Love & Stitches at The Asylum: Part Fifty-Eight
Saturday morning. Got some coffee brewing. Who better to settle in with than Lawson?
Don't worry, he's had more than his first cup. ;)
The next few posts will be mostly NSFW. You have been warned. <g>
Happy Reading!
All high stakes poker games were intense. One between the Core Doms of The Asylum? That no one was bleeding was damn impressive. Especially since those stakes involved their subs.
And every single Dom here can do some serious damage with their bare hands.
Some without using their hands at all.
Lawson wasn’t an adrenaline junkie by any stretch of the imagination, but he’d gotten a rush from the strategic play. Even the maneuvering he’d been careful not to call out was entertaining. Observing those who clashed on a good day use any possible distraction to gain an advantage, without crossing any lines, gave him a good idea of how far they’d all come.
And a good grasp of what still needed some ironing out.
A year ago, Lawson would have expected his relationship with Noah to be the biggest problem. To come down here, prepared for how fucking much it hurt to be constantly reminded of what they’d lost. Instead, Lawson had just been ready for Noah to test him a little.
Not that he’d ever admit it to the man, but if Noah hadn’t at least attempted to throw him off his game, it would have felt…wrong. He didn’t want to go back to when they were constantly at each other’s throats—he enjoyed something closer to the friendship they had now. Still, the power struggle between them gave him the sense that Noah saw him as a worthy adversary. So long as that came with mutual respect, it was their own strange little dance.
A different outlet for the passion they’d once shared. Only dangerous when one of them stepped over the line.
With them both comfortably settled in their own quads, it rarely got to that point.
Let’s keep it that way.
Tonight, Lawson’s interest was in exploring the dynamics of the relationship he shared with a different man. One he’d trained for a long time in his way, rejecting the harsher parts of his own training. And damn, it had paid off in the long run. Even though Dallas was a merc, and had gained some grit from being under Rhodey’s wing, the foundation of who he was as a Dom came from what Lawson had nurtured. What he’d seen in a frustrated young man who had so much fucking potential just waiting for someone to see it.
Thank you for trusting me enough to coax it out of you, my friend.
There was no denying the strength beneath the tenderness Dallas displayed with not only his own subs, but any sub under his care. More than that, how as a switch he had the confidence to sink just as deep into his submission. Observing him now while sipping bourbon at the bar with the other Doms, a soft smile curved Lawson’s lips.
On the floor with Danny, Dallas had resumed his pup play—which had been put on hold for the dinner break, Jacks and Shea taking Danny aside so he stayed in the headspace while he ate, and Rhodey checking in with all his subs, while every Core Dom did the same. At the moment, Dallas had a knotted rope between his teeth, darting around the smaller sub, letting him catch it now and then before he tugged with teasing little growls.
It was almost a shame to separate the two, but Danny was starting to look a little sleepy. Even though Lawson had put a stop to his attempt to discourage the Core Doms from wagering on him, there had ended up being an unspoken consensus among them. Rather than risk putting the boy in the very position he was trying to avoid—and would need to learn to communicate better—chips had been spent on the others. And whether or not Danny would have gotten the most didn’t matter.
This wasn’t the way the boy would feel comfortable participating in the Core games. Maybe next time, with a different set of rules, he’d be leaving for some fun with whichever Dom won him. Tonight, he’d be going with Stephan and Drew to hang out and watch movies. Reed would likely join them, having opted out of the games completely. His boy’s experience as a sub meant he was better than some of the others at letting Lawson and Curtis know when something crossed his limits.
The problem? There weren’t many limits at all. And he wasn’t always fully aware of them himself. Lawson wasn’t often caught off guard by his subs—he liked to think he paid close enough attention to catch any issues—but he was also smart enough to accept he had his blind spots.
Which would probably always include that disarming smile and a whole lot of sparkle. Neither he nor Curtis had caught onto how uncomfortable Reed had gotten with anything involving sex. Lawson was grateful Jared had been able to get their boy to open up about it, but there were times caring for a sub involved a balance between exercising the control given, and being cautious. After Reed’s surgery, the latter had come naturally, but perhaps for a bit too long. It would be easy to beat himself up about it—not very productive, though. Lawson had learned all three of his men needed different things from him, at different times. And sometimes, what they needed wasn’t something he could give.
