Page 22 of Caged By the Stranger
I glance at Rory, whose eyes are closed, his head leaning back with the hint of a smile on his face. Truth or Truth would have been a nice game when I first ran into him up here yesterday.
“I think I’ll pass, but thanks.”
“Oh, come on!” Carmen moans. “I already know plenty about you, and Rory’s not judgmental, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“It’s all right, Carmen,” Rory pipes in. “Some people just like their privacy.”
Is he…sticking up for me? And I love how we’re all on a first-name basis now. Does that mean she showed himherchastity cage? This is so fucking awkward.
I have to say, however, that the soothing sensation of the water on my tense muscles and my heavy-laden cock are balancing out some of my discomfort. My dick almost feels buoyant, submerged deep in the tub. It’s a strange sensation after walking around with the cage weighing me down for the past week. It makes it feel like something is missing.
“I think it’s your turn in the hot seat anyway,” Rory reminds her.
“I have two teenagers. Nothing scares me,” she boasts. “Ask away.”
“Charlie? Do you want to take this one?” Rory asks, pulling himself up out of the tub. “I need a refill.”
I had tried not to notice what was beneath the surface on his side of the tub, but underwater lights left little to the imagination. His tall frame rises as he turns to step out onto the flydeck in a snug-fitting black Speedo. Rivulets of water trickle down his legs, the dark hair plastered to the definition in his muscles. I wish I possessed that part of his demeanor—neitheroverconfident nor insecure. Averting my gaze from his obscenely fit profile, I focus on Carmen. The last thing I need is Rory McDonnell thinking I’m checking him out.
“Give me your best shot,” Carmen challenges, grinning like a tipsy Cheshire Cat.
At least one of us is having a good time. Good for her. I find myself smirking and shaking my head at my friend.
Watching her adjust one of her large hoop earrings, it occurs to me that she’s a bit more glammed up in the jewelry department than the times I see her at conventions. There’s a tennis bracelet on her wrist with tiny diamonds and a silver chain with a small diamond pendant resting between her clavicles. I’m not looking for state secrets since I didn’t even want to play this stupid game, but I ask the first thing that comes to mind due to curiosity.
“All right. Do you always wear that much jewelry in a hot tub?”
My answer is a snort-laugh. “I’m on vacation, Charlie. On a superyacht! Do you know where Mason and I have vacationed for the last twenty years?”
I’m sure she’s told me, but I just blink stupidly as I catch Rory returning from the flydeck bar. Even in my peripheral vision, I still see the slight tent a man’s junk makes in such snug-fitting swimwear, making itself known at the front of his suit. I can’t believe he wore a cock cage for an entire year. It’s even more baffling now that I have a new perspective of who he is—a wealthy CEO. Granted, he was in college at the time, but how does one go from letting their cock be beholden to another person to being in such a position of power? Silently, I shame myself for such backward thinking, knowing that what we do for a living doesn’t dictate our personalities. It’s just…I guess I’m still new to contemplating the idea of giving someone that much power over my body. In my mind, I think I’d feel less confidentand thus less likely to succeed in my professional endeavors. It’s all so baffling to me.
“Disney World five times! Six Flags four times,” Carmen rattles off animatedly.
“What did I miss?” Rory asks, slipping his lithe body back into the water.
“Charlie wanted to know why I’m all dolled up for the work cruise. I’m trying to explain to him that this is the first time I’ve ever been on a super yacht, so I’m damn well going to wear my diamonds if I feel like it.”
“Fair enough.” I hold my hands up in defeat, chuckling at her. “It was just a question. You’re the one who wanted me to play your damn game.”
She sends a splash my way, clearly not offended.
“I’m honored you dressed to impress,” Rory quips. “What’s that old saying? ‘A garment needs only to please the wearer?’” He smirks, taking a sip of his drink, and I catch myself in his gaze.
Is that a fucking cock cage joke? Because, if so, he already knows my truth. My garment does not please me.
“That’s right,” Carmen says smugly with a nod.
Great. I’ve created an alliance. Now, I’m not just the weird employee wearing a cock cage who let the CEO palm his balls and is no fun. And she wonders why I’m not having a good time on this trip.
“Are you going to give Rory shit now, too for being unglamorous, wearing just a chain with a key on it?” she asks.
What is she talking about now? I glance across the bubbling water at the man I’ve been avoiding looking at. He’s still wearing that silver chain I glimpsed in his room yesterday, but now I can see it in its entirety. Dangling from the length over a light patch of dark curls is a little silver key.
“Is that his question?” Rory asks her. “I thought he wasn’t playing.”
“Ooh, you’re right. It’s my turn.” Carmen perks up.
“Just for the record, I take no offense at being called unglamorous,” he deadpans with a smirk.
