Enslaving the King

Chapter 11

Raine shifted, Hayden's weight settling on top of him, a low groan echoing in his throat. A blindfold blocked his vision and rope pulled at his wrists. His hands were kept dutifully tied above his head, preventing him from doing much other than rocking back against Hayden's thrusts. He wanted Hayden to know how much he loved this, feeling their bodies entwined together.

It'd been odd when Hayden had asked Raine for this - a request to let Hayden blindfold and tie him up. Raine usually wasn't thrilled to be at his client's mercy, but Hayden hadn't asked as an assertion of dominance. Rather, the question came with a pleading look in Hayden's mismatched eyes that seemed to say, trust me. As if Hayden had needed to know how much Raine trusted him. As if Hayden needed something from this.

And Raine... That was the problem. He did trust Hayden. Even if he knew he shouldn't.

But now it made sense. With Hayden balls deep in him and draped over his back, he understood why Hayden wanted this. His body was completely bare against Raine's, not a single article of clothing left between them. He could feel the tickle of hairs, the softness of his belly. Hayden didn't want Raine to see him fully nude yet.

Sure they'd showered together, but Hayden had always stayed behind Raine, made Raine look away when getting in or leaving.

Raine grinded against Hayden's d**k, seeking the friction against his prostate, humming as Hayden increased the pace of his thrusts. Emotions building, arousal thickening, Raine's c**k dripped precum. He focused on his breathing, giddiness washing over him. Hayden's hands roved over his body, greedy, chin dropped against Raine's back. Raine arched against Hayden, asking for more. Hayden's breathing grew ragged, thrusts becoming sloppier.

Hayden paused, catching his breath. "You close, babe?" Hayden's fingers skated up his chest, stroking his n****e.

"Almost," Raine groaned, shivering.

Hayden's face dug into Raine's shoulder, mouthing his flesh, and something felt off about it.

Raine realized Hayden didn't have his mask on. There were no harsh clips digging into his skin, and the texture was far different, not as elastic. Hayden's face felt...rough, for lack of better word, skin weirdly hard like cartilage, nose chiseled, chin heavy. However, Hayden's lips against Raine's flesh were incredibly soft, contrasting with the rest of feeling. Hayden needed better skin care under that mask, Raine thought in spite of himself.

Still, he burned with curiosity. Why did Hayden hide so much of himself?

Raine wanted to ask to see him, the real him, the whatever was under that mask and the usual layers of clothing, but he stayed silent. He knew how much it took Hayden just to reach this moment in time. He wasn't going to ruin it now. He needed Hayden to feel safe. Maybe one day Hayden would reveal himself to Raine. Today was not that day, and that was okay. Or so Raine told himself.

All thoughts fled when Hayden moved again. He slammed hard against Raine's prostate, working a cry from Raine's lips. Simultaneously, Hayden's roaming hand left his chest and moved to Raine's c**k, tightening around it and jerking, providing the stimuli Raine needed.

Raine came with a shuddering gasp, eyes fluttering closed. "Jaack…"

"Raine..." Hayden replied, burying himself deeper inside of Raine and cumming, placing kisses along Raine's shoulder. "Frig," he hissed, gasping for air like a dying man, a shudder racking his entire body.

Raine snorted and opened his eyes. Nothing. Blindfold. Right.

"What?" Hayden asked after the shudders in his body passed. "Somethin' funny?"

"Not at all," Raine replied, failing to stifle his amusement. "Just expected you to say something sexier than 'frig'."

"Gotta have some manners in bed, baby. But not too many."

"Manners? When you're cumming inside me?" Raine asked with a raised brow. "That'd be a first."

"Like I said- not too many. It's my charm, sweetcake."

"I'll say."

Hayden pulled out, untying Raine's wrists. "Leave the blindfold on, Raine." Hayden said. No pet names this time. He was really buttering Raine up, wasn't he?

