Riki's Submission

** None of my stories - including this one - show up when I sign onto my \'Author Panel\'. Finally decided to post the final chapter as a \'new story\'. Really hope AFF becomes useable again...

Thanks to past reviewers. (I can\'t get to anything to find you right now...) **


~~begin chapter 15

Riki sat on the ledge of the balcony, enjoying the unusually warm early spring air. He was dressed in his preferred black; the jeans he wore whenever he could and a sleeveless t-shirt. He had a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, and he smoked almost constantly. His thoughts were miles away - in Ceres, with Guy. It frightened him to realize he had begun to forget things - the exact color of Guy’s eyes, the sound of his laughter.

Daryl had already come out twice to warn him that Iason would be angry about how much he was smoking and each time, Riki ignored him. Daryl was adamant this time and even stomped his foot. “Master Iason will be home soon, Riki, and he’s going to be furious. He told you that pack of cigarettes had to last four days.”

Riki sighed but never looked at him. “I don’t give a shit. Leave me alone.”

“Idiot,” Daryl hissed, but he gave up and left.

Riki pulled his legs up, leaned forward and gripped his knees. Yeah. I am an idiot. The bastard’s gonna beat my ass. He flinched as he realized the truth of the thought, took a last drag, and started to get up. Then startled as he saw Iason standing before him.

The Blondie had crossed his arms on his chest, and his mouth was drawn into thin lines. He looked angry - and dangerous.

Riki shrugged and grinned sheepishly. “Guess I’m in trouble, huh?”

In spite of his anger, Iason’s mouth began to twitch. His voice, however, remained stern. “Yes, pet. You are. Give me the cigarettes.” Riki hesitated, then handed them over and Iason checked the pack. Two left. “You’ve smoked 18 cigarettes today.” Iason looked up, surprised Riki would have defied him so blatantly. But more than surprise, he felt hurt. And the hurt made him angry. When he spoke again, his voice was ice. “I hope you enjoyed them, Riki. They will be the last ones you ever get.”

“Shit, Iason. Why do you have to be such a prick?”

“Shut up, Riki.” Even Iason was surprised at the level of his anger. “You will be very lucky if this is the only punishment you get.” Iason turned around and headed to his bedroom.

Riki only watched until Iason disappeared around a corner, then followed slowly. Like a puppy that’s scolded by its master. Shit. But he padded along on his bare feet. Iason was in the bathroom, and Riki picked up his clothes, putting them in the laundry. Finally, he sat on the side of the bed and waited.

Iason came out of the bathroom with his hair still damp. He only glanced at Riki. “Get out. Send Daryl to me.”

“Come on, Iason. I can do anything Daryl can do.”

“And many he can’t. But I don’t want you with me now. Go to your room.”

“Iason…”

Iason interrupted immediately. “Silence, Riki. Get out, go to your room.” Before I do something to you we both regret.

Riki frowned, but this time he obeyed immediately, realizing Iason was not going to forgive him easily. Oh, well. Sometimes you push – and get pushed back. But even as he tried to make light of the situation, he realized he’d badly miscalculated.

~~

Iason watched him leave. Maybe Raoul is right. Maybe Riki can never be tamed. But things had been going so well. Riki had begun coming to him willingly, and not just to bed. They had laughed together, played together, even talked of their lives. For the first time, Iason had trusted someone enough to share some of his own thoughts and feelings. Iason sighed. He knew the boy was pleased to have free access to the penthouse, pleased to be trusted. This morning, his eyes had sparkled when Iason gave him the pack of cigarettes. And I suspect I sparkled, too…

The fury hit again. Riki had destroyed what they’d built. Had stomped on his pride. Had thrown away everything. With a shrug and a grin.

~~

The evening passed without anyone checking on Riki and just before midnight, he tried to leave his room, only to find the door locked. “Shit,” he mumbled and sat on the bed again. He was hungry, but that wasn’t a big worry. He was sure Daryl would bring him food.

Eventually.

