Page 50 of No Rules

“Your theory combines money, status, and revenge. That’s a powerful cocktail for committing a crime.”

“Thank you.”

Ryan studied him for a moment more, then ruffled his hair. “Good job, baby boy.”

16

The dungeon was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting shadows on the walls. Ryan meticulously arranged the equipment he’d chosen, ensuring each item was within reach when needed. Despite his calm demeanor, his heart was racing. His first scene since Quinton died. He had no doubt he could do it, but would he be able to provide Alex with what the kid needed?

Alex was so… Jesus, Ryan didn’t even have the words to describe him. Alex was fucking sexy. That mouth of his was driving Ryan crazy. He’d never met a man he wanted to kiss as much as he wanted to kiss Alex. And then use that mouth for other purposes.

His body was perfect. Sleek, smooth muscles like a panther, and equally deadly. Ryan rarely misjudged people, but he sure had with Alex. He’d pegged him as a wannabe, a kid way in over his head on the job, but he’d proven Ryan wrong every step of the way, hadn’t he? He was smart, dedicated, and he’d been the one to come up with their latest theory, one Ryan had a good feeling about.

But he couldn’t think about the job now. This was all about Alex, about showing him what submission looked like and bringing him all the pleasure. Well, Ryan would make sure he’d get his own fair share of ecstasy as well, but with Alex, that was easy. The kid lived to please him, and Ryan would make good use of that.

Footsteps alerted him to someone coming, and seconds later, Alex stepped into the room, his eyes wide. Bare-chested and dressed in a pair of faded jeans, he was mouthwateringly sexy. Ryan wanted to eat him…and maybe he would.

He crooked his finger, and Alex came close. “How are you feeling?”

“A bit nervous.”

“Nervous is okay as long as you’re not scared.”

“Not even a little bit.”

“Good. You ready for this?”

Alex straightened his shoulders. “Yes, Sir.”

They’d talked about safewords and limits during dinner that night, so they were all set. Not that Alex had told Ryan anything he didn’t know already, but it was always good to cover all the bases. “Then let’s start. Strip.”

He watched with a mixture of fascination and hunger as Alex took off his jeans, leaving him in a pair of black, tight briefs, then stripped those off as well, revealing his lean, muscular body.

“Good. Now kneel.”

Alex dropped to his knees gracefully, clasping his hands behind his back and keeping his eyes trained on the floor.

“Bow your head.”

Alex obeyed, his hair falling across his forehead. The flush rising on his cheeks stirred something deep within Ryan. He wanted to use him, dominate him…but also protect him. The latter was unexpected. Everything with Alex was different. It would be a struggle to keep his emotional distance, but he had to. Being Alex’s Dom was one thing, but more than that was impossible. Ryan was not opening himself up to that level of pain ever again.

He refocused on Alex. “Good boy. Tonight, you’re mine to control, and I will push you. But remember, you can always use your safewords.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Alex murmured.

“What are you hoping for?”

“Sir?” Alex didn’t look up, which earned him points, since it was such an automatic reaction.

“What do you want me to do to you?”

“W-whatever you want, Sir. Whatever brings you pleasure.”

“Mmm, you want me to use you, boy?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Look at you,” Ryan drawled, circling Alex like a predator sizing up its prey. “So eager to please, aren’t you?”