by Brina Brady
“Are you ready, Puppy Boy?”
Jesse nodded.
“Stand up and we’ll walk to the puppy race.”
Master Andrew led Jesse by the leash down the stairs to the basement. They had to wait in line to find out Jesse’s racing lane number. The pups had to race to the end of the room and back again three times, staying within the red-taped lines of their assigned lane. Jesse was excited about the racing, but his knees would take a beating. The cement floor would be hard on the knees. Why don’t they give us kneepads?
Master Ben handed Master Andrew a large red ticket and a bag, marked with the number thirteen for Jesse. “Lane thirteen.”
Master Andrew said, “Thanks.”
Master Ben glared at Jesse but refused to wish Jesse good luck like he had with the others. Master Ben was one of Sam’s best friends, and he looked a lot like Sam, except his hair was much shorter with a buzz cut hairstyle. His warrior’s shoulders were part of his burly physique. Jesse caught his angry brown eyes slicing right through him. Something bad was going on with Master Andrew and Master Ben.
Jesse hated the number thirteen. He was sure Master Ben had deliberately assigned him that unlucky number, and he was pissed. Master Ben knew he was superstitious and had made fun of him many times when he’d visited Sam. Jesse’s anger fueled his desire to win for Master Andrew and laugh in Master Ben’s ugly face. Would Master Andrew know Sam and Master Ben were good friends? Jesse wanted to ask him if he knew where Sam was, but he knew he wouldn’t tell him. Both Sam and Ben probably wanted him to suffer.
Jesse followed Master Andrew on his hands and knees to lane thirteen.
“I don’t like Master Ben,” Jesse said.
“Why not?” Master Andrew asked.
“He is Sam’s best friend, and he looked at me like I was doing something wrong for being with you. After what Sam did to me, Master Ben had better mind his own business when it comes to me.”
“Ben has nothing to do with you, and if he bothers you in any way, let me know. I didn’t know they were best friends, but I don’t like Ben for other reasons,” Master Andrew said.
“What’s in that bag, Sir?” Jesse noted the anger in Master Andrew’s voice now, although he’d been so calm at the registration table with Master Ben. No one would know he disliked Master Ben.
Master Andrew pulled out a black leather hood with hollow rivets on the nose and mouth area, allowing him to breathe. Jesse was on the verge of quitting. No one had told him he had to wear a hood, but it was too late now to change his mind. Jesse had given Master Andrew his word, and he would keep it. If Jesse smoked, he’d be smoking right now to relax. The last time he’d been in the pup races no one wore a hood.
“This pup hood is something new for the puppy races. The Doms voted on it in a recent meeting,” Master Andrew said with a big smile across his face.
“Don’t you think you should have had some sub input on this?”
“Are you okay with wearing a hood?”
“I guess so. When do I have to put that on?” Jesse asked.
At the starting line, the other pups already wore their hoods. Many of the Doms play-whipped their pups while they were waiting.
“I guess now. The race will begin in ten minutes. We’ll wait five more minutes.” Master Andrew pulled out a small whip.
“What’s that for?” Jesse asked, pretending he’d never seen a play whip in his life.
“To whip my little pup into submission.”
Master Ben came up to them and said, “Your pup needs to put on his hood now.” He threw some kneepads to Jesse, then left.
Master Andrew’s face displayed his anger. “Jesse, we’ll wait five minutes, as I said.”
“Yes, Sir.”
To make matters even more upsetting, Master Malik and Chen showed up on lane fourteen. Chen had tormented him with the painful truth earlier as the bearer of bad news, but it would cost Jesse a great deal of effort to forgive him. In spite of it not being Chen’s fault, Jesse didn’t feel friendly toward him. It was his own fault for not seeing things as they really were sooner. His suffering moved on to hate to ensure his survival.
He now despised Sam for what he’d done and never wanted to see him again. Did Master Andrew know about this? Did Master Jake? He’d talk to them after the race. Right now, though, he wanted to win for Master Andrew. Jesse made it his business to always keep his word, especially to a Dom.
“I had some words with the asshole again,” Master Malik said.
