“Stand straight. Take off the slippers.”
Balancing on one foot, Matthew pushed them away. He swayed a little when he switched legs, but he regained his balance after a brief struggle. At his side, Sir watched him silently. Matthew didn’t dare look at him, preferring to keep his eyes averted.
“Sit down on the edge of the bed.”
Once Matthew was seated, Sir went to stand in front of him. He held something up. Excitement and relief shot through Matthew at the sight of the scarf.
“I’m going to blindfold you, then tied you down.”
God, yes.
Matthew nodded his assent; although, as long as he wasn’t safe-wording, it wasn’t necessary during the scene.
The silk of the scarf caressed his cheeks when Sir Hugh leaned in and wrapped it around his head. Sir gave it a little tug. Then, when it was secure, he knotted it behind Matthew’s head. The pressure exerted by the fold served to decrease Matthew’s inner tension.
“Give me your hands.”
Matthew brought his hands in front of him, raising them toward Sir. His shoulder joints protested, but he uttered no sound.
“Hold them together.”
The first touch of the well-oiled hemp rope felt like a caress to his soul. He shivered and swayed a little under the touch. The rope wrapped around his wrists. He didn’t have to see it to know what was happening. Sir would pass it several times around his joined hands. He would test how tight it was by tugging at the coils, before tying the actual knots. Matthew knew the basics of it. After all, he had to make sure he knew how to protect himself if need be, and while he had no intention of doing the roping himself, he appreciated the beauty of it. And in that particular moment, he let himself also appreciate its usefulness.
With the blindfold on, he could only focus on the feelings the process evoked. Once his hands were secure, the arms were next. Gently, Sir tied a rope around each bicep, then connected them with lines across his back and chest. Each bond, each touch of hemp, brought a fresh wave of calm. When the upper side was tied, Sir guided him to lie down on the bed and bound his legs together as well.
Wrapped up in himself, Matthew lost track of time. His breath evened out and his anxiety melted away.
****
“Feeling better?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Matthew sounded breathless. His eyes fluttered open and he had to blink several times to focus. He was untied, lying on the bed. Hugh sat crossed-legged on a nearby chair, elbows resting on the arm rests and fingers linked under his chin. He seemed calm, but the worry in his eyes tugged at Matthew’s heart.
“You were freaking out.”
“I was.” He was ashamed to admit it, but honesty was paramount.
“Do you want to tell me what happened?”
“I don’t know exactly. There was so much in my head.”
“We were talking about us. Don’t you want to be an us?”
“Yes. I mean, no. Wait. I’m messing this up. I want to be an us.” He pushed himself up, resting his back against the headboard. He knew he couldn’t put off explaining any longer. “I was scared you wouldn’t, and when you did, I couldn’t believe it.”
Hugh opened his mouth to respond, but Matthew waved his hand, stopping him.
“No, you didn’t do anything to make me think that. On the contrary, you were, are, great. But I was so happy I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never had what I have with you with anyone and I didn’t think I ever would.” He added the last part as an afterthought, in such a low voice he didn’t think Hugh could hear him. But when a small, sad smile fluttered over Hugh’s lips, Matthew knew he had.
“Why not? You are great.”
Matthew shrugged, because a response was expected and he knew the truth was not an option. It never was when it came to this.
“No, that doesn’t work for me.”
“Excuse me?”
“That attitude you have, the way you see yourself, is not all right with me.”
Matthew held his breath, waiting for Hugh to continue.
“You are great.”
When Matthew remained silent, pushed himself up and joined Matthew on the bed. He sat at Matthew side, facing him. Taking Matthew’s hand in his, Hugh stared him in the eye intently.
“You. Are. Great. You hear me?” There was nothing but sincerity in Hugh’s voice. In fact, he sounded so serious something in Matthew’s chest shifted, loosening.
“Do you understand me?”
Tears prickled at his eyes when Hugh pressed again. Unable to hold his gaze, Matthew glanced away.
