Page 68 of No Rules

He locked eyes with Alex, his piercing brown gaze intense. “Are you ready for your second scene, baby boy?”

Funny how the name he’d hated so much when Ryan had started using it now had such a different meaning. It had become an affectionate pet name, devoid of the sarcasm Ryan had uttered it with in the beginning, though Alex wasn’t sure if Ryan even realized that himself? The man was, softly put, not the most self-aware. Denial was a thing for him, but Alex was patient.

“I am, Sir.”

Ryan crooked a finger, and Alex stepped close. “Remember your safewords and use them when needed.”

“I promise.”

Ryan brushed his cheek, then startled as if he realized what he’d done and straightened, dropping his hand. “Do you relinquish all control to me during this scene?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Close your eyes.”

Alex obeyed, taking a deep breath. His body hummed, aching for Ryan’s touch and the sweet release of submission.

“Settle your breathing, baby boy. You’re panting.”

He focused on the rhythm of his breathing, each breath slower and slower as he quelled the torrent of thoughts swirling in his mind. All he needed to do was stay present in the moment, trust Ryan, and embrace the sensations awaiting him.

“Mmm, that’s better,” Ryan said, his voice like black velvet.

“Undress.”

As Alex took off his underwear, Ryan’s predatory gaze swept over him like he wanted to devour him. Alex repressed a shiver, still not used to the sensation of being exposed. Being scrutinized was thrilling and unnerving, though Ryan’s gaze held more than lust as he let his eyes roam over Alex’s body, letting his gaze linger extra long on Alex’s ass. It held a softness, a warmth that hadn’t been there before.

“Follow me.” Alex stayed on Ryan’s heels as he led him to a table. “Lie on your back.”

Alex climbed onto the table, and as soon as he’d positioned himself, Ryan approached, holding a few ropes. “Arms up.”

Without hesitation, Alex raised his arms above his head. Ryan expertly tied down his right hand, then his left. The smooth texture of the ropes contrasted with the rough calluses on Ryan’s fingers grazing Alex’s skin, and he shuddered. Alex focused on the sensation of the silk tightening around his wrists, his body tingling with a mixture of vulnerability and excitement. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to center himself again.

His ankles came next, and then he was restrained.

“Gorgeous,” Ryan said. His slow, thorough gaze felt like a physical touch, sending shivers down Alex’s spine. “Close your eyes.”

Ryan blindfolded him. Wasn’t it crazy how everything became ten times more intense when he couldn’t see? Every sound was harder, sharper, and he was aware of every cell in his body.

“Open your right hand for me.”

He did, and something cold was pressed into his hand.

“I’m going to gag you, so if you want to safeword, drop this bell, okay?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Open wide.”

As soon as he did, a ball gag was stuffed into his mouth. He was now tied down, blindfolded, and gagged. The only thing he had left was his hearing, and thank fuck Ryan hadn’t taken that away from him as well. Holy shit, things were about to get intense. Alex’s anticipation built like a wave cresting to break.

Fabric rustled. What did Ryan have prepared?

Oh, fuck! Cold, cold, cold. Ryan was rubbing an ice cube over Alex’s nipples, and it hurt far more than he would’ve expected. Instinctively, he attempted to draw away from the cold, but he couldn’t move, couldn’t even protest with the gag in his mouth. The cold seeped into his skin, melting against the heat of his body. Water trickled down, tickling his side.

The cold disappeared, then returned. With deliberate slowness, Ryan traced an ice cube—the same one or a new one?—along the curve of Alex’s collarbone, droplets forming in its wake and dripping down his skin. He didn’t know what to do with the sensations. It hurt and tickled, but it also felt strangely good.

“Such a beautiful reaction,” Ryan murmured, smoothing the ice down Alex’s chest, past his belly button, then following his happy trail and…

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