Chapter Eight - The Fine Line
Warning: This chapter contains BDSM between consenting adults. Please avoid if this is not your thing.
Back to Chapter Seven
Break my body with the back of your hand
Doesn't make sense from where I stand
Baby, baby, why you wanna mess it up
Sooner or later, I’ll find my place
Find my body, better fix my face
Please don't ask me
How I’ve been getting off
No, please don't ask me
How I’ve been getting off
It's a fine line between pleasure and pain
You've done it once, you can do it again
Whatever you’ve done, don't try to explain
It's a fine, fine line between pleasure and pain
'Pleasure and Pain' Divinyls
Sawyer breathed in deeply, closing his eyes and pulling the bindings on his arms taut. It had been far too long since he'd visited Naveen. The man could be the most irritating bastard when he was playing it cool, but Sawyer always ended up giving in first, no matter how annoyed he got with the game. He was stretched out across the satin sheets, hands protected by silk cloth wrapped around his wrists and tied together in leather thongs that were attached to the wooden headboard. His legs were tied separately and spread apart to the bottom bedposts as he lay on his stomach awaiting Naveen's pleasure... and his own.
Naveen was the only one of Marton's whores who drew Sawyer back time and again for the best treatment he knew of anywhere about these parts. While Sawyer would happily dip his wick with any of the other whores to test them out or in order to make Naveen want him more, it was Naveen alone that kept him tied to this place... and these bedposts. Much as Sawyer enjoyed the perks that being a favored client gave him, the only perk he really needed was Naveen.
Sawyer opened his mouth to speak, and then thought better of it. When he was laid out like this, the sultry East Indian was in charge, and he did not take kindly to Sawyer displeasing him. Sawyer smiled to himself. He'd keep that insult for a bit later on -- when he needed that extra lash.
Naveen moved slowly through the room, his eyes constantly fixed on the man spread out on the bed. He would never admit it to his face, but Sawyer was undoubtedly his favorite client. No one else was as responsive as he was; there wasn't anyone else whom he could bring to the levels he took Sawyer. It definitely made his job more enjoyable. His bare feet were silent on the floor, so Sawyer could never be sure where he was. He moved to the locked cupboard where his toys were kept, and turned the key, the noise seeming loud in the quiet room.
Sawyer licked lips gone dry, turning his head from one side to the other, trying to figure out where Naveen was, when he heard the click of the key to the 'toy' cupboard. Sawyer gulped, closing his eyes, allowing the quiet anticipation to thrill through him. Christ! No matter how many times he came here, he never knew quite what to expect, and that was half the pleasure. What would it be tonight?
Removing the needed items, Naveen glanced back at Sawyer. He could tell the other man was getting himself worked up by the slightly tensed muscles in his back and the almost-silent noise he made.
Coming up along Sawyer's side, he crouched next to the gambler's ear and lowly murmured, "Not a sound tonight, or you'll go without."
Standing once more, Naveen moved out of his client's peripheral. The soft leather strands of a cat teased along the long lines of his back. With a slight flick, the whip landed softly on the soft flesh of Sawyer's backside. A warm hand followed, rubbing away any possible ache.
Sawyer gulped again as Naveen whispered thrillingly in his ear, the words sending a shiver right through him. He nodded faintly and held still once more, waiting for the inevitable strike. The movement of the material down his back made his lip tremble and when the whip landed, he couldn't help his flinch, although he managed to obey the command to keep quiet. But Naveen was only just getting started -- this was nothing compared to what he could do once he truly got underway.
The whip flicked lightly once more. Enough to sting on bare skin, but not nearly as much as the cat was capable of. Naveen rubbed at the pinking skin again, then lightly spanked the man. First on the left, then on the right. Once more the soft strands of the flogger trailed over the skin. Another crack, and Naveen set the whip aside. He was working Sawyer up, getting him prepared for the pleasure and pain that was to come. It was only what the man deserved after his actions of late. Naveen picked up a wooden paddle, and without giving a hint as to what implement he was using, brought it down quickly against the lower part of his client's behind.
The second flick made Sawyer hiss lightly, and he closed his eyes once more as Naveen rubbed where he'd whipped. Oh yes! He bit at his lip as the action continued, stopping any whimpers before they could escape.
He could hear Naveen put the cat down, but not willing to look, Sawyer took another deep breath to hold onto the anticipation again. The paddle came down hard and fast and it was all Sawyer could do not to bite his own tongue. There was no way he could stop the gasp, and he winced slightly at the thought of it being more than Naveen would want to hear as the heat spread through him, rippling outwards from his hot ass.
Naveen frowned at the gasp. He scraped his nails over the tender area of Sawyer's arse, trying to see if the man would break and make another noise, or if he would hold up to the treatment and do as he was told
"I heard about what you did, Josh." The paddle came down five times, each time with increasing intensity.
He wasn't planning to discuss the subject anymore, at least not at this time. Let the man stew over what Naveen could have meant by that. Was he happy, or upset? That was for Sawyer to figure out.
The nails were always one of the hardest things to keep quiet over, but somehow Sawyer managed. His eyes flew open wide at Naveen's next words though and he could feel his heartbeat increase. Then the paddle struck, harder each time, until Sawyer couldn't help but push his hips up so that his ass met it on the down strokes. The effort of doing this wrenched another gasp, louder this time, from his tightening throat, and he waited anxiously to find out what more punishment Naveen had in store for his transgression, whatever it was.
Naveen gave a disappointed sigh, setting down the paddle. He simply said, "I warned you," as he moved away from the bed, over to a chaise lounge that occupied a corner of the room. He adjusted himself in his loose, flowing pants, and an idea came to him.
Knowing that he was completely out of Sawyer's line of vision, he pulled his trousers off, and settled once more into the chaise. He was already hardening from their play, and the anguish he imagined the gambler would go through when he found out that Naveen was pleasuring himself where the man couldn't watch made the pro's cock swell even more. He hissed quietly as he wrapped his hand around himself, tugging gently.
"No, wait..." Sawyer begged, knowing it barely mattered if he spoke now. He twisted his head but he couldn't see Naveen. Breathing heavily, he tried to quiet himself so he could hear what was happening. It took several deep breaths before he could hear past his own blood pulsing loudly in his ears, but the short hiss told him all he needed to know. "Don't..." he whimpered, wishing he could at least see.
Licking his lips desperately, Sawyer trembled as he tried to still himself and encourage the caramel-skinned beauty back to the bed by behaving as he knew he should have from the start.
"Why should I?" Naveen continued to slowly stroke himself, one hand moving down to manipulate his sac. "You didn't do as I asked. Why would I think you'd do any better now?"
He let his head loll back as his pleasure grew. He knew he couldn't let this particular game go on much longer, because Sawyer was paying for his affections (if they could be called that) and not lack thereof. But for now, he knew he was driving the man mad with lust. And rather enjoying it himself.
Sawyer trembled more as he tried to keep his hips still. His heated backside was crying out for attention and the more he could hear Naveen's evident enjoyment, the more his aching cock pulsed under him.
"I'll do whatever you want..." he pleaded, "I'll suck your cock, I'll kneel at your feet and let you fuck my mouth, just please, please, don't stay over there!" It was too much, and he began to writhe, shaking at his bonds, desperate to turn and see the expression in sultry dark eyes. Truly, Sawyer would do just about anything Naveen asked now. "Punish me more, I know I've been bad," he cried, the desperation rising.
