Craving the Knot by Sean Michael CHAPTER ONE

March 30, 2022 Craving the Knot, Romance

Ihead into the gym, my head pounding. Fuck, but I’m tired of pretending to be nice to people who are evil to me. “Suck it up, man. It’s a job. You have to pay the rent, right?”

Right.

Fuck me.

I head into the locker room to change out of my totally nonthreatening work clothes and into something comfortable that I can lift in. Working out is my go-to in a mood like this. I’ll lift until I feel better or I can’t anymore.

The place is empty except for Matt, who now that I see him, I realize hasn’t been around for a while. I don’t know if he’s gone on vacation or something, but whatever it was, it’s working for him—Matt is practically fucking glowing.

He nods to me, and I nod back, because I’m not an asshole, just in a really bad mood.

Matt pulls off his shirt, revealing his stunning muscles. I’m a bit bigger, but he’s got nothing to be ashamed of. That’s for sure. Something catches my eye, glinting from one nipple, and when I check it out, I realize it’s a nipple ring. It isn’t just one nipple, it’s both, and it’s surprisingly hot.

Still, I’d be worried that they’d get in the way, get tugged, get touched. I’d be freaked.

How did I miss that mark on his chest.

Whoa.

“Is that a brand?” I’d think he hurt himself, except that it’s not just a mark. It’s a demon. A fucking demon with horns, for fuck’s sake.

“Huh? Oh, yeah.” Matt turns so I can see it better. “My master’s brand.”

“Your—dude. Okay.” I’m going to work out. I am not thinking about that shit.

“You should come with me to the club sometime. Would take care of that hella bad mood you’re nursing.”

“Right. I’m not—That’s not me, but—”

Matt steps out of his jeans, exposing a gold cock cage, a jewel buried in the tip of his dick.

Don’t look. Don’t look. Fuck, don’t look.

I look.

When I finally draw my attention away from it, I find Matt standing there, hands on his hips, absolutely proud. “You should come with me, Steve. I’m serious. Don’s a member too and he’d recommend it just like I am. The guys at the club can make you sing.”

“I’m not that intense, man. That’s hard-core.” I’m not sure what to think, that he assumes I bottom. I mean, I do. I have, but it’s not common knowledge. And I’ve never done anything like… My gaze takes in the brand, the nipple rings, the fucking cock cage before winging back up to his eyes. That. I’ve never done anything like that.

“It is intense. And I wouldn’t have said anything, but you look really unhappy, like something’s got to give. And this is a safe space for it. Like honestly.”

“That’s not going to help the work situation, but thanks.” Nothing’s going to change the fact that I’m in a dead-end sales job with no hope.

“Who knows, you could make connections that would help the work situation. Besides, this isn’t about work, it’s about you being angry and frustrated. That’s no way to live your life. All I’m saying is I’m happier and more fulfilled than I’ve ever been in my life, so come with me and check it out.”

“Why? I mean…Let’s work out. Huh? I mean, seriously. I don’t want to talk about this.” I am totally wigged out, and Matt is still standing there with everything just hanging out. I mean, we are in the locker room for fuck’s sake. It’s not like I’ve never seen other guys’ dicks before, but this is extra.

“Of course, of course. That’s why we’re here, right?” Matt puts on a tight T-shirt and an even tighter pair of workout shorts. Jesus.

“Uh, buddy? You can see the, uh…that deal.”

Matt shrugs. “There’s hardly anyone here and I’m not embarrassed.”

God, I would be. I’m not all that sexual, not like Matt. He’s just…a stud. It pours off him and the confidence not to give a shit what anyone might see or think—I’ve never had that.

“That’s something else I learned at the club,” Matt tells me. “I’m going after my workout, so you can still decide to join. It would be an evening you’ll never forget.” Matt pats my arm and heads out to the floor.

An evening I’d never forget… I can’t decide if that’s ominous or amazing.

Fuck me.

Fuck me raw.

Matt looks over at me and nods like he heard me. Like he knows what I was thinking.

He goes back to his lifting, but I find myself continuing to sneak glances at him, checking out his package with all the paraphernalia he’s wearing clearly outlined by those incredibly tight workout shorts.

