by G. R. Lyons
Adrian nodded again, then asked, “So my father can't touch that account?”
The man shook his head. “Not at all. Although…”
“I can't either until I graduate,” Adrian finished for him.
“Yes.” The manager nodded, checking something on his screen. “As soon as we validate your diploma, the funds will be released to you and you can convert the account into whatever form you'd like.”
Adrian sagged with relief and started to reach toward Zac, only to snatch his hand back again. Zac blushed. Gods, he wanted to support his man, but neither of them were ready to be that open in public yet. One mistake that day was already too much.
He couldn't wait to get them home.
Adrian muttered thanks to the account manager and slowly rose from the chair. Zac shot up, blurted out a thanks himself, and followed Adrian back out to the car.
They got in and slumped back in their seats, just sitting in silence for a long moment.
“Thank gods,” Adrian whispered.
Zac watched Adrian as he tipped his head back and let out a sigh. Adrian had almost lost even more, but he seemed to be holding it together. At least the man had something to look forward to—something to gain, eventually—after having almost everything ripped out of his life.
Thank gods, indeed.
But Zac would have to be more careful now. He couldn't risk accidentally outing them again. There was still far too much at stake.
Chapter 16
ADRIAN FOLLOWED Zac into the apartment and slumped down on the couch with a sigh.
Gods, he was exhausted. Having that incriminating letter burning a hole in his bag all day long, and then the added panic of finding out he was no longer insured, combined with the momentary worry that his trust fund might have been snatched away from him, all added up to give him a bone-deep weariness.
Zac threw himself down next to Adrian and rested their heads together. “You alright, babe?”
Adrian nodded slowly. It was about all he could manage.
Zac fingered the file resting on Adrian's lap. “We should look this over.”
Adrian blinked, looked down at the file, then tossed it onto a corner of the coffee table. “No point. I can't afford it.”
“I could–”
“No,” Adrian said before Zac could finish that offer. “I'm already in debt to you, and will be more so before this is over.” He paused and sighed.
“Ade, what if something happens–” Zac cut off and gave Adrian a significant look. He'd said it gently, but Adrian felt a fresh wave of panic run through him.
“My meds,” he realized aloud. Shit. He hadn't even thought of that. Once his meds ran out, would he be able to get more? He didn't have a clue how much they cost. Even if he could bring himself to ask Zac for help on that, he wasn't sure Zac could spare the money. What if they were really expensive?
Adrian shook his head. Gods, he was useless. He had no concept of such things, things that normal people worried about on a daily basis. He didn't know anything about rent, or what groceries cost, or how to get his own medications.
What the hells good was he?
He was going to owe Zac so much. And not just money.
“I'm so sorry,” he blurted out.
“What for?”
“This. All of this. Putting all this on you–”
“Hey,” Zac cut him off, “first of all, you didn't put shit on me, alright? I brought you here. I want you here. And yeah, it's gonna be tight, but we'll manage.” Zac squeezed his hands. “We'll figure it out, I promise.”
Adrian slowly nodded, though he couldn't quite let it go. His entire life was out of his control and he had no idea what to do.
“Besides,” Zac went on, “we're so close to graduation. Just a couple more months, and everything will be fine. We just have to manage until then. And if we're sick of each other?” Zac shrugged, a playful smile on his face like he didn't believe that might happen. “Then you pay me back and take all your thousands or whatever when you graduate, and get your own damn place.” Zac nudged Adrian's shoulder.
Adrian chuckled despite himself. “Yeah,” he whispered.
“Good. Now.” Zac jumped up. “Don't move.”
Adrian blinked, watching Zac dart off to the bedroom. “What are you doing?”
“Getting your surprise,” Zac called from what sounded like the closet. “Finally.”
Adrian frowned, waiting, and saw a giddy smile on Zac's face when he darted back into the room, dropping to his knees at Adrian's feet with a small box between his hands.
What the hells? “Zac, you shouldn't be buying anything for me.”
Zac shrugged, still grinning. “They weren't that expensive. And I'm gonna return whichever ones you don't want.”
Adrian frowned. “What?”
