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  AT THE EDGE

  A PHAZE FETISH HEATSHEET BY

  MARTY RAYNE

  Phaze 6470A Glenway Avenue, #109 Cincinnati, OH 45211-5222

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  eBook ISBN 1-59426-592-5

  At The Edge © 2006 by Marty Rayne

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Cover art © 2006 by Kathryn Lively

  Phaze is an imprint of Mundania Press, LLC.

  www.Phaze.com

  ONE

  Michael pulled his jacket closer to his body. Still the cold February wind seeped in, making him shiver. He should have known that coming to New York this time of the year it would still be winter, and he wished he'd brought a heavier jacket. But, as another cold breeze slapped at him, he relished the stimulating sensations. It made him feel real. Alleviated some of the burden on his heart.

  The city was alive all around him as lights blinked off and on and the never-ending traffic passed by. The sidewalks were still teeming with people coming and going even at this late of an hour. He wished he felt as alive as those around him.

  Michael knew that he should be in a much better mood. He was in New York City. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. But why did he feel so alone in a city full of so many people?

  He crossed the street with a group of strangers when the light told them to walk, his body on automatic. Knowing that this was the way back to the hotel where he was staying. He would have already been there by now if he'd taken a cab, but he opted to walk. He wanted some fresh air along with time alone from the others.

  Thinking of his friends, Michael's cell phone started ringing. Seeing who it was, he reluctantly answered it.

  "Michael Tanner," Shannon's voice called loudly over the heavy beat of music in the background, her tone scolding, "how dare you leave so early!"

  Michael sighed. Shannon was his best friend and the reason for them being in New York. A music scout had heard a demo Shannon had made and insisted that she come and do more recordings. As part of the incentive, the company interested in her work had also taken care of the bill for four of her friends to join her. An all paid, five-day vacation for himself, Shannon's boyfriend Riley, and her twin brother and sister, Christopher and Hannah.

  It had been a whirlwind trip as the quartet visited museums and saw the sights while Shannon busied herself at the recording studio during the daylight hours. The music company also supplied their newest interest with tickets to a Broadway show their first night. The rest of the nights had been spent gaining access to several of the top dance clubs in the area where it was a usual sight to be next to hot young movie stars and musicians. Fun to be had by all. Or, that was the idea.

  Yes, Michael had enjoyed his trip to the 'Big City,' but still felt saddened despite the excitement of seeing it for the first time. He only wished that Todd could have been the one to experience it along with him.

  Todd Long. Michael's Mr. Right. Or, so he thought. Now he wasn't so sure. Things had been a little rocky in their relationship lately. Michael felt as if they were getting into a rut. A routine that was sure to make any relationship wither and die. Michael was only twenty-one years old, being younger than his lover by seven years, but he knew the signs. Their lives revolved around Michael's school and their jobs. They socialized little anymore and their sex life…well, let's just say it needed help. They were so busy with other things in their life; they hardly made time for intimacy.

  "Earth to Michael." Shannon's voice brought him back to the present.

  "I'm sorry, sweetie. My head is pounding so I thought I'd turn in early." They had been tearing up the town for three nights straight. He was indeed tired. "Besides, we have a plane to catch tomorrow, remember?"

  "Pah…sleep is overrated," she huffed. "Besides, it's Valentine's Day. We are supposed to be celebrating it all together."

  "I know, but I'm tired. I'm almost to the hotel now. You be careful, and I'll see you in the morning." Before she could protest further, he closed the phone and tucked it back into his pocket.

  It was Valentine's Day, and here he was alone in a strange city. He would rather be back in Florida with Todd, but he wasn't sure if it would have been any more enjoyable. Todd had been so distant lately, and Michael knew he was partially to blame. He had come on this trip hoping that their time apart would give each of them a chance to evaluate their relationship. His only thought had been to be back home spending his time with Todd again.

  Michael nodded to the doorman before entering the posh hotel that Shannon's benefactors of this little trip had set them up in. As a full time student with a part time job, Michael knew that he wouldn't have been able to afford even one night in this place on his own accord. It was top notch. The sucking up they were doing to Shannon was giving all of them a ride. This may be the only time he would ever get a chance to stay in such an elegant place. Teachers normally didn't make huge salaries, but his love of teaching outweighed that of monetary greed.

  Stepping into the elevator, Michael turned his thoughts back to Todd and the reasons for his distance. The notion of kicking himself really hard crossed his mind, feeling he was the cause of the further distance between them. Michael had thought that maybe if they brought a little spice into their love life, it would help draw them closer again. So one night, after drinking nearly a whole bottle of wine, he made a confession to Todd.

  Michael had always had a specific type of fantasy tucked away in the back of his brain. One he'd told no one before. A fantasy that had made his hands shake nervously as he looked at his lover. Michael had always wanted to try bondage. He had many times fantasized about being bound and helpless at his lover's mercy but was always unsure about seeing anyone's reaction to what he craved, until now.