“I would never lie to you, so you can believe me when I say that you are one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met.”
“Were there many?”
“Many what?”
“Great guys.”
“Oh.” Warmth and mirth lit up Hugh’s eyes, but no matter how hard Matthew searched, he couldn’t find even the faintest trace of irony. “Just friends. You have nothing to worry about, Matthew. You’re the only one I want.”
“I want you too. And I like what we have together.”
“So do I. That’s why I’d like to make it official.”
Breath hitching, Matthew gaped at Hugh. Official?
Hugh reached to the nightstand drawer and pulled out a long, thin box. A sigh escaped Matthew’s mouth. It couldn’t be a ring. Maybe some sort of cock ring, but piercings weren’t his thing, and Hugh knew it. The box was made from polished wood. There were intricate designs decorating its surface.
Gently, Matthew took it from Hugh’s hand and opened it. Relief mixed with surprise rose to his throat, choking him. Staring at the contents, he tried to gather his thoughts.
“Wow. It’s beautiful.” Matthew lifted his eyes to meet Hugh’s smiling gaze.
And it truly was. The collar was thin and elegant, while the leather seemed sturdy enough. There was an intricate pattern stitched into the fabric—dark brown on even darker brown. He ran his finger over it before lifting it up for a closer inspection. Were those letters stenciled in?
“Wow.” Matthew couldn’t help stare at it.
“I believe you said that already.”
Matthew’s eyes flew back to Hugh, snapping to attention. But there was no real heat behind the admonishment, so Matthew returned to the collar in his hand.
Now that the surprise had worn off, anxiety simmered. What did it mean? He hated himself for how hopeful he’d felt when he first saw it. What if it was a random gift and didn’t hold the meaning attributed to The Collar? Damn it all to hell. He couldn’t ask Hugh for clarification. He was too afraid of what the answer might be.
The bed creaked when Hugh shifted. He came closer and gently took Matthew’s free hand in his.
“Matthew?”
Holding his breath, too afraid to even move, Matthew glanced at him.
“A friend of mine made this for me. It’s my own design.”
Knowing that made it all the more special.
“I was wondering… No, hoping, that you would do me the honor of wearing it.”
“What?” The word ended on a high-pitched note, despite Matthew’s effort to control himself.
Hugh shook his head, lips curved in a sad smile. Matthew’s heart sank.
“For someone who prides himself on his vocabulary, I’m really screwing this up.”
Tears prickling at Matthew’s eyes from how hard he was staring.
“What I meant to say is that I would be honored if you’d be my partner.” He pointed at the collar in Matthew’s hand.
Matthew’s heart jumped, the ringing in his ears deafening. “Partner?”
“Yes.”
Matthew’s hand jerked at the word, Hugh’s fingers tightening around it.
“I’ve loved these last three months. You’re my other half, when I didn’t know I was missing it.”
Lost in Hugh’s eyes, Matthew’s hand closed around the collar and squeezed. The clasp dug into his palm, drawing his attention away from Hugh. �
��What is it you’re saying?”
“I want to be your Master, and I want you to be my submissive.” Hugh’s voice quivered so slightly Matthew almost missed it. But when he searched his Master’s face, he couldn’t mistake the vulnerability he saw there.
“I’d love to.”
Hugh’s breath came out with a heave, his relief written clearly over his features.
“You thought I’d say no?”
A shrug and a sheepish glance from Hugh was his only answer. “I hoped you would say yes, but I didn’t dare think it.”
After gently placing the collar on the bed next to him, Matthew took Hugh’s hand in his. “I love you.”
As soon as he uttered the words, a huge weight lifted from Matthew’s shoulders. Hugh’s eyes fluttered briefly closed, before staring down at him intently.
“I do. I wouldn’t lie to you. I would never lie about something this important. I love you.”
Hugh’s lips split into a wide grin. “I love you too.”