“Who?” Master Andrew asked.
“Ben. He refused to hand me Chen’s ticket and bag. He pointed to it, and I told him he needed to hand them to me like he had with all the other Doms. In the end, he gave in.”
“Ben is an asshole.”
At least Malik had Master Andrew smiling again.
“That Brooklyn squad gets on my fucking nerves,” Master Andrew said.
Master Andrew didn’t normally use much profanity. He rarely swore in front of Jesse. Master Malik, on the other hand, cursed a lot, but Master Andrew didn’t seem to mind. What did he mean by the Brooklyn squad? He must have been talking about Master Sam, Master Ben, and Master Carmen.
Jesse turned to Chen. “Master Ben handed kneepads out when you weren’t here. You’d better get yours, or you’ll ruin your knees.”
“Thanks, Jesse,” Chen said with a grateful smile.
“No problem.” Jesse’s guilt for disliking Chen made him feel sick—as if he’d been eating too much or too little. Master Andrew had rejected Chen, and he was clearly hurt over it. But Sam had fucked Chen, and maybe Master Andrew had too. He’d have to deal with that pain. After all, Master Andrew had had a life before they met. But that dirty no-good mobster had fucked other subs. I’ll never forgive him. Ever.
Master Malik said, “I’ll get them from that ugly motherfucker.”
When he returned with the kneepads, he handed them to Chen. Both Jesse and Chen put their kneepads on and then waited.
“That fucking asshole threw them at me. I told him to fuck off. He should be shot,” Master Malik said.
“Why is he acting like that?”
“He hates Chen because he’s Chinese.”
“I’ll have to talk with him. You should have told me about that.”
“It only happened today, and I already spoke to him about it.”
“Chen, if anyone says or does anything negative toward you for being Chinese, tell Master Malik or me. This isn’t acceptable.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Jesse battled with disliking and caring about Chen. It seemed like he was happy with Master Malik, and Jesse wondered what had happened to Master Malik’s sub. In any event, he hoped Master Malik would hold Chen’s attention so he didn’t venture toward Master Andrew. Jesse was not up to fight for him, but on the other hand, he wanted to see where their relationship would go.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jesse
A bullhorn interrupted them, and Master Ben spoke, “Attention. No talking. Go to the starting line at your assigned lane. The race will begin when I blow my whistle. Good luck, pups.”
Jesse and Chen exchanged good luck wishes with each other. Since all twenty pups wore hoods, Jesse couldn’t locate Charlie. Jesse didn’t move directly toward the starting line, and Master Andrew swung the whip across Jesse’s ass, which stung like a motherfucker. All the pups crawled to their starting positions with the Doms whipping their backsides. Master Ben blew his whistle. Jesse knew that overdoing it in the beginning would tire him out. So, although Chen passed him right from the start, Jesse wanted to chase him, but he continued at a fast steady pace without overexerting himself.
Jesse’s heart pounded to the beat of his covered hands and feet racing over the hard floor. Sweat beaded on his forehead, causing his hair to cling to the inside of the hood, and his throat ached for air, more air. Crawling faster helped the delicious rush of wind passing through his nose and mouth invigorating him. His tight muscles stretched, pushing harde
r while his pace evened out, making the track fly under him. He couldn’t see anyone except Chen and the pup to his right. The hood had only holes in the front to see through, which prevented peripheral visibility.
When Jesse finally reached the starting line for the third time, someone stamped him. Jesse surrendered himself to the beating of his hands and feet against the floor, the angry pitter-patter of the leather mitts hitting the cement, summoning more energy. Jesse crawled at a rapid speed on his return lap. He was the first pup to pass the finish line after three competed laps.
Master Ben glared at Jesse and didn’t congratulate him as the first place winner. Instead, Master Jake grabbed the blue first-place ribbon from Master Ben and placed it around his neck.
“Congratulations, Pup Jesse, you’re the winner.” Master Jake said.
Jesse was pleased he had made Master Andrew proud among his peers. Master Ben’s murderous look sent chills through his body. The man appeared to have it in for him.
