Aaron finally spoke, his brow furrowed in seeming bewilderment. “Oh? I thought you wanted him to stay.”
Colin inhaled a deep breath. Sometimes things in life were hard to do, like when he’d had to work at the bathhouse and fend off the advances of horny men. But this was something important to him personally, and he wouldn’t miss out on it because he was embarrassed. Roddy was more than young and handsome. He seemed like a happy, nice man who’d been concerned over him even though they’d just met. Colin could picture himself being alone with Roddy and not being scared.
“I do, Master Aaron, Master Ned.” He locked eyes with a visibly amused Roddy. “And I know it’s none of my business, but I like Master Roddy and I don’t want any man touching him or him touching them either.”
Roddy broke out in a lop-sided grin, holding his gaze before switching it to Ned and Aaron, both standing near Colin. None of them had moved very far into the study yet.
“Well, gentlemen. I’m agreeable to Colin posing with me if you are.”
“Uh…” Colin twisted his hands, biting his lip. The heat under his skin burned hotter. What have I gone and done?
There was another silence as both Ned and Aaron appeared pained, exchanging glances with each other.
“Is there a problem?” Roddy still seemed quite pleased with the turn of events. “It sounded to me as if he was unattached.”
Aaron finally cleared his throat, running a hand across the top of his head. “It’s not that, it’s just that…” Aaron glanced over at him. “Colin? Would you be more comfortable waiting downstairs while we discuss this with Roddy?”
Colin pressed his lips together and clenched his fists, anger rising up to replace his embarrassment. “No, Sir. I wouldn’t. This concerns me and I think I have a right to make my own decisions. Forgive me, Sir. But I’m not a child.”
Javier entered with the doctor, appearing as if he was about to speak. Instead, he halted in the doorway, confusion passing over his face. At last, he turned to Aaron.
“Sir?”
Ned let out a long sigh as he moved to the bar cart. “Gin, anyone?”
Aaron rolled his eyes then nodded. “I can’t believe it, but I’m going to have to say yes.” Aaron regarded Javier. “Is Saul here this evening?”
Colin frowned. That’s not fair. He couldn’t deny Saul anything and he was sure Aaron knew that.
“He’s in the library working on some correspondence. Should I fetch him?”
“Dear God, yes.”
Colin glanced over at Roddy, who’d taken a seat on a red velvet settee. Roddy winked and patted the cushion next to him. Colin scurried over before Aaron or anyone else could say anything. He plopped down next to Roddy. It was difficult not to sit too close to him, because even though he was dirty and mussed up, Roddy smelled so good and manly.
I’ve been almost naked here before. Maybe all the way naked would be okay?
“Uh, Colin?”
He peered up at Aaron, who’d always been so very kind to him. But he had to admit he was still a little mad at the way Aaron was treating him and getting in the way of things with him and Roddy.
“Yes, Sir?”
“I’m not asking you to get up, but could you allow the doctor to have a look at Roddy?”
Roddy snorted. “I have to say, this is all a bit odd. Is it that he belongs to someone already? Or is he not of an age to be with a man?”
Colin huffed, close to leaving the room altogether. These men think they know everything because they’re Masters and a few years older than me. “I beg your pardon, but I’m of an age to make my own damn decisions and to be with a man of my own choosing!” He turned to Roddy. “If you believe me to be too young then go ahead and pose with whoever you damn well please.”
He crossed his arms, angling his body away from Roddy, whose eyes had gone wide. Ned snorted laughter from where he stood next to the liquor trolley.
Aaron spoke up, his voice firm but not raised. “Colin, please watch your tone and don’t curse. Let’s discuss this maturely.”
If he suggests even one more time that I’m not an adult…
“There now, darling. It’s all right.” Roddy’s placed his hand on Colin’s back and he shivered from the thrill. “Would you gentlemen mind if Colin and I spoke alone for a moment?”
Roddy’s musical words made his heart beat a little faster. Maybe the new Master did want to be with him? When Colin had vowed to himself to wait for the right man, he’d never bargained on it being so confusing and unsettling to meet someone who might be that right man. In truth, he’d always skipped to the part in his head where they were happy and in each other’s arms. The initial meeting had never been part of the fantasy.
