Nick stirred when the doorbell rang, but didn’t move from his place draped over Gil, instead burrowing closer and kissing the bare chest. “Don’t answer it.”

A warm chuckle vibrated beneath his cheek as Gil replied, “I have to, Nicky.”

Sighing, Nick rolled off the bed and grabbed the sweats on the bottom edge of the bed, pulling them on with a wince.

Gil’s hand rubbed the unmarked portions of his back and reminded, “I need to put on more salve in about half an hour.”

“I know,” Nick agreed, smiling as he reached for the shirt, too.

He followed Gil into the living room and stood anxiously behind him as the door was opened. To his surprise, the strawberry blonde from the lab waited on the other side.

“Catherine?” Gil greeted, surprised.

The frown faded a little and she stated, “The news didn’t say what your condition was after the fight, and you weren’t answering your phone, so I wanted to make sure you were okay. I mean, I figured that they would have put you in the hospital if you were gushing blood, but you still could have been injured and…”

“Catherine!”

She paused. “What?”

“Breathe. And come inside.”

Catherine snorted and entered the house, smiling at Nick. “We haven’t officially met. I’m Catherine Willows.”

Taking the hand, now knowing that it was expected, Nick replied, “Hi. I’m Nick.”

“Yes, I know,” she agreed. “How are you? Were you hurt? Were either of you hurt?”

Since the last question was directed to Gil, Nick remained silent, accepting Gil’s arm around his waist and walking with him to the sofa. He couldn’t quite hide a wince when sitting down and flushed because he knew that Catherine had seen and correctly identified the reason. That didn’t, of course, stop him from curling up close against his Master.

“We’re both fine,” Gil assured her. “Nicky, unfortunately, bore the brunt of the assault. I just cleaned house when I found him gone from where I’d left him.”

“I still can’t believe Crane would do that!” Catherine exclaimed.

“Mmm. Yes, well, I don’t think that this is the end of it.”

Alarmed, Nick’s eyes snapped to Gil and he asked, “Why not?”

Gil grimaced. “Just a hunch. Nothing whatsoever to back it up, but Crane has friends.”

“So do you,” she replied firmly.

A half-grin surfaced and Gil agreed, “I do, but not the same kind. How are things at the office?”

Therein followed a long, detailed conversation which Nick only half-heartedly followed. He knew that he’d be working with and meeting the people that Catherine and Gil were talking about, but was still exhausted and sore and wanted nothing more than for her to be gone. Enjoying the hand Gil rested on his neck, Nick closed his eyes, drowsing and vaguely wondering why the older man wasn’t more tired as he was the one who’d been in a sword fight.

When he realized the conversation had stopped, Nick roused himself to stare sleepily up at Gil, who was just looking into space, a serious expression in place. Uncertain, he asked, “Master?”

Glancing at him, Gil smiled and kissed his temple. “Come on, Nicky, past time for that salve.”

“Where’d Catherine go?”

“She left about ten minutes ago when you were out like a light,” Gil teased, helping him upright.

Nick flushed and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

Tugging him in close, Gil put an arm around his waist and replied, “It’s okay, Nicky, you’re still worn out from last night.”

“Why aren’t you?”

The almost irritated question popped out without even thinking and Nick cringed, knowing how disrespectful it had sounded.

Thankfully, Gil just chuckled, explaining, “I don’t sleep a lot anyhow, and as I wasn’t injured, there’s nothing for me to really recover from.”

Remembering how his Master had been hugging the toilet the night before, retching his misery into the porcelain bowl, Nick had his doubts about that. He remained silent, though, and willingly walked with the older man back into the bedroom. It was embarrassing, having his Master care for him in such an…intimate fashion, but the salve was rubbed inside his body with no comment.

He crawled back into bed, as ordered by Gil, and snuggled under the covers, burrowing against his Master’s pillow as he asked, “You’re not joining me?”

Smiling a bit wistfully, Gil negated, “I’m afraid that I have some loose ends that need to be taken care of. Jim’s on his way over, so if you come out, put on a robe.”

“I will,” Nick promised, already edging down into sleep.

Gil’s fingers stroked through his hair and he murmured, “I would have done the same thing if it had been anyone else, Nicky. No one touches you like that, ever, and lives.”

The utter possessiveness in his Master’s voice, especially so quietly delivered, sent a shiver through Nick. It was arousing and reassuring and disturbing all at the same time. Killing was clearly something that bothered the other man to his core, and yet he wouldn’t hesitate when it came to protecting Nick. Settling at last on a faint smile, Nick reached up and took his Master’s hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss the palm.

* * * *

“So what’s the fallout?” Gil asked, sitting behind his desk with a groan. As much as he’d hidden it from Nick, his upper body was killing him from wielding that broadsword. The Mayor’s blade had been old, cast in the traditional fashion; definitely not a light sword made from newer metals.

Jim grinned and observed, “Getting old?”

“Definitely,” Gil agreed, wry.

Taking the seat in front of the desk, Jim sat easily, shaking his head. “You couldn’t have met this kid ten years ago when you could back up protecting him without any trouble, could you?”

Gil snorted. “Of course not. That would have made my life too simple. Besides, he would’ve been only sixteen at the time.”

“And your problem with that is…?”

Laughing softly, not denying the charge, Gil prompted, “Problems that I can expect?”

Pulling an envelope out of his suit jacket, Jim tossed it onto the desk and announced, “You’ve been named in a wrongful death suit by Crane’s daughter.”

“You are kidding me,” Gil snapped, picking up the envelope and opening it. Scanning the document, he saw that Jim hadn’t been kidding and his anger grew. “She’s going to sue me because her father challenged me and I won!?”

Jim shrugged and said, “Not like she’s got a case.”

“That’s not the point!”

“Gil, relax. Nothing’s going to come of it and you know it. It’ll be dismissed the second the judge hears the circumstances.”

But would it? Delivered in the light of a cold, uncaring courtroom, would the circumstances be deemed severe enough to warrant a death match? Nicky had been molested and assaulted, true, but he was a slave. He had no rights and though Gil had every right to protect what was his, a death match could be seen as, well, overkill.

“In any case, aside from that nonsense, Warrick asked for a few days off.”

Gil looked at him sharply, the cop’s face not revealing a thing. “Greg?”

“Yeah,” Jim confirmed.

