Chapter 23

As the weeks turned into months, Lyle found himself enjoying life more and more as Antonio’s loyal and obedient sub. Everything between them was perfect.

Lyle would sometimes think about the very first time that Antonio came to his aid in Balthazar Bar. Lyle had been way out of his depth, and looking back he felt a bit silly about trying to trick gangsters and mafia men into talking to him for a story. But, when those doubts emerged, Antonio would tell Lyle that it was all part of his learning curve as a reporter.

Lyle was indeed on a journey, both in his personal life and his career too. As he sat at the desk in his brand-new office at the Tribune, Lyle took a moment to look around. He had been given the much-coveted corner office that overlooked the park. The view was all lush greenery and the sights and sounds of the city at its best would often remind Lyle why he was a journalist in the first place.

Lyle wanted to seek the truth, and make sure that the people in New York City knew it too. After publishing a longform article on Detective Niall Sloane’s evil legacy of corruption, Lyle was something of the hot ticket in town.

With his two prized journalism awards for the Sloane scoop up on the shelf in his office, Lyle knew that he would have to keep working hard if he wanted more trophies to show for his efforts. But, of course, awards were secondary to the joy that Lyle took from simply delivering the truth to the people.

Lyle wandered from the window and poked his head out into the main office. He could see how busy everyone was, and loved nothing more than getting involved and helping people with their stories too. Lyle was especially keen to be of assistance to the interns and recent graduates. After all, Lyle knew exactly what it felt like to be young and fresh-faced in the world of journalism.

It could be scary.

It could be intimidating and make someone doubt themselves.

Lyle glanced over toward Reed Silver’s old office. Reed had made it through his surgery and admitted his guilt to the police. Reed was currently serving a twenty-year sentence, having rejected a plea deal that would have seen his sentence slashed if he had spoken out against Antonio and various other mafia men.

Reed made a terrible mistake.

And now he’s paying for it.

But he did the right thing in the end…

Lyle wondered about one day interviewing Reed and getting his side of the story. Deep down, there was probably a good person inside him trying to get out. But that could wait. Lyle was far too busy working on a new story that might just see his profile go up another notch, or ten!

However before returning to his work, Lyle had one question for the busy newsroom…

‘Okay, everyone?’ Lyle called out, a big smile on his face. ‘I know I might be a big-time reporter now, but… who wants fresh donuts? They’re on me?’

As the swathes of other reporters and clerical staff cheered in approval, Lyle took a moment and smiled. He felt emotional. Lyle was living his best life, and it was all thanks to one man… Antonio Sorrento.

After overdosing on sugary donuts, Lyle arrived back home with a huge smile on his face. Lyle knew that if he told Antonio just how many donuts had been consumed there would almost certainly be a paddle heading in his direction, but he had other things on his mind.

‘Antonio? Where are you?’ Lyle called out.

As Lyle stood and looked around for a sign of Antonio, he heard the sound of his Master coming down the stairs. By the looks of things, Antonio had been working out in the new gym on the fourth floor.

Wearing nothing but a pair of tight black shorts, Antonio’s sweaty, muscular body looked even more to die for than usual – and that was saying something!

‘You look good,’ Lyle said, his excitement building. ‘And guess what?’

‘You know I don’t like surprises, boy,’ Antonio said, wiping his face with a hand towel. ‘Spill the beans. And do it quickly!’

Lyle paused for a moment. Suddenly, his excitement began to spill over into nerves. He knew that this might be a big deal for Antonio, and Lyle wanted so desperately for Antonio to be into his idea.

I’m nervous.

What if Antonio doesn’t want to do it?

Naaaaw, just say it!

Lyle giggled, literally unable to get the words out.

All day, Lyle had been working on a surprise that very much involved Antonio too. And now it was time to reveal exactly what he had in store for them both…

‘We’re going LA!’ Lyle said, unable to contain the secret for much longer. ‘You, me, all expenses paid!’

‘Excuse me?’ Antonio said, raising an eyebrow. ‘I need way more information than that, boy.’

Lyle went on to excitedly explain that the political corruption story he had been working on had taken a dramatic twist. There was a high-ranking businessman in LA who previously lived in New York and had some very serious political connections. Apparently, this businessman was ready to spill the tea and talk about some seriously corrupt things that had been going on in New York.

Antonio agreed that this was great for Lyle’s career, but wasn’t sure about coming along with Lyle…

‘I’m busy. You know, business matters to sort out,’ Antonio said.

‘But I know you have wanted to catch up with some of your old LA friends forever,’ Lyle said, a pleading tone in his voice. ‘Think about it, you can reconnect, make new contacts, put in place some plans for how you can expand out West again.’

‘It’s tempting…’ Antonio replied, rubbing his beard thoughtfully.

‘And more than anything, I need you there with me,’ Lyle said. ‘If I have my Master with me, I know I don’t have to worry about a thing.’

‘Okay, I’ll come,’ Antonio said, unable to resist Lyle’s techniques of persuasion. ‘But you’re wrong about one thing.’

‘What’s that?’

‘You do have to worry about something,’ Antonio said, a devilish grin on his face. ‘And that thing is me turning my big paddle to that sweet little ass of yours!’

Lyle burst into excited and somewhat nervous laughter. As Antonio began to chase him around the house, the sound of laughter and love filled the place.

Life was good.

Lyle had found a Master who was kind, caring, and forever loyal. Antonio could control Lyle, spank him, tie him up, and even send him to bed early. But Lyle knew it was all done in the purest love imaginable.

Lyle knew that he had found his perfect forever love and not a day would go by without him feeling eternally grateful for that.

The future was looking incredible, and Lyle couldn’t wait for his and Antonio’s next adventure. As long as they were together and had one another, the world was truly their oyster.