LOVE & STITCHES at The Asylum Part Eight

 

I hope you're all having nice cozy weekend!

And a bit of time to sit back with your favourite comfort drink and spend some time with our guys!

Happy Reading!

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PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PART 6  

PART 7

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Sitting across from Pike in a booth, Jared gave him a level look. “Do we understand now why we don’t swear, don’t rock the boat, and obey the rules in this place?” He lowered his chin. “That it’s not some cutsie game with a fun contract and a bunch of rules meant to trip you up?”

“Yeah. I mean, sometimes it’s all that, but Quint’s there and things never…” Pike flattened his hands on the table, staring down at them. “Things never get like that. I...don’t really do the kneeling thing, but I will if you want me to. Could you…” He made a face. “It’s weird to ask, but tell me if I’m doing it right? Could you punish me? Please...sir?”

Jared sat back, warring between impressed and shocked. “Are you asking me because it’s what I told you I wanted to hear, or because you feel a need for someone’s forgiveness?”

Chewing on his bottom lip, Pike lifted his gaze. “Can it be both? I screwed up so much and I know I can’t just snap my fingers and fix it. That would be cool, though, right?” He looked down again. “This is like, a step. The rest is gonna take longer and cutting down the bratting out by at least...twenty percent.”

“Yes, little gremlin, it can be both.” Jared tapped two fingers on the table to get Pike’s attention. “Let’s be clear about something though. Yes?” Standing, he held out a hand to Pike. “You’re being punished for swearing. The rest? Was not your fault. Other people’s actions are not your responsibility.”

Pike put his hand in Jared’s, rising to his feet and wrinkling his nose. “Yeah, but if I’d known Seth was there, I woulda thought twice, you know? I don’t try to start sh—problems on purpose. I was being a dick and I took things too far. So kinda my fault.”

“Hm.” By Lawson, Jared paused. “May I use your office, my man?”

Lawson nodded, rubbing Matt’s back and drinking something that looked like tea, but smelled like he had a healthy splash of rum in it. “Of course.” Inhaling slowly, Lawson glanced at Pike. “You know Seth better than I do. Will he accept this once he calms down? I’d like to think the man I’ve come to know would, but I saw someone very different just now.”

“You saw a merc.” Jared didn’t bother to mince words, especially with Lawson. “Something is bothering him beyond the politics here, and I think if I were to guess it’s possible he has some intel that has him worried about needing to protect Pike.” Squeezing the boy’s hand, he kept his gaze on Lawson. “His loyalties are with his family, and with anyone who can and will protect them. It’s possible some of the pieces on the board shifted and that Rhodey doesn’t know it yet.”

Cup to his lips, Lawson took a deep sip, then placed it back on the bar. “I can see that. But it doesn’t do any of us any good to be at each other’s throats. We’ve learned that the hard way. Hopefully, Seth won’t have to.”

“Thankfully, Noah rarely remembers things from after he’s triggered.” Jared glanced toward where Jamie had been standing earlier. “If anyone tells him that Seth pulled a gun on Jamie, I’m not certain this is recoverable.”

“I’ll speak to everyone and make it clear there is absolutely no reason for it to be mentioned.” Lawson finished his tea and turned his attention to Matt, framing his jaw with his hand. “The café and the restaurant are staying closed for today. You’ll be staying with me, my love. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” Matt spoke in a barely audible whisper.

“Lawson—” Jared cleared his throat.

Lifting his gaze, Lawson met his eyes. “No, Jared. You’re not punishing him as well. I will handle this.”

“I wasn’t going to.” He waited until Lawson motioned for him to continue. “Rhodey and I have a deal. I choose Matthew’s punishment and he stays out of it. All settled.”

“That sounds reasonable, I trust you to come up with something not too extreme.” Lawson’s lips curved slightly as he looked at Pike again. “Unless it will do more good than harm.”

Pike scuffed his sneakers against the floor. “I’m sorry for being a jerk, sir. I’m good with whatever. Don’t tell Quint, he’ll get all worked up and...like, I’ll live.”

“That’s what you think,” Matt muttered, absent-mindedly touching the faint scar on his cheek where Jared had given him his first sutures sans anesthetic.

“Gee, thanks, dude.” Pike stuck his free hand in his pocket. “Fine, if I die, you don’t get eff all. I’m leaving everything to Curtis and Reed.”

Dropping his hand, Matt straightened, indignant. “What the fuck makes you think I get bought off? I’m not some money scraping mutt with his hand out on a corner. You sell your friendship if you think anyone wants to buy it, asshole, but I don’t work that way.”