The damage inflicted on that gentle young man’s soul by Crane was still almost incalculable. Gil wasn’t surprised that Warrick wanted to keep Greg home for a few days to get over the shock of Crane’s death. It would be a relief, of course, but it would also be traumatic because Crane had been such a fixture in their lives over the last six month and there had been nothing anyone could do about it. Not even Gil, as much as it had chafed him.

Finally nodding, Gil replied, “That’s fine. They’ll be in next week?”

“Yeah. I pushed their work onto Sara and Catherine, and brought in one of Ecklie’s guys to help out.”

“I’m sure that went over like a lead balloon,” Gil commented, a smirk rising.

Jim laughed. “And then some, yeah. Nothing I couldn’t handle, though.”

“I’m sure.”

“So you’re coming in tomorrow then?”

Nodding again, Gil agreed, “Don’t see that I have any choice, not with Warrick and Greg both out.”

Jim stood and ordered, “Take some pain meds and have that new slave of yours give you a massage to work out the kinks.”

“I will,” Gil replied, standing as well.

Walking to the front door, Jim paused, then informed him, “Sara’s been a little…odd…the last couple of days.”

Gil frowned. “What do you mean, odd?”

Hand on the door, Jim replied, “Nothing I can pinpoint, but I do know that it started when she found out about Nick. Just…watch your back, okay? She comes from powerful people.”

“Thanks,” Gil said, briefly gripping Jim’s shoulder. “I appreciate the warning.”

Jim’s familiar twist of the lips rose and he announced, “I just don’t want to have to break in a new boss. Just got you the way I like you.”

Laughing, Gil waved goodbye and closed the door behind him. Leaning on it, he sighed heavily, scrubbing his fingertips through his hair. No one else would be showing up, thankfully, so he had the rest of the day to spend with Nicky. Always a pleasant prospect to consider.

Gil grinned and walked back to the bedroom to find the young man still asleep under the covers, face down on his pillow. After undressing, he sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through the short brown hair. Nick stirred, but didn’t wake, mumbling in his sleep, a frown creasing his handsome features. That Crane had been intent on doing to Nick what he’d done to Greg…probably worse, simply because Nick belonged to Gil…

His jaw clenched as he silently castigated himself for leaving Nick alone as he had. It had honestly never occurred to him that Crane would try something at such a public gathering, but that was no excuse. He couldn’t even think what had prompted him to go back and check on Nick, either. One minute he was talking to an out-of-town doctor and the next, he’d had the strongest urge to make sure Nick was all right.

When he’d gotten back to the table and found it empty, panic had nearly rendered him useless. He’d searched the area, frantic for Nick’s safety as the image of Greg’s battered body and Warrick begging for him to live had flashed through his mind. He’d known, even then, that Crane had been behind Nicky’s disappearance. It was only luck, or perhaps fate, that had crossed his path with someone who’d seen Crane pushing Nick into the very same room he’d taken Nick in earlier that night.

Bursting in the room to see Nick huddled in a fetal position while Crane abused him had literally driven Gil out of his mind. He had seen nothing except his hands squeezing the life from the man who’d dared to touch the young man. And then to hear Nick begging to end his life…it had just about broken him that his mistake had caused so much pain for the gentle man.

He vowed, yet again, to protect Nick with his life if he had to.

Leaning forward, suddenly needing Nick more than he’d ever needed anyone in his life, Gil drew the covers aside, exposing the nude body to his hungry gaze. He straddled Nick, but didn’t touch him, just drank in the sight of the strong, muscled body. Dipping down, he pressed his lips to the top of Nick’s spine then proceeded to kiss his way along the indent to the base. Nick stirred, but the kisses were too fleeting to wake him.

Gil licked up the cleft of Nick’s ass, grimacing faintly at the medicinal taste the salve had left behind. He couldn’t take Nick without risking serious damage, but there were other things they could do until the younger man healed. Nuzzling between the thighs, Gil sucked at the balls and that was enough to wake Nick, who moaned in response.

He stayed there for several minutes, doing his best to drive Nick crazy with need. From the gasps and hoarse shouts, he knew he was succeeding. Gil rolled Nick over, taking the leaking cock into his mouth and sucking on it, moving up and down. Nick was arched tight as a bowstring, his hips pushing his cock deeper into Gil’s mouth.

That was when Gil realized that he had no way to tell Nick to come, since his mouth was full. Almost laughing at the dilemma, he pulled off, enjoying the moan of need and disappointment that followed him. Looking down at Nick, hot and sweaty, rumpled against the pillows, Gil crawled up his slaves body, stopping to bite and suck here and there. He licked the scab around Nick’s nipple, the red-black mark a thrill of possession that would scar since he wasn’t putting any kind of lotion or healing salve on it.

Reaching over, he pulled out the lube and sat on Nick’s hips, feeling the hard cock jutting against his body. “Nicky, Nicky, look at me.”

Hazy, lust-addled eyes looked at him, focusing with an effort, and Nick replied, “What is it, Master?”

“Give me your hand.”

Nick did so, a curious frown evident, and Gil poured some lube on it and ordered, “Prepare me. I want you inside me.”

Shock skittered across Nick’s face as he stammered, “In-inside you?”

Grinning, Gil nodded and said, “To start. We’ll think about other things later.”

Mouth still agape, Nick nonetheless sat up and reached behind Gil, gingerly pushing a lube covered finger into his hole.

“More, Nicky, don’t be afraid that you’ll hurt me. I’ve done this a lot more than you have,” Gil assured him, nuzzling at his ear and then biting it for good measure.

Two fingers entered him at that and Gil grinned in satisfaction at the strong push of them as Nick prepared him. So his slave was a little jealous of his sexual history. Tucking that information away for later, Gil grunted in pleasure when his prostate was hit, and thrust down on the intrusion. “Like that, again, Nicky!”

Nick obliged, returning with more force on the same angle. Shuddering, his head falling back, Gil groaned and enjoyed the finger-fucking.

“You like that, Master,” Nick observed, more than asked. “You look so good like this, so handsome, so perfect.”

Gil took his mouth, stopping the words and devouring the man uttering them. He fucked Nick’s mouth with his tongue, continuing to push down on the fingers inside him. Breaking the kiss, he took Nick’s hand and pulled it away, reaching beneath him to the cock and aiming himself over it. Sitting, breaching himself with the long, hard shaft, Gil grunted as he was impaled. When he was all the way down, seated on Nick’s body, he shuddered, feeling the lust and need all the way through to his soul.

