(Mark's POV - Fri 24 October 2014)

It is too warm.

It is extremely warm and wet. Heat and humidity at the same time.

My dream is turning into something weird. I know I am dreaming, and yet I can feel myself slowly waking up, even though I believe it's still too early because my phone hasn't gotten off yet.

I'm trying to move, but I can't, something is blocking my hips. Someone is moaning close by as well, which confuses me. Is Shannon whimpering in his sleep?

Another bizarre sensation... even if that's one I know quite well: I feel like electricity is running through my body, the sign of a pending orgasm.

This is when I wake up.

One of the bedside lamps is on and I realize that the moans are coming from me, and... Holy Shit! Shannon is kneeling between my legs, his head bobbing up and down on my erection. The little minx lets go of my cock with a loud pop and looks me in the eyes.

"Are you finally awake, Master?" he asks languorously before he gets back to work on my shaft.

"Mmh Babe... That smart mouth of yours is so fucking good!!"

After only a few minutes, I come into his mouth, grunting like a bear. He licks my cock clean and kisses his way up my body until he reaches my lips. I can taste myself on his tongue and find it extremely erotic. What a great way to wake up!

"Happy birthday, Master!" he says against my lips.

Oh yeah... that's right...

Today is the day I turn 29. Contrary to a lot of people, I don't mind growing older each year. It's just part of life! As long as I feel good in my body and mind, and healthy enough to do what I want, I don't really care.

"Thank you, Babe. It was great," I praise him with a smile.

"That was my first present. Tonight's going to be even better!" he says with a mischievous smile.

Yeah right... I don't know what he has in mind exactly, but I know how I want to spend my evening. Apart from a nice dinner at Le Marais, it's going to take place in the playroom and will involve a lot of hot sex.

I was kind of upset when Shannon mentioned his desire to organize a birthday party. It's not his fault, and my annoyance wasn't directed at him. I could understand his eagerness to celebrate – he's quite the party guy after all! – but this just can't happen. Sadly, there are old demons of my past that I cannot fight, celebrating my birthday with a party is just a hard limit and I wish I could open up on this to him, but I'm just not ready.

I'm a fervent supporter of honest communication, and I believe I've strived to be as honest as I can with Shannon since I met him, but this one subject is just not possible. When he told me about this party last week, I wasn't ready to go into details with Shan. I didn't want to think about what happened years ago. Not then. Not now. Not ever. This is why I firmly stated that I didn't want him to organize a party, and I think he heard me well, so I'm not too worried about what he has planned.

"What is the other present?" I ask.

"Huh huh... You'll find out tonight..." he replies sleepily.

The little creep kisses me one last time and plops down next to me, already back to sleep. Crazy boy... He woke up just to give me the greatest start to a day. Such a sweet attention! Just as the alarm on my phone goes off, I pull the covers over him, kiss his head again and get up. I'll let him sleep longer since he worked late last night.

Shannon's permanent contract at the Black Moon started nearly two weeks ago, and it seems like my boy has enjoyed every minute of his job so far. Aaron told me that he's plainly satisfied with him and Randy hasn't spared any positive comments about Shannon's skills, saying he has it in him, like a natural gift. He already knows all the cocktail recipes of the club and has innate skills to connect and interact with customers. I'm glad that he's been able to find the perfect dose of fun, joking and seriousness that make him a good bartender. In any case, I love seeing him so happy to go to work, because it means he chose the right career path.

Our life seems to be taking a nice turn, even if we spend less time together and are busy with our respective jobs. On my side, I might have found a buyer for La Seine - I mean a serious one.

Just because I want to get rid of this restaurant doesn't mean I no longer care for its future. It was the first establishment I bought and managed in Chicago, and although it's not as high-end as Le Marais, I still love what I have done with it because it was a lot of work, so I don't want to sell it to just anybody. I want to make sure that the person who buys it will take over properly, respect the standards I implanted and the staff I trained.

