Shane stared down at his hands and wished he was at home. He hated going out. He was much happier staying in, just him and David, having a quiet dinner, maybe watching a movie. But his master had come home that evening in an unusually good mood and announced that they were going to dinner, and there was no way that Shane was going to argue.

Your mother named you David.

Their safe words. Shane had never said them out loud. He had never needed to. But he thought them often, sneaking peeks at his master even now, his chest filling with a pleasant warmth. In the driver's seat, David reminded him of a panther at rest, dressed all in black as always, the sleeves of his sweater snug around his massive biceps. The intensity with which he lived every day was written plainly on his features, but Shane knew better than anyone that a real man resided behind the facade of the monster. A man capable of laughter, of tenderness. Shane was lost in his admiration when David glanced over and caught his eye. He ducked his head quickly, waiting to be scolded, but instead he felt his master's hand brushing through his hair, stroking the back of his neck, toying with the buckle of the simple leather collar he wore.

My mother named me Shane.

The second part of their safe word combination. It was meant to remind David that they were both people, both human beings. Shane doubted that he ever forgot. Sure, they both played their roles. David was the dom, Shane was the sub. David was the master, Shane was the slave. Their relationship was based on control. Shane giving it up, David taking it. But he'd never gotten the impression that his master thought of him as less than a person. On the contrary, David doted on him, spoiling him in a hundred subtle ways.

When the car stopped, Shane kept his head down. His master's hand lingered still on the back of his neck, petting him lightly.

"We're here, sugar. You can look now."

Biting his lip nervously, Shane lifted his head. The street around them was dark and deserted. It looked like a residential neighborhood, houses mostly. Shane saw nothing that looked remotely like a restaurant. He risked a doubtful glance at his master, who smiled in return.

"You remember me telling you about that special place? The one Sean goes to?"

Shane nodded, feeling his apprehension lighten.

"Well, this is it." Taking his hand away from Shane, David got out of the car.

Shane waited in his seat until his master opened his door, then climbed out. Falling in behind David, he followed him down the block to a large house surrounded by high hedges. A narrow gate in the hedge opened to reveal a twisting, lantern-lit walkway that made its way up to the broad porch. David knocked and gave his name when the door was opened. A moment later they were inside, and Shane was swept away.

They stood in a cavernous, marble-floored foyer. Everything was tasteful and elegant, the muted colors of the furniture and walls offset by brilliant sprays of fresh flowers. A wide archway lead to the large dining room on one side, and dark mahogany doors slid open to reveal a smaller parlor on the other. Clusters of leather chairs dominated, most occupied, but there was also a bar running along the back of the room.

That was where they found Sean. Shane was not surprised to see him there, rising to greet David with a rough hug, nor was he surprised to see Brian, Sean's sub, standing behind him. What did surprise Shane was the frilly pink dress Brian was wearing, complete with white, lacy gloves, ankle socks and patent leather shoes. The ensemble was topped off by a matching pink ribbon tied in a big bow around his neck, the long end trailing into Sean's hand like a leash. From the scowl Brian's face, he could easily guess that the outfit had not been his idea.

Glancing carefully around the room, Shane was surprised at how little attention people were paying to this obvious spectacle. Then he noticed that several of them were wearing collars or leashes of their own. One woman, sprawled at the feet of an older man, was wearing not only a collar but also wrist and ankle cuffs, all of them connected by fine silver chains. Catching Shane's gaze, she winked and blew him a kiss.

Shane turned away with a flush rising in his cheeks. As Sean finished scolding David for being late once again, the four of them made their way back across the foyer to the dining room. Trailing close behind David, Shane noted a number of other obvious subs there as well, some perched in the laps of their masters, some on the floor beside their chairs. When the waiter showed them to their table, Shane hesitated, not sure what to do. Taking his seat, David eliminated his confusion by gesturing to the floor.

Shane settled happily under the table at his master's feet. For his quick obedience, David bent and patted him on the head, making him glow with pleasure at the small public gesture. As his master continued his conversation with his friend, Shane turned to look over at Brian, who had taken up a similar position, curled between Sean's long legs with his head resting against his master's knee.

"I like your dress." Shane whispered.

Brian's scowl deepened and he tugged at the skirt that barely covered his upper thighs. "I'm being punished."

"Well, I think you look very pretty." Shane told him anyway, enjoying the blush that rose in the blonde's cheeks. "Pink is definitely your color."

"Thanks, but I hope he doesn't think so."

Shane covered his giggles with one hand.