Standing, Naveen crossed to his client on the bed. "Are you telling me what to do, Joshua? Since when do you decide what you do and do not deserve?" He brushed Sawyer's hair from his face, his eyes intent. "And how exactly were you bad? By disobeying me and speaking? Or was it from getting in the fight? Maybe it had to do with the fact we agreed you were no longer to be going to the less-than-reputable establishments, as rarely as they are healthy."
Naveen silently thanked his blessings once more that he worked for Marton, where he was kept well-fed and warm.
His still-petting fingers tightened in Sawyer's hair. "Well? What is your answer?"
Closing his eyes for a moment as Naveen gripped his hair, Sawyer thought on what the man had said. He loved it when Naveen called him Joshua. No-one else ever did. Most of them had been calling him 'Sawyer' for so long, the alias he had given to the club in the early days, he even thought of himself that way. Occasionally the whore called him Josh, but Joshua in that tone? The voice alone stroking over the word could almost make him come by itself.
Almost.
He wasn't sure what answer Naveen was looking for, but he opened his eyes again, gulping as he took a stab at the right one. "By going to those places?" he managed through his tightening throat, "Warrick doesn't mean anything to me, you know that! I just... I... needed... you weren't available, I had to..." he stammered, fear widening his eyes.
Sawyer didn't really know why he was so compelled to try out the dives he found himself in from time to time, but the picture of Warrick that Ransome had painted had made it irresistible, no matter that Sawyer preferred Naveen over all the other whores he'd ever been with. Maybe he only did it to be punished more? Even he couldn't be completely sure.
Naveen exhaled sharply through his nose, loosening his grip on Sawyer's hair. "What you did with Warrick was commendable. Obviously, very few men would be willing to do what you did, or he would have been taken from there long before. You made me proud. Even if you did break the rules."
Not often did he share with Sawyer his true feelings, especially when they involved the man himself. He could get hurt that way, especially by the client lying next to him.
"But no more going to those places. Only the approved ones." A small smile teased at his lips. "Even if you do tend to sleep with more men than I do, I'd rather you wouldn't offer your arsehole to any whore who will take your money."
A smile almost came to Sawyer's lips at the same time as a warm feeling spread through his body. He'd made Naveen proud. But the rest of the Dom's words gave him pause and he felt his heart speed up again.
"I swear..." he started, lips quivering as he looked into the deep brown eyes that he'd do almost anything to gain the approval of, "...no more filthy bathhouses... just the places you let me." Naveen's last words were almost an admission of love to Sawyer's ears. The man didn't want Sawyer to go with just anyone! His asshole was private property - or at least that's how it seemed. The rush of pleasure this thought brought to him was akin to the fire he felt when Naveen punished Sawyer physically and he whimpered with need. "No, no more..." he muttered, writhing against his bonds and scraping his aching cock against the bedding. Then he cried out, his need almost too much to bear, "Oh, God, please!"
"Sawyer, I had thought you were better than that. You agree, but only so you can attempt to coerce me into letting you be the one in charge."
Not that the man was really doing that, and Naveen knew it. A plea for attention wasn't an order, but the whore was thrown off by how the conversation had been going. His job - his life - was hurting the clients, and then having sex with them. It didn't involve deeper feelings. And the look in Josh's eyes...
Naveen stood, his still-hard cock nearly missing brushing against the other man's cheek. Picking up the paddle once more, he smacked it against his hand. It gave a satisfying crack, and he said, "I know you're probably gagging for cock by now, but you've not earned it yet."
"No, no..." Sawyer moaned, shaking his head so that his hair flew wildly across his eyes, "You're in charge! Always!"
God! The rigid cock so close in front of him had Sawyer opening his mouth even though he should know he'd never reach it, his tongue poking out just a little before he realized the futility of the action. Gulping hard and blinking as Naveen cracked the paddle against his hand, Sawyer turned his eyes upward to try to meet Naveen's instead of looking at the invitingly firm arousal still so close to him.
"Make me earn it!" he groaned, low and needy, his ass quivering with anticipation.
After a snort when Sawyer again tried to instruct him, Naveen pressed the flat of the paddle between the blond's pulled-apart legs, so it rested against his balls.
"Hmm... so many choices." He moved the paddle slightly, a mere arm twitch, so it made the other man keenly aware of what could possibly happen with it there. "Maybe the knotted cat? Or the stockwhip?" Both extreme toys that Naveen only used if the customer had a wish to be minced meat. They had never touched Sawyer, with good reason. "Or maybe I should just keep using this..." Another little jerk of the paddle, "...and the flogger until your arse is black?"
Squeezing his eyes shut tight as the paddle moved between his legs, Sawyer knew exactly what damage Naveen could do if he so chose. Of course, Sawyer was paying for this and that made him in charge in reality, but he'd have done anything Naveen suggested if it meant the beautiful but dangerous man loved him, although he wouldn't admit this properly to himself.
"You... you do whatever... whatever needs to be done," he forced out through a throat thickened with fear and desire as he opened his eyes again.
Sawyer could feel the paddle moving against his tender flesh and he hoped he'd said the right thing now. All he really wanted now was to feel Naveen's thick cock pounding mercilessly inside him, but he knew it had to be earned; that there had to be more flogging before that happened. The idea of the deliciousness of his boiling hot and bruised skin meeting with Naveen's cool hips as he was fucked into the firm bed made him whimper out loud, the anticipation almost too much to bear.
Naveen was struck by how absolutely beautiful Sawyer looked at that moment. This was when the man was his most stunning; it had to be. All of his snark taken out of him, trying so hard to be good. He couldn't hold still, and he still wasn't quiet, but in truth Naveen didn't mind. He loved knowing that his mere presence could affect the gambler so. Enough that he knew that Sawyer would do anything he asked for. It made the whore's chest tighten in a unfamiliar way.
"So it seems you can still be taught..." He removed the paddle, replacing it with his hand. He gave the man's balls a light squeeze and a pet for a reward. "Not quite useless yet."
"Teach me..." had been Sawyer's only words, and a slight hiss as his balls were squeezed, and then he was giving in to the beauty of the pain.
Naveen started paddling again, well-aimed blows that landed in the perfect spot that would indirectly stimulate Sawyer's pleasure center. He kept it up, for how long he wasn't sure. Fascinating, absorbing, all-consuming... these words didn't even begin to describe the feeling he got when he topped Sawyer. He could sit and watch the deepening pink of the man's backside, listen to his increasing cries, for the rest of eternity.
Swapping the paddle for the more stinging feeling of the flogger, Naveen brought it down hard against the tender flesh of the other man's backside. The man was obviously deep in his headspace, not even feeling the pain anymore.
"Let go, Joshua... just let go."
As it deepened and swirled, mixing with the pleasure and becoming one, then swirling again, making him cry out from time to time as the pain surfaced once more, Sawyer felt his heart tighten and expand. Then the pleasure would surface and surround him, causing him to gasp uncontrollably, his cock close to bursting. Even as the pain merged with the pleasure once more, it was all Sawyer could do not to cry out how much he loved Naveen for this.
Then the paddle was gone; after how long, Sawyer couldn't have even said. Time simply had no meaning when he was feeling this. The pain had almost completely disappeared by now, the searing pleasure of the flogger's sting driving him so far into a place that he truly never reached at anyone's hands but Naveen's that there wasn't room for it.
