Heart Rate

by AngelLindsay

Summary:

Chapter 1 summary: You stop by Dr. Zayne’s office – at his urgent request – to review some unusual heart monitor activity. To your embarrassment, it appears your anomalous reports line up with some…intimate activity you had been engaging in over the last few weeks with Sylus. While trying to assure Dr. Zayne that nothing is amiss, Sylus sweeps in and proceeds to demonstrate precisely what has been causing your monitor to spike.

General overview: A story of your budding relationship with Sylus and Zayne, where you have to engage in clear communication around consent; you have a heart condition, and Dr. Zayne is your cardiologist.

Notes:

My first Ao3 publication, and my first attempt at writing fanfiction. Love and Deepspace has got me down bad; I haven't written smut in 10+ years, but this idea wouldn't leave my brain. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: The chair

Tap tap tap.

You lower your hand and wait for the office door to open, nervously shuffling your weight from one foot to the other. While the hospital is familiar territory, you’re unsettled by the urgency of the message you received from your cardiologist about your recent heart reports.

You hear muffled footfalls approach, and then the door in front of you cracks open. A tall man with black hair and a piercing hazel gaze stands before you, his stern expression softening slightly when he sees who is at the threshold. He’s wearing his typical hospital garb: a white lab coat, dark pants, and shiny black shoes.

You clear your throat, but before you have a chance to say anything, Dr. Zayne breaks the silence. “Ah, Angel. You received my message. Please come in.”

Dr. Zayne opens the door wider and steps aside for you to enter. Your eyes sweep the office, and you can see he’s partway through eating; his lunch sits half-eaten on his desk. He gestures for you to sit, and you slide into the chair, your dusty rose skirt fluttering slightly around your knees as you cross your ankles. Dr. Zayne circles to his chair and sits, sliding his partially consumed stir-fry and a stack of reports to the side of his desk.

You clear your throat again before you dive in, forgoing pleasantries as your anxiety gets the best of you. “You wanted to see me, Dr. Zayne? Your message sounded urgent.”

“Yes, I did. I was reviewing your heart monitor activity to ensure you weren’t over-extending yourself, and I found some data points that might be cause for concern.” Dr. Zayne glances from his computer monitor to the tracker on your wrist that continually monitors your heart rate. He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he turns back to the computer. “Do you have your agenda on you to compare?”

“Yes, of course.” You quickly fish your phone out of your purse and open your calendar application, which you keep roughly up-to-date for this very purpose.

“All of the data points are from the last few weeks. I’ve got…Monday, February 17^th at 2:30pm?” Dr. Zayne’s gaze turns to you, his fingers hovering over the keys as he waits for your response.

You scroll back a few days to check. “Work. There was a Wanderer attack in the N109 zone. I may have over-done it a little…”

Dr. Zayne raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press for details. He turns his attention back to the screen and types a quick note. You mentally kick yourself; your presence in the N109 zone is a special project that few are aware of. You didn’t mean to let that detail slip in.

Dr. Zayne finishes typing. “Next, I’ve got the same Monday at 8:00pm.”

You scroll a little further and hesitate. “Exercise,” you reply vaguely.

“…Exercise?” Dr. Zayne’s hazel gaze meets yours as you glance up from your phone. He sounds skeptical. “Your heart rate was higher here than at 2:30, what type of exercise were you engaged in?”

“I was boxing,” you reply, un-crossing and re-crossing your ankles.

“I didn’t know you took up boxing…” Dr. Zayne frowns, his brow furrowing as he turns back to the computer to take notes. “This might explain your other evening heart rate spikes this week. This might be too strenuous an activity for your heart condition; we should monitor this moving forward, just in case.”

“Absolutely. I should have consulted with you about it.” You feel your face get a little warm and try desperately not to think of Sylus sweeping your legs out from under you. Or the way his hands and chest had pinned you to the mat when you didn’t get up fast enough. Or the way his tongue had slowly swept up your neck while you tried to squirm out of his grip. …Or what he had whispered in your ear, a promise for the night ahead.

“…Angel?”

Your eyes snap up to Dr. Zayne, who is looking right at you, expectantly waiting for…something. You totally missed what he said. “Sorry, could you repeat that?”

His gaze lingers on your face a moment longer, before he turns back to the computer. “I said the next anomalous spike was the same Monday at 11:00pm.”

You glance at your phone and scroll down. Your heart stutters, making the tracker on your wrist beep. Dr. Zayne’s gaze drags from the computer, to your wrist, to your face. You avoid his gaze; your face feels like it is on fire. “Erm…more exercise?”

“…What kind of exercise were you participating in that late?” Dr. Zayne pushes his glasses up his nose. Your heart flutters. You feel like a butterfly on display, pinned to the chair with his gaze. “You already -”

Everything happens quickly: a swirling cloud of red and black mist appears in the office, Dr. Zayne knocks his chair back as he shoots to his feet, and you cover your face while you sigh heavily. A man materializes from the mist. He has silver hair, shocking ruby irises, and is slightly taller and broader in the chest than Dr. Zayne. He’s wearing an expensive-looking suit, his black silk shirt brushed in bold strokes of red. And, as is his standard, his lips are curved upwards in an infuriating smirk.

Dr. Zayne looks back and forth between you both, lowering the hand he had raised in front of himself. His jaw ticks slightly. “Based on your lack of reaction, Angel, it seems you two know each other. Sir, we’re in the middle of a private consultation; I’m afraid I have to ask you to leave.”

Sylus’s smirk grows. “You must be the renowned Dr. Zayne. Charmed. I’m exercise.”

“…Your name is Exercise?” Dr. Zayne’s voice is flat, a dead giveaway that he’s not pleased about the current situation.

“No, his name – ” you start to chime in before Sylus cuts you off.

“Sure. At 11:00 Monday night, 11:30 Tuesday night, 11:00 Wednesday night…and then again at midnight. Do those match your spreadsheet, doc?” Sylus tilts his head to the side, crossing his heavily muscled arms across his chest.

A smaller cloud of red and black mist pulls Dr. Zayne’s chair forward until it gently taps the back of his legs. He glances down at the chair, then slowly lowers himself into it. Looking back at the computer, he cross-references the dates and times before looking back at you. “Is this your boxing instructor, Angel? He seems to know precisely when your heart rate is spiking.”

“Yes, this is Sylus and he is my…boxing instructor. We’ve been practicing every night this week.” You try not to fidget while keeping your gaze trained on Dr. Zayne. You just know Sylus’s grin is stretching even wider beside you.

Sylus uses his evol again to pull a chair over for himself, which he reclines in with unnerving grace and composure. He gives a small chuckle. “Oh, kitten. You’re really going to lie to your cardiologist like that?”

You feel your face getting hot again as Dr. Zayne frowns slightly, his hazel gaze flicking to Sylus’s crimson. “Do you have additional information to share, Mr. Sylus?”

“I really don’t think – ”

Dr. Zayne looks at you over the top of his glasses. He waits silently for you to continue. You breathe in deeply through your nose, clear your throat, and try again.

“What I mean to say, is – ”

“We’re fucking.”

You turn to Sylus, mouth agape in mortification. It feels like someone has turned the temperature up several degrees in Dr. Zayne’s office. “Really, Sylus?” you hiss under your breath.

“I’ll make note of that in your chart. That…could definitely explain the prolonged increases in your heart rate. Are there any other strenuous activities that I should be aware of?” You can see a faint trace of pink spreading across Dr. Zayne’s cheeks and the tips of his ears. He is determinedly not making eye contact with you or Sylus.

“No, I think that’s everything. Sorry to keep you from your lunch, we’ll be going now.” You stand up quickly, intent to usher Sylus out of the room. But when you turn to Sylus, his grin has only grown wider. He’s staring at Dr. Zayne, one of his eyes is faintly glowing red. Dr Zayne has flushed an even deeper shade of pink; his throat bobs as he picks up his reports, still not looking in your direction.

“Now, now, sweetie. Let’s not be hasty. The good doctor still has, what, thirty minutes left of his lunch break? Given that you’ve caused him to worry about you and interrupted his break, don’t you think you should make it up to him?” Sylus cocks his head to the side, and Dr. Zayne’s hands stop shuffling his papers. His gaze drags up slowly until it meets yours, and it looks like he’s momentarily stopped breathing.

The tracker on your wrist gives a cheerful beep, and your placating smile grows increasingly forced. “I’m sure Dr. Zayne would like to return to his lunch in peace, Sylus.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, kitten.” Without so much as lifting a finger, red and black mist gently pulls Zayne – still seated in his chair – around the desk. Zayne’s eyes widen minutely. “Why don’t we give the good doctor a demonstration? So your chart will be accurate, of course.”

“I really don’t think that’s necessary.” You turn away from Dr. Zayne to encourage Sylus to leave the office with you, when you find yourself wrapped in the mist. It tugs you firmly backwards and drops you rather unceremoniously in Dr. Zayne’s lap. His hands lightly catch your shoulders when you collide, and you hear a sharp intake of breath behind you as you try – and fail – to disentangle yourself from your cardiologist’s lap.

“I hardly think this is appropriate.” Dr. Zayne’s voice is cool and collected, but you can feel his heart beating erratically where his chest presses against your back.

“Don’t worry, doc. I’ll make sure you have plausible deniability”. Sylus’s voice is smooth as silk. He slowly rises to his feet and prowls towards you; all you can envision is a panther slinking towards a meal. His eyes lock onto yours, and you can feel your heartbeat speed up as the mist curls around you once more. Your legs are gently pried open, the mist trapping your ankles against Dr. Zayne’s. Dr. Zayne removes his hands from your shoulders and firmly grips the arms of his chair; you can’t see his face, but you can feel his tension in the rigidity of his body.

Sylus stops beside the chair you both occupy, towering over you. He leans down and softly brushes your hair back from your face. He drags his thumb slowly down your jaw, grips your chin, and gently turns your head towards him. As your gaze flickers from his eyes to his mouth, he smirks. With a twinkle in his eye, he presses his lips to yours. You try to resist, but his warm lips and soft touch have your eyelids fluttering shut against your better judgment.

You can feel Dr. Zayne’s soft breath against your cheek. The scent of the two men starts to mingle: Zayne’s cool, crisp mint with Sylus’s warm, rich leather. It’s a heady mix, and you can feel your breath coming a little faster as Sylus deepens the kiss. His tongue slides languorously against your bottom lip, and you part your lips instinctively. Sylus’s tongue sweeps into your mouth, and your tongues do a familiar dance. The moment gets away from you; a gentle moan escapes your lips, and your eyes fly open in horror. You pull back from the kiss and turn, wide-eyed, to Dr. Zayne.

“Shit, Dr. Zayne, I’m really sorry about this.” You awkwardly try to find somewhere to place your hands to push yourself to your feet, and when your hands make contact with Dr. Zayne’s wrists, you inhale sharply and look down. He’s still gripping the arms of the chair firmly, and there’s a thin layer of frost spreading from his palms.

“It seems like the good doctor’s control over his evol is slipping,” Sylus purrs as he stands up straight, letting go of your chin. “Now, I wonder what might be causing that?”

Sylus struts to tower in front of you, waits until you look him in the eyes, and then sinks to his knees in front of you. You hear Dr. Zayne’s breath hitch. Sylus places his hands on your knees, rubbing his thumbs in soothing circles. Those circles slowly make their way under your skirt up your bare thighs, inching higher and higher.

In just a few moments, Sylus’s fingers hook in the gusset of your undergarment, and he stills. “Now, kitten, the choice is yours. Yes or no?” He makes direct eye contact with you, all usual traces of his smirk gone. He waits for you to answer, and you know this is as far as he will push this if you ask him to stop.

“I don’t think Dr. Zayne in interested – ” you start to babble.

Sylus’s eyes dart over your shoulder then back to your face. “I don’t think you need to worry about that, sweetie. He looks awfully…eager for your demonstration.” The smirk starts to re-appear. “How about it, doctor?”

Dr. Zayne roughly clears his throat, and you feel him adjust slightly beneath you. You’re pretty sure you feel him nod behind you. Sylus’s grin widens. He slowly slides his finger up and down, and your breath catches again. Sylus stills once more, arching an eyebrow at you questioningly.

“Alright, fine.” You acquiesce, feeling warmth spread across your cheeks in embarrassment. You’re not used to such…public displays, and your relationship with Dr. Zayne until this point has been strictly professional. You hear a click and look up to see a wisp of mist fading from the door handle; Sylus used his evol to lock the office door. Without breaking eye contact with you, Sylus slips your lacey thong off your hips and down your legs, his hands and the scant fabric passing through the mist still trapping your legs to Dr. Zayne’s like it doesn’t exist.

“My, my, kitten. These are awfully wet, hmm?”

You watch, mortified, as Sylus balls up your used panties, and then reaches behind you to slide them into the breast pocket of Dr. Zayne’s white lab coat. You swear you feel the doctor’s leg twitch slightly underneath you, but he doesn’t say anything.

Sylus’s heated gaze returns to yours, and he maintains eye contact. He leaves one hand on your inner thigh, brushing gentle strokes into your skin with his thumb. He curls the index finger of his other hand and drags it slowly up and down your slick folds, watching hungrily as your eyes widen and your lips part slightly. He repeats the motion again and again, unhurried, only switching his movements when he hears your breath start to become uneven.

“Good girl,” he purrs, pulling his hand away. You make a small noise of protest that quickly fades in shock as Sylus lifts the finger coated in your essence and reaches it behind your head. You hear a distinctly wet noise; Dr. Zayne makes a low noise in his throat, and then the hand is back between your legs. You gasp when the finger, now slicker, glides gently inside of you. Sylus’s other hand stops drawing on your thigh, and he grips your leg gently as he shifts his weight forward. He pushes your skirt up your legs.

You notice Dr. Zayne’s warm breath on your neck at the same moment you feel Sylus’s warm breath much lower. A shiver works its way up your spine, and then Sylus’s tongue makes contact with your skin. Your back arches, your hips pushing towards his mouth. Your upper back presses firmly against Dr. Zayne’s chest. Your hands rush up to tangle into Sylus’s soft hair, pulling him closer, closer.

A moan escapes your lips as Sylus’s finger starts to slowly drag in and out of you, his hot tongue swirling around your clitoris. Your head falls back against Dr. Zayne’s shoulder, your breath coming faster, faster. “Yesss,” you breathe. Your eyes flutter closed, only to snap open when you feel a cool, comforting hand rest tentatively on your shoulder. The graceful fingers curl slightly, applying a little pressure and holding you against his chest.

Sylus notices the movement. He looks up, continuing to move his hand in and out of you at an agonizingly slow pace. He sucks gently at your skin, then withdraws, a grin slowly crossing his face. He rises up, your hands falling to your knees as you pant. He turns your face to his and claims your mouth in a luxuriously possessive kiss; you can taste yourself on his lips and tongue. He removes his hand from between your legs, eliciting a muffled moan from you that is lost in his mouth. You hear another wet noise over your shoulder, and distractedly you realize you’re all tasting the same thing: you. You gasp, and your head falls back on Dr. Zayne’s shoulder again as two wet fingers push themselves inside of you.

Sylus’s grin widens as he watches you try not to fall apart, his fingers stretching you as they glide in and out of your warmth. You feel the hand at your shoulder drag slowly across your collarbone, coming to rest on your opposite shoulder. Dr. Zayne’s grip is gentle, but the weight of his well-toned arm across your chest holds you firmly against his body. You feel Dr. Zayne shift slightly. His breath is a bit ragged, and your eyes go wide as you feel a distinct twitch beneath you. You try to sit up, but his arm holds you in place. All you succeed in doing is accidentally rubbing yourself against Dr. Zayne’s hard length. You hear a sharp intake of breath beside your ear.

Sylus chuckles darkly as he kneels between your legs once more, and then his mouth is on you. One of your hands latches onto Dr. Zayne’s arm, the other tangles in Sylus’s hair. Sylus’s hand moves faster, his tongue circling your clitoris sharply, pulling soft moans from deep within you. He reaches for you with his other hand, grabbing onto your hip and sliding you along Dr. Zayne’s lap, crushing you against his mouth. Dr. Zayne’s breath stutters once more, his hips shifting slightly.

The tracker at your wrist starts to beep, and you feel Sylus grin against your flesh, still working you with his tongue. Dr. Zayne’s grip tightens on your shoulder as you start to grind into Sylus’s fingers, meeting him thrust for thrust. “Yes, kitten, it’s time for you to come undone,” Sylus murmurs. He changes the angle of his wrist, his fingers curling slightly inside of you to press against your most sensitive spot. He hums happily against you, alternating between rhythmic licking and sucking.

You groan louder as you become more desperate, continuing to grind your hips onto Sylus’s mouth and fingers. You feel Dr. Zayne twitch underneath you again. A cool hand gently clamps across your mouth, quieting the volume of your moans. You pant harder as the pleasure builds, your tracker beeping again and again. Sylus sucks on you once, twice. “Come for me, Angel. Dr. Zayne has to get back to work.”

Your legs press open wider, pushing firmly against Dr. Zayne’s. Your hands find the arms of the chair, your grip a vice as your back arches involuntarily. Your eyes roll back, your vision going dark as the pleasure builds to a peak, crashing over you in wave after wave; Dr. Zayne’s hand over your mouth muffles your scream. Your whole body shudders again and again as Sylus continues to caress in and out of you, his tongue firmly stimulating your clitoris. He keeps going at the same speed until he feels your body start to melt, the convulsions coming less frequently. The tracker at your wrist stops beeping. Dr. Zayne removes his hand from your mouth, the fingers from his other hand whispering across your clavicle. His hands settle on your biceps, his touch feather-light.

Sylus eases his fingers out of you, stands up, and tugs the hem of your skirt back to your knees. He drags the back of his hand across his chin and lower lip, taking in the sight before him hungrily. You lie collapsed across Dr. Zayne, your skin luxuriously flushed. Your mouth is open, your breath still coming in sharp pants. He moves closer, stroking the thumb of his clean hand down your cheek. “Well done, kitten.” Holding your gaze, he sucks one of the fingers covered in your juices into his mouth, making an exaggerated slurping noise. Then he turns your head slightly to make you watch as he slides his other finger into Dr. Zayne’s mouth. Your eyes widen as Dr. Zayne’s eyes flutter closed; his cheeks are flushed, and you can see his throat work as he sucks on Sylus’s finger. He swallows once before Sylus removes the finger from his mouth.

Your tracker beeps once more at your wrist, making you jump. Dr. Zayne opens his eyes, his hungry gaze falling to yours. He squeezes your arms ever-so-slightly, and his lips open like he is about to say something.

You hear a sharp knock, and you all freeze. A muffled voice comes from the other side of the door, “Dr. Zayne, are you in there?”

Sylus is the first to recover, his grin stretching wide. “Catch you next time, doc. Hope that’s good enough for her records.” He gathers you up in his arms, lifting you from Dr. Zayne’s lap as if you weigh nothing. The next moment, Sylus’s red and black mist encircles you both, whisking you out of the office and the hospital.

Chapter 2: Consent conversation

Summary:

Several weeks have gone by. You haven’t heard anything from Dr. Zayne, and you’ve been too embarrassed to reach out. Unexpectedly, you receive a voicemail from Dr. Zayne, who has asked you to stop by his office…with your boxing instructor. You and Sylus have a conversation about consent, helping you to decide what it is that you want.

Notes:

No spice in this (short) chapter! Laying the ground-work for bigger and better things.

You sit in stunned silence after listening to the voicemail from your cardiologist, suddenly feeling quite nervous.

Noticing your expression, Sylus comes over and taps the tension crease that has formed between your eyes. “What is it, sweetie? You look like I told you the hunter’s examination is tomorrow.”

“I missed a call from Dr. Zayne. He left a voicemail; he wants us to come into the office when we get a chance…”

“Us?” Sylus questions, tilting his head to the side.

You glance up from the phone in your hand to Sylus, who is regarding you curiously. You sigh. “Well, he said he needs to talk to me and that I should bring my boxing instructor. Do you think we’re in trouble?”

A grin slowly spreads across Sylus’s face. He chuckles, then replies, “Kitten, I don’t think you’re in trouble. I think the doctor is interested in you.”

“What? That’s preposterous. Isn’t that a breach of doctor / patient confidentiality or something?” Your face starts to feel warm. You hastily look away from Sylus’s knowing gaze.

“No, sweetie. That would be if he shares your heart records without your consent.” Sylus sits on the couch beside you, lounging comfortably. He rests his arm along the back of the couch and crosses his ankle over his knee. “This would be a breach of the doctor / patient relationship; it’s more of an ethical problem.”

“Wait, if it’s a problem, does this mean he’s in trouble? Has the hospital somehow found out?”

Sylus regards you thoughtfully before answering, drumming his fingers against the leather. “I doubt it. If someone found out, he likely wouldn’t be calling you in an official capacity from the hospital.”

“Not in an official capacity? …Does that mean he could lose his job?” You say in a small voice, looking back down at your phone. Your shoulders hunch forward slightly as you consider this information.

“Sweetie,” Sylus says gently. His fingers slide across your chin, directing your gaze back to him. “He could lose his license if he’s in an intimate relationship with a patient, yes. But he’s an adult and can make his own choices in that regard. I’m more concerned about you. You’re the patient here, which means the power dynamic between you two is skewed.”

Your brow furrows again. When you don’t respond, Sylus sighs.

“It means you can’t consent to anything sexual with him while he’s your doctor.”

“…Oh,” you reply in a small voice, unsure of what else to say. You think back to the interaction in Dr. Zayne’s office from a few weeks ago, and you can feel your cheeks heating even more. Was that…intimate enough that Dr. Zayne’s could lose his job?

Sylus lets the silence stretch out, brushing your hair back from your face. When it becomes clear you seem lost in your own jumbled thoughts, he tugs you towards his chest. “Do you want my opinion, Angel?” His thumb brushes gentle strokes against your arm as he holds you.

You feel the soothing rumble of his words reverberating in his chest, and the warmth of his skin slowly sinks into yours. You nod.

“You’re an adult, too. And I trust your judgement. Take some time to…think about what it is you want. I’ll support your decision. You could find another doctor – ”

“Find another doctor? But Dr. Zayne is literally the best cardiologist, the leading expert in my condition.” You sit up quickly, and Sylus lets you pull out of his embrace.

“You didn’t let me finish. You could find another doctor, and then the ethical issues disappear. Alternatively…” Sylus stares at your face, trying to judge how you’ll react to the information he’s about to share.

Your eyebrows scrunch together, forming an even deeper crease than before. You wait for him to continue.

“Alternatively, we…could be discreet about it. If you want my assistance, I can help ensure that nothing happens that you don’t explicitly want to have happen.”

You inhale sharply at the connotation of the word ‘we’, and mull his words over before responding. “Is that something you are interested in?”

“This isn’t about me, kitten. Though I’m perfectly comfortable with discussing ground-rules for…whatever this might become between the three of us. But only if you are comfortable pursing this.” Sylus’s hand finds the back of your neck and rubs your hairline soothingly, in the spot he knows helps you relax when you’re feeling overwhelmed. “You don’t have to decide right now. Give me a heads-up on your decision before we meet with Dr. Zayne.”

Chapter 3: The invitation

Summary:

It’s time for your appointment with Dr. Zayne. At his request, you’ve brought along your boxing instructor. You review the medical implications of your nightly boxing routine with Sylus.

Notes:

No spice in this (short) chapter! Laying the ground-work for bigger and better things.

Tap tap tap.

You awkwardly fiddle with the heart tracker on your wrist after you knock, glancing towards Sylus, who is leaning against the wall like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The door opens, and Dr. Zayne appears. You notice the lightest tinge of pink creep across his cheeks as he clears his throat, and his lips seem to curl up ever-so-faintly at the edges.

“Hi, Dr. Zayne,” you say hesitantly, mentally kicking yourself for not preparing a better greeting.

“Angel.” His eyes drift beyond you to Sylus, still lounging. “Sylus. Thank you for coming, please come in.”

As is his custom, he opens the door wider and stands aside to let you enter his office. This time, two chairs sit waiting across the desk from his, and he gestures for you both to sit. As you find your way to your seat, he closes the door, circles behind his desk, and sits down, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

You fiddle with your tracker some more, the movement accidentally drawing Dr. Zayne’s attention. Sylus casually catches your fingers in his hand, soothingly rubbing a thumb across the back of your hand to calm your nerves.

Dr. Zayne glances between the two of you, clears his throat again, and starts into what is clearly a well-rehearsed speech. “I wanted to start today by apologizing to you both for what transpired during our last appointment. It was distinctly unprofessional conduct on my part; I want to assure you that it was out of character for me, and will never – ”

“Before you finish that thought, doc, you might want to hear what Angel has to say.” Sylus lets go of your hand and instead drapes his arm across the back of your chair, looking intently at the cardiologist to check for any small changes that might give away what he is feeling.

Now it’s your turn to clear your throat, and you start with a speech of your own, though it’s sounds far less rehearsed to your ears than Dr. Zayne’s: “Sylus and I have no issues with what happened at the last appointment. I realize…what happened last time might put your job at risk, and I don’t want you to get in any trouble because of me. Or us. Sylus and I have talked about it, and I’m – we’re – interested in…pursuing this further if that’s something you’re agreeable to.” You trail off, notice you’re fiddling with your tracker again, and force yourself to look up at Dr. Zayne.

