Considering

Carlyle

Amber Kell

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or
given away as it is an infringement of the copyright of this
work.

CONSIDERING CARLYLE

Perfect Strangers Collection

Copyright © 2012 AMBER KELL

Cover art by Amanda Kelsey

Edited by Trinity Scott

ISBN: 978-1-936387-45-8

ISBN 10: 1-936387-45-X

All Romance eBooks, LLC

Palm Harbor, Florida 34684

www.allromanceebooks.com

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons,

living or dead, or business establishments, events, or locales is
coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or

reproduced in any manner whatsoever with out written
permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in
critical articles and reviews.

First All Romance eBooks publication: February 2012

4

Chapter One

Ralph Morris scanned the crowd as he walked

through the club, looking for signs of trouble. He took his
job as a bouncer seriously. No one had ever been injured
on Ralph’s shift and he planned to keep it that way. He
might not be as smart as some of the college students he
worked with, but Ralph enjoyed his job. The smell of
sweat and leather filled the air, like a rich cocktail to the
senses. Inhaling deeply made his cock harden with need.
Swallowing back a groan, he flashed a quick look over at
the main stage. No scenes had started yet, but the night
was still young. Plenty of time for whips, chains and other
delicious toys to come into play. For a brief moment
Ralph let the image of ropes wrapped around his own
wrists flicker through his mind but he banished it quickly.
No time for distractions if he planned to keep his job.

At twenty-two years of age, Ralph had six years of

work under his belt and a nice nest egg in his bank
account. Having grown up poor, Ralph still had
nightmares about being back in that broken down trailer
where his mother was too drunk to feed him and his father
too ill from lung cancer to help. Horrible dreams merged
with memories about fighting the dog for scraps of food
and hiding from the rats in the darkness. If he hadn’t

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5

loved his father so much he would’ve left at thirteen years
of age when his mother’s wild rages began. The day his
father died, Ralph walked away and never looked back.

Ralph loved the nights he worked inside instead of

standing by the front door freezing. Skirting the small
dance floor, he spotted his favorite Dom across the room.
Carlyle Temple sat at a table with his friend, Lindi
Samms. Carlyle looked delicious with his blond hair
pulled back, and the leather vest he wore exposing most
of his upper body. Hair sprinkled across Carlyle’s chest,
catching the light with their pale color. Ralph barely held
back a whimper as he thought over how the Dom’s skin
would taste beneath his lips and tongue. Carlyle didn’t
reach Ralph’s massive proportions but the sub didn’t find
any fault in the slim but muscular six-foot Dom. Carlyle
would tower over most submissives. Unfortunately,
Ralph’s build overshadowed all the Doms in the building,
a good thing for his job as a bouncer but not so good
when he was looking for a man to top him.

If only he could get Carlyle to really see him as a

potential sub instead of only a bouncer. But Ralph learned
long ago wishes didn’t come true and most Doms
preferred a pretty twink rather than a big man. Ralph
might be large and solidly built but he wasn’t a Dom no
matter how many cute subs tried to get him to paddle their
asses. His submissive tendencies were hidden while he
worked and needed to get others to back down, but at
night, alone in his apartment, he dreamed of a gorgeous
slim blond with well-defined muscles and a fine hand
with the whip.

“Hey, Ralph, are you going to my show tomorrow?”
Ralph turned away from the object of his obsession to

Considering Carlyle

6

face his friend. After a month of belonging to Master
Jones, Stephen Carter glowed with happiness. The thin
artist flashed him a bright smile showing that at least for
him everything was right in the world.

Lucky bastard.
Ralph was happy for Stephen, he really was, and if he

repeated it enough times he could even suppress the jolt
of envy stabbing him in the heart. Stephen had seen
Master Jones and culled him from the herd through gifts
and charm. Ralph wished he had even an ounce of talent
to pull something off like that, but he might as well ask
for the moon. Stephen was sleek and elegant; two things
Ralph would never be with his large muscular build and
clumsy feet. It didn’t make him stop liking the shy artist
but it made him self-conscious around him.

“Well are you?” Stephen asked impatiently. “Going

to come to my show tomorrow?”

“Of course.” Ralph patted Stephen on the back,

careful of his strength. He received a blinding smile for
his answer.

“Great. It will be nice to see a friendly face,” Stephen

nibbled on his thumbnail. “I’m kind of nervous about the
whole thing.”

“Why?” Ralph didn’t understand Stephen’s nerves.

Although he was only a bouncer, even he could see his
friend’s brilliance.

Stephen shrugged, shifting uneasily back and forth on

his feet. “I’ve never had strangers look at my stuff except,
you know, teachers. At least not where I could see them.”

“Didn’t you have school art shows?”
A blush stained Stephen’s cheeks. “Not if I could get

out of them.”

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7

Ralph laughed. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’d be surprised

if you weren’t sold out by the end of the night.”

“You think?” Stephen’s fidgets were even starting to

make Ralph nervous.

He gave Stephen’s shoulder a light squeeze. “I’m not

an art critic but I think you’re really talented.”

“Thanks, Ralph. I’m really glad you’re going to be

there.”

“Isn’t Master Jones?”
Stephen shrugged. “He’s out on a business trip to

turn some company around. I don’t know if he’s going to
make it back in time.”

Sympathy stabbed through Ralph. He knew how

much Stephen depended on the solid strength of his Dom
to get him through stressful times. “I’m sure he will make
it if he can.”

“I hope so.” Stephen took a quick look around. “I’ll

let you get back to work, or in this case, staring at
Carlyle,” he teased.

Ralph could feel the blush rising on his cheeks. “I

can’t help it, there’s something about him.”

“The way he wields a whip?” Stephen teased.
A shiver rippled up Ralph’s spine. “No, there are

other Doms who can whip just as well. Your master is one
of them.”

“I wouldn’t know. We haven’t worked our way up to

whipping yet.”

Ralph couldn’t tell from Stephen’s expression if that

was a good or bad thing. “Do you want him to whip
you?”

Stephen shrugged. “I want him to do something. He’s

super careful, like I’m gonna break or something.”

Considering Carlyle

8

“Give it a little time. He’s still getting used to you.

There’s no hurry.”

“No. I guess not.” Stephen dipped his head down as

if the floor suddenly became an object of fascination.

“What’s wrong?”
Stephen shrugged. “You don’t think he’d go to

someone else, do you? You know, someone who he
knows likes to be whipped.”

It probably wasn’t polite but Ralph couldn’t stop the

laughter bursting out of his mouth. Only Stephen’s
outraged expression brought his mirth to a halt. “Sorry,
but now you’re just being stupid. Master Jones is madly
in love with you. There’s no way that man will turn to
anyone else. Give it a little time, okay?”

Stephen nodded. “Okay. You’re right. I guess I’m

just nervous about the show and it’s making me crazy
about everything else too.”

“There’s no reason to be nervous, Stephen. We all

think you’re brilliant,” the warm smooth voice speaking
behind him cut through Ralph’s composure quicker than a
knife through butter. He bit back a moan when the
dominant’s hand stroked up his spine. “Good evening,
Ralph.”

“G-good evening, Ma-Mr. Temple,” Ralph stuttered.

Carlyle didn’t like anyone but his sub calling him master
and despite the hot fantasies in his head, Ralph didn’t
belong to the sexy Dom.

Stephen gave him a sympathetic smile.
“You’re just the man I was looking for.” With a

gentle touch Master Carlyle turned Ralph to face him. “I
need you for my whipping demonstration.”

For a brief moment he had visions of being tied up

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9

while the bite of the whip slashed across his shoulders.
His cock hardened so fast he sucked in a breath.
Fortunately, before he said anything he realized Carlyle
probably wanted him to be the safeguard. In order to do
any presentation or workshop there needed to be at least
one bouncer on hand to supervise the Dom and check on
the sub’s safety. This was only negated in the private
rooms where panic buttons were installed.

Ralph nodded even as he swallowed the bile rising in

his throat. The thought of watching Carlyle lavish his
attention on another sub made him ill. However, last time
the Dom gave a demonstration, an observer came too
close and almost lost an eye when Carlyle flicked back
the whip. It hadn’t occurred on Ralph’s watch, but he’d
heard the story.

“Of course, sir.” He turned back to his friend. “I’ll

see you later Stephen.”

