He hurried out before he lost whatever cool he’d regained, his mind already full of plans.
But he stopped in the entranceway and turned back. G.G. was behind him, his expression again one Trevor didn’t know how to read.
Yet.
Chapter Thirteen
Near midnight, after several hours of not especially helpful research and some attempts at calligraphy that made Trevor second guess every decision he’d ever made in his life, Trevor emailed Sky.
What’s a step above entry-level dom?
Sky’s answer came in a message about a minute later.Hello?Trevor could almost see Sky’s puzzled frown.I don’t think entry level is the term you want. It doesn’t get me hard, anyway
Trevor sighed.Did you know there are seminars? But they cost $$$ and I don’t think dorks would match the vibe
Sky responded faster this time.Fuck you, dorksdoget me hard
It’s not about that, Trevor informed him.Tho ty.Maybe someday, but it isn’t now. He barely trusts me.
Hot Neighbor?Sky wondered, then typed for so long Trevor got the feeling his eventual reply had been heavily edited.Did you try to push?
Trevor considered calling Sky out for the editing, but that was mostly because he didn’t want to admit to his own failures.I helped him wrap his hand. Because he can’t. Because of the stitches.
So yes.Sky’s text had no tone indicators but Trevor imagined his tone was silkily smartass.I bet you loved that.
It’s not like I pushed him down the stairs so I could tend to him afterward or something,Trevor responded defensively.I didn’t do that with you either.
No. Sky agreed immediately, Trevor imagined with a sigh.You actually hold back longer than you think.
That didn’t exactly track with how Trevor recalled their first time with anything close to him getting pushy with Sky, although Sky might remember it differently, or be thinking of another time altogether. Trevor remembered Sky sleep-deprived from overthinking and too many projects, twitchy, horny, restless, and so bratty-fussy that Trevor had finally been annoyed enough to grab his hands and hold them down.
Which, since Sky had been sitting practically on top of him on the sofa, had brought their faces close. So he’d seen Sky’s eyes go wide and then shut before Sky tried to turn away. Trevor had let him go, but Sky hadn’t moved. He’d scowled and turned back toward Trevor without bringing his gaze up from Trevor’s throat and then said quietly, “I think maybe you should do that again.”
So Trevor had. Too eagerly, when he thought about it now.
Sky wasn’t being nearly that level of brat at the moment, but the memory did spur Trevor to ask,Why are you awake? Still that busy with whatever you’re trying to do at work? I don’t want you burned out.
A lavender heart emoji did not give Trevor any kind of answer.You make things so difficult.
Stung, Trevor frowned at his phone.I don’t mean to. I want to make things easier for you. I can go.
Hot Neighbor would know what I’m talking about, Sky continued as though Trevor hadn’t just offered to shut up.Or will, if you get your way.Tho maybe he isn’t Problems like I am.
You’re not Problems.Trevor didn’t lose his frown.You test me. Instead of asking. But you’re not Problems.He forced himself to think about his conversation with G.G. earlier, the high points as well as the disappointments.Maybe… the testing is part of it for you.He tested me too. If there’s a problem, it’s that I’m not smart enough. The trouble with geniuses is trying to keep up with them.
Trevor’s phone lit up. He answered the call before the ringtone could really start.
“Is he a genius?” Sky wondered, so quiet the phone must have been pressed to his cheek.
Trevor settled back against his headboard and closed his eyes. “He’s something,” he muttered, close to grumpy with it. “Not a wizard, but not exactly a warrior. I don’t know yet. You’d probably figure him out in five minutes.”
“Ah,” Sky exhaled heavily. “Well, I have an edge on you there. What did he do to test you?”
“Nothing on your level,” Trevor answered smartly, making Sky laugh.
“Really, though,” Sky went on, his tone lighter, “what happened? What on earth did you talk about while bandaging this poor hot man’s hand?”
“Pushing.” For the first time, the term didn’t sit easy with Trevor. Probably because G.G. wasn’t like Sky and had no problem calling it what it was. “Domination,” Trevor added. “You.”