Leather Paddles

by Brina Brady

They weaved their way through the dancing crowd. Even though the club had a raised dance floor, a lot of men were swaying and gyrating against each other where they stood. The music was loud, the lights low. In a far corner, Jesse found an empty table for two where they sat.

  “What’s wrong?” Charlie asked.

  “I feel like someone is watching me. You know how I get sometimes.”

  “I know, but I’m sure no one is watching you, but if someone is, it’s because you’re hot.”

  A server came to their table, and they both ordered margaritas.

  “Is everything okay with you and Master Jake?” Jesse watched the dancers and jolted up straighter. He could have sworn Sam was leaning against the back wall.

  “Everything is great. Why do you look so spooked?” Charlie asked.

  “Nothing.” Jesse needed his drink now.

  “Tell me.”

  “I thought I saw Sam leaning on the wall, but he moved away so fast I couldn’t be sure.”

  Their server delivered their jumbo margaritas and said, “A customer wanted me to give you this note.” He handed Jesse a folded note.

  Charlie’s eyes almost popped out of his head. Jesse’s hands trembled when he took the note. The familiar notepaper belonged to Sam. He always wrote on green-lined paper. As he unfolded it, he saw the green ink, the same color Sam always used. He’d told Jesse he used green because it brought him money.

  Jesse,

  You live in a world of fantasy. Stay away from Master Andrew. Don’t hook up with anyone else either. Once they see your skinny body, they’ll dump you. Save yourself. Stay alone.

  Jesse blinked and stared at the note in horror. His hands shook so much he could barely make out if the printing style matched Sam’s. His heart raced, and he couldn’t breathe; it felt as if someone was choking him. All he wanted to do was curl up in a ball and wait for someone to save him. A strangled cry forced itself up his throat, and a tear ran down his cheek. It seemed as if this was the end of the road for him. He couldn’t understand why Sam would send him a threatening note and disappear. How did he know he was here? How did he know he would be here? How did he know he was with Master Andrew? He reread the note to be sure he understood the warning.

  “Let me see,” Charlie said.

  Jesse handed him the paper.

  “Oh, this is bullshit. Do you think Sam wrote this?” Charlie asked.

  “It’s his notepaper and pen color, but his printing is heavy–handed, and this is lighter, so I’m not sure. But someone knows I’ve been with Master Andrew.” Jesse took a gulp of his margarita. He needed some fortification.

  “So, do you really think you saw Sam?” Charlie asked.

  “I don’t know. When I tried to focus on his face, he was gone.”

  “We should tell Master Jake.”

  “We can tell him when he picks us up. I need another drink,” Jesse said, waving the server and holding up two fingers.

  “Don’t drink so fast, or you’ll get sick.”

  “I don’t know what to think. I told you I felt like someone was watching me. Not just today, though, but wherever I go. I don’t think Sam wrote that note, but someone wants me to think it was him.”

  “That doesn’t make sense.”

  “I know Sam’s handwriting, and this is an imitation of it. Whoever wrote it knows Sam uses this green notepaper and ink. He always prints in all caps and never uses cursive.”

  “The letter was penned in all printed caps.”

  The server brought them a second drink. Jesse licked the salt and drank as fast as he could.

  “Are we going to dance?” Jesse asked. “I need to move, to forget. I’m going crazy sitting here.”

  “Sure, but I’m sending a text to Master Jake first. He’d be pissed if I didn’t.”

  “He’ll make us go home, Charlie, and we haven’t even had fun yet.”

  “We’ll do what he tells us. We don’t make the rules.” Charlie sent a text to Master Jake.

  “You’re right. I don’t want you to get into trouble, and I sure don’t need any either.”

  “Master Jake said he’s busy, but he asked Master Andrew to go. He doesn’t live far from here. ”

  “Why him?”

  “Master Jake’s busy and I guess Master Andrew is just sitting on the lounger in front of his pool.”

  “Where does he live?”

  “Huntington Beach.”

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “Now you do. Let’s dance. I like this song.”

  Jesse finished his drink and followed Charlie to the dance floor.