Nick’s mouth was slack with amazement, his eyes clenched shut and Gil just about came at the sight of him. This would be the first time that Nick had ever taken someone and Gil relished that fact. Putting his arms over Nick’s shoulders for leverage and support, he started moving, fucking himself on Nick’s cock, fast driving himself towards orgasm. Rocking back and forth, pushing up and down, Gil lost himself in the sensations of the joining.

He rolled them so that Nick was on top, the startled slave holding himself up on his fists while Gil wound his legs around his waist. Licking at his lips, Gil ordered, “Fuck me, Nicky, make me come and you can come too, when I do.”

Nick instantly started moving, slamming in and out of Gil with the strength of youth behind him. Groaning in a mix of pain and pleasure, Gil urged him on with filthy words, digging his heels into Nicky’s back. It was an eternity later that Nick hit his prostate one too many times and Gil shouted, coming hard as he spattered them both with his seed. It was ripped from him, his heart stopping in his chest, his breath held while Nick dug into his body as far as he could and came inside him.

Drawing in a shuddering breath, Gil lay limp on the bed, unable to move or even protest Nick’s heavy, boneless body on top of him. Not that he would protest, the weight of him felt very good; comforting and solid.

No, the only thing he wanted to protest was the exhaustion running through him, dragging him down into sleep when all he wanted to do was savor the moment.

* * * *

Gil sighed in deep contentment as Nick’s hands rubbed soothing lavender oil into his body, strong and gentle all at once.

They’d eaten and talked quietly a couple of hours ago, and with Nick wrapped safe in his arms, the younger man hadn’t seemed able to stop talking about the encounter with Crane. It had fortunately taken little prompting on Gil’s part to get him to purge the negative emotions. He’d briefly sent a prayer upwards for the loving care taking Nick’s previous owners had showered on him. It had given Nick a solid foundation of trust for his owners and Gil would continue to use that towards the young man’s emotional well-being.

When Nick had stopped talking, curled up over Gil’s lap and resting against him, Gil had just held his slave and relished the feel of him in his arms. It made the insanity of the world seem just a little less so, giving him a belief in the Fates that he hadn’t held in a couple of decades, maybe longer.

They’d sat in the living room, watching the sunset through the French doors, quiet and content in one another’s company. After darkness had fallen, Gil had turned on the television, morbidly curious as to what might be said of the death match. There had been a brief report, and its very brevity told Gil that the Mayor had declared the entire situation non grata and the news companies were responding in kind.

Taking a shower together had revealed the shadows of bruising on Gil from his fight and Nick had nearly had a heart attack at the realization that Gil really had been injured, even if not badly so. Gil had insisted that he was fine, but Nick had started ordering him around, getting him out of the shower and into bed, with some pain relievers. Utterly amused by the proprietary and worried tone and actions, Gil had hidden a grin and done as he was bade.

Just as well he had, because now he was reaping the benefits of a long, slow massage. The feel of Nick’s hands on him was soothing instead of arousing, comforting, and Gil relaxed as he hadn’t in quite a long time. It was one thing to have sex with someone, but a massage was a completely different form of intimacy. Sleep tugged at him as Nick continued to rub and stroke along his major muscle groups and Gil gave in, sighing once more as he faded away.

* * * *

Nick felt the moment that his Master fell asleep and smiled in happiness. He continued with the massage, loving the feel of the slick, warm flesh under his hands. His movements remained slow and soothing, drawing any remaining tension from the other’s body through persistence, if not skill. He made a mental note to ask about taking a massage class so he could do better next time.

Still irritated with himself for not having realized that of course Gil was hurting from the battle, Nick took his time with his Master’s body. He lavished attention to every part of it, even though the other was asleep and couldn’t consciously enjoy it. He was hoping it would lead to sweet dreams for his Master, something that he suspected rarely happened.

When he was finished, Nick looked at the gleaming body and sighed in wistful need. It would be selfish to wake his Master to ask for release and the older man needed his sleep, so Nick ignored his throbbing cock and lay down beside him. Pulling the covers over them, he shifted until he was pressed up along the entire length of his Master, covering his legs with one of his own and pressing his cock against a hip.

It took several minutes to calm his body down, but finally he was able to clear his mind enough that his cock deflated. Nuzzling at the precious throat, Nick smiled against the soft beard and closed his eyes.

* * * *

Not expecting anyone, Warrick looked up in surprise at the knock on his front door. His hand tightened on Greg’s shoulder, the younger man sleeping on his lap, and he carefully shifted out from under his slave. Greg murmured an incoherent protest, but didn’t wake. Smiling down at the face relaxed in sleep, Warrick turned and walked to the door, opening it to find Gil and Nick on his doorstep.

Surprised again, he greeted, “Grissom, hey man, what’s up? Come on in.”

But Grissom waved his offer away and said, “I just wanted to check on the two of you, see how you were doing.”

Warrick shrugged, answering, “Better, thanks. Greg had a fit at the office when we found out. He was convinced that the reports were wrong and that you were the one who was killed. It wasn’t until we saw you and Nick leaving the palace on the late news that he believed Crane was really dead.”

Grimacing, Gil apologized, “I should have called, but I wasn’t at my best at the time.”

“Hey, no problem,” Warrick assured him. “I know how you feel about killing, so I understand.”

“Master?”

Warrick turned at Greg’s uncertain, sleepy call of his name and saw the young man blinking at him blearily, clearly awoken by the voices. He gave Greg a reassuring smile and announced, “It’s Grissom and Nick, Greg. Come on over and say hi.”

Greg instantly rolled off the sofa and strode over to them, supremely unconcerned with his nudity. He smiled shyly at both Grissom and Nick and greeted, “Hello.”

Warrick put and arm around his waist, pulling the young man against him, and teased, “See? I told you he was fine.”

A blush rose and Greg’s eyes dropped, but Grissom only said, “Thanks for worrying about me, Greg. How are you?”

It was a direct question, so of course Greg had to answer, but Warrick could see it was difficult. The young man had a serious case of hero worship for Grissom and if Warrick wasn’t so secure with how his slave felt about him, it might have been a problem. Stroking a hand along Greg’s flank, he prompted, “Answer him, baby.”

“I-I’m fine, relieved, thank you so much, Master Grissom,” Greg said at last, his eyes remaining downcast. “I’m sorry you had to kill, I know how it distresses you, but I am so…relieved that Crane’s dead. Thank you.”

Gentle, Grissom replied, “I’m glad that you’re all right, Greg. You know that if I could have taken care of it sooner than this, I would have.”