  Todd's reaction to Michael's confession was startling. Michael had held his breath waiting for the expression of disgust, revulsion, or shock to form, but Todd's expression was blank and remained that way. He nodded but said nothing about it. In fact, he kissed Michael on the cheek affectionately before leaving the apartment they shared together saying he would be back later. Later, as in six the following morning later.

  That was four days before Michael left for New York, and Todd never did make a comment about Michael's confession or say where he went that night. Now Michael was beginning to regret ever taking the risk.

  TWO

  Feeling weary, Michael unlocked the door to his hotel room and stepped in. He knew he might get a roommate tonight if Hannah decided to invite her new friend Matt up for one last fling before leaving. It was all right. Christopher was a good guy and didn't snore too loudly. He was only a year younger than Shannon, so he and Michael had been friends for a long time also.

  Michael was suddenly thrown against the wall, knocking the breath from his body while the door slammed shut behind him so that darkness enclosed the room. Before he could catch his breath, a body pressed against his, and he felt something cold against his neck. "Don't move," an unfamiliar male voice hissed in his ear. Michael assumed that a blade was pressed to his jugular, and resisted the urge to fight his assailant. He swallowed hard, his pulse racing as fear took hold. How did this person get in his room? What did he want?

  "My wallet is in my back pocket. Take it." He wanted this person to know that he wouldn't re
sist. They were just material things, and he didn't have much of that. What he did have could be replaced. He had enough brains to know that if he tried to fight, he could lose his life— especially if this man wasn't alone.

  The coldness at his throat pressed deeper, and Michael could feel a drop of liquid slide down his skin. He swallowed the rest of his words.

  "Smart man," the voice said. "Now, if you want to continue breathing, I suggest you let me lead you to the bed. I warn you right now: don't try anything you may regret. Understand?"

  Michael gave a nod but realized his attacker wouldn't be able to see it.

  "Yes," he forced past his constricted throat, wishing he'd taken those self-defense courses that were offered at the college. But would they have really helped him now? He couldn't see his attacker, and he wasn't sure that there was just one. The pressure on his neck lessened as a hand gripped one of

  Michael's biceps tightly. He was guided in the direction of his bed. "Sit." The command was gruff, and Michael obeyed, thinking the faster

  the robbery occurred, the faster he could get to help and report it. "Lie back." Another order was issued. Michael did as commanded, now wishing that he'd stayed at the club with his friends; wishing he'd not been so depressed and distracted, that maybe he would have seen a sign of a break-in to his room.

  One arm was lifted above his head and secured to the bedpost with some sort of rope. Michael gasped at the feel of the soft yet thick material as it encircled his wrist tightly, but not so tight that it would stop the circulation. He lay there speechless, frozen by fear…and anxiety of what was to happen next. Within moments, his other wrist was secured in the same manner.

  A shiver ran through Michael's body even as he broke out in a sweat, and his stomach fluttered with a mixture of fear and excitement. His conscious mind screamed that he should be terrified by some stranger binding him to a bed with unknown intentions, but that couldn't stop the surge of blood that rushed to his groin.

  Michael's head was raised with surprising gentleness, and a blindfold was tied tightly over his eyes.

  "Please." Michael said softly, feeling suddenly embarrassed that he felt the need to nearly beg. "Why are you doing this?"

  There was a rustling nearby followed by a click, and the sound sent his fear spiking. What was this man doing? What did he want? Had he been chosen at random, or had he been targeted for some reason? Michael had little of value, only a couple hundred dollars left over from his spending money, which had put him in debt with his credit card.

  The silence grated on his nerves, intensifying the already frightening experience. Why didn't this man answer him? Don't criminals usually like to tell their victims of their devious plans? Okay, maybe Michael had watched one too many crime shows on TV.

  "I don't…" He started to speak again when something was shoved into his mouth. Michael turned his head and tried to push it out, but a hand grabbed his chin so hard that Michael opened his jaw wider to relieve the pressure. The object was round and forced his mouth as wide as it would go. Michael realized that it was a gag and was strapped tightly tohis head.

  Panic swept through him. His instincts kicked in, admittedly too late, and he started struggling against the ropes that held his wrists and tried to call out for help. But, the ropes held him tightly and the gag made his cries muffled and unidentifiable. That didn't stop Michael from continuing until he lay exhausted, his chest heaving at a rapid pace as he drew air through his nose. "Done?" Michael's attacker asked. His voice was steady and patient. Michael tried to plead to be released but only a groan came out as he realized that he now sported a hard-on that pressed painfully against his jeans. How could this much fear be so arousing? "Don't worry. I'm almost done with you." What did that mean? What was he going to do next? The entire situation was frightening, but deep down exhilarating. Hadn't he fantasized about being taken similar to this? Being forced into bondage and loving every minute of it. But, it was always Todd doing the forcing. Not some stranger.

  Michael's shirt was suddenly ripped opened, startling him. Then he felt the blades of scissors as the material was cut away. Michael held perfectly still, not wanting the sharp blades accidentally nipping his skin. Being wounded wouldn't help his situation.

