Page 2 of Expanding Command

He did have a point. Plus, there was a certain appeal to the idea of ordering a helpless, needy devotee to please himself, as Darren had once done for him. "Even though we're going to a sex party?"

"We're going to a black tie event," Darren corrected smoothly. "And we're in charge."

"You don't think it's completely unreasonable? That we'll be - I don't know, giving people unrealistic expectations we aren't planning on delivering on?"

"No. Think about the events we've gone to already, love." Darren's smile was bemused as he continued to slowly work the tension from his neck. Darren's own experience was always a reminder of how far Miles still had to go, of course, but it was impossible not to take comfort in it. This wasn't a journey he was taking alone. Darren would be beside him every step of the way. "I know you're often distracted with your service to me, but try and take a step back from that."

Miles snorted. It was true, of course. When he was serving, Darren became his whole world in ways he'd never imagined could be possible. His memories about others were all wrapped up in the pride and gratification of how his service to Darren affected them.

But they'd spent months now at events in other capacities. Darren had been instructing him in knotwork, Shibari, and the art of command. They'd done an entire day of tying harnesses on people for charity at a local festival, and more practice ties with people they knew. That was what Miles wanted more of, and what Darren wanted for him.

"So no hooking up tonight," he said, relief filling him in a rush. "We're in charge. Within the bounds of whatever we agree to with a new couple."

"No hooking up with another couple," Darren replied with a grin, a twinkle in his eye when Miles glanced over. "This will be about testing the waters. Seeing if we want more. Then we take it one step at a time."

~~~

One step at a time, Miles reminded himself as Darren slowly brought him out of the suspension they'd just finished. His throat was delightfully sore from having served Darren's pleasure, finding his own catharsis and release in that accomplishment. Worshipping Darren always made him feel powerful and cherished. It was a quiet, grounding reminder of the courage he'd found when he'd first pushed their relationship past the professional healing and sanctuary he'd hired Darren for, towards the deep love and partnership they enjoyed now.

It had never felt like this before.

There'd been no disappearing into the subspace of suspension he normally craved. As soon as he'd noticed the couple watching them from across the room, it had been impossible. But he hadn't been left struggling to connect in the chaos of the party. Darren's ropes and Darren's control had still focused him. Except that focus had expanded along with Darren's own attention, captivated by the two men they'd discovered.

It was as if the only thing that existed in the room had been them and this other couple.

He hadn't been able to look away from them, and neither had Darren. Every look the pair had cast their way had been another loop of rope, capturing his attention and desire as certainly as Darren's ropes wrapped around his body. The heat and desire in their gazes crackled across the space between the couples. It was somehow strengthened by the connection between the two onlookers, how they always seemed aware of each other. Even while watching his and Darren's rope play, they still murmured the most encouraging things to each other about the performance, their passion and pleasure growing palpably as they made love.

It was exactly the kind of deep connection and commitment he'd imagined when Darren had first suggested that he learn to command. A couple like them, partners who loved and supported each other but wanted to expand and grow together. He couldn't be certain, of course. But the tenderness between them was impossible to miss, which made his heart ache unexpectedly.

He wanted them, and Darren did, too. Every bit of him buzzed with anticipation as Darren untied him and they slowly began to tidy their gear.

"My Master wishes to bestow a token in thanks for your performance, as well as an open offer of hospitality during your time in our city. Tours, dinner, drinks, coffee. Anything you wish."

The man who knelt respectfully beside the platform they'd been performing on made Miles's chest tighten, as if he could barely breathe. He was small-statured and unassuming, though from his voice and the parts of his face visible around his mask, he didn't seem overly young. There was so much else about him that reminded Miles of everything he'd been attracted to in the sweet young man he'd met at the street fair, who'd tried so hard to convince Miles into a quickie in an alley. He hadn't given in - it wasn't right to engage in something so casual, especially with someone so young - but it had definitely fueled a thousand possibilities and fantasies that he and Darren had entertained together since.

Miles had been transfixed by the little sub as he served his Master. His adoration and devotion had been apparent in every kiss and touch, in the way he smiled and yielded to his service. It ought to have been at odds with the interest they'd both shown in him and Darren, which - from his overture now - was definitely far more than voyeuristic.

They were alike, though. Miles couldn't have explained how he knew, but it resonated deep inside him. This man knew the type of deep love and devotion he held for Darren. His interest in them was intertwined with a deep desire to serve the man he loved.

Could he possibly hope to earn the same kind of devotion?

The quiet hope in the man's blue eyes was unmistakable. This was a risk for him, too. They could easily say no, and he'd have to return to his mentor with nothing. He was taking that chance for a man that he loved, and being so brave. When Darren reached out to lift his chin, testing him, he yielded with a soft gasp, trembling with an eager nervousness that almost made Miles groan aloud.

The urge to wrap this man up in his arms was achingly strong. Miles yearned to promise to support him and protect him and reward him for that bravery so badly he could taste it. That surge of desire - not sexual, but just as strong - transformed the sharp tension of anxiety into a deep, resonant calm.

His lingering self-doubt evaporated as effectively as if Darren had commanded it, but unexpectedly, he hadn't needed to reach for Darren at all. This confidence had arisen, unbidden, from his desire to protect. Every part of him ached to become the sanctuary this man was asking for. To nurture and care for this precious devotee who'd come to them with such courage and vulnerability.

Darren glanced at him with a smile, reading him effortlessly, then gave the man a decisive nod. "I'd be happy to accept your offer of coffee. We can discuss the rest then. Please meet us in the entry lounge."

As Darren helped him into his robe and they gathered their things to change, it was impossible not to glance back at the couple. The blond had returned to his date, cuddling onto his lap with visible, giddy happiness.

Holding him close, his dom met Miles's gaze with a beautiful, glittering intensity that sent a very different bolt of nervousness through him. It was a quick, sobering reminder that everything Miles was thinking was his own interpretation. He didn't truly know what either man was interested in; the dynamics he'd sensed between them were something he could have imagined. Perhaps they'd be mismatched. The blond could want to taste Darren's ropes. Perhaps his dark-haired date wanted Miles at his feet.

But before Miles could look away - or truly panic - the dark-haired man inclined his head towards him in a slow, deliberate nod. His gaze lowered in undeniable respect.

Yielding.

"Them," he whispered to Darren as they left the room, leaving them behind. "I can feel it. We have to - I want - "