Sammy's Place

Sammy's Place - 1

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher.

Sammy's Place TOP SHELF An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers PO Box 2545 Round Rock, TX 78680 Copyright 2008 © by Sean Michael Cover illustration by Pluto Published with permission ISBN: 978-1-60370-550-9, 1-60370-550-3 www.torquerepress.com All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information address Torquere Press. Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680. First Torquere Press Printing: December 2008 Printed in the USA

Sammy's Place - 2

Chapter One

Man, the sun was just getting brighter and brighter every day. Sammy pushed his sunglasses up, heading across the street. He loved it here -- the beach, the bustle, the beautiful people -- but sometimes it would be nice to just have a few thousand days of gloom, like they had up in the Bay. Jase was sitting out in the courtyard of Bee's Buzz, the little deli-cum-coffee shop that just happened to be halfway between the copy center where he worked and the alternative school that Jase taught at in the mornings. It was a stupid extravagance, his weekly lunch, but he needed it. Needed to see Jason. Needed to believe someone still cared. "Jase! Buddy!" He waved, sliding in the gate, keeping his face to sun. It would keep the glasses looking dark, keep Jase from seeing the remains of Monday's argument with William. Jason beamed at him and waved back, face all lit up at seeing him. "Sammy! Come sit." He hurried over, needing a hug so badly he couldn't bear it. "Oh, I hated that I missed last week. William wanted me to go with him." Jason stood and slid thin arms around him, hugging him tight. "He has you on such a short leash, Sammy." "Yeah. Yeah, I know. He just... He worries." He kissed Jase's cheek and pulled them over to a table. "Did you order starters yet?" He wasn't going to waste his afternoon out worrying about William and all his fucking issues. Jase sat across from him. "I did! Bruschetta and garlic bread and cheese dip with those little homemade breads. All your favorites."

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"You're too good for me." He was glad of the glasses. He fucking hated getting all stupid. "How's Harry?" "Harry is fine, and you stop with this too good for me stuff." Jase reached out and took his hand, squeezing it. "You're my best friend, Sammy; I love you." "I love you, man. So, tell me, are they going to take you full-time at the school yet?" Four years after graduation and neither one of them was working full-time in his field. At least Jase had Harry and Harry had a condo. He was... well, currently he was paying William for rent in a craptastic little walkup. "Not yet." Jase rolled his eyes. "They're 'grooming' me. Which I'm beginning to think means stringing me along." "Assholes. I'm never going to be more than a glorified cashier at Jim's. I keep applying at museums and stuff, but no one wants an art history guy. I should have listened to you and gotten an accounting degree." "They don't know what they're missing, Sammy. When someone finally realizes your talent, they're going to snap you up. And that reminds me." Jase stopped and waited for the waitress to put their starters down in front of them. "Did you boys want to order your entrees?" "The starters are enough for me, thanks. I'll save room for dessert." "Are you sure, Sammy?" He nodded and Jase smiled up at the waitress. "Well, I want the Cobb salad, please. And we'll both have a glass of white wine." Once she'd gone, Jase picked up their conversation like it hadn't been interrupted. "There's a few sales in the neighborhood on Saturday. You could sleep over Friday night and we could go earlyearly, see if we can find some wonderful goodies." Sammy settled back, nibbling at some toast and cheese. "Are you and Harry going to the big Halloween ball at the Oil Can? I hear the theme is leather. Harry could wear those pants you bought him." Right, like Harrison ever wore those. It'd been fun, though, him and Jase in LA, shopping and goofing off. Jase giggled. "We'll go, but I will pay you a hundred dollars if you can convince Harry to wear those pants." "He could dress like a cop. It'd be fucking amazing!" He bounced a little, clapping. The dull ache in his lower back reminded him that if he was going to that party, he wouldn't be dancing and flirting, that was for sure.

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Man, he needed to get away from Will. Really.

"That would be great." Jase tilted his head. "You okay, Sammy?"

"Yeah. Sure, honey." He caught himself shaking his head.

Jason's lips thinned. "No, you're not."

"Don't, huh? This is the best part of my whole week."

"Oh, Sammy." Jase squeezed his hand. "I'll drop it now if you'll come home with me, talk to me

and Harry tonight about what's going on."

"I. I can't, honey. He'll be home tonight." He swallowed hard, shook his head. "I'll figure it out,

honey. I swear, but not tonight."

"Sammy, that's just what I'm worried about -- you can't come because he'll be home tonight. Will

doesn't own you."

"No, but..." He pulled his sunglasses down, letting Jason see his face with the bruises, the blood

vessels broken in one eye. "I can't, don't you get it?"

"Sam!" Jase jumped up and grabbed some money out of his wallet, putting it on the table. "You

have to come with me, Sammy."

"No. No, honey. Please. Please, sit down and eat your salad."

"No. No, I won't sit down. Sammy, you have to come with me right now." Jase looked around,

tugging at him. "He hurt you. And I don't mean that BSMD-y stuff you're into. I mean really hurt

you."

"You don't understand. I'm trying to find a way to..." He sighed as a police car pulled up, Harry

at the wheel. "What? Did you plan this?" Was it some weird-assed intervention?

Jase shook his head and waved at Harry to come over. "No, Sam. I swear we didn't plan

anything. Harry's worried about you too, though."

Harry was frowning, Jason's huge lover unfolding himself from the cruiser. "Y'all cain't be done

yet, huh? I was hoping I could con y'all into letting me share dessert."

Jase hovered over him, hand held out to Harry. "I'm so glad you're here, Harry. Look. He hit

Sammy. That man hurt him."

"Sammy?"

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Oh, for fuck's sake. Now Jason had the big good ole boy all weird.

"Guys. Please. I need to go. Really." He could handle William.

"Down to the station? Great. Even to our house. You're not going back to that piece of shit

bastard." Harry got all puffy.

Jason nodded, tugged on his arm again. "Harry's right. Please, Sammy. You need to come with

us. You can't let him keep hurting you."

"God damn it. I'm not a fucking kid." And it wasn't like he was just taking it. "I have to make

plans."

"Absolutely," Harry nodded, looking at him. "You're not a kid and this isn't a joke. Come to the

house and you can make your plan surrounded by friends."

Jase knelt in front of him, eyes pleading. "Come home with us, Sammy, please? I don't

understand why you would stay with someone who hurts you like this!"

"Get up! Jesus fucking Christ. Harry! Get him up. Let's go!" Jason could be a fucking drama

queen.

"You'll come back with us? Oh, good, Sammy. Good!" Jase bounded up and grabbed his hand.

"We can ride with Harry. Right, Harry?"

"Right, babe. In the car, you two. We'll grab greasy burgers on the way home." Harry just

fucking pushed and manhandled and he was in the back seat of the cruiser, Jason holding him.

His glasses were gone, Jason's fingers ghosting over his skin. "Poor baby. Oh, Sammy, how long

has this been going on?"

"I'm okay, just sore, honey. Please. We had a couple of fights, that's all." A couple of fights, a

hundred screaming matches, and a few down-and-out brawls.

"Fights? And how many black eyes does Will have, Sammy?" Jase's fingers slid through his hair,

pushing it back off his face. "I have some defrosted steak at home. It'll help with the bruising."

"William's just... a bully. My things are over at his place. I don't have anywhere to move to. I

need some time, Jase. I really do."

"You can stay with me and Harry until you find somewhere else, and Harry will go with you to

get your things. Things, Sammy! They aren't worth sticking around and getting hurt for!"

"No. Jack and Frank will come with me and we'll get your things." Harry looked up in the

mirror. "You should press charges, Sammy. That shit's illegal."

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Jase nodded, holding him tight. "Yes. Press charges, Sammy. That's a wonderful idea." Jase

beamed over at Harry.

"That's ridiculous!" He wasn't going to make a big deal out of this. He was just going to leave

William.

"I don't have to have you to do it, Sam." Harry sounded so... penal. "I can arrest him just for the way you look." "Your poor face." Jase petted his face, fussing over him.

"I don't understand why you'd let anyone treat you like this." Jase leaned in. "The sex can't be

that good."

"At least it's something, Jase." He closed his eyes. "God, I should've just..."

"Babe, leave him be. Just love on him, huh? Sammy's had a bad few days. You hurt anywhere

else?"

"Just bruised."

Jase's arms came back around him, petting gently. "I'm going to draw you a bath when we get

home, love. I've got this new milk lotion. It'll feel wonderful. We'll have a couple glasses of

wine, some cookies..."

"Don't be nice to me, honey." He leaned, closed his eyes. "Your policeman will think we're both

flaming queens." And he was so tempted just to let someone take care of him for a minute.

"Well, if the foo shits, Sammy."

"Oh, Sammy, he's going to think that anyway. We might as well be hung for sheep as lambs."

Jase made a face. "Isn't that a terrible expression?"

"Dork." He shook his head, furious that he was tearing up. "I'm sorry, guys. I really am." He was

the biggest fuckup in the history of fuckups.

"Sammy, we're your friends, you don't have to apologize." Jase snuggled him close, almost

rocking him. "A nice bath, some wine and cookies. A snuggle in front of a movie... when's the

last time we did something like that? I'll tell you when, it was before Will. I should have known

something was wrong when he kept stopping you from hanging out with your friends."

"He says that I'm too close to you, honey. That it's fucked up." That he was secretly in love with

Jase. Like it was a secret. He loved Jason to death. Harry, too.

"It is not fucked up!" Jason harrumphed. "Has Harry ever said anything like that about us?"

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"I don't know." Harry snorted. "Bullshit, Sammy. You know you're dear to me. Hell, even if you weren't, you're Jase's friend." "See! Harry understands. He never once tried to make us stop being friends, even when I told him you and I slept together. Will's the one who's fucked up, Sammy. I think he was scared if you hung out with me and Harry too much, we'd notice him hurting you. Oh, Sammy. I'm sorry. I should have noticed sooner." "Stop it, Jase. I got into a motherfucking fight. I didn't lie down and let him beat me up." Jase flinched at his words, backing off a little. One hand stayed on his thigh, though, still

stroking softly, comfortingly. "I'm sorry."

"Jase. Babe. This isn't your fault. Chill." Harry looked back as he pulled into a fast food joint.

"This isn't about fault. This is about making sure Sammy gets a chance to heal up and rest, huh?" "It's all William's fault, anyway." Jase pouted for another moment and then pressed close again, arm coming around his shoulders. "His name will not cross my lips again, Sammy. Let’s just have some fun. You like the bath idea, right? Harry, make sure you get us dessert, too." "A real bath sounds like heaven. I'm so fucking tired, Jase. Bone deep." He closed his eyes, rested. "A bath and desserts and you can have the spare room. I'll snuggle with you." Jase was already starting the cuddling. "Promise?" He put his sunglasses back on, knowing that the tears were right there. "He might come, Harry. He'll be pissed."

Harry growled, actually growled. "You don't have to worry about that, Sammy."

"It's our home, Sammy. Harry won't let anything happen to you there." Jase leaned forward a

minute. "Harry, don't forget the fries. They're more important than the burger."

"I won't, babe. I know you both."

Jase patted Harry's shoulder and then moved back again, head on his shoulder. Jase took his

hand, squeezed gently. "I bought Labyrinth the other day. We can watch it later on."

"You just think David Bowie's a stud." They all chuckled, and then Harry ordered -- mustard, onions and pickles for Harry, ketchup and lettuce for Jase, and tomatoes for him. "I'm starving," Jase said as they rolled forward to the window to pay and pick up their food.

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"And David Bowie is a stud, especially in those leggings he wears in that movie. Almost as studly as Harry in his uniform." "Uh-huh. You're just in love."

Jase didn't even blush, just gave him a goofy grin, eyes going to Harry in the front of the squad

car. "Yeah. Just a little."

Yeah.

Just a little.

Sammy closed his eyes, let himself wish for a minute that someone felt that way about him.

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Chapter Two

Peter locked up the store and walked the two blocks to the Hen and Hound pub, checking his watch as he went. He was running a little late, which he hated, but it wasn't good form to kick out customers who were lingering. In the end they hadn't bought anything, but they'd be back; he was good at reading people. It was a lovely warm evening, the sun only just beginning to go down, making it an enjoyable walk. It also meant there weren't many people in the pub yet, and he was able to pick Harry out easily, waiting for him at the bar. Smiling, he made his way over, asking Jim for a draft as he sat on the barstool next to his friend. "Hey, Harry. How's your week been?" "Not bad. This whole Indian summer thing's been nice. You sold a bunch of shit at the store?" The big, beefy cop grinned over at him, as honest and decent as the day was long. Really, it should be irritating. But he found himself grinning back. "Nah. They were just looking. They'll be back, though -they're that snooty kind that will appreciate the fact I didn't kick them out when the time came to close up. And they had money to burn." He thanked Jim for the beer as it landed in front of him. "I am sorry to be late, though." "Eh. Jase is up to his ears with his best friend. I'm not in a hurry to get home." His eyebrow rose up. "Trouble in paradise?" He could hardly believe it; Jase and Harry were so in love it could rot your teeth. The laugh he got just filled up the entire barroom, people stopping to grin. "Lord, no. Sammy's Jase's old college roommate. Guy's into some freaky-deaky sex stuff, you know? Got in with this guy who beat him up, and he's staying at our place and trying to be all macho about it." "Freaky-deaky?" Harry was also the most vanilla man he knew, which is why he'd yet to mention

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his own proclivities, but he knew freaky-deaky could mean anything. "I don't think there's any sex stuff that advocates beating someone 'up.'" "You know it, man. I mean, Sammy's a sweetheart, you know? But he's into heavy stuff, and I just..." Harry sighed, shrugged. "I'm just trying to help him, because this ain't right." "What kind of heavy stuff?" He had to ask. He was a leatherman himself, though he was quite discreet about it. "I don't know, really. Jason and him, they used to sleep together and stuff, but Jase couldn't give him whatever he wanted and, well, then Jase got me." That shit-eating grin flashed again. "I think Sammy just needs someone to take care of him a little bit and let him do a little taking care himself." Christ, Harry was a good-hearted man, but simple as salt. "Isn't that what we're all looking for in the end? Well, obviously not this asshole who's beating your friend up. But the rest of us." He waved Jim over and asked for a basket of wings. He was hungry. "Yep. Some chips and queso, too, man? Thanks." Harry nodded and grinned, clapping Jim on the arm and making the bartender blush and flutter. Peter grinned and finished his beer. "So are you at loose ends this weekend, then?" "Friday night, yeah. We're hitting that big Halloween party at the Oil Can on Saturday. Jason's going as a priest." "And what are you going as?" Harry rolled his eyes. "The theme is leather. Jason wants me to wear these uncomfortable pants he got me last year. I think I ought to go in uniform. At least I'd be comfortable." "Oh, I'd pay money to see you in leather pants, Harry." He would, too. A leather party could be fun. "Shit. Those things are tight as hell. You oughtta come out with us, though. I got a hotel suite at the Marriott so no one has to drive. There's room." "I just might take you up on that, Harry. I have leather pants, so I would fit in..." He watched Harry's face as he said it. "Better you than me, man." Harry blushed, grinned, and reached for his beer. "You want to meet us at the Marriott at six? I want to make sure everybody gets some food in him. Sammy's like a stick." "Sure, that sounds great. I haven't had a good steak in far too long." It could be fun, flaunting the leather for a change.

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"Cool." Harry nodded, then stilled a second. "Oh. Now, to be fair, I don't know whether Sammy's ex'll show. I mean, that fucker's really pissed. Me and half the force went to fetch Sammy's stuff." "Sounds like you could use someone with a good right hook along with you, then." He hated people who used the lifestyle as an excuse to knock their lovers about. "You know it, buddy. Jase is a good 'un, but I'd like to know you had my back." Peter chuckled. Jase was a sweetheart, but he was a lightweight. "I'll be there, Harry. But you're buying the steaks."

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Chapter Three

"I'm going to go back to the room, honey." Sammy wasn't dressed up. He wasn't having fun and

he wasn't in the mood to blow everyone else's night.

Harry was hanging out with somebody pretending to be a leatherdaddy. Jason looked beautiful in

the frock coat, and what little food Sammy'd eaten at supper hadn't settled.

"Oh, no, Sammy! No, please. Harry, I'm going to go dance with Sammy." Jase had that worried,

sad look in his eyes again.

"Jase. Grab Harry. He's been checking you out all evening." He found a smile for Jason, patted

his arm. "Go. Dance. Shake your groove thing."

Harry's pretend leatherdaddy friend came over, giving him and Jase a soft smile. "I was

wondering if you wanted to dance?"

"I." Sammy started to shake his head -- he really was in the middle of a huge pout -- but then the

music changed to something fun and light-hearted and yeah. Yeah, he sort of wanted to dance.

"Come on. A pretty little thing like you should be out on the dance floor, shaking your ass."

"Fuck, I'm not pretty, but yeah. I'll have a dance." He stood and took the guy's hand, heading

them out.

The hand in his was warm and smooth, strong. It was almost a shame to drop it so they could

dance.

He started moving, closing his eyes and just going with it, rocking and bopping away. It was like

being in his own fucking world. A hand landed on his hip, fingers curling around, tugging him

into leatherdaddy's space.

Sammy blinked, the touch surprising him a little. "Hey."

Leatherdaddy smiled down at him. "You really lose yourself in the music."

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"You have to lose yourself somewhere." Another wave of sadness hit him and he sighed. "You know, I'm going to go. I hope you have a great night. Tell Jase... Fuck, tell him I found someone to go home with. That'll keep him from worrying." "That's it? I get thirty seconds of dancing, and you're in your own little world for twenty-five of those, and then you're off?" Leatherdaddy shook his head. "If you don't want to dance, that's fine. But then let me buy you a cup of coffee." Oh, man. "I'm sorry. Really. I just." Somebody bumped into him and he stepped into strong arms, both of them still moving, dancing.

The guy smelled like leather, and he was strong, chest muscles solid against him, the arms

around him holding him loosely, but somehow securely. "That's more like it."

"You smell good." The words escaped him, like he'd had way too many. Jesus.

He got a slow smile for it, though, one that went right to the man's eyes. "Thank you. I love the

smell of leather, myself."

Sammy nodded, moving easily, being led so well that he didn't have to think, he could just move.

"I'm Peter, by the way."

"Sammy. I'm Jason's old roommate." Peter -- great name for a gay man, really.

"Samuel. It's good to meet you." Peter pulled him around smoothly, out of the way of two guys

who were starting to get a little too enthusiastic with their dance moves.

"Thanks."

Peter was tall, hair dark like his, but not a mop. Not messy. Not like a forest creature. Jesus.

"So how come you're not dressed up?"

"I didn't feel like pretending to be happy."

"And why aren't you happy?"

"How the fuck should I know?" He laughed, the sound bitter in his ears. "People are unhappy.

It's the natural state of being."

One eyebrow went up. "I disagree. I also would prefer it if you didn't curse. Such foul language

should not come out of such a lovely man."

Well, what the fuck did you say to something like that?

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"I." He stopped dancing, stared. He'd just gotten away from someone who didn't like who the

fuck he was, who couldn't believe he did anything right. "I have to go."

Sammy turned and ran, making it about three-quarters of the way to the door before his arm was

grabbed, squeezed hard enough that he cried out. "You sent the police to my house, you little

prick."

Oh.

Oh, God.

William started walking him out the door, fingers grinding against his bone, pain making him

breathless. "You come with me. Now. And maybe I won't hurt your little fuckbuddy friend."

Oh, God.

Their way was suddenly blocked by Peter, the man looking intimidating in his leather, with that

frown on his face. "Excuse me, but he was leaving with me."

"Who the fuck are you, asshole?" William shook him, banging him against a support column,

making his ears ring. "You fucking whore! You couldn't make it a month!"

Peter didn't reply, not with words. One hand balled into a fist and slammed into William's face.

"Sammy!" He heard Jason's scream just about the time William shoved him hard, sending him

careening into a bunch of tables, his chin hitting the edge of one hard enough that things got

fuzzy.

Hands landed on him, making him cringe until he realized it wasn't William. "Sammy!" Jase's

fingers ran gently over his chin. "Are you hurt anywhere else? Can you stand? Come on, we have

to go."

"I. He'll hurt you. He'll hurt you, Jase."

Jase shook his head, helping him up. "No, Harry and Peter are taking care of him. Now come on.

We need to go up to the suite, so Harry knows we're safe."

"But your party..." He was going to be sick or something.

Jase rolled his eyes. "Don't be stupid, Sammy, you're more important than a party."

Harry's hand wrapped around his arm and he cried out, so sore. "Jesus! Sammy! Come on, let's

get you seen by someone."

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"No! No more! Leave me alone!" All these people were staring at him and there were flashing

lights and the music was blaring and...

He took off at a dead run, intent on getting out. Now. He made it out the door, the cold night air

hitting him.

"Samuel." A voice rang out, not William's, but low and strong, commanding. "Stop."

He stumbled, feet slowing. "Leave me alone. Please."

"Running away isn't going to help, Samuel. Stop running right now."

Sammy came to rest in the alley, leaning on the bricks, tears hot on his cheeks.

Peter's hand cupped his cheek, gentle and warm, thumb sliding to remove the tears as they fell.

"I." He what? Was sorry? Scared? Sick? Needed to go home? What?

"Come to Harry's suite with me, Samuel. It'll be quiet and we can sit together, talk, whatever."

"Okay..." He nodded, head just throbbing. "I need some water, I think. Did. Did he hurt you?"

Peter looked down at his knuckles. "They're a bit bruised. Asshole had a hard head, but I'm fine."

Taking Sammy's hand, Peter looped it through his arm and headed back to the hotel.

"I'm sorry." He couldn't seem to get his shit together. He just followed, eyes on the ground,

shaken deep inside.

"You don't need to apologize to me."

Peter led him back to the Marriott, bypassing everything and everyone until they were at the

elevator. He just stood, holding his arm, blood on his pretty lavender shirt. Blood and tears.

The elevator came and Peter led him on, pushed a button. "I'm sorry, you'll have to take the next

one," Peter told a woman with big hair and playboy bunny ears. She was gaping, staring at him

as the doors closed.

"You have to think I'm a loser." He leaned his forehead against the slick metal door.

"I think you've lost your way. I think you've been hurt. I think I'd like to make up for some of

that and help you find yourself again." God, he could feel those eyes staring at him.

"Why? Why the fuck would anyone want me right now?"

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"Because beneath all the crying and the hurting and the lack of confidence is a beautiful man. I'm

going to find him."

The elevator stopped, doors sliding open silently. "Which way?" Peter asked. "I have a key, but I

met you guys in the restaurant."

"Down here." He slapped the tears off his cheeks and led Peter to the room. His fingers were shaking so hard he dropped the card. Twice.

Peter picked it up the second time it happened and handed it over, looking into his eyes. "Take a

deep breath and slide the key through, Samuel."

"Nobody calls me Samuel." He took a deep breath, the action settling him, and he managed the door lock. "I do," Peter said simply, pushing the door open for him.

The suite was nice without being froufrou and he headed for the wet bar, turning on the faucet to

clean his face off.

Peter followed, grabbing a cloth and getting it wet. "Let me help with that. You're going to have an ugly bruise." "It'll match the others."

"Where else are you hurt?" Peter asked, cloth moving gently on his face, not gently enough not

to hurt, but careful.

"From tonight? My arm." His eyes closed, chin lifting.

"From tonight." The words were clipped. "Samuel. Harry told me you were into the lifestyle.

Well, I believe he called it 'freaky-deaky sex stuff,' but that's not what any of this is about. That

man abused you, and if he called it BDSM, then he was lying." The gentle touches continued

through the speech.

"I don't. I mean. It's not. I." He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, no. You don't have to apologize to me, Samuel. You and I have only just met. May I ask

you a personal question?" Peter asked, fingers moving over his arm, carefully examining where

William had grabbed him.

"Okay." The skin was already bruised black, the flesh seeming to throb.

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"Can you move this arm? That's not the personal question, by the way, I want to make sure he didn't break any bones." "Nothing broke. It's just sore." He stepped away a little, rolled his shoulder. "I'm okay." "All right. But we should get some ice on it, and if starts swelling too badly, you'll need to get it looked at by a professional." Peter opened the little fridge, finding an ice cube tray in the freezer portion. "What is it you're into? That was the personal question." "Into?" He saw a beer in the fridge and grabbed it. He was shaken, bone deep. He'd shared a little with Jason -- nothing deep, just that he liked strong men, liked to play. Harry and Jason didn't get it, though. Hell, he didn't either, obviously. "Well, I figure something as simple as using dildos would constitute freaky-deaky to Harry. But there's a whole gamut of things, from spanking to bondage to bloodplay and everything in between." He stared at Peter, beer half-opened, and started laughing. "Oh. Oh, fuck. Can you see Harry, faced with a dildo?" Oh, Peter had a nice laugh, low and friendly, and it didn't feel like Peter was laughing at him. "I can. I think I might have to amend my Christmas list, because that would be priceless." "Wouldn't it? Or. Or one of those plugs with the lions' heads that look like door knockers?" Oh. Oh, God. Funny. "Oh, yes. It sounds like you know your toys. I'll have to take you shopping with me." He caught himself nodding, and then he went to sit. "What do you do, Peter? I mean, for a living. Are you a cop, too?" "No, I own an antique shop, soon to be a fleet of antique shops. Harry and I met over a bashing. He's a good man." Peter grabbed a pillowcase and filled it with the ice, twisting off the top and bringing it over to put on his arm. "Oh, wow." He almost fluttered. "My degree is art history. I focused on furniture; did my senior work on horseman's chairs and bergeres." Someone who might actually care about what he loved. "You're kidding!" Peter sat and leaned in. "I have several in the shop and I'm hoping to acquire more. Some singles, but the pairs are what everyone wants, of course."

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"That and original upholstery, yeah? I got to go to New York and do a tour of a number of houses..." Before he knew it, they were talking shop, both of them laughing and involved. The door to the suite opened and a cop and a priest stood there, grinning. "They look fine, babe. Let's go back down and dance." Peter smiled and waved at their friends. "Harry, you never said Samuel was an art historian!" The man laughed and smiled at him. "Go on and enjoy the party; Samuel and I are going to talk shop awhile longer." Jase came over and wrapped him in a hug, gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You look happy, Sammy," whispered Jase before dropping another kiss on his cheek and going back to Harry. Sammy smiled over at Jase, nodded. "I'm good. You two have fun." Harry laughed, "We will. Don't wait up, guys." One huge hand patted Jase's ass. "Let's go play, babe. More dancing." "I'm going to go into sugar overload," Peter noted as he watched the door close behind Harry and Jase. "They're dear, but it doesn't seem real, how easy it is between them." He wasn't sure he wanted something that... uncomplicated. "You need a little more than just someone to love?" Peter asked. "You need to be challenged maybe? Brought out of yourself." "Maybe. I." He shook his head, finished his beer. "I like to... It's hard to explain. Sometimes I just need someone." "Do you like being tied up, Samuel?" Peter leaned in again, eyes intent this time, intense. "You would look amazing in ropes. Blue, red, black and white, depending on the occasion. Holding you still, holding you bound and exposed. Like a piece of art. But one that can most definitely be touched." "I." He couldn't stop the nod; he couldn't. He loved being bound and touched, being made to feel, being opened and filled and spanked and seen and... No. No, stop it. Peter smiled, seeing his nod. "Yes. You'd like that. What else do you like, Samuel? Shall we find out together?" Peter stood and held out a hand. "There's no reason this evening can't end as well for you and me as it's going to for Harry and Jase." "I don't. I don't know you. I. I'm not ready to be hurt again." His hand, though, it pressed into Peter's.

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Peter's fingers curled around his, warm and solid. "Give me your safeword, Samuel. And I will not do anything that you don't want me to do. Harry trusted me enough to leave you alone with me." "He did. It's ‘neon.' I'm scared. How did you know about me?" Harry and Jason didn't know this about him. "I've been watching you all evening, Samuel. You don't hide any of it well, not to someone who knows what to look for." Peter's hand squeezed his, and he was led toward the bedrooms. "Neon? All right. If I do anything that you want me to stop, that's too much, just say 'neon' and I will respect that. There will be no punishment for saying it, either, and I will never hit you because I don't think you're 'playing' right." "I. Do you have a lover? I don't. I don't believe in cheating." He and Jason snuggled now, held each other, but Harry knew. Hell, Harry encouraged their friendship. "If I had a lover, I wouldn't be here with you now." Peter shrugged. "I've had a couple. Nobody very serious, and most of the time I pick people up at the Scarlet Rose or the Hammer. One day I'll find someone I want for more than a night or two." The first bedroom had a king-sized bed and Peter moved on to the next one, which had a queen. "Oh, this is perfect." "I. I told Jason I'd sleep on the sofa, let you have the bed." He wasn't paying for the room anyway. "When we're done, if you still want to sleep on the sofa, I won't stop you." Peter drew him into the room, eyes burning into him. "Okay." He reached back, closed the bedroom door. Okay. *** Peter was almost vibrating. He hadn't been so drawn to someone in a long time. He knew a part of his emotion was left over from the anger at how William had treated Samuel, but most of it was from the vibes flowing from Samuel. Such need to be touched, to be bound, and perhaps spanked, fucked. To be taken and bent beneath someone else's will, beneath his will. He took a breath as the door closed, and then squeezed Samuel's hand and drew him in close, staring into needy eyes. Samuel was undisciplined, untutored, but he would glow beneath the right hand, Peter was sure of it. Bending slowly, he brought their mouths together. Samuel shuddered, eyes searching his as they

Sammy's Place - 20

shared a sweet, closed-mouthed kiss. He didn't look away; he wouldn't. He could feel Samuel's

need to be seen.

He pressed a second kiss on Samuel's lips, his fingers sliding to Samuel's waistband and tugging

his shirt out of his pants.

"I'm scared." No. No, Samuel was excited. He could see it. Feel it.

"Exhilarating, isn't it?" He pushed Samuel's shirt up over his head, wincing at the fading bruises

that were not the result of a fun, mutually pleasurable beating.

His gorge rose, but he pushed the anger away. Samuel was fragile enough to believe it was

aimed at him.

"I bruise." Samuel's hands fluttered, trying to hide. "It's fucking embarrassing."

"Your skin was made for marking. But not this random crap from being beaten up. Real marking.

Rope burns and hickeys, whip marks, handprints, the wide, deep bruises of the flogger..." He let

his words fade away, gauging Samuel's reaction.

He could smell the need, see it in Samuel's skin, in the way that lean belly went tight. Oh,

someone needed someone like him.

"My hand tonight. I didn't bring anything with me." He wished he had; the thought of Samuel

tied up in ropes had his prick pushing hard at his leathers.

On the other hand, perhaps it was for the best; he would sit with Samuel over his lap, let that

pretty body rub and know he was right there.

He took off his own vest and shirt, leaving his pants on. Samuel's had to come off, though, and, holding Samuel's eyes, he undid the man's belt and worked open his top button. "I don't. I don't know if I can." Samuel's cock was full and throbbing, fighting its way out to him. "You can." And if it was too much, Samuel would safeword and he'd stop. They could build some trust with a simple spanking. He pushed Samuel's pants down over his hips, groaning as his hand wrapped around Samuel's heat. He could smell it now, smell the needy, musky scent, and his mouth crashed down onto Samuel's, this kiss full and half-wild. Samuel cried out, pressed close to him, hips jerking. How long had it been since someone offered this man pleasure? He didn't believe in setting anyone up for failure, and so he stroked Samuel with hard tugs of his

Sammy's Place - 21

hand over the hard flesh. "You can come as often as you need to, whenever you need to," he offered. "You. You have the best. Your hands." "Get used to them, Samuel -- they're going to get to know every inch of you, inside and out." He had a sudden vision of Samuel bound to his bed, ropes making a fascinating pattern on the lovely, pale skin, his hand buried to the wrist inside Samuel's body. His rhythm sped, his thumb pressing against the back of Samuel's cockhead. "I. I need. Oh." Samuel arched, lips parted, heat splashing on his wrist. There. There, that had to be better. He kept working Samuel's prick, getting shudders out of the slender body; then he slowed his strokes, and finally stopped. "I can smell you." He wanted to taste, too, so he brought his hand up and tasted Samuel's spunk. Samuel moaned, gasping. "I. That's hot. Really." He smiled. "You taste good." He held his hand to Samuel's mouth, giving him a chance to taste himself. "Oh. Oh, fuck." Samuel leaned in, black curls bobbing as his fingers were licked clean. "You're right -- that's hot." He turned his fingers once they were clean, stroking Samuel's face. The lean cheeks went pink, but that little tongue didn't slow. He reached for Samuel's face with his other hand, stroking the fine features, tracing them. "I... I know I look like a weird woodland creature. I can't help it." "A weird woodland creature?" Where did Samuel come up with stuff like that? He cupped Samuel's face in both hands and tilted it up to look into wide eyes. "You look like a beautiful man." "I can see. I see Jason and Harry, even you. I don't... I can't fucking compare." "Stop that. When a person pays you a compliment, you say 'thank you,' you don't try to convince them they're wrong. And I promise you, one day you'll believe it." How many Williams had it taken to make Samuel believe so little of himself? "You don't have to compliment me. I'm not going to run." One of his eyebrows went up. "Samuel. I don't have to do anything, least of all compliment you. And yet I'm here. I've just jacked you off, I've complimented you, and I'm about to sit on the bed, put you over my knee, and spank the hell out of your ass. Stop trying to convince me otherwise."

Sammy's Place - 22

Those amazing dark eyes went wide, Samuel's mouth opening and closing, over and over. "I. I

don't. I've never met anyone like you. Ever."

"No, I imagine not. But you've met me now." He sat, tugging Samuel's pants down the rest of the

way. Then he patted his lap. "Assume the position. And make sure that pretty little cock goes

between my legs."

"Just like that?" Samuel hung back, chewing on his bottom lip. "No tricks, right?"

"I don't want to hurt you or trick you, Samuel. I want to spank your ass until you come."

"And you're into that, huh?" Samuel took a step forward, then another.

He pointed to the bulge in his pants, his cock still fighting to punch through the leather. "There's

the proof."

Those sweet lips parted, a soft moan sounding. "That's... that's fine."

"Mmm... and once I've reddened your ass, I'll let you see. Maybe even touch and taste. Come on,

Samuel." He patted his lap again, watching the skinny body.

Samuel leaned and stretched, belly warm on his thighs. "I'm going to shake apart."

"Is that a good thing?" He closed his legs around Samuel's cock so it would rub against the

leather, and he stroked the pretty, sweet ass.

"I don't know." Samuel spread, the pale skin delicate and unmarked. There was a tattoo on Samuel's shoulder -- a pale, perfect fleur-de-lis. "Oh, here's a mark that was intentional." He traced it with his free hand, still rubbing Samuel's ass, letting the anticipation build.

"Yes. Yes, Jason has one, too. We got it together. He and Harry have one that's only theirs."

"What a wonderful idea."

A tattoo. Harry. Hard to believe. And totally irrelevant right now.

He raised his hand and brought it down hard across Samuel's ass. Samuel gasped, hips jerking,

rolling up toward his hand. Oh, yes. So responsive. He'd known Samuel would be like this. He

spanked Samuel again, feeling the heat where their skin met.

"Don't stop. Please." Oh, that was sweet as candy, that deep, needy cry.

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"I won't stop, Samuel." Not when the pale ass started showing up pink handprints, not when

Samuel's ass pushed up to meet each of the blows. Not when they were both getting off on it.

He squeezed Samuel's prick between his legs a little bit harder and sped up the rhythm of his

blows.

The dark curls tossed, Samuel beginning to gasp, groan. "Oh. Oh, I. It's too big. Too good..."

"You're allowed to come, Samuel. This is all about the pleasure tonight. We'll play with control

another time."

"Yes..." The cry rang out, Samuel bucking, thrusting, and fucking his thighs.

Peter matched Samuel's rhythm, hand coming down on that sweet ass over and over, his hand

beginning to burn deep beneath the skin.

He saw when Samuel shot, that thin back going a deep pink, those hips stopped still as they were

caught in pleasure. He stopped hitting, rubbing his hand over Samuel's ass instead, the heat under

his hand incredible.

Samuel gasped and groaned, sobbing just a little. One last tap to Samuel's ass and he hauled the

slender body up, bringing Samuel into his arms.

The thin cheeks were flushed, Samuel breathing hard, shaking in his arms. "Th... thank you."

"Mmm." He kissed the top of Samuel's head, stroking the fine skin. "You're welcome, Samuel.

And thank you."

Samuel cuddled into his arms, ass hot on his thighs, poor bruised body relaxed.

"Will you stay the night with me, Samuel? Will you sleep with me?"

The dark curls bobbed as Samuel nodded. "You. Do you want me to... help you out?"

Did he? Did a bear shit in the woods? "Do you want to?" he asked.

"Oh, yes. I. Please." One of Samuel's hands landed in his lap, fingers sliding over the leather.

"I was hoping you would." He spread his legs a little. "You can touch, taste, whatever you want."

He wanted to know what Samuel liked doing.

Samuel rested one cheek on his shoulder, fingers working his pants open easily, sliding in to

protect his cock from the zipper on the way down.

"Mmm... your hand is warm."

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"Thank you. Yours are, too." Samuel was quiet and easy against him, all sex-kitten and sweet. He approved. He spread his legs a little wider, giving Samuel room to work. "Take your time, Samuel." "Yeah?" Black eyelashes brushed his skin. "I don't like to rush. It makes me feel dirty." Those thin fingers explored him, spending time working his shaft, playing over the tip. Groaning, he wrapped one hand around Samuel's hip, the other exploring, stroking, touching wherever he could. Samuel's lips found his nipple, sucking steadily, fingers wrapped around the tip of his prick and tugging. He gasped, hips bucking, pushing his cock through Samuel's fingers. He felt Samuel's smile, the pressure and suction and rhythm getting stronger. "Don't stop," he murmured, echoing Samuel's words from earlier. "No. I won't." Samuel switched nipples, one hand on his cock becoming two. "Oh, yes. Like that." He nodded, his hand tightening on Samuel's hip. Surprisingly eager, Samuel worked toward his pleasure. He was soon panting, hips jerking and pushing as his orgasm barreled down on him. "Samuel... so good." He got another smile, and then Samuel shifted, lips dropping down, surrounding his cock in a wash of tight heat. He shouted out in surprise, his hips snapping, driving his cock deep as he shot. Samuel sucked and pulled, not missing a drop, just keeping the pleasure going and going. Moaning, he fell back onto the bed, one hand stroking over Samuel's hair. That hungry little mouth just kept working, sucking and pulling and making him batshit crazy. Peter brought his knees up, getting his feet onto the bed and digging his heels in. "Shit, Samuel. God." He got a hum, hands sliding under his ass, Samuel supporting his motions. He didn't even begin to go down, Samuel keeping his cock good and hard, his balls aching in the best possible way. Christ, who would want to abuse Samuel, knowing what that mouth could do? He looked down his body at Samuel's face, seeing how much Samuel enjoyed doing this. A treasure. Samuel was a treasure. He traced the hollowed cheeks, another moan pulled from him. Those eyelashes were so long, dark. Then Samuel looked up, dark eyes staring at him. Beautiful. His hips started moving, pushing into Samuel's mouth as he watched Samuel's eyes, dove into them.

Sammy's Place - 25

"Want to make love to you," he murmured.

Another moan vibrated his cock, Samuel flushing, nodding.

"There's condoms in my front right pocket."

"I." A soft kiss brushed the tip of his cock. "Will you get undressed?"

"If you'll help." He wanted those hands on him, didn't want to give Samuel a moment to back off.

"I will." Samuel nodded, slid back toward the end of the mattress, hands heading toward his

boots.

He pushed the leathers down his hips, watching Samuel deal with all the buckles.

"It has to take you a month to get into these."

"Nah, I've practiced until I can get into them in under fifteen minutes."

"No shit?"

"I just wear them a lot. The buckles are easy once you know the trick." And they were great for

making subs work them off.

"There's a trick?" Samuel chewed his bottom lip, working it out.

"Yep." He wriggled a little, working his leathers down to his knees, waiting on the boots.

It took a minute, but Samuel figured it out, so clever, so quick.

"Good boy," he murmured as Samuel tugged the first one off. Samuel chuckled, grinned at him,

rolling those dark eyes just a little. He kicked his leathers off as soon as the boots were gone,

making sure to grab the condoms first. "You got slick, Samuel?" If not, he had a tongue. "No. I wasn't intending on... I mean, I don't fuck around, as a rule."

"Then we'll have to get you ready the old fashioned way. And Samuel." He waited until Samuel

looked up. "I'm not fucking around with you. We're going to make love."

Samuel's cheeks heated, the look on the drawn face pure desire, pure need. "You don't love me.

That means different things to different people."

"We're going to join as intimately as two people can, Samuel. It's not fucking."

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Samuel tilted his head, and then he got a nod. "Okay. I can agree with that. I just want to be with

you."

"Good." He tugged Samuel up, covering the pretty mouth with his own, tongue pushing between

Samuel's lips.

Samuel wrapped around him, body knowing how to make love, how to enjoy this, even if Samuel's brain hadn't caught on yet. They rocked together, cocks nudging and sliding, their legs tangling. "Mmm. You taste good." That happy little cry made his cock throb and ache, the rub of that smooth skin addictive. "So do you."

He grabbed Samuel's hand and pulled it to his mouth, taking two fingers in, sucking on them.

Samuel whimpered against his cheek, his throat, moving a little faster.

He let the fingers go once he had them good and wet. "Open yourself for me, Samuel."

"Mmm." So sensual, so willing to give and take and feel. Samuel didn't hide a thing from him,

just reached back and filled himself with those fingers.

He groaned and got one of his own fingers wet, sliding it around Samuel's back and pushing it in

to join Samuel's fingers.

"Peter." Dark eyes met his, the passion there fascinating. "Your hands."

"One day you'll take the whole thing," he murmured.

"Only. Only if you love me. For real. Only if you know me."

He nodded. "One day." He was sure of it. He pushed his finger deeper, searching for Samuel's

gland.

"Peter." Samuel arched, eyes going wide as the long throat worked. "Please. Again."

"Like this?" he asked, hitting that spot again, fascinated by how responsive Samuel was to every

single touch.

"Yes. Yes. Please." So beautiful, so hungry. Peter could watch that need forever.

He hit the small bump inside Samuel several more times, his own cock throbbing as Samuel

gasped and shuddered. Then he growled and withdrew his finger, tugging Samuel's out as well. "Get the condom on me," he ordered.

Sammy's Place - 27

He got a nod, Samuel searching for the condom. The long, thin cock was hard, bobbing, and Samuel rubbed against his leg as those fingers stroked the rubber on. "Oh, not too much. I don't want to go off too soon." He wanted to be sure Samuel remembered him being inside the lovely body. "No. No, I want. I need to feel you. Please." He nodded and cupped Samuel's face, cheek resting in one palm so he could bring their lips together. He rolled them as he kissed Samuel, putting the slim body beneath him. Open and eager, Samuel's kiss stole his breath, made his balls draw up tight. He pushed his knees between Samuel's legs, spreading them so he could get to that hot little hole. He didn't tease -- he was too close to do that. He simply lined up and pushed right in, sinking slowly all the way in. "Oh." Samuel's eyes went wide, a deep groan filling the air. "Tight. Hot. Good, Samuel." He groaned and stilled for a moment while deep inside Samuel, finding his breath and his equilibrium. Then he began to move, pushing into the tight heat again and again. "Good. Please. Don't stop." No. No, he had no intention of stopping. He shifted, slid his hands beneath Samuel's shoulders and braced himself along his forearms, finding a rhythm that let him slide his prick almost all the way out before pushing back in again. It shouldn't be this easy, to find a rhythm. To move Samuel under him, to fill that tight body over and over. But it was. It was as if Samuel had been made for him, they fit together that well. Groaning, he took a kiss, holding Samuel's gaze in his, holding Samuel right there with him. Samuel's hand slid up along his arms, fingers digging in and holding them close together. That fierce need made it so much more intense and he sped, feeling his balls draw up tight, his need almost overwhelming. Heat sprayed over his belly, Samuel jerking and sobbing, ass fluttering around him. "Samuel!" He cried out the name, jerking as his own orgasm was pulled out of him by Samuel's wild need. Groaning, he slowed his movements, making them both jerk and shiver with aftershocks, and he collapsed, letting Samuel take his weight. "Mmm. Warm." Samuel held on, humming softly, keeping him close. "Thank you." He nuzzled into Samuel's neck, and reluctantly withdrew from Samuel's body so he could deal

Sammy's Place - 28

with the condom. "And thank you, Samuel. You're absolutely lovely." He settled on his side,

tugging Samuel against him.

Samuel cuddled, blinking slowly, ass still red and warm under his hand. "This okay?"

"No," he murmured. "This is just right."

Sammy's Place - 29

Chapter Four

"Sammy?" Jason's whisper woke him up and he sat up, a heavy hand falling into his lap. "Jase?" Sammy slid out of bed, grabbed his pants, and tugged them on, heading for the door. He'd been sleeping hard, resting like he hadn't in days. "You okay, honey? You and Harry have fun?" He closed the bedroom door carefully, letting Peter sleep. Jase's arms went around him, his best friend giving him a big hug. "I'm great and we had a wonderful time. We danced until they shut the place down." Jase laughed, eyes shining happily as they linked their arms together and headed to the little table in the suite's 'dining room.' "But what about you? And Peter?" "I. He's very... He's something." He grinned over at Jason, almost bouncing. "Really." "Oh!" Jase squealed, and clapped his hands. "You guys did it! You slept together." Jason laughed. "And by slept together I don't just mean snored the night away in the same bed -- you had orgasms!" Shit, Jase was silly. Right and happy for him, but silly. "I did." He sat, ass tingling as he did. "It was. He was. Where did Harry find him?" "Believe it or not, on a call." Jase's hand slid on his, his friend beaming over at him. "Peter came across a gay bashing and called it in. Then he stayed with the victim until the EMTs and cops showed. Harry was impressed right off the bat." Jase shifted his chair closer. "But I don't think Harry knows... I mean, did he give you the kind of thing you needed?" "I." Sammy’s cheeks went hot as he nodded. "He was amazing. It felt so good." It was like magic. "Oh, Sammy that's so great!" Jase got up and poured two mugs full of coffee from a pot he hadn't even realized was on. Sammy's Place - 30

"Harry says Peter's a great guy. I don't know him as well as Harry does, but we've been out all together a few times, and he's been over for dinner. He seems really nice." He could almost hear Jase thinking 'much nicer than William' as his coffee was set down in front of him. "I don't. I mean, what if I screw it up? He's Harry's friend." What if it was just a rebound thing? What if Peter was just playing? What if... Shit.

"Sammy, don't." Instead of returning to his chair, Jase plonked down in his lap, arm around his

shoulders.

"I just... Oh, Jase, I want something special. I want it so badly that I..." He leaned in, chewing his

bottom lip.

Jase nuzzled his neck. "You want it so badly you keep choosing the wrong guys. Just let it

happen with Peter, okay? And don't assume you're going to screw it up just because he isn't an

asshole."

"I always screw it up, honey. Always." He was the world's biggest idiot.

Jase gave him a big hug. "You haven't screwed this up, Sammy. You're my best friend and you

always will be."

"Thank you, Jase." His eyes closed, fingers dragging along Jason's back, petting away.

"Jase. Babe. Bed." Harry wasn't awake, not really, but the big man stumbled out of the other

bedroom, dressed in a pair of tiny workout shorts, morning wood obvious. "Mmm. Is that

coffee?"

Jase giggled, eyes lighting up in the way they only did for Harry. "It is, but it'll keep." His friend

gave him a soft kiss and another hug. "You should go back in there and wake him 'up.'"

"I don't... I don't know if I should..."

Harry blinked, looked over. "Did you and Laffy, uh. You know..."

"Go back to bed, Harry." Jase giggled again. "You, too, Sammy. I bet he loves it." With that Jase

was gone, Harry chasing him back into the bedroom, the closing door cutting off their laughter.

Sammy poured out Jason's coffee cup, poured himself another cup and added one for Peter. What if Peter didn't like coffee? What if... Christ. A noise made him look up to find Peter coming into the room. "Oh. There you are. I was hoping to wake up with you."

Sammy's Place - 31

"Jason woke me up." His hands trembled. "How do you take your coffee?"

"Do you think Jason will be pissed if we forgo the coffee in favor of going back to bed? I mean,

if you'd rather not, I like it with two creams, but... I have the taste for another kind of cream."

"Jason already went back in with Harry." He stepped forward, caught by the warmth in Peter's

eyes.

"Oh, good. We don't have to worry we're being impolite." Peter held a hand out to him, smile

warm, looking sexy with his leather pants zipped but not buttoned up.

He reached out, fingers twining with Peter's, squeezing tight.

Peter just smiled, leading him back to the room that smelled like him and Peter now, like sex and

sweat, hot and male. He moaned, the sound growing louder as his body met Peter's.

"You're so sensual," murmured Peter, tugging him close. "It's addictive."

He lifted his face, hands sliding up over the strong biceps. "You're addictive. Already."

Peter smiled, eyes lighting up. "Thank you, Samuel." Their lips met, Peter's tongue pushing into

his mouth, hands dropping to open his pants and push them off his hips.

He took a deep breath, stepping closer, needing to feel the heat and solid strength for as long as

he could. Peter slid his own pants off next, and then walked them to the bed, drawing him even

closer as they fell onto the mattress together.

One hand reached down and squeezed his ass as their legs tangled together. He was still tender,

still heated from his spanking before, and he moaned into their kiss, hips rolling a little. The hold eased, and then Peter grabbed his other cheek, squeezing it even harder. He felt every finger, every single one, and it was so good. Peter's other hand slid between the two of them, grabbing both their cocks together and stroking.

"Oh, fuck. Your hands." His head fell back, the pleasure just perfect.

"Mmm..." Peter's mouth latched onto his neck, both hands working him: the one moving up and

down over their cocks, the other squeezing and releasing his ass cheeks, stopping now and then to smack gently. Each little blow warmed him, made him move and push against Peter's heat, cock leaking. "God, you're a sexy little minx." Peter smacked his ass again, thumb pushing against his slit on the upstroke.

Sammy's Place - 32

"I." His eyes rolled, lips parting at the touch. "Want."

Peter rolled at his words, hands disappearing. "Let me find a condom and you can ride me."

"Okay. I'll find some lotion." He headed for the bathroom, wincing at the sight of his bruises,

black and blue and awful.

Oh, God.

Ugly.

"I found the condoms," Peter called out.

"I. Okay." He stood there. Staring. God, he was an ugly little man.

He didn't know how long he'd been standing there when Peter suddenly appeared in the mirror

behind him. "Samuel? What are you doing?"

He jumped out of his skin, startled, deep down. "Nothing. Nothing. Sorry."

"Nothing? I want to hear everything you have to say, Samuel. You don't have to hold back with

me."

"I. I don't. I can't. I mean. I. Let me grab the lotion."

Peter turned him, taking his face between two cupped hands. "As long as you realize I meant it -I would like to know what's going on up here."

"I'm just." He shook, breathing in deep. "I'm all bruised."

"You are." Peter's eyes went to his bruises, fingers stroking over his chin, his arm, the bruises on

his torso. "They'll heal. And then I'll leave marks that you will admire, marks you'll want and

wear proudly." "I." He wanted to believe that. "I don't know what to believe right now."

Peter nodded. "This is new between us and moving quickly, I know. But I also know that I need

to see you again. That you need it, too."

"I do? I mean. I do. I mean. Please." Help me.

Peter reached past him and grabbed the lotion. "Come on -- we had a pretty good thing going

back there on the bed. Let's finish it on up."

He met those warm, focused eyes, nodded. "That is a fabulous fucking idea."

Sammy's Place - 33

Peter tapped his nose lightly. "A fabulous making love idea."

That surprised a laugh out of him and he nodded. "Okay. Yes. A fabulous making love idea."

Peter drew him back into the bedroom, back onto the bed, lying back and putting lotion on those

long fingers. "Straddle me, Samuel."

"You're so fine." He moved, legs spreading as he settled.

"Thank you." Peter's hand slid between his legs, fingers pushing against his hole.

"Mmm. Warm." He hunched over a bit, moaning low.

One finger circled over the sensitive skin, and then pushed in. He could feel Peter's prick going

hard again, filling against his inner thigh. Sammy moved, slow and easy, riding the touch, Peter's touch. One finger became two became three, the stretch almost a burn, Peter's eyes growing hot as they watched him move. "Full." He stared down, fascinated. Caught.

"Yeah. And you'll be fuller in a moment." Peter grabbed the condom with his free hand, tearing

the package open with his teeth. The rubber slid over Peter's prick, and the fingers inside his ass

disappeared.

He moved, sinking down over that hard cock, taking Peter in. Hips pushing up to meet his ass,

Peter's hands slid along his thighs, warm and sure, thumbs stroking his skin. Those hands lit fires within him, each finger lighting a separate spark. One slid to wrap around his prick, moving nice and slow, working him as they moved. "I. I can feel. Please." He jerked, moaned, reaching for Peter. Peter pushed up into him, cock

skating across his gland. "Peter!" Oh. Oh, God. He just screamed out like a dork.

Heat spiked in Peter's eyes and the man pushed up again, like before, hitting that spot again.

"Again. Please. Please. Don't stop." He was going to die. Explode.

"Not until you've come." Free hand wrapping around his hip, Peter continued to jack him with

the other, cock pushing up into him again and again, just like he wanted. Needed.

His balls drew up tight, cock throbbing, bobbing as he got closer.

"Hold off as long as you can," Peter murmured. "Make it last."

"Uh-huh. Uh-huh. You're... you're not fucking helping." He grinned, winked. "So good."

Sammy's Place - 34

Peter laughed, the sound low and husky, full of need. "Should I try to make it--" Peter groaned.

"Make it not so good?"

"No. No, God. Don't stop." He was flying. Soaring. So good.

"Won't. I won't." Peter bucked up harder, hitting his gland with more force.

"Peter." He jerked, eyes wide open, staring.

"Right here with you, Samuel."

Another thrust, then another came, accompanied by moans from Peter.

"Going to. I can't. Please." He was going to shoot.

"On three. One. Two. Three." Each number was accompanied by a thrust, Peter groaning on the

last one.

He gasped, shot hard enough that the room went dark, dim. Peter pulled him down for a kiss, mouth opening his, tongue slipping right in to taste. His response was sloppy, lazy, his bones melted. Peter's hands stroked down along his back. "Now, that's the way to wake up, hmm?"

"Mmmhmm. Fucking perfect. I swear."

"Oh, I don't know. I think there's room for improvement. With enough practice." Peter winked.

He found himself laughing, nodding. It was a fabulous way to wake up. He fucking approved.

"Lots and lots of practice." Peter kissed him again. "And in case that doesn't make it clear, I want

to see you again. I want to take you out to dinner and then bring you home and make love to you

some more. Maybe redden your ass a little. Or a lot."

"I'd like that. I work a lot of evenings right now at the copy shop, but I have one evening off a

week. You could call."

