Eclipse Of The Moon ~ Book 1 of Aaron
Chapter 32
Temperance Is A Virtue

Thursday 10 July 2003

Holy shit! It feels good! Mmmmmmm...

Now does it?

Hmm... Perhaps not as good as I thought it would, to be honest.

It's my first cigarette since I smoked the last one of my pack about ten days ago. There were ten left when Ivan gave me the pack back, so an average of two or three each day made it last until Tuesday last week, and since then, I have been doing quite well.

In fact, I haven't felt so good in a long time. Like I suggested to Ivan, the withdrawal symptoms I showed were partly due to the extreme stress I underwent in the past few weeks, so the feverish chills quickly disappeared over the first weekend. Now only remained a slight anxiety, a certain yearning to smoke and insomnia, but Ivan's support has helped a lot.

Upon his advice, I deal with the first one with communication as he says, forcing myself to either write down or voice every little aspect or incident that upsets me, and I must admit that he never fails to listen to me and to help me to put things into perspective. Abusing the gym for a lot of physical exercise compensates for much of the second one, and running and weight-lifting also allows me to empty my mind of all its darker thoughts, and it's a good way for my body to eliminate the drugs from my system faster.

In the end, insomnia has been the toughest problem. As usual, Ivan came up with solutions. Natural solutions, obviously and it goes through a relaxing ritual every evening. It starts with herb tea after dinner, followed by a glass of milk and a warm shower before I go to bed. It still takes me about half an hour to fall asleep at night, but it might be worse if I didn't follow his instructions.

Nonetheless, I believe that what helps the most is that my worries about Cam, Mark and Josh have been patched and that I can finally envisage a brighter future. Then, there's Ivan and his unerring comfort. I just can't explain these feelings of peacefulness and serenity that overwhelm me when he's around, as if his powerfulness made me stronger. Yes, the man is truly amazing.

And yet, I can't help but grimace at his freaking rigidity. Now that he has a better idea of how much preparation I need to take the GED, he has set up a thorough program and makes me work like a maniac. I can't even cheat since he reviews my work and progress on a daily basis. I did try a few days ago, slacking on an English test, and it earned me an additional essay in social science that I had to do on my recreation time.

Yes, recreation time, because each day is timed from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. I swear, my days are such fun...

Once my alarm clock has pulled me from my sleep at 7, I am required to have breakfast, get ready and be at my desk by 8, while Monsieur is still sleeping – at least when he had to work on the previous night. I'm at the library until noon, and that's when Ivan and I have lunch together, using this time to talk about any topic I need to broach. I'm back to work at my desk from 1 to 4 pm, but then comes one of my favorite slot with one or two hours at the gym, which leaves me a couple of hours of recreation before dinner. And finally, I am allowed to watch a bit of TV every other night – or read when it's not a TV night – but in any case, I must be in bed by 11 the latest.

Fun much, right?

Though, it can be flexible according to specific needs or requirements as long as I respect the number of working hours. For instance, I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Neely tomorrow morning, so I'll have to skip an hour of recreation to make up for the lost working time. Yesterday, I took half an hour to call each of Joshua, Camden and Mark in the early afternoon, so I had to cut my free time later in the evening, which is perfectly fine by me.

Determined to be on my best behavior, I have honestly been quite respectful of Ivan's conditions so far except for that one laxing occurrence which earned me additional homework. Today hasn't been much of an exception. I worked my ass off all morning long, had lunch with Ivan, and returned to the library as soon as he had left right after he had finished his meal, but then there was this essay in lit that didn't passionate me.

At 3pm, I treated myself with a snack, and for some reason, I suddenly fancied a cigarette. I could have gone to the gym or used the pool, but it wasn't long before I remembered that Ivan had returned my wallet with the rest of my cash. Today being Thursday, he wouldn't be back home until 4 or 5 tomorrow morning, Anita had already left, and I could easily hide the pack in my bedroom.

