Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 161257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 806(@200wpm)___ 645(@250wpm)___ 538(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 161257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 806(@200wpm)___ 645(@250wpm)___ 538(@300wpm)
Max’s lips twitched, but as he closed Sean tighter in his arms, something visceral opened up in his chest. A warm expanding heat, filling his ribs, stirring his gut. And in that moment, he realized that he couldn’t even remember the last time he’d hugged someone other than his mom. He used to hug Scott sometimes, back in the day, when the guy was still wrecked and needed strength. Other than them, though? He couldn’t even remember hugging his dad….
His eyes slid closed. Damn, this felt really good. Even better than the ones from his mom. His brain buzzed, his heart thumped. Such an unexpected slice of heaven.
All too soon, Sean eased back and looked at him. “So… Kinda crazy bumping into you here.”
“Yeah. Small world.”
“Happy to see me?”
“Not really.”
“Your lips are lying again.”
“That they are.”
Sean grinned, but before he could say another word, Scott appeared out of nowhere and joined them.
“Oh. Hey, Sean. Didn’t know you were here.” Scott shot Max a look.
Max shrugged and took a swig.
Sean smiled at Scott in greeting, then hugged him, too.
Which Max didn’t like one goddamn bit.
Every muscle went taut. His jaw clenched tight. But right as a growl tried to roll up his throat, he slammed a fucking lid on it and looked away. It was just a friggin’ hug. What the hell was his problem? It wasn’t like Sean was his. He had no claim on part-time subs. He stared into the crowd and took a swig of beer. Granted, he’d told Sean he was his Dom when they were together, be it inside or out of the dungeon. But after everything that had happened in the last few weeks, to act possessive for any reason was probably a bad idea. Undoubtedly, it’d encourage Sean like everything always did, but it’d probably mess with Max a shit ton, too. To think of Sean as his in any shape or form would surely undermine his own cause. The one where he got a fucking grip—and did what he needed to do. Something he’d been tossing around for a while, but just didn’t want to take seriously. Letting Sean go. Cutting him loose. Before Sean ended up getting hurt more than he had to. Because Max didn’t want to hurt him.
He wanted to do the exact opposite.
That time Max did growl, at his own stupidity, having allowed himself to get into this mess. He upturned his longneck and let the pale ale flow. Right down his gullet into his gut. By the time he emptied it, the coast was clear, Scott and Sean’s hug nice and wrapped.
Max exhaled. Much better.
Then Sean was right back in front of him, smiling that crazy-charming smile. “Buy me a drink?”
Max lifted a brow.
Sean mimicked him.
Max smirked. “Say please.”
Sean stepped closer. “Please.”
Low husky rumble. Max loved when Sean said that. Said it all the fucking time in his playroom. His dick started to harden. His heart pumped faster. He suddenly wanted to reward Sean for his obedience.
Max hailed a passing bartender, placed a quick order, then turned back to Sean. “Hope you like lemon drops.”
“I like everything you give me.”
Max stared into his eyes, such a sensuous shade of blue. Luring him into their hot, hungry depths.
“Here you go, man.” Dirty Blond was getting faster.
Max blinked from Sean’s spell and grabbed the fresh shot, then elbowed Scott to get his attention. Scott turned and looked at him. Max handed him the drink. “Here, hold this.”
Scott eyed him suspiciously but took it nevertheless.
Sean eyed him suspiciously, too. “What are you—”
Yank—
Max tugged Sean against his chest before the kid could finish speaking, then spun him around so his back was to Max’s front. Max fisted his hair—not too hard, but not quite gently—and craned Sean’s head back so Max could see him.
“You ready for that drink, cat?” He possessively cupped Sean’s crotch. Yes, possessively. But he couldn’t fucking help it. In that moment, with Sean’s gorgeous body pressed against his, he was Max’s to enjoy. Max’s to claim.
A husky curse rolled off the tip of Sean’s tongue. “Yes, Sir. Fuck, yes.”
Max’s dick gave a buck. He may love when Sean said please, but he really fucking loved when he said Sir. One hand still in Sean’s hair, one hand palming Sean’s junk, Max gave a “good boy” squeeze before commencing.
Sean shifted against him, letting go of a moan. Max grinned and kissed his cheek, then looked at Scott. “Feed him that shot.”
Scott stilled in surprise, glancing at the glass in his hand. “Are you serious?” he laughed, handing over its sugar-coated lemon wedge.
Max took it with a nod and bit Sean’s lobe, holding him nice and steady with his teeth. Sean stiffened, then all but melted against his chest.
“Fuck,” Max heard him exhale.
Scott smiled and shook his head, stealing a glance at Tad’s table before moving close. Max watched the shot of vodka as Scott brought it to Sean’s lips. Watched him tip the glass. Watched Sean swallow. Down the hatch it went. Sean winced. Scott stepped back.