"I will. Make sure you give me your number and don't make any other plans for that evening you have off." His cheeks heated, but he nodded. "You sure you'll want to... hang?"

"I haven't been so sure about anything in a long time." Peter's eyes met his, nothing but truth and

desire in them.

Sammy's Place - 35

He nodded, stole a kiss. He hoped it was the truth, with all his heart.

Sammy's Place - 36

Chapter Five

Peter knocked on Harry's front door, a single red rose in his fingers. It felt a bit odd to be picking up his date at his friend's house, almost like he was going to be meeting his prom date's parents. He chuckled to himself, admitted he was a little bit nervous in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. Samuel was, well, there'd been a connection there. Unless he'd imagined it. Which was why the nerves, he supposed. He didn't want to have imagined it. He knocked again. Harry's familiar face appeared, head tilting. "I thought the guys were putting me on. Jason and Sammy are upstairs fluttering like girls. Come on in." The little condo was simple, clean, a little too modern-day garage sale for his taste, but it worked. "You want a beer?" "That would be awesome, Harry, thanks." Peter followed Harry to the kitchen. "So he's looking forward to this evening, then?" "Shit, he's been fluttering and fussing like a teenager. I might kill him." Harry winked, proving he was joking. "Seriously, he's sort of taken with you." Peter knew he was beaming like a fool, but he couldn't help himself. "The feeling just might be mutual." "Just remember he's sort of into the leather thing, huh? Sort of weird, but a good guy, deep down." "Sort of?" He cleared his throat and waited for Harry to hand him a beer, and pop the top on his own. It wasn't something you just came out and told someone quite as vanilla as Harry seemed to be. "I know a thing or two about the lifestyle." "Yeah? Jase listens to Sammy tell and I tried to get it, but..." Harry shrugged. "I can't see hurting somebody like Sammy. Hell, he's little." Sammy's Place - 37

Peter shook his head. "No, no, it's not like that, Harry. It's not about hurting." "Laffy, I've met these guys Sammy's dated. They... they were fucking mean. Bullies. It wasn't cool." "They were hurting him just to hurt him, Harry. That's not what the lifestyle is about. I'm not a bully, am I?" He didn't expect Harry to understand, but he didn't want his best friend thinking he was an abusive man. "Well, no. You're a good guy, Laffy. Hell, you think I'd let you in my house if not? After that William fuckhead, there's no more putting up with men, just because." "Then trust me, Harry, when I tell you that what Samuel is looking for is someone to take him out of himself, to see him and give him what he needs, hmm? He just wants to be loved, and animals like William take advantage of that." He bared his teeth a little. "I'd like to get my hands on that man, Harry. Just five minutes would do me." "Name the time and place, man. Well, after he gets out of the court system. He got arrested for attempted kidnapping and assault. If Sammy presses charges, it'll stick." "Samuel will press charges." It would be good for him, would give him something back that William had stolen with his fists. "I hope so. Lots of them don't." Harry nudged him with one foot. "Here they come." He put down his beer and straightened, clutching the rose, feeling once again like that teenaged boy on his first date. He turned. And come they did, Samuel looking fascinating in a black silk shirt, bright red designs on cuffs and collar, hair slicked back. Peter smiled, nerves fading away as his whole body tingled at just the sight of Samuel. He hadn't imagined the attraction, the fascination. Not at all. It was there; it was real. He moved toward Samuel and offered over the rose. "Samuel." "Hey, Peter. Oh. Oh, look." Samuel smiled at him like he was amazing, like the single rose was the finest gift Samuel had ever been given. He leaned in to kiss Samuel's cheek and whispered, "It reminded me of the color of your ass when I was done with it." Samuel shuddered, pushing close for half a second before pulling back. "Peter."

Sammy's Place - 38

He stroked Samuel's cheek, just a pale shadow of the nasty bruise still showing on Samuel's chin.

"Would you like to stay and have a beer, or go straight out to supper?"

"Oh, Jason has, uh, plans for Harry. We could go."

He chuckled and shot Harry a look. "You dog, you."

Harry grinned, cheeks heating. "Go to dinner, y'all."

"Don't wait up for Samuel." He winked at Harry and Jase and held his arm out for Samuel to

take.

Those long fingers wrapped around his arm, Samuel sure and confident beside him. "Where are

we going?"

"I've reserved a table at Mondi." It was the current 'it' restaurant. "I wanted to take you

somewhere to show you off, let everyone see that you're with me."

Samuel stumbled, blinked. "Really? I mean, that's... That's incredibly fucking cool."

"I'm glad you approve." Smiling, he let Samuel into the car.

"Am I dressed well enough for this? I don't want to embarrass you."

He made a noise and shook his head. "You could never embarrass me, Samuel." He went around

and got into the driver's seat, smiling over as he put on his seat belt. "You look really nice, Samuel. I'm proud to be out with you." "Thank you. I've been looking forward to this all week."

"Me, too." He backed the car out of the driveway and took off down the road. "I had more than

one session with my hand where you had a starring role in my imagination."

"Oh." He got a quick glance, a grin, and then Samuel blushed. "You weren't alone."

"Excellent." He found himself preening a little; he wanted to be everything Samuel thought he

was. "Are you hungry?"

"Yeah. I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday. I got busy."

"Lunch yesterday?" Peter shook his head. "You need to take better care of yourself, Samuel." It

was hardly surprising, though, that the man who would stay with someone who used their fists as

freely as it seemed William had would neglect himself. Peter intended to change that.

"Oh, I'm fine. I don't need much."

Sammy's Place - 39

"You need the same as anyone else, and you need to start asking for what you need. It's the only way to be sure you get it." "I don't... How has your week been?" He noticed the change of topic and let it go. This time. "Good, actually. I picked up a new hotel as a client. If things continue the way they have, I just might be able to open a second shop very soon." "Congratulations! That's fucking cool; go you!" He got applause, those dark eyes shining. "Thank you." He was going to need more people he could trust and who knew what they were doing. At least two. He was hoping he was looking at one now. He didn't say anything yet, though. He was interested in the man first. Samuel needed to understand that, needed to believe it. There was a parking spot a block and a half away from the restaurant and he snagged it rather than risk losing it trying to find something closer. It was a nice night for November. He walked around the car to open the door for Samuel. Samuel stood, head coming just to his shoulder, fitting nicely at his side. "Before we go in, can I have a kiss?" "I... Here? In the open?" "Yes. Here. In the open. Where everyone can see me kissing you." He wasn't an exhibitionist, but a kiss in public was hardly exhibitionism. And he wanted Samuel to really understand that he was happy and proud to be seen with Samuel. "I. Well, yes. Yes, you can." Samuel looked pleased, stunned. He smiled into Samuel's eyes, taking Samuel's chin in his hand and tilting it. He bent, their lips meeting, his tongue slowly parting them and slipping inside. The kiss didn't go deep, just stayed gentle and soft. Sweet. It ended and he stroked Samuel's cheek. "You make the best appetizer, Samuel." "You... You say... Thank you." Samuel blushed almost purple. "Get used to hearing stuff like that, Samuel. I intend to let you know just how much I enjoy your company." He took Samuel's hand and headed to the restaurant. The place was understated and quiet, each table having the illusion of privacy. He approved. He pulled Samuel's chair out for him, and placed the linen napkin in Samuel's lap before taking his own seat across the table.

Sammy's Place - 40

Samuel looked good. Edible.

"You. You don't have to be so -- chivalrous."

"No?" He raised an eyebrow. "It's our first date, Samuel. I wish to impress you."

"You already have. So much."

"Good. You should expect the man who wants to be with you to treat you chivalrously, Samuel.

To treat you with care." Every person should, but he was concerned only with the man in front of him. "I. You're something else." Samuel looked at the menu, beginning to shiver a bit.

"So are you." He looked at his own menu. "Hmm... shall we have the lobster, Samuel? We can

lick the garlic butter from each other's lips, fingers."

"I've never tried lobster, Peter. Is it good?"

"Oh, Samuel, never? It's wonderful. Sweet and melting in your mouth and the garlic butter adds a

hit of spice." He took Samuel's menu and closed it. "Let me order for you -- you won't be

disappointed."

"Okay. I trust you." The words were easily said, but Peter thought they were meant.

"Thank you."

He gave their order to the waiter, starting them off with a salad of microgreens and a light white

wine, getting them both the lobster as their mains and finishing it up with the fresh fruit bowl for

dessert.

Then they were alone and he could focus once again on Samuel. Samuel was looking about,

fingers folding and smoothing the linen napkin again and again.

Reaching out, he placed his hand over Samuel's. "Be still -- you've nothing to be nervous about."

"I'm not. I just don't want to fuck up."

"Oh, I'm not expecting perfection, Samuel. I just want you to do your best and be here with me."

There was more he wanted, but those two were the most important.

"I'm right here." He got another of those grins, quick and almost wicked.

"Mmm... you are, indeed." He leaned across the table, murmuring quietly, "I'm the envy of the

whole place."

Sammy's Place - 41

"Peter." Samuel fluttered, looking here and there. "Tell me about yourself. Are you an only child?" He chuckled, but didn't break his gaze. "I am. There's just my mother and myself. What about you?" "I have Jason and Harry, mainly. I... I did the whole foster care thing a lot. It was different." "Oh. I'm sorry, Samuel." Well. It looked like Samuel had earned his lack of confidence early. "Oh, it was okay. Busy and active. I managed. I have Jason." "Did the two of you meet in foster care?" He couldn’t remember if Harry had mentioned anything about where Samuel and Jason met, but they did tend to talk about current events, sports, the latest books they'd read rather than their backgrounds. "Us? No. No. Jason's folks are hateful, awful people, but he lived with them, talked to them until he came out. He was my roommate all through college." "Ah, poor man. It's hard to have your parents disapprove so completely. My father wasn't terribly happy with me when I told my folks, but we'd made our peace by the time he died. My mother..." he chuckled. "Well, maybe I couldn't give her grandchildren, but by God, I was in antiques and that was even better. She'll like you," he said, suddenly realizing it was true. "She'll pick your brain and love your smile." Samuel laughed, turned pink. "I haven't ever met a friend's parent, beyond Harry's father. Have you met him yet?" "I have -- we've had a beer or two down at the pub on game night. Very much a 'guy,' isn't he? Very down to earth." Very much like Harry, really. "Yeah. He's funny and is nice to Jason. They met the night we graduated, you know? Harry got called in to bust up a party." "You're kidding!" He chuckled. He hadn't heard how Harry and Jason had met. "Harry was on the job?" "Yep. I was... Well, I wasn't there, and Jase went to a party and got stoned by accident. Harry rode to the rescue and took him home. Wouldn't sleep with Jase for months. Jase was going to kill him." Peter laughed. That sounded like Harry; he really was a good man. "I'm afraid I'm not as good a man as he is." After all, he'd not only slept with Samuel, he'd spanked that sweet bottom red their first night together and right after aiding in his rescue from his former boyfriend.

Sammy's Place - 42

"Not everybody on earth thinks Harry's perfect. He's a good guy, but... I need something else."

Samuel grinned at him, dark eyes making some delicious suggestions.

Oh, he did like Samuel a lot, especially when the true man peeked in past the lack of confidence.

"I know you do. And I happen to be very good at 'something else.'"

"Yes. Yes, you are." Samuel chuckled, beaming at him.

Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter returning with the wine, which he tasted and

approved, and then their salads. Despite the waiter's presence, his gaze kept returning to

Samuel's.

Samuel stayed quiet, cheeks still pink. "You look at me like I'm interesting."

"Then I do you a disservice, Samuel, because you're not interesting -- you're fascinating." A

multi-layered package he intended to unwrap.

"Bullshit. I'm just a copy clerk. One day I'll be something else, but not yet."

"Samuel." He said the word sharply, annoyed that Samuel's first instinct was to deny his words

and to cuss at that. "You. Are. Fascinating."

"I'm still in fucking limbo. I'm squatting at my best friend's until I can get a fucking second job.

Now, if that's fascinating, cool, but I'm not enthralled with me right now." Samuel sighed, rubbed

his forehead. "Sorry. Sorry. What kind of wine is this?"

"It's a Riesling. It should go well with the lobster and greens. And there is more to you than

where you live and where you work." He leaned in, smiling, letting his eyes run along Samuel's

body. "A lot more." He sat back. "And the swearing is so not necessary."

"I've never met a man who... I mean, I don't get it."

"What don't you get, Samuel? That I can see how cute you are? That I loved how your skin

showed up the marks of my hands the other night? That I'm looking forward to seeing what else

it'll show off?"

"No. No. I kinda get that part." Oh, that grin flashed at him again, warm and sensual as anything.

"Mmm... yes, you do, don't you?" He reached over and stroked the back of Samuel's hand. "So

what don't you get, Samuel?"

"Well, the cursing thing, a little, and why someone as amazing as you hasn't been snapped up

and kept forever, mostly."

"Well, I'm pleased you think I'm amazing. To be honest, I haven't made a second date in ages.

Sammy's Place - 43

No one's lived up to the potential. Until now." He took a sip of wine and smiled. "As for the cursing -- it's a control thing. You have to think not to swear. That, and it's vulgar and common and you, Samuel, are neither." "I. I mean. I don't. I'm not. Shit."

He raised an eyebrow. He would give Samuel a session or two to decide he really wanted to be

with Peter -- he himself already knew he wanted Samuel, he could feel the pull growing stronger

every second they were together -- and then he would begin a punishment/reward system to cure

that little cursing problem.

Samuel's blush increased. Honestly, those cheeks looked like they'd flame.

"Eat your salad, Samuel." He ate his own, and enjoyed it, but his eyes were on Samuel.

"It's good. It really is."

"Yes. The company doesn't hurt it any." He let his gaze drop over what he could see of Samuel's

body again and licked his lips.

"Thank you. I. Are you going to make love to me tonight?"

"I'd like to, Samuel. I'd like to bring you home, let you choose any toy you like out of my

collection. We'll play, we'll scream. Well... you'll scream. And we'll make love." He wanted to

know what Samuel was most drawn to.

"I'd like that, very much." Samuel smiled at him, nodded.

"Good. After the lobster. Actually, after the dessert. Ah, perfect timing," he added as the bus boy

cleared their salad plates and the waiter brought the lobster, already unshelled and dripping in

garlic butter.

"It smells good." They each ate a bite, both moaning with pleasure, in concert.

He chuckled and nodded. They were well matched. "Take your time -- enjoy it. We have the

whole night ahead of us."

"It's amazing. Sweet and rich all at once. Have you ever sat in a perfect chair, where it held you?

It's like that, a little."

"Mmm... yes. I do know what you mean." He took another piece of the lobster with his fingers,

licking the garlic butter from them.

Samuel moaned, eyes hot on him. "Fuck, that's sexy."

Sammy's Place - 44

"Is it?" He reached for Samuel's plate, picking up a piece of the seafood and holding it up to Samuel's mouth. "Uh-huh..." Those sweet lips opened, wrapped around his fingertips.

The sensation went straight to his cock, making it jerk hard inside his dress pants. It was all he

could do not to groan loudly.

"Good." It was clear Samuel wasn't talking about the lobster.

Suddenly he wasn't very hungry anymore. "Eat," he said brusquely, as much to himself as to

Samuel.

"Uh-huh." Samuel nibbled, eyes hot on him.

It was a shame, really, but he hardly tasted a thing, his entire focus on Samuel, the heat fairly

sizzling between them.

"Can we get dessert to go?"

"I do believe we can." Peter raised his hand, signaling for the waiter.

"Oh, thank God. I'm about to just combust, sitting here, wanting to touch you."

"We'd like our dessert to go. And the bill as quickly as you can, please." He smiled at the waiter,

who was looking a little wide-eyed, like maybe he'd overhead Samuel's comments.

Samuel chewed his bottom lip, legs bouncing. "I'm sorry. I didn't see him."

"It doesn't bother me that he heard." He stood up with his glass of wine and raised his voice.

"Everyone. I'd like you to take a drink with me in honor of my lover."

"Peter! Peter, what are you doing?" Samuel looked stunned, pale as snow.

He looked around, smiling and nodding at those who raised their glasses, and then dipped his

glass toward Samuel and took a drink. "Thank you."

Sitting, he smiled at Samuel. "I'm not ashamed of you."

"I. You. You aren't... you aren't worried?"

"About what, specifically?"

"About people knowing you're gay, about your business. About people looking."

Sammy's Place - 45

"If people have a problem with me being gay, that is their problem. I don't mind people looking, especially when I'm with my beautiful lover. And don't most people assume antique shop owners are gay, anyway?" He accepted their dessert and the bill from the waiter, and left money on the table. "I don't know. I've never dated an antique shop owner."

He laughed and held out his hand. "Come on, Samuel. Let's get home before you burst."

"That would be messy."

"It would be."

He took Samuel's hand and put it in the crook of his arm, leaving the restaurant, as eager as

Samuel to get to his place. To get the rest of this evening started. Samuel followed easily, warm enough to feel like he was burning as they walked. The drive home was going to be interesting.

He got Samuel settled in, got his own seat belt on, and started the car up. "Would you like to see

my toy chest when we get to my place?"

"Yes. Yes, I would. How... how did you get into this? What we do, I mean."

"Porn." He chuckled. "I'm serious, you know. I don't know how the guy I was with got a hold of

it, but I saw this BDSM porno and it turned me on faster than anything you can imagine. I spent

months making up scenarios in my mind and nothing ever got me off faster."

"Yeah? I... Somebody in college showed me. I was amazed."

"Did it feel like coming home?"

"Some of it did. Some of it didn't. It was just. I kept going back, even when I didn't like it."

"What didn't you like?" He would be willing to bet that anything involving isolation would be at

the top of Samuel's list.

"I didn't like being left. Blindfolds. One time I got left at a biker bar. The man there knew my

boyfriend and didn't even touch me, but I didn't know that."

Peter's hands tightened on the wheel. "You went back to the man who left you in a biker bar?"

He tried to keep the outrage out of his voice. He wasn't sure he managed it.

"No. No, that time I just went back to the dorm and broke it off. He wasn't bad, just a practical

joker."

Sammy's Place - 46

He shot Samuel a look. "That's a hell of a practical joke. Why didn't you safeword when you

realized he was going to leave you there?"

"I... I didn't know about that back then, man." Samuel shrugged. "We weren't in the 'scene' or

anything. We were just trying to get off."

"That's fairly common, I believe. It's also a good way to get hurt." He reached over and squeezed Samuel's thigh. "Shit, Peter. I had a safeword with the last one. It didn't matter."

He did growl this time, his teeth clenching hard. "I want five minutes alone with that man,

Samuel. Just five minutes."

"I don't. I don't ever want to see him again." Samuel sighed. "I told Harry I'm not pressing

charges. I don't want to have to see William in court."

"He's going to do it someone else if he thinks he can get away with it." He thought maybe

standing in front of William and proving the man had no more hold over him would be good for

Samuel.

"He'd have to find somebody as fucking stupid as me, first. That'll take a while."

"Samuel. Wanting to be loved and trusting someone do not make you stupid. Naive, maybe." He

turned the car into the parking garage of his apartment complex.

"Yeah. He seemed like a decent guy at first. I should've known, though, when Harry and Jason

didn't like him."

"They're not bad barometers. They like me, after all." He pulled into his parking spot and smiled

over.

"Yeah. Yeah, Jason's... tickled." Samuel reached out for him. "I don't want this to be a mistake,

Peter."

"It doesn't feel like a mistake to me. It feels like I've been waiting for you for a long time." He

took Samuel's hand in his, holding it, squeezing it.

"Yeah? Show me your apartment?"

"That will be my pleasure, Samuel."

He waited until they were in the elevator before moving close, taking the kiss he'd wanted all

evening. Samuel moaned, arms wrapping around his neck, the kiss at once wild and sweet. He

Sammy's Place - 47

pushed the slender body up against the side of the elevator, hips rubbing and working, the fire

flaring between them.

Samuel was hard and needy, body shifting and licking at him like a flame. He almost missed the

elevator arriving at his floor, and he had to jam his foot between the doors as they started to

close. Chuckling, he tugged Samuel down the hall with him. Samuel laughed along with him,

close and warm and wanton.

He got them in and pushed Samuel up against the back of the door, finding Samuel's mouth in

another kiss. Samuel crawled up his body, limber and light, legs wrapped around his thighs. He

grabbed Samuel's ass, squeezing as he swept his tongue through Samuel's mouth.

Groaning, he stepped away from the door, carrying Samuel to his bedroom.

"Mmm. Peter. Want you." Yes. He could tell, could feel.

He kept going until they were in the bedroom, mouth taking one kiss after another, devouring

Samuel, the man better than any meal. Samuel met him, just as needy, just as wanton.

Peter sat on the bed, his hands still holding Samuel's ass, squeezing it, rubbing their fronts

together. Samuel's sounds excited him, low and needy, just a little desperate. He started tugging off clothes, getting Samuel naked, fingers exploring the warm skin. The bruises were fading, the worst ones on the thin upper arm, those still black and swollen, hot to the touch. He growled, kissing them gently.

"I hate that they're not... That they're there." Samuel's voice was so soft, almost a whisper.

"You hate that they're not mine," he finished for Samuel. "But I don't. Because I will never hurt

you like that, Samuel. My marks will be offered to honor you. To love you and bring you pleasure." "I want you to, you know. I want you to love me."

"You know that already, Samuel? After a single spanking? A shared meal?" He didn't believe in

love at first sight. And yet. And yet, he already thought of Samuel as his.

"I. I just. I'm sorry. I should have." Samuel looked down, swallowed.

He tilted Samuel's head up, looking into the pretty eyes. "I don't want you to be afraid to tell me

anything, Samuel. Even if you believe I won't like the answer."

"I shouldn't have said anything. I'm silly. You're just so..."

"Samuel. Listen to me. I want you to speak your mind. I want to get to know you -- I can't do that

Sammy's Place - 48

if you won't share your thoughts with me." Killing was too good for William, for all the assholes who'd made Samuel feel as if his voice was worthless, not to be heard. "Kiss me?" Samuel leaned up, lips meeting his. "Always." He kissed Samuel, lingering inside Samuel's mouth. Then he pulled away. "But don't think I don't know you're trying to change the subject." "I just don't want to make mistakes." "We all make mistakes, Samuel. It's part of being human. I'm not going to twist your arm or leave you at a bar when it happens." "Promise?" He nodded, holding Samuel's face between his palms. "I promise, Samuel." He sealed it with a kiss. Samuel's lips opened, let him in and in. He lay back on the bed and rolled them, putting Samuel beneath him as the passion flared back up between them. Samuel groaned, rubbing up against him, cock hard as nails against his hip. "I was going to make you choose something from my toy chest," he murmured, mouth moving over Samuel's neck, nibbling and biting. "I was going to make you wait." Instead of them both coming like a pair of teenagers. "I can wait later. I need this now." Oh, Samuel was telling him what he needed. He spread Samuel's legs and reached up for the slick, ready to give Samuel exactly what he needed, what he’d bravely asked for. Samuel nodded, one knee pulled up, offering him that fine ass, that tight little hole. He slid one slick finger inside, and then replaced it with another, alternating fingers over and over, pushing each one deep. "Good. Good. I need." Samuel pushed up, mouth slamming into his. Their tongues tangled together as he pushed three fingers in at the same time, stretching Samuel for his prick. Samuel's body rippled, hole going tight around his fingers. Peter’s cock throbbed, and he couldn't wait any longer to bury himself inside Samuel. Breaking the kiss, he rolled a condom on and shifted, prick pushing against Samuel's opening. Samuel let him in, gripping tight around his shaft as the tip popped in. "God, you're tight," he murmured, lips sliding over Samuel's face, his breath panting from him. With a groan, he pushed in further.

Sammy's Place - 49

"Uh-huh." Samuel squeezed tight, gripping him like a fist. He licked at Samuel's lips, keeping it slow, staying still and waiting for Samuel to ease up a bit. It took time, but Samuel relaxed, stopped fighting, stopped resisting and let him take control. As soon as Samuel did, he let go, taking the sweet ass with long, hard strokes, their kisses growing teeth. Long fingers dug into his shoulders, almost bruising him, Samuel clinging. Samuel's prick was caught between them and he slid his hand around it, the heat burning along his palm. "Yeah, like that, Samuel." "Good. It's good, Peter." Samuel nodded, jerking, driving into his touch. It was. It was very good. Groaning, he licked his way down Samuel's neck until he found the perfect spot and began to work up a mark, sucking in time to his thrusts. That made Samuel buck and ripple, body working his prick. His hand squeezed Samuel's cock hard, needing to bring Samuel with him when he came. "Peter!" Heat sprayed over his fingers, wet and rich, Samuel tossing underneath him. Moaning at the way Samuel's body rippled around his cock, he pushed in another time or two and filled the condom, pleasure making him buck. Samuel held on, the kisses going sloppy and slow. He slid out and got rid of the condom, all without breaking the kisses and the closeness between them that Samuel so obviously craved, needed. That single hand was on his nape, keeping him close, Samuel's eyes open, watching them. "Mmm... you ready for a little control, a little discipline, Samuel?" A little of something else that Samuel needed. "What... what do you want?" That pointed chin dipped in a nod, though. "I want you to go to the trunk over there next to the dresser and choose one of the things inside it. For me to use. On you." "Oh. Okay. I can do that." Samuel cuddled closer. "Do I have to move to do it? You're so warm." He chuckled, hand sliding down along Samuel's ribs. "Yes, you do." "No fair." The words were given with a smile, Samuel shivering as they slowly pulled apart. "What are my options?" "You can pick anything you want from the chest. I think you'll find there's a bit of everything in there -- paddles, floggers, gags, ropes, dildos and plugs. You name it, there's probably one in there." He liked to be prepared, and he liked to give his lovers what they needed.

Sammy's Place - 50

"I. Wow." Samuel took his time, looking through and touching, chuckling at some and discarding others out of hand. Gags and blindfolds weren't even considered; one or two of the smaller plugs were hefted. "Not a size queen?" he asked, watching, learning from each reaction.

Samuel shook his head. "That isn't a good hurt, you know?"

"I'll remember that." He was planning on remembering everything about Samuel. Everything.

"I like being filled, but..." Samuel brought over a little flogger -- nothing stinging or painful, but

a heavy, firm thudding instrument.

"You like feeling all over your body," he suggested. He took the flogger from Samuel's fingers,

feeling the leather warm beneath his fingers.

"I like feeling. I don't like being torn up. I don't like bleeding after."

"I'll remember that as well." He stood up, tested the flogger in the air a few times, the leather

singing. "Bend over the bed, Samuel, legs spread."

Samuel swallowed hard and bent, spreading himself out, so pretty.

Peter touched first, running his free hand over Samuel's back, down along his spine, stopping to

squeeze each buttock. The he brought the flogger down over Samuel's ass.

Samuel hummed, hips canting, pushing back toward the blow. Oh, that was lovely. Beautiful,

even.

He let the flogger fall again, higher this time, across Samuel's lower back. Samuel jerked some,

almost pulling away with a cry. He hit Samuel's back again, watching as the flesh went white and then a sweet rose. "I. I. Peter." Samuel groaned, looked back at him with wide eyes.

"Your skin marks so beautifully." He laid down two stripes across Samuel's shoulders, loving the

sound of the flogger as it landed on Samuel's skin, loving the sounds that Samuel made.

"I. Fuck, it burns. So good."

The cursing was a terrible habit. He was really going to have to do something about it. He laid

down more stripes, Samuel's skin getting redder and redder with each blow.

"I. I can't stay still. I can't, Peter. Please."

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He chuckled. "I didn't ask you to stay still, Samuel. Move as much as you like."

"Okay. Thank you. I just." Samuel shook, shifting away again. "So hot."

"Can you feel it deep inside, Samuel? Is it making you hard?" Each question came with a blow

from the flogger, one across Samuel's upper thighs, the other on his already red ass.

"Yes. Yes. I feel you. Again?"

"Oh, yes." He couldn't remember the last time he'd had someone who took to a flogging like

Samuel did, who needed it deep down inside like this.

He set up a fairly steady rhythm: thud, moan, thud, gasp, thud, groan. Samuel reached for his

own cock, jacking himself hard and fast.

"Stop that," growled Peter, hitting a little harder this time. "That's mine."

"Yours?" Was that a challenge?

Peter stopped and put his hands on his hips. "Yes. Mine. And if you touch it again before I give

you permission, I will tie your hands."

"I. That's a hard thing to decide."

Laughing, he went over to the chest and tugged out a small length of rope. "I'll decide for you,

then."

"Oh." Samuel's eyes lit up, excited, horny. "Please."

God, that need. It was intoxicating. "Hands over your head, Samuel."

That lean, beautiful body stretched, Samuel wanting more than anyone he'd known. He leaned

over Samuel, letting his body touch all along Samuel's, their skin rubbing as he reached for

Samuel's wrists and tied them together, the rope tight enough Samuel wouldn't be able to forget it

was there. He was careful of the bruises, though. "Stay with me, please. Don't leave me here." He licked a line along the back of Samuel's neck. "I'm right here. Feel me." He rubbed against Samuel's heat, the flogged skin burning hot against his own. Then he stood and began to lay more blows on Samuel’s body. Back, ass, thighs, he worked them all, Samuel

bent for him, arms stretched up above Samuel's head, the rope holding them.

Samuel offered him one deep cry after another, the sounds ringing out, echoing in his bedroom.

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He continued until his arm was sore, knowing Samuel would feel this for days, the bruises deep, knowing that was exactly what Samuel needed. Finally, he stopped, slipping to sit on the floor and tugging Samuel's body over so he could reach the hard, dripping prick with his mouth. He sucked the head in. "Peter!" Seed pulsed into his lips, Samuel coming at the touch. He managed to catch most of it, licking his lips and then Samuel's prick. Then he lay up on the bed next to Samuel, taking a kiss as he jacked his cock. "You want a taste of this?" he asked. "Please." Samuel arched, body reaching for him. He reached up and undid the ropes holding Samuel's hands together. "Hands or mouth -- or both -- the choice is yours, Samuel." Whichever Samuel chose to use, it wasn't going to take him long to come, his whole body thrumming, the dull throb in his arm and the reason for it making his balls ache. Samuel pounced, mouth dropping over his cock in one fell swoop, taking him in to the root. "Samuel!" His whole body tightened, his thighs going hard. "Your mouth..." So very hot, so very good. "Mmmhmm." Samuel bucked and rolled, head bobbing over him. He wrapped his fingers in Samuel's hair, holding on, tugging gently. Looking down, he watched Samuel's mouth moving on him, watched the dark red back and ass. "Soon," he warned. Samuel's throat closed around the tip of his cock, the suction increased, demanding his release. He shouted, his hips snapping as he came, come pouring down Samuel's throat. His whole body felt the pleasure, toes to head, cock, balls, insides, all just flying. Samuel took him in, drinking deep, not losing a drop. Peter slid his hands over Samuel's head, let his fingertips dance over the abused skin of Samuel's shoulders. The heat made his prick throb inside Samuel's mouth. That soft tongue slid over his shaft, cleaning him, working his skin. He kept touching Samuel's back, tracing the bumps of Samuel's spine and shoulder blades. "Come kiss me, Samuel." "Yes, Peter. Yes." Samuel curled into his arms, cuddling and sated, lips swollen and dotted with his seed. Groaning, he licked at Samuel's lips, tasting himself, tasting Samuel. His hand slid down to wrap around Samuel's hip. "Thank you, Samuel."

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"Thank you. Peter. Thank you." Samuel held on tight.

"You're welcome. Sleep now. You're not going anywhere tonight."

"Yeah? That. I'd like that."

"I know. I would, too." He tugged the covers over them, careful of Samuel's back.

"So tender. Going to feel you for days."

"You may be standing for a day or two." It felt good, knowing his mark was on Samuel, knowing

Samuel would not be able forget him.

"Yeah. I work on my feet."

"That's a good thing, Samuel." He chuckled and tilted Samuel's face for a kiss. "I'm glad we met.

I'm glad we had dinner. And I'm glad you're here." He couldn't put it any more plainly than that.

"Yeah? Me, too." Samuel smiled, took another kiss. "Really, really."

"Good." Very good.

He didn't want to be in this alone.

Sammy's Place - 54

Chapter Six

He let himself in to Jason's little condo, aching and sore, tender and so happy.

He'd slept with Peter. Slept hard. It'd felt so good. Really.

Harry was sitting at the kitchen table, eating cereal and reading the paper. "Late night?"

"Yeah."

"Was it good?"

"Yeah, thanks." He moved carefully, heading to the fridge.

"Samuel!" Jase appeared in the doorway, still in his bathrobe. "You were out late." Jase laughed

happily and came over to him, arms looping around him, hugging him tight.

He groaned, back too tender for words. "Easy. Easy!"

Jase frowned. "Sammy? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Nothing. We just. I. You know." Shit.

Jase hugged him again, watching his face. "Sammy! You're hurt!"

"Jason, stop it."

Harry got up, frowning. "Hurt? Who hurt you?"

"Nobody. I mean, I was. I wanted." Fuck. Fuck, he hated explaining himself.

"What's wrong with your back, Sammy?" Jase was fluttering, fussing over him. "I just touched

him, Harry and he winced. Did Peter do something to you?"

"I. We just. We."

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Harry grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled, a furious growl filling the air. "That lousy

motherfucker. I thought he was my friend."

"No. No, it's not."

"Jason, keep him here. I'll be back."

"No! I wanted..."

The door slammed hard enough that one of the panes cracked.

"Harry!"

"Oh, my God, Sammy, look at your back!" Jase's eyes filled with tears. "I thought he was a nice

guy, Sammy, I swear. I never dreamed he'd do something like this to you."

"I. I wanted it. I wanted him to." He grabbed his phone, dialing Peter.

"You wanted this?" Jason asked. "I thought it was just spanking and stuff..."

"Lafontaine." Peter's voice came down the phone.

"Peter, I'm sorry. Harry's coming. He's really mad. It's my fault. I'm sorry. I tried to stop him."

"Mad? Harry? Oh. He thinks..." Peter sighed. "Maybe it would be best if I came there. Call him

on his cell and tell him I'm on my way. And just focus on how you can feel me under your skin, Samuel. Focus on the good and we'll get this cleared right up." "I. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I. I should have. I'm sorry."

He hung up the phone, stared at Jason. "Peter's coming here to talk to Harry. I. I can't. I have to. I

didn't. I."

He stared at Jason for a second and then ran, heading for his car. He couldn't do this. He couldn't fuck up again. *** Peter got himself dressed and headed down to the car. Damn it, he should have known that Harry would react badly to the state of Samuel's back. There was no reason for the cop to understand how what he'd done to Samuel was different than what every asshole Samuel had ever been with had done. Except for that small matter of him and Harry being friends. Harry knew he was a good man.

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He gunned the engine for a moment and then drove out of the garage, slamming on the brakes as Harry's squad car pulled up in front of him, lights and siren screaming. Christ. Harry swarmed out of the car like the Marines, eyes flaring. "I thought we were fucking friends, man, so you've got one chance to tell me you didn't beat Sammy up. Just one, and if you can't, I'm going to beat you to death." He got out of the car, more than willing to meet Harry head on. He wasn't going to cower in his car. He hadn’t done anything wrong. He met those angry eyes. "I didn't beat Samuel up." "Then who the fuck did, man? Who did that to him and why didn't you stop them?" He could see the betrayal, the confusion, the fury in Harry's eyes, in the lines of Harry's body. "He was with me last night, Harry. Just him and me. I know you don't understand, but I promise you there is a huge difference between what Samuel and I did last night and what William did to him. Did you even talk to him? Or did you jump to conclusions? Did you not see the bone-deep happiness in him?" He'd seen it, seen the satisfaction, the satiation in Samuel's eyes, the confidence in the sway of his ass as he'd left. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Harry's hands tightened into fists, muscles bunching. "You did that to him? On purpose? Jesus, I don't know what's worse -- that you did it or that he fucking let you." "You don't understand, Harry. I gave him what he needed. He needs someone to see him, to touch him, to mark his skin. To hold him. I respect him, Harry. I care for him. It was about giving him what he needed." Peter sighed. "You have to look beyond the bruises, Harry. You have to look deep enough to see how much what I did helped him." "Right. William said that, that he was giving Sammy what the fuck he needed." Harry shook his head, growled under his breath. "This is my fault, I know it, but I tell you this. If I find out you contacted Sammy again, I'm going to be here with backup and you'll fucking do time for domestic violence." "Harry! Please. Doesn't our friendship give me the benefit of the doubt that I'm different from William? And doesn't Samuel's reaction count for anything? Didn't he tell you he wanted it?" He knew Samuel had, he'd said as much on the phone. "If I refuse to see him again, he's going to believe he's done something wrong." "He needs help, Peter. Nobody lets someone just do that to them. Not if they're right in the head. Damn it, Peter. You're one of the good guys." "I am one of the good guys, Harry. Come on, you must know the BDSM community exists, that

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it has legitimate members, not just the assholes using it to hurt people that Sammy's come across." "I know that what I saw this morning was wrong, man. Sammy is hurting." "And on the inside he's flying. Mentally, he's high and happy! God, Harry, all you saw was his back and you didn't look in his eyes or listen to him -- he called and said he'd tried to tell you, but you'd run off half-cocked to come and kick my ass." He didn't know how he was going to make Harry understand, he truly didn't. "Sammy is like family to me. What am I supposed to do? Just say, aw, look at y'all, beating each other bloody, how cute'?" "It won't always be a beating, Harry. Sometimes I'll fill him with a plug and make him wear it all day. Sometimes I'll tie him up. Sometimes I'll not let him come for hours. But I'll never hurt him. Not on purpose." "I don't… This isn't… Shit. Jesus fucking Christ. Why? What is it about a simple relationship that is not working for y'all?" "Samuel needs more than that. And so do I. But it's his needs that are important here." "Nobody needs what I saw today, Lafayette. Nobody. Jesus, you bruised him." "I did. Samuel needs to be able to feel my touch all through today. And tomorrow. And the next day. He needs to believe I'm going to remain with him just like the bruises will. I let him choose anything he wanted, Harry. He could have picked a dildo, or cock ring. Hell, Harry, he could have picked a feather. He chose a flogger. Not a little paddle or something easy -- he chose something that would stay with him." "Get in the car." Well... fuck. "Please don't arrest me, Harry. I would hate for our friendship to be ruined over this." "I didn't say I was arresting you. We need to talk about this, but I need to hear from Sammy that he was... willing. That he wanted it. I need to see it. You have to fucking get that. He's like my family." "Oh. Okay, Harry." He nodded. He could appreciate that Harry was looking out for Samuel. In fact it made him glad, knowing Samuel had someone in his corner like that. "Thank you. That's all I ask, that you hear him out." "You're my friend, man. I don't want this to go south."

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"I appreciate that, Harry. I really do. I know you don't understand the lifestyle at all, and it means a lot to me that you're willing to give me a chance. I don't suppose you'll let me follow you in my car?" "Sure." Harry sighed, rubbed the back of his neck. "I should have just decked you. I haven't had my coffee yet, at least that would've been satisfying."

"Far easier than hearing about our freaky-deaky sex life, huh?" He patted Harry's arm. "Come

on. We'll go get this sorted. I'd like to get the threat of being decked off the table."

"Yeah. Yeah. I." Harry's phone rang and the big guy grabbed it. "Yeah, babe?"

Harry's lips got tight. "What? Where? When? Are you sure? Where was he going? What did he

say? Okay. Okay. I'll head over to where he works."

Peter frowned. "Samuel?"

"He ran. Tell me again that he wanted this?"

Peter nodded. "He wanted this. Well, no. He wanted the flogging. He wanted the bruises, and to

feel them for a long time. This," he waved his hand between himself and Harry. "This, not so much. I imagine it harshed his mellow considerably." "Harshed his mellow?" Harry rolled his eyes. "I have to go find Sammy before he hurts himself."

"I'll follow you." He flipped his phone open, finding the entry he'd added for Samuel's work just

that morning, heading back to his car as he waited for Samuel to pick up the phone.

"Jack's Copy Mart, can I help you?" That was certainly not Samuel.

"Could I speak to Samuel Bradley, please?" He started up the car, pulling out behind Harry, who

had the siren and lights going again, which put a fist in his belly.

"I'm sorry, sir. Sammy just quit. Talked to the manager and left with his check. Jack's pissed."

Christ. This was going from bad to worse. "Do you know where he went?"

"Nope. Have a good day." The phone clicked off, giving him nothing.

He dialed Harry's cell. "He's not at the shop. He quit and left." And damn it, he didn't know

Samuel well enough yet to know where he'd bolt to.

"Jesus fucking Christ. I'll get Jase to call his cell."

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"Okay. I'll keep following you." Though where the hell they were going at this point, he had no

idea. He supposed there were worse things than driving in circles. "Would he come to you?"

"He might, but he thinks I'm at your place, Harry. I told him I was headed there when he called

to warn me you were on your way to talk to me." Still, it was worth a try. It was certainly better

than aimlessly driving around.

"Great. Maybe he's at the park by the condo; he'll want to make sure Jase is okay. Go home,

Lafayette. I'll hunt him."

"Be patient with him if you find him, Harry. The best night of his life has just turned into a big

mess and he's going to be hurting." Next time they were going to have a weekend, so he and

Samuel had some time to enjoy the damned afterglow.

"I'm going to shake him for scaring Jase, have a doctor check him out, and then send him to bed

for a few days."

"Send him to my bed, Harry. I know what he needs." He hung the phone up before Harry could

answer and turned right at the next corner, heading back home, hoping Samuel had gone there to

wait for his return.

He saw the note on his door, knew Samuel had been there. God damn it. The note was simple.

"Thank you. I'm sorry. Take care of you, Peter. S."

Peter went back down to his car and looked around, hoping to see Samuel in one of the parked

cars around. He called the antique shop as he looked; maybe Samuel'd gone to his work. He saw

the little green Honda ease away from the curb, dark curls unmistakable.

God damn it. Samuel was running.

He ran for the car, arms waving. "Samuel! Stop! Wait!" He was going to kill Harry.

Samuel looked up, swerved a little, looking about as lost as could be.

"Stop! Stop! Neon!" he shouted Samuel's safeword out.

Samuel slammed on the brakes, staring at him. Good. Good man.

Peter stopped right in front of the car, not giving Samuel a chance to take off again. "Come

inside, Samuel. Please? Or take me with you to Harry and Jase's. Or somewhere neutral." He

wasn't particularly choosy just at the moment, relief flooding through him that Samuel'd stopped.

"I'm sorry. Did he hurt you? I didn't want him to. I so didn't. I'm so sorry."

He shook his head. "He didn't hurt me, Samuel. He wants to talk to you. To hear from you that

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you're okay. That this wasn't like with William. You're his family, and he's just looking out for you and he just doesn't understand what we do, why we do it." Let me in the car, Samuel. Or come out. "I." Miserable dark eyes met his. "I have a terrible headache. I need caffeine." "Come inside. I have coffee, and we can have a few minutes for just you and me before he comes

to see you."

"You... you still... You're not mad at me?"

"No, Samuel. I'm not mad at you." He was, however, becoming more and more angry with

William. The man had a lot to answer for.

"Let me park the car."

"There's visitor spots in the garage. At the far end." He stepped away from the car and over onto

the sidewalk.

"Okay." Samuel drove slowly, obviously shaken.

Peter needed to call Harry. He needed to get this settled before Samuel had a breakdown. He

followed the car, dialing Harry. "He's here," he said as soon as Harry answered. "I'm taking him upstairs." "Is he okay? I'll be there in five to pick him up."

"He's fine, Harry. Come upstairs and have a coffee with us. Talk." He wasn't going to let Harry

manhandle Samuel into anything Samuel wasn't a hundred percent behind.

"I'll be right there."

He was beginning to get used to getting hung up on, honestly.

Peter held his hand out to Samuel once the car was parked, and led the poor, exhausted man to

the elevator. It was a far cry from their previous trip.

"Can you still feel it?" he asked quietly.

Samuel looked at him, nodded. "I wanted. I felt so good."

"Hold onto that feeling, Samuel. I did that so you could feel me for days, so you'd know I care

for you." He reached out and stroked Samuel's face. "Hold onto that."

"I'm sorry. I didn't. I didn't mean to ruin this."

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"Stop blaming yourself for everything. You are not responsible for Harry's reaction."

The elevator came to a stop, and he led Samuel back to his apartment for the second time in less

than twenty-four hours.

"Hold on!" Harry's voice rang out, the big man barreling toward him.

Damn, Harry was fast. He'd been hoping for a few minutes to calm Samuel down.

He held the door for Harry, though. "Come on in, Harry. I think there's enough coffee for all of

us."

"I hope so. Sammy, you've got Jase all upset. You've got to stop this."

"I." Sammy sighed and seemed to shrink.

"Harry. Sit down and be reasonable." The words just snapped out of him. He didn't care if he was

trying to convince Harry he was a good guy here, Samuel was upset enough without making it worse. Couldn't Harry see that? "You sit, too, Samuel. I'll pour the coffees and we will talk like reasonable adults." "I just. I'll call Jason, Harry. I just. I'm sorry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "For what? Being hurt?"

"Harry. I know you mean well, but do you think you could sound a little less accusatory?" He

poured out three cups of coffee, and sugared and creamed as necessary.

"I'm worried about you, man. Really. You won't press charges against William. You come home

with bruises like you've been beaten. Then you freak and quit your job. I just worry."

"I'm just. I. I didn't. I'm not freaked."

Peter sat, looking from one to the other. "So, Harry, what kind of assurances do you need here

that this isn't the same thing as was going on with William?" He gave a soft smile to Samuel, hoping to reassure Samuel once again that he wasn’t mad, that he wasn't going to stop seeing Samuel because of this. "Sammy, did you really do this on purpose? I mean, you don't have to be scared of Peter. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Samuel blinked, gave Harry a confused look. "Scared? Of Peter? No. No, I'm not. Not any of

me."

Sammy's Place - 62

Oh, yes. That was what he wanted to hear as well. "You see, Harry? He's not protecting me, he's

simply telling the truth."

"Then why?" Harry had that stubborn look.

"I'm not Jason, Harry. I need... more. I'm sorry, but I do."

Peter reached out and stroked the top of Samuel's hand. "You don't have to apologize for who

you are, Samuel."

Samuel turned his hand over, twining their fingers together. "I promise, Harry. Even if I do just

go, it's not Peter's fault."

He squeezed Samuel’s fingers. "I hope you don't go. We've just found each other. There's so

much left to explore, to discover."

"No gushy shit. Sammy, I think you ought to see a shrink; Jase did, once."

Peter’s eyebrow went up. "You think he should go to a shrink because you don't understand?"

"I think he should talk to someone." Harry didn't back down. "You let William hurt you. You let

that bastard Brian leave you. If you want to play games sexually, cool, but don't get hurt."

"I'm not them," Peter reminded Harry.

"No. No, but... You could have been."

Samuel sighed. "No, he couldn't have, and I'm not a weakling, Harry. Stop it. I'm a grown man."

Oh yes, that was what he wanted to hear from Samuel. About him, about what Samuel needed.

About everything.

"So, what? I'm just supposed to..." Harry looked like he was going to swallow his tongue.

"Yeah. Yeah, Harry. You are. This isn't about you." Samuel stood, staring Harry down. "This

isn't about you or Jason. This is about me. And I want it to be about me and Peter."

"Harry, look in Samuel's eyes and tell me that he's just going along with what I did to him

because he thinks he has to. He doesn't look a thing like he did whenever William hurt him." He

didn't know that for sure, of course, but he was willing to bet his life it was true.

"I think this is fucked, man. Really. I don't understand it." Harry looked at Samuel, then him.

"I'm tired. I'm going home. Sammy, you call Jase. You don't worry him." "Okay. Okay, Harry. I promise."

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"Good. Lafayette. We... we still on for a beer on Tuesday?" He could see Harry fighting the urge

to snarl. Harry was a good man.

"Yeah, Harry. I'll see you at the Hen and Hound at six." He offered his hand to Harry to shake.

Harry took it, shook it. "You coming home, Sam?"

"I. I don't know right now, Harry."

"Why don't you stay awhile, Samuel? I know you're upset. Harry, he'll call Jase, okay?" The

peace from the flogging was shattered, and Samuel needed more now.

"Thanks, Peter."

"Okay, man. I'm outta here." With that, Harry was gone.

"I'm sorry, Samuel. I should have realized Harry would react like that."

"I. I'm not. I don't." Samuel's hand shook, coffee spilling a bit.

He took the coffee from Samuel's hand and put it on the table. "You don't have to do anything at

all." Bending he took Samuel's mouth.

A soft sob filled his lips, Samuel reaching for him. Poor sweet love. He reached around Samuel,

hand grabbing the bruised ass and squeezing. He would love that peace back into the man.

Samuel jerked, whimpering into his lips, tongue pushing against his own. Samuel tasted like

tears. He was going to have to do something about that.

He started walking Samuel back toward his bedroom.

Samuel went, groaning, shivering. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to mess things up."

"You didn't mess anything up, Samuel. Things go wrong. It happens." He started undoing

Samuel's buttons.

"You aren't angry with me?"

He stopped what he was doing. "Why would I be angry with you?"

"For not dealing with Harry at the house? For getting ready to leave?"

"Oh, I doubt Harry gave you much of a chance for dealing. The getting ready to leave... I'm sorry

you felt you had to, and I need you to promise me you won't try to run away again. But I'm not angry."

Sammy's Place - 64

"I just. I didn't know what else to do."

"How about coming to see me? Talking to me?" He reaching into Samuel's shirt and pinched a

nipple.

"I... I didn't want to make it worse." Samuel stepped closer.

He shook his head. "You might have made it better." He nuzzled Samuel's neck. "Isn't this

better?"

"Yes." Samuel groaned, chin lifting. "Peter, I shouldn't..."

"Shouldn't what?" He asked, finding a mark he'd left and tracing it with his tongue.

"I. I don't know." Samuel arched, moaning against his lips.

"Then let me make love to you." He pushed Samuel's shirt over his shoulders, fingers following

the shirt, dancing their way over the hot, bruised skin.

Samuel gasped, jerked and pressed closer. "Aches, love. It aches."

"Remember how it felt when I was flogging you, Samuel? Remember how you felt after?"

"Yes. Yes. I was flying."

"Let’s see if we can get you there again."

"Do you think we can? Do you think you can?"

"I got you there in the first place, didn't I?" He took Samuel's mouth in another kiss, opening the

red lips with his tongue and pushing in. Samuel let him in, lips opening wide, fingers pressing

into his shoulders.

He kissed Samuel until he was breathless, and then he backed off, fingers lingering on the hot

skin. "Undress me."

Samuel nodded, moving slowly, carefully. "You don't have to work?"

"I had until noon today, but when you went missing, I called and told Mary I wouldn't be in at

all." He hummed happily as Samuel's fingers lingered over his skin.

"Mary?" Samuel petted each bit of skin as it came bare, caressing him.

"The girl who works for me. I usually have two to cover the place on Friday. But she'll just have

to do it on her own today. I have something more important to do."

Sammy's Place - 65

"Do you work on Saturday?" That soft, hot tongue slid over his nipple.

"Sometimes." He groaned, fingers sliding into Samuel's hair and holding him there. "Why?"

"Just curious." Samuel started sucking, eyes falling closed.

His nipple went hard, hard beneath Samuel's tongue and he groaned, cock filling, pushing up.

"You like that." Samuel's words were just tickles against his skin, just whispers.

"I do, Samuel. I like it a lot. They're very sensitive. Both of them," he offered.

Samuel took the hint, lips sliding across his chest, heading for his other nipple.

"Yes, Samuel." He groaned, hips pushing against the air.

His hungry lover licked and sucked, that bruised back right there for him to admire. Reaching, he

pushed two fingers against Samuel's back, watching a white spot appear. The deep, desperate cry

vibrated around his nipple, Samuel shuddering visibly.

"Again," he moaned, fingers finding a new spot to push at, wanting more of the desperate,

vibrating sound around his skin.

His nipple got a bite, Samuel making the fiercest sounds, caught in his touch. He gasped, fingers

digging in at the bite.

"Peter!" Samuel's eyes popped open, so wide.

"Keep doing what you were doing," he ordered, stroking the hot, bruised skin.

"Okay." Samuel whimpered, sucking good and deep, pulling at his nipple hard enough that he'd

feel it later.

He slid his hand around to stroke Samuel's chest, and then pinched Samuel's nipple, letting his nail catch the flesh. Samuel jerked, teeth sinking into flesh for a second. "Oh. Oh, sorry."

"Felt good, Samuel. Lower, now." He chuckled and pinched Samuel's nipple again. "No teeth,

though."

"Lower." Samuel moaned, sliding down his belly. "You smell good." "How do I taste?"

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"Salty. Warm. Can you taste warm?"

"Why not?" He stroked Samuel's cheek and encouraged the lovely mouth to his cock.

Samuel didn't answer; those lips were wrapped around his prick, the suction sudden and sweet

and just about perfect. It made him moan, his hips beginning to dance, pushing into Samuel's

mouth.

Everything he gave, Samuel took and then begged for more, that tight throat taking him down to

the root. He began to take Samuel's mouth in earnest, pushing in and out, watching as his prick

slid between the swollen lips.

Samuel relaxed for him, leaned against his legs and took him in and in. So sweet. Such a natural.

"So good, Samuel. Just like that." He praised Samuel, hands patting the dark curls. Those black

eyes closed, Samuel loving him, head bobbing as low moans circled his cock. "Gonna make me

come," he warned. Or maybe it was a promise.

Long fingers circled his balls, tugging gently, but still hard enough to make him buck.

"Samuel!" He wrapped his fingers around Samuel's head, thrusting hard as his orgasm began,

pushing out from his balls and through his cock.

He could feel Samuel swallowing, taking him in, pulling at his cock as the pleasure flooded him.

His knees buckled as he finished coming, the orgasm leaving him boneless and melted. His prick

slid out of Samuel's mouth as he went down, sitting hard and tugging Samuel into his lap.

"You're far too good at that."

"I enjoy it." Samuel curled in, eyes closed. "Let me stay for a little while?"

"Are you kidding? I know you quit your job. You can stay the weekend." He wrapped his arm

around Samuel, careful of the bruised back, but knowing that a little pressure, a little burn would

be welcomed.

"Yeah? Thank you. I just need a few moments, to get my shit together."

He kissed the top of Samuel's head. "Only a few moments?" he teased.

"Well, ‘few’ is a relative term, you know."

"Oh, it is, is it?" He chuckled. "Well, I'm going to be relatively uncomfortable here on the floor

very soon. Let's get up onto the bed before I get carpet ass."