They continued whispering back and forth for a little while, catching up. Sean and Brian had recently returned from Japan, and Shane could see from the light in the young man's eyes while he spoke of it that he hoped they would return someday soon. When Shane asked about this place, Brian assured him that he'd been there many times with Sean, and it was very nice. There were game rooms upstairs where people played pool or poker, and there was a large library. Unlike most clubs that catered to them, this was no sex club. People came here to eat and talk and meet. Anything else they wanted to do would have to take place elsewhere.

As they fell into silence, Shane found himself relaxing, leaning against his master's leg. Above him, he heard David laugh and smiled in response. He found a tiny scuff at the toe of one of David's shoes and rubbed it off with his thumb. When his master shifted, prodding him gently, he for a moment thought that he was being told to stop. Then he heard his name.

A moment later, David lowered his hand to reveal a tiny piece of steak. Grinning, Shane took it carefully with his teeth, then licked the remaining juices from his master's fingers. He remained still when the hand was withdrawn, and wasn't disappointed when it soon returned with another piece. Bits of bread and mashed potatoes soon alternated with the steak, and Shane took great pleasure in sucking each portion from his fingers.

He savored each morsel, not just for the quality of the food, but for the delicate way it was passed to him. This was something they did often at home, but never before in public. People stared at them strangely enough when they went out. His master usually insisted that Shane sit at his side, in a chair, and, though he ordered for him, he was left to consume his meal independently. He was perfectly capable, but when he was with David, it just didn't seem right.

Shane shifted out from under the table enough to peek up at his master. David did not pause in his conversation with Sean, but reached down to stroke his hair. Sighing contentedly, Shane wrapped both arms around the big man's thigh and rested his cheek on the soft wool of his pants. He caught a glimpse of David's smile a moment before his hand came down again, carrying another piece of food for his "pet".

Broccoli.

Shane paused, unable to keep from wrinkling up his nose. He hated broccoli. Part of him wondered why it was even considered a food. His master knew his aversion to it, but he'd obviously been so caught up in the delightful game that he had forgotten.

Curious as to why this new offering hadn't been snatched up like the others, David finally glanced down. As soon as he saw Shane's expression, some of the warmth faded from his dark eyes. Shane looked up at him imploringly, begging, but his master simply stared back.

It wasn't his place to be picky, Shane reminded himself. He was to accept what his master offered him and be happy for it. Taking a deep breath, Shane took the broccoli and chewed quickly. Before he had even finished swallowing, another piece was being held in front of him. An even bigger piece.

By the end of the meal, Shane was near tears. He guessed that he'd eaten every piece of broccoli that his master had been served, as well as some from Sean's plate. When dessert came, David had displayed chocolate mousse, Shane's favorite, and then proceeded to eat every bite himself, groaning about how good it tasted. To make matters worse, Sean had pulled Brian up into his lap to share his dessert, and from the way Sean's hand moved under Brian's pink skirt, his punishment had apparently been forgotten.

Shane sat quietly beneath the table, his head against his master's knee. As hurt as he was to be left out, that wasn't the worst. He'd disappointed his master. Everything had been going so well, they'd both been enjoying themselves, and he had to go and ruin it. His one purpose was to serve, to keep his master happy, and he'd failed. He chewed on his lips, fingers playing over the crease in David's pants, until he felt his master shift as if to stand.

David did not look at him as they left the house, saying goodnight to Sean and Brian just outside the hedge gate. With his head down, he caught sight of Brian pressed against his master's back, looking at Shane sadly. The young man gave him a sympathetic smile, but Shane could only duck his head again, trying not to cry.

The drive home was stiff and silent. When they reached their apartment building, David did not open his door, nor did he wait for him before going inside, leaving Shane to hurry to catch up. They passed the elevator and went up the stairs. Once again, David made no effort to slow his pace for him, and Shane was gasping by the time they reached the fourth floor. Opening their door, David stepped aside to allow him to enter first.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Shane felt his master's fingers curling around the back of his collar, jerking him to a stop.

"Down."

Shane folded to his knees, head hanging.

"Stay." His master ordered, giving him a slight shake as if he'd argue.

Listening to David walk away, Shane felt his face burn. The humiliation of these single word commands was worsened by the knowledge that, the fewer words his master used, the more genuinely pissed he was.

David returned then and crouched in front of him. Shane kept his eyes fixed firmly on the ground, even when his master caught him by the chin and lifted his head. Feeling the leash being attached to his collar, he shuddered.

Shane did not like being restrained. It was unusual for someone in his position, but David had always been very considerate. They rarely even used the leash, and all the other restraints his master had in his collection were saved for special occasions, or punishments.

"Come." David said, giving the leash a tug as he started toward the bedroom.

Shane was forced to crawl or be dragged. He did his best to keep up with his master, cringing whenever he felt the leash's pull. By the time his David ordered him to stop next to their bed, he was shaking all over, tears finally spilling out of his eyes.