He's staring at you intently, and you’re not sure what to make of his intent expression. You glance at Sylus, who is looking at Dr. Zayne. You notice one of his eyes is faintly glowing red; he drags his thumb across his lower lip, grinning slightly as he drums the fingers of his other hand on the back of your chair.

You squeeze your legs together, the chiffon of your royal blue skirt fluttering with the movement. When you look at Dr. Zayne, he’s leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, pinching the bridge of his nose. You watch his throat bob a few times, and you swear you can almost hear the wheels turning in his head as he processes what you’ve said.

You sit in the silence, wondering whether there’s something you should say, or if there’s something you should have said differently. The longer your cardiologist takes to respond, the more flustered you get, until it feels like you’re being squeezed uncomfortably tightly. Your tracker emits a faint beep, instantly attracting the attention of both men.

Dr. Zayne breaks the silence, “Let’s put a pin in this conversation for the moment. Angel, the reason I’ve called you back to my office is because I reviewed the last few weeks of your chart and you’ve been having…prolonged heart rate increases. I’m worried that these will negatively affect your heart condition. I assumed that these abnormal recordings were because of your…boxing lessons. Would you like to discuss this with me privately, or would you prefer if Sylus stays with us for the conversation?” He regards you over the top of his glasses, his hands folded neatly on the desk separating you.

“Oh.” You feel your face getting warmer. “Y-yes, I’ve probably been overdoing it at boxing. I’m comfortable with Sylus staying with us.”

 “Noted. Did you want to review the dates and times, or should we assume the recent spikes are from your…lessons?”

You clear your throat awkwardly before answering, “I don’t think we need to review.”

“Alright. In the medical field, what you’re experiencing – increased heart rate – is called tachycardia. This is especially problematic given your medical history, which is why we continuously monitor your heart rate using the tracker on your wrist. What you’re experiencing sounds like sinus tachycardia, or increased heart rate due to external stimulation, like exercise. These episodes can lead to negative outcomes like weakness, fainting, and – in serious cases – your heart could stop beating. Do you understand?” Dr. Zayne is in full-on doctor mode, all business. His hazel gaze didn’t leave your face for even a moment while explaining your condition.

 “Yes, we’ve talked about tachycardia before when I told you I was planning to pursue a career as a hunter.” You sigh, frustrated. “Are my recent reports really that serious? I haven’t noticed any weakness or fainting.”

“It’s not a guarantee that you’ll experience negative outcomes, but given the…frequency of the recent elevations, and your prior history, I think it might be pertinent to talk about some possible preventative options if you wish to continue your…boxing lessons.” Dr. Zayne’s gaze flickers briefly towards Sylus, then back to you. His cheeks have turned slightly pink.

“What do you suggest?” You lean forward, wanting to know more.

Dr. Zayne’s gaze lowers to your lips before he quickly turns towards his computer. “If you continue with strenuous activities and feel like you’re having an extreme reaction, I want you to lie down immediately and put a cold cloth on your face. That might be enough to stimulate your vagus nerve and reduce your heart rate. As for preventative measures, you have a few options, including lifestyle choices like reducing caffeine and alcohol, and ensuring you get sufficient sleep. There are also a few medications we can discuss that might help. Did you catch all of that?”

“Lie down, cold cloth in emergencies. Can we try the lifestyle changes first? I don’t want to take medication if I don’t have to.”

Dr. Zayne nods, typing a few quick notes on his computer. “Noted. We can revisit this in a few weeks at your next appointment to see if it’s helping. Do you have any questions for me?”

You shake your head. “No, you covered some of this before you assigned the tracker, back when I was doing hunter training. Thanks, Dr. Zayne. You’re always looking out for me.”

You notice that his flush deepens at your compliment, and it looks like even his ears have gone a little pink. He clears his throat before turning his piercing gaze on Sylus. “Of course, there are additional lifestyle changes you could consider, like abstaining from activities that would elevate your heart rate to this extent. But if you want to continue your boxing lessons, both of you will need to be on alert in case there are unexpected medical outcomes.”

Sylus nods, as serious as you’ve ever seen him.

“That’s all for today. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you experience any negative symptoms, alright?” Dr. Zayne turns his attention back to you, his brows knitting together in concern.

“Of course. Thanks for meeting with us.” You stand up and turn to leave, but then Sylus stands up and prowls around the desk. Dr. Zayne regards his approach cooly yet curiously.

“If you need to…oversee one of our boxing sessions to monitor Angel’s condition, we’ve been training regularly around 11pm. You’re welcome to join us. If you arrive at 10:30pm, we can have a little chat before we begin.” Sylus pulls a business card out of his pocket and slides it into the breast pocket of Dr. Zayne’s lab coat while making direct eye contact with the doctor. Then he turns on his heel, places a hand gently on your back, and leads you out of the office. You turn your head to look at your cardiologist before leaving, and Dr. Zayne is watching you go. You notice that his hazel eyes have a distinctly ravenous look in them as the door swings shut.

Chapter 4: Just a taste

Summary:

You’ve finished sparring with Sylus for the evening and are looking forward to your post-boxing activities. A surprise text from Dr. Zayne has you nervously preparing for his arrival. The three of you have a conversation on ground-rules, and then the men spend the evening making you feel good.

Notes:

Did someone ask for spice? Enjoy ;)

You take the hand towel Sylus offers you and use it to wipe the sweat off your forehead. You twist your torso at the waist and wince; while Sylus is pulling his punches so as not to cause undue harm, the jabs that make contact still hurt. You’re pretty sure you’re going to have some fresh bruises to add to your collection.

Sylus tosses his own towel in the laundry basket, has a mouthful of water, and grabs his phone off the counter. “Mm, now that’s interesting,” Sylus murmurs. You look at him quizzically and he passes his phone to you.

You stare in shock at the text message on the screen. It’s from a number that’s not saved in Sylus’s phone: <Are you sparring tonight?>

“Who’s that from?” You ask, curious.

“My guess is it’s your cardiologist. What would you like me to answer, kitten?” One side of Sylus’s mouth slides upwards, and he watches you intently.

“Well, I think we should tell him we just finished,” you reply, running the towel down the side of your neck.

“Sweetie,” Sylus croons patiently, “I think he knows we’re done sparring for the night, given that it’s almost 9:00pm and the message just came in. He has access to your records, remember? We’ve been boxing every night at the same time.”

“Oh, right. So does that mean he’s asking about…?” You trail off as you hand his phone back.

“You can say sex, Angel. It’s not a dirty word.” Sylus chastises you, taking another swig of water. “That would be my guess, yes.”

“What should we say?” You ask, fiddling with your tracker distractedly.

“That depends what you’re looking for.” Sylus effortlessly bats the metaphorical ball back into your court, leaving the decision up to you.

You pause to consider. While the prospect makes you nervous, if you’re being honest with yourself, you’re also excited to see where this might lead. “I’m…up for that, I think.”

“Sure. I can handle this part if you want?” Sylus tilts his head to the side, and when you nod he reaches out and squeezes your hand. “You can run upstairs and shower, I’ll be there shortly.”

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

“What’s wrong, kitten?” Sylus asks from the other room when you sigh in frustration.

“I don’t know what to wear,” you grumble from the walk-in closet, looking at the options you’ve narrowed down.

Sylus walks in and gently pulls your fingers away from your tracker, rubbing soothing circles into the back of your hand. His eyes glance over the options: a sleek, floor-length black dress with an open back, a off-the-shoulder knee-length red dress with black embroidered roses, and a green knit turtleneck with a short black skirt.

“Do you want my opinion?” Sylus asks as he opens a drawer.

“Yes, please.”

“The red dress. With these.” He hands you a black gift bag with red tissue paper sticking out the top. You take the bag questioningly. He caresses your jaw with his thumb, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly as he looks down at you. Then he tucks his thumbs into the pockets of his perfectly tailored black slacks and leans against the wall, waiting.

You pull a gold box out of the bag, opening it to find a strappy pair of black heels inside. You pick up one of the shoes and gasp, noticing that the sole is a decadent red that exactly matches the dress you had picked out. “Sylus, these are too much,” you whisper softly.

“Nothing’s too much for you, love. I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready.” Sylus pushes off from the wall and presses a gentle kiss to your temple before walking out of the closet and the room.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

You carefully descend the stairs a few minutes later. You can hear the soft rumble of voices from the foyer; both men turn to look at you when they hear your approach, falling silent. Sylus sweeps towards you, offering you his hand to help you descend the last few steps. When you reach the floor, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to your lips. When he draws back, he murmurs, “You look gorgeous, kitten.”

You smile warmly at Sylus, then turn to greet Dr. Zayne. “Good evening, Dr. Zayne. I’m glad you could make it.”

His gaze quickly flickers down your body, and when he meets your gaze his throat bobs. “Good evening, Angel. Sylus. Thank you for inviting me.”

You smile in what you hope is an encouraging fashion, noticing that Dr. Zayne appears to have dressed up for the occasion; he’s wearing grey slacks and a black button-up with the top few buttons open. “Are you wearing contacts?” You ask, surprised, realizing you’ve never seen him without his glasses before.

“Yes. I wear glasses with a blue light shield at work to reduce eye strain, but when I’m not working sometimes it’s nice not to have to bother with them.” He fidgets with his cufflink, appearing pleased that you noticed.

“Shall we move to the drawing room?” Sylus beckons, already on the move before he receives a reply. He places a hand on your waist and leads you into the next room, leaving Dr. Zayne to follow.

Sylus guides you into one of the plush armchairs before pouring three glasses of ice water from the pitcher on the table. He hands one to you, passes one to Dr. Zayne, then seats himself on the couch, tossing one of his arms across the back and crossing his ankle across his knee. Dr. Zayne sits across from you in the matching armchair.

“We’re all adults here, so let’s get to the point, shall we? You didn’t come to watch a boxing lesson, did you, Dr. Zayne?” Sylus inspects the fingernails on his left hand casually.

“…No, I didn’t. And I think, given the circumstances, you can both call me Zayne.”

“Great, Zayne it is.” Sylus picks a speck of non-existent dust off his red dress shirt before uncrossing his legs, leaning forward, and making direct eye contact with the cardiologist. “So it’s time to set some ground rules. I want to make sure we keep this safe, sane, and consensual. Obviously, there’s the elephant in the room about that last one, but you and I are going to check in with Angel to make sure she’s comfortable with anything and everything that happens. Got that?”

Zayne nods, keeping eye contact with Sylus the entire time.

“We’ll use the traffic light system, are you familiar with that?”

Zayne nods again.

Sylus starts to smile, eyes flicking to you then back to Zayne. “Interesting. I assumed you were…more on the vanilla side, doc.”

Zayne rubs his jaw, glancing at you before looking back to Sylus. “Not particularly,” he replies.

“Got it. We can work up to that. I think we all agree it’s best to keep this discreet. If we mutually agree we want to do this again, you contact me, not her. Yes?”

“Agreed.”

“Anything I missed, Angel?” Sylus turns his full attention to you.

You blink, a little taken aback since you had already discussed this entire interaction with Sylus and you’re pretty sure he covered everything. “Hard and soft limits?”

“So eager, kitten. I think we can cover that next time; we’ll take things slow tonight. Okay?” You nod. “Then I suppose it’s time for you to come here.” Sylus slides to the couch cushion closest to you and pats the middle seat, eyes watching your every move as you set down your glass. You sidle over and cozy up to him under his outstretched arm.

He looks towards Zayne and gestures to the open seat on your other side. Zayne sets down his glass, stands up, and approaches somewhat hesitantly. He sits on the couch beside you at a respectful distance. He reaches his hand towards you leg but pauses before making contact. “May I touch you here?”

You nod, a little shy. His cool fingers make contact with your bare knee, and you shiver slightly at his touch. Sylus’s warm hand brushes lightly across your bare shoulder, providing a stark temperature contrast. “I’ve…never been with two people at the same time before,” you admit with hesitation.

Sylus’s smirk deepens. “Don’t worry, sweetie. We’ll take care of you. Like I said, we’ll take things slow. Let us make tonight all about you, hmm?”

You nod again and lean back into the couch, trying to find a comfortable position. Sylus’s hand curves to your jaw, and he leans down to connect his lips with yours. The kiss is gentle, unhurried. You let him guide you, opening your lips when he opens his, tangling tongues when his seeks entrance to your mouth. His hand sweeps down to your neck, and you make a small, happy noise in your throat. When your lips separate, he seems annoyingly calm and collected, whereas you feel flustered, your breathing coming heavier than before. Sylus brushes your jaw with his thumb before leaning away, his soft smile devastating.

“Colour?” Sylus asks, his low voice a gentle rumble.

“Green,” you breathe, reaching up to touch his face. He kisses your palm, then flicks his eyes towards Zayne, silently signaling that you should shift your attention.

You turn your gaze to Zayne, and he is watching you hungrily. His hand still rests lightly on your leg, rubbing cautious circles on and around your knee. His lips turn upwards, a little strained. You turn more fully toward him and reach a hand tentatively towards his face. He watches the movement, and when your fingers make light contact with his jaw, he relaxes, sighs softly, closes his eyes, and leans into the touch.

You feel a subtle nudge from Sylus, an invitation. You lean forward slowly, breathing in Zayne’s scent. He opens his eyes part-way to watch you come closer, his lips parting slightly. You can hear him inhale just before your lips press against his, and your eyes flutter closed. Both of his hands settle on your face, his touch feather-light but commanding. His kiss is intense, searching; he angles your head to the side and deepens the kiss, his soft lips moving against yours. He swallows your small gasp, then pulls away. You open your eyes, surprised he cut the kiss so short; he didn’t even brush his tongue against your lips.

His piercing gaze searches yours, looking for any sign of hesitation or discomfort. “Colour?”

“Green.” You smile at him shyly.

It’s like flipping a light-switch, his earlier hesitation melting away. You feel your breath catch in your throat in surprise as his hands press into your waist, sliding you backwards into Sylus’s chest. Zayne closes the distance between you quickly, his lips pressing into yours with more force than before. Sylus’s chuckle rumbles through you, his hands snaking around your body to rest on your hips.

This time, when Zayne’s lips collide against yours, you feel his tongue asking for entrance. His hands on your waist squeeze gently, and you can feel more than hear his quiet moan as you part your lips for him. When he pulls away several heavy breaths later, you notice the flush across his cheeks.

He’s staring at your own flushed face, his gaze lingering on your lips before raking down your body to your heaving breasts. A slight grin crosses his face, and his hands squeeze your waist gently again when he asks: “Colour?”

You barely resist the urge to roll your eyes. “Green.”

You can feel Sylus huff a laugh behind you. He brushes your hair back to press a kiss against your neck before he shifts, sliding one leg on either side of you. Zayne’s hands fall away from you as Sylus leans back against the arm of the couch, pulling you around so that your chest brushes his. He places a finger under your chin, turning your face towards his own. He looks at you tenderly and places a single kiss to your lips. “Ready, Angel?”

You swallow, but nod. His signature smirk slides into view. “That’s my girl.” He flips you around, draping an arm possessively across your stomach. The weight of it presses you snugly against his torso, and your eyes widen slightly as you feel his erection press against your back. You didn’t expect him to be so enthusiastic.

Zayne gives you a small smile as he backs away, his cool touch landing softly on your ankle. You hum, sinking further into Sylus’s embrace. Zayne’s hands glide over your skin, massaging one calf deftly before raising your leg and pressing a soft kiss to your ankle. He places your leg down on top of Sylus’s and switches his ministrations to your other leg, massaging the calf up and down before he lifts the leg gently towards his mouth. Your breath catches in your throat when you feel his tongue on your skin before it is replaced by his lips. He lowers your leg onto Sylus’s. Zayne’s fingers drag slowly from the tips of your shoes up your ankles, up your calves.

He stops moving when his hands reach your knees, still as a statue except for the gentle rise and fall of his chest. You realize he’s waiting for your consent before moving further; you nod ever so slightly. Without taking his gaze from yours, his hands slip under the hem of your dress. He gently massages your thighs, moving higher and higher up your legs with each precise pass of his hands. His eye contact is intense, only breaking when his fingers gently brush against the bare skin of your hips. His gaze flits back to yours, and you hear him groan slightly. “No panties?”

Sylus’s arm tightens around your waist as he chuckles thickly. “What a naughty kitten…”

Zayne’s eyes burn into yours like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. “May I taste you?”

You feel your heart stutter, and the tracker on your wrist beeps faintly. Zayne ignores it. You nod, and again it’s like someone has flipped a light-switch. He pushes the skirt of your dress up so it pools around your waist, and he practically dives between your legs. His hands slide under you, gripping your hips and firmly pulling you upwards towards his waiting mouth. You gasp when you feel him moan against your flesh. His tongue laps against your folds, travelling higher until he’s circling your clitoris with practiced ease.

You feel Sylus’s hands start to move. You lean your head back against his shoulder, closing your eyes to better feel all points of contact. Your breath rushes from your lips in light pants. Sylus gently nudges the fabric of your dress further down your shoulders, freeing your breasts to the cooler air. His hands lazily caress your skin, and he presses a kiss to your hair.

“Colour check, sweetie,” he whispers in your ear.

Your hand latches onto one of his forearms as you gasp, Zayne’s tongue doing another precise swirl. Your back arches slightly, and Sylus chuckles.

“I suppose I can take that as a green.” His hands continue to caress across your breasts, gently squeezing them together. He rubs a thumb over each nipple once, twice, three times, then rolls them between his thumb and forefinger. He tugs on them, pressing another kiss to your hair. “I love hearing you pant.”

Zayne sucks on you gently, presses a kiss to your thigh, and raises his head. You open your eyes at the loss of contact, and see his gaze frozen on your breasts. Sylus gives your nipples another leisurely tug, and Zayne tears his gaze away to look at your face. His pupils have dilated, and his breath is a little shaky.

You reach for him, hands fisting in his shirt. You tug him towards you wordlessly. Your lips meet. Your skin feels hot. You feel four hands on you, kneading your flesh. Zayne’s hands have warmed with the constant contact with your skin, and you can’t tell whose hands are where as they press and squeeze your body. Zayne greedily swallows the moan that falls from your lips.

When Zayne pulls back, he lifts his right hand to your lips, the ghost of a smile on his face. Your eyes widen as he gently slides two of his fingers into your mouth, pressing them in most of the way and sliding them back and forth across your tongue. When he removes his fingers, he quickly licks his thumb before lowering his hand between your legs.

“Yes?” He asks simply, his slick fingers hovering at your entrance, waiting.

“Yes,” you breathe. He coaxes another moan out of you by pressing just the tips of his fingers inside. He deftly swirls his thumb over your clitoris.

Sylus presses your breasts together, catching Zayne’s attention. He leans forward, sucks one of your nipples into his mouth, then gently grazes his teeth over the sensitive skin. All things in balance, he switches to the other nipple and repeats the motion before lowing his mouth back to your clitoris.

He slides his fingers partially in and out several times to ensure no discomfort, circling his tongue around your clit again and again. When he hears you start to pant once more, he slides his fingers all the way in, pausing for a moment as he sucks on your tender flesh. Then, he sets a gentle but agonizing pace, curling his fingers upwards and dragging the pads of his fingers across your upper wall every time his fingers almost leave your body.

“Fuck, Zayne,” you murmur, leaning your head back on Sylus’s shoulder. Sylus tilts your mouth towards his, claiming you with a kiss. He catches your next moan, and you can feel his lips curve into a smile as he kisses you slowly, palming your breast. “Sylus,” you whimper between your gasps as his lips leave yours. Your tracker starts to beep at your wrist.

“Yes, sweetie?” You can hear the grin in his voice as you drop your head back to his shoulder, trying to keep your muscles from spasming.

“Feels good,” you mumble, almost incoherent.

“She’s getting close, doc. Give her a light nibble.”

You groan, the loudest noise of the evening as Zayne follows Sylus’s instruction. You can feel his laughter brush across your skin, and then his hand starts moving in earnest. “…Oh. Oh. Oh fuck.” You grind your hips down against his hand, your moans echoing unabashedly through the room as you feel your orgasm approaching. Your tracker continues to beep, signalling that your heart rate has sky-rocketed.

Sylus palms your breasts more firmly now, squeezing and pinching and pulling at just the right intensity. “Yes, that’s it. Louder, sweetheart, we want to hear you.” His warm breath tickles your ear and trails down your over-heated neck.

Zayne doesn’t let up for even a moment, his pace relentless and consistent. Your moans grow in intensity, louder with each expert thrust of his fingers. With one more graze of his teeth and a sharp suck, your back arches severely and your eyes roll back. You cry out harshly as you feel the pleasure rip through your body.

“Keep going, Zayne. Same speed.” You hear Sylus call out, as if from far away. The intensity is still there, and Zayne keeps his pace steady, unyielding. You feel the pressure mounting again, surpassing your first climax which hasn’t subsided yet. You reach out and grip onto the fabric below your hips tightly, fisting the material in your hands as your moans turn into guttural screams. The tracker on your wrist beeps over and over. Your chest strains upwards into Sylus’s rough grip as you grind your hips downwards, searching for more friction. You’re met with a firm suck of your overstimulated clitoris, which causes your mind to blank; all thoughts fall away as your body shivers violently, another keening cry ripped from your now-raw throat.

You feel Sylus’s hands leave your breasts, glide down your torso, and latch onto your hips. His hands guide your body through your high, rocking your hips down again and again onto Zayne’s fingers.

“That’s it. Let it out.” Sylus murmurs sweet nothings in your ear, continuing to direct your hips with force until he feels your muscles stop spasming. His movements still when your body sinks into his, spent.

There’s a brief pause, then, so slowly it makes you groan, you feel Zayne ease his fingers out of you. He turns his head slightly to press a gentle kiss to your thigh, causing another tremor to ripple through your muscles. You unclench your fists, realizing hazily that you had latched onto Sylus’s pants during your climax. Zayne sits up and settles backwards, his gaze locked onto you. You’re still panting, your breasts heaving. Your dress is in disarray, your skin glossed in a fine layer of sweat.

“He wants you to look at him, Angel,” you hear Sylus whisper in your ear.

The movement takes far more effort than you ever thought possible, but you manage to open your eyes to look at Zayne. His lips and chin glisten, his gaze on you is heavy. Your eyes flicker to the sizable bulge in his grey slacks, before his movement reels your attention back upwards. He raises his hand, turns his palm towards you, and draws the backs of his dripping fingers across his tongue one at a time. You feel an unmistakable twitch against your back, and your breath catches as he twists his wrist and sucks the digits into his mouth.

You feel another aftershock take hold, your muscles involuntarily tense and release. You groan weakly; your eyes flutter closed. The amount of time between tracker beeps lengthens as your heart rate and breathing slowly return to normal.

Chapter 5: Getting serious

Summary:

After another literal taste of you, it appears Zayne can’t get enough.

Notes:

This chapter was an absolute BEAST to write..! I've updated the tags to reflect the new content. Zayne fans, dig in!

Don't worry, Sylus fans! You get your spice in the next chapter.

Happy reading ;)

Just a few days after you writhed on the couch sandwiched between Sylus’s chest and Zayne’s mouth, you find yourself descending the stairs again. Zayne had reached out to Sylus via text, and you had accepted the invitation for him to join the two of you that evening.

You had just finished getting dressed a few moments ago, donning a strappy black lingerie set under a soft, cream-coloured sweater dress. And, of course, the heels Sylus had gifted you a few days prior.

The hushed voices in the front hall fall silent as you come into view, the clicking of your heels against the stairs signaling your approach. Before you can say anything, Sylus is there, lifting your hand from the railing to guide you down the last few steps. “Hello, gorgeous.” The compliment, delivered in his signature soothing rumble, makes you smile. His eyes crinkle as he presses a kiss to your temple.

Zayne floats forward, gently grasps the fingers of your free hand, hinges forward at the waist, and presses a kiss lightly against your knuckles. “You look beautiful this evening,” he murmurs as he straightens.

You look back and forth between the two of them. Sylus is wearing an all-black ensemble this evening, the silver embroidery shimmering slightly when he moves. Zayne must have just arrived; he’s still wearing his grey wool trench coat over a classic black turtleneck and black slacks. “You both look handsome tonight, too.”

Sylus smirks at the compliment, whereas Zayne’s pale cheeks flush a pretty pink.

Sylus tugs you gently along to the sitting room, and Zayne follows. As before, Sylus leads you to one armchair, pours everyone a glass of ice water, then settles on the couch. Zayne rests his coat on the other armchair and sits down primly, taking the offered glass of water with a polite murmur of thanks.

Sylus takes the lead in the conversation again. “So, Zayne, since you’re back we’re assuming that means you’re interested in…taking things a step further. Yes?”

Zayne nods in response.

“Mm. Last time we covered ground rules. All of that still applies. If we’re going further, this is where I think it makes sense to discuss hard and soft limits, so we’re all familiar with what’s off the table. Yes?” Sylus’s crimson gaze shifts between you and Zayne; you both nod. “Excellent. My hard limit is anything that might cause permanent damage to Angel, including physical or emotional damage.”

You blink slowly and take a sip of your water, a little surprised about the wording. “What about you, Sylus?”

“I’m pretty hard to damage, as you know. If it makes you more comfortable, we can say anything that might cause ‘permanent’ damage to me is a soft limit, sweetie.”

Zayne blinks, ensuring there is a suitable pause in the discussion before sharing. “Agreed. I have several hard limits. Nothing in public, given the…nature of our relationship. No photo or video evidence of our activities. Nothing that causes lasting marks that would be visible in a workplace setting. And nothing involving defecation or urination.”

