Chapter Five

Sebastian scored the winning point, then bent over and clasped his knees to recover his breath. Will had proven to be a challenging opponent. The game had been an enjoyable one because they were so evenly matched in skill. And the man his parents were dangling in front of him was turning out to be good company, as well. Damn, his mother was getting better at picking out his suiters.

Will held out his hand, panting heavily, sweat dripping down his nicely formed body. “Good game.”

Sebastian shook. “Yes, it was.” He cracked his neck. “I hate to have to get back to work, but this was invigorating.” It was simply a form of politeness saying he didn’t want to leave the man’s company. The truth was, Sebastian always loved getting back to work. He couldn’t help himself, which was the main reason he made such a lousy boyfriend.

Williard surprised him once more. He gave Sebastian a rueful grin. “You don’t need to stand on ceremony with me, Sebastian. I expect we’re both keen to return to the mountain of work we have to do. I’ve been accused of being a workaholic. I bet you have, too.”

Sebastian appreciated the candor. “I have. I don’t take it as an insult, which both puzzles and infuriates the people accusing me of it.”

Will raised his shoulders. “Just another thing we have in common.”

They packed up their gear in companionable silence, then headed for the locker room. There weren’t many people around in the middle of a workday, so Sebastian had the luxury of checking Williard out once they were both standing naked under shower heads. The man was nice to look at, his lean muscles and large cock matching Sebastian’s physicality pretty closely. Williard was the kind of guy he’d have normally pursued—before Parker. That boy had demonstrated what he’d really craved his whole adult life. So pretty and perfect and wholly compliant. And he liked the spanking. There was no doubt of it in his mind. The force of the boy’s climax in the tub had confirmed it. And it had been Parker who’d valiantly choked himself on Sebastian’s dick later that evening, trying to swallow it whole, without Sebastian needing to pressure him.

Yes, he’d made the right choice with that debt slave. And if he wasn’t careful, his pleasure in the decision would show to all around him. He quickly washed and left to change into street clothes before that happened.

Will joined him minutes later and as they both dressed, said, “How about we have dinner tomorrow night? I mean, we both need to eat and a quick meal at one’s desk does grow tiresome after a while.”

Sebastian was slightly taken aback at the unexpected invitation. He’d assumed they were both there to pay casual obedience to familial expectations and would make a show of it for a while longer for form’s sake. Will must be interested beyond his parents’ pressure to pursue him so quickly. “Dinner?”

The man gave him a bright smile. “Yeah, you know, we eat together. At a restaurant. Just the two of us,” he emphasized.

As yes, no sex slave being a third wheel.

Sebastian nearly refused. He didn’t like encouraging his matchmaking mother, but Will had been something of a friend back in his childhood because they did have a lot in common. But for Parker, he would have pursued the man for at least some fun times in bed. He didn’t want the man that way now, however, and certainly didn’t want to lead him on when there was zero chance of marrying him. Zero? He mentally shook his head when the thought of a permanent match didn’t immediately repulse him.

Sebastian shut his locker door and hefted his gym bag onto his shoulder. “That sounds nice, actually. Have your admin contact mine about when and where.”

“Great. I’ll do that.”

They parted ways at the front door. Sebastian walked back to his office, preferring the additional exercise given the bright, warm day. As he got closer, he started to get excited about seeing Parker again. Instead of planning out the rest of his workday, as he’d typically do after taking a break, he couldn’t keep his thoughts off his slave and what he wanted to do to the boy next. By the time he’d entered the office building, he’d worked himself up to an intolerable state. He tapped his toes as the elevator took its damn sweet time climbing up to his floor and once he stepped off it, he all but sprinted down the hall to his office.

Sebastian tossed his bag in Enrico’s direction. “See that gets to Beasley.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sebastian made himself pause before opening his office door. Such eagerness was a bit unseemly, he thought. Still, his heartbeat increased to a sprinting level when he caught sight of the boy lounging on the sofa, reading his tablet.

Parker jumped to his feet the moment he saw him. “Hello, Master.”

Sebastian closed them in and walked as sedately as he knew how over to his slave. He was hard already. Naturally. He caught Parker’s head between his hands and pulled the boy up to kiss him. Maybe this wasn’t the done thing with a sex slave, but Sebastian didn’t give a toss. He wanted to taste that boy and hadn’t really done so yet. Pressing his tongue inside Parker’s mouth, he made a thorough sweep of it. By the time he was willing to let go, they were both breathless.