Thank god the gym is, basically, empty. Otherwise, I’d—

“You need a spotter, man?” Suddenly Matt’s right here, standing with his crotch by my head.

“Uh—”

“Go on. I’ve got you covered.” Matt nods at the weights.

I grab the bar and start pumping, trying so hard to focus. But I swear to god, I can smell him. Hot, male. Jesus, it’s intoxicating.

“Come with me, buddy. I have someone to introduce you to. Someone who can give you so much.” Matt grabs the weight as I stop to stare at him, and sets it on its rack. “What can one evening hurt?”

“Is someone going to hurt me?”

“What? No. Well, not unless you want him to.”

“So you asked for the whole—there’s a jewel in your cock, man!” Okay, that came out loud, and I glance around, but the only other guy here has earbuds in and is off in his own world, running on the treadmill like he’s got monsters chasing him.

“I didn’t ask for it specifically, but I did ask for his will. Nobody’s done anything to me against my wishes.” He winks at me. “I can feel it with every single breath.” He looks pleased as hell about that. Hell, he just plain looks happy. Like deeply, truly satisfied with his life and happy.

“You’re a nutjob. I’m serious.” Intrigued, but serious. And also maybe more than just a little jealous. I don’t need to be pathologically happy or anything, but nobody wants to be miserable day in and day out.

“Maybe, but I’m a deeply happy nutjob.” Matt stands over me. “I’m calling it a day here at the gym and headed there now. You could check it out. You should check it out.”

“I—” Fuck, a part of me wants to throw up my hands and say okay. The prospect of not feeling like the world is against me, even for just one evening is enticing as hell.

“Please. Just once. I swear it’ll be so good.”

“Do you get a bonus for signing on new members?”

“Nobody pays me a penny for anything to do with the club. My master does have friends and it would make him happy if they found the same thing we have, but no, I’m not getting paid.” Matt shrugs. “Maybe a bonus from my master if you’re happy and come back.”

“A bonus.” I can’t bear it, but I can’t stop thinking about it either.

Matt grins wide. “And yeah, I’m not talking about money.” I swear to god, his nipples are hard—I can see them standing out from his chest beneath his T-shirt, those piercings clear as day through the tight material.

“All right. All right, fine, but I’m not feeling real—sexual.” Frustrated, angry, demoralized, absolutely. Raring to get laid. Nope. Which is a fine state of affairs, now isn’t it?

“No, you’re frustrated and annoyed and grumpy. I get it, I really do. I often felt like that before I started going to the club. Come on, let’s go get changed and head over.” Before you change your mind. Matt doesn’t say the words, but I have to wonder if they aren’t in his thoughts.

“Yeah. I have this and my work clothes.” And my uniform is a polyester nightmare that I would never wear to a club.

“Then let’s go in our workout clothes. We can Uber over so it’s not like anyone will see.”

“No dress code then, I guess?” I’m not sure if that makes me happier or wigged.

“There are places in the club where there are, but not the entrance or main hall.”

“Oh. Okay.” That works for me, because I’m not going any farther than that. “Let’s grab our shit.”

“You got it.” We head for the lockers and when we get there, Matt grabs his phone. “Just ordering our car. This is going to be great, I promise.”

“Yeah. You, me, your cock cage, my workout clothes, and a sex club.”

Matt laughs and claps me on the back. “Sounds like the beginning of a great story.”

“Or a terrible joke.” God, I must be desperate for a change of pace, but I’m really doing this.

“Either way the punch line will be perfect.” Matt winks and steps out as a car pulls up. “This is us.”

I nod and get into the car. “Let’s do this?”

The car pulls up in front of this huge damn skyscraper, and Matt goes right in and straight to an elevator. He hits a button, lighting up the number thirteen. Well, that’s not weird…

“I thought buildings didn’t do the thirteenth floor.” I’ve sure as hell never seen a thirteen in an elevator. Not that I’m in high-rises that often.

“This one does.”

