Serving Him Read online

  Lorcan sighed. “Luke is going to think that I spend the entire time beating you.”

  “I’ve always been clumsy, Sir,” Rowan said. “If I manage to get through an entire day without gaining a new bruise or scrape, it’s something of a miracle.”

  Lorcan shook his head. “Well, get down there before you do any more damage and Luke throws me out on my ear. And be careful. I’d prefer any bruises on your body to have come from me, by mutual agreement and for both our pleasure.”

  He closed the door and Rowan trotted down the stairs to his boss’s office. The door was closed so he gave it a light tap.

  “Come in, Rowan.”

  Rowan went into the office, pulling the door shut behind him. Luke Redding was seated behind his expansive desk, his expression serious. He pushed his chair back then stood, before circling the desk to stand in front of Rowan.

  “How’s your face? Mr. Wilder told me what happened, but I want to hear it from you.”

  “It’s nothing, sir, and it was an accident. Mr. Wilder was sleeping but he was having a bad dream. I tried to wake him and as he came to, he swung his arm up as if he was defending himself from something. He caught my face with the back of his hand. He apologized, even though there was no need. He didn’t know what he was doing when it happened.”

  “Thank you for explaining, Rowan. I hope you don’t think I’m overreacting, but your safety is very important to me. I’m content that this happened as you’ve explained. You’re happy to continue in your role as Mr. Wilder’s submissive?”

  “Oh! Yes, sir. All the signs are that he’s a wonderful Dom. I feel safe with him, I can assure you.”

  “He tells me he’s been pushing you quite hard already. You remember the traffic light system? If you need him to slow down at any time, just say ‘amber’. You won’t lose his respect, or mine, if you need to take a break.”

  “I understand, Mr. Redding.”

  “Then you may go. I’m here if you need me.”

  Rowan nodded and made a hasty exit. Luke Redding made him nervous with his intensity. He scampered back upstairs to the Blue Room, excited about what the rest of the day might bring.

  Chapter Six

  Lorcan sat back in his well-padded chair and contemplated his situation. He had just eaten three courses of the most amazing food, served by a young man in kitchen whites who was deferential without being obsequious. Now, he sipped wine from a lead crystal goblet and if he had been more of a wine snob he would have come up with an array of superlatives to describe the flavors bursting over his tongue. He had left the choice of wine to the chef, letting him know that he preferred lighter vintages but that otherwise he was happy to submit to his guidance. It had been the right decision because the Merlot had perfectly complemented the food. The dining table was set in a room that Rowan, during a tour of the house, had called the snug. Lorcan thought it was an apt name for the cozy, wood-paneled space. One wall was lined with bookcases while on another a mullioned window gave a view of the extensive grounds. In the distance, the forest canopy shifted in the wind, forming a protective boundary around the property.

  “The meal was absolutely delicious,” Lorcan said, addressing Rowan who knelt on the floor next to him. “I’d like to give my compliments to the chef. Would you fetch him for me please, Rowan? His name’s Tor, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Rowan rose from his knees. It was something he seemed able to do without his usual clumsiness. He left the room and for a while the only sound came from classical music playing over a concealed speaker system. Lorcan allowed his eyes to drift shut. He hadn’t had enough sleep earlier in the day and now jet lag was sinking its soporific talons into his body. If he was tired enough then perhaps his sleep wouldn’t be interrupted by more nightmares. He heard the slightest creak from the door and opened his eyes. Rowan came in first, followed by a tall blond dressed in a chef’s uniform. He had a similar military bearing to Luke Redding, walking almost as if he were on parade.

  Lorcan got to his feet, moving around the table to approach Tor. He held out his hand. “I apologize for pulling you away from your work, Tor, but I had to let you know how much I enjoyed that meal. My stay here is going to be a considerable pleasure if the dishes you serve are always of this standard.”

  Tor shook his hand, his grip firm but not crushing, as if he had nothing to prove.

  “It’s my pleasure, Mr. Wilder. I love my job. However, I can’t take all the credit—I have two very able assistants who make my life easy.”