You and Sylus both nod at Zayne’s list. Just like the man himself, Zayne’s list is practical and logical. Both men look to you, and you can feel your cheeks warm a little under their scrutiny.

“Hard limits: electro-stimulation and unexpected cumshots. My soft limit is a bit more nuanced, and it’s mostly about humiliation.” Your gaze flicks to Sylus, who smiles gently in encouragement. When you look back to Zayne, he’s watching you intently, like he doesn’t need to blink. “Sylus is familiar with that already, and we’ve been…trying some things out to see what all’s included. Spitting, mocking, criticism, and body-writing are all on the ‘no’ list.”

Zayne inclines his head slightly in response to your declaration, his gaze not leaving your face.

All business, Sylus cuts back in, “Any other limits to discuss?”

“None that come to mind,” Zayne replies, taking a drink of his water.

“Kitten?” You tear your gaze away from Zayne to look at Sylus. He’s smirking at you, lightly drumming his fingers against the back of the couch.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Excellent. I’m a bit more on the dominant side, she’s a bit more on the submissive side. Depends on how we’re feeling. As before, though, what Angel says goes; you and I are going to be checking in to make sure she’s comfortable with everything that’s happening. Yes?”

“Of course. I’m a vers switch.” Zayne leans back in his chair, taking another swig of water.

You tilt your head to the side, eyebrows drawing together as you watch Zayne fiddle with the cuff of his turtleneck.

Sylus chuckles softly at your confused expression before explaining. “I think you know switch, kitten; that means he’ll be dominant or submissive, like what we’ve been doing. Vers means he’ll either give or receive penetration.”

You feel your eyebrows shoot up and try to school your face into something more neutral. “Oh,” is all you manage to say.

“‘Oh’, indeed.” Sylus rubs a thumb thoughtfully over his jaw before swallowing a mouthful of water. He sets his glass on the table, stands up, and offers his hand to help you to your feet. “Shall we?” He says, sweeping you out of the room.

The two of you ascend the staircase, Zayne trailing a few steps behind. Sylus leads you both down the hall to the room at the end, opening the door and flicking on the lights.

You hear Zayne snort as he enters, and you turn to face him, surprised. “What’s so funny?”

“Please excuse me, that wasn’t polite. It’s just so very…typical.”

Sylus turns slowly towards Zayne, crossing his arms across his broad chest and arching one eyebrow in silent warning.

Zayne fumbles a little for words before gesturing broadly to the room. “Everything is black and red. Absolutely massive four-poster bed. Leather furniture. Fireplace. It’s very…decadent maximalist sex dungeon. Where’s the red mood lighting switch?”

Sylus grins impossibly wide. He shuts the door, turns of the overhead lights, and flicks a different switch to activate the red lights. “‘Decadent maximalist sex dungeon’, I like it. Kitten, do you think we should get that on a neon sign?”

Zayne tries – unsuccessfully – to cover his next snort with a cough.

“Have a look around, doc. Most of the toys are in the cabinet by the bed.” Sylus switches the lights back to normal, then waves Zayne off as he turns to you. And – oh – his gaze is simmering.

He prowls towards you slowly, reaching out to glide his hands up and down your arms. “How are you doing?”

You blink at him shyly. “Fine,” you answer quietly, twisting the tracker on your wrist.

He raises an eyebrow, silently waiting.

You huff a little. “Okay, okay. A little nervous.”

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, sweetheart. We’ll take this as slow as you need. Can I kiss you?” His gaze is all-consuming, and you feel like he can see all of you at once: every nervous habit, every second thought, every self-conscious movement.

You nod, then gasp when he immediately scoops you up in his arms. His lips are on your neck, your jaw, your cheek, and then, finally, your lips. You hardly notice that he’s in motion – carrying you to the bed – until he sits down with you across his lap. His lips leave yours to press another kiss to your jaw, and you giggle “Hey! That tickles,” when he slides his tongue up your neck.

You can feel his smile as he hums against your neck. “Oh? This tickles?” He does it again, and this time you tip your head back slightly and let out a small sigh.

You hear Zayne clear his throat as he sits down beside Sylus. “May I?” he asks, gesturing towards your legs. You nod, and he slides your feet into his lap, carefully undoing the clasp on one shoe, then the other. His hands are chilly, and you shiver slightly as his fingers whisper over your skin. He slides the heels carefully off your feet, leans over, and places them neatly upright on the bedside table.

You watch as he sits up and reaches gently, reverently, towards your foot. He massages the ball first – firmly but not painfully – before sliding his hand slowly up the arch. He moves with unhurried grace, and you soon find yourself relaxing at his touch. He lightly traces the pad of his his finger across your toes. “Raspberry?” He asks curiously.

You hum softly, impressed that he noticed such a small detail. “My favourite colour.” He makes a low noise in his throat, then returns to massaging your foot with meticulous strokes.

Sylus places his hand along your jaw, turning your face towards his to claim your lips with a passionate kiss. When he breaks away a few heavy breaths later, he stares directly into your eyes as he asks, “How are you feeling?”

“Excellent,” you reply, grinning gently at him.

“Mm,” he hums, running a hand down your body to slip a finger just under the hem of your sweater-dress.

Understanding his train of thought, you feel a little self-conscious. “Could you…dim the lights a little?” You feel Zayne’s hands pause their ministrations briefly before he continues to massage the arch of your foot.

With an unnecessary snap of his fingers, Sylus sends a wisp of black and red mist to hit the switch by the door. The overhead lighting turns off completely, plunging the room into total darkness momentarily. With another snap, he turns the matching lamps on opposite sides of the bed on low, making the space feel instantly more intimate.

“Better?” Sylus smiles gently, his hand a warm, comforting weight on your inner thigh.

You nod. “Thanks for the foot massage, Zayne,” you intone quietly as you slip your feet off his lap and onto the floor. Both Zayne and Sylus let you slide away without complaint, watching as you stand. You turn your back to them as you pull your dress over your head, dropping it unceremoniously to the floor. You hear a sharp inhale, almost a gasp, from Zayne, and Sylus rumbles gently; you’re standing just inches away from them in nothing but your strappy lingerie.

You hold still, expecting at least one hand to reach forward to pull you back. You shift your weight, feeling a little awkward when neither of them touches you.

“Turn around for us, kitten?”

You rotate slowly. Sylus is lounging, leaning back on the bed with his weight on his elbows; if his crimson gaze was simmering before, now it’s burning. His eyes travel slowly down your body, then back up, and he grins at you before tilting his head in Zayne’s direction.

When you turn to Zayne, he’s frozen in the same position as when your feet were still in his lap. His attention is caught on your torso, and his gaze is hard. A quick glance at his clenched hands shows fractals of frost creeping along his fingertips.

“Er…Zayne? Is everything okay?”

Zayne rounds on Sylus, ignoring your question. “I thought you said no permanent damage. What the fuck are those?” He hisses, gesturing in your direction.

You swallow and glance down at yourself, finally realizing what has the doctor all worked up. You’re littered in bruises from your boxing sessions with Sylus; they’re in varying states of healing, leaving your torso mottled in different colours. You think back to a few days ago, belatedly realizing that your dress must have hidden most of them from sight when Zayne went down on you.

“Zayne, it’s okay. They’re from boxing. They don’t even hurt.” Zayne continues to glare at Sylus, who stares back with an unspoken challenge in his eyes.

Zayne turns away from Sylus in disgust. He stands and moves towards you. “May I?” He asks quietly but firmly, gesturing towards a fresh purple bruise on your ribcage. You nod. His hand, frigid with the loss of control over his evol, makes gentle contact with your skin. You hiss quietly and draw away, eliciting a concerned look from Zayne.

“Your hands are freezing.”

He grimaces, quickly rubbing his hands together before reaching forward again. His sure fingers, still cool, press into your skin. “I’m assessing the damage. Tell me if anything hurts.” He checks the worst spots with gentle prods, then pulls away when you don’t react or say anything.

“I have a high pain tolerance, and Sylus is still pulling his punches. I’m okay, I promise.” You smile at him, and he returns the gesture, a little strained. “You don’t have to be my doctor here, everything’s okay.”

He closes his eyes, pinches the bridge of his nose, inhales deeply, holds it, then lets it out in a quiet burst. He opens his eyes and looks down at you. “You’re right. Promise me you’ll seek appropriate medical attention if you need it?”

“Of course.”

You’re distracted by a rustling noise, and a moment later, Sylus’s shirt sails past the two of you to land on top of your dress.

Zayne turns his head, eyes travelling clinically across Sylus’s generous chest and well-defined abs. “I notice you’re not littered with bruises,” Zayne enunciates with barely-contained restraint.

Sylus smirks as he stands. “I heal a lot quicker than she does.”  

Zayne makes a non-committal noise in his throat, his gaze lingering on Sylus’s chest for another moment before turning his attention back to you. “How are you feeling, Angel? I understand if this ruined the mood for – ”

“Oh, hush.” With sudden boldness, you grab the hem of Zayne’s turtleneck and tug him towards you, angling your head upwards for a kiss. Surprised, he lets himself be pulled forward, his hands coming to rest on your biceps. He closes his eyes as your lips touch, sighing gently into your mouth as you kiss him.

You feel warm hands on your hips, and realize absently that Sylus has circled behind you. You feel the gentle graze of his teeth where your neck meets your shoulder, and you moan lightly in response. Zayne’s hands grip your arms a little more firmly, and his kiss becomes more insistent, more searching. Your tongues meet, and one of his hands comes up to gently cup your face.

You nip at his lower lip, and he pulls away, surprised. You’re about to apologize, but then his gaze morphs into something hungrier, something darker. His hand on your cheek snakes backwards, fingers entwining in the hair at the nape of your neck. With a firm tug, he pulls your head back; you gasp as his lips collide with yours. He holds you in place and sucks your tongue into his mouth, directing the kiss while you cling to him.

Sylus chuckles, and you feel his warmth move away. You distractedly hear a drawer open, then close. A moment later, two sharp taps across your buttocks cause you to inhale sharply.

Zayne breaks off the kiss and looks down behind you, releasing your hair.

“Kneel, kitten.” Sylus’s voice is a quiet rumble, gentle but firm.

You look over your shoulder at Sylus, who’s standing with a riding crop in hand. The light paints his one side exquisitely, the shadows emphasizing his toned muscles. You start to turn towards him, but his hand whips out to firmly grasp the back of your neck.

“Ah, ah, ah. I said kneel.” His voice is firmer now, but not unkind. The crop makes gentle contact with the backs of your knees. You look up at Zayne, and he’s watching your face intently, analyzing the dynamic based on your response. You slowly sink to your knees, your hands dragging down Zayne’s torso, then hips, then legs. Sylus lets go of your neck as you descend, and your knees make contact with the plush red carpet. “Have a seat, doc.”

Zayne’s gaze is molten, taking in the sight of you on your knees in front of him like you might vanish at any moment. You watch his throat bob as he swallows; he seems to be having an internal struggle, but he doesn’t say anything. Slowly, so slowly, he backs up until his calves hit the bed. He sinks down, knees parted slightly.

You hear the gentle scrape of a chair, and Sylus’s thighs brush your arms as he sits directly behind you. “Good girl,” he praises softly. He places the crop under your breasts, applying just a little pressure on both ends to pull your torso snuggly against him. He leans forward, caging you in with his body. You feel his jaw brush your ear as he rumbles another command: “Crawl to him.”

Your breath catches, and your tracker beeps.

He hesitates slightly. “Colour check.”

“Green? I think?”

“You can handle it. Go on, sweetie.” He nips your earlobe gently before withdrawing, pulling the crop away.

You swear all the air leaves Zayne’s lungs as you hit all fours, tilting your head back to hold his gaze as you crawl towards him. You shake your hips a little more than you strictly need to, and you hear Sylus chuckle darkly behind you.

When your reach Zayne’s legs, Sylus taps your foot gently with the riding crop. You look back at him, but he’s not looking at you; he’s rubbing his jaw with one hand, his eye glowing as he watches Zayne watch you.

“Untie his shoes and take them off.”

You hesitate a moment, then get to work. When you’ve got both of his high-shine black Oxfords removed, you reach over and place them neatly by the nightstand.

You feel the light tap of the crop on your foot again, and Sylus’s voice is honeyed as he instructs you. “Up on your knees.” You turn back to Zayne and comply, placing your hands lightly on his knees. Zayne looks like he’s holding his breath. “Undo his belt.”

Your eyes widen, and Zayne has that molten look in his eyes as he watches your face. He reaches out to gently rub his thumb across your cheek, smiling softly at you. “Only if you want to.” You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, then glance down at his hips. He leans back to give you easier access, supporting his weight with his hands.

You reach forward and make quick work of his belt, letting it hang open. Your eyes flicker to his face, but he doesn’t seem uncomfortable. You steel yourself and undo the button, lower the zipper, and then reach up to the waistband. Zayne’s eyebrows raise, but he doesn’t say anything as he lifts his hips. You tug his slacks down his legs, noticing with a flutter how toned his legs look; you’ve never seen this much of his skin before. When you’ve got his pants off, you turn and toss them on the growing pile of discarded clothes before turning back forwards.

You pause to look up to Zayne; he’s still leaning back slightly, watching you, and he frowns at your hesitation. He leans forward and caresses your cheek so softly you wonder absently if he thinks he’s going to break you if he’s too rough. “Come here.” His tone is gentle, not commanding. He presses his lips to yours, soft as a whisper. Your eyes flutter closed, and you feel his hand come to rest lightly on one of yours. Giving you every opportunity to pull away, he guides your hand slowly, so slowly, from his knee to his thigh. He continues to kiss you as he directs your hand even higher, until your fingers brush the silky fabric of his black boxer briefs.

You release a shaky breath, which he notices. He breaks away from the kiss and leans his forehead against yours; his breath is unsteady. “Do you want to see what you do to me?” He whispers, his voice hoarser than you’ve ever heard it. He waits patiently for you to close the last bit of distance, and when your hand brushes against his generous erection, he closes his eyes and bites back a moan. You’ve never seen him like this before, his control slipping away.

Bolder, driven by his reaction, you start to palm him through the thin fabric. His hands fall away from you as he leans back once more, giving you access to touch him however you want. He tips his head backwards, breathing deeply.

You hear Sylus’s quiet, deep chuckle rumble behind you, then feel the tip of the crop caress down your back. It slides back upwards, brushes across your shoulder, then taps twice in quick succession; an unspoken directive you can choose to follow.

You bite your lip but reach forwards and tug the fabric down and away, the motion quick so you don’t lose your nerve.

“Shit, Zayne.” You feel his gaze on you, but you can’t tear your attention away from his groin. He’s larger than you expected, and this close you can clearly see a large, protruding vein along the underside of his cock. You swallow, feeling frozen to the spot.

He doesn’t move a muscle. When you finally look up at him, he’s watching you with a crooked grin on his face. “You’re pretty when you blush for me.”

You feel your cheeks heat even more, and Sylus chuckles behind you. “Keep going, kitten,” he encourages.

You swallow again, then reach forward tentatively. You brush your fingers lightly up and down his length; Zayne lets out a breath somewhere between a sigh and a moan, tipping his head back once more. His skin is impossibly soft; intrigued, you brush your fingers against him once more before you grasp the head in your hand.

He mumbles a curse, and you feel him twitch in your hand. You hesitate, looking back to his face.

As if sensing you looking at him, his eyes open. “You hand is so soft,” he breathes. “May I?”

You nod. He covers your hand with his own and directs your movement, applying a light pressure all the way down then up his length. In just a few passes of your hand, his breathing is sharp. His molten gaze doesn’t leave your face.

Without noticing his approach, Sylus is suddenly towering behind you. He crouches down and leans to whisper in your ear. “Looks like you’ve got the good doctor all worked up, sweetie. What do you want to do about that?” You can hear the grin in his voice. He trails the head of the crop down your back, making you shiver. It slides over your butt, down the back of your leg, and then you feel him tap it back and forth in the limited space between your knees.

You glance over your shoulder towards Sylus; he presses a gentle kiss to your temple, then rotates your face back towards Zayne with a nudge of his warm fingers against your jaw. You feel him tap the crop between your knees again, slightly firmer this time. You part your knees as instructed, then gasp as you feel his fingers brush along your lingerie.

“Come on, kitten. You’ve got this.” He brushes his fingers along you intimately, then stays still, waiting.

You slide your tongue along your lips. When you glance upwards, you see Zanye still watching you, his pupils wide. You adjust your grip to leave yourself some space, then lean forward and run your tongue from the base of his penis all the way to the tip. You hear his breath catch in his throat, and his hand leaves yours; a quick look shows you he’s fisted the sheets on either side of his hips.

“There it is. Keep going,” Sylus croons behind you. He reaches further between your legs to rub your clitoris with practiced ease.

You take Zayne’s cock into your mouth, swirling your tongue over his head to ensure he’s well lubricated. Zayne makes a low, needy noise but keeps his hips still and his hands fisted in the sheets, letting you have full control. You bring your free hand to his thigh to help you keep your balance.

Sylus’s hand slides out from your legs, and a moment later you feel him gently brushing your hair back from your face. He gathers it loosely in one hand: not directing you, just keeping it out of your way. His other hand snakes back between your legs, brushing his knuckle against you before circling your clit with two fingers. You groan at his touch; the vibration of your vocalization pulls another low noise from Zayne’s throat.

Sylus continues to stimulate you. He’s so close, you’re sure he’s watching when you start to bob your head, taking more of Zayne into your mouth. Your face heats, and you’re not sure if it’s because of Sylus rubbing you, the fact that you’ve got half of Zayne’s cock in your mouth, or because Sylus is watching you – helping you – suck off another man. Your skin suddenly feels too hot, almost too tight. You reach behind your back and unclip your bra, quickly sliding it off one arm, then the other. You drop it to the ground without a care, swirling your tongue around Zayne’s head again.

Zayne lets out a deep moan, and you hear Sylus chuckle. “You can go deeper than that, kitten.”

You swirl your tongue again, breathe in slowly through your nose, then start your descent. You feel the muscles in Zayne’s thigh coil tightly under your hand as you slide more and more of him into your mouth. You pause part-way, let the air out of your lungs, take another slow inhale, relax your throat, then push your lips further down his cock. It’s a struggle, but you feel when the head of his cock pushes into your throat; you try not to gag as you keep going.

Zayne lets out a broken groan, and his cock twitches. Suddenly, it’s all too much. You pull your mouth off of him quickly, barely stopping yourself from gagging. You gasp for breath as you look up at Zayne, and you’ve never seen his expression so lustful. His lips are slightly parted, his face in flushed, and his hands are still gripping the sheets tightly. His gaze flickers down to your glistening lips, and his penis throbs in front of you.

“Holy shit,” he murmurs. “You almost took all of me in one go.”

His fingers unclench, clench, unclench. He looks like he’s internally struggling. “What is it?”

“May I…do something?” He sits up a little straighter, lightly resting his hand over your hand on his thigh.

Sylus makes a slightly possessive noise behind you, letting go of your hair. You turn to look at him, and he’s frowning at Zayne. One of his crimson eyes is glowing slightly, but it fades as he turns to look at you. “He wants to face-fuck you, sweetie. It’s your choice whether you’re interested in that.”

Your eyes widen slightly, and you look back to Zayne for him to confirm or deny Sylus’s statement. Zayne blushes, even the tops of his ears turning pink. His gaze, slightly accusatory, flickers to Sylus, then back to you. “I’ll be gentle, and you can tell me to stop at any point if you’re uncomfortable. If you want to do it, of course. And I’ll make sure there are no surprises. Colour check?”

You pause, considering. “Yellow-green?”

He smiles at you encouragingly. “I can work with that. Are you comfortable staying where you are?” You nod. He lets go of the sheets and raises his hands to your cheeks, sliding his fingers into the hair at the nape of your neck. He curls his fingers slightly, locking you into place; his touch is firm but not uncomfortable, not unkind. He holds still. “There are a few ways I can do this, and you can tell me which one you want. Squeeze my leg – yes, like that – if you want me to stop, okay?”

You try to nod, but you can hardly move with the way his hands are gripping your hair. “…Oh,” you mumble, realizing you like the way it feels more than you expected.

He grins at your response. “Open for me?”

You comply, and he raises his hips slightly until just his tip is between your lips.

“So the first way, I can grind into you while I hold you still.” He thrusts his hips up and down slightly, moving just a little to demonstrate. You hum slightly in response. “The second way, I can sit still and direct you like this.” He stops moving; he applies a little pressure with his hands, directing your mouth up and down his length just a little. You hum again. “And the third way, we do a mix of both.” He goes slow, but the combination of thrusting and pulling results in deeper strokes. Your hum this time is closer to a moan.

He lets go, and you back off with a little pop. You consider for a moment. “Which way feels best for you?” You ask, looking back and forth between Zayne and Sylus.

Sylus growls a little, surprising you. “You don’t have to pick based on that, kitten. The last one tends to feel best, but it’s more intense for both people.”

You look to Zayne; he inclines his head in agreement. “He’s right. You can pick whichever you’d like. I’ll start slow, if you want me to be rougher, you can tap me. If you want me to stop, just squeeze.”

“Alright. Let’s try the third way.” His eyes widen slightly, but he reaches forward to grip your hair again. It feels almost comforting, his hands tangled in your hair.

“Just squeeze if you want me to stop,” he reminds you, looking directly into your eyes. You feel Sylus’s hand come to rest soothingly on your lower back as Zayne directs your mouth onto his cock. True to his word, he starts slow, just like in his demonstration. The pressure he applies on the back of your head is minimal, and his thrusts are so shallow it’s more like he’s grinding than thrusting. After a few moments to get used to the sensation, you tap his knee. His movements get a little bigger, his hands press a little more forcefully; he’s not even using half of his length yet, making sure you’re comfortable. You breathe around his rhythm, alternating between sucking lightly and running your tongue along the bottom of his member.

His attention is laser-focused on your face, looking for any signs of discomfort. You look up and maintain eye contact with him as you tap his knee again.

He groans lightly, but doesn’t speed up yet. “Relax for me. No need to do anything fancy. It’ll be easier for you. Ready?”

You breathe in and out, relax your jaw, and blink at him in acknowledgement. He tightens his hold on your hair and increases the pace, thrusting deeper into your mouth. He stops each stroke just before reaching your throat; the sensation is a little new, a little strange, but you realize with surprise that you’re enjoying it more than you expected. You can hear him breathing more heavily, but his movements are steady and consistent. You’re not uncomfortable, so when you feel like you’re used to the pace he’s set, you tap his knee again.

He groans, the noise deeper this time, more intense. “Squeeze as soon as you want me to stop. I’m going to push into your throat.” He adjusts his grip, then thrusts deeper than any of his other strokes. He keeps the same speed, but the longer strokes leave your eyes prickling a little. You try to relax your tongue more, try not to gag, try not to cough. While he’s not being rough, the sensation is still becoming overwhelming.

Just before you’re about to squeeze his leg to stop, you decide to push yourself down further, taking his cock down your throat a little more. He’s definitely panting now, each breath a little gasp. You hear him mumble a curse under his breath as you force him deeper. You’ve reached your limit; you give his leg a squeeze, and, true to his word, he lets go of you immediately. You pull off of him with your own gasp as Sylus rubs your back soothingly.

Zayne’s chest is rising and falling heavily as he watches you. “You did so well for me, princess. You’re so pretty with my cock in your mouth.” Zayne brushes your hair back from your face, which suddenly feels like it is burning. Your tracker beeps happily, betraying to the room how it feels like your heart is about to pound out of your chest. Zayne glances down to your tracker, grinning. “Oh? Sucking on me didn’t increase your heart rate, but a little dirty talk did?” The tracker stays silent, and his grin fades a little. He looks you directly in the eye, a slow grin sliding across his face as he figures it out. “Ah. You like it when I call you princess, is that it?”

Your tracker beeps again, the traitor. Infuriatingly, you hear Sylus chuckle.

Zayne rubs his hand across the bottom of his face, trying to conceal his grin as he rubs a finger across his lips and his thumb across his jaw. He reaches down to you. “Come here?”

You let him help you to your feet, then, at his gentle tug, you sit across his lap. Sylus sits back in his chair, crossing his ankle over his knee. He rests the crop against the side of the chair as he watches the two of you.

“Do you like that as a nickname, or does it make you uncomfortable?” Zayne asks, his arms snaking loosely around your waist.

“I like it, I think?” Your cheeks still feel warm, and he gives you a little squeeze.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good. That felt…better than I expected,” you admit, feeling a little shy.

“Oh? Better how?” His gaze is searching, intense as always.

You clear your throat, working through your awkwardness quickly. “I liked how you held my hair.”

“Noted. You did really well, I’m impressed.”

Your cheeks flame at the compliment, but you smile. “Thanks. I’ve had a little practice,” your eyes flick to Sylus, “but I don’t have much practice with…face-fucking. We haven’t tried that.”

He hums and squeezes you slightly, seeming pleased with your direct communication. “We could try it again later if you liked it. That was great for your first time.”

“Are we doing anything else tonight?” You ask, looking back and forth between Zayne and Sylus.

Sylus cuts in immediately. “That’s up to you, kitten. We can go as slow as you need. For everything.”

You hum in response and run your hand gently down Zayne’s face before you climb off his lap and onto Sylus’s, straddling him. You wrap your arms loosely around his neck, playing with the hair on the back of his head. His hands come to rest casually on your hips, giving you a light squeeze. He smiles at you softly and blinks at you slowly, waiting for whatever it is you want to do or say next.