Sammy's Place - 67

"Carpet ass? That sounds painful." Samuel chuckled, leaned in harder for a moment before levering up and standing. He slid his hand along Samuel's leg, all the way up to cup Samuel's balls. He rolled them in his hands, tugged on them gently and stroked them. "You really are a sexy man, Samuel." Samuel's eyes rolled, hard cock just bobbing. "Oh. That's so good. So good." "Yeah? I know what's even better." Though he suspected that Samuel was so starved for loving touches that any would do. Still, no reason for Samuel not to become accustomed to the best. Leaning in, he nuzzled Samuel's balls, humming at the scent of them. Then he took one into his mouth. "Peter!" Samuel gasped and shivered, reaching down for his shoulders. "Spread your legs," he ordered. He'd have made Samuel lie back on the bed, but then the burn from Samuel's back would outshine his mouth on Samuel's balls and prick. "Yes. Yes, sir. Your mouth." Samuel spread, thigh muscles shivering. He stroked the insides of Samuel's thighs with his fingers, his lips letting go of the one ball and taking in the other. "Oh..." Samuel was moving, nice and easy, rocking against him. He rolled the ball in his mouth, sucked on it, and then let it go as well, lips nibbling at the base of Samuel's cock, teeth grabbing at his pubes and tugging. "Have you ever shaved?" He could picture it, could picture Samuel naked, shaved and bound. "I've trimmed for a bathing suit, but I haven't gone all the way." Samuel would be lovely, bare for him, exposed. "You will," he promised, grabbing more pubes between his teeth and tugging on them. Then he went back to the hot, hard shaft, lips sliding on it, tongue wetting the silky flesh. "You... Please." He didn't know which thing Samuel was begging for. He wasn't sure Samuel knew. He didn't figure it mattered. Peter went to his knees, wrapping his lips around the tip of Samuel's cock, tasting the need there. Samuel cried out, shaking hard, obviously trying to be still, to let him have his way. He played at the tip for a little while, tongue sliding over Samuel's slit and circling the head. Then he started sucking, hands sliding to Samuel's bruised ass, pressing against it as permission for Samuel to move, to take his mouth.

Sammy's Place - 68

"Feel you." Samuel arched, cock pressing deep, pushing into his lips and spreading them.

He hummed, tongue sliding over whatever flesh he could reach, his lips as tight as he could

make them around Samuel's cock as it slid in and out.

"Going to make me come. You have a great mouth." Random babble poured from Samuel's lips,

thin hips jerking, driving deep.

He squeezed Samuel's ass, offering that sharp burn, aiming to push Samuel over the edge.

Seed splashed on his tongue, Samuel salty and sweet, rich and male in his mouth. He swallowed

it down, tongue licking and lapping at Samuel's cock, looking to make the good last. Samuel's

cheeks were flushed, eyes rolled back as he nuzzled.

He finally placed a last kiss on the tip of Samuel's cock. "Bed," he growled. "On your side and

facing me."

Samuel didn't argue, just nodded and moved, settling on the bed as he asked.

He lay down facing Samuel, one hand wrapped possessively around a sharp hip. "Rest, nap.

We'll figure everything else out after."

"Everything?" Samuel gave him a sweet, sweet smile, eyes already closing. "Thank you, Peter."

Maybe not everything, but they'd figure out what Samuel needed them to. And then tomorrow

they'd do the same. And the day after that the same.

And one day, running wouldn't be Samuel's gut reaction when things got fucked up.

Sammy's Place - 69

Chapter Seven

Samuel woke up slowly, blinking and warm. Comfortable.

Sore.

Oh, man. What a day.

He crept out of the bed so carefully, smiling at Peter, who looked happy.

It worked for him.

He grabbed his slacks on the way to the kitchen, rummaging around the little space for flour and

sugar and eggs. Oh, cinnamon. Brown sugar. Scones. He could do scones.

It wasn't long at all before the kitchen smelled like heaven, coffee brewing, scones baking away.

"When did a bakery open up in my kitchen?" Peter asked, standing in the doorway. His eyes

were closed and he was breathing in deeply. "Seriously. It smells better than it's ever smelled in

here."

"I thought you might be hungry. I bake. A lot." He headed over, begging a kiss. "They'll be done

soon."

Peter's eyes opened, arms looping around him and resting on his ass. "I do believe I highly approve of this you baking thing." Peter smiled down and then brushed their lips together, the kiss a barely there tease. It was followed up by a much harder kiss, a longer one that had his toes curling.

Sammy blinked up, dazed, heart pounding away. "Wow. You... you want coffee?"

"Yes, please. It's my second favorite thing first thing after waking."

"How do you like it? And what's your first favorite?"

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Peter grabbed his ass again before he could go to pour the coffee, pulling him in close again. Another kiss, deep and long and hot, had his head swimming. "That's my favorite." "I. I can't think when you do that, Peter."

"Do you need to think right now?" Peter asked, one hand staying on his ass, the other sliding up

over his stomach and then rubbing over his nipples.

"So long as we remember to turn off the oven when it... when it dings." Burned sugar smelled

awful.

"We have until it dings, then, to keep doing this." Peter tweaked one of his nipples and covered

his mouth again, tongue pushing in.

Perfect. He leaned in close enough that his nipples were pressed against Peter's chest, protected. Then he dove into the kiss. Peter squeezed his ass, making it burn so sweetly. The ache had eased into something delicious, something that kept him constantly aware, awake. Squeeze and release, squeeze and release, Peter's hand worked his ass. He got one arm wrapped around Peter's neck, the other tangled in Peter's hair as he held on. Peter moaned into his mouth, fingers sliding between them again, moving to tweak his right nipple. Sammy went up on tiptoe, moving away a little. Peter chuckled into his mouth, fingers pinching

hard this time.

"Peter." He groaned, eyes fluttering at the sting.

"I think we should find you some rubber clamps. Make you wear them."

"I. The stove. It'll ding soon." Oh, God.

"And when it does, I'll stop." Peter twisted this time, the sensation sharp, undeniable.

His cock was rising, going hard and full in his pants. "I don't have sensitive ones."

Peter's eyebrow went up. "You don't?"

"N... no. No, I don't." He never had before.

Peter twisted his nipple again, making him jerk. "They seem pretty sensitive to me."

"I. It's not me. I mean, it is, but it's you. They haven't been before."

"Or is it just that no one's ever played with them before, hmm?" Bending, Peter licked at one.

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"Mmm." The little bit of skin tightened up impossibly. Peter's tongue flicked back and forth across his nipple, then his teeth scraped over it. Sammy gasped and then the oven timer went off, startling the hell out of him. Chuckling, Peter gave his nipple one last bite, and straightened. "There's your ding. Whatever it is smells amazing."

"Scones. I made cinnamon scones and coffee."

"Seriously? Wow, cool." Peter went and sat at the table, looking at him expectantly.

"How do you like your coffee?" He pulled the scones out, putting two of them on a plate for

Peter. This part of love affairs was his favorite.

"Just a bit of cream, Samuel, thank you." Peter gave him a soft smile, looking happy.

He poured two cups of coffee -- one with cream, one with sugar -- and brought them to the table,

along with the scones for Peter. "Be careful; they're hot."

"They look fantastic. No one's ever made me breakfast before."

"Never?" Sammy was stunned. How could no one have taken care of this man?

"No, never. I'm pleased you're the first."

He leaned down, kissed Peter's temple. "I shouldn't have been, but I'm glad I could."

"Sit. Eat with me." Peter took a bite of one of the scones. "Oh. Oh, Samuel. That's amazing."

"Thanks." He drank his coffee, pleased. They were just scones, but they were good.

Peter ate eagerly; he could tell it wasn't a put on. Especially when Peter had the second and held

the plate out for more. "Please?"

"Yes. One or two more?" He grabbed the pan and the tongs.

"I'll take two, but you have to have one, too."

"Oh, I'm not hungry." Was he?

"I don't want to eat alone, Samuel. Sit down and share with me."

"Oh. Okay." That was reasonable, right? Sure it was. He sat, nibbling on the edge of a scone. Oh,

they did taste good.

Sammy's Place - 72

"You eat like a mouse," Peter noted.

"I have a twitchy stomach. I don't have a big appetite." For food.

"Have you seen a doctor about it?"

"A doctor?" Hell, he'd never had insurance. He didn't go to the doctor. Hadn't since he ran away

from home at sixteen.

"About your twitchy stomach. You know, see if there's a reason for it." Peter gave him the

second half of the scone.

"No. No, I don't do that."

"Don't do what? Go to the doctor?" Peter looked confused.

He nodded, going to get more coffee.

"Why on earth not? Samuel, you need to take care of yourself!"

"I do." Sort of. Periodically. Well, Jason did.

Peter shook his head. "Right. Have another scone. Or a fruit or something. Anything."

"Do you want more coffee?"

"No. I want you here next to me, eating."

"I did eat." Were they having a fight?

Peter smiled. "Sit and eat some more."

He headed over, sat and ate another bite. Maybe not. That smile was fascinating.

"Good man. You need your strength, you know. For the things we're going to do."

"Do... do you have plans for me?"

"I do." Peter leaned close, nuzzled his neck. "I do."

Oh, now. That was nice. Nuzzling. "You going to share?"

Peter reached out and flicked one of his nipples. "I want to play with these."

"I. They're not really sensitive like yours, Peter." Oh, that burned so good.

Sammy's Place - 73

"They're sensitive enough." Peter bent and licked one, then blew on it.

"Enough for you?" Mmm. Tingly. He approved.

"Enough for me. Enough for you. Finish your scone and I'll show you what I've got in mind."

"Are you bribing me?" He ate another bite, then another.

"Maybe. In the end, you're eating and we're about to have an evening of great fun."

Oh.

Okay.

"You don't mind if I stay another night?" Please?

"Mind?" Peter smiled again. "No, I don't mind. I might even insist."

"I should call Jason, huh?" He leaned toward Peter, moaning a little.

"You should. You have thirty seconds to do it in. And after that you'll be too busy to talk."

"What?" He didn't even know where his phone was.

Peter pointed to the phone on the wall by the door. "Give Jason a call and tell him you're fine so

Harry doesn't come and kick down the door while we're in the middle of things."

"Oh. 'Kay." He headed to the phone, misdialing twice before he got Jase's number right.

"Hello?"

He could feel Peter's eyes on him.

"Jase? Honey? It's me. You okay?" God, he wanted.

"Sammy? Oh, Sammy, I've been worried about you! Are you okay?"

"I'm good. I'm so good. I swear, Jase. I'm at Peter's, and..." He lowered his voice, whispering. "I

don't want to go, Jase. He's amazing."

"Really? That... this morning, your back -- that was really something you wanted?"

"Yes. Yes, I need it. I need you to understand that. I wanted it, so badly."

"It looked real bad, Sammy, worse than anything William or anyone else ever did, but you

Sammy's Place - 74

looked happy. I let the bruises distract me from that, from the look on your face when I first saw you. You have to promise me one thing, though, Sammy. You need to tell me if he ever does something you don't want. If it turns into that, okay?" "I promise. I promise. I'm not stupid. I want to be here." He needed to be there.

Peter cleared his throat. It was time to hang up.

"All right, Sammy. You'll tell me all about it when you get a chance, right?"

He could hear that Jase was happy for him, he could hear it in Jase's voice with the part of his

brain that wasn't distracted by the fact that Peter wanted him.

"I will. I promise. Love you, honey. You don't worry." Don't worry about him at all.

"Love you, Sammy. Have fun!" He heard soft giggles as Jase hung up.

"Oh, thank God." He could've cried, just from pure relief. Jase was his best friend, his

confidante.

"I take it Jason was satisfied with the conversation?"

He had a lump in his throat, so he just nodded. Yeah. Yeah.

"Good. Hopefully he can convince Harry to be as well."

"He will." He rested his forehead against the wall. Yeah. Jason would.

"Are you all right?" Peter's voice came from right behind him, one hand on his arm, turning him.

"Yeah. Yeah, I just. I was worried, you know? Harry won't get it, but Jason?" He shrugged. "I

don't want to fight with him."

Peter tilted his face and kissed him softly. "We can sit down and talk to them. Later."

"Later." He nodded, arms wrapping around Peter's neck, holding on. Hanging on.

Hands sliding just above the skin over his back, Peter started walking him backward, toward the

bedroom. He would have argued, but he didn't want to. He needed this, needed Peter to touch

him.

"I have nipple clamps in the bedroom," Peter murmured. "I have rubber ones that won't hurt too

much, but you'll know they're there."

"What else do you have?" He was buzzing. Just buzzing.

Sammy's Place - 75

Peter laughed. "You saw my chest. And I saw you eyeing those plugs."

"I did. Some were huge. Some were heavy." Some were scary.

"Was it the heavy ones you were interested in, Samuel? The huge ones?" They came to a stop

next to the chest.

"I don't think I could do huge. I'm scared of being torn." He didn't worry about Peter's feelings;

he just told the truth.

"I would never put anything in you that you couldn't take. And I don't want to stretch you so far

that my cock starts to feel small to you."

"I don't want that, either. Does it? Does it work that way?" His natural curiosity perked, peeking

out.

"If you become too used to it, sure. We won't do that, though. You'll have small plugs, heavy

instead of large." Peter grinned. "Make those muscles work, make them tight." Reaching into the chest, Peter pulled out a small silver plug and a pair of see-through rubber nipple clamps. "Look at those." He reached out, traced them with his fingers. "They're pretty."

"They're about to get even prettier." Peter reached for his nipple, taking it between two fingers

and tugging it, convincing it to harden.

"What is your favorite thing?" He chewed on his bottom lip, rocking into Peter's fingers.

"Submission. That moment of peace where what I'm doing has superseded everything else."

Peter let go of his nipple and put the clamp on it.

"Oh." He shivered and hummed, head rolling a little. "That's. I live for that."

"So do I." Peter began to play with his other nipple, making it harden before putting on the other

clamp. His cock was full, throbbing. The clamps didn't hurt, just throbbed, the ache growing in his balls. "Bend over the bed, Samuel. I'll put in the plug that way -- so you don't have to lie on your back." It would be a few days before that was comfortable.

"Yes. Yes, Peter." He nodded, leaned over the bed, his muscles groaning as they stretched.

"Look at you," murmured Peter, fingers sliding so lightly over his skin, making it ache slightly.

Then Peter knelt behind him, tongue sliding along his crack. He hid his whimpers in his folded

arms, breath coming quick and fast.

Sammy's Place - 76

"Let me hear you, Samuel. Your sounds make me hard, make me ache deep inside." Peter licked along his crack again, tongue sliding from his tailbone down past his hole. This time the moan escaped, tearing out of his throat as Peter's tongue tried to drive him mad.

"Yes, just like that, Samuel." Peter licked that line again and then again, and then his tongue slid

back and forth over Samuel's hole, back and forth and back and forth, now slowly, now quickly.

He started humping the side of the bed, cock rubbing against the sheets, the soft cotton rasping a

bit.

One of Peter's hands slid up along his legs and grabbed hold of the base of his prick, squeezing

hard. "Don't come yet, Samuel."

"Oh. Oh, I need." He loved that pressure, the way Peter didn't waffle.

"Stay put," murmured Peter. Teeth scraped over his ass and then Peter's heat disappeared.

Sammy's eyes closed and he just breathed, listened to Peter moving around the room. It wasn't

long before Peter's heat was back, both hands reaching around him to grab hold of his cock. One began to slowly jack him, the other slid a thick leather band around the base of his prick, the sound loud as the snap closed. "Oh. Oh, fuck." He jerked, thighs parting wider. Peter's fingers kept sliding along the top half of his prick, thumb pressing against his slit.

"Eventually we’ll make love, Samuel, eventually."

He bucked, eyes rolling, the pleasure just perfect. "Eventually sounds like a... a... a fucking long

time."

Peter laughed, the bastard, though it wasn't a nasty laugh. "But an enjoyable long time, Samuel.

The need and anticipation will make it better. Not to mention make you think twice about using a

curse word again." With that Peter began to lick at him again, tongue hot as it dragged across his

hole.

He just nodded, eyes rolling back in his head as he felt. Flew.

Peter kept teasing him, tongue sliding across his hole, thumb sliding across his slit at the same

time, back and forth, again and again.

"I'll come. I will. I need to."

"No, not yet."

Sammy's Place - 77

Peter did something to the cock ring, making it tighter. Then those fingers wrapped around his balls and tugged on them as Peter's tongue pushed right into his ass. "Peter!" He convulsed, the pleasure bigger than anything he'd ever felt. And he still didn't come. Again and again, Peter thrust his hot, wet tongue in, breaching Sammy's muscles and making him shake. His muscles went tight, taut, and he fought to come, fought against the bonds and Peter's hand. "Mmm..." Peter hummed, the sound sliding along his tongue, making him vibrate inside.

He finally stopped fighting it, fighting Peter. He relaxed and moaned, riding the edge of pure

heat. The tongue fucking got faster, Peter pushing deep. Then it stopped, leaving him gasping,

his hole twitching.

"P... Peter?" He didn't tense, didn't raise his head.

"The plug now." Cold and blunt, the tip pressed against his hole, not yet hard enough to push it

in.

"It... it's cold." His hole clenched, his balls throbbing.

"It'll warm. It'll warm quickly because you're so hot." It pressed a little harder against him, but

still didn't push right in.

"You did that." His head tossed, body instinctively pressing back against the plug, taking more of it in. "We did it together." Peter stroked his hip, encouraging him to pull even more of the plug into his body.

"I." He started rocking, slow and easy, taking one tiny bit at a time.

"That's it, Samuel. You know what you want -- take it."

"I want... I want to..." Oh. His eyes rolled, body undulating, spreading and tightening over and

over.

Peter helped, slowly pushing the plug deeper, insisting his body take it. "Beautiful."

"Is... is it?"

"You are." The plug slid all the way in until he felt his body close around the base.

"Oh!" He raised up, hole working the plug as best he could, the pressure perfect.

Sammy's Place - 78

Peter pulled it part way out and then pushed it back in, twisted it, seated it again.

"Oh, fuck. Fuck, that's." He spread wider, hips canting back.

"Good?" The plug was slid partway out and shoved back in again. And then again.

"Uh-huh. Please, don't stop. Fuck, I need you."

The base of the plug was hit, hard, and Peter's fingers dug into his ass, making it burn. "No

swearing, Samuel."

"I. Why?" Why the fuck not?

"Because I've asked you not to. And that should be reason enough." Another tap hit his ass -- he

could feel each finger on his skin.

"I." He groaned, a little confused, a little angry, a lot aroused.

The plug was twisted inside him, bumping against his gland. A kiss landed on his ass. "You

what, Samuel?"

He shook his head, moaned. "I can't remember. Don't stop."

"Don't stop what? This?" Peter pulled the plug out and pushed it back in again. "Or this?" Peter's

fingers squeezed around the head of his cock, sliding.

"Or this?" Fingers slid over his ass, along his back, hard enough to make him ache.

"Yes." Fuck, yes. He needed so fucking bad it ached. "Yes, Peter."

"Greedy," murmured Peter. "But such need should be rewarded."

Without warning, the cock ring was undone, Peter fucking him with the plug.

"Peter!" He drove back, screaming out as he shot, entire focus on his cock.

The plug kept pushing into him, hitting his gland, making the orgasm seem to go on and on. And

then the plug stilled, seated deep inside him.

"Tell me how you feel."

"Loved." His eyes rolled as he slumped to the mattress.

A kiss pressed against his upper thigh. "Good."

Sammy's Place - 79

Then Peter helped him, moved him until he was lying on his side on the bed, his nipples

clamped, his back bruised, and his ass full.

"Thank you." He blinked, eyes drooping closed. "You're okay?"

"You can take care of me later."

"I will, you know. I'm really fucking good at taking care." He fell asleep, fading right off.

*** Peter let Samuel sleep as long as he needed to, spending the afternoon going over the books and checking out real estate online. There were several very promising places that would all be excellent locations for his second store. He'd have to call someone to take him around to the various places. He was going to need someone to replace him at the store. Mary couldn’t work all the hours on her own. Samuel still made the most sense, and he happened to know Samuel was in the market for a new job... It was like everything was falling right into place. Peter did like it when that happened.

Whistling, he wandered into the kitchen and pulled out the take-out menus. He heard the front

door open and shut, and then he thought he heard a car door through the open window. He

looked down to see Samuel carrying a clothesbasket, wrinkled shirt on his back.

He leaned out and called down. "Bring your stuff up."

"The whole basket?"

"Yes." He wasn't going to have Samuel living out of his car as if he didn't have anywhere to go.

"Okay." The basket was gathered up, along with a backpack.

He nodded. Good. He went to the front door, waiting for Samuel to come back up. It locked

automatically when it was closed -- he was going to have to see if he could find that extra key, or have another made up. If Samuel was going to stay. He knew which way he wanted it to work out. Samuel set his basket down by the door, finding a clean shirt from the pile. "I can take it back

down so it's not in your way. I just smell like sex."

His lips twitched. "You have a problem with smelling like sex?"

"Well, it's sort of... distracting. Isn't it? And the... the plug is enough."

Sammy's Place - 80

He chuckled. "There will be times when I won't let you change, when I won't let you wash the

smell of sex away. But yes, I imagine that for today the plug is enough."

He reached around, finding the base of the plug through Samuel's slacks and jostling it.

"I. I'll take it out to shower?" Samuel gasped, stepping toward him.

"Oh, I think we'll leave it in for awhile longer, Samuel. Besides, I want to talk to you. Come and

sit." He deliberately chose the kitchen chairs, as they were much harder than the living room

ones.

"I..." Samuel wandered over, nipples dark and still clamped. What a good sub.

It made him hard, how well Samuel performed, how very much he needed. Sitting, he held the

chair out for Samuel. He didn't ask Samuel to be still -- between the plug and the bruises, that

would have been cruel. And they would keep the conversation short.

Samuel sat, so careful, just barely lighting. "What's wrong, Peter?"

"Oh, now, that has to change. I'm going to want to talk with you often -- discuss all sorts of

things. You can't be assuming something is wrong just because I want to have a conversation -you don't need that kind of constant worry."

"Oh." He got a grin, Samuel’s shoulders relaxing a little. "I'm good at discussions. You just

looked so serious."

"Did I?" He shrugged. "I suppose I'm a serious sort of guy." He smiled, going for more

lighthearted. "I wanted to talk about how long you're going to stay."

"Oh. Oh, don't worry. I'm not the moocher type, no matter what Harry says." Samuel started to

flutter a bit. "I'll be gone in a flash -- either now or Monday, since you said you had time."

"You do jump to conclusions, don't you? And the worst ones you can find, at that." He shook his head. "I want you to stay for at least the weekend, Samuel. I want you to go on Monday -- at the earliest." He wanted Samuel to stay, period. But he wasn't sure the best way to broach it. "I'd love to stay 'til Monday. I would." He got a quick smile. "I'll have to go out, put my check in

the bank and all."

"So you'd agree we're a good match?" Was he crazy for wanting to invite Samuel to move in?

"You're... you are. We are. I hope you want to see me again next week."

He smiled. "Actually. I was wondering if you'd want to come live with me."

Sammy's Place - 81

"What? Oh. Oh, I can't. I can't fuck this up so soon, Peter. You're special."

He frowned. "Why would moving in with me fuck this up?" He was going to find that man who

had done this to Samuel and tear him apart.

"I always fuck things up, Peter. You'll learn that. I'm hard to deal with. Ask Jason."

"Stop that, Samuel. I will not hear you put yourself down."

"I'm not. Honest. It's true." Samuel reached out, patted his hand, almost sympathetically, as if to

say, "you poor stupid man, don't you know I'm screwed up?"

He growled a little. "I do not want you starting out with me believing you are going to screw up."

Samuel paled a little, stood up. "I don't want to have this conversation, Peter. I've had a long few

days."

"We need to have this conversation, Samuel. You need to believe in yourself and you need to

believe in me."

"I do fucking believe in myself. I also know me. I know my history. You don't."

"No, I don’t know your history, but it grates on me that you assume you're going to screw this

up. Are you going to make mistakes? I'm sure you will. So will I. Will you screw up to the point where we're over? I like to think that's not possible." "Yeah. Yeah, but. I don't have a job. Nothing like that."

"Well... since you mentioned it. I'm opening a second store, and I'm going to need someone I can

trust and who knows their armoires from their bassinets."

"What? So I meet you, we fuck like bunnies, and then you trust me to work for you? You don't

know if I'm smart, if I know my shit. I mean, I appreciate it, but I don't deserve this."

"You live with my best friend -- he came charging in here protecting you from me. I think that's

all the reference I need."

"He's a good man. I." Samuel sighed, grinned. "Do we have to talk about this right now? I've got

that whole plug thing going on."

"Distracting, is it?" He slid his hand around to Samuel's ass and nudged that plug. If Samuel kept

giving him that big reaction, he was just going to keep on doing it.

"No shit. Just a lot." Samuel jumped, belly going tight.

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"And what do you think we should be doing, if not having this conversation?" He pushed it

again.

"I could take a shower?" Wicked thing.

"You could suck me off," he countered.

"From discussions to fellatio. Not bad."

"Well, if I'm going to let you off the hook, it'll need to be worth my while." He winked and

nudged that plug again, just to see Samuel jump.

"I could do that." Samuel stepped away a bit, ass out of reach. "You have a sweet cock."

"And if you're on your knees sucking it, I can't play with the plug."

"You noticed that." Samuel knelt, nuzzling his cock through his jeans.

He spread his legs wider. "I did." He popped the top button open. "Do the zipper without your

hands."

"If I chip a tooth, you're in big trouble." Samuel winked, lips tugging at the zipper, popping off.

He chuckled. "Be careful. I'd rather get sucked off than take you to the dentist." He slid his

fingers through Samuel's curls.

"Yeah. Dentists are fucking scary." Samuel cuddled into the touch and then leaned in, tugging

his zipper down.

"You don't like dentists, you don't like doctors... who else?" It wasn't easy getting the whole

sentence out, not with Samuel's mouth right there at his prick.

"Post offices. I'm not a fan. Lines. Rules. Boring." Samuel's lips dropped over his prick, pulling

good and hard.

Peter didn't even try to answer, groaning as he spread his legs wider.

Samuel did enjoy sucking, Peter could tell. That head bobbed, Samuel taking him in deep. He

moaned, letting Samuel hear his pleasure, his fingers carding through those curls. The suction was intense, driving him to the edge of the chair, making his eyes roll. "Samuel..." He bit the word out, voice just growling. "Don't stop." The suction slowed, Samuel looking up at him, catching his attention for a moment, almost making him growl. Then the suction started again, twice as strong. He had to bite back the curse

Sammy's Place - 83

word that tried to get out, making a strangled noise instead. It wasn't going to take long at this

rate.

Then Samuel's lips went down to his base, that nose in his pubes, and it was all over. He shouted

out Samuel's name, his cock pulsing, pouring his seed out down Samuel's throat. Samuel drank

him down, cleaned his cock with that talented tongue.

He slumped back against the chair, thinking that he really should have had them start this off in the living room with the comfy chairs. Samuel rested one cheek on his thigh, breathing hard, eyelashes tickling his skin. "Thank you," he murmured, petting Samuel's head.

A soft kiss brushed his leg. "My pleasure."

"What do you say we go to get a shower? Maybe I'll even take care of the clamps and that plug

first."

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm all... caught up."

"It looks good on you." Really good.

"Does it?" Samuel reached up for him, moving to stand between his legs.

He nodded, hands resting on Samuel's waist. "It does." Leaning forward, he undid one of the

nipple clamps with his teeth.

"Fuck." Samuel gasped, hands grabbing his upper arms. "I. Oh. I didn't think it would sting."

"All the blood's rushing back into it." He grinned up and then wrapped his lips around the freed

nipple, sucking.

Samuel cried out, fingers digging in, the scent of desire heady.

"Tell me what you're feeling, what you're thinking." He flicked his tongue across Samuel's

nipple.

"That I'm hot. That I want to feel you. That I can't believe you're real."

"Oh, I'm real." He moved to the other nipple, using his teeth again to remove the second clamp.

"Very real."

"Fuck. Fuck. That. Peter. God damn."

He pulled off. "Samuel! Language!"

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"Huh?" Samuel blinked, groaned. "Jesus. You've got a hard-on for that, huh?" "I think it would be more accurate to say that I don't have a hard-on for those words." He nipped at Samuel's nipple, teeth closing over it. "Hey! Oh. Oh, that..." Samuel stepped back, eyes rolling. "Yes, Samuel?" He found the plug and jostled it again. Samuel would learn. Eventually. "I. Shit, you make it hard to think." He jostled the plug again. "Shit is a curse word." "God damn it, I can't think, man!" He chuckled and shook his head. "You'll learn. Eventually." "Shh... shower?" Samuel was panting, hips rolling in those jeans. God, the man made need beautiful. "Is that what you want?" He undid Samuel's top button. "I want. Christ, I don't know what I want." "I know what you want, Samuel." He drew down Samuel's zipper. "You want me to take out the

plug and do you until you can't stand. The shower's optional."

"I don't want you to think I'm smelly."

"You smell like you and me and sex. That works for me." He pulled Samuel's jeans down over

his hips, not touching the eager cock for now.

Samuel's prick was long, thin, the tip swollen and wet. He could imagine so many things for it -bound, a thin sound slid inside, a tiny flogger to lay the gentlest strokes across it. Groaning at the

thought, he licked at the tip, teasing. Samuel hummed softly, rippling in his hands. So sensitive.

So needy.

He wanted that ass, wanted to feel the stretched and swollen hole around his cock, holding him

tight. Standing, he grabbed Samuel's hand and dragged him toward the bathroom. Samuel

laughed, running along beside him, eager and joyous. This was what he needed from Samuel.

Peter brought Samuel up against him as they reached the bathroom, taking a kiss, his hand

against the small of Samuel's back as he bent Samuel over. Samuel tasted like him, like sex and

Sammy's Place - 85

need and come. He pulled Samuel back up, hand drifting down to play with the plug, tugging it partway out and letting Samuel's body pull it back in. "I. I need. That." Samuel took a deep breath. "I need more lube, if we're going to do that."

He leaned over and snagged a tube, handing it over while he worked the condom on. "The plug's

coming out, and I'm going in. Slick me up."

"Thank you." Samuel grabbed the tube, working the top off.

Let it never be said he didn't listen. "You're welcome. Really slick, now. I'm going to take you up

against the tile."

"Really slick. I hear you." Those fingers wrapped around him, jacking him off with sharp, sure

motions.

"Mmm... love your clever little fingers." He was hard again already, Samuel getting him all

revved up.

"You feel good to them, too." Samuel snorted. "That sounded stupid, huh?"

"No, not at all." He watched Samuel's hand working him, getting him slicker and slicker, and

harder, too.

"No? Cool." Samuel moaned, hands moving faster.

"Okay," he suddenly growled, hand stopping Samuel's. "Okay. Let's do this." He pushed Samuel

into the shower stall, following and turning the water on.

"That's so hot." Samuel turned, faced the tile, spread for him.

"Yeah? How about this?" He grabbed the base of the plug and pulled it out, spreading Samuel's

legs a little wider with his foot.

"I'm a fucking fan. Please, Peter."

He bit Samuel's shoulder. "No fucking." Then he pushed his cock against Samuel's hole, wanting

to just plunge in.

"No. No fucking. Please."

"Good boy." Pushing forward, he sank into Samuel's body. Hot silk and tight muscles; it felt so

good.

"Mmmhmm." Samuel nodded, head falling back, throat working as they moved together.

Sammy's Place - 86

Peter licked along Samuel's ear, found the lobe to suck on, his hips sawing back and forth. Samuel was swollen, tight around him, gripping his cock and trying to keep him held in deep. Reaching around Samuel's body, he stroked the long cock, feeling it jerk in his fingers every time he pushed in and hit Samuel's gland. "More. More, please. That's just right." Samuel begged so prettily. He moved a little faster, hitting right there again and again. He hand squeezed and rubbed the

dripping tip of Samuel's cock.

"Peter." Samuel came with a shudder, seed spraying over his fingers.

His prick was squeezed so tight, and he cried out, coming hard. Samuel leaned against the tile,

panting, breathing hard. He didn't linger, just pulled out, ditching the condom, and leaned against the tile next to Samuel, catching his breath. "You... you okay?" Samuel blinked over, dark curls shining and wet.

He smiled and nodded, began to wash Samuel, the soap bubbles sliding between his palms and

Samuel's skin. "You?"

"Uh-huh. That feels amazing." Touch made Samuel melt; it was amazing to see.

"So you'll stay until Monday?" he asked. They could open the topic of Samuel staying longer -moving in -- on Monday.

"Yes. Yes, please." Samuel stretched up, responding immediately to him.

"Excellent." He knelt down, sudsing up Samuel's legs, his cock and balls, getting everything

soapy and clean.

"You... You don't have to." Samuel spread for him, body begging him for more.

"No, I don't. I want to, though -- that's why I'm doing it." He kissed Samuel's ass and stood,

stepping back out of the way so the water rinsed Samuel off.

"Thank you." Samuel shone in the water, head falling back into the spray.

"You're welcome." Samuel was so welcome. He took a kiss, soft and sweet. "What do you want

for supper?" he asked. "I've got a wide variety of restaurants we can order from."

"I'll cook for you, if you'd like." Samuel licked the water off his lips, tongue so soft, so warm.

"You don't have to," he echoed Samuel's words to him. Though he had to admit to himself, the

idea of being pampered, being cooked for, was very appealing.

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"I want to. I like taking care. Something warm. Bread and soup. Pie."

"Sounds great. Thank you, Samuel." It sounded perfect, in fact.

Samuel had so much to offer, having him here was not charity, was not waiting for disaster to

happen. He just had to convince Samuel himself.

Sammy's Place - 88

Chapter Eight

Samuel went to the bank and to the grocery store, tooling around town while Peter rested and worked and did whatever Peter did. He'd left a note before he left, just a quick one saying he was heading out for food and supplies, nothing major. He bought sausages and onions, garlic and bacon, cream and butter and a glorious thick-crusted bread. Then he picked up the ingredients for a macaroon cake and some coffee. He stopped and had a pineapple milkshake, picked up a few applications in the retail shops around the grocery. All in all, not a bad afternoon. He headed back to Peter's place, whistling under his breath, arms filled with sacks. Peter opened the door when he rang the bell, and chuckled. "Well, it certainly looks like you've had a productive afternoon." He was relieved of most of his bags, Peter leading the way back to the kitchen. "You'll have to let me know how much I owe you for the groceries." "Oh, you let me sleep here. It's okay." He kissed Peter's jaw when they stopped. "I got stuff for soup and bread and dessert and muffins in the morning." He loved blueberry muffins. "Are you sure you won't move in with me?" Peter asked. "I could get used to having someone cook for me." Peter gave him a wink, eyes twinkling. "Actually, I have something for you." "You do? What?" He sorted out the groceries, popping open a can of Diet Coke. Peter went over to the table and picked up something small. His hand was taken, and that something pressed into his palm, Peter curling his fingers closed over it. "This is so that you can come and go and not have to ring the bell just because you went out to get groceries." "Oh." He stared, holding onto the key. "Thank you, Peter. Thank you." Oh, wow. That was. Yeah.

Sammy's Place - 89

"I want you to feel like you belong here, Samuel. You aren't a guest or a cook. You're wanted."

Peter stroked his cheek. "Very much wanted."

It was so easy, to lean into the touch, close his eyes and cuddle.

"So sensual," murmured Peter, free hand coming up to stroke his back. "This easing yet?"

"Mmmhmm. It's just a deep feeling now." Sammy cuddled in with a happy sigh. He could stay.

Right there.

"Excellent. You need it deep." Peter just seemed to know, to understand.

He nodded, pressed a kiss to Peter's jaw. "Yes. Yes. I need."

"Tell me, Samuel, what's your favorite thing to do that would be considered 'vanilla'?"

"Kissing. I love kissing. And the snuggling part." That was an easy answer. "Yours?"

"I like both of those. And blow jobs. I'm very fond of those." Peter traced his lips. "Especially

from someone who really knows how to give them."

He caught himself pulling in those fingers, sucking slow and easy, nibbling on the tips.

"Mmm... as oral as you are tactile. I'm a lucky, lucky man." Peter drew him in closer, let him feel

the way Peter's prick was growing, pushing up between them. Cuddling in, Sammy sucked and rubbed, taking his time, loving on Peter. Most tops he'd met wanted to play; they didn't want to spend time in between being all cuddly and shit. Peter, it seemed, was different. He almost missed that they'd started walking, Peter moving them out of the kitchen. Dinner wouldn’t take long to fix; they had time. He followed easily, too busy touching and tasting to think.

They wound up on the couch, Peter tugging him down into the man's lap, where Peter's hands

began to wander liberally, touching him all over. He found a comfy spot and settled, cheek on

Peter's shoulder, lips exploring the long throat. Perfect. This was perfect.

Peter's hands wandered up beneath his shirt, one sliding over the bruises on his back, making

them ache just a touch, just enough. The other hand slid over his belly, playing in the curves and

then moving on up to his nipples, which were still tender from earlier.

"Those are tender." It wasn't a complaint. Just the truth. He stretched a little, pressed closer.

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"But not at all sensitive," murmured Peter, and he was starting to recognize the tone, soft and teasing, gently poking fun. "Nope. Not even a little." He grinned, blew a raspberry against Peter's throat, making them both laugh. Peter's fingers kept coming back to them, never pinching or tugging hard, more sort of touching and rubbing, taking advantage of the tenderness. "Take my shirt off," Peter ordered, tugging Samuel's up over his head. He worked the buttons open, fingers tracing Peter's skin, tangling in the dark curls on Peter's belly. Peter groaned. "I like kissing and snuggling, but it's better naked." Peter leaned in, mouth closing over his right nipple and starting to suck. Sammy's fingers tangled in Peter's hair, lips open a bit as the sweet pleasure started building. Peter hummed around his flesh, making it tingle, and then slid over to suck and lick at his other nipple. He leaned, whispering in Peter's ear about how good it was and how fine it felt and how he was just floating with it. More hums vibrated around his skin, Peter's only response, aside from not stopping. Peter tickled his ribs, fingers sliding along his sides and curling around his hips, hot even through the material of his pants, tugging him in closer, his covered prick rubbing against Peter's. They leaned together, ending up stretched out along the sofa, his hips nudging Peter's belly. "No coming," murmured Peter. "Not in your pants -- wait until they're off." Peter made no move to remove them, though; he simply continued kissing and touching, licking and rubbing. "Feels so good. So good." Peter fascinated him, aroused him, but more importantly, he felt like Peter saw him. "I can tell. I love that -- not just how sensual you are, but that you show it." "Isn't everybody? Doesn't everybody want to feel?" Peter shrugged. "I've known guys who were more into the wham and bam than anything else. Like they'd forgotten anything that wasn't hard core." "Sometimes I need hard. But this is special. This is..." He shut his mouth, pushing into a kiss. Peter's mouth opened for him, letting his tongue in, stroking it, sucking on it. The hand on his ass tugged a little harder, pulling him up against Peter's body. He was as warm and cozy as a man could be, snuggled into his lover, and they were kissing and petting, luxuriating in one another.

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Eventually Peter's fingers started playing with his waistband, wandering around to open his top button. He chuckled as Peter's fingers nudged a ticklish spot, his stomach muscles jerking. Peter laughed as well, fingers lingering, teasing. "Peter!" He chuckled, gasping a little. "Uncle!"

"Oh, I don't feel very avuncular toward you." Peter nibbled his neck, fingers still teasing.

"Big words." He giggled, arching under Peter's body.

"It means I don't see you as family. Which is a good thing, since I want to make love to you and

that's kind of frowned on for family." Peter grinned and undid his button, pulled down his zipper.

"No fucking for us, huh?"

"Samuel..." Peter growled a little, and pinched his hip.

He chuckled and jumped, pressing closer. "Would that be a no?"

"I will make love to you until we're both exhausted, but we will not be indulging in 'fucking,'

no." Peter gave him another little pinch before pushing his pants down and off.

"Good to know." He reached to unfasten Peter's jeans, wanting to touch that heavy, hard prick.

Peter groaned, hips humping, pushing that cock right into his hand as soon as the jeans were

undone.

"Mmm." He scooted down, lips heading for Peter's cock, intending to suck Peter dry.

"Oh! Samuel... yes, please." Peter's fingers slid through his hair, not guiding or pushing him,

simply touching.

"I'll take care of you, Peter. I promise." He kept moving down, lips wrapping around the tip of

Peter's cock.

"Uh-huh," Peter moaned, and kept petting, hips pushing, nudging his cock in a little farther.

Sammy closed his eyes, head bobbing as he worked at loving on Peter, on making Peter come.

"So hot."

The flavor of Peter's pleasure started dripping slowly into his mouth. Yes. Yes, he was. Burning

alive. Sammy hummed and sucked, pulling hard.

"This okay?" Peter asked as he slid the hard prick on Sammy’s tongue.

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"Mmmhmm." He opened easily, eagerly, the pressure of Peter's cock in his throat fucking sweet.

Peter moaned, fingers holding his head in place now, gently taking his mouth. It was like magic,

really, if he believed in that. At any rate, it was easy to open, to let Peter in and in. Faster and

faster Peter moved, sweet gasps and groans pouring down on him. Sammy closed his eyes,

focused on nothing but their pleasure.

He could tell when Peter got close, the long fingers pulling at his hair, the cock in his mouth

growing harder. And then Peter cried out, hips pushing that cock deep, come spraying from it as it hit the back of his throat. He drank Peter down, leaning against those warm legs. Yeah. Yeah, that worked. "I do like the way you take care of me, Samuel. You may do it anytime you like."

He kissed the tip of Peter's cock. "Be careful what you offer. I might take you up on it."

"I don't make offers lightly, Samuel." Peter stroked his face. "Now, what do you need to find

relief?"

"Touch me?" Sammy scooted up, cuddling, cock hard as nails.

"Would you come, I wonder, just from touching?" Peter slid a hand down to play with his balls,

rolling and cupping them. "If I never touched your cock?"

"I..." He got distracted at the touch, eyes rolling back into his head. That felt amazing.

Peter chuckled softly, the sound brushing air across his ear. "We could try." One finger slipped

behind his balls, stroking the skin behind them over and over.

"That's good." He propped one leg over Peter's, spreading a little.

"Yeah? How's this?" Peter's finger slid a little farther back, stroking his hole, and then sliding up

along his skin until Peter was cupping his balls again. Peter did it again and again, sending sweet shocks through him. "I could let you do that forever." That was the truth.

"Be careful what you offer," murmured Peter, fingers working it again: crack, perineum, balls. "I

just might take you up on it."

"I... I don't make offers... Oh, that's good. Right there."

"Mmm... here?" Peter stroked behind his balls, fingers sliding back and forth and back and forth.

"Uh. Uh-huh." He started to sweat, cock aching.

Sammy's Place - 93

Peter's other hand slid over his back, awakening the dull throb in his nerves, sliding along his spine to stroke the very small of his back. "Peter." His eyes popped open, staring into the intense gaze.

"Yes?" Peter smiled at him, fingers working his skin, the two bundles of nerves teased and

stroked and caressed.

"'S good. Don't stop?" He pressed closer, cock sliding on Peter's skin.

"I'm not going to stop," Peter said softly, "though I may change what gets stimulated..." The

fingers at his back slid down, teasing where his ass met his thighs.

"Tease." He chuckled, shifting and scooting a little.

"No, I intend for you to come. That's not teasing."

"No? What is it, then?" Touch me, please.

"I do believe they call it foreplay, Samuel." Peter's fingers stroked over his ass, the other hand

back to rubbing and cupping his balls; gentle, but not so soft that it wasn't enough.

"Oh. Right. I remember that. Vaguely."

"Really? Only vaguely? That's not right. A man like you should know all about foreplay." Peter's

mouth slid to nibble at his neck. "This is foreplay, too."

"Yeah? What else?" Every nerve in his body was tingling, awake. Aware.

"How about this?" Peter's foot slid up between his legs, rubbing.

He chuckled, scooted up. "Tickles."

"Yeah?" Peter's leg stayed between his, the hand playing with his balls moving to slide over his

inner thighs. "Does this?"

"N... no. No. No, that's good."

"Mmm... like I said -- a sensualist." That hand kept moving, sliding, matching the one behind his

back.

"Uh-huh." He spread wider, whimpering low. His hand slid down, heading for his cock that was

needing a touch, a stroke.

"Don't." Peter's voice hadn't gotten any louder, but it was clearly an order.

Sammy's Place - 94

"Oh." That made it hotter, made Sammy shake with arousal. "I'm touching you. You can touch me if you want. Anywhere you want. But only I can touch you." "I. That. Oh, shit, that's hot, Peter." He nodded, hands splayed out against Peter's chest, fingertips pushing into that warm skin.

Peter grinned at him. "Good. It's supposed to be."

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess it is." He chuckled and pushed closer, wanting another of those amazing

kisses.

Peter's mouth took his, tongue slipping in and wandering around his mouth as that hand between

his legs moved and stroked and kept things hot. He groaned, hands opening and closing on

Peter's shoulders. Oh, he. He needed. Peter's mouth wandered away from his again, sucking over

his jaw and up to his cheek, tasting his face, tracing it with lips and tongue.

"You're driving me out of my fucking mind, lover." Oh. Oh, he shouldn't have called Peter that.

Peter nipped as his ear. "I'm going to forgive the cursing because you called me lover."

Well, that wasn't what he'd expected. "You and I are going to have to discuss the cursing thing.

Later." Much later.

"Not now," Peter agreed. "It can wait. It can all wait."

Fingers tugged at one of his nipples and played with his balls, distracting him, turning him on.

"Uh-huh. Please. Please, I need you." His cock was aching, balls hurting.

"You going to come for me without a touch to your prick, Samuel?" Peter reached behind him

again, a single finger teasing his hole.

"I hope so." He pushed back, taking in Peter's finger with a single motion.

Groaning, Peter finger-fucked him slowly, mouth on his collarbone as that finger went in to the

second knuckle and circled inside him.

"More. More, please. Please, lover." He almost sobbed, the need becoming an ache.

A second finger pushed into him as Peter's mouth found his left nipple. Heat flooded him, his

hips jerking violently. Close. Close. Jesus. Peter sucked hard, fingers spreading and stretching, twisting to find his gland. He shot hard, legs drawing up, toes curling up. Yes. Yes. Oh, fuck him raw.

Sammy's Place - 95

"Yes!" Peter nipped as his nipple again, fingers still moving inside him, stroking his gland,

making the orgasm flow.

His head tossed, heart pounding, cock threatening to stay hard.

"You're amazing, Samuel. Seriously."

"You... You make me feel. Please."

"You still needing, Samuel? You want more?" Peter moved to his other nipple, licking and

sucking, gnawing on his flesh.

"Yes. Yes, fuck. I need so much. I'm on fire, Peter." The orgasm had made it worse, not better.

Peter's fingers disappeared, and he shifted, sitting, bringing Samuel up as well. "You can ride

me."

"Uh-huh." He nodded, moving to straddle Peter, taking that heavy cock right in. "Fuck, yes!"

His head slammed back, lights firing behind his eyes. One of Peter's hands slid around his hip,

guiding his movements, the other slid over his chest, going back to his nipples again. Sammy

started bouncing, riding Peter hard, balls tight as little stones.

Peter's back arched. "Yes. Samuel." Any other words were lost in groans.

It didn't take long, with both of them desperate, both of them slamming together. Peter still didn't

touch his prick, but he didn't need to now, not with that full cock hitting his gland every time he

dropped. Sammy shot with a harsh cry, then slumped down, taking Peter in to the root.

"Samuel!" His name was a sharp cry, sheer pleasure on Peter's face as the man came, filling him

up.

He groaned, cuddling in with a soft, happy sigh. So good.

Peter's arms slid up to his back, face nuzzling against him. "Mmm..." Suddenly Peter stiffened.

"Peter?" He looked up, curious. "You okay?"

"I'm sorry, Samuel. I... I'm so sorry." Peter's hands wrapped back around his hips, and pulled him

off, Peter's come dripping out of his ass.

Oh. Oh, he.

Sammy's Place - 96

Oh.

Okay.

Wow, he'd only needed one night to fuck up. That might be a record.

"I'll go clean up." What had he been thinking? What would Peter think of him?

Okay.

Bathroom.

The bathroom door had a lock and his clothesbasket was in there.

He turned and ran. After all, it seemed to be in this year.

*** Peter watched Samuel run, and while he was disappointed that was Samuel's reaction, he could hardly blame the man. After all, he'd just fucked up badly, and Samuel had every reason to be upset. To lose control like that and endanger his sub... Peter was very, very angry with himself right now.

But he'd screwed up; it was up to him to fix this as best he could.

He made his way to the bathroom and knocked on the door. "Samuel? Samuel, I'm so sorry. I

was just so lost in you that I forgot." Not that a reason excused him for forgetting the condom.

"Look, it might not be a consolation, but I get tested regularly, and I'm clean. Plus I've never

done it without a condom before."

The door opened, Samuel fully dressed, face damp, hair slicked back. "I'm sorry. You must think

I'm awful for not noticing. I didn't. I mean, I don't. I haven't. Not in a long time. I mean. Do you

still want supper?"

Supper? He couldn't possibly eat with this still hanging between them. "I must think you're

awful? No, Samuel, not at all. That's my responsibility -- you put your trust in me and I didn't

take care of you, I didn't put your safety first. Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive me?"

"Forgive you? For what?" Samuel shook his head, hands fluttering. "I should have said

something. I should have thought."

Peter took those fluttering hands and held them between his. "You're in my home. I was

Sammy's Place - 97

deliberately sending you to the moon. It was my responsibility, Samuel. And I failed you. That is

why I'm asking for your forgiveness. I should have thought."

"Fuck. I'm not. It's. I don't fucking have anything, Peter. I swear to God. I got tested before

William and we didn't fuck."

"I'm clean as well, Samuel. I haven't given you anything, I promise." Perhaps he hadn't ruined things. Perhaps their bodies had taken the step before their minds. He'd still risked his sub by losing control, but maybe it could be forgiven. Samuel, it seemed, failed to see it as his fault. "We should have had this discussion before I made love to you, but are you willing to forego condoms? If you can still believe me -- I am clean. I have never made love without a condom before." "You. I mean. You want to? With me?" "I believe I proved that earlier by actually doing it." He hated that Samuel had to ask, that

Samuel wasn't sure.

"I. I have to tell you that I was... That things happened to me in college. I've tested since. A lot.

But. You need to know that."

"Come sit with me, Samuel. And you can tell me the things you want me to know." And he

would try not to growl too much over these things that happened to Samuel and the men who

didn't protect this beautiful, sensuous man.

"I just did." Samuel took his hand. "I should start supper."

He squeezed Samuel's hand. "You aren't going to tell me the things that happened to you in

college?"

"No. No, I'm not. I didn't tell anyone."

"Samuel? Were you raped?"

"What does it fucking matter?"

"Language," he snapped, hurt at being sworn at in quite that manner. "You matter, Samuel."

"I know. I know. I just. It was a long time ago, huh? No harm, no foul and all that shit."

"Oh, Samuel." He pulled the slender body close, hugging Samuel hard.

"I'm sorry, Peter. I am. I was trying to take care of you. Help you feel good."

"You did, Samuel. It was very, very good." Too good. "You're honestly not angry at me for

forgetting the condom?"

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"No. No, shit. You wouldn't hurt me." Samuel leaned back, looked in his eyes. "I mean what I told Harry. I'm not a child. I let you tie me up. Hit me. I trust you." He nodded. He wouldn't hurt Samuel for the world. Except that he'd lost himself and not used the condom. Could he be sure that he wouldn't have done that if he'd not known it was safe? The question could drive him mad, and he thought perhaps it would serve Samuel best if he worried it over in his head while Samuel was not around. "Then can we agree that we'll stop using condoms altogether? It will mean that we're exclusive, Samuel. No other lovers." "I don't do polygamy. Shit, it's hard enough to take care of one."

He laughed, the sound surprised out of him. "Language," he added softly. Samuel had a filthy

mouth.

Samuel relaxed in his arms. "What is the deal with that?"

"Swearing is vulgar and common. Not to mention it's a sign of lack of control." He was well

aware it was strange -- he'd been accused of being a fruitcake because of it by one lover.

"I am sort of vulgar and common, Peter."

"No." He didn't even have to think about it. "You're special."

Samuel blushed dark, but smiled. "I. I curse a lot, Peter. I just do."

"Then it'll be an interesting challenge for both of us." He wasn't going to back down on this.

"Why's it interesting for you?"

"I'll have to keep coming up with things to discourage the habit." He grinned and waggled his

eyebrows. "That will definitely be interesting."

"I'm so fucked." Samuel rolled his eyes, then stopped. Blinked. "See?"

Peter laughed, and bit at Samuel's neck. "I do see."

He got a moan, a soft cry. "Good."

"But that doesn't let you off the hook on the swearing thing."

"No?" He could feel Samuel vibrate. "I should make you supper."

"You should make us supper. And I'll set the table."

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"But I'm not..." He caught Samuel's eyes, and his lover nodded after only a moment. "Okay. It's just soup and bread." "It sounds delightful." Peter moved to the cupboard and began to pull out dishes. "Do you need me to do anything aside from set the table?" "Sit and keep me company?" Samuel started digging around for pots and knives, the bacon and sausage going into a pot. "Of course. What kind of soup are you making?" "Tuscan potato. It's a little bit spicy, a little bit warm. Is that okay? It's not fancy, but it's rustic and I can make a cake for after." "Not fancy? It sounds very fancy to me. But also good. And cake sounds good." Cake sounded amazing, actually. As did the rest of the meal. "I like to cook." Samuel was wonderful, looking at home in his kitchen, chopping and mixing and making things smell wonderful. There was a confidence there that he hadn't seen in Samuel anywhere else yet. Now he knew what the goal looked like, what they would work toward. "What else do you enjoy?" "Music. Uh, I like to play cards. I love to ride bicycles on the beach." "Do you like going to concerts?" "Jason and I went to see Sting together a few years ago. That was something else." Samuel got the cake in the oven and started slicing potatoes. "I love to do the estate sales on the weekends. Searching for the good deals is just amazing." "Oh, you've hit on one of my passions!" Peter grinned. "I've even managed to drag Harry out one Saturday morning. He threatened to beat me to death with one of my own antiques if I even thought of suggesting it again." "Oh, I'll go. I start with a good coffee and keep going until lunchtime." Samuel's smile warmed him, that interest engaging, focused. "There's some tomorrow, I've circled them in the paper. We could go together." It would be great to see Samuel in his element. "Absolutely. That sounds perfect." The potatoes were plopped into the water, the meats taken out to drain, and then a huge mass of something green put on the cutting board.

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Peter didn't offer to help again -- he'd just be in the way. But he watched in fascination, Samuel

just lovely.

"Would you like some wine? It'll be a few minutes." The bread was buttered, a tomato and

cucumber salad seeming almost to appear from nowhere.

"Certainly." He was keeping Samuel, that's all there was to it.

Two glasses of red wine were poured, the smells of bacon and chocolate and bread filling the air.

"I like your kitchen. It's set up nicely."

"Is it?" He wouldn't know. "Good. You'll have to let me know if there's anything you need that I

don’t have."

"Muffin tins. I have the stuff to make muffins. What's your favorite food?"

"Make a list and I'll get it for you. My absolutely favorite? Hmm... honestly, I'd have to say

bread."