“Yeah, I’m heading out anyway. I only stopped by to

see my brother.” Stephen’s brother, Greg, owned the club
and the pair were extremely close. “I’ve got to go to the
gallery and supervise or something.” Stephen’s hand
motions indicated he didn’t know what he was supposed
to do but show up.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gave Stephen a quick

one harmed hug.

Turning to the Dom he was surprised by Carlyle’s

frown.

“Sorry for making you wait,” Ralph said.
Carlyle watched Stephen leave before responding.

“You know Jones will rip off your head if you make
moves on his boy.”

Ralph laughed. “I have no designs on Stephen. We’re

Considering Carlyle

10

only friends.”

For a moment he thought the Dom would say

something more but Carlyle turned on his heel and
walked away. Ralph quickly followed Carlyle through the
crowd, automatically keeping the proper distance of a sub
to his master. He rolled his eyes once he realized what he
was doing.

People parted for Carlyle as he marched forward. His

commanding presence and reputation intimidated people
more than Ralph’s large build.

Carlyle stopped at the stage steps.
Ralph scanned the empty area wondering where the

sub was.

“Where the hell did he go?” Carlyle asked out loud.
“If you’re looking for Jimmy, he left,” Gilly, one of

the other club bouncers said. “He chickened out.”

“Well hell.” Carlyle turned his gaze back on Ralph.

“It’s getting harder and harder to find dependable people
for presentations. Maybe you could help me sometime?”

Carlyle Temple watched the bouncer’s handsome

face, his stomach churning with anticipation. He’d had his
eye on Ralph for two months now. During Stephen’s
entire courtship he’d watched the man approach with a
new gift once a week and the thrill he received from
watching Ralph hadn’t dimmed once.

His instincts told him the big, strong, gorgeous man

needed someone to dominate him. Carlyle was more than
willing to apply for the position. Now he just had to coax
the man to his knees. Ralph might be large and tough but
Carlyle sensed a gentle soul inside, which demanded a
lighter touch. He couldn’t order the boy to be his sub but

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11

he could entice him.

“Umm,” Ralph licked his lips, leaving a trail of

wetness across his kissable mouth. It took all Carlyle’s
skill as a Dom to not jump the man right then. “I don’t
have a lot of direct experience.”

A thrill shot through Carlyle. He’d assumed with

Ralph working in the club the bouncer would be an
experienced submissive. He didn’t dare hope to be able to
show the man exactly how he wanted a sub trained. This
day just kept getting better and better.

“Let’s go into the back rooms. If you’re new to

whipping I don’t want to have you perform in front of the
others.” An odd possessiveness filled Carlyle. Normally
he didn’t care much about a sub’s feelings unless it was to
determine whether or not the sub could take another
whipping. With Ralph, he didn’t want the sweet man
embarrassed if it turned out he lacked control or learned
he didn’t really enjoy the kiss of the whip. Some subs
tended to like the idea of a whipping rather than the
reality.

Ralph dug in his heels. “I’m sorry, sir, but I’m still on

the clock. If you don’t need me, I have to get back to
work.”

A fine, illogical rage shot through Carlyle at the sub’s

refusal even as he admired the other man’s work ethic. He
didn’t know of another sub who’d turn him down to work.
Taking a deep breath he controlled himself. “You’re right,
Ralph. I shouldn’t usurp your time, but if you’re
interested in learning about your limits I’d love to be the
one who helps you determine what you truly want.” He
reached into his pocket and pulled out one of his business
cards. “Call me when you decide you want to try

Considering Carlyle

12

something out.”

When Ralph reached out for the paper, Carlyle

grabbed his wrist and pulled him closer. “Come here,” he
ordered. Sliding his fingers beneath the bouncer’s T-shirt
collar he pulled the boy down to him. Some Doms didn’t
kiss. Carlyle made it an art form. Using all the skill he’d
learned over the years he made love to Ralph’s lips. When
he finally released the man, Ralph stood there with his
eyes closed as if trying to cling to the last bits of sensation
before they scattered to the wind.

“Call me!” He put as much command as he dared

into his demand. He didn’t want to scare the boy off but
he didn’t want him to think he wasn’t interested either.

Ralph’s eyes opened and they almost glowed with

desire. “I’ll call.”

“Good.” He released the bouncer and let him move

away, holding back the urge to grab him again. Carlyle
had the weird sensation that by letting Ralph go he
wouldn’t get him back.

A slap on his back snapped him out of his pre-

occupation. “Did you lure the big, bad sub into your
web?”

If Lindi weren’t his best friend he’d punch the man

for interrupting his daydreams. Instead he gave a nod to
Will, Lindi’s sub, who gave him a shy smile in return.
Although he’d known the couple for years, Will’s painful
shyness kept him apart from everyone but Lindi. How his
brash friend kept his sub from having a major meltdown
while parading him half naked through a busy club,
showed the strength of their bond. Looking at Will’s eyes
on Lindi maybe it wasn’t such a mystery. The man had
damn fine focus.

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13

“Not yet but I’m making progress.”
Lindi laughed, his gaze following the path the

bouncer took. “He’s a beauty, not my type of course.” As
he spoke he wrapped an arm around his sub and pulled
him into the shelter of his arms, instinctively protecting
Will from the crowd. “But he is the type you tend to go
for.”

Carlyle nodded. “Definitely.”

14

Chapter Two

Ralph groaned as he dragged his body up the stairs to

his apartment. What a fucking rough night. He’d had to
throw a new Dom out of the club for using excessive
force with one of the club’s house subs. Unfortunately,
once he released the guy from his hold outside, the
asshole had got in a sucker punch. His eye throbbed and
he wasn’t entirely certain his teeth were all in their proper
place.

Propelling his aching body off the elevator and down

the hall, he couldn’t remember the last time he hurt so
much. It took three tries to unlock the front door because
the stupid keyhole kept moving, but he finally got the
damn thing open. A soft meow greeted his entrance.
Closing the door with his foot, he lowered himself in
slow, measured increments as the walls swirled around
him. The small kitten scurried over to bat around his hand
with its baby claws.

“Hi, Princess,” he whispered to the tiny feline.
The little head butted against his hand with a soft

meow. He lifted her up and cuddled her against his chest.
Princess purred and kneaded him some more. He ignored
the pinpricks against his skin as he smiled over the
vibration. He’d found her by an alley dumpster,

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wandering alone. One look into her sweet face and he’d
brought her home.

“Did you miss me?” He held her up and smiled as her

bright blue eyes blinked at him. Her Siamese bloodlines
were shown in her narrow face and the loud yowl she
made when she wanted food in the morning.

She gave a soft cry as he set her back on the floor.

“Let’s go get you something to eat.” Rolling to his knees,
Ralph used the wall to help him back to his feet. The
room swam a bit but eventually steadied.

“Bastard hit me harder than I thought,” he muttered.
Ralph walked carefully to the kitchen and grabbed a

can of cat food. With slow movements he opened the
container and placed half of it on a saucer. Setting the
plate on the floor he smiled as Princess rushed over to
investigate.

Loud purrs filled the air as she ate the food.
“Don’t eat too fast or you’ll puke it back up. Trust

me, you don’t want to do that any more than I want to
clean it up.”

Of course the cat ignored him like usual. After

licking the plate spotless, Princess rubbed against Ralph’s
ankles for a bit before losing interest and running off to
pounce on a pink, fuzzy, squeaky mouse.

Grabbing a bag of frozen corn out of the freezer,

Ralph crossed into his living room and threw himself
down on the couch. Leaning back he set the icy bag
across his sore eye.

“Ouch. My life officially sucks.” With his eyes

closed, Ralph thought about the one highlight of his day.
Carlyle finally noticed him. It was worth a punch in the
face to have the Dom consider him as a potential sub. He

Considering Carlyle

16

hadn’t called Carlyle yet but he was almost certain to see
him at Stephen’s show. Luckily he didn’t work tomorrow.
Maybe he could get the swelling down before Carlyle
caught sight of him.

Images of the Dom’s warm brown eyes flashed

through his mind. His cock hardened in his pants. Even
the pain in his face wasn’t enough to take away the
excitement of thinking about Carlyle’s hands on him. The
slim dominant only came to Ralph’s chin but he had no
doubt Carlyle could bring him to heel.

He’d never seen Carlyle with a long-term sub before.

