Graham’s gaze is still locked on him.
Colton looks away again, conceding the contest. “In fifteen minutes I’ll leave, and you’ll never see me again. The clock says eleven forty-five. I’ll leave at noon. And, uh, in the meantime, I’m going to go sit on the bench.”
It sounds stupid. But he thinks of his best friend and he knows that if he’s patient and can prove himself, Graham may come around.
“I won’t touch you, Graham. If you come near me, then that’s your choice. I’ll talk or shut up or whatever you want. But I’ll keep my hands to myself and be on my best behavior.”
Colton risks a quick glance at the submissive to see how his words are being received.
Graham is staring at Colton’s crotch. He flinches when caught. That muscle ticks at the corner of his jaw as he grinds his teeth.
Colton drops his gaze, concedes that dominance battle to Graham, and sits down. A lot of Dominants can’t concede to a submissive.
His uniform jacket is too hot. He’s sweating and adrenaline is pumping through his veins. He sounded calm, but the truth is that this beast of a man being a submissive is just about the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. Talk about a fucked-up cosmic joke.
There isn’t a single thing about Graham Knox that says submissive. And he won’t give in unless he wants to. Hell, he may not give in then either.
For someone like Graham, being a submissive must be awful. Giving in, wanting, needing to please their Dominant is part of a submissive’s biology. If those needs are not met, then a submissive’s health suffers. But like most things in life, just because something is good for someone doesn’t mean they want to do it.
Dominants help when submissives drop. There isn’t a work-around no matter how strong or enhanced a soldier is. A submissive can’t pull out of a drop alone. Designation is symbiotic. And if Graham denies himself the help of a Dominant, then he’ll experience a hormonal crash.
Which is much worse than a drop.
Hormones build up and become toxic. A Dominant gives a submissive what they need so those hormones can come out and restore balance.
If Graham wants drugs to cope, then he’s gonna feel like shit.
And if he never engages with a Dominant? He must be very unhappy. Possibly in a lot of mental distress most of the time. Perhaps even physically compromised. Although he looks so strong and healthy that no one would know. Well, except for now, when it’s obvious to anyone that the submissive is struggling hard.
He continues to stare at the ground but can see movement at the periphery of his vision. Grahamgoes behind him, stands there for a drawn-out moment. Silent and looming.
Colton’s dominant instincts don’t fucking like it. Graham is trying to provoke him, looking for validation of his belief that Colton can’t be trusted. That no Dominant can ever be trusted.
Colton breathes in and out evenly, keeps his body relaxed. This is just a power game. He isn’t some asshole ruled by his instincts. There’s a sound behind him. A loud rip of Velcro and then a heavy thud. Graham’s weapon belt hitting the ground. The thud is to unsettle Colton.
It works.
But Colton doesn’t get up or turn around.
Graham lashes out, grabs the back of Colton’s neck in a hard, tight grip. He shoves in close, would have pushed Colton off the bench and to the floor if Colton hadn’t braced himself. Graham exhales near his ear. He smells of sweat and smoke.
It’s a lot sexier than it has any right to be.
Undoubtedly, Graham’s pheromones are amping up Colton’s body’s reaction, too. His cock is getting hard despite the annoying grip. Colton’s voice wavers with the anger he’s suppressing. “I’d never treat a submissive like this. Not when I didn’t know if they wanted it.”
“You’re not my Dominant. I don’tneedone. And it’s easy to say you wouldn’t. You’re all fucking liars anyway.”
Colton puts his hand in the air, moves slowly so Graham knows what’s about to happen if he doesn’t let go of Colton’s neck. Graham doesn’t let go. Colton rests his hand over Graham’s, squeezes his fingers like Graham is squeezing his neck but gently.
It’s an example of what type of touch Colton thinks is appropriate. It’s his responsibility to set the tone. This interaction is important.It’s everything.
Graham’s hand convulses, biting into the tendons of Colton’s neck. Colton draws in a breath, muscles tensed against the sharp pain. But he doesn’t fight. He keeps his own grip light.
I wouldn’t do this to you.The silent message will get through. Won’t it? He’s just about to pull away when Graham surrenders.
“Sorry. Fuck,” Graham says all in a rush. His grip loosens and he starts to lift his hand away.
Colton presses gently, letting Graham know that his touch is still welcome, just not like that.
