The week drags whilst I work, and with my father's store not receiving much footfall, I spend my time glued to my phone, impatiently staring at the blank screen where his response should be. But my concern is surprisingly not over Justin, who I assume needs time to process the truth about me. It's Liam who continues to unnerve me with his silence.

Halfway through the week, my hopes lifted when I received an email from James asking me to review a contract to clarify my boundaries. The list of sexual acts was extensive, but I narrowed down polyamory as something I might struggle with the most and need to discuss further before fully agreeing. However, it is now Friday, and I'm disappointed with our lack of communication, with him taking my need for space too far by not contacting me directly at all.

I should have asked whether he plays with others, rather than being overly optimistic about my position in his life and expecting him to spend this weekend with me. It's also frustrating to be desperate for someone I've only just met, but I wish I could understand what he's thinking and trust the outcome of this dom-sub arrangement. I've never had great experiences in my past relationships, and the intensity of my longing for him terrifies me, especially if he only plans to toy with me before moving on to someone new.

But I need to be careful not to confuse these feelings with affection and recognise that I only desire the innate, malevolent energy within him; A cure for the pain that remains a stain on my heart despite the therapy sessions and medications that have done little to numb thoughts that hover on the obsessive. I've spent hours trawling social media profiles, filtering by location and local news, and hitting up every possible contact in my hunt for Rebekah. There has been nothing else in this bleak world that stirs me more than him, a reason to get out of bed, and it's laughable to think that anyone else could fill the void better. I suppose this is more of a fixation or errant lust to distract me in my darkest hours.

I always hated the inconvenience of love anyway.

Yet the moment I think it, my heart pangs for what could be. This isn't serious, and it's supposed to be nothing but a mutual need to get off, however I can't stop thinking about him and what our hours together could be filled with. Maybe my mind wouldn't get carried away with the whirlwind of memories and feelings of last weekend if I weren't scrutinising everything. But the way he looked at me, whipped me and then held me after breaking me down. I felt special briefly, as though I was the only one who mattered in that entire room of people to him. The collar he gave me was a comfort that I belong under his protection and need no one else. I was giddy, almost overflowing with joy for the first time in months, that it felt right to be with him. Would it be wrong to latch onto him like a crutch to get me through this time?

"I wish he'd call me already," I mutter dejectedly to myself.

I re-read the message I've been typing before deleting it. Then, with a deep sigh, deciding best against bothering Liam and scaring him off with my clinginess, I draw down the shopfront shutters to lock up for the night, then stroll around the back to my car. I know I could try calling him, but I don't have the right to demand a meet-up when the power lies entirely with him in our dynamic. If only he'd let me know in advance.

As I approach my car to unlock the door, a vibration in my jeans pocket stops me dead in my tracks. With the caller ID showing unmistakably as 'L', I answer immediately, eager to finally speak with him. However, I'm startled as I'm suddenly blindfolded by an impermable hood over my head, and my arms are forcibly cuffed behind my back.

Powerful arms reach under me and lift me into a fireman's carry, and I'm carefully bundled into a car, aware of the sound of the boot being closed before the engine switches on. The drive isn't long, although uncomfortable with the metal cuffs cutting in, and I'm soon picked up again.

I can smell limes and pine; the scent of Liam and his gentle breath tickles my neck. Instantly, I relax, knowing for sure it is him, so I bury my head against his shoulders as he carries me, which briefly makes him pause. It's a daring move to fake kidnap me, and I'm impressed with the way he's surprised me with it after ignoring me all week. Clearly, the list of sex acts I'd been sent was in anticipation of tonight's adventure.

With a thud, he drops me onto concrete, and I land on my backside. He kicks me down with a firm foot pressed against my chest, but I wait calmly for whatever is going to happen next. After a few moments, I feel him tug my jeans and underwear off, then a coarse rope is bound to my bared legs. It doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, but slowly I'm hoisted upside down, and I feel the soft linen of my shirt brush over my head, exposing my body.

This position is quickly disorienting, and I can't help but wonder whether Liam is furious for the dismissive message I'd sent him or for my behaviour when I was experiencing sub drop and plans to punish me severely for it. I don't think I said anything particularly spiteful at the time, even if some of it wasn't justified, so perhaps he's just feeling playful?