"Up."

Shane got unsteadily to his feet, still staring at the floor, at his master's shoes. He watched as his master sat down on the edge of the bed, then reached out to undo Shane's belt.

"You've been bad."

"Yes master."

"I have to punish you for it."

"Yes master."

"You know I don't enjoy this."

"Yes, master, I know."

It was true. Shane knew that David didn't like punishing him. In all the years that they'd been together, he'd never once seen an ounce of pleasure on his master's face while punishing him. It was simply something that had to be done. Shane knew doms who looked for any reason they could to punish their subs, and he knew subs who misbehaved on purpose so they would be punished. His relationship with David wasn't like that. They both enjoyed the harmony they usually shared.

Letting Shane's pants and the dark green silk boxers fall to his knees, his master drew him closer with a tug on the leash. Shane remained passive in the big man's hands as David positioned him across his lap. It wasn't until he felt both his arms being gently pulled behind his back and the strong grip that encircled his wrists that he tensed, an uncontrollable whimper coming from his throat.

"Hush." Tightening one hand around Shane's wrists, his master caressed his bare bottom with the other. "It will be over sooner if you behave."

"Y-yes master." Shane whispered, unable to stop the tears that were falling now.

"That's my good sugar."

At the end of that endearment came the first slap. Shane jerked slightly, but grit his teeth against making a sound. He was always surprised at the pain of being spanked. Perhaps it was being held that intensified it, or the humiliation. He couldn't be sure, and he tried not to think about it when he didn't have to.

On the fifth blow, he cried out. As soon as the cry burst from his lips, he began sobbing. It wasn't allowed. He was supposed to be quiet during punishment, to take it. Making a fuss only worsened the ordeal.

As expected, the next strike came from his own doubled up belt, the leather stinging against his already battered flesh. Shane clenched his teeth hard against any more screams that might try to force their way out. He soon lost count of the blows. The pain seemed to radiate out, spreading up his back and down his thighs. His shoulders became stiff from his awkward position, with his arms pulled behind him.

For several seconds after the beating ended, Shane lay stiff and tense, ready for the next lashing. Instead he felt the grip on his wrists released, followed by the gentle touch of a hand on his hip.

"Stand up now, sugar."

Shaking, moving stiffly, Shane slid from his master's lap and stood in front of him. He kept his head down and eyes closed, hiccupping slightly as he tried to control his tears. He heard David sigh heavily and toss the belt away.

"Come here."

Shane took a shuffled step forward and quickly found himself wrapped up in his master's strong arms. Allowing those arms to support him, he bowed his head to rest on David's shoulder.

"My sugar." His master whispered to him, rubbing his back, reaching up to stroke his hair. "It's over now."

"Thank you master."

For a long time, they stayed just that way. David's hands continued to roam over Shane's body, petting him, caressing him. They moved down to cup his burning ass and gave it a gentle squeeze, reawakening the pain there. Shane barely noticed his master completing the task of undressing him. Then David caught his face in both hands and kissed him tenderly, tasting the tears on his cheeks.

"Lay down."

Shane moved away from his master to do as he was told, stretching out on his stomach. He watched David stand and pull off his own clothes. Each bit of bare flesh he exposed, each elaborate tattoo that was revealed, further took Shane's mind off his pain. By the time he felt David crawl up beside him, he already felt his desire stirring.

Leaning over him, his master began to place a string of kisses down along his spine. He lingered over Shane's lower back, kissing and licking at the top of his still throbbing behind. Shane jumped as David kisses turned into nips, scattering less than gentle love bites all over the sore flesh. Pushing his legs apart, his master then bent to suck hard at the inside of one thigh, marking him.

Shane barely restrained a moan. This pain, given with love and desire, was so markedly different from his pain from just a few minutes ago. This pain made him shiver in anticipation, made his cock ache. He wanted more. He wanted his master to claim him, to ravish him, to show him that he was forgiven.

David turned him onto his back then and moved away. It was everything Shane could do not to reach for him and pull him back. He returned quickly, though, carrying a small bottle of lube.

"Make yourself ready for me."

Shane held out a hand and his master poured a small amount of the slippery substance onto his fingers. Bending one leg, he lowered his hand to find his own entrance. David sat back on the bed, watching as always, his own erection already standing out proudly. Staring at him, Shane eased a finger into himself, then two. There was no pain now, only the dual sensations of his own tight heat and his fingers massaging from within. As he worked his fingers deeper, his master reached out and pushed his leg further up, allowing him better access.

"Want...me to...do three..?" Shane panted, forgetting to properly address his master, as he often did in these moments.

