Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2019 19:53:26 +0000 (UTC)
From: rw6789@aol.com
Subject: "A Trial Of Strength" - Part 482  by Rob Williams

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH – PART 482
By Rob Williams

Chapter 482 – "RYAN'S TRIUMPH & TURMOIL"

IN THIS CHAPTER:

The shy young Thai boy Ryan has a major crush on the handsome black
muscle-jock Darius.  But Darius is highly sexual and naοve Ryan has
never had sex with a man.  He jerks off looking at Darius but when Darius
suggests a closer relationship Ryan freaks out.  But his computer skills
have made the boy vital to a new project in the tribe's construction
company, so their leader Bob pleads with Ryan to stay.
___________________________________________________________________


IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER

The new office assistant, a Thai boy of 19, showed immediate promise when
he was hired as the third member of the office staff for the tribe's
construction company.  His Thai name was Ruang-Rit, but he was better known
as Ryan, a self-styled computer nerd whose technical expertise was sorely
needed as the company expanded.

However, his personal life was another matter.  Naοve and inexperienced
he had never had sex with anyone, just a quick jerk-off now and again to
release the tension.  And here he was, suddenly surrounded by a tribe of
handsome, strapping men and their boys in a promiscuous world where sex
reared its head all the time.

In fact he was badly shaken when he first stumbled across men fucking and
he almost fled from his new job.  But then he met Darius, the young black
construction foreman with his muscular physique, chiseled features and
smiling green eyes.

Darius took a liking to this shy new boy, though Ryan at first felt
overpowered and nervous.  But as Darius showed him around the construction
site the boy relaxed and felt protected by the powerful young buck when
Darius said, "Don't be afraid, kiddo, I won't let anyone hurt you –
you're with me now."

As it happened, Darius had been playing with the idea of finding a boy of
his own, but when one of the other boys playfully suggested to Ryan he
might be that boy, Ryan retorted, "No way! I've never loved made love to
anyone, and I sure as hell could never do that butt-fucking thing that I
saw Darius do to Pablo.  And that ten-inch thing Darius has got?  Are you
kidding?  No way, never.  I like Darius and all, but ... no, I'll never be
anyone's boy.  He would never want a scrawny kid like me anyway."

Despite all that Ryan was soon experiencing feelings for Darius that he did
not understand, and would have rejected if he did. Then one night in bed
alone he recalled seeing Darius standing over his lover Pablo and spraying
his cum over his face from his ten-inch black cock.  Wondering how that
must have felt he now imagined himself in Pablo's place, with a vivid image
of a naked Darius standing over him ... and that made Ryan jerk himself
off.

Consumed with guilt he tried to banish that shameful experience from his
mind.  But the next night Darius invited him to dinner with him and his
friends, whom he referred to as his family.  By the end of the evening Ryan
had drunk too much wine to drive home so Darius suggested he share his
large king-size bed, with a firm promise that he would not touch the boy.

He kept that promise, but Ryan was feeling sexual stirrings he had never
felt before and he needed sexual release.  Darius stood up and brought last
night's prior fantasy to life.  Too shy to touch his own cock Ryan gripped
the bars of the headboard behind him and gazed up the homoerotic sight of
the naked young jock towering over him, stroking his giant cock.  And when
Darius pumped his juice all over him the boy lost all control and his own
cock erupted.

For a moment Ryan wasn't sure what had happened.  He hadn't touched his
cock ... but he had cum anyway, just looking up at Darius and feeling his
juice pour down on him.  When Darius saw tears running down Ryan's cheeks
he knelt beside him and said gently, "You're crying, kiddo.  I'm sorry, I
guess I got carried away – I didn't mean to make you cry."

"I ... I'm not crying because I'm sad, sir.  I ... I don't know why I'm
crying, sir, but I'm not sad."

"I shouldn't have said and done all that, Ryan, I promised you I wouldn't.
I'll get a towel to clean you up."

"No, sir, please don't.  I like it ... I mean ... like, I'm too tired, sir.
Can I go to sleep now?"

"Of course, kid.  I'm sure ready to.  Just close your eyes and forget all
this happened."  He bent down and brushed Ryan's lips with his.  "OK, I
shouldn't a' done that either but I couldn't resist.  Sleep well, kiddo.
Pleasant dreams."

Darius turned over on his side with his back to Ryan.  Lying a safe
distance away on his back Ryan ran his fingers through the cum on his
chest, then licked them.  He closed his eyes and a peacefulness enveloped
him that he had never experienced before.  Something had happened that he
... he didn't understand ...tried to work it out but ... but ... And he was
asleep.

Darius listened for the boys breathing to become steady before he too
closed his eyes.  In a few minutes the boy rolled onto his side in his
sleep toward Darius and snuggled against his back.  Darius felt an arm fold
over him and rest lightly across his chest.

He felt Ryan's heart beating gently against him and smiled to himself.
This kid's mine, he thought.  He don't know it yet, but he will."

********************* CHAPTER 482 *********************

DARIUS & RYAN HIT THE SHOWER

Ryan's sleep was deep but hardly dreamless.  And predictably his dreams
centered on Darius – Darius at work, shirtless in black jeans and boots
... Darius at dinner throwing his head back with laughter ... and of course
a naked Darius standing over him.

The dreams turned darker when they focused on his monster cock, which
loomed as a weapon, something to fear and run away from.  But, dreams being
illogical, he sought refuge in the very same man, and when his fear jolted
him awake in the middle of the night he found himself hugging Darius from
behind.  He recoiled, turned over and gripped his edge of the bed.

He had found Darius's smooth, velvet black flesh warm to the touch but the
very pleasure it gave him had made him pull away.  They had promised `no
touch' and that was safer.  His mind raced with a jumble of thoughts, but
the oblivion of sleep eventually erased them all.

Early next morning he woke groggily, opened his eyes and saw on the bedside
clock that it was almost 6am.  It was his first full day at work and he
wanted to be in the office early.  He tried to move but as his mind
cleared, he was aware of a muscular arm curled over him and holding him
tight.  Darius's chest pressed against his back with each rise and fall of
his steady breathing.

Again Ryan's first impulse was to pull away, but the strong arm felt so
good over him, so warm and protective, that he relaxed and closed his eyes.
He must have dozed again because the next thing he knew was Darius's low
voice in his ear – "Hey, kid, time for work. Big day ahead."

