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 slides to his knees on the ice and bows his head.


“Please forgive me, Alex. I’m begging you.”


To his utter shock, Alex kneels as well, fits a hand under Mahiro’s chin, and lifts it until they’re gazing into each other’s eyes. Alex smiles gently. “Only if you forgive me, too.”


Mahiro can feel his chin waver and tears course down his cheeks as Alex lowers his mouth to Mahiro’s and kisses him, right there in the center of the rink. Mahiro can’t help it; his crying turns into a relieved bubble of laughter as they kiss each other’s tears away with gentle touches, the ice a welcoming, familiar comfort under their bodies.  12


Alex’s heart soars when Mahiro’s lips touch his, brushing delicately against his cheeks, kissing away tears. He hears Mahiro take a hiccupping breath, followed by an aborted and shaky laugh, and Alex wraps his arms around Mahiro’s body and holds him tighter.


Chapter 69