Chapter 4

“Look at me,” he said, and when those forlorn eyes met his, went on, “you can if you need to. I’m giving you permission. Next time. Whenever. I’ll never be angry with you for wearing it when I come home. Come on, you think I ever would be?” And a bit of the hesitance vanished from the blue, at that. Replaced by certainty.

“No, sir. I mean, no, you wouldn’t. I know. I do know. I just…”

“It helps when I say it?”

“Yes.”

“Said, then. Unless I tell you otherwise.” He did lean forward then and bring their lips together, very lightly. “Better?”

“Very yes. Now?”

“Very yes now.” He fit familiar leather around that offered neck; one single buckle, and his hand resting over it, feeling the rapid-fire beat of racing pulse. “Need me to find the lock?”

“No…I think not…this is good.” Simon lifted a hand too, and ran a thoughtful finger along the new adornment, tracing the line where leather met skin. “Perfect, sir.”