Designs of Desire

by O'Riley, Tempeste

  “That’s vile!” Seth snapped, disgust dripping from his words.

  “I agree but I’ve seen it happen.”

  Chase’s eyes widened. “Oh, Seth. Think of it like a corporate takeover. I mean, you’re a CEO and all…. You find ways to put pressure on the competition, to unbalance them in negotiations to get what you want, right?”

  “Not me personally, but yes, that is what happens usually. Sometimes other companies even get dirty to get what… they… want….” Seth’s voice trailed off, his eyes wide.

  “So then the threats aren’t real?” James asked, a desperate tinge to his words.

  “While what Chase and Seth are discussing is possible, don’t assume they are right or that the danger isn’t real….”

  IT HAD been one hell of a day—Okay, the last 48 hours sucked. Between the drama of the previous evening and the threat, visit, and everything that went with it, James was exhausted. He wished he could go paint, or maybe take a nap, but he knew Danni would be home shortly with Britt. They were only stopping for a few minutes as it was slumber-party-night at Britt’s, but he still wanted to be available. Plus it was dinnertime, so where was he? In the kitchen cooking for his lover. Not that he minded. Not at all. He loved cooking, especially for Seth.

  “Unca James?” Danni called as she bounded into the kitchen, startling him.

  James put down the spoon he was using to stir the sauce on the stove, moved the pan to an empty burner, and turned to face her. “Yes, my little pixie? Are you having fun with Aunt Britt?” he asked with a smile. He didn’t want to share his fear or stress with her; she was only six.

  “Uh-huh,” she squeaked and nodded her head in quick, tight movements. “But, um… Aunt Britt and Unc—Daddy are outside fighting. He sent me inside, like I’m too little to know they’re fightin’,” she added with a pout on her adorable little face.

  James started to smile at the face she was making when her words managed to sink in. Fighting? “What do you mean, sweetie? Daddy and Britt are friends, so it can’t be all that bad.”

  “Harrumph!” Danni crossed her little arms. “She called him a… coward.” She nodded to herself as if pleased to use the last word. “But, Unca James, Daddy’s not like that. He’s not scared of anything.” Her matter-of-fact tone and confidence in Seth warmed his heart even as his curiosity and nerves were piqued.

  “Okay, pixie. How about I go find out what they’re up to and you go grab your things to take back to Aunt Britt’s?” James smiled as he sent Danni off to her bedroom. Now, what are those two doing arguing in front of Danni? Really!

  James made it to the foyer before he could hear Seth and Brittany, and yes, they were arguing.

  “I cannot believe you would do this to me, Britt! You know how much stress he’s already under, but no, you decide that helping Mother set up a surprise visit was the right thing to do. And worse, James is in there cooking dinner for me. You know they will expect us to go out somewhere. They probably already have reservations.”

  Seth’s deep smooth voice was agitated in a way James had never heard before, not even earlier when they discussed the threats and the theories about who it might be. James froze at the thought of meeting Seth’s parents. He knew they spoke on the phone often. Seth always seemed pleased after their talks, so he didn’t figure it would be too unreasonable to think they might want to visit. But now? And with no warning?

  James closed his eyes as he fought to control his breathing. No way would Seth’s affluent, jet set parents want him as their son’s partner. He was just an artist, not even a famous one. He reminded himself that Seth said they accepted his being gay back in high school and never showed anything but pride in him and his life. He knew he was jaded thanks to his own family, or those that were supposed to be his family. But still….

  James went to turn and head back in, unsure of how to address what he’d heard, when the front door flew open and Seth stomped inside. “I am still not amused with you, Britt.” Seth paused and looked at James with wide eyes, shock clear on his handsome face. “James? How long have you been standing there, pet?”

  “Long enough to know your folks are on their way here and that you’re probably going out with them.” James looked down, not sure what else to say.

  “Yes, so I just heard,” Seth replied, his voice sour. “But, baby, don’t worry. I’m sure Mother and Father will adore you.” He raised his head and sniffed. “What are you making, by the way? It smells wonderful.”