Another flush heated Greg’s fair complexion and his head ducked down further as he turned into Warrick’s sideways embrace and murmured, “I know.”

Warrick met Grissom’s gaze and grinned. They both knew that Greg’s normal volubility was always muted around him, shyness and gratitude for the man who’d saved his life overwhelming the young man. “So you’re going in to work?”

Grissom nodded. “Yeah. We’re down by two, so I thought I’d bring Nicky in and see what he might have an affinity for.”

Laughing, Warrick shook his head and looked over at the as-yet silent slave. “And you wonder why people think you’re a closet abolitionist?”

“Very funny, Warrick,” Gil reproved, but there was no real censure in his voice. “Take as much time as you need, we’ll manage without the two of you for a few days.”

Thankful, Warrick’s arm tightened around Greg’s waist and he replied, “Thanks.”

Grissom nodded and motioned for Nick to precede him which, after a brief wave goodbye, the younger man did. Warrick watched them go, then closed the door and brought Greg back to the sofa. He was startled when Greg straddled his lap instead of lying back down, but definitely not complaining. Grinning up into the blue eyes, he asked, “Something you wanted, baby?”

Rubbing his bare ass deliberately over Warrick’s groin, Greg answered, “I was thinking there might be something you want, Master.”

Warrick groaned, his head falling back against the sofa cushion. “You know there’s always somethin’ I’m wantin’ baby.”

“Yeah, I know,” Greg agreed, his hands on Warrick’s pants.

Leaning forward, Warrick sucked on an exposed nipple, biting the tip sharply as Greg undid his pants and pulled out his rapidly hardening cock. Gasping in reaction, Greg stroked and pulled at Warrick’s cock and he felt love in every strong caress. Greg would never say the words, Warrick knew that and was cool with it, but he showed the black man every single time they joined just how he really felt.

Warrick ran his hands over the slender, lightly defined chest, the familiar possessiveness running through him that this incredible, quixotic man belonged to him. Sliding them down and around back, he gripped the plug already inside Greg and moved it around. Hissing, Greg pushed down against him and Warrick chuckled, saying, “Always so hot for it, my little slut. Let’s see how good a show you put on, baby.”

He pulled the plug from Greg’s body, who moaned and shivered at the withdrawal, and tossed it carelessly aside. Greg would find and clean it later, and then put it back in his body without a second thought. The knowledge that his slave was always open and ready for him sent a shudder of lust through Warrick. His hands gripped the firm ass and yanked down, pulling Greg onto his cock.

They both groaned as Greg was impaled on Warrick, his fingers tightening convulsively on the black man’s shoulders as he was filled. When he was seated flush against Warrick’s body, Warrick slapped his ass and growled, “Work me, baby, move!”

Greg immediately started moving, his ass clenching and unclenching around the shaft inside him. Warrick’s head fell back and he let Greg do all the work, lost in the sensation of being fucked but good, even if it was his cock in Greg. He wasn’t the only possessive one in this relationship, Warrick knew that without a doubt. And relationship it was, despite the dynamic of owner and owned. They loved and fought and laughed just like Warrick’s parents had growing up, and one of these days he was going to see how Greg felt about having their kids.

Then though fled because Greg quickened the pace, slamming down on the hard cock and squeezing with his internal muscles, unexpectedly dragging Warrick’s orgasm from him. He shouted, his fingers gripping Greg’s hips with bruising force, holding him in place as he came, filling the younger man with his seed. Greg gasped and shuddered, his own orgasm exploding over Warrick’s chest.

Greg collapsed against Warrick, resting his entire bodyweight on the bigger man and snuggling as close as he could. It was then that the sobs started. Warrick smiled and sighed in relief, having been waiting for the outpouring of emotion since that first hysterical fit at the office two days ago.

Wrapping his arms around the slender body, he rocked them slowly and murmured, “It’s okay, baby, he’s really gone now. No one’s ever going to hurt you like that again, I swear it.”

* * * *

Nick looked around the busy office and shifted awkwardly from foot to foot as he waited for Gil to get back from whatever meeting he’d been dragged into the second that they’d arrived. He’d had only enough time to tell Nick to wait for him in the lounge before Detective Brass had herded him into an elevator.

“Hey. You’re Nick, right?”

Turning at the woman’s voice, Nick found a young woman about his own age with brown hair and hazel eyes smiling at him. Nodding he walked closer and confirmed, “Yeah.”

She held out a hand and greeted, “Sara Sidle. I work on Grissom’s team, so we’ll probably be seeing a lot of each other.”

A little relieved at the explanation, Nick took the hand, smiling. “Yeah, I guess we will. Have you, ah, worked here long?”

“A couple of years,” Sara answered. “He’s a good boss. Are you going to be working here, like Greg?”

That familiar helplessness at the thought of actually working and interacting with people as an equal flooded him, along with a hot blush, and Nick admitted, “I’m not sure. I, I think so. Mas, uh, Grissom said that I should find something I like to do here, but…”

“But?” she prompted curiously.

He sighed, a faint grin teasing at his lips, and he explained, “I really only want to take care of him.”

Her smile was forced as Sara said, “He does bring that out in people. I’ve known Grissom to go for three days straight on a crime scene without sleep or food or a break. Makes me want to smack some sense into him sometimes.”

“Three days in a row?” Nick repeated, horrified. No way, his Master wasn’t doing that anymore. He’d make sure of that!

“Oh Nicky, there you are!”

Nick turned towards Catherine’s voice and his smile returned at the sight of the woman bringing in a young girl who was obviously her daughter. “Catherine, hi. Who’s this?”

A bit frazzled, Catherine introduced, “Nicky, this is Lindsey. Lindsey, this is Gil’s slave Nicky. I want you to listen to him and not give him any trouble while Mommy’s at work, okay?”

Lindsey smiled hesitantly up at Nick and said, “Hi.”

“Hi there,” Nick replied, returning the smile.

“I am so sorry about this, Nicky, but it’s school vacation and my sitter flaked on me. I called Grissom and he said you wouldn’t mind looking after her while we were working?” Catherine asked.

Even if it hadn’t clearly been a wish of Gil’s, Nick knew that he would have said yes. The little girl was about six and had her mother’s big, blue eyes and honest smile. “Of course I don’t mind. I bet we can find all kinds of things to do here.”

“Thank you so much,” Catherine sighed, tweaking at her daughter’s hair. She held out a small bag and said, “Here’s her lunch, make sure she eats all of it.”

Nick nodded. “Yes ma’am.”

