A Strong Hand

ran his hands over Nick's naked back, lightly caressing the taut muscles flexing slightly under smooth skin.
    He felt every bump of the boy's spine, almost overwhelmed by the perfection given into his control. He cupped both buttocks in his palms, feeling like offering a prayer to whatever deity had created such beauty.
    And then he stepped back, breaking contact between them.
    "And now, my pet, allow me to further your education."
    Damian selected a light flogger, with strands of suede. "Pain and pleasure are balanced on the edge of a knife, different sides of the same blade. London is your safe word, but you need another word. If you want me to slow down or change what I'm doing, what will you say?"
    "Yellow, sir," Nick said, his voice trembling his body was shaking so.
    "Yellow for slow down, London for stop. Don't forget."
    Stepping away from the bench, Damian extended his arm and swung the flogger to get a feel for its balance. Nick flinched as he heard the hum of the strands singing through the air, but felt nothing.
    "This is a flogger, pet. I think you'll enjoy this," Damian purred.
    He swung it and watched the strands land with a dull thud on the firm buttocks.
    "It's soft, sir," Nick said, surprised.
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    A Strong Hand
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    "Yes, pet. I'm going to warm you up a bit."
    The flogger came down repeatedly, the strands just caressing Nick's skin. He could feel a tingle start to warm his arse.
    Damian aimed several blows at Nick's back, listening for the pleasurable hiss of the sub's breath as they landed.
    Damian stepped forward and ran his hand over the pale skin that had started showing a little pink. He caressed Nick's ass gently.
    "This one is a bit heavier," Damian said. He picked up a medium flogger, applying a steady rain of light blows that made the boy's buttocks flush a hotter pink. Damian ran his hand over the warm skin, assuring himself that Nick was okay.
    Nick was floating in a sea of sensation, the nerves in his arse dancing. It barely stung; Damian had spanked him harder than this, but the sensuous assault was warming his bottom most pleasurably. His balls were full and aching, his cock hard, demanding release from its leather prison.
    Damian smiled at the slight movement of Nick's hips.
    Bound as he was, and spread for his master's pleasure, he didn't have much freedom of movement, and the cock ring would prevent early release in any case.
    He picked up a riding crop and flicked it through the air.
    Nick flinched involuntary at the cutting sound it made.
    "This is a riding crop, pet. We'll see how you like this one."
    "Yes, sir," was all the boy said. Damian smiled at the fear in his voice. One last pat on the upturned waiting bottom and he stepped back.
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    Nick tensed, awaiting a slash, but instead he felt a sharp nip, as the end of the crop was flicked against his arse. Tiny smarting stings landed all over his ass, making his cheeks warm with a slow burn that reached lazily for his groin. He gasped as the pain turned to pleasure, when Damian ran his hand over his heated skin.
    "A little harder this time," Damian said. He positioned himself carefully and landed a sharp blow in the middle of the firm flesh.
    Nick yelped as a line of fire erupted across his arse, setting him ablaze. It hurt and yet he wanted more; he panted as the endorphins kicked in and a rush of adrenaline shot through him, as if he'd just run five miles. He dreaded the next sharp strike and yet he yearned for it, lifting up to meet it. Damian laid it precisely above the first, listening for the purring cry of the sub.
    He was sweating now, as was the boy, glowing under the light, with two red welts across his bottom.
    "One more, pet."
    Nick's muscles flexed in anticipation, but Damian waited until the boy had relaxed before he struck the third blow, catching him on the under curve of his backside. Nick jumped and cried out, his voice a curious mix of pain and ecstasy.
    The pain rolled through his body like waves, in ever-diminishing intensity, the burn melting into the most exquisite pleasure. He hummed, flying on a pain-induced high that thrummed throughout his body.
    Damian caressed the welts with his fingertips, dragging his nails lightly over the abused flesh. Nick wriggled and sighed.
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    "What do you want now, my pet? Tell me!" Damian commanded.
    "Please, let me come, sir," Nick begged, his voice husky.
    He bucked slightly when he felt something