Trust And Obey

by Ts McKinney

  “Speaking of ledges,” Jagger continued, “I might need your help before I push Colton off one.”

  Landry plopped down in one of the empty chairs across from Jagger. “Do tell,” he implored. “Not good enough in bed? Not an expert at giving head? Too rough? Not rough enough?” He leaned forward and braced his elbows on Jagger’s desk…then remembered what had gone on there just yesterday evening and leaned back in his chair again. “Please share the goodies.”

  Jagger rolled his eyes. “Do I not look like I’m satisfied in the bedroom?” He quipped and then blushed when he realized what he’d said. “Okay, let’s get off the sex thing. It’s the house shopping. He’s driving me crazy with it.” Jagger would love to share the sex thing with Landry, but wasn’t quite ready for that giant step into Uncomfortableville yet.

  Landry frowned. “I thought both you guys wanted off the houseboat—wanted your own place to make your own memories. What’s changed?” If Jagger was changing his mind about buying a house and starting their fur family, Colton would be heartbroken. Heartbroken Colton was soooo needy.

  “Nothing’s changed with us both wanting to find a house. Colton’s just so…so agreeable that I’m afraid he isn’t being honest with what he likes and dislikes. He tries way too hard to please me…probably at the expense of what pleases him. It’s driving me crazy.”

  Jagger was probably right, Landry realized. That sounded just like something Colton would do. He’d spent his entire life wanting Jagger and now that he had him, he was determined to be the perfect boyfriend. He just sometimes forgot that the perfect boyfriend consisted of him just being himself, not trying to be what he thought Jagger wanted him to be. He’d have to talk with Colton and set him straight. “Yes, that would drive one crazier than you and I already are. I’ll talk to him. Right away. Having said that, I do know that he is very fond of the Victorian style like Rory owns. Have you looked at any of those?”

  “Nope,” Jagger made with an exaggerated popping sound from his pouty lips. “I made fun of the colors on Rory’s house and I’m pretty sure Colton is now thoroughly convinced I don’t like the Victorian style. Any time I mention looking at one of those, he shoots it down.” Jagger grimaced. “I’m just not fond of pink trim on a Victorian house.” He frowned in Landry’s direction. “Dude, there is pink everywhere on that house. I know Rory loves it and that’s all that’s important but it’s, like, pink. Everywhere.”

  There was too much pink on Rory’s house. Landry loved it! “Call your realtor and schedule to look at some Victorian houses. Cut Colton straight out of the loop on this. You work it from that end and I’ll handle Colton. I’ll give him the honesty talk and the rest of the blah blah that goes with it.” His eyes warmed when he noticed the glow of love in Jagger’s eyes just from talking about Colton. “He just loves you so damned much.”

  “I know that…or at least I’m working on allowing myself to believe that,” Jagger corrected. There’s still room for improvement in that department. He just needs to be honest with me. I don’t need to spend the rest of my life with a ‘yes man’. That would get old really fast.”

  “It would be fun in the bedroom, though. Right?”

  Jagger grinned. “It’s already fun in the bedroom.”

  ****

  An hour later, Landry had completely forgotten about Jagger and Colton. He only had eyes and ears for Brookes. Dammit to hell, but the man had a way of simply taking over his every thought and desire. He wanted to hate him because he was certain he was the trigger for his panic attack the other day, but he couldn’t find the strength it would take to switch his like to dislike. Hell, there were so many reasons why he wanted to hate the man. He wanted to hate him because he was so damned handsome and put together perfectly, physically and mentally. You didn’t have to have Jagger’s analytical brain to see that Brookes had his shit together. Everything about the man screamed power and control. Surely Brookes couldn’t really be interested in a hot mess such as himself? Surely not.

  He acted more than interested.

  “You hungry?” Landry asked as they walked down Duval Street. They weren’t holding hands but they were walking close enough that their bodies bumped and caressed with every step. They’d talked and talked while they’d been walking. Other than his friends, Landry hadn’t ever tried connecting with a person—this was nice.

