Hidden Desire book 1 (Un)Control(led)

Chapter 4. "It's a me thing and not a you thing."

Briel checked and rechecked his detailed schedule for the upcoming four weeks. Then the Semester ended leaving him with a bunch of new choices. Between his two jobs, his evening and college classes and writing his web-series, he didn't have much spare time left.

Mondays and Wednesdays were full with two shifts at the laundromat and evening classes. Tuesdays and Thursdays he had early shifts at the bakery and Friday was filled with college classes. Leaving two afternoons (plus evenings) and the weekend.

Kincade entered the office putting his paper bag on the conference table and pulling out a chair.

"Here, take a seat. Try your coffee while I look over your schedule."

"Can I take pictures?", Briel asked wide eyed. 'He needed prove, otherwise Benny would never believe him.'

"Sure", Kincade nodded. "Just let me check before you send anything."

Briel's hands froze on his backpack. 'There it was. Such a nonchalant request, reasonable even, but he could feel the underlying meaning.'

"Never mind", he muttered, letting his thumb slide over the 'Have a 'Bright' day' slogan.

Kincade sighed leaning back to press his intercom.

"Olive, if you have a minute?"

After a short knock on the door Olive entered.

"Would you please state our regulations on taking photographs in the office?"

"Taking pictures is prohibited unless given permission before hand or after a personal clearance from you, Mr. Russell", she recited, her keen eyes noticing Briel's hands retreating from his backpack. "It's a security measure", she added earning a small nod from Briel when Kincade excused her.

"See, it's a me thing and not a you thing", Kincade offered smoothly reaching for the box of eclairs.

Briel let out a snort of disbelieve.

"Oh, it's definitely a you thing", Briel exclaimed. "That's the problem."

"Problem?" Kincade repeated. "Olive just explained how it's company policy. So where lies the problem?"

Briel eyed his delicious smelling coffee and sighed.

"Well see, it's a me thing and not a you thing", he admitted.

Kincade leaned back observing his troubled companion. 'Gabriel backed away from any form of outside control and forcibly clung to his own. That wasn't a healthy way to live. If only he would be allowed to show him the power in giving up that control and the freedom it provides.'

"Let it be a give and take. We'll negotiate every step", he coaxed. Kincade shook his head despite himself. "It's not my usual way of doing things, but then again you're not a typical Sub."

Pale green eyes shot daggers at him.

"Not that you in any way would be a Sub", he quickly added.

Holding up the schedule he changed the subject.

"Today is Wednesday. How come you're available?"

Briel pursed his lips.

"The fuses keep on blowing out because of the cold weather. It's being repaired today so Mrs. Chen was available to take my afternoon shift."

"Hm", Kincade nodded. "It's only for four weeks. Why?"

"The Semester ends in four weeks", Briel pouted, eyeing his rapidly cooling coffee.