Endings and Beginnings Read online

  He’s waiting to marry me. The thought made him want to speed up, he was that eager for his future life to begin. He’d insisted on walking to meet Ben, on being given away. Maybe it was sentimental, but it made it seem more like a traditional wedding.

  When they made it to where Ben stood, Jarod took Scott’s hand and placed it in Ben’s, then gave Scott a kiss on the cheek before taking his seat. Ben and Scott turned to face the celebrant, and Scott was surprised to see it was Trevor, one of the Doms from the club. His heart pounded like crazy.

  Trevor smiled at them. “Ben has asked me to dispense with a long-winded ceremony, and I have to admit, I’m okay with that. I’m a little rusty when it comes to weddings. Give me a good old-fashioned collaring any day.”

  That got a chuckle from the guests.

  “But Ben has found someone with whom he wants to share more than just a D/s relationship. He’s met the man he wants to share his whole life with. To be able to stand up in front of people and say ‘This is my husband, Scott.’ And if I’m a good judge of character, I can tell by looking at Ben’s boy that he feels the same way. So we’re gathered here to celebrate as these two meld their lives, intertwining them in law as well as in love. If there is anyone here who can tell us why these two shouldn’t be wed, let them speak up now, or I’m going to call this one done.”

  Scott held his breath, waiting for someone to speak up. To say he wasn’t good enough for Ben. Of course he’d heard it in his parents’ voices, but they were faint echoes, not something he found really mattered to him anymore. For the longest time, he thought he’d lost them, but in truth, he’d never really had them. Now he had something solid. A foundation on which he would build not just a life, but a family. He fully planned on sending a picture of their child back to his parents. Not to rub their faces in it, as much to show them how much they were about to miss out on. He didn’t want them to suffer, but he did want them to learn. And who knew? Maybe one day, after he and Ben had a family of their own, his parents would come to realize how wrong they were and ask for forgiveness.

  Trevor cleared his throat, and Scott was pulled back into the moment. “Do you want to take this man, Scott? To spank you when you’re bad but to love you always?”

  Scott blinked at the unexpected utterance. “Uh, yes, definitely. Uh-huh.”

  There were more chuckles from their guests, and Ben snickered.

  “And do you, Ben, want to keep your boy? To guide him on his path in life, to help him avoid the pitfalls, and to show him love at all times?”

  “I do.”

  “Then I think that says it all. Bar’s open, guys!” The assembled guests burst into loud laughter.

  Scott stared at Trevor, his eyes wide. “That’s it? Really?” It was nothing like he’d anticipated.

  Trevor bit his lip. “Well, yeah. Except if we stopped there, you two wouldn’t be legal.”

  “What?” Ben was staring too, openmouthed.

  Trevor chuckled. “You didn’t really think I was the real celebrant, did you?” He pointed to the man standing behind him, who was trying not to laugh. “He’s the real deal. I was just asked to wind you guys up a bit and give you a laugh on your wedding day.”

  “Asked by whom?” Ben demanded, hands on his hips.

  Trevor grinned and pointed in Alex’s direction. Alex was laughing. Beside him, Leo shook his head. “Leave him to me, Ben,” he said in his deep voice. He gave Alex a firm stare, and his husband had the good grace to look abashed. It was obvious from Leo’s twitching lips that the humor of the situation hadn’t bypassed him completely.

  Scott gaped. Then he saw the funny side and started to laugh too. Ben took a minute to join in, and soon the entire gathering was laughing along with them.

  The celebrant stepped forward. “When you two are ready,” he said patiently, “we can carry on with the ceremony.” He gave Trevor a firm stare. “The real one.”

  Scott pulled himself together and held out his hand to Ben, who grasped it tightly.

  “We’re ready,” he said, his voice firm.

  SCOTT PUT his feet up. He swore he’d danced with nearly every Dom and sub in attendance, not to mention his new sister-in-law. Ben was mingling with their guests, but every now and then his gaze flickered in Scott’s direction. And every damn time the same thing happened.

  Ben mouthed I love you, and Scott’s heart did this weird little dance.

  Love you too. Husband.

