Hidden Gem

by Lissa Kasey

  “Nothing scary?”

  Aki shook his head. Shane smiled, which nearly knocked Aki flat on his ass. It had been far too long since he’d glimpsed that smile, and now it was completely aimed at him.

  “Call if you need me,” Paris said to Shane. “And have a good time,” he instructed Aki.

  “Yes, Sir,” Aki whispered and let Shane help him into the car.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  SHANE HAD never thought of himself as a nervous person. He did things with confidence because that was who he was. But staring in the mirror as he’d readied himself for the date had been a challenge he hadn’t expected. His cycle was close, only a few days away. He’d feared that he’d accidently show Aki that side of himself and was further agitated when Paris called to inform him that Taylor had told the kid about A-Ms, and Shane in particular.

  He’d wanted to beat up Taylor but had to admit he was glad to not have to keep it a secret anymore. Aki deserved to know the truth. Shane wasn’t any more human than the psi was. Both of them had a genetic cocktail of random abnormalities. Didn’t that make them the perfect couple?

  Paris had spent a great deal of time going over Aki’s contract with Shane. Not the one Bart owned, but the one that stated what Aki was willing and unwilling to do. Soft limits, hard limits, the whole shebang. Shane was relieved that most of the harder-core stuff that he watched Paris and his subs participate in didn’t interest Aki at all. His pretty blond wanted the bonds and the discipline, even a little tough love, but the pain portion of the contract was almost a complete no.

  Shane could give Aki what he needed, Paris assured him of that. However, it didn’t stop his feeling nervous about doing some of those things. Though he’d spent a lot of time going over restraints, Shane refused to venture there the first time without supervision. They could learn together. Since Aki wasn’t opposed to an audience, it meant that Paris would be spending more time with them. Of course that all hinged on Shane being able to touch Aki without a barrier.

  Hopefully the classes were helping him. Paris claimed Aki had been working hard to learn everything, control his power. Shane had even gone through a crash course in what Paris called basic shielding to try to learn to shield the psi from his end. He didn’t know if it actually did any good since he wasn’t a psi, but he could hope.

  When he’d pulled up to the ISS and waited outside, he’d almost gone in a handful of times to find Aki. He’d even repeated the things he wanted to say in his head until he was sure they sounded like the cheesy lines from all those foreign dramas the kid watched. Then Aki had stepped out with Paris, looking so beautiful Shane wanted to shove him in the backseat and have him right there. The outfit and hairpins Candy had suggested were perfect. Shane had bought the shoes knowing that Aki would love them but had no idea what else to choose, and Paris had insisted that Shane make the choice on what Aki wore and how he presented himself. It was part of the structure that he needed. That would have been fine if Shane knew a damn bit about clothing.

  He’d quietly paid for an hour of Candy’s time just to get the companion’s help choosing an outfit for Aki. The top and skirt had been remarkably easy to find, the hairpins an afterthought as they were leaving the store. He had seen them in the window and known Aki would love them, though they’d set him back almost as much as the shoes.

  Looking down at Aki who sparkled more than he ever had, Shane knew this was it. The natural shy smile that tugged at the corners of Aki’s lips made Shane lean in for a taste. The kiss sealed the deal; now he just had to convince the psi how serious he was.

  They drove to Artie’s, where Shane parked and helped Aki out of the car. “I’ve ordered a special dinner for us,” he told him as he led him in the door and to the back where a booth had been reserved for them. There were multicolored roses and candles scented with honey and sugar.

  Aki leaned over to smell the flowers, and it was all Shane could do not to grab the kid’s pert little ass and grind his hips into the crease. He knew Aki would be wearing garters underneath, wanted badly to touch that tiny bit of bared skin and discover what pretty underthings he’d chosen.

  “You can take the flowers with. I bought them for you,” Shane said as he sat, adjusting himself. He should have worn looser pants.

  Aki slid into the opposite seat and fondled the soft petals of the roses. “They’re so pretty.”

  LuAnn appeared a second later with coffee. “Food will be out in a minute. You boys enjoy.”