“Of course, if Colin is all right with that.”
Colin peered sideways at Aaron. He nodded curtly.
“But you really should have the doctor take a gander at you.” Aaron turned his attention back to Roddy.
“I can take care of him.” Colin hadn’t meant to sound so rude—even if he was still a bit angry.
Aaron gave him a warm smile. “You’re very good at taking care of people, Colin. But you’re not a doctor. Just let him have a quick look then we’ll all leave you and Roddy alone.”
Colin gazed up at Aaron. He had a kind expression, like he always did, and a wave of shame passed over him.
“All right. I’m sorry I got so mad, Sir. I’m…” It’s always good to tell the truth. “I’m a little confused about everything going on right now.”
Aaron rubbed a thumb on his shoulder as he continued to smile down at him and Colin couldn’t help but notice a bit of a scowl on Roddy’s face.
“I understand, Colin. It’s okay. But if you had a Master right now, he’d likely need to correct your behavior. Losing your temper, yelling and cursing—that wouldn’t be considered proper behavior.”
Colin lowered his chin. Aaron was right. He had been a bit out of control. There was probably a better way he could’ve gotten the same point across. That was why he needed a Master so bad.
And for other reasons too.
“Yes, Master Aaron.”
He scooted over so the club doctor could have a seat and patch Roddy up. Colin watched everything the doctor did and he didn’t see anything done to Roddy that he couldn’t have handled himself. Once in a while, Roddy would peek over the shoulder of the man tending to him and give Colin a wink.
As soon as Roddy was declared to be free of concussion or broken bones and mercurochrome was applied to his lip, the doctor excused himself then left. Almost immediately, Saul appeared.
“What in tarnation is going on in here?”
Colin rarely saw Saul at the club after midnight anymore, and he was usually only there for special events and most often during the day before the club opened every night at six. The owner of Hampton Road spent most of his time at home with his submissive, Kenneth. Saul appeared tired and Colin was sorry he’d caused the older Master any trouble. He jumped up and rushed over to him.
“It’s my fault, Sir. I’m sorry.”
Saul gazed down at him with fond eyes. “Ah, I might’ve known. What dreadful thing was it this time, young Colin? I can’t imagine what it could be since Chef Jean isn’t here.”
Somehow, when Master Saul teased or said he was young, it didn’t bother him.
“It wasn’t him at all. I’m the culprit.”
Colin angled around to see Roddy standing, approaching them both with his hand extended.
“My name is Roderick Howard, Roddy to my friends. You must be Saul? I’m afraid I disrupted the proceedings tonight because I’m unfamiliar with how things are run here at your fine club.”
Saul’s eyes lit up, a smile beaming back at Roddy as he accepted his hand. “Ah, good to see a strapping young fellow joining us here at Hampton Road. Yes, I’m Saul Liebowitz.” Saul arched his eyebrows as he seemed to take in Roddy’s state of disarray. “Get into a bit of a scrape, did we?”
“Y
es. Sadly, I was unaware that an outlet existed for men such as ourselves to enjoy. Had I known, I could’ve avoided my disastrous attempt at coupling earlier this evening.”
“You’d probably also still have your belt.”
Ned laughed and Aaron and Roddy joined in. Colin didn’t understand what was so funny. But he knew one thing. He didn’t like the part where Roddy had been with another man. Colin knew he was being silly. Because Roddy was very handsome and friendly and nice, he probably had plenty of men wanting to take care of and serve him. Colin knew he would do it in a heartbeat.
Then I should take the photo with him and not be worried about it.
“True. Very true.” Roddy still chuckled. “I hadn’t intended that my arrival would cause such a ruckus, but the moment I saw this young man”—Roddy indicated toward him with the same knee-melting smile he’d given him earlier—“I became perhaps too enthusiastic over the idea of spending time alone with the little darling.”
“Mmm. I see.”
Saul rocked on his heels, hands clasped behind his back. He wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes, his lips pursed and he appeared to be in deep thought. Colin was terrified he’d forbid Roddy from being near him.
“I’d be happy to take his club photograph with him.”
