into a fuck buddy situation and it becomes more without you meaning it to. But this was an intentional thing where he purposely got a job with the crew so he could get to me.”
“Oh, wow.” Braylin seemed to ponder Zen’s words then jerked up his head with a gasp. “I hope you don’t think that’s what I did. I swear I only applied for the job because I want to be in the industry. And yeah, you’re my favorite singer and Glitter Kink my favorite band, but never in a gazillion years did I think you, the Zen Diamond, would want anything to do with a nothing like me.”
Zen growled, shaking his head. “Stop that nonsense right now. Don’t talk about yourself that way. If you’re going to be my boy, you can’t say shit like that. You’re disrespecting me, inferring that I don’t recognize a talented, kind, beautiful boy when I see one.”
Braylin opened and closed his mouth several times like a goldfish gasping for air. “I didn’t…I’m not…” Braylin’s eyes glimmered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know that’s what I was doing. You’ll have to explain all that stuff to me.”
Zen’s heart swelled. Braylin wanted to explore with him. However, he’d have to make sure he took into account what a sensitive boy he was.
“C’mere, baby.” Zen opened his arms. “Let me hold you. No messing around, I promise. I only want to comfort you.”
“You’re not mad?”
Zen pulled Braylin closer, tucking his knuckles under Braylin’s chin so their eyes met. “Of course not. What kind of asshole Dom would I be if I got mad about something I’ve never taught my boy?”
Braylin stared up at him, his lips parted as if daring Zen to kiss him. “Then you’re really serious about the BDSM stuff?” He snapped his mouth shut. “I mean, with me?”
“Only with you, baby. And only if you want it too, if it sounds like something you’d be interested in trying.”
“Okay.” Braylin still seemed a bit shellshocked, but his tone was confident.
“You’ve just made me a very happy man.”
Braylin allowed Zen to pull him into an embrace and he rested his head against Zen’s chest. Damn, but it felt incredible to hold Braylin, to share his warmth. Zen inhaled the citrusy scent of Braylin’s shampoo and was reminded that his boy still had damp hair. As he loosened his hold on Braylin, he was pleasantly surprised when Braylin snuggled closer.
“Your hair’s still wet, so I need to grab a towel. I don’t want you catching a chill.”
“That’s okay. I’m not cold.”
“Let me take care of you.” Zen rubbed Braylin’s back in reassurance. “That’s the most important thing you need to learn, so let’s start there.” He framed Braylin’s face with his palms and encouraged him to look up. “Sound like a plan?”
Braylin furrowed his brow. “Would that make you happy?”
Zen grinned. “Oh baby, you got this. That would make me very happy.”
Braylin smiled, and he no longer seemed to have any tension in his body. “Okay. You can take care of me.”
Braylin’s acceptance gave Zen an insta-chubby. There might be some major logistics to figure out due to them being on the road, but Zen had a good vibe about their chances.
Nothing had felt as right as being with Braylin in such a long time.
Chapter Seven
Three days later: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Braylin climbed up the steps of the bus, ready to collapse into his seat, lean it back and pass out. Although, being able to pass out was up for debate. He might be exhausted and still sore after helping pack up the gear and stage props when two roadies didn’t show up, but he couldn’t get the startling developments between him and Zen out of his mind.
Oh, how he wished he was on the bus with Zen, but at the same time, they were trying to keep their new status on the down low until Zen was sure Braylin was comfortable with how things were going. He wanted to tell Zen he didn’t care about any of that, but then he would remind himself that part of being Zen’s good boy was listening to his Dom.
Braylin grinned as he settled into the roomy, cushy seat.
My Dom.
How crazy was that?
“Dude.” Pete dropped onto the seat next to him. “Check it out. Those two roadies? One of them texted Gordy and said the reason they left was Sal tore into one of them yesterday about some shit and gave the dude a black eye. He told