by Brina Brady
CHAPTER TWO
Master Andrew
Andrew walked into Leather Paddles the way a proud owner of the BDSM club would. He scanned the room for his dungeon masters, six men he hired to maintain order and safety in his club. As instructed, the men, recognizable by their leather vests with the red imprinted words Dungeon Master, were standing in their designated places, perusing the crowd. He made his way to the lounge area, through the sweaty bodies pressing and rubbing up against each other on the raised dance floor. At times, Andrew missed dancing, but he refused to dance in his own club. As far as he was concerned, it was improper behavior for an owner. He checked the mesh cage, a covered space where available subs sat on the floor and waited for a Dom who wanted to play but didn’t have their own sub.
After greeting half the club, he found Jake sitting in a booth, drinking beer. Years of working as a fireman had aided in sculpturing Jake’s body but also his mind. Being fearless in dangerous situations and, at the same time, helpful to the ones in need had formed Jake. In Andrew’s estimation, Jake was one of the best Doms in the club, and lately they’d become closer as friends. Andrew sat down across from Jake.
“Thanks for coming on such short notice,” Jake said.
“You said it was an emergency.”
Within minutes, a server brought Andrew seltzer with a lime. The young Chinese man wanted to be Andrew’s sub and made no bones about it either. He’d flat out asked, but Andrew turned him down. However, that didn’t stop him from trying to wait on him hand and foot.
“Thank you, Chen,” Andrew said with a smile.
“I’m available to play, Sir,” Chen said, pushing his long, straight black hair behind his ear.
“I’m having a meeting right now,” Andrew said, not committing one way or another. He had played with Chen several times, but he didn’t want to send him mixed messages.
“Sorry, Sir.” Chen twirled around like a ballerina and pranced to the bar area. Of course, he stood where he’d be in Andrew’s range of vision.
Andrew made it his business never to drink at the club in case he might want to play with an available sub for the evening. He took his first sip of the simple mixture; it was cold, icy, and slightly sour against his lips. He appreciated the care and attention Chen had directed toward him and didn’t accept it lightly, but Chen was too young. At twenty-eight years of age, Andrew sought someone closer in age than nineteen-year-old Chen for a long-term arrangement.
“This concerns Sam Gambino and Jesse Reid,” Jake said.
“I see.” Andrew knew Sam only too well but had never paid any attention to his sub Jesse. He wondered if he had actually ever seen him. Andrew only frequented the club to play with available subs on weekends, as well as conducting meetings once a month. Maybe Sam’s Brooklyn accent colored his opinion of the man. He had loads of money without working, but he was exceptionally generous with his donations to the club for some of the younger, homeless subs. He’d earned a paddle on the wall with his name on it for his contributions.
“Since you’re the owner of Leather Paddles, you should know what has happened to Jesse. He met Sam at one of the mixers here, and they signed the Leather Paddles agreement. Sam has now broken the very basis of a BDSM relationship.”
“Is the boy okay?” Andrew had had a few members who’d broken the rules of the agreement, and he’d banned them from the club and also notified other BDSM clubs.
“Physically, I think so, but emotionally he’s a mess. Sam moved out of the apartment they shared without telling Jesse. Plus, Sam’s phone is now disconnected.”
“Where’s Jesse now?”
“He’s staying with us until he finds a new Dom.”
“Do you need any financial help with that?” Andrew was aware that firemen didn’t make much money. He knew Jake didn’t have much to spare with the high mortgage on his new home in Huntington Beach.
“No, thank you. Jesse will be fine with us.”
“I’d like to talk to the boy.”
Jake nodded. “Anytime.”
“Thanks.”
“I think Sam abused him in other ways. I had to cut the lock off his cock cage. He’d made Jesse wear it for a week. Then he left and didn’t leave him the key. That’s not fucking acceptable.” Jake clenched his hands into fists, and his face turned red.
