Healing Hark (Doms of Chicago) (7 page)

* * * *

Pulling into the drive, Diachi hit the door opener for the garage. It was just before six and the traffic on the Edens hadn't been horrible but neither had it been great. He found himself uncharacteristically off balance on the drive through and it was all because of the phone call that he'd received from Bryan while in his meeting. His submissive had left a message stating he'd settled Hark in the guest bedroom and was on his way to meet with his uncle. After promising to be home in time for supper, he'd hung up without saying he loved him. Honestly the facts hadn’t bothered Diachi as much as the tone of the message. He could hear the heavy tension in Bryan's voice. Had Hark done something, or said something that had upset his lover? If that was the case, he'd be having a stern talk with the man. With all the stress in Bryan's life outside the house, there was no way he was going to let Hark disturb the peaceful oasis of their home.

Inside the garage, he clicked the remote again and waited for it to close. Once it was shut, he used the interior door to enter the kitchen. As he crossed the threshold, he set his leather attaché case down on the counter. The kitchen wasn’t completely dark but the living room was. He sighed and hung his car keys on the small metal key rack by the door. Hark should've heard the garage door open, but the house remained eerily silent… as if it were empty. Kicking off his loafers, he placed them on the rack next to the back door and relished the feel of the polished wooden floor against his toes. He hated wearing shoes.

Ignoring the closed door to the basement for a moment, he decided he wanted out of his suit before he confronted his former submissive. Slipping into his room, it didn't take long for Diachi to neatly hang up his business clothing and slip into a pair of drawstring pants and a tank top. Feeling a bit more normal, he wandered out into the main area of the house. He cocked his head. Still nothing. Had the man left? Olivia had confessed her concern about Hark bailing to avoid the reality of his loss. She warned him he'd probably have his hands full trying to get through to Hark that life could still be good and worth living. So he had a choice: putt around the house like there was nothing unusual about today, or take the bull by the horns, as Bryan would say, and confront Hark.

"Well, standing here isn't going to solve the issue, Diachi.” He rubbed the back of his neck, torn on which action to take. He knew what he wanted to do, but he’d promised Olivia he’d try to drag his former submissive back into the world.

"I see you’re still talking to yourself. The question is, however, if you do so to find a solution, or do you just talk to hear your own voice?” The deep masculine voice came from behind him.

Looking over his shoulder at the living area, he could barely make out the form of a large seated man. The relaxed feeling he'd had since returning home vanished as his body tingled with instant awareness. He took a deep breath and slowly turned to face his past.

"Harkahome." The name came out huskier than he'd intended, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

Hark leaned forward, but his face was still in the shadows. "You and Mom.” Hark seemed to study him for a bit before sitting back. “You didn't answer my question. Is it to find a solution or because you love the sound of your own voice?"

"I’ll answer when you finally abandon the shadows and step into the light.”

A low growl seemed to emanate from the couch, but Diachi stood his ground. Unfortunately there had to be some ground rules laid, and he was going to have to be the badass. “Don’t growl at me. I’m not the person who’s sitting in the dark when all you have to do is reach out for the light.” He wondered if Hark realized he was speaking not just about turning on the lamp next to him, but also the fact Hark needed to come out of the shadow of his family’s deaths.

"Perhaps I remain in the shadows because it’s safer, Diachi.” Hark didn’t move to turn on the light. “For both of us. Besides, if I remember correctly, you used to enjoy my…darkness.”

"Whether I did or not, I’m not the same man anymore. The Dom I am now will not tolerate you using the dark to hide.” Diachi braced himself for coming face to face with his first submissive, and clicked on the light. Hark blinked slowly, his eyes just as deep and fathomless as Diachi remembered. The silky hair Hark had worn as young man was even longer now, with just a smattering of silver at his temples. But it was the fit body sprawled negligently across his leather couch that made his mouth go dry. Despite the haggard air about Hark, he found his cock responding to the pure temptation Hark represented. He mentally scolded his unruly dick and was tempted to smack the head of it. His former submissive was hurting and lust was the last thing Hark needed.

He took a deep breath. "I understand your need for darkness but if you're planning on staying here I’ll not allow you to hide any longer. What Bryan and I have doesn’t lurk in the shadows. It thrives in the light. I won’t allow you to taint it. So you need to decide now if you can handle the light. Or leave because no matter what occurred between us in the past, Bryan Sterling is my future."

Waiting to see how Hark would react to his words seemed like the longest two minutes in his life, but finally Hark sighed. “I should’ve known there’d be a catch. And this is non-negotiable, correct?”