  Shane couldn’t help but smile at Aki as he took a sip of the coffee. There was always a moment of pure bliss that crossed Aki’s face when drinking Artie’s coffee. The way he closed his eyes, scrunched his nose, and pursed his lips had Shane harder than he’d been in ages.

  “I had a headache from class, but this makes it so much better,” Aki told him.

  Shane reached across the table and took Aki’s hand, enjoying the feel of his soft skin. “Is this okay? Are you getting anything from me?”

  Aki shook his head. “What about you? Do you see my quiet room of shoes? Dr. Vitoric said it’s very detailed.”

  “Not wired that way, but I have glimpsed the one in your room back at the Gem. I’d love to create something equally beautiful for you.” Shane wanted to smack himself. He sounded like an idiot. “I’m not good at this, spouting off pretty words.”

  “You say pretty things to me all the time. At the Gem you’re one of the few who actually makes me feel beautiful.” Aki touched his hair. “I love the pins and the shoes.”

  “Those things are nice, but I’m thinking your eyes are ten times as pretty as any jewel you can wear.” Shane studied Aki’s face. Pink flushed his cheeks, adding a sweet bit of color. “And that blush makes me want to take you home right now and show you how good sex can be.”

  Aki ducked his head but smiled. “Words like honey.”

  LuAnn appeared a moment later with a set of bowls of different melted cheese and a plate of tiny breads, veggies, and bits of meat. She set out two plates for them and handed them long sticks with pointed ends. “Enjoy,” she said, then disappeared.

  Aki looked at his little stick, then speared a bit of bread and dunked it in the cheese. He darted his tongue out to taste the morsel before stuffing it in his mouth. “So good. I’ve never had this before. Wow.”

  Shane smiled and picked out another bit of bread, dunked it, and held it up for Aki to eat. Each time the blond wrapped his lips around the bite of food, Shane thought he’d come in his pants.

  “You’re killing me,” he finally said. They still had a whole dessert menu coming—chocolate and fresh fruit, whipped cream, and caramel. “I’m trying to make this date about more than just sex. But everything you do just screams sex.”

  Aki swallowed. “Not trying to.” He looked concerned, frowned, and glared down at his plate.

  “Not a reprimand, boy. Just an observation. Means I’m trying hard not to come in my pants. Eat already. You always eat like a bird. One egg and a bowl of fruit. Fill up. I want you to have energy for tonight.”

  Aki nodded, chose some meat, coated it in cheese, and held it out to Shane. “Try it. It’s divine. Bart should add this to the menu at the Gem. I’d get fat eating this all the time.”

  Shane took the meat, happy that Aki seemed to relax and was interested in reciprocating. “You can eat this every day if you want. I promise to keep you skinny.”

  “I’m thinking that you don’t mean by making me run.” Aki winked at him. He sat back in the seat and grinned at the table, the food, and Shane. “Is this what a real date is like? We’ve eaten together here a bunch of times, and it has never felt like this before.”

  “Like what?” Shane had to ask.

  “Like you actually want to be with me. Not just ’cause I can give you a good blow job. It’s perfect.”

  “Yeah? Just wait till dessert.” Shane knew exactly what he’d be having for dessert. But that would be later this evening, and hopefully it would just be the first step in making
Aki his permanently.

  AKI ATE like a pig. It didn’t seem to matter to Shane how much he took. In fact the man kept offering him bites. When the chocolate came with a plate of strawberries, Aki knew he was in heaven. His headache had vanished. Shane touched him almost the entire time, either a hand on his wrist or a palm on his thigh, and later when the dessert came and he moved across to sit beside Aki, he kept caressing Aki’s neck, running his fingers over his cheeks and near his lips.

  The attention was making him painfully hard, but he liked it. Never had anyone touched him so willingly, so softly, like he was something precious. Even Paris had not been as free with his touch. Aki began to anticipate what else the evening might bring. They’d shared a handful of kisses. Would they have sex? Could they have sex? Was Aki ready for that? He wanted to be. He hoped it was as good as everyone promised. Just being with Shane would be an experience. How long had he wanted the man’s hands on him?

