Page 107 of Xerxes Ascendant
Kyle
Kyle
A whip in the hands of the untrained is not something that should be anywhere near the bedroom
Maybe I should go make sure she's not going to hurt anyone with it
Akira
Kyle, what did I just say?
CHAPTER 31
Akira
The following night was too busy for them to sneak away and indulge in each other, and while the businessman in Akira was pleased, the shameless slut in him was not.
But Akira shut that part of himself down with a stern mental chastisement. Now was not the time for frivolity, not when there was so much work to do. Kyle had suggested hosting a demonstration tonight so that they could charge multiple potential clients for a single timeslot, albeit at a lower rate, and it was serving as effective marketing for what the House could offer.
Kyle had also designated himself as Master Epsilon’s assistant for it, and even though the demonstration didn’t really need one – just a variety of canes and crops, and Ben’s eager, upturned ass – he knew it was because Kyle didn’t want to leave his side. Akira didn’t press the matter, for he felt the same way. Theta was still out there somewhere, a looming threat over Kyle’s gorgeous and clever head, and Akira was not letting him out of his sight.
And he did secretly love the way Kyle stood protectively at his side even when the event finished and the crowd began to disperse.
Ah. Or not.
Most of them seemed to be flockingtowardshim, rather than out of the door, and Akira froze when the group began asking for autographs and photos.
It was only the reassuring nudge of Kyle’s shoulder against his that kept him from turning tail and fleeing. They were alllookingat him. Expectantly. What the fuck was he supposed to do with that?
“Just one photo, Master Epsilon!” a woman cried, waving her runepad at him.
“Sign my chest?” the man next to her demanded. He shoved a permanent marker between his teeth and used both hands to rip open his shirt, sending buttons scattering over the floor. “I want to get it tattooed!”
“No,” said Akira.
Kyle laughed loudly to draw their attention, wrapping his arm around Akira’s shoulder and giving it a subtle squeeze of comfort. “Oh, weadoreyour enthusiasm,” he said with matching levels of vigour, “and I agree with you that our dear Master Epsilon is quite the hero. Standing up to that villain of a mayor!”
The crowd’s chittered confirmation made Akira flush. So Robby had been right: the sudden increase to the House’s trade was the result of their coverage on the news. Had all these people come here just to get a look at him?
Stars. This was excruciating. Was Kyle going to make him oblige all their requests to sign and pose and...kiss me, one person was mouthing at him…?
“But tonight’s demonstration has now finished,” his angel of a boyfriend said firmly but politely, manoeuvring himself between Akira and the sea of demanding faces and hands. “If you’d like time with Master Epsilon, you’re welcome to request an exclusive session with him and have him all to yourself.”Several people shivered, although most wouldn’t be able to afford his rate. “But our Master’s impressive skills are in high demand and there’s quite the waitlist,” Kyle continued with that smooth charm of his, “so you’re welcome to book in with any of our other talented and gorgeous staff in the meantime, and I willpersonallyensure you receive a free autograph for any purchases of two hours or more.”
He ushered the eager crowd towards the desk where Tyler waited with a wide smile and poised pen, and then assuredly led a stunned Akira past them and up the stairs.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Kyle murmured, placing a reassuring hand at the small of his back. Akira leaned into it. “I’ll get someone else to sign the autographs.”
Kyle Randall, engaging in deception for him? Who would have believed it?
“Thank you,” Akira said quietly. “I couldn’t have handled that on my own.”
“You never have to.”
There was a lump in his throat. Where had that come from?
But before he could even begin to voice his gratitude and love for his man, a flurry of voices assailed them.
“Kyle!”
