Sunday, September 4, 2016

Sunday's Safe Word Shelf: Override by SJD Peterson


Summary:
Don’t judge a book by its cover….

At over six feet, with a body honed in the gym, auto worker Donavan Gregory is used to people assuming he’s a dominant top. Unfortunately, they’re wrong, and Donavan’s desire to explore his submissive side goes unfulfilled.

Smaller and older than Donavan, Doctor Seth Manning might not look like a typical dominant, but when the two men meet at Pride, Donavan realized Seth might be his perfect counterpart. The trouble is, Donavan doesn’t have as much experience with the BDSM world as he’d like. What could an educated, handsome, and confident man like Seth possibly see in someone like him? Seth must convince him that despite the differences on the surface, when it comes to kinky fun and discovery, they’ll fit together just fine.



Chapter One
AS THE sun began to set on the last night of Pride, Donavan Gregory was surprised his head hadn’t exploded from sensory overload. He’d spent the day enjoying the sights and sounds, and—oh holy fuck—what sights they had been. Half-naked men running around laughing, touching, loving in an unadulterated freedom only a celebration of this type could afford.

The afternoon was spent wandering the town, joining in on discussions, meeting new people, taking in the flash and flare of the parade. But it was the fetish booths, the leather daddies, and BDSM demonstrations that kept grabbing his attention. He’d often wondered what it would be like to give up complete control, to kneel at another man’s feet, to feel the kiss of his leather. He’d spent countless hours wanking to bondage and kinky flicks, hooked up with a couple of guys who got off on spanking his ass while they fucked him, and yet he hadn’t gathered up the courage to take it to the next level.

So it was no surprise when the last rays of the sun disappeared below the horizon that Donavan found himself once again on 5th Street. He leaned against a brick wall, trying not to draw attention to himself. It didn’t help that his loose jeans and maize-and-blue college T-shirt made him stick out like a sore thumb among the sea of flesh and leather. Still, he did his best to shrink into the background as much as his size would allow.

People looking at him would, no doubt, find it hard to believe his fantasies revolved around submitting. Standing at six foot two and topping the scales at 230 thanks to good genes and his dedication to the gym, he looked like he would be the dominant partner. That he’d be the one wielding the crop, the one to bind a body, to take charge.

In the center of the road, within a roped-off area, two St. Andrew’s crosses had been erected upon a stage. A man dressed in nothing but a pair of tight black shorts was bound to one with his chest pressed against it. A smaller blond-haired man, completely devoid of clothing, stood with his back to the other cross. Donavan’s pulse kicked up as he watched the naked man’s wrists, forearms, and biceps being wrapped with red ropes. The act was simple yet erotic. The way the Dom moved, the way the ropes slid through his fingers, and the look of concentration on his handsome face kept Donavan captivated.

“You like what you see?”

Donavan jerked his head to the right to find a lean dark-haired man staring up at him with hungry eyes.

Unable to look away from his unwavering gaze, Donavan had the uncanny feeling the stranger was not only looking at him but within him. The man stood about five foot nine and couldn’t weigh more than 170 pounds, max. An air of authority and confidence shining in those dark eyes was unmistakable.

Shaking off the strange feeling, Donavan turned back to the demonstration. “Umm, yeah, it’s interesting.”

Donavan’s breath hitched when the stranger inched closer. He smelled of clean sweat, musk, and a rich, pleasing cologne. Donavan watched out of the corner of his eye as the smaller man leaned back, propped his booted foot against the wall, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Have you ever been bound?”

Donavan shook his head.

“You’ve thought about it,” the stranger said, sounding sure.

But that was ridiculous. No way could this guy know what Donavan fantasized about. Instead of answering, he turned it back on the newcomer. “Have you ever let someone tie you up?”

“I do the tying,” he said curtly.

Donavan turned his head and studied the man for a few seconds. He had prominent cheekbones, a regal nose, and his full lips were made for long lingering kisses. While he was handsome, there was nothing physically imposing about him, nor did his attire—black slacks and a finely tailored pale blue dress shirt—scream leather daddy.

“You?” Donavan asked incredulously.

“You know what they say about size not mattering?”

“Yeah.”

The stranger tilted his head up, a sly grin curling his full upper lip. “In this case, it’s quite true.” He pushed off the wall and held out his hand. “Seth Manning.”

Donavan shook the offered hand. “Nice to meet you. Donavan Gregory.” He started to pull his hand back, but Seth tightened his grip.