Mostly, he worried that Iason hadn’t sent for him. In the months since the pet show, he had slept in Iason’s bed every night, and had free access to the entire penthouse. He hated being locked in the damn bedroom.

What was I thinking, he wondered. I knew smoking all the cigarettes would piss him off. But the decision had been deliberate. He was testing his limits and he knew it. Stupid, he thought again. But he could no more change who he was than Iason could.

Sometime later, Riki gave up that he would be sent for. He soaked in the tub, trying to relax, until the water became cold and his skin all pruney. He lay on the bed still anxious and had difficulty sleeping. He tried the door one more time. It was still locked. Shit, shit, shit.

He was lying on the bed in the dark when Daryl finally opened the door. “Riki, I have your dinner.”

Riki sat up quickly. “Where’s Iason?”

Daryl set the tray on the bed, and met Riki’s eyes. “I thought you didn’t care.”

“Smart ass,” Riki snapped. “Where is he?”

Daryl sat on the bed, too. “Not everyone has left. Master Iason is still talking to some of his guests.”

Riki swallowed what he had in his mouth. “Guests? He’s entertaining?”

“Riki, you knew Anekin was going to his new home tonight. Master Iason invited the new owner and several other Elites for dinner.”

“You didn’t tell me that,” Riki accused him.

“I would have if you’d behaved today. You wouldn’t even speak to me, Riki. How was I supposed to tell you anything?”

Riki dropped his gaze. “Yeah.” Idiot.

Daryl lowered his voice. “Master Iason wanted you with him tonight, Riki. But after you disobeyed him, he didn’t have any choice but to use the other pets instead.”

Riki sat back and stared at Daryl. He had missed meeting Anekin’s new master. Missed telling Anekin good-bye. Finally, he forced a small smile. “I can be pretty dumb sometimes, can’t I?”

Daryl shrugged, a behavior he’d learned from Riki. “I tried to tell you three times.” He forced his own smile. “This was worse than dumb, Riki.”

Riki leaned forward again. “Did Iason tell you to bring my dinner?”

“No. Master Iason hasn’t spoken of you at all.” Daryl looked down when he saw the pain in Riki’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I decided he wouldn’t be upset if I fed you, so I brought the food on my own.”

Riki glanced at the clock again. It was early morning. “Do you think he’ll send for me?”

“I don’t know.” Daryl stood. “I have to go now. I need to clean up after everyone leaves.”

Riki only nodded as he watched Daryl get up to leave. Shit, shit, shit. He cursed himself for a fool.

He was asleep when the door opened next. “Lights on.” Iason was even angrier now as he watched Riki lying in the bed. Damn, you little fool. I wanted you with me tonight. I want you with me always… Why do you do these things? “Riki, wake up.”

Riki turned in the bed, and for a moment, his face lit in a smile. Then he saw the look on Iason’s face and knew this was not a conciliatory visit. “Are you here to punish me again?”

“Yes, pet. I am. Are you naked?”

Riki fought down panic. “When the fuck have you ever known me to sleep in clothes?”

“Then get up and come with me.” Iason turned to leave before Riki could protest. In the great room, Daryl was busy picking up glasses and plates.

Riki saw him before he noticed the training rack. But when he spotted it, he tensed. He had spent weeks chained naked in the damn thing. He had forced himself to submit to the Blondie. “Dammit, Iason, you can’t do this again.”

Iason stared at him, almost amused. But not quite. “Of course I can. Go to the rack and cuff yourself.”

“I won’t.” But Riki’s breath was ragged and fast. “This isn’t fair.”

“I think we have different definitions of fair, pet. And yours doesn’t count. Obey me.”

“No.” Riki tried to be defiant. “If you want it done, you’ll have to do it yourself, you asshole.” He started to turn away, but felt the warning tingle at the base of his cock. He faced the Blondie again. Iason’s face was cold and determined. “Dammit, Iason. Don’t do this.”

“Obey me.”