I hear a familiar woosh, sending a tingle down my spine and then the sting from the cane on the back of my thighs. Delicious pain licks over me as the strikes gradually build in strength. It isn't long until I'm loudly panting, breathing deeply through the fiery pain surging beneath my skin. As I've come to expect from Liam in our short time together, his passion flows thickly.

Abruptly, it stops, and I listen out for any clue of what Liam might be doing next. The sound of our uneven breathing surrounds us, and I can sense he is close as I feel his breath caress my stomach once more. His soft fingers then rest at my neck, fastening on my collar, and my shirt is unbuttoned, so it hangs freely and no longer covers my face.

The super brat within me is urging me to stick my tongue out, knowing he is within centimetres of me. With my mouth potentially in the perfect position for his crotch, I poke it out, and I'm delighted with the glimpse of his firm, dripping member, making him gasp in surprise. Liam is naked. I want another taste of him, and I lick my lips suggestively, hoping he'll get the hint.

I realise he's stepped away from the buzzing noise clicking on in the distance, and I sigh in dismay. I've never given head before, and the idea of him skull fucking me is highly appealing right now in my vulnerable state, but as the static-hum gets closer, I smile. The violet wand is a highly pleasurable experience for me. I'd expected some kind of punishment for my misbehaviour, sneakily licking him like that, but instead, I'm getting treats.

I hear a crackle, and then there's an unanticipated, unpleasant, warm sensation on my stomach, just above my dick, which is being held firmly away. I flinch, not knowing what he is doing to me, although I can smell burning and increasing pain. I start panting softly to ease the discomfort, and eventually relax again as I become used to it, my endorphins finally flowing.

He passes over the same areas again, and it's only then that I realise what he's doing. Liam is branding me as his own. In his own sadistic way, he is claiming me, and it's quite endearing, although my skin becomes sore as he passes over his design again. I breathe in sharply as he continues, hoping it won't take much longer, not prepared to stop his fun early.

Relief passes through me when he finally finishes, but I'm feeling light-headed. I open and close my fist rapidly, and within seconds, I'm lowered down. I love that he is attentive to my needs, and I stop my hand signal as I recover enough to continue.

He wastes no time in sliding his hand between my collar and dragging me upright to my unsteady feet. With a firm tug, he leads me a few steps away as I stumble. Then, with his hand threaded through my hair, he shoves me down, so I'm bent over something and gripping a smooth metal edge. I realise as I slide my hands downwards and dip into freezing water that it's a bath.

Given what he's planning, I am putting a tremendous amount of trust in him. I knew, when I read through what James had sent me and agreed to it under pre-negotiated boundaries, that this would happen again at some point. The consequences of this going wrong would be disastrous, but I take a deep breath to prepare myself mentally.

"I trust you, Master," I say steadily.

Something cold is applied to my arse, then the blindfold is removed. With his fist in my hair, he holds my head firmly, facing forward. His muscular thighs press against me, then with a thrust, he enters as the hand on the back of my head shoves me beneath.

I fight back my instincts to struggle, while he fucks me like this, overpowering me with his strength and depriving me of air. I have completely put my safety into his hands, and I know in dom-space he'll be revelling in his control over me. He tugs me upwards for a few breaths, then propels me back under the water.

His hand firmly take hold of my cock, and I know I won't last very long like this as he pumps over with deliberation. The danger is exhilarating, and I'm incredibly turned on by his dominance. As he slams away aggressively, alternating between holding me beneath the water and allowing me to breathe, my pleasure reaches new heights.

A wave of intense bliss flows through my body, and his seed releases inside me as he cums soon after. His grip on my hair abruptly disappears, and his thumb caresses me as his hands slide into mine. Breathlessly, we stay like this for a moment with his forehead pressed against my back, and I'm overwhelmed by the sudden need to be held by him.

I thought he'd have said something by now, but only the pitter-patter of the droplets from my wet hair hanging over my face fills the silence. I dare not say a word or turn to look upon him, but I can feel his heart pounding wildly like mine before he finally lets go, and his clothes rustle as he dresses.

