Chapter Six
Phil’s hands trembled as he lifted the braided leather collar from the black satin box.
The leathersmith had wrapped the custom-designed piece in the velvet lined package the way Phil had requested, and the presentation was almost as lovely as the item itself.
Gerard had recommended the talented artisan and his craftsmanship was exquisite—the collar was done exactly how Phil had envisioned.
He’d had to pay an exorbitant rate to get it completed in time for Gerard’s Christmas Eve party, but the result had been worth it.
He couldn’t imagine a better gift for his boy.
After making his way from the living room to the kitchen where the light was better, Phil examined the item more closely.
He’d always had a style in mind in the hopes that Terry would someday agree to be collared by him.
However, when they’d finalized their contract, Phil had grilled Terry over what he wanted.
Not just aesthetically, but in the same way they’d resolved how they should deal with their public personas, they’d come to a decision regarding when Terry would wear the symbol of their Master/sub commitment.
Phil had been pleased to discover Terry wished to wear it at home all the time and whenever they went to Gerard’s or any other lifestyle related club or gathering.
‘I wish I never had to take it off.’
Emotions had never been something Phil overly indulged in.
Not that he didn’t have feelings, or that those feelings didn’t run deep, it was more a case of him not ever finding anyone worthy of so much intensity.
Until Terry. The man he’d fallen irretrievably in love with had filled his heart even as he’d replenished his soul.
Phil never wanted him to take it off, either.
Phil smiled at how masterfully the thin strands of a rich, mahogany-hued leather had been tooled with an intricate pattern of vines, then had been twined together without them appearing too clunky.
Terry’s long neck and leaner frame didn’t lend itself to a heavy or overwhelming piece.
The silver buckle that would rest at the hollow of Terry’s throat was also perfect.
A simple rectangular shape, small, not too heavy, and the metal remained plain so as not to take away from the design of the collar itself.
“Hey, Master! I’m home.”
Shit. Phil shoved the collar behind him and pressed his back against the tiled counter.
He’d meant to gift Terry the symbol of their relationship in the fancy box, not just thrust it at him in the kitchen.
He glanced up at the time on the coffeemaker.
He’s early. Phil couldn’t believe he was irritated at his sub for being home sooner than he’d promised.
“There you are.”
Terry breezed into the kitchen, a canvas bag filled with the delicacies he’d run to the specialty market to pick up as part of what they’d be bringing to Gerard’s, as well as some last-minute items Terry wanted them to have for their own Christmas morning. Phil smiled to himself. First of many.
Terry set the bag on their kitchen table then eyed him cautiously. “What’s up? I’m not late, am I? I was careful to be back in time so we could get ready for the party.”
“You’re ahead of schedule, baby. Come here and give me a kiss.”
There wouldn’t be a way to pretend that nothing unusual was going on.
The minute Phil didn’t wrap both arms around Terry, his boy would figure out something was up.
Terry’s expression lightened, and he rushed to do Phil’s bidding.
Sure enough, the moment it became clear he wasn’t going to be gathered in Phil’s embrace, Terry frowned.
He paused before Phil’s lips reached his.
“Did I…did I do something wrong?”
Terry’s plaintive question clutched at Phil’s heart. “No wrong, remember? Only learning and challenges.”
Terry nodded, but the wrinkle in his brow remained. “Right. So, did I fail a challenge?”
Phil sighed. “No failure either and there isn’t anything you have or haven’t done that we need to address.
But I’d like you to indulge me for a moment.
First this.” Phil leaned in and took the kiss he’d asked for.
“Now, could you close your eyes and count to twenty then wait until I call you into the living room?”
Terry’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to give me my present now? But I haven’t even wrapped yours yet, that’s not fair.”
He stuck out his bottom lip, so Phil gave it a quick bite.
“Ow!” Terry’s complaint was greatly diminished by his coy smile.
“This present needs to be seen before we go to Gerard’s, and anyway, there’s still your stocking for tomorrow morning.”
“That’s true. All right, should I close them now?”
“Turn around first.”
Terry gasped. “You don’t trust me not to look?”
Hmm. How to put this. “This isn’t about anything right now other than the man who loves you really needing the moment to be a surprise. I’m not testing or challenging you, I want it to be as close to perfect as I can get. Does that make sense?”