“I need you now.” The force of it nearly alarmed him. When Parker started to drop to his knees, Sebastian held him upright. “Not that.”

Grabbing his slave’s hand, he pulled him into the ensuite private bathroom. Need drove him to whirl the boy around and brace him against the vanity. He had Parker’s newly arrived jeans down to his knees in no time. Morelli had provided underwear, as requested, but Sebastian had ordered Parker not to wear it that day. He liked the idea of his slave going commando.

Despite his cock’s insistence, he took a moment to admire the bruising on the boy’s ass. He’d walloped him good and loved seeing the remnants of it. Tracing his fingers along the mottled skin, he relived the experience in his mind. Parker had enjoyed the spanking, he was sure of it. He hadn’t used his safe word, in any event. Sebastian wondered where the line would be on that, although he didn’t necessarily want to find it. Sex with his slave wasn’t going to be as much fun if the boy didn’t get some pleasure out of it too.

Having worked himself into a near frenzy, Sebastian yanked the butt plug out and tossed it into the sink. Then he freed his cock and buried it in that still-tight ass balls deep. He closed his eyes and savored the way Parker’s soft channel squeezed around his shaft as it worked to adjust to the sudden invasion. Even with the plug doing its job, it was still a snug fit. His slave’s gasp at being breached loosed his pleasure. Sebastian was the master. He had control over this body and made short work of fucking the boy, coming after only a few thrusts. And while he allowed himself several seconds of pure pleasure staying inside him, he had to pull out. There was work to be done and he could revisit this experience later.

He wet a cloth to clean his dick before redoing his pants. “Wash up.”

Parker hadn’t moved until then. He slowly stood, his face flush from the fucking. His breathing was a little quick, too, but there was also a look of satisfaction on his face.

The boy took the cloth and wiped his hole with it. When he started to raise his jeans, Sebastian stopped him.

“Wait. Wash the plug and push it back in.”

Parker’s eyes widened, but he did as he was told, rinsing and drying the toy. Sebastian retrieved some lube he kept in the medicine cabinet and watched with satisfaction as his slave dutifully slathered it around one of the things that clearly marked him as Sebastian’s property. The boy’s casual acceptance of that fact was intoxicating. Reaching around to pull his ass cheeks open with one hand, Parker twisted his arm to line up the plug with the other.

“Turn around!” Sebastian wanted to see it go in, to stretch the hole under his slave’s power and not his.

Parker slowly gave him his back, bent over to expose his ass more, before pushing the plug inside himself. When it was fully seated, he straightened and pulled up his pants.

Sebastian grabbed him by the arm and stared into the boy’s wide eyes. “That was perhaps the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. It makes me want to fuck you again.” He sighed. “Duty calls, however. Grab your tablet and go sit by Enrico. You’re too much of a distraction.”

Sebastian forced himself to think of work again, although he did watch Parker’s tight ass as the boy left his office. Waking his computer from sleep mode, he stared at the quarterly figures he’d been reviewing all morning. He had to get his brain back into what mattered. This need to play constantly with his new toy would fade. “It has to. Or I’m the one who’s fucked.”

* * * *

Sebastian held up first the blue tie, then the red one, trying to decide which he liked better.” He looked at Parker, who sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed, through the mirror. “Which one should I pick?”

Parker pursed his lips. “Maybe neither, Master. It’s a date, so casual works.”

Sebastian frowned. “It’s not a date. It’s a dinner meeting.” At least that’s what he kept telling himself as the time grew nearer.

The boy shrugged his shoulders up close to his ears. “I think Mr. Emerson might not see it that way. He was pretty…into you at the brunch.”

“You think so? He’s only doing what’s expected of him by his parents. Same as I am.” With a sigh, he tossed the ties onto the bureau. “But you’re right. It’s a date.” He loosened the collar of his shirt and shrugged on his suit coat. “It won’t be a late night in any event. It’s a weekday, plus,” he added, twirling to face the boy. “I have you to come home to.”

He could swear Parker blushed at that.

“Thank you, Master. I’m glad you want me.” He paused and seemed to take a deep breath before asking, “Am I doing a good job?” The boy peeked up at him from under his lashes.

Sebastian went to the bed and, putting one knee on it, reached over to ruffle Parker’s hair. “Have I been less than clear on how immensely I’m enjoying you?”

Parker gnawed at his lower lip. “I only ask because of the ten-day return policy.”

“Return policy?” Sebastian couldn’t help laughing. “I don’t pay any attention to those. If I buy something and end up not liking, I just give it away or toss it somewhere and forget about it.” He lifted the boy’s chin with one finger. “If I didn’t like you, I’d simply leave you to your own devices and find my pleasure elsewhere for the next five years.”