"Yeah? I make a nice French loaf and a really decent honey wheat. My bagels suck, though. So much trouble when you can just buy them." Peter chuckled. "Do you do sweet bread? I picked up some cranberry orange stuff a few months back at the grocery sore."

Samuel nodded, no hesitation at all. "Quick breads -- pumpkin, banana, cherry, cranberry,

zucchini. Those are easy." He got a quick grin. "Can you tell I was a foster with a family that owned a bakery?" "You have mentioned being a foster child before. What happened to your parents?" Bit by bit, he was gleaning information about Samuel.

"My mother had a habit and, from the stories, tried to sell me to a cop when I was two. She went

to jail, and I went into the system." Samuel shrugged, went to the fridge for some cream. "She

died of AIDS when I was seven."

"I'm sorry, Samuel." So William had simply been the latest in a long line to devalue Samuel.

"Oh, don't be. I don't remember her, really, just flashes. I had a bunch of decent foster parents,

and then I found Jase. He's my family now."

"Harry mentioned the two of you were lovers in college."

"He did?" Samuel stopped, clearly thinking about that. "We were more... friends with benefits. I

mean, it was comfort sex and there was love, but we weren't lovers."

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"You're still very close. Do you still... have benefits?"

"Nope. I mean, I've taken showers with him, and I've slept with him, but there's nothing sexual.

Harry is Jason's whole world, you know? It's complicated, but it works for us. Is it a problem for

you?"

Peter shook his head slowly. "No, I've seen how they are together. If Harry's comfortable with

your relationship, I can't see why I wouldn't be." It seemed to him that Jase was one of the few

good things in Samuel's life.

Samuel stirred the cream into the soup and nodded. "Jason is my best friend, but he can't... there's

no room for more in his world, and I need more than he can give me. I mean, not in a friend, in a

lover. A partner."

"Isn't that what we're all looking for? A partner?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I thought so, once. Now, I don't know. I think some people aren't."

"Like the guy you used to be with, you mean?"

A huge bowl of chunky, spicy-smelling soup was put in front of him, along with the plate of

bread. "Yep. I mean, he didn't want a partner at all."

"He should have been up front about that before he got involved with you." Peter was trying very

hard not to growl on Samuel’s behalf. "And this smells amazing." His stomach growled loudly

and he had to force his hands to stay in his lap as he waited for Samuel to dish some up for

himself.

"We both should have. That whole thing was fucked." Samuel took about half a bowl, coming to

sit with him.

"I'm glad you're out of it." He reached over and squeezed Samuel's hand. "I'm glad you're with

me now." Then he dunked a corner of bread into his soup, the flavors wonderful on his tongue.

"Me, too." Samuel nodded, took a bite, and then headed to frost the cake, bowl in hand.

He watched, seeing peace in Samuel's face. Cooking, baking -- providing -- this was something

that was important to Samuel.

The soup was delicious, and he ate hungrily, filling his belly and anticipating the cake. "I can't

imagine anyone turning down this food."

"I feed Harry and Jase a lot, you know? When I was working evenings I couldn't, as much."

"They're going to miss it when you finally agree to move in with me."

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"You... you think so?" Samuel took another bite of soup. What was that? Bite two? Three? "They love you to start with, and if you cook food like this for them, too? I know so." Maybe he had to make sitting and eating an order. "Is the cake finished?" he asked. "Yes. Yes, unless you want raspberries on it or something?" "No, I want you to come and sit, eat with me." "I have some soup here." Samuel wandered back over, bowl in hand. "I ate some." Peter raised an eyebrow. "Two spoonfuls is hardly some." "It's some..." Samuel sat close. He put an arm around Samuel and took a spoonful out of his own bowl, holding it up to Samuel's

mouth. "So have some more."

Samuel opened, humming over the bite. "It is good, isn't it?"

"It's delicious. As good as anything I've had at a restaurant." He took the next spoonful for

himself, but when Samuel made no move to eat more out of his own bowl, he fed the man

another mouthful. "That's..." Samuel ate a bite. "That's yours, lover."

He smiled; he liked how that sounded, he really did. "So you'll dish me up another bowl if I’m

still hungry." He offered yet another spoonful.

"There's plenty." Samuel leaned forward, mouth open.

He slipped the spoon in, watching Samuel's lips close, Samuel's tongue slide out to lick his lips. Groaning, he leaned in and licked them himself. If he wasn't careful, he'd end up with a lapful of wanting, hungry man. He could think of worse things. He fed his lover yet another bite. "You need to add yourself in when you start taking care of people, Samuel."

"I'm fine."

"You don't eat enough to feed a bird."

"I don't need much." Another bite, another little hum, another smile.

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"There's lots, though, you said so yourself. So indulge me and have some more. Some bread, too." And then a large slice of cake. "Is the bread good?" Samuel moved closer.

"Very. It goes well with the soup." He smiled into Samuel's eyes. "Eat, and then we can play

some more."

"Okay." Samuel leaned in and took a soft kiss, then grabbed the wine glass.

He laughed. Samuel made him feel good, light. "Have you ever been bound?" He could see

Samuel in his mind's eye, bound and still. It wasn't the first time he'd imagined it.

"Sure." Samuel nodded. "I've had a couple lovers who liked cuffs."

He shook his head. "I mean with ropes."

"Like, tied to the headboard?"

"No, not like that, either." He smiled; it seemed Samuel had never been tied up in ropes, and he

was strangely glad that he would be teaching this to Samuel, that no one else had. "Just you and

rope."

"No. No, I don't think so." Samuel reached out, traced his lips. "Look at that smile."

It grew wider beneath Samuel's touch, he couldn't stop it. "It's one of my favorite things. You're

going to love it, Samuel. You're going to love the stillness, the peace. And you're going to look

amazing."

"I. Okay. Okay, you won't leave me."

"Oh, Samuel, no. No, I won't leave you. No. There's no point in doing it if all I do is leave you -I want to be with you while you're tied up. I want to watch you, touch you." He was going to

have to do something about this urge to beat Samuel's exes to a pulp; maybe go and do it.

Samuel stood, settling between his legs and leaning in. "That sounds luscious."

"Doesn't it? I can picture you, Samuel. It's making me very hard." It was making him think that

the cake could wait. That everything could wait, because there was nothing quite as important at this moment as taking the time to tie Samuel up with red rope and see him. "I..." Samuel took his hands, brought them to that fine body. "Please, Peter. I want you." "Mmm... your cake can wait." He wrapped his hands around Samuel's waist, tugged him closer for a kiss.

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"Mmm." Samuel cuddled in, lips open and eager, a touch spicy.

He stood and started walking back toward the bedroom, drawing Samuel with him, offering one

kiss after another.

"Should. Should I do the dishes first?" Samuel followed, dark eyes caught by his own.

He shook his head slowly, still moving backward, almost there now. "No, Samuel. You're more

important than the dishes."

"I am?" Samuel moaned, staring at him like he was a god. How could anyone turn that man

down?

"You are." He got them into the bedroom and stripped Samuel down, working slowly,

methodically.

"You make me feel so good. For real." Samuel was a natural, letting him look and touch.

"Good. That's the point, isn't it?"

He stripped himself as well, wanting Samuel to see how affected he was, how hard his lover

made him.

"Yeah." Samuel reached out, fingertips stroking the tip of his cock.

He gasped, hips bucking. "Samuel... this is for you."

"Yes. Yes, it is." The sweet touch came again.

Groaning, he watched Samuel's face. "The ropes are in my chest," he told Samuel. "I'm going to

use the red."

"Does that mean something?'

"Red is for passion. For blood. Intensity."

"Love. Fire, too."

"Yes." He nodded. "Yes. And it's going to look incredible against your skin. Incredible." He

reached out and touched one of Samuel's nipples, fingernail flicking.

That 'so not sensitive' bit of skin went taut, Samuel moaning.

Grinning, he leaned in and took a nip of Samuel's left nipple. "Take the covers off the bed and

climb up -- hands and knees."

Sammy's Place - 105

"Mmm. Yeah. I can do that."

He did love to see an eager sub, one who wasn't ashamed of his need. Samuel wanted to please,

wanted to be loved and touched and seen. It was intoxicating. Why anyone would... he let that

go, caught in the sight of Samuel climbing onto the bed and assuming the position. Groaning, he

leaned over to stroke Samuel's ass.

Samuel arched, pushed right into his touch. "Peter."

"Right here with you, Samuel." He climbed up to run his hands over all of Samuel, sensitizing

the pale skin.

"I'm going to touch you, and then I'm going to bind you with the rope. And then I'm going to

touch you again. All you need to do is feel."

"I'm... I'm very good at that, Peter. I'm very good at feeling."

"Yes, I've noticed. The best I've ever had, Samuel. That's what you are." With those words, he

smacked Samuel's ass.

Samuel gasped but didn't pull away, spread a little wider.

"Mmm... yes." He gave Samuel another smack and then went over to his chest for the rope.

He kept speaking, low words telling Samuel how beautiful he was, making sure Samuel could

hear him. Samuel moved for him, rocking a little on the mattress, soft little moans sounding.

"You're thinking about it, aren't you? Imagining what it'll be like, how the ropes will feel."

He found the red rope. It was about a third of an inch in diameter and was looped around and

around. Perfect.

"No. No, I'm thinking about you."

He stopped mid-turn. "Oh." He hadn't expected that. Not at all. "What are you thinking about

me?"

"About your eyes, about how you felt inside me. About how you smiled when I made you scones." Oh. Sweet, dear love. "You're a keeper, Samuel." He knelt on the bed next to Samuel, and began to run the rope over the pale skin.

Samuel's skin goosepimpled up, fingers curling into fists. "I hope I am."

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"Oh, I know you are." He tugged the rope over Samuel's ass, let it drag along his lover's crack.

Samuel almost chuckled, ass clenching tight.

Bending, he kissed one ass cheek. "Here we go," he said against Samuel's skin.

"What do I do?"

"I may need you to move now and then as I wrap the rope around you. I'll let you know, though,

so you can just relax and feel it, enjoy it." He left a small length of rope hanging, and wrapped a loop around Samuel's balls and up his cock. "I. Oh. I wasn't expecting..."

"No? This will keep you from coming, and it looks incredible. How does it feel?" He tugged a

little, tightening it.

"Tight. Close. Sexy."

"Good. I'm putting two knots in the rope," he said, more so Samuel had the sound of his voice

than for information. "And I'm sitting them so one presses against your perineum and the other

against your hole." He matched action to words.

"Oh." Samuel moaned, flushing dark and shivering for him. "Thank you. Thank you, Peter."

"Feels good, doesn't it? Strange, but undeniable." He had the rope follow Samuel's crack and

then his spine.

"It... I haven't. I don't know, Peter. It's..." Samuel looked back at him, eyes so dark. "I don't have the words." He smiled and reached up, stroking Samuel's face. "That's okay, Samuel. You don't have to say anything at all."

The bruises on Samuel's back weren't lurid anymore, but they framed the red rope beautifully. He

wrapped the rope over Samuel's shoulder and down across his chest, making sure the rope

pressed against Samuel's nipple.

Samuel closed his eyes, moaning softly, one hand reaching to stroke his thigh. Peter hummed

happily and started talking again, telling Samuel what he did as he did it. He tugged the rope

around Samuel's hips and then back around the front, to cross over the other nipple.

"Okay, tilt over now, Samuel, I'll help you."

"Okay." Samuel trusted so prettily, leaning into his hands, letting him help.

Sammy's Place - 107

He guided Samuel to lie on his side and brought the rope down to wrap Samuel's legs together, circling the red rope around and around from thighs to ankles. "My heart is pounding, Peter. Throbbing."

He reached up and covered Samuel's heart with his hand, feeling cool skin and the rope.

"Mmm... so it is. Excitement?"

"I think so?"

"You'll tell me if it's too much." It wasn't a question. Peter trusted that Samuel would safeword if

he needed to.

He shifted the rope over Samuel's nipple and then went back to the binding, tugging the rope

around one foot and then the other. He slid the rope through each set of toes, splitting the big toe off from the rest in both cases, and then bringing the rope up, bending Samuel's legs back a bit and looping the rope around both Samuel's wrists behind his back. "This shouldn't be painful, so let me know if your arms or legs are straining too much." "I. I want to move. I just. I don't know what to do, Peter." The first time in heavy bondage could be unnerving, the urge to jerk and pull at the ropes irresistible. "I'm almost done with the binding, Samuel. You can hold on for another moment, and then I'm going to touch you, ease you. You're doing so well. And you look amazing. You truly do."

"I'm doing okay?" Samuel was panting, skin flushed.

"You're doing wonderfully, Samuel. So beautiful."

Peter made short work of getting the rope around Samuel's arms, holding them behind Samuel's

back. He would take longer next time, and a little longer the time after that. He tucked the end in beneath the rope around Samuel's arm. "There. All done." "Don't. Don't leave me, now, right? You'll stay with me."

"I'm not going anywhere, Samuel. I am right where I want to be." He slid his fingers over

Samuel's face, tracing each and every feature with fluttering fingers.

Samuel's eyes closed, lips parting on a soft moan. "I feel you."

"Good. Good. I want you to feel every touch, everything." He kissed Samuel's lips, his fingers

continuing to touch and stroke, loving the sensation of rope and skin.

Samuel leaned into the kiss, reaching for him. Moaning, he slipped his tongue into Samuel's

Sammy's Place - 108

mouth, tasting how binding Samuel had changed the flavor. It was subtle, soft. Samuel relaxed a

bit, focusing on the kiss, on him.

"That's right, Samuel. Sink into it. Let the ropes hold you." Peter pressed kisses over Samuel's

face and then his neck, his chest, licking along next to the ropes.

The sweetest little sounds filled the air, Samuel moving from relaxed, to tense, to relaxed again.

A man could learn to need those sounds.

He licked at Samuel's prick, lapping at the drops that had collected at the tip.

"Peter. Peter..." Samuel groaned, shifting, tugging at the ropes.

"Yes, right here." He wrapped his lips around Samuel's cock, tongue playing over rope and skin.

His own prick jerked at the sensation. That earned him a sharp cry, Samuel's cock dripping on

his tongue.

"Mmm... You taste wonderful, Samuel. I swear that you taste different bound than you do unbound." He looked up to meet Samuel's eyes, tongue tracing the ropes on Samuel's cock, then around his balls. "I. Is that. Is that possible?"

"It is." And he didn't care if it wasn't.

He tugged on the section of rope along Samuel's spine, making the knots press up hard against

Samuel’s body. Samuel shook, those pretty eyes huge.

"It's big, isn't it?" He gnawed on Samuel's hip.

"Yes. Yes, Peter. Huge."

"Let it happen, Samuel. Let it be big -- let it have you."

"I'm trying." Samuel was doing more than trying; it was working, and working well.

"So beautiful. So strong. You amaze me, Samuel, you do." He circled Samuel's navel with his

nose, and then his tongue.

His Samuel -- because Samuel was his, whether the man knew it yet or not -- moaned and relaxed, letting the ropes hold him. "I'm so happy," he told Samuel, randomly touching skin here and there, with his fingers, with his mouth. "You make me happy."

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"Me? Your mouth is hot. So hot."

"Yes, you, Samuel." He wrapped his lips around the skin next to Samuel's navel, working up a

mark.

Samuel bruised beautifully, the blood rushing to the surface, staining that pale skin. He moved to

a new spot, using the rope as guides -- pulling up a mark in each square of skin sectioned off by

the rope. It would make a lovely accompaniment to the deep bruises from the flogger.

"Peter. Peter. I." Samuel moaned, beginning to shake. "You're making me yours."

"Oh, yes. Yes, I am." He nodded, adding another mark on Samuel's thigh. "All mine."

"All... I. Peter."

"Relax and feel. Relax and feel." He nuzzled the bound balls, his fingers finding the tucked-in

end of the rope. He undid it, and slowly began to unwind it from around Samuel's arms.

"R... relax. I feel you." Samuel's muscles jerked and stretched, then eased.

Once he had Samuel's arms unbound, he massaged them, fingers digging into the muscles,

helping Samuel relax. "You'll come when the last of the rope comes off you, and there will be so

much peace, Samuel."

"Oh, that sounds like magic, Peter. Like magic."

"You're the magic ingredient, Samuel."

"Me? You are the one who... Oh."

"I'm just the man lucky enough to wield the rope." He kissed the palm of each of Samuel's hands

and then continued undoing the rope, slowly freeing Samuel's legs.

Samuel rippled, muscles jerking, legs spreading as soon as they could.

He rubbed Samuel’s legs, working the muscles that had been held tight. There were faint marks

on the pale skin from the rope. "Mmm... look at that."

"I want you. I want to feel you inside me."

Peter moaned, his cock throbbing. "Yes. Yes, Samuel. As soon as I have you undone, you're

mine."

Samuel nodded, hips jerking a little. "Yours."

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He nodded. "From the tips of these," he tickled Samuel's toes, "up to your head."

That laugh just warmed him, down deep.

"Back on your hands and knees, baby. We'll take it off the same way we put it on." He helped

Samuel get back upright.

"Thank you. Thank you." The words were soft, edged with need.

He kissed Samuel's ass. "You're welcome. And thank you."

Peter undid the rope far enough to free Samuel's nipples, his fingers sliding over them. They

were hard already, and eager for his touch. Samuel arched, pushing into his fingers, the flesh

heated. He smiled; not sensitive, huh? His guess was that no one had ever bothered before. He bent down, twisting until he could get one in his mouth, playing it with his tongue. It earned him a cry and a jerk, Samuel's hands fisting in the sheets. He reached down to stroke the stillbound prick, sucking and playing a little more. "Peter. Peter. I need. Don't. Please don't stop."

"I need to unbind you," he murmured. Still, he could do most of that one-handed.

So he continued sucking, licking and nipping at Samuel's nipples, undoing the ropes from around

Samuel's chest. He could smell Samuel's need, smell the musk and salt and passion. He tugged on the end of the rope, making the knots push hard against Samuel's hole and perineum, and then let it slide away, releasing all but the hard prick and balls. "Peter. Peter, please. I need you." "I want to be inside you when you come, so I'm leaving the rest of the rope on for now." He

grabbed the lube from the side table and slicked up his fingers, pushing one into Samuel's ass.

Samuel groaned, rippling and jerking, riding his finger, tight ass squeezing him.

"Mmm... so tight, so hot. You are magic, Samuel. And I can't wait to be buried inside you." He

pushed a second finger in, spreading them, stretching Samuel for his cock.

"Please. I need you. It's like a burn."

He quickly pushed in a third finger, rushing as much as he would allow himself. He would not

hurt Samuel by entering him before he was ready.

"Okay, now, Samuel." He settled behind his lover, rubbed his prick along Samuel's hole.

Sammy's Place - 111

"Now. Now, please. I need."

He smiled, hands sliding down Samuel's back, tracing the bruises. "And you do it so beautifully."

He pushed in, slowly, taking his time, feeling every inch as he sank in, feeling Samuel's body

squeeze and caress him.

"Fuck. So good." The words were whispered, Samuel lost in his touch, his cock.

He slapped Samuel's ass. "No cussing."

"Huh?" Samuel stilled, blinked back.

He chuckled. "We'll talk about it later." He leaned over Samuel and kissed his neck, and then

began to thrust, pushing into the tight body again and again.

His hand slid, lingering over the bound cock and balls. Samuel was leaking, balls hot and heavy

in his palm.

"You ready?" he asked, fingers playing with the end of the rope.

"Yes. Yes, I'm really, really ready, love."

He undid the rope, freeing Samuel's balls first, and then the hot prick. Then he just kept

thrusting, angling just right, so his cock would hit Samuel's gland. "Come whenever you want,

Samuel. I want to feel you."

"Uh. Uh-huh." Samuel jerked, pushing back on his cock and riding him frantically.

One hand on Samuel's hip, he wrapped the other around Samuel's freed prick and picked up

Samuel's rhythm, thrusting hard and fast. It didn't take long, not at all, before Samuel was

bucking and sobbing, heat spraying over his fingers.

"Yes. Yes!" he shouted, hips jerking as Samuel's body milked his cock, pulling out his climax.

Oh, that was nice, filling Samuel up, feeling that heat all around his cock. Peter leaned over

Samuel to press kisses across his shoulders, and then he pulled out and lay down, drawing

Samuel down and into his arms.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Melty." Samuel moaned, cuddled in.

He stroked Samuel's skin, nodding, agreeing. He felt like he was a part of the mattress.

"Peaceful?" he asked. It was why he used the ropes, kept the bondage slow and easy.

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"More than I ever have been. It's almost... hollow, but not?"

"That's an interesting way of putting it." He kissed the top of Samuel's head, floating with the

man.

"Interesting or silly?"

"If I thought it was silly, that's the word I would have used. I said interesting, and I meant

interesting." He tugged Samuel closer, finding a new mark he'd sucked up on Samuel's chest, and

pressing his fingers against it.

Samuel moaned, relaxing into his touch, submitting beautifully. That submission felt good in his

mind and soul, and he suddenly felt sorry for the men who'd had Samuel and hadn't known this.

Fools, the lot of them. But he was no fool, and he wasn't letting go. "Mine."

"Yes, Peter. Yours." Samuel nodded, already mostly asleep.

"Absolutely."

And soon, Samuel would know it even when he was stressed and upset and not in the zone.

Peter vowed it.

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Chapter Nine

Peter drove over to Harry's around noon on Thanksgiving, the streets unnaturally quiet like they were on holidays. It would be a different holiday from the usual for him. His norm was to spend the day helping out at an AIDS hospice and then having a nice, quiet meal at a good restaurant with his mother. This year he had someone to celebrate the holiday with, someone for whom he was very thankful. As Samuel was apparently holding court in Harry and Jason's kitchen, Peter and his mother had been invited to join them. Peter had never introduced her to anyone before, but Samuel was, well, his, and it would be good for them to meet. He didn't see her car as he pulled up next to Harry's, and he was glad he'd arrived first. He wanted to make a proper introduction. Grabbing the wine, he headed for Harry's condo, knocking on the door. "I'll get it!" The voice boomed out, a tall, solid, older version of Harry answering the door. Jesus. There was no question who this man was. "Happy Thanksgiving! Come in. Munchies by the TV with the game. The youngsters are in the kitchen playing house and wrestling turkey." One hand took the wine, the other took his hand. "Harry. Harry Senior." "I would have known you anywhere, sir. I'm Peter Lafayette. It's good to meet you." "Laffy!" Harry's face appeared next to his father's. "Come on in. Sammy's been working like a fiend for three days. Jason's considering drowning him in the bathtub, once the sausage balls come out of the oven." Both Harrys -- Junior and Senior -- laughed, the sound friendly and warm and not even the slightest bit mean. "Is it safe to go say hi?" He'd only spoken to Samuel briefly on the phone yesterday.

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"Sure. Grab some beers on the way back to the game, huh?" The two men moved together, big,

happy, bear-like guys, lumbering around.

It was oddly charming.

Chuckling, Peter went to the kitchen. "Happy Thanksgiving," he called out.

"Happy Thanksgiving!"

Goodness.

He stopped and stared a moment. Pies and a cake, fudge, a cheese ball, a huge relish tray, and

bowl after bowl of food lined the counters.

Harry's kitchen had exploded.

All over his lover.

"Wow, it looks like you've been busy." Having a food war.

"I have." Samuel smiled, but he could see a stressed, worried exhaustion under the surface. "Is

your mom here yet?"

"No, not yet." He checked his watch. "Any minute now." He opened his arms, deciding that

giving Samuel a hug and a kiss was more important than keeping his clothes clean.

"I'll mess you up, Peter." Samuel leaned in, carefully kissed him. "Do you want a beer?"

"Yeah, and so do the Harrys." He wrapped his arms around Samuel and tugged him close. "There

are worse things than being a little messy." Bringing their mouths together, he took a deep kiss.

Samuel gasped, lips opening on a low cry. He delved into his lover's mouth, holding Samuel

tight. His sweet lover arched, offering him everything. It had been too long since they'd had a

moment alone. Groaning, he leaned back against the counter, bringing Samuel with him.

"Peter. Peter, Harry's dad..." Samuel was hard, heated against him. "The dressing."

He smiled down at Samuel. "I'm not sure how Harry's father and the dressing are related," he

teased.

"They're both reasons I can't forget myself here."

"Ah..." He took another quick kiss and then let Samuel go; his lover was stressed enough without

him adding to it. "I'm sure neither will begrudge you the kiss, though."

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"No. No, Harry Senior is... he's a hoot." "Yeah? He seemed just like Harry from the few minutes I spent with him. Are you going to be stuck in the kitchen all day?" "For another few hours, yeah. Then everyone can eat. Jase is helping. He had to run to the store for whipping cream, chicken stock, napkins and aluminum foil."

"Can I do anything to help?" He slid his hand over Samuel's ass as he asked.

"Oh, you don't have to. Go enjoy the game, Harry. You mother, when she comes."

If he'd been any kind of cook he would have insisted he help, but he had a hunch he might just be

more in the way than anything else if he stayed. "I'll come introduce her when she gets here, okay?" "Okay. I want to meet her."

"Good." He dragged Samuel close, taking another kiss. "Okay, beer me and I'll get out of your

hair."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Peter." He was given three beers and a smile, a soft kiss.

"Yeah, you, too. I imagine it'll be the best one in a long time."

Samuel’s smile warmed him, down to the bone. Then the doorbell rang, Harry Senior's 'I'll get it'

ringing out again. That would be Mother.

"That'll be my mother. I'll bring her back to meet you." He grinned at his lover. "You might want

to wash your face."

"Oh. Oh, God..." Samuel turned, ran to the sink.

"Relax, Samuel. She's going to love you."

"Yeah, right." He barely heard the words as his mother came bustling in, arms filled with bags.

"Mother! Happy Thanksgiving." He took the bags from her, getting a kiss on either cheek for his

troubles.

"Hello, my dearest one. Happy Thanksgiving. It is a lovely day for it, isn't it?" She looked impeccable as always, hair tied up in a knot, clothes pristine. "It is. What's all this?" he asked, looking to give Samuel a couple more seconds to clean up and compose himself.

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"Just a few of your favorites -- I hope you don't mind, Samuel. I used make him a few nibbles

before the meal." Mother's eyes were sharp, searching for Samuel.

In the bags were nuts and cubes of cheese, a port wine cheese ball and gherkins, cheese straws

from the deli near her house.

"Of course I don't mind." Samuel turned, grinned. "I don't suppose you brought a platter to put

them on? Harry and Jason aren't... kitchen-y."

His mother chuckled, nodded. "I suspected as much, so I brought a variety."

Peter hid his grin. It looked like his mother and Samuel had more than just antiques in common.

"Mother, this is Samuel." He put an arm around Samuel's waist. "And Samuel, this is my mother,

Elaine Lafayette."

"Hello, Mrs. Lafayette." Samuel held out a damp hand.

"Hello, Samuel. It's nice to meet you."

"Thank you." Samuel smiled, and then turned back toward the stove. "Can I get you anything?"

"I'll have a glass of wine if you'll have one with me. Peter, you go join the gentlemen watching

the game. I'll stay and assist Samuel." She patted his arm and pulled out a clean, crisp linen apron

Samuel gaped. "Yes, ma'am. How do you feel about making cranberry sauce?"

He gave Samuel an encouraging smile, grabbed the three beers, and headed for the living room

before he could start to feel guilty for leaving Samuel in his mother's hands.

The Harrys were sitting on the couch, eating chips and dip and laughing.

He passed out the beers and took Harry's easy chair, wishing he'd thought to bring in the

gherkins. "So, who's winning?"

"Cowboys. Duh." A bowl of munchies was handed over. "Is Sammy exploded yet?"

Harry Senior snorted. "Not 'til after the turkey, son."

"Is him exploding a Thanksgiving tradition?" Peter thought Samuel enjoyed cooking -- if it

turned out Thanksgiving dinners were too stressful, they'd scale back or get help.

"Oh, this must be your first Thanksgiving with the wonder twins." Harry Senior grinned at him,

blue eyes twinkling. "Let me see if I get this right. Sammy cooks about ten thousand things,

burns some part of his body, sends Jason to the store at least five times, causing accusations of

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Sammy trying to get rid of him. Then the food comes, Sammy fusses about some weird-assed thing he forgot that no one cares about. Then there are more tears, and he and Jason retire to play Parcheesi until we're done watching the game and washing up. Right, son?" "Pretty much, Daddy. Sometimes it's bathing instead of Parcheesi. Sometimes it's cutting instead of burning." Peter got more and more horrified as each item was listed off. "And this works for you?" Harry grinned at him. "Well, the one year I asked to just be simple? Jason slept at Sammy's for three days and neither would speak to me until I gave in." "You mean they enjoy the chaos?" Peter shook his head. "Well, I guess as long as no one is forcing them..." He didn't understand the draw himself. "Nah, it's all about family. Jase's family was super-duper traditional and this is what Thanksgiving is for him. Sammy, he's never really had a family, so he sorta... borrowed Jason's traditions." "Well, I'm glad he's had someone to be his family." He'd bet no matter how chaotic things got, Samuel would cling to the traditions because they were traditions, something special with his chosen family. Peter took a sip of his beer, wondering if it would be rude if he went to fetch that tray of nibbles his mother had brought. It would give him a chance to check up on how she and Sammy were doing. "Yep. Dude, look at that pass!" Both father and son hooted, laughing hard. Grinning, he got up. "I'm just going to see what's holding up those pickles." He heard soft music coming from the kitchen, then laughter. He walked in to see Mother chopping, Samuel stirring something that was bubbling furiously -- bubbling blood red. "Are we boiling someone's head?" "No, dear. Samuel's teaching me about homemade cranberry sauce." "Ah, so that's what's keeping you from feeding me my favorite munchies." It looked like Samuel and his mother were getting along fine. "Now, dear. You are a big, strong man, more than capable of opening pickle jars. In fact..." She gave the jar a pointed look and Samuel started chuckling. He made an exaggerated face for Samuel's benefit, winked, and picked up the pickle jar. "Yes, Mother."

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Samuel's laughter got louder.

Jason's face appeared at the back door, his hands full of bags.

Peter opened the jar and then went to let Jason in. "Happy Thanksgiving, Jason."

"Oh! You, too, Peter."

"Jase, honey. This is Mrs. Lafayette." Samuel smiled at Jason. "Did you find the pecans?"

"Hello." Jason smiled tightly. "You didn't send me for pecans, Sammy. Don't tell me you need

pecans -- I was just at the store. I'm not going back!"

"Oh. I'm sure it was on the list."

"It's not! You're just trying to keep me out of the kitchen, aren't you?"

This, Peter assumed, was par for the course, part of the "traditions." He grabbed the pickle jar,

intent on getting out while he could.

"No. No, of course I'm not. Do you want to put together a tray of goodies with Peter?" Samuel looked wide-eyed, innocent. "I was hoping for non-chip munchies." He gave Jason a smile and nodded at the platters his mother had brought, sitting next to the bags of food.

Things eased up. and the laughter started back up soon enough. Jason charmed the pants off his

mother, and they were snacking and chuckling. He had to admit, it was fun; he could see why Samuel liked this tradition. It wasn't bad; it wasn't bad at all. In fact, it wasn't long before both Senior and Junior were in the kitchen, too, chatting and laughing. Peter munched on cheese bites and gherkins, trying not to get too in the way, but enjoying the fun and friendship, the way Samuel was in his element. Before he knew it, Harry was manhandling the turkey onto a platter and Samuel was heading off to shower. He made sure everyone was busy with other things and slipped away, following Samuel to the bathroom. "You need someone to wash your back?" "Peter?" Samuel sounded eager, scandalized and wanton.

"I'll take that as a yes." He closed the bathroom door and shot the lock home before tugging

Samuel into his arms.

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"Your mother will..." The words trailed off into a soft moan as their lips pressed together.

He deepened the kiss immediately, pushing any thoughts of his mother into a box at the back of

his brain. He could feel the tension in Samuel's back, and he began to rub it. His lover whimpered, leaning back into his touch. "Mmm... that's it, Samuel. Take a moment for just us." He kept rubbing, keeping the touch part massage, part arousal.

"I'm so glad you're here. It's been so good."

"I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be. And I have a lot to be thankful for this year."

"Yeah?" Samuel's fingers smoothed his hair.

"Yes. And you're at the top of my list." He cupped Samuel's head, tilting it back to take another

long kiss.

The kiss went on and on, Samuel clinging, hips moving, rubbing against him. Samuel needed so

beautifully. It made him hot. He slid one hand down into the back of Samuel's pants, grabbing

the sweet ass hard enough to bruise.

"I... can we?" Samuel's ass was cool and he knew it would be pale to touch.

"If we're quick." He didn't care if everyone knew what they were up to, Samuel needed this -needed him.

"I can be quick. I promise." Those dark eyes shone at him. "I've missed you."

"Me too, love." He tugged open Samuel's belt, working quickly to get to his lover.

Samuel chuckled and started stripping down. "I have to get a shower after, hmm?"

"You do. You need a change of clothes, too." Samuel's side looked as if he'd been shot -- the

shirt was peppered with cranberry splashes.

It made him chuckle as well, and he tugged a naked Samuel close, feeding his laughter into his

lover's mouth. Samuel pushed in close, hips rolling, dragging that full cock on his thigh.

Groaning, he tugged down his own pants, bringing their pricks together.

"Peter..." Samuel's hands wrapped around their cocks, pulling.

"Mmm... yes." He reached around and grabbed Samuel's ass again, squeezing hard. The

knowledge that Samuel would wear his bruises had him jerking.

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"More." Samuel's lips brushed his ear. "Missed feeling your hands, your pleasure on my skin."

"Yes." He hissed the word, turned on and wanting. His fingers dug in deeper, bringing them

together hard.

"Want... Want to... Will you take me to your place tonight? Give me what I need?" Samuel's

words were like a fantasy.

"I will. God, Samuel. I'll give you everything you need. Everything." He let go of Samuel's ass

so he could smack it, hard, making the swat a promise.

"Yes." Samuel nodded, hips moving faster, harder, just from that one touch.

He wrapped a hand around both their cocks, thumb pressing against the tips as he landed another

smack on Samuel's ass.

Heat sprayed over his fingers, Samuel's dark eyes rolling furiously. He squeezed their pricks a

little harder, his own hips snapping as he came, too.

"Mmm. Peter." Samuel's smile warmed him up, bone deep.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Samuel."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Peter. So happy."

"Yeah, me, too." He gave Samuel another kiss. "Go get your shower, love."

"Yeah. Go eat munchies. I'll be right down."

"'Kay, love." He took one last kiss and then slipped out of the bathroom and back to the kitchen.

It was going to be a fabulous holiday. Honestly, it already ranked up there with the best ever.

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Chapter Ten

Man, he was tired. Like, really. He pulled up into Harry's driveway after a late shift at the grocery store. He'd been splitting his time between Jase's and Peter's and his friend Rick's, sleeping wherever he could. Tonight Jase had promised a backrub and a snuggle, as Harry and Peter had gone to do... something. The door opened before he could knock, Jase tugging him into the house and wrapping him in a hug. "Sammy! I'd almost forgotten what you look like." "Silly. I've been around. Kind of." He snuggled in, hugging tight. "I need a bath in the worst way." "You've been here to sleep and hardly at all, at that." Jase kissed him lightly and slid an arm around his waist, leading him toward the stairs. "A bath first -- I found some lovely truffles to indulge in while we soak, and I splurged on a bottle of ice wine. There's movies for after. Don Juan with Johnny Depp." "Oh, you are my best friend, honey. I swear." They laughed together, Jase letting him stop long enough to throw his clothes into the washer. "You've got new bruises." Jase said quietly as he started the water in the huge tub Harry'd installed. He looked back, nodded, and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, and they're not the fun, spanky kind, either. I had a whole display of canned peaches fall on me." Peter was going to be so pleased. "Oh, no!" Jase petted him gently and climbed into the tub, opening his arms. "Come on, the water's great." Sammy cuddled him, humming happily. "How's the teaching going?"

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"Not bad. I've got a cool batch of kids this year -- they've got such big imaginations, you know?" Jase reached over and added some oil to the water, the scent of vanilla and raspberries rising with the stream. "Can I ask you something, Sammy?" "Sure, honey." He relaxed, eyes dropping closed. "What's the difference between the bruises Peter gives you and the ones you get from canned

peaches falling on you? Do they feel different? Because they sure don't look any different."

"The ones Peter gives me have a reason and yeah, they don't feel the same." He twisted, showing

Jase his shoulders. "These are deep and they hurt. They bruised the muscle. Peter isn't trying to

do that. Peter will hate these."

Jase's eyes went wide. "What'll he do?"

"Growl and rumble." He tilted his head and thought. "Find some salve for them."

"Well, I could find you some salve, Sammy. Harry gets some bad bruises at work, so we've got

stuff." Jase petted him again, fingers gentle and soothing.

"Right now, I just want wine and gossip and then Johnny Depp. Oh, and chocolate. Lots of

fucking chocolate." He was a simple man, at heart.

Jase giggled. "I can do that. I so can."

Leaning over the edge of the tub, Jase came up with a fancy box from the Belgian chocolatier

downtown and set it on the tub's ledge. Then Jase produced two wine glasses, handing them over

to him and pouring out the wine.

"You are the best fucking friend ever."

Oh. Truffles.

Truffles.

Jase laughed some more and opened the box, popping one of the little chocolates into his mouth.

"I just got the straight-up chocolate ones. Not that the others aren't good, but sometimes you just

want the classics."

"Uh-huh." His eyes rolled and he drank deep, the wine making him giddy. "Oh, fuck, Jase. I hate

the new job. The people are assholes, the situation is fucking craptastic, and everyone treats me

like shit."

"Samuel!" Oh, shit, he'd recognize that tone anywhere.

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Jase, however, was lit up like the Fourth of July. "Harry! You guys are early."

"Yeah, babe. You look cozy." Harry grinned, leaned halfway down to kiss Jase before stopping.

Frowning. "Jesus, Sammy! Did you get hit by a truck?" Oh, go Harry, distracting Peter from the

whole cussing thing.

"No. About thirty cans of peaches at work."

"What? Samuel? Let me see?" Peter came up to the tub, and tsked as soon as he saw Sammy's

shoulders, fingers stroking gently over them. "I have something at home that will take the sting

out of them. You need to be more careful, Samuel, if one of those cans had hit your head..." Jase grinned at him, lying back against the tub and popping a truffle. He stuck his tongue out at Jase, and then opened his lips expectantly. Instead of a truffle, he received a kiss from Peter, tongue warm and wet as it slid into his mouth. "Mmm... aren't they pretty, Harry?"

"Oh." He reached up, wincing a little as his shoulder screamed.

"If you get a stiffie, Sammy, I'm gonna hang a washrag over it." Harry groaned and Jase giggled.

If anything, Peter's kiss became deeper, tongue sliding through his mouth. He rose up a little

more, diving into the kiss, getting lost in it.

Of course, when the stinging pop came to his butt, he jerked back, glaring at Harry. "Asshole!"

"Pansy."

"Fuckhead!"

"Cocksucker!"

"Motherfucker!"

"Flaming queen!"

Jason was rolling, he and Harry barely able to keep from busting out with laughter.

Peter looked like the top of his head was going to pop right off. "Samuel!"

That just made Jase roll harder, the water splashing out of the tub and spilling onto the floor.

"Shit! Don't get the chocolates wet!" He grabbed the sweet, popping one in Peter's mouth.

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Peter growled around the chocolate, and then he stopped, his eyes half-closing.

Jason kept giggling. "Give him another one -- there's nothing like expensive chocolate to distract

a body."

He nodded, leaned back to pinch Jason's butt. "Chocolate and wine. Perfect."

"You and I will have to have another discussion about language when we get home, Samuel."

"Oh, a discussion, eh?" Jase's eyes just danced.

"Fuck off, Jase." Home. Oh, he did like the sound of that.

Harry took one of the chocolates. "Come on, you little pervs. Get dressed. We'll order pizza or

something. You want some Tylenol for your shoulders, Sammy?"

"We weren't doing anything pervy, Harry." Jase popped another sweet in his own mouth. "Well,

except for maybe mixing chocolate with ice wine. That's likely a big perversion."

"Have you taken nothing for your injuries, Samuel? Harry, pass that Tylenol over."

"Sure, man."

The bottle was tossed and Sammy went for the wine bottle, pouring glass two. "I had wine, Peter.

That dulled it a little."

Peter grunted, looking none too happy as he passed two little pills over.

He sucked down the glass of wine with the pills, more than a little giddy after. "Oh. Better. What

a long goddamn day."

Peter tapped his nose. "You're in for a hell of a spanking already, Samuel. Stop swearing

already."

Jase giggled, popping yet another chocolate.

"Is 'damn' swearing?" He swayed a little, leaning for another bite of chocolate.

Jase fed it to him.

"We can discuss that as well. Tomorrow. At home. When you're not hurting so much." Peter

tsked again, fussing over his shoulders.

"He said you'd be upset about the bruises," Jase noted.

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"He was right."

"The whole display fell and I had to pick them up." Was he whining?

Harry chuckled. "Man, you should have fed him more before you got him drunk, babe."

"Feeding people's Sammy's job." Jase stood up, body gleaming and wet with water and oil, and

reached for a towel. "I do a mean call for pizza, though."

"Mmm. Pizza." He stepped out of the tub, right into Peter's arms. "Oh. Good catch."

Peter chuckled. "You're drunk, Samuel."

"Who? Me?" He snuggled in, humming. He hadn't seen Peter in three days.

"Yes, you."

Peter dried him off, smiling down at him until Harry and Jase wandered out of the bathroom.

"I've missed you." The words were breathed against his lips, Peter kissing him.

"Missed you." He opened up, letting Peter in deep. Oh, he wanted. Badly.

Peter's hand slid over his belly, moving down to grab hold of his prick. Peter always seemed to

know.

"H... Harry'll be pissed..." He groaned, pushed up toward that hand. Oh. Good. So good.

"Harry's going to let Jase call for pizza, and then if he doesn't get off in the pantry, my name's not

Peter." That hand kept moving on him, thumb exploring the head of his cock, pressing into his

slit.

"Oh." Okay. He didn't care. Not now. Now he just needed. "I've been jacking off constantly,

thinking about you."

"Mmm... you should move in. Then you'd have the real thing on hand."

"Then I'd have calluses on my dick, from jacking off and you."

Peter chuckled. "I won't let that happen." Thumb tapping against the tip of his cock, Peter kept

working him.

"I. Oh. Oh, but... How do you. Uh. Oh, love. How do you know?" Close. So close.

"Lots of lube will keep things smooth," murmured Peter.

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"Uh-huh..." The room swung as he shot, visions of shaving for Peter, of jacking off for Peter, of

making love for hours filling his head.

When the world had stopped spinning, he was still in Peter's arms, his mouth being plundered by

one sweet kiss after another.

"H... hey." He clung to Peter, blinking slow, completely undone.

"Good evening, Samuel." Peter nibbled his lips, holding him close. "Do you have anything to

wear? A robe or something? I would be pleased to have you sit in my lap naked, but I think

Harry would object. Loudly."

"I have one here, yeah. My laundry's in the washer." He wandered to the linen closet, found his

little soft shorts and robe. Mmm. Comfy.

Peter's arm looped around his waist, tugging him into Peter's side. He seemed to fit perfectly

there.

He noticed Peter looking around before they went down the stairs. "I've never been up here

before."

"Oh? That's their room. This is the room I sleep in here." He opened the door to the little guest

room, all decorated like their dorm room had been -- posters and lava lamps and cheese.

Peter laughed as he looked around. "It looks like it's been frozen in time."

"Yep. It makes Jason laugh, to have it like this."

"When you move in with me, you can redecorate my room. Make it ours."

"You... You would let me do that?"

"Yes, Samuel, I would -- I will, as soon as you agree to move in." Peter's arm was around his

waist again, leading them downstairs.

Harry and Jason looked up as they entered the living room. "You're moving in together?" Harry

looked stunned.

Peter nodded, looking proud and happy. "As soon as Samuel says 'yes.'"

Jase clapped his hands together. "Oh, say, 'yes,' Sammy."

"I." He looked at Jase, grinned. "But you weren't sure of him, even an hour ago."

Jase shook his head. "I don't quite get it, Sammy, but I've never seen you look happier, not ever."

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"He... I love him, huh? Like, for real."

Harry arched an eyebrow, grinned. "Have you told him yet? Because he looks a little stunned."

He turned and, sure enough, Peter was looking more than a little stunned. "Say it again," Peter

ordered, voice rough.

"I love you, Peter. For real." He had for weeks now.

"Yes. For very real." Peter's mouth pressed against his, the kiss unbelievably gentle, delicate and

intimate.

"Okay, are we done with the touchy-feely crap yet? There's pizza on the way."

Sammy shook his head. "You know, one day I'm going to snap and beat the shit out of that man.

Just for fun."

"Let me know when you do and I'll tie him down for you." Peter gave him a wink and another soft kiss and then drew him down onto the sofa, putting him in Peter's lap. Jase just giggled, obviously not worried for his well-muscled lover's well-being. "So does this mean you're moving in?" Jase asked. "Not that I'm trying to get rid of you -- you always have a room with me and Harry." "I have to think about it. I'm not easy to live with."

"I like a challenge." Peter tilted his face and looked into his eyes. "But I will wait for you to be

ready. Don't make me wait too long, Samuel, I want you in my life full-time."

"Peter." He pressed closer, lips parted, completely lost.

"Right here, Samuel, waiting for you to say yes." Peter's tongue traced his lips and then slipped

inside as their lips pressed together.

Somewhere in the background he heard Jase sigh, like he always did during the romantic parts of

movies.

He slid into Peter's lap, cuddling in, straddling those thighs. "Yes."

Jase squealed happily, but Sammy only had eyes for Peter. Their mouths met again, the kiss slow

and growing deeper by the moment.

"Jesus. Babe. Come into the kitchen. They need privacy." Harry's voice was quiet, surprisingly

gentle.

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"Thank you, my friend," murmured Peter, though those eyes never left his.

Jase's hand trailed over his shoulder for a half a second, and then they were alone.

"Peter." His eyes filled, fingers framing Peter's face.

"Shh. Shh. What's the matter, Samuel?"

"I want this, so badly. I want you."

"You have me, Samuel." His nose was kissed, his chin, his lips.

He chased those lips, almost laughing, joy filling him.

"Look at you. Just look at you." Peter's mouth closed over his, the kiss deep.

He melted, just completely melted, holding onto Peter and kissing back with all he was. The kiss

slid into a second, and then a third, one after another one.

"No more waiting for days for you to come home."

"Long breakfasts on my days off. Baths."

"Sleeping side by side every night." Peter's hands wrapped around his ass and tugged him in

even closer.

"God, yes. Please." Every night.

"Thank you, Samuel."

"I... Thank me? You've given me so much."

"And you give me everything." Peter took a kiss. "So yes, thank you."

"I won't make you regret this. I promise," he swore.

"I won't regret this, Samuel. No matter what happens."

"Promise?" He kissed Peter's eyebrow, the bridge of Peter's nose.

"I promise, Samuel." Peter sealed it with a kiss.

The doorbell rang and he grinned, so happy he hurt. "Our supper's here."

Sammy's Place - 129

"Ours and Harry's and Jase's, who we chased out of their own living room. We should get the

pizza for them."

"I can. I got paid today." He didn't have much, but he could buy pizza. "We'll have to talk about

rent and stuff, huh?"

"Yes. And where you're working -- we'll have to discuss that."

The doorbell rang again and Peter set him up on his feet, hands leaving his body with obvious

reluctance.

"I... I need to find my wallet..." He headed for the kitchen. "Jase? Honey? Is my wallet in there?"

"I'll get the pizza, Sammy. We're celebrating."

Peter grinned. "Someone let the poor thing in and pay him."

Jase giggled, snagging Harry's wallet out of his back pocket and heading for the door.

"I'll put my clothes in the dryer." He needed his uniform for tomorrow's shift.

"After the pizza, Samuel." Peter's hand grabbed his, tugging him back toward the living room.

"I'm not ready to be parted from you yet," Peter whispered in his ear.

He twined his fingers with Peter's, pleased all through.

They joined Harry and Jase around the coffee table, eating their pizza out of the box with cheap

red wine that Harry poured out generously. By the time they'd finished eating, he was giddy and

light-headed, giggling with Jase as they struggled with the wet laundry, bumping hips together.

"Oh, God, Sammy, I've never seen you like this. I like it."

"I. I'm mad for him. I swear to God. I love you."

Jase wrapped him up in a hug. "I love you, too, Sammy. I'm so happy for you."

"Yeah. Yeah, me too." He kissed Jason's cheek, just holding on tight. "Wow, huh?"

"It's about time, Sammy. You deserve someone special."

"He is. He really is." He swayed, a little drunk, a little hurting, a lot happy.

Jase giggled at him. "You should both stay here tonight -- you can barely stand."

"I have to be at work in the morning. Ask Peter what he wants?"

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"Peter wants to take you home so we can start our life together, but I think we'll take Jason and Harry up on their offer to stay. You look ready to fall over, Samuel." Peter wrapped him in a hug from behind. "Mmm. I'm just tired. It's been a long week. Three more days and I get one off, though." Go him. "Yes, we'll have to talk about this work thing, because I need you and anyone can work at a

grocery store. Besides," Peter growled a little. "They hurt you."

"The peaches fell." That growl was sweet.

"Yes. My poor Samuel, beaten by peaches." Peter tugged the edge of his robe open over his

shoulder, lips pressing gently.

"The guest room is ready for you. Jase and me will clean up the pizza."

"You're a good guy, Harry."

"Yeah, Sammy. Go be drunk in bed."

"Thank you, Harry. For your generosity and hospitality. And you as well, Jason."

Jase giggled. "Me and Harry don't mind. We like having our best friends close."

"You two want muffins before I head to work?" He could get up at five, do that.

"Aren't you on the early shift?" Jase asked.

"Six to six tomorrow." Stupid swings. He just kept reminding himself of the overtime.

"That's a lot of hours," Peter pointed out. "You'd better come to bed with me now."

"Don't worry about muffins, honey." Jase gave him another kiss. "We've got doughnuts."

"Yeah, I'm a cop, huh?" Harry winked, grabbed Jase's butt.

"Uh-huh." Bed. He needed bed.

Jase squeaked and melted back against Harry.

"Goodnight, you two." Chuckling, Peter draped an arm around his shoulder and led him toward

the guest room.

He wandered, humming tiredly, blinking. "The bed's comfy."

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"Is it? Tomorrow night it will be our bed we're retiring to."

"Yeah? It may be tomorrow evening for me. I think I might need a couple weeks of sleep."

"You could hand in your notice," Peter suggested, closing the door and leading him to the bed.

"I need the money. I can't pay for my rent, anything, without it." He settled down, his eyes

closing.

"I have a job for you, though. And it's not charity." Peter kissed the top of his head. "We'll talk

about it tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, love. So tired."

"Yes, sleep, my Samuel. Sleep." Peter's arms closed around him, holding him close.

He cuddled in, humming. Happy. Home.

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Chapter Eleven

Peter was fussing.

He knew he was fussing. He hated fussing.

Still, he was fussing.

He'd changed the sheets on the bed, made sure the dishes and vacuuming were done. He'd even

scrubbed the bathroom.

He glanced at the clock. Six-thirty-eight. Was Samuel ever going to get home?

Their first official night together. He and Harry had moved Samuel's stuff from Harry and Jase's

earlier in the afternoon. And he'd cleared room in the drawers and cupboard. Finally, he poured

himself a glass of wine and sat in the living room, watching Antiques Roadshow. He'd dozed off when he heard noises in the kitchen, the smell of coffee strong and good. He blinked a moment or two, and then leaped to his feet, eager to welcome Samuel home. Samuel was putting groceries away, moving slowly, looking worn out. He could feel the growl building up in his belly, wanting out. "Samuel," he said quickly, smiling as Samuel froze and then turned. He opened his arms. "Peter." Samuel hurried over, cuddled right in. He held Samuel as close as he could, eyes closing as he breathed Samuel in. "Welcome home." "Thank you." Samuel stroked his face, his shoulders, loving on him. "I brought chicken salad

home."

"Sounds good. Are you hungry, or would you like something like a bath or a blow job first?" He

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was a little stunned, still, that Samuel had moved in so quickly. He'd expected the dithering to continue and was more than pleased that Samuel had surprised him. "I. I don't think I can get it up, Peter. I'm sorry." "My poor tired love. Is the salad all made up? Why don't you go start a bath, and I'll bring it in for you to eat." "I'm not hungry, Peter. I made you a sandwich. I do want a bath, though. I'll get coffee after." "Samuel. When you're exhausted, you need to trust that I'll not only be able to take care of you, but that I am as perfectly capable of ordering dinner as the next person." He nudged Samuel toward the bathroom. "That's one of the advantages of not living on your own." "I want to take care of you. It was a long fucking day, you know?" "You'll have lots of days to take care of me, and I know. You left before I woke and it's late." And he’d forgive Samuel the swearing at the moment. It didn't take long at all to get the bath filling, and then he started on Samuel's buttons. "I want you to quit and come work for me, Samuel. Trust me, the hours are much more civilized. Not to mention you'll be able to use your brain." "I can't. That's not healthy -- to live with you, work for you." Peter shook his head. "No, it wouldn't be like that. I'm actually opening two new stores. Or at least I will be if I can find someone I trust to run the current one. Mary and I can run the new ones. Then all I need is a bit of part-time help." "But I haven't ever..." He could see the want-to in Samuel's eyes. He slid the shirt over Samuel's shoulders. The grocery store uniform was highly unflattering. "You haven't ever what, Samuel? You've got the retail experience, you know antiques. I know you're planning on eventually doing something more exciting than work in an antique store, but surely that would be more enjoyable than what you're doing now until you discover exactly what it is you want to do." "I'm too tired to think about it right now, honey. I swear it." God, those bruises were brutal. He threw the shirt at the laundry bin. "Then you don't need to think about it right now." He frowned, fingers ghosting over Samuel's shoulders. "That salve that Jase gave you doesn't seem to have done much. I've got some witch hazel that should help." He absolutely hated any marks on Samuel that weren't there because he'd put them there.

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Well, aside from the little tattoo that Samuel and Jason shared. One day he and Samuel would get a matching pair as well. He was just waiting for the right time to broach it. "Why don't you get the rest of your clothes off and get into the tub while I find it?" "Okay, lover." Samuel sank down into the water, eyes closing, lips parted and sweet. "I like the way that sounds." He rummaged through the cabinet, finding the witch hazel behind

the shaving cream. "I like the way it sounds coming from you."

"Good. Oh. Oh, can I just stay in here forever?"

He chuckled. "You'd turn into a prune. I'm just going to pour this right in, all right? You'll have

to make sure you keep your shoulders in the water."

"'Kay. Thank you. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." He poured the witch hazel in over Samuel's shoulders. "The day felt like it

was going to last forever." Kneeling next to the tub, he soaped up a cloth and started washing his

lover. "Harry and I brought all your stuff over. Is that really all there is?"

Samuel nodded. "All that's left. William destroyed everything he could."