Finally turning to Sara, Catherine grinned and said, “Hi. Come on, Grissom’s finally escaped management hell and we’ve got a hot one.”

Sara waved at him, rubbing a hand over Lindsey’s head, and the two women left, talking about a triple homicide at one of the casinos.

Looking down at Lindsey, Nick smiled and asked, “So Lindsey. What do you like to do for fun?”

* * * *

Gil smiled at the vision of Nick and Lindsey both sound asleep on the sofa in the lounge. Lindsey’s hair was braided in some elaborate fashion and Nick’s shirt bore distinctive signs of paint and glitter. Though where they’d gotten either, was a mystery to him.

Catherine chuckled softly beside him and pondered humorously, “I wonder who wore out whom.”

“I wouldn’t care to speculate,” Gil replied, flashing her a grin. “I’d guess they’re safe enough for a while longer so we can finish up the paperwork.”

“Ooh. Excitement,” Catherine retorted.

He laughed and they walked out of the lounge towards his office. “You did good tonight, Cath.”

Shooting him a surprised look, she said, “Thanks.”

“After seeing them together, something occurred to me.”

“What’s that?”

“What do you think about having Nick look after Lindsey when she’s not in school?” Gil ventured.

The surprised look softened into understanding and she said, “You don’t think he can handle working here like Greg does.”

Wincing, Gil shook his head, opening his door for her and ushering her inside. “Greg’s only been a slave for six years. Nick’s been one since he was ten. I don’t think he can make the distinction that would be necessary for him to expect respect for his observations and work between his status as a slave. That would cause him a conflict that I’d rather spare him if I could.”

“Well, they certainly hit it off,” Catherine allowed, sitting in the chair in front of Gil’s desk. “But I doubt I could afford to pay you for his services, not on my salary.”

Gil grinned and wagged a finger at her. “And this isn’t going to get you a raise, either. No, I was thinking more along the lines of presenting it to Nick as doing you a favor. It would make him feel needed which is, I know, something he needs to feel. From what I know of his background, he took care of his previous owners with a level not often observed in anyone, let alone a slave.”

“He was spoiled,” Catherine guessed, grinning.

“Incredibly spoiled,” Gil agreed, his tone indulgent. “And I’m not about to break the pattern, either.”

Laughing, Catherine said, “I didn’t think you would. And really, this sounds like the perfect arrangement to me. I could save a lot of money by having Nicky look after Linds when she’s not in school.”

“And Nick would feel useful, something I doubt would happen, if he attempted to work here,” Gil finished.

“So how do you want to work this?”

Gil thought about it for a moment, then said, “I’ll drop him off at your house and we can ride in together, how’s that sound?”

“Perfect,” Catherine replied, shaking her head.

“What?”

“Nothing, just…I’ve never really seen this side of you.”

Gil frowned at her amused expression and questioned, “What side is that?”

“Gil Grissom in love.”

Eyes rolling, Gil didn’t deny the observation, he just said, “We’ll start tomorrow.”

“Yes, Master Grissom, whatever you say, Master Grissom.”

“Catherine…”

* * * *

Nick woke when the weight of Lindsey started to be lifted from him, his arms instinctively tightening around the little girl. Instantly awake at the movement, he recognized Catherine and relaxed, letting go of her daughter. Yawning, he sat up the rest of the way and rubbed his eyes, taking in Gil’s smiling face just beyond Catherine. “Hey.”

“I see the two of you had fun,” Catherine observed, settling the still-sleeping girl against her shoulder.

Smiling, Nick stood and agreed, “She’s a great kid.”

Catherine reached out and tweaked his nose. “Glad you think so, because I was hoping that I could convince you to do me a favor and keep an eye on her on a regular basis.”

“Really?” Nick asked in surprise, glancing at Gil.

Stepping closer, Gil assured him, “It won’t be a permanent thing, Nick, don’t worry. We’d just be helping Catherine out of a bit of a bind.”

“No, that’s fine, it’s great,” Nick agreed enthusiastically, running a hand over the braids he’d created for Lindsey. “She really is a great kid.”

Gil put a hand at the small of his back and said, “We’ll start out tomorrow and see how it goes. I’ll drop you at Catherine’s house and then she’ll ride in with me to the office.”

Leaning against Gil, Nick smiled at him. “I’d like that.”

Gil kissed his temple and replied, “Good.”

“All right then, that’s settled,” Catherine announced. “I’m going to get her home and we’ll see you tomorrow. Night guys.”

“Night, Catherine.”

“Night, Cath.”

Nick turned to Gil when she was gone, wrapping his arms around his Master’s waist and resting his cheek against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

Gil’s arms wound about his shoulders and he kissed Nick’s head before asked, “What for?”

“For being so wonderful,” Nick answered shyly. He knew that this had been devised as a way to make him feel helpful, it was just the sort of thing that Gil would think up.

Chuckling warmly, Gil said, “You’re welcome. Let’s go home.”

Nick nodded and pulled back, sighing happily. They were delayed a few times on the way out, various people stopping them to confer with Gil on different cases. It was nice to see the respect everyone had for his Master, to know that these people genuinely looked up to the older man and sought his opinion on just about everything. His already great pride for his Master grew even higher.

“Grissom! Wait up!”

Nick turned when Gil did and saw Sara striding towards them. She smiled at him, but Nick stiffened at the glint in her eyes. He’d seen it plenty of times before in his life and it spoke of dismissal, disregard and contempt. He automatically lowered his eyes, shifting to move behind Gil a little, giving his Master the proper, public deference expected by the world.

“What is it, Sara?” Gil questioned, impatience lacing his tone.

“I have to talk to you about the Harrison case. It can’t wait.”

“What about it?”

“The DNA samples that Greg was working on are compromised.”

“What!?”

“I know. I don’t know if it was Greg or the lab, but they’re no good now.”

“Damn it!”

The real anger in his Master’s voice caused Nick to flinch. A second later, a reassuring hand settled at the small of his back and he relaxed a little. Enough to risk a glimpse up and see the thoughtful look on his Master’s face.

“All right. We still have the tire treads and the fingerprints, so it’s not a complete disaster,” Gil said at last. “I want to know where the mistake happened, though.”

“I’m on it.”

Nick shivered a little at the thought of her investigating Greg. Of her investigating any slave, for that matter, as her opinion of them was very clear.

“No, Sara, wait.”

“What?”

“I’ll have someone else look into it.”