He wasn’t sure if happy was the right word, but it would make him happy if no one else did.
Colin noted that he had everyone’s complete attention. However, the only person smiling was Roddy. The rest of the Masters had dropped their jaws, with Saul adding a good-sized frown to his visage. Roddy put his arm around him and pulled him flush to his side.
Oh, it was so good. Roddy felt and smelled wonderful. Strong, commanding and protective. He snuggled into Roddy’s side the way he’d seen Sam and Linus do with their Masters. His cock filled but he was pleased that for once it was because he was being touched instead of because he was watching others touch.
Saul rubbed at his forehead, sighing, while both Ned and Aaron covered their mouths as if hiding a smile. He wasn’t sure why they’d want to hide such a thing, but he didn’t understand a lot of what the Masters did. He hoped it wouldn’t be that way with him and Roddy. Colin wanted them to understand everything about each other.
“Again, I don’t wish to cause any problems, gentlemen, but Colin’s made it rather clear he’d like to spend time with me.”
Roddy had made his declaration in the same jolly tone he’d had all evening. It was a nice sound. Colin liked that Roddy had stayed in good spirits even as everything had become heated and confusing.
“No problems, old sport. That’s not it at all.” Saul glanced his way. “Young Colin? What do you have to say about that?”
“I want to spend time alone with him, Sir. Take the club picture.”
Saul pursed his lips again, nodding. “Then you should do that. But first, while we go and fetch Javier and get the room for the photographic session set up, I’d like to request that you and Master Roddy stay here together and chat a bit.” Saul gave him a serious look. “Agreed?”
Colin knew what Master Saul meant. He’d have to confess to Roddy that he’d never had a man before and hope that Roddy still wanted to take the picture with him. And anyway, Roddy had wanted to speak with him alone too. “Yes, Sir. Agreed.”
“Splendid!” Roddy squeezed his shoulder. “That’s all I’d hoped for as well. Get a chance to speak a bit.”
All the Masters exchanged glances, then Saul coughed into his fist before speaking.
“Well, then. I supposed we’ll leave you to it.” Saul regarded him. “The photographs will be taken in the master suite on the top floor, Colin. You remember where it is?”
“Yes, Sir, I do.”
He trembled as the reality of what he was about to do sank in. Roddy seemed attuned to his reaction because he clasped his hand tighter around his arm. Colin rested his head against Roddy. Part of him was terrified that he might be doing the wrong thing, the other part was excited that he was finally doing something.
Saul narrowed his eyes at him as if verifying that Colin was okay. After a moment, he gave a quick nod then turned to Roddy. “Have you had the opportunity to look over the rules yet?”
“No, I haven’t, but perhaps after the photographs are taken?” Roddy gave an easy chuckle. “If it’s not too late that is.”
Aaron spoke up. “If Saul needs to leave, I can go over them with you.” Aaron turned to Saul. “We promised him a ride to a hotel. He’s only just arrived in town and hasn’t secured any lodging yet.”
“Nonsense.” Saul huffed. “I’m sure we can find him a room here for the night.”
“That’s very kind. I’m afraid my clothing and other personal belongings are still in the train station locker, but I imagine I can scurry out in the morning and pick them up before too many people witness my state of disarray.” Roddy chuckled, still as amiable as he’d been since Colin had met him.
Saul appeared to ponder Roddy’s words. “Hmm. There has to be another solution. We’ll figure something out for you in the meantime.” Saul arched his eyebrows as he regarded Ned and Aaron. “Would you care to join me in the library for a brandy?”
Ned and Aaron both winced, Ned placing his hand over his stomach. “Perhaps Javier can send up some coffee instead?”
Saul smirked. “I see you took advantage of your evening out at Walter’s?”
Aaron shrugged. “We needed to fit in.”
As they all turned to leave, Saul glanced over his shoulder. “Meet us in the library after, young Colin, and I’ll see you there too, Roddy.”
As Saul closed the door behind him, Colin picked up on Ned’s words reminding Aaron they should call Evan and Sam to let them know they’d be a bit later. It was so nice the way they cared about the wellbeing of their subs.
Maybe I can finally have someone like that too.
