††  Ellis  ††

Smiling to myself, I wiped the drool off my shoulder and shifted over. I was warm in the expansiveness of the king-sized bed, the deep burgundy comforter snarled around my legs. I folded my hands beneath my head, fixating on the ceiling that melded into a shadowy grey. Next to me, Sasha slept, nestled on her side, her form snug against Zack's. Initially, her head had been on my shoulder, her hand on my abs, until I subtly shifted away because my dick was hard.

Not that the erection itself bothered me.

No.

It was the fact that it wasn't just Sasha's touch that had caused it.

I'd been in a deep sleep, or so I'd thought when the sensation of rough, fingers gently brushed against my thigh. Instantly awake, I remained still, recognising those fingers as Zack's. Holding my breath, because they were so close to my dick. I hesitated, unsure whether they would shift closer or retreat if I made a sound.

For what felt like an eternity, I kept my eyes on Zack's face, convinced the man was awake and fucking with me. However, Zack's expression remained unchanged, breaths steady. I wondered if he was awake, whether he might have taken things further, especially since I hadn't made any move to deter him.

Fucked up as it was, I wanted him to wake up and take over. Force me to accept his touch the way he forced me to take everything else. The kissing. Spanking. Fuck, that blowjob.

You could have safe-worded at any time buddy. My brain reminded me.

Why didn't I?

I should have. A straight guy would have.

And we were back to that... the crutch of it. Straight.

I didn't have a problem with gays—fuck, I was a live and let live-type of guy. Who people fucked was their business.

I just didn't want to fuck a guy myself. I was perfectly happy with a guy-on-girl deal. So I just needed to figure out why my body was easily confused with all the new shit I was seeing, and what Zack was throwing at me.

Seeing Sasha got me hard. Really hard. That woman Nia on her knees did too. But getting turned on by two guys fucking? And Zack's blowjob?

That shit wasn't normal... for me. I'd never even watched gay porn—never wanted to for Christ's sake.

'Has he corrupted you yet, Ellis? Made you question...'

That's what she said... that Tabitha woman, back at Zack's place. Corrupted? Made me question what?

When I asked Zak, or tried to, he shot me down.

Ugh. Dragging a hand down my face, I was now wide awake. Groaning out a laugh I rolled off the bed. Perhaps it was a waste of time trying to label what the hell was going on.

I just needed to keep my head on straight... ha. Or at least kinda straight.

And do what I'd signed up for—learn how to be a Dom.

I wanted to call myself a Dom, but on some level I'd gotten off being spanked by Zack. When the man issued an order, my instincts kicked in, and I nearly followed it on autopilot—had to catch myself every time. I'd even got on my knees for the man? Without being asked.

What the fuck was up with that? Because I wasn't a sub.

Not a sub. Not gay.

Wasn't this. Wasn't that.

What the fuck are you then, asshole?

All this shit was really starting to mess with my head and although it wasn't complex, it sure as hell wasn't simple either.

I rubbed over my face again and grabbed my boxers from the floor and slipped out of the room.

We'd come upstairs to Zack's Amsterdam apartment. Like London, his place was part of the club. In the wide hall, some cool art hung on the white walls. I couldn't name a single painter, but they looked like quality. Zack was classy and wasn't short on cash. Although I knew that already, my dad had said as much when he'd inherited everything from his late father.

Walking into the kitchen, I flipped on the light and headed to the refrigerator. It had nothing in it apart from three bottles of water. Shutting the door, I walked through the living quarters, again, Weirdly, it looked more or less identical to the London one. Same sofa, rug. Same layout.

Feeling like I wanted to know more about him, I opened the door to his study. Now this was different and snorted as I took in the wall of books. I made my way around the room trailing my hand over the table, the high back of his leather chair.

Moving toward the books I pulled one out. Ah. George R.R. Martin.

Huh, Zack was a GOT groupie?

Interesting.

Perhaps we did have more in common than I thought. Keeping hold of it, I opened a cabinet to find bottles of spirits. Nice. Lifting out what looked like an expensive scotch, I pulled out a glass and poured out a healthy measure and set the bottle down without putting the lid back on. With my glass and book, I brought them to his leather sofa and sat my ass down and savoured the first sip.

It was good shit.

"Problems sleeping?" Zack slipped into the room making me flinch with his voice tugging my gaze to his with an invisible string.

"Relax, Ellis," he commanded and I realised I was holding the glass tightly as he asked, "You read?"

"It's been known from time to time...When I can't sleep."

My eyes travelled their own path, going from the expanse of his bare chest down to the loose-fitting shorts. "Why the fuck are you walking around practically naked?" My tone came out high-pitched.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed, looking at me as if I'd just come from a different dimension. "Why am I walking around practically naked?" he repeated back. "I don't know, maybe because I just woke up. More importantly, this is my fucking apartment."

