A Strong Hand

Hand
    by Catt Ford
    surprise on Nick's face. "Look, remember the other day when you suggested the slave and Ashley's arm when Markie was over the bench?"
    "Yeah."
    "We were working together then, creating a shot that was not only beautiful, but it showed the products off while evoking a specific mood. It did the job it was supposed to do.
    It was both of us collaborating to create one special image."
    "You're saying we're in this together," Nick said slowly.
    "Exactly. You want to get spanked, I like to spank. Without you, I have no cute little ass wriggling around on my lap.
    We're making a deal here. I want you to get what you're looking for, and I certainly wouldn't do it to you if I didn't like it."
    "You like spanking me?"
    Damian almost laughed again at the amazed expression on Nick's face. "I like it very much, Nick, and I hope you do too.
    I was hoping that you might wish to stay late tonight so that I could show you something else."
    Feeling suddenly energized again, Nick said, " Yes, sir!"

    * * * *
    After a companionable dinner, where Damian talked over his ideas for Ashley's catalog, Nick washed up while Damian dried and put away. Nick wondered why he'd always found Damian so stern and unapproachable, while Damian was surprised by his young assistant's creativity and sense of fun.
    It wasn't often in Damian's experience that a young man so beautiful was also willing to be silly.
    104

    A Strong Hand
    by Catt Ford
    "Go into the office. Wait for me there, pet."
    Nick no longer needed Damian to call him pet to tell when their relationship shifted; the slow commanding drawl was enough to alert him to the change. He went to the office and then worried about whether he should kneel or stand or just what he should be doing. He was frowning when Damian came in, making the other man's lips twitch.
    "What's wrong, pet?"
    "Am I supposed to be kneeling or what?"
    "Does it calm you when you know what to expect from me?"
    "Sir, I want to please you," Nick said simply.
    Damian was surprised at how much that touched him. "If you wish to please me...."
    "Yes, sir?"
    "Take everything off."
    Damian watched as Nick stripped with shaking fingers. He appreciated every movement; the boy was unusually graceful in the awkward moments, getting his trousers off without hopping or tangling himself in the legs. At last he stood, submissive in front of Damian, completely exposed.
    Damian stroked the aureole of one nipple and caught the shuddering breath. "Are they sore?"
    "Not really, sir, just ... a little ... tingly."
    "Did you like it when I had you tied to that bar, restrained for my pleasure?"
    Nick gulped and managed to answer, "Yes, sir."
    "I liked it too, and yet, if I wished to restrain you just with my voice, would you obey?"
    105

    A Strong Hand
    by Catt Ford
    Nick nodded, mesmerized by the deep blue eyes.
    Damian circled behind Nick, noticing the slight stiffening of his spine. He turned off the overhead light, so that the room was lit only by the desk lamp, casting a warm glow over the naked boy. He pulled the leather couch slightly away from the wall and picked up a blindfold. He said, "Turn to face me."
    Nick did so, his breath coming quicker. Damian could see the thump of his heart fluttering the golden skin of his chest.
    "I'm going to blindfold you. And then I'm going to touch you however I wish. You are mine until I release you. Are you mine?"
    Nick nodded slowly.
    Damian blindfolded Nick, making sure that the young man couldn't peek. He took him by the arm and led him to the couch. "Kneel on the couch for me, pet. Hands on the back."
    He guided Nick to kneel on the cushion, pushing him to bend over so that his hands were resting on the back.
    Slowly Damian ran his hand down the length of Nick's spine, noticing the slight shudder as he neared the swell of the boy's ass. He positioned himself so that his left hand rested on Nick's back, leaving his right free to roam.
    Nick wondered what Damian would do next. He had said he would touch him however and wherever he wished, and there were parts of Nick that no one had ever touched. He felt vulnerable and uncertain, and his blood was pounding with the thrill of it all.
    He felt calloused fingertips pinch a nipple and his cock surged in response. It made him think of the clamps Damian had used on him earlier.
    106

    A Strong Hand
    by Catt Ford
    He felt something tickle his ear and Damian said, "Don't come until I permit it."
    "Yes, sir," Nick said hoarsely.
    He felt a