Riki hesitated, desperately not wanting to give in to Iason’s demands. But he knew his objections were useless. Iason controlled everything. He walked to the rack, looked at the cuffs and felt despair wash over him. No, no, no. He hooked the cuffs to his ankles and wrists, and lifted his head to meet Iason’s gaze. “Happy, now, you bastard?”

“Watch your mouth, mongrel.” Iason activated the pet ring and waves of pain washed through Riki’s body. Iason watched with a sense of satisfaction as Riki’s body convulsed and contorted. When Riki’s limbs had stilled and his eyes had opened again, Iason took his favorite chair and called Daryl to bring a glass of wine. “Pleasure yourself, pet.”

Riki glared again, but struggled to bring his body back under control to obey. Even when he could move his arms into position, his hands trembled and he could not grasp his limp cock to stroke. Iason waited, but Riki’s efforts seemed totally ineffectual; he grew impatient and hit the controller again, this time sending waves of stimulation through the mongrel’s body. Riki looked up, surprised – and furious. His cock grew quickly now and Iason continued the stimulation until Riki was hard and needy. His hips rocked upward of their own accord, and his hands steadied to stroke himself, trying desperately to find release and end the torture.

But Iason’s voice rang out. “Stop pet, hands on your thighs.” Riki’s whole body trembled, and he curled his hands into tight fists to obey. Iason walked to the rack and tightened Riki’s bonds, requiring him to stand and pulling his body taunt. Then Iason tightened the cock ring. Riki gasped at the sudden onslaught of new pain and his eyes flew to Iason’s face. Iason spoke very softly. “You will find no relief tonight, Riki. Neither by climax nor by trying to will away your erection.” Riki understood well enough. There was no way for the blood to leave his engorged cock.

“You bloody bastard,” Riki croaked. “I don’t deserve this.”

“Of course you do. You deliberately disobeyed me, Riki. You embarrassed me in front of my colleagues. Did you really think there would be no consequences?”

Riki said nothing. Of course, he knew there would be consequences. But he had not thought things through. Had most certainly not expected this degree of anger. Had not thought Iason would send Anekin away without giving him a last chance to see the boy. Had not imagined Iason would chain him naked in the rack again. Had not thought at all. Had been a total idiot.

Iason approached him and captured his mouth, invading brutally, but stroking his balls all the while. Riki groaned in the new wave of pain, and now he did beg. “Please, Iason. Don’t leave me like this.”

“Enjoy your night, pet. And remember why this happened.”

“Because you’re a goddamned prick, Iason.”

Iason slapped his face. “Control your mouth, mongrel.” He flicked Riki’s cock with his hand, watching it bob, and hearing Riki groan. “Good night.”

Iason spoke to Daryl once more before leaving for his bedroom. “Do not assist him in any way, Daryl. And I do mean in any way.”

Daryl nodded quickly. “Yes, sir, master Iason.”

Daryl finished his cleaning, and occasionally glanced at Riki. But he dared not approach. “Lights out,” he said softly as he left.

~~

Riki twisted in the chains and groaned softly. Gods, this hurts. His cock throbbed painfully with each beat of his heart. But there was nothing to be done. So he endured, and thought about what Iason said. I embarrassed him. Iason was tolerant of most things he did. Laughed at him. Forgave him. But not for humiliating him. Riki twisted in the chains again, trying to get more comfortable. It was useless. I didn’t realize… It had seemed a small thing to Riki. Just smoking more cigarettes than he was allowed. Three times as many. Maybe not so small a thing. He would have laughed at himself if it were not for the pain. Idiot, Riki. Idiot.

The morning had started out so well. Iason gave him the cigarettes and lighter and told him the rules. It had seemed simple enough. He had been happy. Iason had trusted him. And then he had foolishly ignored everything he was told. Had deliberately disobeyed. And he knew now, in Iason’s eyes, the punishment was warranted. He had thrown Iason’s trust in his face. What the hell is wrong with me?