  Alex flopped down in the seat next to him, and Scott reached out to squeeze his friend’s hand. “Thanks for coming.”

  Alex chuckled. “Thanks for not being mad.”

  “For what? It was funny. I should have known something like that would happen with this lot.” Every time Trevor walked past him, Scott had to stop himself from giggling out loud when he recalled falling for his celebrant act.

  Alex opened his mouth, but closed it when JJ came toward them. JJ didn’t seem his usual cheerful self, his shoulders stooped as though he carried a huge weight.

  “Hey, you okay?” Scott asked.

  “Hm?” JJ glanced at them, his brow clearing. “Oh. Yes. I’m fine.”

  Alex snorted. “And that’s a ‘No, not really’ if ever I heard one. Come on. Pull up a chair.”

  Scott could see JJ was wavering. He kept glancing toward Darren, who turned and waved at him. JJ’s smile blossomed, lighting up his face.

  “Oh, I see,” Scott said slowly. Aw, that’s adorable. He loved it when Love reared its head.

  JJ jerked his head back to stare at Scott. “See what?” JJ demanded.

  “That look on your face when you see Master Darren. It’s sweet.”

  JJ scowled, but after a moment his expression softened. “I think I will take that seat after all.” He pulled a chair from a nearby table and sat with Scott and Alex.

  “So what’s up?” Scott asked. He had a fair idea what lay at the root of JJ’s confusion, if those glances he kept sneaking in Darren’s direction were anything to go by.

  JJ seemed unable to look them in the eye. “I’m… not sure. Can I talk to you? I mean, you won’t tell anyone, right?”

  “Nope. Our lips are sealed,” Alex promised.

  JJ sighed, and his shoulders slumped. “Darren took me out on a date last night.”

  Scott waited to see if any more information was forthcoming, but JJ had fallen silent. “Okay, and?” he pressed. “Is there something wrong with that?”

  “I’m not sure,” JJ admitted. He peered intently at Scott. “Darren is my first real relationship. I thought we’d have a few laughs, some good times, but lately it’s become more—at least for me, it has.” He pushed out yet another sigh. “I know it’s stupid, but I figured once we signed the contract, the dynamics of our relationship would change. I figured Darren would become more… I don’t know. Dom-like? I know it doesn’t make sense.”

  Scott studied him for a moment before speaking. “I understand what you’re saying, I think. When you signed, you thought maybe he’d expect more, right? A deeper submission from you?”

  JJ nodded.

  “And it’s not working out like that at all, is it? To be honest, there’s no reason it should,” Scott told him. “I’m Ben’s submissive, but we just got married. Alex married Master Leo. Neither of us is a 24/7 sub. And even if we were, what’s to prevent our Masters from taking us out? Just because we’re subs doesn’t meant we don’t get to be loved.”

  “Loved?” JJ was suddenly more alert.

  Scott couldn’t help smiling. “Well, yeah. I know you can’t see it, but right now Darren can’t take his eyes off you. He’s standing there with Ben and Eli, but his gaze has never strayed from you the whole time.”

  JJ looked from Scott to Alex and back to Scott. “He doesn’t love me—does he?”

  Scott and Alex laughed. “Why wouldn’t you think he loves you?” Alex asked.

  “Because he’s never said.” JJ rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowed. “And anyway, we’ve only been together
a little while.”

  Alex smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. “Leo came into the restaurant one day and swept me off my feet.” He chuckled. “Okay, it wasn’t that fast, but I think I was pretty much head over heels with him after a couple times of seeing him. After our first time together, I knew it.”

  Scott smiled too. “Ben’s first kiss sealed the deal for me, despite him being an obstinate bastard at the time.” He leaned forward and patted JJ on the knee. “We don’t get to tell our hearts that it’s too soon to fall for someone—it tells us when it’s time.”

  JJ stayed quiet for a few moments. Finally he raised his head and regarded them, his expression calmer. “He told me I’d be living with him because he hated the place I was staying in. He explained to me it wasn’t safe, and that he needed me out of there. I’ll be honest. I wanted to rage at him. Tell him I was an adult and I could take care of myself. But the look on his face when he said it touched something in me, you know? Then when he told me I could stay in the guest room, no strings attached, if I wanted, that’s when I really started to wonder if I was in… you know.” He flushed.