Through all this activity, he just managed to catch Naveen's words, and as he did, he bucked up to meet the item of supposed torture and groaned as his throbbing cock finally gave in and his climax ripped through him. Writhing uncontrollably now, he begged, knowing that if Naveen fucked him now, he could and would reach climax again as soon as the other man rode him hard and mercilessly.
No-one else could ever do that to him, but Naveen.
Naveen, Naveen, Naveen
The name even sounded like love when he was so far gone like this.
"Please... fuck me... please!"
Naveen was there in an instant, untying Sawyer's legs. He climbed onto the bed, pulling the man up by his hips, forcing his legs until they were folded beneath him. Now with his client's arse presented to him, the East Indian rolled his hips and pressed his cock into the crevice. He moaned loudly, honestly. The white-hot burning of Sawyer's skin felt so good against him. He humped against the gambler as his hand reached under to fondle the still-firm cock. He gathered as much of Josh's release as he could before bringing it back to grease his own cock. He was too excited to find oil. Then, without any further preparation, he began to push into Sawyer. His hips jerked, pressing him even farther in. The man was so tight. Like snug, warm velvet. Naveen's hips stuttered again.
"Oh, God, oh God, oh God!" Sawyer chanted as Naveen slid into him, the lubrication of his own seed barely enough for the job, but Sawyer didn't care. Hot, pulsing life scraped against every nerve-ending inside him, making him gasp, his lungs desperate to replace the air sucked out by the sheer intensity of pleasure.
He pushed back as best he could, savoring the coolness of Naveen's skin against his own heated ass, and spread himself as wide as he could under the circumstances. Growling with pleasure, he pulled at the bindings still holding his arms in place, causing the headboard to rattle.
"Fuck... fuck... fuck me!" Sawyer cried, unable to care how loud he was probably being.
Naveen's hand came down against Sawyer's arse, and he thrust particularly hard, as if to remind Sawyer that he was indeed fucking him. Sawyer was a wild ride, and Naveen absolutely loved taking him. He grasped Sawyer's shoulder, pulling the gambler back farther, which stretched his arms even more.
The additional pain as Naveen yanked at his shoulder and thrust into him even harder had Sawyer groaning at the duel feelings coursing through him. God! That it could be so intense! Unable to look behind himself, Sawyer dropped his head as low as he was able in order to push back against the man behind him. Let it go on forever; let it finish now! His own inner demons drove him, but it was the knowledge that this was Naveen; the dark and mysterious East Indian; the only man who could take him this far, that filled his senses.
Naveen looked down at where his cock sank into the gambler, his own darker skin sinking into the quickly deepening red of Sawyer's arse. The differences between them, more than just their skin but most strikingly obvious there, fascinated the Dom. He knew it did the same for the other man, and Sawyer always seemed to like his men dark.
He was briefly distracted by thoughts of the 'relationship' he had with Josh. More and more recently the man seemed to be showing a greater (albeit unsaid) devotion to him. Which was to be expected for any affair of their nature, but spelled nothing but doom for them. It could never work. Though it almost pained him to say it - because he would miss the money, he assured himself - he would most likely have to end it soon.
If only the whore would take no other, would save himself only for these moments, Sawyer would be happy. He need never visit any other men, surely, were that the case. But it was unlikely, he knew. Naveen had a job to do, and while there were times when Sawyer thought he caught a glimpse of something in the storm-filled eyes, he was probably only fooling himself into believing Naveen felt anything for him. It wouldn’t stop him trying to get a reaction though, and the punishment he always received for giving his attentions elsewhere were worth more than the money he spent. He could at least pretend there was something there when Naveen gave him what he needed so desperately.
Of course, Sawyer could probably find another whore willing to punish him; it was just a matter of looking, and perhaps there was someone who could be the other man's equal, but why even look when he had this to return to time and again? He certainly wasn't going to imagine that he felt more than a passing fondness for the sultry beauty, in any case, no matter what he wanted Naveen to feel. While it was Naveen's touch he needed these days, it definitely wasn't love. Could never be that.
Crying out loudly once more as Naveen pounded into him even more roughly, Sawyer tugged against the bindings further, not caring what sort of state he or they would be in when he was done. His second orgasm was spiraling up in his belly now, he could feel it… just once more harsh nudge and he'd be over the edge! Hopefully, the man pressed against him would be right there with him this time, and then they could collapse into a hot and sweaty tangle of heat, lust and breathless fulfillment. Maybe Naveen would even allow him a kiss from soft, spicy lips.
As his orgasm started to build, Naveen was snapped back to the present. The almost hypnotic spell of his cock pistoning in and out of the blond was broken, but his melancholy thoughts still lingered. He would have to discuss it with Marton and Marg, see what they thought of it and if it was worth losing the money that Sawyer brought in. He doubted the man would want to come back to see the other whores if Naveen himself was off limits.
Naveen could tell that the man beneath him was close. He was thrashing more than ever, and Naveen could see that Sawyer was starting to bleed from his wrists. Reaching forward, Naveen undid the bonds on one arm. Without letting Sawyer have enough time to do anything (like reach down and stroke himself,) Naveen pulled his arm around his back, twisting it unnaturally. His tongue snaked out to lap at the blood there, sending his own arousal spiraling higher.
"I think I should make you bleed, Joshua... Cut you deliberately, lick up your blood, and leave you with a mark that will stay on you forever, so that every whore you ever go with during the rest of your life knows my influence on you."
A parting gift.
Harsh breaths were torn from Sawyer's throat as Naveen twisted his arm up behind him, and he was feeling so light-headed already that the words almost made him stop breathing altogether. He groaned as Naveen thrust even more deeply, changing his angle slightly as he lapped at the blood on Sawyer's wrist, scraping across his most sensitive place and sending Sawyer deliciously over the edge. The image Naveen's words had imprinted in his brain... forever... He could completely picture it, this close to a zenith for him. He bucked uncontrollably as he spurted furiously hot come over bedding already stained from his previous release, internal muscles tightening as his fiery buttocks stung at every snap of Naveen's hips.
Pulling hard at the still-tied hand, Sawyer gasped again, close to passing out.
Naveen sucked in a deep breath as Sawyer started rippling around him. Divine... He slammed into the man five, six, seven times, then tensed. His eyes rolled back, and he sighed softly as all the tension seemed to flow out of him from his cock. He pulled his softening length out of its sheath, rubbing the wetness there on Sawyer's cheeks. He shoved the man down against the bed, grunting and rolling off the side of the mattress.
He had to separate himself. He knew the other man needed time to recuperate, but it was out of his character to 'cuddle.' There always some moments afterwards where Naveen would stay close, and make sure that Josh was still mentally sound... But tonight that felt wrong; he felt like he had to get as far away from his client as possible. Pouring himself into the chaise from earlier, Naveen sighed as he relaxed. He didn't have anymore appointments scheduled for the night, and hoped there would be no walk-ins. He was drained already.
Sawyer felt the loss of Naveen's presence keenly, the separation coming much sooner this time than it usually did. He collapsed down and lay panting for some minutes while his head cleared, uncaring that one arm was still tied to the headboard. Eventually though, he lifted his head, still breathing heavily, and carefully moved so he could untie himself. His back and arms ached and his ass throbbed, but he was completely satisfied. No-one could ever leave him feeling quite so drained and yet so charged somehow, other than Naveen.
