Whatever. That was then and this is now, and he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.
Deep down, he’d been dying to get physical with Kai. So much so that, evidently, he’d even let the fucker tie him up.
His stomach clenched uneasily.
Tie him up. Wearing nothing but a jockstrap.
He was absolutely batshit crazy.
Nodding his head, he agreed. “Yeah. I’m used to it. Naked as a jaybird in the showers six days a week.”
Kai eyed him. “So… you’re good?”
“Yeah. Whatever.”
If ‘good’ equated to ‘nervous,’ that is. Kai still made him wary. Loved to play on Breck’s emotions and poke his pride at every turn. And he was good at it, damn it. Way too good. God only knew how he’d react to Kai’s antics once he was all tied up.
Kai exhaled. “Awesome.”
Breck prayed he wouldn’t regret this.
Kai smiled. “Stop worrying. No crazy shit, remember? I promised.”
Breck gazed at him, heart thumping restlessly. “And I’m holding you to that.”
Kai inclined his head, then gestured to a spot in the middle of the room. “I’ll be binding you here. Your clothes can go on the couch.” He strode to his kitchen and rummaged through a box on the counter. Grabbing some stuff, he headed back to the coffee table.
Anxious, Breck pulled his tee shirt over his head. Shucked his basketball shorts. Cool air kissed his naked ass. Fucking jockstrap. And now his semi was on full display. He flexed his fingers and clenched his jaw. Fought not to scowl.
He would not fucking blush.
A few feet away, Kai turned to face him. Pausing, he regarded Breck. Slowly. Appreciatively. Drinking him in like a tall glass of water. “You certainly wear ‘athlete’ well.”
Breck thrummed, Kai’s words like a shot of endorphins, but kept his expression shuttered and lifted his chin. “I should. I train six days a week.”
Kai’s gaze hooded. “It shows.” He set down some scissors and all but one bundle from his collection of ropes.
Breck eyed the shears. They looked weird. Blunt, yet serrated. Oddly bent. “What’s up with those?”
“Bondage scissors. They’ll get you out of a bind in a hurry.”
Breck chuckled and rolled his eyes. “That was sad.”
Kai’s lips twitched as he handed Breck that final bundle. “Here. Get acquainted.”
Breck quirked a brow. “Acquainted with rope?”
Kai inclined his head. “Yes. Get to know it. Feel it. Smell it. Test its weight.”
Breck studied it, turning it over in his hands. “For what purpose? Rope is rope.”
Kai chuckled. “That’s incorrect. And what you’re holding is far superior to most.”
Breck frowned, still eyeing it. “What’s so amazing about this stuff?”
“For starters, it’s hemp. Twisted, not braided. Made of natural fibers instead of synthetic.”
“Hemp, huh? So you can smoke this stuff, too?”
Kai smirked. “That was sad.”
Breck laughed. “Hey, you never know.” He looked back down at the bundle and asked, “Any other reasons why you consider this so great?”
Kai crossed his arms and shrugged. “Its natural aesthetics. The way it feels against the skin. Organic rope also doesn’t stretch as much under tension as synthetics. Which riggers like myself especially love. It’s also got the strongest tooth.”
“The strongest tooth?”
“Knot strength.”
“Ah,” Breck drawled. “Yes, that definitely sounds important.”
“Indeed,” Kai murmured. “Can’t have my victims getting away.”
Fighting a grin, Breck met his gaze.
Kai’s expression had gone playful again. God, that smile. So sexy and roguish. Sending shivers of current coursing under Breck’s skin. Clearing his throat, he concentrated on Kai’s superior rope. Cream in color, it did feel nice in his hands. Softer than he’d expected, with a pleasant weight. He imagined Kai weaving it unhurriedly around his body... “So this is your favorite.” Oh Jesus God, his voice sounded husky.
“Actually, jute is my favorite. But it’s expensive and harder to get. And since my students bring their own rope to class, I use what they have easier access to.” He shrugged again. “It’s more mainstream in the western world, anyway. They can go to any BDSM shop and find quality stuff. I use jute when I’m doing exhibitions. Or for personal use.”
“Exhibitions?” Breck’s brows shot high. “As in, public displays?”
Kai inclined his head again. “Like I said, it’s a form of art.”
Breck frowned. “What kind of place would host a gig like that?”
“Same place that hosts Shibari classes.”
Breck eyed him expectantly. “Which is?”
Kai’s lips quirked. “A dive downtown. You wouldn’t know it.”
Breck’s brain churned. “You mean, like in D.C.? Georgetown or something?”
“Yeah.”
“What’s it called?”
Something flickered in Kai’s gaze. Then his voice dipped. “It’s a secret. If I told you, Breck, I’d have to kill you.”
Breck rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
Kai grinned and took the rope back. Evidently, he wouldn’t be providing him with a name to that dive. Breck scowled. Kai still thought of him as a kid. Too young to even know about ‘grown-up’ establishments.
His body stiffened in irritation.
Kai pulled out his cell and walked to his music dock. “Teflon Sega okay with you?”