“I’m so glad you like him, sweetheart,” I say genuinely.
Even I get doubts from time to time, and picking an actual human being as a gift was a moderately nerve-wracking experience despite how well I know August. But it’s all worked out beautifully, because naturally I know my husband better than he knows himself.
“What are you going to do with him,” August asks. Oliver finishes the sports drink with a gasp and already looks a whole lot brighter than before.
Good.
I was planning on fucking him regardless—unless, of course, he used a safe word—but I’d rather have a little fun first.
“Every birthday cake should have candles,” I tell my husband with a knowing grin. I drop the empty bottle into the wicker basket by the bed, then take his Champagne flute so I can wet my throat with a generous sip before handing it back and jutting my chin toward the sideboard. “If you wouldn’t mind, my dear.”
Augie’s pretty eyes go wide as he catches my meaning. He polishes off the last of his drink and places the glass and his plate of nibbles safely on the nightstand. Then he reaches over for a candle that doesn’t look like the rest of the white ones I’ve set up around the room. Those are a mixture of tea lights, sticks in holders, and pillar candles in hurricane jars.
This one is orange and has the same citrus scent as its color. It’s also set in a medium-sized glass jug and is melting at a lower temperature than all the rest.
“Little treat,” I say, drawing Oliver’s attention back to me. He blinks and looks up at me.
“Yes, Master?”
I indicate the jug in my hand. “Do you remember how we talked about trying some mild pain play?” He nods and glances at the candle I’m holding. “I would like to see how you enjoy having wax dripped onto your skin. You are a birthday cake, after all, and candles melt. I would like to test the wax on the inside of your elbow and see how you feel. Is that okay?”
He looks curiously at the jug. “It smells nice, Master. Is it very hot?”
I shake my head. “It’s designed for play, little treat, so it’s cooler than regular candles.”
For a second he nibbles his already slightly swollen lip. Then he holds out his top arm for me while still cuddled up to my side, his head resting on my chest. “Okay, I want to try it.”
“Are you sure?” I ask firmly.
The brat gives me a damned scowl. Ohh, we’ll be talking about that punishment in a moment.
“Yes, Master,” he says. “I promised I’d always be honest. I’m green.” He shakes his arm impatiently.
I chuckle, greatly enjoying his impertinence. “You did, little treat. But you’re being quite rude right now. I think that might warrant a reprimand.”
He lowers both his gaze and his arm. “Sorry, Master,” he mumbles.
I give his side a squeeze, encouraging him to look back up at me. “What did I say about punishments, little one?”
For a moment, he frowns in concentration. “That everyone would enjoy them?” he hedges.
I grin and press a kiss to the tip of his nose. “Correct. So shall we try this wax, and then so long as you like it, we can play? If you’re handling it well, I’ll tell you what your punishments are going to be.”
“There’s more than one?” he asks nervously.
I arch an eyebrow at him. “You were late to the café, remember?”
“Oh.” He blushes and looks away, but he also nods.
“Don’t worry, little treat,” August chimes in. He’s watching us both very keenly. “Wax play can be so fun. And if you can be good for our Master, the rewards will be even better.”
Oliver turns his head back, this time looking at August with such adoration it takes my breath away. “Okay, Daddy,” he says softly. “I trust you.”
August dips his finger into the chocolate and then holds it out for Oliver to suckle on. I feel his excitement as Oliver doesso without hesitating, looking angelic as he keeps sucking even once the sauce is gone.
“Remember,” August continues, withdrawing his finger and scooping up another dollop to feed his boy. “You can stop at any time. Master taught you about the colors, right?”
Oliver nods with August’s finger still in his mouth. How he can look so sweet yet so sinful at the same time is beyond me. I’m just incredibly glad that we’re the ones who discovered such a special young man. The thought of anyone else taking him into their bed causes something ugly and hot to rise up within me.