Find a Book to Get Lost In!

2/20/2025

Ian pulled the e-stim kit from one of the drawers and tossed it on the bed. Next, he grabbed a hood and harness from their resting place on the wall and set those on the bed beside the e-stim.

He scooped up the crumpled notecard and wandered to the kitchen, spreading it out on the kitchen table. He smoothed it with both hands until it lay flat again and stood staring down at it. Barely aware of Taren coming into the house, Ian started when one of Taren’s big, warm hands came to rest on his shoulders.

“Sorry, I thought you heard me,” Taren said softly. He leaned over Ian’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. Reaching around Ian, Taren flicked at the notecard. “Is this what has you so worked up? I got one, too. I didn’t think you’d be upset.”

“It was delivered at work,” Ian mumbled.

He felt Taren shrug. “It’s addressed to both of us and is only an invitation to dinner. That’s not really what’s bothering you, is it?”

“I…” Ian blew out a frustrated breath. “He knows our address. He could’ve just sent one here or emailed,” Ian spat.

Taren pulled a picture postcard from his back pocket and tossed it on the table beside Ian’s notecard. “True. For a guy that works in online gaming tech he sure likes pen and paper.” He paused and pulled out a chair, sitting at the table. “He probably thinks this is more personal, or alluring and mysterious, or just plain fun.”

Ian met Taren’s gaze for a few seconds before focusing on the tabletop. It’d been almost a decade since Ian lost control of the car he was driving during a blizzard and ended up in a ditch. He worried his parents would be angry with him for totaling their car, even though he was the only person who’d driven it for years. Maybe it was he who was more upset because he’d taken the old Buick to college. The thing was built like a tank, and it saved Ian’s life.

In reality, Ian’s parents had been grateful. The worst thing he suffered was a few scrapes and a bruised knee. They’d been equally grateful to the county sheriff who’d pulled Ian from the car, got him food and water, and taken him to the hospital.

Taren Murdoch was kind, soft-spoken, and incredibly capable, with broad shoulders and a quick smile. He’d stayed with Ian until his parents arrived, despite Ian’s protests that it wasn’t necessary. Not wanting to let on how frightened he’d been waiting in the cold and dark for help to arrive, Ian tried to brush off the experience. Taren would have none of it and stayed with Ian for the hours it took his parents to make their way to the hospital.

Taren made Ian feel safe. He was darn nice on the eyes, too. They’d started dating not long after and had been married for nearly eight years. Ian loved Taren, heart and soul. Never once did Ian doubt Taren felt the same way.

“You know it’s your choice. You’re in control of this situation. I’m happy either way. Kevin is…a nice distraction from reality. But I love you. I married you. No one, and I mean no one, comes before that.” Taren swept up both cards and tore them up. “It’s great to help you experience something I was able to, but Christ, Ian, if this is going to cause you so much anxiety, I’ll tell him never to contact us again.”

“It’s not making me anxious,” Ian retorted.

Taren laughed and cocked his head to one side. “Boy, please!”

As when he was on the phone, Taren uttering the word, boy, immediately sent Ian into sub role.

Ian’s gaze dropped to the floor, and he studied his toes. “I’ve laid out some choices for you, Sir.”

“Do you want dinner first?”

Ian shook his head. “No, Sir.”

If Taren wanted to eat first, Ian was obligated by their Dom/sub agreement to accommodate his wishes. For Taren, Ian’s needs always came first. Ian had such admiration and respect for Taren in part because he was an amazing protector. Taren always seemed to know exactly what to do for Ian in any circumstance.

“Did you prep, or should I do that?”