Page 35 of Diva Pop

“Just checking.”

Jett considered the bath concept. The Bronx walk-up he’d lived in growing up had a claw tub in the one bathroom, but all he could remember was his mom bathing him in the kitchen sink when he was really little. After that, they all took fast showers because the hot water kept running out. Then when he got into the dorms at school? Never happened.

Jett shrugged one shoulder. “Okay. I guess I’ll take the plunge.”

The bright smile Silas broke into was worth agreeing to being bathed, no matter how odd it seemed to him.

Silas came back around the island, taking in a breath as if he was about to say something, then paused. He furrowed his brow as he considered Jett.

“I’d like to try something with you, baby. If you’re not ready for it, or it’s a hard limit, you can say no.”

Silas had already pried a safeword out of him, but Jett couldn’t imagine why he’d need a bath time one.

“You’re not going to be flogging me in this bathtub, are you?”

Jett had explained to Silas that things like whips and paddles didn’t do it for him. Silas’ hand on his ass, though? That was intriguing.

With a laugh, Silas shook his head. “Hardly. But this might require more vulnerability than you’re ready for, so I’ll understand if you need to safeword.”

“Okay, you have my attention. What is it?”

Just the hint that Silas thought he might want to safeword had him on edge. Silas brushed his thumb across Jett’s cheek, and while it did make him tense up, it wasn’t bad. He thought he might even like it.

“I’d like to pick up my sweet baby and carry him into the bathroom.”

Wow. Silas kept on surprising him. If someone had told him that first day when Silas came marching into the studio like he was about to give everyone a beatdown -- soft and caring wasn’t even close to being on the list of traits Jett would’ve given him.

“Um…”

What was his problem? If he was going to legitimately give being in a relationship a try, he needed to give it a try. Worst case scenario, he hated it but showed Silas he cared enough about them as a couple to make an effort. Best case, he loved being carted around like a toy poodle and it brought them closer together.

“Sure. Have at it.”

Silas leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Jett’s lips. “That’s my brave boy.”

Brave? He didn’t feel brave. More like a spoiled brat who’d been given his comeuppance by a psycho then been lucky enough to survive it. His throat tightened up, but he was determined not to lose his shit and spoil a nice afternoon. He could do this. He could let Papa be in charge.

Silas wrapped an arm around Jett’s waist, and he held his breath, his body going rigid.

“You can still safeword anytime.”

“I’m good.” Sort of. “What should I do now?”

Silas smiled. “I’m going to put my other arm beneath your thighs then lift you up. Hang onto my neck or shoulders if you like, but I’ve got you. Allow yourself to relax and let go, trust me to keep you safe.”

Jett’s heart thundered away as he considered Silas’ words. He hadn’t considered whether he fully trusted Silas now, especially after their rocky beginning. But he did. He hadn’t known him for long, yet Silas had gone out of his way to make sure he was all right. Silas had even gone so far as to blame himself for not coming over that fateful night despite doing it out of respect for Jett’s feelings.

“I trust you.”

Silas pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Thank you, baby. That means a lot.”

Being praised by Silas had been a treat from the start, but now? Now he craved it even more.

The second Silas lifted him from the stool, Jett gasped, grabbing Silas around the neck and holding on for dear life. He might’ve accidentally whacked Silas on the back of the head with his cast, but Silas never flinched. By the time they made it to the threshold of the bathroom, Jett had relaxed somewhat.

Silas set him on the closed lid of the toilet. He rose, stroking Jett’s head as he gazed down at him.

“How was that?”

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