Rolling slowly over, Sawyer hissed as his still-hot skin met the cool bedding, and he gazed through sated eyes at the relaxed and yet obviously worn out man across the room. Studying him carefully, he felt a pang of something he wasn't sure he wanted to acknowledge. He needed to touch the man again for some reason. Not be touched, or as before, punished by him; but to touch him, caress him even. Trying to fight the impulse, he looked away, but it was too strong and his eyes soon moved back to the silent man, seemingly ignoring him.
Finally, it was too much, and he moved. Sawyer slowly covered the few feet between them and tentatively touched the soft hair; so silky, so inviting. Wild strands curled around his face and down his back. Obviously Naveen had freed his long hair since moving from the bed. Naveen looked up at him, but he didn't speak and Sawyer took this as agreement of some kind, sitting down carefully in the space next to the man, hot skin sensitive against rough material.
"Will you let me kiss you?" he asked, still not daring to touch more than the man's hair, no matter that he was the one who paid here.
Naveen withheld the urge to jump when he felt a hand on his hair. He didn't expect Sawyer to come join him. The scene was over, Sawyer had been fucked. But he wasn't supposed to let go of his 'role' until the man was gone. Cool detachment was what he had to do. He looked up at Sawyer, but permitted the touching. It was nice. He felt like he was being worshipped. It was very nice, indeed. He could get used to Sawyer treating him this way. But then... the question. It threw him off even more, and he considered it. Why not? A simple kiss... it couldn't hurt.
Lying back against his client, Naveen's face was upturned and his mouth relaxed. If Sawyer wanted it, he had to take it.
Sawyer leaned against the back of the chaise as Naveen moved against him without speaking, one hand around the whore. Naveen's movement clearly gave his approval. Looking at the soft lips as he leaned closer, Sawyer smoothed the hand around Naveen up and down his upper arm lightly as he slowly pressed his mouth to the warmth of the beautiful man's. The touch was light, but the feeling inside him as he gently caressed his Dom's lips with his own was deeper than he was willing to contemplate. Without thought, he gave in to the taste, the spicy richness drawing him in, and before he could stop himself he was licking softly into the warm interior of Naveen's mouth, prolonging and intensifying the kiss.
The touch on his arm sent shudders through Naveen, and he dropped his eyes to the tanned fingers splayed across his bicep. He was distracted by the warm kiss, barely there but enough to make his head spin. His heart rate sped up, and his mouth opened in both surprise and pleasure. The tongue that slipped in felt odd; it had been so long since anyone had ever done that.
Naveen placed a hand on Sawyer's chest, unsure if he was steadying himself, or pushing away. His tongue chased Sawyer's back into the blond's mouth, tasting the dark smoky flavor of what Naveen assumed was whiskey. Finally, he was able to push himself away. His eyes were dilated, and he hissed something affirmative in his native Hindi under his breath. He pressed his face into Sawyer's chest, trying to regain control over his senses.
Naveen seemed to be giving in to the kiss, to Sawyer's surprise, as they had never really kissed like this before. Oh, there were kisses, but only when Sawyer truly deserved them, and then not usually anything like this. When his tongue was inside Sawyer's mouth, the gambler's mind went completely blank and he simply held on and savored. The hand on his chest felt uncertain, and his own heartbeat sped up at the touch.
Then Naveen drew away and whispered something foreign, something that sounded needy to Sawyer, and he was resting his head against the gambler's chest. Sawyer had an urge to pull him closer, to comfort, but he couldn't do that, not with Naveen. Looking down at the dark hair against his lighter skin he frowned, reaching up a hand and almost touching the soft curls again, but at the last minute he stopped himself, easing out from behind the other man, who immediately moved away too, allowing the separation.
Sawyer didn't look at Naveen's face as he located his clothes, slipping into them quickly and quietly, and then clearing his throat as he pulled on his boots.
"Thank you," he told Naveen, as he always did. One thing his Mama had taught him was to be polite when you had received something, whether you paid for it or not.
"Don't think I'll be around for a few days; perhaps you'll book me in for next week?" he asked casually, still not looking towards the other man, although he'd had every intention of returning to check on Warrick each day. He could still do that, using the outside stairs as long as the mulatto was in Sean's rooms, and if he came before noon, Naveen wouldn't see him anyway. Sawyer knew Naveen's routine well enough and he rarely rose before that time.
Naveen was torn in two, it felt like. He had spent most of his adult life sheltering himself from anything that required that sort of closeness. But since the beginning, Sawyer had pushed past all those barriers. Usually when a client came in, they told the people upstairs what they wanted Naveen to do, and he did it. With Sawyer... Naveen found himself planning their meetings, making surprises and pushing the man's boundaries. He thought about him at the oddest times. He had even dreamed about their scenes together. Only a handful of his other regulars (and the extremely bizarre) could have even one of those situations apply to them.
But now, Sawyer was distancing himself. The whore had felt the hand floating mere inches above his head, and his whole body had cried out for the touch. But it never came, and the man had pushed him away. The one time he let down his guard... the one time Sawyer could have truly gotten inside him, was pushed aside. He doubted it was a rejection... maybe fear? It didn't matter. The moment had passed.
Standing, Naveen walked to a hook on the wall, removing his silken robe. His pants still lay discarded on the floor, but he wanted immediate coverage. He spoke to the wall, his back to Sawyer, "I believe I am rather booked this next week, but I might have a slot available. As I don't keep the books, you'll have to ask elsewhere."
The words were no surprise to Sawyer. The man was popular, despite that some might think it odd so many men wanted to be whipped. Besides, Naveen liked to keep him at arms' length; he'd hardly be begging him to return immediately, no matter whether Sawyer indicated he wanted to or not. He nodded unseen, and knew he'd be making a booking, no matter how long he had to wait.
Sawyer stood up after adjusting his boots, finally looking at Naveen as the man's rear was presented to him. The beauty of his brown back, the muscles so well-formed and yet lean rather than overly developed, and the slim hips leading to firm buttocks over legs that just about begged to be touched... Sawyer admired it as the whore pulled on his robe. He truly was beautiful; it was no wonder Sawyer wanted him so much. There was no more to it than that, he told himself.
Turning back to face Sawyer, Naveen's whole being radiated the cool indifference of a whore. This man was a client, no more, no less. He had paid and Naveen's job was done. If Sawyer wanted to pay for another session, then that would be fine. If someone truly knew the man, however, they would know that the words were said with a hint of venom, in hopes of eliciting a response. He just wasn't sure which response he wanted.
"Take some salve on the way out, Mr. Holloway. You don't want to suffer any permanent damage."
When Naveen turned, the expression was back to the hooded look Sawyer usually received once their dealings were over. Normally, this wasn't really a problem as it was no more than Sawyer expected, but tonight, for some reason, he didn't like it. And when Naveen called him Mr Holloway instead of 'Josh', or even 'Sawyer' as he had been known to, Sawyer felt cut off somehow; put in his place by the tone, not so different from usual, but there was definitely something harsh there this time.
He swallowed, looking away from the cool gaze before Naveen could see anything he shouldn't. The Dom seemed able to see right through him sometimes and Sawyer had some small fear that this would be one of those times.
"I'll do that," he agreed, picking up his hat and placing it on his head, the pang of hurt pushed away before he could make a fool of himself, "and I'll see you when I see you, Mr. Andrews. Thank you again."
With a slight dip of his head in farewell, Sawyer pushed the door open and walked out.
