Hard Justice: The Asylum Fight Club Book 3

by Bianca Sommerland

  “I…” Wren worried his bottom lip with his teeth. He didn’t get it at all. Gambling was his whole world and...all right, not anymore, because he was in prison and most of his money was gone. If he lived long enough to get out of here, what else was he supposed to do? But Noah’s words hit him harder than his aunt’s ever had. His throat tightened as he faced one simple fact. “I’m not sure I know how to stop.”

  “Therapy might help, and I’d like you to make an appointment. The woman who works here, Cindy Ngo, is very good at her job and she won’t mind how much you like to talk.” He tapped Wren’s nose, his gaze softening. “I also have another idea.”

  Chewing on his bottom lip again, Wren met those gray eyes which held everything he’d ever wanted. A steadiness, a genuine concern for him that he’d never gotten from anyone. Sure, sometimes Noah would ask him to slow down and stick to one topic, but he listened. He showed interest in Wren’s life. Seemed to know the right thing to get Wren through the roughest days when fear and loneliness cemented inside him. He’d never minded being alone when he was at home, but that was different. He’d had all his online friends and whatever Dom wanted him to perform for them. Sure, there were times he wished any of them were close enough to touch, but he’d done all right.

  Now, that existence seemed so empty. Unlike Noah, he didn’t have anyone to call. Anyone to write letters to. If he’d had more time, some of his online friends might’ve given him a way to stay in touch. But he hadn’t. His digital presence was erased. And he wasn’t sure anyone would care.

  “Hey.” Noah lifted his chin with his knuckles when he lowered his gaze. “I need you to pay attention. All the Doms you’ve had were online, but you have a good understanding of the lifestyle, yes? You pleased them and found satisfaction by following their commands. One even gave you a collar?”

  Wren’s bottom lip quivered. “Yeah, but he made me take it off. He found someone local who could give him everything I was and more.”

  Noah cupped Wren’s cheek, brushing away a tear under the rim of his glasses with his thumb. “That happens and I know it was hard, but stay with me. Your submission is a strong part of who you are and I believe it will help you here.” He pulled something out of his pocket. A long piece of white twine, knotted into a circle in a way that could loosen or tighten before being secured in place. “I want you to wear my collar. You know what that means. If you accept it, you will follow my orders. Without question.” He shook his head before Wren’s automatic acceptance could burst past his lips. “This will be more intense than anything you’ve ever experienced. It has to be if I’m going to get you out of here alive. You will obey me. You will be punished if you don’t. Do not say yes if you aren’t willing to accept that.”

  More tears spilled as Wren tried to breathe past the lump in his throat. “You are so fucking amazing I don’t even know what—I mean, I would do whatever you wanted with or without the collar, but yes. Yes, I’ll wear your collar and I’ll be the best sub ever. I swear.”

  Shaking his head as he slipped the twine over Wren’s head and tightened it so it rested snuggly against Wren’s neck, but could be tucked under the collar of his gray shirt, Noah chuckled. “You won’t be swearing anymore. Or speaking, to anyone besides me, the guards, and the counselor.”

  Fingers brushing over the most precious gift he’d ever been given, Wren nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “Give me your cards.”

  There was a tiny voice in the back of Wren’s mind that wanted to argue, but he ignored it, pulling out the cards and placing them in Noah’s hand.

  “So long as you’re in here, you won’t be touching these again. You are not to gamble in any way. When you’re out I may let you play sometimes, but only for fun. Never for anything of value, understood?”

  “Yes, sir.” Wren’s brow furrowed. “But you’ll be out before I am.”

  “Let me worry about that.” Noah curved his hand around the back of Wren’s neck, lips brushing over his softly and sending a jolt of pleasure zipping along every nerve in Wren’s body. “You’ve given me something special, Wren. All I ask in return is your trust and your submission. And that you take both seriously.”

  “I will.” He toyed with his collar again and gave Noah a shy smile. “Is there anything you want me to do now, sir?”

