Page 14 of Reclaiming Quinn

“I’m sorry, Master. I didn’t mean to oversleep. I—”

“You didn’t oversleep. We’re on vacation, and you needed rest. And from the sounds your tummy is making, you need to eat too. Come on over.”

Master didn’t seem upset at all. In fact, he seemed… happy. Quinn got up, grateful for the fact he hadn’t undressed last night, and moved for the table. With each step, the delicious aromas grew, and Quinn’s stomach protested loudly.

“Let me get you a plate.”

“Oh no, Master, I can—”

“Sit, Quinn. Please?”

It was the please that caught Quinn’s attention. Master was polite—he was kind, caring, and he… wasn’t Ryker. Why was it so hard to believe in Master?

Because my last one beat me? Raped me? Branded me? No matter what else, I’m going to bear that mark forever as a reminder of what trust can cost me.

“Thank you, Master.”

He slid into the chair and watched as Master heaped a plate full of everything Quinn loved, then handed it to him.

“But what about you?”

He smiled, and Quinn’s stomach fluttered. “I’ll get it.”

“Oh, Master, let me—”

“Eat, okay? You can keep an eye on me to make sure I get enough, how’s that?”

It seemed wrong. A lifetime of training, of beatings, of being told his place, and yet, here with Deke… Master… it seemed okay.

“Yes, Master.”

The first mouthful was delicious, and Quinn couldn’t wait to taste everything on the table. He ate slowly, though, not wanting to finish before Master. When he peered up, Master was sitting there, a smile on his face, watching Quinn.

“Why are you eating so slowly?”

What was the proper way to answer? “I wanted to be sure you ate first, as is your due.”

Master chuckled, then put his fork down before he crossed his hands on the table. “I want to watch you eat.”

“But….” That wasn’t right. His master was nothing like anyone else he’d ever dealt with. Just when Quinn thought he had figured out something, Master would change the rules and leave Quinn trying to catch up.

“But what?” That strange quirk to his lips again. “Go on, tell me.”

Playful. Master was teasing. It shocked Quinn how he’d realized it, and he found he liked his master teasing him. There was a lightness to him, and it made Quinn’s heart sing.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you know. It helps your brain to function and gives you energy to get up and moving. It’s why I like to eat before I go to work,” Deke explained.

“And here I thought it was because Dani cooked it for you.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Quinn clamped it shut, unable to believe he’d said something so foolish. Deke’s eyes widened slightly, and Quinn pulled his hands away to tuck them under the table, as if that would stop Deke if he wanted to hurt Quinn. He was confused when Deke chuckled.

“I’m sorry, Master, I—”

“You… you made a joke.”

“It slipped out, and I won’t do it again.”

“The hell you won’t.”