“I hate hearing stories like this. I’m going to hold a meeting for Doms this weekend. We have to talk about sub abuse and go over the rules again.” Andrew felt Jesse’s pain as if he had known him. Even though he was a stranger, he wanted to help him. He was furious with himself for not checking him out better. He needed a partner for managing the club. He didn’t have the time that was required to do a better job than he had been doing alone.
“My Charlie and Jesse are best friends. I don’t think he even told Charlie everything Sam did to him. He may have been too ashamed. This is quite serious.”
“How old is Jesse?”
“Twenty-two today. It’s his damn birthday. Nice present for a good sub.”
“How long have they been together?”
“Four years.”
“I want to take Jesse to dinner Friday night to talk to him. I’ll pick him up at your house at seven if that’s okay with you?”
“He’ll be ready by then. It gives him a few days. How should he dress?”
“Dress slacks, shirt, and tie. No jacket is required.”
“Sounds good. He’s going to need to get out.”
“I should’ve vetted Sam more carefully when he applied for a club membership. I bet he’s involved with the Italian mafia dealing drugs and God knows what else. Why would he leave like this, even if some kind of drug deal went bad? I’m going to get to the bottom of this mess. I need to talk to Sam.”
“There’s no other explanation where he gets all that money. He told Jesse he lives off his investments. How will you reach him if his phone number is disconnected?” Jake asked.
“I have several phone numbers for him. If that doesn’t pan out, I know someone who can look for him. For all we know, he’s still in the area.”
“I’ll talk to some of the other Doms he hung around with too,” Jake said.
“Leave it to me. I’m going to talk to Malik and see what he knows, and then I’m going to look around for a boy to play with. I could use some distraction after hearing all this.”
“What about Chen? He seems to worship you.”
“Maybe Chen, but I don’t want to give him any hope that I’ll ever collar him. He’s too young.”
“Don’t you get tired of playing with different boys?” Jake asked
“No. I don’t want to get involved. I am too busy with my job.”
“You need to give someone a chance, if not young Chen. I’m eight years older than Charlie. Age doesn’t matter that much anymore. You can make your schedule work too. I work shifts, which means I’m away three days and then home for three. We’ve made it work.”
“That’s amazing. So you leave your sub home alone for three days a week?”
“Charlie spends a lot of time with Jesse. They’re taking classes at Cal State. They study and go out together. Both of them respect me and follow my rules, so I trust them.”
“It’s really something that you’re both still happy. If we all could be as lucky.” Andrew didn’t want to rehash his past with anyone, but Jake meant well. Even though Jake knew about his depressing past, he wasn’t ready to relive old pain. Every time he used his day job and position as an excuse for not taking a sub. Of course, that was nonsense and not the reason at all. Andrew knew it, and so did everyone else. The real reason was that he feared getting close to another man.
“Jesse is very raw and hurting. Please be gentle with him,” Jake said.
“Of course. Jesse’s dreadful situation is my fault. I never felt Sam was upfront about his life. He acted the Dom role, but it didn’t ring true. He played us all, but I’m the experienced Dom who let him in here, and I blame myself for what happe
ned to Jesse. Usually, subs come to me and complain or ask for help, but poor Jesse slipped under the radar. I plan to talk to all the subs on a casual level and make sure they’re okay. I don’t want any more subs scammed and hurt by fraudulent or abusive Doms.”
“You can’t be in every relationship around here, but we Doms all need to vet new Doms better than we have and check on each other periodically.”
“You’re right.”
“Look, if no one has mentioned this, you’re doing an outstanding job with the club. I admire your support for the homeless gay teens and the shelters,” Jake said.
“Thanks. I have a special place in my heart for homeless gay teens, as you know. I’m really pleased to see you feel the same way. I’m delighted you took Jesse in.”
Andrew left the table to search for the head dungeon master, Malik. Multiple scenes were going on, as well as many side conversations. Some scenes attracted attention, but as long as no one interfered, it was okay to watch. Certain areas were darker than others, but the dungeon masters checked those regularly. Malik made sure subs turned in their phones and cameras when they arrived. Protecting everyone’s privacy and keeping them safe were crucial to the success of the club.