You lean forward and press your lips to his, pushing your tongue greedily into his mouth. He sighs contentedly, kissing you back in an unhurried, lazy way. He rubs his thumbs in slow circles against your skin. You sneakily thread your fingers into his short hair the best you can, then give a firm tug. He grunts a little in response, but allows you to tip his head backwards, baring his throat. Without loosening your grip, you lean down and kiss where his shoulder meets his neck before biting down. A shiver ripples through his body.

“Do it again. Harder.”

He groans when you comply, and you feel a distinct twitch underneath you. You soothe the area with a kiss before biting the other side of his neck to match. You grind your hips against his lap, once, twice; his grip tightens on your hips, preventing you from rubbing against him a third time.

“What do you want, kitten?” He says through gritted teeth. “You can’t just tease me like this and expect there won’t be consequences.”

You grin at him and let go of his hair; his hold on you loosens. “I…think I want to ride Dr. Zayne tonight,” you admit sheepishly.

Sylus’s gaze is hungry as he regards you. He cups the back of your neck devastatingly gently as he draws you forward for a kiss, his other hand snaking around your back. He pulls your torso flush to his, tilting his head to deepen your kiss. His tongue brushes yours languidly as he reaches down to squeeze your butt.

When you finally pull away, you’re both breathing heavily. “Off you go, kitten. Put on a show for me.” he says with a smile, giving you a peck on the cheek.

You hum contentedly at his kiss, returning his peck on the cheek before you disentangle yourself from his lap. In two short strides, you’re at the bedside table. You grab a few supplies before you turn to Zayne, who has been waiting patiently throughout your exchange. He’s leaning back, weight on one arm, stroking himself leisurely with his other hand.

“…Oh,” you say haltingly, freezing to the spot as you watch him touch himself.

“Sorry, does this make you uncomfortable? I was admiring your posterior.” He sits up a little straighter, but you move forward to press a hand to his chest, keeping him in place.

“No, it’s fine. Just…surprised.” You hold up a foil packet, and his lips curl up in a small smile. “Are you ready?” You ask, slightly embarrassed.

“I am. Are you?”

You look down at his lap and bite your lip. “If we go slow, I think I’ll manage. Can you move back a little?” As he slides back, you slide your panties off your hips and kick them aside. Once the backs of his knees are pressed against the bed, you straddle him, sitting on his knees. You rip open the packet, and he watches calmly as you pinch the tip of the condom and roll it down his length. You toss the wrapper on the ground.

You grab the bottle of lubricant, but before you can take any, his hand covers yours. “Allow me,” he says. He takes a generous pump from the bottle and slides it over his shaft before reaching towards you. With a gentle touch, he rubs the remaining slickness against your folds before sliding two fingers inside of you. He watches your face as you gasp and roll your hips against his fingers. “Mm, that’s better. May I kiss you?”

You grab him by the shoulders and crush your lips to his, continuing to grind your hips against his fingers. His thumb brushes your clitoris while his tongue brushes your lips, and you moan into his mouth as you grind.

Without breaking the kiss, you rise up onto your knees and slide closer. Understanding your intent, he eases his fingers out of you and positions the head of his penis at your entrance. You roll your hips shallowly downwards and feel just his tip enter you; he groans lightly. Using his shoulders for balance, you grind your hips a little, not going deeper yet.

He rests both hands against the sheets, leaning back slightly while you get comfortable. His hips are still; he’s giving you full control. His lips are slightly parted as he watches you grind; when you start to roll your hips more, he lets out a sigh and tips his head back, closing his eyes. “That feels good, princess,” he murmurs.

Your tracker beeps at the nickname. He doesn’t open his eyes, but a chuckle rumbles through his chest. He’s still sitting perfectly still, and you take your time rolling and grinding your hips before you take him all the way. He groans deeply once he’s buried in you, and he opens his eyes to regard you hazily.

You hold still for several breaths, getting accustomed to the sensation of being full. You grind your hips slightly, using the motion to apply friction to your clit.

He’s still watching you. You make eye contact as you squeeze his shoulders and start to move up and down. You’re taking things slow, but after just a few strokes, you’re already breathing more heavily.

“Do you want me to hold you anywhere?” He asks gently, still sitting perfectly motionless while you ride him. He sounds breathier than before.

“My waist, please.”

He sits up and reaches forward slowly, like he’s worried you’re going to disappear. His hands settle on your waist, a comforting weight to his grip. Keeping your same pace, he starts to apply a little pressure when you move upwards, making the move less effortful for you and relieving some of the tension in your knees.

You tip your head back and release a noise part-way between a moan and a sigh, closing your eyes at the sensation. You’re still not going particularly quickly, enjoying the gentle, repetitive motion.

You feel his lips trail from your collarbone to your jaw, leaving little kisses, and you moan in earnest. You tap him on the shoulder twice and the kisses stop as he pauses. When nothing happens, you tap twice again.

He groans as he understands, his grip tightening on your waist. He lifts you a little higher than before and starts to roll his hips upwards, thrusting slowly into you. Your eyes open, glassy, unseeing, as you stare towards the ceiling. After a few thrusts, you roll your hips in response, drawing a moan from both of you as the movement changes the angle.

You stay that way as long as you can manage before your lust takes over, and you tap his shoulder twice in quick succession.

“Finally,” he breathes. “This pace was driving me wild.”

His fingers slide lower, stopping on your hips. He holds you carefully but firmly, and starts to thrust in sharper strokes.

“Squeeze me or tell me right away if you want me to stop.”

You nod as you clutch at his shoulders, trying to meet him thrust for thrust. You’re panting now, feeling the tell-tale signs that you’re about to come undone. Your whole body feels flushed, too hot. Each time he pulls you down onto his length, he draws either a pant or a moan from your lips. You continue to rock your hips as your eyes flutter shut, starting to roll back.

You slide one hand down his torso and reach between your bodies, circling your clitoris again and again; you make a keening noise at the additional stimulation. The sound of your own heartbeat fills your ears, edging out the noises the two of you and your bodies are making. Your movements becoming more frantic; the sound of your tracker beeping barely registers as you chase your orgasm.

“Ladies first,” Zayne pants. He shifts backwards ever-so-slightly, keeping the same rhythm. The angle hits at just the right spot, and you cry out as you feel your walls constrict. Your eyes and mouth open wide as you gasp. He keeps thrusting, extending your orgasm as he hits that same delicious spot over and over.

You try to roll your hips to meet his thrusts, but the motion is jagged, more like bucking your hips. Your back arches involuntarily and you groan, the pleasure still rippling through your body in waves. Your tracker is going off, but you both ignore it.

With a deep thrust and a sharp grunt, Zayne’s own orgasm overcomes him. You clutch his shoulders as you feel him swell slightly within you, his penis twitching with his release. After a few more leisurely thrusts, he slides his hands tenderly from your hips to your back as you slide down onto him all the way. Both of you are breathing heavily, and he cradles you reverently while your legs and arms shake in the aftermath.

“Fuck, Zayne,” you murmur as another shudder travels through your limbs, your tracker finally falling silent.

He laughs at that, a care-free noise that shocks you out of your post-orgasmic daze.

“Did…you just laugh?” You ask with a grin.

“Well, you know, endorphins and all that,” he replies sheepishly, his ears going pink.

You press a quick kiss to his cheek. “You’re cute.” His ears quickly turn from pink to red. You take a deep breath, then engage your muscles. He helps lift you off his length and his lap, only letting you go once you’ve got your legs steady underneath yourself. “Be right back,” you declare, grabbing your discarded dress off the floor as you make your way to the connecting washroom.

You rinse as quickly as you can manage in the large shower, towel off, and put your sweater-dress back on. When you re-enter the room, the men fall silent; Sylus is still lounging shirtless in the chair, Zayne is seated on the bed, now fully dressed. They both smile at you as you approach, and you’re unsure who to go to first.

Noticing your hesitation, Sylus makes the decision for you. He stands up and closes the distance between you, entwining your fingers together. He presses a kiss to your temple before leading you to sit on the bed next to Zayne. He sits on your other side, still holding your hand.

You turn to Zayne when you feel his hand lightly rest on your thigh. “Did you have a good time?” He asks softly.

“Yes, of course,” you answer earnestly, reaching down to place your hand on his. “Did you?”

He nods. “Sure did, princess.”

Your tracker beeps, and he grins mischievously at you.

Chapter 6: A gentle push

Summary:

Zayne has been stopping by frequently to participate in evening activities. However, now it’s time for your next appointment with your cardiologist to review your heart records of the last few weeks. Will you be able to keep a strictly professional relationship while in his office?

Notes:

This chapter took longer than I anticipated to write, but I hope it was worth the wait! I envision chapter 7 (which I haven't started writing yet) to be the big finale; I should have that posted in the next week or two. Enjoy!

Tap tap tap.

You brush your hand absently through your hair as you wait for the office door to open. You hear footsteps approach before the door is swung open wide. Dr. Zayne stands on the threshold, his white lab coat immaculate.

“Dr. Zayne.” You smile a little nervously. His gaze sinks to your lips, and you notice his pupils dilate.

“Angel. Please come in.” He steps aside and gestures for you to enter and take a seat, his demeanor just as professional as every other time you’ve entered his office.

You take your usual seat across from his desk.

“Thanks for coming. I’ve got the last few weeks of your heart records to review. How are the lifestyle changes coming?” He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he sits in his office chair.

“Good, I think? I’ve cut out alcohol entirely for the time being.”

He makes a quick note on his computer. “What about caffeine?”

“I haven’t changed that yet.”

He makes another note. “And how’s your sleep schedule?”

You feel your face warm, and he glances at you when you don’t answer right away. He quickly looks back at his computer, the hint of a smile on his lips as you reply. “It’s been better. I’ve probably been staying up too late.”

A cloud of black and red mist swirls beside you; Zayne hardly looks up from his notes as Sylus materializes in his office. “Now, now, kitten. I think you’ve been staying up just as long as you need.” Sylus uses his evol to slide a chair over for himself; he sits in it, draping an arm casually across the back of your chair while he smirks at you.

Zayne clears his throat to get your attention. “Your heart rate is still spiking between 8pm and 9pm during your boxing lessons, but I think either your physical capacity is improving, or cutting out alcohol is working; the spikes this month aren’t as severe as the spikes last month, and your heart rate seems to recover more quickly.”

You nod, grinning, pleased to hear that your efforts are paying off.

“However.” Your grin fades as Dr. Zayne looks at you, his gaze more severe now. “Your heart rate is erratic between 11pm and 1am most evenings.”

You can hear Sylus’s salacious smirk as he cuts in. “I wonder what could be causing that?” You elbow Sylus in the ribs, but his only reaction is a rich chuckle. “So feisty, kitten.”

Dr. Zayne ignores Sylus’s comment. “Let’s review those. Do you have your agenda, Angel?”

You nod and pull out your phone.

“April 4^th around 11pm.”

You swallow. Sylus glances at your phone but says nothing, a shit-eating grin stretching across his face. “The couch.”

Zayne turns slowly towards you, no hint of a smile on his face. He places his elbows on the desk, steeples his fingers, and makes uncomfortably direct eye contact with you. He says nothing, but you know he’s waiting for you to give a better answer.

You blow your hair away from your face in resignation. “You pinned me against Sylus’s chest and got me off with your fingers and tongue. Happy?”

The ghost of a smile graces his lips as he looks to his computer screen then back to you. “April 7^th around 11pm.”

You look at your phone and rub your temple with your free hand. “You face-fucked me and then I rode you on the bed.”

“Same night, 1am.”

You let out a long-suffering sigh. “After you left, Sylus tied me to the bed and edged me forever.” You shoot the offending party a glare, but he just grins at you.

“April 11^th.”

You clear your throat. “You took turns spanking me, and I had to get you both off before you’d let me finish.”

“April 14^th.” Zayne’s still asking about the dates in a dead-pan, neutral manner, but you notice he’s blushing a little.

“Decorative rope bondage. What did you call it? Shibari?” Zayne nods. “Then you both took turns making me orgasm.” Zayne smiles softly, then glances at his computer again.

His smile fades as he pauses. “…April 15, 16, and 17?” Zayne looks at you questioningly. Up until now, he’s only been asking about dates where all three of you were present, but those were evenings when it was just you and Sylus.

Your cheeks flame, and you rub your fingers between your eyebrows.

Zayne raises an eyebrow, waiting for your answer.

Sylus places his hand on your shoulder, squeezing gently. “No need to be embarrassed about trying new things, sweetie. Besides, I think you had an excellent time.”

“Anal,” you mumble quietly, wanting the floor to swallow you whole.

Zayne’s eyebrows shoot up at your admission, but he doesn’t push further. “April 18^th.”

“Oh, I liked this one,” Sylus rumbles.

You grit your teeth. “Are we done yet? I think I get the picture. My recent heart problems have all been because of you two menaces.”

“April 18^th,” Zayne repeats calmly, his gaze not leaving your face.

You look up to the ceiling and breathe deeply for a few seconds. “Sylus’s birthday, as I’m sure you remember. Our first time trying a three-some.”

Zayne rubs a thumb against his lower lip as he glances at the computer screen. “April 21^st.”

“Another three-some. This time with restraints.”

“April 25^th.”

Your cheeks flame, but Dr. Zayne waits patiently for you to answer. “You…uh…had a contest to see who could make me scream the loudest when I came.”

Apparently satisfied, Dr. Zayne types an awfully short note on his computer. Before you can ask about it, he turns back to you. “Thanks for your co-operation. I’ve made a note in your chart that the late-night heart spikes are being caused by sexual activity.”

“…That’s it? Was all of this really necessary?” You ask as you put your phone away, trying not to grit your teeth.

“Strictly speaking, not to this level of detail. But you should never feel ashamed talking to your health care practitioners about your sexual history if it might be relevant to your condition.”

“Very thorough, doc.” Sylus’s tone is playful as he traces small circles on your shoulder.

You glance back and forth between the two of them, suddenly suspicious.

Sylus smirks at you. “Yes, kitten?”

“You’re acting awfully chummy. What’s going on? Also, aren’t you supposed to be sleeping right now?” You narrow your eyes at him.

“Well, I couldn’t miss your appointment. What if Dr. Zayne had something noteworthy to share about your heart records? You know how important your wellbeing is to me. To us,” he corrects, his gaze darting to Dr. Zayne.

Dr. Zayne nods his agreement, leaning back in his chair. While he hides it well, he looks more tired than usual; you know he’s been working over-time in addition to spending his limited time off exploring a sexual relationship with you and Sylus. You frown a little in concern.

As if sensing your change in emotional state, Sylus squeezes your shoulder.

“How’s the rest of your schedule today, doc?”

Zayne sighs, squeezing the bridge of his nose as he glances at his computer once more. “Angel’s my last appointment before lunch. Then I’ve got a few more consultations before my afternoon surgery.”

“So…what I’m hearing is you have a little time.” Sylus’s smirk is lazy, indolent. Dr. Zayne’s gaze is piercing as he makes eye contact with Sylus; he’s frowning just a little when he looks to you.

When neither of you says anything in response to Sylus’s proposition, his smirk stretches into a grin. With a sharp snap of his fingers, you hear the door’s lock click into place. Your breath catches in anticipation as Sylus’s black and red mist swirls around Dr. Zayne, dragging both him and his chair slowly around the desk.

Once Dr. Zayne is a little closer, you can see that he looks just a little uncomfortable; his gaze flickers to the door before landing on your face. He gives you a slightly strained smile. “I understand that the…power dynamics here make the situation more complicated, since we’re in my office. I’m happy to take a back-seat role if that makes you more comfortable.” His tone is gentle, his voice quiet.

“I thought you didn’t want to do anything in public?” You question, worried that he seems unsure and is possibly being pressured into going against his own hard limit.

The disquiet in his eyes softens a little. “No-one can get in with the door locked. As long as we’re quick and not too loud, I’m okay with it. Are you?”

Nodding, you stand and approach him, placing a knee on the edge of his chair between his legs. You lean in and press your lips to his, lightly brushing your hand across his cheek. He closes his eyes and sighs, melting into your touch. He lets you direct the kiss, and blinks at you hazily when you eventually pull away. His smile is much more relaxed this time, his eyes crinkling.

“Mm, that was nice,” he says, reaching up to brush your hair back.

You return his smile as you stand up, but start in surprise when your back collides with something solid. You turn around hastily to find Sylus towering behind you. He grins crookedly at you as his arms encircle your waist, locking you into place against his chest.

“For someone so large, you’re awfully quiet when you want to be,” you chastise, no real bite behind the words.

“Was I quiet, or were you distracted?” He teases, a mischievous glint in his red eyes.

You mirror his movement and wrap your arms around his waist, tilting your head back as he leans down to kiss you. You close your eyes in anticipation, but instead of pressing his lips to yours, he trails them along your jaw. You feel his warm breath on your neck when he whispers in your ear, “On your knees, sweetie.”

You let out a petulant noise somewhere between a whine and a sigh, and when you don’t move quickly enough for his liking, he nips your earlobe.

“Come on, kitten. Dr. Zayne doesn’t have all day.” His tone is playful, husky.

You slowly slide to your knees. Sylus’s smirk is wicked as his gaze burns into yours; he reaches down to undo his belt, and you feel goosebumps break out across your arms in anticipation. Still making direct eye contact with you, he grasps the buckle and pulls, sliding his belt off in one fluid motion. He drops it to the side unceremoniously.

Leaving the button done up, he lowers the zip of his pants, reaches in, and – so quickly you absently wonder whether he’s even wearing boxers today – slides his penis free. He’s only semi-hard, but already more than a handful as he leisurely strokes himself.

You feel cool hands on your face, and they gently prevent you from turning around to look. Your breath catches in your throat when you feel a gentle pressure in the centre of each cheek encouraging you to open your mouth.

“Come closer,” you hear Dr. Zayne instruct quietly behind you, and you realize with a jolt that he’s not talking to you. Sylus closes the distance until his almost-hard cock is just brushing your lips, which are still held open with Dr. Zayne’s gentle grip.

You look up at Sylus, your eyes widening slightly as you feel Dr. Zayne guide your head forward onto Sylus’s tip. Sylus’s grin is smug as he watches you, his eyes darting between your eyes, your lips, and the hands cradling your face. He twitches in your mouth as he rubs his thumb across his jaw. “Well now, that’s a pretty sight.”

You feel your cheeks heat, and his grin widens at your blush.

“Squeeze if it’s too much,” Dr. Zayne orders softly, sliding his feet forward so his legs brush your arms. “Now, take a nice deep breath for me.”

You do as he instructs, quickly swirling your tongue around your mouth before he starts to direct your movement. His touch is gentle, yet firm, his movements fluid to prevent any discomfort for your head and neck. But the pace he sets is relentless, efficient; he has you sliding sloppily up and down half of Sylus’s length repeatedly. Sylus hooks his thumbs through his empty belt loops, watching you intently for any signs of discomfort.

He lifts his hand subtly several strokes later, and Dr. Zayne lets go. You slide off with a small gasp, turning to level an accusatory look at your cardiologist. “Taking a ‘back-seat role’ today, hmm?”

“Well, I’m behind you at least, right?” He smiles sheepishly before his gaze hardens in a familiar look that has your stomach full of butterflies. “Break’s over, princess.” He threads one hand through the hair at the nape of your neck, the other lightly circles the front of your neck just under your jaw. He directs your face back in Sylus’s direction, giving two slight taps on the pulse point of your neck. You take another steadying breath and open your mouth.

He leans forward, his chest pressed lightly against your shoulders as your lips slide over Sylus’s tip. He guides you forwards and backwards with both hands: one, two, three times, all shallow. After several weeks of intimacy, he’s familiar with your limitations, but you can tell he’s about to push you a little. “Breathe,” he instructs. You comply, and then he directs you in a gentle but unyielding manner. You close your eyes, focusing on flattening your tongue and breathing when you can. Keeping a consistent pace, he alternates several medium-depth strokes with a single deeper stroke, increasing the depth of the deep stroke in each round.

“Look at me, kitten.”

You open your eyes, and Sylus is looking at you in a predatory way you’re not used to. His cheeks are flushed, his lips slightly parted. He reaches down and slides his fingers into your hair, holding you so just his tip is in your mouth. Dr. Zayne backs off immediately, giving you a light squeeze before leaning back in his chair.

“Hands on my thighs.” You follow his instructions, breathing deeply. “Squeeze if it’s too much. I’m going to hold you all the way down for ten second. Does that sound okay?”

Your eyes widen, but you nod slightly. He grins encouragingly.

“Good girl. Take your time.” He doesn’t direct you, letting you suck until you’re comfortable. You take one last deep breath, then push as far as you can, your nose brushing the fabric of his black pants. You feel his grip on your hair tighten, locking you in place with a little pressure. You heart flutters, your tracker beeps once; you force yourself to relax, trying not to gag. “Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four.” Your tracker beeps again as your nerves get the best of you, and you squeeze his leg. His grip releases instantly, and you pop off his length with a gasp, your back hitting Zayne’s legs.

“So close, princess,” Zayne croons in your ear. He rubs your upper arms soothingly before reaching down to your wrist. He easily undoes the clip of your heart rate tracker and passes it to Sylus, who slips it into his pocket. “Next time, try it more like this.”

You watch in utter shock as Zayne reaches past you, cups Sylus’s scrotum, and tugs slightly. Sylus moves closer as Zayne licks his lips once, tilts his head to the side, and slides all the way down Sylus’s length in one smooth motion.

“…Holy shit.” You murmur, looking between Zayne and Sylus. Zayne’s eyes are closed as he holds the position, his breath steady. But Sylus’s gaze meets yours; he also seems shocked. Until this point, the two men had focused their attention almost exclusively on you. You open your mouth, then close it again, unsure what to say.

After what is most definitely more than ten seconds, Zayne opens his eyes and pulls back, rubbing his thumb neatly across his lower lip as he sits back in his chair.

You stare at Zayne, eyebrows high. He chuckles at your expression before his eyes flicker to Sylus. His expression is suddenly much more serious, and he clears his throat slightly awkwardly. “My apologies if that was too forward, Sylus. We should have discussed that in advance.”

Sylus is frowning slightly, his head tilted to the side. There’s a heavy pause before he breaks the silence. “Let’s save that conversation for later, shall we?”

Zayne nods solemnly, then looks back to you, still kneeling on the floor of his office. “Come here, cupcake.” You grin at the silly new nickname as you let him help you to your feet. “Was I too rough?”

You shake your head, leaning down to press your lips to his cheek. He turns his head as you draw near, pressing his lips to yours instead. His kiss is greedy, claiming, his tongue sliding into your mouth almost immediately. You place your hands on his upper thighs for balance when you realize this isn’t going to be a quick peck on the cheek.

While you make out with Zayne, Sylus’s hands find your lower back, rubbing gently before exploring. He squeezes your butt before reaching under your skirt to drag a knuckle across your panties, causing you to moan into Zayne’s mouth.

You hear Sylus groan gently behind you; when you break off your kiss to look at him, he’s got one hand wrapped around his cock, the other held up in front of his face, the fingers glistening. “You have soaked through your panties, kitten. That’s new.” His gaze flickers to you, his expression amused.

Before you can feel embarrassed, Zayne cups your cheek and draws you back for another heated kiss. A deep moan rumbles through his chest when your lips re-connect.

You feel Sylus slide your panties off your hips and down your legs, and you absently notice the sound of a wrapper being torn open. Zayne is still claiming your lips, one of his hands resting feather-light against your cheek.

You feel Sylus flip your skirt up, one hand resting on your hip. He slides his tip teasingly against your folds, gathering your wetness, before he slides it slowly, so slowly, inside you. You detach from Zayne to moan, but he tips your chin up to kiss you again. He swallows your next moan as Sylus’s arm reaches around you, his fingers lightly circling your clitoris.

Sylus begins to move, but the pace he sets is so slow; you grind your hips backwards to encourage him to speed up. He chuckles darkly, stopping his movements entirely while he locks you in place with his hold on your hip. “And how are you going to kiss the good doctor if you keep squirming around like that?” He starts to move again, just as slowly as before.

He relaxes his grip on your hip, moving so slowly you can feel every inch of him sliding in and out of you. You squeeze Zayne’s thighs and whine, dropping your head to his shoulder as you try not to rock backwards. Zayne huffs a gentle laugh at you as he slides his fingers to the back of your head, rubbing your hairline soothingly.

Sylus is still hardly moving, but somehow the sex feels more overwhelming than normal. Maybe it’s the thrill of doing this in a more public setting, or the worry that someone might come looking for Dr. Zayne at any moment. But you feel everything: Sylus stretching you, Zayne’s warm breath against your neck, Sylus’s callouses press into the skin of your hip, Zayne massaging your neck, Sylus stroking your clit. It feels like electricity is running over and under your skin. You’re already panting against Zayne, clutching tightly to his thighs.

Zayne gently places two fingers against the pulse point in your neck, and you hear him inhale sharply a moment later. “Shit. Are you feeling okay, Angel?”

“Just…getting…close,” you murmur. You bite the fabric against his shoulder as Sylus slides in all the way, trying to stifle your moan.

He makes a noise somewhere between a relieved huff and a snort. “That was quick. Come back for another kiss?”

It takes you a few pants to register his request. When you finally manage to raise your head to connect your lips, the kiss is sloppy, rushed. He places his forearm against your chest, giving you somewhere to rest and helping to keep you steady.