Word Count: ~6212
Chapter Nine
Back to Chapter Seven
Break my body with the back of your hand
Doesn't make sense from where I stand
Baby, baby, why you wanna mess it up
Sooner or later, I’ll find my place
Find my body, better fix my face
Please don't ask me
How I’ve been getting off
No, please don't ask me
How I’ve been getting off
It's a fine line between pleasure and pain
You've done it once, you can do it again
Whatever you’ve done, don't try to explain
It's a fine, fine line between pleasure and pain
'Pleasure and Pain' Divinyls
Sawyer breathed in deeply, closing his eyes and pulling the bindings on his arms taut. It had been far too long since he'd visited Naveen. The man could be the most irritating bastard when he was playing it cool, but Sawyer always ended up giving in first, no matter how annoyed he got with the game. He was stretched out across the satin sheets, hands protected by silk cloth wrapped around his wrists and tied together in leather thongs that were attached to the wooden headboard. His legs were tied separately and spread apart to the bottom bedposts as he lay on his stomach awaiting Naveen's pleasure... and his own.
Naveen was the only one of Marton's whores who drew Sawyer back time and again for the best treatment he knew of anywhere about these parts. While Sawyer would happily dip his wick with any of the other whores to test them out or in order to make Naveen want him more, it was Naveen alone that kept him tied to this place... and these bedposts. Much as Sawyer enjoyed the perks that being a favored client gave him, the only perk he really needed was Naveen.
Sawyer opened his mouth to speak, and then thought better of it. When he was laid out like this, the sultry East Indian was in charge, and he did not take kindly to Sawyer displeasing him. Sawyer smiled to himself. He'd keep that insult for a bit later on -- when he needed that extra lash.
Naveen moved slowly through the room, his eyes constantly fixed on the man spread out on the bed. He would never admit it to his face, but Sawyer was undoubtedly his favorite client. No one else was as responsive as he was; there wasn't anyone else whom he could bring to the levels he took Sawyer. It definitely made his job more enjoyable. His bare feet were silent on the floor, so Sawyer could never be sure where he was. He moved to the locked cupboard where his toys were kept, and turned the key, the noise seeming loud in the quiet room.
Sawyer licked lips gone dry, turning his head from one side to the other, trying to figure out where Naveen was, when he heard the click of the key to the 'toy' cupboard. Sawyer gulped, closing his eyes, allowing the quiet anticipation to thrill through him. Christ! No matter how many times he came here, he never knew quite what to expect, and that was half the pleasure. What would it be tonight?
Removing the needed items, Naveen glanced back at Sawyer. He could tell the other man was getting himself worked up by the slightly tensed muscles in his back and the almost-silent noise he made.
Coming up along Sawyer's side, he crouched next to the gambler's ear and lowly murmured, "Not a sound tonight, or you'll go without."
Standing once more, Naveen moved out of his client's peripheral. The soft leather strands of a cat teased along the long lines of his back. With a slight flick, the whip landed softly on the soft flesh of Sawyer's backside. A warm hand followed, rubbing away any possible ache.
Sawyer gulped again as Naveen whispered thrillingly in his ear, the words sending a shiver right through him. He nodded faintly and held still once more, waiting for the inevitable strike. The movement of the material down his back made his lip tremble and when the whip landed, he couldn't help his flinch, although he managed to obey the command to keep quiet. But Naveen was only just getting started -- this was nothing compared to what he could do once he truly got underway.
The whip flicked lightly once more. Enough to sting on bare skin, but not nearly as much as the cat was capable of. Naveen rubbed at the pinking skin again, then lightly spanked the man. First on the left, then on the right. Once more the soft strands of the flogger trailed over the skin. Another crack, and Naveen set the whip aside. He was working Sawyer up, getting him prepared for the pleasure and pain that was to come. It was only what the man deserved after his actions of late. Naveen picked up a wooden paddle, and without giving a hint as to what implement he was using, brought it down quickly against the lower part of his client's behind.
The second flick made Sawyer hiss lightly, and he closed his eyes once more as Naveen rubbed where he'd whipped. Oh yes! He bit at his lip as the action continued, stopping any whimpers before they could escape.
He could hear Naveen put the cat down, but not willing to look, Sawyer took another deep breath to hold onto the anticipation again. The paddle came down hard and fast and it was all Sawyer could do not to bite his own tongue. There was no way he could stop the gasp, and he winced slightly at the thought of it being more than Naveen would want to hear as the heat spread through him, rippling outwards from his hot ass.
Naveen frowned at the gasp. He scraped his nails over the tender area of Sawyer's arse, trying to see if the man would break and make another noise, or if he would hold up to the treatment and do as he was told
"I heard about what you did, Josh." The paddle came down five times, each time with increasing intensity.
He wasn't planning to discuss the subject anymore, at least not at this time. Let the man stew over what Naveen could have meant by that. Was he happy, or upset? That was for Sawyer to figure out.
The nails were always one of the hardest things to keep quiet over, but somehow Sawyer managed. His eyes flew open wide at Naveen's next words though and he could feel his heartbeat increase. Then the paddle struck, harder each time, until Sawyer couldn't help but push his hips up so that his ass met it on the down strokes. The effort of doing this wrenched another gasp, louder this time, from his tightening throat, and he waited anxiously to find out what more punishment Naveen had in store for his transgression, whatever it was.
Naveen gave a disappointed sigh, setting down the paddle. He simply said, "I warned you," as he moved away from the bed, over to a chaise lounge that occupied a corner of the room. He adjusted himself in his loose, flowing pants, and an idea came to him.
Knowing that he was completely out of Sawyer's line of vision, he pulled his trousers off, and settled once more into the chaise. He was already hardening from their play, and the anguish he imagined the gambler would go through when he found out that Naveen was pleasuring himself where the man couldn't watch made the pro's cock swell even more. He hissed quietly as he wrapped his hand around himself, tugging gently.
"No, wait..." Sawyer begged, knowing it barely mattered if he spoke now. He twisted his head but he couldn't see Naveen. Breathing heavily, he tried to quiet himself so he could hear what was happening. It took several deep breaths before he could hear past his own blood pulsing loudly in his ears, but the short hiss told him all he needed to know. "Don't..." he whimpered, wishing he could at least see.
Licking his lips desperately, Sawyer trembled as he tried to still himself and encourage the caramel-skinned beauty back to the bed by behaving as he knew he should have from the start.
"Why should I?" Naveen continued to slowly stroke himself, one hand moving down to manipulate his sac. "You didn't do as I asked. Why would I think you'd do any better now?"
He let his head loll back as his pleasure grew. He knew he couldn't let this particular game go on much longer, because Sawyer was paying for his affections (if they could be called that) and not lack thereof. But for now, he knew he was driving the man mad with lust. And rather enjoying it himself.
Sawyer trembled more as he tried to keep his hips still. His heated backside was crying out for attention and the more he could hear Naveen's evident enjoyment, the more his aching cock pulsed under him.
"I'll do whatever you want..." he pleaded, "I'll suck your cock, I'll kneel at your feet and let you fuck my mouth, just please, please, don't stay over there!" It was too much, and he began to writhe, shaking at his bonds, desperate to turn and see the expression in sultry dark eyes. Truly, Sawyer would do just about anything Naveen asked now. "Punish me more, I know I've been bad," he cried, the desperation rising.
