Page 110 of Dream Mates
“Please?” Evan sat on the couch, which wasn’t as giant as the one in the living room, but still comfortable for someone of his size. Everything was done in the oranges, browns, and dark reds he preferred. His desk sat in the corner.
Evan’s suite only had this room and his bedroom, the third room had been gutted to enlarge his bathroom and closet, and add his nest.
A bunch of snacks littered the coffee table. He had the remote in his hand, the TV on.
“Whale-caneorDrug Raccoon?Drug Raccoonis subtitled.Whale-canejust sounds funny. If you want something dubbed maybeThe Last Stand of Small Penis Man?” Evan asked.
“Drug Raccoon?My co-workers were talking about it the other day.” I sat down on the couch next to him. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on at work?”
Evan liked to talk about things as I tied him. Brennan preferred silence.
“Yeah, I would.” Evan turned on the couch so I could tie him better. He now wore a form-fitting shirt that looked delicious on him.
Since he liked corset ties, I got out two different colors, brown and burnt orange.
“The usual?” I asked, making sure the scissors were within reach.
Evan nodded. “Yeah. So, those guys, the ones who were at the talent show asking about Rose? They’re bothering her by sending gifts and trying to talk to her in public. But therereally is nothingillegalabout sending someone unwanted gifts, especially since they’re just ordinary things. Though it’s creepy because they clearly know things about her and it’s reflected in the gifts.”
As he talked I took the brown and burnt orange ropes and looped them together with a square knot. I wrapped it around the lowest part of his sternum, using the brown as the base and orange as the lace.
“Very true, but you should alert the police anyway,” I told him, threading the orange rope through the brown, then wrapping the brown around him.
“We have. But Detective Esposito can only do so much. We have no proof, and no good reason for her to investigate them. Sure, they’re bad news, but they have no outstanding warrants; they’re allowed to visit Rockland.” Evan sighed.
“You’re doing all you can.” I wrapped it around him again. “How’s that feel? Too tight? Not tight enough?”
Evan thought for a moment. “Perfect.”
“Good, let me know. I can always tighten it later,” I reminded, continuing to wrap the ropes around him, building a corset.
“She’s scared and those men are sketchy as fuck.But we can’t actually prove a relationship between her uncle and them even though Rose mentioned her uncle owing them money. Even though she’ssixteen,there’s no actual law that they can’t try to woo her. They just can’t bond her before eighteen without a judge.” He rubbed his forehead.
“Yeah the whole situation is fucking suspicious. Do you think the uncle is trying to sell Rose to them to pay off a debt or make money? Or even already sold her? Perhaps they’re running an omega trafficking ring?” While this wasn’t my area of specialty, I’d been called in enough times on stuff like this to foresee a number of scenarios.
“We can’t prove anything. It could go so many ways.”
I checked the ropes to make sure they were straight and symmetrical. “Still comfortable?”
“Yes.” Evan nodded. “The gifts make me think that they want her for them, not for trafficking, and they’re not known for that anyway. She’s scared. They know exactly where the lines are and don’t cross them.”
“I feel really bad for Rose. She didn’t ask for this. I wish there was something we could do to help. Now, does it still feel okay?” I asked, reaching out through the bond to double check, as I finished up the corset portion of the tie.
“Perfect.” His eyes closed. “Mmmm. It’s also freaking out the headmistress. I’m afraid that she’ll kick Rose out because this could be a safety issue for the school.”
“I can see that, and I understand where she’s coming from.” Adding another brown rope, I took my design up his chest.
“Yeah. I wish there was more I could do, too.” He started to relax.
“You do the best you can, Baby. You’re great at your job, and I love the compassion you have for your clients. I’ll see if there’s anything I can do on my end.” Maybe someone would have some helpful information for me.
Continuing to work, I brought the ropes over his shoulders and across his back, forming a harness, leaving his arms free.
“That would be great. Hey, can you make it a little snugger?” he asked.
“Of course.” I tightened my work a little, continuing to watch him for any signs of discomfort or distress.
Evan sighed happily and went quiet. I focused on my work, continuing to check in with him. I finished and pulled him into my arms, covering us with a blanket.
