An Unlocked Heart(Collars & Cuffs Stories) (39 page)

“You with me, boy?” Leo brushed hair from Alex’s eyes, gazing at him in wonder.
Master
…. Alex’s eyes finally focused on him, and Leo smiled. “Hi there, boy. I’ve got you, I’ve got you.”

Alex held onto him, tilting up his face to be kissed. Leo was only too happy to oblige. The two men lay there entwined, Leo barely conscious of the murmurs of approval from their audience. He only had eyes for the boy in his arms.

A
LEX
sat on the sofa, gazing unseeing at the Christmas tree. His mind was still back in the club, reliving the whole incredible experience. There had been so much to take in, it had almost been a case of sensory overload. He shivered.

“Are you cold, boy?” Leo was standing by the sofa, gazing down at Alex with concern. Alex hadn’t even heard him approach, he’d been so engrossed in his thoughts.

He gave Leo a reassuring smile. “I’m fine,” he stressed. “Just thinking.”

Leo sat beside him, handing him a mug of green tea and vanilla, the familiar scent comforting. He stroked Alex’s thigh. “I’m so proud of you tonight.” Leo sat back against the cushions and held out an arm, inviting Alex to snuggle.

Alex put down his mug and moved over to him. The cuddles after they’d finished fucking had been phenomenal. Alex had come to look forward to snuggling with Leo after a scene, and quickly worked out it was an essential part of Leo’s aftercare. And he
loved
pressing up against the man, feeling those strong arms around him, protecting him. Alex tilted his face up, seeking a kiss. Leo didn’t disappoint: warm, soft lips met his, pressing firmly. Sounds of sheer contentment filled the air.

“Let’s go to bed, boy.” Leo kissed the top of his head tenderly. “I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms tonight.”

Oh, Alex was
so
in favor of that plan.

L
EO
had never been a big fan of Christmas… until now.

The day itself had been magical. There was simply no other word. A day of waking up with his beautiful boy in his arms. They had quickly progressed from loving kisses to Leo fucking Alex’s mouth, coming down his throat and having his cock cleaned up with soft licks. Now,
that
was the way to wake up.

They’d sat on the rug in their robes, exchanging gifts, the smell of freshly baked croissants and aromatic coffee filling the air, Christmas carols playing quietly. Alex had suddenly gotten this mischievous expression on his face, pulled Leo to his feet and tugged at him, both men laughing as he led the way to the bathroom. Under the hot cascade of water, Alex had braced himself against the tiles, ass tilted, and Leo had succumbed immediately to the offer, first with his tongue and then with his cock. They’d made slow, sweet love until they couldn’t take any more, and Leo had released deep inside his young lover with a yell while Alex cried out his name over and over again.

The rest of the day had been perfect, the atmosphere one of peace and utter contentment as they prepared a meal together amid much laughter. The high point for Leo, however, had been the look of joy on Alex’s face when his father rang. Alex had spent about ten minutes in conversation, and it had clearly been a good conversation. No mention was made of his mother, however, and Leo didn’t press him.

Leo had no one to call, since his parents had both died when he was eighteen, and although he’d spent a few years living with his grandparents, that particular door had been well and truly closed when Leo came out. Leo had long been used to it, but these few days had rekindled in him the magic of Christmas recalled from childhood. During recent years, he’d been in no mood to celebrate, preferring instead to hide himself away from his friends.

All that had changed. And there was only one possible explanation.

Alex had slowly and surely brought him back to life.

Epilogue

A
LEX
sipped at his glass of wine, gazing around the club with frank interest. It was intriguing to see all the members there dressed. The New Year’s Eve party was in full swing. Thomas and Leo had provided a wonderful spread, and Pietro and Miles had gone to town on the decorations. The interior of the club was a sea of red—balloons, streamers—which Alex had been roped into helping put up, a task he’d undertaken good-naturedly. But as the hour neared for the ceremony, Pietro had clearly overtaken
excited
and was heading for
hyper
. Miles took his sub aside, stroking his arms with tender movements until Pietro regained his composure. Alex grinned. Miles was a perfect fit for his best friend, and he couldn’t be happier for them.

Leo was mingling, making sure all the members were happy, stopping to have brief conversations here and there. Alex watched him with pride. It was clear many men held Leo in very high regard, and he couldn’t help but notice the subs who followed Leo with their eyes, giving him appreciative glances. Alex wasn’t bothered, because he knew after news of their scene in the group room had gotten around, no one had been left in any doubt that Leo was most definitely unavailable. And as for Alex, he might as well have worn a sign on his forehead, proclaiming him as Leo’s. Not that he’d mind that in the slightest. He
was
Leo’s, heart, mind, body, and soul, and he didn’t care who knew it.

P
IETRO
knelt before Miles, head bowed. Thomas stood next to the pair, beaming. Such ceremonies happened from time to time, and they were always occasions for joy. Leo looked on as Miles fitted the elegant collar around Pietro’s slim neck. It had been designed to be worn full-time without being too obvious. Leo loved the beautiful, stylish design, and he knew Miles had their names engraved on the reverse side, hidden from sight, but he and Pietro would know they were there.

