Trusting Trace: Christmas at the Dungeon Read online

  Robbie froze, spine straight and tensed. Trace stroked harder, catching the perfect spot, just below the head. Robbie whimpered, his eyes almost popping out with his effort to delay his release. One second. That was all that he needed.

  “Come.”

  The orgasm zapped through him, like a jolt of electricity. Every muscle in his body strained. His spine tensed and relaxed, as the pressure gathered at its base eased. His cock throbbed and jerked, come shooting out. His cries turned into a long whimper, and stars began dancing in front of his eyes. He fell back on the bed, his head spinning with the intensity of his release. From afar, he could hear Trace talking to him, but he couldn’t understand the words, too wrapped up in himself.

  The stroking slowed down, and the pressure of the fingers wrapped around him eased, until it stopped completely, just as the final spasms died, leaving Robbie half blind and panting. When he came around and could finally see, he found Trace lying next to him, gently caressing Robbie’s chest.

  “Wow.”

  “You did very well.”

  Trace leaned in and gave him a little kiss. Robbie preened under the praise. Trace climbed off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom for a moment. Robbie heard the water running in the sink, before Trace returned holding a wash cloth. Gently, he cleaned Robbie, then himself, before getting back into bed. Reaching past Robbie, he drew the comforter up and over them. Then he placed his arm around Robbie’s chest and pulled him closer. Happiness spread through Robbie as he snuggled against Trace.

  “Thank you.”

  Trace gave his nose a little peck, before slowly guiding Robbie’s head to the crook of his shoulder. “You’re welcome. Now sleep.”

  Chapter 5

  As Robbie’s breath settled and he fell asleep, Trace remained awake, listening to the rhythm of Robbie’s heartbeat. He couldn’t believe the way Robbie had reacted to everything they’d done. After what had happened the last time, he hadn’t planned to bring any kink to the table, but he’d found he couldn’t help himself. And Robbie had been so responsive to everything, he’d been unable to stop himself pushing for more. Only now he was fretting over every detail, wondering if he’d done something wrong, or if he’d pushed Robbie too fast or too far.

  By God, he hoped he hadn’t made any mistakes. He couldn’t handle hurting Robbie. For someone he’d met just a couple of weeks ago, Robbie had already wormed himself deep into Trace’s thoughts. After Robbie had kicked him out of his apartment, he hadn’t expected to have the chance to talk with him again, much less have him in his arms. Now that he did have him, though, he intended to do everything in his power to keep him.

  ***

  Trace bit the inside of his lip, thinking, all the while fumbling with the invitation from Lucas that still rested in his pocket.

  “Hey. You okay?” Robbie joined him in the kitchen.

  “Absolutely.” Trace smiled at Robbie, happy to see him. He leaned in and gave him a slow kiss, before taking his hand and placing another kiss in the middle of the palm. Robbie’s eyes widened at the gesture, and Trace had to fight his grin. Then, just because he could, he did the same to Robbie’s other hand.

  “What was that for?”

  “Does there have to be a reason behind it?” Trace asked, his smile widening. “Maybe I just like kissing you.”

  A blush colored Robbie’s cheeks, and he looked away from Trace before answering. “I like kissing you too.”

  Teasing, Trace tangled his fingers through Robbie’s. “I’m not sure I heard you.”

  Robbie’s head snapped up, fire shooting through his eyes. But Trace couldn’t find any anger in there, so he decided to tease him some more.

  “I said I like kissing you too.”

  “You’ll have to prove it, then.”

  A warm smile answered him, Robbie’s gaze darkening with lust. He rose on his tiptoes, wrapping his arms around Trace’s neck and brushed his lips against Trace’s. It was sweet, and gentle, and filled with a shyness Trace hadn’t expected after the night they’d spent together. But he allowed Robbie to take the lead, opening his lips when nudged and keeping the touching light.

  Long before he was sated, Robbie broke the contact, heat coloring his cheeks.“Merry Christmas.”

