Page 13 of Pain Play

Terry rubbed his cheek against Phil’s since the contact had already been made. “We can keep all of them on a thumb drive, but I want this one to frame.”

Phil squeezed his shoulder as he straightened. “Call me an old goat, but I also want hard copies of a few different poses as well.”

Terry tried to hold in an exasperated sigh. He hated it when Phil would make disparaging remarks about his age.“I would like that too.Master.”

Phil’s grip became tighter in a silent warning. “And the same goes for the ones I chose of you.”

Before he’d had the chance to say anything when the shoot was over, Phil had announced they’d be viewing Terry’s solo shots first, mumbling about how he wanted to put off seeing his own face for a long as possible. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand how being photographed was uncomfortable for some people—he’d dealt with that issue many times over the years—it was how Phil couldn’t stop from making subtle digs at himself. Considering how irritated it made Phil when Terry did the same thing, his attitude struck Terry as odd.

Another issue to discuss. It was time to thank Van, then send him on his way. He’d been excited all day about finally having the chance to photograph his man and they needed to have a little chat first.A thoroughly respectful and non-snippy one.

After finishing up with Van and thanking him again, they were left alone. Terry contemplated his next move. He could dive right into the session the way he’d originally planned or sit downwith Phil beforehand and have a potentially birthday-destroying conversation.

Phil approached him, reaching up to cup his cheek. “Why the lip-chewing?” He chuckled. “Change your mind on the solo shots of me? If you have, it’s fine. I’m not exactly—what?” Phil’s brow creased. “You look angry.”

Terry crossed his arms as Phil lowered his hand.

“Yeah, I’m angry. But I don’t want to ruin…”Fuck.“Look, this shoot means a lot to me. Alot. I’ve wanted to photograph you from the beginning, never dreamed I’d get another chance after you left. And…” Terry lowered his eyes, desperate to make Phil understand. Then he fixed him with his gaze. “Do you have any idea how fuckinghotI think you are? And don’t you dare correct me on the swearing right now, because I’m fed up with the way you’re always talking shit about yourself. Also, I don’t give a damn about the difference in our ages. I only care aboutyouand all the things that make up who you are. Do you think I’d allow myself to be so vulnerable to you otherwise? That I’d let someone I was unsure of take control of my life the way I have? Seriously, do you think I’m a completeidiot?”

Phil’s skin had reddened to the point of being scarlet. He sucked in a deep breath as if he were about to burst out with his own rant, but instead, his eyes widened and he snapped his mouth shut. Tension radiated from his expression and after a moment where he couldn’t meet Terry’s eyes, he scrubbed his face with both hands. Terry held in a groan.So much for the makeup.

Phil slowly nodded then glanced up at Terry, his features twisted in a grimace, his eyes glistening. “You’re right. I was just about to correct you for talking down about yourself, yet what have I been doing? I’m not being a good example, am I?” Phil let out a long sigh. “Eric would tan my hide over such childish behavior.”

Terry huffed. “He’d better not.”

Phil arched his eyebrows. “You don’t think I deserve it?”

“I didn’t saythat. He just doesn’t get to put his hands onmyMaster.”

Phil took a tentative step forward, a smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. “Does this mean I’m forgiven, baby?”

As if I wouldn’t forgive the one person I can’t live without. That’s hilarious.

Terry moved toward Phil until they were so close they were breathing the same air. Terry nudged Phil’s nose with his own, rules be damned. “Of course, I forgive you. I love you no matter what. That’s the part I need you to fully grasp.”

Phil wrapped him in an embrace, running his hands up Terry’s back, bringing their bodies together until their chests touched. Terry had always felt secure in Phil’s arms and it was even sweeter after a squabble. His Master never skimped on the affection.

“Can I hug you back?”

It was only Wednesday, and even though they’d needed to be free to express themselves during the shoot with Van, they were back to being alone in their D/s dynamic.

Phil angled his head so he could gaze down at him. “Yes, you can. I think I might even need it more than you do. I’m so sorry, Terry. I really am.”

They held each other in silence for several minutes, Terry with his cheek resting on Phil’s shoulder and Phil resting his cheek on Terry’s head. At last, Phil spoke.

“I’d still like to do the photos, that is, if you do. Otherwise, we can save it for another time if you feel the mood’s been ruined. That’s what you meant, right? When you said you didn’t want things to be ruined?”

Terry loosened his hold to make sure Phil could see the truth in his expression. “That’s not what I meant at all. I wasworried my frustration with you would mess up your birthday. My timing could’ve been better.”

To Terry’s surprise, Phil snorted out a laugh. “And my actions as your Master could’ve been a helluva lot better.” He stepped back, laughing harder as he held up his palm to Terry. “Statement of fact, not putting myself down, I swear.”

Terry narrowed his eyes. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that. All right, truce?”

Phil answered him with a deep, heated kiss. The unrestricted touching on their getaway weekend to Ojai had been glorious and he lost himself as he allowed his hand to drift down the back of Phil’s pants, searching with his fingers until he found the waistband of his briefs. Phil grabbed his wrist as he broke their lip-lock.

“Now, now. That’s a tad more involved than a hug.”

Terry groaned.We made an agreement. What’s the point of any of this if it’s not adhered to? “You’re right.” He reluctantly removed his hand. “But I want to take you up on your offer.”