Chapter 31

Anthony got up as well. “I wouldn’t mind keeping you naked. Sitting at my feet. Perhaps on the leash we discussed.”

Robert tripped over his own trousers. “You area pirate king…”

“Only in novels, I promise you. Would you like assistance with your clothing?”

“Yes,” Robert said meekly, because that tone meant that yes he would, and let Anthony take over: competent hands choosing clothing for him, dressing him, playing valet, fastening buttons, tying his cravat. Anthony did not want him to assist at all, and indeed batted Robert’s hand away from the buttons; Robert simply stood there and let the feeling sink in. I want you to be all mine, Anthony had said. All of you.

That felt nice, if a bit unexpected. He liked being arranged by Anthony’s hands, trusting in Anthony’s care. He liked the anchor of it. The solid ground.

He cleared his throat. Reached to adjust his trousers. Anthony also swatted his hand away from that.

“But—”