Physical Limits and Deserving Love

by Tempeste O’Riley

Today I thought I’d talk a little about Kaden and why he believes he does not deserve the love and acceptance of a Dom due to his physical limitations.

Kade is loving, submissive, and at one time, had confidence. Then he was the victim of a sever gay bashing, and the only part that stayed the same was the loving part. He packed away his toys and tried to ignore a huge part of himself because he doesn’t believe a Dom would really want him; would be willing to modify things for him and still enjoy their time together.

One of the things that many with mobility issues face is how the able-bodied world around them treats them. This wasn’t something I really thought much of until I began having trouble walking. I got firsthand and up-close knowledge of how some act when you are using forearm crutches or a wheelchair. The way people acted and spoke to me changed. Whether they would meet my gaze or look over my head to speak to me. And may other things altered when my disability became visible due to my tools of mobility.

It’s hard some days to keep your faith in others when faced with others that treat you as less of a person. Then add in that Kade loved kneeling (something he can no longer do), caning (something many would be scared to do thanks to his part injuries), and more. Plus, he did try going to a couple of clubs, where the Doms ignored him. That’s a hard mix to handle and not take personal.

It’s not that he doesn’t think he deserves love, but rather that he doesn’t believe anyone will ever look past his wheels to see the boy he truly is inside.

About Caged Sanctuary

Kaden Thorn, a dental surgeon who lives a quiet life, has no hope of finding the love he craves. A vicious gay bashing cost him the use of his legs and confined him to a wheelchair. He has given up hope of finding a Dom or even a nonkink partner to love him. When his best friend practically forces him to attend a dinner party, the last thing he expects is a strong Dom who can see beyond his wheels.

Deacon James is an architect and a demanding Dom, but he has spent the past couple of years without a sub or partner. When an employee invites him to a dinner party to meet his girlfriend, Deacon smells a setup but agrees anyway. He prides himself on being an excellent judge of character, and when he meets the younger dentist, he sees past the chair and finds a sweet submissive man who more than piques his interest.

Kade’s fears and demons continue to haunt him, challenging Deacon to use everything he’s learned as a Dom to earn Kade’s trust and submission. Deacon’s determined, though, willing to battle all of it to have Kade by his side and at his feet.

Available at: Dreamspinner Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

An Excerpt from Caged Sanctuary

“Can I help you?”

“Delivery for a Kade Thorn,” the bored-looking man said, holding out the box.

“That’s me.”

After signing for the box, Kade set it in his lap, intending to return to his office before opening it. Sunny, the receptionist, and Katie had other ideas. “So… open it already and see who it’s from,” Sunny insisted, her eyes wide. He knew he shouldn’t be surprised, after all, he’d never gotten a personal delivery at the office before, but as he had no idea what he might find within, he wasn’t certain opening it with others there was the best idea.

“Not here. It’s personal.” Kade looked around, noting a few patients staring, and knew he was blushing again. Swallowing hard, he glanced at the box in his lap then spun himself around and sped down the hall. He wanted to know what was in the box, almost as much as he didn’t want to be watched opening it. Behind him, Katie and Sunny giggled, promising to hunt him down if he didn’t spill soon.

Trying hard to ignore them both, Kade reentered his office, pausing to lock the door this time. Once back at his desk, he set the long box down, then pulled the ribbon off carefully, not wanting to damage it. He slowly slid the lid off, more nervous than he thought he ought to be. There was a cream-colored card tucked into the white tissue paper covering the contents.

Kade picked up the card and opened it.

Kade,

I saw this rose and thought of you. I hope you like the material. I simply love leather. Don’t you?

Deacon

He stared at the card, throat tight as he thought about how sweet Deacon was being already. No one sent him gifts. Ever.

Excited, Kade quickly set the card aside, then opened the tissue, revealing a beautiful, long-stemmed, emerald green leather rose with delicate black lace between the petals. Staring at the rose for a moment, he idly noted that even the stem and leaves were made of soft leather. He’d never seen anything like it and could hardly believe it was for him. They hadn’t even had their first real dinner together yet and already he felt more cherished than he ever had before. He wasn’t sure whether he should be happy that Deacon was so attentive or depressed that no one else had ever done anything like this.

After staring at and carefully stroking the soft petals for a few more moments, Kade reverently set it back into the satin lining the box. He then woke up the computer and quickly sent a thank you e-mail to Deacon, wishing it were Friday evening already.

About Tempeste O’Riley

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, Rainbow Romance Writers, and WisRWA. You can find Tempe at these sites:

Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog

Tempe has graciously offered up an eBook copy from her backlist to one lucky winner!! The giveaway starts now and ends January 14, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway, except to verify your Rafflecopter entry.

Don’t forget to check out JustJen’s review of Caged Sanctuary to see what she thought of it!

Good luck!