  “You are not going to distract me that easily, sir.”

  Seth smirked and drew James into his arms. “Are you sure I can’t distract you, baby?” Seth asked as he slid his hands around James’s waist and pulled him closer.

  “Well—”

  A man cleared his throat, drawing both men’s attention. James went to step back, but Seth held him a little tighter. When he looked over Seth’s shoulder James saw a man that could only be Seth’s father, or maybe older brother. He was an older version of his lover at the least. He had blue eyes instead of the sparking hazel of his lover’s, with silver at his temples, but Seth was still the spitting image of the man taking up his doorway.

  Seth turned without releasing James, and faced the man. “Hello, Father.”

  “Hello,” the man said, a small smile on his face.

  Seth’s father stumbled forward a step or two, and suddenly there was a luminous, petite woman standing beside him. She was maybe five-one—if—in a white pantsuit with low heels and pearls, and a huge grin. “Seth, sweetheart!” she squealed and launched herself at her son.

  Chapter 18

  “MOTHER. Father. What brings you by?” Seth asked, his arms now full of his petite mother. “If I had known you were visiting, I would have had things prepared for you.”

  “Oh, shush. We wanted to surprise you.” James had to fight to hold back the chuckle threatening to fall from his lips as he watched his strong, confident boyfriend be scolded by his mom. “We waited a little while to give you time with Danni before we came to visit, but we wanted to meet your new man and see how you and our grandbaby are doing,” she gushed, pulling him down to give him a proper hug.

  Once she released Seth, she turned her attention to him. James had no choice but to pull his hand from Seth’s when his mother flung herself into his arms. James knew better than to try to escape. She looked him up and down. “Introductions, please, pet,” she demanded, her voice calm yet firm.

  “Just a minute, Mother,” Seth replied as his father stepped in to give a hug of his own.

  “Mother, Father, this is my partner, James Bryant. James, this is Terra and Scott Burns.”

  “And I’m Danni Christine Burns,” Danni chimed in as she barreled into the room and curtsied.

  “Sweetheart,” Terra said. “We know who you are, it’s your….” She drew the word out, seemingly unsure what to say, and glanced to Seth with earnest eyes.

  “Danni, you know Mimi and Pop already. They’ve never met your Uncle James before.”

  “So, they didn’t come to see me too?” she asked. She batted her eyes and twisted back and forth where she stood as she peered up at Seth through her long curled lashes.

  “Of course we did, baby girl,” Scott boomed. He moved over and scooped her up.

  “Welcome to our home, Mrs. Burns, Mr. Burns. I wasn’t expecting company. I’m sorry,” James added as he looked down at his jeans with the tattered knees and his lack of footwear.

  “Oh, pish. We didn’t fly all the way from Dublin just to inspect your clothes, James.”

  “Thank you. Please, come in.” He motioned them all into the great room. Though still nervous, he liked Terra already—her accent charming him almost as much as her warm smile—and anyone who could make Danni happy was good with him.

  After James served drinks and Seth walked Britt and Danni out, Scott spoke up. “I know we caught you just before dinner but I have to ask, what is that you made? It smells wonderful.”

  James beamed at t
he compliment. “Thank you, sir. It’s shrimp with rice and veggies. That’s all. I just finished the sauce when Danni came in.”

  “James, stop being modest.”

  James felt his face heat at Seth’s words. “Yes, sir. Um, it’s shrimp and veggie kabobs with an herbed red pepper and portabello sauce with dilled rice and roasted asparagus. I have enough for everyone, if you’d like to join us,” he added.

  “Sounds wonderful,” Terra answered.

  “You are so cute when you blush, baby,” Seth whispered.

  Before long they’d finished the meal. James found Seth’s parents to be pleasant and, thankfully, open-minded. He started to clear the table when he felt Seth’s hand on his shoulder. “Let me, James. You try to do too much.”

  James turned to Seth, uncertain of sitting while he worked. “But—”

  Seth massaged James’s shoulders for a minute and pecked his cheek as he passed and began collecting dishes. James leaned his elbows on the now clear table and gazed at Seth’s powerful back as he moved around the kitchen, their kitchen.