Uncomfortably influenced by the rise in awkwardness I just shrugged it off.

Zack came to stand in front of me and lifted the book to see the cover. "Ah. Have you read it?"

He seemed impressed.

"A few years back. Couldn't put it down once I picked it up."

I took a sip of my drink and then gestured to Zack with the glass. "I hope you didn't mind me helping myself?"

"I'd suggest making yourself at home, but it seems you've already taken care of that."

"Yeah, my bad, it's an irresistible urge." I grinned. "Girls aren't too thrilled when they bring me home, and there I am, conducting a field study on their personal hygiene treasures. It's like a secret mission, and I'm the unauthorised inspector." Shrugging. "What the hell, I figure once I've had my tongue inside their pussy, or ass 'privacy' is kinda mute."

Zack shook his head and chuckled. "Well, since I've never had the pleasure of your tongue up my ass, should I assume you won't invade my privacy?"

I walked into that one and choked back a mouthful of scotch and stared at him. "You had your hand on my balls—aaannnd, umm, yeah, let's not go there."

He didn't move but instead grazed my scruffy cheek with his knuckles. "You need a shave."

I swallowed, unable to help leaning into his touch. "Yeah?"

Zack crouched down, levelling his gaze with mine, and playfully traced his fingers along my jaw, causing an involuntary shiver to ripple through me. His thumb brushed my bottom lip. "It suits you, the bit of scruff with it being fair."

I pulled back and shrugged. "Thanks."

Zack rose. "Would you like another drink?"

Knocking back the rest my lips sealed in mock seriousness as I handed over my glass. "You gonna get me plastered so you can take advantage of me?"

Zack chuckled. "I solemnly swear not to exploit you in your inebriated state. Whatever happens, you'll need to confront it with a sober mind."

The ominous glare from Zack before he turned his back on me and went to pour a drink froze my heart in its tracks.

Why did this guy make me feel shit? Weird shit?

I scooted back in the chair as Zack reappeared, glass in hand, and towered over me. "Feel free to indulge tonight."

I wasn't sure why, but that pissed me off. Even now, it was like he was still in control. Telling me what I could and couldn't do. I snatched the glass from his hand and knocked back the measure of scotch and scowled. "I don't need your permission, Zack."

"It's alright, Ellis." Zack soothed, placing his hand over the glass, he leaned over me, lips close enough to kiss. His tone dropped lower as he spoke. "I know you care what I think, Ellis. And I know you are fighting, very hard, not to. When you're done fighting, let me know."

Fuck.

Disturbingly affected by his nearness. My dick was rock hard again and a brief, hot brush of lips and Zack moved away, leaving the room without looking back.

It surprised me, him leaving and I sat there blinking half expecting him to come back and sit with me. I wanted him to come back. The whole encounter left me with a feeling I didn't know what to do with.

And on instinct I pressed my fingers to my lips.

Get a fucking grip, man. Grinding my teeth.

I'm straight. Not bent. Not flexible. Fucking Straight.

~ ~

I woke up sprawled on Zack's sofa with a cover half hanging off me. Couldn't remember how that had got there.

A little bleary-eyed, and with a splitting headache, I headed to the bathroom to take care of business before stumbling into the kitchen. "Got any painkillers?"

"Ooh, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." sing-songed Duchess.

"Yeah, guess again—sofa," I squinted, rubbing the heel of my hand into my socket.

"Cupboard to your left," said Zack, fully immersed in the screen of his iPad with a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. I was half expecting him to bitch about me having a hangover, but he didn't.

I opened the cupboard door and my eyes found what they were looking for. Popping out two I grabbed a glass from the drainer filled it up and drank them down. Rinsing the glass I turned around and leaned up against the counter.

Ugh. It hit me.

The smell of fresh pastries.

"Help yourself to coffee and there is plenty to eat," said Zack still without looking away from his screen.

Pushing off the counter, I scratched my head and found a mug. Through a yawn, I asked. "Where's all this come from?"

There was fuck-all in his refrigerator last night.

"Zack had it all delivered."

Duchess was in her element with a croissant and one of those other things she loved, a banana fritter on her plate.

Filling my mug, I added two sugars and joined them at the table.

"Still sleepy, huh?" Sasha hummed. "Looks like someone didn't get enough beauty sleep." She reached across the table and brushed my hair from my forehead. "Awe, you look cute."

I still wasn't used to nice Sasha but I noticed what she was wearing. "Where did you get that sweet little number from?" She was wearing a white slip and her nipples were pointing right at me.

Zack butted in. "I've had clothes brought up for you both. You will find clean underwear and leisure wear in the bedroom."

Oh right. "Thanks. Once I've finished this, I will shower and dress." I took a sip of my black coffee. "What time do we head back?"

"I want to get out of here for ten. I have some work I need to do back in London."

Sasha pouted. "Really? I was hoping when we got back we could all relax, y'know. Chill on your big sofa and I don't know—what a movie, or something?"

