Free Determined to Obey by Cj Roberts Page A

amount of humility. What to do?
    He tuts silkily. “You ask me for a favor and insult me in the same sentence? It is an interesting strategy, given that I am not accustomed to being called names to my face. It would be careless of me to allow you to think such behavior is rewarded.”
    “I’m sorry. It just came out.” The younger man shrugs feebly.
    Yes, Felipe muses, the boy’s bearing has been battered the past week. All to the good though, he can sense how close his new charge is to succumbing to him and Celia. He can proceed with the punishment as prescribed and risk Kid’s genuine disdain, or he can set out bait and let his little rabbit wander into the trap.
    “Are you terribly unhappy here, boy? Do you wish Celia and I had left you in the cellar?” He asks the questions calmly, knowing they can be perceived as concern or a veiled threat. “Because believe it or not, I would rather you didn’t hate me quite so much as you do. Am I so ugly?”
    38. Kid
    No , Kid’s mind answers impulsively. He turns his face as far left as he can to avoid Felipe’s warm, strong body still intimately invading Kid’s personal space. “I don’t know what you want with me,” he grinds out. “It’s not like I’m a threat to you. I could disappear and you wouldn’t even notice.” He’s surprised by the pang exploding in his chest.
    39. Felipe
    Felipe’s heart is the slightest bit affected by the younger man’s self-defacing confession. The boy is perhaps more humble than Felipe previously gave him credit for. He recalls Kid refers to no one as his family or friend, and it gives rise to an unexpected paternal urge to comfort him. He buries his fingers in Kid’s thick hair; it really is too long for a young man. “I would notice, boy…and I would be very put out. I am not interested in reluctant bed partners. It’s true you are intrinsically here against your will, but it is my and Celia’s hope that you will eventually become a part of our odd little family. If that is not a possibility…” he kisses the younger man’s forehead tenderly, “perhaps you would be better off elsewhere.”
    Kid’s eyes fill with tears, but his anger is evident. “Where?” he growls. “Where am I supposed to go? I don’t have anything. I don’t have anyone! I didn’t do anything. I didn’t kidnap a girl. It wasn’t my idea to hold her prisoner. I didn’t ask for any of this. And now I’m stuck having to choose between letting you stick a finger in my ass, or being packed off to God knows where. Gee, I wonder what the f— heck I’m gonna choose? Why don’t you get it the hell over with so I can go to bed?”
    Felipe takes hold of Kid’s chin and enforces eye contact. “You’re very ill-mannered, you know that? I did not bring you here; your choices are responsible. Still, I have kept you safe from those who would do you harm. I share my home with you. I share my woman with you. And all I get in return is your insolence and disdain. If I were you, I would weigh my opportunities with less flippancy.”
    40. Kid
    Kid pauses and considers Felipe’s words and decides they are overly pragmatic. Yes, in a way, Kid’s own decisions have led him to his current predicament. However… “You can’t really think that just because I didn’t abandon my uncle I deserve this. You’re taking advantage.”
    41. Felipe
    Felipe raises his eyebrows, amused. “Perhaps.” He takes a step back to admire his furious and despondent lover. He’s tempted—oh, so very tempted—but his young charge is not yet ripe, and he wouldn’t dream of forgoing the sweet taste of his willing submission. The older man sighs longingly, decided on a course of action, and undoes the black rubber cuff holding Kid’s right wrist against the wall.
    42. Kid
    Kid doesn’t trust Felipe for a second. He lowers his arm slowly and curls his fingers into his palm and against his bare leg. There are both questions and threats visible in his expressive blue