“They’re all busy with their men or work.”
“And what about you?”
“What do you mean? I don’t have a job.”
“Kieran.”
Fuck! That growly voice he used meant he needed to adjust himself. Was Derek wanting to know if Kieran regarded him as his man? Before his brain could spiral, Derek took hold of his hand. Kieran couldn’t help but look around, but nobody was looking at them, and why did that matteranyway? He’d never hidden his queerness ever since he’d come out, so why he was worried about what people would think of him, he wasn’t sure.
“Is this okay?” asked Derek, gesturing to their joined hands.
He nodded. It felt more intimate that being impaled on Derek’s dick. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
“I won’t ask what you were just thinking about while we’re in a public place.”
Kieran snorted. “Probably a good idea.”
“But I wanted to ask you something, if that’s okay?”
Kieran felt his stomach somersault and his heart rate elevate, but he nodded.
“I know we’ve slipped into a relationship, but I’ve not stopped to ask what it is you want. I’ve not wanted to push anything given everything you’ve been through, but I’d like something moreformalwith you. We’ve got something really special here, Kieran.”
Kieran wasn’t sure what to say. He’d only been saying a couple of days ago that he wasn’t sure how to describe what they had together, and now Derek had started that conversation. His words made Kieran’s eyes water. Derek squeezed his hand. It was reassuring. He wasn’t pushing Kieran to speak, just letting the silence sit there. It wasn’t uncomfortable. Kieran knew what he wanted to say, but he wasn’t sure he’d be able to get the words out without crying.
“I think... I think we’ve got something special as well,” he said, choking on the last few words. “I just don’t want you to think...” He had to stop and collect himself. “I don’t want you to think I’m weak.”
“Kieran... you’re one of the strongest people I know.”
The sincerity in Derek’s eyes made Kieran tear up again. Thank fuck this place was low-lit, but he was still conscious that they were in a public place.
“Do you want to get out of here?”
Kieran shook his head. He still had half his wrap left, and it was too nice to leave. Besides, he wasn’t sure if he could hold himself together if they were in the privacy of Derek’s house.
“Would you ever want to take things further with me?” asked Kieran. His stomach churned with anxiety about what Derek might say.
“Of course, Kieran. We haven’t taken things further... not because I think you’re weak, it’s just... I’m being selfish if I’m honest.”
“You’re the least selfish person I’ve ever met.”
“I’m falling for you, Kieran, and before I explore that side of things with you, I want to be sure that you see a future for us.”
Kieran was sure his heart had stopped beating. He’d never had anyone say something like that to him before. The thought both excited and terrified him at the same time. Derek had been honest about how he felt. Now it was Kieran’s turn to be open about his feelings and take a risk with his heart.
CHAPTER 20
DEREK
“Hands behind your back, boy,” said Derek, in the voice he knew made Kieran’s cock leak.
“Yes, sir,” he replied, complying immediately.
He looked like absolute perfection on his knees, completely naked. It was going to be a lesson in restraint for Derek not to just take him immediately. Derek slipped the metal cuffs onto Kieran’s wrists, making sure they were secure but not too tight. Kieran had said he was comfortable being cuffed, he just didn’t want to be tied down or chained to something.
It had been two weeks since Derek’s declaration over lunch, and his feelings had only intensified. He knew Kieran wasn’t there yet, but he felt confident enough in their future to do this with him. From the moment Derek had suggested this, Kieran hadn’t stopped vibrating with excitement.
Derek gripped Kieran’s chin and tilted his head up. His eyes were sparkling with mischief, and Derek was going to enjoy teasing the bratty side of him.