Darkness follows as the blindfold is placed back on, then I feel his muscular arms under my knees and around my back as he lifts me. I snuggle my damp head against his chest affectionately whilst he carries me naked and trembling back to the car.

When we arrive, he seems especially delicate as he picks me up and carries me up the stairs. I'm in no doubt that we're at his house this time as he lays me down on a bed and ties my feet and hands apart with smooth satin ties. His lips are on mine, equally feathery soft. I taste mint as he enters my mouth with his tongue and deepens our kiss. He caresses my cheek with the back of his hand, and I sigh, desperate for him to touch me more and become aroused.

My mask is removed, and Liam's green eyes gaze into mine. His pupils are dilated, seductively, and he then presses his lips against my mouth.

"I've missed you," he whispers between his soft kisses. "I haven't stopped thinking about you."

A flutter stirs within my chest at the sight of his handsome face so close to mine. His focus upon me seems sincere with its warmth, and I fall for him again, unable to spare my aching heart from being hopelessly ensnared. I can't imagine not wanting to be ravaged and then held within his arms again.

"I've missed you, too, Master."

He smiles against my lips, then removes his unbuttoned shirt. Taut chest and abdominal muscles press against my body, and I groan in anticipation of him. Meeting Liam has been my long-overdue sexual awakening.

He slowly removes his jeans, teasingly unfastening the zipper, then lowering his waistband as I watch him, dragging it out. He then straddles me and kisses me again, with his tongue slipping in and out. I accidentally moan, and a smile spreads across his face. "Someone is eager for me."

He kisses down my chest and stomach towards my cock, using his tongue to trail along my midline, then he starts to suck, and I release another gasp of pleasure. He builds up my orgasm leisurely, pausing as I get close to release and continues this on and off for what feels like the best part of an hour, denying me my orgasm. I'm gripping the bed sheets, frustrated, groaning and the entire time, I watch him smirk smugly from the power he has over me with his denial.

He releases my legs, then enters me gently. I groan at the sensation of his cock, stimulating my prostate as his hips grind against mine. With his fist firmly clenched around my member, he brings me close to orgasm repeatedly, increasing my sexual tension to the level of desperation.

"Beg me," he demands. "I want to hear it."

"Master, I am begging you. Please take pity on me. Let me cum?" I ask, now writhing among the covers and clinging to the ties around my wrists in despair. "I feel too good to hold back anymore."

"I'll think about it," he says, continuing to tease me. He slaps my arse, then pinches my buttocks hard as he drags me roughly onto his lap. "Mm, you have such a nice, shapely body, that I hope you'll reconsider my offer. It would please me greatly to see you displayed upon my stage."

"Just displayed, or are you planning to sell me off, Master?"

His mouth twitches at my question, and he skims over my nude skin with his fingers, growing lost in thought with his expression glazing over. I know he's contemplating it from the things he's said to me, and skirting around transactional sex at his clubs. How involved does he plan to get with me before it happens, because he's growing bored?

"I take it you no longer mind if I did? It gives me immense pleasure to show off what I treasure."

"I'd prefer to remain as just yours for as long as you'll keep me, Master," I reply with sincerity. "But I'll obey your commands."

"Mm, then I'll consider it, at least while you still have this skittish, innocent and adorable look in your eyes," he responds, stroking his thumb upon my cheek, which I nuzzle into. "Maybe keeping you to myself before my world entirely devours you would be far more appealing?"

Liam touches his lips to my knee before raising it above his shoulder, followed by the other to deepen his position. My stomach lurches as he resumes thrusting, smiling as his grip tightens around my throbbing tool that's been bouncing between us. I'm desperate for release and unable to hold back my feelings as I fervently call out my appreciation while bucking my hips. "Yes... Keep going... I want you—."

"And now you're too noisy," he teases with a whisper in my ear. "Cum for me, Lover... I want you to feel good."

A smile lights up his eyes as his nose rubs against mine, then he kisses me with delicate expertise, flicking his tongue over my lower lip, then teeth. There's a detectable shift between us from the gentleness of his touch, making me fall apart on demand and hot cum spurts across my body as he almost folds me beneath him. He doesn't try to withdraw and pumps entirely within me, breaking apart from our kiss as a growl erupts from him. But we don't separate, and he flops so I'm pinned by his entire weight between my legs while he smothers my heated face with light kisses.

