Page 38 of The Devil’s Feather

“Has someone cut your hair?” Somehow, that seemed a worse violation than anything else.

“Only once.” Rafael’s voice dropped into the pit of my belly, seething with rage. “His name was Damian Collins. I was blindfolded and heard scissors snipping. Suddenly my head was lighter, and I felt hair landing on my feet. He said I looked better with short hair. I popped the chains loose and whipped him in the face. He ran out of my house naked with a bloody nose. Thankfully, not the strangest thing this neighborhood has ever seen.”

“Holy shit, the audacity!” The mental image of Rafael that angry stirred up my rabbity heart. Whether it was in fear or sexual arousal, well…maybe both. Maybe also time to start therapy again.

“Wealthy white cis San Francisco gays,” Rafael growled. “Never again. He is lucky I did not kill him. The extra time it took to unlock my ankles probably saved his life.”

I held up my palms in surrender. “I will not cut your hair. Scout’s honor. Swear on my life and my future author career. And my Gramma’s grave, since I was actually close to her.”

Rafael relaxed. “I know you would not. You are welcome to pull my hair, though.”

“What about the bottoms of your feet?”

A grin split his face. “I like the way you think.”

“Ok, maybe no blindfold for this first time. I don’t want to gag you either, because I might need a little guidance. I’ve done impact play before, but not on this level.”

“You may change your mind on the gag, but as you wish.”

“Is it ok if I talk about your cock?”

“Yes. Anything goes with words in this context.” Rafael gathered his voluminous hair into a tight knot and showed me the pulley system he had rigged in the ceiling. I locked cuffs around his wrists and hooked them to the overhead chain. The lead gave me the leverage to pull him to his feet or grant him enough slack to kneel. Fierce joy lit his eyes when I pulled the chain tight, lifting his arms over his head.

I gave the single tail a few experimental lashes in the air until I could reliably get it to pop. A test on the back of my hand was enough to leave a welt. That sucker hurt!

I stopped cold. Why hadn’t I considered the implications of all this blood play with multiple partners? “Um, I never know the right way to ask this, but when was the last time you got tested?”

“Ah, I should have mentioned it. Last time I played with another was over a year ago at a private club, and I tested before and after. No diseases. I will show you the results, or get tested again, if you like. No need to worry about accidental pregnancy either—I had a vasectomy as soon as I could afford it. I also stay on PrEP when I am sexually active.”

I squinted up at him. “Are you on PrEP now?” I traced the tip of the single tail down his midline to his waist.

He blinked. Was he nervous? “I…am.”

“Oh really. And when did you decide you were going to be sexually active again?” I crossed my arms.

Rafael licked his lips. Ooh, he was definitely nervous. Good, this would add a little extra spice. “The day I met you.”

Whoa. I played it cool, or tried to. “Uh huh. When exactly?”

He looked away.

I used the tip of the whip handle to push his face back to center. “Answer me.”

“The first time I saw you,” he said softly.

Oh damn. “You wanted to fuck me the first time you saw me? Naughty, naughty.” I tapped his cheek with the whip handle. “Tell me the truth, or I’ll leave you here all night by yourself.”

“Not exactly, but there was something so compelling about your dancing in the bookstore. You looked so blissful. I have met fans, but I have never encountered anyone moved by my music quite like that. Something shifted inside me. I thought you were cute, and I was…hopeful something would come of it.”

“So you went on PrEP hoping to stalk and trap your prey, huh? Weirdly thoughtful, I suppose, but so presumptuous.”

“This scolding would be more effective if you showed me your tits.”

I slapped his face lightly; had hop to reach. The pop of my palm against his cheek made him straighten. “How dare you use such vulgar language with me?”

“Fine.” He smirked. “Take your shirt off so I can watch your breasts bounce while you scold me.”

“I see what you mean about the gag.” I stalked around behind him and cracked the whip in the air a few times.