Diachi held his ground. “Yes. I won’t risk Bryan. You know the trust a submissive must give to his Dom to make a relationship work. I won’t abuse that.”

Hark slowly rose to his full height. “Of course not. It’s as it should be. Submission and domination can only work if there’s trust.” A bitter smile crossed Hark’s face. “Balanced. Neither of you need the darkness in me.” He stooped down and that’s when Diachi noticed the bags at Hark’s feet. He swung one bag over his shoulder while he gripped the other in one hand.

He hasn’t even unpacked.

Slowly approaching Diachi, Hark came to a stop inches from him. Lifting his hand, Hark brushed fingers over Diachi’s face. “You may have once been mine, but not even for you, Diachi, will I abandon the shadows that have kept me safe for so long.”

“Then I guess we’ll be joining you there, until you’re ready to step into the light.” Bryan’s voice, coming from behind them, sent shards of fear down Diachi’s spine. This was the last thing he wanted his little
hana
to see.

“Excuse me?” Hark’s tone was glacial as Bryan stomped into the living room, stopping inches from them. He gazed back and forth between Hark and Diachi, taking in the familiarity of Hark’s touch.

“You heard me. Even if we have to come into the shadows with you, we’re not giving up on you.” Bryan placed his hands on his slim hips, his suit jacket open and his tie loosened, exposing the collar at his throat. His blond hair was rumpled as if he’d run his hands through it several times. Facing off with Hark, he’d never looked better, even if in the process his little sub had just landed his own ass in hot water for sticking his cute little nose into something that Diachi should have the final say on.

Genuine surprise flowed through Hark. He hadn’t expected Bryan to take such a stance. The other man didn’t know him. Nor did he realize the dark things Hark had done to not only survive, but to protect his country and those who he loved. The determination in Bryan’s eyes rocked Hark to his core. It should have thrown him more off balance, but it warmed a part of him that hadn’t felt light since the day he’d buried his family. The idea he could still feel should’ve been a joyous occasion, but instead fear and anger filled him, making his tone harsher than normal.

His hand dropped away from Diachi. “Don’t waste your time on a lost cause.” He moved to step around the men, when Bryan caught his arm even as Diachi caught ahold of the strap of his bag. Caught between the two men, Hark’s gaze finally settled on the hand wrapped around his biceps, before returning to Bryan’s face.

“You’re not a lost cause.” Bryan’s blue eyes narrowed warningly when Hark opened his mouth to protest. “Weren’t you the man who chewed me out on the porch this morning because I was wearing just my robe? Then you tended my cut with a patience that’d make my mother jealous, even after I threw a fit about the antiseptic you used.”

A low hissing noise came from Hark’s left. His shoulders stiffened. He had tried not to cross the line with Bryan, but it had been hard. There was something about Bryan that called to the dominant side of his personality.
He has a Dom. He doesn’t need me.

“What
the hell
happened while I was gone?” Diachi’s voice was rough.

A quick glance at his former master assured Hark, in no uncertain terms, the man was pissed.

Bryan was quick to reassure his master. “Nothing happened - other than your former submissive trying to keep me safe, despite having no vested interest in my well-being.” Bryan tightened his hand around his arm, even as he looked at Diachi. “Not only did he keep me safe, but he was respectful of our playroom. He refused to enter until I assured him you were more than comfortable with him being there.”

“Of course I am.” Diachi turned his dark eyes toward Hark.

“Exactly, Master. So excuse me for being so forward, but as far as I’m concerned, a man who could do those things for someone he just met could
never be
a lost cause – and I refuse to let him leave just because he’s more comfortable in the shadows. If he won’t come to us, we’ll go to him. We’ll eventually coax him out. He’s worth it.”

“So you’ve decided on this path for us?” Diachi barely shifted, but the total change in his demeanor was potent as his inner Dom came to the fore. It reminded Hark too much of the final blowout between himself and Diachi before the man un-collared him. It made him want to protect Bryan from the approaching storm of his master’s anger.

Bryan looked down briefly, but lifted his head a moment later. While the submissiveness in Bryan’s stance called to one side of him, the stubborn set of the man’s jaw had Hark sighing with relief. As he’d suspected earlier, Bryan was no push over – even for his own master.

“Yes. He’s worth it,” Bryan repeated before returning his attention to Hark. “So you’re staying put.”

Hark finally found his voice. “I am?” He purposely ran his gaze up and down the smaller man. “Boy, you have a lot to learn. I don’t stay anywhere I don’t want to.”

Bryan glared at him, before dropping his hands to his hips. “Really?”