I didn't expect any level of tenderness from someone like him, but I've never felt as adored as he cups my cheeks and scans over me repeatedly. "I truly can't believe you've agreed to be mine, but I need you to be more than my submissive. Every waking moment has been filled with thoughts of keeping you by my side and never letting you leave here again."

I'm taken by surprise, and I don't immediately know what to say while he removes my wrists from their bindings, then threads his fingers through mine to keep me captive beneath him. Red flags should be waving, but his words stir me, even if they're erring on the potentially unhinged and possessive. It's familiar and comforting beside him, and I thoroughly enjoy every moment we spend together, so I'm willing to look past it. I prefer his unrelenting nature than to being with someone who sees me as replaceable.

"Okay," I reply, meeting his stare as he hovers above me. "I feel the same about you, Master."

Liam smiles, pleased, then closes his eyes to sleep while continuing to hold me as he rolls over onto his back. I can't sleep yet, and after many minutes pass, I find myself staring at his peaceful features while he sleeps, unable to believe that such a man would want to be with me. This entire week has been an extraordinary experience in my mundane existence, living by the same routines since December, just to get through the day. He's fully upended it all with his arrival, by flipping the script and giving me something to be excited about again.

My hand pauses as I reach out to tuck the hair away from his eyes. I'm allowed to look but not touch his face without permission, however much I crave the connection. I know absolutely nothing about why he flinches at being touched, but my urge for contact cannot breach his non-negotiable, at least until he decides he's comfortable. Instead, I take that moment to look down at my stomach to find the branding he left upon me. It's a simple heart with his initials inside, confirming that I'm not the only one developing feelings. We're in dangerous territory where I could easily fall in love with this guy.

-----

I stretch between the covers, then curl back up sleepily within my warm cocoon like a contented cat. This bed is so luxuriously cosy that I dread returning to my own once the weekend is over. "Mm... I could sleep here all day."

I turn towards Liam's shoulder, hoping for lazy, morning snuggles if he's in a giving mood, but realise he's no longer next to me as he instead begins bouncing excitedly on the bed. His energy is something else after our late night. The only other time I've seen him like this was when he led me downstairs after our first time together. I glance at the alarm clock on the bedside cabinet and see it's already nine, so I sleepily sit up.

"So did you see what I gave you?" he asks eagerly.

"Yes. I really liked it. Thank—" He cuts an intimidating figure, looming over me, and then I spot the rattan cane in his hand. Immediately, I scramble into a submissive position on my knees and prostrate before him, annoyed with myself for not noticing the implement sooner. "Thank you, Master, for your thoughtful gift and for making me yours."

He playfully swats me on the back, then laughs carefree. "Get off your knees. I'm done for the moment."

We head down for breakfast, with him still clutching the cane. I'm dying to know what he needs it for, but I don't pester him. It's clearly for me, and I'll find out when it's time.

I sit down at the counter, and minutes later, Liam places some toast in front of me and a black coffee. I suspect he doesn't know how to cook anything other than this, and I might have to show him my prowess in the kitchen soon.

He eats his food where he stands, leaning against the countertop, and I sweep my eyes over his almost naked body, clothed in only a pair of jeans, becoming aroused at his virility. I'd quite like to be bent over this stool and spanked by the cane he's wielding until it snaps, I think dirtily.

"What is it, Lover? You haven't stopped staring."

I grow hot at his awareness. "It's just I've never seen someone so attractive before, Master."

Liam is rendered momentarily speechless and places the espresso he's been holding down. "Huh? I wasn't sure if you looked at me that way."

I rapidly nod my head. "Your body is incredible, Master... I wish I were allowed to touch it."

He smiles as he approaches me, then lifts my hand to place it on his bare chest. His smooth skin is firm with solid muscle beneath, just like I imagined. This is the first time I've touched a man I desire in such a way, and my fingers tingle with the need to examine him further. "Now what do you think?"

