Page 24 of Pain Play

After he’d disentangled himself from Marco, careful to keep his movements gentle, he rushed to the kitchen. When he’d reached his phone, he snatched it up, then paused. He chewed on his bottom lip, wondering whether he should let Marco overhear the conversation or keep his promise that he’d return to the living room immediately, almost groaning aloud from the stress of having to make the decision. He shoved aside the thought that being mastered was what he’d needed all along.Oh great and powerful Master Phil, right again. Terry rolled his eyes and decided to go with keeping his promise.

As Terry entered the living room, his gut clenched at the sight of Marco on the sofa, his legs drawn up with his arms wrapped around them, his face hidden with his forehead pressed against his knees. He didn’t seem to be crying, but it was clear how frightened he was from whatever was happening.Or he thinks is happening. Terry’s two main goals at the moment were to comfort Marco the best he could and find Master Gerard, so he could take over.

“I’m back!” Terry kept his tone cheery as if nothing unusual was going on. He dropped onto the couch, making sure he was close to Marco but not infringing on his personal space. His phone almost flew out of his grip as Marco launched himself at him and crawled back into his lap. Terry held his breath as Marco shifted around until he seemed to find a comfortable spot. Marco remained curled up with his head resting against Terry’s shoulder, then let out a heavy sigh.

“Thank you, Terry. I’m so tired, but I’m afraid to fall asleep. I hope Master comes to get me soon.”

“Yeah, me too.” Terry woke up his phone and tapped the icon to Phil’s number.

“Do you want to get rid of me?”

Terry paused right as he was about to make the call. “What?” He drew his eyebrows together. “Why would I want to get rid of you?”

Marco peered up at him, tears filling his eyes. “It’s just… Well, I thought you liked me.”

Oh God. Terry set the phone on the cushion next to him and embraced Marco. “No, that’s not what I meant. All I was trying to say is that I’m a sub too, that I need my Master here to help figure this out. I wish I could make things better for you all on my own because Idolike you a lot, but hey…” Terry gave Marco a squeeze. “You know how that goes with us subs, right?”

Terry grinned at Marco, and Marco’s features lightened.Phew.The lock in the door clicked then the wood panel stopped short as it was opened, banging against the brass latch that held it fast. Terry tensed instinctively, Marco flinging his arms around Terry’s neck as he crushed his face against his shoulder.

“Terry?” Phil peeked through the crack in the door then frowned. “What’s going on?”

Oh shit. He attempted to pry Marco off his neck, but the terrified sub clung to him with an iron grip.

“Long story.” He chuckled shakily. “Uh, how about I come let you in then you can take over.”

Phil made a choking sound. “Take overwhat?”

Yeah. This probably appears highly questionable. “Figuring out where Master Gerard is and alerting him that he should come hereimmediately.” Marco nodded against his skin.

Phil sighed. “He’s parking his car, so he’ll be here any minute. I’m sure he’ll be curious over what’s going on too.”

Marco went from clinging to struggling. “Master is here? Terry! Let go!”

Terry gladly gave Marco his wish, following him to the door so he could let his own Master in. Once he’d undone the latch, Phil crossed the threshold as Marco darted past him. Terry fellto his knees, his customary greeting when Phil arrived home, but instead of the usual calming touch of Phil’s palm on his head he received a different response.

“Why don’t we do a check-in before moving on to regular protocol?”

Terry swallowed past the lump in his throat. Mentally, he knew he’d done nothing wrong. But he’d also discovered that the routines he maintained with Phil were a vital part of the dynamic they shared, as well as being a comfort.

“Yes, Master.” He rose to his feet, keeping his movements as graceful as he could. Along with keeping his eyes lowered, he could at the very least convey his submission in other ways. “I had no idea Marco was going to be here, he showed up out of nowhere. When I answered the door he was freaking out, begging to come in, so I didn’t know what else to do.”

Phil cupped his cheek. “Look at me, please.”

Terry lifted his gaze. He’d never been so relieved to see a fond expression from Phil. “You’re not mad, are you? Because seriously, I’m just as confused as you are right now.”

Phil chuckled, rasping his thumb over Terry’s late day stubble. “I can see that. Shall we find out what has Marco so upset?”

Terry let out a groan of relief.Awesome. Master back in control. “Yes please. As long as you’re the one in charge.”

Phil let out a snort. “As if that would ever be in question.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured you’d say that.”

Phil arched an eyebrow. “Are you disappointed that you might not get punished for all this?”

“Who me? I’ve been on my best behavior. I’m even making mom’s shepherd’s pie baked potatoes.”

Phil pulled him in for a hug. “In that case, I’ll give you a snark hall pass.”