As he rubbed his thumb back and forth across the back of Donavan’s hand, Seth held his gaze. “Would you like to experience what it’s like to be bound, Donavan?” His voice was low and seductive, the tone deeper than Donavan would have expected.

“Perhaps someday.”

“There is no time like the present, I always say,” Seth countered.

“Now?” Donavan found himself asking, rather than voicing the refusal that first popped into his head.

“Why not? It’s Pride. This is your chance to let go, have some fun in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. What do you say?”

Donavan was certainly intrigued by the offer. Given the way his skin tingled and the rapid beating of his heart, his body was certainly on board. He cut a quick glance at the demonstration and the crowds of people. Doubt skittered down his spine. He’d never been an exhibitionist.

“C’mon, Donavan, take a chance,” Seth encouraged.

Donavan held Seth’s gaze. It was so, so tempting. It certainly wouldn’t be a hardship to have someone as good-looking as Seth putting his hands on him.

“Just a little rope play. I won’t even ask you to strip.” Seth winked. “This time.”

“Awful sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Seth drawled without hesitation.

Donavan had apparently been influenced by the freedom of Pride, or maybe he’d lost his goddamn mind, but he found himself conceding. “All right, but I’m keeping my clothes on.” He pointed a warning finger at Seth. “And no trying to bang me once I’m tied up. I don’t do public porn.”

Donavan’s threat didn’t seem to faze Seth in the slightest. He blatantly ran his eyes up and down Donavan’s body. “Pity, but you have a deal. Give me a second to set it up.”

Seth pushed his way through the crowd, dipped under the roped-off area, and walked up to a large bald man standing near the stage.

Donavan blew out a long breath. Wow! What the hell have I just done? In public? With a stranger? He most certainly had lost his mind. He’d always been a private man, never comfortable in the spotlight, but obviously the craziness of the day had worn off on him. It had a damn good hold on him too because he wasn’t turning and running like hell. Instead he was standing there, nearly giddy with the buzz of arousal zinging through him, his dick rock hard.

Seth gestured him over, a wide self-assured smile on his handsome face.

Donavan hesitated a moment, then pushed off the wall and walked through the crowd to join Seth.

“Are you ready?”

Apparently, since he was standing there, but Donavan’s uncertainty lingered. It was evident in his voice when it cracked. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Seth ran his hand down Donavan’s breastbone. “You look tense, and you’re shaking. Take a deep breath. This won’t hurt a bit, I promise.”

Donavan focused on Seth’s dark eyes as he inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. A calm settled over him as he continued to hold Seth’s gaze. A few more deep breaths and the trembling eased.

“Very good,” Seth praised. “Keep that focus on me and the feel of the ropes against your skin. You’re in for a hell of a treat.”

The crowd around them applauded, and Donavan’s attention was drawn to the stage. The man dressed in all leather was taking a bow, with the smaller man kneeling next to him, lowered.

“We have something special for you, today,” Rope Guy announced. “Master Seth has agreed to show us some of his knots. Give him a hand.”

The crowd clapped and cheered.

Donavan arched a brow in question. “Master Seth?”

“That’s what they call me. C’mon.” Seth took Donavan’s hand and led him onto the stage.

“Donavan, this is Master Rick. He taught me everything I know about knots.”

“Nice to meet you,” Donavan said.

“Same,” Rick said with a wide smile, then turned his head toward Seth. “Modest as always. Anything specific you need?”

Seth considered Donavan for a moment, his lip curling ever so slightly. “I might need a step stool, but that may take away from my big, bad Dom image. How about something for Donavan to sit on?”

“Boy, fetch a chair for Master Seth,” Rick instructed.

The man kneeling next to Rick jumped to his feet. “Yes, Sir.”

“If you could set it in front of the cross, I’d much appreciate it,” Seth said.

Once it was in place, Seth led Donavan to it. “Have a seat, please.”

Donavan sat with his back pressed against the cross. His skin prickled with the thought of every person in the audience watching him. His cheeks heated, and he instinctively bowed his head.

“You’re a natural.” Seth ran his fingers through Donavan’s hair.

Donavan’s throat was dry, barely able to swallow, so he didn’t respond, not trusting his voice. It was ridiculous how his body reacted to Seth’s praise. This was nothing more than an innocent exhibition, and yet Donavan couldn’t help but think it was more. A first step.

