Chapter 24
24
Z eke had seen a couple of Barn birthday parties, but he’d never gone. He didn’t mention it, because he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go, and if he talked about it, Master Wesley would tell him to go.
He wasn’t sure if he was breaking the rules or not, but he didn’t think so.
Maybe stretching them.
Wesley hadn’t said anything either, so he was fairly sure his Master didn’t know anything about it. In fact, today hadn’t been anything special, and Wesley was just sitting by the fire reading while he noodled around on his guitar.
He started sinking deeper into the music, and the rest of the world faded away, at least until the knock came to the door.
“Just leave it!” he called out.
“Get the door, boy.” Wesley didn’t even glance up from his book.
“Dammit, you’d better be important.”
“ Boy .” Wesley sighed. “Don’t be so grumpy.”
“I was having fun, that’s all.” Was he grumpy? He didn’t think he was grumpy, just… a little… grr.
He made his way to the door in no hurry at all, and opened it, letting in freezing cold air and two subs he didn’t know, each with their arms full. One had a garment bag, and the other a cardboard box. “Happy Birthday Party Day!”
One of them blew a noisemaker.
“Huh? What’s this?”
“Master Carson says you’re coupled up. You should come to the party!”
His eyes went wide. “What? You’re not serious.”
“They’re serious. That’s my suit, and… some other things. Set everything down, boys. Thank you very much. We’ll see you tonight.”
They placed the box in his hands and draped the garment bag over the back of the couch. “Thank you, Master Wesley. See you later.”
He frowned at the box. “What’s in here, Sir? What’s going on?”
Where’s buttercup?
After the door closed behind the boys, Wesley closed his book and set it aside. “Party favors. And a Barn Birthday present for you.”
“I—” Okay, so obviously Master Wesley knew about the party. And obviously his Sir intended they should go.
“Don’t you love a birthday party? Go ahead, open the box.” Wesley stood and moved toward him.
He set the box on the end table and opened it, pulling out a pretty dark leather harness, complete with an O-ring and buckles. “It’s—lovely.”
Wesley chuckled. “It is lovely, and it’s going to look fantastic on you. I asked around to make sure we would each be properly attired for this celebration.” Wesley looked pleased with himself. “Oh, there’s more. But this part is… up for discussion.” Wesley unzipped the garment bag.
That implied that the harness was not up for discussion.
He had to admit, Master was delicious when he was like this. Utterly delectable. “What’s that, Sir?”
“It’s a kilt.” Wesley held it up for him to look at. It wasn’t short, but it would likely land above his knees.
Okay, that was a surprise. Like a complete shocker. It wasn’t flimsy or cheap-looking, not a costume. It seemed heavy and smelled amazing. “Where did you get that?”
“I ordered it. They have quite the catalog in the Doms’ lounge. You would be amazed. And possibly embarrassed.” Wesley rolled his eyes. “For real. I had to guess your size, but I think I got it right. Your other option is leather hot pants. I’m happy to discuss either.”
“Hot pants? It’s cold out there!” His eyes were wide. He’d freeze to death, and he’d feel stupid.
“Do you think I would parade you out in the cold in a harness without a coat?” Wesley laughed. “I have been assured that it will be plenty warm in the ballroom and that there will be many others showing skin.”
“Still, I think there’s something… hotter about the kilt?” He could maybe tempt Master Wesley to stay in, even…
His Master nodded, smiling slightly. “Much. I’d like you to wear it. And I’m looking forward to showing you off.”
Or… maybe not.
“I’m not really a showing-off type, I don’t think.”
“No, you’re not. Not on your own. But you’re mine.” Wesley put the kilt down, lifted his hand and kissed his fingers. “And I hope that is something to be proud of.”
Oh, that was so cheating. He couldn’t argue with it, because he was proud—both of his Sir and of being Wesley’s. No fair.
“Yes, Sir.”
Master smiled at him, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Good boy. Now. You prefer the kilt?”
“I do. I think it’ll be… nicer.” And maybe sexier.
“I was thinking about your hips and your perfect ass when I ordered it, so I definitely agree.”
He was going to explode into flames, and he pushed into Wesley’s arms and held on tight.
“Oh, hey.” Master Wesley hugged him back quietly for a minute before saying anything, arms keeping him close. “Talk to me. What are you feeling?”
