Chapter 24
Jack was finally finished with the tour and getting the new guy settled in so he drove to St. Martin and went shopping. Rebel didn’t have enough clothes and while Jack loved him naked, he needed some things. It was so hard taking money out of the account with Martin’s money but he had come to a peace with it that he never thought he could.
The phone rang only once and Rebel picked up. He had allowed him to use the house phone but his cell was still locked away.
“It’s me Rebel.”
“Master hello. I was just getting the van put on the listing.”
This hurt him a little. He had talked to Rebel the night before about his selling his aunt’s things, her home and her business and had talked him out of them until the mourning period had been longer but he wouldn’t keep the van. There were good memories there but now, with Lonnie trashing it, it had fresh bad ones so Rebel was putting it up for sale.
“If that is what you want then I support it. I just called to say I’m finished at the office but I’m headed to the city to pick some things up. I’ll be home in a couple of hours.”
“I’ll be here.”
Jack hung up soon after, smiling. Rebel had given him the greatest gift of all, his complete submission. After the night he’d fisted his lover and made him fly like he had Rebel had woke up still in cuffs but turned to him, his eyes downcast pledging himself to do whatever Jack wanted of him, Once Jack had taken the cuffs off Rebel slid off of the bed and kneeled there, right there and Jack’s heart did dances in his chest.
He went to three clothing stores and not because he couldn’t decide on what to get Rebel, but because he knew exactly what he wanted. He stopped by Zelda’s and placed an order for some new cuffs and started talking to his friend about collar designs. Not that they were quite ready for it, but Jack could see in the future Rebel wearing his collar, being marked as his for the world to see. Zelda gave him a few options to give Jack some things to decide on and Jack’s head spun. He thought then that he would coordinate the collar with whatever he pierced Rebel’s nipples. Silver or gold, fancy or plain they would match and he would buy a chain to connect them. Fuck Rebel would look so hot, collared, pierced and chained. Hurrying through the rest of his shopping he didn’t even care if he forgot something because after that mental picture he wanted home to his boy so badly he could taste Rebel’s skin on his lips.
When he grabbed one of the bags but left the rest in the car. This one he didn’t want Rebel to see until it was time. Rebel was in the kitchen when he walked in, the kettle on the stove just whistling when Rebel went to him with a smile and a kiss.
“Shit! I wanted to kneel right away!” Rebel was giggling and pouring himself a cup of cocoa. “Do you want some? It was cold as hell and I thought cocoa sounded good.”
Jack stopped on his way through and looked at his boy, so different than he’d been. The mistrust and brashness were smoothed out and there was a light in his eyes. Just saying how he’d wanted to kneel for him made Jack want to do cartwheels. “You were going to kneel, huh?”
Rebel put his hand on his hip and sipped his cocoa. “Yes. Isn’t that right…I mean shouldn’t I?”
Jack nodded and said, “Yes, I’d like that very much if you’d kneel whenever you first see me. That would make me very happy.”
With his eyes moving from Jack’s to the bag, Rebel raised his eyebrows. “So what’d ya buy?”
“No way, not this one until I’m ready for you to see it but there are some bags in the truck for you. Go get them and bring them into the bedroom. I expect a full fashion show.”
Rebel put his cup on the stove then bounced. He actually bounced and headed for the door, slipping his boots on without tying them and slipping his jacket on. Taking the time Rebel was gone Jack went to the bedroom and hid the bag he was carrying in the closet. He closed the door just as he heard the motorcycle starting and he ran back to the kitchen just in time to throw the door open and see Rebel taking off.
Jack stared at his back until he was around the trees and out of sight then he looked over at the truck. The door was open and there were clothes spread over the seat, the clothes he’d bought for Rebel. He went there and stuffed the jeans and sweaters back into the bags then hauled them inside and to the bedroom, leaving them all on the bed before he sat down on the edge and rubbed his hands over his face. Fucking little shit. Fucking prick.
It was almost midnight before Rebel showed back up. Jack hadn’t slept of course. He was too angry. He sat in the chair in the living room flipping channels for hours not seeing a fucking thing that came across the screen. He heard the bike then a minute later the door opened. He turned off the television.