  “I’d ask you to join me for a drink, but I’m afraid I’m not very good company tonight. Jet lag is kicking my butt. But another night, perhaps?”

  “If it gives me an excuse to get out of the washing up, it will be my pleasure.” Tor’s eyes twinkled. Lorcan couldn’t picture him up to his elbows in soapy water but he seemed like the kind of man who would lead by example. It wouldn’t surprise Lorcan if he did take his turn with more menial tasks.

  “Is there anything I can do to make things easier for you in the kitchen?” Lorcan asked.

  “Timing is the main thing,” Tor replied. “It would be helpful if Rowan could give me a list of mealtimes each evening for the next day, approximate is fine, and let me know where you’d prefer to be served. I can give him the menus for the day if you’d like to see them, that’s if you’re happy for me to pick them.”

  “I’m sure I can accommodate you with the timing plans. I have no intention of interfering in your menu choices. There are very few things I won’t eat and you have a list of those. As Rowan will usually be dining with me, I assume you’re aware of his dislikes too?”

  “Yes, I have details for all the staff, so that won’t be a problem and thank you for trusting me with menu selection. It’s one of the things I most enjoy about my job. But of course, if there’s anything you are particularly craving then let me know.”

  “I’ll no doubt get a hankering for a hotdog at some point.” Lorcan laughed. “But don’t let me succumb. I’m not here to eat junk food.”

  “Then I’ll leave you to get a good night’s rest. Send Rowan to the kitchen later. I’ll still be there.” Tor departed and Lorcan remained standing. He ruffled Rowan’s hair.

  “Time for bed, I think.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “I expect you’re tired too, Rowan. It’s been a long day for you.”

  “I’m fine, Sir. Though the food has made me a little drowsy, I have to admit.”

  Lorcan led the way back upstairs to the Blue Room, which he now considered his room. Rowan turned down the bed.

  “Would you like me to run you a bath, Sir?”

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Lorcan said. “I don’t often have the time for more than a quick shower.”

  Rowan went into the bathroom and Lorcan listened to the rush of running water. A light citrus scent wafted through the door on a cloud of steam. He stripped out of his clothes, dumping everything on the bed apart from his boots. Rowan would know what to do with it all. He padded through to the en suite, where Rowan knelt next to the tub, swishing his hand through the water to test its temperature.

  “I think this is perfect, Sir.”

  Lorcan stepped into the water, sinking down until it covered him to the neck. The heat soaked into his muscles. He slid lower until he was submerged, then surfaced shaking droplets from his hair.

  “It would be more perfect, if you were in here with me, Rowan.”

  “Oh…”

  Rowan had a deer-caught-in-the-headlights expression, but removed his trousers—all he was wearing—without hesitation. The bath was plenty big enough for two people. He stepped in, straddling Lorcan’s legs, facing him. He went to his knees and his cock bobbed prettily in the water. Lorcan took it in hand, giving it a couple of gentle tugs.

  “Tomorrow, I’m going to lock this up.” He petted the golden curls that bedded Rowan’s shaft. “And I think these have to go.”

  Rowan’s eyes widened but he didn’t say anythin
g. In Lorcan’s hand, Rowan’s cock hardened. He was still wearing the cock ring and Lorcan realized that he should have changed the metal one for something better suited to immersion. He let himself off because he was so tired, but made a mental note to pay better attention to Rowan’s needs.

  Rowan took a natural sponge from the side of the bath and lathered it with soap. He rubbed the sponge over Lorcan’s body. Lorcan knew he should have reprimanded him for taking the initiative without being asked, but the sensation was too good to complain about. He closed his eyes and allowed Rowan to wash him. His cock hardened and stayed that way until, ten minutes later, he stepped out of the bath into a warm towel Rowan held open for him. He pulled Rowan closer, enfolding him within the towel.

  “You need to get dry, too.”

  Rowan wriggled from his grip, dropping to his knees. He looked up, licking his lips.

  “May I, Sir?”

  Lorcan braced himself with one hand on the sink before nodding his assent.

  “Wait. You’re sure? We haven’t discussed this.”

