Rules to Live By Page 4

  “I think . . .” Marquis’s breath caught. He pressed a kiss to the pad of Navin’s thumb and tried again. “I think I can’t forget. Not like this.” He looked down between his thighs and bit his lip, then ran his fingers over the cage as though he couldn’t believe it was real. As though he’d been waiting for it. “It’s perfect.”

  “I know I’ll be thinking about you wearing it.” Navin brushed a last kiss over Marquis’s mouth before he stood. His legs were decidedly unsteady, but he took a deep breath and made himself stand straight as he did up his robe. “Leave your clothes and go shower. I’ll meet you in the bedroom.”

  “Yes, sir.” Marquis rose slowly, gripping the arm of the couch for balance. He shed the shirt, dropping it on the seat, then stripped off the rest. He paused as though he wanted to tidy up after himself, but Navin waved him on. “Thank you, sir.”

  Marquis’s body was relaxed and supple as he walked away from Navin, none of the tightness in his shoulders and hands usually left after a long day in meetings or bent over a drawing table. He looked completely sated, and the smile he cast over his shoulder before he disappeared into the bedroom was full of contentment. No checking his messages. No consulting his calendar.

  It was good to have him so present.

  Navin collected Marquis’s phone from his jacket, then folded up his clothes and brought them into the bedroom where he put them all on an upper shelf in his closet. Marquis could earn the phone back if he wanted to check it tonight.

  Satisfied, he pulled on a pair of lounge pants and slid into bed. Marquis’s mellow voice drifted out of the bathroom. Navin hadn’t heard him sing before—he sounded happy.

  Navin’s body was still humming with his own orgasm when he reached for his tablet to read while he waited for Marquis to join him.

  Maybe this would be the answer.

  Work was always such a jolt after a night of bliss with Marquis, and the midweek doldrums weren’t helping. Reality rolled back in very quickly for Navin, and within an hour of being at his desk, he was feeling anchorless again. That sense of strength and control he had loved so much when he was with Marquis was gone too quickly. The idea of interviewing candidates, making decisions—decisions that affected people’s lives, no less—was daunting.

  While he waited for his first candidate, Navin found himself fiddling with the new key that lay beneath his shirt and tie. It was warm against his skin and reminded him that Marquis trusted him. Marquis was using the plastic lock today for work, but the key still held meaning.

  If Navin was that man when he was with Marquis, confident and in charge, maybe he was just waiting to experience that in public. He could try. It couldn’t go worse than being uncertain and bumbling. Maybe having faith in himself was what was missing—everyone else seemed bound and determined to have faith in him.

  As his first candidate came in, Navin reminded himself the people in his life weren’t often wrong about things.

  The interviews flew by, and it was only a text from Marquis that alerted Navin to the fact that the morning was gone.

  Don’t forget lunch. There was a picture of a well-stacked sandwich attached. See, I’m eating.

  On my way to do the same. Brought the leftovers of the Chinese from last night.

  So you’re on your own then?

  Once he’d reheated his lunch, Navin texted, I am now. Why?

  Check your personal mail.

  Navin didn’t check that account much. Even his socializing was linked to his work address. He was as bad as Marquis—he’d have to be careful they didn’t just switch roles, him being late and Marquis waiting.

  An email from Marquis, with attachments. Navin tapped to load them, frowning at the “Open in private” warning in the subject line.

  Oh. Even on the small screen of Navin’s phone, the pictures were graphic. That was Marquis, stark naked except for the cage, in Navin’s bed. Marquis must have taken them while Navin was showering this morning. He looked so good, so contented, so beautiful.

  I thought I should remind you that I’m wearing it, Marquis texted. Since I can’t seem to forget. I want you so much. It’s driving me crazy and it’s perfect.

  Perfect is right. Navin couldn’t think to say much more.

  I can send you a picture in the mornings, so you know I have it on, Marquis offered.

  I trust you, Navin sent back. Even though pictures of Marquis were almost as good as the real thing. Navin was so hard he wasn’t sure his dick knew the difference at the moment.

  I know. But I love being what gets you off. Navin could almost see Marquis’s grin as he read that text. Let me know if and when I am, sir.

