Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ Raoul's Vindication ❯ One-Shot

"Raoul's Vindication"

NC-17, Lemon,Yaoi,Anal,BDSM,D/s,Humil,Oral,Rim

Riki x Iason

By Kira Takenouchi

***The Ai no Kusabi world and its characters were created by Reiko Yoshihara. This fanfic was written by Kira Takenouchi and is offered free to fans of Ai no Kusabi.***

Iason and Riki arrived at the Emporium nearly an hour after the opening ceremony was scheduled to begin. As they approached the building, Riki suddenly felt a little overwhelmed, having never seen a structure quite like the one that loomed before them. It was an architectural wonder-a massive, arena-like structure with a double row of arched windows extending its entire circumference and an entrance guarded by two massive statues-Ios and Erphanes, the legendary warrior brothers who chose to die rather than renounce their love when confronted by the jealous military commander Jun Tahn. The inscription above the entrance read "In Art, Nothing Is Forbidden."

He had never seen a building that approached the Emporium in beauty or sheer magnitude, and now the orphan mongrel from the slums felt very much out of place, intimidated by this first step into the world of the Blondie elite. He glanced anxiously ahead at Iason, who seemed to sense his uneasiness, though he could not see his face.

"Don't worry, pet. Nothing is expected of you except obedience. Just watch and listen, and try to enjoy yourself."

Riki sighed, following his Blondie master a few steps behind. The chain from his collar was still fastened to Iason's wrist cuff, requiring him to keep pace with the Blondie's swift stride.

Despite their late arrival, as soon as they made their entrance it became evident that the opening ceremony had been specifically delayed for Iason. Riki then became aware, perhaps for the first time, of exactly what status his Blondie master enjoyed among the Blondie elite and why Iason didn't want to miss the opening.

It was, from the mongrel's view, one big ass-kissing party for Iason Mink. Everyone approached him obsequiously, courting his attention, flattering him openly, and he was greeted ubiquitously with admiration and respect. For all Iason's fury over being delayed, it was now quite apparent to Riki that the ceremony would not have taken place-no one would have even dreamed of it-until Jupiter's beloved golden boy arrived.

Riki had anticipated that, as Iason's pet, he would be under intense scrutiny, but he could not have imagined how that would feel when countless eyes explored his body openly, as though trying to determine what he looked like beneath his clothes. This was his first showing in public among the Blondie elites who had heard rumors of the mongrel pet for nearly two years but had never actually seen him. The other pets were equally curious and surprised by his dark hair and eyes, wondering why Iason had chosen a mongrel rather than an A-class pet. Everyone there had by that time heard the rumor that Iason engaged sexually with his pet, something that simply wasn't done, and Iason's predilection in this regard was the one thing that threatened to tarnish his otherwise perfect reputation.

Although initially Riki felt uncomfortable and exposed by all the attention he garnered, eventually he became accustomed to it. Some of the initial interest in him was starting to expire, leaving him free to engage in his own voyeuristic enterprises, and he found, in a hall full of hundreds of Blondies, that he was among the most beautiful, sexually vital men he had ever seen in his life. Each Blondie was gorgeous in his own way, all of them sharing the same gloriously long, silky blonde hair, though in many different shades. Yet even as Riki felt an instinctive stirring of his loins among so much incontrovertible virility, he was certain of one thing-Iason was the most breathtaking of them all.

Iason was like a god among them, moving from individual to individual with grace and poise that Riki had never witnessed in his Blondie master before, his conversation witty and yet unrehearsed, his smile enchanting, his eyes flirtatious-blinking in an irresistible, undeniably seductive way-his soft laugh hypnotic, his voice low and smooth like that of a lover on the first night of conquest. And Iason surprised him-he seemed to speak a multitude of languages, shifting from one tongue to another with disconcerting ease as he greeted Blondies from throughout the sector.

