Skye enjoyed hearing their stories, but he didn’t envy them their roles. He couldn’t imagine playing with a man he didn’t know well, let alone a couple or a group. Fergus and Henry made their way to the snug to join the crowd and Skye made a few advanced preparations for breakfast before checking in at the kitchen where Tor was on his own, scrubbing down the work surfaces.
“Hi, Chef, is there anything else you’d like me to do?” Skye asked.
“Hey, Skye. Wasn’t that a busy evening? You did really well getting all the food out so fast and I appreciate your warnings about delays between courses. Why don’t you take yourself off to bed? You have an early start in the morning, though I imagine the houseboys will be up late partying, so that might reduce the numbers for staff breakfast. I already sent Benjy and Frank up to their rooms, they were exhausted.”
“If you’re sure, Sir. There were a lot of compliments about the food and I loved all the different ball-shaped cookies you served with the coffee.”
“I can’t take any credit for those—the boys came up with the idea by themselves and did all the icing work. It’s nice to get good feedback, though. Once I’m done here, I’ll pop into the snug to say hello. I’m on duty for room service tonight, so you can go and relax. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Skye looked forward to the peace and quiet of his room and his comfortable bed. He had no ambitions for anything more than a good night’s sleep, snuggled beneath the covers. He had a stop to make first, though. A stop that made renewed energy sizzle through his veins.
He approached Luke’s office with caution, but the door was open and Luke nowhere to be seen. Skye wondered what he should do. He was about to head upstairs when he noticed that the main door was open a crack. He gave it a tentative push and found Luke standing on the front steps, staring out into the rain. He turned and for a moment Skye fancied that his eyes lit up.
“I’m sorry, Sir, I didn’t mean to disturb you, but Tor has finished with me for the day and I wasn’t sure…”
“You’re not disturbing me, Skye.” Luke beckoned him forward. “I was just getting a breath of fresh air after a day inside. I love this time of year. The beginning of autumn smells different somehow.” He frowned. “You shouldn’t be out here without a shirt on. I think we’ve discussed this once today already.”
Skye had completely forgotten how little he was wearing. “I’m not cold, Sir. I didn’t even realize it was raining.”
“You’re shivering.” Luke ran his hand down Skye’s bare arm. “If it’s not from the cold, what’s making you nervous?”
With every atom of his being Skye craved more contact, to be wrapped in the security of Luke’s embrace. He ducked his head, afraid to give away his need.
“Well, I think we should find somewhere a little warmer for your evening discipline.” Luke took Skye’s hand and led him inside. Skye expected to be taken into Luke’s office, but instead Luke took him upstairs to the staff accommodation wing. “One of the advantages of being manager of this place is the suite of rooms that comes with the job,” Luke said as he opened his door and led Skye inside. “There’s a bit more space to maneuver in here than there is in my office.”
They stood in the expansive but cozy lounge. Skye’s gaze was drawn to an open door on the far side of the room through which he could see the corner of the bed. He pinched his lower lip between his teeth, seeking the distraction of a small bite of pain.
“Take your clothes off, Skye.”
There was a slight delay while his brain processed the order, but it took seconds to kick off his trainers and rolled down the cycling shorts. Skye stood, clad only in chastity cage and collar, in front of the only man he’d ever contemplated belonging to. He clasped his hands behind his back to stop them shaking and in its metal prison, his dick attempted to harden.
“You’ve earned a punishment today, Skye. For not looking after yourself. That’s not acceptable.” Luke took a seat in one of the armchairs. “Over my lap, please.”
Heat flooded Skye’s cheeks, but he took the few short steps needed to reach Luke’s knee. Getting into position was nothing like how he had imagined. There was no grace involved and only Luke’s hand on the small of his back kept him in place instead of tipping head first onto the carpet. Blood rushed to his head, which dangled near the floor between his arms. His toes still touched the ground but not enough to steady him. His caged cock nestled between Luke’s parted thighs.