"I'd like to touch more of you," I reply instantly, with zero hesitation. "If it pleases you, Master?"

"Haha. Maybe when you earn it... And perhaps I'll even allow you to personally work out with me one day."

As if he's reading my mind as my attention drifts towards his mouth, he lifts my fingers to his lips, and I skim over the rough bristles of his stubble at his cupid bow. I could happily get carried away just touching him like this, without sex involved, to marvel at the way he feels. He's already discovered the majority of my erogenous zones, so I'm at a disadvantage knowing none of his.

"Uh..." The sigh rising within me slips out too easily. His handsome face feels and looks so good that I'm flooded with the urgent desire to kiss him.

I don't know if he can sense it too, but my feelings for him rush upon me as if I'm plummeting to the earth with a devastating thud. Everything about this man turns me on and keeps me captivated. From the way he dresses, his smooth voice, strength and the fluidity and surety of his movements. He is imposing yet sexy in everything he does, which is why I desperately need him and crave his touch.

"Now what is it, Lover?" He poses the question with a sincere look of worry. "Is something wrong?"

The realisation strikes me. "I think I love you."

"You'll know if you love me." He almost sounds disappointed.

We finish eating in silence, then I quickly load the plates and cups into his dishwasher, wishing I'd kept my mouth shut. I'm still very keen to continue our fun from last night, and I'm unashamed by my erection standing proud from the naughty thoughts swimming around in my head after our brief contact.

He raises an eyebrow, acknowledging my arousal, but he doesn't lead me back upstairs. Instead, he takes my hand and brings me to a large, lush orangery that opens out onto his vast garden. It's warm with the sun flooding in through the leaded windows.

He sits on a cream-upholstered loveseat, then motions for me to join him and to rest my head in his lap. As soon as I lie down, he seizes my arm in his vice-like grip. I glance up at his face, but there's no malice in his eyes.

"Tell me about yourself," he says, giving me his full attention. "I know snippets from what I've found out through Charlotte and James. I don't know anything from the past six months except that you spent time in the hospital again."

I consider it for a bit and decide it's best to be truthful about this, so there are no surprises later. "I thought you already knew, but I had a significant breakdown, so I was sectioned against my wishes. I found it impossible to see a way forward at the time, so I-I tried to—You know... but I feel like I'm doing better now."

Liam doesn't look the slightest bit shocked. "Ah. I suspected that was the reason, but wanted to hear it from you. Over your daughter, I presume?"

"Yes, and I haven't found her yet," I sigh regrettably. "It's something that's always going to weigh on me."

He nods, then strokes a small scar on the side of my chest, ignoring the glaringly obvious ones and tickling me with the gentle touch. "Now tell me about this?"

"Oh, that? I had a car accident. Some drunk driver went into the side of me back in September."

"Ah, so that's how you injured your leg? I wondered why you were weaker on one side."

"Is it still that noticeable? I was immobilised for some time and needed physio, but it was a clean break at least. It took me a while to get upstairs, though, so I moved back into my dad's after I left the hospital," I respond, continuing to open up for him. "That's when she... I guess, realised she wanted to end it with me. It spiralled off from there."

"But it's reassuring that even after all that, you're still going. Even after you— It makes me feel like I can't break you easily." He sighs softly before moving on. "As you probably suspect, I find it hard to gain pleasure unless I can inflict pain or humiliate someone. If I can't do that, then I'm unable to have sex. It's rare for me to meet someone who can keep up with me like you."

"Oh, I didn't know that. So how did you get into this?"

Liam doesn't say anything for a moment, but then starts stroking my hair. "You truthfully want to know? Well, I went to an all-boys boarding school, so it wasn't until my oldest brother's wedding that I'd even met a woman. She was beautiful, a year older than me at seventeen, and we chatted for a whole year online about our first time before I finally got to meet her again. I ended up losing my virginity to her just before my eighteenth birthday in the pool house. It was clumsy with both our inexperience and immaturity, but I tied her up as we'd planned, and using only my hand and her hairbrush, I left her with some fantastic red marks. I suppose it just came naturally to me."

I nod, letting him know I want him to continue.