He tried to tell himself he wanted his freedom from Iason, but felt sudden fear. What if Iason really didn’t want him anymore after this? What if he had really pushed too far and had broken that tenuous bond? It’s what you want, idiot, all you’ve ever wanted since he took you. But somehow the idea was not so attractive now. To never see Iason again, to never feel his touch again… Riki forced his thoughts to Guy, but it did him little good. He still missed Guy. But not with the ferocity this one night away from the Blondie wakened in him. Oh, fuck.

Riki watched the morning come through the great wall of windows. The room brightened slowly and he heard Daryl begin to putter in the kitchen. When Iason appeared, Riki’s eyes flew to him. He wanted to beg for forgiveness, but couldn’t force the words from his throat. Instead, he stiffened. “Isn’t this enough, you bastard? Let me loose.”

Iason’s face was cold, but he walked behind Riki and stroked his buttocks gently. “I trusted you, Riki. You’ve disappointed me.” To Riki’s surprise, he could actually hear the sadness in Iason’s voice.

But it was followed by the opening of a drawer Riki recognized, and then by a sharp blow of the hard leather strap. Riki gasped in pain. “Dammit, Iason. I’ve learned my lesson. You don’t need to do this.”

Iason doubted the words were true. The mongrel will fight me until the day we die… But he couldn’t bring himself to beat him again, and put the strap back in the drawer. After that, he loosened the cock ring, kissed Riki’s cheek and went to the dining room for breakfast.

Iason watched Daryl, noticed his nervousness. The boy jumped when he spoke. “Daryl, take Riki down and return him to his room later. After you’ve taken away all his clothes. Lock him in for the day.”

“Yes, master Iason, sir.” Daryl looked down. “May I give him food?”

Iason’s face was stony. “You fed him last night.”

Daryl flushed. “Yes sir.”

Iason nodded and finished his breakfast. “Give him a light lunch. But that’s all. He will go with me to Raoul’s this evening.”

“How shall I dress him, sir?”

“Collar and chains.”

“No clothing, sir?”

“Are you questioning me, Daryl?”

“Oh no, sir. I’m sorry sir.”

Iason smiled to himself, careful that Daryl did not see it. Riki has changed everything. Even my shy little furniture looks out for him. To his surprise, he found himself pleased at the thought.

~~

It seemed hours before Daryl showed up. “I need to piss,” Riki growled.

Daryl’s voice was apologetic. “I had to do some other things first. But I can take you to your room now.” Daryl loosened the chains and helped Riki stand. Riki was unsteady on his feet and held to Daryl’s arm as they walked to his bedroom, but managed on his own to the bathroom. When he came out again, Daryl was already gone and Riki climbed into bed. His mind raced, in confusion and in fear, but he was exhausted from his sleepless night in the rack, and in time, he slept.

Daryl touched his shoulder to wake him in the afternoon. “You have to eat now.”

Riki sat up, blinking the sleep from his eyes. “Is Iason home?”

Daryl shook his head. “Not yet. But you need to eat. I put the tray on the small table.”

Riki said nothing until he realized Daryl was leaving him again. “Daryl, please… Was Anekin alright last night? Did he like this Theylan person?”

Daryl sighed. “I had begun to think you wouldn’t ask, Riki. Anekin cried when he realized you wouldn’t be there. He thought you were his friend.”

“It was Iason’s fault I wasn’t there. He was the one who locked me in here.”

Daryl shook his head. “No. You did it. Master Iason has been very good to you, Riki.”

Riki started to argue, but stopped. Daryl was right. It was his own fault. He knew it. He watched Daryl leave and heard the lock click. Shit, shit, shit. Finally, he stood and went to his closet to dress – but there were no clothes. What the hell was Iason doing? Locking him in his room and keeping him naked? Like those first awful weeks. But surely they were past that. Surely Iason wouldn’t do that again. Have I destroyed everything? Tears of weakness filled his eyes. He blinked repeatedly, but they kept coming. Giving in, he wrapped his face in his arms. And this time, Riki did weep.

When he calmed himself again, he glanced at the clock. It was late afternoon, and his hunger finally overcame his frustration.

He ate.

Then slept again.

Daryl woke him again later. “Riki, you must bathe and get ready to go out now.”