Rebel came into the room and walked over to Jack but then turned back around and sat down hard on the couch. Jack didn’t look at him. He was afraid to. He had been afraid that Rebel was never coming back at the same time he was furious that Rebel would take off like that without a word. He couldn’t remember being so damn angry and he was afraid seeing Rebel’s face would make it worse.
“Jack…listen I guess I shouldn’t have taken off.”
Jack chuckled dryly. “You guess?”
Rebel’s voice rose and he started shaking. “Fuck Jack! I don’t know what you think of me but I’m not a fucking charity case! I have money and I’m not just living here off of you! I don’t need big daddy to buy me fucking clothes and wipe my ass!”
Jack stood suddenly and Rebel shrunk down into the couch. Jack saw how scared he was but he couldn’t help himself as he yelled, “You fucking asshole I know you’re not a charity case! I never even thought that! You came to town with the couple of things you had in your saddlebag and have been borrowing my clothes or wearing the same two shirts and jeans! I just thought maybe you would like your own fucking clothes but sorry I fucking offended you by being considerate!”
Jack stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door. He couldn’t look at Rebel not another second. He never felt so angry in his life.
oooOooo
The door slamming felt like it echoed through him, and the vibration of the sound shattered his heart like glass. He fucked up again. Well at least it wasn’t a big surprise, he usually did.
When his hand touched the doorknob he thought for sure it would scald him…that Jack’s anger would burn right through everything around him but it was cold and that was somehow worse. It made him think Jack’s heart would be as cold as that metal. He stepped in and looked at Jack lying on the bed. So fucking hot, so perfect and he had lost him. His stupid temper and jumping to conclusions had lost the greatest thing that had ever fucking happened to him.
Jack still wouldn’t look at him so he said, “I am just gonna get my shit. I’ll be out of your hair in a minute.”
Frozen in place Jack’s eyes finally met his. Those dark eyes had flames in them and he just knew Jack was going to hit him and not in the way he liked. He was ready for it as Jack stood up and went to him.
“You are a dumbass if you think I am going to let you go. I told you that you belonged to me.”
The words were clear and strongly said but Rebel knew he must have heard wrong. “What?”
Jack shook his head. “Fucking shit, I should have guessed you would want to run. I thought we were past all that. Guess not.”
Rebel couldn’t believe his ears. “I thought you’d want me to. I…don’t wanna leave Jack.”
“Did I tell you to leave? I told you this is forever. I told you I loved you. I’m pissed. Fuck I’m so mad at you right now that I could put my fist through a wall but that doesn’t mean I want you gone. You just don’t get that someone can be angry and still love you will all of their heart. All of my heart.”
That voice had softened and Rebel felt an inch tall. No, he didn’t know that. “I just don’t…you bought me stuff and I don’t want you to think I can’t do that on my own. I’m not going to sponge off of you.”
Jack’s eyes flashed again. “I didn’t mean it that way. I bought things I want to see you in and that’s my right. I’m your fucking Master. Now get your clothes off. I’m tired and hungry and you need to be punished.”
Rebel swallowed hard, the lump in his throat competing with the pit in his gut. “I’ll go get the flogger.”
As he turned to leave Jack grabbed his hand. “No. I’m too angry for that.”
Rebel turned back and met his eyes for a moment then looked down. “But you said-“
“I said punished, yes, but I won’t hit you in anger. No your punishment will be different. For now go make us something for dinner.”
Rebel nodded and left the room, feeling dizzy from the changing emotions. He was happy not to be leaving but he was afraid of what punishment he was going to get. Not being hit was good he guessed but in a way, he would have preferred that. He was used to that.
He’d already planned on chicken tenders and French fries for dinner. The potatoes were cut and waiting to be fried, the chicken ready to be battered. He just didn’t trust his shaking fingers not to spill the hot oil and burn himself so he turned on the oven. He made a few adjustments and put the chicken and potatoes on two separate trays dusted them with a few spices before putting them in the oven. Then going to the sink and let the cold water wash over his hands.