Pietro’s eyes shone, and it was clear to anyone who knew them the two men were in love. When Miles helped Pietro to his feet and kissed him, the room erupted into ecstatic applause, causing both men to blush. Miles continued to stare at his sub with wonder for the remainder of the evening, laying claim to Pietro with many kisses. Leo would hazard a guess that when midnight arrived, the two would disappear into a private room—their exchanged glances were growing more and more heated as the night wore on.

“They look wonderful together.” Alex’s tone was almost wistful. Leo gave him a keen glance. Alex was standing at his side, watching Miles circulate through the room, Pietro at his side.

“What are you thinking right now, boy?” Leo asked earnestly.

Alex turned to face him, cheeks flushed. “That maybe we should think about having a contract?” His eyes met Leo’s, and Leo caught his breath at the depth of feeling he saw there. “I want everyone to know we’re committed to each other, that it’s a permanent thing.” Alex took a deep breath. “Do… do you think we could talk about that?” He gazed at Leo with an expectant expression.

Thomas went by just then, and something about his demeanor immediately attracted Leo’s attention. He stared after Thomas, disconcerted. Something was wrong.

“Can you excuse me, Alex?” Leo gave him an apologetic glance, but he needn’t have been concerned. Alex had obviously picked up on the same thing.

“Go on, go speak to him. Find out what’s wrong.” Alex smiled. “I’ll still be here when you get back.”

Leo gave him a grateful smile and kissed him before following Thomas to their office. Thomas was pouring himself a glass of whisky, his face troubled.

Leo closed the door behind him. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Thomas looked up, startled. “What? Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. Go on back to the party.”

Leo arched his brows. “God, you’re a poor liar.” He smirked.

Thomas gazed back at him in silence. Eventually he let out a sigh. “Look, it’s nothing, okay? I’ve just had a call from an ex-colleague who needs my help with something, but it’s… complicated.” He gazed into his glass and then locked eyes with Leo. “But it’s nothing that need concern you, okay? At least, not yet.”

Leo thought for a moment about pressing the matter, but decided against it. Besides, there was a gorgeous young man awaiting him, and Leo had something to tell him, something important. “Okay,” he said at last. “But if you need to talk, you know where I am, all right?”

Thomas nodded, smiling gratefully. Not entirely convinced, Leo left the office and went to find Alex. Midnight was fast approaching.

“P
ROBLEM
sorted?” Alex asked anxiously on Leo’s return. He was very fond of Thomas, and the man had plainly been in some distress.

Leo gave him a reassuring smile. “Not sure what’s going on there, but he’ll talk about it when he’s ready.” Glacial blue eyes appraised him, and Alex felt a shiver run down his spine. Fuck, the way Leo could make him feel just by
looking
at him…. “Now, you asked me a question.”

Alex nodded, suddenly nervous.

Leo took a deep breath, taking Alex’s hand in his. “I like the idea of a contract,” he said at last, and Alex heaved an internal sigh of relief. Not that he’d ever doubted Leo’s commitment to him, but it was good to have confirmation Leo wanted the same thing. “But there’s something I feel I should say at this point.”

Alex caught his breath.

“You were my lover before you became my submissive,” Leo said quietly. “But I think we both agree the D/s element of our relationship is very important, even essential.”

Alex nodded eagerly. He couldn’t even begin to contemplate a relationship with Leo that didn’t involve them being Master and sub. It was as natural to him as breathing.

Leo looked down at their joined hands before raising his head to lock eyes with Alex.

Alex found the hairs on his arms suddenly standing upright.
Uh-oh, there was that feeling again….

“So yes, while I agree that collaring you would be a sign of all we mean to each other, something I can definitely see happening in our future”—Alex’s chest constricted— “I had an altogether smaller symbol of our commitment in mind.” Leo raised Alex’s left hand to his lips and kissed the third finger softly before meeting Alex’s gaze once more. “I’m not about to put you on the spot, but I felt you should know where I was going with this.” He gazed steadily at Alex, who suddenly forgot about everyone and everything around them as Leo’s words sank in.

Oh. My. God.
He wasn’t talking about…. Was he?
Alex stared at Leo openmouthed. “You… you want to marry me?” Alex whispered. As Leo started to grin at him, warmth suffused Alex’s whole body and a feeling of sheer joy began to build inside him, bubbling up through every corner and crevice, filling him entirely.

The peal of the bells from the nearby cathedral shattered the moment, as did the sound of fireworks being let off in the city center. Shouts of “Happy New Year!” rang out in the club, and Alex and Leo were immediately surrounded by men hugging them warmly as glasses clinked and best wishes were exchanged.

When the tumult died down, Leo took him into his arms, putting his lips close to Alex’s ear. “Happy New Year, boy. A new year, and a new beginning, for both of us.” Leo kissed him on the cheek before taking his mouth in a soft, tender kiss, so sublimely sweet, it took Alex’s breath away. “I love you, Alex Daniels.”

Alex stared into Leo’s beautiful blue eyes and smiled. “I love you, Leo Hart. And since you haven’t asked me yet, I’m not going to give you an answer.” He paused, his eyes gleaming mischievously. “But just so you know, when you
do
finally get around to asking? The answer will be yes.”

Epilogue

Born and raised in the north-west of England,
K.C. W
ELLS
always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, where the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter…

The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please.

K.C. can be reached via e-mail:  [email protected], on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld, or through comments at the K.C. Wells website: http://www.kcwellsworld.com. K.C. loves to hear from readers.

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