  Next went his pants. But, instead of being cut from him, hands unbuckled the belt and released the buttons before pulling them off along with his shoes and socks. He now lay in complete undress on the bed. Powerless. Vulnerable. Sporting a raging hard-on that could hammer nails into wood.

  Holding his breath, Michael awaited the man's next move. He had said that he was almost done with him, but what did this man have planned next? Would he be raped? Would he be killed? Not knowing had him ready to scream, to cry, even to plead for his life if need be. He was too young to die. He had so much still he wanted to accomplish in life. He wanted to see Todd one last time. Wished that they were on better terms. The jumbled mixture of emotions flooded Michael making him choke out a gurgled sound that was half begging and half crying.

  A moment later the door to the room opened, then closed. Silence ensued. Michael pulled on his wrists but they stayed stubbornly in place. He tried to rub his face on one of his arms, to try and dislodge the blindfold but his arms were spread so wide he couldn't get a good swipe to slide itup. He whimpered, desperate to be freed.

  Weight shifting the bed startled Michael. He had thought he was alone. Thought that his captor had taken what he wanted and left him to be found in a humiliating, shameful position—unharmed.

  The back of a hand brushed gently across his cheek wiping the wetness away. The touch was tender and sent shivers through Michael. He hated that he was so aroused by his situation. He hated that his emotions were so conflicted. One moment he wanted to scream and fight his captor. The next, he wanted to submit to whatever was going to happen. A constant emotional roller coaster. "My brave Michael." Michael's head jerked toward the voice that was so near. This voice he knew. This voice he had contentedly listened to for many hours as they talked. As they loved each other. Todd!

  Michael immediately started talking to him but the damn gag stopped any word from being audible. What was he doing here in New York? How had he managed to go undetected by the robber?

  "Shhh." Todd soothed Michael, and he felt Todd's hand brush through his hair. Michael pictured his light brown strands falling between his lover's fingers and calmed down. Yes, calm down, Michael thought, then Todd could release him and they would notify the authorities. There was nothing to worry about now. He wasn't alone. Michael managed to force his body to lie still. To relax a little.

  "I've been thinking," Todd spoke, his voice soft but Michael heard him very clearly. Todd's hand drifted down the side of his face, down his neck, and grazed his chest briefly making contact with one of Michael's nipples. Michael groaned in response, his body so sensitive in its state of arousal.

  "Your recent confession surprised me, Michael. I never dreamed you to be the submissive type. We've been together for two years now, and in all that time you never once hinted or gave any indication that you had such a nature. In fact, I believed our relationship had been one of equality. No one more dominant than the other."

  Michael forced his breathing to slow and listened to Todd. What did this have to do with Michael being attacked and robbed? They needed to contact the hotel manager as soon as possible before the culprit got away.

  "I thought about your words, and the more I thought about your…suggestion, the more intrigued I became."

  Michael felt Todd's hand drift across his stomach, sending his innards into a fluster like butterflies going crazy inside of him. He pictured Todd's handsome face looking down at him with a slight smile curving his lips as he tenderly stroked his body.

  "So I did some research. It's really amazing what can be found on the Internet now. I found a wealth of information. And the people..." Michael waited almost thankfully as Todd stopped his caress and found the right words to express his thoughts. "The lifes
tyle of bondage is quite…interesting."

  Todd's hand continued the soft caresses to Michael's body as he spoke.

  "How did you like Brian? He was convincing, wasn't he? I met him online. He's a Dominant and offered to help me out since he is local to the area. His techniques were effective in rendering you helpless." Todd let out a soft chuckle, and Michael thought he heard a bit of nervousness hidden beneath the sound. "I was feeling a little frightened as I watched him handle you."

  Michael was starting to put together what had just taken place as Todd's finger swept lightly across the base of Michael's thickened length. He moaned and bucked his hips off the bed a half an inch.

  "Watching you like this, Michael, is more stimulating than I ever imagined. I'll admit that I had my doubts about doing this, but now as I sit here looking at you bound to the bed and at my complete mercy…" His voice dropped off for a couple of seconds. "My cock is hard, Michael. And the thought of fucking you while you are like this is very appealing."

  Todd took hold of Michael in his hand and gave the hard flesh a tight squeeze. A desperate whimper was wrenched from Michael. His mind was racing. Todd had set this whole thing up. The attack/robbery was just a way to frighten him. To get him tied to the bed. It was all a scenario that Todd orchestrated. Michael wasn't sure how he felt about it. His body was obviously aroused and found the entire situation pleasurable, but his mind was screaming in aggravation and anger that his lover had no right to put him through such mental anguish. Michael didn't know whether he should be pissed or ecstatic over his lover's decision.

  Michael felt the gag being loosened then pulled from his mouth. He licked his lips wetting the dry skin. "Todd…" Todd placed his fingers over Michael's lips before he could say more. "You have a choice. But I want you to think about it before you answer. Can you do that?"

  Michael nodded, wishing he could see Todd and hating the blindfold. His voice gave no indication as to his feelings. Todd was a master of hiding his emotions, making him hard to read unless you really paid attention to his eyes. Todd's eyes were the windows to his soul.