Page 63 of Sin Deep
It was difficult to argue with that logic, even if it did make him laugh. “Is it terribly painful? Was it expensive? Why didn’t you call me? You should have called me.”
“It aches some, it’s covered by worker’s comp, and it wasn’t my fault.” Harley leaned toward him. “I have a story to tell you. So. The bosses tell us it’s a volatile situation with a break-up and the cops there, everything. We’re moving things out that are marked by this little bitty guy, and suddenly this mean-looking dude comes tearing out of the apartment next door, and the little guy screams and starts throwing things like the goddamn Hulk. He upended a chest of drawers over the railing and one of the drawers came out on the way down, smacked me on the thigh and tore a groove. The whole time, little Hulk is screaming and roaring. The cops arrest him. The mean-looking guy is crying. I got to go in an ambulance. It was wild.”
He shook his head. It seemed as if Harley had a new story all the time now, and each one was more insane than the last. “Perhaps it’s time to consider a new job, petit.”
“Oh, man, I wish. Problem is I got no skills but reading and lifting. But they pay me more because I have a security clearance and no fear.”
“You should have more fear; this is New York City. Let’s see if we can’t find you something else to do for work. You’re smart, Harley, as I’ve told you before, you might be surprised what’s out there.” This job was dangerous. That was no good.
“Maybe. I’m open to things, you know that.” Harley kissed the tip of his nose.
“Mm. Yes. Thank goodness for that.” He winked at his boy. “How is Oliver? I haven’t seen him yet tonight.”
“I didn’t see him at the apartment. He was mad last night though. All sorts of things were broken this morning.” Harley’s eyes rolled like dice.
“Oh my. Trouble in paradise?” That didn’t sound good, Oliver and Raymond had been together a while. “I’m sorry to hear that. Hopefully nothing of yours was broken.”
“Lord no. I don’t have anything in the kitchen. He’s got himself a wild temper. Tomorrow, he’ll be wearing that corset, cleaning, and all…peaceful.”
He grinned. “That’s good for him. Peace. It’s good for all of us, don’t you think?”
“Yes. Do you think that it’s… Do you think that the corset is why?”
“I think the corset is a big part of it, yes. And having purpose and chores… Oliver needs to know someone is paying attention. The corset is many things; it’s different for different people. But he can’t forget who he belongs to when he’s wearing it, can he? Not as tight as he wears them.”
“Right. I don’t see how he vacuums like that.” Harley winked and took a long drink of his margarita.
“There are many wonders in this world.” Winter sipped his as well. “How would you like to take a stroll through the rooms and see what people are up to?” He liked to do that, see who was letting people watch, admire.
“Sure, lover. Sounds like a plan.” Harley kissed his cheek and stood, holding one hand out to him.
They left their drinks—he didn’t worry about them; no one would touch them—and he took Harley’s hand. “We can just watch a little. Maybe you’ll see something you like.”
“What all do you like that we’re going to see, or do I get to guess?”
“Well, if they’re doing any bondage, I like that. Ropes, leather, doesn’t so much matter. Sometimes there’s entertainment in the one big room. Those are my favorite things. I don’t stay to watch the more sadistic work, that’s not really my interest. What did you like?”
“I didn’t see anything in the back. We went to a lounge, had a water and a cookie, believe it or not.” Harley winked at him.
Interesting. “He only took you to the sub lounge?”
Oh, Sammy, you little devil.Sammy didn’t give the boy the full tour. Still, Harley was blushing when they got back, so he must have gotten an eyeful of something.
“Yeah. I mean…there were folks in there, and they were something to see.”
“I imagine so, there are plenty of pretty men at the club.” He’d make sure Harley got more of a look tonight. Why not? If Harley intended to be with him, the boy had better know what came along with him.
They stopped by the sub lounge, which was the first room they came to as they headed down the hall.
“This was the room. It’s empty now, but it wasn’t last week.”
“No, and it won’t be in another hour or so. It’s early yet.” He led Harley down the hall and poked his head into the exhibition room to see if anyone was there. “I’ve seen many couples working in here, some workshops too.” There were a few couples milling around, but it wasn’t clear whether anything was planned.
“Have you? What was the best one?”
“Well, that’s a difficult question to answer. I’ve attended so many.” He thought about it; he did remember one that he’d particularly enjoyed, and also learned a lot from. “A couple of years ago, someone taught us about wax play. Hot wax. It was fascinating and beautiful.”
“Wax? Like candles?” Harley’s eyebrow went up, but he nodded. “I’ve seen that on a movie.”