“Six.” Luke accompanied the word with the first blow. The contact with Skye’s backside shocked Skye into a yelp. Heat seared his buttocks. Luke spanked him six times in rapid succession and, when he was done, he rested his hand across Skye’s backside while Skye took heaving breaths.
“Up you get.” Luke helped Skye get upright then patted his lap. Skye straddled his thighs, facing him. “Look at me.”
Skye had to force himself to meet Luke’s gaze, expecting to see disappointment. Instead, Luke smiled.
“You took your punishment with grace. That replaces your discipline for tonight.” In his hand he had the key to Skye’s chastity device and it was the work of a moment for him to remove it. Skye held his breath as his cock attempted to beat the world record for getting hard. The need to come was painful. He shifted and the movement reminded him that he’d just been spanked.
“The pain makes you want to come even more, doesn’t it?” Luke wrapped his hand around Skye’s shaft. Skye froze, knowing that even the slightest friction would trigger an orgasm he was unable to control. “Hands behind your back.”
Skye gripped his left wrist with his right hand, digging his fingers in hard. Luke increased the pressure of his grip.
“Please…” Skye took rapid, uneven breaths.
For a few painful seconds, Luke didn’t move. Then he reached between Skye’s legs and pressed the area behind his balls. Skye came in a rush of heat and joy, the speed of his orgasm frightening in its intensity. His entire body shook and when he was done he collapsed against Luke’s chest, sobbing.
Luke stroked his back, whispering calming words into his ear. Skye didn’t want to move but guessed that he should, so he pulled back a little.
“Where do you think you’re going? Swing your legs around so you can get more comfortable.”
Skye found himself nestled in Luke’s lap, his head resting against Luke’s chest. He could feel the beat of Luke’s heart. “What about you, Sir?” Skye whispered.
“If I want you to do something for me, Skye, I’ll tell you. Now stop worrying and relax. How did you find the scene in my office earlier today? Was there anything about it that worried you?”
“Only how much I enjoyed it, Sir. It’s hard to describe how I felt afterward—less scattered, more…centered.”
“That’s what I intended, so I’m pleased. I’ll try to give you some quiet time each day, though it might not always be possible.”
“Yes, Sir. That sounds good.” Luke was warm and strong and safe. Skye sighed and pressed closer. Luke stroked his hair. He didn’t attempt further conversation, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable and Skye soon drifted into a doze. When Luke stood, picking Skye up, Skye was aware of what was happening but not fully conscious. Luke carried him down the corridor to Skye’s room where he tucked him into bed and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before he left, closing the door behind him. Skye curled into a ball, knowing that he would dream about spankings and Luke, his aching arse assured him of that.
* * * *
Skye awoke with a start, his hand wrapped around his softening shaft. Sticky fluid coated his fingers and he fought to remember whatever dream had caused his reaction. He could only recall vague images of Luke’s face, nothing more.
He groped for his clock, worried that he might have overslept and missed the alarm, but there were still fifteen minutes before he needed to get up. He was wide awake so he took a long, hot shower, taking the time to shave his groin. It was fantastic to be free of the chastity device, but if Luke chose to l
ock him up again, he didn’t want hair getting in the way. He hoped Luke would approve, then wondered if he should have waited for permission first.
You’re never happy unless you’ve got something to worry about, idiot. Berating himself didn’t help much. He hadn’t had permission to come in his sleep either but hoped that was a forgivable offense. He pulled on underwear, a comfortable pair of jeans and a soft sweater that his grandmother had given him the previous Christmas. Its deep shade of purple brought out the color of his eyes. Socks and plain black trainers completed the outfit. No doubt there would be instructions as to what he should wear for the rest of the day, but for now, casual clothes would do to serve the staff breakfast.
When he got downstairs, Benjy and Frank were already hard at work in the kitchen, Benjy prepping vegetables and Frank peeling a mountain of potatoes. They both paused to wave when Skye stuck his head around the door.
