Joe Barnes is infatuated with fellow college freshman Ron Driscoll. Ron is in the ROTC program and Joe starts to dress in military clothing to emulate his idol. But apart from discussions in philosophy class, Joe is too shy to speak to Ron, and Ron doesn’t break away from his circle of admirers long enough to notice that Joe is alive. Joe all but throws himself at Ron during a discussion of Kant’s views on beauty. But Ron remains unaware of Joe’s feelings. One Friday after class Joe visits the bathroom and finds himself blindfolded and put in handcuffs. Having a secret kink for bondage Joe is by turns scared and aroused. Ron has planned a romantic and kinky weekend with Joe in the Allegheny mountains where soft rope will be needed, but clothes will not.

ROTC Ron

“Relax.” Ron kissed Joe’s ear. “Mountain lions became extinct decades ago, and there’s not much chance of us being visited by a black bear. Especially as I made sure to put away all our food.”


“Oh.” Joe wasn’t particularly reassured.


Ron gave Joe a tight hug. “If any big bad creatures come to get you, I promise I’ll scare ’em away.” 


Joe stared into Ron’s eyes and was moved by the sincerity he saw there. “My hero.” 


“You don’t think I’d bring you anywhere that wasn’t safe, do ya?”


Joe relaxed. No, he knew Ron wouldn’t allow him to be placed in danger. “Sorry, I’m just so used to city life, not this wilderness stuff.”


“You’re a lot safer here than in the city.” Ron delivered a trail of kisses down Joe’s neck.


Joe moaned. He knew that in the city, apart from in a very few gay bars, he and Ron wouldn’t be able to make out like this. 


“I brought some marshmallows…you wanna toast ’em in the fire?” Ron asked before licking out Joe’s ear.


Chapter 6