The Chains That Bind Him (manXman) Engl.

Chapter Two

When Connor awoke the next time, he found himself tightly wrapped in a couple of blankets. His legs were unbound, whereas his arms were again held up by the chains. He kicked his legs until he got free of the blankets and slid back up to the wall again. He noticed that he was wearing some of his own retro shorts. He shook his head, wondering how they got there.

"You're awake, good", came Renard's voice from behind the curtains. Shortly afterwards the curtains opened and Renard came into view, carrying a tray that gave off a delicious smell. Connor almost began drooling. The last time he had eaten had been two days ago. And after the exhausting events of the last night all his energy reserves had been completely emptied. He followed the tray with a wide-eyed gaze from Renard's hands to his own lap. A big bowl of some sort of creamy and steaming soup and a couple of slices of fresh bread were the source of the delicious smell. Next to it there were a pitcher with water and a cup of orange juice. Connor stared at Renard.

"What? Were you thinking you had to starve under my protection? I heard you made a habit of skipping meals to save money before you came to me. That ends now."

Connor wondered for one moment where Renard had gotten this information, but his attention was again and again drawn to the meal in front of him. Another lopsided smile showed on Renard's face. "I don't know yet how far I can trust you, so your arms are going to stay bound. This will have to do." He took a sip to test the temperature and then lifted the spoon to Connor's mouth. Connor looked at him in disbelief but in the end the fear of another punishment and his hunger won over his embarrassment. With a glum look he opened his mouth. His gaze fell on Renard's lips and he remembered their warmth and firmness. He blinked rapidly to chase the thought away. Renard fed him in turn with the soup and the bread, with something to drink in between, until Connor was so full, he only sluggishly followed Renard's movements with the spoon. Some of the warm liquid ran down the corner of his mouth and Renard set the tray aside with a wicked grin. He buried his hand in Connor's hair and slowly and deliberately licked off the residues of the soup. His tongue was rough and agile, and Connor thought he might have even enjoyed the feeling, were it for different circumstances. Renard gazed into his eyes for a moment and he seemed to be pleased with what he found for he came in closer until their lips were again pressed against each other. Renard's lips tasted salty from the soup and Connor caught himself enjoying it, even though he hadn't intended to. He began to squirm, and Renard hit the tray with his foot as he adjusted to him. With a little laugh he distanced himself again. Connor grumbled irritatedly that he had to use the bathroom. Renard nodded and headed off again. When he returned, he freed Connor's arms from the chains, but bound them in front of him, then led him to the adjoining bathroom Connor had been in the night before. The bathroom was equipped with the usual content, but windowless. Renard led Connor in and closed the door behind him with the words "don't lock it". Connor figured that Renard would have the keys anyway, but he obeyed. The room itself, being windowless as it was, gave no indication on where he was. But did that even matter? If Renard was actually going to pay for his mother's treatment it was worth any price. Of course, he had to try to keep from getting punished again, but it could have been much worse. Connor did what he came in for and returned to find Renard waiting outside.

"How do you feel?"

Instead of an answer Connor looked up determinedly. "How do I know you are keeping your part of the bargain? Do you have some sort of proof?"

Renard nodded as if he'd been expecting that question, reached for his front pocket and pulled out a smartphone. "For your own good I would recommend being very silent now." He punched in a few numbers and the dial tone rang. Not long and his mother picked up the phone. Connor froze.

"Yes, Wendy Connelly speaking."

"Good morning, Ms. Connelly."

"Ah, Mr. Montgomery, right? How can I help you today?"