Standing, Naveen crossed to his client on the bed. "Are you telling me what to do, Joshua? Since when do you decide what you do and do not deserve?" He brushed Sawyer's hair from his face, his eyes intent. "And how exactly were you bad? By disobeying me and speaking? Or was it from getting in the fight? Maybe it had to do with the fact we agreed you were no longer to be going to the less-than-reputable establishments, as rarely as they are healthy."
Naveen silently thanked his blessings once more that he worked for Marton, where he was kept well-fed and warm.
His still-petting fingers tightened in Sawyer's hair. "Well? What is your answer?"
Closing his eyes for a moment as Naveen gripped his hair, Sawyer thought on what the man had said. He loved it when Naveen called him Joshua. No-one else ever did. Most of them had been calling him 'Sawyer' for so long, the alias he had given to the club in the early days, he even thought of himself that way. Occasionally the whore called him Josh, but Joshua in that tone? The voice alone stroking over the word could almost make him come by itself.
Almost.
He wasn't sure what answer Naveen was looking for, but he opened his eyes again, gulping as he took a stab at the right one. "By going to those places?" he managed through his tightening throat, "Warrick doesn't mean anything to me, you know that! I just... I... needed... you weren't available, I had to..." he stammered, fear widening his eyes.
Sawyer didn't really know why he was so compelled to try out the dives he found himself in from time to time, but the picture of Warrick that Ransome had painted had made it irresistible, no matter that Sawyer preferred Naveen over all the other whores he'd ever been with. Maybe he only did it to be punished more? Even he couldn't be completely sure.
Naveen exhaled sharply through his nose, loosening his grip on Sawyer's hair. "What you did with Warrick was commendable. Obviously, very few men would be willing to do what you did, or he would have been taken from there long before. You made me proud. Even if you did break the rules."
Not often did he share with Sawyer his true feelings, especially when they involved the man himself. He could get hurt that way, especially by the client lying next to him.
"But no more going to those places. Only the approved ones." A small smile teased at his lips. "Even if you do tend to sleep with more men than I do, I'd rather you wouldn't offer your arsehole to any whore who will take your money."
A smile almost came to Sawyer's lips at the same time as a warm feeling spread through his body. He'd made Naveen proud. But the rest of the Dom's words gave him pause and he felt his heart speed up again.
"I swear..." he started, lips quivering as he looked into the deep brown eyes that he'd do almost anything to gain the approval of, "...no more filthy bathhouses... just the places you let me." Naveen's last words were almost an admission of love to Sawyer's ears. The man didn't want Sawyer to go with just anyone! His asshole was private property - or at least that's how it seemed. The rush of pleasure this thought brought to him was akin to the fire he felt when Naveen punished Sawyer physically and he whimpered with need. "No, no more..." he muttered, writhing against his bonds and scraping his aching cock against the bedding. Then he cried out, his need almost too much to bear, "Oh, God, please!"
"Sawyer, I had thought you were better than that. You agree, but only so you can attempt to coerce me into letting you be the one in charge."
Not that the man was really doing that, and Naveen knew it. A plea for attention wasn't an order, but the whore was thrown off by how the conversation had been going. His job - his life - was hurting the clients, and then having sex with them. It didn't involve deeper feelings. And the look in Josh's eyes...
Naveen stood, his still-hard cock nearly missing brushing against the other man's cheek. Picking up the paddle once more, he smacked it against his hand. It gave a satisfying crack, and he said, "I know you're probably gagging for cock by now, but you've not earned it yet."
"No, no..." Sawyer moaned, shaking his head so that his hair flew wildly across his eyes, "You're in charge! Always!"
God! The rigid cock so close in front of him had Sawyer opening his mouth even though he should know he'd never reach it, his tongue poking out just a little before he realized the futility of the action. Gulping hard and blinking as Naveen cracked the paddle against his hand, Sawyer turned his eyes upward to try to meet Naveen's instead of looking at the invitingly firm arousal still so close to him.
"Make me earn it!" he groaned, low and needy, his ass quivering with anticipation.
After a snort when Sawyer again tried to instruct him, Naveen pressed the flat of the paddle between the blond's pulled-apart legs, so it rested against his balls.
"Hmm... so many choices." He moved the paddle slightly, a mere arm twitch, so it made the other man keenly aware of what could possibly happen with it there. "Maybe the knotted cat? Or the stockwhip?" Both extreme toys that Naveen only used if the customer had a wish to be minced meat. They had never touched Sawyer, with good reason. "Or maybe I should just keep using this..." Another little jerk of the paddle, "...and the flogger until your arse is black?"
Squeezing his eyes shut tight as the paddle moved between his legs, Sawyer knew exactly what damage Naveen could do if he so chose. Of course, Sawyer was paying for this and that made him in charge in reality, but he'd have done anything Naveen suggested if it meant the beautiful but dangerous man loved him, although he wouldn't admit this properly to himself.
"You... you do whatever... whatever needs to be done," he forced out through a throat thickened with fear and desire as he opened his eyes again.
Sawyer could feel the paddle moving against his tender flesh and he hoped he'd said the right thing now. All he really wanted now was to feel Naveen's thick cock pounding mercilessly inside him, but he knew it had to be earned; that there had to be more flogging before that happened. The idea of the deliciousness of his boiling hot and bruised skin meeting with Naveen's cool hips as he was fucked into the firm bed made him whimper out loud, the anticipation almost too much to bear.
Naveen was struck by how absolutely beautiful Sawyer looked at that moment. This was when the man was his most stunning; it had to be. All of his snark taken out of him, trying so hard to be good. He couldn't hold still, and he still wasn't quiet, but in truth Naveen didn't mind. He loved knowing that his mere presence could affect the gambler so. Enough that he knew that Sawyer would do anything he asked for. It made the whore's chest tighten in a unfamiliar way.
"So it seems you can still be taught..." He removed the paddle, replacing it with his hand. He gave the man's balls a light squeeze and a pet for a reward. "Not quite useless yet."
"Teach me..." had been Sawyer's only words, and a slight hiss as his balls were squeezed, and then he was giving in to the beauty of the pain.
Naveen started paddling again, well-aimed blows that landed in the perfect spot that would indirectly stimulate Sawyer's pleasure center. He kept it up, for how long he wasn't sure. Fascinating, absorbing, all-consuming... these words didn't even begin to describe the feeling he got when he topped Sawyer. He could sit and watch the deepening pink of the man's backside, listen to his increasing cries, for the rest of eternity.
Swapping the paddle for the more stinging feeling of the flogger, Naveen brought it down hard against the tender flesh of the other man's backside. The man was obviously deep in his headspace, not even feeling the pain anymore.
"Let go, Joshua... just let go."
As it deepened and swirled, mixing with the pleasure and becoming one, then swirling again, making him cry out from time to time as the pain surfaced once more, Sawyer felt his heart tighten and expand. Then the pleasure would surface and surround him, causing him to gasp uncontrollably, his cock close to bursting. Even as the pain merged with the pleasure once more, it was all Sawyer could do not to cry out how much he loved Naveen for this.
Then the paddle was gone; after how long, Sawyer couldn't have even said. Time simply had no meaning when he was feeling this. The pain had almost completely disappeared by now, the searing pleasure of the flogger's sting driving him so far into a place that he truly never reached at anyone's hands but Naveen's that there wasn't room for it.