Eyes narrowing, Pike sucked his teeth at Matt. “Get off your fucking high horse, dickwad. I was joking. ‘Look at me, all pure with my rich husband acting like my shit don’t stink.’ Fuck you.”

It’s like a bad dream, this entire morning.

Matt lunged across Lawson, Jared pulling Pike back. “Leave Law out of this, pond slime for brains.”

If they were devolving to schoolyard insults, it was past time to solve the situation. Unfortunately, Lawson didn’t grab quickly enough for Matt, and Jared didn’t move Pike quite far enough away. Matt’s open handed slap caught Pike on the cheek—at least it hadn’t been a punch, so perhaps Stephan had effected an improvement there.

Curtis stood, striding to Jared, and yanked Pike out of harm’s way faster than Jared could move. “Matt!” He pointed to the bar. “Hands on the bar.”

Frowning at Matt, Lawson folded his arms over his chest, the jutt of his chin enforcing Curtis’ command.

The galley door swung open, Reed dancing around with the tray over his head and earbuds in his ears. “Muffins. I got the muffins. Who wants muffins?”

Giving Curtis a long look, Matt hiked up his chin. When Curtis looked toward Reed, Matt walked away, shoving outside into the parking lot. 

Jared groaned. “This is like herding cats.”

Cursing under his breath, Lawson darted after Matt, ducking just in time to avoid getting cracked in the head by Reed’s tray.

Reed stared after him, confusion and hurt in his eyes. He spoke loud, likely over the music in his ears. “Keiran made them, but...my cooking shouldn’t be scaring people off, damn.”

“Congratulations, Pike.” Jared ruffled the sub’s hair. “You are no longer the ‘brat of the day’.” 

Curtis crossed to Reed, plucking out an earbud as he kissed his cheek. “Sit with me, my boy. I’ll have a muffin.”

“Okay, that would be really cool, sir.” Reed gave Curtis an uncertain smile. “I totally missed something, didn’t I?”

Plopping down at a table, Curtis shrugged. “Depends on whether you consider Matt about to get his ass handed to him ‘missing something’?”

“Yikes. I’d say kinda and I’m on my best behavior for the rest of the week. Scout’s Honor.” Reed put the tray on the table. “Danny…” He looked at Jacks and Shea, then crouched to look under their table. “Got some blueberry muffins for you. Want one?”

“Only if I don’t have to come out there.” Danny hid his face behind Shea’s leg. “I am never leaving this spot again.”

Bringing Pike to Curtis, Jared handed the boy over with a promise to, “Be right back.” He followed Matt and Lawson, needing to make certain they hadn’t left the grounds, especially with Rhodey out of commission in several directions. Outside, the sky was clear and the air was brisk, a light breeze tickling Jared’s beard as he looked around the parking lot for the couple.

“Come on, Matt. If you’d like to take out your anger on someone, I’m right here.” Lawson shoved Matt’s shoulder. “You’d like this better than accepting a punishment as a sub, I have no issue with that. I have taken you down before and I am more than willing to do so again if that’s what suits you.”

Red-faced, Matt backed away, hands in the air. He shook his head. “Stop it, Law.”

“Then tell me what it is you’d like from me. I defended you after you did something reckless that Avery will be paying for days for and now this?” Lawson pointed at the club, his finger stabbing through the air. “Are you trying to show everyone I have no right to uphold any rules because I can’t even manage them with my own household? Am I a joke as a Dom to you?”

“No!” Matt’s voice cracked, his fists at his sides. “It’s not a joke. It’s not how we do it!”

Jared nodded to himself, having suspected as much to be the problem. “But it’s how we do it, my boy.” He stepped closer, but not into their circle of space. “It was, in fact, my demand for your punishment. Curtis preempted me. And I would have chosen Lawson’s paddle. Now, I’m inclined to have him use the cane.”

“Consider it done.” Lawson gave Matt a hard look. “Let’s see if you can show even half the submission that unholy brat of a sub just did. You will get your punishment. When you fucking well ask for it. But since you have years of experience and training, you will damn well beg. I am done with my authority being spat on whenever one of you gets in a mood.”

Looking at his Dom like he’d turned into an ogre from another planet, Matt shook his head. “No.”

Jared winced, watching the car wreck and only partly enjoying it. It wasn’t fun to see two men he loved at odds, or Matt struggling to find a place that he’d been so comfortable in previously. He had to wonder if running his own business had put him in a mindset where letting go felt dangerous or wrong on another level he’d need to adjust to. 

“Fine.” Lawson’s tone held a note of resignation. “Since you don’t want any part of this power exchange any longer, give me your collar.”