“What? Go out? Where?”

“Master Iason will take you with him to Master Raoul’s home.”

“Why?” Riki sat up in bed, clutching the sheet. “That bastard hates me.”

Daryl did not meet his eyes. “I am told as little as you. I just know I have to prepare you. Please, Riki.”

Riki did not fight. If Iason was taking him out tonight, maybe he did not mean to be rid of him. He got up and did whatever Daryl told him. Although he was sorely tempted to complain when Daryl brought the chains and collar. But after only a few moments of rebellion, he calmed himself and let Daryl put them on. He followed Daryl quietly, his head bowed, as he was led to join Iason.

~~

Remy and Flick were returning to their rooms from the balcony, and they stared openly at Riki, standing in the hallway. Their giggling ceased. Remy stopped a moment, as if he would speak, but Flick pulled his arm, insisting that he leave. “Come on, Remy. Master Iason will punish us if we disobey him. We can’t help Riki. Come on.” Remy looked one more time before he allowed Flick to lead him away.

Iason appeared shortly, dressed in one of his most splendid outfits. A tight fitting black body-suit, covered by a flowing blue over-tunic, embroidered with gold threads. His hair hung about his shoulders in long waving platinum strands. He stopped to look Riki up and down, and the mongrel dropped his gaze to the floor, flushing deeply. His cock had begun to harden, and Iason smiled at his pet’s unwilling response.

“Daryl,” Iason said softly, “bring Riki black slippers and a cloak. And I need my white one.” Daryl hurried off to fetch them, and Iason moved closer to Riki, touching his cheek. “Behave yourself tonight, pet, and this will be the end of your punishment.”

Riki looked up, trying to appear unaffected. “Whatever.”

But Iason read the fear in Riki’s eyes and stroked his cheek again. Are you sorry, Riki? Or just afraid of me?

Daryl returned and Iason backed away from Riki. Daryl put Iason’s cloak over his shoulders and hooked it in place. Then he knelt to put the slippers on Riki’s feet and covered him with the dark cloak. Iason took the leash and led Riki from the apartment.

The limousine was waiting, and the driver opened the door first for Iason and then for Riki. It was only a short drive, the better residences being grouped tightly. Raoul’s building was much like Iason’s, surrounded by a bright open plaza. The lobby was full of fine shops, and well dressed Elites strolled leisurely. Many of them acknowledged Iason and he spoke to a few. Riki never looked up.

Iason steered them to a private elevator, which recognized him by eye scan and took them directly to the penthouse. Raoul’s furniture was waiting at the door and bowed them in. Riki glanced at him. Older than Daryl, more obsequious.

Raoul was also dressed extravagantly, in shades of blue and green. His pet came to him freely, his long, mint green hair caught in a jeweled clasp. He was naked also, and obviously proud of it. His nipples and the head of his cock were rouged. He stood proudly and looked at Riki with disdain. Raoul’s furniture took Iason’s cloak and then Riki’s. The green haired pet murmured something about a mongrel and Raoul hushed him, though there was a smile of amusement on his face.

Raoul led Iason into his living room, and the pets followed. Raoul took his chair and Iason settled on the sofa. Raoul’s pet immediately settled on the cushion at his master’s feet and Iason motioned Riki to do the same beside him. Riki met his eyes for just an instant, and then obeyed with a soft sigh.

The furniture served wine and spoke softly to Raoul. “Dinner is ready whenever you wish, sir.” Raoul did not acknowledge him, and the boy backed away quietly.

“How was your dinner last evening?” Raoul asked. “Did you get rid of that off-world pet?”

Riki looked up at Iason as he answered. “I wouldn’t phrase it quite that way, Raoul. But, yes, the evening went well. Sir Theylan was very pleased to have the boy. And Anekin liked him as well. I’m sorry you couldn’t come.”

Raoul stared for several seconds before answering. “Yes, a shame. But I had other business.” He patted at the head of the green-haired boy. “Mostly, I’m sorry that Anekin could not be paired with Floss here before you rid yourself of him.” Raoul’s eyes went to Riki. “But seeing him with this one should be interesting as well.”