The elevator is quiet and it feels quick. In no time at all, it’s opening up into a lobby that’s all dark velvet walls and a manned desk beside huge double doors. It screams opulence and something dark and sexy. Or maybe that’s just because I know this is where Matt comes to see the man who makes him wear a cock cage and put a fucking jewel in the tip of his cock.

“Hey, Richie. This is Steve. I’m bringing him in.”

Richie smiles, a bit carnivorous as he looks me up and down. “Pleasure to meet you, Steve. Welcome.”

“Hey. Sorry about the, uh, workout clothes.” I’m going to stand out like a sore thumb, aren’t I? My doubts about being here are swirling in my head again.

Richie waves his hand dismissively. “You look great, and if you want to change, there’s plenty available to choose from. I’ll buzz you guys in.”

Matt nods at Richie. “Thank you.”

The doors swing open, and I look for the activator, but it must be under the desk or something.

The open doors reveal a long hall and we head down it. The doors closing behind us make a barely audible snicking sound. “Creepy.”

The entire hallway is lined in mirrors, and I feel weird, walking in my shorts and tee, seeing myself reflected no matter which direction I look.

“You’re doing great,” Matt tells me. “I know this can be intimidating, but you’ll be welcomed here at the Giving Place, I promise.”

“The Giving Place?”

“Yes. I met my master here.”

I still can’t believe that he calls someone that. And he looks so damn happy about it too.

Matt moves a little faster, clearly pleased to be here, to be meeting the one he calls master. Creepy. I just want to show up so I can go home. If we weren’t already here, I’d turn around and go home, make myself some soup out of a can and watch some mindless movie so I could get to sleep.

When we get to the end of the absurdly long hall—it feels like we’re on a damn runway—it opens up into a large room with couches all around it and a table in the middle, currently occupied by a very—very—enthusiastic couple. There’s a big guy—as big as Matt and I, easy, bent over it being banged, and I do mean banged, by this mountain of a man with the biggest fucking cock I have ever seen in my goddamn life.

I drop my gaze, because that’s rude as hell, and focus on the ground in front of me. “Wow.”

Matt is about to say something, but then he sees another enormous man at one of the couches and he bounces, like a kid, actually bounces, and heads toward the man.

“Don’t just leave me here, dude!” Okay, I’m out. This is not for me. Not at all.

Matt turns and holds out his hand. “I’m not! Come on and join us. You have to meet my master.”

Master. This is crazy town. “Coming.”

Fuck me raw.

“Master, this is my friend Steve. Steve, this is my master Blaze.”

The enormous man puts out a huge hand. Huge hand. “Hello.”

“Mister Blaze. Pleased to meet you.”

His hand swallows mine. “The pleasure is all mine. I’m so glad Matt’s brought a friend. Would you like to meet a friend or two of mine?”

“Sure. Everyone needs friends, right?” I swear to god, I don’t know where to look that’s not…perverse.

“Definitely. Kalos, Phalon, I have a lovely man for you to meet,” Blaze calls out to two of the giant men and they head over to us.

Fascinating names. Goodness, these guys are fucking huge. I mean I actually feel small next to them, and I know I’m not. I’m a great big guy, but next to them… nope.

“You guys work out.” Okay, that’s stupid. You didn’t get to be seven or eight feet tall by working out, but it seems my brains have already left the building.

“Good genes,” Kalos suggests, his voice smoky. It’s sexy as hell, really. As are his black eyes. I know it’s crazy, but I swear there are stars twinkling in them. It must be some trick of the light.

“Ah. They, uh, suit you.” I have lost my mind. That’s my only excuse.

Kalos chuckles immediately, his face suddenly much friendlier, less imposing maybe. “I like a sense of humor. Would you like to come sit and chat?” He offers his arm, even as the other guy seems to fade away.

“I—I would. Yes, please. Thank you.” I take his arm like it’s the most natural thing on earth.

He leads me over to an empty couch and we sit next to each other. I still feel small, and it’s such a weird feeling. I haven’t felt small since eighth grade when I suddenly spurted up.

“Can I get you something to drink? Are you hungry?”

“I could use a drink—water is fine.” He’s wearing nothing but leather pants and nipple rings, and it’s a hot look.