“You remembered,” Candace said as she watched him. Rebel nodded. Of course he remembered. She had given him the trick years before so whenever he felt at odds he let cold water run over his hands. Well he sure as fuck felt at odds at that moment. “He didn’t kick you out. Do you know why?”
Rebel nodded again. “He thinks he loves me. I’m sure he’ll get over it.”
“Who are you talking to?” Rebel jumped a bit at Jack’s voice but looked over to where Candace had been sitting and not seeing her there, he shrugged.
“Nobody. Myself.”
Jack was behind him then and Rebel felt a sob escape as Jack’s arms slid under his arms and held him tight around the waist. “You are somebody Rebel. You’re mine.”
Rebel bent over the sink suddenly afraid he was going to vomit. How the hell could he overreact like that and taken off. Jack had been doing something nice, buying him some fucking clothes! He didn’t deserve Jack. Not at all.
“Please talk to me baby. Nothing is so big that we can’t work it out. I promise.”
Rebel didn’t want to talk but the words came anyway, shooting from his mouth like he had feared vomit would, “I almost left! I got to Denver before I turned around! I couldn’t though! Why couldn’t I!?”
Jack made him turned around and he held Rebel up in his strong arms. “Because you love me. Because you know this is where you are supposed to be.”
Of all the times in Rebel’s life he wished he could strike out, to punch Jack and run, it was now. He didn’t want Jack’s words to be true. He didn’t want to love the man and he didn’t want to feel like he belonged anywhere because that left him open to hurt. Instead of hitting him he looked up into the most loving eyes he could imagine and he kissed Jack hard. His arms in a chokehold around the big man’s neck, clinging on desperately and he didn’t care. He didn’t care how desperate he looked; he just wanted to never be away from Jack, his lover, his Dom.
“Please…I’m so sorry.”
“I know. I can see it. I forgive you Rebel. It was one tiny bump in the road for us. That’s all. There will be a lot of those but being that you are so good at riding that bike I think you will be able to navigate them.” Jack kissed him sweetly. “Did you freeze your ass off?”
Rebel smiled then and it felt so good he could cry some more. “I sure did. Fucking cold as hell.”
“I bet you were riding fast too.” All Rebel could do was look sheepish and nod. Jack continued. “Too fast. Too dangerous. Could have gotten yourself killed. There is another punishment coming to you.”
Rebel nearly collapsed in his arms again. Punishment was good. Punishment meant Jack wanted him there. “Yes Master.”
“Good boy. Now, I left the bags by the closet door. Get them and take them to the washing machine. We’ll do our fashion show another day.”
Rebel felt the lips on his temple before Jack let go of him and held back another sob. The clothes Jack picked out for him were great. Nothing fancy, just some more jeans, a few new t-shirts, tight ones he noticed with a smile, and three warm, beautiful sweaters all dark colors. He sorted them and put them into wash then went back to the kitchen to check on the food. When it was finished, Rebel plated the food, adding the salad he’d made while he waited for the potatoes to finish, took the plates into the living room where Jack waited.
“I thought we could eat in here.”
Jack nodded and took the plate Rebel offered but once Rebel tried to sit on the couch he shook his head. “Kneel by me. Give me your plate.” Rebel did as instructed then Jack took out the heavier cuffs and held them out. After Rebel raised his arms Jack secured them onto each wrist slowly then attached them behind Rebel’s back. “You’ll be in bondage for three days.”
Shit. “Alright…and is that it? My punishment?”
The chuckle he got from Jack told him that it wasn’t. “My love you will know you are punished when I’m through with you.”
Wow, that was a threat, or a promise, that made him shiver more even than the wind had on the fucking bike as he rode off of the mountain. Jack took a bite of the chicken and Rebel watched him. His face showed he was happy with it so he speared another bite with the fork and fed Rebel with it.