Tonight gave him—and every Dom in the Core—a way to let their subs explore everything those in their tight-knit group had to offer. Lawson’s gaze drifted to where Matt brought around cigars and drinks, fully immersed in the headspace of a service sub. Pride swelled in his chest at the smooth grace his boy displayed. There was a kind of tranquility in Matt when he sank into this zone, content to provide anything a Dom who took him in hand might require. Part of Lawson had expected to be nervous when the Dom who’d won him had been revealed. Instead, it felt…right.
When Matt had glanced over at him to gauge his reaction, Lawson didn’t have to pretend to be pleased with the results. And couldn’t hold back his soft laugh at Matt’s obvious relief.
Taking another sip of whiskey, Lawson turned his focus to the sub who’d be getting all his attention for the rest of the night. As much as he enjoyed watching Dallas experiment with pup play, Lawson didn’t intend to leave him in it during their time together.
Except, the mild form of the play he’d done with Matt and Reed didn’t give him the first clue how to ease the sub out of it. From observing Jacks and Shea for months, he knew there were some rituals that seemed to make the transition less jolting for the sub, but he wasn’t about to become an expert in the next ten minutes.
Catching his eye, Blain looked more than a little amused as he lifted his glass to his lips. He was the most patient man Lawson had ever met, and the calm way he approached every single scene in the dungeon made him an exceptional DM. But his experience with the pet players and the littles was what Lawson needed right now.
Time to admit I have no clue what I’m doing.
“Should I…?” Lawson cleared his throat, taking another sip of whiskey and giving the man a rueful smile. If anyone would understand the need to maintain a certain level of control while handling multiple subs with different needs, it would be the man standing by the edge of the bar, supervising the room much like he did when he had play sessions for The Asylum’s numerous littles, then switched over the the hardcore players in the dungeon without missing a beat. “Dallas seems to have fully embraced this experience as a pup, but he’s not wearing a play collar or any gear.”
Blain inclined his head. “Not all do. And not all are capable of slipping into that headspace. He is in pretty deep, but it won’t be an issue to guide him out of it. Think of it like approaching someone who’s meditating. You wouldn’t want to jar them and ruin that sense of relaxation, but if you’re calm you can help them keep all the benefits of finding their center, while still being able to move on to whatever else the day may bring.”
That was good to hear, and Lawson understood the concept, but… “I wouldn’t bother someone who was meditating. Unless I had no choice.”
“Perhaps a better example would be a sub who’s in subspace who you need to check in with before bringing a scene to the next level.” Blain’s expression warmed with approval as Rhodey moved in closer, making no attempt to hide the close attention he paid to the discussion. Between Danny, and maybe Dallas if he decided to play this way again, this was information he’d need as well. “Most of your subs don’t show much resistance when you take them there—though what does can be very different for each. It’s an exchange, an expression of pure trust and surrender. They don’t need to let that go, but they need to be alert enough to communicate. You’re guiding them back up to the surface for a breath of fresh air, but not pulling them out of the water.”
Tipping his own glass of whiskey for a long swallow, Rhodey followed Lawson’s gaze to where Dallas was jostling with Danny over the half spilled water dish. He glanced at Avery—snuggled up next to Wren and Jamie in a booth—then Keiran, who was slipping Pike treats in the ‘naughty corner’. “The headspace they all need during missions is intense. How they let go, when I can give them that, is just as intense. It’s a kind of recharge. Usually, I get them there with impact play and rough sex. Not letting them do anything for themselves—more Avery than the other two, but they all enjoy it.” The edge of Rhodey’s lips quirked. “I don’t mind adding some new tools to my arsenal.”
Most of the time, what happened in that particular quad’s loft was a mystery—though Lawson had overheard some ‘funny stories’ involving throwing knives, and Rhodey’s belt getting some good use. Still, somehow, he wasn’t all that surprised by what Rhodey had revealed. The man was a good Dom, no matter how gruff he came across.