In fact, the mongrel was quite overwhelmed by this new face of his Blondie master, suddenly understanding what Daryl had been trying to tell him since he had first arrived in Tanagura. To be the pet of Iason Mink was an exceptional thing-and Riki found that, for the first time, he was proud of his status as his pet. The chains that he had endured so much punishment to avoid wearing now almost seemed comforting to him, visible proof of his special connection to Tanagura's most highly respected Blondie.

Although Iason had not spoken to him since their arrival, Riki felt that his Blondie master was aware of him; he sometimes seemed to move deliberately close to him, so close that the mongrel was tormented by the intoxicating smell of his hair, and every now and then he would pull gently on the chain between them, as though urging him even closer. And because he knew Iason so well, he felt the Blondie was communicating with him through these seemingly insignificant actions. At one point he pulled Riki close and let his hand rest for a moment low on his back, sending his heart racing. And then he finally leaned down, whispering in his ear, "you're being very good, pet."

The "opening ceremony" lasted an absolute eternity, from the dark-haired mongrel's perspective-the Blondies all seeming to share Iason's penchant for fine wine, flattery, and aristocratic banter. Just as Riki was beginning to feel unbearably bored, the "opening" was announced in a few brief words, and everyone began moving into the corridors that led to the halls of the exhibits. This seemed to signal an end to the light-hearted socialization, the elite now approaching the exhibits as though entering the tomb of an ancient king-solemnly and quietly, but for the eerie clanking and jingling of countless pet chains. The Blondies dispersed throughout the exhibit halls, conversation now in hushed tones.

Iason was now apparently "disengaged" from his social responsibilities, and began talking with Riki in a low voice.

"Remember why we've come here, Riki. Take a look around and tell me what you like."

Riki sighed, a little loudly, to suggest his disinterest in such a project, yet found that he was actually drawn to the exhibits, not a little flattered that his Blondie master wanted his opinion. No one had ever asked for his opinion before, had ever wanted to know how he responded intellectually and viscerally to a work of art, and the orphan from the slums was, deep within, excited to have his perspective so valued. He passed the first few exhibits with little interest, and then suddenly stopped in front of one that appeared to be an ancient mural of some kind, its edges chipped and eroded, and the paint faded and peeling. It depicted a child reaching down innocently to pet a snarling animal.

"This is…interesting," he said.

"Actually, this is from the archeological dig at Minas Qentu. Technically it's an artifact, or maybe you could call it buried art," Iason said with a smile. "It should really be in a museum somewhere; it's quite splendid. Do you like it?"

Riki nodded.

The Blondie entered his code on the panel next to the exhibit, the purchase screen now reading: Sold: Iason Mink.

Next Riki pointed out a massive but simple clay pot with a round shape he found appealing, and then several life-size sculptures of ancient warriors, some illuminated manuscripts from the Lost Age, a dragon-head prow and painted shields from the barbarian culture of Urasia, and an intricately engraved ivory spell box recovered from the tomb of King Chunamenkhan; Iason purchased all of these as well.

"You seem to be drawn to ancient civilizations," the Blondie commented, rather fascinated with his pet's choices. "I'm beginning to understand what you like. What do you think of this one, Riki?"

Riki stared at the abstract painting for a moment, hesitant.

"What is it?" Iason whispered, with a smile.

"Do you want my honest opinion?"

"Most definitely."

"This isn't really art," he answered.

Laughing softly, the Blondie leaned close to him. "I quite agree with you, but let's keep quiet about it-that's the artist over there by the window."

Then, the tone of his voice changed. "I think we're coming to Raoul's exhibit next," he said, looking at the Exhibit map. "This is just a reminder to be on your best behavior, Riki."

The dark-haired mongrel nodded, steeling himself for an encounter with his nemesis. But nothing could have prepared him for what happened next.

As they entered the exhibit, his eyes were immediately drawn to the huge painting that was prominently displayed on the main wall. He gasped, unable to believe what he was seeing.