Zac nudged Adrian's hands with the box. “Open it.”
Adrian slowly reached out and took the box, drawing it onto his lap. Zac dropped his hands, bouncing in place as he knelt there, watching Adrian slowly fold back the flaps and look inside.
“What–” Adrian started to ask, pulling out a bunch of collars, all in different colors. “The hells?” he asked, feeling totally lost.
Zac made quick work of unbuckling and removing the black, studded collar he had around his neck and tossed it aside, lifting his chin. “For me.”
Adrian's frown deepened. “I don't understand.”
Zac reached out with one hand and fingered the collars draped across Adrian's palms. “So you can have something under your control. I want you to pick which one you want me to wear. Just for when we're here and alone. You know, our own private escape from the world. So we can just be us. No masks or pretending like we have to do out there.”
Adrian blinked at him, then looked back down at the collars. Zac was going to let Adrian collar him? He'd heard of such things, but never even considered it for himself.
Then again, the idea of tying Zac up and dominating him was beyond appealing. Adrian held up the collars, blushing as he imagined one of them around Zac's throat, marking him as his property. The thought sent a shiver through him.
Zac grinned. “I knew you'd like that idea.”
Adrian swallowed hard, still blushing furiously as he fingered the collars. In a moment, he knew exactly which one he wanted. He tossed the red, black, brown, orange, and yellow ones aside, leaving just one collar in a baby blue color clutched in his hand.
Zac smiled. “Why that one?”
Adrian blushed harder and ducked his head. “Because it's so not you,” he admitted in a whisper.
Zac whimpered, and Adrian looked up to see his gaze hooded with lust. “Because it's you,” Zac whispered back, taking the collar and holding it up against Adrian's eyes, smiling as he looked from one to the other. Zac shifted the collar so it lay draped across both palms and lifted it up like an offering, tilting his chin up to bare his throat.
Adrian gulped, took the collar, and slipped it around Zac's neck, his fingers shaking with excitement as he buckled it on and checked to make sure it wasn't too tight, his fingertips lingering over Zac's skin.
“How does it look?” Zac asked, his voice a low, husky murmur.
A smile pulled at Adrian's mouth. It looked perfect, the icy blue a startling contrast to the flame-red streaks in Zac's dark hair. The collar didn't match Zac's look at all. Not even close.
It screamed 'I belong to Adrian' in a way nothing else could.
“Take off your clothes,” he blurted out.
Zac shot to his feet and reached for the button on his jeans.
Adrian grabbed Zac's wrist, his fingers curling around the black leather cuff Zac wore there. “Slowly.”
Zac shivered and did as he was told, keeping his eyes fixed on Adrian's face as he slipped his fingers under Adrian's hand and popped the snaps on his wrist cuff, pulling it free so that Adrian's hand went around his bare wrist instead. Adrian kept his hand there while Zac worked the other cuff off and dropped it on t
he floor.
Standing there between Adrian's legs, Zac tried to work off his boots, but he wasn't making much progress. Adrian released Zac's wrist, and Zac sat down on the coffee table, right on top of a pile of papers, and unlaced his boots, kicking them aside before he yanked off his socks and got to his feet again.
Adrian leaned back, letting his eyes roam over Zac's body as the slender man reached for the hem of his shirt, lifting it slowly, revealing his pale, flat belly one inch at a time. The pace was maddening. Adrian wanted slow, but now that skin was coming into view, he didn't want to wait.
“Off,” he urged, pushing the shirt up faster.
Zac smirked at him and pulled the tight, black shirt up over his head, tossing it aside and lowering his arms. He stood there silently while Adrian lightly touched him, slowly exploring his body, tracing lines from his nipples to the waistband of his jeans and back, watching goosebumps pop up all over Zac's skin while he visibly shivered.
“Ade,” Zac whispered.
Adrian shuddered, opening his hands and pressing them flat against Zac's chest. To think he was allowed to touch this beautiful body! It wasn't quite so new anymore, but it still sent a shiver of excitement through him. Adrian was actually allowed to touch another man.
And a man he'd long fantasized about, at that.