Kneecapped. Matt appeared absolutely kneecapped. His gaze dropped to his hand, his fingers clutching his wedding ring like it was a lifebuoy. “What?”

“You heard me. I love you, but this is an exchange. I won’t force you to remain part of it if that’s not what you want.” Throat working, Lawson shifted his gaze to the distance, where dark clouds gathered, thunder rolling in the distance. “It’s always been your choice.”

“We had a deal...” Matt didn’t speak above a whisper, his gaze going toward the bar. “Not in there.”

“Your actions make our deal irrelevant. You’ve hurt two people now, Matt.” Lawson returned his gaze to his boy. “Why don’t you understand that is more important than your pride?”

Tears sheening his eyes, Matt closed the distance between him and Lawson, tipping his head back to look up at his Dom. “Because I don’t want them to see that you and...” He shook his head. “It’s...” Lowering to his knees after a few seconds, he put his forehead to the ground. “Please punish me in the bar for my disrespect, sir.”

Jared breathed a sigh of relief.

“Yes, my love.” Lawson bent down, putting his hand under Matt’s chin to raise his head so he could hold his gaze. “There’s my good boy. Who I’m so proud to call my own. Thank you for trusting me with your submission.”

Love pouring from him, Matt nodded a little. “Thank you, sir.”

Jared returned to the bar, speaking quietly in Curtis’ ear. “Lawson needs a junior cane.”

Eyes going wide, Curtis looked up at him, then at Reed. “Alright.” He stood, going upstairs.

“Maybe me and Lawson can make a deal.” Reed rubbed his hands on his thighs, staring at the door. “I can take a lot more than Matt can. If I do the punishment for him, it totally counts.”

“You’re not cleared for more than chewing gum and reading manga, love.” Jared brushed his hand over Pike’s hair, speaking to Reed. “Matthew will be fine. You know it as well as I.”

Reed nodded, sighing and handing Pike two muffins. “Bring one of these to Danny., Iif I can get him to eat at least one thing will feel right about this crazy morning.”

Sketching on a pad at the table, Jacks accepted the muffin from Pike, feeding little bits to Danny from his fingers beneath as he spoke to Shea. “What if we did some Where the Wild Things Are costumes for the subs who find monsters too scary? Pike would make a wonderful Max, and Jamie could be that toothy monster with the big head.”

“That could be cool.” Shea rested his arm around Jacks’ shoulders. “But if you’re gonna be doing all this work, you’re letting me carry you up the fucking stairs. Make it part of some roleplaying thing if it feels weird or whatever. I’ll fuck you after.” He glanced at Jared. “Carefully.”

Jared chuckled, pulling Pike onto his lap as he sat. The outside door swung open, Matt coming in, walking toward the bar like a condemned prisoner, as Curtis came through the door from the upstairs carrying the cane like a sword tucked under his arm. Curtis met Lawson’s gaze and laid the cane on his chair before returning to Reed.

“Come on, my lover. Say the word and I’ll take you away from all this to a tropical...no, not tropics.” He shook his head. “To the Arctic Circle, which is in the galley.”

Reed slid Curtis a bracing smile. “I appreciate it, sir. But I’m sticking around for my guy. My other guy. And my other other guy. For moral support.”

“Good boy.” Leaning in, Curtis nipped Reed’s piercing. Then sucked on his lip before he pulled away.

Guiding Matt into position, Lawson spoke to him softly, stroking a hand down his back. He laid the cane on the bar, then reached around Matt to undo his jeans. But didn’t lower them right away. “Do you consent to this punishment, my boy? Bare skin, in the bar, ten strikes.”

Matt nodded, shoulders hunching up around his ears. “Yes, sir. I consent.”

“Very good.” Lawson straightened and picked up the cane. “Count for me.”

Jared petted the back of Pike’s head, glancing down at the sub to see how he’d take a ritual Jared very much doubted he’d witnessed often, if at all.

At the first lash of the cane, Pike cringed, hardly blinking as he watched the stark red like form across Matt’s flesh. “Is that what you’re gonna do to me, sir? Because...yikes.”

Sparing him a glance, Jared shook his head. “No. Though if you give me cause to punish you again, it will be the cane.”

Another SNAP as the can connected and Pike hissed in sympathy. “If you want to make me cry, it won’t take ten. I’ve gotten pretty good at it. Seth says it’s pretty.”

Keeping a careful eye on the proceedings to make certain no skin was broken, Jared nodded slowly. “Bizzy always did love his tears.” He chuffed quietly. “And they say I’m a sadist.”