The painting was called Ios and Erphanes, and it depicted the final moments of the ill-fated lovers, who chose to die together rather than renounce their love. In the legend, the brothers made love on the beach as the tides came in, then Erphanes took poison into his mouth and shared it with Ios in a last kiss. Because of the intensity of their love at the moment of their death, they were transformed into the twin moons that then forever ruled the tides.

What was shocking about it, from Riki's perspective, was that it was basically a nude rendering of Iason and Raoul.

Raoul had captured Iason exactly, the hollows of his muscles, his languid sensuality, his perfectly sculpted body and angelically beautiful face. Ios lay on the beach, his body glistening wet as the tide rolled against him, looking as though he had just climaxed-eyes closed, lips slightly parted-a look Riki had seen many times. Erphanes was on his side, propped up on one arm, looking down intently at his lover, the vial of poison clenched in his hand. It was, perhaps, the most beautiful thing the dark-haired mongrel had ever seen in his life-and impossible that it had been painted by Raoul.

When Iason saw the painting, he stopped in his tracks, then sighed, annoyed. The last thing he wanted was to have his naked body paraded before all of Tanagura. Already the painting had attracted considerable attention, though at the extraordinary price of two million credits, no one had yet purchased it.

Raoul approached him with a slight smile. "So. What do you think?"

"You could have asked my permission, Raoul," Iason whispered, somewhat exasperated.

"You…don't like it?"

"As a piece of art, it's stunning-brilliant-as your work always is, Raoul. You know exactly what my problem with it is. Now I'll have to purchase this, just to keep it out of the wrong hands."

Riki, hearing this, almost smiled. So it was a different story when his Blondie master had his sexuality publicly exposed.

Now Raoul leaned close to Iason. "You don't have to purchase it. I'll give it to you," he said, "in exchange for one night in your bed."

Iason fell silent, considering. He wanted the painting-mostly because he felt uncomfortable about it, a feeling he was quite unaccustomed to-but also, he had to concede, it was indisputably a masterpiece. Even at the exorbitant price of two million credits, he knew someone would purchase it before the day was over. One night. It would not be unpleasant…and perhaps, it would even restore something that had broken down between them-not that he intended to become Raoul's lover again.

Riki heard the proposition with disbelief, yet fully expecting Iason to immediately decline. When his Blondie master seemed to be considering the offer, he became increasingly agitated. Surely Iason wasn't going to accept. A dark, irrepressible jealousy began to rise from deep within, his heart beginning to pound as he waited for Iason's answer.

"One night," Iason agreed. Raoul smiled, thrilled beyond words, already feeling aroused just knowing he would finally have his way with his old pairing partner. He couldn't resist glancing triumphantly at Riki, who had watched the exchange with horror.

Riki felt as though he'd been physically hit. Despite all of Iason's warnings and threats and his brutal punishment only hours before, he was unable to contain his raging jealousy.

"No! Iason, no! You can't!" His voice echoed through the hushed exhibit, drawing everyone's attention.

Iason whipped around. "Silence, Riki!"

"Not with him. Iason! Not with that fucking perverted bastard!" Riki gestured at Raoul with obvious hatred.

Shocked gasps followed this plea, from Blondies and pets alike. That the mongrel pet addressed his Blondie master so familiarly was inappropriate in and of itself-but his demanding tone was inexcusable, and then, to insult a Blondie-particularly a great artist like Raoul-was unthinkable. Everyone watched to see how Iason would handle the situation.

"Your pet needs taming, Iason," Raoul said, quietly, hands crossed on his chest.

To those watching, it was perhaps the understatement of the year.

Iason sighed and pulled the taming stick from its sheath, turning to Raoul. "What will satisfy you?"

"Fifteen strikes on exposed flesh."

