Endings and Beginnings Page 37

  Miles leaned over and kissed him then. Passionate, earthshaking, and gentle all at the same time. It was a kiss that promised a future together, and Pietro couldn’t wait to get there. He went to the fridge and took out a tray of fruit kebabs, then proudly walked into the living room, where his friends handed out appetizers and drinks.

  Yes, this is my home, and these men are my family.

  THOMAS LED Peter to the upstairs room that Miles had suggested. It all seemed so scandalous, the older man sneaking around with his younger lover. Thomas could see why Darren and JJ were getting into role play. He made a mental note to bring it up to Peter at some point.

  “Why are we here, Sir?” Peter whispered as Thomas closed the bedroom door behind them.

  Thomas smiled. “I wanted to get you somewhere alone.”

  Peter’s smile grew wide, and his eyes glazed over with lust. Thomas laughed.

  “No, not for that.” Although now that he’d seen the look on Peter’s face….

  “Aw.” Peter pushed his lip out, and Thomas had to laugh.

  “You’ve been spending too much time with Scott if you think that will work on me.”

  Peter slowly walked over to him, leaned in seductively, and popped the button on Thomas’s waistband. Thomas caught his breath as Peter eased his hand into Thomas’s pants and wrapped his fingers around his shaft, which began to harden. “Will this work for me?”

  Thomas gently but firmly pulled Peter’s hand free. “What’s gotten into you, lad? I brought you up here to make sure everything was going well downstairs. No problems with walking around in that… very revealing outfit?”

  A flush ran up Peter’s neck. “Tonight’s been very… liberating. If you’d told me I would enjoy being in a jock strap in a room full of people, I would never have believed it. But when we were down there, wandering through the crowd, it dawned on me that you used to be able to do this whenever you wanted. I’d been so afraid of stepping over that line, getting back into the game, as it were. But the men here knew my story, understood why I’d been worried, and none of them treated me any differently than Alex or Pietro.”

  “Of course they wouldn’t,” Thomas replied. “I know that Curtis beat you down and degraded you. But the men here wouldn’t do that. They might play the role with their subs on occasion, but by and large, they’re good, decent men.”

  “I know,” Peter agreed. “I saw that the day the reporter came at me. I think they would have hurt him if they thought I was in trouble.”

  Thomas pushed out a low growl. “No, they wouldn’t. They’d be too busy holding me back.”

  Peter laughed and leaned into Thomas, sighing. Thomas enjoyed the moment, wrapping his arms around his nearly naked lover.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  Thomas kissed his head. “Of course, anything you like.”

  “We did a scene at the club, but we were pretty private about it. Would you want to, maybe, do something a little more public?”

  Thomas stilled. He’d hoped for years that this might happen, and now he didn’t know what to say.

  “Sir?”

  “Yes,” Thomas croaked. “I’d love to be able to do a scene with my boy in front of the club. With our friends watching.”

  Peter ducked his head. “I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to—”

  Thomas pressed two fingers to Peter’s lips. “Whatever you’re comfortable doing is good enough for me. Being with you is the true thrill.”

  Peter’s contented sigh was answer enough.

  “We should get back downstairs,” Thomas said, almost walking on air. As they reached the door, Peter stopped him.

  “One moment, Sir.”

  Peter went to his knees in front of him. For the second time since they’d entered the room, Thomas forgot to breathe as Peter reached out and tugged down his zip.

  “I could see you might need a little relief.” He gazed up at Thomas, his eyes shining.

  Thomas leaned against the door. “I want to ask you what you’ve done with Peter, but I don’t care.” He regarded his kneeling submissive, his breath quickening. “Take care of your Master, boy.”

  Peter grinned up at him. “With pleasure, Sir.”

  IT WAS nearing midnight, and Leo could see Alex was flagging. He was so proud of his husband. Alex had circled all night, making sure everyone had a drink or something to eat. He’d laughed and joked with all the guests, and Leo had been overtaken by a sense of awe at the man Alex had become. Nothing like the young man who’d appeared at his table that night.