Seth slid a red rope through his hands, drawing Donavan’s gaze as Seth’s long fingers stroked over the nylon lengths. He then took Donavan’s hand in his. The first contact sent a rush of heat to Donavan’s groin. Seth positioned Donavan’s arm up and out from his body, then wrapped the rope around his wrist and secured it to the cross.

Seth worked silently, a look of concentration on his face as he continued to wrap the rope around Donavan’s forearm and bicep. By the time Seth had bound Donavan’s other arm, Donavan was breathing hard. He was beyond turned on. It was as though Seth had been working his cock rather than the ropes.

“How does that feel? Not too tight?” Seth asked.

Donavan tested the restraints. They were tight, but not overly so. “No.”

“Good. How does it feel?” Seth asked again, his voice low and husky, seductive, like he already knew the answer.

“I like it,” Donavan admitted.

Seth’s gaze dropped to Donavan’s crotch, and he licked his lips. “I think you more than like it. If you like having your arms bound, then you’re going to love what’s coming next.”

A thrill raced through Donavan, causing his dick to twitch. Jesus! If it got any better, he was going to come in his fucking jeans. His entire body thrummed with want and need.

Seth situated himself between Donavan’s thighs and held out his hand. Someone handed him another length of rope, but Donavan couldn’t rip his gaze from Seth. While Donavan found Seth handsome, he’d seen better looking. He’d had the pleasure of bedding a few that could be described as drop-dead gorgeous. But none had captivated him as Seth did. Each brush of Seth’s fingers ignited him, made him burn.

Seth’s thighs rubbed side to side where they pressed against Donavan’s legs as Seth worked, fanning the flames. The crowd melted away, Donavan’s entire focus centering on the man before him. A connection was being forged. He was sure Seth felt it too. The thick bulge tenting Seth’s slacks gave credence to the belief. Donavan only needed to lean a few inches forward, grab those lean hips….

“Feels good, doesn’t it, Donavan? You like being bound and at my mercy.” Seth wasn’t asking but making a statement. He knew.

A deep rumbling moan escaped Donavan before he could swallow it down.

“That’s all the answer I need,” Seth murmured. He leaned down, his lips a mere hairsbreadth away from Donavan’s ear. “Oh, the things I would love to do to you right now. You are so fucking hot like this.”

A shudder ripped through Donavan.

Seth chuckled at Donavan’s response as he tied intricate knots across Donavan’s chest. Donavan wished he hadn’t been so hesitant. Ha! More like a big scared baby. And for what? Now he was missing out on feeling the bindings, as well as Seth’s touch, against his bare skin. He closed his eyes and imagined it, lost himself in his arousal and the gentle sway of Seth’s body. Donavan floated on a wave of pleasure, both erotic and calming, as strange as that seemed. He hung there, for how long he didn’t know, but it ended all too soon.

The applause of the crowd snapped Donavan back. He opened his eyes to find Seth standing near the edge of the stage, taking a bow.

Disappointment settled in Donavan’s gut when Seth returned and started removing the ropes. It was like being taken to the edge of orgasm and then being denied the ultimate high. He wanted to tell Seth to stop, beg him to take him to the edge and let him fall, but he’d lost his voice.

Once the ropes were removed, Seth held out his hand and helped Donavan to his feet. The crowd applauded again. Why, Donavan didn’t understand. The show had stopped before the climax. Why would that make them clap? Donavan swayed, and Seth slid an arm around his waist to steady him.

“From the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you’d enjoy it. Thank you for allowing me to use your body as my canvas. It’s quite lovely.”

“You’re welcome, but it should be me thanking you. It was quite the… experience.”

Seth flashed him a brilliant smile.

“Ummm… you wouldn’t want to get a drink or something, would you?” Donavan asked, suddenly feeling shy.

“Sorry, but I have a previous engagement.” Seth released his hold on Donavan and took a step back. He pulled a card from his pocket. “Call me sometime if you’d like to take it a step further.”

Donavan took the card and studied it. Dr. Seth Manning MD, OBGYN. “You’re a doctor?”

“Does that surprise you?”

“Yeah, it does,” Donavan admitted.

Seth glanced down at his watch. “Sorry, I’ve got to go.” He slid his hand around Donavan’s neck, pulled his head down, and planted a soft kiss on his lips. “Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

With that, Seth turned and strode from the stage, shaking hands with people as he went. Donavan stood there dumbstruck as he watched him go. A doctor? A doctor leather daddy? His day was full of surprises. He pocketed the card and, still in a daze, headed back into the crowd.

Author Bio:
It's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.

I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."

Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)

You can call me Jo, everyone does :)


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