“Zac,” Adrian breathed, grabbing Zac by the hips and pulling him close. Adrian pressed his lips to Zac's belly, then nuzzled along his sternum while Zac gently cradled his head, running his fingers through Adrian's hair. Adrian closed his eyes and blew out a heavy breath.
Zac's belly fluttered against Adrian's cheek as Zac breathed a laugh. Adrian flinched and pulled away.
“What?” he whispered, barely able to look up. Why is he laughing at me?
Zac brushed Adrian's hair back off his forehead, a crooked smile on his face. “I love how overwhelmed you still get over this.” Adrian frowned, but Zac just chuckled and shook his head. “It's like every time is the first time, and I love seeing you almost…discover it, you know, all over again. Like even just this is such a wonderful surprise that it leaves you a bit stunned.”
Adrian blinked, and felt the tension drain from his shoulders. Zac was right. It was still all so new, and just being able to put his hands on Zac was an incredible gift, one he once thought he'd never get to enjoy.
“I swear,” Zac went on, “you just look at me like that and it makes me hard.”
Adrian tilted his head. “Look at you like what?”
“Like all you want in the world is to get me out of my clothes,” Zac murmured, “and then tie me up and keep me that way, always there for you to use.”
Adrian almost flinched at the last word, except the grin on Zac's face told him that Zac wanted to be used by him. A shaky breath escaped Adrian as he lifted his hands again and pressed them to Zac's hips. Just the warmth of Zac's skin under his fingertips was enough to bring him to the verge of tears. So exquisite. So perfect. So fantastic that Adrian was half-convinced he was dreaming.
Zac whimpered. “Gods, that look,” he breathed.
Adrian took a deep, shuddering breath, and moved his hands to the button on Zac's jeans. He worked it loose, then dragged the zipper down, Zac's hard cock pressing out against Adrian's fingers, struggling to get free. Adrian curled his fingers around the waistbands of Zac's jeans and underwear and peeled both down, having to push and pull and work the tight fabric where it clung to Zac's legs. How the man managed to get into them every morning, Adrian still couldn't figure out.
Finally, the jeans and underwear came off, and Zac stood before him, completely naked but for Adrian's collar around his neck. His hard cock stood straight out, nudging Adrian's cheek while he grabbed Zac's clothes from between their feet and tossed them aside.
Adrian brushed his lips along Zac's length before opening his mouth and taking him all the way in.
Zac gasped. “Oh! Ade, baby…Holy shit.” Zac moaned, lightly resting his hands on Adrian's head. “Gods, that feels so good.”
Adrian inhaled heavily through his nose and kept going, bobbing his head along Zac's cock. He'd only done this a few times, and was sure he still had a hell of a lot to learn, but Zac never complained.
Holding on to Zac's hip with one hand, Adrian trailed his other hand between Zac's legs, gently cupping his balls. Zac moaned, his hips making tiny thrusts into Adrian's mouth, like he was chasing some particular sensation, though Adrian couldn't imagine what, considering he had Zac's cock down to the root. Then Adrian's fingertips touched just behind Zac's balls, rubbing lightly there, and Zac's hips shot forward.
Adrian choked and backed off.
“Holy shit,” Zac panted. “Sorry, babe, are you alright?”
Adrian nodded. He lightly massaged Zac's balls and got ready to take Zac's cock back into his mouth.
Zac whimpered, his hips still moving slightly. “Do that again,” he panted.
“This?” Adrian asked, frowning. He rubbed his fingertips behind Zac's balls again, and Zac gasped out a cry. Adrian's eyebrows went up, and he did it again, inching his hand farther back until he felt what had to be Zac's hole.
Adrian froze. They hadn't really gone this far before but—good gods—he wanted it.
Zac whimpered again. “Baby, please,” he begged, his hands tightening in Adrian's hair.
Adrian brushed his lips along Zac's cock again as he looked up. “You want me in there?” Adrian whispered, feeling himself blush over the words coming out of his own mouth. He pressed more firmly against Zac's hole.
“Fuck,” Zac gasped. “Yes. Gods, please.”
Adrian let go of Zac's balls and lifted his hand up, pointing two fingers at Zac's mouth. “Open.”