  I’m at work. Navin was hot all over. He loosened his tie so he could undo the top button of his shirt.

  You have a bathroom. Right there.

  Damn it, Marq.

  I can’t come, Nav. You should get off for both of us.

  Navin glanced at the door to the bathroom just off his office. He could do it. But he shouldn’t . . .

  Do you know how hard it makes me when I beg, how much it hurts? Please, sir. I just want to know I’m good for you.

  Navin was on his feet before he knew he’d made up his mind. He didn’t turn the light on, the phone was enough, but he locked the door.

  Only for you. Navin flipped back to the photos as he undid his pants and freed his erection. The taps on the sink made a decent brace to keep his phone upright.

  Shit, are you . . . Marquis’s text scrolled across the top, but Navin didn’t look long enough to see the whole thing. He gave in to his arousal at the sight of Marquis cupping his balls and caged cock in one hand like an offering, at his spread thighs and the shadowed curves of his ass.

  Navin jerked off slowly as he replayed what it was like to toy with Marquis in the cage, the hard bars and the softness of skin. And Marquis’s pitiful groans as Navin kissed him, tongued him through the plastic to torment him before going off to shower that morning. Knowing that Marquis was caged, that he’d done it with his own hands, that he could do anything he wanted to Marquis’s body—that Marquis wanted it—was enough to make his dick hard as a rock every time he thought about it too long. Now, with Marquis’s picture in front of him and a wealth of pictures in his mind, he couldn’t help but writhe as he fucked his own hand.

  The mental image of Marquis spread out on the couch, coming all over himself because Navin was finally giving him what he wanted, was almost too much. Navin swiped the phone with a trembling finger as he stroked himself. The next picture was a close-up of Marquis’s cock in the cage, the serial number of the lock clearly shown.

  Navin came in a rush, imagining Marquis’s shaky voice begging him to let his cock out of the cage. Please, sir, please.

  Yes, yes, fuck, yes. Navin pressed the back of his free hand to his mouth to make sure nothing escaped him as he got lost in fantasy and orgasm.

  After, Navin took his time cleaning up and washing his face, then he texted Marquis again.

  You were very, very good. You’re always so good for me.

  By the weekend, Marquis was starting to feel as though they might have really worked things out. He couldn’t remember when he’d last felt so relaxed and centered. Nothing mattered but the task at hand. Right now, cooking dinner in Navin’s small kitchen, he had everything he could want. Navin was working at the dining table, and classical music was playing quietly throughout the apartment. There was no need to think beyond the moment and the walls of Navin’s apartment.

  Usually, even when he wasn’t in the office after work hours, his thoughts were swimming with unfinished projects. When he did make it to Navin’s for a few hours or a day, he’d be plagued with guilt about the ways he’d let Navin down during the week before. When he was caged in by his bad choices and his responsibilities, he wasn’t able to fully relax. But now it was the weekend at last, and it really felt like a weekend should: a break from the stress of work.

  The smell of garlic had filled the room, and he c
hecked the recipe before he poured soy sauce into the pan.

  He’d had the cage on since Wednesday, and while there had been some uncomfortable moments, he’d never been happier—especially when he knew how good it made Navin feel too. It had only been a handful of days so far, but it was a relief to finally be okay with himself for a while. It felt as though he was really letting Navin see him—and it was working for them. He’d have to do it more.

  He was exactly where he belonged, doing what he needed to do—almost the way he felt at work, but more rewarding. Heaps of chopped vegetables were arranged in neat, bright piles in bowls along the counter. He allowed himself to admire all the color and order as he put scallions and the green parts from the bok choy into the pan next. He let it cook for just a moment while he scooped rice out onto the plates, and then flipped off the burner and added the stir fry on top.

  With everything suddenly quiet in the kitchen, the tap-tap-tap of Navin working on the computer was louder than anything else in the apartment. Marquis poked his head out of the kitchen and cleared his throat. He didn’t want to interrupt, but . . . “Were you ready to eat, or should I put this in the oven to stay warm for a while longer?”

