Professional Distance (Thorne and Dash 1)

Thorne knelt in front of Dash, took hold of his hips, and yanked him forward so Thorne could bury his face against the opening of Dash’s pants, not caring that the sides of Dash’s zipper scraped his cheeks. He breathed deep, scenting sweat, the lemony soap Dash always used, and Dash. He’d know the man’s smell anywhere. It was part of him, and it made Thorne hard instantly. He wished he could bottle it, spray it all over his sheets, bathe in it. God, he was so far gone.

It’s just lust. Dash is young and hot and knows how to hit all your buttons. Focus on what you want. Thorne nibbled the skin that had mesmerized him. Dash sucked in his breath but made no move to stop him.

When Thorne pulled back, Dash slid his hands into Thorne’s hair and pulled him forward again. “More.”

Thorne rubbed his face against Dash’s cock, which was still trapped behind his pants. Then he rose high on his knees so he could suck Dash’s nipples; they were as hard as Dash’s cock was now, as hard as Thorne. He wanted to turn around and offer his ass right then, but that would be too easy. What he wanted from Dash was far more complex. He sat back on his heels. “I didn’t mean to do this. I was going to talk to you.”

Dash shook his head as if trying to clear it. “Neither did I.”

Dash sat on the couch and invited Thorne to join him. “Do you remember your question now?”

Question. Thorne had to think. “Yes. I know you’re supposed to claim your prize from last week’s wager. Could we delay that? I’ve had a hell of a week, and I have some specific needs tonight.” He’d had those needs the week before, but he’d been too much of a coward to admit it. “I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy them.”

“Watching you come like that, when you didn’t think you could, hearing you beg for it while telling me how to get what I wanted, what you wanted too, that was prize enough for me. Tell me what you need.”

“I lied to you,” he said. That wasn’t at all how he’d meant to start.

But rather than looking annoyed, Dash simply inclined his head with a wry smile. “That’s not uncommon. Most clients are less than completely forthcoming.”

Thorne squeezed his hands into fists to keep them from shaking. Why the fuck was he so nervous? He’d hired Dash, after all. He’d never had any problem telling other escorts about his needs. “Sometimes, I do need a dom, but I’m not into pain, not serious pain, anyway.”

“I can work with that.” Dash laid a hand on Thorne’s thigh, right by his crotch. It was all Thorne could do not to grab it and press Dash’s long fingers against his dick.

“You can?” The words came out strangled.

Dash teased Thorne’s inner thigh with his fingers, and Thorne spread his legs automatically, giving him better access. “Tell me more about what you need.”

Thorne started to speak, but Dash’s fingers were driving him crazy. He laid his head back and closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations his teasing created.

Abruptly, Dash stopped and pulled his hand away. “You’re not talking.”

Thorne pushed himself off the couch. “Did you really expect me to concentrate when you’re touching me like that? Would you like a drink?”

Dash smiled. “No, thank you. I never drink when I’m with a client.”

Thorne had forgotten that was a policy the service set for the safety of all their escorts. “You had wine at Bavaria Haus.”

“I wasn’t really working then.”

No, he hadn’t been. That thought sent Thorne’s pulse rate into the danger zone. What if he… No, not an option. “Would you like some water then?”

“Yes, please.”

Thorne returned with a bourbon for himself and a glass of water for Dash. “I guess you’re thrilled that I’m slowing down to talk.”

Dash studied him. “I get the sense that, rather than relaxing, you’re stalling.”

“Now you’re talking like a therapist again.”

“Believe me, I’ve had clients who were convinced I was one, but I’m just here to give you pleasure.”

Thorne’s hands were shaking so bad now, the ice in his drink rattled. He set it on the table. Never let someone see that you’re nervous. That was one of the most basic rules of negotiating, and usually Thorne was damn good at it.

You’re not negotiating. You’re explaining what you need from an employee.

Why do I feel like my whole life is at stake, then?

“I want you to force me, order me around, make me follow your commands.”

Dash sucked in his breath. The reaction was brief, but Thorne saw it before he schooled his face. “I can do that. What else do you want?”

“I want you to tell me what a…what a slut I am.” Heat rushed to Thorne’s face. He hated the thought of how fiercely he must be blushing.