Page 11 of Bondage Play

“Oh, I know. But it was still fucking hot.”

Phil barked out a laugh. “Yes, it certainly was.”

“Good.” Terry grinned. “A topic to be revisited at a later time.” Terry rolled one shoulder, wincing. “Once I’ve completely recovered from that little asshole.”

Phil gave him a frown. “Come on. I want you to lie downon the bed so I can rub some arnica cream into your muscles. I’d like to clean out your elbow again, too.”

Terry had to admit, he did love getting fussed over.As long as Phil is the one doing the fussing.

****

Phil had his feet propped up on the coffee table in the living room. His earbud was in so he could relax on the sofa as he spoke on the phone. “So basically, what you’re saying is my responsibility to my sub supersedes any other considerations, even if my career has to be sacrificed.”

Phil was so grateful that Terry was at work on the set so he could have a no-holds-barred conversation with Eric, his BDSM mentor and the man who’d trained him as a Master.

“Come on, Phil. You know that. And I reminded you of it when you left Toronto, left your job. Didn’t you take a risk then by giving up a steady gig with a large income to go get your boy? You didn’t know at the time if he’d ever have anything to do with you again.”

“Idoknow that. I’d say it’s more a case of me needing to hear it out loud at this point. There’s been so much going on here emotionally, an adjustment period with me moving in, all of it. Then to lose such a big job in the blink of an eye? It rattled me.”

Eric chuckled. “Too bad I’m not there to give you a nice spanking.”

“Funny.” Phil sighed. “I would literally do anything to make sure Terry was taken care of. But I have to admit I’ve been going through self-doubt lately.”

“As a Dom?”

“No.” Phil’s cheeks heated, something that rarely happened. “As a man.”

“Oh. Are you having a difficult time getting an erection?”

“No!”Oh Jesus, that’s all I’d need on top of everything else. “No, that’s not the issue. I think I told you this already, but I’m about twelve years older than Terry. And I know Imusthave told you how beautiful he is. Lean, sleek body, and he has this dark, wavy hair with bright green eyes and—”

“I get it.” Eric chuckled again. “You’re mesmerized by him. But don’t you think he’s just as mesmerized by you? No one gives themselves as completely to another human being the way he has with you unless he’s fully committed. He didn’t come into a D/s situation because he was seeking the lifestyle. He was seekingyou. And as it turns out, he found the real you and loves that part too. You’re in an epic win-win right now. Accept and run with it.”

“Hmm.” This was why he’d needed to talk to Eric, to get out of his own head. “That’s quite a way to put it.”

“Makes sense, though, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. Actually, it does.” Phil wanted to kick his own ass. “So, all of this stress I’ve been placing on myself is of my own making. Terry loves me, wants to submit to me, trusts me to make all the decisions as his Master, is making enough money to support us temporarily, plus I have my extensive savings for us to fall back on if need be until I get another job.”

“Right. So quit being such a drama queen.”

Phil burst out laughing and Eric joined in. God, he’d been behaving like such an idiot.

“Thank you, Master Eric. You have no idea how much this has helped.”

“Oh, I have a thought. But let me ask you something. Did you ever speak to Gerard regarding that incident at the studio with Terry and…what was the guy’s name?”

“Anson. He’s a sub.…Well actually, he described himself as aslave to this Master Joe guy. He’s the one who’s supposed to be a friend of Gerard’s uncle.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought you’d said. I spoke with Gerard and he claims that neither he nor his uncle know anyone who goes by the name Master Joe.”

“Then how the hell did he get in there? No offense, but you told me Gerard is very careful who he allows over when he has his gatherings. That’s why I felt it was safe to take Terry there for the CNC scene.”

“Heisvery careful, which is also why he’s a healthy combination of pissed-the-fuck-off and mortified by the whole situation. He wouldn’t mind talking to you and your boy, if you’re okay with that. He’d also like to apologize to you both in person.”

“I’d have to ask Terry how he feels about it. And I’d rather meet with Gerard privately instead of during one of his gatherings.”

“I’m sure he’d prefer that too.” Eric paused. “If you’re cool with that then, I’ll get in touch with him and pass on your number. I know he has your email, but I don’t think this is a good email discussion.”