Andrew and Malik had been friends for ten years, and they used to frequent BDSM clubs together. Andrew had hired him as head dungeon master for Leather Paddles because he had experience in the leather and bondage communities. Various tribal tats covered his arms, and his bald head and closely trimmed beard gave him an almost coarse look, as if he hadn’t shaved in a week. When he worked at the club, Malik dressed in his leathers. In his vest with Head Dungeon Master written in gold on the back, he was hard to miss. The stocky, six-foot-four tall man intimidated most men, and no one messed with Master Malik. He could stop any unwelcome action in the club with one long stare, his dark eyes piercing right through the offender.
Recently, Malik had lost his sub to another Dom. Andrew knew Malik was still hurting over it. What made it more difficult was that his old sub and his new Dom attended Leather Paddles on a regular basis. Occasionally when his shift was over, Malik would play with a sub. Always a different one, though.
“Hey, Andrew.” Malik shouted over the crowd.
Andrew made his way toward him, saying hello to those who stopped him.
“I have ten hot subs available for tonight. They’re in the mesh cage waiting for a Dom.”
“What do you know about Sam Gambino?” Andrew asked.
“Oh, the Italian mobster from Brooklyn? He’s into bad shit. One of the subs he played with told me he was afraid of him, but when I asked why, he wouldn’t say. Once, he brought two men with him whom he said he could vouch for, but I told them no. They walked in here looking like mafia, so I told them they needed a background check first. Why are you asking?” Malik tilted his head.
“When was the last time he came in here?” Andrew asked.
“He comes in every night for two hours and plays with different subs.”
“Did you ever see his sub, Jesse Reid?” Andrew asked.
“Jesse is still his sub? Really? I figured Sam had broken up with him.” Malik squinted his eyes, furrowing his brow, and raised his lip a little.
“Jesse Reid has been Sam’s sub for four years.”
“I figured he’d broken up with Jesse.”
“Sam collared Jesse here four years ago, and ever since they lived together as Dom and sub, but Sam moved out without telling him. I’m trying to figure out what’s going on.”
“Jesse’s a nice kid. I feel bad for him. I’ll ask around.”
“Thanks. I want to get to the bottom of this mess.”
“Sam usually comes in from six to eight. Are you staying?”
“I’m going to play with one of the subs. Have Joseph set up my room. Make sure everything is clean.”
“Sure. Give him fifteen minutes.”
“Hey, so what does Jesse look like?” Andrew asked.
“He’s a pretty blond, with blue eyes with a slim but hard body. He’s a really hot sub who obeys his Dom to the letter. He used to come in here with Sam until about a year ago, and then Sam started showing up without him. Why? Are you interested in him?” Malik asked.
“Are you?” Andrew asked.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in a year, but if you are, I’ll keep away.”
“I’m taking him to dinner to see what I can find out about the situation. I’m interested in him, but maybe not in the way you think. His story pains me.”
“I see. Your collaring scrapbook in your office has a picture of Sam and Jesse.”
“Thanks.”
Andrew thanked Malik and glanced at the subs inside the mesh cage and noticed a young one who was new. He was cute enough and looked like he might be fun. Andrew drew his gaze from the boys and walked over to the bar. Chen was watching him. Maybe he should give him another chance and see what happened?
“What have you been drinking?” Andrew asked as he took a drink from Chen’s hand and sniffed it for alcohol.
“Just Coke. No alcohol, Sir.”
“Are you still available to play?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Follow me, boy,” Andrew said as he put the glass on the bar.
They passed a few Doms leading their sub around by leashes attached to their collars. On Thursday nights they held dog races with the subs in the basement area.
When they entered his private room, he closed the drapes. People could watch anyone in the private rooms as long as the drapes were open, but Andrew preferred privacy. The smell of leather and lingering scent of sweat invigorated him. Andrew enjoyed looking at Chen’s leather shorts with matching vest, but he enjoyed him even more naked.