You start to rock in rhythm, grinding your hips to meet Sylus thrust for thrust. Zayne is swallowing your moans, his own breath unsteady. Sylus, picking up on your cues, increases his speed and the pressure on your clit; you can hear him breathing heavily above you.

As the sensations build closer to your breaking point, your moans transition into barely-contained wails. Zayne crushes his lips to yours, intent on capturing all of your noises as you shatter. Sylus’s grip on your hip tightens as his thrusts become sharper, deeper. He grunts, a low, intense noise. You know he’s reached his peak as you feel him tense within you, and it’s enough to push you over the edge. You feel your own orgasm rip through you, your limbs tensing as you clutch onto Zayne.

Sylus continues to rock into you, riding you through your high until your limbs un-lock and you start to collapse. His hips and his fingers finally still.

Sylus slides out of you slowly, pressing a kiss to the back of your neck as he pulls away. He slides your skirt back down, giving your hips a gentle squeeze. You can hear him moving around behind you, but you hardly register what he’s doing while you cling to Zayne, panting hard. Zayne murmurs sweet nothings in your ear, continuing to support your weight since your arms and legs are wobbly.

When you’re a bit more recovered, Zayne helps you stand all the way. Sylus takes your hand, gently re-attaching your heart rate tracker. He smiles at you fondly, smoothing your hair down. You notice he’s got his belt back on.

You look on the ground for your panties, but they’re no-where to be found. Realizing what you’re looking for, Sylus bites back a chuckle. “You don’t want to put those back on, sweetie. Trust me. I’ve got them,” Sylus pats his pocket. Zayne clears his throat and passes you a few tissues; his lips are swollen, his cheeks and ears bright pink.

“Thanks,” you murmur, feeling a little awkward. Zayne turns away to give you privacy, and you do your best to clean up. You realize you should find a restroom before leaving the hospital.

When you’re as dry as you’re going to get, you lightly touch the back of Zayne’s arm. “We should let you get back to work.”

Zayne turns around and nods, then walks you to the door. But he places his hand against it, keeping it shut for a moment. “Thanks for…coming. See you both tonight?” He asks, eyes darting between the two of you.

“…Dr. Zayne, was that a sex joke? In your office?” You grin as he clears his throat.

“Perchance.” He returns your grin.

He moves to open the door. Just before he can turn the handle, Sylus reaches forward and runs his thumb along Zayne’s swollen bottom lip. Zayne’s blush is immediate, and he draws in a quick breath.

“See you tonight,” Sylus murmurs. He opens the door for you, escorting you out of the office.

Chapter 7: Medical emergency

Summary:

You continue to explore the possibilities of a throuple. But while engaging in your steamiest evening yet, your tracker starts malfunctioning. Or so you thought. It appears that one of the perks of having your specific cardiologist is that he is uniquely able to help you in a medical emergency.

Notes:

This chapter was a (long) labour of love, coming in at almost 10k words.

Credit where credit is due, I was listening to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEqh_pDxfDk on repeat for most of my writing sessions (note: I hate AI with a passion, but this song is perfect for Sylus).

Reader discretion is advised: mind the title, chapter summary, and tags! This chapter contains a three-some, anal, and a medical emergency (no serious harm to any of the characters). You've been warned.

Enjoy :)

“Excited, kitten?” Sylus asks as he rolls up his sleeve, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye.

You slide your hair behind your ear as you uncross and re-cross your ankles, the movement causing the long skirt of your satin dress to whisper across your skin. “A little. Why do you ask?”

“Well, you’re downstairs early and keep checking the time, for starters.” He smiles softly as he starts to roll his other sleeve.

You scoff, making a conscious effort to not check the time again. Zayne is always very punctual, so he should be here any –

Knock. Knock. Knock.

You feel your heart flutter, and your tracker beeps. Sylus chuckles as he stands, reaching for your hand. He helps you to your feet, kissing your knuckles lightly. The two of you walk hand-in-hand to the door.

You open the door, smiling warmly at Zayne, who stands at the threshold. He looks pleasantly surprised to see you; his gaze flickers briefly down then up your body, and he blushes slightly when you take his hand and tug him inside. Sylus shuts the door with his free hand, smirking.

You start up the stairs immediately, pulling each of them by the hand. There’s the smallest resistance from Zayne, so you turn to look at him. His gaze darts to the sitting room, to Sylus, then to you. “Skipping a step, aren’t you?” He asks quietly.

“I figured tonight we could be…more comfortable, less formal, tonight. Is that okay?” He pauses, considering, then nods. You smile warmly and tug them both into motion.

You pause awkwardly when you reach the bedroom, not wanting to let either of them go to adjust the lighting. As if reading your thoughts, Sylus presses a kiss to the top of your head. “How do you want the lights, sweetie?”

“I was thinking we’d try the red lights tonight?” You reply, looking up at him.

He rubs his thumb across the back of your hand, flicking the appropriate switch with his free hand. He sighs dramatically in the red glow. “I should have custom-ordered that ‘decadent maximalist sex dungeon’ sign.”

Zayne tries, unsuccessfully, to cover his snort with a cough. Sylus grins in response.

You tug them impatiently to the bed, unlacing your fingers and shooing them to sit down. The two of them exchange a glance – Sylus looking conspiratorial, Zayne looking a bit perturbed – but they sit. You huff a little, placing a hand on each of their chests and nudging them backwards. Zayne’s eyebrows shoot up, but he slides backwards; Sylus’s grin is wicked as he grabs you by the waist and pulls you down with him. “Hey!” You squeal as you’re pulled off-balance, falling against Sylus’s broad chest.

One of his hands slides down to rest on your butt, his expression all smug masculinity. He rests his other hand behind his head, smirking at you. You feel Zayne’s hand slide along your back to settle on your waist as he rolls in closer, propping himself up with his other arm.

“Not exactly what I had in mind, you menace, but I guess this will work.” You relax into their gentle touches, resting your face against Sylus’s chest as you reach towards Zayne and run your fingers against his shirt, above his heart.

 Sylus takes the lead in the conversation, giving you a gentle squeeze. “How was your cardiology appointment today, Angel?” You can feel his chest rumble beneath your cheek as he talks.

You roll your eyes. “You were there, you know how it was.”

You can hear the grin in his voice when he replies, “I know, but I want to hear it from you.”

Your place your hand flat against Zayne’s chest, your gaze flickering to his hazel eyes. “Well, my cardiologist is apparently a bit of a pervert and made me go into too much detail about my sexual history.”

Zayne grins broadly at you, and you pause, flustered. “Actually, if you recall, I never asked you to go into detail. You did that of your own accord.”

You gape at him, frantically thinking back to earlier today. “No, that can’t be right. You…”

“All I did was look at you and make you…squirm a little. You’re the one who provided all the details.” The weight on your back lessens as he moves his arm to poke you on the nose, and he chuckles at your indignant expression when you realize he’s right. He places his hand on your back again, his grin fading as he looks at Sylus. “However, I think I owe you an apology, Sylus – ”

“No need, doc,” Sylus cuts in, raising his hand to absently stroke your hair. His tone is flippant, unbothered. “I’m not tripping over myself to return the favour, but I’m not bothered by it.”

Zayne’s watching Sylus’s reaction, and after a few moments he nods slightly. His gaze flickers back to you, and he smiles when he sees you still watching him. “What about you, cupcake? How was the rest of the appointment for you?”

You run your fingers idly over his chest again. “It was…hot. You’re apparently very good at…um…”

He raises an eyebrow at you when you don’t finish your sentence. “Kissing you? Getting you to go down on someone else? Deep-throating?”

“The last one. Well, all of them I suppose.”

He hums slightly, grinning at you. “Yes, well, I might have a little more practice than you do. You could get there eventually.”

You make a non-committal noise in response to his comment as you reach forward to undo the top button on his shirt. His gaze flickers down to watch your hands work, and in short order his shirt sits wide open.

His hazel eyes fixate on your face once you’re done. “So. You tried anal without me, hmm?” You splutter awkwardly, feeling heat creep into your cheeks. Mirth dances in his eyes at your reaction, and he squeezes you playfully. “You don’t have to feel awkward. Did you want to talk about it?”

Sylus rumbles a laugh under you. “We’ve been…working up to it. The problem is, she cums so quickly with even the slightest stimulation, so we haven’t gotten very far.”

“Is that so?” Zayne’s lips twitch as if he’s holding back a smile. “It could be the position you’re trying. Or it might simply take a little time to get used to the feeling; anal can definitely be overwhelming if you’re not used to it.” His gaze flickers from you to Sylus. “What size have you worked up to?”

“Check the cabinet. Third drawer.”

The bed shifts as Zayne pushes himself up to sitting. He quickly unlaces his shoes, leaving them by the nightstand as he pads over to the cabinet. You hear the drawer open. “Quite the collection. Which have you tried?”

“We started with the slim pink silicone. The next day we tried the tapered purple silicone. Then the day after we tried the red silicone—the one with the rose on the base.” Sylus answers neutrally, like he’s talking about the weather and not about toys that have been where the sun doesn’t shine.

Zayne makes a thoughtful noise. “I’m assuming you inserted the toy anally and then had vaginal intercourse?”

Sylus snorts. “Yes, doctor Zayne.”

You hear the sound of light footfalls, and then the bed dips. You feel a cool hand come to rest lightly on your wrist, applying the gentlest pressure to pull your hands away from your burning face. His piercing gaze finds yours. “How are you feeling, Angel?”

“Embarrassed,” you mumble, avoiding his intense look by staring at his chest. Sylus squeezes you reassuringly.

“If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to talk about it or pursue it further, tonight or in the future. But I have some suggestions if you’re interested.” He smiles encouragingly, brushing a hand across your cheek when you meet his gaze.

“…Suggestions?” You inquire tentatively.

He nods. “The toy you pick, and even the lubricant, should be selected based on your end goal. I guessed that the toy had been inserted and left in place based on the size, shape, and material of the plugs you’ve been using so-far. Silicone is…a bit ‘grippier’ than other materials, so you wouldn’t necessarily use it for repeated penetration. With silicone toys, you’ve also likely been using water-based lubricants.” His gaze flickers to Sylus; you feel movement and assume he has nodded. Zayne looks back to you. “Water-based lubricants are safe for use with silicone toys, but they aren’t particularly long-lasting.”

You stare at him, mystified. You mull over his words, brows furrowing. “Was there a suggestion in there somewhere?”

He grins crookedly at you. “Getting there. If your end goal is a strong orgasm, the choices so-far make sense. If, however, your end goal is a strong orgasm and repeated anal penetration…you’ll want to adjust the toys and lubrication.” His cheeks go slightly pink, and his gaze darts from you, to Sylus, and back to you. “So…I guess the question is: What’s your end goal?”

Sylus laughs huskily underneath you. When you don’t answer right away, he jostles you gently. “Come on, kitten. You can handle saying it out loud.”

You take a steadying breath, then purposefully look Zayne in the eyes as you answer. “We…were trying to see if we could work up to it for Sylus’s birthday threesome. But it was too intense with toys, so we haven’t gone further than that yet.”

Zayne’s ears are now pink too, but his tone is gentle when he responds. “Would you like me to teach you?”

You feel your cheeks flush but try to maintain your composure as you sit up. You slide forward to sit on the edge of the bed. Not trusting yourself to speak, you nod. Sylus sits beside you and tugs you into his lap, his arms circling your waist loosely.

Zayne’s gaze searches yours, but he nods back at you before he walks to the cabinet. He collects two items from the drawer and returns, setting them on the bed. He sits down beside them and points at the first item. “If you’re interested in repeated penetration, you’ll likely want a silicone lubricant; you won’t have to re-apply as frequently because silicone lubricant lasts longer than water-based lubricants. Silicone lubricant is also compatible with condoms, so it’s a safe choice.” He points at the next item, a glass dildo with a flared base. You feel your eyes widen; it’s much larger than anything you’ve tried so-far. “Silicone lubricant is incompatible with silicone toys, so you’ll need a toy made of a different material, like metal or glass. I know this might look intimidating; don’t worry, you wouldn’t start with something this size. This is what you’ll want to work up to before you try anal penetration with a penis. The length makes it easier for you or a partner to control, since you likely won’t be getting the entire length covered in lubricant. And the size is similar enough to a penis; if you can handle this, you can handle someone being gentle with you.”

When he finishes speaking, you realize you’re still staring at the glass dildo. You swallow before tearing your gaze away to look at Zayne’s face. “You seem to know a lot about this.”

He grins, his eyes crinkling. “Yes, well, let’s just say that I’m no stranger to giving or receiving. Also, I am a doctor. You would be shocked to learn about the number of patients who present at the hospital with foreign objects in their rectums. Always use a flared base.” He taps the glass dildo for emphasis.

“That was very…educational. Thanks, Zayne.” You reach forward and take his hand, giving it a light squeeze.

He squeezes back. “Of course, happy to help.”

Sylus unexpectedly tightens his grip on you and nips at your earlobe. “How are you feeling, kitten? Ready to put your new knowledge into practice?”

You squirm in his arms, your earlier embarrassment flooding back in. “Sylus!”

Sensing your discomfort, Zayne chimes in. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, Angel. I can help you, if you’d like. Here, give me your feet.” He pats his knees.

You lean back into Sylus’s chest and place your feet in Zayne’s lap. Sylus covers your neck and jaw with light kisses while Zayne removes your heels, placing them on the bedside table. Your eyes flutter closed, and you hum a contented sigh as they shower you in gentle touches.

Zayne fills the moment with his soothing, calm voice while he massages your feet. “The trick, I think you’ll find, is to make sure the one who is receiving penetration is relaxed and feels safe. It helps if you’re able to communicate what’s working and what’s not, of course. There’s nothing inherently shameful about sex or pleasure; as long as you have ongoing consent from everyone involved, exploring what feels good should be a pleasant experience.”

“You don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, sweetie. Got that?” Sylus rumbles behind you. You nod at his words. “Would you like me to help you out of your dress?”

You slide your feet out of Zayne’s gentle grasp and stand. Sylus slowly lowers the zipper, and the emerald fabric slips down your body to land in a heap on the floor. You turn back towards them to find Sylus looking at you with adoration and heat, Zayne with surprise; you’re naked, on full display in front of them.

You grin at them and cross your arms in mock disapproval. “Well, this hardly seems fair. Whoever gets naked the fastest can have the first kiss.” Sylus is in motion immediately, a competitive gleam in his eyes as he stares at your lips; he’s got his socks and shoes off faster than you’ve ever seen.

It takes Zayne a moment to comprehend your words, but he has a head start with his open shirt and no shoes. He gets his shirt off quickly, but then a band of red and black mist encircles his wrists, trapping them together and impeding his movement. His eyebrows raise, incredulous, as he turns to look at Sylus. “Isn’t this considered cheating?”

Sylus’s responding laugh is deep, decadent. “I don’t recall Angel saying it was against the rules.” He removes his own shirt, and is about to reach for his belt when Zayne freezes it shut. Sylus realizes what has happened and turns slowly, so slowly, in Zayne’s direction. “Mm. Is that how it’s going to be? Tell me, doc, how do you feel about breath-play?”

Sylus places a hand lightly on Zayne’s chest, pushing him back towards the bed. Zayne’s eyes widen noticeably, but he follows Sylus’s lead, letting the larger man push him down to a seated position. The two men stare at each other: Sylus is smirking, his head cocked, whereas Zayne is almost vibrating with anticipation. Sylus snaps lazily, and a thin tendril of mist wraps around Zayne’s neck.

“When you’re ready to breathe again, you can undo my belt,” Sylus instructs, his voice low.

You gape silently at the scene playing out in front of you. Zayne holds out for longer than you expected, but eventually he reaches forward to open Sylus’s belt. True to his word, the tendril around Zayne’s neck disappears as soon as he has the belt open, but Zayne doesn’t stop there; he stands up, maintaining eye contact with Sylus as he undoes the button on Sylus’s pants, lowers the zip, hooks his fingers in the waistband, and pushes both his pants and his boxers off his hips.

“Looks like you get the first kiss,” Zayne murmurs, his breathing shallow.

Sylus reaches forward slowly, grasping Zayne’s throat firmly with one of his large hands. “Yes, that’s right.” Sylus tugs, Zayne stumbles forward, and their lips press together briefly.

Sylus backs off first, stepping out of his discarded clothes and turning to you. You’re still staring open-mouthed at the two of them, stuck in place. Sylus chuckles at your expression, closing the distance between you in two short strides. He picks you up bridal style and walks back to the bed, placing you in the centre heartbreakingly gently. He makes sure you’ve got a pillow supporting your head before he leans down to press kisses to your neck, your jaw, and, finally, your lips. The kiss is unhurried, tender, and you hardly notice when the bed dips on your other side.

You feel cold fingers graze against your arm and turn to see Zayne – now also nude – watching the two of you hungrily. He leans down and presses his lips to yours sweetly, then nips your bottom lip so you’ll open your eyes to look at him. “We go at whatever speed you’re comfortable with. It shouldn’t hurt, but it might feel overwhelming. Stoplight system, got it?”

You nod.

His hand gently encourages you to open your legs wider, and he moves to kneel between your knees. He passes something to Sylus. “For when she's a bit more ready. Keep her relaxed,” he instructs.

With no hesitation, Zayne grabs the lube still on the bed from earlier and coats one of his fingers with it. He leans forward and presses light kisses to your inner thighs before turning his attention to your clitoris, licking a gentle circle around it. He slides his finger up and down your folds, teasing you over and over until you start to circle your hips, chasing his finger. You feel him grin as he slides his finger in ever so slightly, continuing to shower your clit with affection as he teases you.

You sigh contentedly at the familiar sensation, leaning your head back. Sylus leans down to kiss you again, one forearm on either side of your head, caging you in and blocking your view. You press one hand to the back of Zayne’s head, the other to Sylus’s bicep. You moan as their tongues press against you, warm and insistent.

This continues for some time, until you’re panting heavily. Zayne now has two fingers buried inside of you, and your lips feel awfully swollen from Sylus’s kisses.

At some signal you must have missed, both men sit up. You look back and forth between them, eyes half-lidded in pleasure. Sylus gently kneads one of your breasts, rolling the nipple between his fingers while he watches your face. With his other hand, he presses a button, then holds a vibrator on the lowest setting to your clitoris, making you gasp. “Ready, kitten?”

You nod, but still jump a little as you feel something press lightly against your asshole. You look down quickly to see Zayne watching you intently, and realize he’s got the pad of one of his fingers gently stroking you. He repeats the motion again, and again, and again, all while sliding two fingers from his other hand in and out of you rhythmically.

“Your finger?” You manage to ask between pants.

He nods at you. “Yes. It’s the easiest way to tell whether you’re relaxed. Is that okay?”

You nod, then tip your head back, still breathing hard. Sylus’s free hand travels back and forth, massaging your breasts and gently pinching each nipple in turn; his other hand holds the vibrator steady on your clit.

After numerous light touches, you feel the very tip of Zayne’s finger enter you. You clap your hand to your mouth to smother your groan, closing your eyes. Sylus chuckles and gently pulls at your wrist. “It’s okay, sweetie. Let us hear you. Let us help you feel good.” He slides your hand away from your mouth, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Zayne keeps the same rhythm with his one hand, but slowly withdraws the other all the way. You open your eyes to look at him quizzically, and he grins slightly. “Trust the process.” He starts to massage again, and when you relax, he slides the tip in once more, eliciting another groan from you. “You make the best noises, princess.”

Your tracker beeps, and you feel your face flush at his praise. Sylus chuckles, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. “Colour?”

“Green,” you breathe, trying not to buck your hips.

“You can move as much as you need, I’ll be monitoring everything.” Zayne tells you as he slides the tip of his finger back out. “You feel like you’re ready for more. Sylus?”

Sylus clicks a button, and the vibration kicks up a notch. You gasp and grind your hips onto Zayne’s fingers, and he adjusts his pace to match your thrusts. You feel a slight pressure, a fullness, as Zayne slides his other finger in most of the way. You continue to thrust your hips, and he holds his hand steady; in shock, you realize that you’re the one grinding up and down on that finger. And it feels…good. You cling to Sylus’s arm as you pant, rocking your hips over and over.

Zayne drags a heavy moan from you when he slides his finger slowly out almost all of the way, then in as far as he can go. His other hand is moving much faster, but you’re hyper-focused on the new sensation of movement. He repeats the cycle again, slowly, watching you for any signs of discomfort.

You tip your head back and groan deeply, reaching up wordlessly to Sylus’s face. He leans down immediately to kiss you, keeping the vibrator in place.

A few heavy breaths later, Zayne gently pulls his finger out, and you whine at the loss. There’s a click, and the vibration increases again; your back arches involuntarily. Sylus keeps kissing you, his tongue sliding against yours. Zayne increases the speed of his hand once more, dragging the pads of his fingers against your upper wall. Lower, you feel a now-familiar gentle caress; Sylus swallows your gasp as the caress becomes a firmer pressure than before, and you realize that Zayne is easing two fingers inside of your ass. He gets them about halfway in before your eyes roll back, your muscles start to tense, and your tracker begins to beep erratically.

Sylus pulls back and clicks the button once more, increasing the vibration, and it’s enough to push you over the edge. The stretch is so good, the pressure just right. Your hands fist in the sheets as your head flails. Your chest rises and falls with each ragged gasp, each cry that falls from your lips. Zayne’s one hand is still, the other coaxing your orgasm out for as long as it will go.

“Click it again, Sylus.” You hear Zayne instruct; his voice sounds like it’s far away.

“Won’t that be too much?” You hear Sylus question.

“She can handle it.”

You don’t hear the click, but you feel the vibration pick up again. A cry closer to a scream falls from your lips, and your limbs lock. Your eyes snap open, staring un-seeing at the ceiling. Zayne’s hand starts to move faster, still curling his fingers to hit you in all the right places. He moves his other hand the smallest amount, in and out, in and out, and you feel possibly the strongest orgasm of your life rip through your body. Your mouth falls open in a silent scream, and you lie there frozen as Zayne’s fingers expertly lead you through the crashing waves of pleasure.

You feel a hand gently stroke your hair back from your face. Your eyelids are fluttering, your muscles still locked, and you hardly register the movement. Your tracker is beeping nonstop, but the noise hardly registers through the warm haze that has settled over you like a shroud.

After what feels like the most blissful eternity, your back sinks down onto the bed, and Zayne slows his pace. Sylus clicks the vibrator down once, twice, thrice. You feel boneless, your body more relaxed than you think you’ve ever felt. You’re gasping for breath as your limbs start to shiver, little aftershocks racing through you.

“This might be overstimulating, but I’ll be as gentle as I can,” Zayne tells you softly. He pulls his first hand out slowly, watching your face for discomfort; the movement barely registers. Once that’s done, he starts to move his second hand, easing his fingers out as slowly as he eased them in originally. A broken moan escapes your lips, your back arching slightly at the sensation. You collapse a moment later, empty and spent. “I’ll be right back,” Zayne says as he kisses your thigh. He slides of the bed and pads quietly to the washroom.

Sylus turns off the vibrator and lies down beside you, trailing his fingers firmly against your hyper-sensitive skin so he doesn’t accidentally tickle you. “How do you feel?”

You’re still panting, and it takes a moment for his words to register. “H-holy shit,” is all you manage to say. Your body convulses again, your eyes rolling back as another wave hits you. Your tracker continues to beep.

“Holy shit is right. I think you just came for five minutes straight. And it looks like you’re still coming.” Sylus croons, still stroking your body. Your body relaxes again, and you moan.

The bed on your other side dips, and Zayne stretches out beside you. He rests his arm across your stomach, the weight soothing. “Yeah, that can happen.”

You’re slowly coming back to your senses; the beeping of your tracker is finally quieting down. You see Sylus stare at Zayne, his gaze assessing. “Have you…?”

Zayne props himself up using his other arm to look at Sylus. “Orgasmed for five minutes straight? I’m afraid not. That’s more common in women than in men.” He looks down at you, grinning. “Back with us, cupcake?”

You nod slowly, feeling sluggish in the best way. You place one hand on Zayne’s forearm and one on Sylus’s bicep just as another wave hits, your muscles tensing. Zayne presses a light kiss to your shoulder, his hand sliding down to caress a slow circle around your clitoris; you moan at the touch, your eyelids fluttering.

Zayne grins at your response, his eyes sparkling. “So, what’s your verdict? Would you try it again?”

In silent response to his question, you sit up and reach past Sylus, grabbing the glass dildo that’s been sitting on the bed the entire time. It’s colder than you expected, and the temperature difference has goosebumps travelling up your arms. You hand it to Zayne as you flop back against the pillows.

Sylus chuckles at your enthusiasm, leaning down to kiss you. “Oh, kitten.” He presses his lips to yours, and you kiss him back greedily, sucking his tongue into your mouth as he caresses down the side of your body. He reaches between your legs and teases you, running his fingers lightly against your folds; you chase his fingers, and groan against his tongue when he slides two inside of you. He leans back, smirking, to watch you thrust. “So greedy, asking for more so soon. You sure feel ready for another round.”

Zayne clears his throat, and you turn your head to look at him as you reach between your legs to stimulate your clit. Your lips part slightly, and Zayne watches your face intently for a few moments, transfixed. He blinks twice, then clears his throat again. “It’s a big step, are you sure you’re ready for it?”

You pull him down for a heated kiss, moaning into his mouth as Sylus moves his fingers just right. “No,” you tilt your head and kiss him again, running your tongue along his teeth before pulling back. “But I’m ready to try. Will you help me?”

