair.
“Don’t stop,” Gage ordered.
Landry was quite happy to obey. He went bac
k to work, determined to give Gage as much pleasure as he could. He sucked until his jaw ached and Gage’s thighs trembled.
“Fuck!” Gage came in a hot stream down Landry’s throat. Landry swallowed, enjoying every drop. He licked Gage clean, spent some happy time nuzzling his balls then crawled up his body to emerge from beneath the covers.
“Good morning!”
“It certainly is.”
Landry straddled Gage’s body, the covers pooled around his hips. His dick, locked in plastic, rested on Gage’s chest. Landry looked from it to Gage and back again. He didn’t dare ask to be released.
“Because you didn’t ask…” Gage remove the keychain from around his neck. He undid the device, removing it with care. Landry’s cock sprang to attention and he groaned, desperate to come. Gage tumbled him onto his back, looming over him. Then he did what Landry had done to him, but better. Landry lasted brief seconds before he came so hard that stars twinkled in front of his eyes and he felt a little dizzy.
“Oh… My… God.”
“A religious experience, then?” Gage chuckled.
“I think I’m going to found a new cult, the order of the orgasm.”
“Should prove popular.” Gage rolled to one side. “What time is it?”
“Time for you to treat me to something better than Lucky Charms for breakfast. The coffee place next door does the most amazing pastries.”
“I don’t suppose we have time to go to a diner? I’m craving bacon.”
“No, we don’t. But I’ll get a pack out of the freezer then I can cook for you tomorrow morning. You are staying again tonight, aren’t you?”
“If work doesn’t get in the way.”
“I should go shower.” Landry would much rather stay in bed. Mr. Lao often opened the store so that Landry could have a slower start and he was missing that part of his usual routine. Mr. Lao preferred to finish early and let Landry close up.
“When your boss gets back, and you can take a couple days off, I’m gonna hide you at my place. Fuck you senseless.”
“Sounds dreamy. Will you take me to the club too?”
The Lucky Cat Page 13