Hesitant Heart

by Morticia Knight

  After they’d woken him up, they’d shown him the photos and explained that if he were ever to come near Sam again, his local newspapers, his country club and his partners at the law firm where he practiced would all receive copies. Aaron had further guaranteed that Sam’s father would head back to San Francisco with tail firmly tucked between his legs by paying off the big galoots he’d always shielded himself with. They’d received a sizeable enough sum, as well as a strongly worded suggestion from Bruce and George about staying away for good.

  Sam was shocked. Aaron had done all of that for him. Even Saul, Thomas, Theodore, Francesco and Charles—someone he barely knew—had gone out of their way to make certain that Sam never had to be afraid again. He started to cry.

  “Little Sam, what is it?”

  Sam buried his face in Aaron’s chest. He loved Aaron so much it hurt. His lover didn’t prod him to stop. Instead, he let Sam cry it out. Aaron knew him, understood him. His Master had done so much for him that he was completely overwhelmed.

  At last, his tears subsided. He wiped his face with the handkerchief once more. “I can’t believe everyone did all of this for me—especially Francesco and Charles. Charles barely knows me. And I know that Charles doesn’t belong to anyone, but Francesco does. How could Master Theodore let him anywhere near my awful father? Especially naked like that.”

  Aaron laughed softly. “Because they all care about you. They know you to be kind and good and undeserving of being terrorized by that hateful man. But there’s also a camaraderie that exists within our club—indeed, within our circle of adherents. There are few who understand our desires, our compulsions—the need of a sweet submissive such as yourself, little Sam. We have to protect one another or else we all risk losing the lifestyle we were born to live.”

  Sam nodded. It was true. They were all like a family. His stomach twisted as another thought came to him.

  “What’s going to happen to my mother, my brothers and sisters?”

  “Ah, yes. I knew you would want to know. As it turns out, your mother and siblings will be making a big move very soon. We should no doubt go and search right away for a suitably large enough home for them to reside in comfortably when they arrive in Los Angeles.”

  Sam’s lower lip quivered. He didn’t want to cry again, but he wasn’t sure if he could stop himself. Aaron kissed him, soothed him with his mouth and tongue until Sam calmed again.

  “But…but how can this be?”

  “It can most certainly be. Your father was easy to convince. If he behaves, he won’t lose his law practice. He might have to give up the big home, however. It will be a bit pricey to pay for the care of his family down here. We’ll provide the home, but he’s responsible for the rest. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do. He wouldn’t want to come off as a brute to his associates, now would he?”

  Sam frowned, still confused. “We?”

  “Yes, Sam, you and I. Everything that’s mine is yours. I hope you’ll feel the same about the plant nursery we’ll be starting up and allow me to call it my own too? It can be our business together. However, I’ll need you to run it. I don’t have time for such things—what with my painting and, of course, planning delicious things to do to my submissive at night. Or, heavens above, do I possess any knack for taking care of greenery. Perhaps Nadine can help you out in between her schooling?”

  It couldn’t be real. He’d only dared hope that he and Aaron could be together for always - he hadn’t dared to wish for more. It had seemed too greedy. But his mother and family would be taken care of and he wouldn’t have to worry about them any longer. He was almost stunned speechless, but he had to let Aaron know how grateful he was.

  “Master, I can never thank you enough for what you’ve done for me—”

  “Sam, it’s not necessary—”

  “Master, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I need you to listen to me. There’s something important I have to say.”

  Aaron stilled and considered him.

  “If that’s what you need, little Sam, then you must speak. I won’t interrupt again. Thank you for reminding me that I don’t always know best.”

  Sam gasped. “I didn’t mean to imply that.”

  “You didn’t, sweet Sam. But there will be times when in my fervor to guarantee that you’re perfectly taken care of, I might become overly focused on those things that I know you need. I might forget to let you express your personal desires that I have yet to discover—or that you may have only just discovered for yourself. You can always ask to speak to me freely. You are my submissive, yes, but you are also my partner.”

  Sam nodded, so proud to have such a wonderful Master.