“But…”

Firm, Gil stated, “You’ve got better things to do than check up on Greg.”

“Sure, no problem,” she agreed, backing down easily. “You have your suit picked out yet?”

There was a pause before Gil replied blankly, “My suit?”

“For the dinner. Tomorrow night…you forgot.”

“Oh damn. Yes, I did forget. I’m sorry, Sara, but don’t worry. I’ll be there with bells on.”

“Great! I’ll see you then. Night, Nick.”

Nick peeked up at her and had a very strong urge to wipe the pleased smile right off her face. Instead, he lowered his eyes again and replied demurely, “Good night, Sara.”

“Night, Sara,” Gil echoed.

When they were almost to the exit, Nick ventured, “What dinner?”

A bit absently, his mind clearly elsewhere, probably on the DNA mistake, Gil answered, “She’s been nominated for an award tomorrow night and I’m her de facto date.”

Nick stiffened at the news, but kept a still tongue. It wasn’t his place to question any action of his Master’s, but now he knew why Sara had looked so pleased. She clearly had designs on his Master, just as obviously as Gil had no idea that she had them. And he would be stuck at Catherine’s watching Lindsey instead of keeping an eye on the scheming woman, where he belonged.

Sighing, Nick silently climbed into the truck.

* * * *

So intent on trying to figure out what else they could use to bolster the Harrison case was Gil, that it wasn’t until they got home that he really noticed how quiet Nick was. Frowning as he followed the younger man into the house, he watched closely as Nick moved to the kitchen and started making tea. Thinking back, he tried to remember what might have caused the ‘don’t touch me,’ body language that Nick was definitely giving off. And then he remembered Sara’s expression and tone and how Nick had withdrawn at her appearance.

Mentally hitting himself in the forehead, Gil shook his head at how obtuse he could be wit people. He walked up behind Nick, sliding his arms around the younger man’s waist and pulling him close. Resting his chin on Nick’s shoulder, he informed Nick, “I made the date, such as it is, with Sara long before I even knew you existed, Nicky. I can’t very well cancel on her.”

Nick shrugged and agreed, “I know, Master, I’m not asking you to.”

Snorting softly, Gil nuzzled at his throat. “Not in words, no.”

“She hates us, you know.”

The quiet, definitive statement startled Gil into pulling away. “What?”

Facing him, Nick clarified slowly, “Slaves. Sara hates slaves. I could see it in her eyes when she was talking about Greg. And, and when she was looking at me.”

“She just needs to get used to you, is all,” Gil protested. “I’ve never owned a slave before and she’s not used to it.”

Shaking his head, Nick countered, “I think someone she was close to was a slave and something happened. Maybe she was betrayed or maybe she was hurt, but she definitely hates slaves because of it. I…I’m worried about Greg.”

Even more surprised, Gil shook his head as if that would clear it, and echoed, “Greg?”

“She might have done something deliberately to get him in trouble. What would happen if he really messed up on an important case?” Nick questioned.

Not wanting to really think about it, Gil had to admit, “He would be caned, beaten, or whipped, depending on the severity of the transgression.”

“And there would be nothing that you or Warrick could do about stopping it,” Nick said, more than asked.

Gil nodded confirmation, thoughtful. He had to confess to wearing blinders when it came to the people who worked with him. Not that he thought they could do no wrong, of course, but he primarily trusted them to be honest and straightforward in their dealings. He respected all of them, Sara included. “But why would she? Greg doesn’t belong to me, he’s Warrick’s slave.”

“I saw the way he was with you, Master, it’s pretty obvious that Greg idolizes you,” Nick replied, smiling to show that it didn’t bother him. “I don’t know why it bothers her, but I’m sure it does. Maybe it’s just because he’s a slave and isn’t allowed to have feelings like that for you. Or for anyone.”

“Nick, she’s not like that.”

Nick fell silent, his earnest gaze falling to the floor. Gil cursed himself for the sharp tone, rubbing his eyes. How the hell was he going to get Nick to stand up for himself when he was simultaneously beating him down? Taking a breath, he allowed, “I’ll keep an eye on her, okay, Nicky? And I’ll personally check into the lab mistake to make sure that Greg isn’t falsely accused of anything, deliberately or innocently so.”

Relief etched into Nick’s face and Gil half-smiled. “Good. Now then. Let’s get ready for bed.”

Taking the kettle off the burner and turning off the stove, Nick went willingly into Gil’s arms. Shaking his head in fond amusement, Gil kissed the top of his head and started for the bedroom. One thing was for sure. Living with Nick was going to keep him on his toes.

* * * *

Gil shifted uncomfortably in his suit, which was snugger than he remembered it being, and ignored the smirk that was most definitely on Nick’s face as his slave tied the tie. He thought, briefly, that it would be far more entertaining to have Nick undress him, but ignored the twitch from below that demanded he finish and expand upon the idea.

“You look wonderful, Master,” Nick murmured, smoothing his suit into place with one last brush of his hand.

Impulsively, Gil said, “I wish you were coming with me.”

Pleasure suffused Nick’s face and he smiled as his gaze lowered. “That means a lot to me.”

Cupping Nick’s face, Gil turned it up and leaned in to kiss him softly, then stated, “I mean it. I wish I could bring you, but it’s not appropriate. Particularly after the…incident at the Mayor’s palace. It’s supposed to be Sara’s night, and having you there would put the papers into a frenzy. Having me there, will be bad enough.”

Nick shrugged, a smile still hovering as he replied, “I understand, Master, truly. It’s all right.”

“And it doesn’t matter what Sara thinks tonight is about, Nick. I’m only going as a show of support for her,” Gil continued firmly. “She works for me and that’s as far as the relationship goes.”

The pleased look transmuted into outright beaming at the reassurance and Gil relaxed. His suspicion about Nick’s jealousy had been correct and he’d said the right thing. Something that wasn’t a given, with his lack of people skills. All day, Nick had been clingy and anxious, right there every time that Gil had turned around. He’d done his best to keep his temper, not used to having someone hovering so close, not used to having anyone around period, but had snapped a couple of times at the young man.

Once he got back from the dinner, he’d make it up to Nick by paying some extra attention to him. Dipping in for another kiss, this one lingering and deep, Gil hummed in satisfaction when he pulled away and said, “I have some ideas about more training for you when I get home, Nicky. It’ll keep me occupied while I’m listening to boring speeches and eating a rubber chicken dinner.”

A blush rose as Nick said, “I look forward to it, Master.”