Disoriented he blushed even though his face was turned away from Darius.
How could he face him after last night's sex?  How could he explain it
away, to himself or to Darius?

But he was saved the trouble as Darius sprang out of bed, all business now.
"Like I said, kid, big day today.  It's that make-or-break inspection by
the City at the work site, and your first full day in your new office job.
So let's jump in the shower and go down to an early breakfast.

Ryan watched the naked black jock stretch, his ten-inch hunk of black meat
swinging between his legs. Ryan frowned – Jump in the shower?  Both
together?  What did that mean?  Did guys here always do that?  But there
was no time to object so he got out of bed and was soon standing in a cloud
of steam next to the naked Darius, scared of what he would make him do.

"Look, kid, that `don't touch' business don't apply in the shower.  Damn,
we're just gonna soap each other up.  Come on, grab that sponge."  Ryan did
as he was told and nervously wiped the soapy sponge over Darius's neck,
shoulders and back.  "Harder, kid, give it a good scrub."

Ryan applied more pressure and felt Darius's pecs flex under the sponge.
"Legs too, kiddo."  Darius spread a wet towel on the floor and Ryan knelt
on it.  He rubbed more soap on the sponge and ran it over the flexed mounds
of his ass then down the back of his thighs.  He leaned across him to reach
the other leg and the swinging cock touched his face lightly.

Ryan pulled back with a grimace, but his cock was rock hard. He tried to
ignore it, directed his gaze lower and scrubbed Darius's shins.  As he
turned his face upward to see if Darius was satisfied the head of the cock
pressed against his lips and he instinctively flicked out his tongue. He
jerked away in confusion and his face became buried in Darius's wet, wiry
pubic hair.

Again he pulled back, gazed upward and gasped.  Enveloped in a cloud of
steam Darius looked godlike, his sculpted physique gleaming as water poured
down his superb body.  In a trance Ryan didn't realize that he had grabbed
his own rigid cock until he stroked it a few times and "Aaagh" ... semen
blasted from it and splashed down on Darius's feet. Horrified, Ryan bent
low and licked his own cum off the feet and let the rest wash down the
drain.

As he watched the semen swirl away the enormity of what he had done hit
him.  Darius's cock had swung against his face, he had licked it, and then
the sight of black muscle god wreathed in steam had made him jerk off.
Then, in the most degrading act of all, he had licked his own cum off
Darius's feet, like a young slave debasing himself in humiliating servitude
to his powerful black master.

He had to get away.  He pulled himself to his feet and turned away toward
the shower door, but Darius grabbed his arm and pulled him back to face
him.  "Hey, hey, where d'you think you're going, kiddo?  I ain't done you
yet."  Ryan struggled and Darius chuckled, "When I say I ain't done you
yet, all I mean is I haven't soaped you down.  Give and take, uh?"

He took the sponge from the boy, reached round him and sponged his back.
Their chests were pressed together and Ryan turned his head aside to avoid
Darius's gaze.  But Darius held his chin lightly and made him look him in
the eyes.

"There that's better – I prefer to talk to your face, not the back of
your head.  OK, so let's get a few things straight.  What we're doing right
now is what other guys do all the time, shower together.  There's probably
a lot of that going on right now even as we speak.  Sure, you went a bit
further than that, jerking off over my feet, but there's probably a lot of
that going on too.

"It don't mean anything kiddo – just guys showing affection and having
fun is all.  And getting clean into the bargain," he grinned.  "Hey, I
think you've still got a wad of jizz on your lip – let me take care of
it.  He licked the boys lip, then ran his tongue across his mouth and
kissed him lightly.  This time Ryan didn't pull back.  He stayed still,
then very slightly pressed his mouth against Darius's lips.

Darius pulled away and flashed a smile.  "Good, that's settled.  And now,
kiddo, we gotta get this show on the road."  They rinsed off, dried off and
got dressed.  Darius wore his usual jeans and boots, then also pulled on
his black T-shirt.

"Bob is making us all wear shirts today.  Randy resisted that like hell but
Bob insisted – said we gotta put on a good show for the inspectors, not
stink the place up with sweat.  OK, kiddo, a quick bite of breakfast and
I'm off to the construction site while you report to the office.  While
you're hunched over that computer say a little prayer for us kiddo.  This
is crunch time."

****************************

THE INSPECTION

At breakfast there was definitely tension in the air.  Everyone knew that
the future of the construction company's new government contracts division
was dependent on this inspection by L.A. City planning officials.  If all
went well they were guaranteed more government business and the division
would be a success.

Bob and Randy were huddling together, mostly with Bob coaching Randy on
what to say and how to behave – "Above all, Randy, don't lose your
temper with them.  If you feel me pinch you that means cool it, OK?"

Pretty soon the group left for the constructions site – Randy, Bob,
Darius and their architect Lloyd.  Zack was not involved as he would be
busy supervising the other two sites – residential and commercial.  As
they left Darius winked at Ryan who gave him two thumbs up. Then Jamie
said, "OK Brandon, Ryan, meanwhile the regular work of the office must go
on.  Let's get to it."

The office was in a side building just across the lawn and Jamie called a
short meeting. "I am so relieved we have you here, Ryan.  I pretty much
know my way around the computer programs we have, but we are way past due
for an overhaul of the whole system and when it comes to loading new
programs I would have a steep learning curve.  But you Ryan have spent all
your spare time alone on your computer, plus all your experience with your
cousin's business.  You're way ahead of Jamie and me.''

"You can call me a nerd sir," Ryan smiled, "it's what I call myself." On
that note they got to work.

Meanwhile their aura of confidence in the office was not shared by the guys
at the worksite with the prospect of a tough inspection looming.

Bob of course was an expert at the financial side, and no one could match
Randy's hands-on knowledge of the construction business.  Having started as
a day laborer he was now the well-respected boss of a big enterprise, which
had delivered many projects ahead of time and under budget.  Everyone in
the construction trade knew he ran a tight ship.  Then there was Lloyd, an
experienced architect who was more than a match for his opposite number in
City Planning.

However, government bureaucrats were a breed unto themselves and the group
knew that if they threw them a curveball question they couldn't answer it
might be game over.