  “Oh yes, you’re right. It is Christmas. Merry Christmas to you too.”

  “What do you want to do today?”

  Taking the advantage of the opportunity presented, Trace took the invitation out of his pocket. “Speaking of plans… How would you like to go to a little party tonight?” He held up the invitation for Robbie to see.

  Robbie took the elegant paper and frowned at it. “At The Dungeon? They’re throwing another party?”

  “It looks like it. From what Lucas told me, it will be a smaller affair, mostly for regulars.”

  At the sound of Lucas’s name, Robbie’s eyes widened. “You know him?” The admiration in his voice had Trace quirk an eyebrow.

  “Not really. But he helped Tony track me down. That’s when he gave me the invitation.”

  Robbie returned his gaze to the of paper he was holding and shifted it in his hands. “Do you want to go?”

  “Only if you do.”

  Robbie pursed his lips, thinking. “We could go, take a look.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes.”

  ***

  In the afternoon, Robbie drove him home to change for the party. Luckily, the streets had been cleared—or what would pass as such—and it had stopped snowing. Still, Trace was happy to have Robbie drive, since he clearly knew what he was doing on treacherous roads.

  Trace opted for a pair of wool pants that showcased his ass to perfection and an elegant, striped shirt. The shoes were a different matter, as none that matched his clothing were weather appropriate, so he settled for a pair of soft boots, and prayed he wouldn’t slip and break his neck.

  “Wow. You look awesome.”

  “No more so than you.”

  And Robbie did look great. He was wearing tight dark jeans, ripped elegantly on one knee, and a soft sweater that clung to his torso, highlighting his slim figure. His boots were sturdier—the kind one would use when climbing mountains—and they looked amazing on him. Trace had no idea how he managed to drive while wearing them.

  Robbie brushed away the compliment, clearly embarrassed.

  “Ready to go?”

  At Robbie’s nod, Trace took his hand, and dropped another kiss on their tangled fingers.

  “If at any point it becomes too much, or if something bothers you, just let me know and we will leave.”

  Robbie nodded again, starring eagerly in Trace’s eyes.

  “How about a safe word? In case you want to leave but don’t want other people to be part of the issue.”

  “Kittycat.”

  Trace bit the inside of his lip to stop himself from laughing. That was not what he’d been expecting. “Kittycat it is, then.”

  He gave Robbie’s hand a squeeze, and they headed outside.

  “Do you mind driving?”

  “Of course not. But what is it with you and snow?”

  “I really can’t function in this, and it will be a lot safer, for everyone involved, if I’m not behind the wheel again until spring."

  Robbie laughed and shook his head, as if unable to understand how anyone couldn’t drive during the winter.

  ***

  The party was nothing like the first one. As soon as they entered the grand hallway, Robbie felt both overwhelmed and underdressed, and the only thing keeping him grounded was the light weight of Trace’s hand on the small of his back.

  Noticing his distress, Trace leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Kittycat. Remember? If you want out of here, just say the word and we leave.”

  Simply knowing that gave Robbie the confidence to go inside.

  They walked hand in hand. It felt different from before. It was obvious that, this time, there were mostly couples, and the dress code was far more rela
xed. Or more strict, depending on how you looked at things, as some people were nearly naked, their only clothing being a leash tied to a collar around their neck.

  The atmosphere was different too. While the decor hadn’t changed much, and the music was still Christmassy, there was a calmness that hadn’t been there before. Also, the naked people dancing in cages around the hallway were gone.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  And he was.

  “Welcome to the party.”

  Startled, Robbie jumped and turned to the side, to the man offering his hand in greeting. A little caress from Trace helped him calm his nerves.

  “Thank you for having us, Mr. Brentwood.”

  “Call me Lucas.”

  “Lucas, then.”

  Before Robbie could think of something else to say, Trace took over the conversation, and he did it so inconspicuously that Robbie was grateful.