Zack lifted his head. "I have to get ready to head to Paris."

She gasped "Are we coming too?"

"No."

Her face fell.

"How long?" I asked.

"Two, maybe three days." He picked up his cup and sipped, returning his eyes to that damn electronic device. I understood why my dad got pissed with me now.

"So it's just gonna be me and Duchess... alone?"

That was something to smile about and I cracked one, until bubble fucking burst...

"You'll be working, Ellis. Have you forgotten your day job already?"

Fuck. As if I could forget working with stick up my ass, James.

Sasha groaned. "What about me!?"

He lifted his head. "You can entertain yourself. Do what you normally do."

She wiggled her eyebrows. "Like what?"

He fought against a smile and failed. "I don't know, but I'm pretty sure your impact goes beyond simply making the world prettier by your mere existence."

Her cheeks flushed under his compliment, he might never admit it, but he had a soft spot for Sasha.

"Don't worry, Duchess. I'm not working all day. We can have some fun." I was up and walking round the table, I lifted her from the chair and planted a hard kiss on her lips. "Shit. If this is what mornings are like with you, I plan to be around for a lot more of them."

I expected her to rail on me but instead, she smacked on a bright smile and it struck a chord in my chest. "Yeah? I'm gonna hold you to that, Ellis."

I set her down and went back to my seat. I liked seeing her smile. I liked that I made her smile.

"Speaking of fun." Zack turned his iPad off (thank fuck) and raked a hand through his hair. "Do either of you have any questions about last night, both on the plane or the... entertainment?"

I said nothing, what did he want me to say?

But Sasha wasted no time. "Can I meet them, Nia, Shawn and Monk? I have so many questions?"

"No," he answered abruptly or more abrasive than usual.

"Awwwwe." She pouted. "Why not?"

"They don't come to the club often these days. It was a personal favour for me."

Why had he wanted us to see them in a scene? I still couldn't get my head around it.

Sasha took a bit of her croissant, chewing. "Have you ever been in a relationship like theirs?"

"No."

Blue eyes wide she put down the pastry. "Why not?"

"I don't do relationships, Sasha."

"What—never?"

"I don't throw around the word 'never,' but I've yet to encounter someone who held my interest enough to tempt me so I will stay in the 'highly fucking doubtful' lane."

The muscle in his eye twitched. He just lied—why? He'd had some kind of relationship with that Tabitha woman, I was sure of it.

Sasha pushed her plate away. Her shoulders went from 'straight out of a motivational poster' to 'the leaning tower of disappointment,' and her smile took a nosedive faster than a bungee jumper with faulty equipment. "I'm finished." She rose and brushed off the crumbs. "I'm gonna hit the shower."

It was just me and Zack again.

Once Sasha was out of earshot. "You didn't need to be a dick." Anyone could see Sasha had it bad for him. She looked at him like he'd discovered a cure for Monday mornings.

His thick eyebrows furrowed. "What?"

"Don't what me. She ain't hiding what she wants here and that's you. That's her endgame."

He leaned back in his chair. "And what is it you want, Ellis?"

"We're not talking about me."

He angled his head to the side, assessing me with unapologetic scrutiny. "I've been clear. This will never be a relationship. You're both here to learn and experience the lifestyle. At the end of Summer, you both go home."

"Why did you want us to see them... that kind of scene last night?"

"I was wondering how long it was going to take you to ask me that," he answered without hesitation. "Possibilities."

What? "I'm not following..."

He pushed up from his chair. "You will. Soon enough."

His vocal inflection didn't change, but the last part of his sentence felt like a direct jab. I watched him leave the room, my posture slumping as soon as he was gone. The fluidity in which Zack went from charming and disarming to intimidating and cold threw me off kilter.

But I wasn't going to let it put a dampener on the fact that he was going away for a few days, and it was just me and Duchess. I could show her some possibilities. Pushing up from my chair I jogged to the bedroom, opening the door I peeked inside.

The shower was running, but she'd left the washroom door open. Closing the door I walked over. She was staring into the mirror and I couldn't recall ever seeing her so quiet and still.

I moved behind her, anchored my hands on her hips and squeezed until she let out a soft sound very much like a kitten's purr. I smiled at her reflection. "Care to turn the shower into a dual conservation effort? You know, let's team up to save polar bears and have some soapy conversations while we're at it."

"That's your way of saying you want me naked and wet, Ellis, huh?"

"Well, I was just thinking about saving water... but when you put it that way." I wiggled my eyebrows and my hands moved up to cup her breasts. "I'm game if you are?"

She flipped around and in a flash, her slip was off. "I'm game."

Fuck yeah!

And she dipped her fingers into my boxers and tugged them down with my cock going from semi to hard in record time.

"Let's save the planet."

Stepping out my boxers she took my hand and I followed.

Now  this was normal.