This perfect person apparently is a woman I recently met. She's a bit older than I am and was born in France. She already owns an Italian business that she manages with her husband, but she's missing her own origins and would like to challenge herself with a French restaurant. She's extremely eager, so things are going pretty fast on this topic, and we only have minor details to review before we close the deal. This should be a smooth transaction as opposed to the opening of the Wine & Cheese Bar II.

I've had quite a few issues with the lease of the new location over the past two weeks after I found out about non-conformities in the electrical installations. All these problems should be solved by next week and I should be able to have the renovation work start the week after, but this has been stressful, delaying my deadlines.

Shannon should have been working tonight, but I easily negotiated an absence leave with Aaron so that we could enjoy the evening together. It was only fair after the show we offered him on his own birthday with Eric, and since he was prolix with how great it was to watch us on his laptop while a Sub was worshipping his cock, I simply asked for this little favor in return. Which Aaron gladly accepted!

So Shan is able to rest a lot today – although I still drag him out for a one-hour run later in the morning – while I spend most of the day working in my study on emails and spreadsheets since I need to finalize some accounting documents for the sale of La Seine. He also comes to bug me a few times in the afternoon, complaining that he is bored, but he quickly understands that I need to work too.

I know how annoying it is for him, but unfortunately, there's not much I can do about it and there's no way we're going to have Ed every day at home like we did last Monday!

Don't get me wrong, I loved having him around to play with us.

What a wonderful surprise it was to find both boys kneeling by the living room when I got back from my morning run! I was expecting to have this threesome as a kinky evening at the Black Diamond like it happened with Eric, but since I more or less gave free reign to Shannon with organizing this, he schemed everything with Ed and decided on a full day at home. I had already guessed Ed would be his choice for a submissive third party, and I was glad he did because the young man is one I have always enjoyed interacting with.

And the day didn't disappoint! It was perfect from the moment they prepped together in the sexiest way till the end. I loved watching Shannon top Ed in the playroom, though what I truly enjoyed was the bliss on his face as he did so while our guest was blowing me. The double-penetration was heavenly too, you just have to love the sensations of another dick rubbing against yours inside a tight ass! My poor baby was so full! But he did enjoy himself and it's all that matters!

Another great thing is that Ed was able to keep company to Shannon for the rest of the day while I had to work, but it didn't prevent us from delving into more sex all day long. Finally, it was nice having Ed with us for the night too, and I felt comfortable with both Subs snuggled against me. If I have to be honest with myself, although I think I would have liked being alone with Shan once we went to sleep, I must admit that I much preferred this experience than the one with Eric. I'm not sure why I think so, and I don't want to dwell on this for now, but this is how I feel.

Anyway, this can't happen all the time, and Shannon will have to learn to keep himself busy when I have to work. All his friends work on regular shifts, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, so I know it's not always fun, but I'm sure he'll get used to our complex schedules. Besides, he knows he can always meet either Liam or other friends at lunchtime too.

After a quick meal at 1pm, I'm back in my study, deep into my spreadsheets when my phone goes off again. I've already spoken with my best friends today, so it can only be my parents this time! And indeed, I can't help grinning when I see my mother's name display on my screen.

"Hello, sweet Mom!" I say, still smiling.

"Happy birthday, Sweetheart!!!" she screams, and I can hear my father in the background too.

"Thank you, Mom and Dad!"

"I can't believe you're already 29! It seems like yesterday when I gave you birth!!!"

"Well, that was a bit earlier than yesterday, Mom, believe me!!" I chuckle.

"Don't tell me! Seeing you growing old reminds me that I'm not getting any younger!"

"You are young, Mom!" I reassure her. "You still look like you're forty!"

"That's what I keep telling her, Son!" I hear my father yell in the back.

"So, how are you doing?" my mother asks, and I tell her about how things are going with the restaurants. "I'm so proud of you darling!! Just don't strain yourself too much! I hope you take time to rest at least?"