Terry regarded him. “I guess until the TPE becomes more natural, me learning a new lesson is always where my mind is going to go. Okay, I’ll turn around.”
Phil pressed his lips to Terry’s temple, using the hand not hiding the collar behind him to hold Terry in place. “That’s my good baby. Thank you for that.” He let his boy go. “Now, face the wall, close your eyes and slowly count to twenty.”
Terry chuckled. “Yes, Master.”
The second Terry obeyed him, Phil scurried from the room so he could have enough time to place the collar back in the elegant box and get himself situated.
He considered himself lucky that Terry hadn’t noticed the open package sitting on the coffee table of their living room, that he must’ve hurried right past it.
Hurried to me. Phil let out a contented sigh as he sat on the couch, then carefully set the beautiful item back in its container.
He arranged the tissue around it artfully before closing the lid.
Terry called out from the kitchen. “Twenty!”
Phil put the box down by his feet where the table would be covering it from view when Terry entered the room.
“I’m ready for you, baby.”
As soon as Terry trotted into the open area, excitement dancing across his features, Phil’s heart swelled. He indicated the spot next to him on the sofa, opposite of where he’d put the box. Terry took a seat and stared at him, grinning and almost bouncing like a kid.
Phil reached down to pick up the package. He handed it to him without a word, choosing instead to focus on committing Terry’s first reaction to memory. Terry held the item in his lap, gazing down at it while chewing his lip. He lifted his eyes.
“Can I open it now?”
“Yes, angel. You may.”
Terry’s eyes rounded at the never-before-uttered endearment. He seemed to be momentarily distracted from opening his gift as he continued to stare at Phil.
Phil smiled at him with fondness. “Wouldn’t you like to see what’s inside?” He dipped his chin at the box.
“Huh?” Terry glanced down at the present then back up at Phil. He quirked the corner of his mouth. “Right. Silly me.”
After taking a deep breath, Terry lifted the lid then peered inside, digging through the paper until he let out a sharp gasp. He plucked the collar from the box so swiftly the package tumbled off his lap, his jaw hanging open as he turned the piece in his hands, gazing at it with reverence.
“Oh my God, oh wow.” Terry regarded Phil with tear-filled eyes. “Thank you, oh my God, it’s so beautiful, so perfect. And please, for the love of all that is holy, can I please hug you?”
Phil burst out laughing, his joy at Terry’s reaction impossible to contain. He opened his arms in invitation. “Of course you can.”
Terry launched himself at Phil and he caught his boy, holding him close as Terry squeezed him tighter and tighter.
“Thank you, Master.” Terry spoke next to his ear, his voice rasping. “This means so much to me and I absolutely love it.” Terry gasped again then straightened within Phil’s embrace. “That’s why you needed to give this to me now. So I can wear it to the party. Will you put it on me?”
“This first.”
Phil didn’t hesitate as he took Terry’s mouth, plunging past his lips, using his tongue to taste him thoroughly, delving deeper with each swipe. When he could barely catch his breath anymore, he stopped, but not without one last joining of their lips.
“There.” Phil gazed at his sub and realized something about himself, about what he needed and what Terry needed too.
He held to his original decision, it had been a good one at the time, but like every relationship, things evolved.
“I’m tossing out the no touching rule except when we’re on high protocol. ”
Terry pounced on him, taking control of the renewed kiss.
Phil let him have his way for a few seconds, then took it back, pushing Terry down on the couch then laying his body over him, pressing him to the cushions.
Phil grabbed one of Terry’s wrists, prying him away from where he’d grabbed onto Phil’s shoulder.
He lifted it above Terry’s head as he continued to fill Terry’s mouth with fierce kisses.
Once he had one arm secured, he shifted his weight so he could capture Terry’s other hand.
He smiled against Terry’s lips at the discovery of the collar he still clutched between his fingers.
Even though they’d discussed the design, it was wonderful—as well as a relief—that Terry was so pleased with the outcome.
Phil encircled both of Terry’s wrists, holding them securely above his head and against the couch arm.
He used his free hand to reach in-between them, lifting his body just enough to get at Terry’s belt.
After undoing the buckle, he popped the top button then yanked the zipper down, reaching into Terry’s briefs to grasp his heated erection.
Terry moaned into Phil’s mouth as he writhed beneath him.