  “I’m always hungry, kitten,” Brookes answered quickly. “Give me a hint. What are you treating me to today?”

  “What have you tried so far,” Landry asked. He knew what he wanted, but he didn’t want to drag Brookes to a place he’d already tried.

  “Room service,” Brookes quipped. “Nothing but room service. It’s been good, but I’m ready to try something different. Tempt my taste buds.”

  Landry frowned. “Why just room service? How long have you been on the island? The food at Island House is good, but you need to get out and try some of the other delights our island has to offer.” He pointed toward a small alley called Key Lime and motioned for Brookes to make a turn. “I’m going to take you to the best place to get a Cuban. Does that sound okay?” When Brookes nodded, he continued, “Why on earth would you not get out to see the sights and taste the delights?”

  Before Brookes could answer, they had made it to the end of the alley and Landry directed them into an open air, tiny restaurant that only had about six eating tables. “You grab a seat and I’ll order for us,” Landry told Brookes. He had to admit he was somewhat surprised when the Dom didn’t argue with him taking the lead, but Brookes acted like it didn’t bother him in the least. Landry went ahead and ordered their Cubans and then joined Brookes at the table he’d selected.

  “Now, back to my question. Why are you sequestering yourself at Island House?” He laughed as soon as he said the words. “Don’t get me wrong. I know, from firsthand experience, of course, how much fun can be had at Island House, but it’s been over three weeks. Surely you’ve sampled all the naughtiness they have to offer?”

  Brookes leaned in so they were touching. “I haven’t sampled any of the fleshly delights you’re referring to, kitten. I’ve enjoyed their food and entertainment, but that’s about all. A very pretty, very submissive piece of fluff caught my eye the first week I was here and he’s been about all I could think about.” His mouth found Landry’s ear. “I intend to have him…every delicious inch of him before I’m finished.”

  “Wonder what he has to say about that,” Landry quipped, enjoying Brookes way more than he should be, way more than was safe.

  “He’s still on the fence,” Brookes answered truthfully. “He doesn’t want to like me. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure he wants to hate me, but that isn’t going to happen. He might be able to bat those beautiful eyes to his friends to get his way, but it isn’t going to work with me. I’m not going to stop until I meet the real Landry and when I meet him, I think I’ll keep him.”

  They called their number and Brookes jumped up to grab their sandwiches, leaving Landry to ponder the words he’d just spoken. How could Brookes have read him so easily…so quickly? After they’d both dug into their sandwiches, Landry finally countered with, “What if the real Landry doesn’t exist anymore? What brilliant plan do you have to handle that scenario?”

  Brookes smiled. It was a devilish smile that made Landry’s stomach do cartwheels and cheerleader chants. If he’d ever attended high school, he bet he would have been a cheerleader.

  “I guess you will just have to wait and see, won’t you, kitten? I have many ways of discovering all the secrets you’ve hidden away.”

  Brookes finished his sandwich in record time and was just watching Landry. His eyes, blazing with raw hunger, studied Landry so closely that he wanted to squirm in his seat. He wanted to run away and hide. He wanted…

  “Anyway, some jobs and the people you work for require more secrecy than others, so I’ve made it a point to not mingle with the islanders.”

  And so much for the titillating conversatio
n, Landry thought with a frown. He enjoyed titillating. He wanted titillating. Unfortunately, Brookes currently controlled all the titillation. Fuck.

  “Job? You actually work?” Landry asked in disbelief. “I kind of pictured you as the self-employed, arrogant, nobody-tells-me-what-to-do kind of man.” He was kidding. Partially. In all honesty, he couldn’t imagine any man telling Brookes what to do.

  The only answer Brookes gave him was a light chuckle. It wasn’t enough.

  “That’s it? That’s all you’re giving me?” Landry started shaking his head. “No, I don’t think so, mister. You’re asking everything of me, but you aren’t even willing to share useless information like what you do for a living? That hardly seems fair.”