"Yes, don't worry mom..."

"How is Shannon doing?" she then asks in a smug tone.

Yes, my parents now know about Shannon. I told them about him nearly a month ago, after he accepted to move in with me, and they welcomed the news with great pleasure!

I came out to my father and mother when I was almost 17, after I found out that I was more interested in men than women. I wasn't very precocious in terms of sex. Being quite the chubby child and adolescent, I was very self-conscious until I started melting and growing up, morphing into a leaner and taller teenager, but in the meantime, I took my time searching myself sexuality-wise. Some friends helped a lot in this respect, and once we got there... well, we just became horny beasts.

Anyway, since my parents are the most open-minded people I have ever met, I had no problem coming out to them and they never missed to support me. Like all parents should do, if you ask me. What they don't know, though, is about the lifestyle I lead, and I assume they don't need these details, so that's one reason I never told them about any of my previous Subs. But Shan is not just any Sub, and it felt natural to introduce him as my boyfriend. Of course, it has led to their begging for us to visit New Jersey as soon as possible, but it won't be possible until November or December at best, once the effervescence I'm in has calmed down.

"He's doing great. His new job at the club is going very well and he loves it!" I cheer with pride.

Mom and Dad know that Aaron owns a nightclub – less the kinky private part of said club, obviously! – and they were happy to hear my childhood friend had hired him.

"This is great news, Mark! Aaron was really nice to give him such an opportunity, but I'm sure Shannon deserves it! Aren't your different working schedules make things too complicated?"

"No, we're making this work out just fine, Mom. I mostly adapted my schedule to his, and it's all good!"

"Have you decided on when you are coming to visit us?" my father then asks.

There we go again!

"Not yet, Dad, but like I already told you, we should be able to visit in November or December. I am too busy with the sale of La Seine and the opening of the new brasserie. Once this is all set up, I'll let you know about the dates."

"Alright, darling. I can't wait to meet this young man who seems to make you so happy!" my mother coos while my father grunts a bit, and this makes me laugh.

"He does, Mom, he does!"

After a bit more chatting with my parents, I eventually bid them a good evening, hang up and return to my work. Since my father was on the phone too, I didn't get an opportunity to ask my mother where they're standing with their retirement projects in Florida. This is still a sensitive topic for my father, but I know my mother is working on convincing him and my father apparently enjoyed their vacation break on the eastern coast last September. I'll just call her back sometime next week for an update.

At almost 7pm, I walk out of the shower stall where I just edged Shannon and wipe myself dry very quickly. Shan is slower, so I go to prepare our suits and dress shirts for the evening, laying them on the bed before I see my little minx join me, a mischievous expression plastered on his face and only wearing a towel around his waist that clearly gives away the erection he is sporting. I don't know what he is up to again, but with his hands hidden at the small of his back, I can only imagine he is concealing something. Something that he finally holds out to me, grinning wildly.

"This is your second present, Master," he states impishly as I take the wrapped package. "Actually... part of it is for me too... I hope you'll like it," he then adds, biting his lower lip and blushing lightly.

I sometimes have a hard time believing Shannon can still blush three months into our kinky relationship, because he's not really the innocent type of guy himself, but it still happens, and I find it so cute!

"Whatever it is, I'm sure I will, Babe. Though... seeing that bright red color on your face right now, I believe I have my guess, so I'll probably even love it," I tease him, leaning down to kiss his plump lips.

It turns out that my guess was right as I unwrap the present and discover the kinky toy. It's an egg-shaped vibrator with a remote control, and just imagining how I'm going to enjoy playing at edging him, my manhood begins to swell in anticipation while I kiss him deeply.

"I love it, Babe, thank you! And we're going to try it as early as tonight, what do you think?" I ask, and Shan whimpers lustfully in answer. "On all fours on the bed and spread your butt cheeks for me, then!"