Through all this activity, he just managed to catch Naveen's words, and as he did, he bucked up to meet the item of supposed torture and groaned as his throbbing cock finally gave in and his climax ripped through him. Writhing uncontrollably now, he begged, knowing that if Naveen fucked him now, he could and would reach climax again as soon as the other man rode him hard and mercilessly.
No-one else could ever do that to him, but Naveen.
Naveen, Naveen, Naveen
The name even sounded like love when he was so far gone like this.
"Please... fuck me... please!"
Naveen was there in an instant, untying Sawyer's legs. He climbed onto the bed, pulling the man up by his hips, forcing his legs until they were folded beneath him. Now with his client's arse presented to him, the East Indian rolled his hips and pressed his cock into the crevice. He moaned loudly, honestly. The white-hot burning of Sawyer's skin felt so good against him. He humped against the gambler as his hand reached under to fondle the still-firm cock. He gathered as much of Josh's release as he could before bringing it back to grease his own cock. He was too excited to find oil. Then, without any further preparation, he began to push into Sawyer. His hips jerked, pressing him even farther in. The man was so tight. Like snug, warm velvet. Naveen's hips stuttered again.
"Oh, God, oh God, oh God!" Sawyer chanted as Naveen slid into him, the lubrication of his own seed barely enough for the job, but Sawyer didn't care. Hot, pulsing life scraped against every nerve-ending inside him, making him gasp, his lungs desperate to replace the air sucked out by the sheer intensity of pleasure.
He pushed back as best he could, savoring the coolness of Naveen's skin against his own heated ass, and spread himself as wide as he could under the circumstances. Growling with pleasure, he pulled at the bindings still holding his arms in place, causing the headboard to rattle.
"Fuck... fuck... fuck me!" Sawyer cried, unable to care how loud he was probably being.
Naveen's hand came down against Sawyer's arse, and he thrust particularly hard, as if to remind Sawyer that he was indeed fucking him. Sawyer was a wild ride, and Naveen absolutely loved taking him. He grasped Sawyer's shoulder, pulling the gambler back farther, which stretched his arms even more.
The additional pain as Naveen yanked at his shoulder and thrust into him even harder had Sawyer groaning at the duel feelings coursing through him. God! That it could be so intense! Unable to look behind himself, Sawyer dropped his head as low as he was able in order to push back against the man behind him. Let it go on forever; let it finish now! His own inner demons drove him, but it was the knowledge that this was Naveen; the dark and mysterious East Indian; the only man who could take him this far, that filled his senses.
Naveen looked down at where his cock sank into the gambler, his own darker skin sinking into the quickly deepening red of Sawyer's arse. The differences between them, more than just their skin but most strikingly obvious there, fascinated the Dom. He knew it did the same for the other man, and Sawyer always seemed to like his men dark.
He was briefly distracted by thoughts of the 'relationship' he had with Josh. More and more recently the man seemed to be showing a greater (albeit unsaid) devotion to him. Which was to be expected for any affair of their nature, but spelled nothing but doom for them. It could never work. Though it almost pained him to say it - because he would miss the money, he assured himself - he would most likely have to end it soon.
If only the whore would take no other, would save himself only for these moments, Sawyer would be happy. He need never visit any other men, surely, were that the case. But it was unlikely, he knew. Naveen had a job to do, and while there were times when Sawyer thought he caught a glimpse of something in the storm-filled eyes, he was probably only fooling himself into believing Naveen felt anything for him. It wouldn’t stop him trying to get a reaction though, and the punishment he always received for giving his attentions elsewhere were worth more than the money he spent. He could at least pretend there was something there when Naveen gave him what he needed so desperately.
Of course, Sawyer could probably find another whore willing to punish him; it was just a matter of looking, and perhaps there was someone who could be the other man's equal, but why even look when he had this to return to time and again? He certainly wasn't going to imagine that he felt more than a passing fondness for the sultry beauty, in any case, no matter what he wanted Naveen to feel. While it was Naveen's touch he needed these days, it definitely wasn't love. Could never be that.
Crying out loudly once more as Naveen pounded into him even more roughly, Sawyer tugged against the bindings further, not caring what sort of state he or they would be in when he was done. His second orgasm was spiraling up in his belly now, he could feel it… just once more harsh nudge and he'd be over the edge! Hopefully, the man pressed against him would be right there with him this time, and then they could collapse into a hot and sweaty tangle of heat, lust and breathless fulfillment. Maybe Naveen would even allow him a kiss from soft, spicy lips.
As his orgasm started to build, Naveen was snapped back to the present. The almost hypnotic spell of his cock pistoning in and out of the blond was broken, but his melancholy thoughts still lingered. He would have to discuss it with Marton and Marg, see what they thought of it and if it was worth losing the money that Sawyer brought in. He doubted the man would want to come back to see the other whores if Naveen himself was off limits.
Naveen could tell that the man beneath him was close. He was thrashing more than ever, and Naveen could see that Sawyer was starting to bleed from his wrists. Reaching forward, Naveen undid the bonds on one arm. Without letting Sawyer have enough time to do anything (like reach down and stroke himself,) Naveen pulled his arm around his back, twisting it unnaturally. His tongue snaked out to lap at the blood there, sending his own arousal spiraling higher.
"I think I should make you bleed, Joshua... Cut you deliberately, lick up your blood, and leave you with a mark that will stay on you forever, so that every whore you ever go with during the rest of your life knows my influence on you."
A parting gift.
Harsh breaths were torn from Sawyer's throat as Naveen twisted his arm up behind him, and he was feeling so light-headed already that the words almost made him stop breathing altogether. He groaned as Naveen thrust even more deeply, changing his angle slightly as he lapped at the blood on Sawyer's wrist, scraping across his most sensitive place and sending Sawyer deliciously over the edge. The image Naveen's words had imprinted in his brain... forever... He could completely picture it, this close to a zenith for him. He bucked uncontrollably as he spurted furiously hot come over bedding already stained from his previous release, internal muscles tightening as his fiery buttocks stung at every snap of Naveen's hips.
Pulling hard at the still-tied hand, Sawyer gasped again, close to passing out.
Naveen sucked in a deep breath as Sawyer started rippling around him. Divine... He slammed into the man five, six, seven times, then tensed. His eyes rolled back, and he sighed softly as all the tension seemed to flow out of him from his cock. He pulled his softening length out of its sheath, rubbing the wetness there on Sawyer's cheeks. He shoved the man down against the bed, grunting and rolling off the side of the mattress.
He had to separate himself. He knew the other man needed time to recuperate, but it was out of his character to 'cuddle.' There always some moments afterwards where Naveen would stay close, and make sure that Josh was still mentally sound... But tonight that felt wrong; he felt like he had to get as far away from his client as possible. Pouring himself into the chaise from earlier, Naveen sighed as he relaxed. He didn't have anymore appointments scheduled for the night, and hoped there would be no walk-ins. He was drained already.
Sawyer felt the loss of Naveen's presence keenly, the separation coming much sooner this time than it usually did. He collapsed down and lay panting for some minutes while his head cleared, uncaring that one arm was still tied to the headboard. Eventually though, he lifted his head, still breathing heavily, and carefully moved so he could untie himself. His back and arms ached and his ass throbbed, but he was completely satisfied. No-one could ever leave him feeling quite so drained and yet so charged somehow, other than Naveen.