Nodding slowly, Lawson considered one thing he might be able to use. “If being tended to is familiar, it might help Dallas be alert enough to come out of pup space, while keeping him close to the zone.”
“It will.” Rhodey held his gaze, something passing through his eyes. Not quite reluctance, but almost like he wanted to make damn sure Lawson understood how much trust it took for him to allow anyone else take control of one of his subs, even temporarily. “He loves and respects you. If you let him, he’ll be more focused on wanting to impress you than anything else. Don’t let him go there.”
One hand on Rhodey’s shoulder, Lawson inclined his head. “I have him, my man. I’ll send him back to you in a very good place.”
“With some pretty marks to remember you by.” Rhodey lifted his glass in cheers, chuckling softly. Just like that, he seemed to have decided Lawson was worthy of his sub. Even though there was some challenge in his eyes. “He’s tougher than you remember. Keep that in mind.”
Over by the booths, the long strands of his blond, Goblin King wig spilling over his shoulders, Jacks eased Danny away from Dallas. Dallas whimpered, down on his belly, then wiggled in an attempt to get Danny to come back and play. The nearby water bowl suffered another bump, knocking its contents in an ever widening puddle across the glossy floorboards and creating a slip hazard that Matt headed toward with a pile of bar rags, a smile on his face.
“Be good, Dallas. Only good puppies get snickerdoodle puppy biscuits.” Digging a treat out of a little baggie Keiran had given him, Matt held it in the air. “Sit.” Dallas sat back on his heels, letting out a deep playful bark that had the sub laughing. “All right, all right. Here you go, good boy.”
Taking the treat carefully between his lips, not using any teeth, Dallas forgot about Danny long enough for Jacks and Shea to be able to get Danny away and hand him off to Stephan. Drew petted the other sub’s head in soft strokes, whispering kind words and telling him how excited he was to be able to cuddle and hang out. All was as it should be, the only thing remaining for Lawson to check in with his own subs, then claim his evening’s prize.
Glass set on the bar, Lawson rose and crossed over to Matt, wrapping an arm across his chest as he straightened and tipping his head to one side to claim a kiss over his shoulder. Giving Dallas a minute to munch on his large, bone-shaped cookie, Lawson took the opportunity to make sure his boy was ready for what the rest of his night would bring.
“You know I wouldn’t let you leave my sight with him unless I trusted him completely, yes?” He brushed his lips over Matt’s in a gentle caress, savoring the sweetness of them, the lingering taste of stolen kisses with Reed. “But no matter what, this ends with one word. Just one. Noah will respect that. I’ve already told him your safeword is granite—he’ll likely ask again to remind you to use it if you need to. Swear to me you will.”
Before Matt had a chance to answer, a warm brush of air on the side of Lawson’s neck and a heated presence made his breath catch. Somehow, he immediately knew it was Noah. Stilling, he struggled between the need to brace himself for a fight, and an older urge. To relax back against the man. Not to submit—he hadn’t craved anything close to that in a very long time—but his nearness had been almost an obsession back when they’d first met. When no one else in the world felt safe to let this close.
“I will remind him. And make sure this is what he wants. While you’re right here.” Noah remained where he was for a moment, his hand going to Lawson’s side as though to steady him. His lips moved a fraction closer to the side of Lawson’s neck. Breathing him in, but keeping that small bit of distance between them before shifting away to face Matt. “I haven’t gotten a chance to tell you how handsome you look tonight, pup.” He paused, letting out a soft laugh. “It’s strange, thinking back on giving you that nickname. It’s not quite your style of play, though you’re admiringly open-minded about trying out different things. I’m pleased that you decided to participate tonight.”
Used to playing with both Lawson and Curtis, Matt had no trouble splitting his focus between him and Noah. Where once there would’ve been a wariness to his response to Noah—or any other Dom—the service headspace and Lawson’s touch clearly steadied him. Gaze down, he blushed prettily at the compliment, the pink of his skin bringing out the clear blue of his eyes and the bit of gold in his sand hued lashes. There was no fight in him, only the beautifully supple strength of his submission.
