and bone-deep satisfied, Micah lay on the large sectional, his head on Tackett’s chest, listening to him breathe. He was much more engrossed in the way Tackett felt against him, the sound of his heartbeat, and how blissedout he was than on the movie. The loud, violent explosions on the large flat screen dulled in comparison to the earthshattering blast Tackett had produced in him.
Micah knew so much about the man already. Knew about his company, his wealth, his reputation, some of his friends, a few of his preferences, but he wanted to know more. He wanted to know everything about Tackett Austin so he would have the knowledge he needed to become everything to the Dom. He’d really fucked up the day before. The anger he’d produced in Tackett hadn’t bothered him so much. Not that Micah was happy about it, but he was used to it. He’d seen that look in many Doms’ eyes, along with frustration and irritation. It had been the disappointment in those hazel eyes that had nearly shredded his chest.
Micah never wanted to be the cause of that look again.
Although he was dying to ask Tackett a question, Micah contented himself with tracing random patterns on the Dom’s lightly furred chest. The heat of his ass and sated feeling were a reminder Tackett had forgiven him.
Tackett shifted, pushing Micah’s abused butt against the back of the couch, causing him to hiss with the sting.
“You okay, pup?” Tackett asked, his hand instantly going to Micah’s ass, rubbing.
Micah bit his lip as the burn increased momentarily, and then changed to a pleasant glow with Tackett’s soothing touch. “Yeah, feels good, just a little sensitive.”
Tackett patted Micah’s butt. “Good,” he muttered, then turned his attentions back to the movie, but his hand stayed on Micah’s backside.
Finally, the credits began to roll, and Micah took the opportunity to ask a question that kept bugging him. “Can I ask you something, Sir?”
Tackett lowered the volume on the TV and set the remote aside. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”
“I was just thinking, for a man who claims to be hard-core, you sure do like to cuddle. Which one comes more naturally to you?”
“Well….” Tackett’s brow furrowed. “I don’t cuddle,” he said gruffly.
“Okay, you stretch out, with your feet up and a man wrapped around you, while you watch TV.” Micah giggled. “I stand corrected.”
“Hey, this was a first and don’t get used to it. I’m trying to ease you into your submission,” Tackett protested.
“Ah. You did very well ‘easing me into it’ the last two nights while I slept, Sir.”
Micah’s arms flailed in a futile attempt to grab onto something as he was flipped. He cried out when his abused ass hit the carpet. “Ow! Fuck!” Micah scrambled to his feet and rubbed his butt with both hands as he glared up at a laughing Tackett.
“Now that felt really natural. Guess the hard-core side won out.” Tackett sat up and patted the seat next to him. “Have a seat, pup.”
Obeying Tackett, Micah gingerly sat next to the man, wincing before finding a comfortable position.
“Now that we have that cleared up.” Tackett’s voice was low and smooth.
Micah lowered his gaze and rolled his eyes. Okay, he had deserved that. He should have known there would be repercussions for teasing the man. It was hard for him to understand the many aspects of Tackett’s personality. He liked them all, but it made it difficult knowing how to act.
“Yes, definitely cleared up, Sir. I wasn’t really teasing.”
Tackett cocked his head, giving him that look Micah had come to associate with Tackett’s
Don’t bullshit me, boy
expression.
He started again. “Well, not completely teasing. I’ve never met a Dom who wanted to cud—”
One of Tackett’s brows shot up.
“—stretch out with me. It’s nice but it’s also confusing, Sir.”
“You don’t have to understand it, pup. All you need to know is that it pleases me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“There are a lot of things you’ll be learning about me while you’re here. I suggest you pay attention. Learn quickly what I like and don’t like. It will save your back and ass. My job will be to discover your likes and dislikes, but unfortunately for you, when I discover your dislikes, that doesn’t mean I’ll avoid them.” Tackett’s lip curled into a sly smile. “You can safely bet I’ll use them to push you, help you find your limits.”
Micah nodded. “I trust you’d be using them because it is what is best for me, Sir.”
“You don’t trust me yet—”
“Yes I do. I’m here, aren’t I?”
Tackett held up his hand to silence him. “That’s one more strike for interrupting me.”
“Yes, Sir, one strike.”
“I think you want to trust me, but we wouldn’t be having this conversation if you did.”
Micah stared down at his hands, wringing them. He had to trust Tackett, or he wouldn’t be here. He wouldn’t have let the man cuff him, wouldn’t have slept so soundly next to him, if he didn’t trust him not to hurt him. Did Tackett really think he was stupid? Some airhead sub who allowed just anyone to do those things?
Tackett must have guessed, or maybe he knew what Micah was thinking, because he wrapped an arm around Micah’s shoulders and said, “You trust me enough not to abuse you. You have faith in my reputation and that Bobby and Blake approve of our arrangement. But that’s not the same as trusting me to help you find true submission and peace. And that’s okay, pup. It’s my job to earn that kind of trust and vice versa.”
