Troy hoped he was making the right call, but he thought it was time to start including Bryce in those traditions. The things that made Oliver and him work and grow. As Bryce turned and frowned when something didn’t feel right, Troy settled in, ready to soothe Bryce.
His new sub rolled over, but when his leg didn’t go far enough, one eye opened. There was curiosity etched on his face, but not worry, which soothed some of Troy’s nerves. Bryce’s feet moved under the covers and explored, trying to figure out what was going on. It didn’t take Bryce long to understand.
He was tied to the bed.
Well, not exactly tied. Troy had elastic sports cuffs with hook and loop fasteners bolted to the end of the bed. One was wrapped around Bryce’s leg and the other around a not-quite-awake Oliver’s ankle. It would be very easy to sit up and remove the restraint, but he didn’t think Bryce would.
Bryce frowned and lifted up the covers to peek down toward the foot of the mattress. It was almost comical. Troy could see legs and feet moving again. Then Bryce stilled and relaxed back down. He closed his eyes and wiggled around until he was pressed close against Oliver. One arm moved until it popped up beside Troy on the bed and reached for his hand.
Lacing his fingers through Bryce’s, he let his sub fall back asleep. It had gone smoother than he’d expected, but he knew Bryce would have questions. He was hoping his conflicted switch would have lots of them. Troy was hoping it would show Bryce that it was okay to open up to them. They’d tried to make it clear they were looking for a long-term relationship with him, but it was easy to see he was sitting on the fence.
Troy just needed to pull him down on their side.
When Bryce settled back down to sleep, Troy slipped out of bed quietly and went downstairs. He and Oliver had purchased the house three months before, and they were still moving things around. The kitchen was Troy’s favorite. Modern appliances mixed with old-fashioned elements made it perfect. It was what drew them to the house to begin with. Both he and Oliver were big cooks, preferring to eat at home instead of going out all the time, so they’d loved the kitchen right away.
Troy couldn’t wait to see what Bryce thought about the house. From what they’d seen of Bryce’s office, Troy thought they had similar tastes, as long as Bryce hadn’t gotten someone else to decorate for him. Troy couldn’t see that being the case. As Bryce had started opening up about his business, they’d learned more about the family dynamic and the little games of one-upmanship they played.
Gathering up a tray with coffee and some breakfast for the sleeping men, Troy made his way back upstairs. As he walked into the bedroom, setting the tray on the dresser next to his side of the bed, Oliver opened his eyes. He peered at Bryce and tugged on his cuff. “Does he know about the restraint yet?”
“Yes.” A muffled reply came from Bryce, who was still pretending to be asleep.
Oliver grinned. “Is he mad?”
“No.” Bryce pulled the covers over his head.
“Is he confused?”
“No.”
He was tied to the bed. Troy thought the reason was fairly obvious, and evidently, Bryce did too. Oliver glanced up at Troy, a teasing smile on his face. “Do you think he likes being naked and tied up?”
Bryce snorted, refusing to answer that one.
Troy ran his hand over Oliver’s head and shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. We can find out, though.”
Bryce’s eyes popped open, awake and curious. Troy cracked a smile. “Oh, look who’s awake.”
Giving Troy a wary look, Bryce sat up and moved to lean against the headboard. “Yes…Yes, Sir.”
Troy nodded subtly, then reached over and ran his hand over Bryce’s head. “Would you like a morning kiss, tiger?”
“Tiger, huh?” Bryce nodded, not even having to think about it. Troy gave him a smile and slid his hand down to Bryan’s neck to pull him close. He started out light and tender, but slowly deepened the kiss, reminding Bryce who was in charge. Bryce melted into the bed, curling into Oliver as he kissed Troy deeply. A sudden squeak from Bryce had Troy pulling away in surprise.
“Oliver?” He knew his kitten.
Wide, innocent eyes looked up at him. “Yes, Sir?”
“What did you do?” That much effort into appearing adorable meant his kitten was definitely guilty.
Oliver shrugged like he was confused. “You said to check and see if he was turned on. He is.”
“That’s not exactly what I said.” Troy shook his head. Bryce watched the discussion between them and was clearly trying to appear neutral, almost disapproving. He was failing.
“Oh? I’m sorry.” He sounded sincere, but he didn’t look sorry at all.
“What is this time for, kitten?” It seemed like Oliver needed the reminder, and it would be good clarification for Bryce.
Oliver sighed like it was torture. “To talk and cuddle with you, Sir.”