Fifteen strikes. And exposed. A bit harsh-and yet Iason knew it was completely within the realm of acceptable punishment given his pet's transgression in a public place-at the Tanagura Art Exhibit no less. And not to honor an offended party's decision for punishment…it wasn't even an option. But Iason knew that it would be torture for Riki, given the discipline he had already endured just hours before. His heart went out to his unruly pet, who was about to experience nothing short of true agony and who, Iason knew, would be devastated by the humiliation of being exposed and tamed in public. He had warned Riki so many times…why hadn't he listened? The Blondie could not save him from his punishment-his reputation was at stake. He had no choice but to correct his pet for his inconceivable disobedience.

"Pet!" he said harshly. "For your disobedience in addressing a Blondie so disrespectfully, you'll take fifteen strikes." Grabbing hold of Riki's arm, he yanked down his pants to his knees, his already punished backside now revealed for all to see, eliciting a few gasps of surprise and-from the watching pets-horror. Angry welts covered the mongrel's buttocks and thighs, a sight that was extraordinarily pleasing to Raoul, who was taking in the scene with utter delight, unable to suppress an arrogantly satisfied smile.

Riki, now realizing his stupidity, yet still angry and jealous over Iason's arrangement with Raoul, added mortification to his repertoire of unhappy emotions when he was exposed in front of a gathering crowd of onlookers. His humiliation was short-lived; when the first strike hit his thighs, he was overcome with agonizing pain, crying out in a voice so piercing that many of the pets there looked away, unable to watch his torment.

"One." Raoul's voice penetrated through his consciousness, adding to his agony. That Raoul was counting the strikes as Iason administered them was like pouring vinegar on his wounds.

"Two."

"Three."

"Four."

The pets watched Iason wield the taming stick in absolute horror, the Blondies with admiration; his arm whipped back with firm purpose, striking Riki with unfettered force, the mongrel's anguished cries validating the authenticity of his discipline.

"Five."

"Six."

"Seven."

"Ei ght."

Iason wanted desperately to end the punishment and gather his pet into his arms, when strike after strike elicited heart-wrenching cries from his beloved Riki.

"Nine."

"Ten."

"Eleven."

It seemed as though fifteen strikes was an eternity. Out of pity, Iason began aiming now lower down on his thighs where his pet was less tender.

"Twelve."

"Thirteen."

"Fourteen."
Riki was beyond agony; he was now transported to a place so terrible, his mind was darkening and he felt ready to pass out.

"Fifteen."

The final strike having been delivered, Iason released his hold in Riki, sliding the taming stick back into his sheath firmly. His punishment of Riki was probably the best thing he could have done to restore-at least temporarily-his reputation when it came to his mongrel pet. He had not hesitated to discipline his unruly charge, thus curbing many of the rumors that had been circulating regarding his special treatment of the mongrel. At least in the minds of those watching, Iason had responded exactly as he should have, perhaps even more severely than many masters would. The fact that he carried a taming stick, and had obviously used it earlier that day, appeased the doubts of some regarding the relationship between Iason and his pet. Some Blondies there contemplated resurrecting the practice of carrying taming sticks, following Iason's example-a rather unnecessary measure given docile obedience of most pets.

When at last the punishment ceased and Iason released him, Riki fell to his knees, hands on the floor, shaking. He was unable to even pull up his trousers and did not even notice when Iason crouched down beside him and helped him with this. He became aware of his master's voice, but could not understand what he said. Slowly, his senses started to return to him and he realized that Iason was whispering in his ear.

"Get up now, pet. It's over."

"Help me," he whispered. "I can't…."

"Open your mouth," he said softly, "try to swallow this." Out of compassion for his pet, Iason was slipping him an Opiate-6, having a supply that he always carried with him because of his recurring headaches. Riki choked the pill down, vaguely wondering what it was, but feeling too disoriented to ask. Already his own body's opiates were starting to kick in and his pain was starting to dissipate, although as he began to comprehend where he was and what had just occurred, the humiliation of it hit him full force.

"Can we go home?" he pleaded.