Peter growled, unable to stop the sound. "You need to press charges against that animal."

"No. He's fucking crazy. He'll hurt me."

"If you press charges he'll go to jail, and then he won't hurt you. And you can get a court order

against him if he threatens you, make sure he can’t come near you." He'd like to see the man try,

because then he could go after William, beat the man the way he wanted to.

"No. He. I see him. I can't, damn it."

"Shh. Shh. It's okay, Samuel." He stroked Samuel's cheek. "What do you mean, you see him?"

"It's nothing, Peter. You don't have to worry."

"Perhaps, but I do. What did you mean by 'I see him'?"

"He knows where I work. That's all. The security guys watch."

He put the cloth down and stood up, his hands curling up into fists. "He's been there? At the store

where you work?" The words came out very calmly.

"I said you don't have to worry, Peter."

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"If he touches a hair on your head again, if he threatens you in any way, I will find him and beat

him to a pulp, Samuel." He swore it.

"I'm. He won't. He just watches. Just drop it, huh?"

"All right, Samuel. I'll drop it." And he'd pick it back up with Harry. There had to be something

that could be done. A restraining order sounded good. Putting the man in restraints sounded even

better.

"How are your shoulders, Samuel?"

"Okay. Sore, but better." Samuel blinked, yawned.

"You still look exhausted. I think you need bed and food -- I will relax the no food in bed rule for

tonight."

"There's a no food in bed rule?"

"Yes." He wrinkled his nose. "I can't stand crumbs in the sheets."

"How many rules are there? I mean, I know you get irritated at the word fuck, but how about

shit? Or ass? Or damn?"

"Ass is fine if you're talking about the body part and not using it as a curse word, but I really dislike the rest. There's no reason for you to swear." It was about control. "Sure there is. I mean, sometimes you just have to scream 'fuck you.'" Now Samuel was just tired and pushing. "And sometimes I just need to tan your ass for saying it. Get out of the tub, Samuel. I think it's time I welcomed you home properly." "I... Peter." Samuel began to flutter, eyes wide. So much change, so much trauma in such a short time. "Yes, you, Samuel. I see you, yes?" He reached out and took Samuel's hand, drawing him out of the water, grabbing a towel and quickly drying Samuel off. "I can't." Samuel didn't fight him, followed him easily, eyes begging him for this, for a routine, a balance. "You can't what, lover?" He squeezed Samuel's hand and led them into the bedroom, with its fresh sheets and the low light he'd left on. It was warm and inviting and comfortable. "Oh... our room." Samuel moaned, looking around with wide eyes.

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"Yes. And I hope you'll redecorate with me. But not tonight." He brought Samuel's hand to his mouth, kissing it softly. "No. Not tonight. Love me? Please?" "That's the plan, Samuel." Tugging on Samuel's hand, he brought the slender body up close, and tilted Samuel's head back so he could take a kiss. Samuel's response was a bit frantic, edgy, fighting him just a touch. He pushed back, tongue moving into Samuel's mouth and owning the kiss, owning Samuel. Samuel sobbed and melted for him, allowing him in, allowing him access and control. He took the kiss deeper, walking Samuel back to the bed. Once there, he dipped Samuel back until his lover was lying on the bed, and then he followed him down. "I love you." Samuel reached for him, clinging. "I love you, too, Samuel." He worked his buttons open, pulling off his shirt and then kicking off his pants so he could lie on Samuel skin on skin, pressing the slender body into the mattress as he stole his lover's breath with one deep kiss after another. Samuel accepted, encouraged. Pleaded wordlessly for him to give him more. He bit at Samuel's bottom lip, teeth scraping over the soft flesh as his fingers found one of those "insensitive" nipples, pinching it. Samuel jerked, pulling away from his fingers. Oh, yeah, someone liked that. A lot. Humming, he bit his way down Samuel's neck and chest until he could wrap his lips around Samuel's nipple. That little bit of flesh was hard as stone, reaching for his lips, begging for it. He tugged and licked; he bit, teeth pinching the hard flesh. "Yes!" Samuel's hands tangled in his hair, holding tight. "Yes," he whispered against Samuel's skin. He slid his hands down along Samuel's ribs, found Samuel's hips and gripped them, fingers digging in. Samuel felt so soft, so good to his touch. He worried the poor bit of flesh in his mouth, determined to leave marks that were on purpose, that were meant to bring focus and pleasure, that were his. "Burns. Burns. Love. Don't stop. Please." "Won't stop." He might change nipples, but he wasn't going to stop until Samuel was marked and had come and knew he was where he belonged and home. His left hand slid to wrap around Samuel's cock, his thumb pressing into the slit. "Please..." Samuel grunted, hips thrusting wildly, demanding more.

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"Needy man." He moved to the other nipple, biting hard, his hand sliding down to tug and twist Samuel's balls. "Fuck!" His head jerked up in surprise. "Samuel!" "What?" Samuel looked truly confused. "Language," he growled. "Say that word again and I'll have to spank you." "Oh, shit. I'm sorry. Your hands were so warm." "So shout that out, or my name, or sir, or love." He nipped at Samuel's lips.

"Sorry. Sorry. It just came out."

"You'll learn. I promise." Smiling, he went for Samuel's neck, sucking up a mark as his hand slid

behind Samuel's balls, spreading his legs.

"I will. I'm smarter than I look, lover. I swear." The words were whispered.

"Samuel." He raised his head and looked into Samuel's eyes. "You look plenty smart to me. And

you can stop that putting yourself down stuff right now."

"I..." Samuel looked completely confused. "You. You're different than anyone else, ever."

He nodded. "Yes. I am. And I'm exactly what you need." He bent to Samuel's right nipple,

beginning to worry it again, his fingers sliding between Samuel's balls and his hole.

"Need you. Deep."

"You'll have me exactly where you need me." He sucked on a single finger and then pushed it

into Samuel's body, the,heated flesh grasping it. "So tight."

Samuel squeezed him, ass gripping his finger tight. Groaning, he went back to Samuel's left

nipple, teeth teasing, worrying the hard bit of flesh. And as soon as Samuel's ass relaxed a little,

he pushed a second finger in as well.

"Feels good." One day Samuel would take his hand, spread for him.

"Yes. Let everything go but what you can feel right now, right here." He spread his fingers,

scissoring them, stretching Samuel.

Samuel's legs sprawled wide, one knee bending up and lifting. So fine.

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"You want so beautifully." He slid in a third finger, pushing them deep and searching for that

little bump that would spark when touched.

"F... full." Yes. Full and lovely.

"You're going to feel me all day tomorrow," he promised, finding and hitting Samuel's gland.

"Please. Please." Samuel tossed his head, jerking and twisting against him.

"Shh. Easy now, love." He slid his fingers away. It only took a moment to lube up his cock and

then he settled between Samuel's legs, waiting with his cock pressed against the tight hole,

waiting for Samuel to look at him.

Those dark eyes blinked up at him, curious, hungry.

He licked Samuel's lips and then smiled. "I love you," he said softly, pushing in.

Samuel sobbed and came, seed spreading over that sweet, flat belly. The scent was intoxicating,

as everything about Samuel was, and Peter started a hard, fast rhythm, plunging into Samuel's

body over and over.

"Love. Love. I." That pretty cock never flagged, never went soft for him.

"That's it, Samuel. So very sensual, very good." He kept thrusting, Samuel's body like heaven.

"So good. Peter." Samuel reached for him, held him close.

They moved together, bodies slapping noisily. "Listen. Feel. Taste." He groaned between each

word and ended the sounds coming from him by pressing their lips together.

His shoulders were rubbed, touched, Samuel right there with him, heart beating against his chest. He worked a hand between them, wrapping it around Samuel's hot, wet cock, tugging at the hard flesh as he continued to pound into the tight body. "Together," he growled.

"T...together. Together. Soon, love. Please."

"Yes. Soon." He thrust twice more, his hand squeezing around Samuel's cock. "Now!"

Heat sprayed over his fingers, Samuel's obedience the sexiest thing he'd ever seen. His own cock

pulsed, filling Samuel deep inside as his orgasm swept over him, the sensation making his skin

shiver all over.

"Peter." Samuel was almost dozing, fingers sliding over his skin.

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He hummed, leaning in to nuzzle at Samuel's neck, another sweet shudder moving through him as he came down from the high. "Mmm. Don't let me sleep before I feed you."

"No, Samuel. You sleep and then you can feed me." Samuel would learn to take care of himself

along with everyone else. He would.

Peter groaned as his cock slid from Samuel's body and he lay down, drawing Samuel into his

arms.

"Mmm." Samuel cuddled close, legs tangling with his. "You sure?"

"What do you need right now?" he asked.

"Huh?"

"You're tired. You've just been made love to until you're melted. Do you really want to go and

make supper? Or do you want -- no, do you need to sleep, rest?"

"I. You need someone to take care of you, too."

"I do. And no one has before you, Samuel. But not at your expense." He nipped at Samuel's

lower lip. "You're tired and sore and need to sleep. When you're rested, you can pamper me."

"I." Samuel moaned softly, and then fell into a heavy sleep, like an exhausted puppy.

Peter shook his head and kissed Samuel's forehead.

His lover would learn to take care of himself, or to at least express his needs.

No matter how many times he had to beat it into the man.

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Chapter Twelve

Sammy flopped down on the bed, staring at the sight of the Christmas lights twinkling from the living room tree. All the cookies were made for Jase and Harry tomorrow, the house was clean. The motherfucking grocery store was closed. Closed.

Finally.

Thank God.

He'd never worked so hard in his entire life.

Never.

Peter came in, naked, toweling his hair dry. "You're done in the kitchen!"

"Uh-huh."

"Excellent." Peter tossed the towel at a chair and flopped down next to him. "This means I get

my Samuel back."

"I hope so." He wasn't going to whine. He wasn't. Okay, maybe a little.

Peter turned to lie on his side, fingers sliding over Sammy's face. "Merry Christmas Eve."

"Merry Christmas Eve, Peter. Merry Christmas Eve." Oh, God. This was... He was so lucky to

have this.

Peter grinned suddenly. "Would you like one of your presents tonight?"

"I would. What is it?" Kisses? Hot sex?

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"You'll have to open it and see." Peter popped up and went over to his dresser, pulling a wrapped

gift out of his sock drawer. "Get undressed first."

"I... I only got you one thing, Peter." He didn't have much holiday money, and he'd found a

beautiful desk set -- blotter, ink well, pen, everything -- that he thought Peter would love.

"You're here with me. That's all the presents I need, love."

"You have to say that." He slipped out of his sweats, tugged his t-shirt off.

Peter sat down beside him, present set down on the bed behind him. "No, I don't. I said it because

it's the truth."

"Oh." He gave Peter a tremulous smile. "I'm sorry, love. I'm just tired and being a dork."

"Shh." Peter kissed his nose and handed over the present. It was wrapped in shiny red paper and

had a silver bow on it. "We can use it tonight if you like."

"Mmm. Okay." He unwrapped a lovely, heavy leather paddle, moaning over it. "Oh, Peter.

Look."

Peter pointed to an engraving. "My initials are on the handle. Yours are here, on the paddle

itself."

"Oh."

He actually teared up, fingers tracing the letters. "Oh, Peter. Thank you."

Peter kissed him softly. "You're welcome, love. Shall we give it a go? Paddle you so you can let

go and have a good night's sleep?" Peter grinned. "You'll feel it every second you're sitting

tomorrow."

"Yes. Yes, please." He nodded, eager to feel the burn, the ache. Eager to know Peter needed to

do this for him.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Peter tugged him close and took a kiss, tongue pushing his lips

open.

He parted, opening eagerly and moaning into Peter's lips.

"Over my lap," murmured Peter as their lips parted.

"Yes. God, yes." He moved and shifted, cock already hard.

Peter spread his thighs so Sammy could settle with his cock between them. Then Peter's legs

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closed again, trapping him between them. He groaned; he couldn't help it, the sound hiccupped

out of him.

Peter's hand slid over his ass, moving slowly. "Such a pretty ass. So pale. You're going to mark

up beautifully."

"It... it makes me hot, wearing your marks."

"Mmm. I love knowing you can feel them while you're at work, or with Jase. I like knowing their

ache makes you think of me." Peter rubbed his ass one more time and then the paddle landed, the

thud solid.

It didn't sting, it just... heated him. "Always thinking of you."

"Then I'm not the only one." The paddle came down again, concentrating on his left butt cheek.

"No. No, you're not. So good."

"I'm glad."

He didn't know if Peter meant for not being the only one, or because the paddling was good, or

both, but as the paddle came down twice more, Sammy figured it didn't matter. His eyes closed,

his exhausted body beginning to move and shift, pushing back toward the paddle.

"Just look at you." Peter's words slid over his skin in a soft caress as the paddle kept coming

down to meet his eager ass.

The paddle thudded so solidly, the noise it made more of a vibration against his ass than actual sound. "Love you. Need this." So badly.

"I know. I know you need it. You need me. I need you, too." The smacks covered both cheeks of

his ass, occasionally landing on the tops of his thighs, those hits surprising, keeping him alert.

His breath began to come more and more unevenly, the sound pushing out of him brutally.

"Just a little more. To get the color right."

"Peter. Love. It burns." It wasn't a complaint. Not at all.

"I knew this one would give you what you needed."

"No. No, it's you." Peter gave Sammy what he needed.

"Mmm... thank you." Peter stopped using the paddle, one hand rubbing over his ass instead.

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Sammy whimpered, hips dancing, pushing up into his touch.

"Such amazing heat. You can feel this deep inside your muscles, can't you?" Peter pressed

against his ass, fingers pushing hard.

"Yes. Please. I need." He wasn't above begging.

"Yes." Peter went back to smacking him with the paddle, legs tightening around his prick as a

steady rhythm of blows rained down on him.

Words bubbled out of him, hungry and needy, too hot to hold in, too much.

"Let me hear it all, love. Every thought, every word."

"Oh, God. I need you, more than anything. Love this, love what we are."

"Yes! Samuel!" The blows became harder, Peter groaning.

"Fuck me." Deep and hard, until he couldn't breathe.

"I will. I promise."

The beating stopped, Peter pushing him onto the mattress. He arched, the offer as clear and

desperate as he could make it.

"Mine." Peter's fingers, slick and long, pushed into him.

"Yes. Yes, I promise. Yours."

The fingers inside him stretched, opening him, getting him ready for Peter's cock.

"More. More, Peter. See."

"You ready, love?"

"Fuck yes."

Peter's fingers disappeared and then his ass was slapped. Hard. "Samuel!"

"What?" Jesus, he needed, so badly.

"Language!" Peter smacked his ass again.

"Jesus. Sorry. It's true, though. Need you."

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Peter chuckled. "You'll have me." Peter slapped his ass again, only this time it felt different, and

was followed by Peter's cock, pushing into him.

"Oh..." He'd stop cursing, if he could keep this. He would.

Peter kept pressing in, stretching him. He pushed back, fingers curling in the sheets.

"Samuel." Peter groaned, sinking all the way in.

"Yes. Yes, love." Perfect.

Peter dropped a kiss on his shoulder and then began to move. They were made for this, for each

other, and Sammy kept pushing back, riding Peter's cock. Peter's hands wrapped around his hips,

fingers digging into his skin as their flesh slapped together.

"I..." He bit his lip, hard, forcing himself not to come, not to shoot before Peter's command.

"Wait for me, Samuel. Wait."

"I am. I will." He nodded, pushing back even harder.

"Good. Good." Peter thrust harder, faster. "So hot."

"Uh-huh." His ass was on fire.

"Soon, Samuel. Soon."

"Soon. Please."

"Okay, love. Now. Now." Peter slammed into him.

He bucked, balls drawing up tight, spunk pouring out of him in long ropes.

"Love!" Peter called his name out and filled him with heat.

Sammy slumped to the bed, almost sobbing with pleasure and overwhelmed exhaustion. Peter

came down with him, warm and good against his back. He opened his mouth to answer, but

nothing came out.

"Merry Christmas, love." Peter's words filled their bedroom, filled him.

"Mmmhmm." The merriest.

The merriest ever.

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Chapter Thirteen

Sammy put the turkey up in the cooler, making sure it was wrapped up tight. He hated this job.

Hated it.

"You ready to come home with me, Sammy?" The voice was familiar. Terrifying.

Too fucking close.

"I'm sorry, we're closing." See him. See him not freak out.

Two weeks since Christmas and he hadn't had a day off, hadn't had a chance to do anything but

work. He wasn't in a good spot for this. Really. He kept his back turned and finished his side

work and when he turned around, William was gone.

Thank God.

Heart pounding, he turned off the lights, and headed upstairs to the grocery office. He wasted as

much time as he could until finally there wasn't anyone else to talk to, so he grabbed his bag and

his keys and Peter's supper and headed out.

Sammy ran to his car, only relaxing when he pulled out of the parking lot and grabbed his phone,

dialing Jase's. Come on. Come on. Answer. He needed someone to talk to on the way home.

"Hey, Sammy, what's up?" Oh, Jase sounded relaxed and happy.

"Hey honey. Just driving home, thought I'd call." See him, see him not blow Jase's happy.

"How's life?"

"Mmm... Harry had the day off today." He could hear in Jase's voice exactly what they'd gotten

up to. "Hey, wait a minute, you're not just getting off work now, are you? It's late. You're

working too hard, honey."

"I've got applications out all over. I actually have tomorrow and the next day off." Hopefully,

Peter would, too.

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"Oh, cool! You want to go down to the flea market? It's just not the same without you and it feels like I haven't seen you in forever." "Let me talk to Peter, see what his plans are? Maybe we can all four meet for brunch and go?" Sunday was the perfect day for brunch. "Perfect!" Jase laughed softly. "I have missed you, Sammy. Harry, we're going to have brunch on Sunday with Sammy and Peter. Harry says good." "Call Peter, why don't you? Make sure it's cool with him. I'll be home in ten." He grinned at the bubbly joy in Jason's voice. Even if he wanted to sleep in and then have wild, passionate monkey sex, it would be good to see them. "Okay, honey. Love you, yeah?" "Love you, Jase. See you Sunday." He hung up, heading to Peter's in a mindless, zombified sort of way. He parked the car and He grabbed his stuff, heading for the elevator. In moments he was unlocking the door and wandering in. Fuck, he was pooped. "I brought you tomato soup and a bread bowl, lover." The Albertson's bread bowl wasn't Trader Joe's, but it didn't suck entirely, and Peter liked soup. "And you brought me something infinitely better." Peter's hands cupped his cheeks and tilted his head up. Oh. Peter. He almost burst into tears like an idiot. He didn't, because he wasn't an idiot, but it was close. Peter's mouth dropped onto his, lips warm and strong, parting his own for Peter's tongue. Sammy melted -- William and work and tired and stress just disappearing in a rush. Peter's breath filled his mouth, hands sliding down to grab onto his ass and tug him in closer. It was so easy to relax, to give himself over to Peter's touch, Peter's love. Peter devoured his mouth like a starving man and dragged him slowly down the hall, bypassing the kitchen. Everything in him went hot and sweet and he simply followed, not thinking a bit. Peter's fingers found his hands and pulled the bags from them, dropping them in the hallway along the way. His shirt was discarded by the bathroom, his pants tugged down as they hit the bedroom. Sammy thought about worrying about the soup for, oh, a quarter of a second. Maybe.

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"I've wanted to do this all day," muttered Peter, hand coming down on his naked ass.

"Peter." He arched and groaned, eyes flying open.

"I've wanted to do this for a week." Another smack hit his ass.

"Yes." He clung to Peter's shoulders, chests pressed together. "I love you."

"Good. Because I love you." Peter's kiss stole his breath, and then he was bent over the bed. "No

coming."

"It's been days, lover." He'd do his best. He would.

A soft kiss landed on his shoulder. "I have faith in you, Samuel." Another smack hit his ass,

Peter not holding back. His groan escaped him, head dropping on his hands. "Please." More.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Peter continued to hit him, hand making his ass burn.

"Yes. Yes, I need you."

"I know."

Peter's hand caught his thigh, and he could feel each finger connect. "As I need you. Need this.

Need us."

"Yes. Please, don't stop, Peter." Sammy spread wider, hips canting to offer Peter more.

"Oh, no, Samuel. No stopping."

Peter's hand kept landing on his skin -- his ass, the small of his back, his thighs, painting him

with heat. "So good, Samuel. Your skin marks so beautifully and your sensuality makes you glow." "Hot. Hot, Peter. I'll come." He didn't want to disappoint Peter. Ever.

"No, you won't," murmured Peter. The base of his prick was wrapped in leather, the band closed

tight around his cock. "I am so proud of you for that. For telling me."

The hits resumed, stronger than before. His hips started fucking the air, even as deep, desperate cries pushed right out of him. Love. He loved. "Peter."

"Right here, Samuel. Right here with you." Each word came with another hit. "Just a few more,

Samuel. We're going to take it a few more."

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"So big." His hands twisted into the sheets, each blow making him shake, pushing him closer to the edge. Peter's blows slowed, and then stopped, two slick fingers pushing into his hole.

"I want you, Samuel. I want to feel the heat of your skin against my hips as your body takes me

in."

"Please. Please. I need you. Hard and deep. I need your cock."

"I won't leave you needing, Samuel. I promise." Peter's fingers pushed deep, hitting his gland.

"Peter!" Sammy pushed himself up on his hands, almost screaming with pleasure.

"Oh, I think you're ready." Peter's fingers disappeared, the thick head of his cock replacing them.

Hot and hard, Peter's cock pushed into him, spreading him so wide.

His eyes rolled back into his head, the pleasure almost unbearable. Almost. Pushing all the way

in, Peter stilled once he was completely buried, hips pushing against Sammy's ass, making it

burn.

"Can you feel me, Samuel? Hold this moment in your mind."

How could he not feel it? How could he feel anything else?

Peter's fingers wrapped around his hips, and then everything exploded as Peter started to move,

fucking him with long, hard strokes. He lost it, words pouring out of him that didn't make sense,

just bubbling up with the heat and the pleasure.

"Yes. Yes, Samuel." One of Peter's hands slid to his cock, touching the tip and then sliding down

to release the cock ring.

"Please. Please. Tell me. I need, love. I need."

"I know, Samuel." Peter's hand wrapped around his cock, each thrust pushing his flesh through

Peter's hand. "Show me, Samuel."

Everything in him clenched and he sobbed, come throbbing out of his cock as he slumped to the

mattress. Peter followed him down, hips still jerking, pushing the heated length into him, filling him over and over. "Love. Love you." He squeezed tight, holding Peter in.

"Good," growled Peter, hips slamming one more time before Peter's cock swelled and shot, heat

spraying deep inside him.

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Sammy rested his head on his hands, cheeks wet with pure, overwhelmed emotion.

Peter's cheek rubbed against his back, stubble rubbing. "Mine."

"Y... yeah." He nodded, breath hitching a little.

Peter slipped away, and cleaned him up before helping him settle on the bed. His tears were

wiped away, Peter pressing kisses to his damp skin.

"Mmm. Hey." He held Peter close, heart pounding.

"How are you, Samuel?" Peter's gaze held his, looking into him.

"I. I'm." He took a deep breath, swallowed. He didn't want to lie. "It's been an incredibly long

week. I'm glad to be home."

"Too long. You're working too hard in a job you can't possibly be getting anything out of."

"I know." Between William and the hours and things, he was worn.

"So come work for me," Peter growled, frustration showing in the words.

"Don't fucking growl at me, man. I'm tired." He couldn't do this. Not right now. He hadn't even

eaten in two and a half days.

One of Peter's eyebrows went up. "I am well aware you're tired. That's my point."

"Yeah. Sorry. I know." Sammy sighed and slid off the mattress. "You want your soup, Peter? I'm

going to jump in the shower and I'll toss it in the nuker on the way."

"No. I want you to come back here. No running away."

"I'm not. I just need a shower." He could feel the tension building in his belly. He wanted to

work for Peter, he did, but that would mean that Peter controlled everything -- his home, his

heart, his money. What was he supposed to do when Peter got tired of him?

"And you can have one, but let's finish our discussion first." Peter held a hand out to him.

"I." He reached out, fingers twining with Peter's. God, he was a sap.

Peter drew him down into his lover's lap. "You don't have to keep censoring yourself, you know.

I want to hear what you have to say."

"I don't know what you mean."

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"You keep beginning sentences, but you don't finish them. I want to hear your thoughts. Your

hopes and fears, your loves."

"I'm just really tired. It's been a very hard day."

"Harder than the last twelve? You realize it's been that long since you've had a day off?"

"I have to make a living and yeah, harder than the last twelve." Way harder.

"Why was today harder?" Peter asked, eyes narrowing.

"Because it was." Don't make me lie to you.

"That's not an answer, Samuel."

"It's the one I fucking have, Peter."

Peter's hand landed on his ass, the smack hard and short. "No cursing."

"Oh, fuck that. I'm tired and scared and pissed off and if I want to cuss like a motherfucking

sailor, I will." He stood up, hands flailing. "Is it too much to fucking ask to just have a goddamn

shower and a long meltdown after the day I had? Fuck, you're the best thing that happened to me

and..."

Peter stood as well, hands grabbing his, holding them down. "Scared?" Peter asked, zeroing right

in on that. "Why are you scared?"

"I. Want. A. Shower!" Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

"And I want an answer." Peter stared into his eyes.

"Don't make me lie to you." The words popped out, just like that. "Please. I'm so fucked here."

"Then don't lie to me, Samuel. I'm not going to send you packing for telling me the truth. Any

truth." Those eyes never left his.

"He won't leave me alone. He won't, and I'm so fucking tired, Peter." He started shaking, throat

working.

"He? William?" Peter was growling again, the sound low and vibrating against him as Peter drew

him close, arms wrapping around him. "I'll kill him."

"No. No, I'm coping. He'll stop. I just. I can't. I need a shower. I really do."

"You have to talk to Harry, Samuel. You're scared and freaked out and the man is harassing you!

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You need a court order to keep him away -- you do not have to let him do this to you." Peter headed them toward the bathroom, arms still wrapped around him. "I am not letting him do this. I'm coping. I am."

"But you shouldn’t have to cope, Samuel! What the man is doing is wrong, and you don't have to

prove anything."

"I don't want to talk about this right now." He wanted his afterglow, goddamn it.

"All right. Let's set a time for when we will talk about it."

Sammy stopped short, blinking at Peter. "What?"

"We don't have to talk about it now, but we will talk about it. Tomorrow after breakfast? Before

lunch? When do you want to resume this conversation?"

"I. After breakfast?" They could do that?

"Okay. Tomorrow after breakfast we'll talk about it."

Peter leaned in and gave him a kiss. "Now let's go shower and have supper -- I want to watch you

squirming in your seat, trying to find relief for your ass."

"I didn't bring enough for two." Oh, so good to him. Sammy just floated. "Did Jase call?"

"Jase called. We can do brunch on Sunday, but tomorrow is ours. And I'll share supper with

you." Peter gave him another kiss, and then started the shower, leaning over, ass high as he bent

to the taps.

Sammy leaned down, tongue sliding on the soft, smooth skin. "Ours."

Peter's ass tightened and then pushed back against him. "Samuel..."

"Mmmhmm? You know no one else calls me that?" He licked again, nuzzling a little.

Peter's legs spread slightly, a shudder moving through the strong body. "It's your name."

"I know, but everybody calls me Sammy but you." He licked Peter's hole, tongue moving slow,

tracing the ring of muscles.

Peter made a strangled noise, whole body going tight. "Samuel. No one... oh."

No one loved Peter like he did. Sammy knew that. He saw. He nodded and spread Peter wider,

tongue pushing in and fucking his lover, nice and easy.

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"Yes!" Peter shouted and began to rock with the movements of his tongue.

Oh, so good. This was the sweet part -- making love, making his lover fly.

Peter whimpered and begged softly, legs spreading wider for him. Anything. Anything for you,

love. Sammy closed his eyes and loved Peter with all he was, one hand working Peter's cock.

His hand was soon slick from Peter's pre-come, and the rocking grew faster, Peter working

between his hand and his tongue. "Samuel. Oh, lover..."

"Mmmhmm." He hummed loudly, knowing how good that felt.

"Samuel!" Peter's whole body jerked and heat flowed over his hand.

His tongue was squeezed tight by Peter's body, sweet sounds of pleasure pouring from his lover.

He licked until the shudders eased, then nuzzled the small of Peter's back. "Love you."

"Oh, Samuel. Yes. Love." The words were slightly incoherent, Peter's knees buckling.

They managed to stumble into the shower together, both leaning and panting, the steam just

filling the air.

"Do you have any idea how wonderful you are?" Peter asked, nuzzling into his neck.

"Just love you."

That was it.

"Which makes me the luckiest man in the world, Samuel. It truly does."

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Chapter Fourteen

Peter woke around seven and watched Samuel sleep for about an hour before slipping out of bed. He grabbed his robe and the portable phone, settling on a chair on the little balcony, watching the clouds in the sky as he dialed Harry's number. He was going track that asshole William down and kill him. He was growling by the time the phone was picked up. "'Lo?" He could hear Jason laughing in the background, the sounds of coffee cups clinking. He took a breath. "Harry. Sorry to call so early, man." "No big. Y'all okay?" The man had amazing instincts, honestly. And Peter didn't see the point in pussy-footing around the issue. "No, not really. That bastard's been sniffing around Samuel." "No shit?" He could hear Harry's growl; it made him feel better, actually. "You need him to fill out a restraining order, man. Then we can arrest his sorry ass." "That's what I keep telling Samuel. He seems to think he's 'coping.' I don't understand why he wasn't down at the station filling out the paperwork the first time that asshole showed up at the store." "Because he's a victim, man. I'm sorry, but he lived the mindset for a damned long time and hasn't quite figured out how to not be one, you know? That's why... Well, y'all are on a slippery slope sometimes." His hackles rose. "What Samuel and I do together is nothing like what William did to him. Did you hear what I said? Samuel and I do things together, William did things to him." He didn't want to fight with his best friend, but he would not let the comparison stand.

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"Hey, don't get pissy. I just mean that I worry. Shit, man. Sammy's so fucking... Does flighty work, babe?" He barely heard Jason's voice, the indulgent laughter. "He's not flighty, he just needs to be grounded, to focus." Peter pinched the bridge of his nose. "He's a lovely man who's made some wrong choices, and unfortunately each one has made him less self-confident. Can you get a restraining order without Samuel's involvement?" "Shit, no. Hell, Laffy, he'll need to present proof that they were more than roommates and proof of abuse. He'll have to give a statement, file the request, and then testify in court." Peter sighed. He was going to have to work on Samuel. He suspected he was going to have to help Samuel pump up his self-image and self-esteem before something like that would happen. He would do his best, though. "Can you pull in a favor and have a patrol car go by the grocery store on a regular basis?" "That, I can do. Hell, I don't mind stopping and saying hi every now and again." "That would be great, Harry. Show that bastard that Samuel's got people looking out for him, protecting him." The clouds seemed to have disappeared out of the sky, leaving it blue as blue could be. "So I understand we're going out to brunch tomorrow?" "That's what Jase said. He wants to go antiquing. I made him promise that we'd end with a long walk on the beach." "Good. Otherwise it's a bit of a busman's holiday for me." And as soon as he could convince his lover to take the job, it would be for Samuel as well. "Hey, Harry, do you think Samuel would enjoy working in an antique shop?" "It's what he's always wanted to do. That and... uh... babe? What is it that Sammy wants to do? Oh, right. Like, working with clients and stuff. Helping designers find stuff." "So why would he refuse to run my shop for me, Harry? It would get him away from a job he absolutely hates and give him something he loves to do." It was frustrating him, that Samuel continually refused him. "Fuck if I know. Jase, why won't Sammy work for Laffy? Huh? Oh, here, you talk to him. I'll turn the bacon." "Hi, Peter." "Hi, Jase. So why won't Samuel take the job?"

Sammy's Place - 155

"Oh, Peter, I bet he wants to more than anything, but he already lives with you and you know

what they say about people working and living together and how that doesn't work."

"But I'd be busy at the new stores!"

"Does he know that?"

"I told him. Come on, Jase, he must have told you."

"I think you should talk to him about it. Be patient, Peter, Sammy's had a lot of people bully him

around. I think it's cool he said no, even if it's what he really wants."

Peter considered sticking his tongue out at the phone and decided that would be childish. "You

aren't being a great deal of help."

Jase just giggled. "Talk to Sammy, Peter. Reassure him that putting all his eggs in one basket

isn't going to get him hurt." Jase's giggling disappeared. "And don't hurt him, Peter. He's my best

friend, and I love him more than anything except Harry, and if you hurt him, you'll have me to

deal with."

His eyebrow rose; he was a little surprised at the fire in Jase. At the same time, he was grateful that at least someone in Samuel's life cared about him, was willing to stand up for him. "I won't hurt his heart, Jase. I can't." "Make sure you don't. Okay. We'll see you for brunch tomorrow, 'kay?"

"At the Prancing Pony, yes?"

"Yep. Eleven-thirty. Don't be late, it fills up fast."

"We'll be there."

He clicked off the phone and kept watching the sky, considering the best way to deal with all

this. He'd promised Samuel breakfast first, and he wanted to make love before that. There was no

reason to let any of this bleed into the first two.

Predictably, his prick had perked up the moment he thought about making love with Samuel. Of

course, Samuel's tongue action the evening before certainly didn't hurt any.

He quickly made his way back to the bedroom, dropping the phone in the living room and his

robe by the bedroom door.

Samuel had curled into his side of the bed, arms wrapped around his pillow.

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Oh. He fell more in love with the man every day. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he tugged at the pillow. "Mmm. Peter." Samuel's eyes opened, just a little bit. "Tell me I don't have to go to the store, lover. Please." He smiled down. "You don't have to go to the store, lover. In fact, you don't have to go tomorrow, either." "Oh, thank God." He got a smile that just transformed his lover's face. "I can make you breakfast, then." "You can." He quite enjoyed being pampered. He just wished Samuel took half as good care of himself. "But there's something we have to do first." "Mmm?" Samuel reached up for him, relaxed, happy. "Make love," he murmured against Samuel's lips, his fingers trailing over warm skin. His lover arched and nodded, offering him all that pleasure and hunger. So sweet. So needy. All his. He deepened the kiss, tilting Samuel's head back. Soft little sounds were pushed into his lips, one hand wrapping around the back of his neck. He hummed, swallowing each sound down, his free hand sliding over Samuel's chest, deliberately missing the sweet little nipples as he stroked. His own belly was petted, as well as his hip, his cock, his thighs. Never an idle lover, his Samuel made sure he was feeling, was adored. Just one more thing to love about the man. Peter finally slid his fingers across one of Samuel's nipples, and then pinched the other. The wild little cry made him smile, made him laugh into their kiss. He shifted, moving to lie over Samuel, pressing their bodies together as he teased the little nipples. "I love you." He did love to hear that, moaned in that husky voice. He met Samuel's eyes and smiled. "And I love you, Samuel." His lover needed to know that, to know he wasn't just throwing the words out there, that he meant them and meant them for Samuel alone. "I know." His face was stroked, traced. Look at those happy, dark eyes... He nuzzled into the touches, his prick sliding alongside Samuel's as their bodies moved together. One kiss led to another and another, the heat and pleasure slowly building. He touched as much of Samuel as he could, every inch. They rolled, Samuel straddling him and rubbing him, cock kissing his belly. He hummed, hands finding Samuel's ass and squeezing the still hot from his spanking flesh.

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"Mmm. Feel you."

Yes, he imagined so. He drummed his fingers lightly, offering Samuel as much sensation as he

could. A warm laugh rang out, husky and wanton. Look at that smile.

He kept one hand on Samuel's ass, the other moving to find one nipple, and then the other, loving

how sensitive they truly were. Those pretty bits of flesh drew up tight, the skin a deep, sweet

rose.

"You feel so good, Samuel." His hips moved, pushed up against his lover.

"I do. You want me to ride you?"

"Mmm. I'd like that, if you want it, too."

Samuel's grin was infectious. "I want."

"Good." He reached over to the side table and grabbed the lube, handing it over to Samuel.

Clever fingers opened the bottle up and slicked his cock with strong, sure motions. He groaned,

his hips bucking a little as Samuel's thumb slid across the top of his cock. "Mmm. You like that."

Samuel did it again. And again.

Bucking and gasping, he could only nod. He hadn't been the recipient of that sort of focus before,

hadn't been the one touched, cared for. It was intoxicating. Samuel himself was intoxicating.

"Not too much," he warned, voice thick from pleasure that threatened to spill over.

"Uh-huh." Samuel nodded, those fingers not slowing a bit.

His hips began moving with Samuel's hand, his cock sliding along Samuel's palm, his body

shuddering as the pleasure moved out over his body from his cock.

"You're beautiful." Samuel leaned down, lips surrounding the tip of his cock.

"Samuel!" He didn't know which had shocked him more, Samuel's words or the mouth around

his skin.

His hips bucked hard, driving his prick into his lover's mouth as he came hard. Samuel didn't

miss a drop, sucking him dry and then cleaning him with that hot tongue.

Groaning, he slid his hand through Samuel's hair, melted against the mattress. Samuel cuddled

in, nuzzling and licking at the tip of his cock.

"Sorry, Samuel. Didn't mean to go off on you."

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"You taste good." Those pretty dark eyes were gleaming for him. Smiling, he stroked Samuel's cheek. "Thank you. That was... very good. Now, what do you need?" "You." He chuckled. "You going to get me up again?" "I don't know. Am I?" Samuel cuddled in, grinning. "Well, if you still want to ride me." He slid his hand around to find Samuel's cock. He didn't

leave his lovers wanting.

"Mmm. I love your touch." Samuel arched, cock sliding on his palm, so hot.

"Then that's what you'll have."

He rolled Samuel onto his back and continued stroking the hard, needy cock. Moaning softly, he

mouthed Samuel's jawline, nibbled one earlobe.

Samuel's hand joined his, pushing him faster.

"So needy," he noted, his thumb sliding across the top of Samuel's cock, spreading the liquid that

was leaking from there.

"Uh-huh." Samuel moaned and stroked faster, the motion practiced and obviously well-loved.

He slid his other hand beneath Samuel's balls, teased the soft flesh behind them.

"Mmm. Think about this when I jack off."

"About my hand working with yours?" He slid his fingers further back, pushing against Samuel's

hole. "About me touching you inside?"

"I. The last is for special occasions."

He chuckled, tickled that Samuel had special-occasion jacking-off fantasies. "What makes it a

special occasion?" he asked, one finger pushing gently inside.

"When I need so bad it aches. When I'm really frustrated. When just touching isn't enough. Then

I make stuff up."

"I'm here now. And I want to make your fantasies come true." He finished the words with a kiss,

fingers sliding in and out of Samuel's ass just like his tongue pushed into Samuel's mouth.

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Samuel cried into his kiss, ass gripping his finger. So tight. He could see Samuel, bent and spread, tight little hole taking a dildo for him, taking a plug. Taking his hand. He was growing hard again, the scent of Samuel's need and the images in his head working together to firm his prick. Groaning, he rubbed himself against Samuel's leg. More images hit him -- his thumbs spreading Samuel wide as his cock pressed deep, a candle spreading that pretty hole, Samuel riding his cock. He pushed a second finger in, spreading his lover's hole. Samuel was going to ride after all. "Mmm. More." Samuel groaned, whispered the words against his lips.

"Yes, more." He let go of Samuel's prick, finding the lube where it had been dropped and

slicking up his fingers before pushing a third into Samuel's body. "You'll take my hand one day,"

he whispered, making sure his prick was slippery as well.

"Peter." Samuel jerked, squeezing his fingers tight.

"You ready?" he asked, rolling onto his back and stroking his cock. "Gonna come ride me?"

"Yeah. What else will we do?" Oh, someone was flushed and hard, moaning and needy.

He grabbed hold of Samuel's hips, tugging. "I'll take you with a dildo. A candle. You'll take a

plug for the day. Mmm... Maybe we'll do that tomorrow. So every time you move during brunch

you'll feel it inside you."

"I. We're. Jase'll be there tomorrow." Samuel was flying.

"And Harry. Will you let them know? Will you squirm? What happens when you shift just right

and it makes you gasp, right there in the middle of the restaurant?" He rubbed his prick along

Samuel's crack and then pushed up hard, taking the sweet ass in one thrust.

"N... no. No. I won't. I won't tell... Peter!"

"It's going to be so much fun, Samuel. Knowing." He set up a rhythm, pushing into Samuel's

body and jacking the hard prick.

"More. More, please. Oh..." Samuel tossed his head, throat working.

"So hungry." He reached up to tweak one of Samuel's nipples; if it was sensation Samuel craved,

it was sensation he would deliver.

"Uh-huh. For you." Those pretty dark nipples went dark, hard.

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"Only for me." The words growled from him; he had a very strong possessive streak when it

came to Samuel.

"Yes. Only for you." Samuel's ass squeezed him tight.

"Yes. Together now, Samuel. Come with me."

Samuel nodded, eyes huge and staring down at him. "W -- with you." Then seed sprayed over his

belly.

He cried out as Samuel's ass squeezed him, pulled the come right out of him.

Peter ended up with an armful of Samuel, dark curls damp with sweat. He held Samuel tight,

hands sliding on damp skin. "With me."

"Mmmhmm." He felt Samuel's smile again his shoulder.

"You're happy." It wasn't a question; he just wanted it noted, wanted to be sure Samuel knew.

"Yeah. Like being home."

"Not like being home, you are home." He kissed Samuel's head and hummed softly.

Samuel nodded, rested with him for a long time, fingers on his skin. Finally his stomach rumbled

and Samuel chuckled, patting his belly. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"Whatever you want will do for me." He wasn't feeling particularly picky.

"I'm not..." Samuel stopped, frowned. "That's not true. I am hungry. I haven't eaten since

Wednesday. French toast?"

"Wednesday!" He forced himself not to lecture. Samuel was planning to eat, that would be good

enough. "French toast sounds complicated. Can you really make it?"

"Sure, I can. Egg and milk and bread."

"Yeah? That's it? Well, sign me up. I'm pretty sure we've got maple syrup."

"Cool. Let me get cleaned up and I'll cook."

"You need any help? Remember, though, I'm a disaster in the kitchen."

"You can make coffee."

He chuckled and nodded. "I can do that." He slapped Samuel's ass.

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"Hey! Watch it!" Samuel hopped up, heading for the bathroom, his handprint obvious.

He licked his lips, watching his lover go. It was a nice view.

Still smiling, he got himself dressed and met Samuel in the kitchen. It was amazing to watch

Samuel work -- bread, eggs, sausage, juice. Pop pop pop, by the time he'd figured out the coffee,

there was a plate in front of him.

He poured them each out a cup and sat at the table. "This smells amazing."

"Dig in." Samuel grabbed one cup and a piece of sausage, perching on a stool.

"Put more food on your plate and come sit with me."

"Huh?"

"I want you to come over here and sit with me. And I think you need more than a single sausage

after not eating since Wednesday." He patted his lap.

"Oh, I don't really need too much." Samuel got another sausage and a spoonful of eggs and a

slice of toast, though, settling on his lap with a happy sound.

"That's better. You need to feed yourself as well as me, hmm?"

"I like feeding you better."

"I like feeding you, too," he murmured, holding a forkful of eggs up.

He got a pleased smile, Samuel opened right up for him. He fed two mouthfuls of eggs to Samuel

and then opened his own mouth, waiting for his lover to return the favor. Samuel fed him eggs

and meat and sweet, rich French toast. Damn, he could get used to that.

By the time their plates were clean, they'd both eaten a fair bit, his belly was full, and he was licking at Samuel's fingers. "Mmm. Hungry man." Samuel was relaxed, easy.

"Yeah. We're well matched, you and I. Both hungry for each other." He kept nibbling, putting off

the impending conversation that they'd scheduled for after breakfast.

Samuel finally settled, cheek on his shoulder, sitting in his lap. He kissed the top of Samuel's

head, his fingers moving slowly, randomly. "So... we have a discussion to resume."

"Yeah. Can I stay here, like this?"

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"I think that's a wonderful idea. It's important to remember we still care about each other, even if our discussions happen to get... heated." "Yeah. I do, you know. I love you."

It seemed easier, to talk in the bright, sunny kitchen, the scents of coffee and maple in the air. "I

spoke to Harry this morning," he began.

"Yeah? Are they looking forward to tomorrow?"

"Harry's looking forward to brunch; Jase is looking forward to shopping after." He grinned. He

suspected he and Samuel were divided along the same lines, though he did love discovering new

antiques. "But the reason I called him was to see if he had any suggestions about what to do

about William."

Samuel went still, but nodded. "What did he think?"

"He said that you should go down to the station and file a restraining order against the animal.

Then, the first time he goes near you, he gets arrested."

"I can't." Samuel shook his head. "I just can't."

"Why not?" he asked calmly, far more calmly than he felt.

"Because I'm scared of him."

"So wouldn't it make sense to make it so he can't come near you?" He could understand scared.

"It won't work. It'll just make him angry."

"Why do you think it wouldn't work? You get the restraining order, he shows up, you call the

police, they come and arrest him. He can't harm you in jail, Samuel."

"It doesn't work that way. They say it does, but they lie."

He frowned, not following Samuel's logic. "How does it work, then?"

Samuel cuddled closer. "They serve the papers, the people get mad and beat you and fuck you

and then tell you they'll kill you."

He held Samuel close and swallowed before asking his next question. "And do you know this

from personal experience?"

"It doesn't matter, it's the truth."

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"But without the restraining order he can just keep showing up and scaring you -- that's not

right."

"I'm sorry, I just can't, Peter. It's my fault. I pick bad lovers." Samuel was tensing, heart

beginning to pound.

He stroked his hand along Samuel's back, suppressing the growl that threatened to come out. "This isn't your fault, Samuel." "It is. I. I let him hurt me because I needed it, and it all went wrong."

"That's because he was doing it for the wrong reasons, Samuel. You can't control his actions or

reactions." It made him grind his teeth together to hear Samuel take such a defeatist attitude.

Samuel nodded, took a deep breath. "And I left him. I had to say no more."

"Exactly. And now he's treating you wrong again, and you need to stand up to him, to say no

more again."

"I can't. I'm scared. I don't... I'm. I don't think I can handle it, if he. If things."

"Shh. Shh." He stroked Samuel, easing the tight muscles. "And what will you do when things go

wrong now? He isn't hanging around just to scare you, Samuel, he isn't going to just linger and

watch for long."

"He'll give up."

Peter snorted. "Oh, really."

"Don't make fun of me." Samuel went stiff, pulled away.

"I'm sorry, Samuel, that wasn't my intent. I just can't believe you seriously believe William is

going to simply grow tired and go away!"

"He'll find someone else. Someone who'll give him what he needs."

"Do you honestly believe he'll find someone who can give him what he needs? I don't think even

he knows what that is." William just wanted someone to push around, and Peter couldn't see any

reason why the man would give up on Samuel being that person as long as Samuel made himself

available to be bullied, even if it wasn’t full time now.

"I don't know."

"I'm just worried that if you don't stop him, he's not going to stop until he's hurt you very badly.

Sammy's Place - 164

And I know you're an adult, Samuel, and I'm trying very hard not to tell you what to do here, but I really wish you would get the restraining order." "I don't want him to hurt me." Samuel was beginning to flutter, beginning to panic.

"Can't you see that's what he's going to do if you don't do anything about him hanging around?"

He rubbed Samuel's arms, holding his lover tightly to his chest.

"I'm showing him I'm not scared, even if it's a lie." Samuel cuddled in close.

He sighed and closed his eyes, more convinced than ever that William would escalate things

until he got the reaction he wanted from Samuel. "So show him you won't let him push you around anymore and get that restraining order." "We're just spinning round and round. I'm not involving the police. I'm never going to do that again. Ever." "I don't understand, Samuel. You need to tell me why you won't do that." They were going in circles and he was beginning to get rather frustrated. "Because I did it before and they didn't help me. I was bleeding and broken and they didn't help me."

"Samuel! Oh, my sweet love." He rocked Samuel in his lap. "William did that to you?"

"No. No, someone else did. Someone back in college." Christ. Samuel had made a lot of wrong

choices...

"What happened?" he asked softly.

"It doesn't matter. I survived. I never even told Jase."

All on his own. Peter's heart ached for Samuel and he had a sudden, fierce need to give Samuel a

pleasurable memory to replace that one. Tilting Samuel's head up, he kissed him hard, tongue

pushing deep.

Samuel blinked at him, looking completely stunned. He continued the kiss a moment longer,

taking in Samuel's taste, reveling in it.

"What?" he asked once their lips parted, his hands roaming with a firmer touch now.

"Mmm. I. I thought we were fighting."

"Disagreements and discussions aren't necessarily fighting, Samuel. Besides, didn't we agree to

sit like this so we remembered how much we cared for each other?" He gave Samuel another

Sammy's Place - 165

hard kiss. "And I can't change how you were treated in the past, but I can certainly make sure

you get everything you deserve, now."

"You're too good to me, lover. You are."

"There's no such thing, Samuel." He would wait for the day when Samuel expected to be treated

this way. "Besides, you may change your mind, since we're not quite finished our discussion

yet."

"Huh?" Those pretty eyes flashed up at him, curious.

"I would like to offer you, again, a position at my store. I need someone there I can trust, who

knows antiques, while I open the two new stores. You would be perfect for the job, Samuel."

"Don't ask me. I want to, so badly."

"Then why won't you? I don't understand, Samuel." He slid his hand over his lover's ass, rubbing

gently.

"Because if I do, then when you decide I'm not good enough, I won't have anything."

He froze. "I beg your pardon?" he asked quietly.

Samuel went still, closing in on himself. "You're amazing, Peter. Beautiful and strong and...

Eventually you'll find someone good enough for you."

"I have already found that person, Samuel. You are who I want. What must I do to convince you

of that?" He very much wanted Samuel to believe, to see himself from Peter's eyes.

"I. I want to believe it. I do. I want to be the right one. So bad."

"Would you like a contract, Samuel?" he asked, wondering if having it on paper would make a

difference.

"A contract?" That honest confusion was adorable.

"A lot of dominant and submissive pairs draw up a contract. It can be anything from a couple of

sentences about their roles to a full documentation of each partner's role." He'd never had one

with any of his partners, but then he’d never had any for that long, and he certainly wasn't averse

if it would make Samuel feel more secure.

"What would it do? Would it be real?"

"Of course it would be real. We would both sign it. We can even have it notarized. And what it

would do would depend on what you want it to do. I thought perhaps it would help you believe

in what is between us."

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"I. I'd have to think about it. I don't know if I need that."

"It is entirely up to you. You have the reins."

"So, what now? What do we do now?"

"Well, I have a few dildos that I would like to play with. With you," he added, placing a soft kiss

on Samuel's nose.

Samuel's laugh tickled him, those pretty eyes dancing. "A few?"

"All right, I have at least a dozen, but we can't use them all at the same time. I can just picture

you bent over my bed. We'll start small and work our way up." His prick jerked hard.

Samuel's moan brushed against his lips, hungry and sweet.

"The first one is no bigger than my finger, but it's long. I'm going to start with that one. You may

choose the second." The more he spoke of it, the more right it seemed.

"The second?" Samuel went soft and cuddly in his arms, cock filling.

"Yes. We'll use the tiny one first and then we will use a second -- you may choose that second

one." He nibbled at Samuel's ear and whispered. "And then I shall choose the third."

"You... You make days off special." Samuel's eyes were shining for him.

"I hope to make every day special." As special as Samuel himself. He stood, his arms full of his

lover as he headed slowly down the hall.

"You... you'll hurt yourself." Samuel looked tickled, cheeks flushed.

"I'll risk it." He slowed so he could rub Samuel's nose and kiss the sweet lips without

accidentally walking into the walls. "You're more than worth it."

"Peter." Samuel's arms wrapped around his shoulders, holding on.

"Say it, Samuel. Tell me that you're worth the risk." He would make Samuel say it and say it

until his lover believed it.

"What?"

"I want to hear you say it. I want to hear you tell me you're worth it." He sat on the bed, holding

his lover close.

"Worth you getting hurt for?"

Sammy's Place - 167

"That you're worth the risk, yes." He squeezed Samuel.

Samuel shook his head. "No. No, I love you."

"And I love you. Which is why you're worth it." He kissed Samuel hard. "I'm not looking to get

hurt."

"Good." Samuel wrapped around him, legs around his waist. "Need you."

"Mmm... I know." He winked, hands moving to grab Samuel's ass and squeeze. "And I need you.

You know that, right?"

"I'm figuring it out, yeah."

"Good." He stood again, heading for the chest, Samuel clinging like a limpet. "I believe we were

going to play with a dildo or three. Send you to the sky."

"Mmmhmm. I want to soar. I want to forget the world."

"We'll make the world as small as you and I, Samuel. Just you and I." He gave his lover a kiss

before leaning in and pulling out the long, thin dildo he had. It was as long as his cock, but not

even an inch around and fairly hard. "This is the first one I'm going to penetrate you with. You

choose the second." There was a huge array of colors and sizes, shapes and materials. Sammy chuckled and dug, eyes curious as he picked up a large plug, intended to ready someone for heavy play, for fisting. "You don't use this." It made his cock throb to see it in Samuel's hand. One day he would use it to get his love ready to take his hand. "Why would you think that?"

"It's huge. You'd tear." It was caressed; Sam curious, intrigued.

"If you just shoved it in, yes, you'd tear. The idea is to stretch you out slowly. Use a smaller size

and work up. And once you could take that easily? Then you could take my hand."

"Your... Oh, sweet fuck."

Peter's eyebrow went up and he smacked Samuel's ass. "Language."

"Huh?" Samuel honestly didn't hear, did he?

He shook his head. "My dear Samuel. I do not like swear words and you use the word 'fuck' so

much you don't even know you're saying it anymore. You will stop. And I will punish you

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whenever you use it. Every time." It was going to be the only way Samuel would even become

aware of how much he used it.

"I. That's not really fair, love." No, but Samuel responded, humming, pushing against him.

"It's absolutely fair. If I didn't tell you about the rule and punished you whenever you broke it -that wouldn't be fair." He bit at Samuel's earlobe. "Now choose the second dildo you want me to

use on you."

Samuel chose a soft, clear one, the dildo having three bulges on the shaft.

"Which was more important in choosing this one? Texture, hardness, shape?"

"I like the shape, but I love the softness, the way it gives."

"It makes a lovely contrast to the first one." He searched through his chest for the third one they

would use. It was a little awkward, with Samuel still wrapped around him, but he was loath to

put the man down. So he didn't.

"Oh, this one, I think." It wasn't huge, but it was bigger than he thought Samuel would think

appropriate. He wanted to push Samuel's boundaries, really blow his mind.

"Lots of lube, lover. Lots of lube."

He laughed and rubbed his nose with Samuel's. "I have plenty. And it isn't nearly as big as the

plug you were looking at. Or my hand."

"I can't stretch that far, my love."

"Oh, but you can." He tilted his head. "Shall we prove it today?" They had all day long to play.

They could take their time, build Samuel up to it. His prick throbbed again, eager at the thought.

