Free Enslaved by a Warrior [Sold! 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) by Anitra Lynn McLeod

expressive face.
    Devotee returned with the salve and tended to Tyler’s feet. The clothing merchant gave him a pair of socks to keep the healing properties of the cream close to his skin, but Blessed thought his real purpose was to keep a mess off his expensive carpets. Still, it didn’t matter since either way Tyler was taken care of. The last thing Blessed wanted was for any illness to befall him, and it had nothing to do with how much he had cost. Blessed wanted to protect him because he cared. And that was the first slide down the dangerous emotional slope, but he felt powerless to stop his decent.
    “I have the first outfit ready for your pleasure, your graciousness.”
    “Proceed.”
    A group of Delutians similar to Welson entered and surrounded Tyler. Blessed watched as they slid clothing on him, over him, and covered him completely. When they stepped away, Blessed had to take careful control of himself to not display his astonishment. Tyler was more stunning than he ever would have thought possible. Naked, he was riveting, but covered, he had a physical presence that demanded attention.
    The tailor had fashioned a shirt that matched the color of Tyler’s eyes. A darker jacket over that drew the eye down and then to the sides of his wide shoulders. The trousers were cut generously and of a fabric that looked soft enough that it would move with his steps, thus plastering it against his body and giving luscious hints of what lay below. Gathered at the ankle, the cuffs of the trousers went into short-rise boots of black. After seeing the finished outfit, Blessed wanted to tear it all right back off.
    “And the finishing touch.” Welson put a covering over Tyler’s collar that made it virtually disappear. “This way, he is still controlled, but it doesn’t distract from the visual statement you wish your servant to make.”
    Blessed had to agree with that. It was amazing. He ordered more clothing and had devotee stay behind to work out delivery and payment. Blessed wanted to get Tyler home so he could remove his new clothing and have him again.
    With his feet clad in the cute little boots, Tyler was now able to walk without issue. Blessed thought he had covered everything very well. He was a private creature who didn’t like the idea of anyone having any idea about his mind. His thoughts, longings, and emotions were deeply personal. The very idea of sharing those with another made him almost ill with fear. And that almost made him stumble. He had always considered himself fearless, especially in the face of the unknown, but now, because of one tiny Earthling, he was practically jumping at shadows. It simply wouldn’t do.
    At his building, he entered, crossed the lobby, and took his private lift straight to the top. Once within his private sanctuary, he felt some of his tension dissipate. Here, the colors were sedate and soothing. Nothing too garish, nothing too bold. Blessed liked to be the only thing in his surroundings that stood out. But of course, now that Tyler was here, he would have to share that distinction with him as Tyler definitely contrasted his surroundings.
    As he’d requested, his servants had prepared food for the both of them. Blessed looked at the human food and frowned. It looked awful.
    “Is this what your kind eats?”
    Tyler considered the items and nodded.
    “What is it? And yes, you may speak when I ask you a question.” That might be the best order to have with Tyler so that he didn’t feel free to speak his mind whenever he wished. If he did that, Tyler would somehow lure Blessed into another deep discussion that would draw him closer.
    “That’s a hamburger, or at least it looks like one. That’s potato salad. This is a chocolate cake.”
    All down the row of alien foods, Tyler pointed and explained. Blessed still didn’t want to taste any of the items because he didn’t think they would meet well with his palate. On his side of the serving table there were several of his