Ken pressed a finger against his mouth. “You went to see someone? About the nightmares?”
He nodded.
“And did you tell him you were thinking about being tied up?”
Brady blushed. “Surprisingly? He was not surprised. And he knew more about it than I did. Even printed out some articles on the subject.”
Ken lowered his hand to Brady’s chest, tangling his fingers in the hair there. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
“Okay then.” Ken leaned down to kiss his chin. “Hold that thought.”
Ken got to his feet and walked quickly toward the stairs. Brady watched his ass from beneath his lashes, unable to keep the smile off his lips. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Ken never would have approached this on his own. He had no desire to push Brady into something he didn’t want.
He was the better man.
Brady was anxious, but excited. He’d read about the cathartic release of rope for people with PTSD and the feeling of safety, but anytime he thought about Ken tying him up and touching him—well, his thoughts weren’t all that therapeutic.
He heard Ken’s footsteps echo on the gym floor and looked over to see him carrying a large cloth bag. “Brady? Why don’t you take the heavy bag down and set it against the wall.”
Brady frowned, his stomach knotting. “Why?”
Ken’s lips curled in a little smile at he set his bag down. “We haven’t negotiated yet so I’ll answer. When you don’t have all the amenities that are available at the club, you have to improvise. You’re a big man, Brady. I’m improvising, but I think you’ll enjoy it.”
Brady jumped to his feet and wrapped one arm around the bag and used his free hand to open the catch of the metal D-ring that secured it to the rafter. He grunted as he lifted it and slipped the ring out of the eye-hook above. As he set it where Ken had indicated, he looked back up at the hook. It was thick, heavy-duty steel—strong enough to hold the weight of the bag, and strong enough to bear his weight as well. “Huh.”
Ken laughed. “Changing your mind already?”
“No.”
“Good. We need to set some ground rules. What don’t you want to experience?”
“Whips,” Brady answered quickly. “No whips.” He would never be curious about that.
Ken nodded, pulling out several lengths of blue nylon rope.
Oh God.
“You’re new at this, so let me tell you what I want. Nothing but you, me and the rope. We’re going to start very simply. Just so you can feel the weight of it and understand that, though ultimately you’re in control, you’re giving that control over to me temporarily.”
Shit. Focus. “Yes. Just us and rope. Got it.”
“It might be an emotional experience for you. You hold back—everyone does, and sometimes things come out. I’m telling you now so you know it’s okay with me. You can trust me with that.”
He’d read about how deeply affecting rope could be. “I trust you completely.”
Ken nodded, looking pleased. “You can’t argue or question my commands, but you can stop me with a safe word.”
“Apple pie,” Brady said without thinking. Then he laughed. “Don’t tell Tasha that’s my safe word.”
Ken’s gold eyes were sparkling, his cheeks slightly flushed. “I promise. Now about sex.”
“Sex?” Brady swallowed hard.
“I’ve told you I don’t usually mix the two, but in your case I’m making an exception. While you’re tied up, would you be okay with me touching and sucking your cock?”
“God, yes.”
“What about your ass? Can I use my tongue? My fingers? Can I give it a tap or two with my hands?”
He swallowed. “Okay.”
“That’s good. Then we can begin. From now on, Brady, I’m in charge. You need to do what I say and answer my questions honestly. Can you do that?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then step directly under the hook and hold out your arms, wrists together.”
When Brady obeyed, Ken began to swiftly and expertly bind his wrists together. Brady tried to focus on the knots but his eyes were blurring a little.
“Breathe, Finn. Breathe for me. I’m here.”
Realizing he’d been holding his breath, he inhaled deeply and tried to relax. His breath caught again when Ken dragged a chair over and climbed onto the seat so he could tug Brady’s arms over his head. He slipped the rope through the round metal anchor on the rafter above and dropped it behind Brady. Ken looked into his eyes and smiled, stroking his cheek before he hopped down and strung the rope over to a large bolt sticking out of the concrete wall. Brady had to stretch his arms and felt like he was one tug away from his heels leaving the ground as Ken tied the nylon cord off.
It exposed him. Made him vulnerable. Open to whatever Ken wanted to do to him. He let out shaky breath as he felt adrenaline push his heartrate up a notch.