Page 4 of Exchange
“Hank.” Oh, just saying his name caused all kinds of interesting sensations for Thomas. Adrenaline surged through his veins and warmed him from head to toe. He hadn’t been so aroused by someone in a very long time.
“Yes, Master?” Hank asked.
Howhe could fill two words with so much respect was a mystery to Thomas.
And, Master?Thomas had expected a “sir”, but “Master”, that went right to Thomas’ dick.
“I accept your offer to play.” Thomas didn’t question it, or Hank. Hank knew what he was doing. However, there were terms to work out. Thomas wasn’t going to try and guess at anything. He wanted them both to define their needs and expectations.
“Thank you, Master,” Hank said as goosebumps popped up over his arms and shoulders. His nipples poked out and puckered, and there was no missing the increased bulge of his cock stretching that white material. A wet spot showed clearly where he’d leaked pre-cum from his slit.
That was a balm to Thomas’ ego. Knowing he had such an effect on an experienced sub… It restored some of his faith in himself.
And Thomas fought the impulse to shiver. He was more certain than ever that he should have made his interest known sooner somehow, so that Hank was aware—except that would have meant breaking his contract with Kelly, and Thomas wouldn’t have done that unless circumstances with Kelly had been dire.
Giving himself a mental shake, Thomas stopped thinking about what heshouldhave done and insteadfocused on the present and the sexy man kneeling at his feet. “Hank.”
Thomas could have started with finding out what kind of scene his sub was interested in, could have gone straight to the sex or BDSM aspect of what might happen.
He could have, but Thomas already knew he wanted more than just a single scene with Hank. There was a pull from his gut, an attraction that wasn’t simply sexual—atleast, Thomas didn’t think it was, but he’d learned his lesson about not communicating well.
“Hank,” he said again. “Look at me.”
Hank gulped, then over a matter of several seconds, he raised his head enough to peek up through thick white-tipped lashes at Thomas.
That look hit Thomas like a punch to the heart. He might have even felt an actual pinch in that vicinity. There was so much trustand confidence in Hank’s gaze. Thomas was honored to be the recipient of those gifts. He needed someone to have faith in him again.
He was determined to live up to what he saw in Hank’s eyes, to the man he hoped Hank believed him to be. Also, if he could have his way—and he fully intended to—he still wanted more than just one scene with Hank.
“Sit down. I’d like to talk with you first, beforewe do anything else.”
Hank stood as with as much grace as he’d gotten onto his knees. “Yes, Master Thomas.”
Thomas gestured at the barstool beside him. “Master?” he asked, because he wanted to hear Hank’s explanation as to why he was calling Thomas by the honorific. Some subs did it with every Dom. Some didn’t, like Hank’s friend, Larry.
Hank’s pale cheeks colored with a pink blush. He leveledhis green-eyed gaze on Thomas for only a moment before looking down at his hands, folded on his lap.
“Well, I always think of you as such in my head. I’ve-I’ve been-I noticed you-I wanted-no, no, no. This isn’t all about me.” Hank huffed and rolled his eyes. “Sorry. I’m really nervous. This is, well, it’s important. Maybe not to you, but to me, it’s a huge thing, approaching you.”
Thomas’ desirefor Hank wasn’t creeping higher—it was jettisoning to new levels with every glance and admission from Hank. “Oh, butIwant to hear what you are going to say.” He couldn’t resist touching one pink-tinged cheek. Hank’s skin was as soft as silk and so very warm. “You are to be admired for coming forward and being willing to talk to me about this. So, you’ve wanted me for a while, then?” Thomas’cock jerked as he asked that question. He cupped Hank’s cheek a little firmer.
Hank’s eyes almost closed as he hummed and rubbed against Thomas’ hand, much like a cat seeking affection. “God, yes. But I’ve never had to ask, and that sounds wrong. I’m not stuck-up, I swear. I’ve just tended to go with whatever Dom wants me. I don’t think I’ve ever been with one I’ve chosen myself.” Hank’s blushdarkened and spread down to his neck and chest. “It’s embarrassing to confess any of this to you.”
Thomas was so flattered it was possible he was glowing with pride. Hank had reached out to him.
Me!And never to another Dom before! Thomas had to remind himself to be calm and not let out a whoop of excitement as he lowered his hand.Wouldn’t be very cool of me to do that.He focused on Hank.
“It’s not my intention to embarrass you, Hank. Not unless that’s something you’d enjoy?” It wasn’t Thomas’ thing, though he’d consider it for a sub.
“No, not at all,” Hank informed him. “I hate it. I don’t like being treated as if I’m stupid or weak because I’m a sub. I don’t like pony or pup play. Any kind of animal stuff. I don’t like being called names or treated like an object. No cages. Idon’t like being locked up like an animal.”
The passion in Hank’s voice, the conviction with which he spoke, made Thomas believe Hank had been hurt against his will. Anger flared in Thomas. “Did someone do something you didn’t want them to? Did they make you feel like you weren’t a human being? Weren’t valued?”
“Someone said it, outright,” Hank replied. He brushed back several strands of hairthat had fallen to lie along his cheek. “More than one person, but that was years back. When I first came into the lifestyle, I didn’t have the best experiences. No one did anything too bad. I just had to learn to use my safe words and stand firm on what my hard limits were. Sometimes I find it miraculous that I hung around long enough to learn how good and secure submitting can make me feel.”
So they were old hurts that Hank still carried around with him, although it didn’t sound like he’d let the bad experiences keep him from enjoying himself at times. Thomas admired the hell out of Hank for not having given up on getting what he needed.
“May I order some water, Master Thomas? I spilled my glass when Larry came over to the table to push me out of my lusting comfort zone.” Hank smiledand Thomas’ world tipped just a little bit.
