An Unlocked Heart(Collars & Cuffs Stories) (16 page)

Alex smiled. “Yeah,” he said softly. Leo’s lips pressed a tender kiss to his neck. This was absolute bliss. And as his eyelids grew heavy, sleep finally beckoning him, Alex’s last thought was that he’d never been happier in his life.

Thirteen

A
LEX
sat back into the corner seat, idly fiddling with the teaspoon that lay next to his very large cup of coffee. He sniffed appreciatively, loving the aroma that permeated the peaceful atmosphere of the coffee shop. This time of morning was usually quiet, and Alex liked to sit and watch the world go by, all those busy people rushing past, their heads down, through the city streets. He glanced down at his watch. Pietro was running late.

Movement at the entrance to the coffee shop caught his eye, and Alex looked up to see Pietro being kissed on the cheek by a tall, slim man with black hair and eyes so dark they were almost black. Alex smiled. So this was Pietro’s mystery man. Pietro had given very little away about his boyfriend, but it was obvious to Alex his best friend was totally smitten. Pietro’s eyes followed the good-looking man’s departure, his hand caught midwave.

Alex couldn’t help but grin as Pietro entered the shop and saw him, clearly realizing he’d been spotted. Pietro’s cheeks were bright red by the time he reached Alex.

Alex shook his head, laughing. “Did I ever tell you how cute you look when you blush like that?” He loved teasing Pietro. The young chef was probably one of only three people in Alex’s life with whom he felt enough at ease to be able to do that. During the past month, they’d become much closer, to such an extent that when Alex wanted to discuss something very personal, Pietro was the first person he thought of.

“Shut it,” groused Pietro, embarrassed, but Alex noted the slight smile that gave him away. “Make yourself useful and get me a mocha?”

Alex touched an imaginary forelock, smirking. “Right away, sir.” He gave a short bow, only to have Pietro punch his arm. He rubbed at it dramatically, pulling a face, before retreating hurriedly to the counter to get his friend a coffee. The barista who served him was flirting outrageously, but that was nothing new—he flirted with everyone. Smiling, Alex made his way over to Pietro, who was seated opposite him with his elbows planted firmly on the table, chin resting in his hands, his thoughts clearly miles away.

“So,” began Alex, smirking as he slid into his seat and placed a large mocha in front of Pietro. “That was the famous Miles, then?” He grinned gleefully.

Pietro ignored him. “So tell me,” he said, sipping his coffee and hastily putting it down, wincing. “Why are we meeting here? Not that I’m complaining, you understand—it’s my favorite coffee shop—but surely we could’ve chatted during our break.” His eyes fixed on Alex, his brows arching. “Unless there’s something you’d rather discuss without fear of being overheard?”

Damn Pietro. He was starting to know Alex far too well. And of course, he’d hit the nail on the head. Alex needed to talk to someone. Ordinarily, he’d talk to Em, but there was no
way
he could discuss this with her. Okay, so she was a really good friend, but… well, damn it, she was a
girl
.

Pietro was watching him intently, a knowing smile playing about his lips. Suddenly he leaned forward over his coffee cup. “This is about sex, isn’t it?” he whispered conspiratorially.

The flush rose steadily, creeping from his chest, up his neck, before finally reaching his cheeks.

Pietro sniggered. “Thought as much,” he said, his expression smug. He tried his coffee once more, sipping tentatively at the hot brown liquid. Lowering his cup, he stared at Alex, his gaze forthright. “How long have you two been going out now?”

Alex finished his coffee and sat back, staring intently at the empty cup. “Just over two months,” he admitted quietly. He couldn’t believe it was already September.

Pietro gave a long, low whistle of appreciation. “You’re a lucky, lucky boy, you know? That is one
hot
man. I’ll bet he’s an absolute demon in bed.” Alex’s jaw dropped, and Pietro laughed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy with the guy in my bed at night. But Leo Hart… just…
damn
!” He winked at Alex. “
Is
he good in bed? Come on, Alex, share.” There was a playful whine to his voice.