  “There’s something I want to give to you. I need to give to you.”

  “If it’s what you truly believe you need, then I will agree. What is this thing that you want to give to me?”

  Epilogue

  Aaron checked in the mirror above the mahogany console table to make sure that his hair was still smoothly styled. He noted with surprise how much his fingers trembled. That would never do. It was vital that he remain completely calm with a steady hand as he permanently marked his boy. It was still astonishing to him that Sam had asked Aaron to brand him. He had dreamed that one day he would have a partner that would desire such a thing, but he’d never brought it up to Sam. He’d had to admonish himself for not acknowledging how very strong and single-minded his little Sam could be.

  He heard noises behind him and knew that Sam and their friends were about to enter the larger playroom that had been set up for Sam’s branding. Aaron was ready to stop the whole thing if he detected any fear in his boy’s expression. It wasn’t that Aaron didn’t support his decision, but that he would never force Sam to follow through on something so serious if Sam had any last minute doubts.

  When he stepped into view wearing only his collar, he looked radiant. His strong boy displayed nothing but joy on his face, in his eyes. Sam’s unbound cock was already lengthening and Aaron knew there was nothing to prevent him from marking his boy as his forever. It would be a beautiful moment for them to share. They’d already discussed how they would celebrate immediately following the branding.

  Sam approached him and tilted his head up for a kiss. Gladly obliging him, Aaron captured his mouth, tasting the man who would fill his heart forever. When he broke the connection, he whispered next to Sam’s ear.

  “You are mine. I love you.”

  Sam grinned. “I’m yours, Master. I love you too.”

  Aaron straightened.

  “Front position, Sam.”

  There was no hesitation as Sam strode toward the cross then raised his hands and spread his feet so that he could be restrained. It would have to be done tightly to insure that any involuntary movement from the placing of the burning iron on his flesh wouldn’t cause the brand to become distorted. The only thing that Aaron had insisted on was that the permanent mark not be placed directly on Sam’s ass cheek. Aaron was loathe to mar such a perfect part of Sam’s anatomy. Instead, it would be right above and to the left, on his hip.

  Aaron bound Sam’s wrists then his ankles. The final restraint would be ties around his waist. Then he would be completely flush to the piece of wooden equipment, unable to move in the slightest. Once he’d completed his task, Aaron stepped back to admire his handiwork. Satisfied, he adjusted his leather vest. He wore it sans shirt, along with his black flannel trousers.

  He turned to their friends, thrilled that not only Saul, but Theodore, Francesco, and Thomas had agreed to be present. So he would have witnesses that Sam was willingly giving himself over to the process, he spoke to Sam so that all could hear.

  “Sam, do you wish me to mark you with my brand?”

  “Yes, Master. This is my gift to you.” His voice had held conviction.

  “Have you been coerced in any way to do this?”

  “No, Master.”

  Francesco piped up. “He’s the one that asked for it.”

  “Fr
ancesco!”

  Sam giggled. Francesco lowered his head, but Aaron detected a smirk on him.

  “Sorry, Master Theodore.”

  “I will deal with you later.” Theodore’s voice had carried a bit of a growl with it.

  Aaron was not displeased. In fact, he was grateful to have Francesco’s words. There was no longer the slightest trepidation. He was eager to mark his boy.

  The branding iron had been specifically constructed for him. The smith had fashioned it so that the round flat piece that comprised Aaron’s initials was attached to a foot long iron rod that ended in a loop. The implement’s handle was large enough that Aaron could get his leather covered hand completely through so as to grip it in an assured manner. It had been heating in the fireplace for a while. Aaron picked it up, checking to see that the metal glowed evenly. He placed it back in to keep the temperature stable.

  “It’s time, Sam. Do you wish me to continue?”

  “Yes. Please, Master.”