Shannon instantly complies, discarding his towel on the floor, and once he's in the right position, exposing his cute little asshole, I bend down to lick the tender flesh of his pucker, causing him to moan with content. I know how much he loves this, but which Sub doesn't? I know even Doms love this sensation, though I must be one of the exceptions... After a while, I add some lube and stretch him further with two fingers, and when I deem him ready, I slip the egg inside his channel, only leaving the rigid loop out.

"Now you can go and get dressed, Babe!" I say after a kiss and a playful slap on his buttock.

"Are you not trying it, Master?" he asks with near-disappointment as he gets off the bed.

"Nope, not just yet. The purpose is to use it when you don't expect it..." I smirk back, which earns me a cute little pout.

Fifteen minutes later, we are in the elevator and I'm marveling at how gorgeous he looks in this dark-blue suit I bought for him earlier this week. Shannon looks great in whatever he wears, but I must admit that the elegance of this perfectly-cut outfit adds to his natural beautifulness.

I discreetly slip a hand inside the pocket of my slacks, reaching for the remote that I activate and making Shannon gasp as he grabs the handrail.

"You were not expecting this, were you?" I smirk at him, groping the front of his pants only to discover that he's very hard. "And it's only the lowest speed..."

"Oh gosh... me and my stupid ideas..." he grumbles.

"That's why I love you, Babe..."

I just have time to drop a peck on his lips before we reach the underground level and head toward my car. Once settled in, I deactivate the toy. The evening has only just begun, so I have plenty of time to edge him further later.

The ride is fast and when we arrive at the restaurant, Matt welcomes us and ushers us to a quiet alcove at the back of the room. Unless the establishment is fully packed, this area is the least used because it's close to the corridor that leads to the kitchens, so we should get enough privacy. Once I've ordered two flutes of Champagne – Bolinger if you please! – Matt leaves us with the menus.

Since I already know what I will order and thus don't need to look at it, I enjoy the opportunity to take in Shannon's features while he focuses on the pages of the leather-covered menu. I love how the tip of his tongue is running along his lower lip and how his blue-green eyes try to decipher the French names of the meals. As I reactivate the device in his butt, Shan startles and a little squeak escapes from his mouth before I get to meet the lust in his eyes.

"Are you alright, Babe?" I ask in a husky voice.

"More than fine, Master," he whispers.

"Glad to hear so..." I reply, increasing the vibrations in his butt with a grin.

It's such fun to see him squirm on his chair, but I soon stop it before our waiter comes to take our orders. Our dinner is really nice, and we talk about our plans for tomorrow evening when we should meet all our friends at the Black Diamond, discussing potential scenes we might enact that night in the playroom. Shannon is quite eager to perform another public scene sometime soon, so he also mentions ideas we could envisage in the near future. I swear this boy is insatiable!

Once our main course has been served, I decide to bring up the subject of a potential visit to New Jersey. Shannon now knows a lot about my childhood and how much I love my parents. He has also overheard a lot of my phone conversations with them, and I sincerely hope he won't mind meeting them.

"I'd like to take you to my hometown, most probably in December," I say, not too reassured by the way he swiftly rises his eyes to mine and starts chewing again after a few seconds. "I'd really love for you to meet my parents..."

"Really?" he exclaims, putting his fork back on the table.

"Yes, really. And they're very eager to meet you too," I encourage him, but he only casts his eyes down. "Well, unless you don't want to, of course..."

"Yes, I want to! It's just... Do you think they're going to like me?" he asks worryingly.

"Of course, they will! I told you, my parents are open-minded people and very easy-going. You don't have to worry about anything."

"It's a bit stressful, though. I've never had to... face this kind of situation," he explains in a small voice.

"Shan, don't stress. They're going to love you," I try to reassure him, grabbing his hand in mine across the table.

"I've never asked you, but... Do they know about... you know... our lifestyle?"

