(Liam's POV - Wed. 27 August 2014)

A knock echoes on my open door and I raise my eyes from the screen of my laptop to see Sophie Alltman walking into my office. She is the new AP Manager, replacing Dominic.

"Hi Liam, sorry to disturb you," she says when she reaches my desk.

"Hi Sophie, how can I help you?"

"Oh... I have annotated this report for Mr. Brightman but he seems to be in a conf call at the moment and Edna is not in her office, so I was wondering if I could leave it with you so that you can drop it off on his desk as soon as he is available? This is a confidential report that he has been expecting quite urgently," she explains.

"Sure! No problem!"

"Thanks, Liam!" she says, putting the documents on my desk, before she turns around and leaves.

Sophie joined the company in June after Dominic was arrested. Another woman was hired to replace Derek and a rather young - and cute - man replaced Devon in the Compliance Department, but Sophie is the one I prefer. She is in her early forties and has nothing to compare to Dominic. She always smiles and doesn't have that haughty and hateful look that this bastard used to have whenever he was in my presence. Dominic... I just hope he is rotting in his prison cell, and I wish even more so for Devon and Kenny. I voluntarily kept myself away from what happened with the trial since the lawyers took care of everything and I never asked Joshua either. I have just wanted to turn that page and forget about that awful day, but it sometimes pops back in my mind. However, from the little I heard here or there, I know that they are not going to be released any time soon and this is for the better. Just thinking about that horrible afternoon has me shuddering.

And that reminds me... Holy crap!!! I need to talk to Mark! Like... immediately!! Shit!! I wonder why I haven't thought about that little problem earlier... How can I reach him? I don't even have his phone number. I should have kept the file Ally had given me with all the details on Joshua's friends and family... Maybe I could try his restaurants but would they let me talk to him? I guess not. Besides, I don't even know in which restaurant he would be working today.

I quickly check Allan's calendar on my Outlook and see that he will be in the same conference call for another big hour, so I open a Lync message window to Joshua.

Liam - Can you please give me Mark's phone number? I type and I can see that he is at his desk because his answer comes rather quickly.

Joshua - Sure, but why do you need it? he replies. Damn! Why are there always questions to my questions with Joshua? Is it that difficult to reply with a plain answer?

Liam - I need to talk to him. Please, Joshua, it's urgent!

Joshua - Something happened with Shannon? Ugh!!!! Why the hell would something happen with Shan?

Liam - Noooo! I just need to speak with Mark!!!! Please, Josh!

Joshua - Come up here. Yeah sure, and make me lose more time?

Liam - Argh Josh!!! Can't you just give me the number?

Joshua - I said come up here! Now! Well, that was expected.

Argh damn!! I should have asked Ally instead! With a bit of conviction, I'm sure she would have given it to me... though maybe not. I angrily lock my session on my laptop and hastily walk to the elevators. When I reach the 21st floor, I quickly wave at Ally and barge into Joshua's office without even knocking and slam the door shut behind me. As I determinedly walk to his desk, Joshua scowls at me, reclining in his chair and folding his arms across his chest. Okay, so that might not be the best approach, but I am in a hurry to get it over with. I already hope that this is not too late; though I guess Shan would have called if it was.

"What's all this drama about?" Joshua asks.

"Please, Josh... Just give me the number," I beg him, resting my hands on his desk.

"Not before you have told me what the fuss is about," he replies firmly.

"Oh come on, please!!!" I beg again but he remains silent and I wonder if his glare is not digging holes in my face... "Fine! I'll go and ask Ally!" I reply bitterly, leaning back up and spinning on my heels to head toward the door.

"Liam! Get your ass here immediately!" Joshua growls in my back, and the annoyance and almost anger I was feeling a second ago are nothing compared to what sips from his tone, making me stop in my tracks. When I turn around to face him again, his electric blue eyes are glimmering with irritation, freezing me on my spot. "Don't make me bend you over for a punishment, because you know I will!" That has me finally obey to his request despite my stupid cock twitching in my pants at the thought of being spanked while I bend over his desk, knowing that Ally is just behind the glass wall. Oh God! That man has turned me into a real perverted sex addict!

