Page 139 of All Tied Up

“He’s actually just my age,” Daddy spoke quietly. “But he looks young, doesn’t he? He has a degree in education and runs an afterschool arts program in New York City. ”

“Huh.” Neil hadn’t really thought about Kris as a person. He knew that Jamie chatted with him on the phone sometimes, but to Neil he’d just been this… idea of a person. Someone that Jamie and Sebastian found attractive.

“What does…?” Neil couldn’t quite formulate the question. “I know that you said Jamie is naturally polyamorous. And I promise I respect that. But, um… I just keep trying to understand why.”

Daddy kissed Neil’s scalp, rubbing his soft lips along the smooth skin. “Why do I get off on seeing my good boy kneeling at my feet? Why do you beg me to whip you harder when you already have bruises?” He dug his fingers hard into the back of Neil’s neck, making shivers race through him and his whole body go limp. “Sometimes these things don’t have a reason as long as they feel good.”

“Yeah, I guess. I just keep thinking that Kris is very different from me.”

“Ahhhh…” Sebastian observed. “Your concern isn’t about Kris. It’s about you. And Jamie.”

“Yeah.” That felt true now that Sebastian said it.

“One of the things that I always think about is being a strong home base for him. He knows that I love him so much, that he can go out and explore and always come back to me.”

“That’s because you’re a good Daddy.”

“Yes, but you’re Jamie’s foundation, too. Your happiness is much more important to him than a night of fun.”

“Yeah, but his happiness is important to me, too. And I understand this is part of his identity. I just… I guess I don’t want him to forget about me.” Neil knew his forehead was creasing because Daddy smoothed out the lines with his warm, wide fingers.

“Baby, if Jamie and I wanted Kris for more than a weekend hook-up, we had that chance years ago.”

“Yeah?” He hadn’t thought of it that way.

“I mean, hypothetically. We didn’t even discuss it. I don’t think any of us were interested. Those two like playing together, and it was a fun weekend, but that was it. We didn’t beg him to stay just a few more days, or trick him into staying one more night, or call him up at midnight because we couldn’t live without him.”

Neil finally laughed. Their first week all together had been insane. Wonderful, but insane. And it was true: he was the only one who they had asked to stay. It was a huge comfort remembering that.

Daddy gripped Neil’s chin. “I just want to remind you that you don’t have to do anything with him. And as you know, Jamie and I won’t do anything with him without not only your permission, but your blessing. It’s all your decision.”

Neil knew they’d said that. And he was pretty sure he’d given his blessing. It was just different seeing it happen. “I think it’s OK. And I know it’s important to Jamie. I wouldn’t want to take that away from him.”

Sebastian gave him a kiss, just a gentle touch of the lips. “No, I want you to think about your limits first. Kris is just a friend, and a bit of fun for the weekend. You’re our boy. Jamie would be devastated if he did anything that hurt you. Think of it like a safeword. Even if you said yes before, you can still say no now.”

Neil rested his head on Daddy’s chest, soaking in the Daddiness of him. The way he felt small and adored and sheltered on his lap, able to be vulnerable, but also able to be strong. “I still think it’s OK with me. It’s just a lot to wrap my head around. Like, I want to not just endure it but be excited about it. Or, like, excited for Jamie.”

“Do you want me to try helping you with this?” Daddy asked carefully.

“Please. I don’t think I’m quite jealous, though I appreciate the reassurance. I just want to be completely on board.”

“Good. I’m proud of you, love.” Sebastian’s voice went deeper, his tone slipping into the Daddy voice that always made Neil want to get down on his knees and just obey. “Now I want you to watch Jamie with Kris and tell me everything you notice.”

Since Neil was sitting sideways on the couch, he had a good view of them, just by turning his head. Daddy couldn’t see them at all, though. So he’d just be going on Neil’s descriptions.

“Well, they’re both happy. Jamie’s smiling with his eyes.” From the safety of Daddy’s lap, Neil could take it all in with more perspective. He loved seeing Jamie happy. That part had never been in doubt.

“Good boy.” Daddy stroked one hand down Neil’s chest, then kept going, right over his cock.

Oh, fuck. Neil clung to Daddy’s shirt. Were they really doing this now? With people just wandering through the lobby, on an exposed couch where anyone could see?

Neil felt his face go red with embarrassment, but the rest of his blood was rushing to his dick as Daddy started a slow motion with his hand.

“Go on, baby. What else are they doing?”

“Um… Damn. Um, something they’re not supposed to. Jamie’s doing that thing where his eyes get all wide and he’s trying to look innocent.” Neil chuckled, because Jamie being naughty was adorable.

“Sounds like we have a bad boy on our hands,” Daddy murmured, tightening his grip. “But you’re never bad, are you, Cricket? Always a good boy for Daddy.” He slipped the button from Neil’s pants and opened the zipper.