The meeting began amiably enough.  The City had sent a team of five guys
(all of them in suits and ties) and after a meet and greet they split up
with their opposite numbers.  Bob went into the trailer office with the two
senior guys and talked financing, deftly demonstrating the financial
stability of the company.

Randy showed the two engineers over the site and impressed them with his
expert knowledge of every aspect of construction, confidently answering
questions on earthquake codes and stress factors after a cluster of
earthquakes that had recently shaken Southern California. The work crew,
aware of how important this inspection was, were on their best behavior
– no fights, no quarrels – and Randy winked his thanks to them as he
shepherded the officials around.

So when they all reconvened in the trailer office the City group seemed
satisfied and the home team felt confident.  And then came the curveball.

The City Manager said, "Bob, Randy, you have a really good, sound operation
here, and in most respects it more than meets or requirements.  But there
is one big problem we increasingly wrestle with these days
... cybersecurity."  The guys tensed.

"You've probably read all the stories lately of smaller municipalities
whose computer systems have been hacked by ransomware.  They have been held
hostage, their systems paralyzed until they agree to pay a ransom to lift
the encryption.  Baltimore for example was hit over a month ago and they're
still digging themselves out.  So our systems manager Nigel here, has some
questions for you."

"Yeah," Nigel said, "it's a real big issue with us.  If the City the size
of L.A. was hit they could demand a huge ransom.  The problem often starts
with a contractor, where an employee mistakenly opens an email attachment.
The virus spreads through the whole system and it all grinds to a halt.  So
we must have strong safeguards.  For example, to start with the most basic,
I'm assuming that 2FA is standard with your office staff."

The question fell with thud and Randy shot a panicked look at Bob.  Bob
didn't flinch.  "Actually Nigel we have a great technology expert on our
staff and it would be best for you to put all your questions to him."  His
face broke into that smile that always floored Randy.  "You two would no
doubt be speaking the same language.  He's on his way over here right now,
actually."

As the group conferred Bob shot an urgent look at Darius, signaling to the
door with his eyes.  "Got it, sir."  He unobtrusively left the trailer and
raced to his truck.

In the meantime Lloyd leapt in to fill the breach.  "Er, gentleman, while
we're waiting for our man to arrive, perhaps you would be interested in the
preliminary plans I have drawn up for the possible building extension you
mentioned, in case you decide to go that route in the future."

"Of course, we'd be very interested."  The guys breathed again – for now
anyway.  It all depended on Ryan.

**********************************

RYAN TO THE RESCUE

Darius broke every speed rule in the book as he raced home, calling Ryan as
he drove.  "Kiddo listen, this is urgent.  Everything was going great until
they got onto what they call cybersecurity.  Seems they're paranoid about
it."

"They should be, sir.  It's hitting a lot of businesses and cities.  I was
just saying to Brandon ..."

"Great, so you know what they're talking about.  Have you heard of
something called, er, 2FA?"

"Of course I have, sir, it's ..."

"Never mind, kid, save it for them.  I'll be there in a few minutes.  Be
ready to leave."

Jamie had heard and said, "Thank god you're on the team Ryan.  Is there
anything you need?"

"The clothes I wore to my interview here, sir, they're in Will's room."
Brandon phoned across to Will and in a few seconds he skidded in with
Ryan's backpack.  Ryan grabbed it as they heard a squeal of breaks at the
gate.  He raced out, Darius hauled him into the truck and sped away.

"Now I don't want you to be nervous, kiddo. They're just gonna ask ..."

"I'm not nervous, sir.  If their questions are about computers I'll have no
problem.  I probably know more than they do.  Big companies usually hire a
middle-aged guy as their IT expert but they'd do better hiring a
fourteen-year-old.  I may look like a just skinny nerd to you, sir, but
when it comes to computers I know my stuff.  Do you mind if I change my
clothes?"

Darius smiled as Ryan squirmed out of his shorts and T-shirt and pulled
from his bag his smart black pants, white dress shirt and tie that he
straightened looking in the rearview mirror.  "I was always told to dress
to impress, sir.  That's why I wore this to my interview, and I got the
job, sir, didn't I?"

"You sure did, kid," Darius grinned.  "Though it was more than the clothes
that helped you nail it."  In the urgency of the current situation Ryan had
forgotten the embarrassment of this morning's shower – but Darius
hadn't.  And to him it was far from embarrassing.

"Sir," Ryan said, "there is one thing.  We haven't actually installed any
of the new computer programs yet, but Brandon said we will.  But for these
guys, can I stretch the truth a bit, sir?"

"Kiddo, you do what it takes.  Whatever it takes.  Oh and, er, just for the
record, Ryan ... I don't think of you as just a skinny nerd.  Far from it."

*********************************

A NEW HERO

There was palpable relief from Bob and Randy when Darius brought Ryan into
the trailer office.  The inspectors were poring over the blueprints Lloyd
was explaining to them.  "Lloyd," one of them said, "these guys may
understand blueprints but it's hard for me to get a sense of how the
building's gonna look."

"No problem there, sir."  They turned round to face Ryan.  "We'll be
installing a program of three-dimensional architecture renderings so you'll
have an actual 3D picture of how it will look. Makes it easy for everyone."

"Gentlemen," Bob said, "this is our computer expert Ryan."

"Ah, I guessed as much," Nigel smiled, "Chinese.  You Asians are all the
same, good at technology.  So, I need to pick your brains about
cybersecurity."  Darius clenched his fists at what sounded like a racial
slur but Bob silenced him with a look and Ryan sailed on regardless.

"Yes, sir, I thought you would.  Cities have to be real careful now after
all those ransomware attacks.  I mean, look at Baltimore – I believe
that one was a triple-threat Ryuk attack.  The problem can even start with
a contractor – some lower-level employee who clicks on a spearphishing
email attachment and whammo, it's lights out – literally."

"That's just what I was telling these guys," Nigel said (though not in as
much detail, Bob noted).

"A cousin of mine had a company that was hacked, sir, but I managed to
rebuild the system pretty fast.  I stayed up two nights running to do it."

"Really!  That's quite something.  So I have some specific questions for
you, young man.  To start with I was asking these guys if all your people
use 2FA."

"Of course sir, Two Factor Authentication is essential."  (Bob exchanged a
secret `who-knew?' grin with Randy.)  "But in government contracts you
can't be too careful so I even recommend Multi Factor Authentication.
There are some new programs just coming out that look practically foolproof
as I'm sure you know sir."  (The blank look on Nigel's face suggested that
he didn't know at all.)

