Page 56 of Sin Deep
“It is. It’s lovely. Winter’s come to introduce his new boy to us, the dance floor is filling, and it’s always a joy to have you and Callum at the table.” Butter wouldn’t melt in Clint’s mouth, but the teasing tone was clear.
Harley’s hand landed on the small of his back, drawing his focus. Someone needed connection.
Callum stood up. “Where’s my hug?”
Thomas snorted but was definitely amused. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’d assumed you were saving it for my boy.”
“I have enough for the both of you.” Callum hugged Thomas who laughed and shook his head.
“Winter, it’s very good to see you. Happy birthday. Forty, I hear?”
“Shh. Let’s not say that too loudly.” He smiled though, because it was kind of Thomas to remember. “Thomas, this is Harley. He’s new to the city and to the club, and Clint was kind enough to set this up so perhaps he could meet your Sammy. Harley, this is Master Thomas.”
“Pleased to meet you, sir.” Harley stood, smiled, and shook Thomas’s hand, easy as you please.
“Good to meet you, Harley. Sam is always happy to talk with another Texan, and he’s found his way in New York quite well. Tell me, is Harley a family name? Or are you named after the motorcycle?” Thomas gave Harley a wink.
“The motorcycle. Absolutely.” Harley chuckled and grinned wide. “I look forward to meeting him, thank you, sir.”
Thomas pointed over Harley’s shoulder. “He’s on his way back.” Raine arrived with Sammy’s stool and Thomas accepted it with a nod. “Thank you, boy. I appreciate the errand.” Thomas set the low stool down and sat in the empty chair beside it.
Winter tugged Harley closer and whispered to him. “Master Thomas’s boy can’t kneel for long periods of time due to an old injury. The stool is his accommodation. They’re an unusual couple in the best way.”
“Oh, that sucks,” Harley whispered back. “I’m sorry. I won’t notice, promise.”
“No, I didn’t mean that. I just thought you might be curious. I’ve found Sammy to be an open book during our conversations. He’s very easy in his skin. You’re rather like him that way.”
“Yeah?” Harley held his gaze, those beautiful eyes deep enough to drown in. “That’s cool.” Then his sweet lover whispered. “I still want you. Even just sitting here.”
His eyes narrowed even as his balls grew tight. “Good boy.”
Harley huffed out a soft little puff of air, and Winter knew Harley’s balls had just drawn up as well. He was learning how much Harley appreciated praise, and he was going to have to be more deliberate about doling it out.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Thomas took his wine from Sammy. “You may sit for a bit if you like, or you could take Harley for a tour. Master Winter says he’s new.”
“Thank you, Mister. Master Winter, is it cool if we wander? I swear to bring him back.”
Sam was so kind. Winter thought he’d make a great friend for Harley. “Would you like a tour, petit? I understand Sammy is an excellent tour guide.”
“Yeah? Absolutely.” Harley stood, smiled at Sam, pointedly not looking below the chin.
Poor boy. He supposed he’d consider it a win if Harley didn’t refuse to come back. “Have fun boys. Take your time.” Winter heard Sammy start talking as he led Harley away.
“You weren’t exaggerating when you said he was new, were you?” Thomas asked, picking up his wine again.
“No. He’s curious and brave, but no, everything—everythingis new. It’s wonderful, but I worry. I haven’t discovered where he might draw the line yet. I couldn’t even say for sure where that line could be.” He glanced at Callum and Clint who nodded in sync. “I’m trying to bring him along gently.”
“Well, well. Winter, you and I will have to have a nice long talk.” Thomas chuckled and shook his head. “As I have been in your very shoes.”
“I believe you have, though I might have an easier time than you as I am more of a sensualist than a sadist.” He winked at Thomas.
“Quite possibly. Though do you know that Harley won’t need to go that far?”
“I am fairly certain he won’t. I would know by now, I think. Still, I don’t want to scare him off.”
“If it makes you feel better, Winter, Sam lasted about five minutes down that hallway toward the playrooms before he bolted and left the club.” Clint chuckled. “Harley’s already beaten his record.”
“Very funny.” Thomas snorted. “True, though.”