  “Love,” Alex responded gently. “It’s okay to say it. It’s a wonderful word. Try it. See how it feels.”

  “It probably won’t be long before he’s got you collared,” Scott said.

  JJ appeared startled by the remark. “What? Why would you say that?”

  Scott shrugged. “It’s a Dom thing. They like to be able to look and see what’s theirs.”

  JJ’s fingers went to his neck. “Do you really think he’d collar me?”

  Scott snorted. “The way he’s looking at you? I’d be surprised if he didn’t collar you, then chain you to the bed so you can’t get away.”

  JJ shivered, and Alex chuckled. “That either scares you or excites you.”

  “Maybe a little of both,” JJ admitted.

  Alex smiled. “For Leo it’s the ultimate expression of his love. He knows that no matter what, I will always feel him with me every day. When I get into a situation where I’m nervous or worried, I can reach up and touch the collar and know my Master’s by my side.”

  JJ’s eyes shone. “That sounds… wonderful.”

  “It is,” Scott agreed. “I have a wedding ring on my hand, but my collar? When I feel the weight of it, I know Ben put it around my neck with love.”

  “Maybe one day,” JJ whispered. He opened his mouth to say more, but Darren came strolling over.

  “Everything okay?”

  JJ’s gaze went immediately to Darren, and a wonderful smile spread across his face. “Yes,” JJ said softly. “We’re just talking.”

  “Okay. Well, when you’re done, would you like to dance?”

  “Dance?” JJ squeaked. “I don’t know how to dance.”

  Darren gave a slight bow, then held out a hand. “Then maybe you’ll permit me to show you?”

  “Okay,” JJ answered breathlessly. He took Darren’s extended hand and was whisked off to the dance floor, where Darren held him close, his arms around him as they circled the dance floor to the strains of a slow, romantic ballad. JJ’s cheek was pressed against Darren’s, his eyes closed, clearly trusting his dance partner to lead them.

  “Look at them. So in love.” Scott watched them for a moment and then laughed. “Yeah. Let’s just hope they’ll tell one another.”

  Peter strolled toward them, a huge smile on his face. “This is great, Scott. I’ve never seen Sir having such a good time.”

  “And what about you?” Alex said, nudging him.

  Peter shrugged. “I admit, it’s a little bit overwhelming, but yeah, I’m okay. In fact, I think I’m doing even better than I was when you got married.” He glanced toward the dance floor. “After all, these are our friends, right?”

  “Definitely,” Scott replied. “And speaking of friends, you guys want to dance with me?”

  “Not naked,” Peter said hastily.

  Scott smirked but quickly straightened his features. “Nope, not this time. Just three friends having a good time together.”

  “Yes, I think we’d like that,” Alex answered. As they walked toward the dance floor, he said over his shoulder, “Just no stepping on my toes, squirt.”

  Scott guffawed. “I’m the one who should be saying that. You’re such a bean pole, you can’t even see your feet.”

  “Hey, play nice,” Peter told them with a grin.

  “I can play however the hell I want,” Scott told him. “It is my wedding day, after all.” He grinned. “Right?”

  His two friends nodded, and Scott went off to dance the night away once more.

  “THOMAS, HAVE you got a minute?”

  Thomas paused at Darren’s table. “Of course. What’s up?”

  Darren glanced past him to where JJ was working behind the bar. “Can we talk in your office?”

  “Sure. I was on my way there anyway.” Thomas followed his gaze. “Is everything all right?”

  Darren gave him a reassuring smile. “Everything’s fine, but I don’t want JJ to hear our conversation.” He winked. “Dom talk.”

  Thomas laughed. “In that case, come on. You’ve intrigued me.” Darren followed him into the office and sat down in the worn leather chair facing his desk. Thomas closed the door behind them. “Coffee?”

  “Please.”

  Thomas went behind his desk and grabbed two mugs. “Have you recovered from the wedding reception?”