  Noah’s lips slanted as he stood. “Stop playing with that, you need to avoid drawing attention to it so the guards won’t notice. There are other Doms here who will understand what it means, but aside from Renner, I don’t know them well enough to count on that earning you their protection. But you won’t be speaking to any of them, so their opinions are irrelevant.”

  Wren lowered his hand with a firm nod.

  “Good boy.” Noah snapped his fingers, then gave the hand signal for Wren to stand, which he’d learned from his other Doms and responded to automatically. “Get some rest. I’ll go to the infirmary and get you some painkillers.” He observed Wren for a moment. “But you haven’t even noticed the pain since we started talking, have you? Your focus is entirely on me.”

  “Yes, sir.” Wren licked his bottom lip, the subtle taste of mint and coffee there making the high from Noah’s brief kiss linger as though he’d done so much more. And he had. His hold on Wren was more solid than the walls that surrounded them. “Is...that what you want?”

  “That’s exactly what I want.” Noah jerked his chin toward Wren’s bed. “If you have trouble getting up or down, we can switch until you’ve healed. You will be honest about everything and I’ll know if you’re holding back for any reason.”

  “I’d never lie to you, sir.” Wren used his good hand to climb the ladder, slipping onto his bunk effortlessly. “And I got this.”

  “That’s a relief. I wasn’t looking forward to banging my head on the ceiling.” Noah gave him one last, long look, inclined his head as if to some silent thought, then left the cell.

  The nightly routine was the same as always, only, completely different. Every command Noah had given him was important, but there was another level to following them, a deep satisfaction as he kept his eyes down and his mouth shut. Not only because it would keep him safe, but because his Dom expected it of him.

  My Dom. Holy shit.

  That night, as he lay in bed, he felt like he was worth something to someone and maybe, just maybe, that would be enough for him to survive his sentence. Enough to imagine what his life might be like when he returned to the outside world. He was smart, so maybe he could use that to help people. Good people.

  The idea began to take form as he pictured himself taking classes so he could...no, he couldn’t be a teacher. Not with a criminal record. He thumped his head on his pillow. Fuck, he didn’t know how to do much of anything. But he would learn. Maybe the counselor Noah wanted him to see would have some ideas.

  Cell locked, lights out, Wren closed his eyes. After a stretch of silence, he heard the sound of flesh moving over flesh. Nothing else, but his breath caught as he realized what was happening. Every few nights, Noah would quietly find his release at his own hand. Wren would lay in the bunk above, blood pulsing low, and wish he could be the one giving him that pleasure. The ache brought on the urge to touch himself, but it was almost like he was waiting for permission. Which he didn’t dare ask for and hadn’t been given.

  But...maybe Noah didn’t know his submission included everything? Should he tell him? No, subs didn’t do that. They waited, patiently, to be told where and when they were needed.

  The stroking got faster.

  Wren fisted his hands in the sheet. Jerked at the pain in his wrist, a whimper caught in his throat as he pressed his fist to his lips.

  Below him, the stillness told him he hadn’t been fast enough to avoid notice.

  “Come here.” Noah’s quiet voice gave him no clue if the man was upset. It was a command. Nothing more, nothing less.

  He slipped silently from his bunk. Once he reached the floor, he couldn’t meet Noah’s eyes. Shame brought him to
his knees.

  “That is not what I asked you to do, my little bird.” Noah crooked his finger, shaking his head when Wren crawled to him. “Up. You might not notice it when you’re in this zone, but your wrist needs time to heal.” Before Wren could move, Noah pulled him onto the bed and lay on his side, elbow braced, head in his hand. “You haven’t given yourself any pleasure since you’ve been here, have you?”

  Cheeks blazing, Wren shook his head.

  “Hmm.” Noah’s brow furrowed. “I don’t want to abuse my position, pet. But there are few options for you, and none that are safe except for your hands.” He slid his thumb over Wren’s bottom lip. “Or mine.”