"Sorry..." I whisper once I have reached his side.

"Ally wouldn't give you the number without asking me, anyway," he says, swirling on his chair to face me. "Now will you tell me?"

"I need to talk to Mark... about what happened... you know, in May... I just want to make sure he won't tell Shannon..."

"Why would he do that?" Joshua asks, frowning at me.

"I don't know... I guess he probably wouldn't bring up the subject on purpose, but you never know. He could think that I told Shannon and I don't want him to know, I already told you," I explain.

"I thought you had decided to be honest with Shannon? Don't you think it would be a good time to tell him?" Joshua argues softly.

"I am being honest with him... There are not many things I keep hiding from him anymore, but he doesn't need to know that. Even if this is part of the past, he's going to freak out and... Mark has already made such great progress with him, I just want him to concentrate on his future training so that he can get a job as quickly as possible. Please, Joshua..." I plead. He thinks it over for a few seconds before he reaches for his Iphone, a piece of paper and a pen. "Actually... I... I was wondering..." I begin as I watch him look for the number in his contact application.

"What, Liam?" he says, copying the number on the piece of paper.

"If you have another few minutes... would you mind calling him?" I ask sheepishly. With a sigh, Joshua leans back in his armchair and dials Mark's number, pulling my hand to make me sit on his right thigh.

"Hey, how are you?"

"............"

"I'm all good, thanks! Are you with Shannon at the moment?"

"............."  

"No, don't worry! I'm with Liam right now and he would like to talk to you about something."

".............." 

"No, no problem! He's gonna tell you himself. Here. Shannon's not with him at the moment," Joshua adds for my attention as he hands me the phone.

"Good afternoon, Mas... hmm Mark..."

"Hi Liam! What can I help you with?" he asks in his usual warm voice.

"I would actually need a favor... I never told Shan about what happened to me last May, you know... with the guys from work... and I don't want to tell him... so... Could you please keep this to yourself?" I ask a bit awkwardly.

"Well, this is up to you, Liam. But Shannon would probably appreciate if you told him, you know..." Mark tries to reason.

"I know, but I'd rather not. Shan has a tendency to become a bit... overbearing when he hears about stuff like that. I just don't want him to freak out... Can you please promise me you'll never mention this to him, Mark?"

"If this is your choice, Liam, then yes, I promise I won't tell him," Mark finally says with a sigh.

"Thank you, Mark..."

"You're welcome, and I shall see you tonight, right? Do you remember the plan??"

"Yes, Sir! Of course I do!!" I cheer. "See you tonight!"

Once I have cut the call, sighing with relief, Joshua grabs my chin between his thumb and index finger to pull me closer for a brief kiss.

"Stop putting yourself into stress like you did, Baby... Most of the time, things can be dealt easily. Just talk and express your worries instead of panicking, okay?" he says softly, wrapping me into his arms.

"Yes, thank you..." I whisper, feeling much better.

"You'll still get punished for your tone, though," he then adds seriously, making me lean back up on his lap and scowl at him. Wrong idea. He is really serious. "No, I'm not joking."

"Come on... I... I..." I try to defend myself, but I am at a loss for words. I did speak pretty badly earlier.

"Yes?" he encourages me, arching his eyebrows.

"Nothing... I'm sorry I spoke a bit harshly..." I eventually admit.

"Glad you admit it. It'll earn you ten spanks then."

"Not now!!" I whisper-shout, not as aroused anymore as I was when I walked into his office.