"Er, yeah, but, er, can you be sure that all your back-office staff are
trained to avoid scams and malicious links."

"Absolutely, sir.  I often think a company like ours is safer than the big
conglomerates as they employ tons of people so you can never be sure.  We
have a smaller and highly trained staff who are all skilled in avoiding
these traps."

"Sounds like you have trained your staff well, young man."

Ryan frowned.  "Er actually, sir, I ..." he glanced at Darius who gave a
warning shake of his head.  "Er, yes, actually sir we conduct regular
retraining on updates and amendments."  Darius smiled with relief.  A
junior hired two days ago would hardly have impressed them.

Ryan and Nigel conversed a bit longer, with Ryan doing most of the talking
and Nigel trying to follow along.  At last Nigel said, "Ryan, you are just
the kind of young guy we need in our IT department.  We could offer you a
good position with a solid salary and benefits."

"Thank you sir," Ryan said without hesitation.  "But I am very happy with
my job here and the people I work with.  I wouldn't want to leave sir.  But
thank you."

Nigel shrugged with a smile.  "Pity.  But I'm sure you will work closely
with our guys to make sure our two systems are compatible and secure."

He gave a satisfied nod to the City Manager who said, "Gentlemen, I've
heard enough.  Randy, Bob, you already proved that you run a solid, well
financed operation here.  Other contractors we've spoken to couldn't
reassure us on the security issue, but your young Ryan was very impressive,
sure knows his job.  He nailed it for you guys.  If all goes well on this
project you can expect plenty more business from us.  The City is currently
on a building spree."

He made an appointment to get together with Bob on contracts and finances,
and with smiles and handshakes all round the inspection group left.  Bob,
Randy, Lloyd and Darius beamed at each other.  Then Randy picked Ryan up
bodily and swung him around.  Kiddo, you hit it out of the park. You heard
what the man said – you nailed it for us. I could kiss you ... I could
eat you."

"Thank you sir," Ryan blushed.  "But I think I should get back to Brandon
and Jamie.  They'll be waiting for me."

"Darius," Bob said, "take this man back to the office and drive carefully.
He's precious cargo."

Darius had been watching Ryan throughout his presentation with growing
admiration and affection. It was stunning that a shy kid like this, so
innocent about the world, could suddenly blossom into a confident
articulate expert, holding his own with officials twice his age. And
Darius's mind also went back to last night in bed and this morning in the
shower.

"You're something else, kid, you know that?"  He flung his arm over his
shoulder.  "OK, kiddo, let's get you home."

*******************************

I'M SORRY, I COULD NEVER DO THAT

"Damn," Darius chuckled as they drove, "that was fucking brilliant, kiddo."

"I just told them all I know, sir. When you love computers like I do that
stuff just comes naturally.  And like I thought, that Nigel is a bit out of
his depth.  He needs a younger guy to help him."

"Well at least that guy won't be you, Ryan.  That offer he made was
tempting – a government job with all its benefits.  I ... I'm glad you
chose to stay with us."

"Me too, sir."

Darius kept glancing at him as they drove – at the shy but happy smile
on his face, those beautiful almond-shaped eyes – and his heart went out
to him.  He would never let anything bad happen to this kid.  He remembered
what Zack had told him yesterday – `Go with your gut, boy'.

When they pulled up at the gate of the compound Ryan turned to get out of
the truck but Darius restrained him.  He held his face in his hands and
kissed him.  Ryan didn't resist – he liked it.

But then it happened.  "Ryan, there's something important I wanna ask you.
I want to take care of you, love you, and sleep with you as master and boy.
I want you to be my boy, Ryan."

Ryan stared at the handsome face, at the smiling green eyes ... but he
frowned and tears came to his eyes.  "I can't, sir.  I can't ever be your
boy.  I couldn't be ... I wouldn't ... I'm sorry, sir.  I just can't."

The tears started to flow, he pulled away, jumped out of the truck and
rushed through the gate.  Darius stared after him in disbelief.  What
... what just happened?  Why ...?  He knew the boy liked him, but ... was
it too sudden?  The boy was overwhelmed, that must be it.  But he'd come
around.  Darius's impulse was to run after him but he stopped himself.  If
he pushed too hard that would drive the boy away even more.  The kid needed
time, that was all.

His cellphone rang – Randy.  "Where are you, man?  We need you here, a
ton of stuff to sort out after all that.  Get your ass back here."  The
line went dead, Darius put the car in gear and drove back to work.

In the office Jamie and Brandon had heard from Bob how the meeting went and
they were thrilled, waiting for the hero of the hour.  When Ryan burst in
they stood to embrace him but he was clearly distraught.  "I gotta go ... I
can't stay here ..."  He grabbed his other backpack as Brandon asked,
"Ryan, what's the matter?  What's happened?"

"Darius asked me to be his boy but I can't.  I could never ... I can't see
him again ... I gotta go."

Before the guys could react Ryan stumbled out of the office, fell into his
old car ... and drove away from Darius, from the tribe and his job."

*******************************

BOB TO THE RESCUE

Jamie and Brandon looked at each other, stunned.  "What the hell was that?"
Jamie said.  "We should go after him ... except ... if we follow him home
we might fuck it up even more, the state he's in.  I know, I'll call Bob
– he'll know what to do."

Bob was leaving the worksite when his phone rang.  Jamie gave him the bare
bones of the story and Bob said, "Don't do anything, Jamie.  I'll be right
there."  As he drove home Darius's truck sped past in the opposite
direction and Bob caught a glimpse of the stricken look on his face.

When he reached the compound and ran into the office Jamie filled Bob in.
"We were all ready with the hero's welcome but he was crying and said he
had to get away.  He couldn't see Darius again.  Apparently Darius had
asked him to be his boy."

"Ah, so soon," Bob frowned.

"He was panicked, said he could never be his boy and he rushed out before
we could stop him."

"I have to go to him," Bob said.  "Brandon, give me Ryan's address."

"Sir, you know that personnel files are confidential and ..."

"Brandon ...!"

"OK, sorry, sir.  Here it is."

"I'll keep you posted, but don't call Randy.  Those guys have enough to
cope with over there right now.  I'll handle this myself."  He ran out to
his Mercedes and sped away.