Parker seemed to sag from relief. “Thank you, Master. I-I really can’t afford to take the debt back on, so the agency would have to find a new buyer and at a higher price to cover expenses. I’d probably have to agree to a longer contract, too.”

Sebastian sat back. “You’re in that deep?”

Parker merely nodded.

He’d known the answer, understanding how the system worked. The high price tag on Parker told the story anyway. Once again, he wondered how such a young person had ended up in this situation. It had to be some intergenerational problem and the thought that his family had perhaps forced him into this life…

Shaking his head internally, Sebastian got off the bed. It didn’t matter why Parker had ended up with him. The situation was perfect as far as he was concerned.

“Beasley will fix your dinner and you can watch a movie in the theater.”

Parker furrowed his brow. “I’m going to the movies?”

“No. You’re watching one in the room next to the gym that’s as good as anything you’ll find in a commercial theater. You can eat there. I have every streaming service on the planet so you should be able to find something that suits you.”

“Thank you, Master. I’m sure I will.”

“Good.” He really needed to leave or he’d be late, and he hated that in himself and others. Still, his feet seemed to be stuck to the carpet. “What would you like to have…for dinner?”

“Whatever Mr. Beasley wants to make will be fine.”

Sebastian shook his head. “No. He’ll make something suited to my tastes. What do you want? He can make or order in literally anything.”

His slave’s answer made him smile.

Before he could think of any other reason to procrastinate, he left and jogged down to the foyer. Beasley materialized to open the door for him.

As Sebastian breezed past, he put in the order. “Pepperoni pizza and a coffee frappe, if you please. And he’ll eat in the theater, which you have to show him to and how to operate the remote.”

“Very good, sir. Enjoy your evening out with Mr. Emerson. The young gentleman is from a fine family, I believe.”

“As I well know.” He stopped and frowned back at this manservant. “Has my mother been talking to you?”

“Constantly, sir. I mostly ignore what she says and naturally make no promises to entreat you on her behalf. I believe she nevertheless labors under the mistaken belief that I am her…mole.”

“Let her continue to think that, and report back to me whenever you learn something I would like to know. You’ll make an excellent double agent, Beasley.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sebastian drove to the restaurant Williard had picked. It happened to be the very one where he’d been doused with wine not so long ago. The fact that it was a favorite of both of them was irksome. His mother really had found a man well-suited to him.

He winked at the ma?tre d’ as he walked in. “No wine-based theatrics tonight, Anton. I’m looking for Mr. Emerson.”

The man nodded. “This way, please, Mr. Endicott.”

Will was waiting for him at a round booth in the back, where it was more private. He was already halfway into something that looked suspiciously like the restaurant’s bespoke bourbon. Damn it. As he joined his dinner companion, a server put the same drink in front of him.

“I believe that’s your preference, but please say if you want anything else.” Will’s voice was charming, with a hint of amusement.

“This is perfect. Thank you,” he said to the server. “Sorry, I’m late.”

“Only a little.” Will raised a tablet from the seat. “I got some work done as I waited.”

“Yet another thing we have in common, then.” Sebastian took a healthy slug of his drink. “I do the same thing when I’m waiting for someone. I simply hate wasted time.”

“We were cultivated in the same garden, so no surprise we’re so similar.” The man’s gaze was very direct. He appeared confounded by that fact as much as Sebastian was.

Changing the subject, Sebastian tapped the menu near him. “I know what I want.”

Will pushed his own menu aside. “So do I.”

The server slid silently up to the table, hands behind her back. “Gentlemen, you’re ready to order?”

“Yes.” Will gestured to Sebastian to go first.

“I’ll have the beef carpaccio appetizer, Caesar salad with anchovies, and the Chilean sea bass.”

Will sat back with a sigh. “The same, please. And ask the sommelier to pair the courses with whatever wine she recommends.” He raised an eyebrow at Sebastian.

He gave a curt nod of agreement before taking another long sip of his bourbon. “I guess this is a date?”

“It would seem so.”

“I’m not used to being the one taken out. I’d object to your assuming the hold on the reins as you have if not for the fact that you’re doing everything I want to do anyway.”

“Sorry. I guess we’re both used to being in charge. You can have a turn next time.”

Sebastian nearly choked on his drink. “Is there going to be a next time?”

