Sean didn't move, didn't fight. The only thing he did was slide his eyes to look at Harry. "Were you serious?" Harry's smile softened; it was his best friend asking the question now. "Only if you are," he replied. He didn't move his hand. "How did you know?" Harry leaned in just enough to brush a light kiss across Sean's lips. "I know you. We've been friends a very long time." "We have." Sean lifted a hand to card through Harry's hair. Every time he spoke, Harry could feel his throat working. "And I am serious. I didn't even realize this was something I wanted until now..." "We have time." Harry scraped his fangs along Sean's neck, blood trickling as he broke the skin. A small mark, imperfect, but it would do for now. Sean shuddered, a breathless sound escaping as Harry caught the trail of blood with his tongue. "I won't wear the collar in public," Sean said, swallowing hard beneath Harry's hand. "No," Harry agreed, pleased that Sean had brought this up so soon. He wanted no doubts about any of this between them. "This is between us, and it's private." "Good –" "But we need to be clear on one thing," Harry said, and his hand tightened around Sean's throat. "If we do this – if I collar you – you're mine while you wear it, and what I say goes as long as it's on." One eyebrow lifted. He could already tell that Sean wasn't going to submit easily. "We'll see," Sean finally said, but the quick hitch of his breath belied his words. He skimmed his lips across Sean's to seal the deal, then sat up, reluctantly sliding all of the way out of Sean's body. "For now, unless that got it all out of your system, we should make our way to the retreat." "Oh, I'm not nearly done with you," Sean promised, running a hand along Harry's chest. "I've got a whole laundry list." "Laundry list, hmm?" Not that Harry expected anything less. He knew Sean – and Sean's imagination – well enough to know that the list was probably as long as his arm. He watched Sean roll off the bed and head to the bathroom for a washcloth, not even bothering to disguise the fact that he was totally ogling Sean's incredibly nice ass. Subtlety had never been his strong suit. Then he stood and stretched, looking around for his cell phone. He made a quick call, hanging up just as a movement caught his eye. Sean was leaning against the doorframe. "You're fucking beautiful," Sean said, and grinned as he held out a washcloth. "And you never did say why Karl absconded with Orlando." Harry accepted the washcloth with a nod of thanks and started to clean himself up as best he could. They had some time before they needed to be on the road. "From what I can figure, given that I didn't get a chance to talk to Orlando before we landed and they left, I think it's partially that Orlando's terrified he's going to die and partially that he's thinking he and Karl will lose something if I do become his Sire." "Right, hold on right there. I thought you guys were just headed to London to break the bonds with Dave and get your house all sorted before bringing Josh fully into it." "We did," Harry shrugged, and tossed the cloth aside before heading to his dresser. "I think you've got a few changes of clothes in Karl's closet." "I remember. Keep talking." Harry pulled on a pair of worn jeans and a t-shirt. "Well, I believe it was Dave who brought up the idea that I should have been Orlando's Sire, not him, and Viggo seemed to think there was a way to unmake him and remake him with me as his Sire, so we went to Turkey to see Liv to find out if it was possible." "Since you mentioned Orlando is terrified, I'm going to assume it is possible?" When Harry nodded, Sean let out a low whistle. "It's been centuries since we've had an unmaking. And I've never heard of anyone re-taking the Gift afterwards." Harry shoved his feet into a beat up pair of shoes and sat on the edge of the bed to watch Sean. "Liv seemed pretty confident it could be done." "I'll be damned," Sean said, looking stunned. Harry could sympathize. He felt like he'd been in a state of shock since finding out that it was a possibility. "Anyway, Karl thought they could use the time just for themselves," Harry said, and watched as Sean quickly got dressed. Time to lighten the mood. "Seems a damn shame to cover all of that up." He was pleased when Sean gave him a considering look. "Imagine the fun you'll have undressing me." "Good point." He couldn't wait, to be honest. Harry stood, and snagged Sean's hand, heading for the door. "You never did say where Dom was." "Brazil," Sean said, matching Harry's strides as they headed down the stairs and to the garage. "Think he's looking at a few factories that we've got. He's also got a girl down there that he keeps time with." "Probably someone tall and slinky, knowing him." Harry tossed Sean a helmet. "You're riding bitch." Sean just smiled and buckled on the helmet. He slung a leg over the bike, settling in behind Harry, hands easy on his waist. //For now.// Harry chuckled and revved the throttle. The bike shot out of the garage, and he could feel Sean's laughter over the vibration of the engine. //Need to make a stop first, then it's just me and you until I decide to let you out of bed.// //Take all the time you need.// A hand slid over Harry's hip to cup his groin. //Not going anywhere.// //Not until I'm through with you.// Which might take awhile, as far as Harry was concerned. Sean might have a laundry list compiled over the centuries, but Harry was starting to put together his own list. He also had a feeling they were going to need to establish some firm ground rules for whatever this was. But first, he needed to touch base with Karl. //How many days were you and Orlando planning on taking?// Harry could practically see Karl's leer. //Why, you miss us already?