"I... I'm supposed to be back at the grocery store tomorrow." Oh, look at that hunger.

"No, Samuel. Tomorrow we're meeting Jason and Harry, you don't go back until Monday."

He put the dildos in between him and Samuel and reached for the large plug. "And I have no

objection to you squirming madly during our brunch."

"I trust you, Peter. I'm... I'm not good at stretching, but I will try. For you."

"Not good at stretching?" He snorted. Some more nonsense the men Samuel had been with had

fed him. "All you have to do is lie back and enjoy it."

"Starting now?" Samuel hugged him closer, rubbing against his lap.

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"Yes, starting now." He dumped the dildos and the plug on the bed and headed back to the bathroom. "First we get you ready. Clean you inside. Have you ever had an enema?" "Yes. I mean, not as a 'we,' but yes."

"In the hospital?" He wondered again what had happened in Samuel's past, what his love wasn't

telling him.

"Yes. And real quick, after things got... ugly. But by myself. It's not really a group thing, yeah?" "A group thing." His heart broke for Samuel and he just barely kept himself from growling. It wasn't Samuel he was mad at, and today was theirs to enjoy. "I believe you'll find this to be quite

a different experience."

Samuel shocked him, down to the core, with the sweet, happy laugh he got. "Oh, my love.

Everything with you is a different experience."

Not for the first time he pitied the fools who had had this man, this love in their grasp, and had

squandered it.

"Well, then, you're going to love this."

Peter finally set Samuel down once they were in the bathroom, and turned on the shower, letting

the steam begin to fill the room, making it warm and close, intimate. Samuel stayed close, hands

on him, touching him, petting him. The connection and passion sent him soaring.

He took out the supplies from the cupboard, tubing and a bag, special soap that would clean

Samuel but wouldn't irritate the delicate skin. He filled the bag with warm water and the soap,

returning Samuel's touches, loving the way they were making this theirs.

Once everything was ready, he sat on the edge of the tub and patted his lap. "Lay across me,

Samuel."

"I... You're okay with this?" Samuel came over, leaned on his legs. "You're not grossed out?"

His eyebrow rose again. "Grossed out? By your body? No, Samuel. Quite the contrary."

"Okay. Okay, I just wanted to ask..." He got a long, soft kiss, and then Samuel lay across his

legs.

He touched Samuel's back, hand sliding over his lover's skin. "You may always ask anything you

like, of course." He massaged Samuel's ass cheeks.

"Have you done this a lot?" Samuel relaxed, trusting him.

Sammy's Place - 170

"I had a partner who very much enjoyed having an enema as a prelude to anal intercourse." He

teased his fingers along Samuel's crease, thumbs pressing against the little hole.

"And what about you? Did you enjoy it?"

"I like the intimacy of it. This time will be my favorite." He teased a finger into Samuel's hole.

Samuel chuckled, moaning low and letting him in, the pretty ass still showing some marks.

He slicked up a second finger and worked it in as well, the tight walls holding him, gripping him.

"You're so sexy, Samuel. You make me so hard."

"Love you. More, please?" Samuel squeezed tight.

He pushed his fingers, twisted them until he found Samuel's gland, nudging it softly. "Anything

you want."

Samuel rippled, moaning low and beginning to rock on his fingers. So responsive. So fine. His

prick slid along Samuel's belly, and it made him moan. They moved together, one moment

slipping into the next, the pleasure growing.

"Feels so good." Samuel was moaning, riding it.

"The tube now." He slid it in with his fingers, letting his skin warm it up.

"I. Peter, I'm nervous." And excited. Hard. Horny.

"What are you nervous about?" He made sure the tube was in a couple inches' worth, and then

slid his fingers away.

"That I'll do it wrong. That it won't be good for you."

He closed his eyes for a moment, fingers sliding on Samuel's ass. "You can't do it wrong," he

said softly. "And it's very good for me."

"Mmm. I like your fingers." Samuel spread a little, letting him in.

He pushed them in next to the tubing again, enjoying the tight heat, and then he tugged them

away, careful not to dislodge the tube. He rolled Samuel's balls, slid his hand along the hard

prick.

"I'm going to fill you now," he warned, and then opened the valve, letting the water and soap

mixture flow from the bag into Samuel's body.

Samuel went still, breath hitching, fingers grabbing at his leg.

Sammy's Place - 171

"It's okay, love. You know what's coming. It'll be warm and it'll fill you -- feel strange. But I'm

right here with you." He slid his hand over Samuel's back, rubbing, soothing, he hoped.

Samuel's moan filled the bathroom, body shivering against his thighs.

"So beautiful, Samuel. Pleasure suits you."

"Love you, huh? I do."

"Mmm... it makes me so happy to hear that. I love you, too." He slid his free hand around,

rubbing Samuel's belly. "Almost done here. You're doing beautifully."

"I. I'm full." Samuel rubbed one slick cheek against his thigh.

"Just a little more." The bag was nearly empty, and he pushed a little more up the tube before

closing the valve off. "There we are. All filled up." He kept rubbing Samuel's belly, his other

hand sliding on Samuel's back.

"Peter." Samuel's cock was a brand on his thigh. So hot. Filling.

"I'm right here, Samuel. Right here." And he wasn't going anywhere. He wasn't going to leave;

he wasn't going to hurt Samuel. No, just the opposite.

"I love you, huh?" So trusting, his sweet boy.

"I know. I'm honored." He continued to rub Samuel's belly. "And happy. I mean, I love you, too,

hmmm?"

"I know." The soft moans started becoming more and more uncomfortable.

"Time to finish this." He stroked Samuel's back. "I'm pulling out the tube now, hold tight." He

put one hand on Samuel's ass, the other slowly tugging the tube out.

"Peter. Peter, I need to." Samuel whimpered, shaking violently.

"I know, love." He dumped the tube and bag in the garbage and helped Samuel get to the toilet,

stroking the loved face once and then turning and washing his hands, giving Samuel a little

privacy.

He checked the temperature on the shower, adjusting it slightly. "I'll wait for you in the shower,

Samuel. Take all the time you need."

Eventually Samuel joined him, sweaty and shaking, pushing into his arms.

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He wrapped around Samuel, bringing his lover in under the spray. He spread kisses over his lover's face. "You were so very good, Samuel. I'm proud of you." "Love." Samuel leaned into him, allowing him to hold them both up.

Peter stroked his hands down along Samuel's spine, from his neck all the way to his ass. "Love.

You're so beautiful and eager."

Samuel arched, luxuriating in his touch, so relaxed, so peaceful.

"It's wrong that you've been so starved."

"Starved? I eat."

Peter laughed. Barely, but that wasn't the point. "I meant for touch."

"Oh, I do love how you touch me." That grin was... lovely.

"I'm going to touch you deep inside today. Turn you inside out."

"You're not going to hurt me." It was not quite a question.

"No, I'm not." He kissed Samuel hard, sealing the words into a promise as the water cascaded

down over them. And then he turned off the water and wrapped them both in towels. "And it's time to show you." Samuel stayed close, hand on his hip, eyes meeting his over and over.

"I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere, love. And when we're done today, you'll feel me

deep, deep inside you for the rest of the day. For the week."

He walked Samuel to the bed and made sure he had the dildos, the plug, and the lube close at hand, ready. "You're still going to use the dildos?"

"Oh, yes. There will be no wham bam thank you Sam here. We're going to take our time. Go

long and slow." He sat next to Samuel, fingers running over the lovely skin.

"You'll..." Samuel's eyes closed, stretching for him. "That's good."

"It will be. I promise. And Samuel. If you need to stop at any point, you have a safeword. You

just need to use it."

"I will. This excites you too, right?"

Sammy's Place - 173

He chuckled and took Samuel's hand, brought it to his lap. "See?"

Samuel's fingers wrapped around his prick, started stroking, jacking him off. "Uh-huh."

He swallowed, his breath catching in his throat. "Samuel..." Always so generous.

"Yes, lover?" Those fingers kept petting him, working his cock.

"Don't stop." It wasn't what he'd planned on saying, but it was heartfelt, so he repeated it. "Don't

stop."

"I won't." Samuel turned, lips sliding on his shaft as he was sucked in.

He bucked, Samuel's mouth so hot and good around his flesh. His sweet lover sucked and pulled,

adoring him with that amazing mouth. Moaning, he slid his hands through Samuel's hair, his hips

beginning to move, to push into that hot mouth over and over.

The suction continued, steady, needy. Perfect. His. He let it take him, let Samuel's mouth and

tongue send him over the edge, make him fly. "Oh, Samuel. Now!" With a shout, he came,

pouring himself into Samuel's mouth.

He was sucked dry, tongue soft and hot on his shaft, fingers stroking his balls. He pushed

Samuel's hair off his face over and over. "You are so very good at that."

Samuel smiled for him, lips soft as the tip of his cock was kissed. "Love."

"Yes, I love you. My Samuel." Then he bent and kissed Samuel's lips, tasting himself on them.

"And now we'll begin, yes?"

"Mmmhmm. On the bed? Over your lap?"

"Oh, over my lap to start." They didn't have to do it all in the same position.

He loved the needy little moan, the way Samuel draped himself over, skin flushing pink.

"Mmm... you look beautiful. Simply stunning." He slid his hand over Samuel's ass and then

pushed two fingers into his lover, testing Samuel's readiness. The thin dildo would only need some lube on it -- Samuel was already open enough for it from the enema. "Mmm. Your fingers. So good." Samuel arched, hips moving, just a bit.

He rewarded Samuel's words by pushing them in and out, the tight heat grasping at him, seeming

loathe to let him go.

"Mmm." So sensual, so hungry, his Samuel.

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He shifted slightly so that every time Samuel moved his hips, the hard cock slid between his thighs. Then he pulled his fingers out and slicked up the first dildo. "Peter..." Samuel wiggled for him, begging for him.

"Patience -- it's coming, my hungry lover." He teased the top of the dildo against Samuel's hole,

pressing only the very tip past Samuel's entrance.

"Patience isn't my strong suit..." Samuel moved, trying to take more.

He chuckled. "When you're stuck over my lap or tied up, you don't have much choice." He pulled

the dildo right out and pushed it back in a tiny bit more.

"Yeah, yeah. Oh..." Samuel's head tossed, ass canting.

"I love the way you move -- your whole body begs for it." He pushed the dildo in a little farther.

It was hard and unyielding, but long, and he only had the first inch and a half or so inside

Samuel's body.

Samuel's hands slid up and down his calves, nails just barely dragging. So like his Samuel, to

touch back, to share the pleasure.

He pushed the dildo in halfway, tugged it out again. Then in. And out.

"Peter. Peter, love."

"Can you feel it, Samuel? Just a little bit bigger than my finger, but it will go so much deeper. So

very much deeper." He pushed it in three quarters of the way.

"Mmmhmm." Samuel's thighs parted, his lover looking for purchase.

He squeezed his thighs together, making a tunnel for Samuel's cock as he started pushing the

dildo in all the way. Soft, happy sounds filled the air, Samuel shifting his weight, moving into

the dildo.

"Mmm... like that, my beautiful man." He pushed harder, faster, watching Samuel undulate.

"Good." Samuel wouldn't be allowed to come again so soon, but Peter could drive the man crazy.

He slid his free hand along Samuel's spine, stimulating the nerves there as he continued to push

the rod in and out.

"Peter. Peter, I'm getting lightheaded."

Sammy's Place - 175

The dildo slid out, and Peter helped Samuel up and onto the bed, laying his lover down on his

back.

"Better?"

"Uh-huh. Thank you." His lover giggled, eyes shining. "Sorry."

He rubbed their noses together, grinning down at Samuel. "Never apologize for making your

needs known."

"I love you."

He'd never tire of hearing that. "I love you, too. He nipped Samuel's lips and then reached for the

second dildo, the one that Samuel had chosen.

Samuel spread wider, eager, happy. This was what he'd wanted, someone who took joy in their

connection, in him.

"Let's slick this one up a little differently, hmm?" He took the clear dildo and pressed it against

Samuel's lips. Those kiss-swollen lips opened, forming an 'o' and taking the soft, flexible rubber

in. He groaned, his cock throbbing. "Samuel... " He could come from watching his lover fellate

the dildo.

"Mmmhmm." Look at that pleasure.

He pushed gently on the dildo, pushing it deeper. Samuel opened, took it in, accepted it without

shame. "Beautiful," he murmured, pushing it deeper still, and then sliding it back out, glistening

with Samuel's saliva.

"Thank you." Samuel's tongue flicked out, licking the tip of the dildo.

His breath hitched for a moment. "You make everything sensual and sexy."

"Flatterer." Samuel's cheeks turned pink.

"It happens to be the truth." He leaned in and licked the tip of the dildo, playing with Samuel's

tongue.

They were having a ball, touching and laughing, teasing, playing. Loving.

"Ready for this?" he asked as he slid the dildo down along Samuel's body.

"I am." Samuel arched up playfully, bouncing the dildo on that flat belly.

Laughing, he pretended to plunge the dildo into Samuel's navel. Samuel's laugh made him happy,

Sammy's Place - 176

deep down. All the way to the bone. They were both still smiling as he pushed the dildo into

Samuel's ass, watching the clear plastic spread the sweet little hole.

"Mmm. Peter. It's soft." Samuel was enjoying it, humming softly as it spread him.

"Interesting sensation, hmm?" He pushed slowly, all the way in.

"Yes, love. So good." Samuel relaxed for him, spread and humming, eyes closed.

There was such peace in this pleasure, the excitement still there, but not overwhelming. He

pushed the dildo deeper, turned it in a circle so that it offered Samuel even more sensation.

"Mmm..." Look at his love, spread and sprawled and wanting him.

He played for awhile with the dildo, pushing it in over and over, twisting it, rolling it inside

Samuel's body. He shifted it, too, searching for the little gland deep inside. When he found it,

Samuel moaned, arched a little before he settled.

"So pretty, Samuel. You make me want to do such wonderful, wicked things to you." He bent to

kiss the tip of his lover's cock.

"Yes. Yes, Peter. I'm yours." Samuel's fingers tangled in his hair.

"You are." He nodded and licked the hard, musky flesh. "Mine."

Taking another nibble, he raised his head and slowly began to work the dildo out of Samuel's

body.

"Mmmhmm." Samuel's body clung to the toy, trying to tempt it back in.

He chuckled and pushed it a few inches back in before tugging it out again, going so slowly as he

tugged the rounded head out.

"Peter..." Samuel shivered, belly taut.

"Right here." The dildo suddenly popped free.

"Oh." Samuel turned, ass right there for him, a sweet temptation.

Groaning, he bent to lick at the sweet hole that he was stretching, the skin so hot.

"Peter. Peter-love. I. Oh. Need you." Listen to that.

"You're going to have my hand soon." He licked over Samuel's crease, lingering again at the

sweet little hole. "My whole hand."

Sammy's Place - 177

His Samuel whimpered, jerking back toward him, begging with all he was.

"You want my cock first, love? Want to feel me, hot and hard, needing you?" His prick jerked at

his own words, his groan blowing air over Samuel's wet skin.

"Yes. Fuck me, love. Please." Samuel's ass canted, the offer clear as glass.

He shook his head at the curse slipping from Samuel's lips. He slapped that beautiful ass sharply.

"I'm going to make love to you. Not fuck you."

Samuel yelped and Peter admired his handprint, the red bright against the pale skin. "I didn't

mean it that way."

"You enjoyed the smack." He did it again to prove his point.

"Peter." Samuel spread, rocking back toward him.

He laughed and settled between Samuel's legs, smacking that sweet ass again, the tip of his prick

pushing in as Samuel rocked back again.

Oh, Samuel was soft inside and as hot as a furnace, burning him.

"Love. Love." Moaning, he pushed all the way in and began long, slow thrusts.

"Yes. Yes, I love you." His lover laughed, just as sweet as you please, joy pouring out.

Nothing had ever felt this good, this wonderful, and he kept thrusting, losing himself in Samuel's

body. Samuel's moans continued, deep and low, the tight ass meeting his thighs over and over. He raked his fingers along his love's spine, groaning when it made Samuel's ass tighten around his cock. Every touch made Samuel gasp or jerk, muscles fluttering. "Going to make me come." His balls had pulled up, ready to let go.

"Is... Is that bad? Will you still want... want to touch me?"

"God, yes. Oh, yes, Samuel." Just the very thought pushed him over the edge, his body

shuddering as his balls emptied into his lover.

Samuel shifted his weight, hand reaching down to grab the sweet, heavy cock, pull it furiously.

He kept moving, jerky, little pushes, his prick nudging up against Samuel's gland. His name was

being chanted, over and over, Samuel loving him, needing him.

"Come for me, my beautiful. I want to feel it."

"Yes!" He could smell it, bitter salt and need, as Samuel shot for him.

Sammy's Place - 178

That sweet ass went tight around his cock, dragging another moan out of him. He collapsed over

Samuel, panting, rubbing his cheek over Samuel's shoulder.

"Love you." Samuel went boneless, slumping to the mattress with a happy sound.

"Mmm... yes. Love you so."

He kissed the top of Samuel's spine, and slowly worked his way down as far as he could without

slipping out. "I'm going to slick up that plug and fill you with it."

"Will it fit?" Samuel pushed back against him, took him back in.

Groaning, he thrust again, slow and easy. "You're all stretched out and relaxed. It'll fit."

"Uh-huh." Samuel started riding him again, muscles working.

He rested his forehead against Samuel's neck, moans and low groans pulled out of him.

"Yours. In me. Damn."

"Mine. In you." He kept moving, rocking with Samuel as he slicked up the plug one-handed,

taking his time and sinking into the lovely pleasure of their bodies.

"Uh-huh. Love." Samuel rested on his hands, eyes closed.

"Could do this forever." Peter wished he could.

"Until we're old."

"Oh, I'm still going to be doing this when we're old." He nipped at Samuel's shoulder. "Old and

wrinkled and still into each other."

Samuel squeezed him, laughed. "Promise?"

"I do."

"Good." Now that single syllable was filled with satisfaction.

He laughed and nipped at Samuel's other shoulder before pulling out with a groan. Before his

come had a chance to slip out, he pushed the tip of the plug in. Samuel groaned, body squeezing,

closing around the tip of the plug.

He stroked his love's back, the sweet ass, waiting for Samuel to let go a little, to let him begin to

work the large plug further in.

Sammy's Place - 179

"Love." Samuel's voice slid over his skin, so sweet.

"Right here." He bent and kissed Samuel's ass cheek, and then the other. The plug slipped in a

little more.

"It's big." Yes, and Samuel would stretch.

"Bigger than me." He leaned in and licked along Samuel's earlobe. "But not bigger than my

hand."

"I. I don't know if you'll fit." But his sweet Samuel would, soon enough.

"Don't worry. It'll happen." He nuzzled Samuel's neck and licked his lover's jaw.

"I think I have to worry, Peter."

"No. No thinking. No worrying. You just need to trust me." He licked the corner of Samuel's

mouth, working the plug in deeper.

"Trust... I do. Oh, I do." Samuel turned, brought their mouths together.

He teased Samuel's tongue into his mouth, sucking on it and sliding his own tongue against it.

Samuel started moving, started rocking, taking the plug in a little deeper. He broke the kiss, wanting to see, to watch as Samuel undulated, the slender body moving so sensuously, taking the plug in. "Love." Samuel moaned, head dropping onto the folded hands. It was as if Samuel was dancing, body undulating and rocking, taking more and more of the plug in. His love was a natural.

He rubbed the strip of skin behind Samuel's balls, his lover bucking back, taking the plug.

"There, you see? It's all inside you now."

"In..." Samuel groaned, rocking back into the air, moaning low. Peter ran his hand over Samuel's

ass, fingers tapping the end of the plug.

"Peter! Fuck!" Samuel jerked away, groaning low.

Chuckling, he shifted, pressing close against his lover's body. He grabbed the end of the plug and

twisted it inside Samuel's body. The cry he got was huge, Samuel arching, bucking against him.

He kept touching Samuel's skin, coming back to the plug every now and then, playing with it.

"Peter. Peter love!" Samuel pulled away, toes curling, hips jerking.

Sammy's Place - 180

"I love that sound, that desperate, full-bodied pleasure in your voice."

"You drive me crazy. I swear. I'm so full, Peter."

"No swearing," he teased with a smile. "And you're not as full as you're going to be." He held up

his hand in a fist, pressing it gently against Samuel's lips.

Samuel chuckled, eyes flashing up to his. "I can't stretch more, lover."

"You will." He rubbed his fist along Samuel's cheek. "You will."

"How do you know?" Samuel's eyes closed.

"Because you're made for me. Top to bottom and all in between."

"Yes." Oh. Oh, that single word made him ache, made him want to grab Samuel up and devour

him.

He tilted the beloved face and did just that, taking Samuel's mouth. Samuel crawled into his lap,

cock hard and hot against his belly. He held onto Samuel's ass, rocking him slowly, finger

nudging the base of the plug as he did it.

Those pretty, pretty eyes just rolled, Samuel gasping into his lips. "Peter."

"Right here, my Samuel." His. His own. No one else had been able to bring this out in Samuel.

Only he knew what this sensual, loving man needed.

"Uh-huh. Full. So full."

He knew Samuel thought he was as full as he could be. Peter knew better. "You want to come

first, or you want to take my hand now?"

"I don't know. I don't know, Peter." Samuel's heart was beating faster and faster, Samuel panting.

"I think you need to come first." It would help Samuel relax, and his love was never going to

take his hand if that didn't happen.

He could see Samuel nod and he knew his lover needed this. Needed him to make the decision

for him. He tugged Samuel more firmly against him, the hot cock leaking all over his belly,

sliding slickly along his skin when he started moving Samuel up and down, his grip on the lovely

ass tightening.

"Oh. Oh. Peter. Love. Please." Samuel's head fell back, throat working.

Sammy's Place - 181

"I can smell you." With each breath, the scent of Samuel's pre-come, of Samuel's sweat and heat,

filled his nose.

He jostled the plug again with the tips of his fingers as he continued to rub Samuel against his

belly.

"Love. Love." Samuel jerked, rocking harder against him.

"Are you flying yet?" he asked, lips pressed against Samuel's ear as he whispered.

"Uh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Peter." Heat sprayed up over his belly, Samuel crying out over and over.

"Beautiful. So fine. You make me want so much." He nuzzled the stretched neck, tongue teasing

the hot skin.

His sweet love went limp, relaxing in his arms, just going boneless.

"Perfect," he murmured, licking his way up to Samuel's face, pressing kisses over the closed

eyelids.

"Mmmhmm."

He eased his lover back onto the mattress, the lean legs sprawled. "Stunning." Spreading more

kisses over Samuel's face, he started working the plug out. Samuel should be nice and stretched

for him.

He didn't get an answer, just a happy little moan, Samuel spreading wider for him. The plug

slipped out just as easy as you please, Samuel so relaxed and melted.

"I can't wait to hold you in my hand."

"Won' fit..." Samuel wasn't going to ever be more ready for him.

"You'll see." He pushed two fingers into the loosened hole, and then soon a third. "You'll feel."

"You love me. Tell me again."

"I'll tell you as often as you need to hear. I love you." He found Samuel's gland and pegged it. "I.

Love. You."

"Love you." Samuel arched, hips bucking with the touch.

"I know." There was no way Samuel would have let him do this if not. "Another finger now,

love." He lubed up some more and then slowly, carefully, tucked his little finger into his palm and gently pushed it in. Four fingers stretching that tiny hole.

Sammy's Place - 182

"Peter." Samuel stilled, breath coming in shallow pants.

"Stay relaxed, Samuel. I won't hurt you." He stroked his free hand over the tight belly.

"Relaxed." Samuel took a deep breath, then another, and another. Sweet man. Samuel tried so

hard.

"Good. I love you." He curled his thumb into his palm now as well, not warning Samuel or

giving him time to tense up again, just pushing it inward, moving so slowly.

"Love..." Samuel's eyes went wide, hands opening and closing, over and over.

"Touch me," he said softly. "Hold onto me."

Samuel's dark eyes met his, fingers reaching for his shoulders, fingertips digging in.

"Mmm... there we go. You and me together. I'm holding you and you're holding me." He moved

his hand in a little farther -- they were coming up to the widest part of his hand now.

"Yes. Yes, Peter. You and me. Together." Samuel was babbling, eyes rolling in his head.

"Together." He kept stroking Samuel's belly, the back of his hand rubbing against the hot cock.

"Let me in, love." He pushed, not backing down.

"In." A low sound started building in Samuel, a soft, deep, raw noise.

"Yeah, like that. In you." Slowly, but surely, his hand went into Samuel's body, and all of a

sudden he was in.

Samuel groaned, loud and free, like there was no more room to hold it in.

"You're beautiful. Stunning." He took it all in, the glazed look in Samuel's eyes, the hard prick,

the way his entire hand disappeared into Samuel's body.

"Y... yours."

"Oh yes, Samuel. You are mine through and through, body and heart and soul. I am holding you

in my hand."

"Yes." Samuel's eyes slowly closed, heartbeat pounding around his fist.

"I'm going to move inside you now," he warned softly, inching his hand forward and tugging it

back -- not out, but to the point where the resistance increased -- and then forward again.

"Peter. Peter. So full. So fucking full."

Sammy's Place - 183

"Yes. So amazing. This is how much I love you -- this big." Tears gathered in Samuel's eyes,

wetting the long, dark eyelashes.

"Shh, shh." Bending carefully, Peter kissed one eyelid and then the other, his hand still moving

slowly.

Samuel began to move with him, head tilting as Samuel's mouth moved to find his. He closed their lips together, tongue slipping into Samuel's mouth, closing the circle. Oh. Oh, that was perfect. Solid. Sure. This was what he'd been waiting for. Tongue and hand moving together, he took Samuel, poured his need into his lover. Samuel shot,

shuddering and whimpering, muscles fluttering around his hand.

"Oh, my love." Profoundly moved by Samuel's trust, his love, he took one kiss and then another,

"Yours." Samuel groaned, lax and quiet under him.

"Yes, mine. Mine." He whispered the word over and over in between each kiss he took.

Samuel smiled for him, eyes barely open, nodded for him.

He started working his hand out while Samuel was so obviously relaxed and melted, figuring if

he warned Samuel, his love would tense up.

"Peter. Stay." His hand was sliding free, leaving Samuel empty.

"I'm not going anywhere, Samuel."

He moved to lie between Samuel's legs, pushing his hard cock into his lover. "See? Right here."

"Uh...uh-huh. See." Hot, slick, Samuel took him in to the base.

He began to move, sinking deep into Samuel over and over again, his own needs beginning to

drive him, the pleasure sliding through his body. His lover let him in, took him in deep, let him

feel every second.

"Love you," he murmured, mouth moving over Samuel's face, tracing the jaw line, the nose, lips.

"Love." There was no tension left in his sweet boy. None.

He pushed harder and faster, beginning to soar. One of Samuel's legs wrapped around his,

pulling him in deeper.

"Yes!" Hotter than ever, Samuel's body grasped him, held him. It wouldn't be long.

Sammy's Place - 184

"Come on. Come for me. Fill me up."

"Mine." The word was more moan, his back arching hard as he came, seed pouring out of him.

Samuel whimpered for him, cheek on his shoulder. He rested on his lover, buried deep inside and

not planning on moving anytime soon.

"Love you," he murmured.

"Mmmhmm. Love."

"Going to stay right here inside you."

"Stay." Samuel nodded, already mostly asleep.

"I will. I promise."

He pressed a kiss to Samuel's cheek and settled. He'd stay here as long he needed to.

Sammy's Place - 185

Chapter Fifteen

He ached, muscles stretched and spread and...

Fuck, he felt good.

Lazy.

Tender.

"Do we have to go out, Peter?"

That eyebrow went up. "You don't want to have brunch with Harry and Jase?"

"I didn't say that. I just... damn."

Peter smiled, the look happy, smug. "You're just not sure you want to sit?"

"Don't laugh at me." He took a playful swat, whispering 'ass' under his breath.

"Careful, now -- I might return the swat tit for tat." Peter winked. "And I'm not laughing at you,

Samuel. Not for a moment."

"They're going to know something's up, Peter." They would know anyway, the way he was

beaming, but still...

"Yes. They will." Peter didn't seem at all concerned about it. In fact he seemed eager for just that.

"And I'm going to watch you squirm and love every second of it."

"You're an evil, evil man." And he was in love. Sammy leaned into Peter's side, letting his lover

lead him outside.

Peter did laugh then, but it didn't feel at all like he was being laughed at. "I just like knowing you

can still feel me buried deep inside you, holding you in my hand." Peter held out his arm and

slowly curled his fingers, making a fist. Sammy's Place - 186

"Peter." His belly went tight, his eyes rolling back a little. "I. You can't keep doing that." He'd

never make it through lunch.

"What?" Peter opened the car door for him, looking as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.

"Don't play dumb." He eased himself into the car, so carefully.

Peter leaned over him and put his seat belt on him for him. "I like the way it makes you react."

"What? You playing dumb?" He could tease, too.

Peter laughed hard, sliding into the driver's seat and leaning over to kiss him. "I love being with

you, Samuel."

"Good." They wrapped their fingers together, both holding on as they headed out.

They met Harry and Jase at the restaurant, the place crowded, but their friends were already

there, saving a table for them. He'd almost forgotten how good it was, to wave and hug, to just go

and see Jase. "Honey!"

Jase laughed, standing and wrapping him in a hug. "Oh, Sammy! Look at you! Just look at you!"

"What?" He spun around, shocked. Did he look bad? Tired? What?

Jase grabbed him again, hands holding his head. "You're glowing. Oh, you look so happy." Jase

hugged him again and then turned to Harry. "Doesn't he look wonderful?"

He preened a little as Harry looked him over. "Not bad, Sammy. Not bad at all. Living with the

old man must be doing you some good."

"Watch who you're calling old, Harry. Glass houses, stones and all that." Peter didn't look upset,

though. No, he looked proud.

"It looks like you're both good for each other." Jase pulled him down into a chair next to his best

friend. "We haven't ordered yet. Well." Jase giggled. "Aside from the mimosas."

"Ooh. Mimosas. Sexy!" He laughed as Peter and Harry both rolled their eyes.

But Jase giggled again and nodded, picking up his glass and lifting it. "I want to make a toast. To

friendship."

"I'll drink to that." Peter raised his glass as well.

"Absolutely." Harry's mug -- which was beer, not mimosa -- lifted.

Sammy's Place - 187

He nodded happily, clinking their glasses together. "Cheers." Jase drank, finishing off his glass. "I'll have to wait until we eat before having another, I think." Jase leaned in and whispered loudly. "This is my second." "Oh, you little minx." He leaned, kissed Jase's cheek. "You'll end up stripping on the table." "Oh, no, Harry would never let me do that." Peter chuckled. "That's too bad, I bet you'd put on quite the show." "Not my Jase." Harry's hand rested on Jason's hip, solid and sure. "Dancing? Yes. Stripping?

No."

Jase smiled over at Harry, adoration and love clear. "I could do it for you. At home."

"I hope no one at the table is diabetic," teased Peter.

"Watch it, leatherboy." Harry's growl was fond, warm.

Jase giggled and Peter chuckled, a nod of his head bringing a waitress hurrying over. "Are you

gentlemen ready to order?"

"I'd just like a small salad, please." He'd eaten with Peter at breakfast.

Peter ordered a burger with onion rings, but Jase passed. "I can't decide – Harry, you order for

both of us."

"Just bring us the fajitas for four. We'll share it around."

He chuckled. Harry was a black hole of Biblical proportions.

"Oh, good choice!" Jase beamed at Harry, so in love it almost hurt to see.

"Yep. That's me, brilliant man." Harry winked at Peter, chuckling into his beer. "What are y'all

doing the rest of the weekend?"

Peter smiled and looked over at him, eyes bright and all for him. "Enjoying the fact that Samuel

isn't working at that God-awful grocery."

"It's not that bad."

Harry snorted.

"It's not." At least, it wouldn't be if William stopped coming by.

Sammy's Place - 188

"I agree with Harry's snort." Peter reached out and touched his cheek. "You should quit."

"I need to work. Jase, help me out here."

"I have an antique store that needs running," Peter reminded him.

Jase reached out and squeezed his hand. "Oh, Sammy, doesn't that sound so much better than the

grocery store?"

"Jase, I can't work for him. I live with him."

Jase leaned in, talking quietly just to him. "Don't you trust him, Sammy?"

"Of course I do. I trust him. I love him, but..." He shook his head, focusing on Jase and Jase

alone. "What if I'm wrong? I'm always wrong. I always screw up and... Fuck."

"I don't know, honey, I've never seen you look so happy. You really are glowing." Jase squeezed

his hands. "And what if you do screw up? How is it going to be worse if you're working for

Peter?"

"I." He rested his forehead against Jase's. "It's stupid, but it... it's what I've always wanted, honey,

and I'm so goddamn scared."

"Oh, Sammy. Sammy. Love." Jase kissed him softly. "Harry and me will always be here for you,

I promise. We're your safety net -- don't lose out on this because you're too scared to take it."

"You think?" He scooted closer, ass reminding him of his games yesterday. "You'll have to come

see the apartment, huh?"

Jase giggled softly at his squirming. "I can't wait to see it. Is Peter going to let you redecorate?"

"He says it's ours. Just as much mine as..." He stopped, looked around to make sure the guys

weren't watching them.

They weren't, Peter and Harry's heads were together, talking, laughing.

"Oh, Sammy. He sounds like a dream come true. And Harry likes him, so you know he's a good

guy -- not like William or any of the others."

"Yeah." He didn't want to talk about William. Not at all. "He's amazing."

"Oh, then go for it, Sammy. Reach out and take what's going to make you happy." Jase was so

earnest, his very best friend, and he knew Jase wanted nothing but happiness for him.

Sammy's Place - 189

"You'll have to come for dinner. He doesn't cook, honey. At all. I need to get kitchen stuff and

spices and supplies."

That had Jase giggling again, leaning into him. "We should go shopping for stuff one day after

work this week. It'll be such fun."

"We should!" He looked over at Peter, squeezing Jase's hand tight. "Peter? What time do I get off

work?"

"I don't know your schedule Samu..." Peter's words faded away and he leaned forward, a smile

beginning to dance around the corner of his mouth. "Samuel?"

"Yeah, Peter?" He couldn't help his grin. He couldn't. No matter how scared he was.

"You are saying what I think you're saying." Peter laughed. "This calls for more champagne."

Harry tilted his head, looking like a big old shaggy dog that heard a whistle. "Jase? Babe? What's

up?"

Jase's laugh was sweet and happy. "Sammy's just accepted Peter's job offer."

"Yeah? Cool. Congrats. Here's the food."

Samuel kept looking at Peter, at the way Peter's eyes were lit up. "I can start a week from

Monday. I'm not calling you boss, though."

"Oh, no, not at work you aren't." Peter grinned, hand resting on the table and slowly turning into

a fist.

That was just mean.

He tried to hide his reaction by rolling his eyes, turning back to Jase. "So I think we should hit

the farmer's market. Buy blackberries and melons."

Jase gave him a funny look. "What's that all about?"

"What's what all about?"

Jase giggled. "You and Peter have secrets."

"Of course we do. We're lovers." He leaned closer, both of them propping each other up. He

stole bits of fajita meat, some of Peter's onion rings.

He could feel Peter's eyes on him, and whenever he looked up, Peter would smile, sometimes

Sammy's Place - 190

blow him a kiss. It was easy, relaxing and chatting with Jase, making plans for this and that.

Every so often Peter touched his back, loving on him. It felt amazing.

They all turned down dessert and the waitress brought their bill, Peter nabbing it before Harry

could. He watched the good-natured struggle over payment, noting how easy Harry was with

Peter, how friendly. It was sweet.

Then Jase caught his attention again. "If we get cranberries at the market, will you make me

muffins? Mine always come out bitter."

"Oh, absolutely! We should get some blueberries and some artichokes, make that pasta dish with

the olives in it?"

He heard Harry's chuckle. "Looks like we're going to the market, old man."

"This will be a treat -- I've not seen Samuel in action yet."

Jase giggled and whispered. "You aren't the only one in love."

"You think?" He needed to believe that, more than anything.

Jase nodded, eyes shining at him.

He looked over at Peter, the smile he got warm and immediate.

"Okay, you two. Quit making cow eyes at each other. Is there chocolate and coffee at this

market, babe?" Oh, like Harry had any room to bitch.

"Leave them be, Harry -- they're cute. And yes, we'll find something amazing for dessert at the

market. It'll be fun discovering what we're going to have."

One of Peter's eyebrows went up and he mouthed the word "cute" at Samuel.

Sammy chuckled and nodded. Yep. "Possibly adorable."

Peter rolled his eyes, still smiling at him. "Well, we're all paid up here, let's go see this market of

yours."

Jase nodded and clapped his hands. "It's going to be a wonderful day."

He wrapped one arm around Jason's waist, laughing. "That it is, honey. That it is." ***

Sammy's Place - 191

Peter helped Samuel haul an inordinately large number of bags up into the apartment. They'd spent a small fortune at the market, but he'd do it all over again if it meant keeping that happy look on Samuel's face. Still, he'd wanted to come home and celebrate Samuel finally agreeing to quit his grocery job and come to work for him. Not only would it mean a better job for his lover, but having someone he trusted as he did Samuel to run the original store would let him open both new places instead of just the one. "Do you want to unpack all this or celebrate first?" He had a thing or two in mind as celebration. "Let me put this bag in the fridge. Would you like anything to drink?" Samuel put a bag of food in the refrigerator, looking about as pleased as he could. "There's a bottle of bubbly in there, on the bottom, near the back." He'd bought it hoping Samuel would change his mind about working at the antique store.

"Champagne? Really?" Samuel pulled it out, blinking. "Where you that sure of me?"

"It doesn't go off and I wasn't going to give up until you agreed." He reached up and pulled two

champagne glasses out of the top of the cupboard.

"Bossy man." Samuel looked pleased, tearing the paper off the bottle.

"Yes." He didn't see any reason to deny the truth, and Samuel loved it anyway. He pitched his

voice low. "Can you make it pop, love?"

Samuel's eyes went wide, a deep flush crawling up that thin throat as the cork popped.

He grinned and moved the glasses in range so they didn't lose too much of the bubbly. "Nice

pop."

"Yeah. Yeah, it was." Samuel laughed, filling their glasses and looking more relaxed and joyous

than he'd ever seen.

He held up his glass. "To you, Samuel. Beautiful and smart and mine."

"I... To you. For loving me."

He took a drink and then held his glass up again. "To loving you -- the easiest thing in the

world."

Samuel just beamed, sipping his bubbly. Leaning against the counter, he wrapped his arm around

Samuel's waist and tugged him close.

"I bet the bubbly tastes even better from your lips."

Sammy's Place - 192

"You think?" Those lips were offered to him, eager, wet.

"I do." He licked at Samuel's lips, tasting the hint of champagne on them. Then his tongue

slipped into Samuel's mouth. The taste was stronger there, and flavored with the taste of Samuel

himself. He broke the kiss with a moan. "Take a mouthful of the bubbly."

"What?" Samuel looked confused, but took a drink of the champagne, face lifted to him.

He brought their mouths back together again, opening Samuel's lips with his tongue and lapping

at the champagne inside. Samuel shivered, stepping closer, eyes huge. He took a bit more and

then let their lips part. "You can swallow now -- it's my turn."

"Your turn." Samuel swayed a bit, blinking. "You make me dizzy."

"Are you sure that's not the champagne?"

"Yes. Yes, Peter, I'm sure."

"Good." He took a quick, hard kiss, and then took a mouthful of champagne and brought their

mouths back together again so he could share with Samuel.

Samuel giggled, lapping the champagne from his lips, cheeks flushed and eyes dancing. He loved that happiness. It would be his life's work to make sure Samuel wore it as often as possible. Swallowing the rest of the champagne, he turned the press of their lips into a kiss. "Mmm. Peter." Samuel's fingers cradled his face, stroking.

"So lovely." He slid his hand down along Samuel's spine, following it down to that sweet ass.

"You make me want." Samuel chuckled, smiled. "Although how I can want after yesterday, I

don't know."

"Mmm... I held you in my hand." He curled his fingers around Samuel's ass, deliberately letting

his little finger push against Samuel's hole.

"Peter!" Samuel gasped, bucked against him.

Oh, this man made him feel ten feet tall. "Come to bed, love. And we'll celebrate properly."

Champagne was nice, but it wasn't what either of them really wanted right now.

"Always so hungry." Look at those dark eyes shine for him.

"Oh, yes. For you." He took Samuel's mouth in a hard kiss, showing his lover just how hungry he

was.

Sammy's Place - 193

Samuel moaned, legs wrapping around his waist, lips open and soft, tongue sliding against his own. He grabbed hold of Samuel's ass and walked them to the bedroom, taking careful steps as their mouths fused together in one kiss after another. "Mmmhmm." His shirt was pulled from his waistband, his lover's nails teasing his back. "I'm not the only hungry one," he murmured between kisses. He loved that, loved how giving

Samuel was.

"No. Not the only one. Are you happy?"

"I have never been happier, Samuel. I hope you would say the same."

"Oh, Peter. There's no way I could be happier." Samuel kissed him, smiling against his lips.

"Excellent."

He sat on the bed, Samuel on his lap as they began kissing again. He thought it was time to get

out the rope, to tie Samuel, let him find the stillness to enjoy their happiness. Samuel eased down onto his lap, tongue sliding on his lips, loving on him. It was a heady sensation, having someone so focused on him, his need. He leaned slowly back, until he was lying there, Samuel's weight so good on him, not too heavy - just right. He worked his hands beneath Samuel's shirt, pushing it up. Lean, warm, Samuel felt so good under his hands, the bony shoulder blades fascinating to his fingers. He pulled the shirt over Samuel's head, moaning happily as their fronts met, skin on skin. He didn't try to take off Samuel's pants, not yet. They had the rest of the day, there was no hurry here. Beside, he could spend hours just enjoying the soft, happy sound that vibrated his lips. He slowly kissed Samuel's skin, fingers trailing over the slender body, offering Samuel a moan

of his own.

"I love you." Samuel whispered it like it was a secret.

"I know." He took Samuel's hand and kissed his fingers, his palm. "I adore you."

"Good. Good." Samuel teased him, fingers brushing his lips.

"I'm going to love every inch of you. I'm going to spend the rest of the day doing it."

"Don't you have better things to do, love?" Oh, sweet little tease.

"Better than this?" He slid his hand along Samuel's spine. "Or this?" Finding one of Samuel's

nipples, he pinched it.

Sammy's Place - 194

"I." Samuel's eyes went wide, hips jerking. "More."

"Such a demanding little sub. Especially for one whose nipples aren't sensitive." He winked and

pinched the other nipple.

"They're... they're not." Samuel twisted, belly flushing a sweet rose. Liar.

He laughed; it was charming, the way Samuel insisted on that. He rolled them, putting Samuel

beneath him and attacked one with his mouth, using lips and tongue and teeth. The little bit of flesh grew taut, hot in his mouth, and Samuel began to whimper, moan, hand sliding down to rub both of their cocks, one after the other. He reached over to twist and pinch the other nipple, sliding his hips into Samuel's touch over and over again. Samuel's nipple grew dark, almost bruised. It was an addiction, the way that skin colored up for him. "Make me come before I tie up your hands," he ordered, licking around the hard, dark nipple. Those smart hands pushed into his pants, fingers digging for his cock, sliding on his skin. "Yes!" He loved how Samuel was so giving. He pushed his prick along Samuel's palm, panting against that lovely skin. Samuel worked harder, body dancing under him. "Beautiful. So lovely." He panted, growing closer.

"Yours, huh? Your skinny woodland creature." Those words were chuckled, whispered on his

lips.

"Yes! Mine!" He came hard, head pulsing out over Samuel's hand.

"Mmm." Samuel groaned, hand slowing, easing him through the aftershocks.

"Oh, love." He nuzzled, lips on Samuel's skin. "I'm going to make you feel so good."

"Already do." Samuel licked those long fingers clean.

Leaning in, he licked as well, tasting himself, tasting Samuel's skin beneath that. "Are you ready?

"Ready?"

"For me to explore you." He got up and went to his toy chest, finding the white rope curled in a

corner.

"Explore me? What haven't you seen?"

"I've seen it all, which is why I want to see it again."

Sammy's Place - 195

He brought the rope over and showed it to Samuel, let his lover touch it, hold it. So sensual.

Samuel didn't hold back, fingers sliding over the rope, the ridges.

"I'm going to tie your wrists together and then attach them to the top of our bed. Stretch you out

for me."

"Okay. Yes, love." Samuel stretched, belly going taut.

Groaning, he ran his fingers across the stretched skin. Soft and warm, it didn't matter how much

he touched, his fingers loved Samuel's skin. And his Samuel adored him, arching up into his

hands. It was almost distracting enough for him to forget to actually bind Samuel's hands. But

finally he did it, looping the soft silk rope around Samuel's wrists and then the rope around his

headboard.

Their headboard.

Their room.

Samuel moaned, legs moving restlessly.

"You need help being still, my love."

He kissed Samuel's belly and took another length of rope, tying it around one of his lover's

ankles and then to the bed. He did the same with Samuel's other ankle and stepped back, admiring the lean, beautiful body stretched out on their bed. "Peter..." Samuel's belly went tight, muscles rippling.

"Being still, finding your true center, it isn't easy, is it?" He slid his fingers along Samuel's hip.

"We may take all day and all night to do this."

"All... You'll get tired."

"Oh, I don't think so. I'm quite inspired." He took the last bit of rope he'd grabbed, this one

thinner, even softer, and circled it around Samuel's balls, pumping his lover's cock a few times

before drawing the rope around its base.

"In... inspired." He loved those soft sounds, those sweet gasps. Though Samuel didn't know it, he

was graceful, muscles moving unconsciously with the ropes instead of fighting them.

For his part, Peter touched. His fingers slid lightly over Samuel's skin, and he dug them in,

massaging muscles.

"I love your hands, Peter." Samuel began to relax, ease into the ropes and his touch, trusting him.

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"Mmm... and they love you, Samuel. Your skin calls to me. I want to touch you and mark you. I

want you to feel my touch deep inside your muscles, your body."

He touched the hot, still slightly swollen flesh of Samuel's hole, the feeling of his lover's body

wrapped around his wrist easy to remember.

"Oh." That little ring of muscles clenched, shifted under his touch.

"You'll remember how that felt for a long time." His touch was imbedded in Samuel's mind, his

body. Bending, he flicked his tongue across that sensitive flesh.

"I... Peter!" The relaxation disappeared, arms and legs jerking in the ropes.

"Right here. Where I held you in my hand." He teased his tongue against Samuel's hole again,

and then gently pushed the tip of his tongue in.

"Peter. Peter, love. I." Samuel jerked, shuddering for him.

He could taste Samuel, could smell the need as the bound cock started to leak. "Just feel, Samuel.

That's all you have to do. Just feel."

"My heart is pounding."

"Yes. I can feel it." He could. He could feel Samuel's heartbeat each time he pressed his tongue

into the heated body. Peter slid his hands up over Samuel's thighs, felt along up to the sharp hip bones. Samuel's muscles shivered and shook for him, vibrating under his hands. He gave the sweet hole one more lick and then slid his tongue along the smooth, hot flesh between hole and balls, before taking one of the bound orbs into his mouth. Soft, filthy words poured into the air, making him shake his head. He growled around the flesh in his mouth, tugged it hard, and then pulled off. "Samuel. Do I need to gag you?"

"What?" Those dark eyes were confused, dazed.

"No. Swearing." He bit one of Samuel's nipples, and then the other. "This is your only warning."

"You're obsessed with that."

"I'm obsessed with you." It was important to him -- it would be important to Samuel.

"What happens if I forget?"

He considered the question. "I'll stop."

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"That's evil." Personally, he thought men like William and the others who'd mistreated Samuel were more evil than he was, but he kept that to himself. "I prefer to think of it as effective..." Samuel chuckled, offered him a sweet, warm smile. "Effective?" "Well, I certainly hope the threat of my stopping will be an effective deterrent to you swearing, hmm?" He traced that smile with his index finger. "Love you." Samuel grinned, kissed his fingertip. "I'll try. For you." "Oh, see, that makes me happy." He slipped his finger into Samuel's mouth, letting him suck on it for a moment, and then rubbed one nipple with it. "Mmm. What else, lover?" "What else makes me happy?" He slipped his finger back into Samuel's mouth, pressing into those sweet lips with it as he circled and played with the other nipple with his other hand. "How sensual you are, how responsive." That little bit of flesh went tight, begging for more, for his fingers. Samuel's lips worked his finger like a cock, soft moans vibrating around it. It made him hard, the way Samuel responded to him, to his every touch. He dropped one hand to his prick, pumping lightly, shifting so Samuel could see what he was doing. Those black eyes went hungry, the suction on his finger suddenly hard and strong, teeth working the tip. He made a noise at the back of his throat, Samuel's sucking and grazing going straight to his prick. He jacked himself harder. "I'm going to come," he warned Samuel. "I'm going to come all over you." He felt the whimper, the moan, Samuel's body arching, leaning toward him. "Yes, all over. You're the one doing it, you know. You strip my control and make me need. You're going to make me shoot." A dull flush crawled up Samuel's belly, evidence of the effect his words were having. "So beautiful. Mine." He could feel the pleasure building, pushing up along his cock. And then he was coming, Samuel's name on his lips as he painted the bound cock, Samuel's chest and belly with his come. "Love you." The words were whispered, so softly, so sweetly. Bending, he took Samuel's lips, whispering the words back to his sweet lover. His fingers rubbed his own come into Samuel's skin, coating his lover with his scent. "Mmm." Oh, that was lovely. Perfectly lovely.

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Samuel's cock was dark red and leaking at the tip, and so very hot beneath his fingertips. He explored it at length. "That... that's crazy-making."

Yes, yes, he imagined it was. "Mmm. I hope so." He stroked his fingers over each of Samuel's

balls and then slid his hands down to the soft skin of Samuel's inner thighs.

"Oh." That look was bliss. Pure bliss.

He sank into that look, into the slow exploration of Samuel's skin. Soft here, fuzzy there,

muscled and silky and heated and swollen -- he was fascinated by each and every inch. He

followed his fingers' explorations with his lips, adding taste to the sensation of touching Samuel's

body. He loved that Samuel was bound, could do no more than enjoy, than take the pleasure he

was giving.

Samuel was babbling again, soft nonsense that simply meant love and pleasure.

All the way to Samuel's feet, back up and past the sharp hipbones, Peter was as thorough as he

could possibly be, each new sound that Samuel made having him wanting another and then another and another. "Please. I can't..." But Samuel could. There was no choice.

Peter hummed and licked around Samuel's right nipple. Then he bit it. Then he lapped at it again,

teasing it until it was dark red and hot and swollen.

"Peter. Peter, I'm going to scream." Mmmhmm. If Samuel had enough breath to, he'd be impressed. "I don't mind screaming." It was just the swearing he objected to.

He moved slowly toward Samuel's other nipple, taking his time, teasing the smooth skin between

the two sweet little nubs of flesh.

"I..." Samuel tried to pull away, panting shallowly.

There was nowhere to go, though, not with his Samuel bound as he was. Peter finally reached the

other nipple, humming around it.

"Stop. Stop, love. I can't breathe. I can't."

Samuel was breathing well enough to talk. He ignored the complaint and bit down hard, licking

and rubbing the sweet nipple to soothe the hurt.

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"Oh. Oh, f..." He could see Samuel swallow the word, trying so hard for him.

That deserved a reward.

He licked his way slowly down Samuel's chest and belly, heading straight for the swollen,

leaking cock.

"Peter. Peter, love. Please..." Samuel stayed still, though.

He flicked his tongue out, catching a drop as it sat, clear and bright on the tip of Samuel's prick.

The sharp, fierce cry he got was more than worth it. He slid his tongue back and forth across

Samuel's slit, the taste just a hint of what he could expect when Samuel finally came. Humming happily, he circled the head of Samuel's cock and then traced the large vein that ran just beneath the surface of that silky skin. "More. More, lover. Please." Samuel sobbed softly, tugging at the ropes.

"All in good time, my love. You must learn patience." It was a hard lesson to teach when you

wanted nothing more than to give in yourself; the sound of Samuel's voice calling him lover sent

a shudder through him.

"I can't. I'm not." Samuel fought, twisting and pulling, sweat pouring off the lean body. He just

waited the fury out, waiting for those desperate cries to stop.

He hummed softly, blew on Samuel's hot, hard flesh. Bending, he pressed his lips against one of

Samuel's balls and whispered "I love you" against it.

"Love." Samuel whimpered, lips opening and closing.

He nibbled the soft skin of Samuel's inner thighs, continuing to wait for Samuel's calm before he

would return to Samuel's needy prick. Samuel finally eased, eyes closed, almost dozing. There.

Right there.

Perfect.

He drew back far enough to look, to see his lover in the moment, sitting in pleasure's cradle.

So beautiful.

Leaning back in, he nuzzled against the heated flesh of Samuel's cock. His lover barely moved,

just moaned softly, cock bobbing. That peace was a gift, one he shared gladly with Samuel. He

continued to lick and nibble, to take his time exploring, knowing that Samuel felt each touch

deep inside.

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"Love you." The words sank into him, touched him, bone deep. Peter hummed softly and lay next to Samuel, pushing against his side, tongue sliding along Samuel's pit, humming louder at the scent of his lover. Samuel melted, sighing softly and leaning toward him. He found his way to Samuel's mouth and licked the sweet lips open, delving inside. He kept it gentle, though, sharing the sensations with Samuel. Pretty, dazed dark eyes opened, stared into him. He could see himself, reflected in the black. The moment held, both of them barely breathing as they kissed softly, eyes locked. Right here. Him and Samuel. Just as they both needed it to be. The moment couldn't last forever, but he held onto it as long as he could. Then his need began to overtake him and he rubbed against Samuel's hip, fingers returning to the leaking tip of Samuel's prick, playing with it. The flesh was heated, wet, throbbing in his hands. He loosened the knot on the rope at the base of Samuel's cock. "Peter..." Samuel's muscles went taut, those pretty balls drawing up tight. "Hold on, my love. No coming yet." He moved as slowly as possible, getting that knot undone and sliding the rope away from Samuel's prick and balls. Samuel shook and trembled, just panting for him. He swallowed, the strength of Samuel's will and desire to please him humbling. Bending, he pressed a kiss to the tip of Samuel's cock. "Come for me now." Samuel went still, almost like he couldn't believe it, like he'd waited too long. "I. Help me." Peter pushed the tip of his tongue into the slit, his fingers sliding behind Samuel's balls to push hard. Samuel shot, a sharp, desperate cry filling the air. He caught most of it in his mouth, letting the rest splash over his face, Samuel's scent pouring over him. His sweet lover slumped to the bed, breathing hard, flushed and glistening. He rubbed against Samuel, undulating so his prick slid on that lovely belly. Raising his face, he offered himself over for Samuel to clean him. Samuel's tongue just barely skimmed his skin, his lover nearly asleep, dazed. He pushed harder, hips humping against his Samuel, his fingers fluttering, letting the sensation of Samuel's body beneath them send him over. With a soft cry, he came. "Love." Samuel was fading, blinking slowly. "Yes. My love. Rest now." In the peace they'd created.