  “Again” by Eto played loudly, perfect for Jesse distract him from thoughts about seeing Sam and the strange note. Tons of guys were rubbing up against each other in time with the music. Someday, Jesse wanted to be out there with Master Andrew, but he enjoyed dancing with Charlie. It was like old times when they were younger and didn’t have Doms yet.

  The loud music crawled inside Jesse’s body, energizing him, exciting him. Strobe lights filtered through the darkness. Jesse pulled Charlie close to him as they moved to the rhythm of the music. He couldn’t miss his familiar scent urging him into animal movements. Charlie slowly turned around so he danced with his back to Jesse.

  Over Charlie’s shoulder, Jesse caught sight of Master Andrew watching them dance. He was dressed in all black. Master Andrew was hot. Jesse’s cock swelled almost painfully. He wanted to bend over the table for Master Andrew, so he could spear his dick inside of him.

  Jesse moved behind Charlie at a respectable distance but close enough to rest his hands on his shoulders. Charlie moved his hips in a circular motion, and Jesse’s hips matched his. Jesse’s hands touched him all over as they found a comfortable rhythm, but never wandering too far.

  “Master Andrew is here watching us,” Jesse whispered in his ear.

  As soon as the song ended, they went to their table. Master Andrew pulled up a chair and sat with them.

  “Can I see the note?” Master Andrew asked.

  “Yes, Sir.” Jesse handed it to him.

  “Did you see Sam here?”

  “I thought I did, but when I tried to see if it was really him, he vanished.”

  “Do you think this note came from Sam?”

  “He always uses green lined paper with green ink, and he writes in printed caps, but he usually presses harder than this. That’s why I don’t think it’s him.”

  “I don’t like you getting threatening notes. Never go anywhere alone until we figure out what’s going on, Jesse. You two have fun tonight, and I’ll just stand over there and keep an eye on you.”

  “You can sit with us,” Charlie said. “Right, Jesse?”

  “Sure, there’s no reason for you not to join us,” Jesse said.

  Charlie stood. “I’m going to the men’s room.”

  “If you were my sub, I’d punish your cute ass for what you did today. I don’t like to be ignored when I send a text. I expect a response within ten minutes at the max. No longer,” Master Andrew said.

  “I’m sorry, Sir. I didn’t know you texted me. I turned my phone off to have some peace and quiet so I could think. But how would you punish me?”

  “I’d make you strip and drop to your knees. Then you would suck my cock.”

  “That’s not a punishment, Sir.” Jesse laughed.

  “No, it’s not, but that’s not all I’d do.”

  “What else?” Jesse asked.

  “I’d buckle you to the spanking bench and spank you until your ass turned red.”

  “Still doesn’t sound like a punishment. I’d like that.”

  “You would?”

  “I love being spanked.”

  “Good, because I love to do the spanking. Then I’ll have to think about something else, but I’d still spank you.”

  “I like you. A lot,” Jesse heard himself say. Uh-oh. Was he giving him mixed messages?

  “I like you too, but then you know that. Want to dance?” Master Andre
w asked.

  “I’d love to.”

  The second they moved onto the floor, most of Jesse’s jitters disappeared, melting away under the joint pleasure of the invigorating music and being so close to Master Andrew. Jesse danced with Master Andrew as if they’d done it a thousand times before, the steps flowing between them like a gently babbling brook. Their bodies rubbed together ever so softly. Jesse’s breaths, short and trembling, brushed Master Andrew’s hair, and he saw the laughter glitter in his beautiful eyes.

  “Do you know what I want from you?” Master Andrew whispered in his ear.

  “Tell me, Sir.”

  “Your body and submission.”

  Despite himself, Jesse flashed him a rueful smile. “I’ll think about it, Sir.”