The other man tended to only do shows with house subs
or men who had a reputation of being around a while.
Ralph had only done a few things but he knew he liked
being dominated in the bedroom. He wanted someone to
tie him up and show him who was in control.
Unfortunately his luck so far wasn’t the best.

The house phone rang. Ralph ignored it. The only

people who called that number were sales people or bill
collectors. He only had a landline because it came with
his cable package and it was actually cheaper to buy the
bundle than to pay for cable and internet separately.

His answering machine kicked on. Ralph’s head hurt

as he listened to some moron go on about how his auto
warranty was about to expire. As he didn’t even own a car
it was unlikely. Annoyed, Ralph threw his corn at the
phone, pleased when his aim ran true and knocked the
machine off the table.

Princess leaped up and landed lightly on his chest.

Sometimes he thought she could sense his emotions. “Just
between you and me, Princess, I hate sales recordings.”

He knew the cat must’ve understood him otherwise

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why else would she purr in agreement?

The beeping of his phone forced him to stand up to

stop the noise. Another annoyance he put under the things
to hold against his landline. After making sure the phone
was back together and settled where Princess couldn’t
knock it off the table, he went to take a shower and scrub
the scent of sweat and cigarettes off his skin. Although
the club didn’t allow smoking, people were always
puffing up around the entrance to get in their last taste of
nicotine before entering.

Ralph didn’t understand why anyone would want to

do that to their bodies, especially after watching his father
waste away from lung cancer. The taste, the smell and the
damage they did to a person’s body, all bad. He wondered
if Carlyle smoked. The gorgeous blond never smelled like
cigarettes but that wasn’t the ultimate test or anything.

Ralph hoped not.
He shook his head and laughed at himself. “I haven’t

even had a date with the guy and I’m worried about
whether or not he smokes. Hell, he might not even want
to date. I could just be a stand in until he finds a proper
sub.”

Depressed, Ralph stripped and headed for his shower.
Leaning against the shower wall, Ralph remembered

the look in Carlyle’s eyes after their kiss. The Dom
definitely wanted Ralph to call him. Carlyle wasn’t the
type to casually hand out his number to anyone.

Thinking about the sexy Dom made his erection

come back to life like a needy puppy searching for
attention. Ralph poured a small amount of liquid soap in
his palm. Enough to give him slide but still a bit of
friction. He liked the burn but he didn’t want to cause any

Considering Carlyle

18

real soreness. His face ached, but closing his eyes, he
blocked out everything other than the image in his mind
of Carlyle sliding a whip across Ralph’s shoulder,
building the anticipation.

A whimper rolled up Ralph’s throat. Damn, he

wanted. Now, after having tasted the Dom’s lips, he knew
how good it could be. The flavor of Carlyle’s mouth burst
into memory as come rushed from his cock. Opening his
eyes, he watched it wash down the drain. Damn, when he
finally did get the courage to take Carlyle up on his offer,
he hoped he lasted longer than two minutes. Exhausted,
the last of his energy drained with his orgasm, Ralph
turned off the water, ran a towel over his skin and
tumbled into bed.

* * * *

After a long night sleep that went well into the

following afternoon, Ralph woke to the insistent
screeching of his little cat.

“How can you make so much noise in that little

body?” he asked the fluffy animal.

Ralph scratched Princess’s head, jump-starting the

cat’s motor. Standing up, he scooped the kitten into the
crook of his arm as he walked to his closet. “What do you
think would be the right thing to wear to a gallery?”

With a sigh he looked over his clothes. A large array

of jeans, T-shirts and the occasional long-sleeve shirt
greeted him. “I think it’s time to go clothes shopping.” He
needed at least a pair of dress slacks and a nice shirt,
maybe some shoes.

Dressing in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, he grabbed

his wallet and keys and headed out the door. His face still

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19

hurt but he’d promised Stephen he’d be there and he
never broke a promise. A set of sunglasses on the entry
table caught his eyes. He slid them on. At least now he
wouldn’t scare small children.

It took a short walk from his apartment to hit the

shopping district. He preferred the boutique stores even
though he could probably get a better deal at the mall.
When he did crack open his wallet he paid for quality and
kept the item forever.

Passing a café he stopped when a voice called out his

name.

Carlyle sat at a table with another guy, both of them

dressed in expensive looking suits. At Carlyle’s
beckoning motion he walked back to the two men.

“Afternoon, Mr. Temple.” He gave a nod of his head.

His sunglasses hid his eye but apparently not enough.

Carlyle stood up and stalked over. “Take off your

sunglasses.”

“It’s nothing,” Ralph protested. He didn’t know why

Carlyle appeared so angry. It wasn’t his face that ached.

“Now!” Carlyle snapped.
His cock jumped in his pants at the Dom’s tone.

Taking a deep breath, he slid off his glasses.

“Fuck!” To hear the handsome blond swear in his

fancy suit made Ralph laugh but when Carlyle slid his
hands to cup Ralph’s face and tilted it downward, he lost
his humor. The Dom definitely didn’t look amused.
“What asshole hit you?”

“It doesn’t matter. I took care of him.” Ralph tried to

head off the rage he saw building in Carlyle’s eyes.

“Carlyle, are we going to have lunch or are you going

to play mother hen,” the other man called out.

Considering Carlyle

20

Ralph could’ve kissed him.
“Where were you headed?” Carlyle ignored his

companion and didn’t stop touching Ralph. He put a hand
to the back of Ralph’s neck and led him to the table.

Ralph dug in his heels. “I’ve got to go clothes

shopping for Stephen’s gallery showing.”

“You’ve got nothing to wear?” Carlyle asked,

obviously surprised.

Ralph held out his arms. “This is what I’ve got to

wear. I don’t want to embarrass Stephen so I thought I’d
get something a little nicer.”

Before Carlyle could comment, a flash of movement

caught Ralph’s eyes. Turning his head he saw a slim
figure run up to the cafe table, grab Carlyle’s cell phone
off the surface and tear off down the sidewalk.

Instinctively, Ralph ran after the thief. His powerful

stride easily caught him up to the smaller man. Grabbing
the back of the guy’s shirt he jerked the young man off his
feet. The thief’s eyes were wide with terror as he looked
up at Ralph. Damn he probably wasn’t even eighteen.

“I believe you have something not yours.”
“What of it?” The thief snarled quickly regaining his

bravado.

Compassion had Ralph pulling the kid to his feet. If

he’d made different choices in life, this easily could’ve
been his path. He kept his hold on the thief’s left arm.

“Return the phone and I’ll let you go.”
Fear turned to hatred. “I don’t need your pity. Fuck

you.” The thief whipped out a knife and stabbed Ralph in
the chest.

Pain burst through Ralph’s body. He reflexively

released the thief as he fell to the ground. He heard a

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21

woman scream. Gasping, he hoped help would arrive
before he bled to death.

“Everyone back off.” Carlyle’s familiar voice

brought tears of relief to Ralph’s eyes. The Dom’s face
came into view, blurry but there. “Hey, babe. My friend
Sam here is a doctor. He’ll take good care of you.”

The man from the café kneeled beside him. “I’m not

going take out the knife until I know if it severed anything
important. I could cause more damage by removing it
than just leaving it there.” As he spoke he ripped apart
Ralph’s shirt, exposing the wound. “Carlyle, we need to
get that fucking ambulance here now!”

A rushing sound filled Ralph’s ears and he lost

consciousness with the feel of Carlyle holding his hand
and whispering for him to hang on.

22

Chapter Three

Carlyle paced the halls. Since he wasn’t related or in

a relationship with Ralph they wouldn’t let him see the
submissive. Apparently Ralph didn’t have any relatives
because Greg, the club owner, was his emergency contact.
Gritting his teeth he waited for Greg to appear. Even his
best friend Sam couldn’t ethically tell him details of
Ralph’s condition. Fucking laws. If someone didn’t tell
him something soon he was going to lose his temper and
probably get himself banned from the hospital.

“Where is he?” Greg stomped through the emergency

entrance, stopping in front of Carlyle.

“I don’t know. They won’t tell me a fucking thing.

Go find out what’s going on, and this is the last time you
get to be his emergency contact.” Fury tore through
Carlyle. The fact another Dom had control over his sub
ate away at him. Ralph was supposed to be his damn it.

Greg folded his arms across his chest as he looked

down at Carlyle. “You need to calm the hell down. The
last I heard you and Ralph weren’t together.”