  Shane pushed the plates aside. “Let’s walk through the park.”

  “Okay” was all Aki could think to say as he let himself be led out of the diner and two blocks to the park. The sun would be setting soon, so very few people still wandered the paved paths. Shane gripped Aki’s hand, weight solid and strong in his grasp. Aki could connect easily to Shane’s quiet place now, relax his shield a little and still touch without memories flooding him.

  “I’d like to offer you a job.”

  Aki blinked at him. “Huh?”

  “I quit the force. I’m working as a private investigator now. Focusing on missing persons like I did on the force, but I’ll take other stuff when it comes up. I need someone to help with the office stuff. Schedule appointments, make Artie’s coffee, remind me to eat.”

  “You want me to be your secretary?” Aki was confused. Was this all just so Aki would leave the Gem and work for him? It seemed a lot of trouble when he could hire a lot of other people who would have more experience.

  “I want you in my house, my life, permanently. I could hire anyone to do the office stuff. But I want you to do it. I want to come home from a day of looking for people to find you waiting. I want to make time to sit down and have dinner with you like we did tonight. I want to make a schedule for you, know where you are and what you’re doing all day long so I don’t have to worry. And know that when I call, you’ll answer.” Shane gripped his hand tighter. “Paris says I should just command you to accept my buyout of your contract. But I want you to decide. I’m giving you the means to be independent. I don’t want you to think I own you. You’ll get good pay to use for whatever you want, probably not as good as the Gem, but I’ll buy you all the pretty shoes you want. No questions asked.”

  It all sounded like a dream. An unattainable dream. They were so different. And what if the South came back for Aki? Hurt Shane to get to him? He wasn’t sure his heart could take the stress. Aki began to protest, but Shane put his fingers to his lips, hushing him. “Not yet. You have time. Just know I’m not asking you to leave the family and friends you’ve made at the Gem. If you need more time, I can work with Bart. We’ll work out a schedule. Tonight is about what I can do for you. Let’s worry about the rest later. Just know this isn’t a one-off.”

  Shane’s calm confidence settled over Aki. He was in control so everything would be okay. At least for tonight. “Okay.”

  “Now back to the car. I’m taking you home with me so I can show you what real pleasure is.”

  Aki swallowed a gulp. Just the idea of going home with Shane made him hard. “Yes, Sir.”

  Shane smiled and led him back to the car. “Safewords?”

  “Red and yellow, Sir.” Was Shane going to play? Could he really be what Aki needed? They got in the car, and instead of heading to Shane’s house, they drove into the city and parked in a small parking lot beside a large last-century building. The place wasn’t all that far from the Gem, Artie’s, or his favorite shoe store, Just Shoes. In fact, it was less than a ten-minute walk to the heart of the shopping district. The outside was pretty, all stone walls with complicated arches and lattice designs, wide windows, and three stories tall. Not nearly as big as the Gem, but a nicer exterior.

  The first-floor entrance had a large double door made of wood and glass that stood out as a very period choice. A plaque with an ebony background and silver print had been attached to the wall beside the right door. It said “Shane McNaughton, Private Investigator.” Aki smiled at the sign. He wondered if Shane was proud of that little plaque. It said sophistication and experience while looking rich and approachable all at once.

  “Paris chose it. But I like it. Feels right,” Shane said. He must have noticed Aki looking at it. He swept his fingers over the thick frame. “Makes it feel more real. Of course I’ve got all the certification documents and such posted inside and available on the main vid window, but this just seems to fit.”

  “I agree.”

  The glass in the door changed colors as they walked up. “Occupant identified, Shane McNaughton, door unlocked.”

  “Thanks, Miles,” Shane said. “Please scan my guest and register him. He will be coming often.” They stepped into the entryway, which was a small but nicely decorated waiting room.

  “Guest identified, Misaki Itou, registered companion. Contract owner Bart Rothnow. Residence Hidden Gem. Cognitive psi,” the computer recited.

  “The computer knows me?” The computer knew a lot about him, which was a little unsettling.