Floss’s head jerked up. “Master Raoul. Not with a mongrel. Please.”

Raoul frowned. “Quiet. You will do as you’re told.”

Floss dropped his head. “Yes, master. Of course, master.” But he shot a venomous look in Riki’s direction.

When Raoul stood, Iason indicated Riki should follow him to the dining room. There were cushions beside each of the armchairs and Riki sank to his as soon as Iason sat, grateful he could see neither Raoul nor Floss. Riki did not listen to the conversation, simply sat with his eyes on the floor before him, thinking about what was to come. Pairing with the green-haired pet who detested him. Oh, joy. Iason had forced him to masturbate many times, but had never before forced him to pair. The pet show was the only time he’d been forced to perform publicly. He clenched his fists silently. I can do this. I can. If this was the price Iason demanded for forgiveness, he would pay it.

When they returned to the living room, Raoul instructed Floss to display. Riki did not watch, but he was aware that Iason did. He glanced at Iason’s face occasionally and saw no reaction at all. Floss made a small sound, a gasp, and was finished. Iason requested a refill of his wine glass, but Raoul excused himself. Riki shifted on the cushion so he could see Floss now. The green-haired boy was staring openly at Iason, and sucked on his fingers. Iason seemed to watch, but his face was without expression. Occasionally, he would stroke Riki’s hair, and Floss was becoming distressed to be ignored.

When Raoul returned, he took another glass of wine as well. He and Iason spoke of business matters for a while, but eventually, Raoul’s eyes fell on Riki. “Aren’t you about ready to be rid of him, Iason? You’ve had him almost a year now.”

Iason’s voice was calm. “I keep my pets longer than you do, Raoul.” Iason’s eyes went to Floss. “I’m sure Riki will be with me long after you’ve tired of your current pet.” Floss looked at Iason in anger, which quickly turned to humiliation. Raoul’s reputation was well-known. He kept a small harem, but its members changed constantly.

Riki had been glaring at Raoul, but looked to Iason, amused that he would insult the green-haired boy. Iason glanced down and wrapped his hand around Riki’s neck, pulling the pet’s head to his thigh.

Raoul smiled at the gesture, ignoring Floss. “I think you should show me what’s so special about your mongrel, Iason.” Raoul canted his head. “I admit he has a certain exotic appearance, completely unlike the academy pets. But appearance alone can only be so stimulating. He must have something else to keep your attention for so long. Come on Iason,” Raoul urged. “Have him perform.”

Iason stroked Riki’s neck gently, but nodded to Raoul. “Riki, kneel before us and pleasure yourself.” Iason could feel Riki tense under his hand and he leaned down to whisper softly. “Remember what we discussed earlier.”

Riki looked up. He knew this was coming. In truth, he had expected worse - an actual pairing. For just a moment, Riki considered refusing. It was unnatural to give in so easily. But Iason would have his way. He always did. And Riki knew his refusal would only make things worse between them. He nodded to Iason, then stood and obeyed. He did not look at Iason again. Just knelt in the middle of the room, shut his eyes and began to touch himself, pinching his nipples until they were hard and colored brightly, then lightly stroking the tender flesh of his inner thighs until his hand gripped his penis. He stroked himself with wanton abandon. In his mind, he imagined these were Iason’s hands. Gentle on him, soothing, yet enflaming his body with passion.

Iason watched him closely, entranced as always by the erotic curve of long, tapered fingers. He saw the tension build in Riki’s thighs as his erection grew, the muscles moving gently in his forearms as he gripped himself tighter. Riki’s head lifted, exposing his long, slender throat. His mouth opened and his chest began to rise and fall more rapidly. His cock flushed with the heavy influx of blood. He was almost ready to come when Raoul called out. “Stop.”

Iason looked up, surprised that Raoul would interfere. But Riki had obeyed. His chin had fallen forward and his hands rested on his thighs, though his breathing was still rapid, as evidenced by the rapid rise and fall of his chest. His skin was flushed and a sheen of perspiration covered him.