  “I didn’t say I wouldn’t share,” Brookes argued. “I’ll share everything with you, kitten. Let’s play a game. I’ll ask you a question and then you can ask me one. It will be a way for us to get to know each other better—explore each of our secrets at a pace we are both comfortable with. Fair enough?”

  “Fair enough, but I get to go first,” Landry answered.

  “Of course, you do.” Brookes didn’t exactly roll his eyes but he came pretty damned close to it.

  “Who do you work for?”

  “Myself,” Brookes answered without hesitation.

  Landry blew out a huff. “But you just said the man you worked for called for secrecy!”

  Another chuckle. “Every man works for somebody else every now and again. This is one of those times. I don’t usually take jobs like this, but,” he paused like he was searching for just the right words before continuing, “I couldn’t turn this job away.”

  “Why?”

  “Nosey little cuss, aren’t you,” Brookes scoffed. “Let’s leave it with I’m doing some treasure hunting for a very wealthy gentleman. How’s that?”

  “That’s stupid. And evasive. And I’m pretty sure you’re shoveling me shit right now. I can’t say I’ve ever heard much about hidden treasures here at Key West, especially in your hotel room…since that’s where you say you spend most of your time.”

  “My turn,” was Brookes’ only answer. Well, there was a smirk. A big fat it’s-my-secret smirk. “Why did you open a BDSM club? Why this lifestyle for you? What drew you to it?”

  Landry jerked back, shocked by the question. “What do you mean? I chose BDSM because I enjoy it. Why else?”

  “Oh, I think you enjoy it,” Brookes agreed, “but I think there is more to it than that.” He took a sip of his soda and prodded, “So what is it? What pulled you to the lifestyle? It may be as simple as you used to get turned on when you got paddled in school…or it could be something totally different.” He smiled. “Personally, I’m leaning toward the totally different category.”

  It was something totally different but nothing Landry ever shared with another person. His friends knew he enjoyed the lifestyle. They embraced that he enjoyed BDSM, but he suspected none of them understood it enough to question why someone like him would enjoy it. Well, Jagger might question it. Eventually, he probably would. He made a mental note to prepare himself for when it happened.

  “Well, I have to admit that I did enjoy getting paddled in school,” he joked. “Especially by Mr. Daniels. Fuck but that man knew how to swing a paddle.”

  Brookes’ gray eyes narrowed and he arched a brow. “Why are you lying to me? Nothing good will come from that, I assure you. Are you trying to earn a punishment?”

  Huh? “What makes you think I’m lying?” Because you are, he reminded himself. When the only answer Brookes gave was a disappointed frown, Landry opened his mouth to rant about the fact that Brookes had absolutely no right to demand he reveal his secrets – any of his secrets! Instead of that, though, he said, “I think I deserve to be hit.” Well, holy shit! Where the hell did that come from? Why? Why now? Was it true? Hell, he knew it was partially true but he also knew he got turned on as hell during a scene. What was the truth? Somewhere in the middle? Was he just so fucked up that there wasn’t even a truth for him?

  “Very good, kitten,” Brookes answered softly. “Very good, indeed.”

  Warm sensations washed over Landry when Brookes complimented him. He smiled shyly. Fuck, he didn’t do shyly. There was just something about Brookes that made him want to cut open his own heart and let all his insecurities, secrets, and darkness come flowing out for everyone to see. Oddly enough, though, he didn’t feel a panic attack coming on like he would have expected based on what just tumbled out of his mouth. He felt calm…a bit needy, but calm.

  “Why do you think you deserve to be hit?” Brookes asked.

  There were people all around them, eating and chatting like tourists usually did. The six tables available to eat at were all full. Each table seated about eight people and strangers were sitting next to strangers. Anybody, if they tried hard enough, could listen to their conversation. Brookes must have picked up on what he was thinking because the bigger man was suddenly much closer, cleverly encasing him with all those strong muscles and tattoos. Landry felt completely safe and totally off-limits to anyone else around them. It was a good feeling. He hadn’t felt like he was in any danger since hooking up with the guys and coming to the island…but he hadn’t truly felt safe, either. Living his life the way he had didn’t generally lead to a person feeling safe. Ever.