Although it was easy to sneak out of the house and lock it thanks to a set of spare keys, I still had to wander for a while in the unfamiliar residential neighborhood until I found a place where they sell cigarettes. However, luck was on my side as there was such a long line behind me that the salesman didn't bother requesting my ID. All in all, I was out for barely forty-five minutes, which isn't that bad in itself, but being in a lazy mood when I got home, I grabbed my CD player from my bedroom and settled in one of the comfortable lounge chairs on the terrace.

Last week, I received the package that Joshua had promised and damn, he was right; I literally fell in love Evanescence. If their next albums remain in the same register, they might as well become my favorite band, or at least one of them. Ivan doesn't really like them, he says their lyrics are so dark and their music too commercial, but what do I care? Despite the numerous spiritual references, their songs speak to me in so many ways with their powerful arrangements and the singer's beautiful voice. In any case, what each individual feels when listening to a song is inexplicable, it's a matter of perspective. All I know is that Amy Lee's voice doesn't fail to send tingles down my spine and that songs like My Last Breath, My Immortal and Bring Me To Life raise goosebumps on my arms.

I should be catching up on my homework now, but I can't resist listening to another song, so I light up a second cigarette and lie back down, closing my eyes with the first notes of Haunted. Yes, just one last song, then I will go back to work. I will also have to go hide the pack of cigarettes and lighter under the mattress of my bed and to eliminate all traces of incriminating evidence, like ashes and butts.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

I can't help a roaring scream of terror when my body suddenly gets pulled up from the lounge chair, my headphones and player falling in the process. My heart is racing in my chest like it rarely has, I am ready to fight whichever intruder broke into the house, and yet, when I see the man I am facing, I freak out more than I would have in front of a robber.

Ivan's eyes are dark with rage and I might be exaggerating, but it feels like his entire body is quivering with tension. In the three weeks I have known him, I don't think I ever saw such anger radiate in his expression; he is clearly fuming and it almost scares me.

What the fuck is he doing here anyway? And why isn't he yelling at me already?

I'm in a state of such bewilderment that when he holds his hand out – without a word – I don't hesitate to drop the brand-new pack and the lighter in his palm, nor do I wait another second to butt out my cigarette into the ashtray on the floor. Once done, Ivan grabs a firm hold of my arm and drags me back inside the house.

"Explain!" he growls as he unceremoniously makes me sit on the couch, and I wish I could find the strength to curl up in a corner, but my body is frozen from the coldness of his tone.

There's that and the realization that I have completely fucked up breaking his trust.

"I'm so sorry, Ivan..." I mumble contritely.

"IT'S EXPLANATIONS I WANT, NOT APOLOGIES!"

Of course... But what can I say?

"I have none..."

"It's not enough! What happened? What pushed you to go out and buy cigarettes?"

"I don't know!" I nearly whine – I nearly fucking whined!! "It just happened! I was... I was working, got tired of that essay, so I went for a snack and suddenly needed to smoke... I... I didn't even try to resist... I knew you were out for the rest of the day and I could hide the pack in my bedroom... that was stupid, I know," I confess in all honesty, not even trying to lie.

"Why the hell didn't you try to fight the urge? Why didn't you call me?"

"I TOLD YOU I DON'T KNOW!!!" I exclaim angrily, tears welling in my eyes as I rise to my feet. "Damn! I'M SO STUPID! I didn't even truly enjoy the taste! I'm so sorry, Ivan," I add pleadingly.

"As you should. I'm so disappointed in you."

Well, disappointment is more than obvious on his face, so the dismay perspiring in his seething tone coupled with the frankness of his words is like a blow in my stomach. I failed his faith in me. I deceived him.

"Please, Ivan... Forgive me..."

My voice is so ridiculously low and begging, but I couldn't care less. I just hate this terrible uneasiness in my chest and all I want is to redeem myself for this silly mistake.