“Thank you, sir.” The rise and fall of Matt’s chest quickened a fraction, at this distance his immediate arousal apparent when he turned that soft gaze briefly up to meet Noah’s, then Lawson’s. “I—I want this, if it pleases you, sir. I promise to use my safeword, if I need to.” Matt’s fingers twitched as if he wanted to reach out to touch him, but wouldn’t complete the gesture in this headspace where a more formal invite from his Dom was required. “It’s still ‘only you’ though, sir.”
They’d talked about this at great length leading up to the poker night, that the play they engaged in would in no way lessen their bond. Matt had full control to veto Lawson’s choice, and to back out with the use of his safeword. Tonight was something they both wanted, and it was clear Matt reassured him one last time before he eased away to Noah’s side that his relationship with his husband came first, always.
Inclining his head, assured that Matt was in a good place—and in good hands—Lawson brought his attention to the sub being trusted to his own care. While he’d become less territorial over the years—the only thing that had saved his bond with Curtis after the damage he’d done to it, attempting to claim Noah for his own—he’d noticed Rhodey seemed to struggle a bit with the instinct once he’d opened himself up to having a relationship with Avery, then Dallas and Keiran. Knowing the man’s history, it was understandable.
Rhodey might be tough, but having several lovers try to kill you couldn’t be easy to recover from. His participation in the games tonight was more unexpected than almost anyone else.
Not only was Dallas important to Lawson—the man had a unique place in his heart—but proving to Rhodey he wouldn’t regret joining in on the fun had become a priority. Otherwise, the man might isolate his subs. Which wouldn’t be good for him. Or them.
His little snake was harder to read, yet Lawson sensed his enjoyment of the close connections of the Core. Both Keiran and Dallas thrived in it.
Tonight would be another way to cement their place right in the center, where they belonged.
Approaching Dallas, Lawson smoothed his hand over his tight black curls, then traced his fingertips along the sensitive area just behind his ear and down the length of his throat. He lowered to one knee to bring himself to the sub’s eye level, curving his hand under his jaw to encourage Dallas to meet his eyes.
“I’ve always admired every part of you, but I never suspected I’d be lucky enough to spend time with you like this.” He stroked his thumb over Dallas’ bottom lip. “You’re mine for the night. Come back to a place where you can tell me how much you want that. I’m going to take off your shirt now, expose more of that gorgeous skin to my touch. And while I do, I want to hear the words. You may take your time, but we will remain here until you find them.”
A slow blink of golden brown eyes that were wide open and trusting brought Dallas back to him much more quickly than he’d seen Danny emerge from a similar space. Throat clearing with a rough sound, his mouth opened, lips moving to form words that at first sounded a bit like a playful yip. Light brown skin darkening with his blush, Dallas grinned up at him.
“Hello, sir.” Another few blinks preceded the broadening of Dallas’ smile as he lifted his arms to assist Lawson with the removal of his snug black T-shirt. “I’m happy it’s you. I was hoping.”
Lawson eased the soft material over the other man’s head, taking his time to let Dallas feel every touch. He laid the piece of clothing over his thigh, speaking in a low, quiet tone to make sure he kept the man with him, but didn’t pull him away from the tranquil depths of his submission. “I’ll admit, I counted on the other Doms trying to one-up one another and used it to my advantage. It made reading their more obvious plays easier, so I came out with the lead. Once I decided to have you, there was no way I’d risk any other outcome. Of course, I could have simply asked Rhodey—and would have if I’d somehow lost. This way was more fun.”
The last part broadened Dallas’ smile further, making him seem as if he glowed from the inside. “Thank you, sir. That you’d go to those lengths to spend this time with me means everything. You could’ve had your pick.” As if the mention of the other subs brought him to a greater level of awareness, he glanced around the room and touched his naked ear. It wasn’t often that the quad wasn’t in constant communication. “Playing with Danny was a fun way to miss all the tension, but from what I saw it looked like you all had a good time.”