  “Let’s just say I’ve probably earned it over the years,” Landry finally answered. “My turn now. What’s the treasure you’re hunting for?”

  Landry wasn’t sure why Brookes’ eyes darkened at the question. Was it because he’d changed the subject or was it because of the treasure? Was there even a treasure or was the bigger man blowing smoke straight up his ass?

  “Something with beauty so rare and so valuable I couldn’t allow it to get past me without seeing it with my own eyes and touching it with my own hands,” Brookes answered softly. “I was given a description of my treasure and with only a description, I found myself lured into a dangerous world. My turn.”

  Landry huffed. “That isn’t really an answer, Brookes. You’re feeding me a line of bullshit with some sprinkles of truth mixed in with it to keep it borderline believable. Be honest, there really isn’t a treasure, is there?”

  “Yes, there is. It is a totally honest answer. I may own my own business but that doesn’t mean I’m not required to work for others on a regular basis. I…I locate missing things. Normally this wouldn’t be a job I would take on but I was intrigued by the treasure. It’s all very simple and I’ve explained it once already. Stop trying to complicate it, kitten.”

  “Why do you call me those ridiculous nicknames? I’m a grown man, for fuck’s sake,” Landry growled. He did, however, enjoy the nicknames…he just would never admit it to another living soul. “Cotton candy and Kitten? Those are ridiculous.”

  Brookes chuckled. “I call you those because I love cotton candy and I’m one hundred percent sure you purr when your claws aren’t out and when you aren’t busy hissing.” Brookes gathered up their trash and carried it over to the trash bin. “Let’s get moving, kitten. I want to do a glass bottom boat tour with you before we have to head back to your club.”

  Landry couldn’t help the wave of disappointment that washed over him. He wanted to talk with Brookes – wanted to reveal his secrets and learn more about Brookes’ secrets…and there were secrets, he was certain of that much. There might not be treasures, but there were things that needed to be revealed. More than any of that, though, he wanted Brookes to help him into subspace again. Instead it looked like they were doing touristy shit. Fuck.

  “Don’t look so disappointed. I plan on pursuing our question game later tonight – after the club has closed and I have you bent over the spanking bench, tied up so tightly that all you can do is take everything I’m in the mood to give you,” Brookes whispered. “I’m going to stroke every inch of your flesh, soothing and quietening all those thoughts scampering around in your head. Then I’m going to use my hands to turn that pert lit
tle bottom of yours a bright red. I’m going to spank you until you are burning…until every damned inch of you is burning for me. You’ll try to twist away but the ropes won’t allow it. When I think you’ve begged enough, I’m going to fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before. I’m going to be rough and you’re going to like it,” he continued. “And you know what the sweetest thing is going to be?”

  Landry’s mouth was gaping wide open and his cock was as hard as humanly possible. He shook his head, unable to form intelligent words.

  “The sweetest thing is going to be that I’m going to do this to you, for you, and it’s not going to have a damned thing with you thinking you need to be abused for past sins. It’s going to be because you love how I make your body feel. You love that I can make you fly when nobody else can.”

  “Fuck,” Landry muttered. Yeah, that was the best he could come up with.

  “And after that, when you’re barely able to move and all you want to do is melt against me, I’m going to ask questions and you’re going to give me honest answers and, together, we are going to learn what makes Landry tick tock.”

  Chapter 9

  The door to the bar flung open. Landry and Brookes walked in, laughing and nudging each other, like they didn’t have a worry in the world. One look at the expressions on all the faces of the men at the bar had Landry freezing in his spot. Riley, Rory, Colton and Jagger were all there, looking shocked.

  “What’s happened? What’s going on? Where’s Sage?” Landry asked quickly. Recognizing Eric Matthews, he knew something really wrong had gone down. Fortunately, his closest circle was right in front of him, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t instantly terrified. If Detective Matthews was present, someone had lost their life. He was a homicide detective. Landry’s worried mind instantly thought of all the innocent children at Haven. Had something happened there?