Lawson’s strokes were careful and even, Matt’s breaths coming quicker as he counted, his back expanding with each deep inhale. The tremor in his calves and glutes was evident by the seventh stroke. A nice series of lines decorated his pale flesh from the top crest of his ass to the curve beneath.

“Three more. You’re doing very well, my love.” Lawson breathed in deep, bringing one hand up to rub his chest. “You will remember this the next time you have a choice to make that may harm someone.”

Curtis stood, looking at Jared, who nodded. Quietly, Curtis crossed to Lawson, speaking low enough that Jared had to read his lips to hear his, “Do you need me to finish?”

Jaw tightening, Lawson looked down at the cane, speaking just as low. “He needs me to finish this with him. I owe him that much.”

“Then I’m standing with you.” Stepping back enough to give Lawson clearance, Curtis folded his arms over his chest.

Matt glanced over his shoulder, a worried frown pulling his brow. There were no tears on his face until he met Lawson’s gaze. He started to straighten, paused, then glanced at Curtis for direction. 

“Stay.” Curtis raised and lowered his hand.

“I’ve got you, my boy.” Lawson brushed his hand over Matt’s back again. “We’re almost there.”

“Yes, sir.” Taking a steadying breath, Matt solidified his stance, widening his thighs and pushing out his ass with his head lowered between his arms. “May I please have the rest of my punishment, if it pleases you, sir?”

Lawson’s expression softened. “You may, my love.” He landed the next strike, paused, then continued with the last two. Closing his eyes he exhaled slowly, dropping the cane. “I need to sit down.”

Curtis moved quickly, cursing quietly, and Jared stood, crossing to both their sides, leaving Matt to put himself to rights. “Reed, get him some water.” Jared tossed out the directive, taking Lawson’s wrist in his hand to feel his pulse. “Dammit. I should’ve listened to my instincts and done this myself.”

Turning mid-dash toward them, Reed hurried around the bar, splashing water into a glass and handing it over the bar to Matt. “Is he okay? What else does he need?”

“His pills are upstairs.” Voice hoarse, Matt cleared his throat, hand shaking as he took the water. “I’m sorry, Reed.”

“It’s okay, I’ve got this.” Reed skidded around the bar again.

Pike motioned to him before he could run past. “Clinic’s closer, I can go get it from Quint. I’m faster.”

Wincing, Reed stopped, then nodded. “Okay, that works. Just hurry.”

“Even breaths.” Jared talked Lawson through his relaxation exercises.

“I’m sorry, sir.” Matt knelt by Lawson’s side, a hand on his knee. “I keep making the same mistakes. I swear I’ll do better. Please don’t be so upset. I—” He swallowed hard. “I love you so much, and I want to be your boy, always, even when it’s hard.” Speaking in a rush, he stroked Lawson’s thigh. “Thank you for helping me to get there and to let go. I know I don’t deserve it, but I’m really grateful. So flipping grateful.”

One hand braced on his thigh, Lawson brought the other to Matt’s cheek, his voice faint. “You made me very proud. This is not your fault. I love you…” A slow, even breath, Lawson closing his eyes on his inhale. “So damn much.”

Curtis met Matt’s gaze, shaking his head slightly when it looked like Matt might argue. They all knew that Lawson’s original heart attack had been the result of a very similar argument with Matt during which the collar had come into question. Both of them had to be reeling. Jared’s concern, however, was with his patient. 

“Don’t make me get out the defibrillator, Lawson,” Jared joked. “I haven’t used one in a while. I might apply it to the wrong body part.”

Laughing a bit weakly, Lawson opened his eyes. “We wouldn’t want that, and I would hate to join in on the disobedience going on around here.” He made a face, looking over as Pike burst back in and practically shoved the pills into Jared’s chest. “I suppose now would be a bad time to ask for a review of my approval for the ring?”

“Not necessarily.” Given Lawson’s pulse, Jared had a pretty good idea of what was going on—and it wasn’t his heart—but wouldn’t say for certain without an EKG. The machine would be getting a workout today, it seemed. “Take your pill if you need to, but I’d like you to close your eyes and do the circular breath exercise I taught you. Four beats in. Hold four. Four beats out. Hold four. Do it a dozen or so times.”

Lawson inclined his head, breathing in and pressing his hand to his chest. The strain stole the color from his face as he held, then gusted out the last breath. “Jesus, I think I prefered when I was immediately out after… It was less painful.”

Taking the glass of water and a pill, Jared handed Lawson both. “Swallow this, then Curtis and I will get you to the clinic.”