“Honored. You make me feel… honored. Like you see me as more than I do.”
“You just don’t know your own worth—everything that makes you unique and beautiful. But you will because I plan to show you. I am trying to show you every day.”
“You make me happy, every day.” He leaned up and stole another kiss. Then another.
Master went along, chuckling in between kisses. “You make me want to take you to bed every minute. Stop that.” He got another kiss anyway. “Upstairs. Bring your box. We need to get dressed so we’re not too late.”
Oh, bed would be so much more fun… He grabbed the box but kept touching and stealing kisses. He had to.
“Naughty.” Wesley allowed it, though, and followed him with the garment bag. “You know, you’re not supposed to wear anything under a kilt.”
He knew that. “My poor bits would be dangling…”
“I’m going to cage them.” Wesley’s voice had a teasing tone.
“Master!” Zeke’s eyes went wide, his lips parting. When Wesley said things like that, it was crazy making.
“Hm?” That grin was pure Dom. “Are you objecting or wondering if I’m going to let you also wear undies?”
“So mean to me, Master. I was more shocked.” And turned on.
Really turned on.
“I know. I’m terrible to you.” Wesley opened the box and pulled out a pair of cuffs. “I’m going to make you wear these too. Oh, and this.” Wesley waggled a party hat at him.
He tilted his head. “That is a goofy hat. If I wear eyeliner, can we skip the goofy hat?”
Master Wesley’s eyes narrowed, and he swallowed, clearing his throat before he spoke. “Deal.”
“Fair enough. Thank you.” He had been in a rock band, after all. He knew his way around his make-up.
“Pull my suit out, you can dress me first.” In the garment bag was a carefully pressed pair of black leather jeans and matching black vest.
“Oh, nice. You do look lovely in black.” He did too, he thought. It suited him.
“It’s a Dom thing.” Master chuckled. “I am told there will be a lot of black at this party.” Wesley kicked off his slippers and slid out of his blue jeans. “I’ve never had bespoke leather before, so this should be interesting. They measured everything. Well, almost everything.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “You’ve got something pretty significant to measure, Master.”
“Thank you. But I’m hoping it stays only slightly significant until we get home tonight.” Wesley handed him the pants.
“You don’t want to desire me desperately?” God, that scent was heady. “You’re going to shine in these, I can tell.”
“Thank you, boy. Then we’re going to be quite the pair because that harness and kilt are going to be devastating on you.”
“I hope you think so.” He needed Wesley to think so, more than about anything.
“I know I will.” Wesley stepped into the jeans and he pulled them up. They were tight over Wesley’s hips and Wesley laughed softly. “Oh, wow.”
“Uh-huh…” He stroked Wesley’s fine ass, whimpering.
“Naughty.” Wesley didn’t sound all that upset though. The jeans had a lace-up fly and Wesley watched him fumble with the laces. “I think this birthday party might be my favorite night of the year.”
“I’ve never been. This will be my first one.” He was… excited. He wasn’t sure he wanted to be, but he was. Master Wesley made him soar.
“I keep dragging you out of your comfort zone, and you keep letting me. That’s real trust. You make me proud.” Wesley shrugged into the vest, bare-chested underneath and let him do up the buttons.
“You look absolutely amazing. I could lick you, up and down.” He didn’t need to get dressed. He could just melt, right here.
“I’ll keep that in mind for later.” Wesley adjusted his cock through the leather and didn’t seem at all ashamed of it. “Now you. Strip and bring me your cage, please.”
There was no way he was going to be able to go limp. He was already half-hard just dressing Wesley, but he did as he was asked.
“Hm. Deep breaths, and let’s see if I can work with this. If not, it’s a fast cold shower for you, boy.” Master unlocked the little lock with a key from the top of the dresser and put it in his hand.
“It’s all your fault. You’re so beautiful. You make me need you.”
Wesley shook his head indulgently and kissed him, which didn’t help his predicament at all. “I can’t even manage to be mad at you for that statement.”
That was good, because he wasn’t being naughty. He was in love, and Master in leather was a wet dream.
“Penguins and icebergs, blizzard, ice cube trays…” Wesley teased, singsong style, but managed to get the cage in place. “That can’t be too comfortable.”