  He glanced around the room, taking in the looks directed at the subs. There were a lot of seriously proud Doms under Miles’s roof. Even Jeff eventually got into the spirit of the night, wiggling his arse at Damian every time he passed by. Damian promised Jeff he’d be in for it when they got home, and judging by the smile Jeff wore, he couldn’t wait.

  Some of the men were nearly ready to go, and Leo still had one more announcement to make. He knew it would be bittersweet, especially for a few of the subs, but life was about growth, and it was important that they knew what was happening would be for a good reason.

  He nodded at Miles, who took a few of the subs into the kitchen, reappearing with trays filled with champagne flutes. When everyone had a glass, Leo went to stand by the fireplace, picked up a fork, and touched it to his champagne flute, drawing everyone’s attention.

  “Before you all leave for the evening, I wanted to thank our hosts for the party and our boys for the entertainment.”

  Raucous laughter ensued, rising in volume when the subs stood together and took a bow. When everyone quieted, Leo continued.

  “Miles has allowed me a moment to speak, not as his friend, but as co-owner of Collars & Cuffs. This has been an incredible journey,” he said. “Since Thomas and I opened the club, our family has grown over the years. We’ve had some good times and a few not so good. But through it all, we’ve stood together, and that made us stronger.”

  “Hear, hear, lad,” Thomas called out from the back of the lounge.

  Leo raised his glass to him before giving his attention to those gathered around him. “Speaking of not so good times, there’s something I’d like to share with you all. I received a phone call from DI Mark Saunders. It seems the reporter that has been trying to harass Peter and JJ has a name. Charles Goodwin, formerly of the News of The World tabloid, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of theft and attempt at extortion. After Thomas spoke with Mark and gave him a picture of Charles, they tracked him down and questioned him about a break-in at the home of Ethan Samuel’s parents. For those who might not know, Ethan was murdered by Curtis Rogers.”

  A ripple ran around the room at the mention of his name. Leo nodded. “Yes, we know who he was, right? Anyway, the thief stole several items of personal value, including a diary kept by Ethan. Mark wouldn’t say what was in it, but apparently Charles thought it valuable enough to risk stealing. Based on what I was able to find out, I don’t think the reporter will be bothering anyone for a while.”

  He gazed around the room at all the familiar faces. “Which leads me to what I wanted to share with you all. As I said before, we’re a family. The saddest thing about a family is that sometimes people move on to bigger and better things, and even though we’ll miss them, we always wish them the best. It’s with this in mind that I’d like to tell you all that two of our members will be leaving us.”

  Murmurs rippled through the assembled guests as people looked at one another, trying to figure out who it could be.

  “Eli? Jarod? Could you come here, please?”

  The crowd parted and let the two men make their way to Leo. He put down his glass and stood between them, an arm around each of them.

  “They haven’t been a part of our family for long, but they’ve made a lasting impression. From the incredible sounding demonstration to the dance that left us all in awe, Eli and Jarod have left an indelible mark on our hearts. I’m sad to say, they’re
going to be leaving us, though.”

  A gasp shattered the silence that followed Leo’s words. “What? No. You can’t.” Scott stared at them, aghast.

  Ben wrapped his arms around his submissive and directed him away from the group. Jarod tried to give Scott a smile, but Leo doubted Scott could see it through the tears that streaked his cheeks. He turned and buried his face in Ben’s chest while Ben caressed his back. Ben mouthed he was sorry, then pulled Scott out of the room.

  Leo turned his attention back to the men. “Eli and Jarod have purchased a BDSM club in London. It’s in the process of being refurbished, and when it’s done, they’ll be moving there. For the next few months, Eli will be training with Thomas so he can train other Doms. Jarod will be working at our foundation, working with the kids there so he has a better understanding of today’s youth. Please raise your glasses and wish them well, as co-owners of Secrets, what we hope will be a very successful undertaking for them.”

  The men raised a toast to Eli and Jarod, to the new club, and to the start of the next chapter of their lives.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  JJ STARED off in the direction Scott and Ben had taken. “Do you think he’s okay?” He knew Scott was very fond of Jarod. That much had been clear on his and Ben’s wedding day.