Slipping the pill into his mouth, Lawson took a sip to swallow it, coughing up half the water. “I would be all right with sitting for a few moments. Then perhaps going to my loft to rest until the club opens. I still have paperwork to deal with, and new applications to go over.”

“You’re going to have my knee to go over if you don’t shut up.” Jared shook his head, rolling his eyes at the rafters in a silent plea for strength. “Don’t make me use my rusty rope skills on you.”

Curtis chortled. “Oh, how the tables have turned.”

“I wouldn’t test me right now, Curtis.” Channeling Rhodey, Jared glared in Curtis’ direction. “Help me carry him to the clinic.” Who needed to weight lift when they spent their days shuffling patients back and forth? “Rhodey says I need to work out more.”

“Has Rhodey seen those guns lately, because damn.” Pike spoke around a muffin, giving Jared a cheeky grin. “They get any bigger and Jacks will have to custom make all your fancy shirts.”

Sparing a glance at his bare arms, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Jared tried to see them the way Pike might. Which only really made sense when he realized his forearms were as big around as Pike’s thigh. “I do have my shirts custom made.” Hefting Lawson with Curtis, Jared made a seat of their linked arms for the man to sit on, and he and Curtis moved toward the gym door, Lawson’s arms around their shoulders. “With us, Pike. Reed. Matthew”

“Quint said he’ll have everything ready. He’s watching over Avery for Rhodey.” Pike rushed ahead, holding the doors with Reed. “He was grumbling about something else, but not sure what. Something about needing to double the order on the next something-something, I ran out real quick.”

“Bar cushions, most like.” Matt’s wry commentary had a note of self-deprecating humor as he walked stiffly by Jared’s side. “But I’m not using one. I want to feel this for the rest of my life.”

“Yeah, well I kinda feel bad for you, but not as much when I remember you freakin’ slapped me.” Pike twisted his lips to one side, poking at his cheek. “Like a punk. What the fuck, dude? Don’t I deserve the respect of at least a nice solid punch? Rude.”

“Pike.” Jared growled the sub’s name like an alpha dog who rolled an unruly pup to its back. “Don’t make me find a ball gag. Stop swearing.” 

Matt ducked his head, opening the clinic door. “I’ve been working on not hitting. It kinda was a compromise with an impulse factored in.”

“Okay, I’ll let it slide this time.” Pike walked backwards in front of the group, grinning at Jared. “If you want me to be good, don’t make sexy threats. Pro tip.”

“Quint!” Arms shaking with Lawson’s muscled weight, Jared staggered them to the second bed in the procedure room.

Coming out of the storage closet, Quint lifted his brow at Jared as he placed a box of sterile bandages on the counter. “Yes, sir? Is there a new emergency, because I may need to send someone to the store before we run out of absolutely everything. Is it too much to ask that everyone take a bit more care? Wait, don’t answer that.”

“I am fairly certain it’s a stubborn panic attack based on his heart rate, so I would like Stephan up here to examine.” Settling Lawson on the bed, Jared shook out his arms and rolled his shoulders while Curtis did the same. “Regardless, set up a line with fluids and draw blood for a full workup. I’ll attach the leads.”

“Yes, sir.” Quint spoke as he began placing the equipment they’d need around the bed. “Pike, don’t eat that over here, you’re getting crumbs everywhere. Reed, don’t touch that, it’s for used sharps.”

“Curtis, get Stephan. Take Reed with you.” Pointing to the chair in the corner, Jared directed Matt toward it. “Sit...” His lips quirked despite himself. “Please.”

Looking like he’d rather eat a mouthful of bees, Matt backed toward the chair, hissing as he put his weight on his ass. “Yep. Never hitting anyone again. Even in the ring. I’m good. Totally cured. Shoulda been caned years ago. It’s what comes of having a Dom who loves the stuffing out of you. No discipline. Everything amok.”

“Aww, you’re so cute when you’re all sorry and everything.” Pike sat on Matt’s knee, holding up his muffin. “Want some? I gotta finish it quick, I’m making a mess.”

Line and leads attached, Jared pressed the button for the readout. He focused on the tape, reading the perfect sinus rhythm. The monitor beeped with a fast pulse, its insistent chirp enough to drive anyone mad. Flicking off the sound, he watched as the O2 sat and systolic and diastolic readouts appeared from the automatic blood pressure cuff and finger monitor.

“Oxygen is good. But your pressure is high.” He glanced at Quint, who wrote down the readings on Lawson’s electronic chart. “Consistent with stress.”

“Which he’s been advised to reduce, but that’s usually taken as nothing more than a suggestion.” Quint gave Lawson a tight smile. “Sir, may I repeat that it’s not an option?”