  When the song ended, they stopped, toe to toe, and Master Andrew pulled Jesse’s hips in close to his. Basking in each other’s arms, creating each other’s warmth, they stared at each other. Master Andrew gave him an approving smile, one Jesse loved, as if Master Andrew knew something he didn’t. He caressed Jesse’s cheek, then lifted his chin until their noses were almost touching. The warmth of his breath brushed the top of his lip. Jesse stared back into his blue eyes and waited for what was to come next. Master Andrew rested his lips on Jesse’s and slipped his tongue into Jesse’s mouth. He tasted like bourbon or whiskey, something strong, but Jesse loved it. The kiss left him weak in the knees and slightly dizzy.

  All too soon, the kiss ended, and they returned to their table, where Master Jake was sitting with Charlie.

  “Hey, I thought you were still at the fundraiser,” Master Andrew asked Master Jake.

  “I was able to get out earlier than I thought. Charlie and I are calling it a night, and we’ll take Jesse with us,” Master Jake said. “Thanks for checking on the boys.”

  “No problem. I think Jesse should have someone with him when he leaves the house,” Master Andrew said.

  “Yes, until we find out what’s going on,” Master Jake said.

  “Thank you for coming, Sir,” Jesse said.

  “Anytime. Have a good night,” Master Andrew said and gave him a peck on the cheek.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Master Andrew

  After leaving the bar, Andrew settled down in his dark brown leather wingback chair in his study, nursing a brandy. He thought about Jesse, lost and confused, and his hate for Sam was growing. He wasn’t sure Jesse would ever recover from Sam’s abuse; at least not within his time frame. He was tired of being alone, and given a chance, he could help Jesse find himself. Poor Jesse had thought Sam was something special, actually believed Sam was going to marry him. He needed time to heal, but could Andrew wait for him? Jesse’s protection and happiness was his priority.

  Early the next morning, Andrew called Jake.

  “What’s up?”

  “Did Jesse say any more about the note?”

  “No, he didn’t want to talk and went to bed.”

  “I’m worried about him.”

  “I am too, but he did say something interesting in the truck,” Jake said, then paused.

  “Well, what did he say?”

  “He said he was happy that you danced with him.”

  “I have an idea, but it’s in the planning stage right now.”

  “I hope your idea works. I bet that if you ignore him for a few days, he’ll miss you. He really does like being with you.”

  “I suppose that might work, but I’m not playing any games with him. He needs honesty.”

  “You’re right,” Master Jake said.

  Andrew ended the call, left his house, and drove to meet his old coworker and friend, Nico, for breakfast. It reminded him of the old days working together for the FBI, when they would all meet for breakfast before work. In the restaurant, Nico sat in a small booth in the back and Andrew slid in across from him.

  “Hey, it’s good to see you,” Nico said.

  “Thanks. You too.”

  “What are you up to these days? Still working as a professor, or are you coming back to the FBI?”

  “No. I like my teaching position, and I still have the club.”

  The waitress set two coffees down and then took their orders for the daily special breakfast, consisting of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast.

  “Are you seeing anyone?”

  “Sort of. That’s why I needed some help from you. I’m looking for a man. The guy I’m interested in had a bad breakup. I want to find the bastard who hurt him.”

  “So, you want me to find your new guy’s ex?” Nico smiled.

  “His name is Sam Gambino. He’s from Brooklyn.”

  “Why do you want him?”

  “I need to talk to him. He’s a former member of my club, and he abused Jesse, the guy I’m interested in. He left him homeless, without any warning. No one knows where he is. Jesse needs closure. Either Sam or one of his thugs has been stalking Jesse and me. Jesse received a warning note. I haven’t told Jesse because I didn’t want to upset him even more, but I’ve gotten messages on my phone, and one of Sam’s friends told me to stay away from Jesse.”

  “Message me everything you know of the man, like phone numbers and his address.”

  “I will.”

  The waitress brought their plates and refilled their coffee.

  “So you’re interested in Jesse?”

  “I’m going to make him my sub soon.”

  “I’m really glad to hear that. You’ve been alone long enough. I’m sure Jesse is good.”

  “Thanks. He’s not ready for me yet, but I think all he needs is a little shove in my direction. He’s been badly hurt by Sam. They lived together for four years, and he cheated on him. It pisses me off.”