“Good choice. I do love a good glass of water.” He doesn’t sound like he’s mocking me. And in a moment, two glasses of water are delivered, one for each of us.

“Thank you. I just finished my workout, so…” I’m thirsty. And sweaty. Probably stinky.

“Ah, so that’s why you smell so wonderfully masculine.” Kalos actually breathes in deeply and makes a rumbling noise in his chest that I take is a good thing because he’s smiling too. “To learning each other’s smell.” Kalos holds his glass up.

“I—Yes. Okay, yes.” I clink glasses with him, then drink deeply. Cold and clear—water’s never tasted so good.

He drinks as well, and when we’re done, a half-naked man comes and refills our glasses.

“What brought you here today?” Kalos asks me.

“My friend Matt—we go to the gym together, you know? He asked me.”

“I did notice the lovely muscles.” Kalos slides a finger along my bicep, his touch leaving a tingle behind. An actual fucking tingle.

“I like to keep in shape.” It’s one of the few cool things about me and I’m fucking good at it.

“You look amazing. Just my type.” His voice has gone even huskier and something about the look in his eyes makes me believe his words.

“You’re—you’re stacked to the ceiling.” And that is no lie. This man is built. I mean all the guys here are, but Kalos, he’s got something special going on.

“Thank you.” He flexes for me, showing off. “You can touch if you’d like.”

“T-touch?” Here? Now?

“Yeah.” He flexes again. “It’s one thing to see, another to feel for yourself.”

“Is—that’s cool, huh?” Dude, someone’s getting fucked over there. It’s cool.

“It very much is cool. No one is even looking at us.”

At his words, I look around and sure enough, not even Matt’s paying attention. In fact, most couples are touching or kissing. The singles are watching the fucking. And I want to touch him. I honestly do.

I reach out, my hand shaking, and I drag it over his belly, his skin hot, smooth. His abs ripple beneath my touch, and he hums, or purrs or something. Whatever. It’s maddeningly sexy. Maybe it’s the atmosphere or something, but I’m getting turned on. Maybe it’s Kalos’s hot skin and amazing abs.

“Do you oil yourself? It’s hot.” And I don’t just mean temperature-wise.

“I do. I don’t have anyone to do it for me.” He pouts, and somehow it’s adorable, crazy as that sounds.

“I—that’s—” Hard to believe. “—too bad.”

“It is!” He laughs, the sound deep and filling the room.

I find myself laughing, too, the sound too good to ignore.

He tilts his head, looking at me. “You’re lovely when you laugh. Not that you’re not handsome all the time.” He strokes my cheek, his fingers like a fire on my skin.

“Oh.” That touch—I’m tingling all over, and the temptation to reach up and see if he left a mark is huge.

His fingers slide to trace my lips. They linger there. And he’s leaning toward me now, his focus on my lips. My lips that are tingling from his touch.

I open. I can’t help it. My lips just pop right open.

His mouth covers mine, and it’s like he pressed a button that makes my cock go sproing! It’s got a mind of its own. But damn, his kiss is hot, sexy, amazing, like he knows just how I like it.

I want to grind against him, hump him like a whore. And I get the idea that maybe he’d like it, maybe he wants it. One of his hands slides around me and lands on the top of my ass, tugging me closer.

Jesus, his hands are huge, making me feel small. In fact, all of me feels small next to him.

He draws me closer, our bodies touching as he continues to kiss me like he’s going to eat me up.

I can barely breathe, and my world is spinning, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my chest.

His free hand lands on my thigh, right next to my erection. My hard cock. I didn’t even know I was so hard, but I am. I mean, I knew I was hard, but I’m like harder than I’ve ever been, ever.

I look into his eyes, and for a second, I see fire. Really. Fire. Then his eyes close and the kiss deepens, and I swear he’s going to devour me whole.

His hand on my thigh shifts, touching my cock, one finger sliding along it, so hot it’s like there’s no clothing between us.

I keen, arching into the touch like a slut.

His purr is pure satisfaction and sexy as hell. As is his voice when he suggests, “We should take this to my chambers.”

All I can do is nod.