Behind the bar, Drew worked on cleaning up the food and drinks that had been left on its surface, while Curtis fretted over a ring that had come from a hot serving dish someone had placed down without preparation. Music thrummed over the sound system, the perfect accompaniment to the excited hum of conversation as the Doms prepared their prizes for what was to come.
Following Dallas’ gaze, Lawson nodded slowly as he watched Rhodey round the bar, approaching Curtis. Unlike how he came at almost every member of the Core, as though constantly needing to keep them on alert, he appeared to ensure Curtis sensed his presence. Not touching Lawson’s man, he said something impossible to make out from here, but it made Curtis laugh.
He’s fine. Keep your focus where it needs to be.
Shaking his head, Lawson reached out and took Dallas’ hand. “Let’s go up to the dungeon before it gets crowded. I’m not sure if the entire Core will be using the space, but I’d like to take my pick of where I want you.” He leaned in a little as he drew Dallas to his feet. “And I’d like to avoid any distractions. For either of us. I won you so I could have you all to myself, but I know we both tend to have a very difficult time not splitting our attention among all those we care for.”
Dallas’ hand was a little damp from the water he and Danny had been playing in, his T not having been spared. Standing, the sub let out a grunt of acknowledgement, his gaze going to the galley door. “Yes, sir. That would be best.”
Footfalls heavy, like he’d re-entered gravity and didn’t quite yet know how to grapple with its effects, Dallas followed as Lawson led him to the stairwell. The dungeon door was open, its wood and metal craftsmanship a portal to the club’s other dimension. Jared, with Pike in his arms, passed it by, heading toward the stairs to the lofts instead.
Guiding Dallas into the dungeon, Lawson stopped by the inlaid storage doors that slid seamlessly into the walls and stepped into the closet. Aside from the service subs who would fetch robes or blankets for Doms on demand, subs rarely entered this space. Lawson kept his more intense tools in here, his private collection used mostly for demos, or when the club was closed to indulge in some hardcore play with his subs.
He selected the snake whip, drawing it down from its place of pride on one of the high wood pegs, sliding the braided length of leather over his palm as he unwound the length. Giving Dallas a hooded look, he moved toward him, forcing the sub to retreat until his back hit the closet wall. One hand braced above Dallas’ shoulder, he leaned close, breathing in the warmth of cinnamon and sugar on the other man’s breath.
“Do you remember when I first handed you one of these?” Lawson spoke close enough to Dallas’ lips to feel the sharp intake of air. “I put so many boundaries between us. Never had you completely naked while showing you how it felt against your skin. I kept things nice and proper. I won’t be doing that tonight.”
Arousal’s kick evident in the way his pulse beat in the vein at his temple, Dallas licked his lips. The barest brush of heat and moisture skimmed Lawson’s flesh—a brazen flirtation with his power. Electricity arced, the ghost of Dallas’ Dom side issuing a momentary challenge even as his submissive side forced him to tilt his head and expose his jugular.
Voice hoarse, Dallas croaked out his reply. “I could barely hold that whip the first few times, I wanted that so bad. Wanted this.”
“That is very very good to know.” Lawson curved his hand around the back of Dallas’ neck, dipping in to suck Dallas’ bottom lip before delving in, slanting his mouth over the other man’s with a pressure that wouldn’t leave any doubt who was in control. He let out a soft groan as his tongue glided with Dallas’, taking him deeper. His hand tightened against straining muscle, his body pinning Dallas in place as he took his time with him.
Shallow sex never really appealed to Lawson, though he’d indulged in his fair share of it when he was younger, exploring his skills as a Dom, wanting the subs he chose for scenes to be fulfilled by the end, but hating the empty feeling that came after. Back when he’d been this man’s mentor, he couldn’t have given him more. He still hadn’t understood that love wasn’t a limited thing to be rationed out.
Now, he didn’t worry that he’d leave either himself or Dallas unsatisfied. That their friendship would suffer, or become awkward after tonight. Because they were sharing something special, something they’d always have between them, even if they never found themselves in this place again.
