Page 19 of Pain Play

I wonder what he’s bringing home? Phil had insisted that Terry take a night off—as well as New Year’s Day—from performing all his domestic duties. Apparently, Phil had ordered food from several of their favorite local eateries so they would have plenty of tasty choices for their housebound holiday. Phil hadn’t let on where he was going, or what he was getting, but Terry didn’t mind. In fact, it was perfect. His Master knew what his likes and dislikes were and would pick out things he loved. On top of that, Terry wouldn’t be faced with the pressure to decide what he wanted.

Their evening would revolve around a couple films they’d both been wanting to see, but hadn’t gotten to yet, as well as enjoying whatever amazing eats Phil brought home. The next day, Phil would be watching the game and Terry figured he’d relax on the couch with him and read while that went on. Phil had assured him that there’d be some sort of play involved, but had remained mysterious about what he had planned.Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll be feeling it for days afterwards.

He was a pain slut. He’d might as well admit it. When he’d initially gotten back together with Phil and had confessed to him how much he’d always enjoyed their rough sex, it had neveroccurred to him that he also got off on pain.Then again, it never occurred to me that I wanted to give up all control of every aspect of my life. He snorted.Or have sex in front of other men. He couldn’t imagine what other revelations the new year would bring.

Terry sucked in a breath at the sound of the lock in the door. Phil was back earlier than he’d expected, and nothing could make him happier. He jumped up, scurrying to the foyer to make sure he was in perfect position when Phil stepped over the threshold.

“Ah, you must’ve been close by.” Phil laid his hand on Terry’s head, the customary greeting something that always gave Terry peace. “I could use your help bringing in the bags from the car.”

Terry rose to his feet and pursed his lips.

Phil shook his head as he chuckled, but leaned in to give Terry the kiss he’d been not-so-subtly asking for. Phil retreated then pinched Terry’s ass.

“Such a pushy boy.”

Terry narrowed his eyes. “Baby. I’m a pushy baby.” Terry frowned.That didn’t sound how I thought it would. “I meantyourbaby, not thatI’ma baby.” He let out an aggravated sigh. “I sound like a goofball.”

Phil squeezed the back of Terry’s neck. “Actually, you sound unsettled. A tad cranky. Is something bothering you?”

“Um, I’m not sure.” At the arch of Phil’s eyebrows, Terry struggled to get his meaning across. “I’m not hiding, I swear. Give me a few minutes while I unload the car to run things through my head, okay?”

Phil nodded, then patted his back before dropping his arm to his side. “All right. But I’ll help you out so we can get it done faster.”

“If it’s all right, Master, I’d like to do it by myself while you get comfortable. I think…” Terry gave a small growl. “I’m all anxious, like I’m trying to crawl out of my own skin. Which of course, leads me to think I’ve gone insane.”

Phil regarded him with a piercing gaze as he seemed to study him. “Hmmm. You know, a lot has happened in the past couple weeks. A lot of big emotional changes and new commitments. Frankly, I’d be surprised if all the new elements that’ve been introduced into our lives wasn’t affecting you on a deeper level.” Phil narrowed his eyes. “I have a thought. Once you’ve collected everything from the car and put it away, I want you to meet me in the bedroom.”

Terry’s eyes widened. He was pretty sure he knew whatthatmeant. Maybe not exactly what would happen, but at the very least, that they’d be engaging in some play. “Okay. Is there anything about the food I need to know? Can it all go in the fridge, or does something need to go in the oven to stay warm?”

Phil smiled. “No. I assumed we wouldn’t be eating immediately since it’s still early, but I also wanted to leave my options open. I’m glad I did.” He winked. “Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

Terry scurried to do Phil’s bidding, only sneaking a few peeks at what Phil had brought home when he would spot a particularly enticing container.Ooh, my favorite eclairs. He opened another box.Awesome. Spicy tuna roll.

Phil’s voice rang out from across the house. “Are you rifling through those containers or putting them away?”

Shit. “Almost done!”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

Terry hurried along as fast as he could without endangering their party snacks. Once he’d finished putting everything away and tidied up, he rushed to get to the bedroom.

“Someone seems anxious to discover what wicked things I have planned for them.” Phil quirked a smile, his heated gaze giving Terry a jolt of arousal. The fact that Phil had taken the opportunity to change out of his street clothes and into his skin-tight leather pants only added to his need. Phil’s bare, lightly furred muscular chest had also thrown him off his sub game.

Terry snapped into position and lowered his gaze. “Anxious to do my Master’s will.”

“Nicely done, baby.”

Phil ambled slowly around him, occasionally trailing one finger with the faintest of touches across his skin. Terry never knew what part of his body he would trace, or when Phil would choose to make contact, and soon he found himself thinking of nothing else. He waited. Waited for the touch that would connect them even if it only lasted a few seconds.

“Time for another soft limit. Before I picked up the food, I made a quick stop somewhere else. You may relax and meet my eyes so we can discuss it.”

Terry lifted his gaze, but instead of looking directly at Phil, he glanced past his shoulder to their bed. He furrowed his brow. “Is that a rubber sheet?”

Phil let out a sigh as he rubbed his forehead. “No. It’s not a rubber sheet. It’s a thin vinyl material that serves two purposes. One is the tactile sensation when you lie on it. The other, is indeed to protect our regular sheet.” Phil grasped Terry’s chin between his thumb and index finger. “Did you hear what I said we were to do tonight?”

Terry searched his mind, reaching back to the beginning of their conversation. “That we were going to try another soft limit.”

“Exactly. Is there anything on your soft limits list that would necessitate the use of a rubber sheet?”