"No, pet. No one is watching you now. Soon you'll be feeling much better, I promise."

With his master's help, the mongrel stood up. Then he suddenly buried his face in Iason's chest, clinging to him, a comfort that the Blondie allowed him, stroking his hair for a few minutes.

Raoul was beside himself with pure joy over what had just transpired-the punishment of Riki in such a deliciously brutal way, on top of Iason's promise to give him one night of pleasure. His heart was racing and he was already fantasizing about what he would do. Everything had worked out exactly as he had planned and he felt vindicated beyond his wildest dreams. Not only was he desperate to satisfy all his long-harbored sexual longings when it came to Iason, but he now knew that doing so would infuriate the mongrel he hated so much. He watched Riki's suffering and obvious difficulty in getting back on his feet with dark satisfaction, although he felt a little annoyed when Iason began comforting his pet. Still, that couldn't spoil his utter triumph. He'd won.

When Iason finally turned to meet his gaze, he managed to wipe the smile off his face. "So…tonight?" he asked, hopefully.

"Not tonight," Iason answered. He fully intended to pleasure Riki in whatever way he could to make up for what had turned out to be an extraordinarily bad day for his beloved pet. "Tomorrow."

Raoul nodded, smiling. "I'll come by at 8:00."

Riki, hearing this exchange, gave a little sob, and the Blondie smiled, thrilled with his pet's transparent jealousy, and his now truly submissive way of showing it. But, not wanting Riki to suffer any more, he moved away from Raoul's exhibit. With a smile of victory, Raoul punched his own codes for the sale of Ios and Erphanes, the purchase screen now reading: Sold. Iason Mink.

Mercifully, the dark-haired mongrel was starting to feel the effects of the A-class opiate derivative, his pain subsiding, and, in short order, the relief extending further into downright pleasure. He felt extraordinarily grateful for Iason's compassion in giving him what he now realized was a potent, kick-ass painkiller, though the opiate could not reach the pain in his heart. He looked up at the Blondie with a little smile.

"Feeling better?" Iason asked, then laughed softly at Riki's expression-his eyes glowing with pleasure and his mouth twisted in a lopsided smile.

"What did you give me?" he whispered.

The Blondie leaned down. "An Opiate-6," he said in a quiet voice.

"I love you forever for that."

Iason felt his heart race a little faster, though he knew his pet did not mean the words in the way he wished. Still, it was the closest Riki had ever come to expressing his affection, and the Blondie shuddered, delighted.

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident; they made quite a few more purchases and then finally returned home, both of them quiet during the ride back to Eos. Iason looked over and saw that Riki had fallen asleep from the powerful effect of the drug. He carried his pet inside, all the way from the parking garage to the penthouse on the top floor, the dark-haired mongrel completely limp in his arms.

Daryl immediately greeted him at the door, looking at Riki with alarm.

"He's only sleeping," Iason said, softly. He set his pet down on his bed and let him sleep until he finally woke up, well into the evening.

Riki opened his eyes and looked around, feeling disoriented, and wondering how he got on Iason's bed. The events of the day slowly cleared the fog of his mind, and he began to relive the horrors of his double punishment, the rape, and Iason's arrangement with Raoul. Mercifully, the opiate Iason had given him was still in effect, and he felt no pain. He got up, and went out into the living quarters.

Iason was standing before the enormous window that offered a spectacular view of the Tanagura skyline at night. He turned, smiling. "So. You're awake now," he said softly. "Daryl has food ready for you; you must be hungry."

The mongrel nodded, feeling famished, but avoided looking directly at Iason, his feelings when it came to his Blondie master now a confusing mix of fear and anger.

"It's your favorite," Daryl said, bringing him a bowl of the steaming lamb stew he knew the mongrel loved.

"Thank you, Daryl," Riki said, in a low voice, almost afraid to speak loudly.

Daryl noted Riki's nervousness and hunched posture with a sharp stab of sorrow. The poor terrorized mongrel was becoming more and more like him.