I hope we do. Lawson let the sub he restrained with the pressure of his body take a sip of air before kissing him again, letting him feel all the things he didn’t have words for. Right here, in this moment, there was only the two of them. With a history that didn’t involve pain or regret, only something all of their own. Tonight won’t be enough.
“Mmm. Do you have any idea how fucking intoxicating you are?” Lawson smiled as he bit Dallas’ bottom lip, not hard enough to draw blood, but enough to earn a hiss of pain. He wasn’t a sadist, but every sensation was part of his arsenal. Balancing along the edge of pain and pleasure was one of the skills he’d mastered over the years. “You already have me wanting to do something reckless. Like ask Rhodey if I can give you my tag.” He let out a dark, quiet laugh. “I’m not sure if he’d shoot me or throw me in one of his cells until I regain my senses.”
Dallas ran his tongue over the spot Lawson had bitten, pupils so blown he appeared high—and likely was, in a sense. Voice paved with gravel, he made an incoherent sound, thrusting his hips in what seemed an involuntary motion. “I want anything that pleases you, sir. Anything you’ll give me.” His gaze dipped to Lawson’s mouth, lashes fanning against flawless skin. “Anything at all.”
“Good boy.” The praise left Lawson’s lips without the second of doubt he might have with Curtis. In the right headspace, his man would soak it in. The wrong one would have him mouthing off, testing their limits, wanting to prove something he didn’t need to.
Everyone else might see what Curtis wanted them to, but Lawson knew the truth. He accepted his man needed someone to be in charge more often than he’d openly admit. If no one was, he’d lean on alcohol to numb himself to the expectations, lash out to hold his position in the eyes of the club. It was a big part of why he’d sought out therapy.
Yes, there were times Curtis craved control, but he was steadier when Lawson took it from him. Hell, even when Noah did, but until recently, that had been harder to trust. Lawson noticed how everyone watched Noah. How they kept on guard, expecting the worst, long after it was even necessary.
If Lawson didn’t have his own reservations about the man, he’d be frustrated that not a single person close to him saw how far he’d come. Maybe it was easier to see him as broken. But Lawson didn’t. Neither did Curtis. However fucked up their past with him had been, he’d gotten them through hell and met them on the other side.
With his own scars, his own triggers, but he never stopped fighting to become the man they needed, the son his mother deserved. And that was one hell of a goal.
One neither Lawson or Curtis had, but the man had given them new goals. And even if he wasn’t very good at saying the words, Lawson was finally feeling them, from the times he had.
‘I’m proud of you.’
Which had meant a lot. But seeing that pride aimed at Curtis, whatever headspace he was in? Meant so much more.
Dallas was like the next generation of what the three of them had been building toward. All that The Asylum could give. And Lawson was finally in a position where he didn’t have to limit how much he had to offer. To question if a man he cared about this much would be secure and satisfied.
Kissing Dallas again, he let out a soft sound of pleasure. “Maybe I’ll do it. You’re worth standing up to Rhodey. If he says no—which he probably will—I’ll accept it. But I don’t want any doubt between us. This is more than a win, my boy. You mean a lot to me. I have Curtis to thank for what I can give you. For knowing what you need. And whatever happens, you still have a place with me. Don’t ever forget it.”
In The Asylum, there were very few guarantees, and life in general could be uncertain. As a Dom, Lawson understood the most important thing he had to control was himself. With that, there was so much more he could offer his subs. So much more to explore with them.
And tonight, that included the one he’d take under his whip.
Giving him the promise to reach a whole new level in what they could share.
One lash at a time.
****
Check back tomorrow for PART 59!
Oh my, Lawson and Dallas are H-O-T! The air is dripping with their heat *fanning self*
ReplyDeleteOh….my….goooosh….❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
ReplyDeleteLawson seems to be in a good place. Looks like Matt is also 🔥🔥
ReplyDeleteIt seems not many people like Matt but he and Lawson are my favourites .I would love Matt to make friends within the core he is very caring and loving when not feeling defensive.❤❤
ReplyDelete