"No, they don't. I don't think they need to know about it either," I chuckle. "Anyway, it doesn't matter because I'm not introducing you as my Sub, but as my boyfriend."

The love beaming in his eyes at my answer warms my heart deeply.

"Shan, our lifestyle is a thing. It does rule most of our life in the sense that I control a lot of our decisions and that you submit to my expectations, but we're also a normal couple. We live in the same place and try to spend as much time together as possible. We also share a lot, our thoughts, our doubts and worries, and our joys as well. We're here for one another, and it's this side of our relationship I want to show them. I want you to meet them because I love you."

"I love you too..." he replies with emotion a few seconds later. "So, when are we going there?"

"I don't know yet. I want to clear up the situation here first, so most probably end of November or early December."

"Cool!" he cheers, picking up his food again. "So... you really love me then?"

"Of course, I do! I just told you! Do you still have doubts?" I ask, rolling my eyes.

"No, not really. But I'm glad to hear that the normal side of our relationship counts for you," he comments with a shy smile.

"It does, definitely! Both sides count a lot to me. And right now, I like the kinky one pretty much," I say as I press the button on the remote, causing him to groan once before he focuses on eating his food without moaning too loud.

Our dinner continues wonderfully, punctuated by the activation and deactivation of the device. The lustful expression on his face each time I switch it on is delightful, as are the little moans he utters while the toy vibrates against his prostate or the way it makes him writhe on his chair.

We are now having dessert – a Paris-Brest pastry for Shannon and a chocolate mousse for me – and I have just reactivated the evil plug when the sound of dishes crashing on the floor resounds from the kitchen. Well, this sometimes happen and it's no big deal. I wouldn't interfere for so little, much less while I'm in the delicious company of my lover, but the sudden loud rumbles and shouts that follow compel me to do otherwise.

The closest guests don't seem to pay attention, but I definitely do. Not only because it could make a bad impression on customers, but also because I simply don't tolerate such reprimanding in front of other people in a professional environment, whatever the fault is. I guess one of the kitchen employees must have dropped plates, but even if it was something more serious, the chef shouldn't scold this person with an audience.

"Please excuse me for a minute, Babe," I apologize to Shannon as I put my cloth napkin on the table and stand up. "I won't be long."

"No problem," he replies with a warm smile.

Walking along the corridor that leads to the main kitchen, the shouting gets louder and louder, which is not surprising since the swing door is half-opened. I shut it once I have entered the room and take in the situation.

During Friday evening shifts, there are about fifteen people working here between the chef, the cooks, the assistants and the washers, so there is indeed a large audience. All eyes are focused on a petrified young man who is lying on the floor in the mess of sharp pieces of broken plates, tears streaking his cheeks. Poor boy's right hand is bleeding, but this is not what shocks me right away.

What shocks me is the chef's attitude.

Simon Sanchez is facing away from me, so he didn't notice when I walked in, and when that bastard kicks the young man's thigh, my annoyance morphs to anger. How dare he!? He should be helping up and taking care of the poor boy instead of beating him! It only gets worse when his dejecting words ears reach my ears.

"You're fired, you fag!!!!" the chef yells, and it takes all my self-control not to beat the crap out of him.

"What the hell is going on here?" I shout even louder, and all eyes suddenly turn to me.

Except for Sanchez and the young man, everybody goes back to their tasks when they realize who it came from. I'm not here that often, but they obviously know who I am because I still meet the staff whenever I stay in the smaller kitchen to experiment recipes. I actually know all these faces here. All but one. I have never met the handsome young man sprawled on the floor – or I would have remembered. I would think he's a new member of the staff, but I haven't heard about new recruits in a long time.

"Mr. Murray... I didn't know you were here with us tonight..." the chef cowardly stutters in a silky voice, almost ready to lick my shoes.

Disgusting bigot!

"Am I supposed to warn you of my presence in advance?" I reply very coldly.