“Congratulations, Puppy Boy.” Master Andrew said and kissed the top of his hood.
“Congratulations, Jesse,” Master Malik said.
Master Ben shouted, “That skinny mongrel cheated. He’s not the winner.”
“Yes, he is. Puppy Jesse came in first, and he didn’t cheat. We all followed the race. I know you wanted your puppy to win, but he was fifteen seconds after Puppy Jesse,” Master Jake said
“Your pup didn’t come in first. Stay away from Jesse,” Master Andrew said.
Master Jake stepped up toward Master Ben and stabbed his chest with his index finger. “Get the fuck out of here before I pound your ass to the ground. Jesse won fair and square.”
Knowing he was beaten, Master Ben collected his sub and stomped upstairs. Master Andrew removed the hood from Jesse, and he sprawled out on the floor, panting. He grabbed the bottle of cold water Master Andrew handed him, and he guzzled it so quickly he almost choked.
“He thinks I cheated,” Jesse panted.
“No, you didn’t. We know you didn’t,” Master Andrew said.
“Ben’s an asshole. You won fair and square,” Master Jake said.
Shortly after Jesse finished, Chen came in as number five. Master Malik gave him a cold drink. Jesse was thrilled he had won the race, but he was searching for Charlie. He found his friend in lane two, where he just came in right after Chen in sixth position.
“You won. Congratulations,” Chen said between gulps of water.
“Thanks. You did pretty well too,” Jesse said.
Within minutes, Master Cody and Kitty Marty congratulated him, too.
After everyone had made it back to the finish line, Master Jake called Master Andrew and Jesse to the microphone to receive their prize.
“Congratulations to Pup Jesse Reid, pup of the proud owner Master Andrew. You’ve won one hundred dollars. Thank you for racing today.” Master Jake handed the check to Master Andrew. “The check is made out to Jessie, but you can give it to him. I also want to congratulate Master Andrew on his fine pup. Pup Jesse was awesome!”
Jesse’s face heated from all the attention he was getting onstage in front of the crowd. Jesse didn’t care about the check. All he wanted was to make Master Andrew proud, and by the look on his face, he’d succeeded. The audience clapped, shouted, and whistled at them. When Master Andrew and Jesse walked away, Charlie caught up with them and hugged Jesse.
Master Andrew took Jesse upstairs to his office to change. He showered and quickly dressed in his cutoff jeans and T-shirt. Now the adrenalin high of the race was waning, thoughts of his conversation with Chen came flooding back. He walked slowly out of the bathroom, frowning, a deep crease marring his forehead.
“Is everything okay?” Master Andrew asked.
“Not exactly.”
“Did I do something to upset you?”
“I don’t know, but I found out something about Sam. He’s been fucking around on me for a year in your club. Either you didn’t know, or you didn’t tell me. Which is it?”
“It’s a little more complicated than that. Sit down so we can talk about it.”
Jesse’s shoulders slumped, and he dragged his steps toward Master Andrew, then sat beside him. His breathing slowed and his broken heart barely wanted to beat. His depressing feelings rushed upon him again. Master Andrew had been his fix, but now he didn’t know. He was falling apart right in front of him.
“Here’s the deal about Sam. I never witnessed him in here because I’m only here on the weekends. But someone told me that Sam had been coming here every night during the week. I discussed it with Jake, and he wanted to tell you, but I was the one who wanted to wait for a while.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because I care about you very much. You had enough to deal with at the time, and I wanted to wait for you to get stronger after your loss. If you want to get mad with someone, get mad with me. Don’t blame Jake. He wanted to tell you as soon as I heard. Neither of us saw Sam firsthand.”
“I don’t know how I feel right now. I’m confused as to whether I’m hurt or angry with Sam or with you for not telling me.”
Master Andrew pulled him closer, rubbing his back. “I’m sorry if you’re upset I didn’t tell you. Who did you find out?”
“Chen. You were right about subs talking. That was why Sam kept me home and away from everyone except Charlie.”
“I’d like to beat the fuck out of that bastard for what he’s done to you.”