"Fine, but only because you used my actual name this time." Raine sat up, yawning. "Could you guide me to the shower at least?"

"Yeah sure, whatever."

Raine finally tugged the blindfold off in the bathroom after Hayden had left, wincing as light struck his retinas. Was this going to be common? Having to f**k blind if he wanted to feel Hayden's bare body against his? Or should he demand Hayden get over it and show himself. Even frustrated, Raine knew he shouldn't press this with Hayden. Some things just....took time. And if Hayden needed this for his comfort, well... Raine was just a w***e right? What right did he have to complain about it? And w***e or not, it was rather selfish of him to demand Hayden bare himself just for Raine, regardless.

Raine clambered into the shower, shaking away the thoughts, letting the warm water jet over him, washing away the evidence of the f**k. He was only a little surprised to hear the slide of the bathroom door a few moments later.

Raine could vaguely see Hayden's form through the gold-tinted shower glass. A part of him perked up, hoping that Hayden would have the mask off. Whether it was or not, he wasn't sure. "Just couldn't wait, could you?" Raine called, grinning. "I didn't think you'd be ready to go again so soon."

"Pipe down and turn around," Hayden spoke up over the sound of the water. "I'm coming in."

Raine sighed and did so. Hayden stepped into the shower behind him.

“What?" Hayden murmured, "you thought you could just hang out naked in here and not expect me to come admire?” Hayden grabbed the soap from Raine, stealing the opportunity to squeeze his ass.

Raine rolled his eyes. Predictable. “More like ogle.”

"Come on, babe. I just gave ya a great o****m, what's with all this sudden moodiness?"

"I want to see you. All of you. Not just half-naked on the bed in dim lighting. I wanna see and admire your whole body." Raine admitted, frustration filling his voice. Okay, so apparently he couldn't stop himself from pressing this... He almost felt a little guilty, but he shoved that away. Hayden didn't have to be a d**k about this. He could at least tell Raine why-

"Do ya now?" Hayden interrupted his thoughts

"Yeah, I do," Raine said. After a moment of silence and running water, he added, "but...you don't have to, of course."

"Damn right I don't. You're not the boss, here, Raineie. Even if you like to think you are. Really should train that outta ya...." Hayden's arms wound around his body, his face burying itself into Raine's hair. It was weird - the wet, damp, sticky...hug, if it could be called that, with the water still gliding over them. Raine didn't dispute it. Hayden took a deep breath...and let it out. He was tense, and Raine regretted bringing it up. "Why do you care so much? You're getting paid for this. Where does my body factor in here?"

"Maybe because I don't want to have to wear the blindfold all the time. Or maybe I'm just tired of fighting with your layers for a f**k- Don't you get hot in those, anyway? Or maybe I'm just greedy and wanna see more of your sexy bod. Take your pick. But you're right, what I want doesn't really factor here, does it?" Raine sounded bitter. He knew it. But he couldn't hide it. Not this time.

"What if I did show ya...and ya didn't like what you saw?" The question was asked in a light tone, but something about it was filled with...

Admittance.

Vulnerability.

Insecurity.

Raine's heart stuttered. He wouldn't point it out. He wasn't even sure if Hayden would allow it. Hayden was more likely to clam up and deny. Then they would never get anywhere. He let it pass. "What if I know for a fact that there's nothing that would make me dislike what I saw? I've got a pretty good idea from what I've already seen, and I reaallly like it. I love it. Okay?"

Hayden swallowed loudly. Raine felt a tiniest tremble in his hands that were so minute, nobody would have noticed if they weren't feeling them. "Hmmm...that a promise, Raine?" Hayden whispered, so quiet, Raine might not have heard if it wasn't right in his ear. The words were heavy.

"I promise....Lord. May sound corny, but I never did like six packs..."

Hayden's arms dropped. He stepped back. There were several more moments of quiet, and Raine wondered if they would run out of hot water before getting through this. Could Hayden run out-? Not important.