He makes a needy noise in his throat as he brushes his hand across your flushed cheek. His hand finds your shoulder, and he leans down to kiss you again. Your tongues partake in a familiar dance, the only sound your lips, your gasping breaths, and Sylus’s fingers plunging in and out of you. Zayne is the one who eventually breaks the kiss; he leans his forehead against yours, breathing heavily. “Okay, princess. Spread your legs for me.”

You groan at his words, opening your legs wider so he can kneel between them once more. Zayne finds the vibrator, clicks it back on, and passes it to Sylus. Sylus, grinning like a fiend, runs the vibrator teasingly across your chest, and your breath hitches at the sensation. You try to grab at his hand, but he’s faster, moving to hold the vibrator near your ear so you can hear it buzz. You succeed in grabbing his wrist this time, and look up at him triumphantly.

Your eyes widen in shock when you feel a light, wet pressure against your asshole, distinctly colder than Zayne’s fingers; you shiver lightly. Sylus hums at your reaction and finally slides the vibrator to your clitoris.

“Look at me, Angel.” Zayne calls to you. You comply, and Zayne’s expression is serious. “This might feel overwhelming. But it should not hurt. Do you understand?” You swallow, but nod. “What do you say if you need me to stop?”

“Red.” You reply.

“Good girl.” You flush, unused to hearing those words from Zayne. Before you can feel embarrassed, there’s a firmer pressure, and you feel the glass slide inside you just a little.

You mewl at the intrusion, the sensation different than before: larger, firmer, more. Sylus strokes into you more firmly, and presses the button on the vibrator to increase the speed. Zayne backs off immediately, withdrawing completely until you’ve settled back down.

“Good first attempt. Ready to try again?” You nod, and he presses the tip against you once more. You let out a shaky breath, then push down slightly; the glass slides in slightly further this time, and you clutch Sylus’s forearm. Watching your face closely, Zayne holds it in place for longer before easing it back out.

You relax the muscles you hadn’t even realized were tense, tipping your head back and closing your eyes to focus on Sylus’s fingers; they’re larger than Zayne’s, the stretch a bit more even though he’s also only using two fingers. A sigh escapes your lips as you grind down.

“So greedy.” Sylus rumbles. “Let’s see if we can satiate this greedy kitten, shall we, Zayne?”

“Let’s.” Zayne agrees. He holds your hips still, then, with one more gentle press, slides the glass dildo the furthest yet. He holds the position, letting you get used to the fuller feeling. When you start to grind your hips, chasing Sylus’s fingers, he lets you. “How does it feel?”

You continue to grind, considering. “Different. More…solid, if that makes sense? But it feels good.”

“You’re doing surprisingly well,” Zayne praises, starting to slide the dildo in time with your thrusts.

You groan, the sensation so much more than before. “I…might have tried a few times solo. But not with one this large.” Both men stop moving for a moment, and you whine at the change of pace, opening your eyes. They’re both staring at you hungrily. “…What?”

“Definitely insatiable,” Sylus purrs, a grin spreading across his face. “Was this before or after the lead-up to my birthday?” He starts to move his hand again, drawing a deep moan from your chest.

“Um…both?”

“Frisky kitten.” Sylus croons, and Zayne chuckles. He starts to move the glass again, and you can’t find it in you to be embarrassed when it feels so good.

“More, please,” you pant. The men exchange a glance, then give you what you’ve asked for; Sylus increases the pace of both the vibrator and his thrusts, while Zayne eases the dildo further into you.

You start to thrust in earnest onto Sylus’s fingers, and you hear Zayne’s breath hitch. You look at him, but for the first time he’s not looking at your face; he’s watching the glass dildo disappear inside you, only to re-appear a moment later. His gaze slowly drags to your face, and you grin at him.

“Am I ready for an upgrade?” You ask, breathless.

His eyebrows shoot up, and he watches you closely for several moments before responding, like he thinks you’re joking.

“Is that what you want?” He asks, his expression serious.

You nod eagerly, continuing to rock your hips.

Zayne is silent again, watching you, presumably contemplating whether you’re ready. He looks to Sylus, who gives a subtle nod. Zayne’s piercing gaze finds yours again, and you shiver at the intensity you see there.

“Alright. There are several ways to do this. Do you want me to describe them to you so you can pick one?”

You shake your head quickly before another deep moan is pulled from your chest; Sylus is still stroking into you, curling his fingers just so to hit the spot that he knows drives you wild. “Just…pick the one…you think…will work the best. Please.” You manage to say between gasps.

He nods, gently easing the glass dildo out of you and taking it with him as he leaves the bed.

He returns just a few moments later, tossing a condom to Sylus. He climbs onto the bed, re-arranging the pillows so he can lie down beside you on a bit of an incline. You reach over and stroke him greedily, still rocking your hips to the rhythm of Sylus’s fingers. Zayne reaches forward and turns your chin so gently, so tenderly, that it suddenly feels like your heart is being constricted. He kisses you like you’re the very air he needs to breathe, and when he breaks away, his gaze is smoldering. “I’m going to put you on top of me. If it hurts, you tell me. Once we’re settled, we’ll see if you can take Sylus too; if Sylus is the one moving, it should feel the best for you. Does that sound good?”

You nod and pull his face back to yours, still stroking him as you kiss him sloppily. He groans at your touch, his cock twitching in your hand. When you pull apart to breathe, he smiles at you, his eyes crinkling. He rips open his own condom and rolls it down his length, tossing the wrapper aside.

“Hold this, kitten,” Sylus says softly, tapping the vibrator gently. When you do, he slides his fingers out of you and turns to grab the lubricant.

Zayne reaches for you, helping you slide on top of his chest. The movement and position are a little awkward, but he holds you gently until you’re settled with your back against his chest.

“Forgot something?” Sylus teases, holding up the lube and wiggling it slightly.

There’s a pause, then Zayne chimes in. “Ah. I didn’t want to get it everywhere. I can – ” he sucks in a breath as Sylus takes a generous portion in his hand, then moves closer; Sylus reaches forward and pumps his hand over Zayne’s penis, coating the length of him. Zayne lets out a quiet moan, his head falling back against the pillows as Sylus continues the motion, smirking.

“Alright, Angel. Let’s see if this works.” Sylus murmurs. “We can stop if it’s too much. Lean your head back on his shoulder – yes, like that – and relax.” Sylus guides Zayne’s tip to the correct position, reaching forward with his other hand to tease against your folds. “When you’re ready, push down onto him.”

Zayne places his hands on your hips, not directing, just squeezing lightly in encouragement. Once Sylus has stroked his fingers into you several times, you take a shaky breath and push your hips down.

As his head slips inside, the pressure is different than before, but not unpleasant…until suddenly it’s too much, and there’s a quick stab of pain. You inhale sharply, your body tensing; Zayne’s in motion before you can even say anything, pulling you up his torso so he slides out of you. Sylus is looking at you with worry, and he curls his fingers purposefully inside you to help mask the pain with pleasure.

Zayne speaks quietly behind you, his voice strained. “That hurt you, didn’t it? I’m so sorry, sweetheart, maybe we should – ”

“I’m okay, you don’t have to apologize. Just…give me a second.” You breathe deeply, the pain already subsiding. “Sylus?” You say tentatively when you’re ready to try again.

He nods at you, angling Zayne’s shaft so the tip is lined up once more. Slower this time, you push your hips down. You groan at the sensation of his head entering you. You click the vibrator’s speed up, and Sylus strokes faster, watching you closely for any signs of discomfort. You hold the position for several breaths while Zayne gently caresses your hips. When you feel ready, you push down more.

The feeling is more intense than you were expecting, and you close your eyes, your head lolling against Zayne’s shoulder. He notices immediately, his hand coming up to support your neck. “Still with us, cupcake?” He strokes your hip soothingly with his other hand, trying to keep you grounded in the moment.

You nod, raising your free hand to grasp his wrist. “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just…a lot.”

“You’re doing great. Take as long as you need.” He strokes your face softly, lying perfectly still underneath you as you get accustomed to the feeling.

You click the vibrator up again, and your back arches involuntarily; you gasp as the movement forces your hips down further. Zayne inhales sharply next to your ear. His grip on you tightens, but he purposefully holds his hips immobile underneath you. He lets out a shaky exhale.

Sylus presses a kiss to your thigh to get your attention. You look hazily at him, and he gives you a lazy smile as he continues to stroke in and out of you. “There she is. How are you feeling, kitten?”

Your lips part as you watch the way his fingers disappear inside of you. You groan in response, tipping your head back against Zayne’s shoulder. Sylus chuckles softly.

“Look at me, kitten.” When you finally manage to look up again, he’s holding up the condom packet in his free hand. “Think you can handle it? It’s your choice.”

You hesitate briefly, but nod.

He clicks his tongue in disapproval. “Mm. Not good enough this time. I need to hear you say it.”

“Syluuuuuus,” you whine. He doesn’t relent.

Zayne chuckles and kisses your temple, distinctly not getting involved.

You huff out a breath when you realize he’s serious. “At least come kiss me first,” you grumble, reaching for him.

He smirks, but leans forward to press his lips to yours. He’s still sliding his fingers rhythmically into your body, and you moan against him. It’s a lazy, indulgent kiss; he sweeps his tongue into your mouth before worrying your bottom lip with his teeth. When he breaks the kiss, he stays close, his mouth next to your ear as he whispers roughly: “What do you want, sweetie?”

“You. Inside me. Please.”

“Good girl,” he praises, kissing the edge of your jaw just below your ear. He sits back, his eyes roaming over your body while he fists himself languidly. After a few passes, his attention snaps back to your face, and he smiles softly at you. He eases his hand out of you, slides your slick over his length, then shuffles forward to hover between your legs. “Ready?”

You nod, reaching towards his face. He leans down to kiss you; when his lips connect with yours, there’s a pressure as his tip slides inside. Your gasp turns into a deep groan as he pushes in slowly.

“Ohh, I know sweetie,” he croons as he teases you. “Push your hips down, just a little more.”

You follow his instructions, gasping at the sensation of both of them sliding deeper. You can feel the tension in the air, about to snap; it’s there, in the way both sets of their hands hold you so gently, in the way their breathing is coming quicker, in the way you just want them to move. You grasp onto Sylus’s biceps and start to move again, when suddenly Zayne’s hands are holding your hips firmly in place, not letting you move an inch.

“What – ” you start.

He kisses your neck delicately. “If you move so soon, it’s more likely to hurt. And I’m more likely to slide out of you, which…won’t necessarily be comfortable for you. Give it a minute or two, if you can; let Sylus move first.” His grip loosens, and he rubs soothing, apologetic circles into your hips.

Sylus’s hand comes up to cradle your face, and his lips brush yours lightly, teasingly. He rolls his hips forward slowly, just a little, not giving you what you want. You try to kiss him, but he evades you, pulling his hips backward. You whine in frustration; he grins, doing the entire cycle again. Again. Again.

You’re about to ignore Zayne’s warning and chase your own pleasure, when suddenly Sylus’s lips are pressing firmly against yours, and he rolls his hips until he’s fully inside of you. Your eyes roll back at the pressure, the fullness. Your mouth falls open. Sylus is kissing your neck, nipping at your pulse point. He chuckles when you’re still frozen a few breaths later; he stays perfectly still as you get used to the new feeling.

Your breath stutters, and your gaze comes back into focus. Only then does Sylus, watching you greedily, start to move. He’s gentle, his attention not leaving your face as he slides almost all the way out, then all the way back in, one slow inch at a time.

“Talk to me. Both of you.” You manage to gasp before your head lolls back onto Zayne’s shoulder.

Zayne’s grip on your hips tightens slightly, and his whisper in your ear raises goosebumps on your arms. “What do you want, princess?”

You click the vibrator’s speed up, and shudder. With your other hand, you guide one of Zayne’s hands across your body until his arm encircles your torso under your breasts. Then you slowly drag his other hand up, up, up, until his fingers gently circle your throat. Zayne’s breath catches.

Sylus’s eyes flash, and he leans forward until his warm breath dances across the side of your neck. He continues to roll his hips, his speed so slow that you reach out to greedily pull him against you. Sylus grabs your hand in his, interlacing your fingers in what would be a romantic gesture…if he didn’t then pin your hand to the bed. “I think…” Sylus drawls, as he rolls his hips forward slowly. “That our kitten is getting off on being greedy. I think…” he pulls back before rolling his hips once more. “That she likes being pinned between us. Trapped.”

Your heart tracker starts to beep, and Zayne chuckles. “Mm, I think you’re right. I think she likes being stuffed full. Being held in place while we make her writhe in pleasure.” Zayne breathes against the other side of your neck, his arm around your torso tightening slightly. “Shall we make her scream?”

You mewl at their words, panting heavily. Not moving your hips is becoming an excruciating effort. As if sensing your desperation, Sylus finally starts to move in earnest, his hip rolls morphing into sharper snaps. Your mewls morph into deep groans; the feeling of the two of them inside you is unmatched, the pressure an overwhelming, unique decadence you hadn’t dreamed of.

“Ready, princess?” Zayne’s fingers around your throat twitch ever so slightly. He’s not squeezing, but the weight of his hand is a whisper of dominance, a promise that he’s willing to deliver whatever you’re willing to ask for. You click the vibrator’s speed up. When you nod, he presses a gentle kiss to your temple. And then he starts to move.

Sylus squeezes your hand gently, letting you know he’s still there. Zayne’s strong arm is holding you firmly against his chest as he rolls his hips, the movement small and controlled to see how you’ll react. Sylus pulls back to watch your face, increasing the speed of his hips. Your tracker is going wild. Their ministrations are pulling more groans from deep inside your chest; as they continue to thrust, the groans slowly transform into high-pitched, breathy moans.

“Yes, that’s it, love. Do you feel us both moving inside of you? We want you to break for us.” Sylus is starting to pant now, increasing the speed of his thrusts again as he notices the tell-tale signs that you’re about to come undone. Zayne rolls his hips sharply while simultaneously using his arm around your torso to grind you down further onto their cocks, and –

Your world shatters. You’re squeezing Sylus’s hand so hard, it might leave bruises. Your back arches, forcing both of them deeper still. Your eyes are staring at nothing, your lips parted in a scream that feels never-ending. Sylus continues to pump in and out of you, but Zayne lies still, cradling you against his chest.

Zayne’s hand around your throat vanishes; a moment later, his hand gently envelopes your own, ensuring the vibrator stays pressed firmly against your clitoris as you ride out your orgasm. Just when you think you’re almost done and that your muscles are going to relax, he clicks the vibration up a notch. Your body’s response is immediate: your hips buck wildly, your limbs try to flail, your head flops side to side. Your tracker is still blaring, but they both hold you in place, making you feel more, more.

“Faster, Sylus.” You hear Zayne instruct.

Sylus complies, grunting slightly at the effort. You feel your pleasure mounting again: faster, hotter, sharper. Zayne’s arm around your torso tightens once more, holding you in place so you don’t accidentally hurt yourself. And then they’re both moving again, grinding into you.

Sylus groans as he finds his own release; he continues to slam into you, wanting you to find yours. Your eyes roll back as you break again, and he claims your lips in a fierce kiss as your muscles spasm.

Zayne’s movement stills; Sylus continues to roll his hips, slowing down with each thrust. Zayne clicks the vibrator’s speed down. Your heart rate tracker starts to beep less frequently. Your body shivers, but not from the cold; it feels like the room is on fire with the heat radiating from the three of you. You finally collapse, head against Zayne’s shoulder as you pant heaving breaths. Sylus releases your hand, caressing your face sweetly as he slowly pulls out. You moan gently, your eyelids fluttering.

Zayne is still inside of you, still hard, and he shuffles slightly under you. “This might not feel very good, but it’s better to do it now while your endorphin levels are high.” Without further comment, he shifts his hips downwards, slowly pulling you up his body so he slides out of you. You groan at the sensation, but it’s over in a few pain-free moments.

Sylus and Zayne help move your limp body to the cool centre of the bed. They each stretch out beside you, rubbing soothing circles into your overstimulated skin. You’re still experiencing aftershocks, your limbs shivering.

“You did SO well, cupcake. How do you feel?” Zayne asks gently.

All you can do is moan as another aftershock has you shaking. When it passes, you look back and forth between them, basking in the afterglow. “That…was amazing. Can we do it again?”

Sylus laughs loudly, then grins fondly at you. “Not right now, sweetie. You need time to recover, I think. What felt the best for you?”

Your cheeks feel warm, but you know they’re going to want an answer. “I…liked it when you both talked dirty. And I liked Zayne’s hand on my throat,” you reply quietly.

Zayne’s eyes widen slightly at that. “I didn’t think you were interested in breath-play, Angel.”

“I’m not. I don’t think. But it felt…comforting, somehow. I knew you weren’t going to hurt me.”

“Of course I wouldn’t hurt you,” Zayne says, pressing his forehead to yours. “I would never hurt you on purpose.” He draws back a little, blinking slowly, assessing your reaction. “Unless that was something you wanted, of course.”

It’s your turn for your eyes to widen as you understand the implications of his words. “Oh,” is all you manage, thinking back to the time they took turns spanking you. “…Oh.”

He smiles softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “We can discuss that another time, if you’re interested.”

Sylus makes a noise in his throat, and you turn to look at him. “Do you feel like you can stand yet?” Sylus asks, trailing his fingers lightly across your stomach. You shiver at his touch, inhaling sharply. “You make the best noises,” he croons, pressing a kiss to your jaw, your throat, your clavicle, the swell of your breast, and – finally – your nipple. He swirls his tongue around it, reaching for the other one to roll it between his fingers. You arch your back into his touch, craving more.

He pulls away, chuckling. “So greedy. Shower-time first, kitten.” You sigh, but sit up.

They help you off the bed, and you notice that only your legs are unsteady as you all wander to the adjoining washroom to get tidied up. The short walk takes longer than usual; you keep getting tangled in each other with kisses and gentle touches. At one point, Zayne brushes his lips against Sylus’s throat, and Sylus pulls him higher for a real kiss. Maybe your eyes are playing tricks on you, but you could have sworn you saw at least one tongue in that kiss.

When the three of you finally enter the washroom, you turn the vibrator off and leave it on the counter next to the sink. You walk straight into the massive shower, turning on the waterfall showerhead. You close your eyes and sigh contentedly as you let the hot water run over your body, just enjoying how it feels on your skin.

You stand like that for quite some time before you feel the hair on the back of your neck lift ominously; it feels like you’re being watched. You turn to see both Zayne and Sylus watching you from outside the shower. Sylus smirks and steps into the shower, unbothered to be caught watching you. But Zayne’s cheeks go pink; he stays outside, fisting himself while he watches the water run down your skin. You smile at him, extending your hand. Instead of reaching for it, he silently holds up a condom wrapper.

“Shower sex? Really?” You smile wider.

“I know, I know. I figured it was worth a shot, if you’re interested.”

You nod, and he turns back to the counter to grab the vibrator – which someone cleaned while you were enjoying yourself – and a small bottle of lubricant.

He steps into the shower, and Sylus closes the large glass door; steam quickly envelops all of you, fogging up the glass. Zayne wordlessly passes the vibrator to Sylus, rips open the condom, tosses the wrapper in the corner, and slides a generous portion of lube over his length before he tosses the container in the corner, too.

You move closer to him, out of the flow of the water, and he smiles softly down at you. He reaches for you, spreading the lubricant over your clitoris before reaching lower and sliding a finger between your folds. You clutch his biceps to keep your balance as you widen your stance, groaning at his touch.

“So how does this – eep!” You squawk as four hands lift you effortlessly; you didn’t hear or feel Sylus come up behind you. You quickly wrap your legs around Zayne’s trim waist and your arms around his neck. You hold on tightly as they rotate in perfect synch; Sylus leans against the wall of the shower, holding you pressed against his chest.

Zayne’s hands are on your backside, supporting the majority of your weight; he grins at you. “Ready?”

You nod, and he quickly positions himself between your folds with one hand. He lowers you slowly onto his length, and your eyes widen at the feeling; you’ve never tried sex in this position before, and something about the way their hands are all over you has your breath coming faster already.

With ease, Zayne raises and lowers you onto himself, thrusting his hips in time to go even deeper. You lean your head back against Sylus’s shoulder, panting. Sylus chuckles and clicks the vibrator into action, reaching between your bodies to slide it into place. Your heart flutters at the contact, and your tracker beeps.

Zayne leans closer, pressing kisses to your exposed neck as he starts to move faster. Sylus clicks the vibration up a notch. Your heart does a little flip; your tracker beeps. Your grip on Zayne’s neck loosens as you lose yourself in the sensation. Your breath is coming in short gasps, your tracker beeping, beeping, beeping. The fog of the shower starts to encroach on your vision, which is darkening around the edges slowly. Zayne’s panting and the water falling from the showerhead start to sound like they’re coming from far away, through a long tunnel. You feel a little dizzy. You try to clutch onto Zayne until the feeling passes, but your arms don’t respond. Your tongue feels thick in your mouth. Your tracker is blaring.

As if from far away, you hear Zayne swear. “Red. RED.”

Your vision goes dark. Did you close your eyes? It feels like you’re falling slowly. You feel something soft against your back, and then it’s cold, cold, cold, like someone has plunged your head into a lake in winter.

“Angel. Angel. I need you to open your eyes. Look at me.” Zayne’s voice is steady, commanding. With extreme effort, you manage to open your eyes a crack. Zayne’s hands are caressing over your face and neck repeatedly, and they’re freezing. You blink slowly. Or, you thought you blinked. “Angel. Look at me.” You start slightly, opening your eyes again. Zayne’s gaze is severe, burning into you as he continues to caress your face and neck. “Good. Stay with me.”

You slowly wiggle your toes and curl your fingers. Your vision is almost back to normal, and you realize you’re on the red rug on the floor of the bedroom. You don’t remember how you got here, but your curl your fingers gently in the plush fabric.

“What…what happened?” You asked, your brain feeling sluggish.

“You had an extreme flare-up of your tachycardia. You fainted. Do you remember what you were doing?” His voice is steady, his gaze assessing. He reaches behind your head to place his frigid hands on your neck.

“We…uh…we were having sex in the shower. How..?”

“Very good. Do you remember any of your symptoms?” He resumes caressing your face and neck with his hands.

You shiver slightly, realizing quickly that you’re still naked and wet from the shower. You try to sit up, but he places a hand on your shoulder to keep you in place.

“Sylus. Towel.” Zayne calls sharply, his gaze not leaving your face.

Sylus steps forward and drapes two large towels over you, rubbing the water off your skin. “Ambulance will be here shortly.”

“Ambulance? But – ”

“Non-negotiable, Angel. Do you remember any of your symptoms?” Zayne’s in full doctor mode, still brushing his cold hands over your face.

You sigh. “My heart fluttered a little. I tried to hold on tighter, but it felt like I was falling. You sounded really far away.”

Sylus’s hands go still. “Why didn’t you safe-word, kitten?” His tone is quiet, serious.

“I…I didn’t realize. It happened so fast…”

Zayne nods. “It’s okay. We believe you. But we’re still going to the hospital to make sure you’re okay.”

Your tracker beeps, and Zayne’s gaze flickers to your wrist, then back to your face, concerned.

“We? Hold on.” You try to sit up, but Zayne holds you down again. “We cannot go to the hospital. You’ll lose your job, Zayne.” Your voice cracks slightly.

Sylus’s hand lands on Zayne’s shoulder, squeezing slightly. “She’s right. Go home, Zayne. I’ll go with her to the hospital to get her checked out.”

Zayne’s expression is troubled – torn – like he’s weighing his options. He sighs, deflating slightly in front of your eyes. He looks away from you to glance at Sylus, speaking quickly, all business. “The cold should have stimulated her vagus nerve enough to bring her heart rate down, as corroborated by her tracker, which has stopped beeping. Tell them you used a cold compress. Her blood pressure is likely still low, but the risk of cardiac arrest is low unless her heart rate spikes again shortly. She should stay lying down until the paramedics arrive.” He stays kneeling beside you, and grasps your hand gently in his own. “I’m sorry, Angel. Sorry I didn’t notice what was happening sooner, sorry you had to experience this, and sorry I can’t go with you.”

You shake your head, your eyebrows drawing together, as you squeeze his hand. “It’s okay. I'm okay. But you should go before they see you. I’m sure this means we’ll have an appointment scheduled in the next few hours – do you work tomorrow?”

He nods, his expression grim. “I’m tempted to follow you to the hospital, but I think that would be pretty obvious. I’ll see you at the hospital when I start my shift.” He leans forward, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead. “Love you. See you in a few hours.”

He stands up, gets dressed with clinical efficiency, and is almost out the door by the time your brain catches up. “Love you, too,” you call after him. He pauses at the door, smiling back at you briefly before rushing out.

“Oh, sweetie, you know we love you.” Sylus says, brushing your hair back as he sits beside you, naked.

“Sylus, go put some clothes on before the medics get here. And pass me my dress please. Actually, can you pack me a bag? I have a feeling they’re going to keep me overnight." You sigh, draping your arm across your forehead. “Ugh, I don’t want to go to the hospital.”

“I know, kitten. Hang tight for a minute. Don’t get up. I’ll get everything you need. Love you.”

“Love you, too. You two are going to be the death of me,” you mutter with exasperation as you close your eyes and wait for the ambulance.

Chapter 8: Subspace

Summary:

It’s only been a few days since you were discharged from the hospital after your medical emergency. Dr. Zayne stops by unexpectedly after a particularly brutal day; you share your evening meal together and he shares his recent troubles. He then requests something surprising that will help him process what he’s going through: his total domination.