  “Not only hands, sir.” Wren’s lips parted. He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have...if you wanted more you’d tell me and I’m not trying to be in control at all. I don’t want to be, but I wasn’t sure you knew that I would do anything. Literally anything. And—”

  Noah’s lips covered his. Not a comforting brush of lips, but a kiss that controlled air, spread warmth, and left no room for doubts. He closed his eyes as Noah’s hands moved over him, lifting his arms above his head in a way that made it clear that was where he wanted them to stay. He brushed his lips down Wren’s throat.

  Brought them to his ear. “You must be very quiet. Not a sound unless it’s to tell me you want me to stop. This time, there is no need for anything else.”

  The only response Wren could give was curving against Noah’s hand as it moved down his chest. He jerked at the firm grip around the base of his dick, choking back a moan. His play online had been good for one thing. He knew how to hold back his release until it was demanded from him. Thank God, because that one touch came close to setting him off.

  “Such a good boy.” Noah rose over him. “Be still, I’ll be right back.”

  Not moving a muscle, Wren hardly breathed until Noah returned to lay over him. He held up a condom and a small package of lube, his gaze letting Wren know this would go no further if he wasn’t ready. But Wren had never been more ready for anything in his life.

  Drawing Wren’s pants down and off, Noah slicked his fingers with lube, spreading him open with his knees. He held Wren’s gaze as he penetrated him with one finger. Smiled as he added another, then a third as Wren pressed against him and let him in.

  He leaned down, biting Wren’s bottom lip as he began to move his fingers in faster. Harder. “I could work my whole fist inside you right now, couldn’t I?” His dark gaze said he was tempted. “I don’t have experience with online power exchanges, but you’ve been trained very very well.”

  Wren had to be quiet, but he let his eyes speak for him. He’d meant what he’d said. Noah could have anything he wanted from him.

  “Not here, but one day I may consider it. When I can enjoy the sounds you make as I test your limits.” Noah’s lips curved. “For now, my hand’s gotten enough action.” He lifted and slid on the condom. Guided his dick into Wren with one smooth thrust. He pulled Wren’s legs up and wrapped them around his waist, letting out a low growl as he moved, fast and hard, but never letting their bodies slap together so the sound wouldn’t travel. He kept his voice low so only Wren could hear every dirty thing he said. “Tighten around me so I can feel my dick stretching you. This is mine, pet. All. Fucking. Mine.”

  The risk that they could be caught added an edge, but nothing like how Noah dragged out the pleasure. He didn’t use Wren for a quick fuck. He drove into his body as though he never planned to stop. The pressure of his pelvis on Wren’s dick made holding back almost impossible, but as he stared up at Noah, amazed that he belonged to this man, he couldn’t imagine taking what was his to give. As the insistent pulse at the base of his spine became almost overwhelming, he reached deeper into the side of himself that craved surrender. His vision glazed, making the world around them shimmer beyond the dark haze.

  Hands curved under Wren’s ass, Noah lifted him as he pistoned in and out, faster and faster. Then mouthed one word, as though giving it sound would make it a shout.

  “Now.”

  Tipping his head back, the erotic pulse rode over Wren as he came. He panted as each spurt hit him. Gasped as Noah’s dick passed over his prostate in a way that kept the pleasure going to an almost painful insistancy, before he took his own release, pressing deep inside, one hand braced against the mattress by Wren’s head.

  For a long time, Noah didn’t move. When he finally slipped away, Wren expected to be dismissed to his own bed. Instead, Noah brought some wet wipes, using them to clean every inch of him before tending to himself. He tossed the used wipes and lay on the bed, pulling Wren into his arms.

  The intense, confusing emotions poured over Wren as he rested his head on Noah’s shoulder. He shivered, pressing his face into Noah’s chest as Noah stroked his arm and kissed the top of his head.

  Noah pulled the blanket over him, his voice full of concern. “Talk to me, little bird.”

