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

“But my crazy obsession might be clouding my judgment, is that it?” If you’d only told him at the start, this all could have been avoided, his mind singsongs at him.


“Maybe! How would I know, since you never gave me the chance to figure it out for myself?”


And there it is. Mahiro clenches his eyes closed, fists at his sides. “Okay. That’s fair.” Mahiro can see right through the living room to the dining room and the small black velvet box mocking him from the corner of the table. The tears finally well up and spill over his cheeks.


Alex just stares, chest heaving like he’s trying not to completely break down, face flushed. He swipes at his eyes again, and Mahiro does the same.


Chapter 66