Zac immediately obeyed, opening his mouth and taking Adrian's fingers all the way in. Adrian shuddered. Good gods, that was hot. And Zac was moaning as he did it, like it was the greatest thing in the world.
When his fingers felt slick enough, Adrian pulled them free of Zac's mouth and pressed against Zac's hole again. Zac pushed back against him and gasped.
Adrian went still, momentarily stunned. The tip of his finger was inside Zac, the hole so hot and tight, he almost couldn't believe he wasn't dreaming. And his cock was supposed to fit in there? It didn't seem possible. How did people make this work?
“Ade,” Zac whispered. Adrian looked up and saw a soft smile on Zac's face as Zac cupped Adrian's chin and leaned down for a kiss. “Whatever it is you're worrying about, just stop it.” He pushed back, and Adrian took the hint, slowly fingering Zac's hole, inching farther inside with every little thrust. Zac threw his head back. “Oh gods. Yeah, baby, just like that.”
Adrian frowned, watching Zac ride his fingers. Shit. “Have you ever done this before?” Please say no. Please say no. Adrian didn't think he could stand it if he had some benchmark to live up to on the first try.
“What, fingered myself?” Zac asked with a silly grin on his face. “Oh yeah.”
“No, I mean…” Adrian trailed off, unable to put it into words. He couldn't bear the thought of someone else fucking Zac, but the man clearly had experience.
Zac went almost still and looked down at Adrian, his gaze softening again. He grinned and shook his head. “Nope. Virgin hole. It's all yours.”
Adrian swallowed hard. Oh gods. No one had ever had Zac before. Adrian was going to be his first.
And he hadn't the damnedest clue what he was doing.
“Hey,” Zac whispered, leaning down again, “it's gonna be great. Trust me. We'll go slow, yeah?”
Adrian nodded rapidly. Yeah, slow. Slow was good.
Even though he wanted to be inside Zac right that gods-damned minute.
Adrian took a deep breath and eased a second finger in. Zac hissed, then groaned as he pushed back again, Adrian's fingers going deeper with every movement.
“Little more,” Zac breathed, his eyes squeezed shut. Adrian pushed in deeper, and Zac gave a shout. “Fuck. Yes. Oh gods, babe, right there.”
Adrian blinked, his hand still as his gaze flicked from Zac's face to his own wrist and back. Sucking in a breath, Adrian rubbed over the same spot again, and Zac's knees seemed to buckle.
So that actually did feel good? Adrian's eyes were wide as he watched Zac whimper and ride his fingers. He'd never really understood how anyone could enjoy having something up there, but apparently Zac was in heaven.
“Baby,” Zac begged. “Please…”
Adrian slowly pulled his hand free and looked up at Zac, standing there trembling, panting, and flushed.
“Bed,” Adrian managed to say.
Zac darted off, and Adrian followed. He stepped into the bedroom just in time to see Zac climb up on the end of the bed and throw himself down, face first, his shoulders pressed to the mattress and his ass in the air.
Adrian almost choked at the sight. Gods, they were really going to do this.
He must have stood there staring for too long because Zac twisted slightly, turning his head to one side and looking back at Adrian. “Babe?”
Adrian shook his head. “On your back. I want to see your face.”
Zac whimpered again and flipped right over, landing on his back and spreading his legs.
Adrian stared again. That slender, pale body all spread out for him, wearing nothing but his blue collar.
“Holy shit,” he breathed.
Zac grinned. “Get up here and fuck me.”
Adrian shivered, then slowly started working at the buttons on his shirt. His fingers fumbled, shaking as he tried to get the buttons undone. Zac teased him, sending him seductive looks, his eyes hooded with lust, his hand straying down to his cock and idly stroking it.
Adrian finally cast his shirt aside and got his pants undone. He tried pulling them off, only to realize he still had his shoes on. He untied them and kicked them aside, then shucked his pants, taking his socks and underwear right along with them.
He straightened and just stood there, hands itching to cover himself even though Zac had seen him naked before. Somehow, this time was different. Adrian gasped in a breath, trying to steady himself while Zac's eyes lazily roamed his body.