A few more heartbeats. "Okay."

"Okay?" Raine had to be absolutely certain.

"Yeah. Turn around."

Raine did, gaze landing on Hayden's entire, bared form for the first time in the full lighting of the bathroom. His first thought was that he didn't see what the deal was. Hayden's body was good. So very f*****g good. Hayden certainly had a lot to brag where a lot of men didn't. Broad shoulders, sharp jaw, strong form, not to mention what he packed (Raine already knew that much). The rest was pretty much what Raine had gleaned from the night he'd tied Hayden up. Some soft pudge in the midsection, weight where most wouldn't want it, a lack of toning, a variety of unfriendly-looking scars here and there. 

Raine loved it.

Unfortunately, he did have to bite down disappointment because... It seemed Hayden wasn't going to fully show himself.

Raine stepped forward and gripped Hayden's...arms. Not his hands. Not yet. "Your mask-"

"Stays," Hayden growled, eyes narrowing. "That's non-negotiable." Hayden pulled away.

"Okay," Raine hated that a part of him was somewhat hurt by that.

Hayden turned and revealed his back where twisted white scars laced it's entirety. "Jesus," Raine said. "What happened?"

"Oh, the scars? Buzz axe. Don't worry 'bout it."

"Damn."

Hayden faced him again. "You done being disappointed yet, Raine? You can turn back around, ya know."

Raine blinked, realizing his mistake. He stepped forward, hands landing on Hayden's chest. "No, sorry, that's not what I meant- It just looked painful when- whenever you got them. It's okay, Hayden. You're everything and more than I...than anyone could want. You're so f*****g hot... And yes, the scars really add to you... And, y'know, maybe I just wanted you to trust me too. Whoever f*****g made you feel bad for not having a six pack can get acquainted with my metal fist-"

Hayden laughed, growing more at ease. "Are you gonna punch a certain ex of mine, Raine? how about the entire PR department? A couple random one night stands here and there?"

"Sure, give me their names-"

Hayden kissed him, hot and heavy, stealing the breath from Raine's lungs. He hiked Raine's leg up against his hip. "God, lemme f**k ya?"

"So much for those manners- hah-" Hayden's mouth was against his neck, sucking a hickey. Their wet, warm skin pressed together in all the right ways. "Hayden- Oh f**k, yes- f**k me, please-"

It was fortunate Hayden had a good shower mat, because they definitely needed it for the next half hour.

"What’s up, Lord ?” Nisha’s voice said over the Echo.

Hayden ignored the flirtatious tone, tossing a potato chip into his mouth. Ugh. One would think the CEO of Hyperion could get some decent junk food, but nooope. One would be wrong. Yet, he still ate them. “So y’know the w***e?” he mused over a mouthful.  "Course ya do. Oh god- that guy. Funny story time.”

“Hayden-”

“He wanted ice cream. Not just one tub. But like, fifty flavors. It’s so goddamned annoying how much ice cream he eats. Like no w***e has the right to look like that when they eat ice cream!”

“Hayden!” 

“-I mean, he has a bit of a tummy, but it’s not a bad look at, at all. What would he do if I couldn’t buy friggin fifty flavors- eat vanilla like a normal guy?” Hayden paused, a thought coming to him. “Do you think he’s ever tried frogurt? Fuuuuck that’d be fifty more flavors I'd have to buy-”

“Shut the f**k up already!”

“What?” Hayden managed, taken aback by the harsh tone.

“I swear, that i***t twink is all you ever talk about anymore!” Nisha hissed. “It’s disgusting! I don't give a s**t about all the ice cream or lovey-dovey crap ugh-! You’re obviously in love with him, I get it, would ya chill out? I don’t need to hear about the details. God, it’s so pathetic! You’re such a baby now!”

Hayden blinked. “Wha- I’m...I’m not in love with him? What are you on ? Did you smoke some bullymong s**t down there on Pandora? He’s just a w***e!”