  “I’ll get back with you as soon as I find him or have any information on him.”

  “Thanks. We’ll have to get together soon.”

  “That would be nice. We all miss you a lot.”

  They dug into their breakfast, reminisced about their days in the FBI, and caught up with each other. When he got home, Andrew first messaged Nico Sam’s address and all his phone numbers. Then he made room in his closet for when Jesse moved in with him. He had no doubt he’d make Jesse his sub, and he didn’t plan on waiting long either. After Brett’s death, he’d boxed up all of his things, not being able to get rid of them. But now, with Jesse in his life, he was ready to let go of Brett and make a new start. He collected all the boxes and drove them to Goodwill.

  Then he stopped at the local flower shop and bought a dozen red roses. He drove to the cemetery where Brett was buried. He often visited his grave to talk to Brett. Carefully, he placed the roses under Brett’s headstone.

  “Brett, I’m finally moving on like you wanted me to. I’ll always love you, and a part of my heart will always hold you inside of me. I wish things could have gone different for us, and I miss you more than you’ll ever know. I think you’d like Jesse, though. He’s a lot like you when we first met. He’s shy and insecure, but he has a kind heart. He’ll be good for me. Good-bye, my precious love.” Andrew stood and walked to his car. Inside, he cried over this final good-bye to Brett.

  Sometimes the emptiness felt by having fewer responsibilities as a result of the loss was more disorienting than anything. Brett had been his entire life, and then he was gone. His life had been changed forever, and things felt meaningless, gray, and empty. Friends didn’t know what to say anymore. Of course, his close friends wanted him to move on with a new sub, but he hadn’t been ready until he met Jesse, whose need was strong. Jesse needed him as much as Andrew needed Jesse. The call to protect Jesse was loud, screaming for Andrew’s caring nature. All he wanted was to help this young man who was floundering, drifting, and begging for an anchor. He not only called for his protection, but his cock was also summoned in a way he couldn’t resist. He wanted Jesse. All of him.

  Andrew wiped his eyes, started the engine, and drove to the club, where he found Malik.

  “Hey, what are you doing here? You ne
ver come in during the week.” Malik asked. They found a booth and sat.

  “I need a drink,” Andrew said.

  Chen must have heard him because within a few minutes, he set two Jack Daniels on the rocks in front of them.

  “Thank you, Chen.”

  “You’re welcome, Sir. Where’s Jesse?”

  “He’s home.”

  “If you see him, tell him I said hi, Sir.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “So, what’s going on?” Malik asked.

  “I just came from Brett’s grave. I said goodbye to him. It was hard for me to let him go, but I had to do it.”

  “You’re getting ready for Jesse?”

  “Yes. It feels right now.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “A part of me feels sad, but it’s been five years. I won’t ever forget him, but need to move on. It’s time, and I don’t want to lose Jesse.”

  “I’m happy for you both. Jesse will be a perfect sub for you. He deserves to have a good Dom too. You make a perfect pair.”

  “Thanks. How’s it going with Chen?”

  “I’m going to collar him soon. He’s moved in with me,” Malik said.

  “Wow. That’s fast.”

  “Yes and no. I’ve been so pissed with my last one flaunting his new Dom. I’m ready to move on too.”

  “What will all the poor unattached subs do without us?” Andrew sipped his drink.

  “I’m sure there are enough other unattached Doms who will gladly replace us.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Jesse

  Late in the afternoon, the doorbell rang. Master Jake left Jesse and Charlie in the kitchen and answered the door. He returned with Master Andrew behind him. As soon as Jesse caught sight of Master Andrew, his heart quickened, and his drowsiness dissipated. He was glad he didn’t blush. Master Andrew was perceptive enough as it was. His tight short-sleeve black shirt accented his muscled arms, and his jeans fit tightly in all the right spots. Jesse mentally stripped Master Andrew and licked his entire body.

  “Here he is,” Master Jake said. “We’ll leave you two alone.”

  “Thanks, Jake.” Master Andrew sat across from Jesse as Master Jake and Charlie left.