Page 16 of Knox

When I look at him, he’s smiling. It’s a different one from the one I’m familiar with. This is more. It’s softer, his eyes glowing with what I hope is happiness. “You okay?” I ask.

“Yeah, very okay. That was… Fuck, I don’t know the right word. I want to say more. Does that make any sense to you?”

I push a lock of hair off his forehead and cup his cheek. “Yes, it makes sense. It was real. You’re the first man I’ve had in my bed. You’re the first man I’ve had vanilla sex with in a very long time, years actually. I’m sure that’s something my therapist would have me talking about for hours.”

“You see a therapist? I thought you were kidding.” He looks concerned, a cute furrow between his eyebrows. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I have a ton of childhood shit to work through; it helps. As does strapping a sexy sub to a bench and turning his arse bright red.” I grin at him and wink.

I’m surprised when he blushes. “Yeah, you’re very good at that.” He kisses me, and I think it’s the first one he’s initiated.

“We should get cleaned up and get some sleep. What time do I need to get you home so you can get ready for work?”

“It’s my day off, so I’m in no rush to get away.” His smile is one I never want to miss, not when it’s aimed at me.

“Come on, we need to shower.”

“Yes, Sir.”

It’s been six days since my first night at Knox’s, and I’ve spent five of them with him. I’m still in shock that he wants me and not just as a sub or a play partner. He’s calling me his boyfriend.

“Excuse me,” a voice interrupts my thoughts.

I look up, startled. I was completely zoned out then. “I’m sorry. I was miles away. How can I help you?”

I spend the next hour sorting out a new phone for her son, who disagrees with every choice his mother makes. The spoiled little shit wanted the latest iPhone and all but stomped his feet when she said no. Finally, they make a decision, and the phone and contract are dealt with. At least it filled the last hour of my shift, and I’m free for the rest of the day.

When I walk out of the staff-only door, Knox is leaning against the counter talking to Gemma, one of my colleagues. Her cheeks are pink as she laughs at whatever he’s saying. I think she’s flirting with him—I mean, who wouldn’t, he’s six feet of muscles and ink. He sees me and straightens up. The smile he gives me makes Gemma realise she has no chance. She looks at me from behind Knox and fans her face, mouthing ‘he’s hot!’ at me and gives two thumbs up.

“This is a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say as I reach him.

He bends and kisses my cheek. “A nice surprise, I hope.”

“Very, but I’m hungry, so you need to take me to Sainsburys so I can buy food or take me somewhere and feed me.” I take his hand as we walk out of the shop.

“I have something I can feed you with that doesn’t involve a shop or a restaurant,” he whispers in my ear.

I let out a loud snort of laughter and elbow him in the ribs. “I didn’t realise Doms were perpetually horny outside of the club. A bad mistake on my part… I am tempted though.”

“Good boy. Let’s go home, and we can order in later.”

An hour later, I’m naked and sated in his large bed, Knox lying beside me, his hand stroking up and down my arm. “How do you feel about going to Bound tonight? I haven’t been for a while.”

I know that, and I know it’s because I turned him down. We’ve talked through what happened and why I turned him down. It had felt too much like something he should say rather than him meaning it. I now know differently, even though it was still the right thing to do at the time.

“Yeah, it could be fun. How do you want to do it?” Does he want to announce our relationship, or will it just be a usual night there, where we end up together or with a third or hold hands and be a couple.

“The way we should do it. Together, with you holding my hand as my boyfriend. I mean, I’m not going to be all possessive and demanding, but I’m happy to let people, our friends and family, see us like this.” He moves closer and kisses me.

“Hmm, good answer, Sir. Maybe we could put on a bit of a show.” I bite down on my lip as I trace around his nipple, then flick it with my fingernail.

“God, I love how dirty you are. What did you have in mind? I have plenty of toys here you can choose from.” He licks the shell of my ear, then bites just hard enough to make me shiver. “Come with me.”

I follow him as he pads barefoot and bare arsed out of the bedroom, curious about what he needs to share right now. He only takes half a dozen steps down the hallway and stops at another door. He said it was a two bedroomed house, so I’m guessing this is the second bedroom. It’s not; it’s another staircase. He looks at me and smiles, and my heart beats a little faster for this huge, tattooed man. I know I’m falling for him and that scares the crap out of me. He’s never had a boyfriend, which I guess means he’s never been in love. Does he know how to? “Follow me,” he says as he takes the first step.

When I reach him, he kisses my cheek. “It’s playtime, baby.” He pushes the door open, and I stare. My jaw drops as I take in what looks like a dungeon. The attic has been converted and has everything I’ve seen and played with at Bound. The rack on the wall has floggers, canes, crops, and whips. There’s a cross leaning against another wall, and there’s a leather bench with shackles. I’m shocked. He said he’s never had anyone sleep in his bed, but this is set up for action.

“What do you think?” he asks me as he strokes up and down my arms. He’s close enough for his dick to press against my lower back, and it pulses as I push back.