// Sean chose that moment to gently squeeze his crotch, and Harry leaned back against Sean, waiting for the light to change. //On the contrary, I think you two should take as much time as you'd like.// //Found someone to warm your bed already?// //You could say that.// Harry knew Karl wouldn't pry, which was just as well. What was between him and Sean was between them and no one else. //Well, then, I suppose Orlando and I will have to find some way to amuse ourselves.// Harry chuckled. //I'm sure you'll come up with something.// It didn't take long to get over the hill and down to the Melrose/Fairfax area at this time of night. In no time, Harry'd pulled into a small alleyway parking lot and shut off the engine. "Come on," he said, tucking his helmet under his arm as he held out a hand. "Where are we?" Sean asked, but took the offered hand, allowing Harry to lead. "West Hollywood?" Harry joked, and accepted the punch to his arm as his due. The small shop, nestled between Agent Provocateur and Johnny Cupcakes, wasn't much to look at, unlike the other stores in the area. It was tiny, dark, and didn't even have a sign above the door. Joe tended to deal mostly in custom jobs. Manny, Joe's right-hand man, was behind the counter and busy thumbing through a gossip rag. He barely glanced up when they walked in. "Hey, Harry, 'sup?" "Just got back in town. Joe tell you I called?" "Yep." Manny slid a velvet bag across the counter. "Said to let him know if it didn't fit, he'd come down right away and alter it for you." "Everything in here?" "Both pieces, yep." Manny returned to his magazine after a brief, curious glance at Sean. "Joe said to let you know the one piece came right off the rack, but if you want a custom one, he can have it for you by tomorrow night." "I might take him up on that." Harry reached for his wallet, smile widening as he felt Sean's curiosity mount. All in due time. "What do I owe you?" One hand waved as Manny flipped a page. "Take it. Joe said you can settle up once you've got exactly what you want." "Tell him I'll call him." Manny glanced up again as they started towards the door. "Have fun, man." "Oh, I intend to." Harry tossed the bag to Sean once they got back outside. "Hold on to that. But no looking until we get to the retreat." "That's no fun," Sean grumbled. "It'll be worth it, I promise," Harry said, and gave Sean a hard kiss. "Now, c'mon, nighttime's wasting, and I'd really like to get through at least a couple of items on that laundry list of yours." That seemed to appease Sean's sense of humor. He just smiled as he put his helmet back on and slid behind Harry on the bike. //Need anything else?// Harry asked, once they were back on the road and heading north. //I trust you'll feed me, and I doubt we'll need much in the way of clothing, so no.// //Fuck no, I plan to keep you naked and full of my cock.// Sean tightened his hold around Harry's waist. //And when I want you to be naked and full of my cock?// //I don't think I'd have any objections.// None at all, in fact. //Good thing.// Harry wove in and out of traffic, relishing the feel of the wind on his skin, Sean warm against his back, and Sean's hand doing delightfully wicked things along his inseam. When they got out of the cluster of traffic on Melrose, Harry gave the bike more gas. A short time later, he pulled up in front of the retreat. Now that they were there, he took a deep breath, reminding himself to move slowly, to savor every second. This would only be new for them once. "You ready?" he asked, pulling off his helmet and shaking out his hair. He could feel Sean moving behind him. "Can I look in the bag now?" The eagerness in Sean's voice made Harry chuckle. He reached back, tugged the bag from Sean's grip. "No," he said, and started towards the front door. "Not yet." "Seriously no fun." Harry unlocked the door and ushered Sean inside. "See if you still feel that way in five minutes. Now..." He mentally discarded room after room, finally setting on one. He needed the perfect setting. "Come on." Taking Sean's hand, he led him down the stairs to the set of rooms Karl'd had renovated years ago. The bed, if memory served, was more than sturdy, and the rugs on the floor would do nicely for what he had planned. He could feel Sean's eyes on him as he moved about, lighting each candelabrum with precise, economical movements until the entire room was dancing with shadowed light. "Alright," he said, turning and tossing the bag in one motion, "now you can look." Quicker than any human, Sean snagged the bag out of the air as he looked around. "You know, I'd forgotten Karl had this suite." "It'll keep the neighbors from hearing you scream," Harry teased. "You haven't opened your gift yet." "I have a feeling it's going to bite me," Sean said, giving the bag a wary look. But he reached in, eyes narrowing as he encountered what was inside and pulled it out. And, fuck, it was perfect. That was all Harry could think as he looked at the black and silver leather band in Sean's fist. A pliant strip of braided leather dangled from it, and Harry's breath caught in his throat as he imagined it around Sean's neck. He tore his eyes from it to find Sean watching him. "You expect me to put this on myself?" "Not at all," Harry replied, not moving, even though he wanted nothing more than to cross the room and force Sean to his knees. Establishing the ground rules had to come first. Their friendship was much too important to start this off on the wrong foot. "Here's how this is going to work. I'm going to get Joe to make a wrist cuff to match the collar. When you're in the mood for this sort of play, simply wear the wrist cuff and I'll collar you once we get someplace private and we'll go from there. While you wear that collar, you're my property. You don't move if I don't say, you don't breathe if I don't say. Whatever