Rolling slowly over, Sawyer hissed as his still-hot skin met the cool bedding, and he gazed through sated eyes at the relaxed and yet obviously worn out man across the room. Studying him carefully, he felt a pang of something he wasn't sure he wanted to acknowledge. He needed to touch the man again for some reason. Not be touched, or as before, punished by him; but to touch him, caress him even. Trying to fight the impulse, he looked away, but it was too strong and his eyes soon moved back to the silent man, seemingly ignoring him.
Finally, it was too much, and he moved. Sawyer slowly covered the few feet between them and tentatively touched the soft hair; so silky, so inviting. Wild strands curled around his face and down his back. Obviously Naveen had freed his long hair since moving from the bed. Naveen looked up at him, but he didn't speak and Sawyer took this as agreement of some kind, sitting down carefully in the space next to the man, hot skin sensitive against rough material.
"Will you let me kiss you?" he asked, still not daring to touch more than the man's hair, no matter that he was the one who paid here.
Naveen withheld the urge to jump when he felt a hand on his hair. He didn't expect Sawyer to come join him. The scene was over, Sawyer had been fucked. But he wasn't supposed to let go of his 'role' until the man was gone. Cool detachment was what he had to do. He looked up at Sawyer, but permitted the touching. It was nice. He felt like he was being worshipped. It was very nice, indeed. He could get used to Sawyer treating him this way. But then... the question. It threw him off even more, and he considered it. Why not? A simple kiss... it couldn't hurt.
Lying back against his client, Naveen's face was upturned and his mouth relaxed. If Sawyer wanted it, he had to take it.
Sawyer leaned against the back of the chaise as Naveen moved against him without speaking, one hand around the whore. Naveen's movement clearly gave his approval. Looking at the soft lips as he leaned closer, Sawyer smoothed the hand around Naveen up and down his upper arm lightly as he slowly pressed his mouth to the warmth of the beautiful man's. The touch was light, but the feeling inside him as he gently caressed his Dom's lips with his own was deeper than he was willing to contemplate. Without thought, he gave in to the taste, the spicy richness drawing him in, and before he could stop himself he was licking softly into the warm interior of Naveen's mouth, prolonging and intensifying the kiss.
The touch on his arm sent shudders through Naveen, and he dropped his eyes to the tanned fingers splayed across his bicep. He was distracted by the warm kiss, barely there but enough to make his head spin. His heart rate sped up, and his mouth opened in both surprise and pleasure. The tongue that slipped in felt odd; it had been so long since anyone had ever done that.
Naveen placed a hand on Sawyer's chest, unsure if he was steadying himself, or pushing away. His tongue chased Sawyer's back into the blond's mouth, tasting the dark smoky flavor of what Naveen assumed was whiskey. Finally, he was able to push himself away. His eyes were dilated, and he hissed something affirmative in his native Hindi under his breath. He pressed his face into Sawyer's chest, trying to regain control over his senses.
Naveen seemed to be giving in to the kiss, to Sawyer's surprise, as they had never really kissed like this before. Oh, there were kisses, but only when Sawyer truly deserved them, and then not usually anything like this. When his tongue was inside Sawyer's mouth, the gambler's mind went completely blank and he simply held on and savored. The hand on his chest felt uncertain, and his own heartbeat sped up at the touch.
Then Naveen drew away and whispered something foreign, something that sounded needy to Sawyer, and he was resting his head against the gambler's chest. Sawyer had an urge to pull him closer, to comfort, but he couldn't do that, not with Naveen. Looking down at the dark hair against his lighter skin he frowned, reaching up a hand and almost touching the soft curls again, but at the last minute he stopped himself, easing out from behind the other man, who immediately moved away too, allowing the separation.
Sawyer didn't look at Naveen's face as he located his clothes, slipping into them quickly and quietly, and then clearing his throat as he pulled on his boots.
"Thank you," he told Naveen, as he always did. One thing his Mama had taught him was to be polite when you had received something, whether you paid for it or not.
"Don't think I'll be around for a few days; perhaps you'll book me in for next week?" he asked casually, still not looking towards the other man, although he'd had every intention of returning to check on Warrick each day. He could still do that, using the outside stairs as long as the mulatto was in Sean's rooms, and if he came before noon, Naveen wouldn't see him anyway. Sawyer knew Naveen's routine well enough and he rarely rose before that time.
Naveen was torn in two, it felt like. He had spent most of his adult life sheltering himself from anything that required that sort of closeness. But since the beginning, Sawyer had pushed past all those barriers. Usually when a client came in, they told the people upstairs what they wanted Naveen to do, and he did it. With Sawyer... Naveen found himself planning their meetings, making surprises and pushing the man's boundaries. He thought about him at the oddest times. He had even dreamed about their scenes together. Only a handful of his other regulars (and the extremely bizarre) could have even one of those situations apply to them.
But now, Sawyer was distancing himself. The whore had felt the hand floating mere inches above his head, and his whole body had cried out for the touch. But it never came, and the man had pushed him away. The one time he let down his guard... the one time Sawyer could have truly gotten inside him, was pushed aside. He doubted it was a rejection... maybe fear? It didn't matter. The moment had passed.
Standing, Naveen walked to a hook on the wall, removing his silken robe. His pants still lay discarded on the floor, but he wanted immediate coverage. He spoke to the wall, his back to Sawyer, "I believe I am rather booked this next week, but I might have a slot available. As I don't keep the books, you'll have to ask elsewhere."
The words were no surprise to Sawyer. The man was popular, despite that some might think it odd so many men wanted to be whipped. Besides, Naveen liked to keep him at arms' length; he'd hardly be begging him to return immediately, no matter whether Sawyer indicated he wanted to or not. He nodded unseen, and knew he'd be making a booking, no matter how long he had to wait.
Sawyer stood up after adjusting his boots, finally looking at Naveen as the man's rear was presented to him. The beauty of his brown back, the muscles so well-formed and yet lean rather than overly developed, and the slim hips leading to firm buttocks over legs that just about begged to be touched... Sawyer admired it as the whore pulled on his robe. He truly was beautiful; it was no wonder Sawyer wanted him so much. There was no more to it than that, he told himself.
Turning back to face Sawyer, Naveen's whole being radiated the cool indifference of a whore. This man was a client, no more, no less. He had paid and Naveen's job was done. If Sawyer wanted to pay for another session, then that would be fine. If someone truly knew the man, however, they would know that the words were said with a hint of venom, in hopes of eliciting a response. He just wasn't sure which response he wanted.
"Take some salve on the way out, Mr. Holloway. You don't want to suffer any permanent damage."
When Naveen turned, the expression was back to the hooded look Sawyer usually received once their dealings were over. Normally, this wasn't really a problem as it was no more than Sawyer expected, but tonight, for some reason, he didn't like it. And when Naveen called him Mr Holloway instead of 'Josh', or even 'Sawyer' as he had been known to, Sawyer felt cut off somehow; put in his place by the tone, not so different from usual, but there was definitely something harsh there this time.
He swallowed, looking away from the cool gaze before Naveen could see anything he shouldn't. The Dom seemed able to see right through him sometimes and Sawyer had some small fear that this would be one of those times.
"I'll do that," he agreed, picking up his hat and placing it on his head, the pang of hurt pushed away before he could make a fool of himself, "and I'll see you when I see you, Mr. Andrews. Thank you again."
With a slight dip of his head in farewell, Sawyer pushed the door open and walked out.
Word Count: ~6212
Chapter Nine