Lawson’s brow lifted slightly. “No, that won’t be necessary. And I have been doing everything exactly as instructed. You may speak to me as a doctor in here, Quint. It comes across very passive aggressive when you do so as a sub.”

Jared huffed, trying not to laugh at the on-the-nose assessment. “You’re on bed rest for a week. No laptop. No phone. No ledgers. No files.” Leveling himself with Lawson, Jared bent at the waist to look him in the eye. “Congratulations. Curtis and I are the only ones running this place. We’re going to have a very good time teaching you to take your relaxation in more consistent sips.”

“Are you scared? I’m a little scared.” Pike dropped against Matt’s chest with a dramatic sigh. “Hold me.”

Gaze on Lawson, Matt did as Pike asked. “It’s okay, sir. I know how to do the new member applications. You taught me. Danny is pretty good at filing. And Jamie...” Matt frowned. “I mean, he must be good at some of this stuff. He runs an entire cathedral full of minions.”

“I would appreciate your assistance, Matt, thank you. We’ll figure it out, I’ll see what I can do with the schedule and go over what can wait and what can’t.” Lawson looked at Jared, frowning, then wincing and pressing his fingers to his chest. “Is any of this negotiable?”

“No.” Using a syringe Quint had prepared and the port in Lawson’s IV, Jared pressed the plunger to administer some happy drugs. “And in a moment, you won’t give a damn.”

Curtis walked in, handcuffed to Stephan. “Figured I’d better be extra careful with the wily one, here. No telling if he’d Vulcan Mind Meld me on the way up and make me let him free, so I left the key in the cell.” He held up their joined wrists. “Welcome to Crazy Town, Dr. Phil.”

“I’ve been enjoying my stay so far, so I appreciate the opportunity to see a bit more of it.” Stephan patted Curtis’ hand, making a swift move almost impossible to track that ended with Curtis cuffed to the side of the bed and himself free to move around it. “Now what seems to be the problem? From what Curtis has told me, it’s been an eventful twenty-four hours.”

“We believe an acute panic attack brought on by PTSD.” Jared furrowed his brow, wondering if he should hit the lockdown button on his phone. “I’ve given him two milligrams of Ativan. Not enough to knock him on his ass, but enough to take the edge off.”

Nodding, Stephan pulled up a chair and sat, looking like he was perfectly comfortable and the situation was normal, despite the circumstances. “Good. It will help if he’s able to remove himself from the mindset of whatever brought on the attack.” He focused on Lawson. “Do you have an idea of what it might have been?”

Lawson shook his head. “No. It was a hectic morning, but on the whole, nothing too out of the ordinary.”

Denial is so thick, we’re in danger of encountering crocodiles.

“Yes. Because it’s every day you cane your sub in the bar after asking him if he wants to take off his collar.” Jared jotted down a few notes in Lawson’s chart, glancing up as he made the remark. “And witness a near homicide—though to be fair, that is more common around here.”

Stephan folded his hands on his lap and gave Lawson an expectant look. “You don’t find those things get to you or are you making an effort not to let them? As I’ve mentioned to you before, that kind of repression can have a physical impact.”

Lawson rubbed his hand over his mouth, shifting his gaze. He let his hand fall to the bed at his side. “Of course those things bother me. But I am a Dom and an owner of this club. I can handle my responsibilities.”

“No one implied you couldn’t.” Stephan took a notepad out of his pocket, flipping open a page and taking a few of his own notes. “But if that is your first concern when it’s brought up, it sounds like you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself. You do share these tasks, don’t you?”

Cuff clanking against the bedrail, Curtis sat on the edge of the mattress. “Define ‘share’?”

That brought a small smile to Stephan’s lips. “Well, what does it mean to you?”

“Who, me?” Curtis pointed his thumb at himself, brows raised. “I’m not the one with the need for a twelve-step recovery program for a paperwork addiction.”

“Hmm.” Stephan flipped to another page and kept writing. “No, you’re not, but you will be working with Lawson during his recovery, yes?” He glanced over at Matt. “Come, my boy. I’d like you to lie down next to your Dom. He relaxed a bit with Curtis closer, I think your presence will be good for him as well.”

Ducking his head, Matt visibly tightened his hold on Pike. “I’ve been the problem all day, sir. First with not being here with his coffee, which started everything off wrong, and then being on The Asylum’s top-ten list of all time worst subs and husbands. It’s my fault. I’m here because I can’t stand to be away from him, but I don’t want him to have the reminder too close. I’ll just do something to set him off.”