Relief flood through him. One, Tackett didn’t think him a fool, and two, earning complete trust worked both ways. Micah relaxed against Tackett. “That makes sense, Sir, and I do appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. What else do you need clarification on? Anything else you’re confused about?”
Micah shifted his ass, reminding himself to take it easy. Even as the pain flared briefly, he remembered the way each slap of the paddle had felt as it came down on his flesh. The sound of Tackett’s breath as it sped up. The whooshing sound the paddle made as it sailed through the air. God, Tackett was strong. The way he’d held him in place with one firm hand on Micah’s back. Fuck! He could have cum just from that alone. All that power and to have his dick sliding between Tackett’s cottoncovered thighs, humping—
Pain, sharp and biting, suddenly radiated from Micah’s right nipple. “Jesus! What the hell!” Micah looked down in time to see Tackett release the ring in his right nipple before his hard cock was grabbed in a tight fist.
“I think we’re going to need to make another trip to Vibes. I’m thinking a cock cage would be a helpful reminder when your naughty mind begins to wander.”
Micah thrust up into Tackett’s hand, the images in his head still real, so hot. He forced the images away, focusing on Tackett’s scowling face. “Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir. Sitting in this position makes my ass burn and I started thinking about why and my discipline this morning.” His cheeks heated—the ones on his face —warming them to nearly the level of the ones on his ass.
Christ, you are such a wanton slut.
“Damn, pup,” Tackett grumbled. Tackett released Micah’s cock and scrubbed a hand across his face. “You have managed to destroy one of the most basic rules in the lifestyle. No, in fact you have obliterated the fucking rule.”
“Really?” Micah tilted his head, confused, and met Tackett’s gaze. “Which one?”
“The long-held belief that discipline lessens the need for punishment.” Tackett snapped his fingers. “Poof. Gone. Shattered. How the fuck is that possible, Micah?”
“Well—”
“No! Don’t even try to answer that.” Tackett rubbed the back of his neck. Micah could tell he was at his wit’s end and had no idea what to do with him next.
He hated it.
Hated that his stupid fucking brain was broken.
Micah slumped forward, elbows resting on his knees and covered his face with both hands.
Why can’t I do one goddamn thing right?
He wanted to howl with frustration. He didn’t want to be like this. If Tackett couldn’t help him, he didn’t think anyone could. He’d certainly never wanted to please someone as much as he did Tackett. But it wasn’t enough. No matter how much he wanted this, how badly he wanted Tackett, he was too stupid to please anyone.
Tears welled up in his eyes at how unfair it was.
Great, now you’re going to cry? Fucking defective deviant. You don’t deserve someone like Tackett. You’re not worth more than a fuck.
Micah grabbed at his hair on both sides of his head, pulling as a little voice inside his head continued.
Pathetic.
It was true.
Stupid.
All of it.
H e
was
worthless. The only thing he had to offer anyone was his ability to remember how to mix more than one drink at a time, fetch bottles of water, and offer his ass.
“It’s okay, pup. I know you’re as frustrated as I am.” Tackett ran a hand down his back. “I’ve got some errands I need to run, but when I get back we’ll start again.”
Micah’s gut rolled; he swallowed down the bile that burned his throat. He should have known Tackett would leave. Hell, Micah would leave someone as stupid as he was too, if only he could.
“Yes, Sir,” he mumbled, defeated.
“Follow me, Micah.” Tackett instructed.
Micah followed Tackett to the kitchen. He waited, shifting from foot to foot nervously, biting at a hangnail, while Tackett pulled out a pad of paper and pen, then started writing.
“Okay, boy. I’ll be gone about an hour. While I’m gone I want you to work on getting as many things on this list done as you can. Understand?”
Micah took the pad from Tackett and read it.
Sweep and mop kitchen
Vacuum and dust living room Change sheets
Vacuum bedroom
Water plants
Wash windows
Start supper
“If you somehow miraculously get all this done before I return, I want you to run a hot bath, get your ass in it, and stay there till I get back. Understood, boy?”
“Yes, Sir.” Micah nodded. Good thing an idiot could manage these simple tasks.
He was pulled into Tackett’s arms and kissed until he was gasping for air. “Now that I have your attention once again, let me show you where everything you’ll need is.”
Micah clutched the pad of paper, promising himself he’d be soaking in that tub by the time Tackett returned.
Tackett said, holding out his hand. “Anytime, Tackett.” Blake took the offered hand and shook it. “Come on in. You’ll have to excuse the mess. Ty and I have been going over the plans for the club.”
Tackett followed Blake into the apartment. The place was in immaculate condition, the hardwood floors highly polished, the black high-gloss tables shining in the light coming in through the patio door. The only thing that looked out of order was the papers scattered across the small dining room table.
“If this is a mess, I’d hate to see what you thought of my place.”
“I’m a little anal when it comes to things being in their proper place,” Blake said and held out his arm. “Please, have a seat.” Blake grabbed a stack of papers from the chair and then began rolling the blueprints and stacking other papers scattered on the table.
“How are the plans coming?” he asked, taking the seat Blake cleared for him.