Alex was
so
glad he’d finished his coffee by that point. He tried to glare at Pietro, who just laughed. Alex shook his head, trying valiantly to look annoyed, but his lips were twitching until finally both men were grinning hugely.

Pietro took a long swallow of his now rapidly cooling coffee. Their eyes met, and for a moment or two, neither of them spoke, Alex frankly unsure of how to continue.

Pietro suddenly smiled. “He hasn’t fucked you yet.”

“No, but…”

“But you want him to.” Pietro finished.

His friend had gone right to the heart of the matter. Yeah, he wanted Leo to fuck him. During the last two weeks, when he’d occasionally spent the night at Leo’s apartment, Alex had been driven to the edge, on the verge of begging Leo to fuck him. Yet that residual fear still seized him. He felt more confident in bed, more able to relax and enjoy what was happening, and better still, more able to please Leo. But there was always that still, small voice that whispered to him that Leo’s huge cock was gonna fucking
hurt
. He was under no illusions, however: Leo wanted him too. That much was obvious with every urgent kiss, every touch and caress that promised so much more….

“Hey, where’d you go, Alex?”

With a start, Alex snapped back into the present to find Pietro staring at him knowingly. Alex was sure his cheeks were scarlet with embarrassment, but Pietro didn’t react. Instead, he held out his open hand. Relieved, Alex took it.

“It’s okay, Alex. Really.” Pietro gave Alex a look full of understanding. He lowered his voice. “Are you scared of anal sex? ’Cause it’s okay if you are. Fuck, I was terrified my first time. I’d convinced myself it was going to hurt like hell.”

Oh, thank fuck. It wasn’t just him, then. Relief flooded through him. “And… and did it? Hurt, I mean?”

Pietro smiled. “I’m not going to lie. It hurt a little, just at first… but to be honest, the pain faded so quickly, and then it was….” His words trailed off, and his eyes became focused on the table. Alex had to smirk. Wherever Pietro’s mind had taken him, it was clearly a good place: a little smile played about his lips. Then he shook himself, giving Alex an apologetic glance. “Sorry, got lost for a minute there.” He grinned. “Let’s just say it got a whole lot better, real fast.” He winked as his grip tightened around Alex’s hand, and Alex gave him a grateful smile. “But you know what makes all the difference? How well your guy preps you. If he takes the time, stretches you….”

Oh God. Alex’s cheeks heated up once more.

“You have nothing to worry about, babe. You’ll be with Leo. He’s going to want to make it as pleasurable an experience for you as he can.” Pietro’s eyes gleamed wickedly. “So…. Are you going to tell him you’re ready?”

Alex thought for a moment before answering. “Yeah, I don’t want to wait any more.” He grinned at Pietro. “Actually, if I’m honest? I’m
so
ready!” He blushed, remembering one recent night where he’d been watching porn, and he’d suddenly been overcome by the urge to see how it felt to have something inside him, something more substantial than Leo’s fingers. So he’d gone looking for something suitable.

“What on earth are you thinking about, Alex?” Pietro was clearly amused. “I could warm my hands on those cheeks, they’re so hot!”

Alex burst out laughing as he confessed about his experimentation.

Pietro’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, you gotta tell me. What did you use?”

Alex looked quickly around, not wanting to be overheard. Thankfully, there weren’t many customers yet. He took a deep breath and then looked across at Pietro’s expectant expression. “A carrot.”

There was a moment’s silence, and then Pietro burst into peals of laughter, Alex unable to refrain from joining in.

“I… I put a condom on it!” Alex stammered out, his sides starting to ache with laughter.

Pietro was almost doubled up now, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Oh, babe!” Pietro’s breath was hitching. “That’s priceless.”

“Didn’t
you
ever do anything like that?” demanded Alex, trying to sound indignant but not quite bringing it off. The laughter might have had something to do with that.

Pietro nodded, wiping his eyes. “Yes, I did,” he admitted, still shaking with laughter.

“Well then. What did
you
use?”

Pietro speared him with a stern gaze. “A dildo!
Duh
. What else would I have used?”