Ryan's small apartment was in a scruffy part of town and Bob had difficulty
finding it at first.  It was in a shabby two-story building and Bob climbed
the outside stairs to the second floor.  When he knocked he heard a small
voice say, "Go away.  I can't see you again."

"Ryan, it's not Darius ... it's me, Bob."

After a long silence Bob heard the bolt being drawn back and the door
opened.  Without looking at Bob Ryan turned and retreated to the other side
of the small room.  When Bob went in Ryan turned his tear streaked face and
said, "Sir, there's nothing you can do.  It's nice of you to come but it's
no good.  It's all over."

It looked as if he were about to cry again so Bob simply opened his arms
wide.  Ryan gave a little moan and ran across the room into his arms.  He
sobbed into Bob's shoulder and Bob just held him without speaking.  When at
last Ryan pulled away he said, "I'm sorry, sir.  I shouldn't do that.  It's
just that I ..."

"Ryan, after all that talking to the inspectors I'm parched.  I would love
a cup of tea."

"Really, sir?"  Ryan managed a watery smile through tears.  "I can do that.
And I don't mean Thai tea, sir.  I have regular English Breakfast and I
even have a brown betty teapot."

"You do?  I don't know anyone else but me who has a brown betty – the
only way to make tea."

Bob knew that asking Ryan to do something for him would calm him down so
they could talk less emotionally.  He sat down and watched as Ryan busied
himself boiling water and setting out the teacups.  It was a small, simple
apartment but very tidy, except for Ryan's work table in the corner covered
with computer equipment, cables and manuals.

Bob imagined what the boy's lonely life must have been, sitting here all on
his own typing away, stopping to make tea for himself, then getting back to
work.  Bob's heart almost broke and tears came to his own eyes.  There was
something so moving about the boy, something Darius must have felt to make
the offer he had, though Bob knew it was way too soon.  One thing Bob knew
for sure.  He was going to get Ryan away from this lonely, solitary life.

Ryan carefully set the tea tray on the table and even included a plate of
cookies.  They sat facing each other, Ryan poured the tea and Bob smiled.
"Ryan, the main reason I came here was to thank you for what you did for us
and the whole company at the inspection.  We we're doing well until they
asked their cybersecurity questions and we knew we were sunk.  But then you
came and saved our bacon.  You rescued the whole project and we owe you so
much."

"Thank you, sir, but I just told them stuff I knew about."

"Ryan, I have to ask you.  Do you intend to take them up on their offer and
go work for the City?  It's a very good prospect, great pay and benefits."

"No, sir, no way.  I was excited about my job with you ... I really like
Jamie and Brandon and Will and all the other guys and I think I could have
been useful with all the computer stuff.  But, sir, I don't care about any
of that ... all I really wanted was..."  Tears welled up again.

"All you really wanted was Darius, is that right?"  Ryan nodded.  "So
here's another question for you, Ryan, a harder one.  I could see how much
you liked Darius but ... do you think you were falling in love with him?"

Ryan looked puzzled.  "I don't even know what that means, sir. I've never
loved anyone, never been what you call `in love' and never even had sex
with anyone ... except some stuff with Darius last night.  But all that's
pointless anyway `cos I could never be his boy. It would be kind of a dream
come true, but I'm not good enough for him, I could never give him what he
wants."

He gulped and soldiered on. "I mean, sir, a boy has to do things for his
master, like have sex and, and get butt-fucked and stuff, but I've never
done that with anyone and I couldn't with Darius.  Well, I did cum in bed
looking at him and then in the shower, but even that made me feel guilty.
I could never do no more than that.  That time I saw Darius fucking Pablo
with that huge ... you know, that great big cock of his.  I knew for sure I
could never do that.

"So you see, sir, it's hopeless.  If I worked in the office I would always
see Darius at meals and stuff and it would rip me apart.  I mean, when I
see him and he smiles at me ... I kinda get all warm inside.  I dunno,
maybe I do love him, sir, but what use is that if he can't fuck me?  So I
don't see how ...I mean ... can you help me, sir?  Please ...?"

********************************

BOB'S PLAN FOR RYAN

Bob leaned back in his chair and smiled.  "Ryan, there's an old shopworn
phrase, `It's always darkest before the dawn'.  Right now things seem real
dark for you but I can see dawn breaking, and it's beautiful. OK first off
– Darius. Frankly he jumped the gun asking you to be his boy. He's young
and impetuous and genuinely wants you, but you've only known each other two
days.

"What I would like to see is you two being friends, like you've been up to
know.  Get to know each other, get close.  And then see what happens.
Maybe it is love, I suspect it could be, but you both need time to find
out.  I'll talk to Darius and I'm sure he'll go for that as he likes you so
much.  In the meantime, don't obsess about sex and fucking.

"You see, there's a lot more to love than fucking and sucking, so much
more.  Look at Randy and me.  We love making love, sure, but we've stayed
together this long, and always will, because we can't imagine life apart.
We love each other body and soul.  And it wasn't all wine and roses at
first.  Randy was scared by the idea of sex with a man, like you are, and
he treated me very rough, but you see how things can change."

"I know, sir.  Yesterday with Will I watched you and Randy make love."

"So you see?  If you and Darius can be friends that would clear your way to
stay working for us, if that's what you want.

"And now, Ryan, I'm going to throw myself on your mercy.  At that
inspection we told those guys we already had certain programs in place and
were planning more.  The contract depends on that so we have to act fast.
And Ryan, we need you for that, because you know how to do it.  I suppose
we could muddle through and look for someone else to help us but ..."

"You don't have to do that.  I can do it ... I want to sir."

"Thank you Ryan, that's a relief.  And here's something else I would like
to see.  I want you to move out of here and come and live with us in the
compound.  There are several rooms being used just for storage.  Randy and
his guys could easily convert one of them into a small suite just for you.
He would love to do that.  He wants to give you a present for what you did
for us today, so that would be his gift to you."

Ryan's eyes were shining now.  "Really, sir.  He would do that for me?  I
would like that a lot, sir.  It gets lonely living here."