“Obviously. Ugggh, don’t talk to me unless you can actually talk about something I’d care about. Like killing baddies. Or fucking... Not falling in love .” She hung up.

Huh.

Hayden stared at his Echo. Had he really talked that much about Raine? He was venting or sharing a laugh, whatever the situation dictated... It...didn’t mean he was...in- in- in...

In love?

Pfft.

Hysterical.

Hayden hadn’t been in love since people had called him John. He shuddered at the thought. Ew. John. Lame. Boring. He didn’t do love, not anymore, and even though Raine was fun, it was just about s*x. Nothing else.

Hayden dragged himself and walked to the living room, looking for his w***e. Raine was sprawled on the couch in a provided, too-big, silky robe, an empty carton of f*****g ice cream on his stomach. His eyelids drooped, face illuminated in the television light. Hayden strolled over. All right. Enough of this. He grabbed the empty carton, setting it aside, and nudged Raine. 

“Hmm?” Raine asked sleepily. God…

Raine looked crazy adorable right now. If Hayden wasn't all used up, he probably could've f****d Raine again right over the couch.

“You. In my bedroom. Now. I ain’t carrying you.”

“Oh…” It took Raine a second to remember how to function, apparently. At the first possible moment, Raine began sassing. As usual. “Oh, like how you weren't going to carry me when I got shot?"

Hayden stared. "That's different. When you're shot you're shot, pumpkin. Come on. Let's go. I need to sleep." 

Raine groaned and climbed to his feet, eyelids drooping. He leaned against Hayden, huffing a sigh. Hayden impatiently tugged Raine to the bedroom. As he’d hoped, Raine stayed fairly out of it, all too happy when Hayden nudged him to the bed. Once Raine had been pushed into it, Hayden crawled over him and began kissing and nibbling on Raine’s neck, until the younger man let out a soft, contented sigh. It wasn’t long before Raine had fallen asleep fully, snores escaping his lips.

Hayden grinned. His perfect plan worked so well. He curled up next to Raine, wrapping an arm around him. It'd been awhile since he'd had a hug-pillow. And now he did. Content, he fell asleep just like that, never once letting go of Raine through the night.

Raine went home in the morning, rubbing sleep from his eyes as he stepped into the apartment. He wasn't all that surprised to find Vaughn there. Vaughn had been hanging around a lot lately. What did surprise Raine was how weirdly pale Vaughn looked today, hair damp with sweat.

"Are you sick?" Raine asked with concern.

Vaughn jumped. "I- what- nope. Definitely not."

"What's wrong with you? You look like you've been running a fever."

"That'd be the anxiety!" Vaughn mused his hair and blurted, "Vasquez is dead right!? I heard about it this morning, and-"

"Yeah, bro, he's dead."

"Oh thank god," Vaughn let out a relieved sigh.

"What's going on with you?" Raine was baffled by his friend's behavior. Vaughn could be a little...odd at times, but this was whole new level of odd.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute? In private."

"Uh, sure?" Raine said. "Let's go to my room." Yvette had probably left for work already, but just in case.... They stepped into Raine's room.

Vaughn fidgeted. "Can I close the door?"

Raine's brow raised. "Okay."

Vaughn closed the door, clearing his throat. "God, I'm not good at...uh, big stuff but...now that Vasquez is dead..."

Raine squinted. "What's so important about Vasquez?"

"Vasquez uh..." Vaughn adjusted his glasses. "You..aren't going to like this but... He came to me and threatened to kill us both if I...didn't do what he said?"

Raine had a sinking feeling. "Oh... Vaughn. What did you do?"

"Nothing!" Vaughn exclaimed, hands thrown up defensively. He dropped them, shoulders slumping. "Or...well, not much of anything. Look, the jerk was going to kill us- me...definitely me. And probably my family and my family's dogs and cats- I just wanted to appease him, ya know? Keep him from killing anyone..."

