Chapter 1
The bustling Valoria City sprawled along the banks of the river. Its skyline was a witness to modern and tradition intertwined. Towering skyscrapers with shimmering glass appearances cast long shadows over the historic cobblestone streets, where vendors hawked their merchandise along the hum of daily life.
At the heart of the city, where ancient architecture met sleek, contemporary designs, Marcus Hale lived his days as the esteemed Chief Firefighter. Known for his firm dedication to duty and a reputation earned through countless rescues, Marcus was a pillar of Valoria’s community, revered for his bravery in the face of danger.
As dawn painted the skyline in hues of amber and rose, Valoria City stirred to life once more, its heartbeat echoing through the lives of those who called it home. Making his way through his home, he stopped at a door, opening it and smiled.
“Good morning Daniel.”
Daniel King, Marcus’s partner in their contracted dominant-submissive relationship. Daniel was younger than Marcus, a lawyer who loves Marcus’s structured approach to life. Sitting up on the bed with a smile, “Did you sleep well, master?”
Walking into the room, then sitting on the bed beside him, he stroked Daniel as he observed his reaction. “Perfectly well. You can get out of bed now. I prepared breakfast, your favourite.”
Daniel smiled genuinely, but in his heart he felt bitter. Marcus had been treating him exceptionally well. He had an inkling it was because their twelve month contract was coming to an end.
Helping Daniel out of bed, he led him to the dining table in silence, a valuable drug they both enjoyed. Moving to his seat opposite Daniel, who was already seated, he picked up his fork and started eating. Daniel waited five seconds, then picked up the fork and started eating the waffles and chicken breakfast drenched in syrup.
Looking ahead at Marcus’s classical eggs, mushrooms, tomato and bacon breakfast with toast and coffee, he spoke, “Can I speak, master?”
“You may.”
“When will you have what I eat? I thought by now you’d be interested after being with me for so long.”
Marcus smiled as he looked at his submissive. Daniel lowered his gaze, not meeting Marcus’s gaze out of respect. “I didn’t think it would be a problem.”
“It isn’t an issue, master. It’s just curiosity.”
Thinking about it, Marcus hummed, “I tried but failed.”
Daniel let out a chuckle, “I’ll be leaving early today, master. I don’t think I’ll be home tonight because of the case.”
Marcus nodded his head in acknowledgement. Daniel was under oath, so their conversations never deepened—as long as he was safe and out of danger.
Marcus helped Daniel with his tie, then placed a dominating kiss on his lips, making Daniel want more. He moaned as he reluctantly parted. “See you as soon as I can, Marcus.”
Marcus raised a brow. “I like master better.”
He nodded. “I’m standing at the door in my work clothes. Did you forget?”
Marcus shook his head. Placing a kiss on his forehead, “Enjoy work.”
*
Marcus strode through the bustling corridors of Valoria’s central fire station, his presence commanding respect and admiration. In his mid-thirties, Marcus was the definition of dedication and discipline. His chiselled features and piercing blue eyes mirrored the sharpness of his mind and the strength of his character. Years of service had sculpted him into a model citizen, earning him the prestigious title of Citizen of the Year.
Across town, in the alleys of Valoria, Kane Thorne lived a different kind of reality. In his late twenties, Kane exuded a raw aura that was as dangerous as it was alluring. His dark eyes, flecked with hints of mischief and sadness, reflected a troubled past that had left its mark in intricate tattoos covering his lean, muscular frame. Among these, a striking depiction of angel wings with the words “mercy is a karma” beneath stood out.
As the leader of the Crimson Shadows, a gang known for its cunning and ruthlessness, Kane had carved out a path where he was both feared and revered. His aggressive demeanour and appetite for getting involved in street-level justice contrasted with his underlying desire to protect the weak.
His loyalty to his gang was matched only by his disdain for the corrupt systems that had failed him in his youth. Despite his hardened exterior, Kane possessed a sunny, almost disarmingly talkative personality that baffled many and kept others at a distance.
Kane’s past was a blend of secrets, driving him to seek comfort and purpose in the gang life. He found partnership and a twisted sense of family among his gang members, each of whom had their own roles and quirks.
“Honey?” Victoria Hunter called her husband.
Griffin looked at his wife. He was busy tending to his garden, planting magnolias. A project he started for his wife and children. “What is it? You look worried.”
She looked at him nervously, saying, “There’s a man here to collect a fee from you. Are we in some kind of trouble?”
He frowned. “Stay here,” he told her and made his way inside. Reaching the front door, his eyes widened. A smirk formed on his lips. “You’re getting bolder. What lie did you tell my wife?”
Kane grinned. Stepping into the house, he wrapped his arms around his neck and placed a kiss under his chin, whispering in his ear as he stared watchfully for movements behind Griffin, “Oh nothing. Just some fib that you owe me money.”
Groping Kane’s cheeks, “I didn’t know you’re a loan shark. How about I send my wife away and give you my attention?”
Kane pouted, shaking his head. “Not here. Besides,” he let Griffin go, saying, “I just missed looking at you, none of the freaky shit.”
Griffin raised a brow. “I’ll meet you in an hour.”
*
Returning to the garden where his wife was waiting patiently for him worried, he smiled, “Don’t worry, it was only a little. Less than one thousand draken notes.”
She looked at him puzzled, saying, “That’s a bit much, honey.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “How else do you think I took out the loan for your bakery? Don’t worry about it. This husband of yours has a plan for everything.”
An hour later in Kane’s home…
Kane’s mouth pooled with saliva as it hung open while he was bent over the sofa. From behind he was pound into menacingly by Griffin. Grabbing his head, Griffin slapped his lips against Kane’s neck, sucking on it, and marveled as Kane moaned, singing intoxicating melodies as he climaxed inside Kane’s cave.
Looking down at Kane’s manhood, he smirked. “You really like being fucked, don’t you?”
Kane closed his eyes, slipping down on to the couch. Rubbing his eyes, he complained, “You’re getting rough. I won’t have an asshole because of you, motherfucker.”
Griffin pouted. He leaned over the couch, looking down at Kane teasingly. “What are we going to do? I thought you wanted me to be rough.”
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t you have to fetch your kids?”
Griffin couldn’t be bothered. He started dressing, saying, “Thanks for helping me out with the bakery.”
“Sure, you fuck me into the clouds. It’s the least I could do.”
“You make it sound like I’m a whore.”
Sitting up, Kane caught a glimpse of the member that was just inside him and pouted. He looked into Griffin’s eyes, who were trained on him waiting for a clue that told him otherwise.
“You are my whore, aren’t you?”
Griffin laughed, “If you want me to be handsome.”
He kissed Kane on the cheek, saying, “I’d appreciate a message instead of a house call.”
“I’ll try to remember that,” Kane answered, allowing Griffin to close him with a blanket.
Picking him up, Griffin carried him to the bed and left the house, entering the passcode for the alarm and left. In his car, Griffin sighed. He recalled how he and Kane met, how they got here and how he has benefitted from being Kane’s fuck buddy—he knew he wasn’t the only one but he understand the reason Kane wanted him.
For him, a married man to be doing this—it was their little secret. But it would be a problem if others found out. Lucky for him, Kane was very secretive.