Master Wesley slipped the lock back in place unapologetically.
“It’s your fault!”
Master Wesley gave him a swat. “Boy.”
“Sorry!” He shook his head before he got another. “Sir.”
All he got was a chuckle. “I can live with the blame.” Master picked up the kilt, then set it down and went for the harness instead. “Not ready to hide that pretty cock yet.”
He blushed, pondering how his entire body might catch on fire. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know how to do anything but beg.
He stood as still as he could manage while Master Wesley put the harness over his arms and settled it on his shoulder. It felt solid, and he certainly couldn’t ignore it, but wasn’t heavy either. Wesley shifted it and fussed with the buckles until he seemed satisfied by the look. “Okay, how does that feel? Move around and let me know if it’s too tight anywhere. I want you to be comfortable.”
He rolled his shoulders, wiggled some. “I am, Master. I’m good.”
“Wanna go look? Or wait for the kilt?” Master waggled the kilt at him.
“I’ll put the kilt on, and then I’ll do my eyes—you want to watch?” Was that a turn-on for his Master?
Wesley’s head tilted and those blue eyes squinted like Wesley wasn’t sure what he was hearing, and then that handsome face settled into a hungry look. “Yeah. I want to watch.”
“I can handle that.” He wiggled, letting Master Wesley get the kilt on him, the leather heavy and solid.
“We’ll see if I can.” Wesley buckled the kilt around his waist, but those hands roamed all over him.
The caresses threatened to drive him clean out of his mind, making his balls heavy and his cock fight the cage.
Master Wesley stepped back and looked him over head to toe, and he could see the approving look, the heat and affection in his Master’s eyes. “Damn, boy. You’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you, Master. Come on, let me do my eyes.” He took Master Wesley’s hand, leading him to the bathroom.
Wesley followed along wordlessly, but nothing needed to be said. Zeke knew he had his Master’s full attention.
He had a little eyeliner pencil that was well-used and well-loved, along with an unopened mascara. He leaned in, drawing dark lines around his eyes, smudging it just a little so that he looked well-fucked before tinting his lashes.
Master Wesley stood just over his shoulder, watching intently in the mirror. “You’re good at this. How have I never seen you use it?”
“I never went outside in it. It was for a fantasy version of me, you know?”
“I love the real you, but I admit I love this fantasy version of you too.” Wesley kissed his nape. “We’re going to get some attention tonight.”
He dug around in the drawer and found some bright blue hair wax, using it to spike his do, and add the slightest hints of color.
“Who are you?” Wesley shook his head, looking in the mirror at him in wonder.
“A rock star, Master. On the outside.”
“Maybe a little on the inside too.” Master’s hands landed on his hips and grinned. “I get to Dom a rock star. Fuck, yeah.”
“All I need is a choker. I have a few somewhere. Black leather, Sir?”
“Black leather it is. Simple, if you have it. you don’t want to out-dress your harness.”
He went through his little bag of chokers and collars. He had a thin black leather one and a heavy dog collar, holding them out.
Master took the thin one and opened the clasp, then placed it around his neck. “You like this, hm? Dressing up?”
“I do.” He used to decorate himself all the time, and then he went into hiding. “I mean, I don’t do it, but I like it.”
“I never have either, but I think you’re convincing me that I should. I mean that you should, more often.” Wesley reached into the box and pulled out a pair of cuffs. They were the same leather as the harness. “These are also for you,” Master said as he fastened one around his wrist. “I hadn’t thought to get a matching collar too, but maybe that will be something for later.”
He swallowed hard. No one had ever offered to get him a collar before.
No one.
Master got the other cuff on him and smiled. “It’s a good idea. We’ll talk about it. Later. You need boots to wear over there, and a warm coat.”
“Yes, Sir.” He grabbed Wesley’s coat, then his. “You’re sure I look all right?”
“Boy, you look perfect. You’re going to turn every head in the room, and they will all be jealous that you’re mine.” Wesley pulled him in and kissed him. “You’re incredible.”
“Oh…” He moaned, his cock pressing against the cage. “Be nice.”
“I thought that was nice.” Master winked at him and took his coat, helping him get it on. “Are you going to be warm enough?”
“For only as far as it is, I think so, yes, Sir.” It was a bit of a jog, and he knew they could ask for a golf cart ride back to the cabin.