  “It is in the contract, Sir,” Rowan reminded him. His lips closed around Lorcan’s shaft, applying perfect pressure. He took Lorcan’s dick deep into his throat and, though he gagged a little at the first attempt, the second time was seamless. He sucked hard and Lorcan wound the fingers of his free hand into Rowan’s damp hair, holding him in place. He took control, fucking Rowan’s willing mouth. It took only seconds to reach orgasm. Lorcan shuddered as he came, his release providing a symbolic break between his old life and the new. Sated, he let his cock slip from Rowan’s mouth. Rowan’s angelic smile let him know that he hadn’t been too rough.

  “You’ve given me plenty of material for my dreams tonight, Rowan. Once you are dry and dressed, you may go. Remove the cock ring. Just call in at the kitchen and let Tor know that I’ll take breakfast at nine, a light lunch at one and dinner at eight, all in the same room we used this evening.”

  Rowan pulled on the trousers he had worn to dinner.

  “If you’re sure there’s nothing more I can do for you this evening, Sir, sleep well. What time would you like me to wake you in the morning?”

  “You can present yourself at seven to accept your morning discipline.” Lorcan didn’t expand. It would be good for Rowan to wonder what that meant overnight. “Wear something inspiring.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Rowan’s cheeks were flushed with color, his eyes bright. The temptation to throw him down on the bed and fuck him hard was strong. Lorcan didn’t think Rowan would be averse to the idea, but a conversation would be needed before that step was taken. They had only been together for a day, though it seemed to Lorcan that Rowan had been made just for him, and an easy conquest was not as much fun as a lengthier campaign.

  Rowan left, closing the door quietly behind him and Lorcan immediately regretted sending him away. He determined that it would be the last night he spent alone. Chaining Rowan to his bed had all kinds of interesting possibilities.

  * * * *

  Rowan didn’t sleep well. He set his alarm for six to be sure that he had plenty of time to get ready to be at Lorcan’s room on the dot of seven. He woke long before it went off, having only dozed intermittently between dreams that left him panting and overheated. He gave up on rest and instead took his time in the shower. He made use of the enema kit in the bathroom cupboard, an experience he tolerated rather than enjoyed. Clean from top to bottom, inside and out, he debated what to wear. Lorcan had asked for something inspiring, but Rowan wasn’t sure what that meant. His outfit the previous day had been skimpy in the extreme so it was a safe bet that Lorcan wouldn’t want him covered up.

  He dug through the dresser drawers, pulling out a selection of the underwear that had been left there for him. The range was extensive and there was little he would have chosen for himself unless, of course, he had been accompanied on a shopping expedition by Ed, who seemed to think that less was more where undergarments were concerned. Rowan grinned when he thought about his friend. It had been too late to ring him the previous night and besides, Rowan wasn’t quite ready to share his experiences yet. He wanted to be selfish and keep Lorcan to himself for a while. Thinking about Ed made him search through the drawers a little bit further. His unpacking had been rushed and he had shoved his own clothes to the back, resolving to sort everything out when he had a few hours to himself. He soon found the pair of black latex shorts he had bought for his interview but never worn. He eyed them with suspicion, not sure whether he had the courage to wear them.

  “You wandered around all day yesterday with your arse on display, so what’s the problem?” Giving himself a talking-to helped a bit. He took the shorts into the bathroom where he had spotted a container of talcum powder. He applied a liberal sprinkling before shimmying into the shorts. They had some stretch, which was fortunate because there wasn’t a millimeter of spare room inside them. No matter how Rowan adjusted himself, the ridge of his cock was clearly visible and the latex seemed to sink between his arse cheeks. The shorts rode so low on his hips that he knew if he got an erection there was no doubt that his dick would poke over the top. He sighed. Lorcan would either like that or punish him for it. Rowan wasn’t sure which option he preferred.