"Not now. You're lucky I have a conference call starting in... three minutes! And if it weren't for the fact that I need your hole anything but sore for this evening, I would definitely punish you here and now, and fuck you on my desk!" he whispers huskily in my ear. Scratch what I said about not being aroused. Something has definitely sprung to life between my legs! "But be sure you will get it tonight!" he then adds as he stands up, making sure to grope my crotch and putting me back on my feet in the process. As I start walking away from him, groaning under my breath, his hand lands firmly on my butt, making me squeak in surprise. "That's one less," he chuckles, before he walks me back to the door. Ugh!!! Horrible man!!           

* * *

Once I was reassured after my little silly moment of panic earlier this afternoon, the rest of the day went well. That's if you ignore that pretty embarrassing moment when I walked out of his office, horny as hell, frustrated and with an uncomfortable boner. I am only grateful for Ally being discreet as ever as she pretended to be concentrated on her work and only wished me a good evening with a smug smile on her face.

Anyway, now is time to meet Shannon at the club and if I could, I would press my foot on Tony's to speed up. Shannon called me on Monday evening to let me know that Aaron validated his membership and on Tuesday evening we confirmed our plans to meet at 8:00 pm at the back of the Black Moon building. Joshua said he would meet me there a bit later because he had a conference call that wouldn't end until 8:30, so that was leaving us enough time to get ready for the night.

I am super excited that my friend finally joins us, and not only because it means that I will finally be able to share this experience with him - which means no more secrets - but also because I am faithful that he will eventually settle down and find his way in life. It could be with Mark or with another Dominant if it doesn't work between them, but I am pretty certain that once he has tasted the lifestyle, he will stay in it. My greatest hope though is that he finds in Mark a soulmate and that they remain together.

Tony is about turn into the alley when I see Shannon getting out of a cab. It seems like someone else has been forbidden to take the train or the bus. I really wonder how he is taking all this overprotection thing. Mark must be having some hard times with him, but he seems to be a patient guy, so hopefully things will work out well.

"Tony! Can you please stop here? Shannon is just over there!" I call out, pointing at my friend who is heading toward the alley.

"Joshua said I should..."

"Please Tony!! We only need to walk the alley!" I argue pleadingly.

"Fine, fine..." he grumbles, "but I'm staying until you've entered the building!" he says, stopping in front of the alley.

"Thanks Tony!! I won't tell Josh!!" I promise with a chuckle, already getting out the car to follow Shannon. I think Tony grunted something, but I can't be sure and I don't really care since I am not about to get him into trouble. I silently run after my friend and drop my duffle bag on the ground before I jump on Shan's back by surprise, him screaming with fear and me laughing out loud.

"What the fuck, Liam!!! You scared the shit out of me!!!" Shannon screams.

"Good news, then you might not need the enema!!" I laugh out, making him scowl at me.

"What the hell??"

"Nothing, let's go get ready!" I chuckle and grab Shan's hand, get my bag and lead him inside the club, waving at Tony who ridiculously followed us along the alley to make sure we would go in. Imagine if something happened on such a short distance... Jeez!!

I give a few explanations to Shannon about how the club works on week days as we undress in the almost empty Subs' room. The advantage of a Wednesday is that there are less people coming so it will be more comfortable for him. The best part begins when we reach the showers area and I pull out all the things I brought, such as razors and foam and more importantly, two enema kits! The expression on Shannon's face is priceless when he understands that one is for him. I am actually surprised that he has never used any of these accessories; after all, he is much more experienced than I was when I met Joshua; far more experienced! The shaving part is another fun moment. Shan being my long time friend, I don't feel modest around him and neither is he usually, but I am happy to see that this part embarrassed him the slightest bit. It means that Mark must have somewhat tamed him a tad bit already, and this is a small revenge for all the times he embarrassed me!