Epilogue
Matthew spared the clock on the wall a quick glance and fought the need to fidget. Instead, he tugged at the collar around his neck and rolled his shoulders, trying to release the pressured gathered in his muscles. When that didn’t help, he glanced at the time again, willing it to pass faster. It didn’t, of course, so he had to settle for checking himself in the mirror again.
The suit he wore fit perfectly. It was a gift from Hugh and it had been waiting for him on the bed when he got home. The noted pinned on it said it was to be worn tonight. Walking over to the mirror, Matthew checked his looks again. Everything was perfect, but he messed with the collar on his shirt for good measure. Once he’d finished, he again found himself with nothing to do and started pacing.
It was their one-year anniversary, and like every time he thought about his partner, a smile tugged at his lips. It had been a good year. A good relationship. Warmth spread through his body. Who would have thought it could be like this?
The doorbell rang, interrupting his musing. He jumped to answer it and pulled the door open without even checking the peephole.
On the doorstep, dressed in a matching suit and holding a single red rose, Hugh waited, the wide grin he was wearing lighting up the hallway.
“Ready?”
“Always.” Matthew answered with a matching grin of his own.
Hugh held up the rose.
“For me?”
“Of course.”
Energy sparked between them when their fingers touched as Matthew took the stem. Hugh stepped closer, until his breath wafted against Matthew’s face. Matthew shivered and leaned in, linking their hands together at their sides. Taking the cue, Hugh brought their lips together.
Matthew’s heart gave a little flutter, like it always did at Hugh’s first touch. His heavy eyelids drifted closed, and his awareness tunneled to the man kissing him. Hugh. His Master, his partner, his lover.
He groaned when Hugh pulled back, breaking the contact.
“Easy there, darling.”
Annoyance sparked at being interrupted, but it was appeased by a little peck on the nose.
“There will be plenty of time for this later.”
Matthew recognized the power behind the gentleness of the tone, and gasped. His cock hardened, pressing against the zipper, his blood running hotter through his veins. Hugh chuckled, his breath tickling Matthew’s ear.
“Are you ready?”
“That’s a loaded question, but, yes, I am.”
Hugh’s fingers snaked into Matthew’s hair and pulled. Excitement shot through Matthew, blood rushing to his groin. His cock twitched in search of friction. Hugh’s free hand travelled down Matthew’s body to settle around his package, giving it a little squeeze.
“I can see that.”
The squeeze turned to a caress, which made it somehow worse.
“Let’s go to dinner.” But Hugh made no motion to withdraw.
“Can we…” Matthew’s breath caught and he swayed within the embrace. “Can we skip the dinner?”
Hugh’s chest heaved, his long exhale hot against Matthew’s neck.
“No.”
This time, he did pull back, slowly, rubbing his groin against Matthew’s. His warmth seeped into Matthew through their clothes, just as Hugh’s rock-hard cock ground into him.
“Let’s go.”
Matthew bit back a moan as Hugh withdrew, breaking the contact.
“Be good.” The words were accompanied by a quick slap on Matthew’s thigh.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Let’s go.” Slipping his fingers between Matthew’s, Hugh gave him a gentle tug. Taking a deep breath, Matthew stumbled along.
They descended the stairs, the brief brushes of their bodies further igniting Matthew’s senses. God, I won’t be able to make it through dinner. But Matthew clenched his jaw, fighting for control nonetheless.
The slight chill in the air made Matthew shiver and draw closer to Hugh. Hugh’s hand tightened reassuringly around Matthew’s, before he released his hold and instead draped his arm around Matthew’s shoulders.
“Better?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Hugh’s lips brushed his forehead in response.
They put some distance between them as soon as they were on the street. The back of their fingers touched occasionally when they walked, though, and somehow those little brushes, all they dared do in a public place, felt more intimate than having sex right there on the side of the road.
The walk to the restaurant was short. Their table, the one in the corner where they’d sat the first time they went out to dinner, was waiting for them, set as carefully as ever. As Matthew slipped into his usual chair, peace washed over him. And if the warm smile Hugh was wearing was any indication, the feeling was mutual.