Will gave him an apologetic look. “Yes, I’m afraid. There’s only so much haranguing by my dear mother I can take. Besides,” he added before draining his bourbon, “I actually enjoy your company.”

“Me, too.” Sebastian toyed with his glass. “Fuck.”

“Not on the first date,” came the snappy reply with a devilish grin. “We’ll spend a few hours eating—what we would have anyway. Everyone’s happy that way.” Will drained his glass. “And because we’re compatible, let’s talk about something near and dear to our respective hearts—business.”

Somewhat wary, Sebastian said, “Okay. What exactly did you have in mind?”

“The China market. I have concerns like everyone else, but I also see renewed opportunity.”

His spirits buoyed by the unexpected topic, Sebastian sat forward. “I do too.” He may have been roped into this situation, but at least he was going to have a very pleasant evening.

* * * *

Parker woke as he was lifted off the plush seat of the theater chair. The second movie he’d been watching was over, the screen black, and he was being cradled in his master’s arms. He yawned. “Sorry, I must have fallen asleep.”

Sebastian’s warm embrace held him close. “I’m not surprised. You finished the pizza and the frappe and topped them off with popcorn. That would make anyone sleepy.” The man smelled of some kind of potent alcohol, but he wasn’t drunk, and appeared relaxed himself.

“Did you have a nice dinner?” he dared to ask. He’d found himself dwelling a good number of times during the evening on where Sebastian was and with whom. Having time to himself without the demands of his master should have been a treat. Instead, he’d foolishly felt…unsettled and almost sad, as if he were home waiting for a wayward husband or something.

“I did. Enough that I called for a car instead of driving home myself. I’m over the legal limit I’m sure, after consuming various types of superb alcohol.”

“What about your own car?”

“Oh, Beasley will have it picked up.”

Parker wondered what it might be like to just have things taken care of for you. Sebastian Endicott lived with the sure knowledge that his money would fix any problem. He supposed he was exhibit number one in that area. His master had wanted someone under his total control in bed and voilà , Parker was there.

He liked being carried by the man. It was intimate in a way very different from sex, tender. Not since childhood had anyone shown this kind of care for him. Sebastian didn’t put him down until they reached the bathroom and even helped him undress once they’d finished preparing for bed. Sebastian positioned him on his side, crawled in behind him and draped the comforter around their waists. He shut off the light, pulled out the plug and replaced it with his cock. Parker moaned softly at the intrusion. It was remarkable how he’d gone from being a total virgin to someone who liked being mounted. It was a blessing he hadn’t dared hope for. And it was an outcome of his servitude that was easier to accept than the weird affection he was starting to experience with Sebastian.

Except Sebastian didn’t move once he was seated to the hilt. He wrapped his arms around Parker. “Go back to sleep. I’m sadly not up for fucking and am going to serve as your plug for tonight.”

“Do you think you’ll stay hard all night, Master?” If any man could, it would be Sebastian.

“I don’t know. We’ll find out.” With a loud yawn, Sebastian fell silent and soon his heavy breathing said he was out as much as the light.

It took Parker longer. He’d slept for a while that evening and didn’t feel that sleepy. It was cozy, though, in his master’s arms. He wiggled as close as he could and basked in the feeling of being cared for. A sense of relief washed over him, taking away the tension and fear he’d been living with since his father’s death. There was nothing more to worry about. His master was in control now and had and would continue to fix all of Parker’s problems. And all the while giving him great pleasure without guilt or the need to figure out on his own what he should do. He could finally relax and let go of the crushing responsibility he’d been consumed by.

It wasn’t until his brain had nearly shut off completely before a thought popped into it. Dear God, I think I’m falling in love.

* * * *

Was Stockholm Syndrome applicable when one voluntarily became a hostage? That was the question plaguing Parker as he ran on his master’s treadmill, as it had for the last few days whenever he had time to brood. Exercising was one of those times, with no one to talk to and music not being enough of a distraction. He did enjoy the use of the home gym, though. And the running shoes that had come with his new wardrobe were amazing. He’d never felt so fast and comfortable doing cardio before. He had the place to himself because Sebastian was off playing golf that afternoon. The man hadn’t seemed very stoked about the idea, but he’d gone nevertheless. Probably because Will is making up the foursome with their fathers.

Damn. He hated this feeling of jealousy and blamed it on his crazily inappropriate growing affection for the man who fucked his ass—often after beating it—and choked him with his cock. He was being treated mostly like a sex toy because his master could do virtually anything he liked with him. He was a debt slave and this was a job, not a relationship. Affection was not in the contract. The most he could have expected was to not loathe this person who’d bought him. Falling in love with Sebastian was absurd. There was no way that was truly happening. Picking up speed, he pounded the tread, as if he could outrun the way his mind screamed liar at him.

