“That is not the same thing.”
“No. It is worse.”
Chilean Sea Bass arrived for Jayson and Piper.
“Go on, eat your food,” Jayson said, motioning his knife in Piper’s direction.
“I am still enjoying the hostage situation,” Piper said as he picked up his wine glass to drink.
“At last. I was beginning to think discipline had eaten the rest of you.”
Jayson set down his knife. “You are being unwise this evening.”
“You asked for honesty. You have had mine for many years,” Piper leaned back, “what else do you want?”
“Obedience, Piper. I was there before this big career you have. I was there when it mattered most. You have not forgotten that, have you?” Jayson said quietly.
Piper thought of the hospital bed nine years ago. The effort and care Jayson put in to make sure Piper recovered. Piper reflected on his life and what it had become.
“And what exactly is going on with you tonight?”
“I am tired.”
“Tired of what?”
“Being managed.”
“You mistake support for management when you are emotional.”
“No. I mistake management for support when I am grateful.”
That landed harder than Piper expected.
“I chose you because you were disciplined enough to understand exchange. I gave and you received. I asked and you complied. There was never confusion before, and now things are changing.”
Piper’s fingernails dug into his bandaged hand. The FaceTime sex injury was the only relief he had.
Jayson went still.
“Careful.”
“Watch me.”
Jayson shook his head slightly. “Threats are for men without patience.”
“Then what do you call this?”
“An intervention.”
Piper almost laughed. His pulse was running in a silent fury.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. Jayson noticed and neither of them moved. Then it buzzed again.
“Is that him?”
“How the fuck do I know. I haven’t looked at my phone yet.”
“Is it?”