“Sam fucked Chen and every other sub.” Jesse couldn’t take much more pain. Tears poured down his face. “I was such a fool. How can I be so damn stupid?”
“No, you’re not. I think you’re smart, honest, respectful, and extremely sexy. I don’t know who Sam fucked. All I know is that I really want you to be mine.”
“I’m not ready for you.” Jesse fisted his tears away.
“I know. Listen to me. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you’re ready. Let me take care of you.”
“Can you drive me home?” Jesse wanted to stay with Master Andrew, but he needed to digest how he really felt. His relationship with Master Sam had begun with Jesse needing him. He wasn’t going to repeat his mistakes, but it was difficult to leave Master Andrew.
“Sure, if you want.” Master Andrew’s eyes dulled, looking disappointed.
“You made my night special.”
“There will be more special nights if you allow me in.”
They drove in silence to Master Jake’s house, each lost in thoughts. Master Andrew stopped at the curb. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
“No, I don’t want you to.” Jesse couldn’t see him anymore until he settled down.
“Hey, I’m going to call you tomorrow. Maybe we can do something fun.”
“I’m not sure about tomorrow. Thank you for making me feel special tonight, though.” Jesse jumped out of the car so fast Master Andrew had no time to respond.
As soon as Jesse walked into the house, he headed for his room, but Master Jake stopped him. He hadn’t known they were back already.
“Hey, Jesse. I want to talk to you,” Master Jake said.
“I’m not feeling well, Sir.”
“Go to the kitchen,” Master Jake ordered. Jesse quickly made his way to the kitchen. He didn’t want to get on the wrong side of Master Jake. The tone in his voice was serious.
“Sit down.” Master Jake handed him a can of beer. “You look like you need a drink.”
Jesse took a seat across from Master Jake. He looked around for Charlie but didn’t see or hear him.
“I know Chen told you about Sam. I’m sorry, but it’s just as well you know so you can grieve all at once.”
“Master Andrew said you wanted to tell me.” Jesse couldn’t believe how fast things traveled at the club.
“Yes, I did. You’re living in my home and follow my rules. One of our house rules is that we must be honest with each other. Andrew felt you needed more time, and he was worried about you, but I tol
d him we would discuss it in a few days because I wanted the truth out.”
“Master Andrew should have told me. I don’t want to end up in another relationship like the one I had with Sam.”
“Andrew isn’t anything like Sam, and he isn’t a liar. He was protecting you, that’s all. See it for what it is. I’m not pushing you to hook up with him, but give him a fair chance. He wants the best for you, unlike Sam.”
“I know he’s not a liar, Sir. I’m just not ready for him.”
“I want you and Charlie to spend some time having fun when I’m working for three days. You need that to complete your healing.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jesse
The following day, Jesse turned his phone off. He didn’t want anything distracting him from his feelings. Master Andrew had made him forget the pain Sam had inflicted on him, but he wanted that pain, needed it, so that he wouldn’t ever return to Sam. In the afternoon, Master Jake took him to the doctors for STD tests. They now knew Sam had cheated on him. Once they returned home, Master Jake left again with Charlie to a job interview for a server position at a nearby restaurant. While they were gone, Jesse did his homework.
Master Jake had to attend a fundraiser for the homeless, and he’d suggested that Jesse and Charlie go out together rather than join him. Jesse and Charlie wanted to go to a gay club. After an early dinner, Master Jake dropped them off, warning them both not to have more than three drinks. Jesse was excited to get out of the house with Charlie.
As soon as Charlie and Jesse entered the club, he felt someone watching him, but when he scanned the room, no one was paying him any attention. When he was a kid, he was often afraid of the boogeyman hiding under his bed who would grab him when he was asleep. Charlie used to feel this way when they were younger too, but he outgrew it fairly quickly. But not Jesse. When he grew older, he still felt like someone was watching him at times, but of course he knew it wasn’t the boogeyman. But sometimes, especially when situations or certain people stressed him out, he feared someone wanted to hurt him. That same uncomfortable feeling washed over him now, and he shuddered.