"Good, well I'll set that in motion.  Now for the rest of today.  I really
would like to take you back with me to the office.  I promise to make sure
you don't cross paths with Darius just yet, that might be uncomfortable.
This evening there's going to be a special dinner to celebrate our success
with the City contract and I would really love you to be there.  Without
you, Ryan, the contract would never have happened.  Please say you'll come
and stay for dinner."

Ryan looked into Bob's soft brown eyes, and agreed.  Of course he did, this
was Bob.  "As for tonight, Ryan ... I think you already made friends with
Will, right?"

"Yes, sir, I helped him cater the dinner yesterday evening.  I like him, we
got along real well."

"Excellent, because I think it would be a great idea for you to spend the
night with Will if he agrees to that.  I'll check with him first, of
course.  Will would be a good friend for you because when he first joined
the tribe he was just as sexually confused as you were."

"I know, sir, he told me he was totally fucked up, just like me."

Bob chuckled.  "Not the words I would use, but he has a point.  So why
don't we clear away the tea things and you let me take you home ... and I
mean home.  Now come here and give me a hug to seal the deal."  They hugged
and Ryan gave Bob a kiss on the lips.  Darius had already kissed Ryan
several times, but this was the first time Ryan had ever kissed anyone
impulsively without being prompted first.

A short while later Bob led Ryan down the steps to his car.  "Wow, I've
never ridden in a Mercedes, sir."

Bob smiled.  "There's a first time for everything, Ryan.  And I want you to
remember that – a first time for everything."

***************************

IF ONLY EVERYTHING WERE THAT EASY

Jamie and Brandon were mightily relieved to see Bob leading Ryan into the
office.  "Guys, you three have a lot of work to do to install the computer
programs we promised the inspectors.  Ryan will be working with us in the
office as originally planned, on a permanent basis."

"Yeah!" The two boys pumped their fists in the air.

"We had a chat and Ryan has agreed to give up his apartment and come live
in the compound with us.  Tonight he will probably be sleeping with Will.

"As for Darius, that's a separate story and we'll be working things out
with him.  I'll talk to him and suggest that, for the rest of the day, he
and Ryan shouldn't have any contact, just to let things calm down a bit.  I
hope that Darius and Ryan will remain good friends and after that ... who
knows?  OK, guys.  Get to work."

He smiled as Jamie and Brandon welcomed Ryan back with a hug.  Jamie said,
"OK, Ryan, the first thing we gotta look at is this two-factor
authentication that came up at the meeting."

As Bob walked to the door he heard Ryan say, "Oh 2FA is real basic, sir. We
can do that easy."

Bob smiled to himself and sighed.  If only everything were that easy.

*****************************

RANDY PROPOSES A TOAST

Most of the tribe's group dinners were raucous affairs but this one was
especially festive as they had something big to celebrate.  The news of the
inspection and its positive outcome had sped over the grapevine and
everyone knew that Randy's new government contracts division was a success
and would lead to a lot more business.

They also knew of the decisive part the new Thai boy had played in the
inspection.  Darius had told Eddie and that's all it took.  Eddie promptly
and dramatically proclaimed Ryan a hero and everyone enthusiastically
agreed with that.  But there were also new rumors that Ryan had
mysteriously run away – something to do with Darius – and that Bob
had gone to talk to him.

After their long conversation Bob had dropped Ryan off at the office and
had then gone straight back to the construction site for a talk with
Darius.

"I know how you feel about the boy, Darius, and I believe he feels the same
toward you.  However, asking him to become your boy so soon after you met
was premature – but you take after Zack in that impulsive way you both
have.  Your offer threw Ryan for a loop and he panicked, concentrating on
the sexual aspect and," Bob grinned, "that spectacular endowment of yours
– enough to terrify anyone, especially an innocent like Ryan."

Bob relayed to Darius the rest of his conversation and he agreed with Bob's
suggestion that he should let the dust settle and not make further contact
this evening.  He also thought it was a good idea for Ryan to sleep with
Will tonight.  "Do you think it would be OK for me to see him at breakfast
in the morning, Bob?"

"I'm sure he would like that, Darius.  Give you a chance for a little chat
before work."

Darius thanked Bob profusely for his help in mediating all this, and later
at dinner, following Bob's advice, he took his place at the end of the
table with Zack, while Ryan sat at the other end between Brandon and Will,
and across from Bob and Randy.  He was in his safety cocoon.

Randy was in high spirits and made a speech before the meal began.  "Guys,
you all know what we're celebrating tonight – the company is now in the
business of government contracts.  I don't mind telling you I was nervous
about the inspection.  Yeah, you heard right, the big ol' gypsy was nervous
for once in his life.  But things were going real well until they started
blabbing about computer security and a guy asked something about 2FA, which
means ... er, Ryan?"

"Two-Factor Authentication, sir."

"Yeah that's the one.  But when I heard 2FA I thought the guy was calling
me and Bob Two Fucking Assholes and I almost took a swing at him."  There
was an eruption of laughter and cheers and Bob covered his face with his
hands in mock embarrassment.

Randy shouted through the din, "But then our new boy Ryan showed up and
dazzled them with all his computer talk.  He knew more damn stuff than they
did.  So I want you to know that Ryan nailed it for us.  We owe him a lot
so, guys, please raise your glasses to ... our hero Ryan."

The noise was deafening as they cheered and toasted Ryan.  The loudest
voice came from Darius and a blushing Ryan glanced at him at the far end of
the table.  Even after the commotion died down Darius and Ryan stole
glances at each from time to time, but when their eyes chanced to meet they
instantly looked away.

Bob's earlier quiet reassurance had calmed Ryan down a lot and he felt the
thrill of being praised by the big boss whose blue eyes now smiled at him
across the table.  "You and me gotta get together, kid, about the present
I'm gonna give you – your own room to live in and entertain who you
want," he said with a twinkle and a glance at Darius.  "You gotta help me
design it so you get just the kind of place you want."

Ryan thanked him shyly and Will, who sat beside him, squeezed his hand.
Will had eagerly agreed to Bob's suggestion that Ryan share his room
tonight.  "I like Ryan a lot, sir," he had told Bob.  "He reminds me of me
when I first came here."

Will kept up an enthusiastic stream of chatter with Ryan and when at last
the festive meal wound down it was late and Will said, "Will you help me
and the boys clear dinner away, Ryan, and then we'll go up to my room?"