  He checked the time. He still had twenty minutes before he needed to be at Lorcan’s room. He debated whether or not to use the time to jack off and give himself some breathing space before he had to worry about an erection, but the thought of getting out of the shorts and then back into them again put him off. He took the time to send a quick text to Ed, promising to call him as soon as he could, though he wasn’t sure when that might be. He didn’t expect a reply but his phone immediately chimed with the alert for an incoming message. Ed had sent him a picture and he had to wait a few seconds for it to download. When it finally opened, Rowan snorted his laughter. The picture was of a man on his hands and knees wearing full puppy play regalia and a pair of shorts not unlike those Rowan had on. The only difference was the shorts had a split down the back and the man had a butt plug inserted that looked like a tail. Ed’s internet research on Rowan’s behalf was definitely expanding his view of the world.

  Rowan left his room in plenty of time and presented himself at Lorcan’s door five minutes before he was due. He knocked, hoping that Lorcan was already awake. The door swung open almost as if Lorcan had been waiting behind it. He was dressed in snug-fitting exercise clothes and trainers.

  “Good morning, Rowan. Your clothing choices are very much to my satisfaction.” He held the door open. “Come in. Bend over the bed.”

  Rowan did as he was ordered, pulse pounding. Lorcan stood close behind him, his hands on Rowan’s hips.

  “For the duration of my stay, this will be your routine in the morning. It’s important to re-establish our roles for the day, and that means discipline. I’ll deliver three swats with an instrument of my choice. You will count and thank me for each stroke.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Rowan was proud his voice didn’t shake.

  Lorcan slipped his hands into each side of Rowan’s shorts, pushing them down to his thighs.

  “It’s a shame you’re not plugged. It would make this experience so much more enjoyable for both of us. It’s something that I will ensure is corrected tomorrow.”

  Rowan gulped. He didn’t trust himself to respond.

  “You seemed to enjoy the crop yesterday so that’s what I’m going to use this morning,” Lorcan stated. He gave Rowan’s arse a pat.

  Rowan took a deep breath and shifted his feet a little further apart to get better balance. The anticipation of pain made him hard and he had no cock ring to help him control himself. He sank his teeth into his lower lip, worrying the tender flesh. When the first stroke of the crop landed across his backside, he yelped.

  “One. Thank you, Sir.”

  The second stroke was harder and Rowan didn’t feel that grateful when he said thank you. Lorcan had delivered one swat per cheek. The third was horizontal, intersecting both previo
us lines of fire that burned Rowan’s flesh.

  “Three. Thank you, Sir.” He held his position despite the desperate urge to rub his rear.

  “You took those beautifully,” Lorcan said. “Stay as you are while I fetch the balm.”

  Rowan had no intention of moving. He took a few deep breaths. Glancing down, he gave his rock-hard cock a baleful glare until his attention was drawn to Lorcan smoothing cold gel over his burning cheeks.

  “I can see you enjoyed our start to the day,” Lorcan said.

  “To be honest, Sir, I don’t know whether to cry or ask for more,” Rowan admitted.

  Lorcan, his fingers still slick with cooling balm, cupped Rowan’s balls. He massaged them with deft strokes.

  “If you can come just from this touch, you have my permission.”

  “Won’t be a problem, Sir.” Rowan could barely get the words out. His entire body shuddered as he came, spurting onto the bed clothes. His knees gave way, but Lorcan held him up, pulling him into an embrace.

  “I slept well last night thanks to you. I feel great and spanking you is an excellent warm up for a workout.”

  “I’m glad to be of assistance. My arse is at your service.”

  “It is and you have my gratitude.” He kneaded Rowan’s backside. “I shouldn’t be more than an hour, assuming I can still find the gym. You have things to do here?”

  “I can show you the way first, if you’d like me to, Sir?”

  “I’ll manage. Then by the time I’m done and showered, we can go to breakfast.” Lorcan stepped towards the door. “You okay?”

  Rowan locked his knees. “Yes, Sir. Enjoy your workout.”

  As soon as Lorcan had gone, Rowan gave his sore behind a rub, moaning at the pleasure pain of the ache. He pulled his shorts up, wishing he’d opted for silk or soft cotton instead of latex, but hindsight was a wonderful thing. He’d just have to hope they didn’t chafe too much while he got on with his chores. He collected all the cleaning supplies that he needed from storage, catching sight of Luke in the hallway as he crossed the gallery. Luke nodded in his direction then continued toward his office.