Bonds of Desire by Lynda Aicher

in preparation. “Master Rex wants to book you as soon as you’re back in the rotation.”
    His teeth protested as his jaw squeezed down to clamp back the instant revulsion that threatened to make him sick. He couldn’t do it. “No.”
    Silence. It was the first time he’d ever said no to the agency. In general, he didn’t think that was something a person so low on the totem pole got to say. But he wouldn’t endure that again. Not for anyone or any price.
    “He won’t be happy.”
    “I don’t care.”
    The chuckle that came over the line was not one of joy. “You get one pass. Think on it. I’ll be in touch.”
    The call disconnected before Tyler could respond. The urge to hurl the phone across the room was restrained only because he couldn’t afford a new one. He dropped the object on the floor. The plush area rug cushioned the fall and denied him the satisfaction of hearing it clatter on the hardwood.
    He rubbed his forehead into the pillow. Smooth velvet caressed his skin, followed by that soap-and-spice scent that was Master Seth. It was an evil repeat of last night, right down to his breath hitch and cock twitch. Fuck. The call was an abrupt reminder that as enticing as this little threesome might be, it was only an illusion. As soon as he was better, he’d be slammed back into the hard reality that was his life.
    Almost made him wish he hadn’t found his stuff on the kitchen counter. It’d hurt like a son of a bitch to get up, even with the second dose of painkillers. But he knew he had to move. It was better to keep everything flexible, no matter how much it hurt. And he’d needed to piss like a race horse.
    Along with his phone were the clothes he’d worn to the club and his wallet. The quick verification that his money was still there had been a compulsion he couldn’t suppress.
    Seth had been in the shower then, the exit only feet away. Tyler had stared at the door, the freedom he’d desired last night within his reach, but he hadn’t left. He probably should have, should still do now, yet here he lay.
    The click of locks being opened jerked Tyler out of his thoughts. He glanced down the length of the couch to see Seth stride into the loft, a laptop under one arm, a black duffle bag swung over his shoulder.
    Seth looked to Tyler and smiled before moving to the kitchen counter to deposit his items. “Doing better?” His voice was buried under the gunfire coming from the random action flick Tyler had been absently watching.
    He muted the show and glanced back to the kitchen. Seth had disappeared around the corner, but the clank of cupboards, followed by the fizz of a beverage being poured, could be heard through the now-quiet loft.
    Tyler waited for Seth to return, using the time to get his bearings back in place. The fact that he was still there left his sanity in doubt.
    The thump of boots on the wood floors announced Seth’s return before the man came around the corner, two glasses in his hands. The casual jeans and polo shirt didn’t take away from the authority he seemed to wear naturally. It only proved that the clothes did not make the Dom, something the john from last night needed to learn.
    “Soda?” Seth’s easy smile looked casual but seemed forced. “No straws. Sorry.”
    “Thanks.” Tyler took the offering, the glass cold against his palm. He pushed up, trying not to wince at the stinging bites that came with the movement. The soda fizzled over his tongue and down his throat in a refreshing way that had him sighing at the pleasure.
    He set the glass on the ground and looked up, the appreciation for the drink still stretched across his face. He froze. “What?”
    Seth was staring at him, a look of confusion mixed with lust on his face. His brows were lowered in concentration, but his mouth was open just a touch, as if he hadn’t realized it was even parted. He wet his lips, a flick of his tongue that had Tyler biting his own to keep from copying the motion.
    “I wasn’t