“You’re a terrible liar, Nicky, stick with the truth,” Gil teased, slapping him sharply on the ass.

Nick jerked in surprise at the slap, staring at him with wide eyes.

Smirking, Gil announced, “I think we need to test some of your limits. I’ve been neglecting your training the last few days, though for understandable reasons. Still, Warrick might not care how ill behaved Greg is, but I don’t feel the same about my slave.”

The wide eyes widened further and, contrite, Nick exclaimed, “Master, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

“Hush, Nicky, I was teasing you,” Gil interrupted, pulling him in close. “You bring me nothing but grace and honor, I promise.”

Mollified, Nick breathed an obvious sigh of relief and leaned against him with the mild complaint, “I never know whether you’re teasing or not, Master.”

Chuckling, Gil nipped at his earlobe and slapped his ass again. “Good. It’ll keep you sharp. Let’s go, Catherine’s waiting for us by now.”

Rubbing his backside, Nick shot him an exasperated look and went to retrieve his jacket, following Gil out of the house to the car. Gil smiled and opened the door for him, and, once Nick was seated, reached in to brush his fingers over the sparkling chain around Nick’s throat. Nick’s hand covered his and the smile he shared was joyous and tender and shy.

I am one very lucky bastard, Gil thought, withdrawing his hand and closing the door.

* * * *

Catherine’s house was nicely kept and filled with warmth and toys in equal measure. Nick found himself smiling even more when they walked inside. A wolf-whistle greeted them and Nick turned to find Catherine approaching with a wide grin on her face.

Gil held up a hand and warned, “Don’t you even start, Catherine.”

“Oh, of course not, Master Grissom,” she replied, the grin not abating a whit.

“NickNickNick! Do my hair again!” Lindsey exclaimed, running towards them and leaping at Nick.

He caught her easily and tossed her carefully into the air, enjoying her shriek of delight. Dipping her down low, he tickled her a little and asked, “Do you have homework?”

She gave an exaggerated sigh and answered, “Yes.”

“Then we’ll do some braids after that’s finished,” Nick promised, spinning her and setting her on her feet.

Lindsey swayed a couple of steps into her mother, but just grinned up at him and agreed, “Okay. Come on! Let me show you my room!”

Nick kissed Gil on the cheek, waved hastily to Catherine and ran after Lindsey with, “Hey wait, short-stop! I don’t know where your room is!”

* * * *

Gil laughed outright as Nick tore after Lindsey and motioned Catherine to the door. “Well, now that the kids are settled, why don’t the grown-ups get to work?”

Laughing as well, Catherine grabbed her coat and bag and followed him out to the SUV. “Nick is all that Linds has been able to talk about all day. Once I told her that he would be watching her from now on, she was so thrilled and hasn’t shut up since.”

Gil grinned and climbed inside the truck, silently cursing the tightness of the suit. Definitely time to start watching what he ate, especially if he was going to keep up with Nick. “I think Nick was equally as excited, though his mind was on other things most of the day.”

“Ah yes. Your date with Ms. Sidle,” Catherine agreed, dry.

Starting the car and backing down the driveway, Gil sighed and retorted, “It’s not a date.”

“Does she know that?”

“Catherine…”

“I’m just saying.”

Gil snorted and pulled into traffic. “When you ‘just say,’ something, I know I’m in trouble. Straight up, Cath, what should I expect tonight?”

Silent for a long moment, Catherine finally said, “You know that I like Sara. I always have, but I’m not blind to her faults the way you tend to be. I’d wait until after she gets her award to let her down gently. And I’d do it in public, with witnesses. It’s a good thing you’re going in separate cars, too.”

Wincing, Gil asked, “That bad? Will she be all right working with me after this?”

Catherine hesitated and replied, “I think so, but you can never tell.”

* * * *

The dinner was as boring as Gil anticipated, despite the fact that Sara was an excellent conversationalist. Most of his thoughts centered on Nick and wondering how his slave was doing with the mini-Catherine whirlwind they all knew and loved. He was sure that they were doing better than he was at the moment, a lot better. All he could remember when he looked at Sara were the warnings from both Jim and Nick, and the comments from Catherine.

When her name was announced and Sara leaned over to kiss him, Gil was startled and didn’t move out of the way fast enough. Forcing a smile as she walked to the podium to accept the award, Gil grimaced mentally at the thought that pictures had surely been snapped right at that moment and the gossip would be all over Las Vegas in a flash that they were having an affair.

Something that he didn’t really care about, except that it could cause Nick any distress.

Who is the Master and who the Slave? Gil wondered silently.

Not for the first time, he speculated on the symbiotic relationship of Owner and Owned. It wasn’t at all like the slaves bought and sold solely for labor, or those who were made so by criminal acts. There was nothing of love or respect in any of those Master and slave relationships and there wasn’t meant to be. Slavery in that form was a punishment, whether rightfully so or not, a burden of pain and misery, and something to be viewed with horror. At least in Gil’s point of view.

He’d never once been inclined to own a slave before Nick and had viewed his accidental purchase of Greg with an unconcealed dread. If Warrick hadn’t instantly offered to buy him from Gil, he didn’t know what he would have done with the traumatized young man.

But Nick was different and had been from the moment he’d laid eyes on Nick in that pen. Gil finally understood what Warrick was talking about when he went all mystical and philosophic about his relationship with Greg. Raised a Christian without slaves, Warrick had been neutral on the subject for as long as Gil had known him, apparently not caring one way or the other. But when Gil had walked into the office that night, a huddled, bruised, and scared Greg in his arms, Warrick had straightened as though shot through with lightening.

Gil had been a little in shock at the time that he’d stepped in and stopped the unfair beating Greg had been receiving from the pen broker. The broker had essentially blackmailed him into buying Greg with the implicit threat that if someone didn’t take the boy, he’d be dead by morning. When Warrick had stepped forward and taken Greg from him, Gil had seen something in the black man’s blue-gray eyes that had told him to accept the offer and let them leave together. It had been a wise decision, even though Gil hadn’t understood how Warrick had known that Greg was meant to be his with a single glance.

Not until Nicky. Now he really did understand what Warrick was talking about and he half-grinned at the thought. I will never hear the end of it if I let on, though. Best to keep that little tidbit to myself.

And then Sara returned in a cloud of silk and perfume and he had no more time for retrospection. He shifted subtly out of reach when she retook her seat, and congratulated, “You deserved it, Sara, congratulations.”

Beaming, Sara replied, “I still can’t believe I won! We have to celebrate!”