Riki ate quickly, then slipped out onto the balcony for a smoke.

The approach of his master startled him, and he threw his smoke over the ledge as if fearing Iason would scold him for smoking, flinching as the Blondie drew near.

He began trembling when Iason reached out to touch him. "Don't be afraid, pet," he whispered, pulling him close. He could feel Riki's trembling and his heart ached for his frightened pet. Bending down, he tilted the mongrel's chin up and kissed him gently, lovingly, pulling him close against his body until he felt his pet relax and begin responding.

"I know this has been a hard day for you, pet," he said, softly. "But the sun has set and the day is gone; tonight I want to pleasure you. So I give myself up to you, Riki."

Hearing this, the mongrel's dark eyes widened. "You…give yourself up to me? You mean…like before?"

"Yes."

"I can do…whatever I want? Anything?"

"Anything. I am yours completely."

Riki's heart began to race. "You'll be my pet tonight?"

Iason laughed. "Yes, I'll be your pet."

Intrigued, the mongrel began probing Iason further to test the authenticity of his offer. "So, what if I wanted to use the G-strap on you? You wouldn't get pissed off?"

The Blondie smiled. "I submit fully to your every desire."

Now beside himself with excitement, Riki began fantasizing about what he wanted to do, becoming aroused just thinking about it. He looked at Iason with a mischievous smile, then stepped back, crossing his arms on his chest.

"Pet! In the bedroom, now!" he commanded.

Iason obeyed, delighted with Riki's roleplaying.

"Undress and lie facedown on the bed," he said, sternly. "Daryl!"

"Yes…Riki?" Daryl said, rushing and taking in the scene with a look of confusion.

"Bring me the G-strap."

Daryl hesitated, glancing at Iason.

"Go ahead, Daryl," the Blondie said, softly, and he rushed off to retrieve the device.

Riki opened a drawer and removed Iason's silk ties, snapping one taut in front of Iason's face, and then tying his wrists to the bedposts.

Daryl returned with the G-strap, grinning when he saw Iason tied to the bed. He couldn't wait to find out from Riki later exactly what was going on.

Riki flipped his wrist almost angrily, activating the G-strap with an intimidating crack. "Pet. You're going to be punished for no particular reason. Just because I fucking feel like it. And then I'm going to fuck you, or maybe I'll come on your face. Or maybe both."

Iason smiled at his pet's speech, thoroughly enjoying the game thus far. When the punishment began, he felt a little less amused, but was determined to submit fully to whatever Riki wanted as he had promised. The Blondie bore the discipline of the G-strap with typical stoicism, his face betraying no hint of pain, except the slight wrinkling between his eyebrows and the parting of his lips. Riki found, once he had the G-strap in his hands and Iason's prostrate body waiting for punishment, that all his anguish and anger was funneled into the force of his discipline. He really let Iason have it. He knew the Blondie felt it, even if he made no sound, and that fueled a deep insurgence of pleasure. He was furious with Iason for his "one night" arrangement with Raoul-which would probably end up being one night of fucking nonstop until daylight. He felt jealous, betrayed, hurt, angry, bewildered, and stupid. Most of all stupid, for falling in love with the Blondie, with someone who he would never be on the same footing with and who could agree to be fucked by the one man Riki hated most of all, without even giving a thought to his feelings.

There was no question that Iason was thoroughly strapped. A little surprised with the mongrel's enthusiasm, the Blondie quietly endured the pain of the punishment, marveling when he became increasingly aroused as the G-strap offered its supplementary magic. He became so aroused that he no longer even thought about the pain; all he wanted-desperately wanted-was relief. He needed to come. He really, really, needed to come. He began moaning, thrusting into the bed.

Riki noted Iason's movement and flipped off the G-strap. "Stop doing that. You can't come yet."

Iason gritted his teeth. "Riki. I need-."

"Hush! You'll come when I say you can come, and not a fucking moment before!"