"I will, once you've taken your punishment, and trust me, there'll be heavy consequences because you broke too many rules," he replies sternly. "You didn't reach out to me for help or advice. You didn't respect your schedule. You went out without my permission. You bought cigarettes. That's a long list, Aaron, so expect to be in deep trouble."

It's funny because there's this little part of me that wants to rebel and say hey! It's okay, I didn't commit a crime, I just bought a fucking pack of cigarettes and smoked a couple! However, there's also this wiser voice which says that Ivan has already done so much for me and that I agreed to go by his rules. As much as I will certainly hate the consequences of my mistake, I guess I deserve it, and if that's what it takes for Ivan to forgive me, then I won't complain.

"First," he says, handing me the pack of Marlboro, "you'll destroy these yourself. You'll cut along the sticks, trash all the paper and filters, and scatter the tobacco in the lawn and bushes in the garden. Once that's done, you'll spend an hour standing in a corner in my office while I work, that'll give you some time to ponder on your mistake. Of course, you'll have to make up for the lost time, so you won't get any recreation time in the next couple of days. And finally, I'll give you additional work. Do you know what temperance is, Aaron?"

"Yes..."

"Then tell me!" he groans with annoyance.

"It's the virtue that counteracts temptations for what we know is detrimental to ourselves and others," I recite, recalling what I learned back in the days.

"Correct. I've already given you pointers on how to fight your urges for weed, they're the same for tobacco, and you'd done quite well so far," he reasons, his expression softening. "I can give you guidelines, I can support you, encourage you, but it's up to you to follow my advice. You have to find it in you to surpass those urges."

"It's easier said..."

"I know, Aaron, but you'll learn. So, outside of your working hours, you'll write an essay on temperance. You'll explain what weed or tobacco bring you, oppose with how unhealthy they are, and expose solutions and motivations to fight these urges. Is that clear?"

"Yes, it is, Ivan."

"Good. Now off you go destroying that shit."

Fuck! That's a lot of sanctions for one mistake, but I still do as per his order – under his surveillance – and once all the tobacco has disappeared into the grass, Ivan makes me empty the ashtray and clean, then leads me to his office.

"Go and stand in this corner," he instructs as he settles at his desk, pointing to the left.

"Ugh... Is this really necessary?"

"Yes, it is. Don't discuss orders, Aaron."

"Pfff it'd be more efficient if I went to the library and worked," I grumble.

Before I know it, Ivan stands up and walks around his desk to drag me to the corner where he pushes on my shoulders to make me kneel on the floor.

"Since you can't seem to obey, you'll be kneeling instead of standing, and don't start protesting or I'll make it two hours. Of course you'll get to work later on, but you see, like I already explained, corner time is a very good way for disobedient young men to reflect on their wrong-doings, so you do that one-hour corner time and then you'll catch up on your homework. Understood?"

"Yes, Ivan," I reply, suppressing a heavy sigh.

"If your knees hurt at some point, you may use a pillow from the couch," he finally grouses before he returns to his desk.

And here I am, at almost 18, ridiculously kneeling in a corner and staring at the intersection of two walls. Doesn't that sound absurd? After barely five minutes in the position, I have half a mind to stand up and leave, but that's until the voice of reason echoes in my head.

You fucked up, Aaron, so deal with the consequences. Do you realize how much this man has done for you so far? Do you realize how many homeless runaway kids would dream to be as lucky as you've been? Because, contrary to what you told the guys the other day, there aren't that many generous people who'd generously welcome and tend to a helpless lost soul like Ivan did.

He's taken you out of the streets and saved your life. Not only from that brawl, but also from a dark and doomed future. He's offering you a bright and stable life, one in which you'll be safe and happy. How can you denigrate such a priceless gift with a futile desire for a death stick?

A futile desire... That was pretty much it, because I can't say that I enjoyed it that much, if at all, and weirdly enough, I hadn't really missed smoking in the past few days. With all the GED preparation and physical training, it has been enough to keep my mind busy and peaceful. So what? Was it just leniency? A need to defy Ivan's authority?