Carlyle ran a hand through his hair. “Well you heard

wrong. I’m sorry if you don’t like my attitude but I’ve
been here for an hour and I don’t know what the hell is
happening because as far as everyone else is concerned I

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23

don’t have the right to know. We are starting something, I
don’t know what yet, but the attraction is there. He was
supposed to call me and we were going to do a session.”
Carlyle’s voice dropped away. The image of Ralph lying
on the sidewalk bleeding his life out would stay with him
for years to come. Ralph better pull out of this, Carlyle
had a lecture on the evils of hunting down criminals all
ready.

The antagonism drained out of Greg. He gripped

Carlyle’s shoulder. “I’ll find out what’s going on and let
you know.”

“Thanks.”
Carlyle threw himself into a hard visitor chair,

ignoring the two other people in the waiting room. His
left foot bounced against his right knee as he waited.
After a minute Sam came and sat beside him.

After the initial glare he ignored his best friend.
“He really means a lot to you, doesn’t he?”
“Yeah.” Carlyle rubbed a hand across his aching

chest. “I didn’t realize how much before the attack. I
thought I’d persuade him to go home with me after the
show tonight.” He took a shaky breath. He didn’t feel like
a controlled dominant. At that moment he felt more
scared than a newbie sub in a room full of hungry Doms.
“I can’t lose him, Sam, not before I’ve even had him.”

Sam patted his leg. “He’s strong. He’ll pull through. I

can’t give you details but he’s responding well.”

Carlyle resisted the urge to pump Sam for more

information. Instead he leaned against his friend of fifteen
years as they waited for Greg to return. “I’m glad you’re
here.”

Sam patted his leg. “I wish I didn’t have to be.”

Considering Carlyle

24

“Yeah, me too.”
After what felt like eternity but was probably ten

minutes, Greg returned. “He’s out of intensive care. The
knife didn’t hit any major arteries and missed his heart.
He’s been stitched up and will need to stay here for
observation overnight. The biggest concern is infection. If
it heals properly he should be fine in six to eight weeks.”

“Can I see him?” Carlyle asked.
Greg shook his head. “Visiting hours are over. You

can visit him tomorrow at eight.”

Carlyle fought against his need to argue. Going home

without seeing Ralph felt all kinds of wrong but he didn’t
have the right to insist on seeing him, a fact that ate away
at him like acid. As he let Greg lead him out the door he
silently promised himself that next time he’d be the name
on Ralph’s emergency contact list.

* * * *

He looks so peaceful, Carlyle thought as he sat down

beside the bed. A sad story about being new lovers and a
slight bribe got him into seeing Ralph a little early.
Sighing, he rested his chin on his hand and watched the
submissive sleep. This one moment in a hospital room
watching Ralph sleep was probably the most intimate
he’d been with a man in years.

After going through a rough patch with poor choices

in subs, Carlyle vowed not to let his heart become
engaged again. Then came Ralph with his big, buff body
and marshmallow heart and Carlyle had no defense
against him.

Gently he brushed his fingers across Ralph’s hand.

The sub lay so still. Ralph, the bouncer, was always in
motion. Even when his body was stopped his eyes

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25

scanned the crowds looking for people who might need
help. Ralph had the biggest damn heart in the world and a
moment of compassion almost had it cut from his chest.

Carlyle smiled as he thought of the vicious bastard

sitting in a jail cell. Some onlookers grabbed the thief as
he tried to escape. The cops had enough eyewitnesses to
press charges. Starting with the concealed knife having
too long of a blade to be legal. Fucker.

Watching Ralph sleep stirred a tenderness in Carlyle

he didn’t remember feeling for anyone before. Over the
months he’d watched Ralph but he hadn’t been certain of
the bouncer’s orientation at first. The large man gave off
submissive vibes when talking to Doms but he handled
the day-to-day job as a bouncer without deferring to
anyone.

Ralph was exactly what Carlyle needed, a man with a

mind of his own who didn’t need Carlyle to tell him to tie
his shoes. Carlyle didn’t want to micromanage another
man’s life, he wanted to guide and dominate sexually. A
needy sub wasn’t on his wish list.

“Hey,” Ralph’s soft whisper almost went unnoticed

beneath Carlyle’s inward turmoil but the movement of the
sub’s arm drew his attention.

Snapping out of his self-absorption, he gazed into

Ralph’s dark pain-filled eyes. He stroked Ralph’s arm in
reassurance. “Hey, babe, how are you feeling?”

Confusion crossed the sub’s face. “What are you

doing here?”

Carlyle frowned. “Don’t you want me here?” It

hadn’t occurred to him that his attraction to Ralph might
not be returned. He’d thought he’d read the signals right.

“No!” Ralph’s rough voice rose. “I just don’t know

Considering Carlyle

26

why you’re here.”

Anger surged through Carlyle as he remembered the

reason for everything. “Because you got yourself stabbed
retrieving my stupid phone. Never, I mean never risk
yourself again. A phone can be replaced. You can’t!”

“Yes, sir.”
Ralph lowered his eyes, avoiding Carlyle’s gaze.
That wouldn’t do. He reached over and gently tilted

Ralph’s head back up. “When you are healed up I will
punish you for your stupidity and for scaring the crap out
of me. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Sam says you have two weeks to recover and

then he wants you back at the club. You shouldn’t lift
anything heavy for at least another month, which means
no carrying subs or helping with heavy gear but you can
do outside door work and inside surveillance. Your
wounds should heal in six to eight weeks, depending how
quickly you heal. There will be a scar but no permanent
damage.” He recited what Sam had told him about knife
wounds. The most important was to keep an eye out for
infection. He didn’t tell that to Ralph. He didn’t want the
sweet man to worry that was Carlyle’s job.

Ralph gave him a gentle smile. “Thanks.” A shot of

fear crossed his face. “I’ve got to get home.” He struggled
to sit up but fell back to the bed with a cry of pain.

“Whoa.” Carlyle stood and pressed Ralph back into

the mattress. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“My cat. Princess is probably starving by now.” The

sorrow on Ralph’s face ate at him. Fuck, he hated cats.
Maybe if he was lucky the little bastard will have starved
to death.

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27

“She’ll be fine it’s only been since yesterday.”
“B-but I feed her every night and in the morning.

She’ll have missed two feedings. Please, sir, could you
have someone go feed my cat. If you call Stephen he’d do
it.”

“Hell, I’ll go feed your damn cat.” He couldn’t let

Ralph agonize over starving his demon spawn. As far as
he knew all cats were agents of Satan but he couldn’t say
that to Ralph, not with his panic over Princess.

He grabbed the keys off Ralph’s side table. All of his

stuff had been brought into the room courtesy of Sam.
“I’ll take your wallet too. No reason to leave things out
for thieves.”

“Good idea,” Ralph approved.
“The doctor should be by in a bit to check on you.

They might let you out today but knowing the hospital
even if they release you they’ll still dick around before
setting you free. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I have a
cat to feed and I’ll grab you something decent to eat.
Don’t let them release you without me here. You’re going
to come stay with me until you’re healed.”

He hoped Ralph enjoyed living with him enough to

make it a full time thing, but this would be a good trial. It
would help them determine if they were compatible
enough to live together. He knew several couples who
never lived together but Carlyle hoped for more. Living
alone didn’t suit him. He wanted someone to come home
to.

“I’ll be here.”
“Good. If they end up needing your room before I

return, which I doubt, wait for me in the waiting area.”

“Yes, sir.”

Considering Carlyle

28

Carlyle stood and without thinking, leaned down and

kissed Ralph on the mouth. Heat burned between them, an
instantaneous connection. Straightening he licked his lips.

“Wow,” Ralph whispered.
Carlyle left the room with a smile and the certainty

that Ralph would soon be his. No one who could kiss like
that should be alone.

* * * *

Carlyle took Ralph’s address off his driver’s license.

He figured it must be accurate since the building’s
location was close to where they’d met downtown.
Pulling up to the apartment building he noted it was an
older residence but in good condition.

He found street parking not to far away and made his

way to Ralph’s apartment. Opening the door, he was
greeted by a plaintive meow. The little grey fluff ball
looked at him with cautious eyes but didn’t object when
Carlyle headed for the kitchen. Looking around Carlyle
was pleased at the tidiness of Ralph’s apartment. The best
part was he knew this was how Ralph really lived. The
man hadn’t left his home with the intention of trying to
impress a Dom. He’d only gone on an errand.