The second and third parts of the evening are Shannon's story to tell but I really get emotional throughout the ceremony. Only a week ago, I was complaining that Mark was taking things too slowly with Shannon, because I was eager to finally spend evenings with my friend at the club, but this is really incredibly fast! Of course I know Mark a little and I have seen him with several different Subs over the past year, but the way he looks at Shannon confesses his adoration for my friend and the emotion perspiring in his voice leaves no doubt about the strong feelings he already has for him. Damn! That was really quick in the end, all things considered. And to think that I had to wait for more than seven months for that to happen to me! I am almost tempted to smirk at Joshua, but then I remember that I already have a punishment planned for tonight, and I guess that's enough.

And a punishment I get indeed!

After the ceremony, we watch an interesting show at the Black Diamond involving Ed and a Dominant I don't really know. Man, that Ed guy never stops, though!! As I am seated on Joshua's lap during the show, I often peek up at the new couple and see that Shannon is completely drowned into the scene he is watching. The two of them barely wait for the end to leave, completely oblivious to our presence.

"Is it me or Mark didn't even say goodbye?" Aaron asks in disbelief.

"He didn't..." Joshua confirms with a chuckle.

"I guess someone will have a sore ass tomorrow morning," Aaron comments.

"Someone else too... though a bit differently," Joshua replies as his hands move to squeeze my thighs.

"Ouch, did you misbehave, Liam?" Aaron then asks me and Joshua pats the side of my right thigh to allow me to speak.

"I didn't speak very well..." I confess, blushing but smiling at the thought of my upcoming punishment. The mistake wasn't that bad and the spanking should be pleasurable enough. Like I explained to Shannon recently, that kind of punishment is not really unpleasant and I'm almost eager for it.

"Use the paddle, Josh. I have a feeling someone likes this too much," Aaron says and guess what? I could almost punch him there, but being the Head Master of the club, he would probably punish me himself and I can't be sure that Joshua wouldn't let him.

"Oh I do know that he likes that," Joshua chuckles. "But trust me, he won't like it that much tonight, even if with my hands..." he lingers, making me gasp in surprise and causing Aaron to laugh out as he stands up.

"Enjoy then! I'm gonna make a tour of the Black Moon now," Aaron says as Joshua also rises from the couch, making me stand up as well. "Good luck, Bunny," he adds, imitating Shannon and ruffling my hair playfully. Damn!! Where the hell did he hear that?

"Good night, Ron! Let's go, Pet," Joshua says as he tugs on my hand and leads me toward the exit doors of the private club. Ugh, what does he have in mind that I wouldn't like? Well, I quickly get my answer. As soon as he has shut the door of his private room, I move to kneel at the centre and although my eyes are cast down, I see him go and sit on the bed. Oh please, no... "Look up, Pet," Joshua instructs after a long minute of silence. I raise my eyes and, exactly as I thought, he is sitting on the bed, slightly leaning back, with his hands resting on the mattress for support. "It's time for your punishment. Do you remember why you are being punished?"

"I talked back to you, Master," I reply softly.

"What do the rules and duties say about that?" he then asks and I take a few seconds to remember... Damn, it dates back!

"The Submissive agrees to bring honor and respect toward his Dominant at all times... Sulking, defiance and talking back are strictly forbidden... and always address the Dominant in a respectful manner," I recite more or less confidently but I am pretty sure I got it right.

"Indeed, Pet. As you could see this afternoon, things work much better when you clearly state your requests and speak properly."

"I'm sorry, Master."

"Come here now," he then instructs and I do as I am told. "Strip off your shorts." I slowly remove the buttons at the front of my shorts and pull them down, also taking my shoes off. Once done, I am left naked and standing in front of him, with my hands along my sides and my head lowered. Joshua moves a little forward on the bed and straightens his posture before he pats his thighs. I suppress a sigh of annoyance as I realize that I was right about how this was going to work. "On my knees now." Yeah, I could jump on his knees, straddle his lap and start kissing him, but I know that this is not what he expects, so I walk to his right side and bend over until I am lying flat across his lap, with both my hands and feet touching the ground. I hate this position because it is more... embarrassing than when I am bending over or kneeling on the punishment bench. "Good boy! So, I owe you nine spanks," he says as he starts massaging my buttocks, warming them up.

