Bringing Home Danny (38 page)

“
Don't you want to have time to think this through?” Antonio suggested.
 

“
I trust you, if you think it's right...”
 

“
That's just it. We are afraid we might be taking too big of a risk,” Antonio continued.
 

“
He's worth it. Besides, the bigger the risk the bigger the pay off.”
 

“
The bigger the losses, as well” Mitch cautioned.
 

“
You worry too much, Mitch. I think we're good for Ricky.”
 

“
It's you we're worried about right now.”
 

“
I'm a big boy. I'll be okay as long as there is still room in the bed for me.”
 

“
There will always be room for you,” Antonio assured.
 

“
Are you sure? Because I think I'm growing as we speak,” TJ said, with a seductive grin.
 

“
I knew there was a reason we asked you to come home to New York with us, other than your sexy body,” Antonio teased.
 

“
You mean, you’re not using me for my fantastic body? What’s wrong with you people?” TJ wiggled his butt and feigned a disappointed pout.  
 

“
In addition to your fabulous body,” Antonio corrected, “you help us not to take things too seriously, and to enjoy life as it comes.”
 

“
Bring it on, baby! Let's bring some cum into our lives!”
 

Antonio and Mitch chuckled at TJ's childishness, mostly out of relief that he was taking the proposition so well, and helping them to feel better about it in the process. Mitch put him in a headlock as they wrestled off his clothes.

*****

Ricky didn't know when or how he was going to get the courage to leave. He also didn't know how his heart was going to recover from leaving the men he cared so much for. Nonetheless, he was there for over four months; he was completely healed and had no excuse to stay. What Ricky did know was how much he admired and envied the love that was shared between them. He dreaded the idea of finding a place of his own. He was no longer afraid, but he would really miss the companionship. He felt closer to these men than he had with anyone his whole life. Startled out of a daydream, Ricky jumped at hearing Antonio's voice.

 
“
I love to see that smile on your face. It brightens up the whole room. I hope we can see it more often.”
 

“
Thanks, Antonio,” Ricky said, with a bashful laugh. “I haven't felt this happy in a long time. I suppose it's time I find a place of my own.”
 

“
Are you sure? There's no hurry. You are welcome to stay here as long as you want.”
 

“
I'm sure. It's about time I think about my future, and start being more independent.”
 

“
If you're so sure, why did it seem like the light went out of your eyes? I could almost swear the room got two shades darker, as if a cloud was covering us.”
 

Ricky was touched by his silly euphemisms and laughed appreciatively. “It's time I got out of everybody's hair. I'm really going to miss you, and everyone else.”

“
I like having you in my hair. And, I can assure you, that everyone else likes having you here, as well. If it's all the same to you, why don't you stay and start thinking of us a part of your future?”
 

The rock that had settled in Ricky's stomach since he'd been contemplating leaving suddenly lifted, and he surprisingly felt ten pounds lighter. Not quite sure if he could trust what he was hearing, he looked questioningly over at Antonio with hopeful eyes.

“
You mean that?”
 

“
With all my heart.”
 

Ricky couldn't remember a time he felt happier in his life, surprising Antonio with the most breathtaking smile he had ever seen. “There's my sunshine.”

Ricky beamed with pleasure.

Antonio was thrilled that Ricky seemed so receptive to the idea, but was cautious about his leaping in too fast.  He brought Ricky into the office where Mitch was waiting for them.

Mitch motioned for Ricky to have a seat next to him on the small office couch.
“Before you make any final decisions,” he began, “you need to understand a few things about the nature of our relationship.” Mitch waited for Antonio to pull up a chair next them. Ricky smiled anxiously as Antonio took his hand to steady him. Mitch continued. “If you decide to partner with us, you will no longer be considered a guest, and expectations will change.”
 

“
I would expect so,” Ricky replied, with a nervous laugh.
 

“
I know when you first moved in, I promised you that no one would ever hit you. However, you may also recall how I explained to you that on occasion we spank both Danny
and
TJ. Discipline is an important aspect of our relationship. It is our job to protect and nurture, and in return we expect respect and compliance. It may not be the way most adult relationships work, but we rely on the structure.”
 

Antonio observed the way Ricky’s face scrunched up, showing his strain to comprehend what Mitch was telling him. He tried to help him make sense of it. “We just find it too hard not to interfere when TJ behaves in ways that are not in his best interest.”
 

“
We are very aware of the impact of your previous relationship,” Mitch added,  “so we will be careful not to ever traumatize you. Nonetheless, if you choose to join in our relationship, discipline will be a part of it. Therefore, we can no longer guarantee that spankings won’t take place.”
 

Ricky was so thrilled by their proposal that he was willing to accept any conditions put on him. Wisely, Mitch and Antonio insisted that he take time to consider all the ramifications of a discipline relationship.
He
was told more than three months ago that TJ was spanked along with Danny, even so, he never actually seen or heard TJ being disciplined. Ricky assumed that with TJ being older he might not be getting in as much trouble. On the other hand, they might be more discreet with TJ's punishments. He took time to himself to sort things out, and then later that evening, Ricky sought out TJ to address his lingering doubts.
 

*****

“
TJ, can I ask you a personal question?”
 

“
If you're planning on being in a relationship with us, then nothing is too personal.
 

“
What's it like to get spanked?”
 

“
I was wondering when you were going to ask me that. I suppose it's a little different for everybody.”
 

“
I imagine it hurts, that part has to be the same.”
 