Too many times Carlyle had gone to visit a sub’s

home only to learn later that the man was a complete slob
and only tidied when Carlyle came over. He deduced
from the kitten’s hovering, where the cat food was
stashed. A can opener was a larger challenge but one he
quickly located.

He didn’t see a cat dish so he grabbed a saucer and

put down half of the can. “You’re too small to eat the full
thing,” he admonished the greedy creature. “For one of
Satan’s minions you sure are a cute thing. I’ll have

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29

Stephen gather all your stuff and bring it over to my
house but if you pee on my carpet there will be one less
fluffy in the world.” Even as he made the threat he knew
it was an empty one. Ralph’s expression told Carlyle
more than words that the little fluff ball meant everything
to the sub.

After feeding the creature he decided to take a look

around. He didn’t consider it snooping, he was
researching the man he hoped to make his own. The best
place to learn about someone was the bedroom. After a
few false starts, Carlyle found Ralph’s bedroom. The
place was surprisingly large and suited a big man. Ralph’s
bed took center stage but it was a framed sketch on the
side table that drew Carlyle’s attention.

Walking closer he recognized Stephen’s style but he

didn’t remember this particular sketch. His friend’s sub
had amazing talent but it was disconcerting to have the
pencil leveled at him. Deceptively simple lines created a
complex portrait of Carlyle laughing.

The fact Ralph kept the picture next to his bed said

good things about the submissive’s attraction to Carlyle.
“I see I’m going to have to have Stephen make a sketch
for me.” A picture of Ralph to keep him company at his
office appealed to him greatly, especially if he had the
real thing to come home to.

After finding a suitcase at the bottom of the closet

and collecting some clothes to take back to the hospital
with him, he gave the bit of fluff a pet on the head then
locked the door behind him. Yes, he’d have Stephen
collect the little creature. Ralph would be happy to have
the beast with him while he recovered, and truly, Princess
wasn’t big enough to be that much trouble.

30

Chapter Four

If Ralph knew it only took a stabbing to get Carlyle

to take him home he would’ve paid someone to do it. Not
that his chest didn’t hurt or that he didn’t wish he was
whole, but he genuinely couldn’t think of anywhere he’d
be happier.

Looking around Carlyle’s place he had to smile. If

someone had asked him to picture the Dom’s residence,
this would’ve been exactly what he imagined. High-end
electronics, soft leather couches and expensive -looking
pieces of art dotted the apartment. Even the kitchen
screamed top of the line.

“Can you have wine?” Carlyle called from the open

kitchen.

“No. The doctor said not while I’m on the

prescription pain killers.”

“Ahh.”
Ralph didn’t know what to say. He desperately

wished he could carry on a scintillating conversation or
have something to share with the Dom, but truth was they
were worlds apart. He’d be willing to bet his entire nest
egg that Carlyle had never went hungry a day in his life.

His heart sank when Carlyle returned from the

kitchen with a soda for Ralph, a glass of wine for himself

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31

and a pack of cigarettes.

Damn.
Sorrow ate away at him as he stared at the cigarette

pack but he wouldn’t give on this. He made a promise to
himself when he left home and it was one he’d never
break.

“Could you take me home please?” His heart ached

even as he made the request.

Carlyle froze in the process of digging a death stick

out of the pack. “What? Why?”

Ralph bit his lip and looked away. “I just think I’d do

better at home.”

Before he could say anything else Carlyle was right

there grabbing Ralph’s chin in a firm grip and turning him
to face the Dom. “What’s wrong?”

Ralph swallowed the lump in his throat. He should’ve

known things were going too well. Even the stabbing was
nothing if it got Carlyle’s attention. Unfortunately he’d
made a vow to himself years ago. “I-I can’t be with
anyone who smokes,” he forced out of his mouth. His
nerves shook as he gave up the dream that was Carlyle.

“Why? Are you allergic to cigarettes? I can smoke

outside.”

Ralph shook his head. A spastic move he couldn’t

control. “No. I just can’t date anyone who smokes.” His
heart hammered against his chest as the words escaped
like a wild rabbit hopping out of sight and unable to get
back.

Carlyle stood up from the couch and walked a few

steps away. They could’ve been miles between them for
the gaping space Ralph felt in his chest. “That seems a
little extreme. I don’t have to smoke near you and I know

Considering Carlyle

32

how to use a breath mint.”

Looking at his hands made it easier to avoid Carlyle’s

probing gaze. “I can’t tell you what to do, sir, but I grew
up watching my father waste away from lung cancer.”
Looking up to meet Carlyle’s eyes ranked as one of the
hardest things he’d ever done. “I promised myself I’d
never get involved with a person who smoked.”

“Ahh. That is a different matter.” Carlyle took his

pack of cigarettes and dumped them in the kitchen trash,
making sure Ralph watched the entire thing. “I’ll get a
nicotine patch tomorrow from the drug store. If you don’t
mind putting up with a cranky Dom, I’m willing to quit
for you.”

Tears filled Ralph’s eyes. He’d never had anyone

willing to do anything for him. Carlyle offering to stop
smoking topped Ralph’s top ten memories. “Thank you.”

The Dom came and sat next to Ralph, carefully

easing onto the cushions beside him. “Don’t think you can
always control my behavior but in cases where you feel
strongly about something I want you to speak up. This
relationship isn’t going to work if you can’t tell me when
there’s something wrong.”

“Relationship?” He hadn’t dared to think long term.

He’d been thrilled to have whatever time he could get
from Carlyle.

“What did you think we were doing?”
Ralph flicked a glance up at the Dom and then away

before shrugging. Carlyle didn’t look angry, more
confused than anything. “I didn’t know. I hoped you were
interested.” He didn’t voice his concern that Carlyle had
taken him in due to pity.

The doorbell rang, breaking into their conversation.

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33

Ralph let out a breath. How had they gone from nice
evening to deep discussion he didn’t know but he was
relieved by the interruption.

Stephen breezed into the apartment with a familiar

cat carrier.

“Princess!”
The artist made a noise of disdain. “You should’ve

named her tiger. She’s a vicious bitch. She scratched me
three times when I was trying to get her into the cage.

“Sorry,” Ralph said, eagerly reaching for the latch.
He heard the purring before the door even opened.

With slow movements, because his chest hurt like a forest
fire across his skin, he removed the fur ball from the
carrier.

“There you are. How’s my girl?”
“I brought her cat box, litter, her favorite toys and a

bagful of canned food.”

“She needs a scratching post too,” Ralph said, “or

she’ll scratch the furniture.”

“I’ll pick her up one today,” Carlyle promised

quickly. “Stephen I’d like a word with you if you don’t
mind.”

Ralph wondered what Carlyle had to talk to his friend

about but the purring cat and the medication took their toll
and soon he slipped into slumber.

By the end of the first week, Ralph was ready to go

back to work. Anything to kill the boredom while Carlyle
was at work. He also desperately wanted to be fucked into
the guest room mattress but Carlyle adamantly refused to
touch him until he healed. The Dom also refused to share
a bed, stating that Ralph would be more comfortable

Considering Carlyle

34

without Carlyle shifting about while he slept.

More than one night ended with Ralph’s hand

keeping him company.

For the past five weeks Carlyle had been putting in a

lot of hours and even had one business trip that kept them
apart. It was an interesting peek into what his life would
be like if he stayed with Carlyle. He knew the Dom
wanted to keep him. He’d said so more than once and
he’d stuck to the nicotine patches and gum. To Ralph,
Carlyle quitting smoking was better than a dozen roses
any day. It definitely proved Carlyle was committed to
giving them a try.

Ralph chest had all but healed and now he wanted

some attention paid to the rest of him. Unfortunately he
couldn’t think of the best way to ask. A submissive
couldn’t exactly request a potential master drop
everything and screw him so his cock didn’t explode.

However, Ralph decided years ago to be in charge of

his own destiny. He might be a submissive but he wasn’t
a full-time slave and he didn’t have Carlyle’s collar. If the
man wanted him he knew where to find him. Writing a
note, he let Carlyle know he’d be at the club even though
it was his night off. He didn’t know how more explicit he
could be.

* * * *

Coming home from work, Carlyle found the note and

was ready to hunt down Ralph and strangle the gorgeous
man. He’d planned their first night together in exquisite
detail and now his sub had gone and changed the plans.