It was a crush, maybe, and gratitude, certainly. Sebastian had relieved him of his financial burdens, leaving him free to not worry. Why wouldn’t he find himself liking the man? It was appreciation. Nothing more. And the way Sebastian seemed to enjoy spending time with Will, it was becoming pretty clear that the two men might start an intimate relationship. That meant they’d fuck, which meant Sebastian wouldn’t have as much need for a sex slave. Except for the BDSM part. Maybe Emerson wouldn’t be into the kink and Sebastian would still need Parker for that. Or, perhaps that was wishful thinking. For all he knew, Emerson was a submissive. Powerful men often were to relieve the stress of being responsible for so much. If so, Parker would see less of his master and probably do mostly what he liked in this house that was nearly like living in a mall given what it contained. It would be hard to get bored here, and maybe he could take some free online classes in business, too. Any amount of learning would help him once his contract was done.

Parker slowed down his workout to cool off, then came to a stop. He wiped his sweaty face with a towel as he left the gym and trotted up the back stairs to the bedroom. Beasley was nowhere to be seen or heard, but the man would call to him via the intercom when it was lunchtime to see what he wanted. Parker kept expecting the stuffy guy to shoot him dirty looks or give him little digs when the master wasn’t around. That never happened, however. Beasley treated Parker like a guest even when there was no one except the two of them to know one way or another. It was a nice surprise, and maybe if Sebastian became more involved with Williard Emerson, Parker could hang out with Beasley, help him with the chores. That would occupy his time and make him feel like something more useful than a piece of furniture waiting for his owner to make use of him.

After indulging in a long shower, he went to the wardrobe that had now been designated as his to find something to wear. He no longer noticed the rings keeping his cock in check and cleaning and re-inserting his plug had become routine. This he did notice as it pressed against his prostate. The simmering arousal that would lead to nowhere until his master was ready to permit it was something he’d come to enjoy. He eyed the pile of neatly folded boxers in the top drawer. Sebastian had decided to have him do without underwear every day for his own pleasure, but the master wasn’t here now and hadn’t specifically forbidden it. So, Parker slid on a pair, reveling in the way the silky material caressed his skin. He then slipped on a pair of jeans that looked worn and felt soft even though they were brand new, and pulled a plain blue T-shirt over his head. Although he didn’t know for sure, he was willing to bet the clothing he wore at that moment would have cost an amount equal to a monthly payment on his father’s old debt. The situation was crazy if he stopped to think about it.

Parker padded barefoot into the sitting room and grabbed his tablet before sitting with his feet tucked under him on one of the roomy wing-backed chairs. He hadn’t yet done more than text his mother his new phone number since his purchase. A video chat was long overdue. He knew she must be worried about him and seeing him would help allay her fears, as long as he was careful in what he said. There was no way he was going to get into the details of his sex life with her. He’d focus instead on the opulent lifestyle he now led. She’d be happy to learn he’d fallen into clover.

His mother answered the video chat almost immediately. He’d texted he would try to call this afternoon and she’d obviously been waiting for it.

Her lovely face came into view and she smiled with obvious delight. “Parker, sweetheart, I’m so glad you called!”

He matched her expression. “Hi, Mom. It’s good to see you. Is this a good time?”

“Of course. The girls are each out playing a game, though. They’ll be sorry to miss you.”

Parker knew his sisters, avid soccer players, would be gone. It was one of the reasons he’d picked a Saturday to call. While he missed them, too, he didn’t think he was quite up to talking to them. It was hard doing it with only his mother and being teenagers, they were bound to ask pointed and uncomfortable questions. He’d catch up with them later, once he felt more settled in his new life.

“I miss them too, but I thought it would be nice for just the two of us to chat.”

“Is it all right for you to do so?” His mother craned her neck as if she could see over his shoulder.

“Sure. My, um, Mr. Endicott is out and I can pretty much do as I like when I’m not with him.”

“Oh. So you’re not with him all the time?” She obviously picked her words carefully, no more interested in treading on the sticky details of his slave life than he was.

“No, not really. I mean, he takes me to his office and to some of his social events, like we’re having brunch tomorrow with his parents. It’s just something he does most every Sunday. But, you know, he has meetings and…dates and stuff that he doesn’t bring me to.” He shrugged. “I have a lot of free time.” He inwardly cringed because naturally his mother was now thinking that he actually had a job from which his free time sprung.