Ryan jumped at the idea of helping out with the other boys, all of whom by
now had accepted him as one of their group.  The work went fast and the
boys ran off to their respective masters for the night.  Will gave a big
end-of-work sigh.  "Good, the kitchen's all set for tomorrow's breakfast.
OK dude, time to hit the hay."

******************************

WILL'S FIRST LESSON – "IT'S ALL ABOUT TONGUES"

In the bedroom Ryan followed Will's lead.  He was nervous, but not as
scared as he had been with Darius last night.  Will was so friendly and
Ryan suspected they had a lot in common – both of them young but each an
expert in his own way – Ryan with computers and Will in the kitchen.

Will stripped down to his boxer briefs, so Ryan did too, and felt no
embarrassment as he had last night with Darius.  As they brushed their
teeth together looking in the mirror Ryan felt bold enough to ask, "Did
you, er, hear about Darius and me, Will?"

"Dude, something like that don't stay secret for long in this group.  Sure,
I heard, but you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"But I do wanna talk about it, Will."  They got into bed and lay propped on
their elbows face to face.  Ryan said, "Bob helped me to sort things out
– and persuaded me to come back here to work and even to live.  But you
do see why I could never be Darius's boy, don't you?"

"Kiddo, you and me have more in common than you think.  When I first came
to this place I had never had sex with anyone either and I thought sex
between men was sinful.  Then I saw the twins making love."

Ryan's eyes opened wide.  "To each other?  But they're brothers."

"I know, right?  It shocked me too.  I ran out of the house just like you
did, and I was never gonna come back but the twins ran after me and asked
me to talk it over with Bob.  And he persuaded me to stay, just like he did
you.  But I said nobody was to touch me and that night I locked my bedroom
door.

"Well, fast forward to today and look how that turned out.  I love sex with
the twins, and with Bob and even Randy ... well, especially Randy, everyone
does.  But at first I was shy and took it one small step at a time.  I mean
look, dude.  If you ever did get back with Darius you don't seriously think
he'd insist on shoving that monster schlong inside you on the first night,
do you?"

Ryan thought about that.  "I guess not.  We did sleep together last night
and he didn't do anything until I got so excited that I wanted him to cum
all over me ... and he did, without touching me."  He frowned.  "But
... like ... what do you mean by small steps?"

"OK dude, but if I show you, it don't mean I'm in love with you – though
I do like you as a buddy.  So don't be afraid that I want you to be my boy
and get butt-fucked and run away and never come back.  This is an
experiment, right?'

Ryan giggled.  "OK, Will."

"Right, so do you know how to kiss?"

"Well Darius kissed me twice, and Bob was so kind to me that I actually
kissed him `cos I wanted to."

"He's a great kisser, eh?  Everyone's in love with Bob.  OK, let's give it
a try.  Look into my eyes and kiss my lips."  Ryan hesitated, then did it.

"Nah," Will said, "not with your lips pursed tight.  Look at this ..."  He
demonstrated a `sexy' look.  "See my lips were almost closed but not quite.
It's sometimes called a pout and it's real sexy.  Then when you kiss
there's just enough room for the other guy to push his tongue inside your
mouth.  Kissing is all about tongues.  Let's try again."

Ryan set his mouth in an odd sort of pout and Will laughed, "You almost got
it dude.  OK, hold it right there."  Will pressed his mouth against Ryan's
and pushed his tongue inside.  Ryan was startled, but soon his tongue was
sliding inside Will's mouth and they were actually kissing.  Ryan felt his
cock jump in his shorts and he pulled back.

"See, this is fun, right?" Will grinned.  "Sex has to be fun too.  But it's
not about two nervous kids tongue-ing each other.  You gotta get some
passion in it, some movement.  Let's do it again and let me lead.  Show me
some passion."

They kissed again but this time Will rolled on top of Ryan, then pulled
Ryan over on top of him and they rolled over and over on the bed.  When
Will had Ryan pinned on his back he smiled down at him, paused and kissed
him again, harder this time, their tongues searching deep inside and
pressing against each other.

It went on for some time until Will pulled back and grinned, "See, we were
almost making love.  You hard?"

Ryan giggled.  "Kinda, yeah."

"Kinda?  Let's see."  He put his hand down and groped Ryan.  "That is hard,
dude. You mustn't be shy about that.  In fact now might be the time for
some talk, rough talk like, `Man you make me fucking rock hard you're such
a sexy son of a bitch'."  Will frowned.  "On second thoughts, better not do
dirty talk while you're still new at this.  You gotta get the right tone or
it might just sound silly ... make us laugh and kill the mood."

Ryan was excited now.  "So what comes next, Will?"

******************************

NEXT LESSON – "NO TEETH"

"Hmm, let's see.  Beginners might jerk each other off – the technical
term is mutual masturbation but nobody calls it that.  But it's kinda lame,
so maybe we could skip that step.  Tell me what else you did with Darius."

"Well, in the shower this morning ..." Ryan paused and blushed.  "When I
got on my knees to soap his legs his cock swung against my face and I ... I
don't know why but I flicked out my tongue and licked the head of it."

"You see, I think you're a natural, kiddo.  OK, definitely we can skip the
jerk-off thing and get right down to it.  Now cock-sucking is a very
popular thing.  The technical term is a blow-job and everyone calls it
that.  Eddie's the real expert, he's been sucking cock for years and he's
given lessons to all us boys.  But we can have a stab at it right now if
you like, and I would suggest sixty-nineing."  Ryan gave a puzzled frown.

"Look, imagine the figures six and nine together – the head of each
figure is at the other one's tail.  Hard to describe, but let me show you.
First, though, when guys are all worked up, there's often a kind of
desperate scramble to pull their clothes off and that can really slow
things down and they lose their hard-on.  So I suggest we calmly slide out
of our briefs, OK?"

Together they pushed down their briefs and Ryan blushed as their cocks both
bobbed up rigid.  Will grinned, "Looks like we're good to go, dude.  Now
lie on your side."  Ryan did so while Will turned round on the bed in the
opposite direction so their heads were level with each other's cock.  See
– sixty nine.  So here it gets serious.  I'll go first, tell me if you
want me to stop.  You're supposed to do the same as me but only do it if
you feel you want to."