  Navin shook himself like a wet dog and looked around until he saw the clock. “You’ve been busy. If dinner’s ready, I can be ready. It smells amazing.” He closed his computer, then stretched.

  He was beautiful like that, eyes shut, body pulled taut. Marquis forgot sometimes how easy it was to fall into simply staring at Navin, until Navin’s expression shifted to one of disappointment—Marquis had been distracted for too long and had missed some key piece of the conversation.

  This time, he kept his focus and smiled at the compliment. “I like having something to do.”

  “I’ve noticed.” Navin pushed away from the desk and got up, coming over to kiss him on the mouth. “Thank you for being good to me today. I don’t take it for granted. It feels . . . It feels a little weird, but nice. I hope you’re okay about it.”

  What was there to not feel okay about? Everything was perfect. Marquis stole another kiss and shook his head. “It’s been a great day.”

  “You’re fantastic.” Navin stroked his cheek. “Let’s go eat.” His stomach rumbled, and he laughed. “Before I eat you instead.”

  Just the suggestion of being touched like that sent heat racing through Marquis. Suddenly, he was aware of the cage and, more, that he’d all but forgotten he was wearing it. It felt like part of him already, and he couldn’t remember why he’d felt ashamed of wanting it in the first place.

  “I wouldn’t mind a little nibble,” he said with a smile, trying to make it sound like more of a joke than it was. If Navin wanted him, he would say so.

  “Mmm. Well. Maybe later.” Navin gestured toward the kitchen. “Do you need me to set the table while you get anything else done?”

  He nodded. “If you wouldn’t mind. I’ll pour the wine and bring everything out.”

  Navin hummed under his breath as he laid out plates and lit candles. “I’d rather do this than go out most of the time,” he said. “Just us.”

  “I'm glad there’s still an ‘us.’” He felt as though he’d dodged a bullet, and he needed Navin to know how grateful he was for this fresh start.

  “I was starting to worry,” Navin admitted. His expression grew serious. “I can’t do that too many more times, Marq.”

  That hurt, but Marquis was grateful for the honesty. “You won’t have to,” he promised. “I’m going to do better. You’ll have all of me from now on, Navin.”

  “I like all of you.” Navin came around the table to kiss him. “It goes well with all of me.”

  “To us, then,” Marquis said, taking up his wineglass.

  “To us.” Navin lifted his glass to Marquis’s. “We’re good together, aren’t we?”

  “We are.” Marquis didn’t know how much of it was thanks to him, but it felt good to know Navin thought that way.

  Today’s accomplishments fulfilled him in a way work never did, never could. Sitting down to dinner with Navin, watching him enjoy it, made his heart swell with a quiet sort of joy. This felt genuine, as though they could really be together.

  “How’s Amrit’s trip going, do you know?” Marquis asked after a while. Navin’s brother had texted a couple times but—typical Amrit—he was terrible at keeping in touch with people.

  “He’s a bit miserable in the heat, but he seems to be having a good time. He loves a challenge.” Navin laughed, shaking his head. “I don’t know if we’ll get him back from there.”

  “He’ll get bored as soon as he’s worked it all out. But maybe by then there’ll be other countries for him to conquer.” He filled Navin’s glass and then his own. He’d finished his wine faster than he’d realized. “How’s his Mandarin?”

  “Dev will keep him in line. Or I will.” Navin winked at Marquis. “I think I’m getting the hang of it.”

  Marquis choked on his wine. “I don’t know if you should use the same methods . . .”

  “No,” Navin said emphatically. “Those are only for you. And only as long as you want them.”

  “I don’t think you have to worry too much about the appeal wearing off,” he murmured. His porn collection attested to his lasting interest. “I hope my appeal holds out that long.”

  “I was interested in you from the start. I can’t imagine not being interested in you. Ever.” Navin’s expression softened, and he put his chin in one hand. “You’re sexy, a great cook, amazing in bed—I noticed that immediately, by the way, in case I haven’t mentioned it enough times.”

