Free Settling Down by Nicole Forcine Page A

that sub who would have the “honor” of Master Max’s attentions. If only they knew about what a hazard Max could be. But Tim couldn’t make a peep without violating the restraining order. Not knowing who the sub was didn’t help. But hey, Max could have reformed. This sub would probably even be less trouble than Tim was.
    As he rounded the counter, Tim noticed Gloria watching him, one eyebrow raised, as Poppa was perusing another shelf. Did he need help? He shook his head, nodded in his dad’s direction, and mouthed, “Keep him busy.”
    Thankfully Max was ready to check out with the thirty-two ounce of Gun Oil. Tim fought the urge to roll his eyes. Maybe he was expecting to fly the rest of it back to the South, or he was hoping to use most of it on that sub.
    As Tim scanned the bar code, Max leaned the same way Gloria did minutes earlier. “You know, that was just a terrible accident. There was no need to try to ruin my reputation over it.”
    Tim’s lips drew downward. “That’s nice. Total’s $52.98 total, please.” He held out his hand for cash or a card.
    “Come on, I’m trying to make nice here. We’ll be at the ball, after all.” He pointed at the small post taped to the counter. “I’ve heard things about this Leather Aid group, but they must be alright if they respect me enough to invite me. Probably best to pretend we don’t know each other, I know, but….”
    “That will be $52.98,” Tim repeated firmly, staring blankly into Max’s eyes.
    “Jesus, you’re being a fucking bastard over this,” Max seethed, nearly slapping his card into Tim’s hand. “It’s been two years. You haven’t gotten over it yet?”
    Tim’s nose flared. Hard to get over nearly fucking dying, but Max didn’t understand then, and he sure as fuck wouldn’t know if this was what he called “making nice.”
    He rang up the order quickly, slipped the bottle into an unmarked paper bag, set the card and receipt and bag on the counter for Max to collect, and pulled out the inventory clipboard to keep his now-shaky fingers busy. “Have a nice day.”
    “No wonder no one’s collared you yet,” Max snarled, taking what was his and stalking out the door.
    Too late for Tim to counter that he had been claimed for six months and was most content, thank you very much, but it didn’t matter. The past week Tim had felt rudderless, barely holding himself together long enough to work and keep his dad company. How long before Jae realized how worthless he really was?
    “Scoot, bitch, I’ve got a purchase to ring up.” Gloria bumping him with her hip got his attention. She held up two videos in her triumphant hands.
    “Oh my God, Poppa!” Tim took the clipboard and scooted out of the way. “Are you serious?”
    “No shaming, Timothy.” Gloria was too busy laughing for her warning to have any bite. “You know better.”
    “Let me be a grown man, boy,” Poppa grunted, but it was obvious the two of them were enjoying freaking Tim out.
    In normal situations it would be hilarious. But he was already freaked enough.
    “I know the rules of my own damn shop, fuck you both very much!” Before he could stop himself, he slammed the clipboard on the floor and turned around so fast the display of lubes, Gun Oil included, tumbled to the floor.
    Such a mess, boxes and bottles, greeted his eyes, and the urge to make it right was overridden by flight. By the time he was in his office, he was regretting those words. They didn’t deserve that. It was a joke. He had no reason to feel this off.
    The door opened, and before he could start with the apologies to Gloria, Poppa stepped through and shut the door.
    “At least you know when you send yourself to your room.” Poppa leaned against the door. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
    “Nuthin’.” Tim could feel himself pout. Damn, was he five again? Poppa just looked at him, not believing that lie for a second. “It’s one of them things you don’t wanna know about,