“Damn it.” He gave his drink a moody glare as he

wondered what he did wrong. Surely if Ralph really
wanted to belong to him he would’ve stayed put. So far he

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35

hadn’t had any luck spotting his sneaky sub.

“Problems?” Lindi slid into the chair beside Carlyle.
“Ralph came to work and didn’t call me first.”
Lindi raised a brow. “Maybe he needed a break? He’s

worked a few days on and off, he probably misses the
crowds.”

“He’s not healed enough.”
He swirled the whisky around in his glass as Lindi

laughed.

“Maybe he just wants you to chase him a little. Did

you make any moves on him before?”

“No, he was healing!” Damn, that was too close to a

pout for a man who called himself a Dom.

“Did it occur to you that maybe, you as the dominant,

should be stalking him a little harder?”

Carlyle frowned. “He knows I’m interested. At least

he should. Before he was injured I invited him to be my
sub for a whipping demonstration. Hell, I quit smoking
for the man. That’s practically a wedding ring.”

Lindi rolled his eyes. “If you haven’t made a move

since then he might think you’ve lost interest.”

Carlyle decided his friend was an idiot. There was no

way Ralph didn’t know he of his interest. “Speaking of
subs, where’s yours?”

“He had a cooking class,” Lindi said, but the words

sounded as if they held a great deal more meaning than
they should.

For the first time, Carlyle paid attention to his friend.

Lindi dressed as nice as ever, in a smooth grey suit. He
wasn’t the type of Dom who walked around in leather. He
didn’t need to work up a sweat to keep his sub in line and
usually he came only to socialize with the other Doms,

Considering Carlyle

36

but something about his friend’s manner was off.

“Is there something wrong with the cooking class?”
Lindi shifted his gaze to the right avoiding Carlyle’s

eyes. “Not the class exactly, the instructor. It’s being
taught by a guy I know who is also a Dom.”

“And…”
Getting information from Lindi was like pulling

teeth, but he could tell something was bugging him.

“I don’t like how he looks at Will, all right. I’m being

a jealous bastard and I don’t like it. I might be the Dom
but I’ve worked really hard not to smother Will. I can’t
forbid him to take a class he’s only attending so he can
make me better meals. It’s petty, but I don’t like it.”

Carlyle raised his hand, palm out. “Wait. Let me get

this straight. Is it that you don’t trust Will not to jump the
professor or do you think you’re relationship is so weak
he can’t resist the other man.”

Lindi raked his fingers through his hair. “No. Neither.

I do trust him, but what if he’s getting bored with me.
There’s a ten-year difference between us you know. The
other Dom is closer to his age.”

“I don’t care if the other guy is a porn star, Will isn’t

the type to cheat. If he’s gonna dump you he’ll tell you up
front.”

The tension in Lindi’s shoulders vanished at

Carlyle’s words. A sheepish smile crossed Lindi’s lips.
“I’m an idiot. I’m going to go home and prepare the
playroom for a session when he gets home.”

“That’s a good plan.” He kept his smile until Lindi

vanished in the crowd. He needed to collar Ralph so he
knew he had someone to go home to. The gorgeous sub
was more slippery than an eel.

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37

Cradling his drink he sank into his thoughts. He

almost didn’t look when someone came to kneel beside
his table. A fresh whiskey slid across the surface of the
table.

“Thank you, but I’m not in the mood for company,”

he said. Not to mention it was rather cheeky for a sub to
buy him a drink.

“Greg told me to get my ass in gear and seduce you. I

thought maybe you might want to practice your whip.”
The soft rumbly voice made him actually look at the man
beside him.

“Hmm. Sometimes Greg has really good ideas.” He

gave into the temptation to run a hand over the sub’s
head. He’d found Ralph missing when he came home and
only the presence of one dainty, whiny kitty prevented a
full-blown panic. He hadn’t noticed the note until the
second sweep of the condo as he’d carried the damn
creature around. “How is your wound?” Although he’d
examined it himself that morning he wanted to hear how
it felt from Ralph’s perspective.

“I’m well, sir.” Ralph held his nerves in his eyes.

Carlyle would remember that. Vocal cues wouldn’t do,
the sub kept his voice even but his eyes, usually warm,
held a hint of fear.

“Don’t fret. I won’t do anything you don’t want to

do.” Now he had a project. He loved new projects,
especially ones featuring deliciously inexperienced subs.
Excitement pumped through his veins. “I definitely don’t
want that whiskey now. Go grab us a couple of bottles of
water and put it on my account. I’ll get a room.”

Ralph swallowed rapidly. “Yes, sir.”
He could feel a wide smile spreading his lips.

Considering Carlyle

38

Standing up he turned and almost walked into the club
owner. “Hey, Greg, how is it going?”

“Fine. I know I sent him over to you but if you break

his heart don’t ever come back here.” Greg’s warning
came across loud and clear.

“He is allowed to have a life of his own.” Greg might

be bigger and stronger than Carlyle but he didn’t
intimidate him. He didn’t scare easily. “I’ll go gentle on
him. I don’t want to do serious harm.”

“Handle him carefully. Ralph is a sweet guy and I

don’t want anyone taking advantage of him.”

Carlyle raised a brow. “You know I will. Why the

sudden doubts about my ability?”

Greg stumbled across his words, obviously not as

comfortable with explanations as he was with warnings.
“I…just let him set the pace.”

“I would’ve let him anyway. I’m not going to fuck

him and toss him away like a used condom. We’re trying
things out. Seeing if this is what he really wants.” He
wasn’t going to confess his love to Ralph’s boss before he
even told the other man. As far as Carlyle was concerned
the collar in his pocket was between the two of them.
“Now, do you have a room available or not?” His good
mood was sinking fast.

Greg pulled a key out of his pocket and handed it

over. There were several rooms available for private use
but Greg, as the owner, had the keys to the good ones.

“Hey, boss.” Ralph gave the club owner a self-

conscious smile as he returned to Carlyle’s side carrying a
bottle of water in each hand.

Oh that wouldn’t do. He didn’t need the poor boy

nervous or to make him feel like they were doing

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39

anything wrong. He flashed a warning look at Greg.

“Hey, Ralph, have a good time. Be careful with your

injury.” Greg patted his bouncer on the back and gave
Carlyle a warning look of his own before retreating back
through the crowds towards his office.

Carlyle wrapped a hand around Ralph’s biceps and

pulled him toward the back of the building where a
hallway led to the private rooms. A quick glance at the
key showed they had room ten.

“Is Greg mad at me?” Ralph’s soft question made

Carlyle stop in his tracks.

He turned to face the sub. “Why would he be mad at

you?”

“For coming to his club to meet you. I don’t want

him to think I’m ignoring his advice. He’s worried about
me.”

Carlyle cupped Ralph’s cheeks. “No, honey, he

doesn’t think that. He’s worried I’m taking advantage of
you.”

Ralph’s laughter filled the hall. “I’d love it if you

took advantage of me. My dick has been hard for
months.”

Laughing, Carlyle released Ralph and unlocked the

door. He walked in, stepped halfway into the room, then
stopped. He didn’t look behind him. Instead he examined
the facilities and kept an ear toward Ralph’s position.
Having the sub walk into the room under his own power
was the first step. Ralph had to admit he wanted this
enough to join Carlyle or there would be no session.

Pretending to examine the rack of floggers and the St.

Andrews cross, Carlyle kept his back to the sub. Soft
footsteps sounded behind him followed by the cautious

Considering Carlyle

40

closing of the door. The latch clicked quietly, as if Ralph
worried about making too much sound. Carlyle would
definitely have to break him of that habit.

Turning slowly, he faced the only man he’d ever

planned to keep.

* * * *

After shutting the door Ralph didn’t know what to do

next. He quickly set the water on a table by the door and
waited for directions. Carlyle’s back was to him, giving
him no clue as to his next step. Standing there watching
the man, Ralph could feel the stress and worry fade away.
Taking a deep breath he stood straighter, slid his feet
shoulder width apart and clasped his hands behind his
back, right fingers around his left wrist. He felt a slight
pain in his chest and adapted his stance to his hands by his
sides.

He watched Carlyle slide the tendrils of a leather

flogger through his fingers. Carlyle turned and Ralph
damn well forgot to breathe. The older man held himself
tall and proud and although Carlyle would never be taller
or bigger than Ralph, a sense of calm swept over him. He
knew no matter what happened Carlyle could handle it.