  Darren had to smile. “It was a good night, wasn’t it?” And it had only gotten better once they’d returned home. Darren had been glad it was Sunday. He wasn’t sure he could have faced leaving JJ in their bed that morning. He’d had way too little sleep.

  “Hmm,” Thomas said, peering intently at him. “I’m not going to ask why you look so tired this evening.” He cleared his throat. “So, how can I help you? Have you been practicing what you’ve learned on JJ?” He grinned. “And if so, have you been having fun?”

  Darren laughed. “Have you got cameras hidden inside my house, or something?” So far he was having a lot of fun. “I have to say, JJ definitely has his favorites. Top of the list is bondage. But I had an idea for something I wanted to try, and I thought I’d ask you first.”

  “Oh?” Thomas came around the desk to hand him a mug full of coffee, before sitting in his chair. “I’m all ears.”

  Darren leaned back, studying the wide desk as he tried to phrase his thoughts. “JJ has a thing for my voice, you know.” Then he snorted. “That’s putting it mildly. He’s told me on a few occasions that my voice turns him on, but he also says he loves it when I use my ‘Dom voice,’ as he puts it.” He paused to take a drink of coffee. “So, what I wanted to know is…. How feasible is it to talk someone into an orgasm?”

  Thomas paused, his mug midway to his mouth. “Oh my. Now there’s a thought.” He put down the mug and rested his chin on his laced hands, elbows on the desk. “Not something I’ve ever done. Definitely a mindfuck, though.” He fell silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “I don’t think you could actually talk to him to bring him to the point where he comes, just like that, but….”

  Darren had thought it a long shot but figured Thomas was the man to ask. “Forget it. I can see now it’s not possible.”

  Thomas held up his hand. “Wait a minute. Don’t be so hasty.” He picked up his mug and drank deeply, plainly deep in thought. When he finished, he leaned back in his chair. “Okay. We both know that the sexiest part of the human body is what lies between our ears. The most arousing thing human beings have is our ability to think, to imagine—to feel. Sex isn’t about touching genitalia, it’s about becoming aroused.” He gave Darren a speculative glance. “It’s possible to have an orgasm without any genital stimulation whatsoever, because orgasms exist entirely in our heads.”

  “Come again?”

  Thomas chuckled. “And we do—frequently. What I mean is, supposing you talk to JJ with the express purpose of arousing him, engaging his brain? Imagine it. JJ tied
up, no means of stimulating himself. You don’t touch him. You bring him to the point where he’s desperate to come, simply by what you say to engage his brain.” He grinned. “That is something I’d love to see.”

  “So… it’s possible?” Darren’s mind was already thinking about the scene. In his head he pictured JJ seated on a chair, arms tied behind it, his cock and balls bound in a thin leather strap like Andrew had shown him, maybe a blindfold too….

  “Darren?”

  Thomas’s amused voice broke through his delightful musings. “Sorry. I was… thinking.”

  “Hmm.” Thomas’s eyes sparkled. “I’m glad I was able to give you something to think about.”

  Darren was only half listening. He was still planning. It was only when Thomas cleared his throat that he realized he was being rude.

  “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “And yes, you’ve given me a lot to think about.” He drank his coffee, trying to ignore the images his brain kept firing at him.

  Thomas laughed. “It’s fun being the Dom, isn’t it?”

  Darren smiled. “Thomas, if I’d known it was going to be this good, I’d have visited the club so much sooner.”

  “Ah, but then you might not have met JJ.”

  Thomas’s words stopped Darren in his tracks. For all the fun he was having, the way BDSM was slotting into his life like it has always been a part of him, he couldn’t imagine doing any of it without JJ.

  JJ just… fits. Not just as my submissive but as my lover.

  Darren met Thomas’s gaze. “You’re right. I guess some things really are meant to be.”

  Thomas nodded. “And from what I’ve seen of the two of you, I’d say yes, that’s true.” He shook his head, smiling. “Love strikes again. What is it about this club? There must be something in the air.”

  Love….

  Darren could admit he’d never been in love before. He might have thought he’d been, but what he felt every time he looked at JJ caused everything before it to pale by comparison. It struck Darren like a bolt out of the blue.

  Oh, hell. I am in love.