Iason spoke softly. “Continue, Riki. Finish for me.” Riki opened his eyes, saw sympathy on Iason’s face. He nodded and closed his eyes again, stroking himself quickly, feeling his climax approach and then erupt. As usual, he was beautiful, lifting himself from the floor at the end, all his muscles tight and straining. His head fell back and a low wail escaped his throat. His semen dripped over his hands to his thighs.

When Iason could look away, he glanced at Raoul, seeing his eyes dark now with desire and his mouth slack. He had expected the reaction, but was still amused. “Do you begin to see my fascination?”

Raoul pulled his eyes away slowly. “Yes.” He looked to Floss, who was obvious in his arousal. “Let my boy pair with him now.”

Floss stood, anxious to relieve himself inside another body and walked to Riki, pushing him over to his hands and knees and beginning to shove his thighs apart. Iason saw Riki’s face and was amazed the mongrel had not already thrown the other boy to the floor. His anger was apparent, but his control exquisite. For me, Iason realized. Floss had positioned his hard cock at Riki’s entrance and was leaning over the mongrel’s body. Iason watched closely for a moment, but then…

He felt the grip of something he could only describe as pain about his heart. He could not allow this to happen. And it wasn’t for Riki’s sake. It was for his own. Riki is mine. For no one else but me. He stood quickly. “No, Raoul. Not tonight.” Not ever… “My pet and I should be going home now.”

Raoul looked up, shocked at Iason’s objection. “But, Iason,” he protested, “my boy is ready. The timing could never be better.”

“No,” Iason said simply, refusing to explain further. “Riki, come.” Riki scrambled up, shoving the other boy aside in his hurry, and walked to Iason’s side. Iason’s hand touched his shoulder - in reassurance. “I’m sorry, Raoul. We must be going.” Iason looked to Raoul’s furniture. “Bring our cloaks. And call for my driver.” The boy looked to Raoul and when he was not told differently, hurried to do as Iason said.

Raoul still sat in his chair, not moving. But his eyes were taking in the interaction between master and pet. Iason is protecting the brat. And the mongrel expects it, accepts it. What the hell are they doing? He called Floss back to his side before he spoke to his friend. “Be careful, Iason. I think… your pet may be very dangerous. There is a reason Jupiter set up the breeding program and the academy training program for pets.”

Iason nodded. “Yes, I know.” Pets were supposed to be expendable and forgettable - like Floss. Not fascinating and riveting like Riki. He took Riki’s cloak from the furniture and draped Riki in it carefully before putting on his own. “I will be careful. I promise.” But as he escorted Riki from Raoul’s home, he was quite sure it was already too late. Riki would never cease to fascinate him and he would never let him go.

~~

The limousine was ready and the driver had the front door open for Iason. He shook his head and, instead, climbed in the back seat beside Riki. As the limousine left the plaza, Iason put his arm around Riki’s shoulder and pulled him closer.

Riki looked up. “Is my fucking punishment over now?”

Iason threw back his head and laughed. “Will you ever cease to amaze me, Riki?”

Riki pushed himself tighter to Iason’s body. “I sure as hell hope not.”

Iason lowered his head to take Riki’s mouth. The mongrel’s surrender was sweet. Iason stroked Riki’s naked back beneath the cloak. When Riki leaned against him, Iason whispered softly. “Your punishment is over.” Riki smiled to himself and shifted closer still.

~~

Iason lay awake long after Riki slept. Occasionally, his hand would go to the mongrel’s hip and caress it gently. Riki would never be a perfect pet. He would never stop fighting. And neither will I, Iason realized. But it was their destiny. To fight one another. And to crave one another. Endlessly.

Iason leaned over and woke Riki again. The mongrel’s welcoming smile assured him that there were no alternatives, for either of them. Riki’s kiss was sweet. But the submission was sweeter still. His or mine? Iason wondered. But it didn’t matter. They belonged together - in this moment and for as long as they lived.

And perhaps longer…

~~end chapter 15; fini