“
Yeah, it definitely hurts. But, afterwards, I usually feel better, particularly if I was feeling guilty about something. It also resolves things a lot quicker. We don't have to hold on to resentments, and as soon as it's over I'm forgiven.”
 

“
What about you? Don't you ever feel angry at them for punishing you?”
 

“
Not really. A few times I felt like I was punished unfairly, but they are always willing to listen to my side of things. They admit that they are not perfect and can make mistakes, too. Most of the time they can convince me that they were right to begin with. It's very important to them that everyone is accountable for their actions. They make everything I do a priority.”
 

“
It must be comforting to know that they take you and your relationship so seriously.”
 

“
It can be pretty intense sometimes. One thing I don't think they realize by making themselves disciplinarians is that they are also making themselves accountable for
my
behavior. Ironically, it frees me up to be irresponsible at times. If I mess up they take over and correct my mistakes. All I have to do is be willing to bend over their knee for a short but painful lesson. In the end, as sore as it might be,” TJ grinned, “I have the better deal.”
 

“
I never thought of it that way.”
 

“
Well, don't let them know it. I'd hate to ruin a good thing. It's not a lot of fun having to be responsible all the time,” TJ said with a wink.
 

Ricky laughed. Talking to TJ helped him to relieve more anxiety than he realized he was holding.

“
So? The suspense is killing me. I know I'm not supposed to pressure you into making a decision, but the bosses aren't here. What do you think? Do you want to really freak out your parents and join our polyamorous but perverted relationship?”
 

“
You make it sound so enticing.”
 

“
I do my best.”
 

“
How can anyone say no to you?”
 

“
They don't.”
 

Ricky smiled, and TJ smiled back.

“
Can I kiss you?” he asked eagerly.
 

“
What if I say no?” Ricky teased.
 

TJ smirked. He gently placed his hand to Ricky's forehead and slowly slid it up massaging his hair while tilting his head back. He then placed soft, delicate kisses to the base of his neck and worked up. Ricky tried not to squirm away from the erotic tickle. TJ planted a playful peck to his chin dimple before peering into his big brown eyes. The eyes smiled back at him.

Ricky took TJ by the shoulders and pushed him against the couch, claiming the dominant position. “Just try to say no to
me
,” he said, forcing the mirth out of his voice.

“
Never,” TJ swore, as he sank into Ricky's passionate kiss. He had to force himself to pull away. “Let's go and tell Antonio and Mitch the good news. Otherwise, I won't be able to stop myself.”
 

TJ grabbed Ricky's hand and they both laughed with excitement as they flew to the master bedroom. TJ burst open the door and announced, “Ricky has made his decision!”

At seeing the two men startle and break apart from an intimate embrace, all of Ricky's doubts suddenly came flooding back. They stared at him expectantly. Ricky didn't know what to say as the blood drained from his face.

“
Sit down, sunshine, you're as white as a ghost,” Antonio said. He held his hand out drawing him to the bed.
 

Ricky smiled shyly to Antonio and said, “I know what I want, I'm just not sure if it's what's best for everybody.”

He then turned to Mitch. He always seemed so confident and larger than life. It was difficult for Ricky to imagine him as someone who had needs like everybody else, needs that require other people to fulfill.

“
I know what I want,” Ricky repeated, “and I'm pretty sure I know what TJ wants.” He giggled slightly, catching TJ's twinkling blue eyes. “And, Antonio tells me I should trust his feelings for me,” he continued. “But, I'm coming into an already established partnership. It's amazing to see the amount of love that is shared in this home. I would never want to ruin that." He looked intently into Mitch's eyes. “If this isn't right for you, if you don't feel the same way about me, I'll understand.”
 

Mitch held his gaze and said, “Ricky, you are an extremely considerate young man. It is no wonder Antonio and TJ are so captivated by you. You are gentle and full of grace. Your presence reminds people to be more careful of their actions because they are in the company of an angel.”

Ricky's heart swelled. It became immediately apparent why Antonio and TJ were so in love with Mitch. It had nothing to do with his strength and classic good looks as Ricky first assumed. Mitch had a way of touching your soul with his eyes.

“
I'm sorry, I don't mean to cry,” Ricky said, batting away his tears.
 

Mitch got out of bed and went over to embrace him. “Ricky, you never need to hide your feelings around us. We
all
love you just the way you are.”

Ricky's tears fell harder.

Mitch gently rocked him as he wept in his arms. “Tell me,” Mitch asked, after Ricky heaved his last sob, “have you come to a decision yet?”

“
You can spank me.” Ricky blushed at how the thought jumped out uncensored.
 

Mitch chuckled.

“
I mean, I gave our discussion a lot of thought. I had a hard time imagining what other people would think about me being in a relationship that involves corporal punishment, especially after so recently leaving an abusive one. Then, I realized, I don't really care what other people think. I trust you, so I'm sure it will be okay. Nobody has ever cared about me the way you three have. In the short time I have been here, I have not only learned to trust others again, I’ve learned to trust myself.”
 

Mitch kissed the top of his head and said, “You're going to be okay, kid.”
 

Chapter Eight

Painful Secrets

Joining into a relationship with Mitch, Antonio, and TJ was the best decision Ricky ever made, and what followed was the most sensual experience of his young life.
He never knew sex could be so tender and erotic at the same time. Before the evening was over, Ricky was in tears again. He laid naked in Antonio's arms, but felt completely sheltered in the blanket of love that was shared among the men.