Whatever the reason, it was plainly stupid. All I managed was to betray Ivan's trust.

You got it, Ron. It was plainly stupid. Perhaps you don't deserve him in the end. Perhaps you should leave your place to someone worthy of his affection. Who knows, you might not even have to go away... Perhaps he'll just kick you out...

I don't know how long I have been kneeling in that corner rehashing self-debating thoughts and listening to that hostile – yet rational – voice in my head, and self-loathe is slowly overwhelming me. Tears are threatening to spill from my eyes and my breathing is getting a bit laborious.

Should I call out for Ivan's help? Should I use the little way-out word he asked me to choose a few days ago?

No, I need to take on my responsibilities. Right now, I already have a poor opinion of myself, so I wish I could avoid adding more self-disappointment.

"Aaron?"

It's only corner time and just a little hour, it's not that bad... I can do this.

"Aaron, are you alright?"

It doesn't prevent this self-hate from seeping inside my head and coursing throughout my veins, though. Sadly, my short nails don't provide me with the slight relief they normally would as they try to dig into the palms of my hands, so my fingers end up pinching the thin skin of my wrists.

"Aaron? Are you crying?"

Am I? Fucking treacherous tears! Though, Ivan shouldn't see them from his desk. How would he know?

Whatever gave me out, Ivan is by side seconds later, already prying my hands apart and pulling me up for a bear hug.

"Shhh, it's over, Menino... Was this too much for you?" he whispers with heavy concern.

I don't answer because I'm sinking deeper in my self-hatred. As if disappointing him earlier wasn't enough, now I have to worry him.

"Aaron, talk to me, I need to know. Why didn't you use that little word to stop a punishment or anything you can't handle?" he insists, pushing me back but leaving his hands on my shoulders.

"I almost did, but I didn't want to... I wanted to make up for my mistake. I just hate having disappointed you," I reply with honesty.

"I told you, Aaron. Messing up is only normal and punishments aim at correcting your mistakes."

"I know, but I'm sorry... Are you going to kick me out?" I ask meekly, and I find myself instantly pulled into another tight hug.

"No, never... I'd never kick you out, Menino. Even if I ever get very angry at you, I'll always forgive you at some point. That's what discipline is for, but all the same, never hesitate to use that little word we agreed upon. I get can a little too..." he trails off, pulling back to stare at me, "intense sometimes, but if you ever say Time-Out, I'll know that you need a break."

"Thanks, Ivan... Thank you so much," I reply with genuine gratefulness, because I'm truly one lucky guy to have crossed his path.

Well, I'm definitely going to try harder from now on. I have been gifted with a fabulous opportunity to pull through and all the necessary help and support to succeed, so it would be a shame to ruin it all. Not only for Ivan, but also for Camden, Mark and Joshua. I owe them to get better. I need to show them that I can become someone, and if it has to go through Ivan's strict guidance, then I'll bear with it.

It's about me too. Despite all the wrong I have done so far, I guess I still deserve a chance for my own bright future. I deserve my bit of my happiness. So, I'll fight for that.

"Feeling better?" Ivan asks with a warmer smile.

"Yes, much better. I believe I really got the message, Ivan. I know it was completely stupid. Shall I return to the corner?" I ask, unable to suppress a grimace.

"No, that's enough for today, and you already did fifty minutes, so that's not bad for a first time."

"I don't expect a second time," I grumble with a nervous chuckle.

"Yeah, we'll see about that. Anyway, the other sanctions still stand. Go wash up your face while I prepare some tea," he instructs as he leads me out of his office. "I assume you haven't done your work-out, so I'll go with you for an hour, and then you'll get back to your homework."

"Aren't you going back to your club?"

Ivan stops to stand in front of me, frowning deeply as his right hand reaches for my face and cups my cheek, concern so clear on his face.