“Hm.” Master Wesley looked him over again with a slight frown, then marched away and came back with a pair of sweatpants. “You have metal around your prick and the poor thing is going to freeze.” Then Wesley went to the house phone and called for a ride. “We can get you changed once we get there.”
“Yes, Master. Thank you.” God, that was so sweet. He melted.
“You’re welcome. Can’t have you cold.” Wesley put an arm around his shoulders. “They’ll be here to get us right away they said.”
And they were. The little golf cart pulled up and they climbed on, Wesley pulling him close in the back to keep him out of the wind.
He snuggled in, humming with pure happiness. This was just what he needed. His Master, loving on him.
They went in one of the smaller back entrances and there were subs there to help, taking their coats and helping him undress. There was a full-length mirror, and he stepped up to it, looking himself over. Master Wesley came up behind him, brushed some hair off his brow and smiled in the mirror at him. “You look hot. Really fucking hot. Are you ready?”
“I guess I am. Yes, Sir.” He wasn’t sure if he was ready for a party, but he was already in costume and no one would notice him, so he’d deal.
“I love you.” Master Wesley made sure he’d heard, then took his hand and held it tight. “Come with me.”
They made their way out into the crowd. There was music playing, lots of men’s voices in conversation, and a small line over at the bar.
He didn’t know where to look, what to do, so he focused on his Master.
* * *
“Wesley!”
Wesley held up a hand in a wave and headed over, leading Zeke along behind him. “Hey, Ellis. This is wild. So many people.”
“You look great, but where’s Zeke?”
He laughed and pulled his boy around where Ellis could see him better.
“Oh my god. Zeke? He looks great—Zeke, you look fantastic. I love this whole thing.”
Zeke tensed under his hand, and he stroked his lover’s back, easing him. “Th-thank you, Sir.”
“He’s gorgeous. The eyeliner was his idea. I’m so proud of him.” He gave Ellis a nod, which he hoped would be understood.
Fortunately, Ellis got the message. “You’re welcome, boy. You do honor to your Master.”
He spoke first so that Zeke didn’t have to, making sure his hands were solidly on his boy and keeping him close. “Do you come to many of these birthday parties? It’s our first.”
“I try to. The party favors are stunning, and it’s always grand to see the dancing.” Ellis’s laugh rang out, the sound warm and large and happy.
“We’re hoping to dance. We’re pretty good at it in our living room.” It was one of the things he liked to surprise Zeke with every few days. He loved how it made his boy smile, and they both loved music.
This time, even nervous, his boy smiled and leaned into his hand, deepening their connection.
“You’ll have plenty of opportunity. It starts shortly and goes on all night.”
“Then I think we need a drink. Please excuse us?”
“Of course.” Ellis nodded to him, and he steered Zeke away. He wasn’t sure whether Zeke had seen it, but there was no question people were definitely taking notice, and he was sure it wasn’t him they were looking at. Whether they recognized Zeke or not, they knew who he was with.
“You’re doing so well. How do you feel?”
“Nervous, ready for them to turn the lights down, but happy to be with you.”
Happy was all he needed to hear. “What would you like to drink?”
“I—I would love a Jack and Coke, please.” Zeke offered him a tentative smile. “Unless you don’t like to kiss someone with Jack and Coke lips.”
“I love Jack and Coke lips. I love your lips.” He proved his point by stealing himself a quick kiss. There were a lot of people in the room, but he wanted his boy to know who he was focused on. Who mattered most.
He pulled Zeke to the bar and leaned on it to be heard over the din. “Hey, bartender. Jack and Coke and a?—”
“Gin and tonic, yes, Sir.” Jamie grinned and winked at Zeke. “For you and your mysterious boy.”
“Yes, the one that didn’t order a Cape Cod.” Wesley had to tease. There really wasn’t any other option.
Jamie played right along. “Well, the quiet boy that keeps to himself drinks Cape Cods. This boy is obviously more adventurous.”
“I know. I hadn’t met him until tonight, but I think we’ve hit it off famously.”
“Yes, Sir.” Zeke’s lips brushed against his ear. “We’re managing okay.”
He did love his naughty boy.
“You’re looking handsome too, Sir. All of that black suits you.”