Sammy's Place - 201

Samuel reached for his jaw. "Yes, sir." Then his lover was gone, sound asleep. He carefully undid Samuel's ropes, and then tugged his sleeping lover to him so he could watch Samuel sleep.

Sammy's Place - 202

Chapter Sixteen

Eggs.

Eggs and sausage.

With English muffins.

Oh. Oh, fuck.

They were out of jelly. Well, good jelly. They had apple jelly, but no strawberry. Or grape. Or

blackberries.

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." He could go to the store really quick.

It was his first day of work. His first day with Peter. He couldn't start it all fucked up.

"Excuse me?"

Uh-oh.

"I have to go to the store. We're out of jelly."

Fuck.

Fuck.

"You have to assume the position to be spanked." Peter pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and

sat in it, patting his thighs.

"No. No, I have to go. We're out of jelly. This is an important day. I need it to be right."

"Samuel." Peter waited until he looked over. "We don't need jelly. And you swore. Three times.

Come assume the position."

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"I need it. I need this to be perfect. It's my first day."

"It already is perfect, Samuel."

"No it's not! There's no motherfucking strawberry jam!" He hated when Peter didn't listen.

"Samuel!" Peter's voice cracked like a whip. "Over my lap. Now."

"You're not hearing me!" He screamed back, body moving without his permission, heading for

his lover.

"We'll deal with the punishment for the swearing first, and then we can talk about your concerns

with the day."

"Listen to me, God damn it, Peter. Please!"

"You're not listening to me, Samuel. I won't ask you to lie over my lap again."

He stretched out, so furious. "This isn't fair. I need you to hear me. I need you to pay attention."

Peter's thighs were hard under his belly.

"And you need to stop worrying every little thing to death and focus on my hand and your ass."

Peter smacked him five times in quick, sharp succession.

"I have to go to work!"

"As do I. That doesn't mean you can start swearing willy-nilly and get away with it." Peter

helped him up so he was sitting in his lover's lap. "Now, tell me why you're letting something like jelly ruin your first day?" "I need it to be right, so that it's not all a disaster, so that it's not all fucked up."

Peter's hand swatted his ass again. "I can understand that, but I'm still not sure how the jelly fits

in to you working at the antique store."

"It's breakfast. Our breakfast. Together."

"And that's the important part, Samuel. That we can have it together. No matter what you make,

I'm sure it'll be delicious. It always is."

"I want it to be perfect." He needed it to be.

"It can be perfect without jelly, can't it?"

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"I... You don't mind English muffins without jelly?" English muffins needed jelly, didn't they?

"Have we got any honey we could use instead?"

"Y... yes. Yes, we do." That tightness in his chest eased a little.

"I love honey on English muffins."

"Really?" He searched Peter's eyes. "I'm scared. I want this so badly. I don't want to screw up."

Peter's hands slid over his cheeks, holding him there, gaze locked with his own. "Breathe,

Samuel. Breathe and remember who you are, and you won't screw it up."

"I'm a fuckup, Peter. You know that." Or if Peter didn't, he would, soon enough.

"I don't believe that. This is your field, love. You know antiques better than anyone I've ever

employed."

"I do love them..." And he loved the store, the smells of wax and glue and polish and wood and sawdust. "I think you'll find that if you're doing something you love, you'll manage quite well." Peter's fingers slid down and over his shoulders before rubbing his spine.

"I want to. I want it to work for both of us."

"I believe in you, Samuel. I do, or I would never have worked so hard to get you to accept the

position. I wouldn't have offered it to you in the first place."

Sammy let himself relax, let Peter hold him. "I want this. I want it so much."

"That makes it harder, doesn't it? Because you didn't care if you screwed up the grocery store

job."

He nodded. "This is a dream come true -- you, me, antiques." It was exactly what he wanted.

Peter looked so pleased. "I like being your dream, love." A soft kiss pressed against his lips.

"You're mine as well."

"Thank you. Are you hungry? There's breakfast."

"Yes, please. I'm very hungry."

"Me, too." He took a deep breath, nose against Peter's. "Honey for your muffin?"

Sammy's Place - 205

Peter smiled and nodded. "That would be most excellent."

"Cool." He warmed up the eggs for a second and turned up the heat under the sausages and

popped the two halves of the English muffin in the toaster.

"Is there coffee?"

"Of course. Juice, too. Orange and apple."

"You know what that means, don't you, Samuel?" Peter rubbed his hands together and took down

a couple of mugs. "It means that everything's perfect."

"Yeah? You think?" He pulled the sausages out, put them on the plates.

"I don't think. I know." Peter licked his lips, looking eager.

Sammy put Peter's plate in front of him.

"Sit with me?" Peter took his arm and tugged.

He landed in Peter's lap with a plop. "Okay."

Chuckling, Peter kissed him and grabbed a fork. The eggs were hot and good, the sausage crispy.

"Mmm... very good. As always. You're going to make me fat."

"You work it off." He fed Peter a bite of English muffin.

Peter licked the honey from his fingers and then returned the favor, handing him a bite. He

laughed, enjoying the crunch and butter and sweet.

By the time they were finished eating, Peter had him laughing and relaxed, a little turned on.

"You look good, love."

"Thank you." He felt good.

"You feeling better now? Calmer?"

"Yeah. Yeah, Peter. I'm sorry; I was just... caught up."

Peter stroked his arms. "I know. It's going to be great, though. You're going to be great."

"It's going to be busy and fun and I can't wait." He leaned forward, resting their foreheads

together.

Sammy's Place - 206

"Good. I'm so glad you agreed to do it. You're just who I needed."

"I hope you're right." He hugged Peter tight. "Let's go to work, huh? I'll even let you take me to

dinner after."

"Oh, you will, will you?" Peter chuckled and hugged him back hard. "It'll be my pleasure, love."

"Thank you." For everything.

Absolutely everything.

*** Peter closed the store at five and headed over to the original store to pick up Samuel. It had been a great first day. He hoped things had gone as well for Samuel. He'd deliberately stayed away, focused on his own store, and hadn't called. Samuel had his cell phone number, but he'd been glad his lover hadn't used it. Samuel could do the job with his hands tied behind his back and blindfolded, Peter was sure of it. He pulled up in front of the store, surprised to see the 'open' sign still on the door. Locking up the car, he headed in.

"...I think it depends, guys. Are you looking for an investment or something you want to use?"

Samuel was talking to an older couple of men, a stack of papers beside him. His lover was eager

and happy, animated.

Peter slid unobtrusively into a chair so he could watch Samuel in action.

There were already chairs and an étagère marked sold, a beautiful dining suite, and the couple

was now looking at a buffet. Samuel knew his stuff, laughing and answering questions, being charming and honest. And selling the damned buffet. It was a joy to watch, and the best part of it was Samuel was happy.

Samuel caught sight of him, waved while arranging delivery and payment. "Gentlemen, this is

the owner, Peter Lafayette."

He stood and shook their hands. "Good evening. I hope you've found everything you wanted

today."

"We have. Sammy's an absolutely darling, and he's answered all our questions." The older

gentleman smiled, patted Samuel's hand. "We might have to steal him away."

Peter laughed. "You could try..."

Sammy's Place - 207

"I don't think so. I'm perfectly happy." Samuel just beamed.

"Oh. Oh, that's a look of love. I told you they were family."

Peter put his arm around Samuel's shoulders. "We are. And Samuel knows his stuff. He'll take

good care of your antique needs."

Samuel simply beamed. "Terry and Mark have just purchased a new house. They lost their other

home in a fire."

"Oh, that's terrible. Samuel, we'll deliver their purchases for free." ‘Family’ did have to stick

together, after all.

"Absolutely. Thank you." Samuel scribbled, smile wider. "I think we're all set up, guys. You'll

have furniture Thursday morning."

"Come back anytime," Peter added, shaking their hands. Samuel followed them out, locking up,

turning the sign to closed. "So, you had a good first day, then."

"I think so. I did good business. Inventory. Filing. I dusted."

"I'd say you did great business -- better than I did, even. And I think you enjoyed it." Samuel was

still beaming.

"I did. I had a good time. How was your day? Did you read about the big auction this weekend? I

was checking around. I think we should go."

"Whereabouts?" He led Samuel out, so pleased this was working out.

"About thirty minutes east. We could make a whole day of it."

"We could. And I could take you out to dinner afterward."

"That sounds good." He got a warm smile. "Better than good."

He didn't linger on the drive home, eager to get Samuel home.

"Are we going to supper, love, or do you want to order pizza and beer?"

"I'd like to have you to myself, but it's your day, so if you'd like to go out, I'd be more than happy

to take you anywhere you want to go."

"Pizza and beer sounds perfect to me." Sammy stretched, smiled. "Maybe a hot shower."

He admired the lithe form. "A shared hot shower?"

Sammy's Place - 208

"I could possibly handle that." Samuel grinned, winked. "I bought a great little pair of Eastlake

chairs today -- they need some work, but they're charmers."

"Are we going to wind up buying more for us than we sell to others?" He was only teasing,

though. Samuel had sold enough in that last sale to make up for a lot of slow days.

"Nope. I paid twenty-five dollars for the pair."

Peter blinked, looked over. Damn. "I knew you were good, but I think I underestimated just how

good."

"I just like what I do."

"There's no 'just' about it, love. You should take pride in it -- I do." He was very proud of

Samuel.

"Harry stopped by, said hello. Said to tell you he wants to go shoot pool soon."

"Sounds good. You and Jason pick a date that works for us all, okay?"

"I can do that." They pulled up to the flat, both getting out and heading upstairs. There was a

huge basket of beer and chocolate and wine in front of their door.

"Now, who could that be from?"

Samuel crowed, phone flipping open immediately. "Jase! Oh, I do love you! You so rock. Yes.

Yes, it was amazing! I sold a whole houseful and I bought chairs and I did the inventory. It's

lovely." The chatter went on and on, his lover bouncing.

Peter chuckled, picking up the basket; he'd guessed it in one. He opened the door, grabbing

Samuel's arm and tugging him in. If Samuel was even half this happy once he'd settled in, it was

a huge win.

"Uh-huh. We'll have to. You pick a night and we'll go. Cool. I need to go, honey. Thanks again.

We will. Love you." Samuel turned the phone off, just beaming. "Did you see?"

"I think so, yes," he teased, putting the basket down on the table. "That was really sweet of him."

"Yes." Samuel took the beer to the fridge. "What kind of pizza?"

"How about something exotic?"

"Artichokes?"

"Oh, yes, with asiago cheese."

Sammy's Place - 209

"Sausage, too?" Samuel reached for the phone, offered him a smile.

"Sounds good." He returned the smile and went through the basket, finding cookies along with

the chocolate. "We have dessert taken care of."

"Excellent." Supper was ordered in short order and then he had a lapful of relaxed, happy man.

Laughing, he brought their lips together, tongue slipping into Samuel's mouth. The kiss was

happy, joyful, the thin fingers cupping his face.

He met his lover's eyes. "Love you, Samuel."

"I love you. It's been a good day, Peter. A really good day."

"You get me the wine opener and we'll open one of those bottles from Jason and toast to that and

many more."

"Sounds good." His cheek got another kiss.

Smiling, he watched Samuel move around the kitchen. Every day should be this good. Every

single one.

Sammy's Place - 210

Chapter Seventeen

"Four in the corner pocket." Sammy watched Harry lean over, make the shot.

They all applauded, Jase clinking glasses with him. It had been a good night, a good day. Well,

an exceptional week.

Sammy loved everything about their lives right now - work and home, friends, activities.

Peter.

Mostly Peter.

Peter, who was sitting on a bar stool and laughing at something Harry had said, looking almost

as happy as he felt.

He reached for a nacho, munching happily. "How's the teaching going? You still subbing fourth

grade?"

"Yeah. But it's full time until the summer. Their teacher was in a car accident and really twisted

up her back. I might even pick up the class for next year, too."

"That's got to be good for you. I know you like that age." He just wished Jase could find a

permanent position.

"I do. I don't wish the teacher ill, but if she was out for next year as well..."

"Money in the bank, huh?" He reached over, patted Jason's leg.

Jason nodded. "Indeed. I don't have to ask how your new job is going. You're glowing." Jason

giggled. "Either that or it's Peter."

"It's both. It's good, Jase. So good. I'm so happy."

Sammy's Place - 211

"I know, and that makes me so happy." Jase laughed again, tears in his eyes. Then they were

hugging and laughing together like idiots.

"You two are massive, queeny dorks." Harry proclaimed, grinned across the bar at them. Jase

stuck his tongue out at Harry, but Sammy knew he wasn't put out. Peter laughed, ordering them

another round. It was so… normal.

"We are not massive. I'm almost petite." He waggled his eyebrows.

"Your queeny... osity is massive."

"Is that like a dick joke?" He couldn't help teasing.

Jase was giggling madly, while Peter rolled his eyes at them. "I don't want to know about anyone

else's dick size. At all." Peter winked at the words.

He laughed at Peter. "Jase knows more than all of us."

Jase blushed and mimicked locking his lips and throwing away the key.

They all started laughing again, and Harry's arm dropped over Jason's shoulder. "Knowledge is

power, huh, babe?"

Jase wrapped his arms around Harry's middle. "That's what I teach my kids."

Harry grinned. "So, you're liking the store okay, queeny-man?"

Sammy chuckled and nodded. "It's what I've been wanting to do, all this time."

"He's already my number one salesman. Not to mention the deals he's found on incoming

merchandise have been stunning." Peter looked proud, happy. Of him.

"He's unnaturally involved in old shit..." Harry was going to get his ass kicked.

Peter gave Harry a look. "Don't make me come over there."

"Ooh. Big man." Harry chuckled, winked at Peter.

"Ass," murmured Peter, shaking his head and then laughing.

Harry turned, wiggled the ass in question, and that made everything worse, everyone scream

with laughter. Jesus, his side hurt with it.

"That's mine," Jase said, putting a possessive hand on Harry.

Sammy's Place - 212

His laughter petered out into chuckles, and he leaned against Peter, who'd come to sit.

Peter gave him an indulgent smile. "You're having a good time."

"I am. You?" He ate another chip.

"Yes. It's been a great week."

"They're basking, Jase." Harry sounded... amused.

"We might be, at that." Peter gave him a kiss and then whispered, "Don't worry, I'll tie you up

and love you until you're blind later."

"Promises, promises."

Harry groaned. "Tell me when they're done..."

Jase slapped Harry's arm. "I think it's sweet."

"You're a perv, though." Harry goosed Jason's ass. Jase shrieked, and tried to dance out of the

way and stay attached to Harry's side at the same time.

"Are we going to be idiots, or are we going to shoot pool?" His hand slid over to Peter's thigh.

"I guess we can be idiots shooting pool." Peter winked.

"Perfect answer! Come on, Sammy. Rack 'em up. You're next."

Like anyone could be anything but happy with Harry grinning like an idiot. "You got it,

cowboy." *** He and Samuel waved goodbye to Harry and Jase and headed up the elevator hand in hand. Peter smiled at as they went in. "I made you a promise back at the bar, love." "Hmm?" Samuel was pleasantly buzzed, lazy, loose against him. "Something about tying you up and making you crazy..." "Mmm. Tease." Samuel stumbled a little over the threshold, chuckling. "Let's see if you're still calling me that in an hour or so." He caught Samuel and righted him. "You are tipsy."

Sammy's Place - 213

"Just happy. I'm not drunk. Promise." Samuel went up on tiptoe, stole a kiss.

He wrapped his arms around Samuel and lifted his lover up against his body, deepening the

contact. His lover opened up, tasting of hops and salsa. Spicy. Still kissing, he carried Samuel to

their bedroom.

"So strong." Samuel wrapped around him, clinging, lazy.

"For you." He sat on the bed, Samuel in his lap as they shared kiss after kiss. His lover wrapped

around him, squeezing, holding on tight. He started to strip Samuel, fingers working slowly, most of his focus on their mouths. It was addictive, the feel of Samuel's skin -- warm and smooth, soft. His fingers found the little nipples on Samuel's chest, teasing them, waiting for the usual 'my nipples aren't sensitive' mantra that was so patently untrue. Of course, he'd been keeping Samuel's mouth busy, so what he received was a sweet, soft moan, Samuel arching under his touch. He could happily lose himself in Samuel. And, barring their little outing tomorrow? He could

until Tuesday, when they had to be back in the stores.

He laid Samuel out on the bed, taking his lover's pants off. "What color, love?"

"Hmm?"

"Black, red, white, blue -- what color?"

"Mmm. Black. Why?" Samuel stretched, hips rocking, sliding on the sheets.

"That's the color of the rope I'm going to use on you, love."

"You... you're good to me." Samuel reached down, fingers framing the long, hard cock. "So

good."

"Hold that thought." He went to the chest and found the black rope. It was thick, made out of a

soft cotton.

"It's pretty."

"It's going to look gorgeous against your skin."

"It it soft or itchy?" The question was more curious than worried.

"Soft. I'm going to make it tight enough it'll mark you."

"Oh. Oh, God." Samuel moaned, cock leaking a bit.

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"'Sir' will do," he teased, moving to Samuel's right foot and beginning to wrap his lover in rope.

"Sir?" That pretty cock got harder.

"Yes. I know I'm good, but I'm not God." He gave Samuel a wink, wrapping the rope around and

up Samuel's leg.

"You... You like the sir thing?" Samuel watched, dark eyes hot.

"I do, actually." It made his belly throb.

Samuel reached out, cupped his cock through his pants. "Yeah." Groaning, he pushed his hips

forward against Samuel's hand. "Peter..." That thumb rubbed the head of his cock.

He closed his eyes, panting. "So good."

"Do you... I could suck you off first, take the edge off." That thumb moved again. "Sir."

He nodded and his toes curled, his heartbeat hiccupping. "Good idea."

Samuel unfastened his pants, leaning over to nuzzle at his belly while those clever fingers found

his cock.

"You're so good at this," he murmured, fingers stroking through Samuel's hair.

"I love it." Samuel's open lips surrounded the tip of his cock.

"You most definitely do." He watched, mesmerized by the sight of Samuel's mouth on him. Pink

and swollen, the full lips slid on him, leaving a wet trail along his shaft. Samuel worshipped his cock, eyes closed, focused on nothing but pleasing him, sucking him. The sensations shot through his cock and climbed up his spine. Pleasure started building at the base of his spine, and his hips started moving, taking that sweet, hungry mouth. He held Samuel's head in place and watched the blissful look on his lover's face. Open and eager, Samuel took him in, pulling as he pushed in to the root. It wasn't going to take long before Samuel would have his come. Sure enough, it only took a few more thrusts before he pushed deep again, spraying down Samuel's throat. His lover took him in and then cleaned him off, sucked him gently, tongue like liquid heat against him.

Pleasure pushed up along his spine with each careful suck, and he shivered, fingers stroking over

Samuel's head. "Thank you, love."

"Mmm." Samuel nuzzled in, hummed softly. "You're welcome. Sir."

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He did like how that sounded.

"Your turn now. Well," he chuckled. "Not to come just yet, but the focus will be on you now."

Samuel's soft laugh tickled his skin. "Now, is that fair?"

"I think it's more than fair. I got the wham-bam thank you Sam and you're going to get the full

treatment." He gave Samuel a wink and helped move his lover onto his back on the bed.

"I didn't wham you. Not one bit." He loved that laugh.

He shifted Samuel over and gave that sweet ass a love tap. "It was short and sweet, is what I

meant. And that's not a complaint at all, and I needed that to spend more time on you, on doing

this right."

Warm fingers brushed his cheek. "You're good to me."

He nuzzled into Samuel's touch and then took his lover's fingers and kissed them. "I love you."

"I know."

"Good. Now just lie back and let me make you fly with the rope." He watched Samuel settle,

stretch out with a happy sigh. He started again with Samuel's right ankle, wrapping the black

rope around it. "This color stands out beautifully against your skin."

"Matches my hair, hmm?"

"It does." Bending, he kissed Samuel's ankle and then wrapped the rope in several loops from

ankle to thigh, pulling it tight enough that Samuel could feel it, that would leave marks after

being left on for several hours. The wiggling started, Samuel shifting, sliding a little. He rested

his hand on Samuel's hip. "Be as still as you can, love."

"Okay. Okay. Sorry. You just... It feels good."

"Try to zone in on the feelings instead of trying to physically move into them." He slid the rope

around Samuel's cock and then back along his crack. He could see Samuel's belly go tight, but

his lover didn't move. He made sure the rope was snug but not hurting, and then made sure it

rubbed over Samuel's hole whenever he shifted. Perfect. Samuel's eyes were closed, body

trembling a bit. He wound the rope around Samuel's chest, moving the slender body as he needed

to. It crossed over the right nipple, but not the left.

"It's hard, to be still."

"You can wriggle once I'm done and I know everything is exactly where I want it."

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Samuel nodded. "I'm not trying to complain. I'm just talking."

"I didn't think you were." He chuckled, fingers sliding on Samuel's skin. "The rope is going to

drive you crazy when you do move."

"Good crazy? I'm a fan of good crazy."

"Very good crazy. Need to come crazy." He took Samuel's arm and wrapped the rope around it,

tying it off at the wrist. Now Samuel was tied diagonally from one ankle to the opposite wrist. "I'm a good artist, if I do say so myself." "You have an eye for..." Samuel arched, shifted. "For detail."

"I do. It helps that I enjoy every single detail." He slid his fingertip across Samuel's exposed

nipple. That earned him a gasp, the bit of flesh drawing up tight.

"Mmm... lovely." He slid his fingers to the other nipple, shifting the rope so it rubbed.

"Peter. Oh, that... I feel that."

"That's the idea, love." He tugged on the rope where it went over Samuel's crack. Samuel jerked,

muscles responding instinctively, and then moved again as the ropes shifted.

"Mmm... every movement is going to cause new sensations."

"I can't stop." It didn't matter.

"The ropes are set -- you can move as much as you like." He bent and blew into Samuel's navel.

That earned him a laugh, Samuel twisting and moaning softly. Smiling, he slid kisses over Samuel's belly, licking the skin alongside the rope. The jerks and shivers went in waves -Samuel relaxing, then shifting, then relaxing again. He licked at the tip of Samuel's prick, moaned at the flavor that leaked from there. Samuel murmured for him, hips bucking, trying to reach for his mouth. "Not yet," he murmured, and moved down to lick Samuel's balls. The scent of Samuel was so strong here, so rich. His lover tasted wonderful, musky and male. He sucked one ball in and then the other, licking and sucking on them.

"Oh." Samuel's sound was perfect -- needy and happy and wanton.

He continued to lick and suck and kiss, wanting more of those sounds. Of course, the sounds

kept coming; they got louder and louder as Samuel began to fight the bonds. He encouraged

them, his kisses getting harder, teeth biting now, leaving marks.

"Peter. Peter, it stings!"

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"Does it?" He bit Samuel's thigh hard.

The cry rang out and his upstairs neighbor banged on the ceiling. Their floor. Whatever.

He rolled his eyes. "Wrinkled old fart is jealous."

"Uh-huh. Sorry. Was loud."

"It's okay, love. I didn't ask you to be quiet."

"Still. Don't want to get you in trouble."

"You won't." He slid down and nibbled on Samuel's ankle, began to undo the rope.

Samuel's toes curled and uncurled, over and over. He kissed each one and then moved up

Samuel's leg, kissed the marks left by the rope as he unwound it. His lover was relaxed now, quiet, cock softening a bit as the tension eased. As soon as the rope was gone, he lay on top of Samuel and shared deep, wet kisses with his lover. He luxuriated in the deep relaxation, the way Samuel melted beneath him. "I want you." He opened Samuel's legs and settled between them.

"I'm all yours." The words were matched to action, and Samuel spread his legs wider.

He offered his fingers over, pushing them against Samuel's lips. They opened up, sucked him in.

The pressure was sweet, strong, and Samuel's tongue slid against his fingertips and wet them.

Groaning, he began to move his hips, thrusting in anticipation of what was to come.

That made Samuel offer him a sweet, slow smile. He slid his fingers out of Samuel's mouth, ran

them along the lovely body until he reached Samuel's hole.

"Please. I'm all yours."

"I know. Mine." He pushed his fingers into Samuel's body, the tight heat grabbing at him.

Squeezing and shifting, Samuel's body took him in. He stretched his fingers wide, got Samuel

ready for his prick. Lean arms wrapped around his shoulders, and Samuel stretched up, begged a

kiss. He gave it, licking the parted lips and then plunging his tongue in between them. His tongue

and fingers moved together, and he pushed into Samuel's body over and over.

"I need your cock now, Peter." The words were accompanied with a warm smile, Samuel relaxed

and horny and unbelievably beautiful.

"Pushy man." Still, that didn't stop him from sliding his fingers out and slowly pushing his prick

in.

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Black eyes stared at him. "Your pushy man. That's so good, Peter."

"Yes, mine." And it was good. Samuel was so tight around him, and so hot.

They moved together, as long and lazy as they could, bodies rubbing together. He kept pushing

into Samuel, filling his lover as the tight heat dragged on his cock and slowly built into a climax inside him. They rolled and shifted; Samuel came to rest in his lap, body rising and falling on his prick. He wrapped his hand around Samuel's ass and helped him. Peter watched his lover's dark eyes as their mouths met on another kiss, as their bodies slapped together. He could feel the need rising in his lover, feel the muscles tensing and rippling around him. He slid one hand around Samuel's cock, encouraged him. "Come on, love. Let's do this together."

"Yeah." Those dark eyes never looked away, not even for a second. "Together."

"Now, Samuel." He thrust hard, his hand tightening around Samuel's prick as he came, the

pleasure pouring from his body.

Wet heat slid over his fingers; Samuel gave it up for him as easily as breathing.

His.

He leaned their foreheads together, gazed into Samuel's eyes as they panted, slowly coming

down from their high.

"Love you, Samuel."

"Mmm. Yeah. Yeah, I know." He got a long, lazy kiss. "If we didn't have to get up early

tomorrow, I'd say we should go get pancakes."

"We could get up a little earlier than we need to and have them before we go to the sales."

"Mmm. Sounds good." Fingers carded through his hair, Samuel petting him.

"That's what we'll do, then." He kissed Samuel and relaxed back onto the bed, tugging Samuel

down with him.

They cuddled together, Samuel's breath evening out as his baby sank into sleep.

Sammy's Place - 219

Chapter Eighteen

Sammy climbed up on the shelves, dusting the books that were up there. Peter had really needed someone in the shop who cared about everything. Not that Mary was bad, because she wasn't. She was a doll baby. Still.

These things needed care.

Really.

He heard the shop door bell ring, then close. Damn it.

"I'll be right there."

"Take your time, love." Peter sounded happy.

"Oh, cool. I'm dusting." He was rather... precariously perched. "How're you?"

"I'm fine. And you need a ladder. You should have said something, love. It's dangerous climbing

those shelves like that." Peter's hands pressed against his calves, held him in place.

"Mmm. I'm fine." Peter's hands were warm.

"No, I'll get you a ladder." Peter held him steady until he was done.

"It was very dusty up there." He smiled down, leaned a little harder. "How's your day going?"

Peter opened his arms, catching him as he came down. "Good, even better now." He got a little

grin. "I thought I'd come by and see if you wanted to go to lunch?"

"I'd love to. Do I just close the shop?" He'd never been so happy. Never.

"Put the sign in the window that says you'll be back after lunch."

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"I can do that." He found the little fancy sign behind the counter, plopped it in the window. "Tada!"

They locked up and he took Peter's arm, his lover walking them toward the cafe just up the road.

The sun was shining down, the sky clear and bright.

"So you're still enjoying the job, love?"

They turned into the cafe and took a seat at one of the tables outside.

"Oh, God yes." All of it -- from the customers to the inventory to the estate sales to the hours in

the back working on refinishing. Then he stopped, looked at Peter, suddenly worried. "I'm doing

okay, aren't I? I mean, you're not unhappy with me, are you?"

Because that would be horrible.

Terrible.

"Are you kidding? You're the best employee I've ever had." Peter's foot nudged his leg. "In fact,

you're better at the job than I am."

"No, I'm not." Oh, thank God.

Peter chuckled. "I think you are. And contrary to your own opinion, you haven't screwed up,

now, have you?"

"No. No, I've been trying hard and it's so good, Peter. It's just... It's good." He didn't have words

for it.

Peter looked almost as happy as he felt. "It's the perfect job for you. And we're making money

hand over fist -- thanks to you."

He shrugged. "I've worked retail a long time, hmm?"

"And you've been studying history and antiques for a long time. I've had two letters from

customers already about you."

"Good letters, right?"

"Amazing letters. You've got lifelong, loyal customers already."

Pride swelled inside him, made him grin. "Go me."

Peter nodded. "Yes, go you."

Sammy's Place - 221

The waitress came and Peter ordered them the soup and salad special, along with a pair of

Sprites.

"So you came over just to see me?"

"I did." Peter's foot was back, sliding along his leg. Oh. Oh, that rocked. He beamed over,

pleased down to his bones. "I missed you and I wanted to take you to lunch and spend an hour in

your company. You make me happy, Samuel, and when you're this happy yourself, it fills me

with joy." Peter laughed softly. "I know it sounds like I'm a love-sick fool, but... well, I am, so

why not sound like it?"

"Love-sick works for me. Besides, this is perfect. I thought I'd stop by the store on my way

home, buy some veggies and chicken and do a stir fry." Asparagus where in season. Maybe some

good mushrooms…

"Sounds good. Should I pick something up for dessert, or have you been baking?"

"I made two pies earlier this week. Maybe some wine?"

"I can do that. Red? I love the way it paints your lips."

Oh. Oh, Peter made him feel so good. "That works for me. Grab a cheap bottle of white, too,

please? I'll make risotto tomorrow."

"Anything you want." Peter reached out, took his hand.

Their food came and Peter let go, the server leaving them heavy stoneware bowls full of a rich

minestrone soup and garden salads with a fragrant vinaigrette.

"Mmm." He dug in happily, dipping the crusty bread in the broth.

Peter ate as well, but Sammy could feel his lover's eyes on him.

"Are you okay? You seem... intense."

"I just like seeing you like this."

"Like what?" Sammy was confused.

"Happy from hair to toes."

"I've been happy with you, Peter. You have to know that. I'm just... everything is good now."

"I know you've been happy with me. But now... you're happy everywhere, if you see what I

mean." Peter was beaming. It was odd. Fabulous, but odd.

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"I am. But we probably shouldn't talk about it; it might go bad."

Peter chuckled. "We don't have to talk about it, as long as I can watch."

"Okay. Watch away." He chuckled, digging into his soup.

"I will." Peter gave him a wink and picked at his salad, spearing a bright red strawberry.

Sammy watched, still a little worried. Peter seemed... weird.

"What?" Peter asked about halfway through the meal.

"You just seem... different. Like you're worried." There. He said it. Out loud, even.

"I'm not worried, love. I'm happy to see you so pleased with life."

"Well, what do I have to complain about?" He had Peter. Work. Jase. A home. A real life that

was his.

"Nothing, I hope."

"I could, you know..." His grin felt... wicked, even from the inside. "You haven't spanked me in

weeks."

Peter's eyes went wide, and then he laughed and nodded. "I haven't. I tell you what, I'll make a

stop at the Leather Rose on the way home as well as the wine store."

Sammy felt his cheeks start to heat. "I. Yeah? You. Okay."

Wow.

And also fucking cool. Toys.

"Yes. I bet this is the first time you wished work was over already." Peter smiled, eyes heated.

Oh, now. That was better. That was way better. That was his Peter. "Yeah. Yeah, I... Do I have to

wait for after dinner, too?"

"Eat a muffin or something before five and then we won't need dinner."

"Okay. Still, get the white wine for tomorrow?" He'd still get asparagus. They'd keep one day.

"I will." Peter's voice was thick. "Are you finished? I want to take you back to the store and do

you in the back room before you open back up."

Sammy's Place - 223

His spoon clattered to the bowl. Oh, fuck him raw. "Uh-huh."

Peter stood and dropped some bills on the table and reached a hand out for him. "Come on."

"'Kay." His cock was suddenly, painfully hard. "Peter."

"Would it be unseemly if we ran?" Peter wasn't actually running, but they were walking very

quickly.

"My cock's too hard to run."

Peter laughed, still holding his hand as the pushy bastard tugged him along. "Mine is leading the

way."

The store was close, and his fingers shook as he unlocked the door. "What are you going to get at the toy store?" "A paddle. Something wicked with bumps or a raised pattern of some sort on it. Maybe a new cock ring, too." Peter's voice was still husky, thick with need.

"Oh, God. In the back. Please. Hurry." He almost laughed, his cock throbbing in his slacks.

Peter locked the door up behind them and then pushed him toward the back room. They ran now,

Peter's hands on his ass.

"Don't make me stain my pants, now. I have to work all afternoon."

"Undo them. Right now."

They managed to make it to the back room and Peter turned him, pushed him up against the wall

and rubbed them together. It was hard to make his fingers work, to get his buttons undone. He did it, though, and Peter must have been doing the same thing, because all of a sudden Peter's cock slapped against his, hot and hard. "Oh. Oh, what do you want?" He was gasping, arousal sharp and sudden and so good. "Sir."

Peter shuddered at the word. "Desk. Want to make you scream."

"Yes. Yes, sir." He waddled over to the desk, holding his pants up with one hand.

"On your back, I want to see you while we do it."

Oh, fuck. He was going to feel it all afternoon. "Yes, sir. Yes, please."

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Peter crowded the stuff on his desk down at the end with the computer and then grabbed his hand

cream. Two slick fingers pushed into him.

"Hurry. Hurry, I need it." Hard and deep.

Now.

The fingers pushed in twice and then Peter creamed up his cock and pushed it in, the stretch

burning, just like he needed it to. He reached down, grabbed the edge of the desk so he could

push back, his low scream filling the air.

"God, yes. Samuel." Peter set up a fast, hard rhythm that would bring them both off as quickly as

they needed.

Oh. Oh, fuck. Best. Lunch. Ever.

Legs drawing up, Samuel rode, shifted and moved as hard as he could. Peter's hand grabbed his

cock, fingers wrapping around him, palm smooth and hot as it slid along his length. Peter's

thrusts never slowed, never eased, simply demanded everything he had to give.

"Fuck!" He jerked and shot hard, spunk pouring over Peter's fingers.

"Samuel!" Peter shuddered, and that heavy cock throbbed inside him as his body clamped down

hard. He hummed softly, shivered as he came down. Peter collapsed onto him, a low groan

sounding as the softening prick slid out of him. Warm, gentle fingers slid over him.

"Mmm. Thank you. So good." So wicked.

"Let's see if you're still thanking me tonight after I've paddled your ass for swearing."

"Huh?" Swearing? When?

Peter grinned at him. "When you came, love."

"No way. That doesn't count."

"Of course it counts!"

He shook his head. "Nope. Nothing counts during orgasm." That was a well-known universal

law. It was in the handbook.

Laughing, Peter cleaned them up with a couple of tissues and began to help him get his clothing

back on and not look like he'd just had an amazing quickie in the back room. "I thought you were

looking forward to this evening's plans?"

Sammy's Place - 225

He grinned and kissed the edge of Peter's jaw. "I am, through and through." It wasn't always about drama. Sometimes, a little slap and tickle was just that. Kink for fun. "Good, me, too." Peter sighed and looked at his watch. "I have to go, love. Don't forget to get a quick bite to eat before you come home tonight." "I won't. Do you want me to pick up something easy and yummy for afterwards? Something we could share in bed?" "That sounds perfect. Special." The no food in bed rule was becoming a thing of the past. Thank goodness. Peter gave him a last, lingering kiss, and then headed out through the store. "I love you, Samuel." "Love you, Peter. Have a good afternoon!" He waved, and then went to turn the sign around, let the afternoon go by. *** Peter hummed as the elevator took him up, his briefcase in one hand, bag from the wine store in the other. He'd found a lovely paddle for Samuel. It was a long rectangle, one side covered in little bumps, the other covered in something very similar to shag carpet. Both sides would be such an interesting sensation on Samuel's ass. He'd graduated to actual singing out loud as he let himself in to the apartment. The apartment smelled good and he found a lemon poppy seed muffin waiting for him, along with a note. "Taking a bath, lover. See you in our bedroom." Smiling, he munched on the muffin and headed to the bedroom. Where he'd get ready for his evening with Samuel. He'd really been looking forward to it all day. A few more minutes couldn't hurt. "I'm home!" he called out, so Samuel knew. "Hey! How was your afternoon?" He could hear splashing, smell Samuel's soap. It always reminded him of the spice section of the grocery store - green and fragrant, just a little peppery. "Long." He'd wanted it to be five so he could shut the store and come home to Samuel. Hell, he'd needed it. "Yeah. It was quiet at the store. I inventoried the china." Peter stripped and took out the new paddle, leaving it at the end of the bed before going to the door of the bathroom, eyes going to the tub. There was a naked, pretty man, shaved clean, wet and slick and soapy.

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"Look at you." Samuel was pure temptation.

"I shaved for you, Peter." Samuel stroked his cock a few times, showing off.

"Beautiful." Groaning, he moved forward and climbed into the tub, eyes on that pretty cock and

the enticing bare skin around it.

"Mmm. Peter." He received a smile and open arms.

He shifted, lying awkwardly on Samuel, laughing and feeling a little like a pretzel. "This works

better in theory than practice."

"Here. Let me help." Samuel slid and pushed them and ended up in his lap, leaning against his

chest.

"Oh, this works nicely." All he had to do was bend his head and he could suck on Samuel's skin,

lick the pretty neck, taste a shoulder. Touch that freshly shaved cock and balls. His fingertips skated over the smooth skin. "Peter." That gasp made him smile; the jerk and rub against his cock made him moan.

"I found the most amazing paddle at the toy shop." He cupped Samuel's balls, rolled them in his

fingers.

Samuel's cock got harder, trying to catch his attention. "Oh. Oh, did you, sir?"

"Uh-huh." He let go of Samuel's balls and dragged his hand through the water, not touching that

eager prick. "It's hard and pokey on one side and softer, carpet-y on the other."

"Carpet-y? Weird. Will it stab my skin?"

"It won't break your skin, bumpy would maybe be a better word than pokey." Samuel didn't like

having his skin broken, didn't like blood. He knew that and had taken it into account. He felt the

reaction his words caused, tension he'd bet Samuel didn't even know he had dissipating.

He kept kissing, licking drops of water from Samuel's collarbones. "It'll be good, love. I

promise."

"I trust you. Tell me about when you knew -- when you knew you were a top."

"The first time I was with someone who thought they were the more dominant." He chuckled. "I

taught him different."

Samuel chuckled. "Really? They tried to top you?"

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"Yes. Can you believe it?"

"Not really. You have top written all over you."

"I do now. Perhaps I didn't then." He shrugged. "But I can tell you that I knew then, knew it was

more than just not really being a bottom."

Samuel nodded. "I think I can understand that."

He tilted Samuel's head and brought their mouths together, taking a long kiss. His lover opened

up beautifully, eager and ready for him, relaxed and easy against him. He kissed Samuel until the

water started to get cold. "Come on, love. I have an appointment with your ass."

"Damned ass. Making appointments without me." Samuel levered himself up, one hand held

toward him. Peter started to laugh as he reached for Samuel's hand and let himself be helped up.

Samuel dried him off, the terry rasping at his skin, sensitizing it.

"Mmm... we'll have to punish your ass for doing that," he teased, fingers already aching to hold

the paddle.

"For doing what?" Samuel leaned forward, lips brushing his nipple.

He groaned, rapidly losing track of what they were talking about. "For... for making those

appointments without you."

"Ah." That tongue flicked out, lapped the tip.

He slid his fingers through Samuel's hair, rubbed his lover's scalp. Then Samuel's teeth grasped

his nipple, tugged enough to ache.

"Love!" His hips jerked forward, pushing his hard cock against Samuel's belly. He felt Samuel's

smile against his skin, the tug coming again. "Come to bed, love."

Samuel nodded, those fingers twined with his. "I'm ready."

"Good. So am I. Come see our new toy."

One arm wrapped around his waist, then his lover cuddled in close, still damp skin against him.

"Lead the way."

They went back to the bedroom, Peter leading Samuel over to the bed where the paddle waited.

"It's pretty." Samuel picked it up, curious, eager.

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"It's going to leave marks on your ass. Interesting marks." He slid his fingers over the bumps on

the hard side.

"How... how do you want me?"

"Ass up in the middle of our bed."

"Yes, sir." Samuel was shivering, hands clenched as he moved eagerly. Peter leaned over, fingers

sliding over Samuel's ass. It was soft and pale, needing his marks. "Talk to me? Please, sir?"

"Do you want to hear about what I'm going to do? About how I'm going to mark your beautiful

skin?"

"Anything. I just want to hear you." Samuel's legs parted, balls exposed.

He slid his hand down, cupped the warm ball sac, moaned softly. "Warm, soft. Shaved for me."

He could feel the skin tightening, wrinkling. He squeezed gently. "The paddle called to me in the

store. It whispered your name." He waited to see whether Samuel would tease, laugh, but his

lover was enough into it that he just moaned.

"Shall we see why it wanted you so badly?" He let go of Samuel's balls and picked up the paddle,

rubbing his hand over it.

"Mmm." Samuel leaned forward, head on his hands. Peter touched Samuel's ass, rubbed where

he was going to hit. Then he turned the paddle so the bumpy side would land on Samuel's ass

and let his hand fly.

"Ow!" Samuel gasped, jerked away, shaking.

He tried again, hitting more softly this time. That earned him a moan; he watched as Samuel's

body rippled, hips shifting.

"Mmm, better." He started spreading the hits over Samuel's ass, keeping the force fairly light.

Samuel had begun to dance, shifting on the sheet, moaning happily as the pale skin reddened. He

could see the pattern from the paddle repeated on Samuel's ass. So pretty. The moans were more

constant now; they filled the air.

"I'm going to use the other side now, love." He turned the paddle over mid-air, landing it softly

and then dragging it over Samuel's ass.

"Oh..." Samuel shifted and those lean hips rocked, the scent of male arousal sudden and strong.

"You like that." He did it again, dragging the shag over Samuel's ass and down to the tops of his

thighs.

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"Yes, sir. It burns, so good."

"Mmm... let's try this." He hit Samuel a couple of times with the bumpy part and then rubbed

with the other side.

Samuel moaned for him, ass jerking. He could see the flush climbing up along Samuel's back.

"Look at you. Just look at you." He couldn't help his moan.

Samuel started fucking the air, balls swinging. "Yours. Peter..."

"I'm going to paddle you until you come. And then I'm going to take you hard."

Those black curls bounced, Samuel nodded so hard.

He kept alternating which side he used, bumpy and then carpet-y, then bumpy again. The tops of

Samuel's thighs elicited the best sounds.

"Want you." Samuel climbed up the headboard.

"Then come for me, love, and you'll have me." He smacked Samuel's ass with the paddle,

dragging it down over the pretty balls.

"Again. Help me."

"Always." He used the carpeted side to softly beat Samuel's balls. He got his scream, Samuel's

come shooting from him. "Yes!" He kept rubbing his lover's ass, making Samuel continue to

come, to shudder.

The whole time Samuel was moaning, telling him how good it was, how good they were.

He put the paddle on the side table. "Lie on your back, love. I want to see your eyes." He

watched as Samuel carefully turned, hissing as that burning ass hit the comforter. "Spread for

me." He moved back onto the bed, settled between Samuel's thighs.

Heels digging into the mattress, Samuel spread, tried to keep his ass off the bed. The long prick

was flagging now, balls heavy and loose. He slicked up his fingers, pushed one into Samuel,

watched his lover's eyes. So dark, so fine, fastened on him -- they were fascinating, catching him.

"Love you." He pushed two more fingers in, twisting them to find Samuel's gland.

"Love!" Samuel arched and rocked back on his shoulders.

He hit it again, and then spread his fingers wide, stretching Samuel for his cock.

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"More. More. I need. You promised."

"I'm coming, love. I'm coming." He slid his fingers away and rubbed his cock over Samuel's ass.

"The hair on your thighs is going to sting. So good."

"It is. And I'm going to take you hard, make sure you can really feel me." He pressed his cock

against that hot little hole.

"Hard. Want to know all day tomorrow."

"You think you won't already?" He snapped three fingers against Samuel's ass.

"Fuck!" Samuel arched, jerked. "Shit. Shit, I'm sorry."

He chuckled. "What am I going to do with you, love?"

"Keep me. Keep me, Peter."

"For always, love. I may have to spank you every single day, but I will keep you." With that he

pushed in. They cried out together, bucking together as Samuel's ass squeezed him tight. His hips slapped hard against Samuel's ass and he stopped, buried deep and panting hard. He could feel every shudder, every shift around his shaft. He grabbed hold of Samuel's shoulder in one hand, tugged his lover back onto every thrust. Samuel's ass burned against him, the skin gloriously hot. He moved slowly as he pulled out, and then shoved back in fast and hard. Slamming together, they just rode, words dissolved into low, rough grunts. It felt so good, Samuel's heat pulling him in, his lover wanting him. He finally wrapped his hand around Samuel's cock. Samuel nodded, gasped, mouth working even as nothing come out. It didn't matter, he knew. He mouthed "Love you, too," and squeezed his fingers hard around Samuel's cock.

Samuel came with a cry, heat pouring between. That tight little hole squeezed down on him and

he shuddered, body giving it up.

"Love." He heard the words, barely moaned.

He collapsed down onto Samuel, let his lover take his weight. Samuel groaned, fingers twining

with his, holding on tight. He nuzzled into Samuel's neck, body relaxing. He couldn't remember a

time he'd been happier.

From the happy sounds underneath him, Samuel agreed.

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Chapter Nineteen

Samuel chewed on his bottom lip, worked on some figures, mind on his grocery list and his sore

ass.

He wanted to learn to make beef Wellingtons, but he really wanted to make a lemon cake for the

weekend and possibly two loaves of bread. The bread depended on Peter. If they played this

weekend, he couldn't guarantee that he'd be around for proofing the dough.

If not, maybe he could make three loaves.

The phone rang and he answered, "Fancy Old Things, can I help you?"

"I'm going to kill you, you know."

Oh. Oh, God.

He hung up the phone, immediately, hand feeling numb.

It rang again, almost immediately.

Shit. Did he pick up? Did he let it ring? He grabbed the receiver. "Hel..."

"Don't you hang up on me, you motherfucker."

Samuel took a deep breath, "Fuck off, William."

"Don't you tell me to fuck off, either. You're mine and if I can't have you, no one can."

He chuckled, trying to hide his panic. "Leave me alone. I'm calling the police." He reached to put the phone down and he heard, right before the receiver hit the cradle. "...take your lover and make him scream." That made him growl, and he jerked the phone back. "You so much as breathe at him, you asshole, and I'll fuck you with a shotgun and blow your motherfucking brains out. Do you hear Sammy's Place - 232

me? I'll fucking make you wish you'd never been born, you slimy piece of shit." He slammed the

phone down, blinking at himself, at his rage.

The bell on the door rang, followed by Peter's cheerful voice. "Hey, love."

"H... hey."

The phone rang again and he lifted the receiver and hung it up immediately.

One of Peter's eyebrows went up. "What's going on?"

"He's... Don't answer the phone. I need to call Harry, I think." Yeah. Yeah, he needed to do this.

His life was good now. He couldn't let that... that asshole fuck it up for him.

Peter took out his cell phone and handed it over. "Call him now." One arm came around his

shoulders, Peter holding him close.

Sammy nodded and dialed, starting to shake a little bit, even as the business phone rang again. It

wasn't fear, though. It wasn't. He was pissed.

Peter reached over and picked up the receiver, dropped it back into its cradle before picking it

back up again and leaving it off the hook.

Sammy nodded, listening to the cell phone ring. Then Harry's voice sounded. "Hey Laffy, 'sup?"

"It's me."

"Sammy? What's wrong? Where's Peter?"

"Harry, I need help. He found me. He's been calling. He said he was going to kill me, that he was

going to attack Peter."

"He... he, who? Oh!" Harry growled, the sound furious. "Peter's with you, yeah? Are you at

home?"

"No. At the store. Can you come?"

"Yeah. Yeah. Lemme talk to Peter."

Sammy handed the phone over.

Peter held the phone so he could hear the conversation. "It's Peter."

"Hey, Laffy. I want you to stay there with him, hmm? I'll be there in ten, but the guy could be

calling from a cell. You don't have to close the store, you know what he looks like, but you be

careful."

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Oh, God.

Oh, God.

Peter's arm tightened around him. "I'm not going anywhere. But the sooner you get here, the

happier we'll both be."

"I'll use the sirens. Hold tight." The line went dead.

"I'm sorry, Peter. I'm so sorry."

"Sorry for what? You're not the one calling and threatening yourself." Peter pressed a quick, hard

kiss to his lips. "It's going to be all right. Harry'll be here any minute."

"He said he was going to kill me. I... I screamed at him."

"Good for you, Samuel."

He nodded. "I was so fucking mad. Calling me here. Threatening you. Motherfucker." He started

pacing, snarling under his breath.

"Yeah, it isn't right. He treated you wrong, and you left him. He's an abuser."

"He's an asshole and a bully and if I see him again I'm going to kick his ass."

Peter was smiling at him.

"Don't fucking grin at me, now. I'm serious." He was… he was… he was something. Peter was

his lover. This was his life. He wasn't going to let some prick take it away from him.

"I'm just appreciating your attitude."

"What attitude? I'm angry. He's threatening you, our life. Aren't you angry?" How could Peter

not be angry?

"I am. But it wasn't that long ago you would have thought it was your fault. Or that you deserved

it somehow. And I'm pleased at that change, your growth."

"No. Well, it is my fault, in a way, because I didn't beat him to death, but I don't deserve this."

"Nobody deserves this. You didn't deserve what he did to you while you were together, either."

Peter opened his arms.

"No, but I shouldn't have stayed. It'll never happen again." He knew where he belonged, now.

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Peter's arms wrapped around him. "No, it won't. It'll be all right, love. Harry's coming."

"Our hero, huh?" He chuckled, then leaned a second. It didn't take but a minute and Harry was

coming in the door, in his street uniform, looking like something out of CHiPS or something.

Jase was right. It was hot.

"So, is he still calling?"

"I took the phone off the hook." Peter nodded toward it, gave Harry a handshake.

"Let's put it back. I have a little recorder. I'll need you to make a complaint, both of you. We'll

need a restraining order." Harry nodded to him. "You cool?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I told him off."

"Good for you. Good for calling."

Harry put the recording equipment on the phone, and Peter put the receiver back on. They all

stared at it.

Nothing.

"I swear he called, Harry."

"It's cool, Sammy."

"He likely gave up after it was clear we had the phone off the hook." Peter patted his back.

"Yeah, I'm sure..." The phone rang again, and they all jumped.

"I'll get it." Peter picked up the receiver. "Fancy Old Things."

He could hear the low, growly voice, see Peter's cheeks go dark red.

"We've called the police. We're making a complaint, so I suggest you don't come anywhere near

Samuel or myself."

"Tell him to fuck off, Peter." He reached for the phone.

Peter put a hand over the phone. "Samuel. Language."

He blinked, stared. "You're fucking kidding me."

"We're not going to let him change the way we do things, love."

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He could hear William still screaming on the other end of the line.

"Go to hell, you bastard!" He hated William. Hated him.

"You'll be sorry, Sammy! I swear to fucking God, I will make you so fucking sorry."

Sammy held the phone to his ear. "You leave us alone, you motherfucker. You leave us be."

Harry shook his arm, whispering at him. "Back off, Sammy. This is evidence. Peter, man, tell

him to stop calling."

"Stop calling, William. You stop calling. We don't want you to call here or at home or on

Sammy’s cell. Stop. Calling."

Sammy opened his mouth to shout again, but Harry pulled him away, hand over his mouth.

"Please, man. Shh. Let Peter do this. He's the owner. It matters. I want to pick this asshole up for

a death threat."

He stilled, nodding. Okay. Right. Still.

More obscenities came from the phone and Peter waited until there was a moment of silence.

"I'm the owner here, and I have told you not to call again. Goodbye." Peter hung up. "I imagine

he'll call back, won't he?"

"He'll come here." Sammy knew it. He knew William.

Peter's hand curled around his shoulder and, when the phone didn't ring, Peter nodded. "He's not

calling. Harry, we should go -- I don’t want that bastard anywhere near Samuel."

"I need you two to come down to the station. I want this stuff on paper. I want it all legal so that

when I pick the bastard up, I can hold him."

"I... I have clients."

"Call them and cancel, Sammy. This man wants to hurt you." Harry looked so serious.

Peter nodded. "This is serious, Samuel. Call them and let's go."

"Okay. Okay." He was sliding from angry into scared. He flipped through his notes, called

Krissy and Rhonda and rescheduled. Peter rubbed his shoulders, his back, staying close.

When he was done, Harry was on the phone with Jase, encouraging Jason not to come down to

the station.

Peter gave him another hug. "How are you holding up, love?"

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"I'm..." He sighed, looked up into those warm eyes. "I just want to go home."

"I know, love. We have to go with Harry to file the paperwork, though, hmm?" Peter's arms

looped around him, drew him close. "And when we're done I'm going to take you home, feed

you, and then tie you to the bed and have my wicked way with you."

"Guys. Gross. Station. Now." Harry pointed to the door.

Peter chuckled and took his hand, heading for the front. "Don't be so squeamish, Harry."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let's go, guys."

Peter locked the store up. "I'll drive. We'll follow you, Harry."

"Good deal." Harry hopped into the patrol car and headed toward the center of town.

He and Peter went down the street where Peter had parked, walking quickly without saying a

word. For a second Sammy thought he heard someone behind them, walking in step with them.

He spun around, eyes searching the street.

"Samuel?" Peter took his arm. "Come on, love."

"I... Okay. Okay, hurry." He suddenly wanted to just run.

"Okay, love. Come on. The car’s right here."

Sammy slid into the car, locked the door behind him. Peter got in the driver's side and started up

the car. As they pulled out of their parking spot, another car pulled out and fell into line behind

them.

"Peter." He turned around, looking, but he couldn't tell who was driving.

"What?" Peter glanced in the rear view and sped up.

"I think it's... Let's go to the station."

"Yeah, yeah. We are. It's a busy street, love. He won't do anything." Still, Peter sped up again.

"I'm sorry. So sorry, Peter. I swear to God." He felt a little sick. He'd brought this into Peter's

life.

"Stop that."

"Stop what?"

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"Apologizing. This isn't your fault."

"But if I'd been stronger earlier..." He stopped, remembering screaming at William, snarling.

"You were, hmm?" Peter's hand slid over his thigh and squeezed.

He nodded, scooted closer. "I'm so mad, Peter."

"Good. Good. You should be."

"I am. I want to hit that fucking asshole as hard as I can."

"I wonder if Harry would arrange that for you." Peter gave him a wink, pulled into the parking

lot of the police station.