  His thoughts were interrupted by Terra’s dainty pat on his hand. “James, dear, how do you like having Seth and Danni here?”

  His brows scrunched up as he looked away from Seth to meet her eyes. “They’re my family now, ma’am” was his only answer.

  “Yes, yes, of course. But Seth could get a larger place for the three of you, one with a maid maybe, if you wanted.”

  “Mother.” Seth’s voice held a note of warning and annoyance.

  “It’s okay, Seth. No, ma’am. I have a cleaning service that comes in to help some and Seth helps as you can see. Danni’s not really a messy child. Besides….” James’s voice trailed off for a moment. When he did speak again, it was softer but certain. “I like having them with me. I don’t wish them to move.”

  “I didn’t mean without you, pet. I would never try to break up my son’s home. We haven’t seen him this happy in ages. Have we, Scott?”

  “No, but I have to agree with the boys. If they’re happy, leave well enough alone, Terra. They have enough going on right now; they don’t need your nit-picking. Speaking of which”—Scott turned to face Seth again—“I’d like to talk with you about custody issues and support.”

  “Understood. We could retire to the veranda with our drinks or the great room.”

  “You don’t have a den or study?” Scott asked with a raised brow.

  “No.”

  “Th-that would be my fault, sir. If you want, you can use my office. I haven’t had the time yet to have the spare room redone for Seth.”

  “Oh, baby. Don’t let dad get to you. And you,” Seth continued as he turned to his father, “need to back off a little too. James and I discussed it, but I don’t feel right giving up our only spare room, simply for me to have a private den. Now, if you want to discuss things, pick your area and we can head out. Will you be joining us, Mother?”

  “Actually, I wish to see if your James will show me some of his art. Brittany simply raves about how wonderful his work is.”

  James’s head snapped up, his eyes wide and pleading as he stared at Seth. Friends, strangers, coworkers even, seeing his art was fine, but to show Seth’s mom? “Uh….”

  “It’s okay, baby. She knows what kind of art you do. She’s seen pictures of the ones I bought from you.”

  “She, she has?”

  “I have, and I would like to see more. Those two are going to go into battle mode, something neither of us need be in the middle of. And before you ask, no, I do not think it’s not your business or that you are too weak to participate. I know my husband and my son, though, and we would only be in the way. Now,” Terra continued as she handed James his crutches, “may I see your studio?”

  James accepted his sticks. He looked from Terra to Seth again, hoping for some kind of clue on what to do. Seth stood there snickering behind his hand. Scott’s lips were pressed into a flat line, but even James could see the twinkle in his eyes and the twitch in his cheeks as he fought not to join Seth in his amusement.

  “Oh, please, dear. It couldn’t be any more pornographic than a visit to your local museum. I mean all those statues are anatomically correct, after all. Now, where is your art?”

  JAMES’S gaze skimmed over Seth’s body as he admired the smooth skin and firm, powerful muscles. When his gaze lingered over Seth’s groin area, Seth growled as he licked his lips. God he wanted Seth’s cock in his mouth again, but Seth allowed him that particular delight often enough, in his opinion.

  Seth reached out for the bathing sponge and shower gel when James’s hand shot out. “Please, let me, sir.” He waited, nibbling on his bottom lip, and hoped Seth would say yes.

  Seth shook his head, a wicked grin spread across his face. “Grab the showerhead and don’t move or come until I tell you to.”

  James swallowed hard but nodded and raised his hands to wrap them around the metal. He hoped Seth remembered he couldn’t stand long like this, but as he watched Seth soap the sponge, all concerns other than getting Seth’s hands on his skin flew out of his head.

  Seth took his time caressing James’s body with the suds, running it along the planes of his chest and abs, down his arms and legs. He shivered hard when Seth used the suds to cover his engorged and weeping cock, stroking it only a few times before the hand slipped between his legs to tease his opening, putting him on edge so fast it took his breath away.