His mother was careful to keep her expression neutral. “Oh, that’s nice. What do you do…when you’re on your own?”

This was an easy entry into the stuff he wanted to talk about. “I work out and watch shows and movies. The house has a gym and a theater.” He couldn’t help chuckling. “You should see it all! I mean, it’s everything you could want without leaving the house. And there’s books.”

He unfolded his legs and stood. “Take a look at this.” He turned the tablet to show her the sitting room at large, then focusing on the bookshelves. “Isn’t this amazing? And there’s a library in the house, too, crammed with so much more.”

His mother’s voice emanated from the front of his tablet. “Oh my. That is very impressive. Such a lovely room, and I hope you’re allowed to read those books.”

Parker turned the tablet around again to look at her. “Sure. Mr. Endicott lets me do pretty much whatever I want in his house. I mean, I’m sure there are rooms I’m not supposed to enter, but it hasn’t come up yet.” He went to flop down on a sofa. “It’s only been a couple of weeks.”

His mother’s face fell at that obvious statement. “Yes, it’s going to be a long five years.”

Because he heard tears in her voice, Parker sat up and peered at her. “It’s okay, Mom. We can set up a weekly call, some day and time when the girls are around.”

“Do you think…will he allow you to visit? Like at Christmas, maybe?”

“Oh. I haven’t asked him about that, but I’m sure I can come see you even if it’s not a holiday. As long as it doesn’t conflict with his schedule, I think he’ll be fine with it.” Parker resisted gnawing on his lip as he thought about it. Everything he knew about Sebastian so far led him to believe that the man wouldn’t be so cruel as to keep him from his family.

“That would be nice.” His mother tried for a smile and failed. “It sounds like he’s kind?”

Parker thought of all the ways his master used his body and decided that it would be wrong to characterize the man as such. “He’s generous.” Yeah, that worked. Not only did Sebestian give him lots of costly material things, the pleasure he meted out when it pleased him was valuable too. No matter what happened in the future, Parker would carry those memories with him for the rest of his life…and enjoy them.

“That’s good to hear,” his mother said with a curt nod.

Before Parker could think of anything else to say, Beasley’s voice came through the intercom. “What would you like for lunch, Mr. Parker?”

The formal way the man addressed him, as if he were some boy child in the house, both amused and discomforted him. “One second, Mom.”

He went to the intercom and pressed the button. If he asked for something crazy, like beef Wellington, or another type of meal that was difficult to make and inappropriate for lunch, he had no doubt the manservant would provide it without a moment’s hesitation. But Parker was still the guy he’d been before entering the house. “Grilled cheese, please, Mr. Beasley.”

“Very well.” Although the servant didn’t say so, he was undoubtedly going to use some very expensive cheese for the sandwich and provide a crisp salad along with it. Nothing in the Endicott house was done by half measures or low standards.

“I guess I should go, sweetheart, and let you enjoy your meal. It sounds like you are being well-cared for.”

Hearing the doubt underlying the words, Parker tried to alleviate his mother’s worries. “I am, Mom. Really. Please don’t worry.”

She gave him a watery smile. “How can I not? If I had only paid more attention to what your father was doing…”

“Mom, please! There was nothing you could have done.” He’d berated himself for not realizing what was happening, but there had been nothing he could have done, either. His father had kept his secrets through control over his family. “There’s no point in dwelling on the past. We found a way out of the mess and are going to be fine now. That’s all that matters.”

“At the cost of your freedom.” The bitterness in her tone surprised him. She’d always tried to keep up a brave and cheery face.

“I’m okay, Mom. I truly am. Living in such luxury is hardly a sacrifice.” And because he sensed his mother needed more to move past her obvious guilt and misery, he stuck a toe into the more delicate waters. “I like being with him…you know, in that way.”

His mother’s eyes went wide before she schooled her expression to a neutral one. “Well, that’s good to know. Grab what happiness you can, Parker. And text me when you figure out a schedule for our calls. I’ll make sure the girls and I are free no matter what.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart.”

The video call went black. Parker slumped against the back of the sofa, feeling drained. Being immersed in his master’s world had made it easy to forget why he was there and what he’d been forced to leave behind. In some ways, it would be easier to cut off all contact with his family while he served his contract. Then he could return to them and pretend this whole thing never happened. Except he very much feared that no matter how the next five years played out, he was never going to forget the pleasure he felt in Sebastian’s hands. And he very much feared that he was going to lose it soon after discovering it.