"Why are you here, Kyle?"
Another shiver ran down Kyle's spine at the sound of his name. The tone was soft and near adoration, but he knew better. It was this man's job to make his clients feel good about themselves, to feel needed, to feel whatever that particular person wanted to feel. Sydney had been very clear about what they did here at Angel's Heart.
Kyle studied Nate's laid-back posture and wished he could be as comfortable. Nate was sitting back in the chair, one ankle propped on the opposite knee with his fingers laced together in his lap. He looked almost disinterested, but Kyle could discern a sparkle to Nate's eyes that contradicted his aloof appearance.
"I'm not really sure," Kyle answered truthfully. "I'm hoping that you can help me. I'm curious about the relationship between Dominants and submissives. I'm wondering if I'm a submissive." He was careful not to mention Sydney. He didn't want Nate to think that he wanted special treatment.
"Why do you believe that? Do you think I have some sort of magic that can make up your mind?" Nate asked, raising a brow in what appeared to be amusement.
"No." Kyle shook his head. "There's something amiss in my life. I want to explore new avenues that others may not be willing to try. I need someone who can gauge if I'm really a submissive, ascertain if that's what I'm looking for. I'm hoping you will ... well, help me with this exploration." Kyle's voice was soft and his face felt warm with a rising blush, but he couldn't look away from Nate. "Angel's Heart is reputable, and I am willing to trust in that reputation."
"Tell me, Kyle..." He paused. Kyle felt tingles along his nerves every time Nate said his name. "Are you openly gay?"
"If you are asking if others know I'm gay, then yes. My family and friends know of my sexual preference. But I'm not one to go around flaunting it and telling everyone I meet."
"Have you ever been with a woman?"
"Yes."
"Would you ever be with one again if you found one that you were attracted to?" Nate lifted a hand and let his finger tap his chin.
"I'm not sure. It depends on how I felt about her. But I prefer men and find them much more attractive," Kyle admitted. He was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the questions. He had no problem with his sexual orientation or what people thought of it. What did his answers have to do with why he was here?
"How many women have you been with?"
Kyle shifted his stance, considering. "Seven."
"Did you have an orgasm with them?"
Kyle almost choked on his spit as he tried to swallow. Hell, no sugar coating or niceties here. Nate, however, showed no sign of embarrassment, his body still as relaxed as when he sat down.
"Sometimes," he answered, recovering. He thought about lying to Nate, making up a few things along the way, but somehow he couldn't lie. Something deep inside compelled him to be honest.
"How about when you are with men? Do you come?"
"Yes." Kyle's brows drew together. He hadn't been entirely sure what to expect, but it wasn't this.
"Every time?"
"Um, well, yes," Kyle answered and watched Nate nod as if in approval. "May I ask where all of these highly personal questions are leading?"
"They lead me to helping you with what you seek." Nate's tone was matter-of-fact, as if the answer was obvious. He rose from the chair and approached Kyle. "Do you always dress like this?"
Kyle looked down at his clothing. What was wrong with the shirt, faded jeans, and cowboy boots he wore? They were comfortable, and he favored comfort and practicality over fashion. His work clothes of shorts and a T-shirt were comfortable too, but when he wasn't working he liked his jeans.
"Basically."
Nate said nothing, but reached out and touched the buttons of Kyle's shirt. With a practiced, effortless hand, Nate began releasing each plastic button until the shirt lay open to his waist. Kyle stood perfectly still watching Nate's fingers expertly work, not quite touching his body, his heart pounding louder with each freed button.
Nate pulled Kyle's shirt from his pants and, still without touching Kyle's skin, Nate pulled the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms until it lay in a heap at his feet.
He took a step back and gazed at Kyle's chest. "Take off the rest of your clothing," he commanded. The tone wasn't cold, but it was firm.
Kyle looked at Nate, and it took a moment before the words settled in his brain. Though Nate had stepped away, Kyle could still smell the musky maleness surrounding him. His cock was straining against his jeans and he was amazed that he was affected in such a way when Nate had yet to touch him. Never had he reacted to a person like this. Aware that Nate could see his arousal, a blush crept higher into his cheeks.
Kyle cleared his throat nervously before bending over to remove his boots and socks. Straightening, his hands went to the waistband of his jeans. He looked over at Nate and found that disinterested look again, though Nate's eyes glimmered and watched every movement. Feeling like a clumsy teenager again, Kyle fumbled with the button and zipper. He hesitantly pushed the jeans down from his hips, taking the boxers with them. Finished, he stood completely nude, his cock hard and jutting straight out.
Kyle took a deep breath and waited for a response from this stranger from whom, for some unknown reason, he wanted approval. Kyle's gaze followed Nate as the other man once more circled, assessing. Looking up into the gold-flecked eyes when Nate finally stopped in front of him, Kyle could find no clue as to what Nate thought.
"We're done for the day." Nate's tone was flat. "Stop at the front desk for your schedule. It will be followed without deviation. I do not tolerate tardiness. If you are not here when my clock says it's your designated time, the door will be locked and our session will be over. It will be your dollar, not mine."
)