  He moaned and shifted to widen his stance but made sure not to let go of the showerhead; he feared Seth would stop if he did. Seth’s hand left and he whimpered at the loss. Before he could object, Seth’s hand returned slicked with shower gel to tease James’s rim before slowly pushing inside. Seth took his time cleaning and preparing James, and by the time he stopped, James was mewling and trembling so hard he could barely hold on.

  “Please sir, I—I need….” He was so hard and he felt so empty. He needed Seth to fill him, to surround him, to take him.

  Seth quickly rinsed James off and grabbed a large bath sheet to dry James and then himself. Even the brush of the towel was torture on his oversensitized skin. Once dry and out of the shower, Seth lifted James into his arms. James wrapped his legs around Seth’s waist, his arms around his neck. He leaned in and nuzzled his cheek.

  He kissed his way to Seth’s ear as Seth carried James to their bed. “I need you in me, sir. Please.” He knew he was begging but he didn’t care. He was dying to have Seth buried in his body, pleasing them both. He shifted his hips to grind into Seth’s but was cut short when he found himself bounced on the bed.

  “Middle of the bed, pet. Now.” He turned and padded into the closet.

  James shifted to the center on his back, bent his knees and tilted his pelvis to make sure his cock and hole were displayed, hoping to hurry Seth along with whatever he had planned. Watching Seth intently, one of James’s hands strayed to his abdomen, stroking the skin before it slid to a taught nipple.

  “Hands above your head, those are for me to play with, not you. Your body is mine when we’re in bed.” The powerful commanding tone of his words sent a thrill through James’s body, and he obediently raised his hands above his head. They had done this before, and Seth had never hurt him or pushed him too far.

  James watched, eager and aching, as Seth approached. He noticed that Seth had a few pieces of cloth in his hands but didn’t think anything of it until he spoke.

  “James.” Seth waited until he met his gaze. “I would like to play a little more tonight. You were fine with the scarves before, will you trust me again?”

  “That’s more than a scarf, isn’t it?” James stared at Seth’s items, nervous yet curious. He had been doing a little research on what submission was, but most of what he found included pain or humiliation—neither was appealing or tolerable to him. Seth wouldn’t hurt him, though, he was sure of it.

  “It is. One is a blindfold, your scarf for holding, of course, and a ribbon. The last item is for a little sensation pl
ay. You will like it, I assure you, pet.”

  James looked into Seth’s ever-changing hazel eyes and saw nothing but desire and love. He knew it would be okay. He nodded. “I trust you, sir.”

  Seth climbed onto the bed and kissed James, slanting his mouth over James’s in a demanding show of passion. James could do nothing but open his mouth and accept Seth’s tongue as it possessed him so completely that only Seth existed. After a moment, he joined in, licking his tongue across Seth’s, arching his body up to meet its other half.

  Just as suddenly as it started, the kiss stopped. Seth pulled back, and for the first time, James noticed his wrists were already wrapped with the scarf, the cloth draped across the palms of his hands. Damn he’s good at that!

  “Just like before, if you need me to stop, let go of the scarf. I am not going to tie down your wrists.” James nodded, not able to speak as his body trembled. “Good.”

  James watched as Seth picked up the long piece of ribbon. It was a deep indigo, and by the sheen, he thought it might be satin, or meant to look like it. It startled him to also note there was a small pair of scissors in the pile. “What are those for?” he asked and nodded to the ribbon and scissors.

  “Trust, pet, means I am in control and you willingly accept what I deem is needed for our mutual enjoyment.”

  That wasn’t an answer as far as James was concerned, but he closed his eyes and reminded himself that he trusted Seth and wanted to please his lover as much as, if not more so than, he wanted to be pleased. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then opened his eyes to watch Seth’s strong hands wrap the ribbon around one wrist and tie it carefully before snipping off the excess. He did the same to the other wrist and then trailed his fingers down James’s arms in a featherlight caress.

  Seth slid his hands back to James’s wrists and traced the ribbon, the dark indigo a startling contrast against James’s pale skin. “Not too tight?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Good. Lift your head, please.”