"It turned out that my mother had invited people over, so we got caught together, and I never got to see her again. My mother was hysterical about being embarrassed in front of her peers and had me thrown from the home straight into therapy. She was showing them around because they were planning to use her garden for some kind of charity tea party."

"I'm sorry that happened to you, Liam."

"Don't be, and it didn't matter once I was sent off to university. I flunked, but I had so much freedom and ended up meeting James through a friend. Lots of eye-opening experiences during my visits to clubs. It was everything my parents disapproved of. Sex, drugs, orgies, with both men and women. I didn't care who as long as bondage or humiliation was involved. I found I enjoyed being watched quite a lot and experimenting with various situations."

I remain riveted, wishing he'll elaborate with stories. Hearing him talk about his earlier experiences is intriguing. We had different upbringings, but here we were, together right now due to circumstances. "So then what happened?"

"When I came back from university, my parents placed me here, far out of their way. My mother would have tried setting me up for marriage if I hadn't horrified her friends so much, but no one wants someone like me for their daughter. She just counts her blessings that her other sons are normal enough in her eyes. I'm glad, though. A marriage of convenience would lead to two unhappy people."

"That sounds like a lot to go through, but it's great they allow you the freedom to do what you want now?"

"My parents don't know, well, my father at least, and despite having space to be myself, it's still hard to meet people, so I began these parties to find the right person for me. Most of the men and women I meet are only interested in the sex part, but I need the right stimulation... You're different, although we still need to find someone else. Have you got any idea of the kind of woman we should choose?"

"You'd like a woman to join us? I assumed it would be another man... I don't know how we'll meet someone who'll fit in with this."

"Just leave that part to James. He'll just do what I pay him to do and invite anyone who may be of interest. So what kind of woman are you attracted to?"

I think back upon Louise and Charlotte, who are completely different. Louise is naturally beautiful and wore minimal makeup when I met her, intelligent and unlike those I'd dated before, which originally interested me. Charlotte, on the other hand, likes the psychobilly style and red lipstick with a smoky cat eye is her signature look. Everything about her screams danger, and my on-edge state drew me towards her. I'd rather not be with anyone who resembles either of them.

"No one like either of my exes," I shrug with little interest. I'd prefer not to complicate our relationship with another.

"I know what Charlotte looks like, but I have no idea about the other one, so you'll have to show me a picture of her sometime? I'm interested," he says, giving me a brief flash of a smile. "I'm looking forward to watching you fuck someone else. Passing you back and forth between us and filming while we exhaust you."

"You want to wear me out?" I bite my lip, turned on by the idea. I just hope that it works out the way he plans. "If that's what you want?"

"Yes, until you're too tired and need to safe out," he grins wickedly. "You're blushing again. Do you like the idea of being fucked by two different people? Have you had a threesome before?"

"Yes. Kinda, I suppose."

He immediately brightens. "So, I won't be your first? Well, that's a shame. Two women?"

"No. An ex-girlfriend and my best friend."

"Oh, so you have already slept with your best friend! But you told me I was your first man? Did you lie to me?" he chastises.

"We only slept with the woman at the same time. She invited him into my bed whilst we were fooling about, and it shouldn't have happened. Actually, to be truthful, it happened twice, the second with Becka, and I thought for sure I'd end up doing something, but he put a stop to it before anything went further. He definitely doesn't like me that way, so that's as far as we've been."

Liam stops smiling, and a change comes over him as he stares out of the window. It's the same pensive look he had in the bath last week. A moment later, his hand tightens on my hair, and I feel a tingle down the back of my neck as he picks up his cane.

He rises to his feet, then strides out the patio doors, pulling me along with him by the arm and down the paved steps to the lawn. He gives me a sudden, sharp tug, and I land on the grass before he continues to drag me. His body glows under the sweltering rays of the sun, magnificent in all of his naked glory. Broad-shouldered with muscular biceps, legs and back with the crop grasped tightly in his hand, I find him awe-inspiring. He glances back, and I sigh, enchanted once more.

He lets go of my arm, not tired in the least at the exertion, but I don't dare to move. We're in the middle of his garden on the lawn, and I can spot another estate close by. If someone wanted to spy, it would be possible. The excitement from the woods returns.