The Blondie fell silent. He didn't want to spoil Riki's moment but he had an inkling he might spontaneously ejaculate without even trying. He tried to think of something non-arousing-the upcoming Alpha Zen trade convention. He needed to contact Xuri Bellicar regarding the menu for the annual meeting, the fish sounded excellent but he wasn't so sure about the side dishes, he didn't care much for heavy sauces, and what he really needed was to press himself up against Riki's mouth and watch him lick the head just like that, and then thrust just a little bit into his mouth, yes-exactly like that-his essence spraying onto his hot wet tongue….

Riki had undressed and now was lifting Iason's hips. "Get on your knees…spread your legs a little more."

Iason obeyed and then gasped when he felt the mongrel's tongue flicking along his most sensitive region, exploring the entire area between his portal to his manhood, then thrusting enticingly into him, the hot wetness inside him unbearably erotic. He desperately wanted Riki to touch him and let him release his now painfully intense lust. He yanked on the ties, now a little irritated. "Riki," he gasped. "Could you…please…relieve me."

The dark-haired mongrel stopped what he was doing and, answered, "Yes, pet," then flipped onto his back and slid between Iason's legs to position himself under him. Excited, the Blondie lowered his hips until he felt his rigid member bump up against Riki's mouth. With devastating skill, the mongrel now pleasured the Blondie in exactly the way he knew he wanted it, swirling his tongue erotically along the head and sucking gently on the tip as Iason began small thrusts into his wet embrace.

Riki's hot mouth and tongue provided the fatal stimulation-Iason groaned, loudly, giving a final thrust as he burst into the mongrel's mouth, the exquisite release so intense that he cried out as if in pain.

Thrilled with Iason's vocalization and now acutely feeling the urgency of his own arousal, Riki repositioned himself behind the Blondie, pushing himself up against his portal in tantalizing little thrusts, each going a little further in, until finally he sunk into Iason with all his might, moaning from the incredible pleasure of his twitching grip and the utter loveliness of the fuck.

He loved fucking Iason. More than anyone else in his entire life…even Guy. And he felt the day's punishment and trials were all worth it for this one moment, this one delicious, wickedly sweet intimate moment with Iason. Gasping from the incredibly stimulating squeezes of the Blondie's inner sanctum, he climaxed with an intensity that was too beautiful for words.

Afterwards, he untied Iason and they both lay together, quiet.

"Did I hurt you?" Riki asked, finally.

"A little," Iason conceded.

"Good." The mongrel smiled.

Iason laughed softly. "I see. So, you wanted to hurt me for punishing you. I suppose you feel vindicated."

"Not for punishing me. That's not why."

"No?"

"Don't you know?" Riki felt a little annoyed. "Because you're going to let that bastard fuck you tomorrow. Or have you forgotten why I got my ass caned in front of a billion gawking Blondies?"

Iason smiled, once again getting a little thrill from his pet's jealousy.

"There's nothing fucking funny about it. Dammit, Iason."

"I've told you. Raoul means nothing to me. This is just…a business arrangement."

Now Riki sat up, angry. "A business arrangement? Are you fucking out of your mind? He's not coming over here to talk about your fucking security grid. He's coming over here to fuck you in every perverted way possible. And you knew how I felt about him. You knew. Have you even thought about how I'll feel when I have to watch him take you into this room and then know he's fucking you right here on this bed, or maybe on the floor or against the wall and there's nothing I can do about it? I think you deliberately torment me."

"Does this mean," the Blondie said softly, "that you have feelings for me?"

The mongrel shot him a dark look, refusing to answer.

"Come here," Iason said, pulling him back down on the bed and holding him tight from behind. "You're the one I want to be with," he whispered in his ear. "You're the one I care about, pet."

Riki sighed, somewhat comforted by these words but still angry, and now realizing how much he was dreading what was coming tomorrow. He closed his eyes, trying to wish it away.