Chapter 21
Honestly, it’s easier being around him than I thought it would be. We slip back to the way we were before Pops put the idea in my head that we were right for each other. He jokes with me about doing more than yoga at the gym, I should join him on the weights.
“I don’t need to. I’ve got you, and you can probably bench press me, which means I’ve got all the muscles I need.”
He can’t disagree as he carries a box full of kitchen stuff Pops says I just have to have. I’m not sure, I think a kettle and a microwave are enough for me. I’m not much of a cook. I’ve been spoilt here with his food. “Why am I having all this?” I ask Pops as he plumps up some cushions on the sofa.
“Because, sweet boy, I’m going to give you some cookery lessons. And don’t wrinkle up your nose at me. I taught all the others the same things. It’s only a few basic things.”
“It’s futile to disagree with him, Noah,” Royal tells me as he carries in another large box containing god knows what.
I’ve learnt to go with the flow with this family, they always get their own way.
I watch as they all mess around with each other.
Royal seems to be the closest one to Saint.
I thought it was Knox, but that’s only because he’s been around the house more.
Saint and Royal seem to be mirror images of each other.
Not to look at. Royal is more together than Saint, he seems older even though I know they’re the same age.
I think it’s his teacher persona. I can imagine him in a classroom where the boys all want to be like him, and the girls fancy the pants off him, perhaps some of the boys too.
“I think that’s it,” Saint announces as he takes the last box to my bedroom. I’m not sure I want him in that room.
“I can take that.” I lift the box out of his arms before he reaches the smaller room just off the living room.
“A boy’s allowed some secrets,” I tell him as I close the door in his face.
I don’t hold back the smile as his brothers all whoop and laugh at him.
With lots of “Burn!” and “Loser!” called out.
It’s not until I put the box down and look around the room I can see someone, probably Pops has made up the double bed, even adding a throw and some cushions.
It looks very cosy and very me. I can already imagine my artwork on the walls.
Maybe my more graphic images. I love to draw naked men and have had a couple of them framed.
They are in the box I confiscated from Saint, and he doesn’t need to see them.
Although I’d love to draw him, I doubt that will ever happen.
I wouldn’t dare use my imagination. I put the box on the floor by the dressing table to deal with later.
There’s a knock on the door. “Come on, Noah, let’s go.” Saint being bossy again. I sigh and leave my little private space.
“What’s happening now?” Royal is asking Saint as I close the bedroom door behind me.
“Nothing,” Saint says as I say, “Food. We’re grabbing a bite to eat.”
Royal grins as Saint groans. “Awesome, I could eat. What about you two?”
“Sorry, no can do. I’m going to spend some time with the parentals,” Drake says, “Knox’s giving me a lift back there.”
Knox is watching Saint as he tries to persuade Royal to go with them. Knox leans into me. “Are you two going on a date?”
I blush immediately and stutter through my denial. “It’s not, I mean there’s nothing. He’s my friend that’s all. As well as being my boss. I can’t say no, can I?”
“Of course, you can. He stops being your boss when the door’s locked up for the night.” His tone turns playful. “Unless he’s your boss in private too. Although that’s not what he’s usually called.”
“Stop talking shit, Knox.” Saint reaches me, taking a step towards his brother, the Dom barely below the surface. All that does is make Knox laugh harder and the others to join in. Why do there have to be so many Doms in here? Where’s Pops when I actually need him?
With some back slapping again and more jibes, the other three men leave.
“Where are your dads? I need to thank them.” I haven’t seen them for a little while now.
“Something came up, and they had to get back home.” Saint smiles as if he knows a secret.
Why does my brain go straight to BDSM? I’ve never had so many thoughts and images on the subject as I’ve had in the last three weeks or so.
I nod as if I get what the smile is for, but he doesn’t say anything else.
In fact, he moves away from me now that we’re alone.
As if I’m going to pounce on him. I told him that I’m not going away, that it’s up to him to make the first move.
Only in the meantime, I’m learning everything about the lifestyle all the men are in.
I only know about Saint and a little about Royal, not the other two.
“Okay, can we go now? I’m hungry.” I pick up my keyring, which now has another key added to it.
My first home, a real one that no one else shares or can come in, not without an invitation.
I never thought it would happen. If I hadn’t taken the chance and got myself down here, I’d still be living in the same dodgy bedsit with the constant in and out of new people.
Never knowing if my place or my stuff would be taken by someone when I was at work.
Saint opens the front door and looks over at me, questioning why I’m not moving. I should be here on my own. I want to be able to flick the deadbolt and be quiet and calm in my own new space. Saint’s lips quirk up as he watches me. “It will still be here when we’ve finished eating.”
I shake my head and chuckle. “I know that. It’s just new, and I’ve never had anything like this in my life. You made this happen, you and your family. All of you have given me so much, and I’m so grateful you didn’t laugh me out of the door. Thank you, Saint.”
“Come on, stop with all the mushy stuff. It’s not doing my reputation any good. Everyone at the club will laugh at me.” He’s not annoyed, not one bit. I’ve realised that his bark is worse than his bite.
“I’m sure as soon as you get some poor twink strapped down and a flogger in your hand, all will be restored.” It’s my turn to smirk as he mouths at me like a goldfish. “What? You’re not the only one allowed to know about the shit you like! I can read.”
I check the door is shut properly and walk down the flight of stairs to the main door. Saint is close to me as we walk down the street to the pub we went to before. The one where Saint got pissy, and I walked out. I hope that doesn’t happen tonight.
It’s busier here than the last time, but that was more early doors, it’s later now. The crowd seems to part to let Saint through, like he’s someone important. He gets nods of greetings from some, others drop their heads down, like good little subs should.
The smile on my face vanishes as we suddenly come across an empty table. Saint raises an eyebrow at me, waiting for me to comment on the behaviour of the patrons, but I deny him an answer. I’m too annoyed, he knew he would get this treatment in here. He’s taunting me, but I won’t give in.
Two pints appear miraculously, placed on the table by a cute server wearing a black T-shirt that looks painted on
. He keeps his eyes away from Saint but gives me a small smile. “I’ll bring you some menus.”
“Thanks,” I say to him, then as he turns away, I look over at Saint.
He’s watching me, there’s a little humour mixed in with an ask me—I dare you, glint.
He’s respected here. I imagine he visits this place a lot seeing as we’re only a few hundred yards from the studio.
But it’s more: it’s about the other side of him.
He’s respected as a Dom in here. Which explains the behaviour of the server.
My stomach churns with acid as jealousy courses through me.
He’s been with the cute guy. It takes all my control to not snatch the menu from him and to keep from looking at him.
Is everywhere we go going to have more ‘Tates’?
Subs that know exactly what to give the Master and have done it.
It's Saint that thanks him this time. “What are you going to have? I don’t think you finished your burger the last time we were here.”
“Maybe I’ll try something else tonight, seeing as it’s not too far from work and my new place, I can find my own favourite.
It looks like you have a lot of favourites in here.
” With my voice light, I look past him at the other patrons.
Some are looking at us, others not interested at all.
At least not all of them are ‘friends’ of his.
“It’s only the burger that has my attention.” Saint has a low voice, deep and dark. “And you. You keep being the only one I notice.”
“And yet you deny me.”