“We’ve had a few issues on the design, but I think we’re ready to get underway on Monday. We’ll be working on the exclusive members list today. We want to create a place for comfortable and safe play. A small members list of extensively screened Doms and subs. I hope we can count on you as a member.”
“Absolutely,” he assured him.
Ty appeared in the hallway, dressed in a pair of jeans and a light blue T-shirt. His long blond hair was damp, suggesting he’d just finished a shower. He came toward Tackett with a smile. “It’s good seeing you, Mr. Austin, sir,” Ty said, shaking Tackett’s hand.
“Good seeing you too, Ty. I’m sorry for dropping in on such short notice.”
“Nonsense. We needed the break,” Blake said.
“Could I get you something to drink, sir? I just put on a fresh pot of coffee.”
“Thanks, Ty. Coffee would be great.”
Ty leaned in slightly, “I should be thanking you for interrupting, sir. You probably saved my ass a swat or two,” Ty said in a loud stage whisper, then spun away to avoid a slap to said ass.
Blake followed Ty with his eyes, smiling and shaking his head. “We had a few differences of opinion over the number of security cameras we need installed,” Blake said, turning to Tackett, still smiling. “So what can I do for you? You said it was important.”
“It’s Micah. I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into.” Tackett rubbed at the ache that had settled at the base of his skull. “I think I may have bitten off a little more than I’m prepared to handle when I agreed to help him. I have no problem controlling him during sex, it’s the rest of the time I’m not so sure about,” he confessed.
“You’ve taken him on as a full-time sub?” Blake looked shocked. “Micah must be pleased. He’s wanted this for quite some time.”
“Not exactly, at least nothing permanent. I’ve agreed to give him two weeks, but I’m already questioning the soundness of that decision. I may have made it in haste since Micah doesn’t know what he wants.”
“Micah came to me a while back to ask me for advice. I assure you, he knows exactly what he wants and who he wants it from.”
Tackett sighed and rubbed harder at the tension in his neck. “Then I’m afraid it’s me that is unsure. I’m having a very difficult time figuring him out. One minute he seems like the perfect little sub: kneels at my feet, keeps his eyes respectfully lowered, takes his discipline beautifully in the morning, and I think on some level he does want to please me. At any rate, just when I think I have him focused on my needs, he’s gone, bouncing around, his mouth going a mile a minute, and making little sense. I can’t keep up with what direction his mind is going in next. He’s been with me less than forty-eight hours and I’m exhausted.”
Ty set a platter with two mugs, spoons, creamer, and sugar on the table. He set a mug in front of both Tackett and Blake then started to walk away, but Blake stopped him with a hand on Ty’s forearm. “Grab your coffee and join us, boy. I think you might be able to give Tackett some insight into our Micah.” Blake turned his attentions back to Tackett. “If that’s okay with you.”
“I could use all the help I can get.”
Ty was only gone a second, returning from the kitchen with another mug to take the seat next to Blake.
After adding both cream and sugar to his coffee, Tackett took a sip and leaned back in his chair.
“If I may speak frankly, sir,” Ty said. “I’ve known Micah for about a year. To look at him, he’s this sexy guy who flirts and teases and it seems he doesn’t have a care in the world. But that’s the face he puts on so others don’t see how hard he’s struggling. Did you know he can’t take more than two drink orders at a time without writing them down, even if it’s three or more beers? Oh, or that sometimes he wears a rubber band around his wrist while he’s working. When customers are talking to him, he’ll snap it to force himself to pay attention to what is going on around him. The one thing I can tell you for sure about Micah is he hates how scatterbrained he is. If he could change it he would, but he can’t, not by himself.”
“He’s had a hard time finding a Dom that can ground him and he has some trust issues.” Blake lifted his mug and took a sip before speaking again. “He thinks most Doms are only playing a game, and in return they see him as doing the same.”
“He’s mentioned that,” Tackett said. “I even told him I may not be the right person to help him. I’ve never had a full-time sub. Hell, I can count on the fingers of one hand how many subs I’ve played with more than a few times. I’m usually the one-time Dom,” he said quietly. “Why the hell would he pick me?”
Ty and Blake stared at each other for a moment, some kind of silent discussion going on between them. After a few seconds, Ty nodded and Blake turned to Tackett. “Micah told me he can’t explain why, but from the moment he saw you, his gut knew you were the one. Now I don’t know if I believe in destiny, fate, love at first sight, and all that kind of bullshit. But maybe Micah does.”
“Micah said he wanted you like he’d never wanted anything. I believe he thinks, because the attraction and desire was so strong, that his mind wouldn’t wander away from you for very long.” Ty sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair. “I guess he was wrong, sir.”
Tackett was getting a better understanding of Micah, and it explained a lot of Micah’s behaviors. Even though Micah had told him he couldn’t help himself, on some level, Tackett must not have believed him. Not when the relief was so profound to hear from both Ty and Blake that the man simply had no control. “Actually, I seem to be the one thing he does focus on for long periods of time. Well, that and his reaction to me,” Tackett chuckled.