Mahiro became a professional figure skater for one reason -- the object of his lust from the time he was a teenager, Alex Breschi. But he never advanced far enough for Alex to notice him. Now Alex is retired from skating and working as a thriller author, while Mahiro gracefully bowed out of competition to become a successful app developer and professional Dom in New York City.<br><br>Reality and fantasy collide at a penthouse play party when Mahiro meets his idol. Alex is researching a book, and he wants to learn more about the lifestyle. In fact, he wants to be trained as a submissive. By Mahiro.<br><br>Mahiro knows it's a terrible idea. He's hardly objective, and Alex is a novice. Still, all those years of longing shatter his reserve, and he cannot refuse to have the man of his dreams in his hands.  He's going to make sure Alex notices him now. It's only a business arrangement, and since Alex is returning to Russia in a few months, Mahiro can have some fun without divulging his past ... or his obsession. What does he have to lose?

Florentine

He shifts on his cushion, trying to find the best way to settle himself, when he hears the doorknob turn. He stills immediately, head up, hands on thighs, as poised and perfect as if he were starting his routine at the last Grand Prix Final.


He doesn’t turn his head to the door this time and holds his breath. His ears strain to hear Mahiro’s graceful steps whisper across the dark wood floor, and his heart flutters when he feels the impression of heat behind him.


“What a beautiful sight you make, Alex,” Mahiro says quietly from behind him, and this time it’s two slender fingers drawn down his spine instead of his riding crop, and Alex closes his eyes, breathes out, settles himself until he can feel his shoulders relax ever so slightly. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all week.”


“Me, too. I’ve had a hard time focusing this week.”


Mahiro chuckles and walks around to face Alex. His smile is breathtaking. “I’m flattered. Are you ready, then?”


Chapter 16