It was spicy, good. He had put more spice than usual mostly because his hand had been shaking. As he swallowed Jack took another bite. Jack feeding him was strange but good and he figured the perfect way for Jack could make him see that his buying Rebel a few new clothes was nothing compared to the ways he could show his dominance. They shared the meal quietly, Jack taking a bite then feeding Rebel, their eyes meeting as they enjoyed the silence. It was calming and Rebel felt so tired he could barely stay upright but the most he would move was to rest his head on Jack’s thigh.
When it was time to clean up Jack stood at the sink with him, the cuffs off. Jack’s hand rubbed over his lower back, his lips kissed over his shoulder. If this was punishment Rebel thought he could find something to get in trouble for daily.
“I need to go set something up in the bedroom. You finish this then meet me in the bathroom.”
Swallowing before he said, “Yes Master,” and blushed dark. He felt the heat rise over his chest and cheeks and as he listened to Jack’s footfalls leaving the room. He let out the breath he was holding.
The bathroom was dark so he knew he’d beat Jack there so he went inside, turned on the light and sat on the lid of the toilet; blushing again as he thought about the time Jack had cleaned him. That had been hard but hot nonetheless. It freaked him out that he thought it was hot. If anyone would have seen them…he didn’t know what the hell they would think.
Jack went in then and held up his belt and a bigger plug. “Let’s get this on.”
Rebel had missed it. Jack hadn’t had him wear it for the last two days because he was sore from the fisting but he was better and Jack was determined. “Yes sir.”
After Jack fitted the belt on him and locked it around his waist Jack had Rebel bend over the sink as he lubed and readied the plug. Rebel felt the cold tip and bit his lip. He didn’t like the cold right then. He’d never really minded it much before but after the day he’d had the cold reminded him of how close he’d come to once again fucking up his life. It was pushed in slowly, Jack making him feel every bit of it, stretching him, filling him and he held on to the rim just breathing as Jack had taught him. In, out…stretch…in, out…stretch until it was seated. It was locked in place and Jack put the key around his neck as Rebel watched in the reflection of the mirror. Jack’s eyes met his in the mirror and they were smoldering, instantly making Rebel’s cock start to harden.
Then came the ache. The cage kept him down and he lowered his eyes before he stood up straight.
“Follow me Rebel.”
Jack left the bathroom and led the way into the bedroom where he closed the door and started to take off his shirt. Rebel’s eyes stayed locked on his Dom’s body as Jack stripped off all of his clothes. His focus was on Jack so much he didn’t see anything else so when he started to get into bed and Jack shook his head he really didn’t understand.
“You aren’t sleeping in the bed tonight love.”
Rebel cocked his head and asked, “No? Then where?” Jack pointed to the floor where a comforter and pillows had been set up. Jack bent down and pulled out a chain that had a collar attached. A fucking collar. “What the fuck is that?”
Jack took his hand and brought him in close, kissing him deeply and for some reason it helped. His body started relaxing, and he forgot everything else.
“It’s so you know, without a doubt that you are mine and you belong here.”
Rebel shuffled his feet and looked away. “So this is my punishment? You know how much I love sleeping with you. I thought you loved it too.”
Jack nodded and kissed him again, full and tenderly. “I do love it.” Another kiss and Rebel was melting. “This is for a lot of other reasons, none of which I have the energy to explain. What I’d like is that you trusted me now and tell me in the morning…or afternoon whenever we may finally wake up after this long difficult night, what you think it is for?”
What else could he do? “Yes sir. I do trust you.”
Jack picked up the chain and ran it through his fingers until the collar lay in his hands. He opened the clasp and set it around his neck reverently. He didn’t seem angry anymore but Rebel knew he must be, but still, even though he wouldn’t be sleeping in Jack’s bed he didn’t feel as if this was a punishment. It felt like more of a lesson. Even less than that once Jack was done attaching it and then taking Rebel into a sweetest and hottest kiss of his life. His fucking toes curled from the kiss and then Jack stepped away and lay on the bed, covering up but not closing his eyes. He watched Rebel lay down and get into his little cocoon on the floor before he put his head on his pillow and fell to sleep.
Rebel didn’t think he’d ever sleep, knew for a fact he would lie awake for hours with his guilt and own anger but it wasn’t minutes before he was sleeping and not even a dream disturbed it.