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From nipples rings hung three tiers of golden chains, one dotted with blue crystals. His collar had the same blue crystals. Then Liam took in his mask and headdress, and he chuckled.

“That was not the reaction I was looking for.” Adam scowled at Liam, but Liam was unrepentant.

“He’s fucking gorgeous, Adam. But more than that, he’s got a sharp wit to warn would-be Doms if they see it.”

“See what?” Adam leaned forward. “What am I missing?”

“The headpiece. That’s from Maleficent.”

“I don’t get it,” Adam murmured. “It’s a movie, right? With Angelina Jolie.”

“Yes. But it has a twist. In this story, Maleficent is shown to have a heart. She was misunderstood. Underneath everything, she just wanted to be loved. He wants to be accepted, to be loved.”

“But he won’t make it easy. Is that it?”

“Yes. Like the fairy in the tale, he’s put up a wall of thorns. They have to be cut back to reveal the vulnerable heart.”

“If you know him that well already, then I suggest you go make his acquaintance. He is a sassy brat, and that’s why I like him so much. Reminds me of my husband. Well then, Freyr, a god, should have no difficulty in taming a wild fae. All he needs is the right Dom.”

“The right Dom.” Staring at Maleficent, something niggled at Liam. Something familiar, but he knew without doubt that if he’d seen this sub before there would be no way he’d have forgotten.

With an impatient sound of frustration, Liam stomped down the rest of the stairs, pleased that Maleficent saw him and remained where he was. Liam strode over to the other man.

“Just what are you looking at?” Maleficent stuck his chin out at Liam.

“Maleficent.” Liam growled the word. “And since I’m the god Freyr, you should be kneeling at my feet.” Liam folded his arms and stood with his legs apart.

“I don’t believe in gods.” Maleficent shook his head, and a slender-fingered hand went to push the mask up his nose as if it was sliding down. “One thing out of place. Just one, and I’ll go to Merlin. You’ll be out of here and blacklisted.”

“Merlin.” Liam murmured the name. “You wanted some time off because you were going to be away for the weekend, playing a form of Dungeons and Dragons. What you really meant was BDSM, Zeno.”

“Liam?” His name was a breath of sound, and Liam nodded.

It was a chance beyond all chances Liam could have envisioned. An opportunity to show Zeno not only what it could be like with the right Dom, but to see if Zeno fitted him as much as he’d always imagined he would.

“I’ll only say this once to you. No Dom worth his salt abuses his sub. They don’t do anything that both parties don’t want. Don’t need.” Liam pressed a single finger to those full lips he’d had such erotic thoughts about. “I don’t have a sub. My last one used me. I believe your Dom abused you. We can spend this weekend getting to know one another as a Dom and sub, as well as Liam and Zeno. If it’s what you wish. If not, I’ll walk away right now. But I’ve wanted you. Even if it was in a vanilla relationship, I’d still want you.”

“I wanted you, too. But thought you were way out of my league.” Zeno shook his head.

“Did my work ethic teach you nothing? What do you want, Zeno?”

“You. I’ve dreamed of you for so long. I may be what Merlin terms a sassy brat, but I’m no slut. I come to parties to enjoy the vibe and play out my fantasy. Others can look, but they can’t touch. But that’s only part of what I want. I want someone to show me I’m beautiful, that I’m wanted, and who wants to care for me.”

“Then give me that chance. But it’ll be the last time tonight I give you power over me. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Zeno nodded, then dropped gracefully to his knees. He gazed up at Liam, his dark eyes filled with a mix of trust and trepidation.

“Good boy.” Liam trailed his fingers along Zeno’s cheek. He fully intended to demonstrate to Zeno just how good he could make him feel. “You did that very well. From now on, if you address me, you call me Freyr, Master, or Sir. Understood?”

“Yes … Sir.” Zeno purred the word after a second or two’s hesitation, and Liam grinned.

Liam had never wanted a slavish companion. He wanted a man with a mind of his own, and one who would offer that edge of challenge when they were in Dom/sub roles. And with Zeno, it looks like I’ll get the perfect companion.

“You are indeed a sassy brat. I’ll think of a suitable punishment for that display. And if you try to give too much of that lip, I’ll give you something to put those lips to much better use.”

“Promises, promises.” Zeno flashed Liam a grin. “May I suggest we go to the gaming room, Freyr? While you play one of the tables, I could demonstrate what these lips can do.”

As tempting as that offer was, and as much as Liam wanted it, he took a deep breath and looked directly into Zeno’s eyes.