  “I believe we haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Trace, and this is Robbie.” He didn’t offer any clarification regarding the nature of their relationship, but the hand placed possessively on the small of Robbie’s back made it perfectly clear that Robbie belonged to him.

  “There are refreshments over in that corner, and there’s a dance scene, if you care to dance. Don’t bother others, and ask permission before any touching. But, basically, make yourselves at home, and if you need something, just let me know.”

  “Thank you.”

  After Lucas left, Trace took Robbie’s hand. “What do you want to do first?”

  “Get something to drink, I guess.”

  “Let’s go.”

  As they made their way toward the bar, Robbie stared around him. In a way, it was more than he’d expected, but on the other hand, it brought a certain level of comfort too. So when Trace asked him fifteen minutes later if he was all right, he could honestly say that he was.

  With their soft drinks in hand, they walked around the hallway, Trace holding his hand or keeping an arm around him the entire time.

  A loud crack drew their attention. Trace glanced at him, as if asking his thoughts on the matter, before steering him toward the source of the sound. They passed a corner, and the hallway opened onto another room, smaller than the one they’d just vacated.

  They passed various couples. Some of them nodded in greeting, some just smiled, but they all made Robbie and Trace feel welcome. They reached an open door that lead to another large room. If the first was obviously a reception, this was clearly made for playing. Solid- hooks waited at the end of heavy-looking chains and ropes dangling from the ceiling. A large wooden, padded bondage bench, equipped with all sorts of impressive leather straps, occupied the middle of the room. Bound there, straddling the horse, was a leanman. He was completely naked, his hairless ass sticking out. By his side, a leather-clad man held a paddle, and arranged along the walls stood various spectators.

  Robbie gaped at the scene in front of him. As the Dom circled the bench, the man tied there shivered visibly. When the paddle descended, with a whiz, Robbie’s breath hitched. The leather connected, and the man jumped, as did Robbie’s heart.

  Trace’s gave Robbie’s back a calming caress, and he stepped closer, offering his silent support. Robbie briefly leaned into him, to let him know he appreciated the gesture, before returning his attention to the couple involved in the play scene.

  The tied-up man jumped as the paddle hit him again, a groan escaping his lips. His skin flushed, the paddle leaving white welts against his buttocks and the backs of his thighs. Mouth dry, Robbie stepped closer, only to be stopped by Trace, who gently nudged him back toward the walls.

  “We can’t disturb them.”

  Robbie knew that much. In his defense, he hadn’t planned on disturbing them, only stepping closer so he could take a better look.

  Trace guided him to an empty place from where he could, indeed, see better. Blood pounding in his ears, Robbie watched the scene unfolding. From their position, he could hear every sound the sub was making—every moan and cry—and every word the Dom whispered to him.

  “That’s it, baby, one more,” the Dom said before every hit. The warmth, the love, that shone through in his voice made it clear this wasn’t a casual encounter but one between lovers, and somehow that made it all the hotter.

  Robbie watched as the Dom grabbed a handful of the sub’s hair, raising his head to stare into his eyes. He smiled at the sub, his heart shining in his eyes, and all Robbie could think was that this was what he wanted. He glanced at Trace, only to find him looking at him fondly. As if reading his mind, Trace’s smile grew, and he leaned in, giving Robbie a little peck on the lips.

  Robbie returned onto watching the scene, all the while feeling the weight of Trace’s gaze on him.

  In front of them, the Dom was giving the sub a slow, open-mouthed kiss. Their tongues tangled and played, as the Dom supported the weight of the still tied up sub on his arms. They took their time, despite the awkwardness of their position. Finally, they broke, and the Dom lowered the sub down gently until he was resting his chest against the padded bench. The Dom went back to the paddle, letting it drop again and again. The sub jerked, but pushed his ass up higher and higher, searching for more and swaying the time with the blows. So wrapped up in each other, they seemed oblivious to everything and everyone around them and for a moment, Robbie felt like he was intruding to a very private moment.