Carlyle’s dark eyes looked him over. “How much

have you done?”

“Mostly bondage and plugs. No whipping or

anything more intense. I’ve never trusted anyone else that
far. My last boyfriend didn’t understand boundaries,
which is one of the reasons he’s an ex.”

The Dom stroked the area around Ralph’s scar

through his shirt. Carlyle’s eyes held a tenderness Ralph
had never seen in another man’s eyes. He convulsively
swallowed. Nerves jittered through his system like a

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41

jackrabbit on speed. “I don’t like seeing marks on you
that I didn’t cause.” Carlyle’s eyes darkened. “And I’ll
never cause bruises like the ones you had the other day. If
I ever punch you in the face I expect you to retaliate.”

The image of the kind of damage one of his punches

would do to the more delicately built Dom, made Ralph
shudder. “I could never hit you, sir.” He’d rip off his own
arm before he damaged the gorgeous man before him.

Carlyle smiled. “You’re a kind-hearted man.”
Ralph shrugged. He didn’t think it took a particularly

kind heart not to beat the crap out of someone, especially
if he wanted to stay in that person’s life.

“I know I told you before I needed to practice with

the whip, but we’re not going to start there. Your wound
is still too new and even though it has healed shut I know
it’s still tender. Besides we have to build our trust before I
do anything that involves hitting you with any kind of
object. I want you to know and believe I won’t harm you
before I pick up a whip.”

“I trust you.” After living with the man for weeks

Ralph trusted him more than any man he’d ever met.

Carlyle shook his head. “I know you think you do but

we will need several sessions before I feel there is an
established bond.” Carlyle gave Ralph a hard stare. “You
will not play with anyone else while we are together. Am
I understood?”

“Yes, sir.” It never occurred to Ralph to play with

anyone else. He wanted Carlyle as his master, no one else.

“Now for the next important question. Would you be

willing to wear my collar while I train you?”

Ralph tilted his head, not removing his gaze from the

Dom for a second. He barely breathed, much alone

Considering Carlyle

42

blinked. Visions of living and playing with Carlyle
flashed in his mind like a happy dream world.

“Ralph.”
He blinked as he realized he’s been so busy dreaming

about the concept he didn’t answer the Dom. “Yes, I
would be honored to wear your collar, sir.”

“That’s master to you,” Carlyle reprimanded. “And

once we establish we’re compatible, which I have no
doubt we will, I’ll get you a more permanent collar.”

Ralph nodded his head. Speaking was difficult when

all his dreams were coming true. His body ached to touch,
to feel, to taste the man before him “Yes, master.”

Carlyle’s smile could’ve dimmed the sun. “Good. I

want to make sure you don’t feel pressured because you
feel a sense of obligation or anything.”

Shaking his head Ralph couldn’t prevent a smile.

“No, sir, I don’t feel obligation, but I do feel horny. Does
that count?”

“That always counts.” Carlyle’s eyes sparkled. The

expression warmed Ralph all the way inside. He held his
breath as the Dom circled him. Did Carlyle like what he
saw? Was he muscular enough? Too muscular? Too
handsome instead of pretty?

“Shhh, you’re perfect,” Carlyle said in a low, husky

tone as if he could read Ralph’s mind. “If you’re willing
to put yourself in my hands, remove you’re clothing and
set them over there.” He pointed to the small table by the
door where Ralph had set their water bottles.

Ralph’s kept his hands mostly steady as he slowly

removed his clothes. First his socks and shoes, which he
tucked under the table, then his shirt, jeans, and with a last
deep breath, his underwear. Each item he folded neatly

Amber Kell

43

and set on the table with careful precision. When that task
was over he reluctantly turned back to Carlyle, nervous
about the other man’s reaction.

Carlyle didn’t speak for so long Ralph peeked up at

him through his lashes. “Assume your stance. Hands to
the side.” Carlyle kept his tone quiet but there was no
mistaking the crack of command.

Obediently Ralph settled back into the position he’d

taken before. He held his breath as the Dom circled him in
slow steady steps.

A slap on his ass startled him. “Breathe.”
Ralph let out his breath and took another trying to

regulate his air flow, but not pant. Panic threatened at the
edges. What if Carlyle wanted something different?

“You are even better than I thought.” Carlyle’s

admiring tone relaxed him deep inside. He didn’t break
stance but a bit of stress melted away. “You’re a strong
man, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir.”
“Don’t think because you’re larger than me that you

can be in charge,” Carlyle warned.

“Never, master. I’d never think that,” Ralph rushed to

reassure the Dom.

“Good.” The satisfaction in Carlyle’s voice told

Ralph he believed him.

“Do you have any objection to my fucking you

tonight? Are you healed enough?”

Ralph’s cock hardened so fast he had to lock his

knees to stop himself from falling. “Yes, master. I’d like
that.” Hell, he’d even take a jolt of pain if it got Carlyle
inside him.

Carlyle gave another bright white smile. Maybe he

Considering Carlyle

44

hadn’t read the Dom handbook. The one that stated
explicitly that Doms only snarled and growled. The rules
that forbade a smile to cross his master’s face or the
pleasure he received show in his eyes.

Ralph shook his head to shake some sense into

himself. It was stupid to be blinded by a smile. His heart,
the one he’d carefully guarded against all the dangers of
the world, stupidly battered against the wall of his chest
as if trying to claim the man before him as its own.

“Go lie on the bed and grab the headboard, unless

that’s too uncomfortable. You’re the best judge of your
body at this point. Later I’ll know it even better than
you.”

Ralph turned to where Carlyle pointed and couldn’t

believe he hadn’t seen it the first time. A giant brass bed
dominated the second half of the room like a stage
waiting for its actors. The frame had brass rails along the
headboard and footboard. Evenly spaced, they were the
perfect size and width to attach any manner of bondage
options.

He stood at the bottom of the bed admiring the soft

looking sheets and the shiny brass frame. Ralph had seen
enough old movies to long for a bed like that of his own.

“You’re not on the bed, why?”
Ralph snapped out of his daydream. “Oh, sorry. I was

thinking what a great bed it is. I’ve always wanted one
like this since I was little and saw one on an old western.
A big, brass bed and one of those claw-footed tubs.”

It took him a moment to realize he was standing there

rambling while ignoring the Dom’s order. Shit! If he
planned on Carlyle being his Dom he needed to start
obeying his orders. A sharp slap on his ass informed him

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45

that Carlyle had noticed too.

“Sorry, master.”
Carlyle gave him a gentle smile. “That’s all right, get

on the bed.”

* * * *

Fuck, the kid was so sweet he wanted to eat him up

with a spoon, or maybe screw him into the mattress. Yes,
he’d take option two. He couldn’t fight the need to muss
up the adorable man. Rumple his smooth hair and bring a
blush to those pale cheeks. Those weeks of getting to
know Ralph before they became involved only sweetened
the pot. The big sub tripped all Carlyle’s buttons. It took
all his control to stop from handling the man roughly.
That would come later when he’d healed some more.

Ralph might be big and tough but he had baby

smooth skin with only a hint of scruff.

“Next time you meet with me I want you to be clean-

shaven, only your cheeks, though. I don’t want to fuck a
boy. I like the body hair.” Not a lot of Doms liked a man
who was hairy but Carlyle did. Of course if the hair
sprouted from his back that was a different story. But
Ralph’s body hair was neatly limited mostly to a sweet
line down his pebbled stomach leading to a nice, trimmed
bush around his cock. Just the way he liked a man, well
groomed but not bare. It was as if he’d dreamed up his
perfect guy and he magically appeared. Ralph didn’t only
have the perfect physique but the personality to match.

Although he worked as a bouncer, Carlyle had never

heard anyone say Ralph used excessive force. If anything
the man was too polite, afraid to hurt customers even if
they were ignoring orders to leave. Luckily there were
few instances where people truly became rowdy.

Considering Carlyle

46

Carlyle calmly took the length of red rope he’d found

in the toy box and tied Ralph’s wrists together, then tied
him to the bedframe. With each wrap he could almost see
the tension fade from the young man’s face. Whoever had
hurt Ralph in the past deserved to have a boot up their ass.
After tying Ralph up Carlyle admired his handiwork. The
sub’s skin contrasted beautifully against the bright
binding.