"No, I'm staying here tonight," he replies firmly after a few seconds of hesitation.

"I don't want to keep you away from your duties..."

"You are one of my duties."

"But I'm fine now!"

"Let me be the judge of that."

"Don't you have work to do there? Who's going to..."

"Don't worry about the club," he chuckles. "The staff can perfectly manage without my presence. It's not a bad idea anyway since we have your follow-up visit with Marcus tomorrow at 8:30, I'll get to sleep a little more."

"Oh, true... you need that sleep since you're such an old man," I smirk.

"The old man's going to throw you over his lap and spank that ass if you keep messing with my age," he growls playfully.

"Nah, you wouldn't do that," I laugh out.

"Don't tempt me, Menino. I would," he replies very seriously and with a husky voice, squinting at me.

"I... I'll... I'll go wash up now," I stutter, pulling back and scampering to the first floor.

That guy and his discipline... Seriously weird!

While I'm in the bathroom, I seize the opportunity to use the toilet and that's when I realize that I am almost hard. When in the hell did it happen? Was it during our hug because I felt so good in his arms? Or was it when he mentioned... No way, it can't be that. It must be a natural reaction to our embrace; or his deep voice.

In my defense, despite his old age, Ivan is really hot. He seems to have nice muscles in all the right places, and I surprise myself wondering what Naked Ivan looks like...

Come on, Ron! Are you lusting after your guardian now?

Huh, no! No way! I'm not sure he'd let me top him, and I'm no bottom, so let's forget about it!

As I head back downstairs, Ivan's roaring voice in the distance catches my attention, but as soon as he detects my presence, he hurries to isolate himself in his study. My clubs are all 18+, even more so that one, Mr. Ja... is the only bit I grasp before he shuts the door, but I don't dwell on this as he must be speaking with a supplier or whatever.

Anyway, the rest of the day goes uneventfully. After my relaxing herb tea, I head to the gym and I have been using the treadmill for about twenty minutes when Ivan joins, weirdly tense. Instead of starting his session with the rower like he usually does, he goes straight to the punching bag and poor thing takes it good. At least, it allows Ivan to let some steam off and he's in a pretty good mood when we return home about an hour later.

I wish I could have enjoyed the PlayStation after my shower, but as part of my punishment, I only get to sit at my desk in the library and catch up on that essay in literature while Ivan works in his study. It's 8pm when we eventually settle in the dining room and while we enjoy our meal, Ivan checks the work I achieved today. I like that he is so focused, which allows me to ogle him inconspicuously, admiring his handsome features.

"Ivan? Can I ask a question?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are you single?"

I guess Ivan wasn't expecting that question. He could have been in the middle of chewing his food or swallowing water, and that could have caused him to choke or spit, but he was just picking green beans with his fork, so no big drama – or fun, it all depends on whose perspective we see things. Nonetheless, my question leaves him a bit confused if I judge by the way his eyebrows furrow as his hand freezes over his plate.

"You don't have to tell me..." I whisper in front of his silence, and that seems to pull him from his brooding thoughts.

"No... that's fine. I was just wondering why you'd ask such a question, that's it."

"Just curiosity..." I reply, shrugging my shoulders, now a bit embarrassed by my nosiness.

"Now you've picked my curiosity," he smirks. "And why wouldn't I be single? Is that a problem?"

"No, of course not... It's... you know..."

"Nope, I don't know, Aaron, so you're going to tell me," he insists, cocking both his eyebrows.

"Ugh, you know what I mean! You know what Mark said..."

"Oh, what Mark said..." he chants with a chuckle. "That I'm supposedly... hot?"

"Yeah, that... I mean, you look pretty good for your age..." I stutter, unable to avoid a slight blush. "I just don't get why you haven't settled down with anyone yet..."

"I'm single by choice, Aaron," he replies before he brings more food to his mouth.

"By choice," I laugh out. "Or perhaps you're too much of a pain in the neck!"