"Yes, Master." The first slap lands on my right cheek, already strong enough, and Joshua rubs the sting away with his hand by kneading the flesh. The second one hits my left cheek, bringing a little yelp from my mouth, and Joshua proceeds similarly with the rubbing.

"Good boy. Seven more." He goes on with the next six spanks, alternating between my left and right buttocks and smacks the seventh one across the middle of my backside. I can definitely feel the heat of my skin even if it was rather short. "Good boy, you took your punishment well and you are forgiven now," he says softly as he massages the sting away for a little while longer. "Have you learned your lesson, Pet?" he then asks as he helps me up and hugs me.

"Yes, Master," I reply.

"Good!" he says before he leans down and attaches his lips to mine. "Bend over, I'll apply the soothing lotion, Baby."

The cold substance easily cools down the warmth off my backside, and once Joshua has rubbed the lotion into my skin, I wait for the next instructions, still bending over the bend with my hands resting on the mattress. I hear him take off his clothes and shoes off, and the cap of a bottle being opened. I do expect the cold substance between my ass cheeks but I still squeal when two fingers penetrate my hole. Joshua's left hand gently caresses my back and he whispers words of encouragement and praise while his fingers slowly scissor me. A third finger joins the other two a few minutes later, stretching and preparing me for the next girth, and by then, my cock has fully hardened. My moans become louder and my hips naturally sway back and forth to meet his thrusts.

"Lie, on the bed, Baby," Joshua then instructs, surprising me because I was expecting him to take me in this position. "On your back," he then commands as I slouch on the bed, and I flip around to lie on my back, finally able to contemplate his beautiful sexiness, with his manhood standing at full attention. I watch him pour more lube in his hand and smear it all over his length, stroking it a few times. He smiles down at me and grabs a small pillow that he slips beneath the small of my back, before he leans over me with his knees settled between my parted legs. "I want to make love to you, Baby," he whispers, grazing and sucking on the soft skin of my neck, provoking a long moan that I can't keep in.

"Ugh... please... yes..." I beg, making him chuckle at my impatience as my hips rock to meet his and to get some friction over groin.

"Patience, Baby," he murmurs before his lips start a slow trip from my earlobe down my neck and along my collar bones. His tongue plays with my collar for a while before it licks a path down to my left nipple. Joshua teases the little bud for a minute before he takes care of the other one and each time his teeth gently bite the hard button, it sends jolts of pleasure down my groin, making me feel more and more needy.

"Please... Master..." I beg again, trying to pull him up but he grabs my wrists and pins them on each side of my head. My eyes meet his smoldering electric blue eyes and I might as well combust right away; there is so much lust in his expression that I wonder how he can hold off so well.

"What do you want, Baby?" he asks in a smug tone.

"I want you, please..." I reply, already wrapping my legs around his waist and trying to pull him down.

"Whatever you want, I give it to you, Baby," he finally whispers, leaning down and resting on his elbows as his mouth finally meets mine. As his tongue invades my mouth, swirling with my own wet muscle, I feel the tip of his cock probing at my entrance and I relax to his groans erupting in my mouth when the head of his shaft eventually pushes past the ring of muscles, stretching me a little more. I try to ignore the slight sting of pain as he slowly fills me to the hilt and just revel at the sensation of finally having him inside of me. "You're feeling so good, Baby," he whispers against my lips while he lets me adjust to his thickness.

"You too... kind of... will be better in a minute..." I manage to say, making him laugh before he resumes our kiss. After another long minute, Joshua slowly pulls out and back in, causing me to moan around his tongue. Oh Fuck! This really feels good!! My arms naturally wraps around his neck and my fingers weave through his hair, pulling him closer to me as I tighten my legs around his waist. My feet press against his firm backside to encourage him to go deeper each time he thrusts back in. I can feel the warmth quickly build within me, promising me an explosion of pleasurable sensations. My hard-on is sandwiched between our lower abdomens and the friction of Joshua's moves only intensifies my increasing euphoria. I don't think I will need too much more to explode. "Josh... please..."

