Page 69 of Various Intentions
“Beautiful,” Matteo agreed, his gaze fixated on the two young men. “Astonishing.”
“Thank you so much,” Drake said, smiling. “They are a joy to work with.”
“How long can they stay like that?” I asked, noticing the straining muscles of Vincent’s arms.
“I’m going to give them ten minutes. I don’t want them to get too uncomfortable.” He regarded them with an assessing gaze. “If they’re up for it, we can do another pose afterward—one that’s more natural and easier to handle.”
I took out my phone and snapped a series of photos as I walked around the living sculpture. Vincent and Charles appeared frozen in time. Drake had put Charles, the smaller man, on top of my sleekly muscled, larger submissive.
As I watched, Charles’ lips parted, and he sighed in serene supplication.
Matteo and I remained while Drake untied them. He left their blindfolds on and asked if they’d be willing to do another pose. Both men agreed.
This time, Drake had them kneel facing each other with their wrists bound behind their backs, chests roped together and their heads resting on the other’s shoulder in a display of camaraderie and support. It delighted me to see them arranged in such an intimate way, and I hoped the experience would cause a deepening of the friendship already blooming between them.
Chapter Twelve
The event wrapped up at midnight.
Juno had made a total of twelve sales, adding up to a payout of almost fifteen thousand dollars. They were ecstatic and felt validated as an artist once again. I was so happy for them.
Taylor and Riley had shown up, dressed fancier than I’d ever seen them. Riley looked adorable in an aubergine suit that emphasized and enhanced his slight stature. Taylor wore a traditional black tux. They made a quick round of the fetish demos, and I showed them the photos of Vincent and Charles as sushi platters then shibari subjects. Taylor seemed impressed and not all that squigged out. He was getting used to his cousin’s extra-curricular interests, and they didn’t seem to bother him anymore.
Although Daphne and Alexander hadn’t been able to attend, I called her with the news of our success.
“That’s fantastic! I knew it would be a smashing event. I told everyone about it.”
“I know. I think you were responsible for about a third of the attendees. Your name came up a lot.”
She giggled. “Well, you know, I do have quite a reputation in this community.”
“Yes, you do. Thank you, Daphne. We appreciate it.”
“Hey, of course! By the way, is Sparky going to be around tomorrow?”
“I’ll ask him.” I turned to Taylor. “Daphne wants to know if you’re going to be home tomorrow.”
“Here,” he said, holding out his hand. I put the phone in it.
“Daf? What’s up?” He took Riley’s hand and led him to a spot where he could speak somewhat privately.
“Charles, my sweet, I couldn’t have done it without you,” Juno said, kissing their boyfriend. Charles and Vincent had dressed but still seemed buzzed and euphoric from their experiences. “And from what I’ve heard and seen in Nic’s fantastic photos, you were the absolute stars of the event! Did you enjoy it, darling?”
Charles wrapped his arms around Juno and nodded against their shoulder, glancing at me and Vincent with a smile.
“Well, that’s good, because I feel the distinct need to get you into some ropes again, very soon. I’ve got Drake’s business card.”
Charles laughed.
“Oh, you think I’m joking,” Juno commented, placing a hand on their hip.
Charles shook his head. “I’m not that stupid,” he said, his voice muffled against Juno’s shoulder. “But I don’t mind. It was fun.”
Juno gazed at Vincent. “And you… Thank you for taking such good care of him. As the more experienced one, I’m sure Charles benefited from your relaxed state of mind.”
“Charles was the perfect partner,” Vincent said. “I think we shored up each other.”
“I’m quite certain our guests will never forget the sight of the two of you covered with expensive fish and seafood. I know I won’t,” I said. “My mouth waters remembering.”