  There was a pleading tone to Sam’s voice and Aaron knew that his boy was ready. Taking a deep breath, he clutched the handle, wrapping his fingers through the end then grasped it tightly. Without hesitating, he approached Sam. His lover screamed as Aaron pressed the scorching metal to his flesh in one fluid movement before removing it. If the ties hadn’t held Sam so strongly, he would likely have collapsed. The wound was red and angry, a blackness to the edges. Saul stepped forward with a bowl of iced water and a clean cloth. Aaron soaked the rag then applied it to the burn. Sam hissed then moaned. Aaron couldn’t help the anxious knot in his gut that existed right alongside his immense pride over what Sam had done for him.

  He continued to apply cold water to Sam’s burn. Saul handed Aaron a glass of water with a headache powder in it. Aaron turned Sam’s head to give him a drink of the liquid, Sam continuing to rest it against the cross. He smoothed Sam’s sweat dampened hair back from his forehead, Sam’s eyes closed.

  “All up, little Sam.” He lowered his voice. “You can rest now if you’d like. We don’t have to go through with what we discussed. It can wait until you feel better.”

  Sam’s lids shot open. “No. Please. I need you inside me.”

  Aaron kissed his temple. “Let’s get the gel on first. Finish your water.”

  Sam did as he was told. Aaron set the glass down then applied the topical antiseptic to the brand. After he and Sam had finished celebrating together, a bandage would be applied. The club’s doctor would check it every day for signs of infection until the threat had passed. Aaron had already conferred with Theodore over how he’d handled Francesco’s mark.

  At last, Aaron turned to everyone present.

  “Thank you all for being here to share in our commitment to one another. But if you will excuse us, we would like some time alone.”

  Saul clapped Aaron on the back. “Of course, old sport. Wouldn’t dream of keeping you from that sweet boy of yours.” Saul leaned in. “Give him what he needs.”

  Aaron smiled, serenity filling him. “Always.”

  Nodding, Saul gave him another enthusiastic pat then turned to the others. “I heard a rumor that Master Theodore was going to give us a demonstration on how to effectively use a bull whip on a naughty sub. Is that correct?”

  Theodore grinned as Francesco’s jaw dropped.

  “Indeed. Come along, boy. Let’s get you ready.”

  Their group of friends left with Francesco muttering and Theodore cuffing his ears. Once they’d cleared the doorway, Aaron shut the door then locked it. He wanted complete privacy and no interruptions. It was a day to forever be cherished in both of their hearts.

  “Are you still with me, little Sam?”

  He sighed. “They’re all gone?”

  “Yes, we’re all alone.”

  “Finally. Will you fuck me now?”

  Aaron couldn’t hold back a hearty chuckle. Sam never stopped amazing him.

  “It would be my absolute pleasure.”

  Aaron unbuttoned his vest to remove it then divested himself of his trousers. His shaft was stiffened and leaking already in anticipation of it being encased by the grip of Sam’s silken heat. Approaching him in a measured stride, he searched between Sam’s crease to find the cord hanging from his hole. Using one hand to keep a cheek open, Aaron used the other to gently tug on the string of stone beads that had been stuffed inside of Sam’s snug passage all day. His boy was slick and ready for Aaron to claim his ass.

  As he pulled the graduating spheres from Sam’s body, his boy moaned. It was a needy sound, one that told Aaron that despite any lingering pain from the branding, Sam was ready to receive the gift of Aaron’s cock.

  Aaron rubbed some of the slick from the beads onto his fingers so that he could lubricate his hardened flesh. His intent was to plunge to the hilt into Sam in one piercing thrust. Once he’d greased his own member to his satisfaction, he grasped Sam’s right hip and lined his aching dick against Sam’s tiny hole. Then he drove into his boy, slamming all the way in.

  Sam let out a cry and Aaron stilled. He’d been careful to angle himself back in a way so that not only didn’t he touch his burn, he also pegged his gland. But instantly he realized what had happened as Sam’s tight channel pulsed around him in ripples. Sam had come.

  “Sweet boy.”

  As Aaron’s cock was massaged briefly by the continuing waves of Sam’s orgasm, he rutted into Sam in quick, frantic movements. He still held onto Sam’s right hip, grasping Sam’s left thigh with the other. There would be marks on Sam from his fingers, he was sure, but he was overcome by his lust for his boy. His Sam.