“Yeah…really.” He couldn’t keep the growl out of his voice even as his dick stirred in his pants. The defiance in Bryan’s expression was a complete turn-on.

“You know what? Actions speak louder than words. I see something worth saving. But since I’ve already earned the mother of all punishments for sticking my nose in something that should be Master’s decision, I’m going to take a hot shower, then we’ll discuss this – like grown-ups. Which means I expect you to be here when I get out.”

“And if I’m not?” Hark gritted out.

Bryan raised a brow. “If not, I know people who can hunt your ass down for me.” He reached up and patted Hark’s cheek. “So save me the trouble, hmmm?” Then he stalked toward the bedroom.

Bryan, aren’t you forgetting something?” Diachi asked, standing motionless – one hand still on Hark’s bag, but with his body canted toward Bryan’s retreating form.

Bryan paused by the door.

For a moment, Hark thought Bryan would ignore his master to slip into the bedroom. Instead, he marched back to Diachi. Then he tipped his head to cover Diachi’s lips with his own. Hark’s discomfort, a mixture of lust and envy, grew as he watched the blond give his former master a slow, but tongue curling kiss. A low moan escaped Diachi and the hand that had been gripping Hark’s bag speared into his submissive’s curls.

Bryan’s cheeks were
flushed by the time Diachi allowed him to pull back. He licked his lower lip as if savoring the taste of his master. Diachi’s breathing wasn’t so steady either when they parted, Hark noticed. Standing still, Bryan clasped his arms behind him and tipped his head.

“Welcome home, Master. May I take a shower to wash the grime off, before you deal with my punishment?”

Diachi
nodded. “Go. You have ten minutes. Bring me the bamboo switch when you return.”

After Bryan disappeared into the bedroom, the tension between Hark and Diachi grew. A short while later, the shower kicked on. Finally unable to handle the silence any longer, Hark stepped back. “Look – you know Bryan’s heart was in the right place. Take it easy on the guy, okay?” He hefted the bag higher on his shoulder. “I’m not worth whatever punishment you’ll dole out for his disobedience.”

Diachi stiffened. “It doesn’t matter whether you think you are or not. The fact remains Bryan does.” He reclaimed the strap of the bag as if to take it from Hark. “I don’t know what exactly you did to impress my submissive, but there’s not a prayer of you leaving tonight. I refuse to deal with an overwrought sub because you ran like a scared fool.”

Hark inhaled, praying for patience. “Scared? Do I honestly look like I’m scared?” He tugged on the bag, surprised when the other man refused to release it. He clenched his jaw in frustration. “I really need to go. Olivia reserved a room for me and I want to get there before the weather kicks up.”

Diachi locked eyes with him. It was like a test of wills as the other man refused to release the bag. Hark could have easily disarmed his former master, but the last thing he wanted to do was to physically hurt him. He tugged a bit harder, hoping the guy would get the idea.

“Stop it. Bryan wants you to stay. If you leave, he’ll only follow you.” He glared up at Hark. “And like you said…bad weather is coming. Do you really want to be responsible for him being out in it?”

Hark gave a mirthless laugh. “Like you’re going to let him go out if the weather is bad.” Instead of tugging on the bag, he pushed it forward before jerking it back, in hopes the sudden move would surprise Diachi. In the end all it did, however, was yank the smaller man forward and up against his body. He automatically embraced him. His nose flared as the incredibly familiar scent of his former master’s cologne washed over him.
Fuck.
He strove to stay in control – to keep from responding to the man’s closeness. He didn’t come here for this. “Just let me go, Diachi.”

An unreadable emotion flitted across Diachi’s face, before he stepped back. “I can’t just watch you walk away. Bryan…”

“This has nothing to do with him. It has to do with the facts. I’m not ready for this. Your concern for him is commendable, but I hardly think he’ll worry about me once I’m gone. Just…” He swallowed hard against the lump in his throat. “Look, it’s easy. It’s not as if you haven’t watched me leave before. And this time will be much easier than the last. When he comes out…just do your Dom thing. He’ll have no choice but to accept whatever you say.”

Instead of sighing, Diachi gave a sharp laugh. “You obviously don’t know Bryan very well. What submission he’s given to me, I’ve had to work my ass off to get.” He nodded toward the closed bedroom door. “What you just saw was the result of nearly five years of work. He may be submissive - but he’s no man’s doormat.”

He had to suppress the smile wanting to break free. He’d known from the moment Bryan cussed out his master for not getting the light fixed in the guest room that he wasn’t a meek submissive like he’d thought Diachi wanted. But even as he told himself Bryan’s submission, or lack of it, didn’t matter and he should be leaving, part of Hark longed to know
what
he
would have to do to earn it. He dashed the thought quickly. Diachi didn’t share – period. “I…I have to go. Sorry.”

