Page 23 of Diva Pop

One side of Silas’ mouth tugged into a smile. “How about I give you the basics? Then hopefully, your curiosity will be satisfied.”

Hopefully my something will be satisfied. “Okay, sounds good.” Jett plastered on the most innocent expression he could manage.

Silas appeared doubtful, but continued. “I got into the BDSM scene years ago. I had a good friend up in San Francisco who I’d sometimes play with. He wasn’t a sub, but we’d meet up with different subs and share them together.”

Jett picked up his water and resisted the urge to roll it over his forehead to cool off.

“Then after a while, his interests changed, and he wandered into the Daddy scene. Or more specifically, age play. Are you familiar with what a Little is?”

Jett’s growing erection withered. “Yeah. So, you like all that diaper and adult crib stuff?” At Silas’ cranky expression, Jett held up his palm. “I’m not kink-shaming. I just don’t get it.”

“Will you let me finish?”

Jett folded his hands in his lap. “Sorry. Carry on.”

“As I was saying, that’s what he started getting into. Not me.”

Jett straightened. “Oh.” Things had become interesting again. “So, what kind of Daddy are you?”

“I’m the type of Daddy who wants a boy to take care of, to guide. But I don’t get off on age play.”

“What do you mean ‘take care of’? Isn’t that the same thing as age play?”

“Not at all. Back when I was a Master, I had a boy I took care of 24/7. But it was a different type of power exchange. I was also his financial caretaker, and there were tasks he had to perform to please me. For instance, morning blowjobs were required, along with nudity whenever we were alone in the house.”

Silas leaned back and crossed his legs, as though the subject was something he was more at ease with then managing Jett. “It’s a subtle difference, but the cuddling and nurturing aspect is more what I gravitate toward. I’m proficient in Shibari, flogging and other whips, but I don’t love it, I don’t need it. Not like I yearn for a boy I can shower with affection, one who needs me to guide him.”

Cuddling. Jett shuddered. Cuddling was scary. Affection demanded everything from a person. He doubted he’d ever have the ability to give Silas what he wanted. Wait a fucking minute. Jett pressed his lips together. He didn’t want to give Silas anything, so who cared what Silas needed?

Silas arched his eyebrows. “Everything all right?”

“I’m getting a headache.”

Silas nodded. “Finish up your water. I’m sure it’s because you’re dehydrated from all the alcohol you likely consumed last night. Have you had anything to eat today?”

The telltale fingers of irritation clutched at Jett’s gut, and he tried to push them away. Not my enemy. Not my enemy.

“No. I was trying to make it to rehearsal on time.”

Unfortunately, explaining himself was also irritating him. Even more infuriating? He wished he could make Silas proud by saying he’d grabbed a fucking breakfast sandwich. Clearly, he was losing his mind.

“Well, let’s make a plan going forward to make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating properly and not overdoing it by staying out late drinking.”

Jett grunted. “Hold up. I’m not a home improvement project. Like I said, if I want to go out to drink and dance or smoke a freakin’ cigarette, I will.”

“Thanks for reminding me. I’ll pick up some nicotine patches for you. I don’t expect you to go cold turkey.”

Okay, he was done. Jett jumped up from the loveseat, doing his best not to explode into a rage and prove Silas’ earlier point.

“I’m sorry. But that’s not happening.” Jett fought to control the tremble in his voice. “I’m not about to bow to your lordship. I’m not one of your boys.”

Silas rose as well. Gone was the more open expression, the brick wall back in place. Jett wanted to kick himself for making that happen, but this was bullshit. He didn’t need anyone taking care of him. He’d been doing that for himself since he was living in the dorms at ABT.

“Understood. But I’m still your manager, still charged with the responsibility of saving Three Trick Pony. You’re a big part of that. If you become sick and incapable of working, then what? Your selfish need to party isn’t going to help keep the band at the top. If anything, you’re in danger of not only ruining it for yourself, but for everyone else.”

“I’m not the one who’s going to fuck up the band! If anyone ruins Three Trick Pony, it’ll be you!” Whatever warmth he’d begun to feel toward Silas had just been drowned in a waterfall of fury. “You don’t know a fucking thing about me, my life or how I feel.” He wasn’t sure what knowing him had to do with the band, but his brain was all scrambled up. “Just...just...go away!”

Jett spun around and rushed up the stairs like a petulant, spoiled child. Even as he ran, he knew he was making a complete ass of himself, proving Silas’ point that he needed babysitting to function like a responsible human being.

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