Stephan used his pen to point at Lawson’s heart monitor. “Your distance and how you’re blaming yourself for several things that sound much more complicated than you’re making them out to be certainly isn’t helping. But I can’t force you to follow my suggestion.” He looked at Lawson again. “You don’t like when you can’t fix things for him. I understand the need for control, but you’re going to have to let some of that go. I want you to share the tasks you’re holding onto so tightly. Let others show they are capable. Trust them. If not, it won’t matter how much you rest, you’ll be keeping yourself in the exact same place.”

“I trust my men.” Lawson blew out a breath, relaxing into the pillow. “But yes, I want to make things easier on them whenever possible. I need to know they’re safe and happy. When I had my first heart attack, Matt was...sick. And Curtis…” His throat worked. “I thought he was dead.”

“Drunk,” Matt corrected quietly.

Jared leaned back against the counter, arms folded over his chest, quietly observing Stephan. His auburn hair was a little damp at the tips, like he’d had a swim recently, or showered. His close trimmed beard offset hazel eyes that took in everything and everyone around him with startling perception.

Their own sessions had been straightforward, with Jared confiding about his relationship with Quint, Bizzy, worries about Wren and Noah, and some of his frustration and antipathy for Jamie. They hadn’t met all that often, but really there hadn’t been much time in Jared’s schedule to speak of, or at least he let himself believe that was the reason. When he didn’t think about it too hard.

“I’d like to speak on the triggering event more, but it seems like we’ve identified the problem and several of the stressors. I’ll come speak to you every day for the next two weeks and we’ll see if we can’t make some improvements on both the impact, and on how you balance your work and home life.” Stephan stood and faced Jared. “I’d like to start him on an anti-anxiety medication regularly and see how that works for him. We’ll reduce stimulants as well. I believe, after a few days, we’ll see some improvement.”

Jared nodded his agreement. “I have him down to no more than two cups of caffeinated beverages per day, but we can cut that back. I agree with your assessment.”

“Uhm...” Setting Pike on his feet, Matt stepped sideways around Stephan like he half expected to get another caning. Which was odd. “Maybe if you wanna tell me where you left the key, Curtis, I can go get it?” He spoke at his feet. “And some tea for Law.”

Curtis slanted Matt a grin. “Kinkiest thing that’s happened to me in weeks.”

“Does no stimulants mean no sex?” Pike tipped the chair back on two legs, letting out a low whistle. “Sucks to be you two.”

Matt’s blush went from his collar to the roots of his hair, but he didn’t lift his head or reply. Curtis ruffled his bangs, leaning down to tip up Matt’s chin for a kiss. “Reed has it. In the cell where he’s listening to music with the little muppet.”

“Sex is fine after a day or two to rest, so long as it doesn’t contradict with his doctor’s orders.” Stephan smiled at Jared. “I appreciate being invited to assist on this case, thank you. If you don’t need me for anything else, I’ll return to my cell. I’m taking advantage of Drew’s day off to give him another swimming lesson.”

Jared inclined his head, walking with Stephan to the clinic door. “And...Noah? He’s alright? With Jamie and Rhodey?”

The light mood visibly left Stephan and he let out a sigh. “He will be, but I’d like to see him more often. The triggers he deals with are much different than PTSD, though there is some of that involved. The conditioning he went through was severe. I understand everyone tried to avoid setting him off, but sometimes it’s difficult. My goal is to make these episodes as infrequent as possible and reduce the hold they have on him. There are a few treatments that will help with that.”

“Thank you.” Throat working, Jared stared into the distance, recalling for a moment the man Noah had managed to become before he’d gone to prison and slipped into more frequent episodes after getting out. He met Stephan’s hazel eyes again, feeling he should ask his next question, but not really wanting to know the answer, because his attention was split six ways. “How is Jamie?”

Please let him be alright. I just need someone to stand on their own two feet right now.

Stephan held his gaze. “He went through something very unsettling, but Rhodey’s presence seemed to comfort him, as did Noah becoming more communicative. I’ll get him through this as well, Jared. That’s why I’m here.”

Jared relaxed, his shoulders lowering. “Thank you. I appreciate your looking after him.” He turned away, nearly bumping into Matt, who skirted past them and out the door.

“Why is there no food in this fridge?” Crouched down in front of the mini-fridged, Pike stuck his head in. “Water. Water. Juice. Is that blood? Oh, no, it’s tomato juice. Yum.”

Still cuffed to the bed, Curtis stared at Pike with a curious gleam in his eyes. “Actually, it’s blood in appetizing containers to keep the vampire role players happy when they come in after a fight.”

