Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 1

moan from me, before I was being encouraged to stand. "C'mon, Gunny. Let's go get you out of your head and make you fly."
    ****
    Mac and I had spent hours together converting the basement into a gym. Every implement or machine was strategically placed to allow for not only workouts, but also private feats of endurance. The sturdy hooks in the ceiling and floors were not only for punching bags. The extra-wide weight bench had multiple uses and the locked cabinet held much more than just hand weights and ointments. So much time and thought had been put into the room, it was a special place for both of us. Normally when I entered the gym with Mac promising to make me fly, I would instantly start clearing my head of all thoughts except pleasing my lover. This time was different. No matter how hard I tried, unease had settled so deeply into my head and heart I couldn't find peace.
    One last time , I thought to myself as my hands tightened into fists. I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation of Mac securing the heavy cuffs around my wrists. Stripped of my clothing, I was pliant while he secured my arms over my head, allowing him to position me in any way he desired. My breathing sped only slightly in anticipation as he attached my ankle cuffs to the floor. The feeling of being naked and bound while my lover was still clothed just added to the eroticism of the moment.
    Every aspect of my life was about control. From the way I conducted myself in public, the way I controlled the Marines entrusted to my command, to the strength and ability of my body. It's odd that I would give up something so ingrained in me to someone my equal in size and strength, but much less someone below me in rank. Yet that's exactly what I craved from Mac. To be stripped of all choices, all control, to trust completely. Mac and I, after years of playing, always exploring, experimenting, had found we shared similar needs— kinks if you will. Deviant desires unknown to even myself, only brought to the surface by Mac's natural dominance.
    I inhaled deeply through my mouth, savoring Mac's spicy flavor on my tongue, his scent filling me as I held my breath. Mac stroked a fingertip down my bare spine, the tickling sensation maddening, but I held still, keeping a tight rein on my reactions. It was as if I wanted to pull his scent, his touch, his very essence deep inside me, something to savor when he was gone. I was afraid any response on my part would weaken the sensation, or worse, I'd lose part of Mac.
    I gasped and my eyes flew open as sharp, stinging pain radiated out from a pinch to my left nipple. Mac stood within inches of me, a scowl marring his handsome face. "Glad to see you're aware of me. If I wanted you to control your reactions to me, I would have ordered you to be still. Do you wish to make the rules, Gunny?"
    Disappointment in displeasing Mac washed over me and I lowered my eyes, no longer able to meet his questioning hazel gaze. "No."
    Mac's other hand snaked out and his fingers latched on to my other nipple, the intense pain making me cry out. "Fuck!"
    "Yeah, fuck." He squeezed harder. "No, what?"
    "No, Sir." My head fell forward and I panted, trying to process the pain, move beyond it.
    "That's better," he praised, releasing one nipple and soothing the sting with the flat of his tongue before doing the same to the other throbbing nub. Mac cupped my chin in his hand and forced my head up. "Look at me, Gunny."
    I lifted my eyes again and steeled myself for his questions. I couldn't lie to him, but I wasn't ready to talk about what was bothering me. To my surprise, Mac leaned in and brushed his lips softly against mine. His tongue came out, teasing, encouraging me to open to him, which I did without hesitation. As the kiss deepened, Mac moaned his approval, and I felt the vibration of it down to my toes. The kiss went on and on. A claiming and possessive kiss with tongue, lips, and teeth, and the world stopped turning. In that moment there was only Mac and me, and I let go of everything else. Mac pulled back and I instinctively followed, wanting more, needing that connection to continue, and whimpered when I was denied.
    "Shh, I got you. Close your eyes, Gunny."
    I did as he asked. Moments later I felt something silken against my eyes as Mac tied the fabric at the back of my head. Long moments I hung there, waiting. I knew he hadn't stepped away; I could hear his slow, even breath and feel the heat radiating from his body. I shuddered when