Raine shifted, fighting back the feeling of worry. Maybe it wasn't so bad. "What did he want?"

"I uh... He wanted...um...information."

Great. This was going exactly in the direction Raine didn't want it to. He sighed. "What kind?"

"Um...any kind? Look I never told him anything important. Just played the incompetent i***t role, ya know? I told him stuff that was already known, like you working for Hayden and... One time I described your outfit. One time about how we were drunk and you spent money on that Pandoracorn Piss drink at the bar. Just annoyed him into hanging up usually. Nothing big. Hell, I didn't even know enough to be helpful, I was sure- But well...I guess I was..."

"What does that mean?"

"I may have mentioned the soulmark once...and he was really interested... It seemed harmless, so I just told him what Yvette told me about how you came home drunk and singing and shit." Vaughn waved his hands, looked like he was about to sweat bullets.

Raine stared uncomprehendingly. "What does this have to do with anything?"

"Well...turns out I may or may not have told him enough to give him an idea of how to find out who your soulmate was- is." Vaughn swallowed. "I uh, know how important that was to you... Thing is, I know who it is too... Vasquez told me, and- and it's killing me, bro."

Raine grabbed Vaughn's shoulders, almost shaking him. "You know ???"

"Yeah, but I-"

"Tell me, gods, please-"

"Whoa, easy, easy!" Vaughn said lifting his hands up as if to push Raine back.

"Sorry, sorry," Raine said, restraining himself, gritting his teeth and stepping back. "Vaughn, please just tell me."

Vaughn sighed. "Okay, this is going to sound really....weird and ironic, but uh, it's the truth."

"Who, come on Vaughn, spit it out!"

"...It's Lord Hayden."

Raine stared at Vaughn. "What?"

"Yeah, I know, crazy right-"

"Lord Hayden?" Raine echoed. "Lord. Hayden. CEO. The dude I was hired by to give him s****l favors."

"Ew. But yeah."

Raine spun around, felt like his ears were ringing.

Vaughn had to be lying. This was impossible. Impossible.

"No way- I can't- He can't be-" Raine felt his hands shaking. But why would Vaughn lie? Why would he lie-? He didn't have a reason to. But he had kept a lot from Raine; he'd just fessed up to playing along with Vasquez, for f**k's sake. "No, you're wrong! Hayden doesn't even have a soulmark!" Raine exclaimed. He pivoted back to Vaughn, angry. "I don't know what the hell you're playing at! Not to be TMI, buddy, but I have literally seen every inch of that man naked and- and-" A realization hit him.

"Not every inch," Vaughn uttered Raine's thoughts, reddening, clearing his throat. "Wow that sounded better in my head- Just pretend I didn't sound like a perv just now, alright?"

"The mask..." Raine muttered dully, ignoring him. That would explain why Hayden had been so weird about taking it off. But- but- how could Raine not have known he slept with f*****g Lord Hayden before all this mess? How does one just forget that!? He paced angrily. "No, no, no, this can't be possible, it just can't-" It wasn't that Raine didn't want Hayden as his soulmate. Gods knew how much he wanted that. But he could only imagine Hayden's reaction if he knew. If Hayden found out... Or worse... What if Hayden already knew? What if Hayden had been lying this whole time, and-

Holy f*****g s**t.

Lord Hayden was his soulmate.

Raine wanted to scream and laugh and cry all at once.

Some things still didn't make sense, but a lot did. He just had to make sure.

Raine went to his bed, lifting his pillow and grabbing The Shirt. Maybe he hadn't been imagining it had the same scent as Hayden.

Raine bounded past Vaughn, heading for the door. "I-I gotta go-"

"Does this mean you aren't mad about the Vasquez thing?" Vaughn called after.

Raine barely heard, and by the time the question processed, he was already out of the apartment. He rolled his eyes. Yeah, that was low on his priorities list right now. He'd deal with that s**t later.

Right now... Hayden needed to answer some of his questions.