“Really?” Pike sat on the floor, uncapping the bottle and sniffing it. “Does it taste like blood pudding? I’m not a huge fan, but if I’m hungry I ain’t fussy.” He took a sip. “Is blood supposed to taste like tomatoes?”

Quint let out a heavy sigh. “Why would you put it in your mouth if you thought it was blood? Do you know how sick that could make you?”

“Get a sense of humor, Nanny Goat.” Curtis shook his head, eyes heavenward. “He’s alright. Play with him a little. Lighten up.”

“Tell me that again when he has a stomach ache for days from eating the wax around a block of cheese.” Quint went over to Pike, taking the bottle from him and checking the date on the bottom. “This is expired.”

“How are you, my man?” By Lawson’s side, Jared glanced at his vitals, then at the dilation of his pupils. 

“Strangely tempted to try some of that juice.” Lawson chuckled softly, rubbing his chest. “There’s still some pain, but it’s a relief to know it’s not serious.”

“The tightness of the muscles can cause a pectoral strain, believe it or not.” Glancing over at Quint, he decided to be extra-cautious. “Let’s get him an EEG in addition to another EKG. Just to be certain, since he’s had heart problems in the past.”

“Yes, sir.” Quint tossed the juice in the trash, took a few steps, then snapped his fingers at Pike. “Don’t you dare go after it. Sit down and be good, brat, or I’m telling Keiran not to make you cake for a month.”

Pike sat, pressing his lips shut.

The clinic door opened, Matt coming in with a tray of tea and drinks, as well as a bowl of Pike-approved snack mix, and a pile of cookies, Reed right behind him. “We got the key.”

“I love you forever and always.” Pike jumped up, groaning as he looked over the food. “This looks incredible.” He paused and looked at Jared. “Can I grab some, sir?”

“Define some.” Jared positioned the echo wand over Lawson’s chest, the warble of the machine reminding him of the sonograms he’d performed on pregnant women during his OBGyn rotation in med-school. “Because there’d best be plenty for everyone once you’re finished grabbing your share.”

For a minute, Pike seemed to be counting those present. “No more than half, I can totally share.”

“I’ll get more if necessary, sir.” Matt spoke up from the other side of Lawson’s bed, holding his tea in a service position that seemed to be calming for him.

“Okay, I just have to say one thing.” Reed wagged his finger at Pike. “‘Share’ doesn’t mean you get half. Your math is bad. It should be…” He frowned, then shook his head. “You know what, not my job.” He fished a lollipop out of his pocket and stuck it in his mouth. “But you’re not eating my share of the cookies.”

Unchained from the bed, Curtis twirled the cuffs around his fingers, watching the echo screen. “Oh, weird. I can see the little flap things on your heart whatsits opening and closing.”

Lawson took a sip of tea, then closed his eyes. “I’m assuming it’s doing what it’s meant to, then.”

“Yes. We can cross off that worry.” Jared lifted the wand, flicking off the machine, before he handed Matt a towel. “Clean up the gel and get your Dom comfortable.”

Quietly and carefully, Matt did as he was told, mopping up every bit of the sticky, clear lubricant before tugging Lawson’s shirt down and smoothing it out.

Quint went to the tray, dividing everything equally and handing Pike a bottle of water. “Drink this first. I told you, a lot of times when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually thirsty.” He stroked his hand over Pike’s hair. “Did you get a chance to see Seth?”

Cookie halfway in his mouth, Pike almost choked on it. Nodded. Then shook his head.

“Matthew, stop hovering. Either lie down with Lawson or sit somewhere.” Jared attempted to derail the conversation deliberately, scrambling for something to refocus everyone’s attention. “Your Dom will let you know when you’re forgiven. Until then stop fretting. You need to be calm.”

Curtis gaped at him like he’d lost his mind. Again. “He’s fine, my man.” He squeezed Matt’s arm. “All good, right?”

Matt nodded. “Yes, sir. All good.”

“Of course you’re forgiven, my love.” Lawson reached out without opening his eyes. “But I’d appreciate it if you’d lie down with me. This bed feels empty without you.”

Relief poured visibly over Matt, turning his gaze liquid. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” He lifted the covers carefully, slowly moving under them—likely as much for his own sake as Lawson’s—until he was snuggled into the crook of Lawson’s arm. “Only you,” he whispered.

Having intended to make today about Wren, Jared found himself oddly envious of Lawson’s ability to spend the day in bed with his sub—for any cockeyed reason. His own relationship goals and Wren’s birthday plans would have to wait, however. He had an entirely different sub’s need for a dose of Club discipline at the top of his to-do list, and far be it from him to put off a spanking until tomorrow that could be administered today.

****

Part 9

 

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