"And in the ass too," he adds, wriggling his eyebrows.

"Such a braggart..." I deadpan, rolling my eyes.

"You started it."

"Yeah... right. I threw a good line. Anyway, that's still weird. How long have you been single then?"

"Many years."

Although he clearly tries to keep a poker face, I don't miss the shadow that briefly casts his expression, even if only for a second. His warm smile is back though as he chews his beans, so I assume that I can push him a bit.

"Wow... That poor wrist of yours..." I chuckle under my breath, nearly – and uselessly – hoping he didn't hear that one.

"You, dumbass... I remind you that I own nightclubs where I get to meet plenty of guys, so my wrist's doing absolutely fine, thank you. I'm just not interested in relationships, that's it."

"Hmm... One-night stands..." I comment, jealousy creeping in. "Ivan, can you please take me to your club?" I cheer, offering the best puppy eyes I am capable of.

"Not until you're 18."

"But I'd stay around you, and you're the boss, so you could make an except..."

"Being friends with the boss doesn't give privileges, Aaron, so you're not going there until you're legal. Period."

"Such a party-pooper..." I grumble as I finish my plate.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. I'm just saying it's not fair."

"It's plainly fair and it's called ethics. Just wait a few more months, Aaron."

"Hmm."

"Don't sulk, it's not that far from now."

"I know, but I'd like to go out too."

"You can go out for as long as you inform me in advance and if you're done with your work."

"Yeah, but it would have been cool to do something with you too!" I plead, playing the card of friendly seduction.

"We can do stuff together, just not clubbing," he insists with a wink. "Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you, but on Monday evening, we'll have dinner with my friends. You'll finally get to meet Sam, and Anton should be there too."

"Cool..."

Thank goodness, he can't see how I mentally eyeroll at that. An evening with four guys in their thirties can't really sound like an exciting night to a teenager, right? At least, that's not my concept of a fun moment. Lost in my ruminating thoughts, I don't see Ivan get up from his chair, and it's only when his warm breath blows in my ear that I notice his presence behind my back.

"Quit that sullen mood, Menino. I told you, Sam's a cool guy and I'm sure you'll get along with him."

"Yeah, if you say so," I reply without conviction.

"I do say so. Now if you're done eating, how about we clear up and go watch a movie?" he offers as he begins to gather our dirty dishes.

"Ugh... Someone gave me an additional essay, so I'd better start that."

"Up to you."

I don't really dwell on the slight bitterness and disappointment in his voice, after all, he was the one who decided I should discourse on temperance. I let him prepare his regular tea – and the herb tea for me – while I tidy the kitchen, and ignore the couch's call as Ivan sits there, to settle at my desk in the library. For a moment, I scribble down a few ideas of arguments, sipping on my warm beverage, but I can't seem to focus as my thoughts keep straying toward the man on the other side of the door.

I already feel guilty that he skipped an evening at work because he worried for me, and for once he is at home, shouldn't I enjoy his presence? Besides, I will have plenty of time tomorrow night to write that essay while he's at his club.

Yeah... I shouldn't ditch him. And I hate to know that he's alone in a room while I'm on my own in another one when we could just be together.

Having emptied my mug, I leave it on my desk and quietly head out of the library. Ivan is sitting in the round of the U on the couch, his eyes staring at the TV screen, yet I'm not sure they're seeing anything since he looks so lost in his thoughts. There's a certain sadness in his expression, a sadness that constricts my heart, but it instantly disappears when he finally notices my presence.

"Changed your mind?" he smirks as I set down beside him.

He shouldn't try his luck too hard, though, so he only gets a grunt in answer. Well, I could have sat in another spot, much further away, but with the AC on, I'd rather feel his warmth and in any case, I like snuggling against his body.