  “It’s an advanced security system. Super high-tech. Miles can answer questions for you, call me with just a request, or the police if you need them and you’re unable to call. He can even order a pizza. They call the system the Butler, which is why I named him Miles.”

  “It’s a very butler-sounding name.” Aki smiled. “Nice to meet you, Miles.” He bowed his head slightly to the window.

  “The system is made to be personable, but is also top-notch security. Pretty much hackerproof and will be checked constantly for cyberintruders. Also it keeps out anyone who is not registered as a guest. And only I can register guests. So far Paris and Candy are registered. I’ll have Bart stop by to get him in the system and your regular guard Manny.” Shane led Aki through the waiting room to a stairway and then up. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

  Nothing humble about it. The first floor of living space was large and open, twice the size that the house had been. The handful of windows reflected the same computerized glass as downstairs. It projected the night skyline of City M, though they weren’t close enough to downtown or high enough for that to be an actual view. The furniture was Shane’s. Aki recognized the monochrome details from his townhome. But tiny pops of color had been added with pillows, curtains, and vases. The kitchen was high-end, dining area just a small two-seater table, and there was a large staircase that led upstairs.

  “Wow.”

  Shane opened a door under the stairs Aki hadn’t noticed before. “Half bath here. Bedrooms are upstairs. Three total. Two full baths. There’s also a three-quarter bath downstairs between the waiting room and my office. My master bedroom has a walk-in closet with racks built for your shoes. You can keep some of your favorites here so you won’t always have to rush back to the Gem for more clothes.”

  “What about your house?” This place was amazing. Aki headed upstairs. He just had to see.

  “Already sold. New buyer closes in two weeks.” He patted the wall. “This was my retirement gift to myself. Work with no commute.”

  They entered the upper floor, and Shane opened the double doors to the master. Sparsely furnished, the king-sized bed took up one side of the room. A huge window looked out over the street and the buildings across the way. The video glass eliminated the need for privacy curtains, but showed the city in the distance. Aki liked the view. On the other side, there was a small seating area and a glass pane that looked like a mirror.

  “Com screen. Hooked up to view all the foreign dramas you want. And the closet is here.” Aki followed Shane into a room tha
t was bigger than his entire room at the Gem. A handful of shoes were lined up on one side; the other side was neat drawers and cabinets, some shirts hanging, and rather bland shoes that needed to be replaced. Shane’s things. The new heels on the other side had to be Aki’s. “Found a few pairs that I don’t think you have yet but thought you might like.”

  “You’re way too good to me, Shane.”

  He smiled. “Not true. Now, I came home to do more than just give you a tour. I thought we’d have a little fun.” He headed back into the bedroom. Aki followed.

  “I’m up for fun.” Especially if it meant Shane touching him.

  “Top and skirt off. Leave everything else. Present.”

  Aki blinked, taking a moment to register the words, but moved before he could even think to do otherwise. He stripped off his shirt, folded it nicely, and carefully unzipped, then stepped out of the skirt, adding it to the neat pile. He should have felt exposed, being nearly nude before the man for the first time, but he couldn’t stifle his excitement. He worried again that maybe he’d chosen wrong for his panties, but he had to lower his eyes so couldn’t check.

  Shane’s sigh was long and slow. “You have no idea what you do to me. Even at the Gem, you’re covered up compared to the rest of the companions. I never imagined you’d be so flawless.” Was that a good thing? Shane’s hands ran across Aki’s arms and down his sides, heating his skin and pulling a whimper from his lips. “Tell me what you want to happen tonight, Aki.”

  “Whatever makes you happy, Sir.”

  “Pleasing you makes me happy. Tell me how I can do that.”

  “I want to have sex with you. I want you to hold me down and give me the pleasure you’ve been promising, Sir.” Aki felt his face flush again. He shouldn’t have been embarrassed. He was a whore, after all. But he pleasured other people, and no one asked him what he wanted. And other than Candy or Paris, no one touched him. He longed for the feel of skin on skin. Would Shane’s hands be rough? Would his grip be strong and demanding?