Alex thought for a moment and then grinned. “A cucumber?” he suggested innocently. That was all it took to send both young men off into helpless laughter once again.

“Zucchini?” Now Pietro was getting silly, but Alex loved this.

“Butternut squash!” he exclaimed, and both men winced at the thought. They were starting to get looks from the other customers and staff now, so they tried to tone the merriment down a bit, Alex unable to stop smiling.

Yeah, he’d talk to Leo tomorrow night. They’d planned to spend Friday night at Leo’s apartment, and suddenly Alex wanted it to be Friday already. He shivered. He was finally going to lose his virginity. He knew Pietro was correct. Leo would take care of him. There was no way Leo would do anything to hurt him.

A
LEX
sat back into the sofa, his eyes closed. He heard the buzz of voices coming up from the kitchen below as orders from the early evening trade started to come in. Thank God he only worked a half day. He opened one eye and peered at his watch. He should have been home at least an hour ago.

“What are you still doing here? I thought you’d gone!” Pietro leaned against the doorjamb, frowning.

Alex opened both eyes now and sat up, pushing out his breath unsteadily. He rubbed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair, casting a glance in Pietro’s direction. “Shouldn’t you be downstairs? Luca will be yelling for your head on a plate if it gets really busy down there.”

“Not until you tell me what’s going on,” said Pietro as he slipped into the staff room and quietly pushed the door shut behind him. He leaned back against the door. “Come on, Alex, spill.”

Alex shook his head stubbornly. It was bad enough
he
had to put up with his stupid family. He saw no purpose in sharing the misery. But Pietro wouldn’t move, staring fixedly at him and making it clear he wasn’t going to give up, and finally Alex caved.

“Look, it’s just… I… I don’t want to go home right now, okay?”

Pietro’s frown increased. “Are they still hassling you? I thought things had improved.”

Alex laughed bitterly. “Improved?” He shook his head. “They hardly say a word to me nowadays. I feel even more of a fucking stranger than I did before I came out.” He watched as Pietro’s face paled.
Oh, way to go, moron
…. Alex hastened to put Pietro’s mind at rest. “Look, it’s not your fault, all right? They were basically fucked up long before you stuck
your
oar in.” Pietro’s expression made it clear he wasn’t buying it, and Alex groaned in frustration. He got to his feet, walked across to Pietro, took hold of his shoulders, and shook him. “
Listen
to me, you, you drama queen! It’s… not… your… fault.”

Pietro’s mouth dropped open, his guilt trip clearly forgotten for a moment. “
Drama queen
?”

His expression was so comical, Alex couldn’t help but laugh, the sound tumbling out of him. To his relief, Pietro joined in his laughter, wiping his eyes as tears leaked from them.

“Just ignore me,” said Alex with a wave of his hand, as the laughter died away. “I’m just fed up ’cause I have to go home. Leo’s got some work tonight, so I can’t see him.” For a second his earlier gloomy mood returned, until Pietro leaned close, looking him in the eye.

“Yeah, but don’t think about that, baby… think about tomorrow night!” He winked, a wicked smile on his lips, and Alex found himself doing just that. His eyes widened, and Pietro nodded slowly. “That’s it. Just keep thinking about how it’s going to feel when Leo Hart is fucking you through the mattress.” That smile was positively gleeful.

Alex groaned. “Did you
have
to say that? Now I get to go home with a hard-on, and no Leo to play with it.”

Pietro snorted. “Then go home, go up to your room, barricade the door so the little shit can’t come in, and then jack yourself off thinking of Leo.” He gave Alex an innocent smile. “You might want to raid the fridge first for some vegetables.” He grinned evilly.

Alex gave a short laugh. Actually, that sounded like a good plan—without the veggies. Yeah, time to go home. He picked up his jacket and headed for the door.

Pietro laid a hand on his arm as he passed him. “We okay?”

Alex nodded, smiling. “Yeah, we’re fine. Now you’d better get down there before Luca sends out a search party.” They made their way out of the staff room and down the back stairs.