Two for Alex

Daniel knelt in front of her, unlocking the padlocks and releasing the confining harness. She stepped out of it, reminding herself, I signed up for this. This is what I wanted.

Intellectually she understood and even agreed with Liam’s assertion that, if she were to belong to them, she must give of herself fully—not only when she felt comfortable. She understood Daniel’s words as well—that modesty had no place in a submissive’s life.

But intellect and emotion were two very different things. She looked to Liam, who was watching her with a small enigmatic smile. She was struck, not for the first time, by what a handsome pair the two men made—Liam with his dark brown hair and eyes, Daniel, so sunny blond with those piercing blue-gray eyes like the color of the sea at dawn.

A sense of disbelief settled over her. Did these two accomplished, gorgeous, sexy men really want her in their lives on a long-term basis? Or would they soon tire of playing with a girl and send her away, her heart in pieces?

Stop it, drama queen. This isn’t one of your romance novels.

She realized they were both watching her—waiting. Daniel gestured toward the toilet with a jerk of his head. “Go on.”

Her stomach clutched and heat moved over her face and neck. She’d never felt comfortable on the toilet in front of others, even in the closest of long-term relationships. Maybe, it occurred to her, this was her first truly submissive act.

She moved toward the toilet and sat down, closing her eyes. Her gut roiled and her muscles clenched. She tried to will her body to relax. She really did have to go but wasn’t at all sure she’d be able to in front of them, even with the best of intentions.

Liam’s voice made her open her eyes. “I’m proud of you, Alex. You’re making a real effort to obey even though it’s obvious this is very difficult for you. It’s the first step to true submission. Take your time. Then meet us in the playroom.”

He and Daniel left the bathroom, shutting the door with a click. Alex stared after them in open-mouthed amazement, feeling as if she’d just been pardoned one minute before execution.

~*~

“You know, I’m not sure that was the right decision. With Alex, you have to follow through or she—”

Liam cut him off. “Nobody asked you, slave boy.”

Daniel snapped his mouth shut, his cheeks reddening. Liam felt bad for him, but also annoyed. This really needed to be nipped in the bud. “We need to talk, Daniel. This is my fault. I haven’t given you clear enough direction.”

He looked into Daniel’s face and was shocked to see the flash of defiance. There was no doubting that look. Daniel, his submissive darling slave boy, was, for the first time in their relationship, defying him, if not in word, certainly with his expression.

For a moment real anger welled in Liam’s veins. “Elbow grip,” he barked. Luckily for Daniel, he obeyed at once, reaching behind his back to grab his forearms as close to the opposite elbow as possible.

Liam caught Daniel’s balls in a tight grip, squeezing until Daniel winced. In a low, steely voice he said, “Since Alex came back, you’ve been getting a little confused. So let me remind you of something. I own you. Alex may be your toy but you belong to me. Got it?”

“Yes, Sir,” Daniel gasped.

Still gripping his crotch, Liam continued, “If I say we let her use the toilet in private, that’s what we do. If I’m asking Alex a question or giving her an order, I don’t need you in there adding your two cents. I certainly don’t need you yanking her to the ground and presuming to discipline her in my presence, do you understand me?”

He gripped harder. “Answer my direct question, slave.”

“Yes, Sir,” Daniel said through clenched teeth, sweat breaking on his brow. “I’m sorry, Sir. It won’t happen again.”

Liam let go and stepped back. “No, it won’t.”

Daniel was staring at the ground. Liam put a finger beneath his chin and forced him to look up. Daniel’s eyes were bright with unshed tears.

Liam’s heart wrenched. All the anger drained from him. He stroked Daniel’s cheek. “I’m sorry to be so harsh. What you and I have means more to me than any sub. If her being here is going to change the loving, sensual dynamic we have, then I don’t want her around.”

“Liam. I’m so sorry. I—I got carried away I guess. It really goes to your head, having that kind of power over someone. I forgot my place with you, Sir. I’m so, so sorry. You mean everything to me.” He dropped suddenly to his knees and wrapped his arms around Liam’s legs.

Liam was nearly overcome with emotion. Gently he tapped Daniel’s shoulder and Daniel stood. A single tear had slipped down his cheek and Liam brushed it away with his finger. He took Daniel into his arms and they held each other for several long moments.