Notes:

I wasn't intending to write more than the original 7 chapters in this story, but I had several folks reach out wanting more of this Sylus / Zayne / MC dynamic. The writing fairy graced me with her presence (or possessed me...either or), and so I present to you an even spicier dynamic.

This chapter features description of a consensual but intense / possibly triggering BDSM scene; reader discretion strongly advised.

You were discharged from the hospital a few days ago, Dr. Zayne signing the official paperwork for your release. You were on strict orders to take light duties at work and to tone down your exercise regimen until your next appointment, allowing him time to closely monitor your heart rate activity for any abnormalities. You haven’t seen him or heard from him since he signed the paperwork.

You’ve had your evening’s half-length boxing session and your shower, and you and Sylus are almost finished making dinner together when there’s an unexpected knock at the door. Sylus’s gaze turns to you instantly, and the smile fades from your face as you shake your head; you’re not expecting anyone.

He moves like a predator: quickly, silently, with purpose. He turns off the stove burner, quickly glances at his phone screen, and tucks a gun – where was he hiding that in the kitchen? – into his belt at his lower back. He walks casually towards the front entryway, eyes scanning everything as he goes. He waves for you to get out of line of sight of the door, and only opens the door when you’ve ducked back, your hunter firearm in hand.

“Dr. Zayne?” You hear Sylus intone. Your eyebrows knit together as you look around the wall, quickly putting away your weapon and glancing at the time; it’s only 9:30pm, and not a day Zayne would normally drop by.

Zayne runs his hand through his messy hair, his eyes darting back and forth between you. He fidgets with the cuff of his sleeve awkwardly. “I – sorry, I should have messaged ahead. I was just…driving and didn’t realize where I was headed until I got here.”

Sylus doesn’t reply, but glances back at you, the glow of his eye fading. You walk forward, so he opens the door wider.

“Zayne, are you okay?” You ask gently. “You look…um…”

He gives you a strained smile as he steps inside. “Frazzled? You could say that.” Sylus shuts the door and leans against it with his arms folded, a slight frown on his face. “It smells good in here. Shit, am I interrupting your dinner?” He glances at his watch and rubs his hand down his face, turning back towards the door. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll let you get back to – ”

“Inside. Now.” Sylus says firmly, barring the door with his evol as he leads the way into the kitchen.

Zayne hesitates; his gaze lands on the gun at Sylus’s back, and his breath hitches. He glances at your gun too, and rubs his hand through his hair again, mumbling a curse under his breath. Then he follows Sylus into the kitchen.

Sylus is already back in front of the stove, his gun stashed wherever it came from as he stirs the sauce. “Sit.” He instructs, not looking up.

You raise your brows, but get both yourself and Zayne settled at the table. Zayne is visibly restless, tapping his thumb against the dark wood, not making eye contact or conversation. You try to bridge the gap, reaching across the table to cover his hand with yours. “Zayne, what’s going on?”

His lips are tight; he shakes his head, blinking quickly and looking up. You don’t push it further, just grasp his hand tightly in your own as you wait for him to be ready.

Sylus is there a moment later, dropping off two steaming plates of maple-glazed salmon, rice, and steamed vegetables in a cream sauce before going back for the third plate and another glass. He pushes the water towards Zayne and is about to take his seat when Zayne asks tentatively, “Do you have anything stronger?”

Sylus’s crimson gaze is fixed on the doctor until he finally makes eye contact, and after several silent moment of appraisal, Sylus nods and walks to the wine cabinet. He pulls out a bottle of white wine and brings three glasses to the table, quickly uncorking and pouring for all three of you.

You watch in shock as Zayne downs two large mouthfuls. You squeeze his hand and let go, reaching for your own glass to take a sip. Sylus says nothing, but starts to eat his meal, his gaze going back and forth between the two of you.

You also start to eat, sighing contentedly at the first bite of salmon. “Great work on the salmon, it’s delicious. Which wine is this?” You ask politely, trying to break the silence with something mundane.

His leans back and swirls the wine in his own glass before answering. “It’s an Egon Müller Riesling. Do you like it?”

“Yes. It’s very sweet,” you say in response.

Dr. Zayne nods his agreement, and you notice in astonishment that he’s already finished half of his meal.

The rest of the meal passes in slightly tense silence. When he’s finished eating, Zayne swallows his last mouthful of wine, places his glasses on the table next to his almost-empty plate, then leans back with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“A doctor who doesn’t eat his carrots?” Sylus teases with a slight grin. He finishes his final bite of food and also leans back in his chair, swirling his glass pensively.

You finish your meal a little more slowly, but Zayne still hasn’t moved. You quietly set your cutlery on your plate and look to Sylus, worried. He doesn’t look concerned, merely presses a finger to his lips and waits.

Zayne finally rouses, looking at his plate, unseeing. “Thank you for the meal. I didn’t have time to eat lunch today. There was an emergency surgery.”

You follow Sylus’s lead, sitting quietly, waiting.

Zayne sighs heavily. “I lost a patient today. We were so close, but her heart couldn’t take it.”

You reach forward and hold his hand, squeezing it like his admission is squeezing your heart. “It’s not your fault, Zayne.”

He shakes his head, his shoulders slumping. “I could have been better. I’ve been shaken ever since…ever since…”

“Since when?”

“Since we almost lost you.”

Your breath catches, and you look at Sylus. He’s watching your interaction, his eye glowing again. He doesn’t look to you; he’s watching Zayne closely. You look back at Zayne, who’s staring miserably at his carrots. “That wasn’t your fault. In fact, you being here probably saved my life. You’re an amazing doctor, an amazing surgeon. I know you did the best you could for your patient today.”

His surprised gaze finds your own, his hazel eyes sparkling with unshed tears. He swallows thickly and squeezes your hand, unable to talk. He breathes out shakily, then turns towards Sylus, his expression pleading.

Sylus cocks his head to the side, the glow in his eye fading as he regards Zayne inquisitively. He has the last mouthful of his drink, then sets the empty wine glass on the table. You look back and forth between the two of them, not sure what’s going on.

“Upstairs. Now. Wait on the red carpet. Naked.” Sylus’s voice is firm, final, sure. Zayne stands immediately and almost runs out of the room, leaving his glasses on the table in his haste.

When Zayne is out of earshot, Sylus sighs heavily, turning to look at you. You feel like your eyebrows are so high they’ve merged with your hairline.

“He needs subspace for a bit. To cope. He doesn’t want it to be gentle.”

You feel your breath catch, and you look towards the door that Zayne just darted out of.

“Are you comfortable being back in that room? I know we haven’t been in there since your accident.” Sylus’s expression is soft as he watches you.

“Yeah, I think that’d be okay.”

“Do you want to join, or do you want me to take care of it?” Sylus swallows a mouthful of water, still watching you closely.

“What…would joining entail?”

“I can lead the scene, so you don’t have to worry about any of that. I recommend you stay downstairs, at least for the first bit. He wants to start with some pain. Can I leave the dishes to you? That should give us enough time.” You nod. “After that, we’ve got two good options if you want to be involved. Either you peg him while I use his throat, or – ”

Your breath catches, your eyes going round. “Do we…even have the equipment for that?”

He smiles slightly. “Sweetie. Of course.”

“…Oh,” you reply, stifling a frantic laugh as you look back towards the door. “What’s the other option?”

“I take him from behind and make him get you off – either with his fingers and his tongue, or by fucking him into you.”

The room feels awfully warm all of a sudden. “Did he…is that…shit.” You’re flustered, not sure what to say. “He’s not okay, is he?”

“He’ll be fine, I think. I’m going to head up now. Join us in a bit if you feel comfortable.” Sylus gets up and presses a kiss to your forehead, stacking the plates and leaving them on the counter before walking calmly out of the room.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

After you’ve dried and put away the last dish, you turn towards the door that will take you upstairs. You spin your tracker around your wrist, biting your lower lip uneasily. Taking a deep breath, you walk through the door, up the stairs, and pause at the landing. It’s eerily quiet. You tread softly towards the door at the end of the hall, opening the door as silently as you can. You step inside and freeze in your tracks, your hand flying to your mouth to stifle your gasp.

Zayne’s on his knees, naked, with his back to you. That part’s not surprising, since you heard Sylus’s instructions earlier. But you can’t tear your gaze away; while there’s no broken skin, his back is criss-crossed with angry red welts of varying thicknesses. Scattered on the floor are the likely cause: several different implements, some of which you can’t even name.

You lock eyes with Sylus, who flicks his wrist sharply; you wince at the loud noise of a flogger striking Zayne’s back. His moan is severely muffled.

“Break time. You may collapse now.” Sylus’s voice is authoritative, with little inflection. At his words, Zayne falls forward, supporting his upper body weight on shaking arms. Sylus drops the flogger near his hands in his line of sight, causing a shiver to run up Zayne’s entire body.

Sylus walks to one of the cabinets to grab something before turning to you and gently ushering you back out the door. He shuts the door behind you both with a firm click, walking several paces away; you trail after him slowly. He crosses his arms and silently watches your approach, not reaching for you until you reach for him first.

You place your hand lightly on his arm, and he closes his eyes, drawing you into his chest with one hand on your hair and one on your back. You wrap your arms around him, breathing in his comforting scent for several breaths before you look up at him. “Are you okay?”

He gives a mirthless snort and squeezes you gently. “I’m fine, sweetie. Are you okay? I know how much he means to you.”

“You said he needs this. Is it…is it helping?” You watch his face as he blinks slowly, then inclines his head towards you in a half nod.

“Since you came upstairs, does that mean you’re willing to help?”

You take a deep breath and nod, and he presses a kiss to your forehead. “Let’s get you ready then.” He backs up half a step and holds up a bundle of straps. At your confused expression, he spreads the straps out for you to get a better look. “It’s a harness. Your legs go through these loops, and we can tighten everything once it’s on so it’ll stay in place. We’ll put something here later,” he taps a ring in the centre, and you nod. He kneels in front of you and holds the straps for you to step into.

“Shouldn’t I…change into something else?” You ask nervously, gesturing to your pants.

Sylus looks up at you, smiling slightly. “If we were going with option number two. But I think option one is going to cause you less distress; his focus is going to be on me, so you can wear whatever feels the most comfortable.”

You nod, placing your hands on his shoulders for balance as you step into the straps. He slides the harness up your legs, tightening the straps into place around your thighs and waist.

He watches you closely, one hand resting on your waist. “I’m going to do and say some things that might be…a bit unsettling to you. It turns out he’s a bit of a masochist in this state.” At your confused expression, he elaborates: “He likes pain. Well, likes is a bit of a strong word. He feels he deserves the pain.”

You close your eyes and take a steadying breath. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

“There she is, my brave warrior. You can tap out if it’s too much. I’ve got this.” Sylus gives you a squeeze, a quick kiss to the forehead, then sets his expression. He strides loudly to the door and opens it with more force than necessary, shutting it firmly once you’re both inside. “Break time’s over. On your feet.”

Zayne shivers violently, but pushes himself up. He doesn’t turn around, just waits, slowly clenching and unclenching his fists.

Sylus saunters over, gripping Zayne by the back of his neck. “Is this what you wanted?” Sylus croons, the muscles on his forearm flexing as he squeezes.

Zayne nods.

“Have you had enough yet?”

Zayne shakes his head quickly.

“Well then let’s see what else that depraved mind of yours is after, shall we?” Sylus travels slowly around Zayne at arm’s length, keeping a grip on his throat until he’s standing directly in front of him. You feel a shiver go through you when you see Sylus’s expression over Zayne’s shoulder; it’s cold, calculating, and his eye is glowing fiercely.

The glow in Sylus’s eye fades, and he cocks his head to the side, a cruel smirk forming on his lips.

“Well, that’s tame enough.” Sylus’s gaze flickers to you, and his voice and expression soften noticeably. “Sit on your throne, kitten.” He gestures to the large leather armchair.

You walk over tentatively and sit down, wondering what’s going to happen next.

Sylus’s voice is hard again when he speaks next: “Eyes on me, or eyes closed. You don’t deserve to look at her. She’s going to edge you now until you’re practically weeping for release. Tap out when you feel you deserve to breathe.”

Zayne’s practically trembling with anticipation when Sylus pulls him roughly around, stopping him directly in front of you. You have to stifle another gasp as you see him from the front; he looks even more disheveled than before. He’s got a black and silver collar clasped tightly around his throat, a gag in his mouth that he’s clearly been wearing for some time, and there are tear streaks and drool on his face. Hearing your quiet noise, his bleary gaze flickers briefly to meet yours.

He realizes instantly that he’s fucked up, groaning and closing his eyes, but Sylus doesn’t let him get away with it. He’s wrapped in black and red mist like a vice, his arms trapped to his sides, and is forced to his knees. “You. Don’t. Deserve. To. Look. At. Her.” Sylus articulates quietly. “Apologize.”

The mist pulls the gag roughly out of his mouth and pushes him down further. Your breath trembles as he presses a kiss to the top of one foot, then the other. “I’m sorry, Mistress. Please forgive me.”

There’s an electricity in the air, and Sylus watches you silently. After a short pause where you fumble for what to do, you reach forward and gently scrape your nails across his scalp. He trembles under your touch. “You’re forgiven,” you declare softly, and you swear you hear a soft whimper fall from his lips.

“Eyes on me, or eyes closed. Do I make myself clear?” Sylus says dangerously as the mist pulls Zayne back to his feet.

“Yes, Sir.” Zayne answers quickly.

“Good boy,” Sylus murmurs. His gaze flickers to you, and he nods before turning his attention back to Zayne. Sylus puts his hand back around Zayne’s throat, squeezing enough that Zayne’s next breath is more of a wheeze. Zayne places two fingers against Sylus’s wrist.

You feel like someone is squeezing your heart as you watch Zayne’s eyes roll backwards, but you reach forward to gently caress his muscular thighs; his legs tremble under your touch.

Sylus is closely monitoring Zayne’s breathing, as evidenced by Zayne’s full gasp when your fingers lightly caress his painfully erect cock. There’s no noise at all a moment later when you fist down the length of him, but you don’t look up.

Zayne’s head is weeping more than you’ve ever seen it, and you spread the slickness slowly along his shaft. It’s clear he’s trying hard not to buck his hips, and his legs shiver with the effort. You try to provide him a little comfort, try to hold him steady with your free hand. You lean forward and take him into your mouth, and there’s a loud moan above you…and then silence again. You block the thought of that from your mind.

You suck, swirl your tongue, bob your head in the way you know he likes. Just a few moments later, you’re startled by Sylus’s voice: “Pause, kitten.”

You pop off of Zayne’s shaft and look up; Zayne’s trembling has intensified, and his eyes are rolling back again. Your breath catches, and you gently caress his penis with your hand; you feel it pulse strongly in your grip, so you stop.

Sylus allows Zayne several shaky consecutive breaths, then he nods at you for you to keep going. You lean forward again, sucking him into your mouth once more. After just a few passes, you feel him pulsing against your tongue, and you stop again.

You hear a deep, ragged breath above you a moment later, and a whisper that sounds like please. You suck once more, then pull back to run your tongue from his base to his tip. He shudders.

“He’s been awfully obedient, aside from his single transgression. What do you say to a…special finish?” Sylus asks you, gently nudging your foot with his own.

Catching on to his implication, your eyes widen slightly. You consider for a moment, then lean back and press the bottom of your foot to Zayne’s thigh. “Take it off.”

Zayne lets out a deep moan and closes his eyes, resisting the temptation to look. He reaches down with trembling fingers and slides your sock off your foot, dropping it to the floor. You remove your first foot from his thigh and replace it with your second foot, but he stands frozen, fingers twitching.

“This one, too,” you instruct. With your permission, he pulls the other sock off gently, caressing your ankle reverently as he drops the sock to the floor.

Sylus presses a hand to Zayne’s shoulder, applying pressure. “On your knees.”

Zayne complies immediately, sinking down, his eyes still closed.

Sylus crouches next to Zayne, his gaze flickering to your face. You swallow hard, but nod. Sylus reaches forward and strokes up and down Zayne’s length once, twice. “You may watch,” Sylus murmurs.

Zayne’s eyes flutter open, his gaze fixed on your feet. You give your toes a small wiggle and try to angle your feet so they look pretty; he makes a low, needy noise in his throat.

After just a few thrusts of Sylus’s hand, Zayne’s breath is ragged, his eyes glazed. “Please,” he breathes.

“Please what?” Sylus questions, still working his shaft mercilessly.

“Please give me permission. Please, Mistress.” he gasps out, his hands squeezing his legs until the knuckles turn white.

“…Permission granted.” The effect is immediate. You try not to jerk as the first spurt of his release lands on the top of your foot, thick and warm. You shudder and look away, your stomach roiling as it happens multiple times. Zayne is panting hard.

“You’ve made a mess.” Sylus says, deadpan. “Clean it up.”

Zayne’s breath hitches, but he leans down slowly. You press a hand firmly to your mouth to prevent yourself from gagging or giggling as his warm tongue drags across your feet over and over again.

You lose your composure when he sucks one of your toes into his mouth. You squeal, but he either doesn’t hear it or he pays it no mind; he only sucks harder.

When he’s finally finished, he presses a breathy kiss to the top of each foot and then presses his forehead to them, resting motionless on the floor.

Sylus leans down to you, pressing a kiss to your forehead before murmuring in your ear, “You did great, sweetie. Are you okay to keep going?” You nod. “Take a quick break first. You can…clean up if it helps. When you come back, can you bring back one large glass of water?” You nod again, and he presses another kiss to your forehead.

You watch Zayne closely for a few moments before you get up and leave the room. You notice that the swelling on his back has already gone down, though some of the marks still look awfully red. You notice that the tension in his shoulders from earlier seems to have lessened. You notice that his breath is even, calm. You almost don’t want to disturb him now that he seems to have finally found some peace.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

When you re-enter the room a few minutes later, you close the door quietly. You stand by the doorway holding the water you brought with you, hesitating. Sylus looks up; he’s sitting in the chair you were in earlier. He holds out his hand palm-up, coaxing you forward.

You pad forward quietly and pass him the water; he has a mouthful and offers it back to you, but you shake your head, having already had your fill downstairs while trying to calm your nerves. He takes another large swallow, turning his gaze away from you to Zayne, who hasn’t moved. You almost wonder if he’s asleep based on his slow, steady breathing.

“Time to stand,” Sylus says, his voice gentler now.

Zayne stirs ever so slightly, groaning quietly. His muscles tense, release, tense. He doesn’t rise.

Black and red mist swirls around him, caressing him softly, like a lover. He groans again as the mist pulls him to a standing position, continuing to swirl around him to support him in staying upright.

“Finished yet?” Sylus asks quietly.

Zayne’s eyes are closed, his breathing slow. He’s still for a moment, considering, then shakes his head.

“Didn’t think so.” Sylus stands up, running a finger gently across Zayne’s lower lip before tapping twice. “Open.” Zayne opens his mouth without question.

You watch, holding your breath, as Sylus holds the back of Zayne’s head and takes a sip of water. Then, without swallowing, he presses his lips to Zayne’s and transfers the liquid over. Zayne shivers, patiently waiting.

“Swallow.” Sylus instructs, and Zayne complies immediately, his eyes still closed. Sylus looks at you and offers you the glass. You hesitate, then step forward tentatively to take it. “Kneel.”

Zayne follows the order quickly, sinking down and bowing his head slightly. You lean forward and mimic the motion you saw Sylus do: you brush your finger across Zayne’s bottom lip, then tap twice. Zayne turns his face upwards, eyes still closed, and opens his mouth obediently. You take some of the water in your mouth, then press your lips to his and pass him the water. His fingers twitch when you brush your hand across his jaw, tapping his neck twice to grant him permission. He swallows the water and moans slightly, leaning into your touch.

“More?” You ask, and he nods.

You continue to transfer him water until the glass is empty, then hand it off to Sylus. You press your lips to Zayne’s again, this time sliding your tongue into his mouth. One of his hands comes up and hovers near your face, not quite touching, just silently asking. You press your hand to his, guiding him to touch your cheek, and you feel him melt. A noise like a sob comes from his throat, and you pull back slightly, alarmed. His eyes are still closed, his breathing jagged.

You press a kiss to his forehead, then stand up fully. His hand falls away from you and lands on his knee; he bows his head again like before, just breathing and waiting.

You turn to look at Sylus, and he meets your gaze, the glow in his eye fading. He presses a hand to your waist, pulling one of the straps slightly and raising an eyebrow at you questioningly. You twist your tracker around your wrist, but nod.

Sylus turns, running his fingers through Zayne’s hair, scratching his scalp lightly before gently pulling at the roots. Zayne makes a noise low in his throat, a shiver passing through him. “If you’re not finished yet, get on the bed. Elbows and knees.” When Sylus stops touching him, he gets to his feet slowly and turns towards the bed as if in a trance. You watch, transfixed, as he pads quietly over to the bed and follows the instructions, becoming perfectly still once he rests his forehead on his forearms.

Sylus turns his attention back to you, watching you closely as he enters your personal space. He leans forward to murmur in your ear. “Ready, Angel?”

You take a deep breath, answering him in a steady but quiet voice: “Yes. How does this part work?”

His lips curve upwards, and he takes your hand, leading you towards one of the cabinets. He opens a drawer, and you stare, wide-eyed; laid out in front of you is an extensive collection of what you presume are strap-on compatible toys in a range of widths, lengths, textures, shapes, and colours.

You tentatively reach forward and touch the one in front of you; it’s an angry-looking deep red and black, and definitely not modeled after a human. It’s massive. “Sylus…what the fuck.”

He chuckles, reassuringly squeezing your hand that he’s still holding. “Not that one, sweetie. I recommend one of these.” He gestures further down the drawer, where the more normal-looking dildos are located.

“How do I choose?” You ask, sliding over to have a closer look.

Sylus hums thoughtfully at your question. “I was going to recommend something larger and textured, so he’d feel it more. But he’s settled down quite a lot and seems almost at his limit. Any moderate one you pick will be fine; he can handle it.”

You nod, looking at your options before lifting one that’s just longer than your hand. “Is this one too big?”

“No, that one will be fine. Want some help?” When you nod, Sylus takes the toy from your hand and kneels in front of you, loosening the o-ring to slide the toy into place. “It’s designed to rub against your clit while you – ”

Feeling suddenly mischievous, you reach forward and grip Sylus’s hair, tugging slightly. His eyes dart to you, total surprise on his face. He doesn’t move, so you give another gentle tug.

He sighs heavily, his lips curling into a slow smile. “Let’s try that later if you’re interested, kitten. He’s waiting.” You huff, but release his hair. He gets to his feet, sliding his hands up your body as he does so, his eyes sparkling. “So…frisky,” he teases, leaning down to press a kiss to your lips.

You hold his hips and try to pull him close as you kiss him back, but the dildo gets in the way and he pulls back, snickering. He presses a kiss to the top of your head, passes you a container of lubricant, grabs a box of tissues, and leads you back towards the bed.

Zayne is still in the same pose as before, his breathing calm and slow once more. Sylus reaches forward and runs his hand gently up the length of Zayne’s back, his palm flat. Zayne stirs slightly, a soft noise coming from him. Sylus slowly runs his hand back down, stopping on Zayne’s left butt cheek. Sylus grabs a tissue with his free hand and reaches forward to grab the base of a toy you didn’t even know was inside of Zayne. You feel awfully warm in the face; you watch as Sylus eases out a toy much larger than most of the ones you’ve used, wrapping it in the tissue and dropping it to the floor.

Sylus gives Zayne two pats on the ass before he climbs onto the bed; he arranges the pillows so when he lies back, he’s comfortably propped up against the headboard. “Come closer,” he calls out once he’s settled, one arm thrown casually back, his hand behind his head. Zayne is in motion quickly, crawling up the bed and stopping at a respectful distance, at Sylus’s parted feet. “Closer.” Zayne hesitates, but slides between Sylus’s legs; he comes to a stop with his hands pressing into the bed on either side of Sylus’s thighs, his knees between Sylus’s feet. “Good,” Sylus confirms. Sylus’s gaze flickers towards you. “Up you come, Angel.”

You clamber onto the bed, feeling a little silly as you kneel behind Zayne. You place a hand on his hip; you hear his breath catch, but he doesn’t look back at you. Sylus reaches forward and tilts Zayne’s face up, presumably forcing eye contact.

“What are you going to say if you need us to stop?” Sylus asks, his voice a quiet caress.

“Red,” Zayne breathes.

“Louder.” Sylus’s voice is quiet but firm, and you feel a shiver go down your spine even though he’s not talking to you.

“Red, Sir.”

Sylus pats him on the cheek, his hand falling back to the bed. “And what signal are you going to use if you need us to stop but you can’t speak?”

Zayne hesitates, then shifts to scratch his nails down Sylus’s abdomen. Sylus blinks slowly, then nods.

“Be good for her, hmm? Let it all out.” You’re confused by his words, but when Sylus nods at you to proceed, you squirt a healthy portion of lubricant into your hand and awkwardly spread it over the dildo. You wipe what’s left on your hand on a tissue, tossing it to the floor before you turn back to Zayne. He’s trembling slightly in anticipation; his head is lowered, his shoulder muscles tight. You place one hand lightly on his hip, causing him to shiver harder.