"No. That's enough. I want you nice and tight for my cock."

Shane groaned at the words. Pulling his hand away from its task, David moved up over him, straddling his chest. He added more lube to Shane's fingers, then wrapped them around his dripping erection. Shane needed no instruction. Knowing just how his master liked it, he smeared the lube over him slowly, deliberately. He circled the head of David's hard cock with his thumb while his fingers stroked the lube over the shaft. His master growled, hips jerking uncontrollably.

It only took a few seconds more before David pulled away. Shane gave in completely to his master's strength, allowing the big man to turn him onto his stomach once more, then up to his hands and knees. He was waiting for the first penetration when instead he felt David's hand slipping over the curve of his hip to grasp his erection. He could do no more than gasp when that hand gripped him tightly and started stroking, hard and fast.

"What do you want, sugar?" His master asked quietly.

It was everything Shane could do to summon words. "You...master."

The rough stroking did not abate. "What do you want me to do?"

"I want..." Shane gave a tortured cry as he felt another hand cup his balls from behind, squeezing less than gently. "You...you...inside..."

"I'm sorry, sugar, I didn't understand that. Where do you want me?"

"Inside me...please, master..."

"That's right, beg for it."

"Oh God, please." Shane keened, his muscles trembling to remain still under this pleasurable assault. "Please master...I want you inside me."

"Good, sugar, that's good."

The relief Shane felt when David's hands both moved to steady his hips lasted only a moment. Then his master was pushing into him, slow but insistent. New pain bloomed, but Shane was beyond feeling it. Instead, he moaned loudly, fighting the urge to push back, to force David more deeply within him. When his master finally thrust forward, burying himself completely, Shane nearly began crying all over again.

The sensation of being so filled was too much, but it wasn't enough. He wanted more, needed it. But David remained still, gripping Shane's hips, his cock twitching within him.

"Please, master...please."

"Please, what, sugar?"

"Please, do it."

"Say it."

"Fuck me."

David growled.

"Please, master, fuck me."

Without another word, David reared back and drove in again. Shane screamed, but his master did not pause to order him to be silent this time. He set a hard and fast rhythm, urged on by Shane's wild shrieks. Bracing himself against the headboard, Shane moved with him, slamming his hips back to meet every forward thrust. He was dizzy with the mixture of pleasure and pain, panting, sweat dripping off his face. He only hoped that David would come before him. He hated to think that he might be punished twice in one night.

But not even his master could hold out for long at that pace. He came with a roar almost loud enough to hurt Shane's ears, burying himself to the hilt one last time. Shane groaned as he felt David filling him with his hot fluids and tried not to move until his master was ready.

After what seemed like an eternity, David withdrew. He gave Shane a light smack on the bottom, just enough to remind him how this night had begun.

"Roll over."

Shane did as he was told, happy to be facing his master again. Just looking up at the big man, his own face and chest damp with sweat, his eyes still burning, Shane felt on the verge of orgasm. Luckily, David was willing to give him more. He bent and took Shane's hard cock into his mouth, sucking until a scream was torn from him and his body arched up off the bed. Withdrawing at the last possible moment, David milked him with one hand, whispering words of encouragement as Shane shot his load all over his stomach.

"That's my sugar. Come for me, sugar."

When the last spasm had finally faded, Shane collapsed back, gasping for breath, feeling as though he'd never be able to walk again. David stretched out at his side and he curled instinctively into his chest. Even now, seemingly sated, his master continued to run one hand over his body. He trailed fingers through the come on Shane's stomach, then reached around to press them gently into him. Whimpering, Shane squirmed slightly.

Then David lifted the hand to hold it in front of Shane's face, sticky with their combined juices. He said nothing, but Shane did not hesitate to lean up and lick it clean, sucking at his fingers with relish. When he was done, his master embraced him tightly, kissing him on the nose.

"Better than broccoli, huh?"

Shane sighed. "Much better than broccoli."

They lay together quietly for a little while, then went to shower. Before stepping under the hot water, David removed Shane's leash and collar, kissing the faint marks that it left on his neck. That small amount of freedom invigorated Shane, and he took great pleasure in washing his master from head to toe. After David had returned the favor, they got out and took turns drying each other.

Rubbing the towel across Shane's back, David asked, "So, did you like that place?"

"Yeah, it was nice." Shane answered with his eyes closed, enjoying the attention.

"Want to go back sometime?"

He nodded. "If you want to, master."

Wrapping the towel around his shoulders, his master embraced him from behind and leaned down to whisper, "Next time I'll order cauliflower."

"Mmm...cauliflower...yummy."

THE END

Read story #3 To Have and To Hold