He gazed up at Roddy, who smiled down at him, still holding him close.
“Ah. Alone at last! Come sit with me, sweet thing. I want to know more about you.”
Colin allowed himself to be led to the small sofa where they’d been seated before. Once they’d settled, angled so that they faced each other, Colin took one of Roddy’s hands. He probably shouldn’t have, but he couldn’t help himself. When Roddy had let go of him so they could sit down, he’d immediately missed his touch. Roddy gave him a sly grin and twined their fingers together.
“If I thought you wouldn’t protest, I’d pull you right onto my lap and pet you all over.”
Colin’s already hard dick leaked and he squirmed on the settee.
Roddy’s eyebrows arched. “Perhaps you wouldn’t protest as much as I thought?”
Colin felt the flush build under his skin. “Thank you for standing up for me when Saul came in.”
Roddy leaned closer then brushed back the strands of hair that had escaped his slick back. “I’ll take care of you, darling.” He gave Colin a reassuring smile. “You’re looking for someone, aren’t you? Someone to submit to? Ned and Aaron described it to me on the way here.”
Colin licked his lips. His mouth felt dry and his breathing had accelerated. “Yes, Sir. I am. Are you looking for a boy?”
“Mmm. I’m starting to like the sound of this whole setup here more and more. I am looking for a boy. I’ll confess to you Colin, I’m new at this. I’ve never been a Master before. Ned and Aaron said they’d teach me. How do you feel about that?”
“Oh, I feel swell about it. I’ve never submitted before, so we could learn together. You’ll have to tell me all the things you like. I’ll do my very best to take such good care of you. Are you new to sex too? I’ve never done anything, but I’ve seen an awful lot. They have excellent shows here.”
Roddy’s eyes had gradually widened the more Colin had spoken. “Oh my. Shows? I really must have good fortune on my side.” Roddy pulled him closer, still holding onto his hand but then wrapping his arm around his shoulders. “But no, I’m not new to sex, darling. I take it you are?”
“Now, now. Chin up, remember?”
He gazed up at Roddy, whose green eyes shone back at him with affection. Colin loved Roddy’s wavy auburn hair, his long lashes. He had a wide, full mouth, and Colin was angry that some awful person had split his lip.
“Is it okay with you that I’ve never been with a man before? Because I’ve been waiting for the right one.”
“Oh?” Roddy considered him. “Are you saying that you think I’m the right one?”
“Yes. I really like you a lot.”
Roddy smiled, never even wincing from his cut. “You are the sweetest thing. But what if I’m not? What if I make passionate love to you, whip you, tie you up, do all those wonderful things but you decide I’m not that right man after all? Will you be upset that you made a mistake?”
Colin frowned. Roddy had a valid point. This really is more confusing than I’d thought it would be. “Gee, I’m not sure.” He bit his lip. “All I know is that it feels like you are. It’s hard to explain.”
“You don’t have to. I understand. You feel that way to me too.” Roddy glanced around the room, making a sweeping gesture with his hand. “So does this place.” He laughed. “It’s like magic.”
Colin nodded vigorously. “It is like magic. I was so lucky that Ned found me at the bathhouse and brought me here.”
“This is interesting. The bathhouse that Ned told me of? Yet you’ve never let a man have you?”
“That’s why he brought me here. I didn’t like it there at all. I enjoy making people happy, it’s what I’m best at, but I couldn’t do that there.” His face flushed with heat again. “Not when the main thing that would’ve made the men happy was my body.”
Roddy stroked his head, then down his back. It was the best feeling ever. “Oh no, my poor darling. That’s no good at all. You’re too special, too sensitive for that type of life.” He rubbed their noses together and Colin ached for a kiss. “How did you end up there in the first place? Where are your parents?”
“Oh, my parents died a long time ago, so it was my grandmother who raised me. I took very good care of her, so that’s how I know I’d make an excellent submissive after Master Ned explained the whole thing to me.” He hated telling the next part of his story, but he had to. “When she died, some men came from the bank and took the house away. So I had to leave. I packed up what I could then took a train from Reno to Los Angeles.”
Begging to Serve Page 5