I wasn't raised in a household where kids were allowed to watch much television aside of the news or educative documentaries, but since Mark and Josh often talked about their tastes in TV shows, I know that this one is CSI and one of their favorites. However, my thoughts remain astray, wondering how I could convince Ivan to let me spend an evening at his club, and yet, I am completely conscious of how my body slowly leans against his until my head is resting on his shoulder.

Perhaps it's the herb tea, or it could be all the stress and emotions of the day crashing on me; all I know is that I suddenly feel tired. I can't tell how it happens, but I soon find myself lying on my left side in front of Ivan, my back to his chest, with his right arm casually wrapped around my torso and it feels good. Even if he weren't the cuddly kind, poor man will have to deal with my glue-ish self, and in the meantime, I truly love the affection he gives me.

"Ivan...?" I call as I shift a bit and tilt my head to look at him.

"I said no, Aaron. No clubbing until you're 18," he says sternly with a dark scowl.

"I wasn't even going to ask about that," I grumble, facing away from him. "You can be such a bear at times!"

"A bear?" he chuckles.

"Yeah, you know those big grumpy hairy animals who grunt all the time..."

"I'm not grumpy, I'm stern and cold. I'm not big, I'm tall and bulky. And I'm not even super-hairy."

"You're still a bear."

"If you say so... Twink..."

"I'm not a twink!"

"You are!" he laughs out. "Look at those skinny arms!"

"I'm not skinny!"

"You must have gained two or three pounds in the last couple of weeks, but you're still skinny..."

"Ugh! Give it a couple more months, and once I've abused the gym, I'll be as bulky as you are."

"I'm afraid you'll need more than two months, Menino."

Yeah, we'll see about that, Mister. Anyway, the gym is basically my sole real distraction here, so I could definitely grab more muscles there. He might be right, though. Two months might be just enough to recover the frame I had before I left New Jersey.

"Are you vexed?" Ivan whispers after a few minutes of silence.

"Nope."

"What were you going to ask if it wasn't about the club then?"

Shit... What am I going to tell him? Thank goodness, something suddenly pops in my head. Something I'm curious to find out about.

"How did you know?" I ask as I flip back to face him. "How did you know that I'd gotten out this afternoon?"

It's probably not the best of ideas to bring back a sensitive topic, but I'd still rather know what I should expect in terms of surveillance.

"Perhaps there's plenty of cameras in the house..." he trails off mysteriously with a smug smile and my eyes naturally flick to the first corner I see, looking for one of those electronic spies. "I'm joking, Aaron," he then laughs out.

"How then?" I grouse, glaring at him.

"Remember that Anton had put a security guy to watch the house when you arrived here?"

"WHAT!? You mean, he's had guards staying there since then!?" I exclaim, feeling for the poor guys.

I'm actually surprised they didn't die of boredom, though my little escapade must have brought a bit of action to the man who was on duty today. I can't believe I didn't notice anything.

"Better safe than sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were safe here, and actually, tomorrow was supposed to be their last day of service..."

"Supposed to?"

"I might renew the contract for a few more months... or hire a team permanently..."

"Holy crap, no way! I've learned the lesson, Ivan. Just free those poor guys from that boring surveillance!"

"We'll see how good you behave."

"Trust me, I will," I sigh as I face away from him again.

"You'd better..." he blows in my ear and his warm breath sends tingles down my spine.

Damn him! I am only glad that he's playing the big spoon. Had it been the reverse, he would have felt something hardening against his backside.

Fuck! I'm so horny!

Published on 20 December 2019

So that was Aaron's first little fuck-up and how Ivan handled the discipline without the kinky aspects of his lifestyle; hope you enjoyed the chapter and their interaction ;)

Poor Aaron though, wanting to go to the club and meet guys too... 18 sounds so far to him! Do you think he'll really wait till then?

And if you're wondering about Ivan's past, be patient, it'll come bit by bit throughout the story :)

The next chapter will take us over a month later, to end of August, and it'll be time for Aaron to finally get a bit of sexual release...

See you at Christmas next week, and in the meantime, I wish you all a nice holiday season!