Liam kicks me over onto my front. "Spread for me," he demands.

I stretch out my arms and legs, my face growing heated at the thought of being witnessed by a neighbour. He strikes me hard and relentlessly with the cane on my thighs and arse under the blazing heat of summer. My sweat stings on the welts, and I cry out with every strike, with tears forming in my eyes from the intensity of it. Liam appears to be feeling exceptionally brutal, incensed, I suppose, by my admission about Justin, and I know he is taking great delight in it.

I pant, exhausted and unsure if I can handle the savage fucking he is sure to give me next. It is so damn hot.

Without warning, he strikes me gently on my inner leg, which makes me freeze, knowing how close he is to something else. I remember being curious and wanting to try it, even to the point of ticking the amber box on the check sheet. He repeats it several times, edging ever closer, hinting towards my first soft limit he desires. I need to back out now and use my safeword if I want to stop this.

"Breathe..." he urges me.

I take several deep breaths, trying to steady myself as he pauses. I brace myself as my moment to stop passes.

He strikes me, and it takes a second to register. With my fingertips digging into the grass, I let out a howl. The pain radiates through me, lurching into my stomach and downwards. He delays the next strike to give me a chance to deal with it, but I don't use my safeword and take some rescue breaths. He repeats it, and I whimper as the wave of pain sweeps over me once again. On the third one, I'm done and ready to curl into a ball.

"Spaceship," I cry out.

He pulls me up to my hands and knees, then takes me on the grass, with his lubed cock jutting from his unfastened jeans, gripping my hips firmly as he rams aggressively. My body is burning, both from the scorching heat and agony throbbing throughout me. It feels animalistic and raw, and I maintain my grip on the grass, tensing up.

"Breathe," Liam reminds me. As his breathing becomes heavy, he slows down and takes leisurely thrusts, withholding from his orgasm to prolong his enjoyment. "Play with yourself."

I do as I'm told and release the grass. Gently, I touch myself and feel my body begin to relax, easing into the pleasure. As Liam picks up his speed, I match him, and this time he doesn't slow as he gets close and cums noisily.

He pants as he regains his breath, but he doesn't withdraw until I orgasm onto the grass moments later. We're both exhausted, and I'm starting to feel low like last week. Unexpectedly, Liam brushes his lips over my shoulders and kisses me before he stands up.

His hand grabs my ankle, then he drags me back towards the patio area. Picking up a hosepipe, he turns on the tap and hoses down the flowers around the patio whilst I watch him curiously and queasy with discomfort. Everyone knows you shouldn't water plants in the heat. He then switches it towards me and sprays me with a freezing jet of cold water with a massive grin on his face. It's brisk, and I let out a yell of shock.

"Want a water fight?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. "Stay there. I've got some Super Soakers somewhere. I knew they'd get used someday."

He sprints off, giving me no chance to answer, and I remain sitting in the puddle he's left me in. His sudden change is incredulous, but it's an invitation to relax, have fun and bond, perhaps in a bid to lift my mood. He returns ten minutes later, wearing some swimming trunks and holding two huge super-soakers. They're the kind my parents wouldn't buy me when I was a kid because they were too expensive, and my jaw drops at the unusual sight of him.

Liam beams with joy. "I saw this, and it was so big and impressive that I couldn't help myself!"

"That's what she said," I add quietly, unable to resist.

"That's what? What?!" he splutters, eyes widened with confusion.

I snigger, and he looks at me wildly for an explanation.

"That's... what... she... said," I reply, slowly stressing every word.

I wait. The realisation then crosses his face a few beats later, and I burst into a cackle at his delay. He is much easier to tease than I'd taken him for.

"Did you make a joke? Am I a joke to you?" he asks incredulously.

I may be in trouble, but instead, he sprays me in the face, throws a pair of trunks and then the other soaker at my feet. He runs off across the lawn and disappears behind some trees, gleefully laughing.

I pull the trunks on, thankful for a bit of modesty, then I fill up my soaker from the tap. Despite what we had just done, he also has a carefree side. I can have fun with him, and I feel happier than I have for some time as I race after him towards the trees which sit on a small hill, not knowing where I'm going. The bushes are thick, reducing the light. He could be anywhere, hidden beneath the trees or within the shadows, but I follow the pathing stones until I stroll beneath a pergola hanging with a cascade of pale blue wisteria.

