Page 11 of His for Hanukkah

“Alright, then. During dinner we’re going to talk about what you need: desires, limits, acceptable punishments, and expectations. I’m also going to tell you what I’m looking for so that you can decide if it’s what you want.”

“It is!”

Tate burst out laughing. “You might want to hear it first, Little Star.”

“Little Star. Is that my nickname? Do I get a nickname?”

“God, could you get any cuter? What do you think about it? I was just thinking of how you glitter like a star all the time, but you have all of this contained power ready to go supernova, too.”

“And that’s not too much?” He had to be sure.

“Definitely not. I want all of that star power aimed right at me.”

* * *

As Adam rested in Tate’s arms after dinner, he couldn’t decide which part of his evening had been the best. The bath had been decadent and luxurious. Tate washing him had been sexy, but also so sweet and loving that it had made him cry. That had made Tate bundle him into a warm towel and snuggle him close, which was maybe even better.

Then Tate had ordered Thai food, asking if that was alright and noting Adam’s request to avoid shellfish and pork. Beyond that, he’d taken the decision out of his hands.

Giving up that control was as delicious as the food. Now his belly was pleasantly full, probably for the first time in days since he wasn’t too anxious to really eat.

They’d eaten in Tate’s warm, cozy kitchen while Tate ran his hands along Adam’s body between bites.

All through it, Tate had talked with him and gently teased him, urging him to share all of the crazy, needy thoughts in his head.

They’d gone through the obligatory list of interests and limits, but Adam was more surprised that Tate had inquired about his regular daily habits. He’d also asked detailed questions about his anxieties and how he managed them.

Tate had alluded to setting up some rules and Adam was positively hungry for them.

He’d always had this fuzzy image in his head of everything more that his submission could mean if it ever extended outside the club. Now that was sharpening into focus.

He only had two real concerns. The first was that he was pretty sure Tate’s income was lower than his own. While the idea of Tate taking care of his every need was romantic, it didn’t make a lot of sense.

If this lasted any longer than eight nights, maybe he could put Tate’s name on his bank account. He was pretty sure that Tate would say that they didn’t know each other well enough and it was irresponsible. But he thought it was horribly romantic.

He wasn’t too worried about something happening to his money. He’d known Tate for a long time. Plus, he had plenty from his job and could always make more. But the idea of Daddy taking over his finances and then buying what both of them needed—and hopefully spoiling him—was priceless.

If only that could be his future.

That thought led him back to his other concern. All evening he’d been swooping between joy and fear, delighted that he seemed to be getting everything he’d ever wanted and terrified that he’d mess it up and have it all taken away.

Tate had only promised him Hanukkah.

But at least that was somewhat clear. He’d said that Adam would be his boy for Hanukkah, and since he was referring to later, that had to mean all eight nights. Right?

If he could just have that confirmed, he knew he’d feel much calmer. Knowing it was eight nights was better than not knowing if it was two days or two months.

“Hey, Little Star, whatever you’re thinking I need you to stop it and come back to me.”

Was he that transparent? Or was he just letting out all his feelings in a way he hadn’t let himself before? He felt so safe sharing himself with Tate, but what if he was wrong? What if Tate got sick of him?

“Adam, look at me.”

That was Tate’s growly Dom voice, and he could do nothing but obey.

“You did a lovely job of talking with me and enjoying our time together during dinner, and I was very pleased. But I can see that you’re listening to your anxiety instead of me right now, which means that it’s time for your punishment.”

The affirming praise followed so quickly by the threat of punishment made Adam feel warm all over. All thoughts of schedules and dates flew from his head.