“I should hope so, it seems to be the uniform for this party.”
Jamie laughed and set Zeke’s drink on the bar. “Things get more colorful by Christmastime.”
“It is gorgeous here in December, you know, Master. It’s lovely.”
“If I’m not a frozen statue before then, I’m sure I will enjoy it immensely.” He wasn’t sure at all. It was damn cold now. But Zeke survived it, so he had a feeling he would too.
“We will turn up the heat, Master. I’ll keep you toasty.”
“I don’t need all the juicy details, thank you very much.” Jamie set down his gin and tonic and winked. “Sir.”
He just sighed and rolled his eyes at Jamie, then picked up his drink. “Cheers, boy. To our first party, and to many more fantastic celebrations.”
“Cheers, Master. To our first party.” Zeke clinked their glasses together, his gaze focused on him.
He took a sip, the gin going down just right, then turned his attention to the rest of the room. He recognized a lot of people, mostly people he’d met in passing, and a couple he knew better. There were a surprising number of people he’d never met before, though. This party must draw people in just for the weekend. “All of these people can’t be staying here, can they?”
“No, Master. There are some B&Bs, and some people come in just for the event.”
“I figured. So who do we wish a happy birthday to? Carson?” He caught sight of the man sitting on the arm of a deep couch and talking to a couple relaxing in the cushions.
“Yes, Sir. This is Master Carson’s day. I did send a donation to his preferred charity, so we’re golden.”
Oh shit, he hadn’t done that. “You better give me that name tomorrow. Got your drink? Let’s go say hello.”
“Don’t worry, Master. Both our names are on it.” Zeke squeezed his arm. “I have your back.”
That was such a couple thing. He caught Zeke’s hand between his bicep and his chest and squeezed back. “Thank you, boy.”
“Of course. I love you.” Zeke ducked his head, his boy pinking.
Carson glanced up at them, and they both got a smile. “Well, hello.”
“Hey, Carson. Happy Barn Birthday.” Wesley held up his glass in a birthday salute, then took a sip and gave Carson a wink. “You may remember Zeke. Or you may not.”
“How could I forget? Your boy looks utterly amazing—he’s a rock star.”
“A hot rock star. I’m so proud of him. Thank you for the assist in ordering his harness. It looks great on him.”
“It does. The eye makeup and kilt make the outfit.” Carson chuckled softly. “I didn’t know he had it in him.”
“This was a lovely surprise to me too. It was his idea. I think we have to explore it more.”
“Oh, I love that idea. That protective shell must be stifling.”
That was an apt analogy. “What do you think, boy? Less shell, more… what? Freedom?”
“I—Yes, Sir. I hope so.” Zeke’s attention never left his face.
“I can’t thank you and your team enough for everything. For this place. I feel like anything could happen here, you know? It’s cold and remote, you have to be very intentional to come all this way. It’s perfect. I think it has a little magic in it. A birthday seemed like a good time to say thank you.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, Wesley. We work hard to make this a place for our community to thrive.” Carson shook his hand, the smile seeming so honest.
Another couple came over to say hello to Carson, and he gave them a nod and pulled Zeke away just as the lights dimmed and the music grew louder. “Almost time to dance.” He took another sip of his drink. “Anyone else you think we should say hello to?”
“I just want to dance with you, Sir. I don’t need anything else.”
The boy was going to have to learn to schmooze a bit in his world, but that wasn’t necessary here. Here, they could just be together, and no one had any expectations. “Finish your drink.”
“Yes, Sir.” Zeke knocked it back, flushing just a hair. “Mmm… yummy.”
He did the same. Nothing wrong with a little buzz. They weren’t playing tonight, just dancing, and it might help Zeke relax a little.
He handed his boy his empty glass. “Run those back to the bar, please. And then you’ll get what you want.”
“Yes, Master. I’ll be right back.” He got a soft, quick kiss—a public one.
He glanced around the room to see who was watching. He hoped everyone was. He wasn’t shy, and he was proud of Zeke and what their trust in each other had allowed them to become. Most especially his boy, because everyone knew how long Zeke had been there, hiding.
Now his boy was out with him, loving him, and smiling. It had just taken a tiny push, a little support and meeting Zeke where he was.
His boy wasn’t hiding anymore.