Diachi seemed to study him for a moment. Then he released the bag. “Me too. I would’ve liked to help you, Hark.”

“I know.” Hark forced himself to move away from the temptation Diachi offered. He’d taken less than half a dozen steps, when the bedroom door opened, sending the smell of Irish Spring soap and water out into the room. He froze.
Fuck!

“You better be taking your bag back downstairs.” Bryan’s tired voice had him looking over his shoulder. “Or I’m going to earn another punishment for sure.”

Hark dropped his bags, before stalking back to where Bryan stood, wearing nothing more than his silk robe. His blond curls were wet, as was the collar gracing his throat. He leaned down, using his height to intimidate Bryan, as he got right up in his face.
“Let it go!”

Bryan didn’t even flinch. He merely maintained eye contact. “No, not when I know we can help you.” He cocked his head. “I could feel, no, see your pain earlier – what kind of submissive would I be if I ignored it?”

Hark couldn’t stop the growl that rumbled free. If Bryan could see the pain he’d buried deep, he’d either let something slip, or the other man had been studying him more than he’d thought. “Dammit, I don’t know what game you’re playing here, but I don’t like it. You’re Diachi’s submissive. You shouldn’t be watching me.”

Bryan continued to stare at him. “Why not? You’re gorgeous.” He tugged on the end of Hark’s braid. “Most gay men would take it as compliment. Some straight guys as well.”

As Hark tugged his braid free and then tossed it over his shoulder in frustration, he heard Diachi chuckle. “I told you. Submissive, not doormat. Especially when it comes to things he believes in strongly.”

“So you can either stay with us, or have Jude hound you. Your choice.”

Hark narrowed his eyes at the mention of his sometimes boss. As of late, the man had been looking for excuses to nag him – one of the reasons he’d given in and gone to the club on Friday. If Bryan told Jude how he’d turned tail less than twenty-four hours after agreeing to Olivia’s scheme, he knew Jude would razz him until Hark fled the state. “You wouldn’t.”

Bryan stared him down. “Try me.”

“Fuck.” He muttered the word under his breath. He couldn’t believe he was letting a man smaller and more submissive than him dictate what he would or wouldn’t do. “Fine, I’ll stay. Only one night – ” 

“A week,” Bryan countered. “One night won’t work. You’re going to need a couple of days to settle into our routine. I want to see an honest effort. Or I’ll be on the phone to Jude the moment you leave.”

Hark turned toward Diachi in hopes of an ally. The man needed to get a rein on his damned submissive. “You’re going to let him decide this?”

Diachi smiled. “Of course. I’ve learned something about him when it comes to this kind of thing.” He patted Hark’s shoulder. “Once he moves into negotiation mode, it’s best to just let him have his way.”

Hark crossed his arms over his chest. “Unbelievable. You two idiots don’t act like any Master and sub I’ve ever met.”

“So we’ve been told. Perhaps that’s why Olivia wanted you to stay with us?” Diachi held out his hand. “The switch, slave?”

“Yes, Master.” Bryan offered up the twelve inch length of bamboo to Diachi. “Just look it at this way, Hark. No two D/s relationships are the same.”

Hark shook his head, truly baffled for the first time in years.

“Don’t overanalyze it. Just give us ten days to help you find what you found so appealing about BDSM to begin with. If we can’t rekindle one spark of what drew you to the scene, I won’t stop you from leaving.”

Hark glared at him. “Ten days? You said a week.”

“Ten days and I won’t murmur a word of protest if you pack your bags. I’ll even help you carry them to your car,” Bryan offered sweetly. Too sweetly.

“And you won’t call Jude?” Hark eyed him suspiciously. The man could give some diplomats and generals lessons in negotiations, and he didn’t trust him as far as he could throw him.

“For only ten days?” He tsked softly. “Not a chance in hell I’ll agree to keep my trap shut for that paltry number. Make it three weeks and you can beat my ass yourself if I spill the beans to your buddy.”

“Fourteen or I walk right now and Jude be damned.” Hark growled. Two weeks was the most he could handle without giving into his urges.

“Two weeks…” Hark sighed in relief, but it was short lived. “…and you come to work with me three days a week.”

“Fine. Two weeks and I go to work with you. But I’m not sleeping at the foot of your bed, nor am I having sex with either of you.” Even as he added on his own conditions, Hark hoped he hadn’t just jinxed himself. When Bryan nodded his agreement, he sighed. “Can I go downstairs now?”