  Darren handed him another glass of champagne. “Life can be painful sometimes. Scott will come around. He’s lucky to have Peter and Alex to help him over the bumps. Not to mention Ben, of course.”

  “You think we’ll have more bumps?” JJ asked him, before taking a sip.

  His words were met with a sigh. “Undoubtedly, but it’s like Thomas said. It’s how we handle them that will define us.” He put his arm around JJ’s waist and drew him closer. “We’re just starting out on what I hope will be a long and happy journey together.” Darren tilted his head. “You are happy, right?”

  JJ sighed. “I couldn’t be happier.” Darren loved him. Darren completed him. And there were times when JJ was overwhelmed by just how much he’d come to love Darren in the space of a few months. He couldn’t believe he’d almost thrown it away. JJ shivered.

  “Hey,” Darren said softly. “No more of that. And don’t say ‘Of what?’ like I don’t know exactly what you were thinking about just then.” He moved slowly, their lips meeting in a slow, sensual kiss that made JJ wish they were alone. Darren drew back and smiled. “I love you,” he whispered. “And I’m going to keep on loving you for a very long time.”

  JJ melted at his words. “Love you too.” He chuckled. “Since when was mind reading one of your many talents?”

  Darren buffed his nails on his shirt. “Must be a Dom thing,” he said lightly.

  JJ had to laugh at that, but then he grew more serious. “My Dom,” he said softly. “Now there are words I never imagined myself saying.” And Master was another. He’d only said it the once, but he’d meant it with all his heart.

  “No regrets?” Darren asked him, peering intently into his eyes.

  JJ lifted his chin. “None whatsoever.” His heart soared when he saw the love there in Darren’s gaze. The desire to be home alone with him surfaced once more, only stronger.

  He glanced around the room. “The party seems to be nearly over.” He grinned. “That means we get to go home.” Our home. The thought filled him with quiet joy.

  “Are you feeling tired?” Darren asked him.

  “Not in the slightest. That might have something to do with the, er… nap we took earlier.” Heat spread through his body as he recalled their afternoon together. He’d fallen asleep in Darren’s arms, worn out but happy, only to awaken to an empty bed. “By the way, what were you doing when I woke up? I never got the chance to ask because we were too busy getting ready for the party.”

  Darren’s eyes gleamed. “I was putting your present together.”

  JJ stared. “What present?”

  Darren gave a shrug. “I suppose it’s a ‘you’ve finally moved in and we’re a couple’ present.”

  JJ was buzzing. “What is it? Do I get a hint?” Darren laughed, and JJ whacked him on the arm. “Tease.”

  “If you must know,” Darren said, moving closer and bringing his mouth to JJ’s ear, “it’s a sling. I’ve set it up in the spare bedroom.” His breath fanned JJ’s neck. “It has chains. Stirrups for your feet. Shackles for your wrists. A nice, wide leather bed that will support you at just the right height for my cock.”

  JJ was suddenly aware that he was still wearing the tight jock strap. Darren glanced down at it and grinned.

  “I think it’s time to go home, don’t you?”

  JJ looked into his eyes and smiled. “Yes, Sir.”

  JAROD TAPPED at the bedroom door and peered around it to where Ben was sitting on the bed, his arms around Scott. “Master Ben? May I speak with Scott, please?” Jarod kept his voice low.

  Scott stiffened at his voice and turned away. “I don’t want to talk to anyone.”

  His sharp tone cut Jarod to the quick.

  Ben removed his arms. “Stop behaving like this, boy. Stand up and present yourself.”

  Scott stood, his arms behind his back, his hand wrapped around his wrist. Jarod’s stomach tightened. When they’d discussed the move, he’d told Eli he wasn’t sure about leaving the boys behind. They’d given him new life, and he’d been welcomed by them. But to see Scott like this hurt.

  “I’m going to help Pietro clean up,” Ben said. “I’ll be back later.”