You shuffle forward slightly, gripping the clean base of the dildo in your hand as you slide the tip against him. He breathes out shakily, shifting his hips backwards as you continue to rub the head up and down. He shifts back further, and you watch – impressed – as the head slides in with ease; he rocks his hips a few times, and you place your other hand on his hip when it’s clear he doesn’t need any additional preparation. He groans, pushing back further.

You hear a zipper and look up quickly; your view is blocked by Zayne’s broad shoulders, but Sylus’s arm is in motion. “Serve.” He murmurs, and you feel your breath hitch as Zayne drops down onto his forearms. He rocks forwards and backwards more firmly, and you hear a wet slurping noise.

You kneel fairly still, watching Zayne’s movements. Sylus’s gaze is fixed on Zayne, but after several moments he looks up at you and offers you a small smile. You feel a light breeze as Sylus’s evol brushes against you; he cocks his head to the side, silently asking for your consent. You nod, and you feel the mist shifting your body. He guides you to pull Zayne’s hips backwards as you thrust forward, starting with slow, steady strokes. There’s a muffled gasp from Zayne on the first stroke, and he’s moaning on each subsequent thrust; you’re also fairly certain you hear a low moan from Sylus.

Sylus guides you to move faster, snapping your hips forward more sharply and pulling with more force. There’s a particularly guttural moan from Zayne after one stroke, and you try to mimic the same depth and pressure on the next thrust. You appear to be successful; his next groan is full-volume, his head resting against Sylus’s hip as he holds onto his thighs tightly.

Sylus eye is glowing again when he runs his hand through Zayne’s hair, tugging the roots. “Speak.”

When Zayne doesn’t answer, he guides you to thrust harder; you watch as the dildo slides in all the way, bottoming out with your hips flush against Zayne’s ass.

“Speak,” Sylus instructs again. When there’s no answer the second time, Sylus guides you to pull almost all the way out, then slide back in with more force. Zayne lets out a noise somewhat between a whimper and a moan.

Sylus doesn’t ask again; he’s about to repeat the same motion when there’s a whisper from Zayne. “…I’m sorry.”

You lean forward slightly; Sylus’s mist backs off, letting you decide what you want to do next. You gently squeeze Zayne’s hips, then rub soothing circles as you continue with slow, smooth thrusts. “Sorry for what?” You ask softly.

He pushes his hips in time with you, meeting you thrust for thrust. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice you were having an episode sooner,” he murmurs.

You squeeze his hips in what you hope is a consoling manner. “I forgive you.”

He shudders hard, and Sylus’s mist wraps around you again; he encourages you to go slightly faster, slightly harder. Zayne gasps out, “I’m sorry that I hurt you.”

You try to stop moving, but Sylus shakes his head. His mist pulls you to be rougher. “You didn’t hurt me. I forgive you.”

Zayne lets out a sob, and Sylus continues to play with his hair soothingly while directing you to thrust harder. Zayne starts to babble, his words coming quickly. “I’m sorry I left you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I should have stayed. I should have – ”

You spank him roughly, shocking yourself. “I forgive you, Zayne. For all of it.” He lets out a shuddering breath, and you’re pretty sure he’s crying now. Again, you try to stop, but Sylus guides you to continue; he’s watching you now, his face serious, but you don’t notice. You’re thrusting faster and faster, pulling Zayne backwards with a tight grip on his hips. He’s moaning and gasping at each sharp movement, and the sound becomes muffled as he takes Sylus in his mouth again.

You lose track of time; you’re not sure how long it’s been when Sylus’s mist comes up and brushes gently across your cheek. You start, realizing the room is blurry; you’re the one crying now, and Sylus hasn’t been directing your thrusts for some time. You make eye contact with Sylus, and his expression is concerned. “He’s waiting for you,” is all he says, brushing the mist lightly against your other cheek to wipe away the rest of your tears.

You swallow thickly, but lean forward, pressing your front to Zayne’s back. You reach around his hip and grasp his thick cock, thrusting your hand in time with your hips. “I forgive you,” you whisper. His body convulses under you at once; he groans deeply, his penis throbbing in your grip as his orgasm overtakes him. You coax him through it gently, pressing a kiss to his back when you think he’s finished. His arms shake and he’s panting heavily when you pull out slowly. You move a bit away and sit down on the bed, your own breathing unsteady.

You’re not sure how long you sit like that, just breathing. Sylus is there, pulling you into a hug; you cling to him, burying your face against his chest. “You did great, kitten. Let’s get everyone cleaned up, hmm?” He rubs your arms soothingly, and when you’re ready, you nod.

Zayne’s still on the bed on all fours, his head lowered.

“Follow me,” Sylus says to the room at large, turning and heading towards the ensuite bathroom. Zayne shudders, but pushes himself up to trail after Sylus. You stand and follow more slowly.

Wordlessly, Sylus helps you out of the harness. He leaves it in the sink. Sylus removes both the collar and the gag from Zayne’s neck, turns the shower on, and gently ushers Zayne inside before turning to you, his expression concerned.

“Are you okay, Angel? Things got…a little intense. I should have prepared you more.”

You shake your head. “I’m okay. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” He questions, running his fingers lightly across your cheek. “You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetie. You did great. It’s okay for you to have emotions.”

You swallow, turning your head to avoid his gentle gaze.

“Will you look at me?”

You take a deep breath, blinking away more tears as you turn your face towards your lover.

“I’m proud of you. This shit’s hard. Zayne’s doing better but he’s in no shape to go home, if you’re okay with it I’m going to get him to stay the night. Do you want him to sleep with us, or in one of the guest rooms?”

“With us, please.” You say in a small voice. He nods at your choice.

“Want me to help you undress?”

You sniff, but nod. In short order, you’re both naked and stepping into the shower. Zayne’s standing motionless with his face in the spray, his eyes closed, just letting the water run over him. You walk forward and wrap your arms around him, burying your face in his chest.

His arms wrap around you slowly, and he rests his cheek against your hair. Sylus comes up behind you and wraps his arms around you both, resting his chin lightly on the top of your head. You all stand like that for some time, breathing slowly.

Sylus is the one who moves first, lathering your torso first, Zayne’s torso second. He rinses the suds off, rotating you both slowly. He lathers Zayne’s arms and legs, then yours; you squirm slightly when his fingers pass over your ticklish spots, and he just grins at you from his knees. He rotates you again, and when he’s happy that all the soap is rinsed off, he washes himself much more quickly.

He shuts the water off, wrapping you, then Zayne, then himself in plush, oversized towels. He passes you a smaller towel for your hair, and you watch in surprise as he has Zayne kneel on the bathmat. He sprays something on Zayne’s back multiple times, then towel-dries his hair. Zayne’s still acting a bit off; he’s silent, oddly relaxed and compliant. He resolutely doesn’t look at you, and his eyes keep drifting partially or fully shut.

Sylus herds you both out of the washroom and strips the bed quickly with his evol, leaving the pile of sheets on the floor in a messy heap. He has you both sit on the edge of the bed, side-by-side in your towels, and then gives you both a gentle nudge so you’ll lie down. You watch him slip out of the bedroom with his towel hung low across his hips, and he holds a finger to his lips when he sees you looking.

While Sylus is gone, you hold Zayne’s hand, tracing your fingers lightly across his skin; his eyes are closed and he doesn’t say anything, but when you squeeze his hand, he squeezes back lightly.

Sylus is back just a few moments later, still in his towel, and he’s carrying a tray. He uses his evol to quietly pull the bedside table over, and he sets the tray on it before moving the armchair closer. He sits down.

Sylus snaps his fingers, and it’s like every muscle in Zayne’s body is suddenly pulled taught, his breath stolen away. “Scene over; at ease. Come back to us.”

Zayne just…breathes for a bit. After a minute or two, he stretches, and you hear a loud pop from somewhere in his spine. He sits up slowly, blinking like he’s just woken up from a long nap. You sit up when he does, watching in fascination as he shakes off the residual effects.

Sylus busies himself, whisking the contents of a saucepan on the tray before slowly pouring the rich liquid into three mugs.

“Whipped cream or marshmallows, Angel?” Sylus asks, and you realize he’s made a mini hot chocolate bar on the tray.

“Cream, please.”

“Cocoa or cinnamon on top?” He asks.

“….Both?” He chuckles at your reply, but sprinkles them both on top and passes you a mug.

“Zayne?” He asks, eyes flickering towards the doctor.

Zayne clears his throat. When he speaks, his voice is rough, quiet. “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Sylus quickly whips up another one and passes both Zayne’s glasses and a mug to Zayne, then makes his own drink. He offers you both a plate of assorted cookies and fruit slices; you take a strawberry, Zayne takes a cookie, and then Sylus sets the plate back down on the tray. He sits back, watching the two of you closely.

When you’re all about halfway done your drinks, Sylus sets his down and leans forward expectantly, elbows on his knees.

Zayne sighs heavily, looking down into his hot chocolate. “I’m…sorry you both had to see me like that. And I’m sorry for intruding on your night. I appreciate you both for feeding me and…helping me.” He looks up at you and gives you a tight smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. You reach forward and run your fingers over his cheek; he leans into the touch, closing his eyes.

“And how do you both feel?” Sylus asks, gaze flickering between the two of you.

Zayne looks Sylus in the eyes. “…Better. Thank you.” Zayne clears his throat awkwardly, a light blush tinging his cheeks. “You knew exactly how hard to push, and when. It was exactly what I needed.”

Sylus holds his eye contact, then nods. Sylus turns his intense stare on you, and it’s your turn to blush. “It was a bit outside of my experience, but I’m glad it helped. I…don’t really know what came over me at the end.” You turn to look at Zayne. “I’m sorry if I was too rough.”

He smiles again, and this time his eyes sparkle a little. “You weren’t too rough, Angel.” His smile fades a little, his expression turning serious. He places his hand lightly on your knee. “I’m really sorry. Truly. And I’m sorry I didn’t do a better job of communicating how I was feeling the last few days, or checking in with you outside of my official capacity. Are you okay, after your episode? You…don’t owe me any answers, but I’m here for you if you wanted to talk about it.”

You place your hand on his and squeeze it lightly. “I’m…okay. Just a little shaken up about it. Jenna’s got me on paperwork at work,” you scrunch your nose in distaste, “and I’m still only doing half workouts. I haven’t noticed any other symptoms or flare-ups.”

Zayne nods thoughtfully, placing his cup on the tray. He glances at Sylus then breathes out deeply, looking to the floor. After a moment, he steels himself and switches eye contact between the two of you as he says: “I…understand if this has pushed the limits of what you both are comfortable with. I appreciate what you both did for me tonight. We can take a step back to where we were at before, or I can stop coming around. I respect whatever decision you make.”

Your tracker beeps, and both Sylus and Zayne look at you quickly, concern on their faces. Sylus is frowning, intently regarding your upset expression. When you don’t say anything, his gaze flickers back to Zayne. “You forgot an option in your little speech.”

Zayne looks to Sylus, his brows lowered in confusion.

Zayne’s breath catches when Sylus reaches forward. “We can keep doing…whatever this is, as long as it’s consensual.” He slips his thumb into Zayne’s mouth, and Zayne’s eyes flutter shut; he moans lightly, and then sucks on Sylus’s thumb. Sylus’s gaze flickers to you, his thumb still in Zayne’s mouth. “It doesn’t have to be this intense all the time. And we can…switch the roles around when we feel like it. I think there are some things Angel might want to try.”

Sylus smiles at you, and it feels like your cheeks are on fire. He reaches his hand forward, and when he tries to put a thumb in your mouth you nip at it playfully. His eyes flash dangerously, and you let him slip his thumb into your mouth a moment later.

Sylus draws back and stands. Zayne’s eyes slowly re-open, and he looks a bit dazed. “Time for bed, unless either of you need anything else?” You shake your head, and Zayne looks a bit confused. Sylus looks at him sharply. “You’re in no state to go home by yourself right now; stay the night with us. The bed’s big enough. Do you work tomorrow?”

Zayne shakes his head, his shoulders slumping a little. “…You’re right. I’m exhausted.” He runs his hand over his face. “Intense scene, intense sub-drop.”

“Sub-drop?” You ask tentatively.

Zayne looks at you, smiling wanly. “Right, you’re still pretty new to all this. People can enter subspace, which is a kind of…altered mindset where your brain is producing a lot of feel-good neurotransmitters. Sub-drop can happen during or after a scene when those neurotransmitters are produced less, which doesn’t feel particularly good. It’s sort of like a physical and emotional crash; you could feel cold, hungry, tired, guilty. It’s a fairly vulnerable state, which is why aftercare like cleaning, cuddling, and snacks are so important.” His gaze flickers to Sylus. “And I have a feeling that Sylus is fairly familiar with all of this, since he was able to lead the scene and the aftercare so well.”

Sylus smirks at him but doesn’t reply. He reaches out a hand to you and helps you to your feet; he offers Zayne a hand too. He leads you both out of the room and down the hall to a different room, one you slept in before when you had first come to the N109 zone. “There are extra sleep clothes in the dresser, extra toiletries are in the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

He leaves the two of you alone, giving you some time and space together. You brush arms while brushing your teeth, exchanging somewhat shy glances. You press a kiss to Zayne’s cheek when you leave the bathroom, only to find Sylus stretched out on the bed in only sweatpants. His crimson gaze follows you closely as you walk forward and climb into the bed, snuggling up to lay your head on his chest when he stretches his arm out for you. You kick your leg over his, sighing contentedly. He presses a kiss to your hair, stroking your head lightly.

Zayne walks in a few moments later and hesitates in the doorway, but Sylus waves him forward. Zayne pads quietly to the bed and lies down behind you, his head on Sylus’s arm and his arm across your waist. Sylus plays with Zayne’s hair instead, and you feel Zayne sink into relaxation quickly.

“You’d better not snore, Zayne, or I’m kicking you out of the bedroom.” Sylus teases quietly. He snaps his fingers unnecessarily, plunging the room into a comfortable darkness.  

Chapter 9: Nightmares

Summary:

You awaken in the middle of the night to Sylus missing. You wander his mansion to find him and have a brief heart-to-heart before returning to bed. Except the bedroom, warm when you left, is now freezing; Zayne seems to be gripped by nightmares, losing control of his evol.

Notes:

No spice in this (short) chapter. Inspiration has struck and I'm currently part-way through Chapter 10. Enjoy ;)

You wake up groggily in the darkness. You reach to your left and feel Zayne’s signature cool skin; his breathing is gentle and even. You reach to your right and are surprised to find the bed empty, with no lingering traces of warmth. Sylus must have snuck out once you fell asleep.

Slowly, you try to disentangle yourself from Zayne. You don’t want to wake him, but one of his arms rests across your stomach. Your movements rouse him slightly, and he murmurs incoherently in his sleep as he pulls you closer.

You’re torn between sighing in exasperation or giggling when he buries his face in your neck, inadvertently tickling you with his hair. You wait until you’re sure he’s still asleep – his breathing evening back out – before you attempt to slide away again. He murmurs once more, but thankfully releases you. You manage to slide out of the bed.

You pad quietly in the darkness to the door, finding the handle by memory. You turn the knob, open the door, and slip into the dimly lit hallway, shutting the bedroom door as quietly as you can behind yourself.

You hesitate. Where might Sylus have gone? You know, of course, that he’s fairly nocturnal; he doesn’t often spend the entire night with you. But you don’t often wake up in what appears to be the middle of the night wanting to talk to him. Uncertain, you decide your first stop should be the kitchen, since you’re surprisingly thirsty.

You walk through the dimly lit manor, using the railing to help you down the stairs. Not wanting to ruin your night vision, you don’t turn on the overhead lights when you enter the kitchen, instead finding the correct cabinet by feel. You take down a cup and fill it with water, swallowing several mouthfuls while contemplating where Sylus might be. It’s possible he’s off in the N109 zone on business. But you have a sneaking suspicion that he’s somewhere in one of the many rooms. You drain the cup and place it in the sink, leaving the kitchen to begin your hunt.

You quickly dismiss the rooms off the entryway; there are no additional lights on anywhere down here. You turn back the way you came and head up the stairs once more. You’re fairly certain he’s not to the right, near the guest room where Zayne is sleeping; there were no lights on in that direction. You instead head left, towards Sylus’s main suite of rooms.

The hallway is dim, and the door is shut as you approach. Is that a hint of light coming from under the door? When you hover outside and strain your ears, you think you hear faint music inside.

You hesitate again. Should you knock? Would that be too formal? As you’re second-guessing yourself, the door swings open. You nearly jump out of your skin in surprise, your tracker giving a beep of displeasure. Sylus leans casually against the doorframe, smirking down at you.

“Sylus!” You hiss quietly, swatting at him. “How did you even know I was here?”

“Sweetie,” his intones, his deep voice rumbling pleasantly. Mirth twinkles in his eyes, his tone a tad condescending as he half-answers your question. “You don’t think I know when someone is wandering around my territory?”

You huff slightly, glancing past him. The bedroom is dark, but there’s light coming from the adjoining study. “What are you up to?”

“Just doing some reading.” He blinks at you slowly, tilting his head to the side as he watches your face. “You’re not normally awake at this hour.”

The unspoken question lingers between you. You twist your tracker around your wrist, looking back down the hallway towards the room Zayne is sleeping in. You swallow. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Of course,” he answers immediately, inclining his head and taking a step to the side to allow you to enter his rooms. You walk towards the study, squinting slightly as the light washes over you. He follows you in and sits in his black leather armchair; the table beside him has a few large tomes and some loose papers, corroborating his story about reading in the middle of the night. You perch on the couch opposite him, trying not to fidget as he regards you intently.

You clear your throat. Sylus raises an eyebrow at your silence, leaning his head against his hand as he watches you get your thoughts in order. You feel your cheeks warm under his scrutiny, and you settle on simply stating, “I’m…a little lost.”

“How so?” He replies smoothly, blinking slowly at you.

“I’m not really sure. It’s just…” you hesitate, then push through your discomfort. “I thought I had most of this figured out. And then Zayne shows up clearly in distress, and it’s like suddenly the two of you are speaking an entirely different language I barely understand. How did you even know that was something he wanted, or needed, or was open to? Was that something YOU were comfortable with? Was what I did okay? Should I have – ” Your tracker beeps, and Sylus’s gaze flickers to your wrist before settling back on your face.

“Shh, kitten. Would it help if I explain some things to you?”

You nod, rubbing your hands up and down your arms to try to calm yourself.

Sylus stands and grabs you a blanket, draping it loosely around your shoulders before settling back in his chair. He leans back, staring off into the distance before meeting your gaze. “Dr. Zayne…has a very high-stress job. He’s constantly the one in charge, calling all of the shots, making all of the decisions. And sometimes his decisions have life or death consequences for his patients.” Sylus pauses, searching your face for distress before continuing. “Sometimes…people in high-stress jobs need to…turn their brains off for a while. This of course varies from person to person, and how they choose to de-stress varies. When we were finishing dinner earlier, Zayne was practically radiating ‘help me’. He needed to tune everything out and just…feel…for a little while. Does that make sense?”

You look away and pull the blanket tighter around yourself, digesting what he said. “Sub-space, then?” You glance back at Sylus, and he nods slightly. “You said earlier that he felt like he deserves pain. Is that…normal?”

Sylus’s lips twitch into the hint of a smile. “That also varies person to person. Some folks abhor giving or receiving pain, whereas others thrive on it. Even someone who likes pain sometimes or from certain people doesn’t necessarily want to experience pain unless it’s on their terms. I don’t think Zayne is generally a masochist, I think his emotional state brought that out in him tonight. You could ask him later if you wanted to understand that side of him more.”

You nod distractedly. “Do you like pain?”

Sylus snorts at your question. “Kitten. You might need to be more specific.”

“Oh. Um, well, you’ve spanked me before, and you…what do you call what you did to Zayne tonight?”

“The term you use generally depends on the implement you use. I mostly flogged him tonight since I used a tool with multiple tails. I’ve also used a riding crop on you before, so you’d call that cropping. If you used a whip with a single tail, that would be called whipping.” Sylus leans his head on his hand again, his tone as casual as if he’s discussing tomorrow’s weather.

You rub your neck and look away again, trying to sort out your tumultuous thoughts.

Sylus picks up on your extended silence. “What’s weighing on you, Angel?”

“I just feel…I don’t know. Uncertain? Like maybe I’m in over my head a little.” You look back towards him, and he’s regarding you thoughtfully.

“Do you want my opinion?” He asks gently. You nod in response, not trusting yourself to speak. “I think you’re doing great. Like I told you earlier, this shit’s complicated. It’s even more complicated and needs more open communication because there are three of us figuring this out together. I think it’s a good idea for the three of us to have a conversation about this before moving forwards, especially if it’s got you up in the middle of the night stressed out. How does that sound?”

“That sounds like a good idea. Thanks Sylus,” you attempt a warm smile in his direction, and his eyes soften.

He stands up, covertly ending the conversation. “Let’s get you back to bed, kitten. I don’t want you falling asleep on us tomorrow.”

You follow his lead, also getting to your feet. You yawn widely. A moment later, you’re lifted into one of Sylus’s signature one-arm lifts.

He carries you down the hall as if you weigh nothing. “Did you want me to stay with you until you fall asleep?” He asks as he reaches out to open the guest room door. Before you can answer, he hisses, drawing back from the door and setting you on your feet against the far wall, shielding you with his body.

“Sylus? What’s wrong?” You ask, trying to look around him. Nothing seems amiss; the door is still shut.

“I think he’s lost control of his evol. The doorknob feels like ice. If I asked you to stay in the hall, would you listen?” His voice is low but urgent, and his garnet gaze meets yours imploringly.

“Not a chance. We have to help him!”

His lips thin into a line. “At least let me go in first.” He steps away from you and opens the door; you feel a wave of cold air seep out of the doorway. “Zayne?” He calls out, stepping part-way into the room and turning on the lights. His breath rises in a cloud on each exhale.

You follow Sylus into the room, looking around his broad back to see Zayne stretched out on the bed. He’s shivering fiercely, with fractals of ice creeping over his body. “Zayne!” You call out, trying to rush around Sylus to get to him.

“Wait, Angel.” Sylus blocks you with one arm. You look up at him, and his eye is glowing a fierce red. “You have some explaining to do, Zayne. Tell us about the nightmares.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The room is silent, thick with tension. You peek out from behind Sylus’s torso again, and Zayne’s eyes are open. He looks exhausted. Zayne sits up slowly, and Sylus lowers his arm. You rush forward, climbing onto the bed and grasping at Zayne’s freezing hands. You resonate with him to dispel the ice from his skin; he closes his eyes and grits his teeth. Once you’ve dealt with the worst of the ice patches, he looks at you with a tired smile.

Sylus watches this from the side of the bed, his arms crossed, and a deep, disapproving furrow in his brow. In the span of a few minutes, the room has warmed substantially. He says just one word: “Explain.”

Zayne sighs deeply, his answering voice still thick with sleep. “I apologize. I should have warned you this might happen. I sometimes experience nightmares. This was an extreme example.”

“Zayne,” you breathe, touching his arm. “You should have told us.”

Zayne rubs his hands down his face. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“Not at all,” you answer quickly.

Zayne breathes a sigh of relief at your answer, looking down at his hands. He doesn’t speak.

“Sylus and I were chatting in his study. This only happened after I left. He was coming to put me back to bed when we found you.”

“Explain.” Sylus demands.

Zayne’s body tenses at Sylus’s harsh tone. He closes his eyes once more, pinching the bridge of his nose. He takes a deep breath before answering. “I’ve…had a reoccurring nightmare for more than a decade. It’s like looking into a mirror at all the worst parts of myself. I used to think I was losing my mind but…it’s like looking at an alternate reality of myself. Sometimes, when it’s really bad, my evol acts up.”

Sylus is seething. His voice is clipped when he next speaks. “We said a hard limit is anything that might cause Angel permanent damage. Don’t you think this might have been pertinent information, doctor Zayne?”

Zayne slumps slightly. “I know. I agree. I wasn’t thinking straight. I…didn’t think we’d ever end up sleeping in the same bed. That’s my oversight, and I take full accountability for that. I can head out now.” He moves to get off of the bed, swallowing thickly as he stands and looks between the two of you. “I apologize for causing you trouble. You don’t have to let me back into your home – ”

“Zayne, get your ass back in this bed right now,” you demand, crossing your arms.

Sylus frowns at you, then frowns harder at Zayne. Zayne frowns and looks at Sylus. Neither of them move.

“Oh, for the love of – look, I get it, okay? It’s been a weird day. But no-one got hurt. Let’s just go to bed and talk about it in the morning.” You grump, flopping back on the bed and pulling the covers up. “Sylus, if you’re worried, you can join us or read in the corner to supervise.”

Sylus is still sternly appraising Zayne, but his lip twitches. “Thank you for inviting me to read in my own home, kitten.”

“Oh, shut up. Now get over here, both of you.” You open your arms for them. Zayne moves first, hesitantly climbing back into the bed. He lies stiffly a little away from you until you tug him closer. He lets himself be pulled in, blushing all the way to the tips of his ears.

Sylus watches this with his arms still crossed, immobile and severe. “We will discuss this over breakfast.”

“We will. I promise. Now, please, come to bed.” You reply as you try to stifle a yawn.

A muscle in Sylus’s jaw twitches, but his eyes soften as he looks at you. He slides into the bed and makes sure you’re bundled under the blankets before he snaps his fingers, plunging the room back into darkness.  

Notes:

I seek validation; comments and kudos encouraged!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Heart Rate and Heart Rate (EXTRA CONTENT)