"I hope so."

Jason came running at him, arms open. Oh, God. Harry was going to scream.

The car that had been following them went past and disappeared down the road.

"Go on," murmured Peter. "Get the two of you inside fast."

Jase threw open his door. "Sammy! Oh, God!"

"Harry's gonna scream at you." He pushed into Jase's arms. "I yelled at him."

Jase held on and didn't let go, the two of them walking awkwardly toward the front doors. "Why

did you yell at Harry?"

"No. William. I yelled at him." Sammy actually chuckled, shook his head. "I called him a

motherfucker."

Jase gasped, and then looked back to where Peter was coming up the steps and started giggling.

"Are you allowed to do that?"

"Shh. Don't remind him." They headed in, Harry talking to a couple of other cops.

Harry waved. "Guys, this is Officer Dawson and Officer O'Malley. Gina, Lou -- Peter and

Sammy. They're the guys I told you about."

Officer Dawson held her hand out. "Harry is going to let us run with the case, so no one can

accuse him of doing anything untoward."

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"Excellent. Nice to meet you, officers." Peter shook both their hands. "So, what's our first step to

get this man out of our lives?"

"We need to file harassment charges, get your complaint, and seek a restraining order. That's our

first step." Lou -- who was about a foot shorter than his partner and ten times louder -- ushered

them back into the station.

Peter wrapped an arm around his waist, offering support and love as they sat at Lou's desk. Jase

fluttered at his other side, holding onto his hand and just being Jase.

It was easier than he expected -- answer this question, sign here, go see the notary, go see the

judge. He guessed having Harry there helped. He knew the fact that William had a record of

violence did.

"So this is everything?" Peter asked. "Now we do what? Wait for him to get picked up on the

harassment charges? Call you if he calls again or comes near us?"

"If he calls again, threatens you, give us a call. We'll pick him up on the stalker charge, but he'll

only be in until he makes bail." Gina shrugged. "If he contacts you again, you call immediately."

"That's not terribly reassuring," Peter pointed out.

"I'll keep an eye on things, Laffy." Harry leaned over. "He's a coward, huh, Sammy? Hopefully a

bit of a scare will move him on."

"I guess." He didn't know. Not at all.

Peter's arm tightened around his shoulders. "I bet he does. His type are cowards. Stand up to

them and they don't know what to do."

"And Harry'll take care of you." Jase beamed at his lover.

"Okay." This didn't feel right, not a bit of it, but what did he know?

Peter gave him a look. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." What was he supposed to say?

"You don't look any happier than when we got here."

"I don't think he's as scared as you want him to be."

"I hope you're wrong, love. I want him leaving us alone -- leaving you alone." Peter looked so

serious.

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"Yeah, me, too." He stood, shook both the policemen's -- police persons'? -- hands. "I want to go home." Harry looked at Jason. "I'm off the clock, Jase. Y'all want to go supper?" No. No, he really didn't. Jase slid an arm around his waist and looked into his face. "What do you want, honey?" "I need to go home. I need to, Jase. Later in the week, we'll have supper together. All of us." "Okay, honey." Jase hugged him hard. "I love you. Be safe." "I'll have Peter." He smiled at Harry and started walking before anyone could argue. Peter's hand took his as his lover fell into step with him. "It'll be all right, love." "I hope so." The car was right outside in the parking lot. "Someone needs a little distraction, I think." Peter opened the car for him. "I don't know. I may just need some tequila and a week-long nap." "You want to stop for Mexican?" Peter started up the car. "I don't know. Is it safe?" Was anywhere safe? "We'll be in a public place with other people. I think it is." "Okay." Except, no. No, it wasn't okay. He didn't fucking want to go out. One of Peter's eyebrows went up. "Your mouth is saying one thing, your body another." "I don't want to play games."

Peter pulled the car over to the side of the road and idled, turning to him. "Samuel. I asked if you

wanted to stop for Mexican, I didn't say we had to. You agreed, but your body language is saying

no. I'm not playing games with you."

"I just want to go home. No. No, that's not true." He stopped, took a deep breath. "I want to go

over to William's apartment and hit him. I want to tell that fuck monkey to go to hell."

Wait.

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Did he just say 'fuck monkey'?

"Samuel!" The corners of Peter's lips twitched.

"What? It's true. He's a vicious, lying, abusive, asshole fuck monkey!" God, that felt good.

Peter snorted, made a noise that sounded like a swallowed laugh. "I do believe we can lift the no

swearing rule as it applies to William, only."

"Excellent." He leaned his head back and screamed out a string of expletives that would

normally get him beaten. Oh. Oh, that felt good.

"Feel any better?"

"Yes." He nodded, breathing hard. "Yes, I do."

"So, do you want to go somewhere and get a drink? Or do you want to go home?"

"I want to go home."

"Home it is." Peter leaned over and kissed him, eyes holding his gaze. "I love you."

"I love you, too. I... I want you to know, Peter, if I'd known, for a second, that he'd threaten you...

"

"It's not your fault, love."

"I know, but... I'd have done anything to keep you safe." Anything at all.

Peter shook his head. "This isn't on you, Samuel."

"I think maybe it has to be, Peter. At least somewhat."

Peter got them back into the flow of traffic, heading toward home. "How so?"

"Well, I stayed with him. I led him to you." Surely Peter understood that.

"You knew he was unbalanced and violent and prone to threatening to kill people?"

He thought about that. "I... I knew he was violent."

"Then why did you stay?"

He blushed dark, looked at his hands. "I don't know if I can tell you all the reasons." He'd been

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scared. He'd been sick. He'd been incredibly grateful that someone wanted him. He'd wanted a

place to stay. He'd wanted to... Well, he'd wanted to be hurt. He still did, but not... God.

"You know I love you, right, Samuel?"

"I know, Peter. I love you."

"Okay, then. No more talk of blame or apologies over William. He's the... what did you call him?

Fuck monkey? Not you."

"Okay." He nodded, eyes on his hands. He needed a nap.

Peter pulled the car up into their parking spot and stopped the engine, looking around the lot.

"Come on. Let's get home."

"Sounds like a plan." They hurried up the stairs instead of taking the elevator and went in,

locking the door behind them.

Peter took his hand and headed down the hall. "Do you need the bathroom, love?"

"Huh?" He followed, mindlessly, caught up in questions inside his own head.

"I'm going to tie you up and hold you while you sleep -- do you need the bathroom first?"

"I. Yes. Yes, I do." Tie him up? Tonight? "Are you sure?"

"You need to be at peace, you need to sleep. I'm sure." Peter led him to the bathroom.

"I have things on my mind, Peter. Lots of things."

"I know. That's why you need a quiet space."

"But that'll make it worse... Won't it?" Quiet space? He didn't need quiet space.

"Not if I melt your brains out of your ears first."

He stopped halfway to the toilet, blinked, and then started chuckling.

Peter smiled at him. "What?"

"You're just..." He went to hug Peter tight. "I love you."

Peter's arms wrapped around him, warm and sure and strong. "I love you, Samuel. Very much.

We'll get through this."

"We will." He rested his cheek on Peter's shoulder.

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Peter's chin rested on his head as Peter stroked his back, the touches soothing, gentle. They just

stood there, wrapped together, holding on.

"I won't let go of you," Peter promised.

"Good." He lifted his face for a kiss. That sounded perfect.

Now, if the universe would only listen.

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Chapter Twenty

The next morning, Peter called up his part-timer Jeannie and asked her to open and close his store. He was going to work there himself, with Samuel. Just for a day or two, until this whole thing blew over. "Thanks, Jeannie, I appreciate it. Call me on the cell if you need anything." He wandered into the kitchen, closing and pocketing the phone. "Hey, love. What's for breakfast

this morning?"

"Waffles." Samuel looked guarded, subdued.

"Sounds good." He started setting the table.

"I'm going to work at Fancy Old Things with you for a couple of days, okay?"

"You don't have to. It's probably not safe..."

"I want to. And it'll be a lot safer with both of us there."

"I want you to, too." The words were just barely whispered and Peter could feel Samuel's fear,

the sick shame.

He put the syrup down on the table and went to hug Samuel from behind, holding him tight. "It's

all right to admit you're scared, that you don't want to do this alone."

"I don't want him to hurt me."

"God, neither do I." He kissed the top of Samuel's head. "I don't want him so much as looking at

you, let alone anything else."

Samuel nodded. "Can't he find someone to give him what he needs?"

And there was the problem. Samuel did give the vicious bastard what he needed.

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"He's not the type of person to be satisfied unless he's jerking someone around. His version of

power is based in fear."

"But why?"

"I don't know. Maybe his father beat him when he was a kid, maybe he's just wired wrong." Peter

shrugged. He didn't know and, frankly, he didn't care. He just wanted William to leave them

alone.

"I'm not scared of you. I get scared of the things I need from you, sometimes, but not you."

"Do you? What scares you? That you need so much?"

"Sometimes. Or that there's something wrong with me, how much I like being spanked, being a

sub." Samuel was chewing on his bottom lip again.

"You know better than that, Samuel. There's nothing wrong with you, nothing at all."

"I know." Samuel nodded to him, smiled. "Still, sometimes you have to wonder, huh? When

you're not 'normal.'"

"I don't know. What's normal?" Was anybody really normal? They all had something that made

them different, whether it was something small or large.

"Harry. Harry is, like, ubernormal."

He chuckled. "Yeah, all right, I'll give you that one. But is ubernormal actually normal?" He

winked, trying to tease, to lighten the mood.

Samuel's smile proved it worked "Probably not. He makes Jason happy, though, huh?"

"He does. He makes Jase glow in a way I've only ever seen someone in a scene glow." He kissed

Samuel. "I like to think I make you just as happy."

"No. No, you make me more than happy, Peter. Jase always knew Harry'd fall for him. I didn't

know if you'd ever find me."

"I did, though." He took Samuel's face between his hands and kissed him. "I did."

"You did." The smile Samuel gave him made his knees weak. He brought their mouths together,

the emotion more than he could express in words. They let the kiss linger, let themselves luxuriate in it, in them. It felt good, it felt normal, right. "I need to rescue your waffle." He chuckled, tickled. "That sounds naughty."

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Samuel reached down, cupped his balls, and he nodded, murmured, "Mmm... yes, I was thinking something like that." "Let me grab your breakfast. Then I'll... grab the rest." Still chuckling, he stepped back, finished setting the table. Sammy got busy with plates and food. "Did you want me to make eggs?" "No, no, the waffles are more than enough. You take good care of me." "I try. Bacon? Sausage? You might need protein..."

"Oh? I might need protein, might I? How about sausage?"

"Okay. There's some in the freezer." Samuel put the plate in front of him, going on autopilot

again.

Peter spread butter on the waffle while it was still hot. "Aren't you going to have anything?"

"Huh?" Two pieces of sausage were put into a skillet. Oh, no. There would be none of that

nonsense.

"Put four in, Samuel." He cut his waffle in two.

"Four? You're hungry." Two more plopped in.

Hungry, or sharing with his take-care-of-everyone-else-instead-of-himself lover.

"Do you want me to make you another waffle, love?"

"No, come share this one with me, and then we'll eat our sausage and go."

"Okay. I. Wait. What?"

"Come sit with me and we'll eat this waffle together." Just the two of them, feeding each other.

"Are you sure that's enough?" Samuel came, settling in his lap, face lifting for a kiss.

"We can have more if you're still hungry." He gave Samuel that kiss, and his hand slid along his

lover's back, soothing. It was just another day. "Okay." Samuel opened for a bite, and a soft hum sounded.

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He blinked a moment, surprised by how easy that had been. Then, smiling, he popped a piece of

waffle into Samuel's mouth.

"Mmm." Samuel cuddled in, just for a moment.

He kissed the corner of Samuel's mouth and fed him another piece of waffle.

"You eat the rest."

He shook his head. "There's a whole half for you, love."

"But I... the sausage!"

"Rescue it, love. And we can share that, too." He slid his hand along Samuel's ass as his lover

stood.

The sausage was nice and crispy; the smell made his stomach rumble. "Do you want juice?"

"Sure. Two glasses -- you need to take care of yourself as well as me." If he kept repeating it,

maybe Samuel would come to believe it.

"It's my job to take care of you." Sammy grabbed the orange juice from the fridge.

"And mine to take care of you. And as long as that doesn't involve my actually cooking, I

imagine we'll both survive."

That made Samuel laugh again, and two glasses of juice were poured before he ended up with a

lapful of man again. They ate the rest of the waffle and the sausages together, laughing and

talking. It made him grin, knowing that this was the real Samuel, this was the loving, happy, dear

man he'd fallen for.

He helped Samuel do the dishes when they were done and grabbed his briefcase. "Let's go to

work, love."

"I'm right behind you, Peter." A warm hand slid over his ass.

"Mmm... so you are." He pushed back into Samuel's touch.

"Sexy man." That was a definite grope.

"And you're very tempting..." He'd love to just leave the shop closed and take Samuel back into

the bedroom. But they needed to get through the day, to do this together.

"I'll tempt you all day long."

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"That sounds like fun. And then tonight we can give in to temptation."

"I like that idea." Samuel's hand wrapped around his waist.

He put his arm around Samuel's shoulders as they headed to the car. "We'll have to see what

other ideas you like during the day." He had a feeling it was going to be very hard to concentrate on work with Samuel on hand all day. "I..." Samuel stopped as a police cruiser drove by. "Is that for us?"

It wouldn't surprise him, if Harry asked his friends to just run by when they could. "I don't know.

It's good to know that they're coming by, though, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Yeah, it is. Harry's a good friend." Samuel sighed a little, and then headed for the car

again. "How do you feel about getting rid of the book inventory?"

"You don't like the book inventory?" He loved Samuel's mind, the way he noticed things, was

always thinking of ways to make things better at the store.

"Well, they aren't amazing pieces. They're trying to mold, and they're not moving. I'd like to

focus on the furniture and accessories. I think the smell bothers some customers."

"Is there anyone buying books we could sell them to? I'd hate to have to write off the whole

inventory."

Samuel grinned over, eyes wicked and gleaming. "No, but there's a book store owner with an amazing settee and buffet who's moving into a smaller space." He laughed. "Are you saying we could work out a trade?"

"I'm saying that we'll end up about five hundred dollars ahead with a little work, clear off the

shelves, and have a Louis the Fourteenth Enfiliade in the shop."

"You, my love, are amazing."

"Hmm? I'm just me."

And that was part of it, wasn't it? Samuel didn't have a clue just how special he was. "There's no

'just' about that."

"It's your business, Peter. I'm just helping."

"You're making it work better than I could have ever imagined." He was so proud of Samuel.

"Good. I want this -- our life. More than anything."

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He nodded and squeezed Samuel's shoulders, before unlocking the car. "Me, too, love."

"Yeah?" Samuel smiled for him. "Then we're on the right track."

"We are. Our track." He gave Samuel a quick kiss and they headed for work.

He wasn't going to let that man ruin this. Not at all.

***

Sammy locked the door behind them and then collapsed on the sofa. It had been an incredibly

long day -- between worrying every time the phone rang and jumping with each opening of the

door and Peter teasing and testing him all day, he was exhausted.

Happy to be home.

A little tense.

"What do you want for supper?" He was leaning toward pizza.

"I'm easy." Peter winked when he said it, a little half-smile quirking his lips.

"Pizza it is." He pulled out his cell, dialed, eyes closed as he made the order, including a six pack

of beer.

He'd barely hung up when Peter's fingers dug into his shoulders. "Relax, love. It was a good day. Quiet." "I know." He leaned his head forward, moaned at Peter's touch.

"And you sold that ugly old desk. For full price. I didn't think we were going to be able to give

that thing away." Peter's fingers knew just where to press and rub to work his muscles loose.

"It wasn't ugly." Okay, maybe it was, but still...

Peter chuckled. "Well, it wasn't one of history's prettiest offerings. I'm just glad you got rid of it.

Oh, did you see that notice about the estate sale next Friday evening?"

"I did. Wanna go?" Oh, don't stop.

"I do. Rommy Nilson's place was like a showcase -- I was lucky enough to get a tour once. It'd

be great if we could get our hands on some of those pieces." Peter didn't stop, rubbing up and

down his spine now.

"Excellent." He leaned forward. "We could get a hotel, spend the weekend away."

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He'd like that, really. Maybe even desperately. Peter was quiet a moment, hands stilling, and then the heavy touches started again. "If we went up the coast a bit, we could do that. Maybe a B and B on the coast?" "We don't have to. I mean, if you don't want to." "No, I'd like to. I just want to make sure we make a holiday of it, you know?" "Okay. I mean, I haven't ever..." Peter's hands stilled again. "You've never what? Been on a holiday?" "Nope." When had he been able to? "Oh, love." Peter's arms came around him, hugging him tight. "What?" He hugged back, unsure why Peter was upset. "We'll leave early on Friday and come back Monday morning. It'll be wonderful, I promise,

love."

"It sounds like fun." He begged another kiss. "Just you and me."

"You and me and relaxation and being away from it all." Peter's lips slid over his, slowly

opening his mouth, tongue dipping in.

Sammy hummed and turned, kneeling on the chair so the kiss could deepen. Peter's hands slid

down his back to grab his ass, squeezing.

"Mmm. Peter."

"I'll make your first vacation memorable. You'll see." It was said so solemnly, like a vow, a

promise.

"You make everything memorable, love." He leaned in, the chair tilting. "Everything."

"I try, Samuel." Peter's eyes met his, full of love and heat. He reached up, cupped Peter's face,

traced the smile. Peter nuzzled into his touch, gaze holding his. "I'll take care of everything."

"There's nothing you want me to do?"

"Hmm... you'd maybe like to help plan your first vacation?"

"We're just going away for a night, right?"

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"Three. Friday, Saturday and Sunday."

He was a little confused. "Then there shouldn't be much planning, should there?"

"We have to choose where we want to go, pick a place to stay, book it. We can look up the area

on the internet, see if there's anything we want to do or see. Or I can take care of everything -- it's up to you, love." Peter stroked over his cheeks. "I just want to make sure it's special." "Okay, then, you can surprise me." That could be fun.

Peter nodded. "I can do that. I just didn't want to take over if you wanted to participate." His

lover grinned suddenly, Peter looking almost boyish. "This'll be fun."

He grinned back, suddenly tickled. Yeah. Yeah, it would be something new. Something good.

The doorbell rang, made him jump. Oh. Pizza.

"I'll get it." Peter dropped a kiss on his mouth and grabbed his wallet, heading for the front door.

"Be careful, huh?" Not that he was scared.

Peter made an affirmative noise and peeked through the peephole before opening the door. He

smelled the pizza -- the rich red sauce, the meat, the cheese. His stomach rumbled and he

suddenly felt better than he had all day.

Peter dealt with paying and the tip and locked the door, bringing the box in along with the sixpack. "Are we going to eat on the couch?"

"Sure. Do you want beer? Coke?"

"Oh, I think beer would be nice, hmm? Get a little mellow."

"Yeah. Yeah, sounds good." He wandered into the kitchen and grabbed some paper plates, some

napkins.

He met Peter in the living room, soft music playing on the stereo system while Peter opened their

pizza box. "Hey. Smells good."

"It smells like the start of a perfect evening. A pizza, some beer, and you and me."

"Can I sit in your lap?" He felt his cheeks heat at the question.

"I'd like that." Peter patted his knees.

"Yeah? It makes me. I mean..." He sat down, pushed in close. Oh, better.

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"It makes you what, love?" Peter's arm went around him.

"Hot, sort of, but it's more than that. Have your beer." God, he had diarrhea of the mouth.

Peter chuckled and then had a sip. "Tell me more and I'll let you have slice of pizza."

"Tell you more what?" He caught a drop of beer off Peter's bottom lip.

Peter licked his fingertip. "Mmm... about how it's more than being hot."

"I just... It's all. It makes me feel special."

Peter's smile was slow, but it lit his whole face. "You are special, Samuel."

"I don't know about that, but I love this. Being close." Being held. Being in Peter's lap.

"I like it, too." Peter pressed their lips together.

Oh, better. He opened up, licked Peter's lips carefully, just barely tasting.

Peter's tongue slipped out to swipe at his for a moment before backing off. "We need to eat,

love."

"Okay. It smells perfect." He leaned back, grabbed a piece, and started feeding it to his lover.

Peter took a bite, keeping eye contact, making it sexy somehow. "Is it good?" He nibbled at the

crust.

"It is. I haven't had a bad meal with you yet."

"Oh, now... Remember the sweet potato soup?" Gag.

"But we had so much fun making peanut butter sandwiches afterward."

They had. They'd laughed so hard that his side had ached the next day. Sammy thought they'd

gone through an entire jar of jelly. "They were the best sandwiches in the history of the Earth."

"They were. So I stand by my assertion." Peter winked and offered him a bite. He hummed over

the spicy, rich flavor, his stomach growling. Peter chuckled. "Someone's hungry."

"I am." He'd picked at his lunch and breakfast was hours ago.

"Then we should canoodle less and eat more."

"Can't we do both?"

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"I don't know, you're awfully distracting..."

"Me?" He stole another kiss, then another bite.

Chuckling, Peter added yet another kiss. "Yes. You. My sexy Samuel."

"Sexy, huh?" He leaned in, licking a drop of tomato sauce off Peter's lip.

"Very." Peter's word was almost a growl.

"I'm just a skinny little sub."

That growl made his cock fill. "Stop that. You're mine. And that's not 'just' anything."

His entire body rippled, toes curling. "Yes, sir. Yours." Do it again.

"That's right, mine." Oh, there it was, that growl. Peter's eyes were so heated, focused. Sammy's

mouth was dry, eyes burning in his head. "And you're doing it -- distracting me. Eat. Now.

Before I jump you."

"Is that an order?" He dared to reach down, to cup Peter's cock through his slacks.

Peter growled again, louder this time, and the sound vibrated in the air between them. "Yes."

He whimpered, wanting to scream and laugh and beg, all at once. Peter handed him another

piece of pizza. His fingers were shaking, and he ate a bite before offering the slice to Peter.

His lover took a bite and then turned the slice back to him. "Finish that and we can go focus on

the distraction."

"Yes, sir. You need a piece, too." Before everything, he needed to take care of his Peter.

"I've had bites of yours."

"Eat. You need it." He could be stubborn.

"Going to tap my... energy, are you?"

He chuckled, swatted Peter's thigh playfully. "Maybe."

"That sounds promising." Peter picked up a piece of pizza and started eating. Between playing

and kissing, they actually finished the pizza and beer, leaning together.

Peter held him close, finger sliding across his chin before pressing to his lips. "Sauce."

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He moaned and sucked Peter's finger clean. Swallowing, Peter began to slide that finger in and out of his mouth. Oh. Oh, yeah. He could get behind this, sucking Peter's finger like it was that amazing cock. The cock in question was growing, becoming hard against his thigh. Sammy let his eyes close as he pulled slow and easy. Peter's groans filled the room; Peter's free hand slid around his hip and tugged him close. The air around them seemed to get sort of heavy, thick. The buttons on his shirt were pulled open, Peter touching him, fingers sliding on his skin. He

loved that touch, the way Peter's fingers dragged over him.

"Love..." Peter's voice slid over him, full of need.

"Mmmhmm." He did. He loved.

Peter's finger pulled suddenly out of his mouth, Peter kissing him, tongue pushing in. His cock

jerked as he opened to the kiss, hips rubbing against Peter's belly. Hands landed on his ass and

encouraged the rubbing, guided him so their pricks pushed together.

There wasn't anything to stop them this time -- nothing.

Thank goodness.

They shifted, Peter falling over to lie on the couch, bringing him down as well. Their lips rubbed

together, almost hard enough to split. He moaned, shifted down a little to ease up the pressure.

"Where are you going?" growled Peter.

"Huh?" Oh, fuck. Fuck, that was hot. Peter's hand landed on his ass and put him right back where

he'd been. "Peter." He was going to shake apart with pure arousal.

"That's me." Peter grinned and dragged their bodies together, bucking up against him.

Reaching down between them, Sammy reached for Peter's crotch, that fine cock, the heavy balls.

"Yes. Zippers down. Both of us."

"Uh-huh." He got Peter's zipper pulled, got his hand around that pretty cock.

Peter bucked hard, hot flesh sliding along his palm. "Yeah. Yeah."

So hot. So good. He kept touching, jacking his lover off.

"You, too," Peter reminded him, that sexy growl back.

"Hmm?" Peter's cock was leaking for him.

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"Undo your zipper, too, Samuel."

"My hands need your cock." He knew he was pushing; he knew.

"Samuel."

"Yes, Peter? Sir?"

"Undo your zipper now." Peter's eyes met his, full of heat and need. "And then you can have my

cock."

"Okay. Okay, I'm sorry." He got his own zipper down, clumsily.

Peter's groan was his answer, one hand wrapped around his cock as it came free of his

underwear. Sammy could smell himself, smell the way his musk mingled with Peter's, and it

made him ache.

"Together," growled Peter and his fingers opened, took both cocks together.

"Yes. Yes, sir." His head fell back, throat working, his hand joining Peter's.

"Oh, God. Yes." Peter's hips began to push, and they both moved together.

"Want you. Want all of you." He kept moaning, kept talking, telling Peter how much he needed.

"This first, love."

Yes.

"Love." He shot, his entire body caught and held by pleasure.

"Samuel. Samuel." Moaning, Peter kept moving, humping into his hand, and then coming. Sammy slumped forward, breathing hard. Happy. Right where he needed to be. Peter's knees bent, his legs cradling him, held him close. "Mmm." He could stay right here, right where he was. Forever.

"I agree. Love you, Samuel." Peter's fingers slid over his back.

"Yeah. Love." It was.

Just like it was supposed to be.

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Chapter Twenty One

Peter took a sip of his beer and grinned at Harry over Samuel and Jason's heads. Harry was at the grill, cooking meat while Samuel and Jason egged each other on to be the first one into the pool. It was a beautiful evening, just right for a relaxing dinner with their friends. Harry rolled his eyes, winking. "How're the new stores doing, man?" "Really well. Samuel's store is going to be my real money-maker." He was so proud. He truly

was.

"Good deal. He likes that shit."

"He's very good at that shit."

"I don't doubt it. Jase said he was like this wunderkind in school."

A huge splash sounded as Jason and Samuel jumped in together. Peter laughed, listening to them

squeal about the cold water.

"He is a wunderkind. I'm just thankful he finally agreed to help me out."

"Yeah." Harry nodded, flipped a chicken breast, and then spoke with a lower voice. "I wish I

could've kept that bastard in jail, though. He's got a good lawyer."

Peter nodded and growled. "I want him put away for a very long time."

"He's saying it's a game him and Sammy play. That Sammy just... got another guy and stopped

playing."

"It's not a game. He was abusing Samuel, plain and simple. And now he's threatening Samuel's

life -- what kind of game is that?" It made him so mad, that some people hid behind the lifestyle,

used it as an excuse for abuse and took advantage of men like his Samuel.

"I know that, man. He'll slip up; I know it."

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"I won't let him hurt Samuel again. He's done enough damage." It made him growl and scowl, even though he knew Harry was one of the good guys and on their side. "I hear you." Harry looked over at the boys, smiling. "He looks good, though, Laffy. Happy." "He is, Harry. I promise you I shall spend my life making sure he stays that way." He knew Harry was protective of Samuel because of how close he and Jason were, and Peter appreciated it, that Samuel had someone to look out for him aside from Peter himself. Harry nodded, grinned a little. "Perv."

He rolled his eyes and grabbed a bun off the picnic table, tossing it at Harry.

Harry caught it, split it, and shoved a chicken breast in between the halves. "Kids! Out of the

pool! The meat is burned!"

Peter rolled onto the back legs of his chair, laughing and clapping. Samuel and Jason zipped

over, wrapped in towels and shivering, the spring still too early for a real swim. Harry shook his head, grinned, and said, "Y'all go in, get dry. I'll make plates up." "I'll give you a hand, Harry." He grabbed a cold kiss from Samuel first, tongue slipping in to taste from the warmth inside Samuel's mouth.

He couldn't help but smile as they tottered inside, thin arms draped around each other.

He shook himself and helped Harry match meat with buns until the grill was cleared and they

had two plates full of food. They had the sandwiches on the table and beers out of the little

cooler when they heard the doorbell ring.

"Wonder who that is?" Harry wiped his hands and had started moving toward the condo when

they heard a sharp gunshot and a scream. "Jason!" Harry headed for the stairs at a dead run.

Peter's heart went into his throat. Samuel. He followed Harry, calling for his lover.

"Peter, cover the fucking front, call 911." Harry hit the back door, the frame shattering. "Peter!

He's heading out the front!"

Peter ran, just in time to see William drag Samuel down the walk, toward a car.

Shouting, he gave chase, running as fast as he could.

"Peter!" Samuel was fighting, screaming. "Help me! Peter! Harry! No!"

Peter sped up, but before he could get to Samuel, his lover was thrown into a pick-up, William

peeling away like a bat out of hell.

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"Harry! He's getting away!" Peter ran for his own car.

Harry leapfrogged over the stairs, landing hard, gun in hand. Three shots rang out -- bang, bang,

bang -- and the little pickup truck spun out, hit a light pole with a sickening thud.

"Oh, God! Samuel!" Peter turned sharply, headed for the pick-up. "Samuel!"

"Stay back, Lafayette!" Harry ran for the wreck, the sirens already audible.

As if. Peter kept moving fast, eyes on the door Samuel had disappeared through.

Harry pointed the gun at the truck, legs spread. "Get out of the fucking truck, man. I will shoot

your ass. Put your fucking hands up!"

"Harry. Harry, help me. He's out. I'm stuck, Harry, please!" Samuel sounded absolutely frantic.

Peter slammed into the side of the pick-up. "I'm coming, Samuel!"

"Peter!" He could see Samuel's hand through the broken glass.

"Stay there, love!" The door was badly bent, and when he grabbed hold of the handle, it wouldn't

open. "Harry! Get over here and help me."

"Lafayette, I have a perp here. Get away from the fucking vehicle!"

"Samuel needs help!" Damn it, couldn't Harry see that asshole was out cold?

Of course, that's when Samuel screamed and that bastard's eyes popped open.

"Fuck! Harry! The bastard's waking up!" Peter yanked at the door handle, trying desperately to

get it open, to get at William before the bastard had a chance to do anything else to Samuel.

"Sammy! Sammy, God damn it! Hit him. Don't let him hurt you again. You move, man, I'll fire."

Harry never looked away from the car.

Peter nodded. "Clock him on the skull, love!" Then he tore around to the other side of the pickup, trusting Harry to shoot William if the man so much as blinked.

Samuel's screams got louder, but Peter thought they sounded more furious than scared, more

angry. He could see his lover, beating at William, tearing at him.

The police and the fire department arrived at the same time, and Harry looked at him. "Laff. You

have to make him stop. Now. Don't let the others see him assaulting that prick."

He banged on the window, unable to open the door thanks to the post the truck was jammed up

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against. "Love. Stop. Listen to me, Samuel. The police are here now, you have to stop. Let them

handle it."

Bright, near-black eyes stared at him. "Get me the fuck out of here."

"The fire truck is here, love. They'll have you out in a jiffy, and if that asshole makes a single

move, Harry is going to shoot him. So you just focus right here on me. Right here." He put his

hand against the window, holding Samuel's gaze.

"Is Jase okay?"

"He's fine." Peter assumed it wasn't a lie -- someone had called 911, and it hadn't been him or

Harry.

"He's good, Sammy. Sound knocked him out a little, but he's golden. Come on, guys." Harry

waved the firemen over, gun never wavering.

Peter added his voice. "Come on, come on. Get him out of there."

By the time they had Samuel out and William in the ambulance with police escort, Jason was

downstairs fretting. Peter held onto Samuel, not letting go even when Jason came over to hug

and fuss over Samuel.

"Guys, you have to let the EMTs check him out." Harry grabbed Jason, nudged him. "Now.

Jason, go talk to Lou. Give him your statement."

Peter was willing to have Samuel checked over, but he was staying. "I'm not letting him out of

my sight."

"Stay out of the way." Harry jogged back toward the police, who were trying to control the

crowd, the media. When had all these people shown up?

Peter turned his back on it all and shielded Samuel as best he could. "It's okay, Samuel, I'm right here." "Peter. Take me home."

"The EMTs need to check you and then that's exactly what I'm doing." He looked at the young

woman coming to look Samuel over. "We'd like this to take as little time as possible, please."

"Where does it hurt, sir?" They started poking and prodding, Samuel moaning every now and

again. There were some cuts, some bruising, and a terrible bump on the back of Samuel's head.

"Do you want to come to the hospital, sir? You could get more completely checked out."

"No. No, I want to go home."

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Peter took Samuel's chin in his hand and looked into the dark eyes. "I want the truth now. Does anything hurt badly enough that you should probably go to the hospital?" "No. No, please. I need to go home. You'll be there. You can take me if I need to go." "Sammy, you're going to have to give a statement." Harry looked sorry, ashamed. "You can do it in the apartment, but you have to do it before you go." Peter closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He wanted to take Samuel home and check his lover over himself. No, he needed to. But he also needed to make sure they followed the rules, that when this was all said and done, that bastard was locked up for good. "If Harry says you need to give your statement before we go, then that's what we have to do. We follow procedure and make sure this doesn't happen again." He squeezed Samuel's hand. "I'll be right here with you and then I'll take you home." "I fucking want to go home." "Yeah, I want you to go home, too, so I can calm Jase down and patch the bullet hole in my ceiling and fix my doors, so buck the fuck up and come on, Sammy. Now." Harry's growl was almost impressive. Peter took Samuel's chin in his hand again and met his lover's eyes. "Just this one thing, Samuel, and then I'll take you home and take care of you." He put a promise in the words, knowing Samuel would understand what he didn't say. Jase came over to Samuel's other side, hands fluttering over Samuel's arm. "Come on, honey. Come inside and we'll get this done, and then they can put that asshole away where he'll never hurt you again." "Okay. Okay." Samuel looked at Harry. "You're an asshole." "You're a queenie little fairy." "You're a big, bossy prick." Harry grinned, patted Samuel's hand. "Yeah, jackass. I love you, too." Peter chuckled and hugged Samuel. It was going to be all right. He and Jase helped Samuel inside and onto the couch. Peter could feel the adrenaline coursing through his own body, making him twitchy. The questioning went quickly, and Peter was incredibly grateful that the idiot had decided to attack them here, in Harry's place. Of course, he couldn't stop looking at the bullet hole in the wall, the shattered vase in front of it. It would have

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been so easy for things to have turned out terribly, horribly different. He tightened his hold on

Samuel's shoulders.

"Okay. You'll probably have to come in a couple of times -- to sign things, to testify, but that'll

happen much later." Lou snapped the notebook closed. "My suggestion is to go home and get

ready for the shock to hit you. It'll be nasty, but we have him, now, and we'll keep him."

"I'll take care of him, officer. He isn't alone." He knew how to get Samuel through shock.

"Good deal." Harry turned to Jason. "You okay, babe?"

Jase was fluttering like mad. He nodded jerkily. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. I'm good."

"Harry's proud, real proud. He says you bucked right up, honey," Samuel murmured.

Jase beamed at Samuel. "Thank you."

Samuel looked at him, shudders more and more evident. "Peter, take me home."

"Yeah. I'll take you home." Peter looked at Harry, at Lou. "Now."

"Call if you need anything." He thought Harry wanted everyone gone as bad as they wanted to

go.

"We will." He went over and held out his hand. "Thank you, Harry."

"Anytime, man. We'll have supper again later, huh?" Harry shook his hand, smiled.

"With less drama, please." He gave Harry a wink and put his arm back around Samuel's

shoulders. "Come on, love. Another ten minutes and we're home, just you and me."

"Okay." Samuel's muscles jerked and trembled under his hand.

Just before they went out to the car, he grabbed Samuel and kissed his lover hard, nipping on

Samuel's lower lip as he pulled away. "Ten minutes. You can hold on until then." And then he'd tie Samuel up and let his lover scream it all out. "My head hurts."

His own hurt; he imagined Samuel's was much worse. "I bet. There should be some aspirin in the

glove compartment."

"Okay. I have something at home, too. Let's just go."

It took them less than ten minutes to get home, Samuel getting more and more keyed up. When

they parked, Samuel just sat there, staring, blinking.

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He undid Samuel's seat belt and patted his thigh. "Come on, love. We're here."

"I don't. I. I'll be up in a minute."

"Why don't you want to come up with me now?"

"I can't move." He knew that wasn't so, he could see Samuel's arms shivering, legs bouncing.

"Sure, you can." He got out and went around to the other side of the car. Opening it, he reached

for his lover. "Come on, Samuel."

"He shot at me."

"I know. Come on, love. Upstairs. Now." He got Samuel out of the car and to the elevator.

"He fucking shot at me and dragged me down the lane and was going to hurt me."

"I know, love." He got Samuel into the elevator, letting his lover talk. He just hoped they made it

all the way upstairs before the real freaking out began.

"He came to Jason's house!" Samuel started taking gulping breaths.

"He did. Pretty stupid, actually." Instead of having simply one person chasing him down, he’d

had three after him, including a cop with a gun. He got the door open and he pushed Samuel in.

"Don't push me! That motherfucker!"

He closed the door and locked it, and then turned to give Samuel his full attention. "Get it out,

love. All of it."

"Why me? Why did he find me? My head hurts and I... He hit a pole. I was trapped in a car with

him and... Harry shot at us!"

"Harry shot at him, love, not at you."

"I don't fucking care. I don't want anybody shooting at me anymore!"

He nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, I can stand behind that, love. Completely."

"I'm a freak. I'm a fucking freak. I attract psychos."

"That is not true. You had a couple of bad experiences, but all that is over now." He was not a

psycho and Samuel was not a freak. He grabbed his lover's arm and headed for the bedroom.

"No. No. I have to get out of here. I have to get out of here before I ruin you."

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"What? What are you talking about?" He frowned, not able to make sense of Samuel's words.

"What if it's me?" Samuel's knees buckled, his love crashing to the floor.

His arms went around Samuel, and he cushioned the fall as best he could. "It's not, love. It's not."

"What if it is? God, I can't breathe. I can't fucking breathe!"

"Yes, you can. Stop panicking, love. Stop it."

Samuel leaned back his head, screamed once, heartbeat evident in the long throat.

"Is that it?" he asked, hands on Samuel's arms.

"I'm thirsty. Please."

"Okay. I've got you. Come on." Peter kept his words soft, quiet, standing and tugging Samuel up

against him as he brought Samuel to the kitchen. He poured Samuel a glass of cold water, his stomach reminding him that they hadn't eaten. He passed the glass over, holding it until he was certain his lover wouldn't drop it. "Are you hungry?" he asked softly.

"I don't know."

"Fair enough. We should have something easy, light." He wracked his brains, refilled Samuel's

glass with more water.

"There's grapes, cheese, crackers." Samuel didn't start finding things, though. He simply stood and stared at his water. "Okay, love. Those sound good." He tilted the glass to Samuel's mouth, waited until his lover had swallowed, and then he went into the fridge to look for grapes and cheese.

"It's over now, isn't it?" The words were soft, quiet.

"It is, love. He's been arrested for more than just making threats this time. There are witnesses.

Hell, he shot up a cop’s apartment -- they aren't going to let him out anytime soon."

He found the grapes and some cheese, put it on a tray along with some crackers. Samuel moved the crackers around, rolling the grapes. Peter picked one up and held it to his lover's lips. "You need to eat, love." He didn't want to do a scene with Samuel on an empty stomach.

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"I'll try." Samuel opened up.

He popped the grape into Samuel's mouth, fingers sliding on the slick tongue for a moment.

Samuel almost smiled, and then the grape was chewed, swallowed. "Good." He smiled and

popped another grape into Samuel's mouth. "Thank you. I'm sorry."

"For what, love?" He offered over a nibble of cheese.

"Freaking out."

"Oh, I think under the circumstances you're allowed a little freaking out." After all, even he'd

been swearing up a blue streak back at Harry's.

"Yeah? I think I might have to do it some more."

Peter laughed. "Oh, I don't think we should make it a habit." He popped another grape into

Samuel's mouth.

Samuel's laugh was hidden in the chewing. He could see it in his lover's eyes, though, and knew

it would be all right.

"Tell me I did okay?"

"You did amazing, love. You didn't get hurt and you didn't panic waiting for the firemen to cut

you out."

"I'm going to go take a shower now."

"How about a cracker or two and a bit of cheese first?" It was somewhat strange, being the one

looking to feed his lover; Samuel was the comfort food giver.

"I. Okay." Each bite seemed to give Samuel a little more color.

He munched some crackers and cheese himself, encouraging more bites into Samuel. "We could

shower together. Get all wet and soapy."

"We could. I need to get him off me."

"I can help with that. I need to check you out, anyway." Every inch. To make sure his Samuel

was really okay.

"Will you? Please, sir?" There was a sick desperation in Samuel's eyes.

He nodded and stood, holding his hand out to Samuel. "Come on, love. Let's bring you home."

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Samuel's hand was trembling as their fingers twined together. He pulled his lover into a hug,

holding Samuel tight for a moment.

"I love you. It was worth it, fighting him, to find you."

"Samuel..." He squeezed his lover tighter. "I love you. So much."

He headed for the bathroom, needing to strip Samuel down now, to know Samuel was truly

whole, truly his.

His lover was covered in scattered bruises, little scratches. It made him furious, made him growl.

"Mine," he growled as he finished stripping Samuel. "Mine. Mine."

Samuel nodded, seeming so small, so fragile for that moment. He knew better, though. He knew

better. And he thought maybe so did Samuel, now.

He got naked as well, bringing them both into the shower. Taking the soap, he began to wash his lover. Passive and quiet -- Samuel let him touch, let him run his hands over the smooth skin. He made sure to carefully wash each bruise, each cut, his fingers light and gentle. "It could have been way worse."

"Don't ‘what if’ this, love. It'll drive you crazy."

"I don't know if I can help myself."

"I'll help you." He knew how to make Samuel stop thinking.

"Okay. It's like... bugs under my skin, like a sunburn."

"Your skin is mine." He ran his fingernails up along Samuel's spine.

He received a gasp, a small moan. "Yes."

He moved on down and grabbed Samuel's ass, squeezing. "All of it."

"Promise?"

"I promise, Samuel. I do." He took Samuel's mouth, sealed the vow with a kiss.

Samuel's arms wrapped around his shoulders, held him close. He deepened the kiss, picking

Samuel up by his ass and pressing him up against the tiles. That made Samuel arch into him,

slick, smooth body rubbing against him.

"Mine," he growled again, humped against Samuel.

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"Yours. Make me all yours." Samuel's kiss was toothy, hungry, harsh.

"You already are." He slid one hand over, fingers at Samuel's hole.

Samuel bore down, riding his fingers almost wildly. He knew it the stretch had to burn, knew

Samuel needed that, needed to feel his invasion, to feel him deep inside.

"More. I fucking need more." Pushing. Always pushing.

"Me, now." He pulled his fingers out, tilting Samuel so he could slide into that tight little hole

with his prick.

"Don't drop me."

Peter snorted. "I never will."

"Okay. I believe you. I believe you, Peter. In me, now." Samuel arched as that sweet body took

him in.

He thrust harder, sinking all the way in. His body pushed Samuel's up against the tile, his lover's

back hitting with a thump. They slammed together, rutting as deep and hard as he could. He

started growling out "mine" with every thrust.

Samuel was flying; he could see it in those eyes. He brought their mouths together, kissed his

lover as hard as he could. He felt Samuel's orgasm coming -- both in the tight ass around him and

in the desperate cries that filled his lips. He encouraged it, hips snapping, cock going deep.

Spunk, hotter than the water, splashed on his belly. He could smell it, male and musky, all

Samuel. His hips jerked a few more times and then he was filling Samuel.

His lover clung to him, breathing hard, panting, moaning a little. He kissed Samuel's face, neck,

and shoulders, sucking the water from his lover's skin as the shower beat down over them.

"Take me to bed and hold me, sir? Please? I'm tired and sore."

"I will." He kissed Samuel again and slowly lowered his lover back down to the tub.

"Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome." He looked into Samuel's eyes. "I love you."

Samuel nodded, smiled. "Love you, Peter."

"Good." He dropped a kiss on Samuel's forehead and took his lover to bed.

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Chapter Twenty Two

Sore.

Fuck.

He winced, tried to move more carefully. Sore.

Sore.

Sammy had to pee, but damn. Sore.

Peter's hand patted his hip, his lover still snuffling sleepily. The absent touch made him smile

and he moved again, making himself go. Peter moaned as he got out of bed, reaching for him.

"Have to pee." Every step jolted him.

"You okay, love?" Peter asked.

"Uh-huh." Maybe. Maybe not.

"Sore?" Peter asked, climbing out of bed and following him, naked and fine.

"Uh-huh." The bathroom seemed forever away.

"Let's get you into the shower; the hot water should help."

"Gonna be the cleanest man ever." Still, it sounded like a good plan.

Peter chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with being clean." Peter got the shower going while he

did his business. "I'm not surprised you're sore. I'm thankful that's all it is after that accident."

He nodded, groaning when even that hurt.

"Oh, love, come and let the water help."

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He let Peter help him in, arms around him. "Are we still going on our vacation?"

"I'd like to, but if you don't feel up to it, we could postpone it."

"No. No, please. I want to go." He wanted to just fly away.

Peter smiled at him, looking happy at his answer. "Good, good. It's going to be fun."

He nodded again and then leaned, resting against his lover.

Peter hummed, fingers massaging him lightly. "How would you like to go out for pancakes this

morning, love? After our shower and a couple of Tylenol?"

"Okay. Okay. I. I have to tell you, I can't think very well. I just sort of... feel shocky."

Peter wrapped him in another hug. "I think that's natural, considering what happened."

"Yeah?" He leaned, let Peter hold him up. "Good."

"It'll be all right, love. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"Okay." He just needed Peter to take care of him for a while.

That seemed to be okay by Peter, his lover washing him, drying him, feeding him pain pills. By

the time the shower was over, Sammy thought he might live.

"We'll get some coffee and pancakes into you and I bet you'll feel a lot better."

"Sounds perfect." He closed his eyes as Peter dried him off.

Soft kisses landed on his skin, following the towel down. He groaned, cock surprising him by

filling -- not fully, but enough to prove he was alive, interested.

The cuts and bruises he'd picked up were each kissed, lapped. He looked at them, stunned. It

could have been so much worse. Peter kissed one hip, and then the other, tongue so near his

cock.

"You don't have to. You know that, right?"

"I'm not doing anything I don't want to do, love." Peter smiled up at him.

"Okay. I just wanted you to know." He reached down, tracing the lines of Peter's face, the heavy

hair.

Peter turned to nip at his fingertips. That made him laugh, made him pull away. Eyes twinkling,

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Peter kissed the tip of his cock. His cock bobbed, and Sammy couldn't help gasping. Still holding his gaze, Peter wrapped his lips around Sammy's cock, taking in the head. "P... Peter. Oh. Oh, f..." He swallowed the curse, just catching it.

A hum vibrated his cock, Peter's eyes knowing. He thought maybe there was a hint of pride

there, too.

"Thank you. Thank you, sir." More. Please. Love.

Peter nodded and then took him in farther, sucking hard. Sammy went with it, hips rolling, entire

body focused on that pleasure. He could feel Peter's tongue sliding along his flesh, making it

almost unbearably good.

"Gonna. Gonna, Peter. Oh..." His head fell back, hips snapping as he flew.

Peter kept sucking, swallowing around the head of his cock, holding him in pleasure.

Sammy shot hard, the electricity shooting down his spine. The suction continued, Peter pulling

out aftershocks as he was cleaned, carefully and lovingly.

"Good." His eyes rolled, hands opening and closing slowly.

Peter slowly pulled off, and stood, smiling down at him now. "Better?"

"Uh. Uh-huh." He was way better than just 'better.'

"Good. Let's get dressed and go have pancakes and coffee, and then we can open the store and

have a nice, uneventful, day."

"Okay." He nodded, feeling like, for the first time in days, he could breathe.

"Okay."

Peter looped an arm around his waist and together they went down the hall to their bedroom.

It was a good start to the day. To the rest of their lives.

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Chapter Twenty Three

Peter put the two suitcases -- two for a long weekend -- into the trunk of the car, and went back

to see what was holding his lover up.

"Samuel? We should go, love."

"Mmm. Okay." Samuel was standing in the kitchen, putting away clean dishes.

"Are you excited?" He couldn't wait to take Samuel on his first vacation. Ever.

"I am. Harry called. He said the bail hearing was over. They're holding him."

Something lightened in his shoulders and Peter grinned, opening his arms to hug Samuel. "That's

wonderful news!"

"Yeah. Yeah, it is." Samuel pushed in. "They believed me."

"Of course they did." He smiled at Samuel and drew him to the front door. "And now we're

going to leave it all behind and have three fabulous days away."

"Are you sure the apartment will be okay?"

"It's going to be fine, Samuel. Do you want Harry to drop by and check it out on Saturday?"

"No. No, it'll be fine." Samuel followed him, the bruises fading, the smile coming more and more

frequently.

"It will be." He locked the door and headed down the stairs, squeezing Samuel's hand. "And we

are going to have a great time."

"We are." The sun was shining down, promising a beautiful day.

They got settled and headed off, going up the coast. The bed and breakfast he'd found was on the

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beach. He was looking forward to playing in the ocean with Samuel, to letting their cares fade

away for a few days.

Samuel had packed a little cooler and kept feeding him little decadent nibbles -- tiny muffins and

berries and cheeses.

That was his Samuel, feeding, taking care. His lover was a real nurturer. "You've outdone

yourself with the snacks, love. Those little muffins are especially yummy."

"You like them? I made carrot, banana, and lemon."

"They're awesome. Did you ever consider becoming a chef?"

"I did, once upon a time, but my foster parents that owned a bakery were up at three a.m. every

day. I didn't like that."

"Oh, that's early."

"I know! Besides, it's much more reasonable to cook as a hobby and do antiques as a career."

"You certainly have a flair for both. I love watching you when you're talking about antiques. But

then, I love watching you work in the kitchen, too."

Samuel's hand slid over his thigh. "Are you sure it's not because you like to eat what I cook?"

"That's kind of chicken and egg, isn't it? I mean, I like what you cook because it tastes good."

"I like to cook because I like feeding people."

"Have you always fed the people you care for?"

"I think so, yeah. I like knowing that you're fed."

"It's very nurturing." He found Samuel's hand and squeezed it. "One of the things I love about

you."

"Just one? You don't think it's silly?"

"It isn't silly at all. I love how you care about people. And yes, just one of many things."

Samuel's cheeks were bright red, and his lover looked pleased and embarrassed, all at once. It

was a good look. He grinned and watched the traffic as they drove.

Samuel eventually broke the silence. "So, what are you looking most forward to? On our

vacation, I mean."

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"Seeing you relax." That was an easy one. "What about you?"

"I just... I'm looking forward to finding out what you planned, really."

"Do you want to know now, or wait as it unfolds?"

"Hmm." Samuel actually seemed to consider it. "I want to wait. You're so excited."

He hoped he hadn't oversold it -- it was just a simple vacation in the larger scheme of things, but

it was Samuel's first. "I just want to show you a good time." He waggled his eyebrows.

"Are you coming on to me?"

"I might be." He grinned.

Samuel chuckled. "Good thing I'm seductible. Seducible? Easy?"

"How about 'mine'?"

"That, too." The hand on his thigh squeezed. "All of me."

"Good. Shouldn't be too long now. Keep your eye out for signs for The Beach View Bed and

Breakfast."

"Beach View? That's a nice name." Samuel leaned forward, looking. Eager.

It was a nice name. Of course, for what they were charging a night, it had better have a nice

name. Nice everything. Especially the beach view.

"There it is, the little blue sign."

"Good eye." He turned onto a smaller road. It didn't take long at all to find the big old house

where they were going to be staying.

"Oh, look. It's like something from a book..."

"It does." He grinned over at Samuel. "This is going to be fun."

Samuel beamed over. "It will. I know it will."

He pulled into a parking spot and leaned over to kiss Samuel once the car was stopped. "Happy

vacation, love."

"Thank you. Happy... life, Peter." The words seemed portentous.

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He nodded, touching Samuel's face. "Yeah, happy life."

Samuel kissed his palm, so softly. "Let's go play, love."

"Yes, let's go."

He couldn't wait.

*** The sun warmed him up as they walked together, hand in hand, the waves tickling their bare feet. The day had been lovely -- antiquing, napping, a long, lazy, late lunch. Now they were just

wandering

Sammy hadn't ever been so happy.

Peter ran suddenly, tugging him about knee deep into the water, laughing as their legs were

soaked. He bent down, scooped the water up and splashed Peter, catching him right in the chest.

Peter gasped and grabbed him around the waist, dragging him farther into the surf.

"Peter!" He wriggled, laughing and calling out at the same time.

Peter was laughing, too, and they fell together into the water, salty spray splashing his face. He

twisted, pouncing hard on Peter, laughing as they went under, and then floated up, just above the

sand.

Peter's mouth found his, hot compared to the cold of the water. He gasped, tongue pushing

between Peter's lips, tasting salt. Groaning, Peter cradled him, their kiss going deeper.

"Mmm." He wrapped his arms about Peter's waist, holding on, gasping as the water moved

around him. The kiss went on and on, Peter's hands moving on him. "I... is this okay? Outside?"

"The bed and breakfast is queer friendly, love. We should be okay kissing." Peter kissed his

nose, shifting, sitting up, holding him.

He settled in Peter's lap, legs wrapping around the lean waist. The waves buffeted them as they

stole one kiss after another, Peter's arms around him.

"We're going to float out to sea." They laughed together and he held on tighter.

"I don't know about that, but I think my shorts are being filled with sand."

"Oh, Peter. That's going to chafe." He started laughing, he couldn't stop.

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Peter tried spanking him, but the water took away most of the momentum of his hand and it

brushed across the top of his ass.

He chuckled, waggling, teasing.

"Just you wait until we're back in our room."

"Maybe I'll turn into a mermaid. Merman. Mersammy."

Peter laughed, but tugged him in tighter. "No swimming away from me."

"No. No moving away." He arched into the touch, knees sliding on the sand.

He could feel the heat of Peter's erection, pressing at him through their wet shorts.

"Are you... That's all mine."

"It is -- all yours. Every inch." Peter shifted, rubbing up against him. "We should go back to our

room."

"Uh-huh. It's a nice room." A good room.

"It has a door with a lock." Peter waggled his eyebrows.

"It does. I'm ready." Fucking in the sand wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

"We should go, then."

He nodded, trying to get to his feet, the water tugging at them, keeping him off balance. Peter

tried to help him, but they both wound up falling back into the water, laughing, holding each

other.

"God, I do love you. I do." He couldn't stop chuckling, laughing.

"Good, because I adore you."

Suddenly it didn't matter that they were wet, chilly, that the sun was setting. He leaned down,

kissed Peter with all the pleasure and passion he had. Peter's arms held him tight, his lover

kissing back hard and sure.

It was all he'd ever asked for. More than he expected. And it was all his. End

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