  “I could always stand to hear it again.” Marquis smiled and slid his foot across the floor to nudge Navin’s toes. “That first night ended up being a good one.” He’d started out by showing up half an hour late to find Navin still at the bar waiting for him. He’d done his damnedest—especially after getting a look at those soft lips and wide, dark eyes—to make up for the wait.

  “I know what I want for dessert,” Navin breathed.

  “You can have anything you want.”

  “You.” Navin licked his lower lip, then bit it, watching Marquis avidly. “I think you’ve been good enough I’ll let you out of your cage. And then I want to touch you all over. I want everything you’ll give me.”

  Hearing those words was enough to make Marquis’s cock sit up and take notice—or try to. He shivered and set his glass on the table. “Are you still hungry? For food?”

  “Not for food.” Navin’s gaze was intense. “I want your clothes off.”

  Marquis’s fingers were on the buttons of his shirt before he could think. He worked them with shaking hands and left the shirt hanging over the back of his chair. He had to stand then, and his legs didn’t want to hold him. His belt clattered off the chair and the table leg before landing on his foot. He dropped his pants and boxers in one push, stepping out of them.

  “I like that. Watching you get naked. You’re always so anxious, in such a hurry, when you’re getting naked for me.” Navin took his hand and pulled him in for a hot kiss. “Come on. I’ll put the fireplace on to keep you warm.”

  Marquis followed Navin to the living room and waited, uncertain where he should go. “Tell me what you want?”

  Navin got the fireplace started, then tweaked a thick cream-colored afghan from the couch onto the floor in front of the fire. “You. Everything.” He grinned and came over to kiss Marquis again, groping his ass with one hand. “You lie down and look pretty, I’ll get a few things. We’ve never taken advantage of my fireplace before.”

  “Yes, sir,” he whispered as he sprawled on the afghan, propped up on his elbows so he could see Navin when he returned.

  Navin came back loosely wrapped in a robe Marquis hadn’t seen before. It had probably been a gift, one Navin would have assumed didn’t suit him, but it did. It made him look elegant—it was as glossy black as his hair and brought out the gold tones in his skin. Gold like the chain around Navin’s ne
ck. The little silver key glittered against his chest. Marquis could hardly breathe, he was so happy. He was Navin’s and, in return, Navin was his. Life was so good.

  “You’re beautiful.” Navin had brought a Lucite box from the bathroom, filled with odds and ends. When he set it down, Marquis recognized the lube bottle, at least. “The minute I saw you the first time, you being late went right out of my head. I just wanted to get you naked and run my hands all over you.”

  He did just that now, trailing his fingers down Marquis’s belly, and Marquis’s muscles rippled and tightened under the teasing touch.

  “I’m all yours.”

  “I know. Even if I wasn’t sure . . .” Navin cupped his hand around the cage and Marquis’s balls. “I can see it. Damn, that’s so hot.” He knelt by Marquis and kept touching, one hand between Marquis’s thighs, the other petting over his chest, playing with his nipples. “I’m taking that off you for now because I want to see you come at least once. First, though, I want you to ask nicely.”

  Oh. Marquis rolled up until he was half-sitting, so he could nuzzle beneath Navin’s jaw. “Please,” he whispered. “Please let me out. I want to be good for you. Please, sir.”

  The sound Navin made was almost pained. He grabbed Marquis’s braids, tipped his head back, and kissed him fiercely. “Stay still.”

  He pushed Marquis to the floor with a hand in the center of his chest, then straddled his thighs. His robe fell open as he reached up to undo the chain. Marquis was distantly aware that Navin was nude and erect in front of him, but his attention was locked on that gold chain and the silver key on it.

  Once it was off, Navin fastened the clasp again, then held it up for Marquis to see. The key swung back and forth hypnotically. Marquis’s cock ached as it swelled to fill the cage.

  “Are you ready?” Navin murmured.

  “Yes, sir.” Marquis cupped his caged cock and balls in both hands, offering them up so Navin could free him. “Please, sir, let me out so I can make you happy.”

  “How can I say no to you?” Navin slid the key into the lock, and Marquis whimpered. “I should practice some time. But not now.” He turned the key, and the lock opened with a soft click that made Marquis moan. Navin set the lock and the key and chain, still joined together, on the end table.