  He shot hard, a shout ripped from him as he filled Sam’s passage with his hot seed. Sam moaned as another small ripple surrounded Aaron’s cock. Sam was a wonder to him, a treasure. Aaron would’ve truthfully done anything for his boy.

  As the dizziness of his climax waned, he loosened his bruising hold on Sam’s body. His touch turned tender as he caressed Sam’s skin, trailing his fingers along Sam’s back and limbs, waiting for his shaft to soften then slip from Sam’s body.

  Aaron reluctantly stepped back from Sam to get another cloth nearby to wipe them both off. Aaron jerked and hissed when he cleaned his own shaft, his tip still sensitive from his intense orgasm. He swiped back and forth over Sam’s hole then knelt behind him. Sam’s dick hung down and Aaron wrapped his lips around his flaccid member, licking up the small amount of jizz that still remained. Sam gasped, struggling in his tight bindings. Aaron parted Sam’s cheeks, lapping at his hole.

  “Oh…Master.”

  It had come out on a sigh. Aaron would never get enough of Sam’s noises when they shared their bodies.

  After rising to his feet, Aaron moved alongside him, stroking his hair back. There was a lazy, contented smile on Sam’s face.

  “Little Sam.” Aaron said it in wonder. “I would do anything for you, please know that.”

  “Yes, Master, I do.” He smiled bigger. “It’s the same for me.”

  “My sweet, wonderful boy. What would you like right now?”

  Sam never hesitated. “Kisses?”

  Aaron cupped Sam’s cheek as he stared intently into his eyes. “Yes, little Sam. Lots and lots of kisses for you always.”

  Also Available from Totally Bound Publishing:

  All Fired Up

  Morticia Knight

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  Thorin Oakenshield and Michael Jackson strolled together down the Strip, hips bumping, singing Beat It rather loudly—and badly. There was a valiant attempt on their part to keep their tall, pink, plastic cocktail glasses from sloshing their drinks everywhere by holding them up as they swung their arms and asses around. They were having limited success. As they continued with their boisterous dancing, the two men knocked into a young woman, almost toppling her off her glittery platform stilettos.

  Officer Shawn Everly picked up his pace, jogging to catch up to them. He couldn’t deny that being assigned to foot patrol alon
g Las Vegas Boulevard was anything but dull. After reaching the two happy carousers, he tapped Thorin on the shoulder. Whirling around, the Dwarven leader almost dumped his cocktail on Shawn.

  “Oh, hey… Sorry, Officer. I…uh…”

  Shawn resisted the urge to break out laughing at the mortified expression on the partier’s face.

  “We have an unusually crowded night out here, gentlemen. There are families with young kids and we don’t anyone to get hurt—yourselves included.”

  Michael Jackson piped in, swaying on his feet a bit. “He’s cool. Fought a dragon and shit. He’s even got a sword for protection.”

  He indicated to the fake weapon attached to his friend’s costume belt. Obviously Michael was less in control of his senses than his fellow reveler. Shawn turned back to Thorin.

  “Are we gonna have any problems with you two out here tonight?”

  He shook his head vigorously. “No sir, we’re just having fun like everyone else, but we’ll be more careful.”

  Shawn gave him a curt nod, desperately trying to maintain his composure. “Good. I don’t want to hear any complaints about either one of you, okay?”

  “You’ve got it, Officer.”

  “Oh, and Thorin?”

  “Yes, sir?”

  “Good luck with Smaug.”

  The man stared at Shawn as if he’d lost his mind. It took a moment, but he finally snorted laughter.

  “Yeah, thanks, Officer.”

  The two men carried on, picking up where they’d left off—but reining it in a bit. Shawn glanced around at the barely controlled chaos. Colorful neon and flashing lights were enough to keep him on sensory overload, but it was also combined with honking horns, wildly dressed people, yelling, laughter, and music, all set against the backdrop of spectacularly grand resort casinos.

  His radio crackled to life. He’d moved far enough down the Boulevard that he’d gotten separated from his partner amongst the crush of humanity filling the sidewalk.