“You knew that you’d get it,” he countered, smiling and letting the other people at their table override him with their words and congratulations.

Fortunately, there was only one more award after Sara’s, and it was only a half-hour later that things began to break up. Holding her jacket up, he helped her slip into it and guided her towards the exit. Nervous now that they were heading back to her car, Gil tried to figure out what to say to her, not sure if he should even bring it up, despite the kiss. He could chalk that up to the heat of the moment, after all, it didn’t have to mean anything.

But then she leaned against her car and smiled coyly at him with, “We should go back to my place and celebrate properly. I have champagne.”

More than a little uncomfortable, Gil replied, “Sara, I’m sorry, I…I don’t know what I did to give you the impression that there was more between us than a good working relationship and friendship, but there isn’t. I don’t feel for you like that.”

Sara froze in place, her happy expression fading fast. “But you can feel like that for a slave?”

Stiffening in vague alarm at her vituperative tone, Gil ordered, “Leave Nick out of this. How I feel for him has nothing to do with how I feel for you.”

“So you do…”

“Friendship, Sara. And respect. And professional, perhaps paternal, pride in you and your work,” Gil interrupted. “I recruited you from San Francisco because you’re very good at what you do and we needed someone like you on the team. Don’t make the mistake in thinking that that means there’s more to our relationship than there is.”

Arms crossed over her chest, Sara snapped, “A slave, Gil, not your equal. A submissive ignorant who can’t even truly think. Do you honestly think that you can be happy with a slave in the long term? I know you, and I know the answer to that is ‘no.’ I also know that if you really think about it, once the novelty has worn off, you’ll discover that the only thing you feel for that slave is lust and the thrill of owning it.”

It, not him. She doesn’t even grant Nick personhood, Gil thought in shock, wondering how he could have so misjudged her character.

Jaw clenched, he stated, “I’m sorry you believe that, Sara, but it doesn’t change anything. Nick is my slave, yes, and I will care for, and protect him, the rest of my life. He might even bear our children, if he so agrees. He wears my chain and my marks, and that is never going to change. I hope you can accept this, but if you can’t, I’ll understand and expect your resignation.”

Fury vied with shock as Sara struggled to not say whatever was clamoring to get out. Not seeing any point to remaining a stationary target, Gil just turned and walked away. His stomach was churning as he thought about what this could mean at work. If she resigned, if she didn’t resign but complained to personnel, maybe filed a sexual harassment suit, despite the fact that they’d never done anything. It was all sure to be a headache that he could do without.

Only one thing was sure and that was his feelings for Nick, no matter how much Sara had tried to belittle them.

* * * *

Nick knew that something was very wrong the moment Gil and Catherine came through the front door. He stood from the sofa and turned off the television looking from one to the other, but neither said anything so finally, he reported, “Lindsey went down at nine o’clock, no trouble. She wanted me to do some ‘real braids,’ as she put it, but I told her to ask your permission first.”

Catherine smiled, but it was clear her heart wasn’t in it as she answered, “Thanks, Nick, I appreciate that.”

“Um, sure. No problem,” Nick said, grabbing his coat and walking over to Gil. “Everything okay?”

“I’ll tell you about it at home,” Gil answered.

“Night guys. Thanks again, Nick.”

Nick frowned, but answered, “Good night,” and followed Gil outside.

The air was cold, winter having decided to make an appearance for good, and Nick coughed a little at the transition, his lungs protesting.

A strong hand instantly rubbed his back and Gil asked anxiously, “Are you all right?”

Surprised by the concern bordering on worry, Nick assured him, “I’m fine. Just the cold air settling is all. Never really get used to how cold the desert gets, you know?”

A faint smile finally surfaced on Gil’s face as he agreed, “I know.”

“Master, what’s wrong?” Nick questioned, daring to grip Gil’s arm and pull him to a stop.

Huffing in aggravation, Gil informed him, “You were right. You and Jim and Catherine were all, very right, okay? I don’t know where the hell she got the idea that I was interested in her, I really don’t. I never meant to give her that kind of impression, I certainly didn’t do it on purpose, but Sara thought I was…that I wanted her. She invited me back to her apartment to celebrate her award. Oh, and she kissed me at the dinner, just so you know. I’m sure someone snapped a picture to put in the gossip columns.”

Rubbing his hands up and down Gil’s shoulders, Nick said simply, “You didn’t do anything, Master, except be yourself. Who wouldn’t fall in love with you?”

A real smile tugged at Gil’s lips and he answered, “Lots and lots of people, Nicky, trust me. I am not the most loveable person in the world.”

“You are to me,” Nick replied.

Tenderness chased over Gil’s face and he cupped Nick’s chin, just staring at him for a long moment. Shaking his head, he observed, “You’re incredible, Nicky, you really are.”

Flushing, Nick tried to lower his head, but Gil wouldn’t let him. “I’m not.”

“You are,” Gil insisted, tugging him close and kissing him sweetly. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I think tomorrow is a good day to make an Offering to make sure the capricious nature of the Gods doesn’t take you from me.”

Fingers wrapped in Gil’s coat, Nick shook his head vehemently and whispered, “Don’t even joke about that, Master, please!”

“Oh Nicky, I wasn’t joking,” Gil promised, kissing him again, with intent this time.

Nick found himself backed against the SUV and groaned in need at the continued plundering of his mouth. It was only chance that shifted his gaze up where he caught sight of Lindsey looking at them through her window. She was a good twenty yards away and on the second floor, but there was no mistaking the dreamy look on her face.

Laughing softly, Nick broke the kiss and informed Gil, “Lindsey’s watching from her window.”

Startled, Gil started to turn to look, but Nick kept him in place and said, “Let her dream happy dreams. Girls that age need romance and fairy tales.”

Gil smiled at him and leaned in for another, quick kiss. “Little girls aren’t the only ones who need romance, Nicky. Let’s go home.”

Flushing, ducking his head against Gil’s chest for a moment, Nick nodded and pulled back to open the door. Gil took the handle, covering his hand, and waited until he was settled before closing the door for him. Leaning across the space, he unlocked the door for his Master.

“I missed you tonight,” Gil said, putting on his seatbelt.

Still shy, even after all they’d done and been through together, Nick flushed, but didn’t protest when Gil took his hand and kissed the palm. He only replied, “I missed you more, Master.”

A bright smile surfaced and Gil relinquished his hand to start the truck. “Not possible, Nicky, just not possible.”