  He closed the door as he left the room. Scott stood ramrod straight, staring ahead at some point on the wall.

  “I know you’re hurt, Scott. I’m sorry.”

  Scott’s lip trembled, but he didn’t speak.

  Jarod persevered. “When Thomas approached me with this offer, I had my doubts. We have a life here, a home, and something I haven’t had for a very long time. Friends. No, not friends. A family. But Thomas made a convincing argument. My Master isn’t meant for the life I had with Phillip. He’s not a jet-setter. He’d rather drink a pint of ale than a glass of wine. He wouldn’t be caught dead at the opera. This just isn’t him.” Just the thought of it made Jarod smile, and he was relieved to see Scott’s lips twitch.

  Jarod pressed on. “But he also needs to work. He’s not happy, but he’s staying at home to take care of me. He needs a challenge, but he won’t do it without me by his side. The club seemed to be the perfect opportunity for him—for us—to work together and build something we could be proud of.”

  Scott’s body shook. Jarod knew there were tears coming, but Scott was clearly trying to hold them in.

  “I know you’re hurt and angry. I understand it.”

  “You don’t know anything,” Scott said stridently.

  “Okay, maybe you could tell me then so I know.”

  Scott’s posture relaxed. “Ben was ashamed of me tonight. The way I acted reflected badly on him. He didn’t say as much, but I know it.”

  Jarod considered his words. “No, I don’t think he is. Your Master is a good man. He understands that you’re upset. He wouldn’t hold it against you.”

  Scott’s shoulders sagged, and he sat on the edge of the bed. After a moment, Jarod joined him. Scott stared at the rug. “He brought me in here to talk. He told me he understood how much I love you, and he said he knew I was hurting, but then he asked me if I really wanted you to stay and put your life on hold because of me.” Scott’s jaw clenched. “I want to say yes. I want to be selfish and say that you need to be here, but I can’t, because I wouldn’t be a friend if I did that.”

  “Thank you for that,” Jarod said quietly, extending a hand toward him.

  Scott gazed at it for a second or two and then took it. “But I don’t want you to go. I know we haven’t known each other that long. Hell, even Ben was surprised when I said I wanted it to be you that stood with me when we got married. But there’s a connection between us that I can’t explain. I love my friends, but you’re different. You’re the man I wish my father had been. The one
who had been there when I was growing up. Who would have accepted me for what I am, not insisted I be something else. And I admit, now that I have it, I don’t want to lose that.”

  Jarod smiled and pulled Scott into a hug. “You’re not losing it. I promise. London is only a few hours away by car and an hour by jet. And our company owns a private jet, so I could come anytime you needed me. Or if you and your Master need a vacation, you could come visit me. We’re not going to let a little thing like distance separate us, Scott. You’re my family too. I can’t lose you.”

  They sat quietly for a few minutes, just holding one another. A knock, then the door opened.

  “Everything okay in here?” Ben asked.

  Scott glanced at Jarod and then nodded to Ben. “Yes, Sir. Everything is fine.”

  “Then we should be going. You have class tomorrow. Alex and Leo are getting ready to go if you want to say good-bye.”

  “Okay.” Scott gave Jarod a warm smile. “Thanks for coming to talk to me.” He stood and walked toward the door, then turned around. “Ben? Did you know Jarod has a jet? And he said we could come visit him in London if we wanted. How cool is that?”

  Then like a little blur, he was gone.

  “I’m sorry about his behavior….” Ben began. “He needs structure, and he doesn’t react well when something threatens it. His parents did a number on him, and he tends to cling to the familiar. He’s a lot better now that we’re together, but he still has his moments.”

  Jarod rose to his feet. “Honestly, sir, there isn’t any need to apologize. I knew Scott would be upset. It might have gone better if I’d talked to him before we made the announcement, but I have to admit, I didn’t know what to say. Scott—all the boys—mean the world to me. In all the time I was with Phillip, I never once touched the money he left me. When these boys accepted me into their lives, I couldn’t believe it. Then after the heart attack, it became important for me to leave them something so they could make their marks on the world as they did in my life.”