“Strip off your clothes and get over my knee. Now!” Andrew ordered.
“Yes, Sir.”
With shaking fingers, Chen unbuttoned his shorts. He seemed nervous, which made no sense. They’d played before. Andrew’s eyes fixed on Chen while he pried off his shoes and removed his socks. He yanked his vest off, hung it on the back of the chair, then unzipped his shorts and placed them on the seat of the chair.
“What’s your safeword?”
“Red, Sir.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, Sir.”
When Chen dropped his leather jockstrap, Andrew grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the chair. He sat back in the chair, and in the same motion, he yanked Chen over his lap. Andrew stroked his ass, kneading it like dough. He placed one hand firmly on Chen’s lower back, preventing him from moving.
“This is a warm-up before the St. Andrew’s cross.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Andrew’s open hand struck Chen’s ass with enough intensity to make sure he felt it. Without hesitation, he lifted his hand and slammed back down again. By the tenth blow, tears were rolling down Chen’s face. By the fifteenth blow, he was yelping like a puppy each time Andrew struck his ass. Chen loved spanking, and he usually never made a sound during the warm-up.
“Get up.”
Chen stood naked with his head bowed, avoiding Andrew’s gaze. He was shaking.
“Something is wrong. Tell me, or I’m going to end our play.” Andrew lifted his chin.
“My roommate kicked me out. I have nowhere to go.”
“Why did he do that?” Andrew asked.
“He moved his girlfriend in, and she didn’t want me hanging around. He said I have to leave tonight.”
“You should have told me before we got started. Get dressed. This isn’t the time to play. Where are your things?”
“At the apartment, Sir.” Chen wiped his tears with the back of his hand.
“Okay, we’re going to pick up your things; I know a place you can stay. If you need more hours, I’ll see that you work here full time.”
“You would do that for me, Sir?”
“Of course, I would. Hurry up. We have a lot to do.”
CHAPTER THREE
Jesse
Master Jake and Charlie helped Jesse choose what to wear for his dinner with Master Andrew. They settled for black dress slacks and a light blue shirt, with a dark blue silk tie with light blue stripes. Jesse didn’t want to go, but Master Jake had insisted. Grateful to Master Jake, Jesse wanted to show his appreciation and respect for taking him in. He’d told Jesse that Master Andrew wanted to help him.
“You guys are acting like I’m going on a date. Tell me more about this guy,” Jesse said.
“He’s the owner of Leather Paddles. I told you he’s investigating your situation,” Master Jake answered.
“I don’t know what happened to Master Sam or why he left me, so it’s useless for him to take me to dinner. Maybe I should just stay home.”
“No, you won’t. Master Andrew will get to the bottom of it,” Master Jake said. “Not to mention, you promised you’d go as a favor to me.”
“You’re right. I did promise I’d go. And maybe he can help me find Master Sam.”
After living with Master Jake and Charlie for a week, Jesse desperately wanted to see Master Sam. He floundered through the days with an array of emotions from love to hate. He had trouble understanding and accepting Master Sam’s decision. He’d said he loved him, and they’d made plans for a trip to Europe this year. He couldn’t deal with the reality of their relationship ending so abruptly. His thoughts, scenarios, and regrets over their relationship exploded in his head. He grieved day and night. Terrified about his future without Master Sam, Jesse didn’t know how to move on. Nothing took his mind far from Master Sam. Not knowing what was going to happen in his life tortured him in ways he’d never known. He was totally lost without his Dom.
“Please don’t tell me you want him back,” Master Jake said.
“I need an explanation about why he abandoned me.” Jesse paused. “I’m not sure what I want.” He felt sick bringing up Master Sam. Even worse, he’d have to discuss his relationship with Master Andrew. How could he eat while they were talking about his former master? The only reason he had agreed to go to dinner was because Master Jake had asked him to and he wanted to please him. All the socializing, walking, and everything else they were doing to keep him from focusing on Master Sam’s abandonment was having the opposite effect.