"Soon, Baby..." he groans, accelerating his thrusts and it really takes all my willpower not to give in. However, I can feel that he is getting closer to his climax; his breathing has become heavy and erratic in my ear and the muscles of his arms have tensed around me. "Come with me, Liam!!" he whispers as he slams one last time deep inside of me and we both reach our orgasm, him coating my insides and me releasing between our stomachs with a long and high-pitched squeal. Waves of pleasure travel my whole body for long seconds that feel like eternity; a blissful eternity.

I don't know how long we stay in this position, trying to recover from our heavy panting. I wish it could last forever. I wish he could stay buried inside of me forever. However, Joshua ends up pulling out of me, but I don't want to let go of him. Tonight, I don't want him to get up to clean me or whatever. I just want him to stay by my side and cuddle with me, and he seems to get it as he rolls us over, making me lie over his chest, my head resting over his heart. Now I am feeling utterly good, completely oblivious to the liquid oozing from my hole and to the sudden freshness on my back that makes me shudder. Joshua seems to notice and he pulls on the bed sheet to cover us with while tightening his hold around me.

We remain silent for a long moment and I just relax to the soothing sound of his heartbeat while he caresses my back. I can't help thinking that almost exactly a year ago was the day I stumbled into Joshua's meeting room and met him for the first time. A full year has passed and what a year! So many things happened and I have changed so much in only twelve months. The day I spilled those documents on the floor, I was far from imagining that I would end up tied and bound, physically and mentally, to the handsome CEO, and yet, here I am, lying over him after another extraordinary moment. My heart beats like a wild horse for this man and I really hope that our future will be filled with more special moments. And it seems like someone else's heart is beating faster... The thumping of Joshua's heart has suddenly accelerated and I slowly prop up to look at him.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask softly, resting my cheek against his stubbled jaw.

"You..."

"Me??"

"Hmm..."

"And what is it about me?"

"I realized we missed our first encounter anniversary on Tuesday... and... What's so funny?" he asks as I start chuckling.

"I was thinking exactly the same... Sorry, go ahead..." I reply, kissing his lips and adjusting my position to rest my forehead against his.

"Great minds think alike, they say," he chuckles before he recovers his seriousness. "I was thinking that and... I was thinking that I never loved anyone like I love you, Baby. I'm so happy you were able to unveil all those emotions in me. We're going to take one step at a time in the future, but... I really want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you." The emotion in his voice sends shivers down my spine and the promises for a future together have my eyes prickle with tears. One step at a time sounds better than good to me...

"I love you too..."

Punished** on 9 Jan 2017

I wanted to publish this last night, but it turns out that the first draft was pure crap so I almost completely rewrote this chapter.

It feels weird... this is the last chapter of I Would Give Him The Moon... I'm a bit sad to see this long journey with Joshua and Liam end. And at the same time, I'm happy because I will soon be able to dedicate myself entirely to finishing Twisted Moon.
Now I really need need to write the Epilogue and I promise to give it to you in the next few days. I just really suck at fluffy scenes and lack inspiration (because the "dramatic" part of the epilogue is already more than clear in my head...) but well, be sure we will soon meet in Paris very shortly... I guess it's no spoiler to say that since a lot of people guessed that part of it takes place in the City Of Love...

Anyway! Thanks for sticking with this story and for your patience!! I'll be right back with the fluff and drama!
And I'm super late answering some messages and comments, but I will try to catch up shortly...

* there's no real translation in English for the title but you could say it means something like: a last round before we go.

** Pun intended and a wink to a very special reader. Thank you for our long and very interesting conversations, Boy!! (I'm older than you, so I can call you that!!) And I just had to do that, at least once... Now you're allowed to make fun of me and my lapsus 😘