“Morning. Big roast for the Brideshead theme tonight, so we’re getting ahead while we can,” Frank announced.
Tor emerged from the walk-in refrigerator, carrying a massive side of beef on a platter.
“Nice to see you’re up promptly, Skye. You can go ahead and lay for the staff breakfast if you would.”
Skye nodded and got to work, pleased that he remembered where everything was and didn’t have to ask. Tor came in with the coffee pot in one hand and a jug of freshly squeezed juice in the other. He put them down on the table.
“You won’t know this, Skye, because I think you had already gone to bed, but the boys agreed last night that they would take the entire group out in the minibus for a tour of the forest today. We are putting together packed lunches for everyone, so you’ll be able to take a break for part of the day at least. Rayne, Fergus and Henry will be going with them. It’s a great plan because we have a real feast planned for tonight and this will make it much easier to get everything ready. You’ll need to polish the banqueting silverware and get out all the best china. Think National Trust stately home.”
“Is there anything else I can do to help?” Skye asked.
“Just put everything out for breakfast. We won’t be cooking to order for the staff this morning but there are croissants and some pains au chocolat warming. You’ll find some Greek yogurt and honey in the fridge and some bowls of melon balls, which we made from fruit left over from yesterday’s dinner.”
Skye got everything onto the table before the others arrived—Benjy and Frank bleary-eyed but hungry, Rayne bright-eyed and chatty. Luke came in last, but there was none of the chair-scraping ceremony of the previous evening. Only Goran was absent.
Soon they were all settled and eating. Skye was surprised at how comfortable he felt in the company of men he’d only known for a short time, but the atmosphere was relaxed and easy. He stole frequent glances at Luke, who had his head buried in the newspaper, his spectacles balanced on the end of his nose. Just watching him made Skye hard and when Luke peered at him over the top of the paper, Skye didn’t know where to look. If Luke found Skye’s discomfiture amusing, it didn’t show. He folded his newspaper, leaving it next to his plate while he helped himself to a second croissant.
“These are delicious, Tor. As good as any from a French boulangerie.”
“Frank’s work,” Tor said. “He has some talent for pastry.”
Frank blushed bright red. Skye guessed that Tor didn’t hand out praise often but when he did, it meant something. He reacted the same way if he got even a hint of approval from Luke.
“Any time you feel like practicing, Frank, I’d be happy to be your taste tester,” Rayne said. “I mean, I know I’d be taking a serious risk but for you, I’d be willing to expose my taste buds to danger.”
Frank threw his balled-up napkin at Rayne’s head.
“Did you not learn your lesson yesterday, brat?” Tor growled.
Rayne blinked, all innocence. “Who, me, Sir? I don’t know what you mean.”
“I think you need to up your game, Tor,” Luke said, hiding a smile. “I have to admit I am somewhat surprised that Rayne isn’t carrying a cushion around with him today. You must’ve gone far too easy on him.”
There were muted chuckles from around the table.
“Something I will have to remedy later on today,” Tor said, scowling. “Benjy, Frank, enough loafing around. Get your backsides into the kitchen. You’ve got work to do.”
Rayne pushed his chair back. “I’ll bring the minibus around to the front of the house ready for today’s trip.” He swallowed the last of his coffee. “See you later, Chef.”
Skye watched with interest. The sizzle of attraction between Rayne and Tor was obvious. Tor shook his head then headed for the kitchen, muttering under his breath about brats in need of discipline.
“Fergus. Henry. Time you were doing whatever it is you need to do to keep yourselves out of mischief until the group is ready to go. I’m sure you both have plenty to get on with.” Luke managed to sound threatening without ever raising his voice.
Fergus and Henry scuttled out of the room leaving Luke and Skye at the table.
“If you’re all finished, Sir, I’ll clear away,” Skye said.
“Carry on. I need to get to work too. But once you’re done with the guests’ breakfast, come and find me.”