Ryan felt nervous again, especially when he looked down and saw his own
cock slide into Will's mouth.  He grimaced, it looked disgusting and he
would have told him to stop but suddenly he felt the most amazing warm
sensation in his cock.  In fact he almost ejaculated but managed to stop
himself.  "Wow, that feels ... I've never felt anything like this, Will.
Don't stop."

His heart beat fast, his breathing ragged and he tried some of that rough
talk.  "Man, you're making me rock hard you son of a ..."  But he stopped
– it did sound kinda silly so he moaned and groaned instead.  He loved
the look on Will's freckled face and shock of red hair moving back and
forth on his cock.  And somehow it wasn't just the amazing feeling in his
cock, it was the thought that his new buddy was doing something so ... so
intimate to him.

Will's cock was right in front of Ryan's face and suddenly Ryan wanted to
give his friend the same feeling as Will was giving him.  Tentatively he
licked the head of Will's cock, then put his mouth over it.  He pulled back
nervously ... but actually it didn't taste bad.  In fact he kind of liked
it.  So he tried again and this time went further down.  When it touched
the back of his throat he choked and pulled off.

Will said, "The secret is to breathe through your nose, kiddo," then
resumed sucking.  Ryan gulped, caught his breath, and tried again ... and
followed Will's advice.  He went lower and lower until his face was buried
in Will's ginger pubic hair.  He loved it.  He forgot all his nerves, all
his fear and sucked harder.

 "No teeth, dude," Will said.  "Purse your lips."  Ryan got it right and
from then on the boys were sixty-nineing each other like best buds sucking
each other off before bed.

Ryan felt he was drifting into another world – which he was, an intimate
world of sex and making love.  It turned him on that he was doing exactly
what his friend was doing, making him feel exactly what he was feeling. He
even matched the rhythm so their heads moved in unison. It made him feel so
close to Will, so ... so loving.  Is this what love was?  Maybe part of it.

They pleasured each other for a long time – two eager boys, a red-head,
the other with black hair, exploring each other, with words of
encouragement from Will.  "You're doing great, buddy ... I love it
... you're a natural."  And just as their rhythms matched so did the need
to cum.  Will felt it and said, "It's time, Ryan.  I'm gonna drink your cum
but you don't have to.  Just do what feels right.  OK, buddy, let's do it
together.

Their passion built, they sucked harder and faster and Ryan was not sure
what was happening to him – he knew only that he absolutely loved it.
He felt Will's cock bulge in his mouth while his own cock shuddered and he
moaned loudly into the gag.  His body shook, he closed his eyes tight
... and his cock erupted in Will's mouth in an orgasm that felt it would
never stop.

And suddenly his mouth was full of Will's bitter-sweet juice.  It was
choking him, he was suffocating.  Some of it he swallowed but he gagged,
yanked his head back off Will's cock and spat out the rest of the semen on
Will's stomach.  He looked at it and regretted spitting it out so he bent
lower, slurped it up and gulped it down.

He lay there gasping, surprised, shocked even, but most of all thrilled
with the discovery that he could actually have sex with a man and enjoy it
... more than enjoy it ... love it – a major discovery in his young
life.

In his daze he was only dimly aware of Will turning around until he felt
his arms wrap round him.

Will said, "You were terrific, dude – as they say, a real sexy
son-of-a-bitch. You and me, we're gonna be real good buddies, I can tell.
Don't say any more now.  What I like to do after that is just fall asleep
in each other's arms, still feeling the glow.  So g'night kiddo, sweet
dreams."

"Goodnight, Will.  Thank you – for everything."

*******************************

DARIUS MAKES AN OFFER

After a dream-filled sleep – good dreams – Ryan stirred blearily to
life next morning and reached over for Will.  He was not there, but then he
saw him bending over him fully dressed.  "I always get up real early when
it's my turn to make breakfast.  But take your time, Ryan, it won't be on
the table for a good half-hour.  Have a nice long shower and then come
down.  You were wonderful last night, dude.  You're gonna fit in here just
fine.'

Will gave him an open-mouthed tongue-searching kiss, then he was gone.
Ryan struggled awake and his thoughts went immediately to Darius.  As he
showered he tried to imagine doing with Darius what he had done with Will
– but it didn't work.  Not with that monster cock, and anyway Darius
would want to fuck and ..."

He stopped himself.  No, Bob had talked about all that yesterday and said
they could be just friends and let the future take care of itself.  That
comforted him a little.  He had just dried off and pulled on his shorts
when there was a tap at the door.  It opened a crack and Darius poked his
head in with a big smile.

"Hey, kiddo, I've only got a minute `cos I gotta get to work, there's a ton
of stuff to do."  He came in dressed for work – shirtless in the usual
black jeans and boots.  He came up to Will, grinned and held his hands up.
"See, no hands – no touch.  I just wanted to make sure you had a good
night with Will."

"Very good, actually, sir, thank you."

"Listen, kiddo, I may be jumping the gun again but I wanted to ask you
something.  No, no, not all that be-my-boy stuff of yesterday, that's
forgotten.  Bob was right, I was too impulsive.  But he said you and me
could be friends and I would like that.

"So I wanna ask you this.  Zack has a beach shack up the coast in the
Guadalupe dunes.  Every so often one of us has to go up to check on it,
make sure it's still good, hasn't blown away.  Anyway, I'm going up there
for the weekend and ... well, it's a long drive all on my own, and I ... I
was wondering if you would like to come with me.

"Just friends," he added quickly.  "No sex or anything, I promise, just
good buddies enjoying the beach.  All that other stuff from yesterday –
forget it.  I checked with Bob and he thinks it would be OK.  So what do
you say?  You can say no, I won't mind ... well I would mind actually, but
I understand if ..."

"Yes, sir.  Yes please, sir.  I would have to check with Jamie and Brandon
but ... yes ..."

"Great, terrific.  Listen I gotta run.  But it's a date, then – this
weekend ... just buddies ... great."  He paused as if about to kiss him but
instead turned and strode from the room.

Ryan was reeling.  So much was happening to him.  But only one thing
mattered.  He was going to spend the weekend with Darius ... in a shack
... on the beach ... just good buddies ..."

*********************************

TO BE CONTINUED in "A Trial Of Strength" – Chapter 483.

Hey guys, this is Rob Williams. I hope that chapter got you off, and I
welcome your comments and suggestions, which can be very helpful in
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can read the whole story, with extras including pictures and biographies of
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