This is a rhetorical question obviously. Even if Matt sometimes informs everyone when I book a table at the restaurant, I don't owe them this bit. Impromptu visits can do some good, like in this case, and I had purposefully asked him not to do it this time as I didn't want to make it an official visit.

"No, Sir, of course not..." he sheepishly replies. "I'm sorry about the mess. This idiot is going to clean up everything. And I'll make sure we deduct the money to reimburse the dishes from his account settlement before he..."

"Enough!" I interrupt him, now over-pissed with him.

I'm highly tempted to openly speak my mind on what I think about him and his methods, but I can't do that in front of the whole staff. It would go against my principles, and I need to calm down first before I can think properly. In any case, this is a conversation I will have in private with that jerk.

"This boy's injuries need to be taken care of, so have someone else clean up the mess. Or even better, do it yourself!"

I ignore his shocked look and walk to the young man who has curled up against one of the counters, and squat in front of him. He is still sobbing, his hands tucked between his thighs, his eyes lowered.

"Let me have a look at your hand," I order, striving for a gentle voice though.

"I'm sorry Sir, I'm really sorry, I..." he mumbles, his eyes shifting between his lap and behind me where the chef is still standing I guess.

Poor guy seems to be totally freaked out by Sanchez!

"Don't worry, it's okay," I try to reassure him, using the gentlest tone I can manage. "We need to take care of your hand. Please come with me."

Grabbing his forearms, I pull him up to his feet without much effort. He's such a lightweight! I then lead him toward the swing door, but before we walk out, I briefly turn back to the mad chef.

"I will see you tomorrow morning at 10 in my office," I quickly blurt out icily before I step out, leading the young man toward my office.

"Mark?" Shannon's voice calls behind me, causing me to turn around and see him walking slowly in my direction.

"Sorry, Shan... I just need to take care of a little issue here. Come with me if you want."

He is slightly limping as he reaches us, and that's when it hits me! The egg toy in his ass!! The remote is in my pocket and I had just switched the device on before I left him!! Oh my goodness! I'll have to redeem myself for that!!

Giving him an apologetic look, I discreetly but hurriedly turn off the vibrations. Shannon's relief is instantaneous, although he doesn't even try to hide the tent at the front of his pants. Poor boy! He must be all edged!

Once we are in my office, I make the skinny boy sit on one side of the couch, while Shannon settles on the opposite side, shifting himself to face the injured victim. There's sincere concern on his face, but something else I can't pinpoint yet as well. Shaking my head, I fetch a first-aid kit from the medicine chest, and before I return to the couch, I quickly call Matt and ask him to meet me in my office.

"What happened?" Shannon asks warily, staring openly at the sobbing boy.

I roll my eyes at him, furrowing my brows briefly, because now is not the time to ask why the guy is freaking out.

"Sorry... I know it's none of my business," he mumbles, so I give him a warm smile before I return my attention to the other boy.

"Please let me see these cuts now," I order softly.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he shyly holds his hand out, and as I take it between mine to have a better look, I realize that it is super thin and very cold. He has stopped crying at least, and I'm glad to see that the wounds are not as bad as they looked at first. In fact, it's only scratches, but I still use an antiseptic to clean them, and when I press the gauze on his skin, the poor boy hisses and tenses.

"What's your name?" I ask, willing to distract him.

"Alex, Sir..." he whispers. "I'm sincerely sorry for the broken plates, I didn't mean to..."

"Shhh, it's okay, Alex. You're not in trouble."

I'm not sure it reassures him, but Matt walks in at that precise moment anyway.

"Mark, is there a problem?" he asks in a voice full of concern, probably wondering why we are not at our table, but then he takes in the sight in front of him. "Hey, what happened? Alex? Are you okay?"

"Matt, I'm so sorry, I was tripped," Alex blurts out, and there he goes again with the sobbing before he turns back to me, casting his eyes down. "I swear, Sir, it wasn't really my fault, I'm never that clumsy... Please don't fire me, I really need the job! I'll pay for the broken dishes if I have to, but please give me a second chance, I can't afford lose..."