“Yes, Sir.” Skye was desperate to find out more about Luke’s plans for the day but didn’t dare ask and Luke left the kitchen shortly afterward so he lost his chance. He cleared quickly, stacking the dishwasher and switching it on before heading to the banqueting hall to get everything ready for the guests. They arrived in dribs and drabs, making it easy to keep up with service and Skye was brave enough to join in the conversation about their plans for the day. He hoped he’d get the chance to explore the area when he had some time off. He had to fetch extra coffee three times and there were definitely a few sore heads amongst the group, but the quieter ones soon revived once they were caffeinated and full of Tor’s delicious cooking.
Benjy poked his head around the door and called Skye over. “Can you give me a hand with the coolers? There are too many for me to carry on my own. Packed lunches for thirteen people take up more space than you might think.”
“Sure.” Skye followed him back to the kitchen then helped by heaving two of the four enormous coolers out to the front of the building, where Rayne was waiting with the minibus. After they had loaded everything up, Skye chatted with Rayne for a few minutes.
“You know, I’m sure no one would mind if you came along with us,” Rayne said. “Fergus and Henry are allowed.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I’ll be helping Tor with the preparations for tonight’s Brideshead feast. There’s loads to do.”
“And you’d rather be anywhere else than stuck in a small space with so many people.” Rayne patted Skye’s shoulder. “You find it hard being in a crowd, don’t you?”
Skye nodded. “Is it that obvious?”
“You hide it well around the guests, but I know lots of introverts. Enough to recognize the signs anyway. You ever need a quiet place to hide away, there’s a workshop at the back of the garage with a small apartment over it—used to be where the chauffeur lived years ago. It has power, old armchairs, a fridge. No one will find you in there. Well, Luke would. He knows everything. Sees everything. And he keeps encouraging Tor to spank me, what’s that about?”
“You love it,” Skye said, laughing. “And I think Tor enjoys doing it.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Rayne wiggled his butt. “I have a very cute behind.”
The guests started to filter outside, so Skye slipped away. He could deal with a few hours’ peace and quiet, but he still called in at the kitchen to see if there was anything Tor needed him to do.
“Not for now,” Tor said. “You’ll find Luke in the snug with Goran. I suggest you check in with them. There will be a light lunch to serve around one for those of us that are left here, so I’d appreciate you getting back here at twelve-thirty.”
“Yes, Mr. Halvorsen.” S
kye made his way to the snug where he found Goran and Luke sitting together at one of the low tables, discussing requirements for a drinks order. Goran gave him a wink and a smile. Luke, as always, was more serious. He pointed to a spot on the floor to one side of his chair. Skye walked across to him then sank to his knees, staying silent.
“Okay, if you think that’s everything, Goran, I’ll put this order in today for delivery tomorrow. Are you sure that two extra cases of champagne will be enough for Friday?”
Goran’s brow furrowed. “Another one won’t hurt. It’s not as if it will go off. If we don’t use it for this group, it’ll be there for the next one. Oh, and the store is quite low on nuts for bar nibbles. Could you get in one of those mixed boxes?”
“Sure. I’ll also get Tor to add some more lemons and limes to his fresh produce order and ask him to check the ice supplies, but I’m pretty sure we still have plenty of that.”
“Great. I’m going to spend some time rearranging things in here a bit, then Henry and Fergus left me some orders for drinks to be left in the rooms, so I’ll deal with them and make sure their ice buckets are replenished. I thought it would be nice to serve some mulled cider when the group gets back. Perhaps Skye could help me sort out trays and glasses later on?”
“Certainly. The group are due back at three, though Rayne will call if they are delayed for any reason.”
“Great. That’ll give me time for a nap after lunch. It was a late night last night and I didn’t sleep that well.”
“I hope you’re comfortable in your room,” Luke said. “If there’s anything you need, you should talk to Fergus or Henry.”
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