The warmth of the sun on my face draws my attention, so I stop and become momentarily blinded before raising my hand over my eyes. Flowers frame the gap in the structure as I gaze upon the breathtaking view, which could rival the picturesque romanticism of a Kentish castle garden I visited with my mother, a lifetime ago.

I'm beyond awed by this place, enveloped by the heady, intense aroma of old English roses, that I momentarily forget the reality of why I'm here and the type of person this all belongs to. This peaceful beauty is so far flung from those streets I fell apart on, and I never want to return to that.

I take a moment to commit this to memory and smile. I wish I could stay here with him forever.

"What do you look so happy about?" Liam demands from behind me, spraying me down. I turn and see he is still pointing his Super Soaker at me as I lean back against the wooden frame.

"I'm not telling," I tease. "You're gonna have to make me."

"Really? Well, I have my ways to get you to talk, lover-boy." He lowers the toy, then pulls me up against his firm chest in a tender embrace. I let out a sigh as he kisses me passionately and strokes my face. I'm unable to look away from his vivid eyes that quickly soften and crease with warmth as he breaks away. "I wanted you to follow me here. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"It really is... I love it."

Liam's cheeks adorably become pink. "It may sound absurd and completely irrational, but I'm serious about you, Matt. Please stay here with me from now on?"

His handsome face appears sincere as he waits expectantly for my response. I don't want to deny him when he's asking me so sweetly.

I take both of his hands within mine, which he surprisingly allows. "I will need to speak to my dad. He's trying to keep me safe, and he's worried about me."

"Does he know what you are?"

"He knows I'm a masochist, and he doesn't understand me... I suspect he knows about other things too, but I doubt he'll accept it, especially when he wants me to wait for my ex to return, which will never happen."

"Maybe if you invite him over? I'll meet with him. I am your boyfriend."

Boyfriend? I blush at the memory from last night of him asking me to be his partner. This isn't casual, and it makes sense to establish some meaning early on so we both know where we stand. I just never imagined how different my life would be from a year ago.

"I still don't know if it's a good idea, but sure. I can try."

He continues holding my hands and leads me to a worn wooden bench, where we sit down together. Liam rests his leg across his knee and turns slightly to face me, growing animated. "I want to get to know you more. Are you interested in music or films? What's your favourite type of food and colour? Tell me everything."

"Well, I love rock and metal music. I can play the guitar, and some have said I can sing, although I'm not sure I believe them. I enjoy action films; martial arts ones mostly, and Thai and Japanese cuisine is my favourite, but I'm not particularly fussy. I like dark blue colours."

"How well do you play? I can play the piano, but only because it was expected of me. I enjoy a wide variety of music. I like classical, but I also think bands like Muse are wonderful. I like French and Italian food. My favourite colour is also blue."

"I can play well, I guess? I've been playing since I was eleven, but I'll play for you next time. I'm very familiar with Muse. What's your favourite album? I can't choose between Showbiz or Origin of Symmetry."

"It would have to be Origin of Symmetry for me. Can you play any of the songs?"

"Sure can..." I shrug.

He smiles warmly for the first time. There is no hint of arrogance or malevolence. He said he would never show me weakness, but I want to know the delicate side to him, too, and I start to feel a glow within myself that I haven't felt in a while.

He leans in and kisses me again romantically, and I open to him, allowing his tongue to caress mine. I want this person in my life, and I'm sure he feels the same as I do. After some moments, he parts from me. "I want to help you find your daughter, Matt. I've been thinking about it since you told me. It's not right that you haven't been able to see her."

"Really? You would help me?"

"Yes," he says seriously as he squeezes my hand. "I need to check in on one of my clubs tonight, but I'll reach out to some of my contacts and James to get the ball rolling. I promise we'll find her."

"Thank you. I really appreciate any help you can give," I reply, blown away by his kindness. His benevolence is astounding, and again, I feel like he is not entirely mortal. "I don't know what I've done to deserve you."