"Stop!" I say firmly but kindly. "Like I already told you, you're not in trouble. You are not getting fired. And you are not paying for the broken dishes. This kind of incident can happen. Understood?"

"Mark! What happened here?" Matt insists as Alex nods in answer.

"Apparently this young man tripped or was tripped, and he fell with dishes in his hands. He was bleeding, but there are only scratches, it's nothing too serious. When I walked into the kitchen, Simon was yelling at him and kicking his legs while he was lying on the kitchen floor!" I explain, and Matt's eyes widen in horror. "Then before he saw I was here, he said words and insults he shouldn't have."

"Alex! You'd better tell me the truth this time. Was it the first time or has it happened before?" Matt asks firmly, leaving me perplex while Alex is awkwardly fiddling with the buttons of his white overall.

"The kicking was the first time," he whispers.

"Does that mean the chef ever insulted you or shouted at you like this before?" I exclaim.

"Please... I don't want to lose my job!!" Alex begs.

"I'll tell you again, you're not going to lose your job. Just tell us," I encourage him, but he just curls up on the sofa and keeps his mouth shut. "Alex," I call out, trying to keep my voice as gentle as I can. "Look at me."

His eyes briefly peek at me, but he quickly averts them again.

"We're going to find out one way or another, because I'm not letting this pass. Please feel free to speak up, I swear you won't be fired in any case," I insist, but he still doesn't answer, so after a long sigh, I stand back up and take Matt a bit aside. "Can you manage the kitchen for the rest of the evening or trust someone to do it in the team?"

"Sure!"

"Great! Please go there and tell Sanchez that he's dismissed for today. Tell him to leave now. I've already summoned him to be in my office at 10 tomorrow morning. Once he has left, please test the waters with all the staff. I've witnessed the whole thing and they know it, so it should be easier to make them talk now. We need answers this time, so tell them they shouldn't be afraid of the chef anymore."

"Will do. I'll give you an update tomorrow morning, and I'll attend the interview with Simon."

"That would be great, yeah."

Once he has bid his goodbye to Shannon and Alex and left the office, I take a few seconds to look at my boy. He hasn't moved from his spot, his eyes locked on Alex's curled-up shape and gaping. Poor Babe... I can't believe I left him about ten minutes with the vibrator on! This was supposed to be a nice and romantic date, which hasn't happened in a long time, and it's been kind of ruined because I had to deal with a stupid and obviously abusive bigot chef!

"Shannon?" I call out softly, and yet he still startles on the couch. "Can you please go get our coats? We're going to use the side-exit of the building, and drive Alex back to his place."

"Sure!! I'll be right back!" he says eagerly before he disappears.

"I don't want to be a bother, Sir. I can take the bus back home..." Alex mumbles.

"I'm driving you back. Period." I reply firmly. "What time does your shift start tomorrow?"

"Noon, Sir."

"Perfect. I'll let the matter rest for tonight, but I want to see you in my office tomorrow at noon then," I explain gently, just as Shan comes back then with three coats.

"Matt says it's Alex's," he says softly, handing the worn-out anorak to the boy who thanks him.

The two boys look cute standing next to one another. They're about the same size, but where Shannon is lean, Alex is very slim, almost skinny. Alex's dark blonde hair contrasts with Shan's dark mop, but their blue eyes nearly match, though there's green in my boy's while the other young man's have some gray in them.

I'm amazed by the gentleness Shannon shows as he helps the boy into his old anorak, then grabs his hand to lead him out of my office. I've seen him interact with other guys like Liam or the other Subs at the club, but seeing him taking care of a weaker someone that he doesn't even know is a whole different thing, and this is quite adorable.

An odd feeling creeps its way within me as I follow them out. It's not jealousy or anything wrong, but I can't pinpoint it for now.

Just a feeling.

Published on 14 May 2016