  To distance himself from the feeling, he looked around him. The crowd all over the room watched in silence, keeping their distance, with various expressions of hunger and admiration on their faces. And each of them reflected a respect that Robbie never expected to see. Robbie returned to the couple on the bench, watching them with different eyes.

  Hunger rose inside him, for him to experience something similar, to expose himself just like the sub had. Did he dare? This was the right place if he did, he was sure of that. It was safe, and he assumed it could as private or as public as he would want it to be.

  When the scene was over, when the Dom took the trembling sub into his arms and caressed him down, Robbie turned to Trace.

  “Would you…” But he couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence, and lowered his eyes to the floor.

  “Look at me.”

  Swallowing, Robbie lifted his head, meeting Trace’s gaze.

  “Do you want to play? In public?”

  “Yes,” Robbie answered, before he lost his courage.

  “In public?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  Trace watched him careful, searching his face. “What do you want to try? Pain? Restraint? Humiliation?”

  “Bondage.” Of that he was sure.

  “Ropes or leather? Fancy or secure?”

  Robbie shrugged, unsure.

  “Okay, let’s talk with Lucas and see what we can set up.”

  ***

  Wearing only his pants and socks, Robbie stood in the middle of a room similar to the one they’d just viewed. He could hear the shuffle of feet as the spectators took their places around him. There were no whispers, no laughter—just silence. He felt himself the center of attention, all eyes on him. It was both freeing and overwhelming at the same time. From the circle of darkness engulfing the edges of the room, Trace stepped toward him. Thick ropes dangled from his hands. The carols playing over the sound system felt out of place with the intensity of what was going on.

  Robbie swallowed, excitement and fear rising in him.

  “Are you sure about this, Robbie?”

  “Yes.”

  “Very well.”

  Someone he didn’t know came through the circle, dragging something behind him. It turned out to be a tall wooden table, where Trace went to place the ropes he was carrying. A little rattle drew Robbie’s attention to some silvery chains glistering around his neck, which turned out to be holding two pairs of cuffs together. Round scissors followed, and a little pocket knife. A small
round tube joined the other paraphernalia, one which Robbie assumed was filled with salve, or something similarly soothing.

  Trace set everything on the small table, sorting it by some inner criteria, before walking to Robbie.

  Entranced, Robbie followed each of Trace’s moves, the spectators forgotten.

  “On your knees.”

  The command in Trace’s voice gave Robbie pause, as he wasn’t used to hearing it, but the sudden rush of adrenaline and excitement washed away any of his concerns. He dropped into position, his knees hitting the mat hard. Trace jumped, his hands going to steady Robbie.

  “Easy.”

  Robbie smiled, and shook his head. “I’m fine. Didn’t really think it through.”

  “Sheesh. Don’t do that anymore.” Though the tone was light, the command and the request were clear.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Tell me your safe word again.”

  “Kittycat,” Robbie answered promptly, his entire focus on Trace.

  “I will tie you up until you are unable to move. Do you have any boundaries regarding this?”

  “No, Sir.” Or at least, he didn’t think he did.

  “Very well. If anything causes you distress, or if, for any reason, you are unable to continue, I want you to use your safe word. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Yes Sir what?”

  “If I need to end the scene, I can use my safeword and everything stops.”

  “Good. Is there anything you want to tell me, or anything I need to know before we begin?”

  “No, Sir. I am ready.”

  “Spread your knees. Hands behind your back.”

  Robbie obeyed, careful to keep his movements slow, so as not to lose his balance.

  Trace circled him, regarding him with a calculating look in his eyes. Robbie remained silent, holding his position during the inspection. Heat rose to his cheeks in excitement and shyness.

  “Let me tell you what is going to happen. I will tie a rope harness around your chest, then secure your hands against it. Next, I will tie up your ankles by your thighs, and everything against the harness.” He paused, giving Robbie time to process the information. “Is it clear?”