I want to do to you, I'll do it. However I want to use you, I'll do it." Harry's voice darkened with each word. "When the collar's off, whatever goes, goes. You fuck me, I fuck you, we don't fuck at all, we're just as we've always been. Any questions?" "Just one," Sean said, and smiled. That smile made Harry hard as a rock, but he didn't move. Then the collar connected with his chest. His hand came up, closed around it automatically. "You think you're man enough to put that on me right now?" Fucking Christ, but why had they never done this before? Harry quickly stripped off his shirt, then stared at Sean for another moment. Testing the air. Making absolutely certain that Sean wanted this. When Sean just arched an eyebrow and stood there, Harry knew he had his answer. The next moment, he pounced. Sean, as expected, met him halfway, got out of the first hold, and the second. Harry just grinned at the challenge, and feinted left, then struck, wrapping a hand around Sean's throat to hold him in place. One hand came up and wrapped around Harry's wrist, squeezing and pulling in an effort to break the hold. Sean's lips pulled back, exposing his fangs, and he growled. Harry just laughed. He stepped in and wedged a leg between Sean's thighs. It was hard to get the collar unfastened with just one hand, but Harry managed, his other tightening as Sean tried to pull away. Heat flared in Sean's eyes, turning them almost black, and Harry used the distraction to finish fastening the collar around his neck. And fuck but if it didn't look even better than he'd imagined. He unsnapped the leash, tossing it aside for the moment, and stepped back to admire the contrast of the leather against Sean's skin. "On your knees." It wasn't a request. Sean remained standing just long enough for Harry to get the message. The battle wasn't over yet. Good. He'd have been disappointed otherwise. As Sean dropped to the rug, eyes locked with Harry's, Harry ran his tongue over his fangs, stepping towards Sean and unsnapping his jeans. "You really want to challenge me on this?" Sean remained silent and made no move to touch Harry. Which was about what Harry'd expected. Without another warning or word, Harry backhanded Sean full across the face, not bothering to temper the blow. Sean's head snapped back at the force of it, a rather nice bruise already forming along his cheek. The heat in the room – between them – ratcheted up another notch. Harry just gestured at his unbuttoned jeans. Straightening, Sean looked up at Harry again. His tongue snaked out to catch the trickle of blood that formed at the corner of his mouth. Defiance still shone in his eyes. Harry's breath quickened. Do it, c'mon, push me. Taking his time, Sean reached for Harry's jeans and pushed them open, fingers wrapping around Harry's cock as it sprang free. He tilted his head, slanted another challenging look at Harry, then leaned in to lick a long stripe up the shaft. Another lick, and each move was deliberate, measured, and Harry watched Sean's lips start to curve in a small smile. He was really going to enjoy this. It amused him to note that he needed this just as much as Sean, and again, he wondered why they'd never done this before. He curved his hand along Sean's cheek, then moved it back until it was fisted in his hair. "You have three seconds," he said, keeping his voice even. "After that, I walk away and I lock you in here by yourself." Sean looked at him, clearly debating just how far to push the issue. Harry smiled. "One." There was another slow lick, but this time Sean held Harry's gaze as he swirled his tongue around the head. "Two." Harry had just opened his mouth to say "three" when Sean's lips parted and wrapped around Harry's cock. Defiant to the very last second, and Harry loved it. But he loved the way Sean's cheeks hollowed around him even more. He looked down, not wanting to miss anything as Sean took him deep, tongue fluttering along the underside of his cock. Felt fucking amazing. "Just as I thought," he murmured, tightening his grip in Sean's hair as he started to push forward, shoving his cock deep down Sean's throat with every thrust. "So fucking gorgeous like this. On your knees. That pretty mouth full of my cock. Mine," he said, emphasizing the word with another snap of his hips. Sean's choked sounds were music to Harry's ears. "Think I'll keep you like this," Harry continued, fingertips drifting over the smooth leather around Sean's neck. "Only naked. Naked and on your knees, your body begging for my cock with every breath. You'd love that, wouldn't you?" Another muffled moan was his only answer. Fuck, but Sean had a talented tongue. Harry could already feel his control starting to slip. He buried both hands in Sean's hair as he started to move even faster. Tears pooled at the corners of Sean's eyes as he made another whimpering, gagging sound, tightening his lips as best he could around Harry's cock. Harry could tell the very moment when Sean surrendered, placed himself completely in Harry's hands, and the rush of adrenaline, of power, was almost enough to bring him to his knees. "So gorgeous," he breathed, the words a stuttered growl of need. "Mine..." At the last second, he pulled out with a wet, popping sound, come spurting all across Sean's cheeks and chin and still open mouth. And the sight of Sean, debauched and gorgeous, with Harry's mark on him, was one of the hottest things he'd ever seen. Sean just continued to kneel there, looking up at Harry with wet eyes. His breath rasped in his throat and, as Harry watched, he lifted a hand to touch his fingertips to the collar. "You want to take it off?" Sean took a deep breath, then shook his head. "No," he said, the word rough and painful Onto Part Twenty-Nine
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