Page 42 of Under His Heel

Alex tensed, unsure of what he’d done wrong. “I can’t say I like women?”

“Don’t call them ‘pussy,’ don’t suggest their function is your sexual satisfaction. I’d tell you treat them like people, but I have a feeling you don’t know what that would entail.” Tracht led them back towards the more populated parts of the ship, where Alex refrained from saying anything because he didn’t like how some of the crew laughed when Tracht talked down at him.

Alex still maintained that not being interested in women at all was weird, but whatever.

They continued their circuit of the ship. Between the various decks and the size of the ship, the entire affair took about an hour total. This time, while Alex’s mind was still on the two chicks, they ended up running into Parsons again.

Alex didn’t think Tracht had done it on purpose, because he seemed surprised to see Parsons too. “Mr. Parsons. I didn’t realize you were on duty at the moment.”

Parsons was sitting in one of the monitoring stations. There were several along all sides of the ship, with computers and radars that monitored both the interior and exterior of the ship. Alex had no idea how to read any of it, but Tracht had explained that the monitoring stations served for more precise and consistent monitoring than just from the bridge. It also introduced redundancies, in case something malfunctioned that couldn’t be detected via computers alone.

“I traded shifts,” Parsons explained. “How can I help you, Captain?”

Maybe it was Alex’s imagination, but it seemed like Parsons was slouching a bit.

“How are things around here? Anything to report?”

Parsons looked over at Alex briefly, then shook his head. “No, sir. All readings are clear.”

“Hm. That’s good to hear. Alex—”

Alex was already making a note. Name of person on duty, date, time, and their report. He refrained from adding commentary about how Parsons was being completely disrespectful.

He startled when Tracht placed a hand on his shoulder; Tracht never touched him while they were working. Sure, he had Alex get under his desk if they were in Tracht’s office, but out and about like this, while Tracht was doing official captain-y things? No way.

“Mr. Parsons, I would also, once again, like to apologize to you on behalf of my bondservant. It seems he is completely incapable of being civil. He has been chastised for it already, but just say the word, and I will ensure he has no opportunity to burden you with his presence again.”

It took everything Alex had not to lash out at Tracht for those words. Like it hadn’t half been Tracht’s idea in the first place for Alex to try to seduce Parsons.

And would it kill Parsons to not pity Alex? It seemed he didn’t think Alex could handle the stuff Tracht was throwing at him. Well, too bad for him. Alex was getting good at it. As long as he put up with everything Tracht threw at him, it wasn’t even that bad. He didn’t need any fucking pity.

But no, of course Parsons had his stupid wide-eyed stare. “Sir, there’s really no need. Alex has never been a bother to me.”

Now Alex was just confused. Parsons should make up his mind. Either he didn’t like Alex or he did.

Tracht squeezed Alex’s shoulder. “I am glad to hear it. But if he ever gives you trouble…”

“Um, right. Of course, Captain.”

The little observation station seemed extra tight with the three of them in it. Alex was ready to head back to Tracht’s office. He was almost looking forward to getting on his knees and sucking on Tracht’s cock, because the little ritual would at least distract him from the confusing mess of emotions whirling in him.

“Carry on then.” Tracht led them back down the hallway and towards the bridge.

Once they well out of earshot, Alex dislodged Tracht’s hand from his shoulder and glared at him. “Why did you do that? Gotta make me seem even worse than I actually am?”

“I assure you, you do a fine job of that yourself.” Tracht reached out and pinched Alex’s cheek. “And you should be thankful. You were complaining that Mr. Parsons wouldn’t talk to you.”

“What?”

The pinch was followed with casual petting. Tracht had been doing a lot of that lately, actually, and it only added to Alex’s confusion.

“I would be very surprised if Mr. Parsons does not approach you sometime soon. When he does, try asking him about his daughter.”

“How’s that going to get me laid?”

“It won’t. Now hurry up, there’s more work to do.”

===

---