“What would you like?”
Matthew wiggled his eyebrows at his partner’s question.
“No, scratch that. What would you like to eat?”
A lovely blush colored Hugh’s cheeks once he realized that the latter question was equally as loaded.
Matthew’s grin grew larger at Hugh’s embarrassment. Hugh pursed his lips, and Matthew knew he would pay for his behavior later. A wave of adrenaline flooded his system at the thought of the retribution.
“Well?” Hugh’s tone changed, bearing a hint of command. Matthew’s cock, which had gone flaccid during their walk, hardened again. God, he loved it when Hugh was bossy. Then a flash of steel passed through Hugh’s eyes, bringing out the Master behind the man.
Shit. Sir had asked him something. Lost in his musings, he’d almost forgotten the question.
“Pasta, Sir.”
“Pasta? Are you sure?”
No, but he couldn’t take it back now. At Matthew’s hesitation, Hugh shook his head and returned to the menu.
“How about a sea fruit paella?”
For a moment, he debated whether he should keep up the pretense or not.
“Sounds like heaven,” Matthew conceded.
“Tsk tsk tsk. That will be ten blows when we get home.”
Throat going dry, Matthew nodded.
“I didn’t hear you.”
“Yes, Sir. Ten strokes.”
“We’ll make it fifteen, just for the heck of it.”
Excitement mixed with anxiety shot through Matthew. Adrenaline pumped into his bloodstream, making him squirm in his seat.
The waiter was suddenly at their side, holding up a little notebook.
“What can I bring you this evening?”
“Two paellas and a bottle of bubbly.”
At that, Matthew’s brows shot up. Alcohol? That was a surprise. But it was a celebration.
Taking their order, the waiter left, only to return a moment later with their drink.
“Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”
Hugh held his glass up. Matthew clinked it with his own.
“Happy anniversary to you too.”
Hugh took a little sip b
efore placing the glass back on the table.
“I wanted to thank you.”
“What for?”
“For this wonderful year. For being you.” Slowly, Hugh extended his free hand halfway across the table, stopping before he touched Matthew’s.
Speechless, Matthew gasped at him, a knot forming in his throat. Why would Hugh thank him? Hugh was amazing. Perfect.
“Matthew, I love you.”
“I love you too.”
But that still didn’t explain why Hugh was thanking him.
“You still don’t see how great you truly are. And how lucky I am to have you in my life.”
Yeah, Matthew didn’t see it, and maybe he never would. But he did see how wonderful Hugh was and how lucky he was to have him. Their eyes met, their gazes held. Just as slowly, Matthew covered Hugh’s hand with his. Hugh’s love shone in his eyes—so much of it, it was overwhelming for Matthew.
They broke apart when the waiter returned with their bread.
****
“God, this is the best paella I’ve ever had.” Matthew moaned on his first bite.
Hugh snorted. “You say that every time.”
“That’s because it’s true.”
“Every time?”
“Yes.”
“I could have let you get the pasta, you know?”
“Yeah, you could have.”
“You’re lucky I love you.”
“I know I am.”
Hugh raised his glass. “Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”
Matthew clinked his to it. “Happy anniversary.”
The bubbles tickled his mouth, and Matthew sneezed before he could stop himself. The taste lingered on his tongue: something light and fruity. He took another sip, letting the wine sit in his mouth for a better taste. Frowning, he took the bottle and twisted it so he could read the label.
“Fruit wine? Really?”
“You have something against it?”
Matthew shrugged before taking another sip. “No, but I was wondering what happened to the no-alcohol-before-a-scene rule.”
“Ah.” Hugh swirled the liquid in his glass before drinking it. “Of course it didn’t change. Time passing doesn’t matter when it comes to safety. But we are celebrating, so any impromptu punishments will have to wait until tomorrow. That’s just in case you were planning to misbehave at some point this evening.”
A Master for Matthew (The Dungeon Book 6) Page 9