  “I don’t...I don’t know what to say. This doesn’t seem like something I get to have.” He fought back the tears which had no place after what he’d just experienced, but they came anyway. “Like I know it won’t last, it can’t, but part of me wants to believe I could be the type of person who deserves it.”

  “Listen to me.” Noah tipped his chin up. His gray eyes warmed him more than the blanket, chasing away the chill. “You deserve this because I’ve decided you do. You will be mine until I believe you don’t need me anymore.”

  Wren wrinkled his nose. “Sir, have you met me? That will never happen.”

  Expression stern, Noah gave the collar, one of the most valuable things he’d ever owned, a little tug. “Are you arguing with your Dom, sub?”

  “No, sir.”

  “I thought not.” Noah curved his hand around his throat. Added some pressure, almost as though to increase Wren’s awareness of how tight his control over him truly was. “I can only give you so much, Wren. But someday you will leave here. And someone will give you more.”

  There couldn’t possibly be more, but Wren refused to question the man again. He would never lie to him, but there were some things he couldn’t voice. Like the fact that he didn’t know how he would get through a single day once he was alone again. That he couldn’t see his life beyond this cage. Because nowhere else would a man like Noah ever have chosen him. Away from here, the fierce, handsome Dom could have whoever he wanted, but maybe Wren could prove he could still be useful. Still have a place, no matter how small. Noah made him feel like he was worth more than he’d ever believed of himself. He couldn’t let that go.

  Because, once the bars weren’t holding them both, he couldn’t imagine anyone else ever would.

  * * *

  Chapter One

  * * *

  Steps away, the sun blazed, the merciless heat as oppressive as the outside world, but the AC on high made the bar the perfect escape. For the thousandth time, Wren was glad he couldn’t go further than the gates. Some might think being sequestered in The Asylum was no different than prison, but all he’d ever need was right here—not like he’d gone out often even before his arrest.

  He held the door, careful to stay out of sight with the delivery truck backed in almost to the door, holding his breath as Matt, the submissive of one of the three owners of The Asylum, firmly told the two delivery men that he and Reed would bring in the packages themselves.

  The first stack of long boxes was brought in, then the next, until the piles took up most of the floor space. Reed stuck close to Matt, both glistening with sweat as the man tipped the drivers, politely brushing off any attempt to start a conversation, then watched as the truck pulled out.

  Once the gates were closed, everyone seemed to breathe a little easier. Wren locked the door, then grabbed some small towels from behind the bar for everyone to dry off. After gulping down a bottle of water, Reed began tearing into the boxes while Matt put on a fresh pot of coffee.

  Glancing over the bar, Matt shook his head. “Leave i
t until we’ve had some coffee. You’re making a mess.”

  “And I’ll clean it up. Stop being so anal.”

  Matt rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath. “You weren’t complaining about that last night.”

  Wren snickered as he removed the stools around the bar, stacking them near the doors to the ring. They’d be brought through later, put into storage until the buyer came for them. He left one stool at the end of the bar, in case Lawson, Matt’s Dom, came down before the new stools were assembled. He wasn’t thrilled that the practical wood stools he’d chosen for the bar were being replaced, nevermind if he came down and had nowhere to sit before his first cup of coffee.

  That the stools had lasted here so long after Noah’s return was no small miracle. For awhile, it was like Noah thought he had no right to change anything. Lawson and Curtis, who owned the club with him, had managed The Asylum for the two years he’d been in prison, including replacing all the furniture destroyed when The Asylum had been vandalized by a local gang. They’d done an amazing job; but, for some reason, Noah hated those stools. And when he’d gotten back from his month-long honeymoon, buying new ones had been his top priority.

  The custom pieces had taken months to make and finally be delivered, but watching Reed assemble the first one, Wren couldn’t deny, Noah had chosen well. The inwardly curved, black wrought iron bases with built-in circular foot rests were heavy and would discourage angry patrons—or, well, Curtis—from picking them up to hit people with. The top part was made of quartered whiskey barrels, the seat and backs comfortably padded and covered in sleek, black leather.