“Let me know if this starts hurting. What’s your safe

word?” Shit, he couldn’t believe he’d forgotten to ask that
before they even started. It was Dom 101. Good thing
they hadn’t gone very far yet.

“Princess.”
For a minute Carlyle paused in his rope tying. “Your

cat?”

Carlyle nodded, his cheeks growing a slight blush but

the man didn’t back down. “I figure if I say princess in
the middle of a scene it should stand out?”

Carlyle’s eyes traced down the ripped body of

muscle. “Yeah, that should do it.”

Ralph watched Carlyle as he stripped off his clothes

and if the wide eyes and lip licking was any indication,
the sub liked what he saw. Carlyle didn’t preen, he knew
he was in good shape and he’d had enough lovers in his
past to not be overly modest about his looks. However, no
one in all the years he’d played the scene had ever
watched him with such naked longing before.

With Ralph’s eyes on him he felt sexier than he’d

ever felt before.

He showed Ralph the leather flogger he’d taken from

the wall.

Ralph’s eyes went wide when he saw the instrument.

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47

“I brought this not to hit you with but to get you

familiar with different tools I might use. As you are
relatively inexperienced I don’t want to rush you into
anything you’re not comfortable with.” But how he
wished he could.

He watched Ralph’s eyes get wider as he wrapped the

strands of the flogger around his cock. Slowly pulling the
leather strips away he smiled when the sub let out a low
moan. Beads of precome dribbled from Ralph’s cock.
“Are you comfortable?” he asked, idly dragging the
strands across the sub’s stomach.

Ralph nodded.
“Let me know if your chest starts to hurt.” Although

the wound was sealed on the outside, the internal healing
might not be complete. He didn’t wish to cause Ralph a
moment of unintentional discomfort. Pain on purpose was
one thing. Accidental pain wouldn’t be tolerated.

“I will.”
“You’d better or you won’t enjoy your punishment.”
“Yes, master.”
Carlyle spent the next few minutes sliding the soft

leather strands across Ralph’s skin. Surprisingly sensitive
to the touch, Carlyle enjoyed the sub’s flinches and
suppressed twitches.

“Ah, you have sensitive nipples.”
“I guess.” Ralph gave him a confused look. “No one

has really played with them before.”

“Their mistake.” Carlyle leaned over and bit down on

one pebbled nub.

Ralph squeaked and gave an honest to god yelp.
“Mmm. One day we’ll get these pierced and have

loops through them, then we’ll really have some fun,” he

Considering Carlyle

48

said in delight.

“I don’t know if I can handle that much fun sir,”

Ralph muttered.

“You’ll have to, won’t you?” Carlyle bit the other

nipple, pleased when he got another sharp cry.

Carlyle’s cock hardened as he enjoyed his power

over Ralph. The young submissive trembled beneath his
touch and made him feel like a god. He stopped when he
saw an expression of genuine discomfort cross Ralph’s
face. “Hurting?”

It looked for a moment as if Ralph was going to deny

his discomfort but after a long pause he nodded. “A bit.”

With a quick yank, Carlyle freed Ralph of his

bondage. Unwrapping the sub’s wrists, he tossed the rope
to the floor then carefully rubbed Ralph’s arms.
Combining a bit of massage gave him a reason to touch
the sub. Absorbing the silky skin and warm flesh beneath
his fingers. “Are you up to me fucking you?”

“Yes, master.”
The quick way Ralph responded, told Carlyle there

was no doubt in the other man’s mind.

“Good.” He let the sub see the pleasure in his eyes.

“I’ve been waiting weeks to make love to you and I don’t
think I could wait a minute more.” He would’ve though, if
Ralph needed the time. He would’ve waited a hell of a lot
more.

Going to the side table he pulled out lube and

condoms. He took his time making sure Ralph was ready.
Carlyle didn’t wait this long to rush the man or hurt him
in his need to feel the gorgeous man wrapped around his
cock.

“Please, master,” Ralph begged.

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49

“Shh, I’ll give you what you want, sweetheart. Be

patient.”

“I’ve been patient for weeks, now screw me.”
Carlyle removed his hands and walked around the

bed to stand beside Ralph. “Are you under the impression
that you’re in charge?”

Ralph sucked in a breath obviously realizing he’d

gone a step too far. “No, master.”

“We’ll have sex when I decide you’re ready. Am I

understood?”

“Yes, master.” The sub looked so sad Carlyle almost

relented, but he couldn’t let the Ralph be in charge. That
would set up a poor precedent.

Sliding the condom on, he resumed adding lube to

Ralph’s hole, making sure the other man would feel no
discomfort. Once he was satisfied with the amount of lube
and stretching, he lined the mushroom head of his cock up
and pushed inside.

Ralph let out a small grunt of discomfort, then

relaxed and let Carlyle slide further inside. “Good boy,”
he praised. If anyone could see him fucking Ralph they’d
know he wasn’t just another boy in a long line of subs.
Carlyle used care and every trick he knew to make Ralph
twitch and moan at the end of his cock.

“So full, master.”
Carlyle smiled. “You can take me. So good, boy, so

very good.” He muttered sweet nothings to the sub while
holding his hips in place. When they’d both been tested
he’d feel the sub all around him and come in his hot hole.
He could hardly wait. Just the idea made his cock threaten
to shoot. “Come!” he demanded.

A shout echoed in the room as Ralph spurted onto the

Considering Carlyle

50

bed and Carlyle gave up his release into the condom. It
took more willpower than it should have to separate
himself from the sub. If he had his way Ralph would
never be alone again. However, it took more than one
person to form a permanent agreement and he wouldn’t
take advantage of a young man while the come was still
wet on the sheets.

“Damn, I wish I had a cigarette,” he said, without

thinking.

Ralph stiffened beside him. Carlyle grabbed the sub

and pulled him close before the other man could get
away. “Wanting one is not the same as having one. I have
enough will power to stop myself.”

“I don’t want you to resent me for making you stop

smoking.”

Carlyle laughed. “Yeah, how wrong of you to want

me healthy and not get lung cancer.” He shook Ralph
gently. “No. In this case you are in the right and I will
abide by the one rule you’ve given me. I want you to
consider me for your permanent Dom and I know you
won’t if I’m a smoker.”

He knew Ralph heard him because the sub placed a

soft kiss across his heart. “Let’s get back home. I want
you in our bed.”

“Our bed?” Ralph looked up from where he lay.
Carlyle nodded. “You belong with me. You might

not be ready to commit quite yet, but the best way for you
to make a decision is if you to have all the facts. The first
fact is I’m in love with you.”

Ralph gave him a wide smile. “I don’t think I need to

consider the rest of them since I’m in love with you too,
master.”

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51

“Excellent. Let’s go home. Tomorrow we can draw

up a contract. I know a snazzy lawyer who can whip us up
one really quick.”

Ralph laughed. “I just bet you do.”
In perfect accord the two men headed out to start

their new life together, at their place.

“How do you feel about dogs?” Ralph asked.
“Don’t push it,” Carlyle growled.

The End

About the Author

Amber is one of those quiet people they always tell you to
watch out for. She lives in Dallas with her husband, two
sons, two cats and one extremely stupid dog.

For more information on other books by Amber, visit the
author’s official website:
www.AmberKell.Wordpress.com

Also by This Author

Attracting Anthony, Silver Publishing
Baiting Ben, Silver Publishing
Courting Calvin, Silver Publishing
Denying Dare, Silver Publishing
Enticing Elliott, Silver Publishing
Finding Farro, Silver Publishing
Getting Gabe, Silver Publishing
Hunting Henry, Silver Publishing
Mate Dance, Silver Publishing
Mate Hunt, Silver Publishing
Mate Test, Silver Publishing
Jaynell's Wolf, Silver Publishing
Blood Signs, Silver Publishing
Modeling Death, Silver Publishing
William's House, Silver Publishing
Trials of Tam, Silver Publishing
Samhain's Kiss, Silver Publishing
Soldier Mine, Silver Publishing
Ash Swan, Resplendence
Protecting Mr. Right, Total-E-Bound
From Pack to Pride, Total-E-Bound
A Prideful Mate, Total-E-Bound
A Prideless Man, Total-E-Bound
Tyler's Cowboy, Total-E-Bound

Hellbourne, Total-E-Bound
Kevin's Alpha, Silver Publishing
Xavier's Xmas, Silver Publishing